The morning sun cast a gentle glow through the curtains, illuminating the peaceful scene in the room. Ash, still nestled in the warmth of the bed, stretched and yawned, his eyes fluttering open. In his arms lay May, her features softened in sleep. A tender smile graced Ash's lips as he gazed down at her, admiring the serenity that adorned her slumbering form. With a gentle touch, he brushed a stray strand of hair from her face and leaned down to place a delicate kiss on her forehead. As if stirred by his affectionate gesture, May slowly began to rouse from her dreams, her eyelids fluttering open to meet his gaze. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she returned his tender look.

"Hey...I know you," she murmured softly, her voice still heavy with sleep. Ash's smile widened at her words.

"And I know you," he replied, his tone filled with warmth and affection. A playful gleam danced in May's eyes as she continued to tease him.

"You look just like my boyfriend..."

"And you look just like my girlfriend..." Ash played along, chuckling softly. Their banter filled the air with a sweet sense of familiarity, their shared smiles echoing the unspoken connection that bound them together.

"I'll tell you a secret about my boyfriend," May whispered trying to suppress her giggling. Chuckling, Ash leaned in closer, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Oh? Do tell."

"I love him. And we're going on a date tonight," she confessed, a fond smile gracing her lips.

"I see. Well then here's my secret about my girlfriend," he revealed, his voice tender. "I love her and we're going on a date tonight as well." May's smile widened, her eyes twinkling with delight.

"What an amazing coincidence," she remarked, her voice filled with joy.

"Yeah," Ash agreed, his own smile mirroring hers. "It truly is." Their shared moment of revelation was punctuated by a gentle exchange of affection, as they sealed their teasing session with tender kisses.

"Now, I have to go get ready so I look nice," May declared, her smile lingering as she reluctantly extricated herself from his embrace and made her way to the bathroom. Watching her go with a fond smile, Ash couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation bubbling within him. Tonight held the promise of something special, a shared experience that would further cement their bond.

"See you tonight then," he called after her, his voice filled with warmth and affection. With a final smile, May disappeared into the bathroom, leaving Ash alone with his thoughts and the lingering promise of the evening ahead.


The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue across the evening sky as Ash waited patiently for May to join him. He was wearing a nice suit that Brock had helped him pick out and he fidgeted with the cuffs nervously. He wasn't used to dressing up, but he really wanted to make this date perfect for the woman he loved. He had even tried to tame his unruly hair with a comb, but it hadn't really helped all that much. He really hoped she didn't mind. Finally, the woman he loved descended the stairs, her presence captivating as she stepped into view. She was wearing a beautiful red dress with white and black accents and a small flower barrett in her hair. A smile bloomed on Ash's lips as he drank in her beauty, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of her.

"Wow…May you look…wow…" he stammered, struggling to even find a word to describe her at that moment. His struggling made May giggle a little as she picked up her skirt and curtsied to him politely.

"Thank you, Ash. And may I say, you look very handsome yourself," she complimented him, her smile as radiant as ever.

"Thank you, my lady," Ash replied. May's cheeks flushed with a soft blush at his words, and Ash then offered her his arm. "May I escort you to our date?"

"Indeed you may good sir." May smiled. Grasping his arm gently, May fell into step beside him as they began their journey together. With her head resting against his shoulder, they walked in comfortable silence towards the Space Center. Their quiet moment, however, was interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Bonnie, who caught them just before they left Steven's front yard.

"Wow. You two look fancy to go on something that you both said isn't a date," she commented. Startled, Ash and May turned to face her, surprise evident in their expressions.

"B-Bonnie?" May stammered.

"Bonnie. I told you and the others that this isn't a date." Ash insisted, his tone tinged with mild annoyance.

"Right, sure," Bonnie answered, her sarcasm lingering in the air. May exchanged a puzzled glance with Ash, uncertain of Bonnie's motives for confronting them.

"What are you doing out here anyway?" she inquired, her tone laced with curiosity.

"To ask if you guys seen Serena, because I haven't seen her all day," Bonnie explained, her expression serious. Both May and Ash shook their heads in response, their interest piqued as they shared a worried glance.

"No, I haven't seen her since yesterday," May admitted, her voice tinged with apprehension.

"Same here. I thought she would have come back after she calmed down some." Ash echoed her sentiment, his brow furrowed with worry. He then looked at May with a look of concern. "We have to find her and make sure she's ok."

"Of course…" May nodded. She didn't like that they had to put off their date, but she knew that they had to make sure Serena was ok. Ash headed off to look around, but Bonnie suddenly gripped May's hand, stopping her in her tracks and drawing her attention away from Ash.

"You're in love with him aren't you?" she accused, her voice filled with frustration. Caught off guard by Bonnie's sudden outburst, May's eyes widened in surprise.

"Excuse me?" she responded, her tone defensive. Bonnie's words spilled forth in a torrent of pent-up emotions as she continued her tirade.

"You heard me. You look at him the same way Serena does. You have feelings for Ash. Admit it." she demanded again. May's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at the revelation, her brain raising quickly to try and find an answer to the young girl's accusation while still keeping a lid on her secret.

"F-Fine...yes I…I do like him…" she admitted, leaving out their actual couple status as much as she could.

"I knew it. You're trying to become Ash's girlfriend now aren't you?" the blonde's accusations continued. May gulped under Bonnie's accusatory stare, her voice struggling to find the right words to respond.

"I'm not doing anything... I didn't force him to come out tonight with me," she protested weakly. Bonnie, however, remained unmoved by her defense, her frustration palpable as she continued to lay blame at May's feet.

"You don't have any right to take him away from Serena. She loves him and she's like a sister to me. She deserves a chance to tell him without you getting in the way." Bonnie demanded. Eyes widening in surprise, May struggled to contain her emotions, her voice tinged with anger at Bonnie's comment.

"Ash is not a piece of property Bonnie. He doesn't belong to anyone. He's a human being that has a right to decide who he wants to spend time with and, someday, who he wants to date. It's not up to you, me, or Serena. Ash is allowed to make his own decisions." she argued, determined to defend Ash's honor. Bonnie's expression softened slightly at May's words, her tone shifting as she slowly realized what she was saying.

"I-I didn't mean it like that…" she interjected, her voice quieter now. "I just think they'd be really happy together…I know it would make Serena so happy."

"That doesn't change anything." May shook her head in response, her resolve unwavering. "Being in a relationship is a two-way street. Both people have to be in love with one another. I may be in love with Ash, but I'd never force him to fall in love with me just to make me happy. And no one else should either. Who he decides to spend his life with is up to him. Just like who he spends time with is up to him. So if you two have a problem with how he decided to spend his time tonight, then talk to him. It was his choice, not mine."

"I…" Bonnie's gaze softened at May's words, a flicker of understanding crossing her features. "...Fine then," she relented, her tone softer now. May's expression remained stoic, her gaze steady as she met Bonnie's eyes.

"All I want is for Ash to be happy," she murmured, her voice filled with quiet determination. "And right now, that means making sure one of his best friends is ok." Turning away from Bonnie, May quickened her pace to catch up with Ash, leaving Bonnie standing alone, her thoughts lingering on their conversation.


As May reached Ash's side, she could see the worry etched on his face as he continued to call out for Serena, his voice filled with concern.

"Serena!" he called out into the gathering dusk, his voice tinged with urgency. Fighting back her own apprehension, May scanned the city streets, her mind racing as she tried to anticipate where Serena might have gone. It was then that she got an idea and turned to him.

"Ash, the shoreline. It would be empty this time of night," she suggested, her voice tinged with hope. Ash turned to look at her, his expression hopeful as he considered her words.

"You sure?" he asked, searching her gaze for reassurance. Nodding firmly, May met his gaze with unwavering certainty.

"It's the best place to go if someone wanted to be alone," she assured him. "It's worth a shot, isn't it?"

"Yeah…let's hurry." he agreed. With a shared sense of purpose, May and Ash broke into a run, their footsteps echoing against the sand as they raced towards the shoreline, their hearts pounding with anticipation.


As they arrived on the quiet, empty shoreline, May's sharp eyes scanned the stretch of beach, and relief washed over her as she spotted Serena near the water's edge.

"Over there!" she exclaimed, pointing in Serena's direction. Ash wasted no time, swiftly making his way over to where Serena stood, a troubled expression etched upon her features.

"Serena!" he called out, his voice tinged with concern. Serena turned to face them briefly before returning her gaze to the vast expanse of the ocean, her demeanor guarded.

"Leave me alone," she muttered, her tone tinged with bitterness. Ash's brow furrowed with worry as he stepped closer, his voice filled with frustration.

"What do you think you're doing?! Everyone's been worried!" he exclaimed.

"That's right. We've all been looking for you," May added softly, her expression mirroring Ash's concern. Serena scoffed dismissively, her eyes fixed on Ash with an angry expression.

"Everyone but you," she retorted bitterly. Ash's eyes widened in surprise, his voice laced with disbelief.

"What are you talking about?! Of course, I was worried," he insisted earnestly. May watched the exchange with a furrowed brow, her concern deepening with each passing moment.

"If you were, then you would have been looking for me earlier," Serena shot back, her tone accusing.

"I thought you'd have come back by now. What the heck has gotten into you?" he questioned her, almost demanding an explanation. Serena's shoulders tensed, her fists clenched at her sides as she struggled to contain her emotions.

"Like you care to know," she muttered bitterly.

"Yeah, I do! Why are you acting this way?!" Ash pressed, his voice tinged with urgency. Serena's voice wavered with emotion as she struggled to articulate her feelings.

"You don't care for me at all!" she accused, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

"That's not true!" Ash protested, his voice filled with anguish.

"You don't get it! Ever since she showed up you've been acting differently! Spending all your time with her and it feels like you're lying to me at every turn! The only time we spent together was when May was kidnapped! And that whole time you just acted like a jerk! When I was trying to help!" Serena countered, her voice trembling with hurt. "I can't take it anymore! Where's the Ash I know?! The Ash I…!" her voice trailed off, still unable to express her deepest feelings. Ash didn't pick up on the hidden message of her outburst, but May did. However, she kept her mouth shut as Ash's expression fell, his heart heavy as, even though he didn't fully understand her reasoning, he could see her pain.

"That's what all this is about?" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. Serena's gaze softened momentarily as she met Ash's eyes, her own eyes reflecting a tumult of emotions. "Serena I'm sorry if you've been feeling ignored…I'm just really happy to see May and all my old friends again…is it really such a problem that I try and spend as much time with them as I can while we're here?"

"It is when you care more about her than about me!" she accused, her voice breaking with sorrow.

"Serena...he doesn't-" May moved to intervene, but Serena's sharp tone silenced her.

"Zip it May! I don't want to hear what you think for him!" she snapped, her frustration evident. Ash stepped between them, his eyes filled with determination as he addressed Serena directly.

"Serena, that's enough!" he insisted firmly. Serena fell silent, her shoulders slumping as she met Ash's gaze, her eyes filled with pain. "I don't know what's going on with you, but this has to stop!" Ash continued, his voice tinged with desperation. "I never in a million years thought you of all people would act this way!"

"I-I…" Serena stammered, her expression unreadable as she listened to Ash's impassioned plea.

"Please... I don't want to lose one of my best friends," Ash pleaded, his voice tinged with sorrow. Serena's resolve wavered, her defenses crumbling under the weight of Ash's words. "Is this what you want...? For you and I to be unable to spend any time together...?"

"...No…" Serena quietly admitted.

"Then please...whatever this is can we...at least put it aside...? You both mean so much to me...and you don't know how much it hurts me to see you two fight…" he begged.

"Oh Ash…" May whispered, holding her heart as she listened.

"I... I just..." she faltered, unable to find the right words to express her inner turmoil.

"You two don't have to be friends... you don't even have to like each other right now... but can't you at least be civil...?" Ash implored, his voice tinged with hope. "For me?"

"Of course, Ash..." May nodded in agreement, her expression filled with understanding. After a tense moment of silence, Serena finally relented, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Fine..."

"Thank you…" Ash's face softened with relief as he gave Serena a gentle smile, his eyes filled with gratitude. Serena returned his smile, albeit sadly, her heart heavy with unresolved emotions. However, with a quick glance at the time, May gasped in alarm.

"Oh no! Ash, we're going to be late!"

"What?!" he exclaimed, his eyes widened in panic. "No way I'm letting that happen!" Without hesitation, he reached for his pokeball and summoned Charizard with a fierce roar. "Charizard! We need a lift to the Space Center and fast! Can you help us?!"

"Char." Charizard nodded in response, lowering his wings in readiness.

"You're the best pal!" Ash exclaimed, climbing onto Charizard's back with May following closely behind, wrapping her arms around his torso. "I'll see you tomorrow for our plane Serena!"

"Right…" she nodded quietly.

"Let's go Charizard!" As Charizard took to the skies, Serena watched them go, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions. She remained silent, her fists clenched tightly as she watched them disappear into the horizon. She still wasn't ok, but she knew that she still at least had a chance. She just had to work for it when they got back to Kalos.


The grand entrance of the Space Center loomed before Ash and May as Charizard touched down gracefully, his powerful wings folding as Ash and May hastily descended from his back. Eager to make it in time, May dashed inside to the front desk with Ash right on her heels, their heart pounding with anxiety.

"Excuse me! Are we too late?!" she called out to the nearest employee, thrusting their tickets forward. The employee inspected the tickets with a practiced eye before shaking his head.

"No, you just made it," he assured them with a polite smile. Ash let out a relieved sigh, his tension easing as he followed May inside.

"Thank goodness," he murmured, his gaze scanning the bustling center. Guided by the employee, the couple was led to their VIP booth, where a luxurious lounge awaited them. Bay windows framed the breathtaking night skyline, casting a romantic glow over the plush surroundings.

"Wow!" May exclaimed happily.

"Pulling out all the stops for the Princess of Hoenn I see," Ash remarked with a chuckle, taking in the opulent setting. May giggled softly, her eyes sparkling with delight.

"Well, they are VIP tickets," she quipped, making her way to the inviting couch. Ash joined her on the couch, a smile playing on his lips as he settled in beside her. May snuggled into his side, her heart fluttering with contentment as she rested her head against his chest.

"Thank you for sticking up for me back there, Ash... it meant a lot to me," May murmured, her voice filled with gratitude as she rested her head against his chest. Ash's arms tightened around her, his touch reassuring as he pressed a tender kiss to the top of her head.

"No problem, May. And I want you to know that…even though I told Serena that you two mean so much to me…you…I mean I care about both of you of course but…you actually mean so much more…well maybe not more but…er…i-it's just different." he confessed softly, clumsily trying to find his words. May couldn't help but giggle softly at his stumbling, understanding what he was trying to say despite his struggling. She lifted her head to meet his gaze, her eyes shining with warmth.

"I understand Ash. It's ok. It's a different kind of love... the love you have for a friend is supposed to be different from the love you have for your partner..." she explained thoughtfully. Ash nodded in agreement, grateful for her help in putting his feelings into words.

"You're right," he assured her, gently squeezing his hand. "I just really wish I knew why she's been acting this way... I really believed you two would have gotten along if you ever met," he admitted with a sigh. May's hand found his, squeezing it gently as she offered him a reassuring smile. She understood more about the situation than he did, but it wasn't her place to tell him about Serena's feelings.

"Well... maybe one day she'll tell you... but for tonight, I just want to enjoy us and our time together," she whispered. Ash's heart swelled with affection as he leaned in to capture her lips in a tender kiss, his love for her overflowing in that simple gesture. May responded eagerly, her lips parting to deepen the kiss as they lost themselves in the moment. Their kiss was filled with passion and longing, each moment a testament to the depth of their love for each other. As they finally broke apart for air, their smiles mirrored the happiness that radiated between them.

"I love you," Ash whispered, his voice filled with sincerity.

"I love you too," May replied, her eyes shining with devotion. Together, they basked in the warmth of their love, content in each other's arms until May noticed a small light streaking across the sky out the window. "Oh! I think that was a comet!"

"Awesome!" Both of them got up from the couch and rushed to the window to watch as more streaks of beautiful lights lit up the night sky. As the mesmerizing display of comets streaked across the night sky outside the window, May's smile lit up the room inside just as much as she watched the celestial phenomenon. Ash smiled just as brightly, his expression one of awe as he watched more comets join the cosmic ballet, their tails blazing bright against the backdrop of stars.

"Beautiful," May whispered, her voice filled with reverence as her gaze lingering on the celestial spectacle unfolding before them.

"Yeah... just like you," Ash added softly, his eyes drifting back to May's face. A blush crept onto May's cheeks at his words, and she glanced away shyly.

"Flatterer," she teased, though the warmth in her voice betrayed her true feelings.

"Just stating the truth," Ash replied with a smile, his gaze unwavering as he met her eyes.

"You're just incredible…" she smiled as their tender moment was interrupted by a bittersweet realization that dawned on her. "I just wish I could kiss you goodbye tomorrow," she confessed softly, her voice tinged with longing.

"Same here... but we promised to keep our relationship a secret," Ash replied, his tone regretful. May nodded in understanding, though a hint of sadness lingered in her eyes.

"I know... and I still think it's a good idea... but at times like this, it's hard..." she admitted, her voice trailing off.

"Yeah..." Ash agreed, his gaze turning thoughtful as he considered her words.

"Maybe we can... say our real goodbyes tonight...?" May suggested tentatively, her heart racing at the thought of their impending farewell.

"Sure thing," Ash agreed, his voice gentle as he reached out and took her hand in his. "But not just yet…" he added as he pulled her close and held her gently as they watched the show in a loving silence. A sense of peace settled over them as they watched the last few comets disappear into the night sky, their hearts intertwined in a silent promise of love and devotion.

"Amazing... I'm so happy we got to see this together..." May murmured softly, her smile reflecting the depth of her emotions.

"Same here..." Ash whispered, his eyes never leaving hers as he returned her smile. She turned gently in his arms so that they were once again face to face before she spoke again.

"I love you so much Ash…"

"I love you too, May…" Their gazes locked in a shared moment of understanding,

"You're my knight...my love...my everything...that's what you are to me…" she spoke with a gentle love and care in her voice.

"And you're my Princess... my Queen of the Sea... the only woman I'll ever love…" he promised her with a tone just the same. May smiled softly, resting her body against his in his arms.

"I'm going to miss you terribly...but I'm so proud of you for going after your dreams...you're going to be amazing in Kalos and I can't wait to see you again to hear all about it…"

"I'll win it all. For you," he assured her. With a smile, May wrapped her arms around his neck as she leaned in to kiss him passionately. Ash responded eagerly, his arms encircling her waist as he deepened the kiss, their lips moving in perfect sync as they poured their hearts into the tender embrace. Their kiss was filled with longing and tenderness, each moment a testament to the depth of their love for each other. As they finally broke apart for air, their smiles mirrored the happiness that radiated between them.

"Now that is a goodbye..." May murmured softly, her voice filled with emotion as she gazed into Ash's eyes.

"Best one I've ever had," Ash agreed, his smile tender as he returned her gaze. May's heart swelled with love as she hugged him tightly, her head resting against his chest as she savored their final moments together. Their embrace lingered a moment longer, each reluctant to let go of the other. As they finally pulled apart, May smiled softly up at Ash, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

"Just promise me you'll remember that that's how I feel about you. Ok?" she pleaded softly, her voice filled with vulnerability.

"I will," Ash promised once more, his gaze filled with love as he met her eyes. With a final smile, May hugged him tightly once more, her heart filled with gratitude for the love they shared. And as they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, they knew that no matter the distance that separated them, their love would endure, a beacon of hope guiding them through the challenges that lay ahead.


The morning air was crisp with anticipation as both the Kalso and Hoenn groups stood waiting at the airport. The plane back to Kalos was boarding soon and everyone was saying their goodbyes. But of the group, Serena was the only one that seemed to notice that Ash and May hadn't arrived yet. As she looked around the crowded airport for them, the rest of the group was exchanging their goodbyes. Clemont and Brock had their hands clasped in a firm handshake.

"Thank you for everything! I can't wait to try these recipes! Not to mention all the tips about raising Pokémon!" Clemont exclaimed with gratitude.

"My pleasure, Clemont. I'm just a phone call away if you ever need anything," Brock replied warmly, his smile genuine. Just beside them, Bonnie and Max shared a moment, their smiles reflecting the bond of friendship between them.

"Good luck Bonnie. When you get to become a trainer, give me a call. I'd love to hear how you're doing," Max offered kindly. Bonnie blushed slightly at his words, nodding in agreement.

"Sure thing," she replied with a shy smile.

"Great! Looking forward to it," Max responded cheerfully, his smile bright. It was then that May and Ash finally arrived, their presence drawing everyone's attention.

"Sorry we're late!" May exclaimed breathlessly.

"Kinda lost track of time." Ash chuckled. Everyone but Serena seemed to accept their explanation as May turned to Ash and enveloped him in a tight hug. Ash returned the embrace with equal fervor, holding her close. Serena clenched her fists tightly, a flicker of emotion crossing her features as she watched them.

"Call me when you land, ok?" May whispered, her voice tinged with longing.

"Sure thing," Ash promised, his tone filled with sincerity. May smiled up at him, her eyes shining with affection.

"And keep on winning!"

"I sure will!" Ash declared confidently, his gaze meeting May's with determination. Serena's expression remained impassive as she observed their interaction, her thoughts a tumultuous whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Nevertheless, she bit her tongue as she had promised Ash she'd do. May then turned to Serena, offering her a civil smile.

"And good luck to you with all your Showcases, Serena," she said softly.

"Thanks," Serena responded with a strained politeness before she turned, intending to walk away, but May caught her attention one more time.

"Oh, Serena one more thing!" she called.

"What?"

"Here," May said, handing her a small business card. "This is my company's card. I hope one day...you'll give us a call. I'd love to design a custom dress for you." Ash's face lit up in a smile when he heard May's offer and even Serena was surprised enough that a little more of her hostility melted away.

"I...I'll certainly think about it. ...Thank you May," she said with a genuine tone before she walked away, her steps purposeful as she made her way onto the plane.

"Bye, you guys! Thanks for everything!" Clemont called out as he followed Serena onto the plane, his voice filled with gratitude. Bonnie waved to Max, a smile on her face as she dashed onto the plane, her excitement palpable. May stood with Max and Brock, a soft smile gracing her features as she watched Ash prepare to depart. Max was the first to step up to say his goodbyes.

"See you soon, Ash. As soon as I get my 8th badge, I'm going to cash in that battle you promised me!" Max declared eagerly.

"Can't wait for that!" Ash replied with a grin, his excitement evident.

"Good luck in Kalos, Ash. We'll be rooting for you," Brock said earnestly, his voice filled with encouragement.

"Thanks, Brock. Good luck with your studies!" Ash responded warmly, his smile genuine. May smiled softly as Ash bid farewell to his friends, her heart heavy with mixed emotions. Turning to her, Ash gave her one last tight hug, his embrace filled with unspoken affection.

"I love you…" he whispered gently into her ear.

"I love you too…" she echoed back just as softly. They slowly let each other go and Ash ran after his friends, boarding the plane and taking a seat by the window. He could see his three friends watching from inside the airport as the plane began its take off. His eyes settled one last time on the brunette he loved and he waved to her. May waved back, her smile soft and wistful as she watched the plane disappear into the distance. As the plane faded from view, May held her hand over her heart, a bittersweet smile tugging at her lips. Ash smiled too as he settled into his seat on the plane, his heart filled with both excitement and disappointment at the parting of ways he had to go through once again. And as the plane soared into the sky, carrying Ash and his friends back to their adventures, Ash and May's thoughts lingered on the bond they shared, a connection that transcended distance and time. It wasn't goodbye, it was just see you again soon.

The End