Thank you for everything you do

A battle of old rivals

The gang settled at the pokecenter after they arrived and began to eat their lunch

"Food finally!" Ash celebrated as his Pikachu did the same

Everyone began to eat and were happy their mission to get mega stones was finally over

"So Ashy-boy..."

"Yea?" Ash responded with food on his mouth

"Where's your 8th gym badge?"

"Snowbelle city I believe" Ash said

"Hmm... I might stick around"

"Really?!" Ash exclaimed

"Yea but I need  to get approval from gramps"

"Alright then we would love your company" Serena said while giving Gary a bright smile

"Well I'll be back soon I need to call him now" Gary told everyone while standing from his chair and patting Ash's shoulder once everyone stopped looking

 ~~ Group POV ~~

"Wow Gary might be able to stick with us for longer!" Ash exclaimed

"I like him... he is quite the fun personality" Serena chuckled while looking back at his interactions with Ash

"He is actually very funny with his mannerisms" Bonnie agreed

"And he also has gotten a lot of experience around the world too!" Clemont exclaimed

"I like having him around... he brings back memories" Ash said recalling all of the old times that Gary had reminded him of

"Yea like your little encounter with Serena a bunch of years ago..." Bonnie said almost laughing

Serena was caught off guard and began blushing a little while Ash jumped on his seat

"Eh I mean umm" Ash mumbled

"What was it you called her back then... cute girl?" Bonnie said with the most mischievous smile

If Serena wasn't flustered and mumbling in nervousness then, she was now

"Right Serena he called you cu-" Bonnie was saying as she felt Clemont's hand cover her mouth

"That's enough Bonnie you are going to kill these two if you keep going" Clemont said still covering her mouth still

Serena put her head in the table and was covering herself with her hands while Ash wasn't saying anything looking away

"Oh fine" Bonnie sighed as she got free from Clemont

~~ Gary POV ~~

"Hey Gramps!"

"Hello Gary"

"The mission was a success and we got three stones!"

"Good so will you now make your way to return?"

"Well about that..."

"Oh Gary what do you want now?"

"I was wondering if I could stick around with Ash's friends for longer"

"Hmm"

"I could catch a new pokémon if you want I-"

"No it's fine"

"Really?"

"Yes I mean as long as you keep those stones safe then there shouldn't be a problem"