One Last Dance: Christmas One Shot (Amourshipping)

(Ash's POV)

"HURRY UP YOU SLOWPOKES!!! WE'RE GOING TO BE LATE!" Bonnie shouted, her little friend Dedenne squeaking in agreement. She huffed impatiently, and crossed the arms of her little Piplup snowsuit as she waited for the others.

Ash was the first one to catch up to her. "Don't worry Bonnie," he laughed. "Lumiose City isn't going anywhere. It still will be there tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after that!"

Bonnie smiled. "I know that silly! But I'M JUST SO EXCITED TO BE GOING BACK HOME!!!" she squealed loudly, kicking the snow. As she did this, Serena had come up, only to be met with a mouthful of snow.

She brushed it off her face, and straightened her pink hat. "Thanks for that Bonnie," Serena said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Bonnie gave her a cheeky grin. "No problem Serena!" And with that she ran ahead, with Pikachu and Dedenne hot on her heels. "HURRY UP CLEMONT!" she shouted to her brother, who was now a fair way behind them.

"I'm... t-trying...to...Just...s-slow... down." And with that Clemont fell to his knees, huffing out of breath.

Serena just shook her head at this, and tried to dust off the remaining snow on her pink coat. Ash went over to her.

"Here, let me help," he said, brushing the snow off her shoulder. Serena gave him a thankful smile, and Ash's chest grew warm.

SMACK! Ash turned around, looking to see who had thrown that snowball at him as his brushed the snow off his hat. SMACK! Another one! He swivelled around again to see no one there. Serena had gone too.

Ash knelt down and moulded the snow into a ball, and lifted it up. "Okay," he said. "Which one of you did that?"

He turned around just in time to get hit in the face with yet another snowball, followed by a round of giggles. Ash spat the snow out of his mouth, and grinned. He crept to the large ditch in front of him, and jumped over it. "GOTCHA!" he yelled, only to be met by a little Zigzagoon, who scuttled away in fright.

Ash frowned, and scanned his surroundings. Another snowball came flying at him, but this time he ducked. He ran over to the tree in which the snowball had come from to find Bonnie, crouching down, tears of laughter streaming down her face. Serena sat next to her, clutching her stomach as she rocked back and forth laughing, and Pikachu sat on her lap laughing too.

"Oh! Oh man!" Bonnie cried, "That was hilarious! Isn't that right Serena?" Bonnie wiped the tears from her face, and smiled up at Ash cheekily. Serena laughed. "That was priceless! Good job Bonnie!" The two high fived, then burst into another fit of laughter.

Ash raised an eyebrow at Pikachu. "Seriously buddy? I feel betrayed right now." Then he threw his snowball at Bonnie and ran off, laughing. Bonnie stood there, looking like a snowman, her entire face covered with snow. Then she got up. "I'M GONNA GET YOU FOR THAT!"

Ash ran off with Bonnie behind him, pelting him with snowballs. Serena followed her, with Pikachu in her arms. Ash dodged between trees, trying to lose them. He pressed his back to a large tree, and waited for them to pass. He heard the puffing as they ran through the snow searching for him.

"Where are you Ash?" Serena laughed. "Come out already- AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!" Her sentence was cut off with a scream, as she and Bonnie slipped and fell off a short ledge.

Ash ran out of his hiding place. "SERENA! BONNIE! PIKACHU!" he shouted, and ran to the edge. He looked over to see both girls lying on their backs in the snow, after falling from a 5 inch drop. They giggled as they spread their arms and made snow angels. Ash laughed and jumped down to join them.

After a while they began to make a snowman, Bonnie taking charge and making Ash position the snowman's head in position. "And... perfect!" Bonnie squealed.

"Just one more thing..." Serena said, and knelt down as she took of her bag. She pulled out a pink scarf and matching gloves, and a little blue and white beanie. She placed them on the snowman and the threesome stood back to admire their handiwork.

Bonnie stood next to it, and Ash laughed at the resemblance. Bonnie had made the snowman (or snowgirl) look exactly like Bonnie - the exact same hairstyle as well as a matching bag.

Serena slipped her bag back on. "Well I think we should head off and look for somewhere to stay tonight. We don't want to get caught in a snowstorm."

They others nodded, and started to walk off. Bonnie stopped. "Hey guys... correct me if I'm wrong, but I think we're forgetting something..."

They all looked at each other. "CLEMONT!!!" they shouted in unison and ran back the way they came.

The threesome eventually came across their friend who was slowly trudging through the snow, following their footsteps. Bonnie greeted him with a big hug. "Clemont! I thought you were lost forever!" she exclaimed. Then she quickly let go and grabbed his hand and dragged him along. "Now hurry up before you get left behind again!"

"Okay, okay! I'm coming Bonnie!" Clemont said running as fast as he could after her, leaving Ash and Serena by themselves.

They walked along in comfortable silence, Pikachu running ahead of them.

Suddenly Serena stopped. Ash turned around to look back at her. "What's wrong?" he asked.

Serena smiled, and pointed to the sky. Ash looked up to see small white snowflakes falling down.

"It's snowing! It's snowing!" Bonnie shouted happily. "IT'S CHRISTMAS!"

Ash smiled. This just might be the best Christmas yet!

***


(Serena's POV)

The gang huddled together in the cold icy wind. Serena shielded her eyes from the snow. "We need to find a PokeCentre or something. It's getting late and the snowstorm is really bad," she said. Bonnie clutched onto Clemont's jacket. "I can barely see!" Bonnie exclaimed. "I wish we had a light or something..."

Clemont pushed his glasses up. "Aha!" he exclaimed. "Clemontic Gear ON!" A robotic arm came out from his backpack and out opened his Heliolisk Light.

Serena grabbed her Pokeball. "Good idea! Braixen, come on out!" With a flash, the fire type Pokemon appeared and lit the way with her flame. Ash pointed to a spot in the distance. "Look! A village!"

The group ran as fast as they could to the small village, which was decorated with strings of fairy lights. In the centre of the little town was a PokeCentre. 'Thank goodness!" Clemont sighed with relief.

They ran in, and closed the door behind them - shutting out the icy wind. Nurse Joy came running up to them. "Oh my! Are you all okay?" she asked worried. "You all have a seat by the fire and I'll bring you some hot chocolate to help you warm up."

Five minutes later they were all toasty warm and drinking their hot chocolate. "Mmmm!" said Ash, licking his lips with delight. "That is the best hot chocolate I have ever tasted!"

Bonnie however, hadn't touched her drink. Serena went to sit next to her. "Are you okay Bonnie?" she asked gently. Bonnie shook her head, tears forming in her eyes.

"Now we'll never be home for Christmas," the little girl cried. Serena gave her a hug. "Don't cry Bonnie! The storm will go away by tomorrow!"

Ash came over too, Clemont behind him. "Bonnie," Ash said, kneeling down so he was eye to eye with her. "I promise you that we will make it back to Lumiose in time for Christmas. I promise." He held out his pinkie finger for her to shake. Bonnie looked at him with tearful eyes, and gave him a watery smile. She stuck out her pinkie too and interlocked it with Ash's.

Serena smiled. "Bonnie?" she whispered in the girl's ear. "How about I make you some macaroons? You can choose the flavour!" Bonnie smiled, the sparkle returning to her eyes. "Chocolate please!" she laughed.

Serena laughed too, then waked over to Nurse Joy. "Do you happen to have any spare rooms for us to stay in?"

Nurse Joy nodded. "There is a room with 4 beds. Is that okay?" she asked. Serena nodded, and Nurse Joy handed her the key.

She waved the others over. "Come on! Let's go wash up and have some dinner."

They entered the room and Ash whistled. "This is definitely the nicest PokeCentre I have stayed in." There was a large bedroom consisting of four beds, a bathroom, and an adjourning kitchen and lounge room.

"I'll get started on dinner!" Clemont said.


(Ash's POV)

Ash lay down on one of the beds, Pikachu next to him. "Oh man! That was a great dinner Clemont! Your the best!" he exclaimed. Clemont smiled. "It was nothing Ash! I'm glad you all enjoyed it!" He tightened a screw on the invention he was making.

Bonnie was on the floor, chasing Dedenne around the room. "And.... GOTCHA!" she yelled, grabbing the little Pokemon in her hands. Then she turned to Clemont. "Clemont! Can you come with me to Nurse Joy? Serena said that she might have some Christmas movies for us to watch! Pwease?" she asked, begging him with large eyes.

Her brother sighed. "Okay fine. Let's go." He turned to Ash. "We won't be long. Tell Serena where we are." And with that they left.

Ash got up off the bed, leaving Pikachu asleep. He walked into the small kitchen to see if Serena was there.

He found her mixing a bowl of chocolate icing, listening to a song on the radio. She nodded her head to the music, swinging her hips from side to side, and her feet tapping to the beat of the song.

She gave the icing another mix, then twirled around to open the oven - stopping in her tracks when she saw Ash in front of her.

"A-Ash!!!" she exclaimed, embarrassed. She held her hands to her cheeks, which were rapidly turning red. "How long have you been standing there?!" she stuttered.

Ash scratched the back of his head. She looks so cute when she's flustered, he thought. Wait, what? Ash shook himself. "Er... Not long. I just came to tell you that Bonnie and Clemont went to see Nurse Joy. Something about a Christmas movie...?"

Serena nodded and turned around quickly. Ash felt bad. "Hey Serena! If you, Braixen, Pancham, and Sylveon did a routine to that song, you guys would be amazing!" He moved over next to her. "You're an amazing dancer and I know that you will win your next Princess Key for sure!" He pumped his fist into the air.

Serena laughed, making his stomach tighten and a warm feeling spread in his chest. "Thanks Ash! Your support means a lot to me."

Ash blushed. What's wrong with me lately? he thought. Maybe I should ask Clemont... he might know the answer.

Serena turned around to open the oven. Ash tiptoed behind her and dipped his finger into the glossy chocolate icing. Serena turned around, catching Ash.

"Hey! No snacking!" she said, trying to snatch the bowl away. But Ash held on tight. "Please Serena! Just one taste!" he pleaded. They tugged back and forth, then suddenly the bowl slipped from their grasp. It seemed as if time went in slow motion, as the bowl flew high over their heads.

The bowl clattered to the ground, and Ash and Serena both stood still. They looked at each other, then burst out laughing.

"Serena... I think you have a... um... smudge of chocolate on you," Ash laughed. Serena rolled her eyes, and looked down at her dress. "These stains won't come out," she sighed, and walked over to pick up the bowl.

"AHHHHHH!!!" she screamed, as she slipped in the giant puddle of chocolate icing. Ash burst into laughter. Serena gave him a dirty look. "Very funny Ash." She held on to the side of the bench, and tried to lift herself up - only to end back up on the floor.

Ash gave her his hand. "Here," he said. Serena smiled, and grasped his hand tight. He pulled her up, but his foot slipped, and he landed on his back - and Serena landed on top of him.

They were nose to nose, and Ash saw that her face was extremely red now. He smiled, and stroked his thumb across her cheek and wiped off some chocolate icing. He licked it off his finger. "Mmmmm! Tasty!" he said, making her laugh. She got off him and together they tried to haul themselves up.

When Clemont and Bonnie came back, they walked in the bedroom to find no one there.

"Serena! Ash!" Bonnie called. Then she heard laughter in the kitchen. She went in and gasped, then immediately started laughing.

Then Clemont came in. "What happened?!" Clemont asked, shocked. Ash and Serena looked up at them, their faces and clothes now covered with icing. They both started laughing again.

Bonnie sniffed the air. "And is something... burning?" Serena gasped. "OH NO! MY MACAROONS!"

***

Bonnie yawned. "That was a great movie. And those macaroons were delicious! I'm glad Rudolph the Red Nosed Deerling got to lead Santa's sleigh at the end!"

Clemont helped her to her feet. "Come on, time for bed Bonnie." He walked her into the bedroom.

Ash stretched his arms over his head. "I think it's time we hit the hay too Serena," Ash said. When she didn't respond, he looked over and saw that she had fallen asleep on the couch.

He smiled and draped a blanket over her. "Goodnight Serena," he whispered. "Sweet dreams."


***

(Serena's POV)

"Hurry! Hurry!" Bonnie called, jumping up and down. Serena opened her guidebook. "Wait up Bonnie! We need to go that way," she said, pointing to the right.

Bonnie swerved to the right and started to make her way through the busy streets, kicking up snow as she went. "Ooh!" she exclaimed, and knelt down on one knee in front of a pretty girl with a Cherrim in her arms. "You're a keeper! Will you please take care of my brother?"

The girl look extremely confused. "I- I don't understan-" Suddenly Clemont's Aipom Arm appeared and grabbed Bonnie by the shirt and she was dragged away by a red-faced Clemont.

Bonnie waved goodbye to the girl cheekily, and she swung her legs above the ground. Ash laughed, making Serena's heart thump loudly in her chest. "It never gets old, does it?" he asked. Serena giggled. "Bonnie never learns. Poor Clemont!"

Ash nodded, and locked eyes with her, for a second too long. Serena looked away shyly, her face heating up. She still hadn't forgotten about the macaroon incident. Just thinking about it made her blush.

Ash coughed nervously. "Serena, I-"

"Hey guys! Come on already! We're almost there!" Bonnie called from ahead of them. Serena turned to Ash. "What did you want to tell me?"

Ash rubbed Pikachu's head. "Um, don't worry. It was nothing." Serena frowned, disappointed, but she let it go.

Soon, they were all standing ankle deep in snow in front of Meyer's store. Bonnie stood on her tippy toes and press the doorbell. A few seconds later the door opened, and Meyer's face appeared.

"Daddy!" Bonnie squealed happily, and ran into his arms. Her father scooped her up and swung her around. "Bonnie! It's so great to see you! How's my little girl?"

He put Bonnie back down and pulled both of his children into a hug. "Clemont! I've missed you too!" Then he turned to Serena and Ash. "Ash! Serena! It's been a while! So glad you could join us for Christmas!"

"Thanks for inviting us!" Serena said. "I'm so happy to be home for Christmas!" Bonnie exclaimed happily, twirling around. "Did you miss us?"

Then Meyer suddenly put his head down, and burst into tears. "I missed you both so much!" he bawled. Both Clemont and Bonnie sweat-dropped. "We missed you too Dad," Clemont said.

Meyer wiped his tears and gave a booming laugh. "Well, enough of all this! Come inside and warm up. You must be freezing!"

They all entered the cosy workshop gratefully. Meyer lead them up a flight of stairs to the apartment, which was above the shop.

They all took off their jackets and hung them up in the hallway. As Serena was taking her's off, Ash came up to her. "Here, let me help you with that," he said, taking her jacket and hanging it up for her. Serena's cheeks turned pink. "T-Thank you Ash!" she exclaimed. Ash rubbed his nose nervously. "It was nothing," he replied bashfully, then smiled at her.

"I bet you're all hungry for dinner!" Meyer said. Ash rubbed his stomach. "Definitely! I'm starving!" Everyone laughed at this.

Clembot came in, with a pink apron tied around its waist and several plates of food balanced on its hands. "Well then - dinner is served!" it said, placing the dishes down on the table. Then it smiled. "Dig in!"


(Clemont's POV)

Clemont rolled open his sleeping bag on the floor of his room. He stood up and shook his head at the sight of Chespin laying down on his bed and moaning, clutching its stomach. "Chespin!" it groaned. Clemont raised an eyebrow. "I told you not to eat too much!"

But all the same, Clemont reached into his bag and pulled out some special Pokemon medicine. "Here," Clemont said, putting it into a bowl. "This should make you feel better!"

Chespin gulped it down, and then sighed, laying back down again. Clemont laughed. He went back to his bag and pulled out Bonnie's Tyrunt pyjamas. He sighed. "I should go and give them to her now," he said to himself.

He walked out into the hallway and and loud boom made him stumble. Clemont looked out the window and saw Ash practising his battle techniques with Pikachu and Greninja.

Clemont made his way to Bonnie's room at the end of the hall, but stopped outside when he heard them speaking.

His heart thumped in his chest. This was unlike him, eavesdropping, but for some reason he couldn't help it.

"... Serena, you need to tell him sooner or later! You can't keep doing this forever!"

Him? Clemont thought. Who were they talking about?

He heard Serena sigh. "I've tried Bonnie! But he can be so dense sometimes. Like yesterday at the Pokemon Centre, I-I thought that maybe... he might... have realised by then. But it's no use."

"But if you truly do love him then you just have to say so!" Bonnie exclaimed. "Yes I know Ash is dense, but it couldn't be that hard!"

Everything finally seemed to click into place. Serena likes Ash, Clemont thought. It all made sense now. All those times Serena would blush when Ash complimented her, or talk to her, and at the dance... The dance. Serena had wanted to go with Ash, but had put her Pokemon's preferences before her own. And by the looks of things, Miette must like Ash too. It must have been horrible for Serena to see Miette go off with Ash like that.

Clemont made up his mind. He had to help Serena, but the thing was, he didn't know much about that sort of thing. But Clemont smiled. He knew just the person for the job.

He knocked on the door, and they both stopped talking. Bonnie poked her head outside the door. "Yes? What is it Clemont - we're a little busy right now," she huffed, clearly annoyed.

"I have your pyjamas." Clemont handed them over, then he leant in closer so Serena wouldn't hear his next words. "Bonnie, I have a plan, and I'm going to need your help..."


(Ash's POV)

Ash yawned and stretched his arms over his head. Pikachu was still asleep on his pillow, and Clemont was gently snoring away in his sleeping bag.

A delicious smell wafted down the hallway, and Ash sniffed the air. His stomach grumbled - a clear sign that it was time for breakfast. He went into the kitchen and found Serena placing a plate of pancakes on the table. She looked up as Ash walked in.

She smiled at him. "Good morning Ash! You're just in time for breakfast!" Ash pulled out a chair and sat down. "Man, your cooking smells amazing Serena!"

Serena's cheeks turned pink at his words. Bonnie stumbled sleepily into the room, rubbing her eyes. She yawned. "Mmmmm... What's that smell?" she asked dreamily. Clemont came in behind her. "Breakfast, by the looks of it," he answered, taking a seat next to Ash.

Bonnie perked up and sat down and slid three pancakes onto her plate and proceeded to drown them with syrup. "Don't drown your pancakes Bonnie," Clemont chided.

Serena sat down opposite Ash, and he couldn't help but notice how pretty she looked. Bonnie coughed, and raised an eyebrow at Ash. Ash then realised he was staring at Serena, and then took a sudden interest in his food.

"I might go shopping for Christmas gifts today," Serena said. "After all, Christmas is only two days away, and I need to finish getting gifts."

Ash looked up. "Is it okay if I come with you?" he asked nervously. Serena nodded, then turned to the others. "How about you guys?"

"I'm almost done making my presents!" Bonnie exclaimed. "Same here," said Clemont. Serena gave Ash a big smile. "Then I guess it's just you and me then!"

You and me. Those words made Ash's face feel warm. "Uh- yeah! That's great!" he said. He took another bite of his food, then placed his cutlery on his plate. "We should get going soon," he told her. Serena nodded, and was about to take up the plates, when Clemont suddenly burst out, "NO!" They all stared at him. He cringed. "I-I mean that you should get going right away! Leave the dishes and cleaning up to us!" He gave a desperate look at Bonnie, who nodded vigorously in agreement. Serena frowned, confused. "Okay then." She left the room to grab her bag.

Bonnie winked at Ash, then grabber her plate and went to the sink. Clemont gave him a knowing look, then proceeded to clear the table.


***

"Wow! Look at that dress!" Serena exclaimed, her breath fogging up the glass window. "It's so pretty!"

It was a pretty shade of sky blue, then same colour as Serena's eyes. "I think it would look great on you!" he said without thinking. Serena blushed. "You really think so?"

"For sure!" he replied. His heart pounded in his chest again,and his face was warm again, despite the cold weather.

Serena checked her shopping bags. "Now all I'm missing is something for Bonnie, then I should be done." She turned to him. "How about you?"

He glanced down the street, and one shop in particular caught his eye. "I- um, just need to check out this one store. How about we meet back here in an hour?"

Serena nodded, and Ash couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed. Being with Serena made him feel happy, and whole. Going out with her, alone, made it almost like a... what was it called? A date?

They said their goodbyes and went their separate ways. He wished Pikachu was with him. But he had had to leave him with Clemont and Bonnie, as he had needed to buy Pikachu a gift too.

He pushed open the door to the shop and heard a little bell clang. An older woman came out from behind the front desk. "Hello there young man! How may I help you?"

"I'm looking for a gift for someone," he replied. The woman smiled. "Is this gift perhaps for a special young lady?" Ash blushed. "Uh- yeah. Yes it is."

She smiled and lead his over to one of the cabinets, which displayed a wide arrange of jewellery. "Now, I don't mean to pry or anything, but is this young lady you're girlfriend?"

Girlfriend? No way. But then again, Serena wasn't like any other girl he had travelled with. She was... different, but in a good way. She made him smile, laugh, and his heart pounded whenever she smiled at him. Brock said it was called something... love.

Ash gave the woman a small smile. "Not exactly... maybe... Maybe one day. "

"I see," she said. Then she took a key and unlocked the cabinet door, and pulled out a large necklace set with diamonds. "How about this?" He shook his head. "Not her style. More like..." His eyes were immediately drawn to something placed near the back. "Something like that."

The lady smiled. "Ah, that one. It's quite beautiful!"

"Can I take that one please?" he asked. She nodded and brought it over to the counter. "Would you like it wrapped?" Ash nodded. He had finally found the perfect present for Serena. He was definitely going to make this a Christmas to remember.


***

(Ash's POV)

It was finally Christmas Eve, and the moon shone brightly as snow fell softly to the ground. Bonnie was dancing around the room, singing to Christmas carols as she flung tinsel onto the tree. Squishy sat on the windowsill, asleep, and Dedenne was running around in circles for no apparent reason. Meyer had gone to help set up the light show at the Lumiose Gym. Clemont was clearing the table, and Serena was preparing four mugs of hot chocolate for them.

Ash was upstairs, placing his carefully wrapped presents into bag for safekeeping. Pikachu jumped down from his shoulder and picked up the one marked 'Serena'. The little yellow Pokemon shook the package carefully. "Be careful with that Pikachu!" Ash warned. Pikachu put it back in Ash's lap and gave him a knowing look. "Pika pika!" it said slyly, making a love heart shape with its paws.

"Me? In love? You gotta be kidding me buddy," Ash said, avoiding Pikachu's gaze as he put the present back. Pikachu rolled its eyes and used Thunderbolt on its trainer.

BOOM! Everyone downstairs looked up at the ceiling in surprise.

Meanwhile, Ash coughed - his hair sticking up all over the place. Pikachu giggled. Ash sighed. "You know me too well. I can't hide anything from you," Ash said, putting Pikachu on his lap. "But you can't say anything to Serena though, cause it's a surprise. Promise?"

The little mouse Pokemon stuck out its paw and shook Ash's hand. "Pika pikachu!" it promised solemnly.

Bonnie suddenly poked her head through the doorway. "Everything alright?" she asked. Ash nodded. "We were just about to come down."

"Oh goody!" she exclaimed. "That's perfect cause we're about to open our gifts!" Then she gave Ash a sly smile, not unlike the one Pikachu had given him. "You all ready for tonight?"

Ash was confused for a moment. Clemont was the only person who knew about Ash's plan. "Wait, how do you know about that?!"

Bonnie grinned. "Clemont may or may not have told me your plan." Then she added hastily, "But don't worry! I promise not to tell Serena. Besides, we just want to help."

Ash gave a grudging smile at the younger girl. "Fine. Now let's get downstairs. You do want to open your presents, don't you?"

He picked up his bag, and Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder. They went down the stairs, Bonnie skipping two steps at a time, and found the others waiting next to the Christmas tree.

"Presents! Presents!" Bonnie shouted, jumping on the spot. Serena laughed, her blue eyes sparkling. "Okay! Okay! Now, here's your gift Bonnie!" She handed the girl large square package, wrapped in yellow tissue paper.

The little girl eagerly unwrapped it. "Oh wow!" she exclaimed. "Serena, it's sooooo pretty!"

Bonnie lifted the dress up and held it to her, to show the others. It was the Chingling dress that Bonnie had worn at Valerie's model runway. She gave Serena a big hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you Serena!!!" Bonnie said happily.

Ash then held out his present to her. Bonnie tore it open, then gave a happy squeal. "Ooh! A Pikachu plushie! SOOOOOOO CUTE!" She gave Ash a hug, then proceeded to open Clemont's gift to her. "Buneary pyjamas! You're the best Clemont!" she said happily, giving him a hug too.

Everyone else began to open their presents. Clemont had received a new set of tools, and Serena got some new accessories for her showcases. Serena had also made a whole table full of Pokepuffs for all the Pokemon, and they all sat around the table in the kitchen at shared them.

Bonnie had drawn a picture of all of them together with their Pokemon, and placed it in the branches of the tree. "It's beautiful Bonnie," Serena said, smiling. Clemont nodded in agreement. Bonnie smiled happily. "Thanks you guys!"

Serena then approached Ash shyly. "Hey Ash! I-um- here's your gift!" she said quickly, and then held it out for him.

He unwrapped it slowly. Then he gasped. "Serena, I-I can't accept this. It's too-"

But she placed her hands over his. "No. It's a gift. Think nothing of it. It's just a little something to remember me by. And who knows? Maybe it will help you on your journey."

He looked down and stared at the Master Ball in the blue box. Ash then smiled at Serena. "Thanks Serena. It means a lot." Then he placed his hand on top of his bag. "I have a gift for you too. And-"

Bonnie waved her hands behind Serena's back to get his attention. She shook her head frantically at Ash.

"- I mean, I wanted to give it to you later, you know. Just the two of us." Behind Serena, Bonnie let out a sigh of relief, and gave Ash the thumbs up.

Serena gave him a shy smile. "Okay then!"

Pikachu then came up, and jumped onto his shoulder. "Pika pi!" it said, pouting at Ash. Ash laughed. "Don't worry Pikachu! I hadn't forgotten about you!"

He gave Pikachu it's gift. Pikachu held up the Raichu onesie and smiled. "Pika pika chu!" Ash bent down to help Pikachu put it on. "There!" he said, standing up. "Looks great, buddy!"

Pikachu ran around the Christmas tree happily, and Dedenne joined in.

Bonnie suddenly yawned. "Boy, am I tired!" she exclaimed, sounding as if she was reading from a script. "I think I might go to bed now!" She winked at Ash. "Come on Clemont. I need you to put me to bed."

Clemont frowned. "What? You never-" Bonnie glared at him. "Ah, yes! Let's get you to bed Bonnie." The younger grinned cheekily. "Nighty night you two!"


(Serena's POV)

"Come on," Ash said, and grabbed her hand.

Not long after Clemont had taken Bonnie to bed, Ash had led her outside, to where the battlefield was covered in a fine layer of snow.

Ash led her around a large clump of bushes, and through the tall trees. "Where are we going?" she asked. Ash turned around and gave her that iconic smile of his. "You'll see."

He stopped at the edge of a clearing, and Serena gasped. In front of them was a small gazebo, covered in a string of fairy lights. She turned to Ash her eyes shining. "You- you did this!?"

He gave a nervous chuckle. "Well, I had a bit of help." Ash walked up to the steps, and gave her a formal bow. "May I have this dance Serena?"

She blushed. "Here?" Ash rubbed the back of his head. "Well... I figured since we never got to dance together at the Dance Party the other night, I owed you a dance. I know there's no music or anything, and-"

Serena grabbed his hand. "I'd love to."

He placed one hand around her waist, and the other clasped tightly in hers. They waltzed around the gazebo, and the world seemed to dissolve around them - until it was just the two of them. Ash spun her into his arms, and they stopped, staring into each other's eyes.

Ash finally broke the gaze. "That reminds me! I have your gift," he said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small square box.

Serena carefully opened the box, and caught her breath. "Oh, Ash! It's beautiful!"

He smiled shyly. "You really like it?" She nodded. "I love it!" she said, lifting up the silver chain. Hanging from the bottom was silver tiara pendant with a sparkling diamond at the top. It was a miniature replica of the Kalos Queen tiara.

"I just want you to always know, that even if you don't defeat Aria - you will alway be my Kalos Queen," Ash said, a faint pink tinge on his cheeks.

"Oh Ash..." Serena said, her eyes shining. Ash held out his hand. "May I?" She handed his the necklace, and then he placed it around her neck, and fastened the clasp at the back. Serena gently touched the pendant, hardly daring to believe it.

"Serena," Ash started, and cleared his throat nervously. "I-I..." He stopped, then took a deep breath. "Serena, I- I like you."

She stopped, her heart pounding at his words. Ash continued. "I-I mean more than normal. Like every time we are together, I feel nervous, and my heart pounds likes crazy. When you laugh, when you smile at me - it makes me feel like I'm the most special person and the world. It's been like this ever since I met you again back in Santalune City. This has been on my mind for a while now... and I just needed to tell you this Serena - I... I love you."

Tears were now rolling down her cheeks silently. Ash looked horrified at the sight of her tears. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that! I understand completely if-"

She stopped him with a kiss, locking their lips together. Her heart beat wildly as Ash wrapped his hands around her waist. She gently broke the kiss, and smiled at him. "I love you too."



Epilogue

Bonnie peered out of her binoculars, focusing on the small couple in the gazebo. It seemed as if Ash was confessing his feelings. Any moment now... and...

"YES!!!" Bonnie squealed happily. "YES YES YES!!!" She did a happy dance around the room. "Clemont!" She shook her brother awake.

"What is it Bonnie?" he asked sleepily, rubbing his eyes.

The little girl squealed again. "It worked! It worked! Our plan worked!" She hugged her brother happily. Clemont still looked confused.

Bonnie rolled her eyes. "Seriously? Our plan? The one to get Ash and Serena together?"

Clemont's eyes widened in understanding. "Really?!" Bonnie nodded to confirm, the binoculars swinging around her neck.

Clemont narrowed his eyes. "Please tell me you weren't spying on them Bonnie." The little girl grinned cheekily. "Maybe, maybe not!" she said, shrugging. "But anyways! Mission accomplished!" She danced around the room again, then looked out the window again using her binoculars.

She frowned. "Wait. They're gone!" she said. Then realisation dawned on her. "They're coming back! Quickly! Hide the evidence!" Sh stuffed her binoculars under the sheets, and pulled the covers over her head. Clemont sat at the edge of her bed rubbing his eyes.

The door slowly opened, and Bonnie could hear Serena and Ash come in.

"Is she asleep?" Ash whispered. Before Clemont could answer, The sheets were pulled back, revealing the binoculars and Bonnie. Serena stood over her. "Yeah right she's asleep." Bonnie grinned, and slyly tried to hide the binoculars, but Ash caught her.

"What's that Bonnie?" he asked. Bonnie shoved it under her pillow. "It's nothing," she said, trying to act innocent. Serena lifted up the pillow and pulled them out. Her face turned red. "Please tell me you weren't spying on us, Bonnie."

"That's what I said," Clemont grumbled. Bonnie giggled, then gave Serena a hug. "I'M SO HAPPY!!!" Then she hugged Ash too, then patted him on the back. "Not bad Prince Charming!" she said, nudging him.

Ash smiled, and grabbed Serena's hand. Clemont smiled. "Congratulations you two!"

Bonnie smiled. "Well now that you guys are taken care of, I need to focus on my next mission," she said, looking at Clemont. Ash and Serena laughed.

Clemont's face turned red. "BONNIE!!! NOT AGAIN!"