Thought it was dark outside, the town was surprisingly well lit. She even saw a few fireflies scattered around. Was it that close to summer already? She walked slow, enjoying the ocean breeze as she made her way through the town.

If she had been paying more attention, she might have heard the man walking past the corner of the clinic at the same time as her. Instead, she collided straight into his shoulder. "Oh!" She gasped, taking a staggered step back as she held a hand over her throbbing nose that had rammed straight into his shoulder.

"I'm so sorry!" She dropped her hand from her nose, reaching to touch the man's arm lightly. "Are you okay?"

The startled man looked her over, then beamed. "Never better." He turned to face her, gesturing to her nose. "Didn't hurt you, did I? My shoulder isn't too soft." He laughed, his eyes practically sparkling.

Hikari couldn't help but smile back at him, finding his happiness contagious. "It's a bit sore, but I'm a big girl, I'll be okay." She found herself brushing her fingers through her hair as she spoke.

"I don't think I've seen you around here before… I would remember a cute girl like you. It's suspicious. I've decided! I have to take you in for questioning over a late night dinner, that is, if the lady hasn't eaten already." The man brought his forefinger to his chin, eyeing her in faux suspicion.

His charisma earned a blush and a laugh from Hikari. It wasn't everyday she was blatantly flirted with, and he was quite the charming individual. "Maybe I have, maybe I haven't. Maybe this girl wants to remain a mystery." Hikari tucked her chin slightly, looking up at him through her eyelashes with a coy smile before walking past him.

She sauntered off, heading towards the bar like she had intended. She could hear the footsteps of the man catching up behind her. "My name's Kasey, what's yours, mystery girl?"

Hikari rolled her eyes with a grin. "Let's just stick with 'mystery girl' for now." She figured Kasey was the persistent type of man, and it would just take a little extra effort on her part to make sure he understood that she wasn't looking for a relationship right now. Kasey walked beside her casually, peeking over at her occasionally to see if he could catch her looking at him.

"I could always make up a name for you, you know. How about Molly? You look like a Molly."

"Whatever works for you, Kasey." She waved a hand dismissively, seeing what looked like the local bar across the bridge in front of them. Kasey quickly jumped in front of Hikari, walking backwards to keep her pace. "Say it again." He urged excitedly, a broad grin on his face. "Say what?"

"My name!"

"There's no reason to." She almost laughed again at his overly exuberant behavior. "Oh come on. How about this, you say it one more time, and I'll buy you ice cream." Kasey bribed, stopping and stretching his arms out wide when they were at the center of the bridge. Hikari was forced to stop. She peered up at him, her lips pursed as she considered his offer.

Ice cream was the one thing she had yet to throw up, and besides, who turned down free ice cream? "Fine, Kasey." She gave in to the man's offer. He smiled triumphantly, then reached for her hand as he bowed steeply. "This way, my lady."

When she hesitated to take his hand, she caught him tilting his head up to peek at her. Hikari giggled for a moment, then took his hand. "You're ridiculous." She sighed in defeat, letting him eagerly guide her to the bar. When they walked in, she was greeted by a pleasant, warm atmosphere.

She could smell the alcohol being served, but it wasn't strong enough to gag her like the bars on the mainland. Though the bar was rather bland compared to the extravagant ones she had been to before, this one had a certain charm to it.

"Hayden! I want a large ice cream for the lady!" Kasey loudly announced to the whole bar, turning everyone's attention to the two that just entered. Hikari's face burst into flames and she covered her face with her hand, wishing she could shrivel up in a hole. "What was that for?!" She hissed in embarrassment, pinching Kasey's side with her free hand.

"Boy, you know damn well we don't serve ice cream here." Hayden said, setting down the glass he had been cleaning. "How about I bring you all the cherries I get over the summer? I know you have some back there." Kasey shot back, dragging Hikari towards to empty bar stools. He graciously helped her onto a stool, then sat beside her. "Deal. Hope you realize who got the short end of the stick on this one, kid." Hayden said gruffly, leaning on the counter with his burly arms.

"I think, this time, you're the one who ended up with the short stick." Kasey winked, grinning at the middle aged man. Hayden shook his head, then turned his gaze back to the corner of the kitchen behind the bar. "Mind grabbing the ice cream from the back?"

Hikari followed his gaze, then froze as she locked eyes on a less than pleased Chase. Oh god, she had nearly forgotten in the midst of her embarrassment. She felt her cheeks heating up as she turned her eyes quickly back to the counter in front of her. "Sure…" Chase dryly replied, walking to another room in the back of the bar.

What would Chase think of her now? Here she was being brought into a bar by a man. As if their one night stand wasn't enough, surely now he had his assumptions about what kind of a woman she was. Oh, and, did she forget to mention? She was pregnant for god's sake! She let out a heavy sigh, then was nudged gently by an elbow.

"Why the long face?" Kasey questioned, laying his head on his arms so he could look up at her while her head was drooped forwards.

Hikari sat up, drumming her fingers on the counter once as she gave him a small smile. "Nothing, just tired." She lied, then rested her cheek in the palm of her hand. "Hm, that's no good. What can I do to keep the lady awake?" He thought out loud, his finger arching out to poke lightly against her arm.

"Nothing. Women need their sleep. Especially pregnant ones." An edged voice spoke, and Chase appeared holding the bowl of ice cream that had been requested. He approached the two, setting the bowl in front of Hikari as he gave Kasey a sharp look. Hikari stiffened, her eyes narrowing.

There was no reason for him to say something like that. Kasey's eyebrow arched, pulling himself up straight as he sneaked a glance at Hikari's slightly protruding stomach.

"And bartenders should mind their business instead of nosing in the customer's business." Hikari slowly spoke, making sure Chase heard each and every word. Chase's glare turned to Hikari, though less harsh than the one he had given Kasey. "I believe… it is my business." Chase's voice lowered, keeping other nosey people from listening in. "Please, tell me how my taking an offer for ice cream is your business." Hikari visibly seethed, her hormones making her ready to snap.

Hayden cleared his throat, and he eyed the two quarreling. "I think it's best to take your arguments somewhere else outside the building." He warned, his arms folding across his chest.

Chase untied his apron, setting it on the counter as he walked out of the kitchen. He took hold of Hikari's arm, hauling her out of her stool and outside of the bar. "Just what the hell do you think you're doing?" Hikari demanded once they were outside.

"Saving your ass from the local flirt. Do you really think he's just a 'nice guy'? He's bedded at least three of the girls here already. You'd just be another hole in his god damn belt." Chase snapped, whipping around and taking a few steps away from her as he ran a hand through his hair.

Hikari fumed, her fists clenching at her sides. "Do you think I'm that easy? I have no desire to fuck some random guy I just met!" When Chase turned around and looked at her incredulously, she bit her tongue and took a long breath through her nose. "I was drunk." She defended poorly, earning a scoff from him. "Because that makes me feel better about the whole damn thing!"

"It was different then!"

"How was it any different?"

"Because you were different. It was fucking magical, okay?" Hikari felt tears well up in her eyes, her anger getting the better of her. "I haven't met a single person that made me feel the way you did that night." She brought a hand up to rub away a stray tear. "I know it was just a one night stand, so I didn't expect anything more from you. I figured we would go our separate ways. Then I ended up pregnant with your baby and-and…" She stopped herself, a small snivel coming from her.

Chase let out a heavy sigh, his anger dropping from his face as he frowned. "Hikari… I'm not the man you might think I am. I will take responsibility for my actions, though." He stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Anyways… Just don't hang out with Kasey too much, okay?" Hikari sniffled one last time, then nodded. "Fine, I didn't have any interest anyways. I was just hungry and he offered me ice cream…" She sulked as she folded her arms delicately.

Chase sighed in relief, offering her a half smile. "I'll cook something for you. My treat. Let's go back in." He propped the door open for her, and she went inside to return to her seat. While Chase went back to work with cooking, Kasey studied Hikari. "Are you really pregnant?" He asked, his knee bouncing as an absentminded habit. "Yes, I am pregnant. Four months." Hikari answered, biting her spoon lightly as she thought.

"Damn, you're not as round as I'd have thought four months would look like. You should try modeling for pregnant ladies." Kasey smiled brightly, obviously no longer distracted by the fact that she had a baby and a lover for all he knew. She gaped at him for a moment, stupefied that he could still be so daring. "For the love of god, Kasey, would you shut up?" Chase groaned, growing more irritated the more he heard his voice.

"You sure are concerned over this girl, Chase." Kasey smirked over to him. "Yo! Kasey, Chase, Gill, what's up!" An excited voice boomed. There was a loud smacking sound of a hand slapping into Kasey's back. Kasey lurched forwards with a yelp, and he instantly swiveled around to face a blue haired man. "Why do you have to hit so hard?" He asked in exasperation, holding his hand on his back.

"I can never have an evening of peace…" A whisper of despair came from a few seats over. Hikari glanced over to see an annoyed looking man, a book laid in front of him and a glass of wine to the side.

"Luke, where've you been?" A soft female voice came from further to the left. An exotic dancer sashayed over, her hips naturally flaunted as she walked. "Sorry, sorry. Pops needed help with repairs before I left. We had to patch the holes in the roof from the storm." The blue haired man apologized, taking her in his arms and giving her a small peck.

Hikari started shoveling down her ice cream, partially because she was having a hot flash and because she couldn't stand seeing other couples affectionate with each other while she… well, while her romance life was pretty much destroyed. Who would want a woman with a baby from a one night stand?

"Here, this has a lot of nutrients so try to keep it down." Chase's voice interrupted her moping and she looked up, seeing a box lunch. It was filled to the brim with food, but not just any food. It looked like artisan food. She wasn't sure why she started crying. Maybe it was hormones, the genuine care in his eyes that touched her, or her depression over her shitty love life.

It was probably all three.

Chase stared with wide eyes, his arm frozen even after she took the box lunch. "Chase, you jerk, what did you do?" The exotic woman exclaimed, rushing over to Hikari's side and resting a hand on her side as she glared at him. "I didn't do anything!" He threw his hands up.

"Are you okay? Did he say something rude? He does that so often, you know." The woman murmured, petting down Hikari's hair soothingly. She normally didn't like strangers touching her, but this time she was too distracted by her own emotions to protest. Hikari picked up one a sausage, inspecting it closer through teary eyes. She realized he had cut it into a little octopus.

"This is so cute…" She sniveled, tears streaking down her cheeks. The blue haired man's laughter belted out, and he nearly doubled over. "Luke!" The woman exclaimed in disapproval, giving him a look.

"I'm sorry, I don't know why I'm crying." Hikari held her face in her hands, feeling even more embarrassed than she had before. She felt gentle pats on her stomach from the woman. "That's hormones for you. It isn't your fault, sweetie. My cousin Helen recently had a baby too, and I was with her through majority of it."

"How did you know she was pregnant?" Kasey asked, stunned that she knew without having to ask. "Look at her stomach, Kasey. Tell me she isn't pregnant." The woman asked in a tone that plainly said 'dumb ass'. Kasey shrugged, standing from his stool. "Look, some girls just have a little bit of pudge. I wasn't going to say anything." He waved his hand dismissively, then headed for the door. "I've gotta go back to the farm, see you guys later."

"Finally." Chase mumbled, then headed to the back of the kitchen to begin cleaning. Hayden picked up the empty glasses of the bar, cleaning them as he started up a conversation with the man a few seats over. "Gill, how's that job on the mainland looking?" He asked, inciting a weary sigh from the man. "Father still disapproves, of course.

He wants me to take his place, but that won't come for quite some time. If I'm going to be mayor one day I'd like to help the town grow. I think this corporation could help us do that." Gill thumbed a page in his book as he answered. Hayden's lips tugged down into a thoughtful frown. "I don't know, some things are better left untouched by the city. Maybe I'm just old fashioned."

While the two men engaged in a more in depth conversation, the woman took Kasey's spot beside Hikari, her bangles clacking as she moved. "My name is Selena, I work as the dancer here." Her lips curled up in a friendly manner. "What're you on this little island for? We don't get many visitors." Hikari hesitated, wondering if it would be best to avoid the truth for now.

"I'm visiting, taking a break from city life." She murmured, toying with the octopus sausage in her fingers. She would feel bad if she ate it, so she set it back in the box lunch, choosing to eat the other parts first. "Where's your little baby's daddy? Did he have to stay home for work?"

Before Hikari had to worry about how to answer that question, Luke came up behind Selena and kissed her shoulder blade. "Let's go home, Sel. I'm wore out." He rested his forehead on her shoulder, and she gave an annoyed sigh. "I'm talking right now, can't you wait five minutes?" She turned in her stool, giving him a sassy look. Luke glanced up to her, grinning slightly before he leaned in to whisper in her ear.

Hikari could only imagine what he said, watching as Selena's cheeks darkened. Selena playfully slapped his shoulder, but couldn't stop the coy grin that spread from his words. "Fine, fine. Hikari, it was nice to meet you. I hope I see you again." Selena nodded to her, waving before she was led off by her eager lover.

It was quiet in the bar now. Hayden and Gill continued their conversation, and Chase was still cleaning up in the back. Hikari figured it was almost time for her to head back to the inn. The rest of the box lunch was plenty filling, though it gave her a twinge of nausea. What meal didn't give her that feeling nowadays? She pushed the empty box lunch forwards, sliding off of the stool to prepare to leave.

"Hikari, just wait a few minutes and I'll walk you back." She heard Chase call from the kitchen. "All right." She yawned, stretching her arms out before sitting back in her stool.

In just a few more minutes Chase came to the other side of the counter, his apron draped over his arm. The two left the bar, walking side by side in a closer proximity than they had at the first of the day. "It's been a hell of a day…" Chase muttered, obviously weary from today's events. Hikari hummed in agreement, glancing over to him after a moment. "I didn't expect you to be so overly protective." She teased.

"What—for stopping Kasey from trying to get up your dress?" Chase sputtered, then sighed when he realized she was only harassing him. "Don't get so worked up, you might start blushing!" Hikari giggled, reaching out to lightly push his shoulder. Chase grumbled to himself, looking away from her in shame that he allowed himself to fall into her trap. She smiled, her eyes lingering for a moment before looking ahead again.

"Thank you for the food, it was really good. You're talented." She complimented, trying to be nice to smooth over her toying with him.

Chase looked back to her with a genuine smile. "You think so? Well, tomorrow after we visit Jin I can cook for you again. Harmonica Town will be closed, so you don't have much choice unless you'd want to go hungry."

"Where will you cook for me?"

"My house, since both the restaurant and bar will be closed."

"Oh! How forward of you, I didn't think you were that kind of man." Hikari brought her fingers to her lip in faux astonishment, looking to him with wide eyes. "Never mind, I think you'll be okay on your own." Chase corrected. Hikari laughed at his embarrassment, then stopped when she realized they were already at the inn. Had the walk really gone by that quickly?

She turned to him, her eyes glinting in amusement. "That sounds nice, Chase. I'd be happy to have you cook for me again."

The two stood silent, both hesitating. "Well, I guess I'll-"

"Let's start over." Hikari's eyes widened when she heard his words that interrupted her own. "I'm sorry?" She asked, her brow furrowing in confusion. Chase's lips curved up into a half smile. "I think we got off on the wrong foot. Let's get to know each other because we want to, not because we're forced to. It'd be a shame if we were stuck in this limbo because of the baby." His hand went to rub the back of his neck again.

He looked almost intimidated, as if she were going to shut him down.

It was almost as if he was saying 'Hey, let's try to make this a relationship down the road.' He was right, to a degree. It would be best for a child to grow up with parents in a decent relationship. However, there were so many reasons to not start over. They had completely separate lives. She was settled in the city, comfortable with her job and apartment.

He was obviously rooted on this island, working two jobs day and night. If they tried to make this relationship something more, it would only cause stress and heartache later on.

"Yeah, that sounds really nice." What?

The words came out despite her concerns. For a moment she panicked, ready to retract her words. If it weren't for Chase's smile, she just might have done so. She couldn't believe he would look so content after just that, whereas she was starting to sweat because of the mere thought of possibly forming a relationship with him. She couldn't bring herself to tear the smile off of his face.

"Good. I'll let you get some sleep. Remember, we meet tomorrow at ten at the clinic." They bid their farewells, and once more she watched him as he disappeared out of town. All at once she felt her energy draining. She was too exhausted to worry now. She went into the inn, retreating to the comfort of sleep in her blankets. For some reason, she slept better that night than she had in weeks.