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alola2020-08-26 01:30 am
rotomphone) wrote in alola2020-08-26 01:30 am
[ in a way, Leon's loss is something that everyone in Galar has to come to terms with. for the general public, it was the acceptance that the status quo had changed from its ten year-long standard and that the region's young hero was also having the baton passed to her through its highest-respected title. for the region's Gym Leaders, it meant a retooling of their strategies to defeat a new Trainer defending the title. for Raihan, however, it's a little more complicated than that.
he'd given himself enough time to gather his thoughts, but his immediate reaction to seeing Leon lose was a sinking pit in his stomach. that was supposed to be his stage - he was the one that was supposed to bring Leon down, to finally be the one to defeat the unbeatable Champion. his greatest rival.
maybe he had gotten complicit, with a decade of losing selfies that were almost expected of him from his fans. he'd never lost his drive, but it felt like their yearly square-offs would last forever. seeing Leon across the pitch reminded him of their early years as rivals, fanning the flames of a fire in him that never quite went out. despite their distance thanks to their respective responsibilities, their epic Champion Cup face-off in the finals always felt like an inevitability. this year, it wasn't.
it was never about becoming Champion, and always about showing Leon how much he meant to him. "as what?" is a question that has always been complex, but Raihan knows for a fact that it's as much more than rivals, and even as friends. any other attempts to communicate those feelings would (and demonstrably have) fallen flat - Leon is hopelessly dense, and as endearing as it is, it's left Raihan to come to terms with the fact that what he feels is almost certainly unrequited. it's fine. what they have is fine.
but now... not being the one to take that undefeated title makes him feel like he's missed an opportunity. he knows their friendship is stronger than a professional rivalry, but will Leon see him the same way? what will they do now? what comes next?
they're all questions floating around in his head when he texts Leon, inviting him over for a long weekend of catching up and good company. they haven't spoken since that day, and he wants to know what his best mate has to say about everything. ]
he'd given himself enough time to gather his thoughts, but his immediate reaction to seeing Leon lose was a sinking pit in his stomach. that was supposed to be his stage - he was the one that was supposed to bring Leon down, to finally be the one to defeat the unbeatable Champion. his greatest rival.
maybe he had gotten complicit, with a decade of losing selfies that were almost expected of him from his fans. he'd never lost his drive, but it felt like their yearly square-offs would last forever. seeing Leon across the pitch reminded him of their early years as rivals, fanning the flames of a fire in him that never quite went out. despite their distance thanks to their respective responsibilities, their epic Champion Cup face-off in the finals always felt like an inevitability. this year, it wasn't.
it was never about becoming Champion, and always about showing Leon how much he meant to him. "as what?" is a question that has always been complex, but Raihan knows for a fact that it's as much more than rivals, and even as friends. any other attempts to communicate those feelings would (and demonstrably have) fallen flat - Leon is hopelessly dense, and as endearing as it is, it's left Raihan to come to terms with the fact that what he feels is almost certainly unrequited. it's fine. what they have is fine.
but now... not being the one to take that undefeated title makes him feel like he's missed an opportunity. he knows their friendship is stronger than a professional rivalry, but will Leon see him the same way? what will they do now? what comes next?
they're all questions floating around in his head when he texts Leon, inviting him over for a long weekend of catching up and good company. they haven't spoken since that day, and he wants to know what his best mate has to say about everything. ]
[How long has it been? Since the day he'd returned to Wedgehurst and met Hop's then-new rival for the first time, having had no idea that she would be the one to upend everything he'd had going for the past decade. Though...maybe some part of him did know, even way back then. The way she interacted with Hop, that first battle he witnessed, and everything else that convinced him to provide them both with their needed letters of recommendation: he'd known that she'd be the one to meet him on the pitch. Not that she'd defeat him, but...that he'd be seeing those eyes from a different perspective very soon.
Still, when that loss finally did come, it had been so shocking to him at the time that the only reaction he really could have was elation at the fact that his first and foremost dream had actually come true. All he'd wanted as Galar's Champion was to see Galarian trainers become the best in the world, after all. The fact that the next generation had what it took to overcome his team was the answer to that wish. He embraced it with open arms and had transitioned fast- almost too fast- and now...
Leon isn't Galar's champion anymore. It took some time, but it's finally sunk in that things would be changing for him just as much as for the rest of the region. He had new responsibilities after taking over Rose's position and spearheading the new Battle Tower. If anything, it was a new chapter filled with exciting battles that he's thrilled to be looking forward to, absolutely, yet.
Yet.
His rotom alerting him to a new message is what causes Leon to realize he'd spend the better half of the last hour doing much of nothing but spacing and thinking about things, so hearing from his good friend is a relief. Charizard would have lit a fire under his ass himself if he hadn't gotten up eventually, after all. He's quick to give him the heads up that he's on his way before he heads out, taking Charizard as usual instead of one of the many Corviknight taxis throughout Wyndon. Instead of Raihan finding Leon at his front door, though, he'll instead hear the sound of a claw tap-tapping on one of his windows when Charizard manages to locate where Raihan is in his house, peering in with one large eye as Leon grins behind his head, waving.
Of course he has to be cheeky about it.]
Still, when that loss finally did come, it had been so shocking to him at the time that the only reaction he really could have was elation at the fact that his first and foremost dream had actually come true. All he'd wanted as Galar's Champion was to see Galarian trainers become the best in the world, after all. The fact that the next generation had what it took to overcome his team was the answer to that wish. He embraced it with open arms and had transitioned fast- almost too fast- and now...
Leon isn't Galar's champion anymore. It took some time, but it's finally sunk in that things would be changing for him just as much as for the rest of the region. He had new responsibilities after taking over Rose's position and spearheading the new Battle Tower. If anything, it was a new chapter filled with exciting battles that he's thrilled to be looking forward to, absolutely, yet.
Yet.
His rotom alerting him to a new message is what causes Leon to realize he'd spend the better half of the last hour doing much of nothing but spacing and thinking about things, so hearing from his good friend is a relief. Charizard would have lit a fire under his ass himself if he hadn't gotten up eventually, after all. He's quick to give him the heads up that he's on his way before he heads out, taking Charizard as usual instead of one of the many Corviknight taxis throughout Wyndon. Instead of Raihan finding Leon at his front door, though, he'll instead hear the sound of a claw tap-tapping on one of his windows when Charizard manages to locate where Raihan is in his house, peering in with one large eye as Leon grins behind his head, waving.
Of course he has to be cheeky about it.]
[ too long, if neither of them can actually put a date to it. the excitement of the Champion Cup and the Darkest Day threatening the region and everyone in it happening consecutively created a whirlwind of activity that made it difficult to focus on one thing at a time. between general post-season wrapping up and Hammerlocke Stadium sustaining some damage from the Eternatus summoning, Raihan himself has had no shortage of things to do. this weekend feels like the first time he has room to breathe, and his thoughts have turned to Leon.
he's expecting him to show up on Charizard like usual, but the tap at his window still comes as something of a surprise. he smiles all the same when he sees them, opening the window and leaning forward on the still to greet them. ]
Still can't help but make an entrance, can you?
[ cheeky indeed, but so very Leon. ]
he's expecting him to show up on Charizard like usual, but the tap at his window still comes as something of a surprise. he smiles all the same when he sees them, opening the window and leaning forward on the still to greet them. ]
Still can't help but make an entrance, can you?
[ cheeky indeed, but so very Leon. ]
What can I say? I like to give the people something to remember.
[It's said as he leans forward with his chest against the back of Charizard's neck, his hands wrapping gently around his horns. Charizard, for his part, grumbles in greeting while Leon tilts his head to one side, smirking.]
Think he'll fit?
[He absolutely will not, unless Raihan wants to test the structure of his window and if it can withstand a Charizard trying to force his way through it.]
[It's said as he leans forward with his chest against the back of Charizard's neck, his hands wrapping gently around his horns. Charizard, for his part, grumbles in greeting while Leon tilts his head to one side, smirking.]
Think he'll fit?
[He absolutely will not, unless Raihan wants to test the structure of his window and if it can withstand a Charizard trying to force his way through it.]
I've noticed.
[ he gives a rosy wave to Charizard, flashing him a smile before focusing back on his Trainer. he's already realizing how much he's missed this, and Leon isn't even in his house yet. ]
Unless you're paying for my damages, definitely not. Come through the door like a normal person, will you?
[ he steps away from the window to go unlock and open the door, waiting for them to circle the building and land properly to enter. ]
See? It's not so hard.
[ he gives a rosy wave to Charizard, flashing him a smile before focusing back on his Trainer. he's already realizing how much he's missed this, and Leon isn't even in his house yet. ]
Unless you're paying for my damages, definitely not. Come through the door like a normal person, will you?
[ he steps away from the window to go unlock and open the door, waiting for them to circle the building and land properly to enter. ]
See? It's not so hard.
[Leon laughs. Since when has he ever been a normal person, Raihan?
But fine, he'll stop messing and direct Charizard back down to the ground, the fire-type making a long, slow circle so he can land heavily at the front door. Once he's slid off the side of Charizard's neck, he's reaching up to rub the side of his muzzle. In a rare display of fondness that Charizard only shows when he knows nobody else is watching, the Pokemon practically coos down at his trainer, nudging his nose against Leon's cheek briefly.]
Mind going in your ball for a bit, mate? Don't think you'll fit quite so easy, even outside of the window.
[That...and he does want to talk to Raihan alone, for once. The Charizard doesn't seem too fussed though as Leon pulls his Pokeball from his belt, pressing the catch to return him before putting it back in its place. He'll turn to Raihan after that, stepping inside once that business has been taken care of.]
Not hard. I'm just a fan of doing things the fun way.
But fine, he'll stop messing and direct Charizard back down to the ground, the fire-type making a long, slow circle so he can land heavily at the front door. Once he's slid off the side of Charizard's neck, he's reaching up to rub the side of his muzzle. In a rare display of fondness that Charizard only shows when he knows nobody else is watching, the Pokemon practically coos down at his trainer, nudging his nose against Leon's cheek briefly.]
Mind going in your ball for a bit, mate? Don't think you'll fit quite so easy, even outside of the window.
[That...and he does want to talk to Raihan alone, for once. The Charizard doesn't seem too fussed though as Leon pulls his Pokeball from his belt, pressing the catch to return him before putting it back in its place. He'll turn to Raihan after that, stepping inside once that business has been taken care of.]
Not hard. I'm just a fan of doing things the fun way.
[ hey, maybe getting knocked off the pedestal has knocked some normalcy into him! a guy can dream... but then again, he likes Leon best when he's being strange - it's endearing. ]
Fair enough! You caught me off-guard, if it gives you any satisfaction. [ he's still smiling as he shuts the door behind him. Raihan's flat likely hasn't changed much since Leon was there last - maybe some different artwork and a new chair or two, but still indisputably him.
they won't be completely alone, though - in the corner of the den, a Trapinch is sleeping soundly in her sandbox. she's just beginning to stir, and will eventually wobble over to greet the new houseguest. ]
Food's already on the way, and drinks are in the fridge. Help yourself.
[ he's already gotten started, with an open beer on the coffee table. he grabs it, moving to casually leaning on the kitchen counter and watch him. it's subtle, but he's trying to get a read on how Leon feeling. ] So? How's post-Champion life treating you?
Fair enough! You caught me off-guard, if it gives you any satisfaction. [ he's still smiling as he shuts the door behind him. Raihan's flat likely hasn't changed much since Leon was there last - maybe some different artwork and a new chair or two, but still indisputably him.
they won't be completely alone, though - in the corner of the den, a Trapinch is sleeping soundly in her sandbox. she's just beginning to stir, and will eventually wobble over to greet the new houseguest. ]
Food's already on the way, and drinks are in the fridge. Help yourself.
[ he's already gotten started, with an open beer on the coffee table. he grabs it, moving to casually leaning on the kitchen counter and watch him. it's subtle, but he's trying to get a read on how Leon feeling. ] So? How's post-Champion life treating you?
[ADORABLE...of course Leon is going to stoop down so he can pet the little Trapinch on the head, rubbing her gently as she wakes up. He will help himself to your Pokemon first, thanks!!
But after that he'll stand, the smile on his face still present as ever, though...to people who know him well- like Raihan- it's different. It's exhilerated as much as it is tired, and hiding something else entirely...]
Busy as ever! You should see how many trainers we have coming to the tower lately, it's a real sight to see. Though, I guess many of them never thought they'd get such a direct chance to battle with the Champion, wouldn't you reckon?
[So many trainers spent years fighting to get to the finals of the gym challenge just for the opportunity to maybe battle Leon, but Raihan always beat them all out. Now though, Leon is seeing new challengers daily. None of them have beaten him yet though, is the thing. It's almost like old times, except...
It's not at all. It's very distinctly different, though Leon is endeavoring to make it his own, it's still taking some getting used to.]
But after that he'll stand, the smile on his face still present as ever, though...to people who know him well- like Raihan- it's different. It's exhilerated as much as it is tired, and hiding something else entirely...]
Busy as ever! You should see how many trainers we have coming to the tower lately, it's a real sight to see. Though, I guess many of them never thought they'd get such a direct chance to battle with the Champion, wouldn't you reckon?
[So many trainers spent years fighting to get to the finals of the gym challenge just for the opportunity to maybe battle Leon, but Raihan always beat them all out. Now though, Leon is seeing new challengers daily. None of them have beaten him yet though, is the thing. It's almost like old times, except...
It's not at all. It's very distinctly different, though Leon is endeavoring to make it his own, it's still taking some getting used to.]
[ excellent! the Trapinch coos into his touch, enjoying the attention for as long as Leon is willing to give it to her. once he's through, she'll retreat to her food bowl for a snack before settling back into her sandbox. ]
Yeah, 'cause usually they'd have to go through the great Raihan, first! [ he grins. ] I might have a lot more competition now, but don't think that holing yourself up in that tower is gonna stop me. I'll beat you and anyone that gets in my way.
[ there's that friendly rivalry, as passionate as ever. he hasn't been able to make it to Wyndon since the Cup ended, but he'll almost certainly be there once the post-season wraps up. ]
You're seeing your dream becoming a reality, right? Thanks to you, everyone's gonna know that Galarian Trainers are the best in the world.
[ he takes a casual sip of his beer, watching. he can sense that tiredness in his eyes - he had planned to ask him about this later on in the evening, but why wait? it's apparent right now, which means that it's important in this moment. ]
So what's eating at you, then? And don't say nothing, because I know it's not true.
Yeah, 'cause usually they'd have to go through the great Raihan, first! [ he grins. ] I might have a lot more competition now, but don't think that holing yourself up in that tower is gonna stop me. I'll beat you and anyone that gets in my way.
[ there's that friendly rivalry, as passionate as ever. he hasn't been able to make it to Wyndon since the Cup ended, but he'll almost certainly be there once the post-season wraps up. ]
You're seeing your dream becoming a reality, right? Thanks to you, everyone's gonna know that Galarian Trainers are the best in the world.
[ he takes a casual sip of his beer, watching. he can sense that tiredness in his eyes - he had planned to ask him about this later on in the evening, but why wait? it's apparent right now, which means that it's important in this moment. ]
So what's eating at you, then? And don't say nothing, because I know it's not true.
[Leon gets back up to his feet, taking the little Pokemon's cue of going for a snack to get something for himself. Namely, a beer of his own. Leon's more used to casually drinking for fancy get-togethers, so this is...strangely comforting, in a way. He's not sure he can quite put his finger on it now.
He pops the tab and takes a swig before he replies, weighing the can in his hand.]
Yeah, I mean...you are right about that. This is really exactly what I've always wanted.
[Galar producing the best and brightest trainers that have been vetted by Leon himself. Most turned away as losses, but finally...one broke through and got him.]
Have you ever gotten the feeling...you knew all along how something was going to go? Even if you didn't let that stop you from trying your best anyway?
He pops the tab and takes a swig before he replies, weighing the can in his hand.]
Yeah, I mean...you are right about that. This is really exactly what I've always wanted.
[Galar producing the best and brightest trainers that have been vetted by Leon himself. Most turned away as losses, but finally...one broke through and got him.]
Have you ever gotten the feeling...you knew all along how something was going to go? Even if you didn't let that stop you from trying your best anyway?
[ their new Champion, being the spitfire that she was, had set a precedent that Leon could be beaten. while Raihan is still dealing with not being the one to have done it, he's gotten over it... mostly.
that question makes him chuckle, though. if only Leon knew... ]
Yeah, I know what you mean.
[ when he'd seen that he was up against Gloria in the last round of the finals, that was all the convincing he'd needed to know that she'd go all the way. it's not that he was going to throw the match, nor that he didn't have faith in Leon keeping his streak, but... well, she'd saved the entire bloody region. it was almost poetic that she'd be the one to dethrone the king, wasn't it? he'd done his duty in being the last bastion in his name, but that hadn't been enough. ]
Is that how you're feeling now?
that question makes him chuckle, though. if only Leon knew... ]
Yeah, I know what you mean.
[ when he'd seen that he was up against Gloria in the last round of the finals, that was all the convincing he'd needed to know that she'd go all the way. it's not that he was going to throw the match, nor that he didn't have faith in Leon keeping his streak, but... well, she'd saved the entire bloody region. it was almost poetic that she'd be the one to dethrone the king, wasn't it? he'd done his duty in being the last bastion in his name, but that hadn't been enough. ]
Is that how you're feeling now?
[Even when Leon knew that Gloria had backed him up against a metaphorical wall, he wasn't going to give up his title without a fight. And fought he did, tooth and nail, right to the bitter end. He couldn't think of a better person to take the helm than her, if he's honest.]
Mm. Wouldn't call it a bad feeling, but it isn't...a wholly good one, either.
[He taps his fingers vaugely on the outside of his can.]
I don't think I know how to feel. I thought it would just fall into place when it did happen, and for the most part it has...but it's like. A whole chapter of my life has ended, you know?
Mm. Wouldn't call it a bad feeling, but it isn't...a wholly good one, either.
[He taps his fingers vaugely on the outside of his can.]
I don't think I know how to feel. I thought it would just fall into place when it did happen, and for the most part it has...but it's like. A whole chapter of my life has ended, you know?
[ he doesn't doubt that - even after the intensity and stress of preventing the Darkest Day, the match between him and Gloria had been one for the history books. even his own battles with Leon, invigorating and heart-pounding as they were in their own right, made him feel quite the same way as he did when he watched that match. ]
Of course you don't - you've gone undefeated for a whole bloody decade. No one's had the chance to teach you how to lose! [ he grins. ] It's only natural that you're... well, at a loss. No pun intended.
[ Raihan's found himself at a loss as well, but for slightly different reasons. he'd initially become a Gym Leader for the opportunity to challenge Leon as much as possible - his role and reasoning has evolved into more than that, but there's a nagging worry in the back of his head that he'll be left behind in their rivalry now that things are changing. he's going to fight it with everything he has, but it's there all the same. ]
You'll have to work through it on your own. That said, you've got a rival with plenty of experience on working through feelings like that, and he'd be happy to share his wealth of knowledge any time.
[ it's a teasing, Raihan-esqe way to say "I'm here for you". his smile is still upturned in a smirk, but his eyes communicate something a little softer than that. ]
Of course you don't - you've gone undefeated for a whole bloody decade. No one's had the chance to teach you how to lose! [ he grins. ] It's only natural that you're... well, at a loss. No pun intended.
[ Raihan's found himself at a loss as well, but for slightly different reasons. he'd initially become a Gym Leader for the opportunity to challenge Leon as much as possible - his role and reasoning has evolved into more than that, but there's a nagging worry in the back of his head that he'll be left behind in their rivalry now that things are changing. he's going to fight it with everything he has, but it's there all the same. ]
You'll have to work through it on your own. That said, you've got a rival with plenty of experience on working through feelings like that, and he'd be happy to share his wealth of knowledge any time.
[ it's a teasing, Raihan-esqe way to say "I'm here for you". his smile is still upturned in a smirk, but his eyes communicate something a little softer than that. ]
[Leon huffs a soft laugh through his nose. That's always something he appreciated about Raihan. As much as he's got a competitive streak about him- and he always has since he met him- he's still kept a level of sincerity about him. If the guy promised he'd do something, he'd do it. And if you wanted somebody to count on to be there for you through thick and thin, well...Raihan was your guy. The fact he specialized in weathering the most harsh of conditions through Pokemon battles wasn't entirely for the theatrics, Leon was sure. It was engrained in him as a person.]
Thank you, Raihan.
[Is a "thank you" really all Leon has to say on the matter, though? Hardly...it's just difficult to quantify how he's feeling right now. Maybe he doesn't have to know just yet.
He looks off to the side out the window for a moment, watching as the flash of rookidee wings herald a group of them heading off past town into the fields proper.]
I don't consider myself as having lost. If anything, I've supported the next generation. I got my time in the sun, for far longer than most could have expected to get to be there. I just...
[Another pause as he shifts his weight back on his heels.]
With how everything came to a head, at the end. With Rose. I've just been thinking a lot about how much he influenced me as I was coming up. He never seemed to have anything but good intentions for us all ever since I was little, so I never thought...
Thank you, Raihan.
[Is a "thank you" really all Leon has to say on the matter, though? Hardly...it's just difficult to quantify how he's feeling right now. Maybe he doesn't have to know just yet.
He looks off to the side out the window for a moment, watching as the flash of rookidee wings herald a group of them heading off past town into the fields proper.]
I don't consider myself as having lost. If anything, I've supported the next generation. I got my time in the sun, for far longer than most could have expected to get to be there. I just...
[Another pause as he shifts his weight back on his heels.]
With how everything came to a head, at the end. With Rose. I've just been thinking a lot about how much he influenced me as I was coming up. He never seemed to have anything but good intentions for us all ever since I was little, so I never thought...
[ sincerity is one of the best things Raihan has going for him - well, besides his dashing good looks, popularity, and great fashion sense, of course, but those felt a little vapid in comparison. he always strives to be genuine in his interactions with others and defy any presumptions of spuriousness, which tend to be par for the course when you've got a large online presence. his boisterous side is an important part of him and a valid part of his personality, but he knows how to spin it into something that he knows Leon will find comforting. anything less, and he knows his rival would recognize that he's holding back - an unacceptable outcome, to say the least. Leon deserves more than that. ]
Don't worry about it.
[ best to leave it at that and a charming smile, to keep things simple. he opts to listen instead, reflecting on what Leon has to say. it starts off agreeable enough, but his brow starts to furrow when the conversation shifts to Rose. ]
If I'm hearing you trying to blame yourself for not catching Rose earlier on, knock it off. You're better off blaming me for not knowing what was going on in my own bloody city.
[ everything had come to a head in Hammerlocke, right under Raihan's nose. he'd been so focused on the season that he hadn't paid any attention to the League officials coming in and out of the Energy Plant, or the odd times he'd caught Oleana skulking around the castle... looking back on it, it's embarrassing to have not suspected something. Hammerlocke is his turf - his responsibility. he'd failed to protect it. ]
Don't worry about it.
[ best to leave it at that and a charming smile, to keep things simple. he opts to listen instead, reflecting on what Leon has to say. it starts off agreeable enough, but his brow starts to furrow when the conversation shifts to Rose. ]
If I'm hearing you trying to blame yourself for not catching Rose earlier on, knock it off. You're better off blaming me for not knowing what was going on in my own bloody city.
[ everything had come to a head in Hammerlocke, right under Raihan's nose. he'd been so focused on the season that he hadn't paid any attention to the League officials coming in and out of the Energy Plant, or the odd times he'd caught Oleana skulking around the castle... looking back on it, it's embarrassing to have not suspected something. Hammerlocke is his turf - his responsibility. he'd failed to protect it. ]
[Good ol' Raihan. He knew he could trust him to keep his conscience on an even keel. He shakes his head slowly, but yet won't argue what Raihan is saying in retort. The truth is that no one should be blamed but Rose himself, who manipulated the story from the get-go and always intended to pursue his plan regardless of the damage it was destined to cause both man and Pokemon alike. Even if Leon had any idea what was coming...what could he have done to really stop it? He was the Champion, sure, but did that give him any real power to enact change?
He acted as Rose's beacon of hope and optimism for Galar for so many years, and that's not something Leon regretted. But that's where his influence ended. He was the mascot; had things gotten hairy much sooner, Leon isn't sure what his word would have been, against Rose's.]
The way Rose did things was always under the table, but just open enough to not have anyone questioning it. And as for the rest of us, and the challenge?
[He gestures between the two of them, his smile still genuine...if a bit sad behind his eyes.]
Well. It made for a convenient distraction. I guess he took advantage of our good natures too, huh?
He acted as Rose's beacon of hope and optimism for Galar for so many years, and that's not something Leon regretted. But that's where his influence ended. He was the mascot; had things gotten hairy much sooner, Leon isn't sure what his word would have been, against Rose's.]
The way Rose did things was always under the table, but just open enough to not have anyone questioning it. And as for the rest of us, and the challenge?
[He gestures between the two of them, his smile still genuine...if a bit sad behind his eyes.]
Well. It made for a convenient distraction. I guess he took advantage of our good natures too, huh?
[ it's easy enough to toss the blame around on yourself, but Rose's ambitions, however their initial nature may have been intended, were ridiculously out of check. Leon might have been Champion - the region's hero - but Gym Leaders aren't complicit, either. in a large, culturally-significant city like Hammerlocke, Raihan prided himself on being involved in its safety.
he has plenty to do himself with repairing the stadium after the confrontation with Eternatus, but that isn't anyone's responsibility but his own. he's just glad that no one got seriously hurt when all was said and done. at the same time, the protective nature in him wishes he could have done more... especially if it would have eased a burden off of Leon.
but, ever-positive, he simply slings a casual arm around Leon's shoulder. he doesn't like that sad look in his eyes, and seeks to cheer it up somehow. ]
Well I say that if our good natures are what's keeping us from being over-ambitious whackjobs, I'm alright with a little inconvenience every now and then. [ he flashes him a grin, fanged and genuine. he's gotten practiced at not appearing too eager when he gets this close to Leon. ]
he has plenty to do himself with repairing the stadium after the confrontation with Eternatus, but that isn't anyone's responsibility but his own. he's just glad that no one got seriously hurt when all was said and done. at the same time, the protective nature in him wishes he could have done more... especially if it would have eased a burden off of Leon.
but, ever-positive, he simply slings a casual arm around Leon's shoulder. he doesn't like that sad look in his eyes, and seeks to cheer it up somehow. ]
Well I say that if our good natures are what's keeping us from being over-ambitious whackjobs, I'm alright with a little inconvenience every now and then. [ he flashes him a grin, fanged and genuine. he's gotten practiced at not appearing too eager when he gets this close to Leon. ]
[Honestly, Raihan could probably push it and Leon would still be caught unaware...as it is, he finds himself smiling even with a bit of a weight still lingering on him. Moreso than the physical weight of Raihan leaning against him now, that is.]
Couldn't have said it better myself.
[He chuckles, finally knocking back another swig of his beer after passing it over to his other hand so he's less in danger of accidentally dropping it.]
Sorry to come here and bring down the mood seconds from walking through your door.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
[He chuckles, finally knocking back another swig of his beer after passing it over to his other hand so he's less in danger of accidentally dropping it.]
Sorry to come here and bring down the mood seconds from walking through your door.
[ well... it is what it is. it's not as if Raihan hasn't been in this position before - close to Leon, the fringes of the pining that he'd been pushing down for the better part of the last couple of years struggling out of their hiding place. he's well aware of the way his heart skips a beat when they're like this, but as far as he's concerned, Leon will never be the wiser. it would ruin what they have; Raihan doesn't want to risk that, especially now that things are already set to change in Leon's life. he doesn't need the added drama of his friend and rival being secretly in love with him. talk about a bother!
he only allows himself a moment of gazing at Leon as he takes the swig of his beer before snapping back to reality, clapping a friendly hand to his back as he pulls away. ]
I expected as much. Even ex-champs need a good feelings jam every once and a while, right? [ and before he can get too into talking or thinking about feelings, he pulls his phone out to check the status of their food delivery. it's almost here - good. ] Wooper Eats driver's pulling around the corner, Mind getting the door for me?
[ they can spend the rest of the evening getting drunk, eating junk food and watching crap TV, like two normal guys their age. no titles, no competition... just catching up. ]
he only allows himself a moment of gazing at Leon as he takes the swig of his beer before snapping back to reality, clapping a friendly hand to his back as he pulls away. ]
I expected as much. Even ex-champs need a good feelings jam every once and a while, right? [ and before he can get too into talking or thinking about feelings, he pulls his phone out to check the status of their food delivery. it's almost here - good. ] Wooper Eats driver's pulling around the corner, Mind getting the door for me?
[ they can spend the rest of the evening getting drunk, eating junk food and watching crap TV, like two normal guys their age. no titles, no competition... just catching up. ]
[You might want to be careful with that fire you're playing with, Leon. Especially so close to alcohol, which tends to loosen normally tightly closed lips.]
Oh, yeah! I'll get right on it.
[Convenient segue. Leon draws back and heads to the door as requested, giving Raihan time to ruminate on what just happened. It's probably the extent of the feelings he'll have to deal with this evening...
Probably.]
Oh, yeah! I'll get right on it.
[Convenient segue. Leon draws back and heads to the door as requested, giving Raihan time to ruminate on what just happened. It's probably the extent of the feelings he'll have to deal with this evening...
Probably.]
[ hey, what's a bottle or two in good company? neither of them are going anywhere tonight, so they can definitely kick back and relax - Raihan isn't the heavy drinking type to begin with. he likes to stay in control when he can, especially around Leon... but a little downtime would be nice. how long has it been since they last spent time together like this, anyway?
too long, in his opinion. ]
Is your order still ridiculously basic? [ he takes a peek into his bag, confirming his suspicions with a 'tch' (and stealing a few of his fries). ] Typical... you're always easy to predict until we hit the pitch. It's like day and night, I swear.
[ they eventually settle into some sort of lump on the couch, finding a sitcom marathon to watch as they eat and drink the evening away. Raihan stops himself at two beers, but won't do the same for Leon until it starts showing signs of being problematic - the guy deserves a night of letting loose. ]
too long, in his opinion. ]
Is your order still ridiculously basic? [ he takes a peek into his bag, confirming his suspicions with a 'tch' (and stealing a few of his fries). ] Typical... you're always easy to predict until we hit the pitch. It's like day and night, I swear.
[ they eventually settle into some sort of lump on the couch, finding a sitcom marathon to watch as they eat and drink the evening away. Raihan stops himself at two beers, but won't do the same for Leon until it starts showing signs of being problematic - the guy deserves a night of letting loose. ]
[Leon doesn't drink much either, it's instead more that...he can get drunk from very little. He's always been that way. He rolls his eyes when Raihan comments on his food but reahes in the bag for it anyway, ready to tuck in and just...exist with his best friend for a while.
He honestly can't remember the last time he did this. Like...it's almost sad he can't think of a day, much less in recent years. He'd been so busy- both of them had- with their respective duties that hanging out wasn't a priority. And when they did see each other it was always on the pitch. Always a battle, always a competition. He wouldn't have it any other way, but...it was different from the way things were when they were kids and had time to burn.
By the time Leon has matched Raihan beer for beer, his face is looking a little redder than it was when he first stepped in the door. His food is gone but it's not enough to keep the alcohol from hitting his system solidly some time later, and it shows in the way he acts. He's talking more- faster- and his laughs are deep and tend to stretch on for a bit too long. But he seems to be thoroughly enjoying himself, even if they don't have much important that they're doing exactly.
It's enough that he doesn't seem to notice or care the way he's gotten quite a bit closer to Raihan over the past hour, no longer sitting on the couch a respectful distance away but instead right up at his side. An arm has slid around him at some point, but it was originally more friendly than anything...now? Leon has his head canted sideways, leaning against Raihan's shoulder as he stretches one leg out in front of him.]
Haha...boy, this sure has been a bang up time of it, don't you think? I haven't been this fired up since the Championship even...
He honestly can't remember the last time he did this. Like...it's almost sad he can't think of a day, much less in recent years. He'd been so busy- both of them had- with their respective duties that hanging out wasn't a priority. And when they did see each other it was always on the pitch. Always a battle, always a competition. He wouldn't have it any other way, but...it was different from the way things were when they were kids and had time to burn.
By the time Leon has matched Raihan beer for beer, his face is looking a little redder than it was when he first stepped in the door. His food is gone but it's not enough to keep the alcohol from hitting his system solidly some time later, and it shows in the way he acts. He's talking more- faster- and his laughs are deep and tend to stretch on for a bit too long. But he seems to be thoroughly enjoying himself, even if they don't have much important that they're doing exactly.
It's enough that he doesn't seem to notice or care the way he's gotten quite a bit closer to Raihan over the past hour, no longer sitting on the couch a respectful distance away but instead right up at his side. An arm has slid around him at some point, but it was originally more friendly than anything...now? Leon has his head canted sideways, leaning against Raihan's shoulder as he stretches one leg out in front of him.]
Haha...boy, this sure has been a bang up time of it, don't you think? I haven't been this fired up since the Championship even...
[ it's always been that way since they hit drinking age - Leon, beefy as he is, was a lightweight when it came to holding his liquor. Raihan could always shake it off unless he was bingeing, thanks to what he refers to as his "legendary metabolism". tonight, though, he'd much rather enjoy the company than drink the time away.
though he wouldn't trade their rivalry for anything, there are times where he misses Leon's company like this. he understood quickly upon realizing that he had feelings for him that having him as a friend and rival would be more important than potentially making things awkward; those emotions would always be simmering below the surface, and that's where they'd stay, whether they were together or apart.
maybe it's because of the gentle haze of his own tipsiness, but he doesn't notice that Leon is so close until that movement of his leg prompts him to move himself to get more comfortable. how long has he had his arm around him like that? sure, he'd done that earlier, but it was short and playful - just enough to be shrugged off as platonic. with the way that Leon has his head on his shoulder... this is different.
still, like always, he swallows it down and keeps his cool. don't do something you'll regret, he thinks to himself. ]
Sitting on the couch and watching crap telly is what gets you fired up these days? Don't tell me you're getting that soft already!
though he wouldn't trade their rivalry for anything, there are times where he misses Leon's company like this. he understood quickly upon realizing that he had feelings for him that having him as a friend and rival would be more important than potentially making things awkward; those emotions would always be simmering below the surface, and that's where they'd stay, whether they were together or apart.
maybe it's because of the gentle haze of his own tipsiness, but he doesn't notice that Leon is so close until that movement of his leg prompts him to move himself to get more comfortable. how long has he had his arm around him like that? sure, he'd done that earlier, but it was short and playful - just enough to be shrugged off as platonic. with the way that Leon has his head on his shoulder... this is different.
still, like always, he swallows it down and keeps his cool. don't do something you'll regret, he thinks to himself. ]
Sitting on the couch and watching crap telly is what gets you fired up these days? Don't tell me you're getting that soft already!
[It's a noble goal that Raihan has, but just how long exactly is he going to be able to keep this up? It doesn't seem like Leon is bothered by their close proximity at any rate, staying put exactly where he is so long as Raihan continues to allow it.]
S'not that...
[He replies with another laugh that he doesn't really bother to attempt stifling, gesturing vaugely with one of his hands not holding onto his beer.]
Spending time with you, I mean. Like this. Not on the pitch or battling or nothing like that, just...being together.
Don't you feel the same way?
S'not that...
[He replies with another laugh that he doesn't really bother to attempt stifling, gesturing vaugely with one of his hands not holding onto his beer.]
Spending time with you, I mean. Like this. Not on the pitch or battling or nothing like that, just...being together.
Don't you feel the same way?
[ with how close Leon is, probably not much longer. he already has some concern that the other man can feel the way his heart is beating faster, but not nearly enough that he wants to push him away. maybe it's a little selfish of him, but as long as he's not the one making the move for himself... is it so bad to indulge? for now, he's convinced himself that it isn't. ]
Well... obviously, yeah. You're my best mate.
[ it comes out more tender than intended, coupled with a shy chuckle and glance away. as much as he treasured their rivalry, it was always the company; the togetherness that Raihan liked the most. with Leon, he could always be himself. ] I like being around you, believe it or not.
[ understatement of the year. ]
Well... obviously, yeah. You're my best mate.
[ it comes out more tender than intended, coupled with a shy chuckle and glance away. as much as he treasured their rivalry, it was always the company; the togetherness that Raihan liked the most. with Leon, he could always be himself. ] I like being around you, believe it or not.
[ understatement of the year. ]
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