Chapter Text
The loud, rhythmic beats of the dance studio pulsed through Serena as soon as she walked in. On stage, Shauna Nylund was stomping and gyrating to “OHKO.” Serena paused for a moment, clutching the to-go bag tighter as she listened.
“I’m a Pokevision Queen,” she sang, a sarcastic edge to her tone. “It can be a one hit knock out.” She slid forward with her dancers. While the others had red tones to their outfits, Shauna’s was baby pink and white. Her taste in attire hadn’t changed much despite the years.
Serena remembered Shauna writing this particular song. It was right after she made it big and everyone was decrying her as a flop waiting to happen. Well, three years later, Shauna was getting a solo region-wide tour for her album Ragweed to Roses and the media that had dogged her now worshipped her as the queen of pop music.
Shauna added a bit more shimmy to her movements. “I’m a Princess Has-Been. It can be a one hit knock out.” As their tennis uniform-esque outfits flounced on stage, it was evident that Shauna was definitely the lead. Her back up dancers were good, but Shauna wasn’t letting up.
“I’m Miss Paparazzi Gettin’ Paid Tonight. It can be a one hit knock out,” she sang, leading up to the big conclusion of the song.
Serena grew excited, unconsciously moving to the beat.
“I’m Miss You Better Treat Me Right! Oh, yeah… We can do it in one round.”
The dancers circled around her as the music abruptly came to an end, Shauna looking intensely at a non-existent audience.
Serena had to force herself to keep from clapping obnoxiously.
“Alright, ladies, let’s break for lunch!” the choreographer said whilst clapping to get everyone’s attention.
The dancers sighed in relief while Shauna scanned the back of the dance studio, spotting Serena. Quickly descending the practice stage, Shauna ran over, enveloping Serena in a big hug.
“Oh, my friend, I’ve missed you! C’mon, I’m starved! We’ll eat in my dressing room!”
Serena giggled. “Are they feeding you?! You’re ravenous!” All the same, she allowed herself to be led to Shauna’s dressing room.
Shauna was one of those stars with one name. Ornately decorated with glitter, Shauna’s dressing room was definitely marked. There was no mistaking where this sweet little starlet reclined.
As soon as they reached the room, Shauna dramatically flopped down on the chaise lounge that took up the front wall of her dressing room. Serena sat down at the chair before her make up counter, shaking her head.
“Please tell me you were able to get something from Feeding the Meowths,” Shauna pleaded.
“I can’t believe you doubted me!” Serena quipped, reaching down into the bag to pass Shauna her signature salad – apple and pecan with a sweet vinegar dressing with spinach. Serena, herself, went a more savory route: grilled chicken with olives and Italian dressing on chunk of iceberg lettuce. “The bistro was a little out of the way, but we weren’t filming any of my scenes today, so it was fine that I left early.” Rapid Spin Studios and Soundproof Incorporated were only a ten minute ride apart by taxi, after all.
As Serena dug into her lunch with the (sturdy and clearly more expensive than usual) plastic fork the bistro provided, she noticed that Shauna hadn’t even opened hers yet. “What’s up? Oh, shoot, I forgot to get us something to drink! Where’s the vending machines, I’ll go—!”
“No, that’s not it,” Shauna corrected. She got up, walking beyond the make-up table and returned with two waters. It was probably her mini-fridge. “It’s just… I wanna look my best for this tour. I notice I’ve been a little bloated some days, lately, so I’m wondering if I should cut out all my sugar.”
“Aw, Shauna,” Serena consoled, getting up to go sit by her friend. She patted her shoulder. “I know what you mean. But, you’re super cute! And, very fit.” To prove her point, she poked Shauna’s thigh. All that dancing had made her toned. “If someone makes a fuss because you’re a few centimeters wider on that little itty bitty waist of yours, that’s their issue. They should be looking at you perform, anyway!” Serena chided.
Shauna was indeed comforted, but she decided to give Serena a hard time anyway. “Easy for you to say! You haven’t worn anything exposing your midriff since, what, before you were Kalos Queen? You know there are still fans of yours that are obsessed with that Fennekin outfit.”
“I was, like, sixteen, seventeen when I wore that!” Serena said, a little bit aghast. She shook her head. “Whatever. The fact remains, you don’t have anything to worry about, O Queen of Pop.”
The two giggled, both digging into their meals properly.
“You know, I’m gonna try to make a show or two, but don’t get mad if the director keeps me the entire time,” Serena said in between bites. “This movie’s supposed to be historically accurate and it’s important because it discusses Kalos’s colonial past. He wants us to take it seriously.”
“I understand, Serena,” Shauna assured. “We’ve both got lives. Though, how about we make a deal: I’ll show up to one of the big Marching for Redcloud showings if you come to at least one of my shows? Otherwise, we have to meet up later to watch your movie and listen to my whole album! Like a slumber party. God, it’s been so long since we’ve had a sleep over.”
“That’s a deal,” Serena agreed.
“… Aw, man, I still can’t believe I’m going on my first tour!” Shauna enthused. “It feels like just yesterday that Soundproof found my Pokevision videos! … I do miss being able to goof off, more.”
“Shauna! That isn’t the way a married woman should talk!” Serena chided, pointing to Shauna’s ring finger. There, a golden band surrounded a blue diamond with white sapphire accents. Briefly, Serena found herself jealous of the ring. “… You know, every time I see that rock Clemont got you, I wanna get married!”
“You get married for more than a ring,” Shauna teased.
“I knoooooow,” Serena whined.
The singer rolled her eyes, taking a deep swig of her water. “Well, I mean, a certain Tierno Lawrenz still raves about how beautiful you are. He’s surrounded by women and I can tell he’s still after you. They’re all tall blondes, Serena. I mean, that doesn’t even cover all the other eligible young men, if you’ve decided you’re too good for a dance instructor or something.”
“I-I don’t think I’m too good for Tierno,” Serena balked, a bit insulted that Shauna had such little faith in Serena’s love life. Truth be told, Serena’s little heart still belonged to one Ash Ketchum. “My tastes are just… very specific.”
“Mmhm,” Shauna agreed. “You like ‘em ‘bout average height, dark, and—“
“Anyway, when are you and Clemont gonna have a baby, huh? And, am I going to be the godmother?!”
“God, not you, too! Bonnie hardly goes a second when she sees us without either dropping a hint or trying to steer the conversation that way. I’ve never met a little girl so invested in other people’s love lives!” Shauna flopped back on the lounge once more, dramatically knocking off her empty to-go box.
“… But, we did talk. After this tour, Clemont thinks if I take a while off and he can get paternity leave, we should try more seriously.”
Serena grinned. “Oh? Does that mean your current tries aren’t so serious?”
Shauna’s mouth was left agape. She took her bottle and splashed a little on the blonde. “Girl, check yourself because you are about thirsty! My break is over! Oh my gosh!” Calmed, Shauna giggled. “For real, chill out. I gotta go back to dancing. See you later, Serena.”
Whining for the wet spot now on her black shirt, Serena was suddenly glad she had a jacket around her waist. Putting it on, she waved goodbye to Shauna as she headed to the exit of the studio. “See you around, Shauna.”