Hal couldn't form words for a moment, but cleared his throat and found his voice.

"Well... yes." he said.

"But, really? It was our daughter." he told her. "She made the wish without hesitation, and with conviction." he said further.

"So she's as much to credit for this as I am." he continued, walking over towards Hollie.

When he was close enough, he just smiled at her, before letting out a small breath.

"I'm glad she made the wish." he said.

"And I'm glad I was able to grant it, even if my mana didn't do ALL of it." he added.

Hal didn't say anything more at first, but gently placed his hands on her hips, allowing his arms slide in for a hug.

"No thanks needed." he said.

"After all, what kind of man would I be if I didn't do everything for my family? For the woman I love?" he asked.

"Still... it's a surprise to see you up and about already." he admitted.

"And you didn't have to make dinner for me." he continued.

"....not that I'm complaining in the slightest." he added with a laugh.

"Heh, indeed." Hal replied.

"And trust me, this was VERY welcome to come home to." he told her.

He then sighed a little, and gave Hollie a kiss.

"I'm glad to see you again." he said.

"I'm glad we're all still a family."

Hal nodded, and the two of them sat down at the table.

"Sounds good." he said.

"How long until you're back on active Council?" he asked.

"I mean, surely they're not expecting you back to work immediately, yes?" he asked further, taking a bite of the wrap.

"Oh... SO good..." he mumbled dreamily.

Hal just sighed again.

"Good." he said.

"Justice is served." he said further.

"And it's delicious as this wrap." he went on.

"I swear, you're one of 4 people I've known in my life that know how to make it just right." he continued.

"And that is amazing." he told her.

"It's as though there's nothing you CAN'T do."

Hal chuckled in response.

"Fair." he said.

"But you knew what I meant." he told her.

"...hm." he then mumbled.

"The world situation is calming down, you're on the road to recovery..." he continued.

"I think things are finally getting back to usual." he commented.

"Indeed." Hal replied.

"I hope not." he said.

"...oh, and what of Sydney's son and daughter-in-law?" he asked.

"I recall hearing they were in dire straits as well." he commented.

"Any word on them?" he asked.

"And... er... will my assistance be required?" he asked further.

"That is fair." Hal responded.

"I may have to check up on them..." he said.

"Sydney doesn't need to lose her children, and their son doesn't need to lose his parents." he reasoned.

He then cleared his throat a little, and shook his head.

"One more thing." he continued.

"When you're done getting everything back on track at the Council, we need to take a small vacation." he told her. "Even if just a weekend." he said further.

"After all this, we deserve one." he reasoned.

"Of course." Hal replied.

"A family vacation." he said.

"Even if we have to bring along the boy that's stealing our girl away from us." he added.

He was joking, of course. He liked Cain, and Lunet was free to do whatever she wished.

But he was still her father, even if adoptive.

He still had 'Father Bear' moments.

Hal opened his mouth to answer... but didn't say anything.

"I... ah..." he stammered.

"That is... a very good question." he said.

"I... do not know." he admitted.

"Lunet, in so many ways, is in a very unique situation." he sighed.

"A lot of her life is... well... uncharted territory with no frame of reference from... anyone."