Pasio University

Chapter 27- Home is Where the Heart Is

Serena POV

I woke up that morning and looked over to my side and saw Calem, still fast asleep. It was so weird to see him completely still and at peace like he is when he is asleep. He's always restless, whether it be from anxiety or something else, I'm happy to see him rest. I smiled as I got up and fixed my hair, before heading downstairs. I figured while I was here I might as well get to know Calem's family better. I turned the corner at the bottom of the large staircase and went in to the living area. I stood around and looked left and right. I heard behind me, "I doubt you'll find anyone here." I turned back and it was Calem, hair still in a mess. I replied, "Huh? Why not?" He scoffed, "Work. Those two don't stop. For anything." I sighed, "That sounds like it came from a place of hurt." Calem shook his head, "It does. Sorry to drag ya in to that." I smiled, "No problem at all! I want to know what you're thinking so I can help you." Calem smiled, "Oh! Speaking of, you want to take me to your place now?" I nodded, "I'd love to."

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I knocked on the door and waited for my Mom, Grace, to answer. Moments later she did and wrapped me in a tight hug. "Ohhh! Serena! I've missed you so much!" I giggled, "I'm happy to see you Mom, and guess who I-", Mom looked behind me, "Oh my! And you must be Calem!" He nodded, "Yes Ma'am, That's m-" she then ran over and hugged him, "Wow! I knew for sure my Serena would pick a good one!" Calem laughed awkwardly, "Eheh. Th-thanks..." I smiled, "Let him breathe Mom!" She broke the hug, "Oh yeah! Sorry Calem." He shook his head, "No problem, thanks for being so welcoming." Mom smiled, "You're so polite! I see why Serena likes you!" I sighed, "Ok Mom..." Mom laughed, "I'm joking- well not really but- anyway come on in! Both of you." We were whisked in to the living room and given tea almost immediately while mom continued to talk to us, Calem was enjoying it, I can tell he's not used to people being so welcoming to him. I'm glad I get to be that for him, and my Mom too.

Victor POV

I shook myself awake the next morning, I'm a little groggy, but I know for sure I'm more well rested than I have been in a long, long time. I slid myself out of bed and stretched wide as I looked out my window looking over the fields of Wooloo. I heard Kira run up the stairs and excitedly begin to talk to me, "Victor! Victor! Want to go see the Wooloo?" I chuckled, "Trust me, I've seen them." Kira tilted her head, "Oh. What're you gonna do?" I shrugged, "I think I'm gonna take a taxi up to Spikemuth for the day. I haven't seen Piers and Marnie in ages." Kira got really excited, "Oh! That sounds fun! I'd love to see Marnie! Can I come?" I scratched my head, "I mean yeah if Mom says-" "MOM! CAN I GO WITH VICTOR TO SPIKEMUTH!?" Kira interrupted me, I heard Mom walk up the stairs, then look at me, "You're going to Spikemuth Victor?" I shrugged, "If that's ok with you." Mom smiled, "Of course it's ok, as long as you take your sister with you." I smiled, "Sounds good!"

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Marnie POV

I let out a sigh. No scheduled challenges today. Geez. When the gym challenge isn't happening there really isn't a whole lot to do. I know a lot of people want a job where they do nothing but I love my job, and I want to do it. I looked over to Piers performing in front of his fans. I sighed. He seems to be enjoying himself. I turned my head as I heard, "Hey is this gym open for challenges? I've heard the leader here is pretty good." I looked over to where I heard the voice, "Yeh. It's open. And I donno where ye heard that one from but..." At that moment Victor came forward, with his sister at his side, I stood up, "V-Victor! Y-you..." He ran up and hugged me, he laughed, "I was just jokin' about the challenge by the way." I chuckled, "Well, offer's still up if yeh change your mind..." Victor laughed, "I'll think about it." I looked to my side, "Piers! Look who turned up!" He picked up his microphone and looked over, "Aha! Victor!?" Victor ran over and fist bumped him. He laughed, "Piers! Enjoying the retired life?" He laughed, "I couldn't call it that. You seem pretty busy yourself these days, 'champ'." Victor smirked, "Yeah. Whatever. You're just jealous." Piers chuckled, "Ok. Ok. Hey Kira, want to play with Obstagoon?" She nodded fervently, "Yes please Mr. Piers!" Piers smiled, "Ok, come with me, but uh don't call me Mr. Piers, you're makin' me feel old." They both walked off somewhere else and I looked at Victor, "So... Whatd'ya... Want to do here?" He shrugged and smiled, "Hey, I just came here to visit you guys, it's up to you. I can just leave if ya want-" I responded quickly, "N-no Don't-" Victor put his hands up, "Joke. It's a joke." I sighed, "Right. Er... Yeh have anywhere you want to go...I'm kinda tired of the stuff here..." Victor smiled, "Well, I dunno, I could get something from that nice seafood place in Hulbury and bring it here for ya." I smiled, "That sounds... Really nice... if you want to just go eat there if you're going anyway we can..." He smiled, "Sounds great, let's go."

Selene POV

I woke up in Elio's bed (He let me have it since I needed sleep so bad, he and Lillie fell asleep on each other on the couch.) I walked out in to the living room and looked over at the couch. Lillie was resting on Elio's lap, I looked over at Elio, "Get a room lovebirds, dear goodness." Elio smiled, "Shush. I'm living my dream right now." I chuckled, "Because she's in it or because I wasn't?" Elio chuckled, then jokingly replied, "A bit of both, now shoo." I shook my head while laughing. I'm so happy for him. After all he's been through he deserves to have a couple things go his way. I walked out to the porch and stood next to mom who was leaning on the railing, enjoying the nice spring breeze. I walked over, "Morning Mom!" She looked over and smiled, "Selene! How are ya honey?" I smiled widely, "Great! I just got done harassing Elio for the day." I said while laughing. Mom laughed, "Oh good. I gotta say though, I'm so happy to see him so relaxed, these last few years have been... Well you know, you probably know better than I do." I shook my head, "I know. I almost envy how well he's doing now..." Mom looked puzzles, "Really...are you not doing so well now Selene?" I shook my head, "I mean... I'm fine, but I don't have any goals y'know. I don't... I like what I'm studying but there's no goal there. I get a job and then what? Elio just accomplished his redemption arc." Mom smiled and looked off, "His redemption arc? You mean you weren't involved? You didn't bring him back on the road to recovery? You didn't fight by his side? You didn't have the same enemies?" I sighed, "I mean... I guess I did..." Mom shrugged, "You did. I know that's not fulfilling to you though. To me, I think you're already making the right steps." I looked at her, "Huh? What do you... What-" Mom chuckled, "I think you know what I mean. A big goal in life sometimes is just spending all the time you can with the ones -or one- you love." I elected to ignore that interjection. "How do you figure that?" She shrugged, "Well, I talked to Elio about it, and the main reason he got over the rest of his problems was because the root of his problems was missing Lillie. He wanted to have all his friends back, and now that he has both you and Lillie he's happy. Trust me, without you he'd be just as sad, ya should've seen him when you left for vacations." I laughed, "Really?" She smiled and nodded, "Really. Trust me. But uh- don't tell him I told you that." I giggled, "Wouldn't dream of it. Thanks Ma." She hugged me. "Now go enjoy your day alright? If you want to go do something together please let me know. There's nothing I love more than spending time with my children." I smiled and began to walk before being stopped, "Hey! Selene!?" I looked over and there stood Professor Kukui with Professor Burnet, I looked over puzzled, "Professors?" They smiled, Burnet spoke, "Ah. Yeah. We live here! Just down the road actually... Good morning Celeste!" Celeste was Mom's name. I don't call her that. I also probably didn't have to explain that to you. But I did. You're welcome. Mom smiled back and waved, "Morning Burnet. It's been a while since you guys have been home." Kukui nodded, "It has been... Really long time, last time I was here was... Geez probably when you guys moved in. I got the job at Pasio in the middle of young Elio's island challenge." Mom looked at him, "So what's the occasion for your return this time? Just miss the ocean?" She laughed, knowing full well Pasio was surrounded by water. Kukui smiled, "Can't say so. I actually just missed the big house we have here... And I wanted to spend some time with Burnet at a fresher place for break this time." I looked around, "...I'm gonna... Get some malasadas... I'll see you guys later." They all nodded and waved goodbye as I began the trek to Hau'Oli City.

I walked to the edge of the marina, bag of malasadas firmly in hand. I sat on a bench and watched the boats come in and out. Gladion happened to be here and joined me, I looked over to him, "Hey Gladion, what brings you out here- want a malasada?" He shook his head, "I'm good, just ate." I shrugged, "Your funeral." He chuckled, "Whatever. Hey I meant to ask you if you had any plans for the rest of today besides this." I shrugged, "Nah. I don't. What you gonna ask me out on a date or something?" I taunted him, he looked at me flatly and replied, "Actually...yeah." I blushed and reeled back, "Oh... Well... I guess I'll see you then..." He smiled and laughed, "Awesome. Thanks Selene, see ya at Mallows?" I nodded, "Y-yeah that sounds great..." He nodded and then walked away. Well. This break just got a lot better.