In a way, it was very similar for Walter. His pokemon's requirements to love were simple compared to humans, and they loved so amply in return. For someone who had never known what it was like to be cared for, it was overwhelming - but it was also what he needed, even if he didn't know it himself. He didn't know how to return their affections but slowly, he was learning.

Assumption in particular. His starter, a fellow orphan who longed for their mother, held a special place in Walter's heart. He wanted Assumption to be happy. The same was true for Darkness, his other starter. Between them the bird on his shoulder, Walter was beginning to learn and change whether he was aware of it or not.

Darkness snickered at being called a good murder bird. Oh, if only they knew about his personal 'murder' with his darling...!
"Yes!" He cawed smugly.