Electric Heart

ah, the burdens of having a tightly packed schedule. Volkner could relate to some degree, though he’d always advocate for some time to himself. and eventually, that turned into a bit of a rebellious streak, Volkner doing relatively anything he wanted so long as it was within reason. 

“we’ll fit it into your schedule, sure.” Volkner’s tone is reassuring, understanding Raihan’s predicament. when he’s asked about how he worded it, slight embarrassment takes hold of him. it hadn’t been meant as sinister in any way, though he understands how that could have been interpreted as such.

“ah, well. what I mean is that I’ve been known to be eccentric, as you could probably guess. shopping trips usually end up with me getting more ideas and soon I get carried away with more projects, inventions and repairs. part of why I want you around is to make sure that doesn’t happen. I trust you’ll keep me focused on getting only necessary items, or at least not breaking the bank with excessive purchasing.” he’s still embarrassed, a hand brushing the back of his head as he willingly admits his somewhat unflattering weaknesses.

Ethan raised an eyebrow, questioning « Oh, he’s the guy with the red… tsinelas? And the light yellow… naka-polo? Barong? Right? I met- wrong word. Saw him once at a convention. Seemed like a pretty… weird person. But, not my point, » he said, quickly changing his stance as he adjusted his cape once more. « I dunno… I guess it’s just sensory at this point. It looks good, I feel good mentally in it, plus capes are fun, I must admit… it’s just that it’s- the fabric is rather itchy and I’d rather not devote any League resources just to replace a uniform. » He sighed. « Probably trailed off for a moment there. I see your point… but it is, admittedly, quite hard to change an image you’ve maintained for so long. Backlash, people wanting… tradition, » he airquoted, before trying to change the topic. 

« …You’re a gym leader, if I remember correctly? Why don’t we talk about that? I’ve always wondered how that’s like, given I’ve only ever been on the other end of that field. »

Volkner simply stares, tilting his head as he could practically see the gears in the other’s brain turning, puzzle pieces coming together rather nicely. seems that they had met before. that would save time, not having to introduce his friend with his... unique... sense of dress. 

the comment would earn a shrug from the electrician. he personally didn’t find it rather troubling to change his look, should he wish to do so. people had their eyes on the gym leaders and elites, but that didn’t mean that they couldn’t change every now and then. to Volkner, one’s own sense of style and identity was more important. that was part of what made each person their own self, right?

“I suppose that’s a good question to ask. really, not that exciting. in my region, it’s considered particularly difficult, and I rarely get worthy challengers. I do enjoy meeting new people and talking to people every day, but it’s a shame. if you are to become a champion, you should be pushed to your limits. brain and brawn should factor in. eventually, I feel sorry for people and just hand out the badge.” he sighs, disappointed in the lack of strong challengers he’d face in the regular span of a year.

yeah, the beach part already threw him off, so convincing him would be a hassle for sure. but, the guy said it’s not really a beach city, it’s a city, that happens to have a beach, right? it’s not that he will be stepping on water literally whenever he goes outside, also this may be interesting, to leave orre for a bit, but there’s a small problem….

……….how do ya plan on takin’ us there?

“very simple actually.” Volkner nods once. travel between regions had been made more efficient, simplified and convenient for many trainers, whether they wanted to simply visit family abroad, take on multiple gym challenges in different regions, or do some sightseeing. 

“Heh, are you sure that order doesn’t matters though? I’ve heard that when describing what you want out of a partner it’s the second trait is usually the one you want the most. The first one is usually a front you put up for others.” Granted Koko didn’t have any psychiatric evidence, this was just something he heard from the grapevine. Though he did believe that Volkner valued intelligence as he was an engineer after all. It was probably just less important than Volkner thought it was.

“You’re attraction to Kukui’s body probably isn’t just for lust reasons. I think you want someone reliable that you can depend on thanks to your busy schedule. Someone who can take care of themselves so they can take care of you if you forget to. Stop me if I’m wrong on any of these fronts.” 

“I’m positive.” the gym leader affirms firmly. he couldn’t handle someone that was very unintelligent, being with them for the rest of his life. that would get boring and annoying quite fast.

“that being said, I don’t exactly have a reference for what works out well for me. again, my love life hasn’t exactly been a highlight. though it’s completely because I don’t indulge or explore, yet I acknowledge that.” so technically, he couldn’t confirm for certain.

I see you like your gift. It’s a thought he doesn’t voice, though its written all over his face, amusement hardly concealed in his expression as he watches Volkner enthusiastically fiddle and spin his new hat. It grows greater at his displeasure towards Riley’s jest, taut lips barely withholding a snicker. “You really never wear shorts and sandals at all? I can understand where you’re coming from, though. I don’t really get hot either, and when I do, I just take off my jacket.”

At his question, Riley lets out a thoughtful hum. “I’m in no rush, frankly. Ah… this is a little embarrassing, but even though I’ve been in Sinnoh for a while now, I haven’t taken the opportunity to properly explore the region.” Battling and training had taken precedent in his mind back then, and he had spared little thought for anything else, including visiting more cities. Riley starts looking a little sheepish. “So if you don’t mind, I’d be happy to have a tour of the place. It’d be a pleasure to be shown around the city by the gym leader himself, especially since I’ve heard that you pretty much singlehandedly renovated the place.” 

“I don’t wear shorts in general. and sand’s annoying as shit. I might live in an area with a wonderful beach, but it doesn’t necessarily mean I have to enjoy all of the components. sun’s nice, heat’s nice, sand’s the devil incarnate.” Volkner jokes, laughing a little. in fairness, when it got into weird areas, or if you just fell into sand and it got onto you, you could literally be finding sand a week or two later. not something Volkner enjoyed.

pleased by the other’s willingness, he begins to walk casually, implying his guest follow him. he’d go at a very slow pace, not for Riley’s sake, but his own. energy was hard to come by sometimes, and though he was admittedly eager to show off his city, he was still rather tired today.

“let’s take a trip to my second proudest invention. the roads in my city are largely composed of solar panels. energy is never a problem here.” though there were some issues with practicality, a road made of highly valuable tech probably had some problems with upkeep and maintenance.

A) dammit ask cap still sucks. May reach out in asks for some mild fun in the coming day or two

assuming roles in characters like. "My oc is volkner's child / replacement / lover etc." or even canons replacing each other and sort of throwing a timeline on me that doesn't fit or work out. it may come off as rude or something to say I feel uncomfortable but... I don't know how to write stuff like that you know? you're my Volkner's son? his partner in crime instead of Flint? replaced Volkner at his gym? cool! I wanna hear those ideas! but... If it doesn't work out or sorta assumes things of my portrayal, that sucks right? just a gripe I've had happen in a couple discord servers lately and I'm not sure how to handle stuff like that. any advice?

scowl forms upon the gym leader’s face, realization of the thoughtful gifter’s identity evoking conflicting feelings. on the one hand, it was a completely thoughtful gift that Volkner would indeed have use for. on the other, he hadn’t expected a gift from his companion, much less one that had been purchased in a foreign region. it was an incredible gift, and Volkner struggled to decide how best to proceed.

should he go big and get Red an even more amazing gift from another region? should he make something himself (as that was always an option for ‘unique’ gifts). should he simply say thank you? Volkner tsked once, rubbing the back of his head in frustration. while his heart was pleased, his mind was overthinking as usual. damn Red. 

he knows. anybody with any moderate knowledge of the tech world would know where this tech came from. an eyebrow raises, skeptical gaze directed at the other. Volkner was in no mood to argue, push back or otherwise. he’d simply let it lay where it was.

what a surprise! neatly wrapped present, color choice of wrapping paper seemingly deliberate, handed to him with a joyful smile. was this supposed to be a bribe, or some sort of peace offering? Volkner knew he and Grimsley got along, though to receive a gift without even expecting one was somewhat strange.

we will call this an INBOX CALL.