voice.

[radfield]

[ The tail end of a sigh can be heard as Chris enables the voice option on his PokéGear. Though it’s more of a response to the chilly weather rather than sounding tired or disappointed. Still, he has to pause as he quietly clears his throat and fights the urge to huff while he tries to warm up some at his Local Pokémon Center™. ]

Does anyone have any tips or advice for new trainers? Think my new friend and I started off on the wrong foot with a small scuffle, but I suppose it’s expected given its nature. Its name is ‘Stufful’, if that helps.

[ What a sneaky pun. ]

Anyway, I give her as much space as possible and she’s rather content on trailing behind or leading the way, but is in need of some grooming. Wondering how we both can get around this before attempting to since she’s rather finicky when it comes to touch.

Thanks in advance.

Comments

vide-yoooo

[radfield]

[ He doesn't bother to wait for a reply in this case. Quickly switching to video and holding his Gear in the usual unflattering angle he normally goes with for these sorts of calls. ]

Jill!

[ He struggles to follow up with something, anything, and no doubt was slowly losing the composure he'd kept up for days now. That one word was enough for him to go on and the hope it gives him shows in a pinched look. There's another sigh on his end, though sounding more surprised than anything else, not to mention coupled with a few mumbled words as he tries to voice a number of thoughts before settling on: ]

It's me, Chris!

video.

[torsion]

[ It is him. She's got the same glossed over voice that reaches her eyes when she switches to video. The sound of his voice soothing an ache shed try to ignore just like the last time they had to do this. The only difference is this time she doesn't have to focus on his safety and the safety of others. This time, it's just them. No one over her shoulder or his, no urgency that will force her to push her feelings aside. ]

Chris? It's Jill. [ Her expression twists, head tilted to slightly to the side. It's barely visible when she sets the coffee cup down, the light clink of glass to wood while she rushes the gesture to free her hands. She presses one down against the table off-screen, like she's physically able to lean into the screen and past it to touch him. ] Chris, I...

[ Wanted to see you, missed you, am glad you're here, am so happy you're safe, want to see you right now. Anything, everything, but it's all too much for her after everything.

Her brow tightens along with her smile, sharp and straight as that same look crosses her as the one she'd had back in the Monarch Room. Too much to say that she can't, the words incapable of forming for too many reasons. All she can do is look at him. She stares for a long moment, taking him in before a weight lifts and her look softens and her head tucks down against her chest, the light braided ponytail over her shoulder shifting with the gesture. Against the very bottom of the screen, brown fur can be seen and a wet nose, nudging against Jill's chin.

That's what makes her laugh waver into almost a cry. Trust her new pal to notice exactly how conflicted her feelings are. Her heart feels tight, like her rib cage is much too small and trying to make it burst into a million pieces inside of her. She tilts her head for a small nuzzle before swiping her thumb over the screen, like her fingers can brush his skin from a distance.

She missed him too much. Glossy, threaten to spill over, she lets out a jagged: ]

Hey.

video.

[radfield]

[ Chris watches her movements carefully, gauges the reactions, and takes in her features before almost cradling the small device in both hands. His expression mirrors hers while he supposes she's feeling the same. Smiling for a brief moment even when Jill has to look down and away. Luckily she had someone there with her to pick up the slack, and looking as though it might be her Pokémon. ]

Are you all right? [ Not realizing he's almost parroting the same words back in Africa, there's some shifting on his end of the feed as he presses more into the corner of the booth seat and leans against the wall. Stufful gives a small shout at being moved around, though it's quick to calm down once he's pushed it far enough to give it some space. ] I, uh, showed up here a few days ago. Wasn't expecting to come across you, much less anyone, but.. I'm glad you're here.

[ Maybe 'good to see you' or 'nice to know that you're doing well' would be more fitting, but he's relieved to find that neither of them wouldn't be so alone. Even if the two of them really had managed to find a way into a different world altogether. Either way, it's a thought he doesn't want to mull over for the moment.

Judging from Jill's surroundings, it seems as though she were enjoying breakfast. However, it was nice to see she was managing to look after herself despite everything. Far better off than him, at least. That said, he cheers up some for the two of them and straightens in his seat to flash a small smile. ]

Just stopped in Cherrygrove, by the way. Hopefully it isn't too far from where you're at.

[torsion]

[ She's less shaken than the last time they spoke like this. Less serious, less rushed. She still talks with her hands, though only one of them. Gently sweeping a little to the side and barely on screen as she speaks. ]

Yeah. Just taking a break from the cold right now. Can't seem to catch a break lately with extreme weather, can I? [ Probably not the right thing to make a joke about, but it shows she's in better condition than he might think her to be. She can't really see what he's speaking to and she'd been more concerned about him than anything earlier, so she hadn't looked up what a Stufful was on her pokedex. ] I've been here a little over a month, actually. Apparently time's a little different here.

[ So he probably had seen her just before coming here. She tries not to think on it too much since she doubts there's any way she could really explain it. ]

Azalea. I'm about three weeks' away, I'm afraid. I can rent a riding pokemon, but it'll be about a week to Cherrygrove. If you're up to a bit of travel, we could meet in Violet or along a Route a bit quicker? [ She looks plainly hopeful, no effort to hide her expression. Finally, she's able to be completely honest after everything. ] Don't really know what to say about your friend, though. Mine's a peach.

[ To which, she lifts it a little and it places only its front paws on the table, briefly glancing at her like it is making sure it's okay to do so before leaning into the screen to give it a sniff when it hears the voice on the other end. Its right ear flicks. ]

[radfield]

[ Chris smiles quietly at all her familiar gestures. Though he has to beam at the sight of her and Eevee getting along. ]

Extreme? Figured you'd be a little used to the cold by now, considering home. [ Nevermind it had been around late spring for them both just a few days ago if he were to go by his arrival. ] Though you're right about time. If you're three weeks away then you've covered a bit of ground in a month. Good on ya, partner.

[ He would've probably taken his time to travel between towns if Jill weren't around. It wouldn't be at his usual pace, especially during the years spent searching for her, but he's glad to see Jill had settled in quick without him. Something he's always come to expect and admire. And despite the two of them managing to land themselves in Johto somehow, maybe taking a break from all the rehabilitation and testing was what she needed in order to feel at ease. Considering it certainly shows on his end. ]

Anyway, I can manage getting to Violet City. Might take me a couple days, but no use in waiting a week just to double back and meet. [ The video cuts for a moment as he navigates to the map. After this he would need to ask a few locals or trainers on what to expect before setting off. ] As for your friend, they're looking to be a little more gentler than mine.

[torsion]

Doesn't mean I like it or camp out in it. Pretty different setting up camp outside than it is going to the car or eating at a food stand. [ Which confirms that she's mostly been sticking around outside, though she does take up any free offers for housing whenever its available. More for her pokemon than herself. ] There about, I guess. Just gotta take frequent breaks for my friend, here.

[ She wanted to take time, but she also wanted to push forward and learn more. She'd skipped Sprout Tower and the Ruins, but maybe she could explore them this time with him? ]

Well, I'll keep an eye out. Might be able to push forward and meet up with you before you get there, but I haven't used a pokemon for transportation before. Been walking, myself. [ She couldn't afford the trains yet and as convenient as riding might be, she wanted to save as much as possible. It's a good thing she had been cautious like that. ] Eevee and I get along pretty well, I'd say. He got a bath yesterday at the center, but I feel like my advice is pretty obvious and won't apply to your new friend.


[ Gentle is pretty spot-on, though it seems inquisitive, too. Not nearly as much as it appears to want to cuddle, though, as it leans back into her and rubs its head against her chin before circling on her lap and disappearing into the bottom of the screen with only a few tufts of brown fur visible. Jill looks down, affectionately, and settles a hand on its back. ]

[radfield]

Guess you're right about that. [ He half-shrugs against the wall before pushing off to lean back in his seat. Every once in a while he pauses to look up at the travelers filtering in and out of the Center. ] Just be careful out there, Jill.

[ He'll probably work for an extra day at the PokéMart and help out the innkeepers with any last chores before heading out. Gives him extra funds to work with alongside a few brownie points if he ever decides to visit Cherrygrove again. ]

Wouldn't be surprised if you showed up before me, but don't sweat it. If anyone's gotta rush it's me. [ He lifts his hand and shows her his sprained finger, wrapped tightly in a torn piece of cloth. ] Though if you plan on renting a pokémon, mind keeping an eye out for a finger splint? Tried giving Stufful a bath myself, but ended up with this.

[ He's not about to unwrap the bindings and show her the bruising or peeling from the weather, so he drops his hand in the meantime before turning the camera to face his dirtied poké. Stufful's wrapped in his spare coat, with a sleeve draped across the top of its head and moving every now and then in its sleep. Noting too interesting, but it's doing what it do. ]

We've only known each other for a few days, but it's only a matter of time till we get used to traveling together.

[torsion]

Hey, when am I ever reckless?

[ She doesn't realize the connotation of such a comment. Maybe she likes to think she makes good if not informed decisions, but exchanging her own life for the sake of his was reckless no matter how much consideration she did or didn't have behind it. It's likely to drag up some things they haven't had a chance to talk about quite yet, although Jill has little to justify about it in her mind. It had been a black or white decision. Him or her.

And in the end, the answer would always be him. ]

No, no. I've been here a while. I've got a bit of savings and I know the routes better. [ Not as well as she'd like, but going back around might help her in that. She leans in again, like it'll help her see around the screen. ] I'll grab one in the city before I take off. Azalea and Violet are a lot bigger than Cherrygrove. Hope you can make due in time?

[ She scoffs at the stuffed animal friend of her partner's, a little worried that it would go that far. They'd both only just gotten over their physical injuries. If anyone deserved a break, it was him. ]

Pretty cute for such a brat. Guess it's kind of like an unruly child. Try feeding it some berries if you come on any, it's kinda like a bonding treat I guess? They really like them. And sweets. [ She pauses to demonstrate since apparently her Eevee knows the words she's using. Jill's pretty sure it fully understands and is just playing her with its gooey cute eyes because she's a sucker. The camera shifts to an odd angle of the coat over her shoulders, downward at her chest (and carefully covered neck, leaving not even a hint of her clavicle in view) and lap while she grabs a bit of the croissant on the table and breaks it off for her pal. It makes a happy sound and bounces a bit even as it chews. ] Though they have their preferences. I guess some really like bitter and sour, but he seems pretty happy with sweet.

[radfield]

I could list a few times, but I'll save that for when we meet.

[ Her sacrifice back at the Spencer Estate hardly crosses his mind when he jokes in return. He'd forgiven her back at the Monarch room and he'd continue to feel the same way now. It was a choice they'd still need to talk about, but he understood her reasoning behind it. It does, however, make him consider a number of things. Mostly what might come up during their travels around Johto and whatever the BSAA decides for them both back home. ]

Wouldn't call it unruly.. rough around the edges, maybe. [ Though he hardly saw it as a child, its personality reminded him of Claire in a way. Picky, moody, and goes about things at her own pace; but other trainers have had similar experiences with their starters initially. Figured he might as well give Stufful some time to warm up to him. It was easy to shrug off a few sprained fingers, bruises, or bumps due to crossing some lines. Mostly when it came to a few pats here and there, but he's hopeful. ] Someone suggested treats so I'll probably stop by the store to grab some and pick up any berries I see along the way. We've got a week at best to see what she likes anyway.

[ Barking out a laugh at her scoff, he gives another half-shrug before swinging the camera back towards him. He watches the way Jill feeds Eevee and makes a note to try the same next time. Impressed by how responsive it was to Jill, he's glad she was given a good starter after all that's happened. ]

And I shouldn't have any trouble getting to Violet. If anything comes up then I'll let you know. [ He figures it'd be best to not mention his funds for now. There's enough leftover to buy supplies that should last him the week, but once they meet in Violet he'll probably ask to stay for a while until he's back to a decent amount. ] That said, anything I should come to expect on my way?

[torsion]

[ Jill acts like she didn't hear that, but her eyes turn away from the screen for a moment. There was a lot to talk about, but she'd like to think he's known for a long time. Their friendship was something else, not just partners or co-workers or family; something deeper, more visceral. The kind of thing most people shy away from when it really comes down to the important decisions. But what they had was something that should've been addressed ages ago.

Even if part of her still can't help but feel that maybe she's looking too much into it and seeing things only from her side. That maybe their partnership is an inconvenience at times. ]

Ha, same difference, right? Either way, that's not acceptable. [ She wasn't sure what to compare hers or his to, not quite. But it's the best she can do for his. Though she's generally quite warm toward any pokemon that she may come upon, the Stufful's behavior leaves a lot to be desired. Dislike or not getting along is one thing, hurting him is another. ] Just check out any bigger trees you see. You should find some pretty easily.

[ Maybe less. If it'll take her five days, four if she really pushes it... maybe they'll meet around three? She hopes it's sooner, though. Now that he's here, she'd like to see him. ]

Well, you can always get a hold of me on this thing. I'll probably set off after we finish breakfast and I get a hold of someone real quick about this change of plans. [ Jill pauses, trying to consider what he might have to look out for. ] Nothing in particular, really. Dark Cave's a pain but you'll be fine.

[radfield]

[ Chris' expression settles into something a little more mild. The joking tone from earlier now gone just as quickly as it came up when he sees her reaction to it. No doubt they'd need to go over what exactly lie between them and preferably without any distractions. Though Chris would like to think he were at least open and genuine in how he felt towards Jill. Regardless, he could see how there would be room for doubt on both ends and whatever they would discuss might change things.

They've been together as partners for more than just a handful of years now and any sentiments they harbored were nothing more than assumptions to put it lightly. Whether by the habits they shared, thoughts and feelings left unsaid, or glossing over anything before it turned too serious. Their relationship certainly held more weight than most, but the idea of finally addressing it directly was something he was looking forward to, albeit apprehensively. ]

Hopefully we'll have ironed out our differences when we get to ya'.

[ Chris won't argue her reasoning, knowing she was just looking out for him. After the first incident with Stufful and scanning it with his gear, he's probably the only one willing to cut it some slack. Maybe she could help with its temper by the time he reached the next town, even if it wasn't her responsibility to. Considering he's been reluctant to catch any others while having his hands full with Stufful alone. Although he nods after her response and moves to wake his Pokémon before slipping on the jacket. Shushing Stufful gently when it cries with a light rub behind its ear after gathering up his things. Making sure to avoid any whacks it throws on top of it. ]

All right. I'll stay for another day and pack for the trip, but I'll leave Cherrygrove tomorrow morning. [ He wants to apologize for cutting into her plans, especially if Jill happened to be traveling with someone already. Still, he'd be lying if he didn't want to see Jill immediately and set off from there. No doubt it was a little selfish, but his first priority now was to catch up. ] Though I'll make sure to keep you updated.

[torsion]

[ Jill notices, but carries on like she doesn't. Not that she doesn't care how he feels or worry about their relationship, but they're already apart. It's no use making him worry more. That's her job, after all. At least that's how she's always seen herself in their relationship or in any -- she's the one that takes the back seat and puts everyone else first, even at the expense of her own life. She didn't want recognition of her deeds, not even when they mattered most. ]

I hope so. Otherwise we're going to have a little talk, she and I.

[ She watches as much as she can when Chris interacts with it, taking note of how careful and soft he is despite its reactions. It's sweet, really. Hopefully it would react more positively to him in the near future. ]

Mm, alright. Take your time, I don't mean to inconvenience you. [ He already seemed like he had plans in mind, after all. Though she was comfortable here taking a little break, it was no big deal and she was looking forward both to going back around and spending extra time in the city she had barely looked over and meeting up with him. She doesn't want to ask what his plans are since he didn't offer. ] Roger that. Just take it easy until then.

[ She lingers, even though the conversation peters off to what seems to be a natural end. ]

[radfield]

[ He's more than all right with Jill deciding not to touch on those feelings any further. Sooner or later it would need to be addressed either way, and it was better off for them both jump into going over things with little pressure. ]

You're not. [ His answer is immediate. If anything, he should be the one apologizing, but ultimately holds off on saying more since it'd just be another game of back and forth. Not that he wouldn't mind talking to Jill for a little longer. However, he'd cut her breakfast short and was now on a rush to head back to Violet for him. ] Wasn't doing much to begin with outside of working and waiting for my finger to heal. And it won't be a problem when I set off; promise.

[ Before she can say anything else about his injury, he slings his pack around a shoulder and motions for Stufful to hop off the booth seat before sliding out of it himself. The camera jerks for a few seconds as he straightens up to leave the Center, but before closing the feed he shoots Jill a genuine smile and lightens up without having to force the notion. And finally sending her off with the same tone she'd given him from the start. ]

See you soon, Jill.

[torsion]

Well, we'll see about that. [ She repeats herself, almost like a threat even though she can't exactly threaten a pokemon (and honestly wouldn't). It's no different than any other time someone might hurt him, intentional or otherwise. Cute stuffed bear or... not. ] Alright, if you say so. Doing about the same myself. If you haven't noticed yet, if you challenge trainers and win you can make some extra money. Good for bonding, too.

[ Since the stuffed brat seems to like to fight, it could be good to bond more over that than anything else, but it might choose to ignore him. It's hard to say. Hopefully he could figure that out before the threat of handing money over to trainers became a worry.

His expression and voice soothes her, though. It makes her feel a little less lonely inside. Softer than before, her eyes slightly narrow and her eyebrows twist when she nods. ]

Soon.

[ She echoes him, his name stuck in her throat along with anything else affectionate she could add. Instead, just silenced to awkwardness and a yearning gaze. ]