Ruby woke up early. Too early. It was still dark outside. He was way too excited to go back to sleep.

"Damn" he murmured, sitting up. He grabbed his PokéNav, checking the time. It was early. Ridiculously early. It wasn't even four.

Mumu jumped up onto the bed, rubbing his head against Ruby's arm, letting out an excited chirp.

Ruby smiled. "Let's go now."

Mumu nodded in anticipation.

Ruby grinned and changed into his clothes in record time, putting his contacts in. He left his glasses in their case at the bottom compartment of his bag, not worried about needing them. Sapphire had good advice, but he didn't really want to take it. If he could get away with only having to wear his contact lenses then he would. He chucked his bag over his shoulders before rushing downstairs, Mumu running after him.

He tipped some food onto plates for the Pokémon he was leaving at home, placing them on the kitchen mats. He grabbed a pen and paper, scribbling out a note for his mom, and leaving it on the bench.

He looked at Mumu, who had started eating the food he had put out for the other Pokémon. "Hey, that's not yours" he chuckled. "This is yours" he said, pouring some food out for the mudkip, who started eating. "Okay, I think I'm ready" he said to himself, a small smile pulling at the corner of his mouth.

…

He didn't think it would take as long as it did to get to Steven's apartment. At least he got there in good timing. He had to admit that he was glad that he woke up early after all.

He went to knock on the door before seeing a note stuck to it. "What is this?" he muttered, pulling it off the door and reading it, his brows furrowing. "What is this shit? Does he think he is funny?" He knocked on the door. "Steven?! Steven Stone-!"

The door opened, causing Ruby to step back in surprise. A sleepy looking man, no older than thirty appeared, who most certainly was not Steven. Ruby thought he recognised the man, but he couldn't place him.

"Oh, hi" mumbled the sleepy man. He was wearing a plush, crisp white dressing gown and matching slippers, his hair still neatly styled.

"A-are you his boyfriend?" Ruby asked straight up. He had to know.

The man laughed. "No. My name is Wallace. I am housesitting for him. He is going on some rock searching expedition" he added, rolling his eyes.

"Then where is Steven now?"

"Oh, right, he is gone. Left last night."

"Wh-what?"

He hummed, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear. "You must be Ruby. So… he really was being slack. He said that he told you he didn't want you to tag along."

"Well, can you contact him? Tell him to stop being a dick. He told me we would be meeting here this afternoon."

Wallace let out a polite chuckle. "Well, I would, but he is probably half way to Sinnoh already."

"I know where we're going, but there is no point in me going and trying to find him if… he doesn't want to be found."

"He is good at disappearing" Wallace agreed.

Mumu made a displeased sound.

"Oh…" Ruby's face crumpled. "Even Mumu is sad cause he can't go on an adventure." He picked up the mudkip and hugged him. "Don't be sad Mumu. One day we will go on an adventure."

Mumu voiced his approval, chirping loudly.

"Oh dear…" Wallace sighed. "He missed the last ship last night. He is staying at the port."

"You aren't lying to me, are you?" Ruby asked, feeling incredibly suspicious.

"No! But don't mention that I sent you there. I would prefer our friendship stays intact."

"Okay, whatever. What I want you to tell me is why doesn't he want me to go?"

"He likes being alone" Wallace said, almost with a sense of longing.

"Well, I suppose that's just too bad. Mumu and I want adventure. We want to see new places. I want to see Sinnoh. I want to see the world!"

Mumu cried out in agreement, squirming in Ruby's grasp.

"Look how happy you made Mumu" Ruby smiled at Wallace. "He is ecstatic! Well, we should get going!"

He ran his fingers through his hair. "Promise me you won't say anything to Steven."

"Promise." He grinned and set Mumu down. "We gotta get to the port! Bye!" he waved.

Wallace waved back, yawning a little too ungracefully for such a beautiful man, before walking back inside.

"Let's go!" He called to Mumu, running toward the port.

…

He got there just before seven. It was quiet, and the sun had already risen. He sat down, pulling his knees to his chest. He sighed. Perhaps this was the wrong idea. Maybe he should have just stayed home. He shivered in the cool breeze coming off the ocean and pulled his jacket a little tighter around his shoulders.

Mumu jumped up next to him, rubbing against his arm. He pulled the Pokémon into a hug. "Yes, we will be leaving soon." Mumu struggled against him. "Mumu-!"

Mumu slipped from his grasp and plopped on the ground, crying out in happiness. He ran in circles around the benches.

He chuckled. "Mumu, what are you-?" he paused seeing Steven Stone walking out from the adjoined motel. Ruby smiled. "Good morning Steven, I made it."

He looked seriously pissed off. "What are you doing here? Go home Ruby."

"What? No!"

He looked shocked. "Wh-what?"

"I came here for adventure. I said I would be here and I stick to my word. And so does Mumu. I mean, the adventure, I don't know if he is all trustworthy" he joked.

Steven sighed, obviously not appreciating Ruby's awkward attempt at humour. "Fine. But once you're in Sinnoh you are to leave me alone. I don't want to babysit you."

"Steven… why do you hate me so much?" He sniffled, eyes hot with tears. He felt like his heart had been trampled on. He had stupidly, and childishly, fallen in love with Steven Stone. This had happened a few years previously when he had seen the Champions photograph in one of the glossy gossip magazines his mother subscribed to. He had taken the page and stuck the picture on the inside of his cupboard door. He thought Steven Stone was the most handsome man he had ever seen.

But Steven really hated him. Steven wasn't anything like how he had imagined him to be. This Steven was a rude disappointment. But he had to admit that at least he was still nice to look at.

Steven looked at him, his brows furrowed in confusion. "I don't hate you, I just don't see why I need an assistant" he explained, exasperated. "If it wasn't for my father-"

"I am good with first aid!" he interrupted, pulling a tissue from his pocket and wiping his eyes. "And I can sew and fix your clothes."

Mumu nodded in his defence.

"And Mumu is a great companion. My friend Sapphire Birch's dad gave him to me!"

Steven looked at the mudkip, a little bit of mucus hanging out its nose, not an uncommon sight. His brows furrowed as he looked back at Ruby, as if something clicked. "You… know Professor Birch?" he asked slowly.

"Of course! He is my neighbour and a great family friend. Well… before my dad left. But that is a whole other story-"

He looked back at Mumu who chirped happily, running in circles again.

"Fine. You can come with me" he sighed, sounding exhausted.

"Really?!" Ruby grinned.

"Before I answer your question, how did you know I was here?"

"I didn't" Ruby lied, a little too easily. "I was upset cause I saw the note on your door, and Mumu loves the dock here, so I thought I would just sit here for the day. Have something to eat and let Mumu go for a swim before heading home."

He nodded. "Fair enough."

"But Mumu is even more excited for the adventure" he grinned, picking him up. He squeaked when Ruby squeezed him lightly. Ruby grinned, "I told you he was great!"

Steven just nodded, his expression was blank. Even though it was only just past six thirty, Steven looked absolutely done with him.

Ruby looked down at the ground. Knowing that this was a bad second impression. He felt that he would never impress Steven. He felt like a loser. He didn't know what to do or say to impress Steven.

Mumu looked up at him, obvious concern on his face. He rubbed his head against Ruby's arm.

"I should've stayed home" he sighed.

Mumu shook his head, adamant in his own way that they were going whether Steven agreed or not.

He looked over at Steven who had started talking to another man. He sighed and slumped in the seat, rubbing Mumu's forehead. He hummed to himself, just a song he had heard when his mom was cooking a few nights before with the radio on.

"Ruby."

He looked at Steven who seemed indifferent.

"Your ticket."

"Thank you Steven."

He nodded and sat next to him.

Ruby had no idea what to say, so he said nothing. What could he say? He was sure Steven didn't want to hear it. Ruby looked out at the water, watching the ship pull into the port. "I thought it would be bigger" he said to himself.

However, Mumu was having a wonderful time. He chirped happily, jumping off the chair and running over to the edge of the dock where the large ship was. Water splashing over him as jumped around cheerfully.

Ruby smiled, feeling a little more relaxed. He stood up, wishing he had thought to take a photo.

Steven stood up and quickly walked to the stairs at the dock. "Ruby."

Ruby nodded, picking Mumu up on the way. "Let's go Mumu" he grinned.

Steven walked on board and sat on a chair in the main foyer area, his bags taking up a few other chairs. Ruby watched as Steven accessed his PokéNav Plus. Of course Steven would have the latest model, his father was the owner of Devon Corp.

But in all honesty, Ruby was in awe of the foyer. It was beautiful. He had never been on a ship quite like this before. Even when he travelled from Johto. He had to admit that, although the ship looked small from the outside, it was huge inside.

A few more people boarded and made their way down an adjacent corridor.

Ruby sat next to Steven, putting his backpack on the ground next to him. Ruby was sure that Steven would move, but surprisingly he didn't. Mumu jumped up next to him, looking at Steven rather suspiciously. Ruby chuckled, shaking his head. "Be nice" he said, booping his nose. He looked back at Steven, wondering why they weren't going to their room.

Steven looked at him. "Can I help you?"

Ruby shook his head. "No. Sorry." He looked away, feeling embarrassed. Why did Steven have to be so dismissive? So rude. Ruby decided then and there that good looking people were definitely the most unapproachable. He just couldn't relate. It was like good looking people had their own way of speaking and their own way of making friends… it was just ridiculous. Ruby supposed they spoke and dealt in money only.

He sighed. Maybe it was wrong of him to have 'forced' Steven to bring him. When Ruby had seen Wallace at Steven's place he should have just gone home. He just couldn't take a hint. He felt incredibly disappointed with himself.

Mumu snuggled up to Ruby. Mumu really could read his emotions better than anyone else. He stroked his head, smiling. "I love you Mumu, you are my best friend. Just don't tell Sapphire" he added.

He could feel Steven's eyes on him. He flinched as though he had been burned. He didn't want to look at Steven, but it would be rude not to.

"Ruby?"

"Yeah?"

"Why did you apply for the job?"

He knew that he couldn't tell Steven that it was because he had a crush on him. That was way too embarrassing considering Steven ended up being an asshole. He ended up simply shrugging. "I don't know."

"I'm just surprised that someone like you applied for a job like this."

Ruby didn't know what to say. He supposed it was surprising. He generally didn't leave the house unless it was for Contests or going to the café with Sapphire. "What do you mean someone like me?"

"I mean, look at you. You look like you've never even been outside before. How are you going to survive in a cave? For fucks sake Ruby, why did you want this job?" he groaned, rubbing his temples. "What am I going to do with you?"

Ruby couldn't help it. He felt his eyes well up with tears. "Steven" he said softly, tears falling down his face. He held Mumu tighter as Mumu growled at Steven.

Steven looked surprised. He reached over to touch Ruby's shoulder, but Ruby was having none of it. He slapped Steven's hand away.

"Ruby, I am sorry" said Steven meekly.

Ruby ignored him, Mumu jumping off his lap as he got up and ran. He had no idea where he was running to, but he just needed to get away from Steven. He didn't even look to see if Mumu was with him, but he wasn't sure if he even cared.

He stopped running once he hit a dead end with only a staircase in front of him. He wiped his eyes, looking around and seeing Mumu. "Wh… where am I?"

Mumu ran in a circle around him, chirping.

He looked at the number on the door. Thirteen. He frowned and knocked on the door, hoping that the occupants would be able to help him find his way back. However, the door was ajar and when he looked inside there were no occupants. He stepped inside, not seeing any luggage or other items.

He looked at Mumu. "How about we just sleep until we get found?" he suggested, exhausted from his rollercoaster of a morning.

Mumu nodded, almost knocking him out of the way and leapt onto the bed. He lay on the pillow, yawning and stretching his legs out.

He walked over and sat down on the bed, looking at Mumu. "Am I an idiot?"

Mumu looked puzzled, but shook his head.

Ruby sighed. "I screwed everything up. Why did I ever think that Steven would like a stupid teenager like me?"

Mumu hopped off the pillow and sat next to him, rubbing against him.

He pulled him into a hug. "I wished I wasn't such a loser." He lay down, hugging Mumu tighter. "Well, at least I will see Sinnoh Port before we catch this thing back in a couple of days."

Mumu chirped angrily, struggling against him.

"No more attitude from you" he scolded gently. "Well, there is no point in staying in Sinnoh. I don't have any money. Anyway, I don't even know what is in Sinnoh. We may as well go home. Sapphire will be happy that I will be home" he added, yawning. "Let's get some rest, yeah?"