It would be so fine to see your face at my door [Closed]

[scratchitti]

Who: Neku Sakuraba And Nagi Naoe
Where: Goldenrod
When: Backdated to March 19th, after the circus
Summary: After beating Whitney (finally) Neku texts his victory to his...friend? And a long put off battle is thrown down
Rating: PG-13
Log:

[Neku was on Cloud Nine. He knew his dislike of Whitney was silly, but he still felt pretty great about finally beating her. So after sending his victory text to Nagi he headed to a nearby coffee shop, sipping something cold and frothy, his Lucario (who had carried the fight) nibbling a poffin and a caffeine free cocoa frappe.

He had already healed his team, and everyone was resting now. Soon they would find a place to stay and hang around Johto until the fashion show... then back to Kanto to continue his badge quest. But for now he was happy relaxing]

Comments

[scratchitti]

[He can't resist a small surprised noise, cupping his hands to catch the badges. Water runs between his fingers, and he stares at the little charms like they mean something]

You know, before I lost to Whitney I didn't even give a damn about these things? I only fought Falkner because I was bored.

Even when I went to Kanto. It was just for the experience. That's why I didn't bother doing them in order. Then we got to talking about it and... I dunno, I got excited. It was a *goal*, ya know? I mean, it's kinda dumb when you think about it. There's no prize. We can't even challenge the Elite Four or anything like that.

You got all worked up and I guess... I just wanted to keep playing for awhile.

[unkinder]

[He's silent as he listens, keeping his attention on the badges in Neku's hands. They look exactly like he remembers they did in the games.

Eventually, Neku's last few sentences get him to look up at him, trying to gauge his expression. If he had Neba out he might be able to maybe get a better sense of what the other is thinking right now; Kodokuna tended to function more with feelings that transcended actual words.

She moves back to Nagi's side, nudging him next with a gentle hum. The feeling she gives him is assurance. Neku isn't lying.

There is nothing wrong with having a friend. Things are different here.]

Well...it's no fun without a rival.

[scratchitti]

Heh, yeah.

[He starts to put the badges in his pocket, and pauses, thinking. After a moment he plucks Falkner and Whitney's badges out, taking Nagi's hand and turning it palm up- dropping them in.]

I'm going to Olivine for Meridina's fashion show. But after that I'm going back to Kanto. So... erm... now it's fair.

[He's bright red as he says this, and quickly let's go of the other's wrist]

[unkinder]

[...oh.

Nagi stares blankly at the badges in his hand, quite honestly taken aback by the gesture. Trying to figure out how to act a moment ago was bad enough.

After a moment he shakes his head, looking more...confused than anything else.]

I can't take your badges.

[scratchitti]

You're not. Just holding onto them for a bit. I mean, you already have these right? So it's no big deal.

[unkinder]

[He looks back down at the badges again before slowly closing his hand around them. Then he turns his attention back to Neku, his expression hard to read.]

When I get back to Mahogany, I'm going to defeat Pryce. ...when we're even again, we'll rematch. To the end.

[scratchitti]

You sure? I'll just get stronger between now and then.

[unkinder]

Are you kidding? If I can win a battle against you when we're more evenly matched, then that just proves I'm the better Pokemon trainer.

[There might have been a very thinly veiled...compliment about his battling strength in there? Somewhere? If you squint.]

[scratchitti]

Well, unlike the rival in the games, I can change my team up. So don't think you can just plan around what you've seen so far.

[unkinder]

[Nagi weighs the badges in his hand for a moment before pushing them into his pocket.]

So can I.

[...]

If you can beat me, you'll get these back.

[WELL so much for...not being able to take his badges. But it's hard to tell if he's really being serious or not- it's not like he needs them when he has his own.]

[scratchitti]

[The...threat? Well, it doesn't seem to bother Neku any, and he nods before turning back towards Blueberry]

Until then., you better make sure to not go... vanishing on me. I'll need my badges back, after all.

[unkinder]

[Nagi exchanges a brief glance with Koda before responding, watching the back of Neku's head as he turns away.]

I don't plan on it.

[And that sounds like all he's going to say, at least until Neku's probably right almost to where Blueberry is. Once he gets there he blurts before he can change his mind, focusing his gaze elsewhere.]

...thank you for...playing with me.

[scratchitti]

[Neku pauses, and smiles, his expression hidden due to the angle. Instead he pats Blueberry's side before hauling himself up]

Same. See you soon.

[He squeezes his knees, and the dragon trills, taking flight. It was a bit of a trek to Olivine, after all]