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Ash and Serena had an unexpected reunion in Galar, but they were both extremely happy to see the other again nonetheless.
The pair were walking together by the outskirts of a local park, chatting and catching up on each other’s lives.
Pikachu was happily settled on Ash’s shoulder, enjoying the sun while his trainer talked.
“It’s still so surreal, I’m getting amazing opportunities- and meeting even more amazing people.” Serena smiled warmly.
Ash chuckled, “I get it, going on a journey is really one of the best things ever!”
Serena’s face softened,”I have you to thank really.”
“Huh- why?”
“If it weren’t for you- I probably wouldn’t have started this journey, or continued it for that matter. It was really…your inspiring presence that kept me going.” She said, her voice sounded so gentle and genuine.
Ash blinked, for a short moment he didn’t know how to respond- or react. He felt nervous, which was odd, he rarely felt nervous. Serena was just simply being her kind self.
“Look who it is, it’s Ash Ketchum.” a voice snickers behind them.
They both turn and are met with the sight of Gary Oak.
“Gary? Hey! How ya been?” Ash grinned. Pikachu chirped in greeting.
“Oh you know,” Gary shrugged “Becoming the very best- you?”
“Becoming better than you, nothing much.” Ash replied.
Gary turned his gaze towards Serena, “Who’s your friend?”
“I’m Serena, I traveled with Ash when he was in Kalos.” Serena politely introduced herself, “Did you two also travel together?” She asked the two boys.
Gary let out a loud laugh, while Ash just rolled his eyes at Gary’s reaction. “Travel with him? Nah- we were rivals.” Gary smirked.
“I see.” Serena nods, amused by Ash’s reaction towards Gary.
The brunette narrows his eyes at Serena“I swear I’ve seen your face before though.”
“Oh- I’m a Pokemon performer- “
“A very talented performer.” Ash cuts in.
“-perhaps you’ve seen me in a pokevision video or on a poster before?” She finished giggling.
Gary nods, “That makes sense.” he takes a few steps closer, taking Serena’s hand. “For someone’s as pretty as you, then they have to show it to the world.” He kissed her hand.
Serena blink surprised at Gary’s gesture, “Uh- thank…you…?”
Ash picks Gary’s hand away from Serena’s with a hard grip, for a split second his expression could be read as almost…cold.
“Anyway! What brings you to Galar Gary?” Ash said, fully back to his cheerful self. The electric type Pokemon eyed him.
“Nothing of importance, some research stuff. Wouldn’t expect you to understand.” Gary teased.
He looked back and forth between Serena and Ash. “So, can I assume there’s something going on here or….?” Gary grinned, pointing lazily at them.
Serena blushed, Ash blinked. They exchanged a look, “No- we’re not dating.” she answered.
“But there’s something going on?” Gary pressed.
“I-“ Ash glanced at Serena one more time before replying “don’t think so? We’re definitely friends.”
Serena nods slowly “yeah, friends.” she echoed. She tried her best to hide the hint of slight disappointment in her eyes.
“So I can use my magic on her?” Gary smiled slyly.
“Preferably not.” Ash grumbled.
Gary held up his hands in playful surrender, “Alright, calm down, I get the hint.” He snickered.
The brunette dropped the teasing act. “Anyway, I should be going now. Nice seeing you.” He gave a short wave their way, and continued down the path.
Pikachu waved with its little paw. “Good to see you too!” Ash called after him.
Serena had been watching Ash closely, his somewhat annoyed responses towards Gary was a new side of him she’d never seen before. And they’ve happened because he didn’t seem to like Gary flirting.
She couldn’t help but come up with a few ideas why that was.
Then internally scolded herself for being so delusional.
The two continued their walk, returning to small talk.