May I call you my rival?

Honestly, Rival was the same way, he’d rather collapse from pain in his knees than admit he needed to see the doctor. Obviously however his was more pride than the reason this kid had. Plus he rather the nurse handle this kid than himself, she’d be better at it and more patience.

A slap against his face was nothing new, perhaps he didn’t make himself clear when he stated what he meant. Rival was used to more experienced people and Celeste. What got him was the coughing; Rival may be a man of little feeling other than anger, but he knew his boundaries now. Red iris dilated, it took him off guard so that might have been why he didn’t yell back.

"Huh? Nurse? I -- " Now Wally was even more embarrassed.  "No, I'm fine, I just -- I was just surprised, that's all. It's no big deal, sorry for misunderstanding you..." He forced his breathing to slow and appear more regular.

A prideful gleam in his eye, to him it was kind of like a game but one that boosted his ego. However the other could gain something out of it too, some back bone that was missing there. Rival enjoyed it however, the sadistic asshole he could be sometimes.

What. What. That... wasn't a kiss on the cheek. For a moment, Wally's brain completely shut down with surprise, and before he realized what he was doing, his hand shot out and slapped the other in the face.

Yeah, why not? Sounds like fun ‘ta me. [ His enthusiasm to learn from him was too cute, it was going to be tainted. It was kind of like digging a hole - even Archie didn’t know what he was getting into. To what extent did the other want to learn. ] Alright kid, fun and games aside for the moment, whats the specifics ya wanna work on? There’s different methods for reasons.

Teachin’ ya ‘ta be more confident? [ it was more of an out loud ponder. I mean he was really teaching here, as a teacher, along with Maxie. However seeing that look, it intrigued him, after awhile a hum rang out. ] Sure, I think I can handle that along with my class here; I like that spirit of yours kid. [ a cackle and a grin ] I never considered myself the teacher type, but if someone is willin’ to learn it’s worth the trial and the patience. I’ll take ya on sprout!

He’s an ol’ fuddy-duddy, don’t take it hard sprout, he tries to act like everybody doesn’t exist. It’s hard to forget a trainer with fire for battle. [ I mean that’s the reality of it, though it was minor comfort to this boy. Returning with his own smile wasn’t as hard, hearing the word macho. However he was an adult so— ] Macho, eh? That’s fine kid, everyone has something they’re good at. [ tbh his ego is being fed ] Great kid, never been better or busier with bein’ a teacher now and all that.

[ A loud cackle roared hearing Wally’s attempt to be threatening, it was too cute to take seriously tbh ] Well if it ain’t the sprout from the Battle resort, brave words to be sayin’! I’ll keep ya too it, but don’t be lookin’ too hard, ol’ grump Maxie may give ya a keelhauling.

Uh, right.... sorry. Got carried away.

A hand waved in front of the red head, it was odd for him not to get angry at something like this. However the other’s timid disposition kept his temper flaring. “It’s fine,” He admitted. “I wouldn’t think you’d cause something that makes you pass out.” He gave a thought about just skipping it, but nah, he was just too devious. “You can close your eyes and I’ll give you a peck or it can be on the cheek.”

Oh. So he still wanted to do it. Okay. It was just a silly holiday game, anyway. No big deal. No need to freak out about it.

"Hey, calm down before you pass out from all the blood rushing to your head. Spit it—” Unluckily for Wally, his eyes finally rested on the green and white decoration. Though his reaction  was  not the most… enthusiastic, more irritated since it was a dumb prank. Grumble, grump. “Wonderful, I wonder what twit thought this up.”