Amourshipping Story: Childhood Bonds

Part 1: The Beginning and the Mischief Makers

The autumn leaves danced in the breeze as young Serena sat on the edge of a grassy hill, tears glistening on her cheeks. She clutched her knee, scraped from a tumble during the class picnic. The other kids were off playing, their laughter distant. Just when Serena thought she'd be left alone, a boy's cheerful voice called out.

"Hey! Are you okay?"

Serena looked up to see a messy-haired boy with wide brown eyes. He was holding a bandage in one hand and a stick of chocolate in the other.

"I... I fell," Serena sniffled, wiping her tears.

"I'm Ash," the boy said, crouching down. "Don't cry! My mom taught me how to patch up scrapes. Here."

With surprising gentleness for someone so full of energy, Ash cleaned Serena's wound with a water bottle he'd brought and carefully applied the bandage. When he was done, he grinned. "All better now, right?"

Serena nodded, her tears forgotten. "Thank you, Ash. I'm Serena."

From that moment, they were inseparable.

---

Years Later

"Serena, hurry up!" Ash hollered, leaning against the school gate.

"Relax, I'm coming!" Serena called back, brushing her honey-blonde hair out of her face as she jogged toward him.

It was their second year of high school, and nothing had changed between them-except, perhaps, how close they had grown. They were infamous at Lumiose High for their antics: sneaking snacks into class, pulling harmless pranks on their friends, and always finding creative excuses for being late.

"You know, one day we're going to get caught," Serena teased as they strolled into the hallway.

"And when we do, we'll just charm our way out of it," Ash said confidently, flashing his trademark grin.

Their classmates often joked that Ash and Serena were like two halves of the same coin. Whether it was group projects, gym class, or even lunch breaks, they were always together.

"Hey, Ash, Serena," Clemont called from their homeroom door. "You two didn't tamper with my science project again, did you?"

Ash feigned innocence. "What makes you think we'd do something like that?"

"You two are practically professionals at causing chaos," Bonnie chimed in, rolling her eyes but smiling.

Serena laughed, nudging Ash. "Relax, Clemont. We're innocent this time. Promise."

---

After school, the duo headed to their favorite spot-a quiet park near the school. Serena spread out a blanket under a tree while Ash unpacked a bag of snacks.

"You know, Serena," Ash began, popping a chip into his mouth, "I've been thinking. We've been friends for, like, forever. Don't you think it's crazy?"

Serena smiled, her sapphire eyes twinkling. "Crazy how?"

"I don't know. Just... crazy how much we've been through together. It's like we're stuck with each other."

"Stuck?" Serena teased, pretending to be offended.

"You know what I mean!" Ash said, throwing a chip at her.

She laughed, leaning back against the tree. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Neither of them realized it yet, but something deeper was growing between them, hidden in their laughter and shared adventures.