01 - video

[livlaughlove]

[The network gets a video displaying something that is likely familiar to every single viewer: a dreaded Ledge. Altogether, it looks unintimidating, a lovely short grass path just a few feet above another like it, likely on one of the earlier, calmer routes. The only thing out of place, really, is a man scratching his chin, staring at the shelf of rock like it’s some nigh impossible math problem.

The thing is, he’s huge. Taller than the ledge, even. He can literally peer over the top of it.

First, he lifts the Pokemon at his side, a particularly lethargic Teddiursa, and carefully places it atop the ridge. It promptly tumbles over the side and starts to slide back down, although its trainer catches it before it can sustain any injuries. This repeats once or twice, to the human’s mounting chagrin.

Now, he sets the bear cub on his shoulder and makes as if he’s going to climb the microscopic cliff as Teddiursa settles comfortably in his poncho. And once again, in spite of the high likelihood of him being able to uproot a tree with his bare hands judging by his muscle mass, he can’t keep a grip, and slips down the rocks. His brows furrow deeply as he motions with a hand to the top of the ledge, then to his own head, like one would compare heights.

His shoulders slump as he finally makes his way to the Gear, patting whatever Pokemon has been kind enough to record for him before picking it up and giving the camera an exasperated look.]

So... what's goin’ on with that?

Comments

[oleaeuropaea]

Who said anything about taking, big guy.

[He reaches out, thumping Livio's very broad bicep with a fist.]

Room is already paid for, and no one's using the floor.

[livlaughlove]

[Livio tries very hard to stare all tough-like at Vash. It lasts about three seconds, before he just kind of... pouts.]

Yer gonna stay here houndin' me 'til I give in, aren't ya?

[oleaeuropaea]

Yep! Sounds about right, actually!

[livlaughlove]

Alright, then.

[Guess it's time to dust himself off again and piggyback Teddiursa after Vash.]

But y'can bet yer ass I'm findin' out how much a room costs an' addin' half to my I-O-U.

[oleaeuropaea]

I'll hold you to it, buddy!

[And of course he laughs at that. It's a light sound, unburdened enough to surprise even Vash.]

Honestly, finding work around here is easy enough, I've found. Most of the Marts are always wanting for employees. And none of them know my mug, so I've been able to save up a few poke-pennies here and there!

[livlaughlove]

[Livio can't complain; it's actually something of a comfort to him.]

Must be nice gettin' to relax after runnin' fer so long. I'm happy for ya, Vash.

[He is also happy to take note of the businesses around town so he can inquire tomorrow.]

[oleaeuropaea]

[His face must go through quite the journey, in that moment. It's a small miracle that his back is to Livio. At least this way, he can't be seen.]

It's not so bad. Not that I didn't deserve at least some of the trouble back home.

[livlaughlove]

[Foot, meet mouth. He was trying to be nice, but in retrospect, it probably hurt anyway.]

Sorry. Probably shouldn't bring up the rough stuff, huh?

[oleaeuropaea]

[With his back still to Livio, he gives a casual flick of the wrist, waving Livio off.]

Rough stuff is hard to avoid. And we already talked about the real bad stuff right?

[livlaughlove]

Guess so... Could probably do with a little more tact, still.

[Trying to change the subject and delve into small talk after all of that feels insincere, so for now he quiets.]

[oleaeuropaea]

You're trying.

[And this time, he does turn. His expression isn't elated by any stretch, but there's a reassuring enough smile there.]

You're used to a different me. I'm used to a different you. It's probably gonna be a little weird.

[livlaughlove]

Y'sure it ain't an imposition? If it's too weird for ya, I can just find ya soon as I got the cash.

[oleaeuropaea]

Make it up to me by buying us all dinner, yeah?

[He motions to the Mimikyu trotting at his side. It gives a faint chirp of agreement.]

[livlaughlove]

Alright, alright. I'll make myself scarce in the mornin' to check out those places what're hirin'.

[He is Learning when too much "polite" arguing is too much.]

What kinda food does yer little one like?

[oleaeuropaea]

[Manes looks up at Livio. Finally the man asks the important questions!]

She mostly tries to steal off of my plate. [An affirmative chirp.] Or I give her whatever berries I find growing in the woods. We're still getting to know each other though so... maybe she has some secret passion I haven't quite found yet!

[livlaughlove]

[That brings a chuckle out of Livio. Sounds familiar enough. Even if she's a bit of a little shit, he gives Manes an affectionate glance nonetheless.]

Ya tried givin' her her own smaller plate? Y'know, same proportions 'n whatnot.

[oleaeuropaea]

[Judging by the chirps and only slightly haunted (but excited!) groans, Manes is quite pleased with this idea.]

Just worried it's not good for her, is all. Though I haven't seen her get all that bothered up to this point. Maybe you're onto something!

[livlaughlove]

Yeah, I get that. My lil cub's definitely snuck a few bites from me without any trouble, but I don't think... uh, us eatin' their food doesn't seem to go so well...

[... He's just gonna leave it at that.]

[oleaeuropaea]

Speak for yourself! I can eat anything, thank you very much.

[He has not tried berries or Poke-food yet. He will live to know regret one day.]

[livlaughlove]

I thought so too, but I'd still advise ya stay away from those little berries what look like... uh, well, like rear ends.

[oleaeuropaea]

You mean the peachy lookin' ones? [A beat.] They do look like butts, don't they?

[livlaughlove]

Peachy... peacha? Somethin' like that. Sorry, couldn't remember. [He's just gonna hide his face.]

[oleaeuropaea]

Buttfruit sounds right to me.

[He's never letting this go, thank you.]

[livlaughlove]

[Don't mind Liv, just shoving Vash away. Relatively gently. But his "relatively" is still probably enough to send Vash careening a little bit if he isn't ready.]

[oleaeuropaea]

[Sure enough, there he goes. Splatting on the ground and...

... Laughing?

He rolls from his stomach to his back, giggling away.]

You - You're alright, Livio. Think I don't mind keeping you around.