Chapter 30

It's the day after Timothy's match with Lucy and Scott is driving Timothy, Electchu, Coovers, Ash, Pikachu, Brock, and Serena over to Lucy's house. When they came back to Fuchsia City the day before, Serena had just finished some hard training with Absol and was more than happy to join the group with going to Lucy's place for dinner. The group spent most of the next day with Serena practicing her routines with her Pokemon, Timothy, and Ash training in separate spots in the city, and Coovers and Brock runningp errands for supplies. Everyone agreed to meet Scott back at the Pokemon Center late in the afternoon so that they can ride together back to the forest.

"I can't believe I'm going to be having dinner at Lucy's place!" Brock squeals. "Fate must be bringing us together!"

"Brock, please calm down already," Serena says calmly yet firmly. "Honestly, at the rate you're behaving, I almost regret not coming with you guys yesterday."

"So do I," Timothy says overhearing Serena. "It would have been nice to have more people than just me and Barbara putting Brock and Coovers in their place."

"Hey, I can't help it if Barbara is a cutie!" Coovers barks. "You know I have a thing for blondes!"

"That's funny because a while back, you implied ladies with brown eyes and shiny black hair are your type," Timothy teases, earning a snicker from Electchu.

Coovers' face turns red, and he stutters before saying, "It...it doesn't matter what I said. All that matters is whether or not a lady will steal my heart and will give me her heart in return!"

"Preach it, Coovers!" Brock exclaims.

Timothy lets out an annoyed sigh and turns to Serena, who has a defeated look on her face.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say they are brothers with different mothers," he mutters.

Serena covers her mouth to and giggles at Timothy's comment while Ash looks at all of them from the front passenger seat, wondering what they are talking about.

"There they go talking about wanting that special companionship again, Pikachu," he says. "I wish I could understand why they're saying."

"Pikachu," Pikachu says, sighing at its partner's density.

Scott secretly chuckles, having overheard the raven-haired boy as he drives. The group continues to talk along the way until they make their way to a small cabin. Brock's excitement grows at the sight of Lucy's home until he smells something odd.

"Hey, do you guys smell something?" He asks.

Everyone turns to him in confusion as Scott parks his car before they sniff the air.

"Now that you mention it, something smells off," Coovers says.

Ash's face turns serious and says, "It smells like…"

"...smoke," Timothy finishes.

Upon hearing the word smoke, everyone's eyes widen, and they turn to the cabin to see smoke appearing through the windows. Without a word, everyone jumps out of the car and runs to the front door with Ash, Serena, and Timothy taking Oshawott, Poliwag, and Poliwrath, respectively, out their Pokeballs. Brock makes it the door first and swings it opens before coming in.

"Lucy, are you alright?!" He screams.

No one hears anything but several voices coughing from the other side of the cabin. Brock races over there with Ash, Serena, and Timothy not far behind with their water Pokemon. When they make it to the next room they stare in surprise to find out they are in the kitchen and the smoke is coming from the oven. Lucy, Barbara, and their sisters ae coughing violently while Lucy is holding a pan that has a mysterious black block on it. One of the sisters finally runs to a window and forces it open to get the smoke out.

"Lucy!" Brock cries out again in worry.

Lucy's eyes snap open, and her pupils shrink as she and her sisters turn to find Brock, Ash, Serena, Timothy, Oshawott, Poliwag, and Poliwrath standing by the kitchen doorway with Scott, Coovers, Pikachu, and Electchu coming in. Her cheeks heat up in embarrassment as she looks at Brock.

"Are you guys, alright?" Ash asks.

"We saw smoke coming from inside, so we came in thinking you were in danger," Serena says.

Timothy sighs and says, "I'm glad to see you just burned something instead of there being an actual fire."

"Hey, how dare you imply that Queen Lucy burns her cooking," Barbara snarls. "I'll have you know -"

"Barbara, don't ridicule my guests," Lucy says firmly, trying to hide her embarrassment.

Brock realizes what Timothy figured out and asks, "Did you have trouble cooking dinner?"

Barbara gives Brock another hard glare before Lucy raises her hand for silence. All eyes turn to Lucy as she pauses for a moment with her eyes closed and her blush still on her cheeks.

"You see, we were trying to cook a flambe and some sweets for you, but the thing is neither of us have much experience in cooking," she confesses. "We usually eat smaller meals like sandwiches or fruit that grow all over the forest, but since I invited you to dinner, I wanted to make something special for you all, but unfortunately…"

Ash, Serena, Brock, Timothy, Coovers, and Scott all nod in understanding. Lucy's sisters rub the back of their heads nervously, silently confirming Lucy's confession. After a moment, Ash gives the five women a warm smile.

"No problem," he says. "If you guys need help, I'm sure we can all find a way to pitch in."

"Are you sure?" Barbara asks.

"Absolutely," Serena says, smiling. "Brock is an excellent cook, and I can pitch in with making macarons and cookies for dessert."

"Oshawott!" Oshawott exclaims excitedly at the idea of cookies and macarons.

"Poli, poli!" Poliwag squeals happily.

"Yeah, that's a great idea," Ash says suddenly excited. "You'll never taste macarons or cookies that taste as great as when Serena makes them."

Serena turns to Ash and blushes without him noticing. Lucy, meanwhile, feels her heart leap at the mention of Brock being a great cook before she frowns.

"I appreciate the offer, but you shouldn't have to do that when you are my guests," she says, humbly with her eyes closed.

Suddenly, she feels two warm hands take hers, and she opens her eyes, and her face turns redder at the sight of Bock standing close to her with a happy grin on his face.

"Lucy, no need to be so modest," he says. "I insist you let me help you. Just say the word, and I'll make you a meal that you will never forget."

Serena sighs, making a mental note to lecture Brock on toning down his appetite for romance again before she brings back her friendly smile and says, "Yes, please let us help. It will be no trouble at all. I promise."

Lucy stays frozen in her bashful state for a moment before she gives everyone a small smile.

"Very well," she says. "If you insist, then I'll gladly accept your help."

"Yes!" Brock shouts triumphantly. "I'll get started right away."

"Alright. Let's go, Poliwag," Serena says.

"Poli! Poli!" Poliwag says happily.

"Can we help in any way?" Coovers asks.

"Sure, we can divide into groups to help Brock and me," Serena says. "Ash, would you like to help me with the treats?"

"Sure, no problem," Ash says happily. "Pikachu and Oshawott can help too.

"Pika!" Pikachu says.

"Oshawott!" Oshawott says excitedly.

Serena smiles at Ash and Pikachu's enthusiasm before turning to Scott, Timothy, Electchu, Poliwrath, and Coovers.

"How about the rest of you?" She asks.

"Well, I can be pretty handy in the kitchen thanks to taking care of my sister, so I'll help Brock," Coovers says.

"I'll do the same," Scott announces before he and Coovers walk over to help Brock.

Timothy sighs and says, "Well, I hardly have any experience with cooking at all, so if you need some very basic help, Electchu, Poliwrath, and I will do our best, Serena."

"Great. You three can help with mixing the cookie dough and decorating," Serena says cheerfully.

"Uh...yay?" Timothy says nervously.

"Raichu," Electchu says, sharing its trainer's feelings.

"Wrath," Poliwrath mumbles, feeling the same way.

**********************************************

For the next hour and a half, the group works together in making dinner with Brock, Coovers, and Scott making a meat stew with rice and vegetables and Ash, Timothy, Pikachu, Electchu, Oshawott, and Poliwrath helping Serena and Poliwag make macarons and cookies as best as they can. Every now and then, Serena has to swat Ash or Oshawott's hands for trying to take a bite of the cookie dough while Timothy, Electchu, and Poliwrath struggle to decorate the treats the way Serena showed them.

While they are working, Lucy, Barbara, and their sisters wait patiently in the living room couches on the other side. Barbara and the other women wait eagerly for dinner to be ready, but Lucy is staring at Brock, intently watching him make the meal while giving orders to Scott and Coovers. Her cheeks stayed beet red the entire time, and she's secretly thankful that her sisters are too focused on food to notice her.

Finally, Brock makes one last taste test before smiling and turns to everyone, saying, "Alright, everyone. Dinner is ready."

Lucy, Barbara, and the other women smile excitedly as they get up and walk over to the dining table where Serena and Ash are placing silverware and Timothy puts away the treats in the refrigerator.

"Let's not forget some food for the Pokemon," Scott suggests.

"Of course not," Brock says. "I always keep some of my personal Pokemon food with me."

Lucy's eyes widen, and she gasps softly in realization.

"That's right. My Pokemon are still playing outside. They are probably starving by now," she says before turning to Barbara and her other sisters. "Let's get their bowls quickly."

"Right," all the other women say at the same time.

The six of them walk out of the room and head back, carrying Pokemon food bowls. Ash, Serena, and Coovers notice that one of the bowls is very large and so look in confusion as Lucy and her sisters fill the bowls up. After the bowls are filled, Lucy gives a satisfied smile before she opens the large, sliding glass, back door.

"Sweethearts, dinner," she calls out.

Everyone waits for a moment before they hear several footsteps heading their way. The next thing they know, a Snorlax, Abra, Cyndaquil, Makuhita, Skitty, and Swinub, all happily enter the cabin.

"Darlings, did you have fun playing outside?" Lucy asks sweetly.

All six Pokemon let out happy calls that makes Lucy smile.

"I'm glad," she says.

"Wow, look at all those Pokemon," Ash says.

"I know," Serena says while taking out her Pokedex. "Snorlax, Abra, Makuhita, Skitty, and Swinub, but who is that Pokemon?"

She opens her Pokedex, and it scans Cyndaquil before saying, "Cyndaquil, the fire mouse Pokemon. Normally mild and even-tempered, Cyndaquil will shoot a scorching flame out of its back when upset."

"You know, Typhlosion was a Cyndaquil before it evolved into a Quilava," Ash says.

"Aww, really?" Serena coos. "It looks so adorable!"

"Yes, Cyndaquil and all of my Pokemon here are very adorable and very precious to me," Lucy says as she pets Cyndaquil and Skitty lovingly. "I love each and every one of my Pokemon. It's always so nice just to look at their beautiful eyes."

Lucy's Pokemon call happily while her sisters, Ash, Coovers, Timothy, and Serena smile at the display of her interacting with her Pokemon. Even Brock gives her another gaga look.

"Look at her so sweet and so loving to her Pokemon," he says. "This is the most beautiful sight I've ever seen."

Lucy hears his praise, and a blush emerges from her face again. She turns to her Pokemon again to hide her blush, but her mind is still on the young man as she gazes into the eyes of Cyndaquil and Skitty. Fortunately, everyone suddenly hears a loud grumble and turns to Ash who chuckles nervously.

"Sorry, everyone," he says. "Guess that means I'm ready to eat."

Serena smiles and shakes her head before she says, "Well, then what are we waiting for? Let's eat."

"Right!" Everyone says excitedly.

Thus, Ash, Serena, Coovers, Brock, Scott, Timothy, and Lucy, Barbara, and Lucy's other sisters begin to devour their meals excitedly. Before long, they all stop for a moment as their eyes widen and they smile brightly.

"Wow, I never knew a stew could taste this good!" Timothy exclaims.

"Me neither, and I helped make it!" Coovers squeaks in a high-pitched voice.

"Brock, you are a wizard," Scott compliments. "How you can conjure up a meal like this is beyond me even though I also helped you make it."

"Thanks," Brock says.

Suddenly, Barbara lets out a high-pitched squeal.

"I never tasted something so good in all my life!" She shouts with stars in her eyes.

The other sisters let out happy sighs in agreement before turning to Lucy with looks of confusion.

"Lucy, are you alright?" One of them asks.

Everyone suddenly turns to Lucy, who is standing still with her pupils shrunk and her spoon still in her mouth. Everyone starts to worry if something is wrong before she suddenly starts eating the stew vigorously until her bowl is completely empty. She turns to see everyone's looks of worry turn into looks of shock. She blushes in embarrassment as she clears her throat, wipes some bits of stew off her face with her napkin, and awkwardly offers her bowl to Brock without looking at him.

"May I have more, please?" She asks quietly.

Immediately, Brock giggles happily and declares, "Of course there is, my dear Lucy! Have as much as you want!"

"Brrrooooccckkkk," Serena says, warningly like a mother telling her child not to do something wrong.

Brock winces at Serena and clears his throat before he calmly says, "Yes, there's more than enough for seconds and thirds for everyone."

Lucy smiles as Brock takes her bowl and fills it up. As she eats her second bowl of soup, she glances at Serena, who smiles content with Brock's sudden change of attitude. The black-and-red-haired woman starts to figure out that the honey blonde girl is someone who prefers to hold Brock back on his romantic advances just like Barbara and Max, who also dragged him by the ear when Ash came for his battle at the Battle Pike. Thus as she quietly yet merrily eats her stew, she starts thinking of a way to get herself and Brock alone and away from Serena and Barbara.

For the next twenty minutes, everyone happily eats until the soup is completely empty. The group sighs blissfully from enjoying their meal, and even Pikachu, Electchu, Oshawott, Poliwag, Poliwrath, and Lucy's Pokemon sigh happily from eating their bowls of Pokemon food.

"Oh, I could eat that stew for the rest of my life and never get tired of it," Barbara declares.

"You can say that again," Scott says.

"Yep, Brock never fails to make a meal so unbelievably fulfilling," Ash says.

"No kidding," Timothy says.

"Now I hope everyone isn't too full," Serena says in a singing voice. "Remember I have some delicious treats for dessert."

Almost instantly, Ash and Oshawott's eyes light up in excitement.

"Alright! I can't wait!" Ash exclaims.

"Oshawott!" Oshawott shouts.

Serena smiles at the enthusiasm of the boy she cares for and his Pokemon before she walks over to the fridge and comes back with bags of macarons and cookies. She starts passing one of each to each person and Pokemon, and they all eat their treats before making the same reaction as they did when eating the stew.

"Wow, this is so delicious!" Barbara exclaims.

"I can't believe I was decorating something so sweet," Timothy says.

"Yeah, if you can call it decorating," Coovers teases before joyfully saying, "Still, this is delicious."

"Oh, I feel like I've died and gone to heaven," Barbara says with stars in her eyes again while her sisters nod in agreement.

"What did I tell you? Serena makes the greatest treats in the whole world," Ash says with his mouth full.

"Oshawott!" Oshawott says with its mouth also full.

"Ash, don't talk with your mouth full," Serena ridicules while also smiling from his praises. "Anyway, there's more than enough for anyone who wants more."

At the sound of the word "more," Oshawott and Lucy's Snorlax turn to Serena with their mouth wide open for more sweets. Serena looks at them nervously before Oshawott jumps onto Serena's shoulder, reaching for the bags of macarons and cookies while Snorlax storms over to her excitedly.

"Ah, don't rush!" She screams panicking as she holds the bags defensively. "Leave plenty for everyone!"

"Oshawott, knock it off," Ash says as he tries to get his Pokemon off of Serena.

"You too, Snorlax," Barbara says as she and the other sisters rush over to try to pull Snorlax back from poor Serena.

Before long, Timothy, Coovers, Pikachu, Electchu, Poliwrath, and Poliwag join in with protecting Serena from Oshawott and Snorlax. As everyone tries to keep the two Pokemon away from Serena, Lucy glances at Brock, who chuckles awkwardly at the display while still on his seat. The Pike Queen's cheeks heat up again as she realizes that she has her chance to take her and Brock away from the others. She looks at everyone else to make sure they are still occupied with keeping her Snorlax and Oshawott away from all of Serena's treats before standing up and turning to Brock.

"Brock?" She asks, catching the young man's attention. "Would you...like to go for a walk outside with me?"

Brock smiles brightly and almost screams, "yes," before he holds his tongue. He turns to everyone else to make sure that Serena and Barbara are too focused on Snorlax and Oshawott before turning to Lucy and nods. Lucy smiles and gestures Brock to follow her to the back door. He gleefully obeys like a little child expecting a present or sweets as the two of them exit the house and start walking through the woods.

As they walk, Brock is looking at the sky blissfully, happy to be with Lucy while she looks at him bashfully and rubs her arm, struggling with thinking of something to say.

"Um...Brock?" She asks.

"Yes, Lucy?" Brock asks almost immediately.

Lucy's cheeks turn redder at Brock's eager attitude, and she takes a deep breath before continuing.

"I want to say that -"

"You love my cooking and wish for me to cook for you until the end of our days?" Brock interrupts.

Lucy's cheeks grow warmer, and she says, "No, I -"

"Wish to join me on my journey with Ash and Serena?" Brock interrupts again.

"No, it's -"

"Your biggest desire that I stay with you here in the woods forever and -"

Finally, Lucy puts her hand on Brock's mouth, silencing him. She frowns, slightly annoyed before she recollects herself and looks deep into Brock's eyes.

"I want to say that you have the most magnificent eyes I've ever seen," she says.

This time, Brock is the one blushing. Lucy removes her hand to see Brock giving a dopey smile.

"R-really?" Brock asks in a goofy way.

"Really," Lucy answers with a soft smile. "I've found eyes like yours to be mesmerizing for as long as I remember. I can't explain why, but I do. I guess you can say I found eyes like yours to be the ones that usually belong to someone kind and caring. That's what I love about my Pokemon at home. They all have eyes like yours, and each one has a kind and sweet heart that is more dear to me than the last. So when I looked into your eyes for the first time when Ash came to face me, I instantly thought of you as someone like my Pokemon."

Brock's dopey face turns into one of surprise as Lucy continues.

"To be honest, I only asked you and Ash and the others to dinner because...I wanted to spend more time with you," she confesses. "I...I missed you after Ash and I had our battle. I started to think about you whenever I come home and look into the eyes of Cyndaquil, Skitty, Snorlax, Makuhita, Swinbul, and Abra. I wish I got to know you more back then without Barbara or your little friend Max interfering. So after Timothy defeated me, I was afraid that you were about to leave again and so…"

"So you made up a reason for me to come back even if you've never cooked for someone before," Brock finishes for her.

Lucy looks away embarrassment and nods before turning her head to Brock.

"But when you came so ready to help me after I was found out I knew in my heart that I was right about how caring you are," she says before she chuckles, saying, "And your stew is something I can't put into words."

Brock smiles at her until Lucy takes both his hands. His face turns red, and his heart starts racing in anticipation. Lucy looks away nervously for a moment before she lets it out.

"Brock, what I'm trying to say is I… I really like you."

At this moment, Brock turns completely still. For years he has wanted the moment, or even a hint of hearing a woman actually say those words to him. To hear someone like Lucy say it is like a dream come true. His stone face turns back in a goofy one.

"Lucy, you don't know how happy I am to hear you say that!" He exclaims.

Lucy smiles at his demeanor and asks, "Then you it be alright if we could… spend some time together? Maybe you could even stay here with me like you suggested?"

Brock opens his mouth to instantly say yes, but then his voice does in his throat. Lucy's confidence weakens as she catches Brock frown and turn to the direction of where her house and everyone else is before he sighs.

"I'm sorry, but I can't do that," he says.

Lucy winces, and Brock wants his hands defensively.

"It's not that I don't want to," he says. "It's just that Ash and Serena need me. With Ash planning to compete in the Indigo League and Serena working hard to enter the Grand Festival and needing their help with her feelings for Ash, I can't stay behind while they need someone than just each other to support them. So, would you be willing to wait until my journey with my friends is complete?"

Lucy can't hide that she is disappointed with his response. She really wishes he can stay so she can look into his eyes whenever she wants. But at the same time, his loyalty to his friends makes it clear that he is who she believes he is when she looks into his eyes. After a moment, she smiles and squeezes Brock's hands while makes his face turn red.

"Very well," she says softly. "I will wait for you, Brock. Though if you wish, I will join you with rooting for Ash at the Indigo League."

Brock smiles excitedly and with a dopey voice, says, "I'll be counting the days until I see you there!"

Lucy quietly giggles before she pulls Brock in for a hug. The tall, young man freezes in place in a blissful, too happy to hug Lucy back, but she doesn't mind. The two of them stay like this with their faces beet red until Lucy reluctantly breaks the hug and shakes off her blush.

"We should head back," she says. "They might be wondering where we are by now. My sisters will probably be looking for me to calm down Snorlax."

Brock nods in understanding, and the two of them walk back to her house together. As they walk, Lucy leans closer to Brock and rests her head on his shoulder. He giggles quietly like a little boy, and she smiles at his reaction while her cheeks heat up again.

************************************

Thankfully for Serena, Lucy and Brock came back in time for the Pike Queen to calm down Snorlax before the sisters, Ash, Timothy, and Coovers tire out, and the Pokemon eats all of Serena's treats. After Serena was able to continue handing out the treats until everyone has had enough, Scott decides to drive Ash, Pikachu, Serena, Brock, Timothy. Electchu, and Coovers back to Fuchsia City. So after Ash, Serena, and Timothy return Oshawott, Poliwag, and Poliwrath back into their Pokeballs, they all get in Scott's car and wave Lucy, Barbara, and their sisters goodbye with Lucy secretly blowing a kiss toward Brock when everyone else is not looking. By the time they make it back to the Pokemon Center, Timothy, Electchu, Coovers, and especially Ash are already half asleep.

Scott decides to help the two men and the Raichu back into their rooms while Brock and Serena help Ash, who is walking like a zombie with Pikachu already asleep on his shoulder. When the four of them make it go their room, Serena guides Ash to his bed while Brock goes to the bathroom to brush his teeth.

"Iron tail...Pikachu," Ash mumbles as Serena puts Pikachu down on the edge of the bed and helps Ash take off his shoes and socks and get under the covers.

The honey blonde girl quietly giggles at Ash, already dreaming of battling with Pikachu.

"Oh Ash," she says quietly while she finishes covering Ash up in blankets. She turns around until she hears Ash speak again.

"Hey, Serena?" Ash asks with his eyes closed.

"What, Ash?" Serena asks.

Ash pauses for a moment as sleep starts to overtake him completely.

"You really do...make the most delicious treats in...the...world,' he mutters, barely saying the last word coherently.

Serena blushes, and she smiles, sweetly at Ash's compliment. She then gets an idea that makes her face turn completely red. After a moment of debating with herself, she gives in and leans her head toward Ash, moves her hair back and lightly presses her lips against his cheek.

"Thank you, Ash. Sleep tight," she whispers in his ear.

Ash doesn't make any response as he has already fallen sound asleep. Serena keeps smiling at the boy she likes while still blushing and turns around only to see Brock out of the bathroom, changed into his pajamas, and smirking at her.

"Well, aren't we a little plucky tonight?" He teases quietly.

Serena puts her hands on her mouth to cover a high-pitched whimper. Her pupils shrink as she realizes she was spotted. Brock keeps his teasing looks before he shakes his head.

"I'm not really judging, Serena," he says. "I think it's good that you are taking baby steps...even if you're doing it while he's asleep."

Serena's shocked face softens, and she turns back to Ash and smiles again.

"Maybe, but I also wish to think I would have tried something...more than that if we didn't end up going to Kanto together," she says.

"What do you mean?" Brock asks.

"I mean, if we had to go our separate ways after our journey through Kalos, I would have told him how I felt," Serena explains. "I would have told him how much he means to me and how even though we are going different paths, I will come for him someday. And then, if the moment is right, I'd like to think I would have mustered the courage to kiss him on the lips."

Brock looks at his friend, surprised.

"Then why haven't you done it already?" He asks.

Serena's smile falters slightly before turning to Brock.

"I don't know," she says while putting her hand on her blue ribbon. "I guess it's because I just want to focus on spending more time with Ash. To maybe get through to him while we're here in Kanto even if it looks impossible. But if the day does come that our dreams take us in different directions, I hope I will have the courage to do what I think I would have done if we parted ways in Kalos."

Brock keeps looking at Serena for a moment and smiles before putting his hand on her shoulder.

"You'll get through to him," he says. "You're going to find what you're looking for one way or another."

"But how can you be so sure?" Serena asks.

"Let's just say I have some experience," he says.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Serena asks, confused.

Brock stammers for a moment, realizing he is very close to bringing up his conversation with Lucy and quickly walks away.

"Oh, would you look at the time? We better get to bed. Your contest is early in the morning after all," he says.

Serena keeps her confused state as Brock jumps into his bed and pretends to fall asleep. She sighs and decides to drop it, knowing that she will have to get up early for her contest. She heads to the bathroom to change into her pajamas, and when she comes out, she lets Absol out of its Pokeball so that it can sleep next to her.

"Sweet dreams, Absol," she says softly as she gets under the covers of her bed and wraps her arm around her beloved Pokemon. "We have a big day ahead of us."

"Sol," Absol quietly says back before it rests its head beside its mother figure.

Serena smiles and closes her eyes so she can begin to sleep. As she does, she wonders if the very thing she desires with Ash will ever happen someday.