[ Costco in three hours it is, though Red will arrive a few minutes earlier. He's without Charizard by his side, crouched by the wall with his black glass in his hands as he waits for Green ]
[ Green's (surprisingly) punctual today, landing as graceful as a trainer could be as his feet touch the ground, sliding off of Pidgeot. The giant avian pokemon is gone with a flash of red (and Green's hand moves to his belt, securing the pokeball again), before approaching Red with the smallest suspicion. ]
What is it. [ It's a question - it would be a question, if Green wasn't speaking in an entirely monotone voice. ]
[ The device gets shoved away into a pocket when the other boy lands, Red rising to his feet by the time Pidgeot's been put away, hands patting at the side of his legs. He makes a small sound at the unexpected directness from Green to get to the point, part of him remembering his plan for them to get something first.
But if Green wanted to talk first (and maybe do only that), then so be it. ]
I wanted to say I was sorry, in person. [ A pause, short and on purpose. ] The way I treated you on Macha after they turned off your cuff was wrong; I shouldn't have acted the way I did. Then when we left that planet and you came and looked for me, I pushed you away. [ His gaze flickers down. ] I didn't mean to, but I did.
I'm the one who wanted us to stick together through this, but we haven't, and that's my fault. It's always been you looking out for me when I need it. [ His lips press. ] I've never been there back.
[ His eyes linger a little longer on the ground, but then they rise, back onto Green. ]
But then Green wasn't sure why Red was calling him in the first place, that part shrouded entirely in mystery as he spent the last three hours doing what Greens do. At best he figured it would have been a conversation about that kid with red hair.
Oh boy, was he wrong.
Immediately, his body tenses; nine times out of them he's the one that needs to apologise (though the chances of him doing so are unlikely) - this is new. He's not sure how to react in the slightest, eyes flickering between the giant "Costco" sign and Red as he wonders if he should start backing away now (it's a legitimate consideration, okay).
But eventually he stills, staring at the boy for a moment or two longer before -
He lets out a small huff of breath. ] I wasn't looking out for you because you said we should. [ He clarifies, because the apology is something he can't bring himself to address just yet. ]
I wasn't looking for you to do it in return, either. [ Then comes the shrug. ] Don't worry about it. [ And that's the best response he can give to an apology, apparently. ]
[ There's a crease in his brow when Green tells him not to worry about it, an expression that tells that he doesn't agree with that. But he already knew that the other boy wouldn't expect the same support back, or any. That's how he was. Green Oak, ready to take on anything. He was the more mature one, after all.
(The two Greens weren't really so different.) ]
I wanted to. [ Look out for him. He takes a step forward, and another, voice firming as he corrects himself. ] I want to.
[ And Red knew he wouldn't be granted the chance to so easily, and he had to work to not screw up the chances there were. Green didn't let anyone in -- and that meant he needed someone there all the more.
His sight drifts again, eyes focusing on none of the small parking lot behind Green's back. ]
...When you found me, I was there because... all I heard was that sound. The one Macha made when we were leaving. The same one it made after the neraki were killed. I wanted to block it out. [ ... ] I still think about it, sometimes.
[ He refocuses on Green. ] What about you? It's going to stay with us forever -- this. Our contracts, the planets; all the death. We're going to have to carry it for the rest of our lives.
[ That's not something anyone can carry alone. It's what he wants to say, though there's the always the need to tread carefully with his words around Green, whether he's any good at it or not. He won't admit anything too close to the heart, won't accept help if he thinks he can go without it. Anyone who met Green would soon be able to figure that out.
There's no script to Red's words, and that makes him fumble in a tiny silence briefly. There's a point, or a thousand or so, that he's trying to get to, but it's already been said too. If there's anything that should be said next, it doesn't come, but not out of a lack of things to say. There's too much even, and still he wants to be careful --
but he wants to be honest as well, like there might never be another chance to be than this, and that selfish want closes the space between them. The steps aren't hurried, and he stands a moment still in front of Green, chin tipped slightly in recognition for the small difference in height between them, before his arms wrap tightly around the other boy and he brings himself in close with his head burying in.
He soaks it in, eyes squeezed tight to help him savour it -- and it only amounts to a couple of seconds before he lets go, hands sliding onto Green's arms as he keeps his head bowed. ]
I don't want to lose you, and I don't want you to carry that alone. [ The words are hard, coming from a place that isn't his mind. Red drops his hands after, head lifting back up to look at Green for a moment before he speaks again. ] Even if it's not me, don't keep it to yourself.
[ All of this keeps coming out of left field for Green; it's one surprise after another, really.
Only unlike the first time, this one doesn't give him a breathing room; it's one statement after another, and it all happens quickly enough that Green can't distance himself again to breathe.
The funniest part is, he's not a shut in. He can carry basic conversation fine without any awkwardness or fumbled words (sort of). But this? This goes into territories that he never thought he'd be going into anytime soon. Especially with Red.
Which is kind of why the hug is accepted, though Green's hands stay limp at his sides; he's mostly still trying to process the information (we're going to have to carry it for the rest of our lives). He's got a good rebuttal for it, really, if Red would just give him the time -!
Don't keep it to yourself.
Somehow, it's those words that snap Green back into action; though it takes a moment or two longer before he's letting out a small scoff, complete with a roll of his eyes. Moment of vulnerability over, it's back to typical Green. ] I'm fine. [ A standard reply from him.
But there's a small change as Green slowly takes a step forward, toward Costco. They did meet up to grab food, after all. That much he can do. ] I'm not yours to lose, but don't think I'll be gone that easily. [ It's a ... step. Sort of. ] I'll keep it in mind. [ Congrats, Red. ]
[ There was a time, not that long, where he was gone that easily, in a creaky room running simulations. It was four times he was gone that easy, whether it was real or not, whether it really counted. Red never saw it happen, doesn't know if it happened the same way each time, but the name being announced in the same monotone voice amongst the others was enough to feel the loss.
But he won't say that, watching the boy move, and what he was about to say gets silenced by the last words, his lips thinning at what they mean. That he can accept (and he knows it'll have to do for now), and does so with a short nod, even if Green might not see it. ] Okay. Thanks.
[ He turns his own heel to face the building, taking a step with a glance towards Green. ]
By the way, Clary - you met her back in the training room, the one Arcanine really liked - she found cards with pokémon pictures on them. Like trading cards.
[ Since Red figures Green might appreciate something relatively normal after that. ]
[ That's one topic gone. He can't help but exhale the breath he didn't know he was holding; why? He has no idea. He's not going to dwell on it any further though, figuring it's a train of thought to ride on when he's not with someone else.
(Not some idiot. It's an improvement, kind of). ]
... Trading cards? [ The change in topic is Definitely Jarring, but he figures it's a small effort of Red's part to steer the conversation away from what it once was. ] Like those things you collect?
[ Not only has he seen them, and if Green were looking his way, he might even be able to suspect where it's about to go with the smile on Red's lips and his hand dipping into his trouser pocket. He's going to know soon enough, when he holds out a set of cards with a bidoof at the front. ]
Here. She's got the rest.
[ And currently, in no particular order except bidoof on top (always on top), are: roselia, aron, tangrowth, mareep, meganium, hypno, chimchar, gastly, and ivysaur. They are either in English or Japanese, who knows. ]
[ He misses the smile, but he definitely sees the cards - curiously, at that. On one hand Green's not surprised someone thought making trading cards were a good idea, but on the other hand ...
Well, they all look a little stupid, Green decides, flipping through the list. He recognises most at least, except a few here and there - but they were likely new additions.
Though speaking of. ] I found weird things, too. [ He slows down as he enters doors, rummaging through his duffle bag (that had been there the entire time, shut up) for something - ] These. [ One toy pokedex and pokeball, totally not functional. He hands them over. ]
[ (points and laughs at magical duffel bag) There's interest on his face as Green searches through his bag, almost about to go and get one of the baskets near the entrance but putting it off to see what it is the other boy has.
And when Green shows them, Red blinks, taking both but focus on one in particular. ] A pokédex?
[ Non-functional indeed. When they're in his hands, Red can feel the touch of cheap plastic on both, hidden better on the sleek work of the ball, but still nothing compared to the real thing. All the same, the ball gets a glance and the attention goes largely on the fake dex. He flicks it open with a thumb, the design comical. ]
[ (Shut up Reena). ] Yeah. [ He watches with idle eyes as Red examines them, noting the similar reaction the two of them had when coming across these fakes for the first time. The design itself reminds him of the first Pokedex gramps handed to him, 5 years ago. Only it's definitely not, because it feels gross and plastic and gramps would never, ever approve. ]
In the middle of some part. [ Surrounded by a bunch of Furrets that tried to kill him, but he doesn't mention that. ] Got a message saying these were for me, so I went to go pick 'em up.
Oh yeah, I got a message like that too. [ His eyes flicker from Green back to the toys one more time, and then he hands them back over, stepping to go for a basket but still talking as well. ] Just all these random items, held together with tape. Some of it looked useful, but there were some strange things mixed in too.
[ He takes one for himself, giving a quick- ] Want one too? [ over his shoulder. If the answer is yes, then a spare for Green will come back with him. ]
I guess nothing stood out in what you got? [ A beat. ] 'Cept them.
Green nods, taking the basket when it's handed to him. There's nothing else to say otherwise, fixing his bag strap when the question's asked by Red. ] Nothing.
The rest were pretty boring. [ Well, he got weights and a bunch of books he can't read, so yeah. Boring. ] You too?
There was a shirt with a snorlax on it with something written around the picture, but nothing stranger-looking than that. It looked like someone threw together a bunch of different things... there was a fishing rod you can extend in and out with them too.
[ So, the most weirdest of unusual-but-not-that-unusual items. But now they're walking, and Red's looking around the first aisle they find themselves in, shelves taller than any ever need to be. ]
Some of it could be useful. I'm gonna go through it sometime and see what's worth keeping when I'm getting stuff that could be useful to have before we leave.
[ A scoff and a roll of his eyes. ] A fishing rod here? [ But then he got an inflatable palm tree. That was... exciting? Sort of? Maybe they have some kind of weird theme going with this. ]
Guess it'll be happy for whenever our mission happens. [ If it... does... Everything he's been hearing on the networks - muttered between people - are starting to concern him a little. ]
Might wanna do that quickly, just because we don't have a departure date doesn't mean we're not leaving anytime soon. [ Exhibit A: them getting to Aqada in the first place. He glances down the first aisle before calling out- ]
Think the food's elsewhere, unless you wanna go through every one of these for supplies.
I've made a start. [ But the station was large and packed enough that there were still items he wanted to search for (unfortunately, that including pokémon related treatments was looking unlikely). The next part of what Green has to say makes him turn, away from continuing any further and eyeing the products. ]
Do you? [ He's making his way back to Green anyway, taking slow steps just in case. ] I can do it later unless you need to grab some things too.
[ Well, that's better than nothing. Green's not going to mother Red, so he lets the subject drop.
-- Wait. ] You're actually gonna go through all of these?
[ From outside the aisles, where he's standing in, he looks down the store - that's a lot of shelves they're going to go through, most of them likely damaged. He sighs. ] It's fine.
Lead the way. [ He'll trail behind and pick up whatever he needs, or something. ]
[ This isn't Station 23, Green, please. It is perfectly fine (and that means there's more to see).
It doesn't sound like an entirely fine idea to Green by the sound and look he gaze, but asking again seems like it would produce the same answer, so Red picks up his steps once more. ]
We can look 'til we get the food, then leave. I can go through the rest later. [ There, a compromise. So far through this first aisle, nothing is standing out in particular, except when they get closer to the end, which the sight of some rolls of tapes gets Red walking over to a section with hammers and crowbars.
Duct tape. Don't mind if he does stick that in his basket. ]
Have you tried learning to use a weapon that isn't the gun you got?
[ Is that the subject Red's going to bring up as he gets up off his knees, yes it is. He looks sideways to Green briefly, but it's a topic they can walk and talk about, if it doesn't die with a yes or no. ]
If you want. [ He doesn't really care either way. Ultimately, as a pain as the entire trip is, he honestly has nothing better to do; the station is a set of curiosities, one after another, but there are only so many things he can look at before he starts getting... bored.
At least this gives him something to do. ] No.
[ ... Green's staring at the back scratchers that are, for some reason, with the duct tapes. Forgive him if the answer seems a little short. ] There's no point in trying to learn too many things and be mediocre at all of them. [ He's not even that good at using the gun yet (currently strapped to his waist, along with the rest of his pokeballs); he doesn't want to take on too many things). ] Unless you count the Juggernaut.
[ ... ] You? [ He's done staring at the back scratchers now. The question is actually "do you even know how to use your gun yet". ]
A little. I've been getting help learning self-defence from a man, and he showed me how to hold a sword and use it once. [ He shares it as he's walking at the end of the aisle, the wall ahead lined with a collection of garden statues big and small. ] Another showed me how to make bombs.
[ That last part is said a little louder with Green not at his side. He eyes the next aisle, wondering if there's much to be found down there just from a glance. Sealed boxes, and what looked like mirrors further down.
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later day 135
hey. wanna meet up later? we can get something to eat
i want to talk too
no subject
when
no subject
whenever you want
no subject
3 hours
meet me in front of costco
no subject
ok
[ Costco in three hours it is, though Red will arrive a few minutes earlier. He's without Charizard by his side, crouched by the wall with his black glass in his hands as he waits for Green ]
no subject
What is it. [ It's a question - it would be a question, if Green wasn't speaking in an entirely monotone voice. ]
no subject
But if Green wanted to talk first (and maybe do only that), then so be it. ]
I wanted to say I was sorry, in person. [ A pause, short and on purpose. ] The way I treated you on Macha after they turned off your cuff was wrong; I shouldn't have acted the way I did. Then when we left that planet and you came and looked for me, I pushed you away. [ His gaze flickers down. ] I didn't mean to, but I did.
I'm the one who wanted us to stick together through this, but we haven't, and that's my fault. It's always been you looking out for me when I need it. [ His lips press. ] I've never been there back.
[ His eyes linger a little longer on the ground, but then they rise, back onto Green. ]
I'm sorry for that.
no subject
But then Green wasn't sure why Red was calling him in the first place, that part shrouded entirely in mystery as he spent the last three hours doing what Greens do. At best he figured it would have been a conversation about that kid with red hair.
Oh boy, was he wrong.
Immediately, his body tenses; nine times out of them he's the one that needs to apologise (though the chances of him doing so are unlikely) - this is new. He's not sure how to react in the slightest, eyes flickering between the giant "Costco" sign and Red as he wonders if he should start backing away now (it's a legitimate consideration, okay).
But eventually he stills, staring at the boy for a moment or two longer before -
He lets out a small huff of breath. ] I wasn't looking out for you because you said we should. [ He clarifies, because the apology is something he can't bring himself to address just yet. ]
I wasn't looking for you to do it in return, either. [ Then comes the shrug. ] Don't worry about it. [ And that's the best response he can give to an apology, apparently. ]
no subject
(The two Greens weren't really so different.) ]
I wanted to. [ Look out for him. He takes a step forward, and another, voice firming as he corrects himself. ] I want to.
[ And Red knew he wouldn't be granted the chance to so easily, and he had to work to not screw up the chances there were. Green didn't let anyone in -- and that meant he needed someone there all the more.
His sight drifts again, eyes focusing on none of the small parking lot behind Green's back. ]
...When you found me, I was there because... all I heard was that sound. The one Macha made when we were leaving. The same one it made after the neraki were killed. I wanted to block it out. [ ... ] I still think about it, sometimes.
[ He refocuses on Green. ] What about you? It's going to stay with us forever -- this. Our contracts, the planets; all the death. We're going to have to carry it for the rest of our lives.
[ That's not something anyone can carry alone. It's what he wants to say, though there's the always the need to tread carefully with his words around Green, whether he's any good at it or not. He won't admit anything too close to the heart, won't accept help if he thinks he can go without it. Anyone who met Green would soon be able to figure that out.
There's no script to Red's words, and that makes him fumble in a tiny silence briefly. There's a point, or a thousand or so, that he's trying to get to, but it's already been said too. If there's anything that should be said next, it doesn't come, but not out of a lack of things to say. There's too much even, and still he wants to be careful --
but he wants to be honest as well, like there might never be another chance to be than this, and that selfish want closes the space between them. The steps aren't hurried, and he stands a moment still in front of Green, chin tipped slightly in recognition for the small difference in height between them, before his arms wrap tightly around the other boy and he brings himself in close with his head burying in.
He soaks it in, eyes squeezed tight to help him savour it -- and it only amounts to a couple of seconds before he lets go, hands sliding onto Green's arms as he keeps his head bowed. ]
I don't want to lose you, and I don't want you to carry that alone. [ The words are hard, coming from a place that isn't his mind. Red drops his hands after, head lifting back up to look at Green for a moment before he speaks again. ] Even if it's not me, don't keep it to yourself.
this is gay
Only unlike the first time, this one doesn't give him a breathing room; it's one statement after another, and it all happens quickly enough that Green can't distance himself again to breathe.
The funniest part is, he's not a shut in. He can carry basic conversation fine without any awkwardness or fumbled words (sort of). But this? This goes into territories that he never thought he'd be going into anytime soon. Especially with Red.
Which is kind of why the hug is accepted, though Green's hands stay limp at his sides; he's mostly still trying to process the information (we're going to have to carry it for the rest of our lives). He's got a good rebuttal for it, really, if Red would just give him the time -!
Don't keep it to yourself.
Somehow, it's those words that snap Green back into action; though it takes a moment or two longer before he's letting out a small scoff, complete with a roll of his eyes. Moment of vulnerability over, it's back to typical Green. ] I'm fine. [ A standard reply from him.
But there's a small change as Green slowly takes a step forward, toward Costco. They did meet up to grab food, after all. That much he can do. ] I'm not yours to lose, but don't think I'll be gone that easily. [ It's a ... step. Sort of. ] I'll keep it in mind. [ Congrats, Red. ]
not everything is gay, jay
But he won't say that, watching the boy move, and what he was about to say gets silenced by the last words, his lips thinning at what they mean. That he can accept (and he knows it'll have to do for now), and does so with a short nod, even if Green might not see it. ] Okay. Thanks.
[ He turns his own heel to face the building, taking a step with a glance towards Green. ]
By the way, Clary - you met her back in the training room, the one Arcanine really liked - she found cards with pokémon pictures on them. Like trading cards.
[ Since Red figures Green might appreciate something relatively normal after that. ]
no but this is
(Not some idiot. It's an improvement, kind of). ]
... Trading cards? [ The change in topic is Definitely Jarring, but he figures it's a small effort of Red's part to steer the conversation away from what it once was. ] Like those things you collect?
[ ... ] Have you seen them?
it's called *~*caring*~*
Here. She's got the rest.
[ And currently, in no particular order except bidoof on top (always on top), are: roselia, aron, tangrowth, mareep, meganium, hypno, chimchar, gastly, and ivysaur. They are either in English or Japanese, who knows. ]
gross
Well, they all look a little stupid, Green decides, flipping through the list. He recognises most at least, except a few here and there - but they were likely new additions.
Though speaking of. ] I found weird things, too. [ He slows down as he enters doors, rummaging through his duffle bag (that had been there the entire time, shut up) for something - ] These. [ One toy pokedex and pokeball, totally not functional. He hands them over. ]
no subject
And when Green shows them, Red blinks, taking both but focus on one in particular. ] A pokédex?
[ Non-functional indeed. When they're in his hands, Red can feel the touch of cheap plastic on both, hidden better on the sleek work of the ball, but still nothing compared to the real thing. All the same, the ball gets a glance and the attention goes largely on the fake dex. He flicks it open with a thumb, the design comical. ]
Where did you find these?
no subject
In the middle of some part. [ Surrounded by a bunch of Furrets that tried to kill him, but he doesn't mention that. ] Got a message saying these were for me, so I went to go pick 'em up.
no subject
[ He takes one for himself, giving a quick- ] Want one too? [ over his shoulder. If the answer is yes, then a spare for Green will come back with him. ]
I guess nothing stood out in what you got? [ A beat. ] 'Cept them.
no subject
Green nods, taking the basket when it's handed to him. There's nothing else to say otherwise, fixing his bag strap when the question's asked by Red. ] Nothing.
The rest were pretty boring. [ Well, he got weights and a bunch of books he can't read, so yeah. Boring. ] You too?
no subject
There was a shirt with a snorlax on it with something written around the picture, but nothing stranger-looking than that. It looked like someone threw together a bunch of different things... there was a fishing rod you can extend in and out with them too.
[ So, the most weirdest of unusual-but-not-that-unusual items. But now they're walking, and Red's looking around the first aisle they find themselves in, shelves taller than any ever need to be. ]
Some of it could be useful. I'm gonna go through it sometime and see what's worth keeping when I'm getting stuff that could be useful to have before we leave.
[ Whenever that is. ]
no subject
Guess it'll be happy for whenever our mission happens. [ If it... does... Everything he's been hearing on the networks - muttered between people - are starting to concern him a little. ]
Might wanna do that quickly, just because we don't have a departure date doesn't mean we're not leaving anytime soon. [ Exhibit A: them getting to Aqada in the first place. He glances down the first aisle before calling out- ]
Think the food's elsewhere, unless you wanna go through every one of these for supplies.
no subject
Do you? [ He's making his way back to Green anyway, taking slow steps just in case. ] I can do it later unless you need to grab some things too.
no subject
-- Wait. ] You're actually gonna go through all of these?
[ From outside the aisles, where he's standing in, he looks down the store - that's a lot of shelves they're going to go through, most of them likely damaged. He sighs. ] It's fine.
Lead the way. [ He'll trail behind and pick up whatever he needs, or something. ]
no subject
It doesn't sound like an entirely fine idea to Green by the sound and look he gaze, but asking again seems like it would produce the same answer, so Red picks up his steps once more. ]
We can look 'til we get the food, then leave. I can go through the rest later. [ There, a compromise. So far through this first aisle, nothing is standing out in particular, except when they get closer to the end, which the sight of some rolls of tapes gets Red walking over to a section with hammers and crowbars.
Duct tape. Don't mind if he does stick that in his basket. ]
Have you tried learning to use a weapon that isn't the gun you got?
[ Is that the subject Red's going to bring up as he gets up off his knees, yes it is. He looks sideways to Green briefly, but it's a topic they can walk and talk about, if it doesn't die with a yes or no. ]
no subject
At least this gives him something to do. ] No.
[ ... Green's staring at the back scratchers that are, for some reason, with the duct tapes. Forgive him if the answer seems a little short. ] There's no point in trying to learn too many things and be mediocre at all of them. [ He's not even that good at using the gun yet (currently strapped to his waist, along with the rest of his pokeballs); he doesn't want to take on too many things). ] Unless you count the Juggernaut.
[ ... ] You? [ He's done staring at the back scratchers now. The question is actually "do you even know how to use your gun yet". ]
no subject
[ That last part is said a little louder with Green not at his side. He eyes the next aisle, wondering if there's much to be found down there just from a glance. Sealed boxes, and what looked like mirrors further down.
Likely nothing neither of them would want. ]
Which one of the juggernauts do you have anyway?