Double Bubble Disco Queen

1

Harlan practically jumped off of the boat as it made contact with the dock. She stretched her back and arms, inhaling the chilly Adalan air she'd come to love as a child.

"Pretty fuckin' cold," Ember commented. He had his hood up - the passengers who didn't bring winter jackets had been given complimentary ones, and he was wearing one.

"Very." Exx looked the most cold, having his jacket over his mouth and nose.

"It'll get better as you get used to it. I'm gonna go see my dad. Where should we meet? Aura City centre?" Harlan suggested.

"Okay. I'll find my way around," Exx said. "The business deal can wait."

"Mind if I come with you, Harlan?" Ember asked. "I'm not sure where to start here. Might as well tag along with a friend if that's alright."

"Of course," Harlan said happily. "My dad would love to show you around the city if he ain't busy."

"See you two later, then," Exx bid them farewell. The three walked off, and Harlan found herself becoming awkward with Ember as they walked. She stared at the ground.

Continuing in silence, Harlan and Ember reached the Dark-type Gym. She pushed the doors open, holding them for Ember, and went down the familiar stairs to her dad's office. "Dad?" Harlan called. "It's... me!" she said, avoiding the use of her deadname. "Dad might call me something else, just so you know," she hurriedly told Ember to avoid any confusion. He nodded.

No response was heard. Harlan rattled his doorknob. Locked. "That's weird. Dad never locks his office," she mused.

"Maybe he's out sick?" Ember suggested.

"Maybe. But he still wouldn't lock the door," Harlan explained. "I know where to find him if he is. Let's go."

"Sure." With that, Harlan led the way, going out the back door and following the worn path she'd imprinted as a kid. Her home came into view and she said, "This way!" as she increased her speed. Her sneakers crunched in the frosted grass and she nearly slipped, forgetting she was still wearing Hoennian running shoes and not Adalan hiking shoes. Ember caught her by the arms, making sure she didn't fall.

"Thank you," she said shyly, becoming awkward again.

"No problem," Ember said, smiling. He let go of her and Harlan grinned sheepishly as she slowed her pace now. They walked side by side until Harlan reached the back door of her home, attempting to pull the screen door open. It was also locked, or stuck, either one. Harlan knew the trick to unstick the door, and pushed it in before pulling on it. Nothing.

"This is so weird?" Harlan said. "Where could he be?"

"Do you want me to try? The door might be frozen," Ember inquired.

"No, no, it's fine - it's just locked. I'm gonna try the other door. I will not rest until I see my dad." Harlan ran down the porchsteps and rushed to the front side of the house, trying the screen door. It was unlocked, so she unlocked the master door and went through to open the back door for Ember. "Got it," she said triumphantly.

"Good work," Ember praised. "Nice house you've got."

"Thanks - it's my dad's now that my mom lives in Alola. Dad!!" Harlan called. "You home?!"

No answer. Harlan felt a sense of oncoming dread. "Dad?" she asked, much more weakly now.

"I don't think he's here," Ember said, looking around. "Any other place you think he could be?"

"Ugh... I give up. He's probably busy elsewhere. Want to go get something to eat, maybe?" Harlan asked, still uneasy in her father's absence. Perhaps an outing would ease her anxieties.

"Sure. We can look for him later, if that's what you want." Ember shrugged. "Maybe Exx will find us too."

"Yeah - let's go." Harlan locked both doors as they left.

They continued to walk in silence until Ember spoke up. "Hey, Harlan?" he asked.

"Yeah?"

"Are you married?" Ember's eyes were on her wedding ring. Harlan stopped dead in her tracks. "I'm sorry if it's not OK to ask - I just noticed..." He trailed off.

"Yes. Well... technically. He and I are still legally married, but we didn't file for divorce yet. We're just separate right now." Harlan continued to walk after her explanation, her shoulders stiff. "I don't want to be married anymore."

"I'm sorry." Ember watched her curiously, though his eyes were apologetic.

"I'm over it. I came to Adale to get away from him," Harlan half lied. She absolutely was not over it.

Ember nodded, understanding her reasoning. They continued to walk in silence, though Harlan's shoulders untensed as they made their way back to Aura City. "We're gonna stay in an apartment my mom owns," Harlan said. "If you want to live with me. It's ... fine if you don't - Arc, that was bold..."

"I'd be happy to. You seem like a very interesting person, in a good way." Ember nodded. "As long as you don't mind my Pokémon. She's a Mightyena."

"I love Mightyena!" Harlan said, turning to look at him. "I have one that I left with my mom. Her name's Mighty."

"Mine is named Selene. You can meet her when we get to the restaurant." Ember smiled, and Harlan found solace in having something in common with him, her awkwardness now lessened.