Another knock on the door roused Homura from her slumbery state. Having found nothing better to do, she had retired to the couch. She sprung back up on her feet. It hasn't been too long since that stranger left, who could it be now?

"Homura, open the door!" An all-too-familiar voice implored her to rush and get the door. On the other side stood Haru, looking all battered and worn out, but he still greeted her with a smile.

"What happened, Haru? You don't look too well." Homura inquired with worry as she led him back inside and the duo sat down on the couch; Haru taking it one step further by sprawling himself all out.

"Cigarettes. Can I have one?" Was his fatigued reply.

"Of course you could, but I think someone took the case. I couldn't find it anywhere within the house." Homura hated breaking the news to him. It had slipped their conversation during the morning.

Instead of becoming more irritated, Haru let out a hearty laugh.

"I guess the world wants me to quit, huh?" He laughed for some more time before turning solemn again. "Homura, I'm sorry I didn't tell you this before, but we need to talk."

He then proceeded to explain the ordeal at Devon Labs in short, watching Homura's expression turn from one of worry to one of scorn.

"Haru! Why did you hide this from me all the time? Do you not trust me or something?" She poked him on the chest accusingly.

"I didn't want you to worry needlessly, Homura. But it seems now it has gone beyond that." Haru sighed, gripping the paw that poked him just now.

"Well, now I'm worried." Homura sighed in turn. "Will it help you if I go back?"

"Of course not! I'd not trade the world for you. But if you prefer the lab -"

"Idiot!" Homura lashed out, "What makes you think I'd want to got back there, Haru? But if it saves you your job, I'll make peace with the fact."

Haru smiled with gratitude, relief and some newfound energy.

"Forget that stupid job! I'm a learned man, I can always find one way to live or another." He paused for a moment, "Please don't leave me, Homura."

"I'm not leaving you, Haru." Homura pulled him into her embrace, feeling sorry about lashing out just now. She felt him quiver in her arms. He calmed down soon enough.

"I'm happy, Homura." He muttered under his breath, but loud enough to reach her sensitive ears. She slowly began running her paw through his hair, hoping to comfort him. She had plenty to tell him - about the stranger with the cryptic warning, about the adventure she had in her new home, but all that could wait. After all, neither of them was going anywhere.


Haru and Homura went out for lunch together when time was due, as Haru had promised. The island only contained two major restaurants, one of them Haru was familiar with; having dined a few times in the past.

Homura took a good whiff once they were inside.

"This place smells delicious, Haru." She remarked between them.

"Of course, it was designed to prepare and serve food. Come on, let's have a seat." Haru led her by the hand to an empty table, earning them a few curious glances from other diners in the process. It was not everyday someone walked in with a Pokemon and clung to each other like a couple. Someone blew a whistle from across the room. Haru shot the offender an irritated glance, only to discover that it was a technician from the lab; based on his uniform.

"Mr. Takahashi, so you've really gone ahead and done it! Congratulations!" His voice was laden with what seemed to be mock praise. "Care to sit with us? We're just getting started." He offered.

"Thank you, but we'd rather not." Haru dismissed him with a wave of his hand. That man was seated with another woman, probably his partner. Haru didn't feel like becoming tangled in another couple's affair and dealing with more questions about Homura. But she tugged his sleeve.

"Maybe we should, Haru, he doesn't seem like a bad person." Homura let him know through her silent communication. Besides, she wanted to observe other people up close and their table manners.

"Alright then, I trust your judgment." He whispered back before moving over to the other table; which still had seats for two more. The technician and his supposed partner welcomed them with a smile, pleased with his change of mind.

The luncheon went surprisingly pleasant, as Homura's judgment turned out to be correct. After exchanging names and settling formalities, the technician and his partner, who turned out to be girlfriend, turned out to be rather friendly and jovial, a sort Haru wasn't used to dealing with. However, it was a nice change of pace following facing one opposition after another.

The restaurant specialized in seafood, as one might expect from one so close to the sea, but Haru and Homura opted for rice and curry instead, realizing the dangers fishbones might pose to someone inexperienced like Homura. She could probably burn them if they got stuck in her throat, but he didn't feel like risking it. Homura was just happy to have a taste of real food. It was undoubtedly better than Haru's bland menu, but she kept the thought to herself, not wanting to break his heart.

The two pairs had some chit-chat over their meals, and parted ways afterward without any hard feelings between them; the man and his partner were nice enough to not intrude into Haru's personal life, and both men maintained a professional demeanor most of the time. Haru ended up inviting the pair to the wedding ceremony due tomorrow. Homura spent most of her time enjoying the meal and was content to watch the others have a good time alongside herself.

"See, they weren't so bad." Homura remarked once she had left the restaurant with Haru. The other couple stayed, having additional plans for the day.

"You're right, I should hang out with people more often." Haru replied.

"You don't?" Homura was surprised.

"Always been a loner. Then I grew up and got busy with college and afterwards work. At least you made it tolerable." Haru solemnly remarked after finding a bench nearby. It provided enough shade from the sun of the high noon. Homura, finding the heat comforting instead, moved to the uncovered spot and under the sunlight.

"Well, I don't think you'll be lonely anymore, Haru. I'm here now. But maybe you should also befriend other people." She smiled at him before outstretching her paw and quickly changing the subject, "Want to hold hands?"

"You needn't ask." Haru smiled back, gently holding her warm paw. It made for an awkward sight - two persons sitting several inches apart and holding hands. Other people cast them amused glances from behind - it was pretty well established within the island by now that this somewhat strange man and the Delphox were a couple. Of course, rumors tend to get exaggerated and there were various details added, some rather curious and even vulgar - every time the words passed through another set of ears. But thankfully, both of them were unaware of it.

Haru glanced around before stalking closer to Homura. Only witnesses he could find in his sight were various Pokemon - mostly Flying-types like Wingull that were all too common in this area. Even though the beach was a good distance away, they seemed curious and lurked nearby. Maybe their strange union has sparked rumors among the local Pokemon populace as it did with people.

Homura suddenly glanced upwards and hollared something out loud at a Pelipper, which loudly replied back with something. Haru watched curiously; not wanting to intrude in her personal affairs. But he didn't have to, as she disappointedly shook her head and spoke up herself.

"I gave the bird a description of your father and to keep an eye out for him. She or her flock hasn't spotted anyone resembling him." Homura explained.

Haru raised his eyebrows.

"That's brilliant, Homura!" He exclaimed with amazement. He then tried to pat her head like he was used to, but she wiggled herself away again.

"What's wrong? Did I offend you?" Haru couldn't make head or tail of her behavior. She's been acting a little odd ever since their relationship changed. Was this normal? Never having been in a proper, full-fledged relationship before, it was new to Haru. All the data he had on Homura didn't explain her sudden, minute changes.

"No! It's just that... it feels different when you touch me, all of a sudden." Homura pointed out with embarrasment and tried to hide her face in her bosom.

"Oh." Haru scratched the back of his neck. The same could be said for himself, but he tried to simply change the subject. "I thought father had headed for Petalburg, if what the mob said last night was true."

"Oh, that's right! Someone from Petalburg dropped by earlier, when you weren't home." Homura suddenly remembered.

"Who?"

"He said his name was Junpei, an apprentice of your father. They had crossed paths in Petalburg."

Homura then gave him a detail of the short exchange that had occured between this stranger and herself, and the fact that she didn't let him in. Haru became absorbed in his thoughts for a while.

"Nope, doesn't ring a bell. Definitely not a classmate or a friend. Father did have a few students or apprentices, whatever he chooses to call them. At least he didn't try to force his way in, which is a better way of dealing with things." He continued to monologue in his methodical tone before snapping back to reality. "Sorry, I got lost in thoughts again."

"It's fine." Homura assured him. "But have you taken those things into consideration?" She couldn't simply shake off what had been said in that conversation.

"I have, actually. Father is a sturdy man, you have to give him credits for that. Never seen him shed a tear in my life. I'm sure he'll be fine. I'm more worried about what he's planning at Petalburg."

"Where is this 'Petalburg' place, anyway?" Homura inquired.

"Roughly north from here. Part of the mainland, if I remember correctly. Plently of rocky regions if you go further north or north-east, he probably has friends there."

"Can't you confirm he's safe, at least?" Homura asked with concern. Sure, he wasn't a very pleasant person, but she wouldn't wish harm upon anyone.

"I'd love to, but there's really no easy way to communicate with him for me - he doesn't carry a cell phone. Actually, employing bird Pokemon was a pretty decent idea."

"Is that really all?" Homura wasn't satisfied.

"Of course not." Haru shook his head, "The police knows he's missing, they've probably got an eye on him by now." He then gloomily looked at his feet, "They also think we drove him out of the house."

"But that's not true!" Homura exclaimed, remembering that the mob claimed the same thing last night.

"Exactly. And we should clear this matter up with them before both of us get into further trouble." Haru glanced at his watch. "Want to take a walk to the police station? I'd feel better if we're together."

"Let us depart." Homura swiftly got up from the bench. "Wouldn't they want a witness, as well?"

Haru chuckled before getting up and produced a small, metallic device from his pocket. "I have an electronic witness already, but you're welcome."


Author's Note: Thank you for reading. I haven't been able to write anything lately on account of my deteriorating health and other difficulties. It'll probably take me a while to get back into writing and publishing regularly again. Your readership and patience is greatly appreciated. Again, thank you.