The Pace of Youth [Pokemon RP]

[Raerae]

"Rae, a moment, please... Now, I know traveling around with someone a little younger than you may seem... less appealing, but I want you to go easy on him, you may be the push he needs-"


"-Professor, it's not Leon that makes me hesitant. I'm just... not used to the company. I've always been a loner, and knowing I'm going to have someone other than pokemon by my side at all times... It's just different."


"Mmm... Well, there's a first for everything, isn't there? I want you to be open minded, and try to enjoy yourself. You owe it to yourself, and your companions, to live a little, in a way that modeling can't provide. Leon may teach you a few things, too."


Rae rolled her eyes, adjusting her back over her shoulder. "Sure, sure," She embraced him lightly one last time. "Don't worry, well look out for each other. Kalos is pretty tame right now, anyways."


She trotted out the door to meet up with Leon, the Professor's gaze was heavy on her as she slipped out of the entry way. He was content with the choices he'd made today, and hoped to watch two buds blossom within the following period of time they journeyed.


---


"Hey, Leon," Rae hurried down the steps, running her fingers through her hair and letting it fall effortlessly to the left. "I'm sorry if I seemed rude in there, I'm just apprehensive, too. We'll have a good time, though, alright?"


Her gaze flickered from Leon, to Gible, and then to the streets that, no matter the time never seemed to lessen in crowding. The distant aroma of sewage, pastries, flowers and exhaust all mixed sighting the atmosphere, causing Rae to cough a little into her sleeve after sucking in a breath of what she'd expected to be fresh air. Her stomach rumbled audibly as soon as she singled out the aromatic breeze of baked goods, and she blushed slightly at the noise.


"What do you say we pick up some dinner?" She asked him, tucking her hands in her back pockets, shivering in the slight chill. "We'll make plans from there. There's a whole region ahead of us, and five more if you're feeling adventurous," She winked playfully, gently patting his shoulder as a gesture for him to follow her.

 

[ThermalTrickster]

To say Leon's relief at her coming was an understatement. He couldn't help, but smile to himself as she appeared down the steps and glanced at Gible who in turn crossed his arms and nodded once before turning to Rae. "Alright, cool. I'd love a bite to eat if you don't mind...I'm sure you would too." Leon joked as he mentioned her stomach growl from before.


Crossing the two steps towards the gate he opened it for her hearing the creaking metal against metal and tried not to flinch. Gible showed no signs of discomfort and trotted out before all of them and led the way down the street towards the sweet smell of bread and pasta. Leon smiled to himself as he smelled the faint scent of chicken coming from the place as it wafted to his nose and seemingly into his stomach.


"How long have you been together? You two seem like a happy couple back there," Leon didn't know to say to Rae other than the need to badger her about her past travels with her Pokemon. It seemed immature and plain rude if that was all he talked about so he settled for a more passive comment. Leon didn't know much about relationship to be honest. The past few with the girls from his class were brief and ward as they tried to fill the gaps that simply weren't there. Even then he showed no other interest in anyone, but he didn't let himself dwell on it.


He remembered a girl about his age--probably a year older if he thinks about it--and how she left on her journey not too long before. She was nice to him and talked to him without bringing up any bad memories of his father like the other kids did. She didn't look down on him and she wouldn't call him by any of the cruel names their classmates called him. He shivered at the bad ones. He wondered briefly where she was. Was she still in Kalos? What was her starter? But most of all how was she?


He shook his head to rid himself of such sad thoughts and instead turned towards Rae with a shy smell before watching Gible weave in and out of the crowd with scary accuracy. He raised his eyebrow at the questioning looks and glares he received, but it was all in fun. Finally Gible stopped and breathed in before turning his head to look to his left. He pointed with a blue claw to the restaurant that was nearby and waited until Leon had caught up. "Did you want to eat here?" The question was directed at Rae.

 

[Raerae]

The question had been so unexpected Rae almost didn't answer, assuming he was making some sort of joke. However, his gaze lingered on her as if it were a genuine question, and to that, Rae laughed loudly. "Couple? Really? Leon, he's twice my age," she waved the idea off dismissively. "He's more like... the uncle you see every holiday, you know? Not that I... really know how that's like. Well, aha... You know what I mean."


She'd nearly grown contemplative as that thought and other, darker ones swept through her mind like a stream that'd built up behind a carefully built wall. Up on another audibly growl of her stomach, however, she pushed the thoughts back where they'd come, and offering a half smile to the boy. "This is perfect. Honestly, I'll eat anything right now."


Although she said that, Rae's persnickety nature would prove even in starvation, she could be picky. She pushed through the front door, leading the way this time to the counter were two waitresses and a waiter stood patiently. They all had bright grins plastered on their faces, speaking automatically with a greeting as their customers entered the establishment.


"Hi, and welcome to Le Bleu, table for how many?" One woman asked, pearly white teeth exposed in a wide grin.


"Two-" She heard a distinct growl and cleared her throat, "I mean, three."


"Of course, inside or out?"


"What would you prefer, Leon?" Rae asked as cordial as possible.

 

[ThermalTrickster]

Coughing in his sleeve for a moment Leon took the brief chance to glance around and see the inside. As his eyes flashed form left to right he noted the displays of achievement plastered on the walls in bold black letters reclaiming their spot as one of the best restaurants in the city. Plaques shined from the distance and Leon blushed as he realized that all were on him. Though he could see the fake smiles he could tell that they were getting impatient. He blinked before turning to the waitress. "We'll take a inside booth please. It's a bit chilly out here..."


Looking around he noticed out of the corner of his eyes a waiter staring at him before turning away. "I'll be your serve for the night. Please, come this way." Leon looked at Rae and smiled shyly as he follow the man into the restaurant. Indeed it was warmer than the freezing temperature outside. The plates came out of a room quickly followed by a trail of delicious smelling smoke and a charming waiter or waitress. The doors swinging from the kitchen gave Leon the chance to see the inner workings of the restaurant and he smiled as he caught on the chiefs eyes.


The waiter, a rather handsome young man with dark brown hair falling into his eyes, seated them down near the window where they could see the people passing by unaware of the eyes that followed them. It was dimly lit and they were away from the other people much to his relief and as he sat down he scooted so that Gible could take some room. The waiter seemed to be amused by this, but instead he smiled and pet Gible, who in turn growled and swatted his hand away. Leon laughed and turned looking up at the waiter.


"Is there anything you would like to drink? I'm sure your Gible would like a fresh glass of water, no?" His voice held a thick accent that sounded similar to Sycamore. He swept back his brown hair in a quick motion and pulled out his notepad which had scribbles decorated all over it.


"I would like a lemonade please. I'm parched." Leon blushed as the waiter smiled at him before turning to Rae.


"And you Ma'dam?"

 

[Raerae]

"Something fruity, like a smoothie," She told him, flashing a quick smile before she felt her pocket vibrate, and her attention became glued to her holocaster. Inevitably it was Elesa, beckoning for an update as Sycamore had undoubtedly called her. Rae was quick to give the supermodel the synopsis of her day, as well as mentioning Leon, her new, unexpected companion.


"Elesa says hi," She told him softly, flashing another smile as she did. "So, Leon," She started cordially, still tapping away at lightning speed whilst she spoke to him, simultaneously laying her wallet out in the corner of the table. "I'm not sure if you've any idea what you'd like to pursue. The ranger lifestyle, Ace trainer, League member or Champion, gym leader, connoisseur, coordinator... Or something else I've yet to mention. Course, you don't have to choose now. But, I'm thinking we can curtail this little journey of ours to better suit your options? Don't worry about me, I already have a profession."


Of course, she'd never completely disregarded the idea of being some sort of Ace, she thought they were so admirable and graceful, experts in their line of work. But when it collided with modeling, Rae always pushed other ideas away, for this lifestyle came first to her.


"If you're gunning for a gym badge, Viola would be the way to go, but she won't be back for a couple days." She shrugged. "Not too sure where a contest hall is around here."

 

[ThermalTrickster]

"Well to be honest....I never really thought about it before." His confession was almost a whisper. "I never really liked Pokemon all that much before, so I never gave much thought into doing something like....this." With a tiny nod to Gible as he spoke. "Other than that I really don't want anything to do with them, except for maybe Gible." He looked down at his hands as he curled his fingers together tightly as his anxiety increased.


He waited for the rejection, for the shock of his words like others. It seemed that Rae cared--no loved--her Pokemon and probably all things related. It made him nervous speaking to such a seasoned trainer who already had all eight of the Kalos gym badges. His mind still wrapped around that. Eight? With only two Pokemon? He shook his head in amazement and turned to looked at the menu.


He waited a bit to gather his thoughts no focusing much on what to order and over the top of his menu he looked at Rae. Sighing softly he turned his eyes back to the tiny words and flipped the page as if he were reading it. The items were a blur in his mind and the pictures of food looked good enough that he wanted that instead of searching throughout the entire thing. He felt tired from the day's events. The battle and the meeting and the professors words finally catching up to him making him yawn softly.


Gible sat quietly for a change and seemed to concentrating. He put his menu down and put a warm hand on the top of his head and traced the faint line that went to his shark fin. Gible purred and leaned closer while Leon smiled to himself.


"Why did you choose to be a model? You already have eight gym badges and your Flygon looked really strong. Why didn't you become Champion?" The words had left his mouth even before he could stop them. He bit the bottom of his lip and swallowed down hard as he tried to focus on Gible. It wasn't that he was scared of her, no, it was just that she was so powerful and so strong and it made him feel guilty that she had to put a hold on her career to escort him around the region.

 

[Raerae]

"I... Understand," She told him, her voice calm and thoughtful, though, to be honest, she couldn't comprehend how the minds of some worked. A life without pokemon? How was that a life at all? "I've met a handful of people with the same way of thinking. I... can't say I agree, but I understand. There are plenty of professions and lifestyles that don't necessarily revolve around them. I would like to think, however," She told him, setting her phone to the side and gently placing her folded arms on the table. "That you may change your mind during our time together. That's entirely up to you, though."


At his question, Rae had to think for a moment, her expression pensive as she propped her chin on her palm. No matter how many times she was asked why she decided to become a model, she never quite knew just how to word it, in order to really get her point across. She tapped her manicured nails on the table as she thought, eventually feeling that she'd found a suitable explanation.


"Well, for one, I'm free spirited; the life of a model is flexible, and requires that you're always traveling, which is what I love to do. Becoming Champion requires obligation, and I don't like to stay in the same place very long, nor do I want to battle all the time and only ever be associated with the word strong." She toyed with the salt shaker as she further elaborated on her answer.


"It wasn't until I met Elesa that I even had a Pokemon. While she prepped me for the life of a model, in our spare time she inevitably encouraged me to be a trainer, she helped me learn the ropes for both lifestyles, hired me a personal trainer, and when she found I was suitable, she booked my first runway show, and also requested I have my first real battle against Brock, in Pewter city. From there, I just... dived in."


"To be honest, battling is just a hobby. It's not some thing I want my life to revolve around, though, I don't think I'll stop collecting badges any time soon. I'll leave the title to Diantha, she does a Hell of a better job than I would care to, anyways."


The waiter serve their drinks just as she finished, and she offered Leon a gentle smile before indulging in her mango smoothie. "I'd rather spend my time grooming them, and exercising their strengths a few times a week- battling in moderation, you know? We don't like to fight much. Though we'll kick ass if we have to."


She winked at him playfully. "Strength isn't everything, you know? Sometimes, it's nice to just sit back and relax on a sandy white beach, with an ice cold drink, a little classic rock, a handsome male model to help apply sun sunscreen... Oh, I miss Undella soooo much..." She gazed off dreamily, forgetting her point.

 

[ThermalTrickster]

Coughing to get her attention Leon blushed heavily under the dim lights. With a nervous laugh he turned towards the menu and flipped through it to ease his nerves. "Thanks for understanding though. It's like its a crime to not like Pokemon for some reason. I get it that they're our partners and stuff, but what if..." He made a defeated noise in the back of his throat and leaned back with his arms crossed. "I don't even know myself to be honest. I just don't trust 'em..."


Opening his mouth to say something else he was stopped by the light tapping of footsteps coming their way.With a glance at Rae he sat up straight and folded over his menu and raised it so the waiter could grab at it. The plastic felt rubbery and clean against his palm and the smell of food made his mouth water. He could tell even by his standards that he was hungry for something no matter what it was.


"I'm glad the drinks are here. Do you know what you would like to order?" His voice was smooth and somehow playful as his eyes settled on Leon. Never once did they glance at Rae or Gible who was silently glaring at him from his booster seat.


"Yes, I-Ummmm, I'll take a cheeseburger please with no lettuce or tomato. And my Pokemon will have some...." Gible picked at his clothing and pointed towards the steak. "No. He'll have some Pokefood please." Gible blinked in shock and snorted as he squirmed in his seat.


The waiter with his hair falling down his face and his hand rapidly waiving back and forth across his notepad nodded and chuckled as he seemed to watch Gible our of the corner of his eye. "Alright," He clicked the pen shut and turned towards Rae with a polite smile. "and what would you like?"

 

[Raerae]

Oh, Leon... Don't be so biased. At least animals only rely on instinct. Humans are the ones to watch out for. They're only here to serve themselves, and they'll rip your heart out of it fetches a pretty penny... My pokemon are likely the only ones who'll be here when I'm old and wrinkly. Ew. Wrinkly.





He was too young for harsh truths like that, and if he found comfort in some race or another, who was she to abolish that? He'd learn soon enough, and if he never had to endure what she has, well, thank Arceus for the gentleness.


Silently, she watched the interaction between the two males, one brow arched incredulously, her.mouth slightly agape as she considered intervening, luckily, Leon was smart enough to know not to give gible human food, at least not now, as he'd never eat the food provided for pokemon again. She had to wonder if Sycamore fed him the wrong foods, though that was likely unimaginable, as he was, in fact, a professor who knew more than she did.


"Chicken salad, heavy on the chick peas, with fried zucchini on the side and a cup of ranch. 'Kay'?" She told him, but her gaze was on the window, gazing out as the busy streets progressed, time slowing for no man.

 

[ThermalTrickster]

His pen was quick as he jotted it down without a brush of hesitation. He nodded as he wrote mentally checking everything before looking up and smiling at them brilliantly. "Hello, again. My name is Will and I'll be your server for the night. You're food will be out shortly." With a courteous nod towards them and a wink towards Leon he turned on his heel and walked away, the soft clicking of his dress shoes fading into the distance.


Leon felt warmth spread across his cheeks and blinked rapidly before coughing awkwardly. The silence between them seemed loud and frightening and the only noise that seperated against them were the cars passing by and the muffled mumbles of the people passing by the window. Gible, himself, even seemed quieter his irritation at Leon seemed to have faded away and now was left with the occasional yawn.


Leon opened and closed his mouth trying to settle on the words as he thought them out. His feet pressed against the floor lightly and his skin tingling from the cold. Brushing his hair out of his face and licking his lips he wiggled in his seat as he tried to find a comfortable position and finally settled on a somewhat awkward stance. Sighing he reached forward and sipped on his drink.


It was Gible who heard it first. His body was leaning against his booster seat and his eyes were drifting around them slowly taking in everything and occasionally perking up at the food that passed by them. Suddenly his eyes snapped open with such focus that Leon jumped and his head ripped towards the door that let the few people in. His mouth twitched and a growl escaped making Leon shiver as he stared at Gible with confusion.


"A-are you al-" His words barely left his mouth as a shout broke between them.


A girl who looked about the age of fifteen or sixteen, maybe older, broke through the door her face glistening with sweat. Her face was wild and urgent and her mouth was agape as her brown hair was curled around her face as if she had been running. Her wild green eyes were sparking with anticipation and helplessness and Leon blinked as his breathe caught in his throat.


"M-My spritzee...It's-It's gone." Her voice was rough as he choked the words out. "They took her!"

 

[Raerae]

A mixture of amusement and concern had graced Rae's features as she watched Leon, uncertainty and discomfort emanating from the boy dramatically. She'd started to say something, but every time she opened her mouth, he opened his, only to purse his lips once more and fade into that silent, rather anxious demeanor of his. In her lifetime she'd been told she can be... Overwhelming, or had a strong personality; she hoped she hadn't come across as too much for a timid male like himself.


When he'd taken his drink, she'd ironically grabbed hers at the same time, the two averting their gazes and sipping gingerly, only to be abruptly started as the restaurants front doors barged open, and in came a young woman, am absolute wreck that'd encouraged Rae to already slide out from the booth, and rise to her feet.


"M-My spritzee...It's-It's gone." Her voice was rough as he choked the words out. "They took her!"


Though everyone had paused and met her gaze, most of the restaurant just went back to its routine, seemingly unphased, if not a little annoyed, at her abrupt and dramatic entry. Waiters whizzed by her, much to Rae's surprised, before one in particular finally stopped before her.


"Ma'am, this is a food service, not a police station. We don't even have battles in this establishment," He told her, sympathetic though in an obvious hurry. "We offer our condolences, but if you're seeking aid, you'd be better off requesting Bugsy or Jenny."


"B-But, my Spritzee, she's... she's...-"


"-I'm sorry, ma'dam. But you cannot cause a disturbance here lest we be forced to ask you to leave."


"You've got to be kidding me," Rae seethed in disbelief, grabbing her bag, swinging it over her shoulder and letting her gaze flicker to Leon for a moment. "I'm going to go see if I can't help, stay if you're hungry and I'll give you my credit card, otherwise we'll order take out at a hotel later. I wanna know who the alleged they could be."


She strode over to the woman, ignoring the waiter and offering a focused yet sympathetic look to the female. "Who took your Spritzee?"


"Ahaha... Miss, she's in need of the city officials, not a... Vogue model," The waiter shook his head as if this were a child attempting to play hero.


"Coming from the coward who just turned her away?" She remarked with a quilted brow.


"Please, just... someone help me," The brunette begged, tears dotting her eyelids.

 

[ThermalTrickster]

Lifting his arm to try and stop her Leon sighed as she trailed past him as she stormed past towards the woman who looked at her with a renewal of hope. Leon swallowed down the nervousness that clotted in his throat and searched for the words to say to himself. He turned back towards the drinks and with a irritated grunt he stood up quickly. Looking down at Gible he shivered as the intense gaze trailed over him and spoke mostly to himself. "Professor Sycamore made me her partner so that we could look after each other." Leon glared at Gible who seemed to chuckle. "Alright, whatever. Look, we need to help her and get her...spirtzee?"


Gible rolled his eyes and quickly wiggled his way out of the highchair and landed on the ground with a soft splat. Nodding to him Gible led the way towards the woman who's breathing seemed to be calming down a bit after looking around at her surroundings and seeming to take the place in before speaking again. "I'm-I'm sorry. So, so sorry about this-"


A waiter cut in before she could continue. "Ma'm please you can't..." She shurnk back a bit into herself with a painful yelp and her breathing took up again. The waiter sighed before crossing his arms.


"Look, Team Whatsit took my Pokemon. I didn't do anything to them and they just," her eyes filled with tears again. "I-That was my first Pokemon and now...she's gone..." Her voice fell off in a painful whisper as she shook her head.


Leon glanced at Rae trying to discern her reactions and his own. With Rae he was certain she must be feeling some type of powerful emotion mainly because of her deep ties with own two Pokemon. Leon on the other hand looked at Gible and bit his lip. What would he do if Gible were missi-Kidnapped. Pokemon don;t just leave their trainers...he's heard of it before, but it's so rare that it's barely on the news. He wondered where she could have been in this big, crowded city and scolds himself for not being careful with her emotions.


He found himself speaking first. "I'll help." His voice was tiny and uncertain as he raised his hand in an offer. Gible sniffed yet nodded his head in determination and Leon looked at him in annoyance. At least one of them had confidence...


Her reaction was immediate and Leon found himself embraced in a powerful hug and felt the tiny drops of tears running through his shirt. "Thank you! Thank you soooo much!" Her cries were muffled as she weeped. She pulled away quickly leading him out the door by hand. "It's this way please hurry! They could be gone by now!"


"M'am he's just a kid..." Leon heard the silent whisper of a waiter and bitterly agreed.