She smiled as her nerves would allow, giggling slightly at Slash. She didn't see anything wrong with being different from Piko. Besides the little eevee did have way too much energy. [b]"He's... certainly a lively one..."[/b] She replied softly, walking with Blair towards the entrance. It was a bit humid, a wonder the pokemon could play outside so comfortably. Soon enough, they'd get tired and want to come inside though. 

She held onto Piko, her fingers rubbing the small pokemon's fur. His eyes darted around the room as they entered the building. She chuckled, amused. If Piko could do one thing, it was make Julie happy. Blair's words from before ran through her head. What did Professor Birch have for her? She didn't know, she hadn't the slightest idea. She also didn't know who the person was she'd be traveling with. She didn't see anyone besides Blair here that looked like a trainer, though she could be wrong. 

She looked around the room, hanging on to Piko as he struggled to get free of her grip. [b]"Shh. Or I'll have to put you in your pokeball."[/b] She whispered, pulling her mouth down to the pokemon's ears. He stopped and looked up at her and then resigned to looking around the room with her. She smiled and continued watching. There were several researchers all around. Some at desks with or without computers, some at shelves and filing cabinets and some at strange machines she knew nothing about. It was all white and sterile, with the exception of a few pictures of pokemon on the walls. They all seemed so happy... It'd been so long since she'd seen Professor Birch, since she'd... She sighed, her heart sinking once again. She looked up when Professor Birch walked in the room, suddenly surprised to see them. 

[b]"Oh! Good! You're here! Julie, it's so good to see you again!"[/b] He called out to them, walking over and wrapping his arms around Julie, giving her a warm hug. 

[b]"H-Hello P-Professor..."[/b] She replied, holding Piko in such a way that he wouldn't be crushed by the man. 

[b]"I'm so glad you're willing to give it another shot."[/b] Birch said as he pulled away, smiling widely at her. She simply nodded, not sure what to say. Yes, she was ready to give it another shot... to try again.