serperiority | [S1 Trip and younger Gold, closed to gold

The warm colours of autumnal leaves and the crisp, cool air of the changing season was similar, but not the same as it was in Unova, but even if it was, without him here, it simply wasn’t going be the same. The festival, too, for all the nostalgia it invoked in him, if it wasn’t going to lead him any closer to Alder or defeating him, it wasn’t something he should concern himself with now. He needed to train.
Things like eating sweets or enjoying the sights and sounds of a festival was for children and had no place on an adult’s world, Trip decided, and walked on.

… even with these thoughts, he still paused, briefly, here and there, to take photographs. The beauty of this season was ephemeral and while he no longer had any place here, he couldn’t ignore it or the way it made him feel, even as pursuing his goal overtook anything else…

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From:

gold_drum

"Whoa! You can see them?" Gold asks, awed. He might now be under the impression most of Unova is The Place Where They Make The Movies. The only thing he knows about the region is the movies place, and the one person from Unova he knows has seen the movies place, therefore it is all The Movies Place.

~~Keeping your clothes clean? When you could just wear the same clothes until they fall apart? Inconceivable.~~

He takes a step back when Trip kneels down, still a bit careful.

"Kalosian?" Gold repeats. He's totally lost with all these concepts and words Trip's telling him about. Hotel? Bistro? Turnbloom City? Pokemon Center is the only one he's heard before. "Um, if I can eat the food then I'll eat the food? But I already have food so I need a place to sleep until I find my house."

From:

serperiority

“Yeah. Pokestar Studio, near Virbank city… they get a lot of visitors, maybe you can see them someday.”

“Kalosian, the language, as in… like Kalos. Another western region, like Unova. Alright, let’s go to the Pokemon Center. Stay close, okay?” Trip said as he rose back to stand.

It seemed peaceful and quiet enough, there wasn’t much beyond the festival, paths and rice paddies, but he didn’t want Gold wandering anyway. Shouldn’t be too long a walk.

From:

gold_drum

"Huh..." Gold stays quiet about that thought. The idea of going somewhere that far away from home doesn't feel realistic. But then he realizes he's already far away from home, and doesn't know what to think. That doesn't feel realistic, either.

Gold nods and follows Trip. It's a good thing Trip's leading him personally, because Gold would absolutely get lost if he went by himself.

"Ummm... Can I go to the Pokemon Center? I don't have any Pokemon," Gold says, hesitantly, like he thinks he's going to get kicked out.

From:

serperiority

“They’re a rest stop for travellers too. Nurses won’t turn anyone away unless there’s no room,” Trip said. “Besides, I’m a trainer, if we’re together, they’ll probably think we’re travelling together.”

Which… wasn’t too far off, even if it wasn’t planned.

The Pokemon Center was already in view!

From:

gold_drum

"Oh... Okay." Gold nods with determination, coming to the conclusion that he will be kicked out as soon as the nurses can get away with kicking him out, either as soon as Trip's left or as soon as a few more trainers come to stay at the Pokemon Center. He decides to make the best use of his stay at the Center, stealing money and food from anyone he can so he can stockpile for that eventual day.

He measures up the Pokemon Center as they arrive to it, keeping an eye on possible targets or hiding places.

From:

serperiority

Trip misunderstood the gesture as one of trepidation.

“Pokemon Centers are safe places, don’t worry. No one’s going to hurt you. Healthcare and board are both free, so it doesn’t cost anything to stay… the nurses specialize in taking care of Pokemon, but they can clean and patch up little cuts and scrapes for people too.”

Same general principle there.

From:

gold_drum

Well that's a worry Gold wasn't even having until Trip mentioned it, but he nods.

"Wait, Pokemon Centers can heal people too?" Gold asks, wide-eyed. "I didn't know. And it's really free?" If only there was a Pokemon Center in New Bark Town, too. Gold keeps looking around as they get closer to the Pokemon Center, and hides behind Trip's legs once they go inside, glancing back at the door and any possible escape routes besides it. Being inside an unfamiliar house makes him anxious.

From:

serperiority

"It's not what they're built for, but yeah. They'll help humans too if there are no hospitals close enough... depends on the nurse and how serious the injury is, anyway."

When Gold clung to him, he froze for a second, the touch unexpected, but he understood Gold was just frightened and reached down to take Gold's hand. He tugged him away a bit, so he wasn't uncomfortably close, but kept holding his hand.

"... like I said, nothing to worry about. Pokemon Centers are safe, that's basic."

If Gold's too frightened of this place, then, it looked like Trip had to be the one to ask for a place to stay for his unexpected company. It's easy enough!

From:

gold_drum

Handholding? Holding a hand? Gold's taken aback and just lets Trip take his hand, then stares at it confused. He thinks he's held somebody's hand before, but when was that? ...It's nice though. Gold adjusts the food in his arms so it won't fall, and tightens his hold on Trip's hand, following along.

"...Okay," Gold says, but he's going to have to see it to believe it. He's just going along with whatever Trip's doing. He's decided to place his trust on this older kid whose name he doesn't even know, for now.

From:

serperiority

Hand-holding's nice, isn't it? It's pretty much the only kind of affection Trip liked. too

Fortunately, the Pokemon Center had plenty of free rooms, so Trip took Gold to one. Typical of a Pokemon Center's lodgings, there were bunk beds on either side of room, a vanity desk, and even a window. Maybe just a bit on the simpler side, but more than serviceable and roomy all the same.

"Alright, you can stay here. There are other people here who might help you, okay? Ask around, I think the guy running the cafe attached to the Pokemon Center knows a guy—kind of weird, but he'll give you a place to stay, probably... this place is used to getting outsiders like us, they call us Drifted. As far as I know, there's no way for us to get back home, so... you'd better get used to this place, at least until we figure some way out, or maybe we find ourselves back home as suddenly as we came here," Trip said with a shrug. "The nurse knows you're new here too, so you'll get plenty of help."

Was he really just let go and walk off on Gold like that? Maybe. He felt pretty confident that leaving Gold here with food and a place to stay for a while should do the trick.

Maybe he shouldn't have dropped the bombshell on him like that, but Trip was ~~sometimes~~ a bit too blunt.

From:

gold_drum

Gold looks around the room, kind of in awe, but not sure if he's really allowed to use it. He's not letting go of Trip's hand, or the food Trip gave him either, taking some comfort in both.

He nods at what Trip's saying, trying his best to remember all of it. It's a lot. But something catches his ear, making him do a double take.

"Wait, we can't go back home?" His eyes are wide as he considers this. "I can't, even if I want to? That's... that's awesome." He's not smiling, but his eyes are practically sparkling. The idea of not having to go home had never crossed his mind before. "So... So this is my house now! Until they kick me out! I- I'm..." He stutters a bit, eyes glancing around, thoughts going faster than he can manage to put into words. "I'm gonna have to get a lot of money and buy my own house."

That's the conclusion he comes to. He nods to himself, and finally lets go of Trip's hand. It's time to become independent, so he can't cling to anybody. Time to think of ways to make money. Stealing wallets doesn't make enough, so what can he do? Rob a bank? Seems difficult, but Gold is certain with enough time and planning he can figure something out.

~~Yeah, this seems like a kid you can safely leave alone, Trip~~

From:

serperiority

What kind of hellish home did he have to be so happy to never go back? Even if he had his problems with his family, learning that he’ll never be able to go back home…

Kick him out? Buy his own house?!

Forgive Trip the loud, theatrical sigh and facepalm.

From:

serperiority

“You don’t need to buy a house! And they won’t kick you outside on the street… or dirt path or whatever… don’t think this sleepy town’ll ever have a completely packed Pokemon Center, there’s still couches and stuff you can rest on if there’s no beds,” Trip began explaining, crossing his arms. “Have you ever pitched a tent? Or used one of those fold-out ones? That might be easier for you, they’re what…”

Pokemon trainers use? But can a child that young and scrawny even handle roughing it outside? Trip had to think about it. He’s never had travelling companions before, he liked peace and quiet, and going at his own (very brisk) pace, they’d slow him down… but, here, his own journey might have to be put on a temporary hold, aside from possibly challenging whatever gyms they had for a challenge…

Should he take this kid travelling with him?

From:

gold_drum

Gold snaps out of his thoughts as Trip starts talking.

"They won't kick me out?" Gold asks, raising an eyebrow in doubt. "Really? But they won't want me around." Gold sounds so sure about it he doesn't even see the need to explain why. "If somebody better needs this room they're gonna drive me away, or make me use the couch at least."

"They're what?" Gold repeats after Trip trails off. He's never used a tent before, but he doubts they'd be good enough to live in. They wouldn't even keep the cold out in the winter. But maybe they'd be good enough for temporary shelter. Gold makes a mental note to look into tents.

He's oblivious to Trip's thoughts, but keeps staring up at him, observing quietly. He's pretty Trip's not the kind of person who'd hurt him or steal his food, so he's not worried, but can't help but be a little nervous about what he's thinking of anyway.

From:

serperiority

“… why wouldn’t they? Just don’t cause trouble, by stealing or anything, and they shouldn’t want to kick you out,” Trip said, confused by Gold’s insistence they don’t want him.
He felt a sense of pity again, looking at Gold, and without thinking, stepped closer again, lifting his hamd slowly—not to frighten him—and pat his head.

It seemed to him Gold had as low an opinion of himself as he did and without a point of reference other than Alder, he thought patting his head, ruffling his hair a little, might help him feel a little more wanted.

From:

serperiority

As for what Gold was wondering about…
“It’s nothing. I was just going to say, they’re what Pokemon trainers use. And…”

He sighed, not quite so theatrically drawn out this time, although he did run a hand through his hair and clutch at a few locks, nervous and doubtfuk about this undertaking.

“… do you want to travel together? I’ve always been alone on my journey, so I’m not used to taking care of anyone else, other than my Pokemon anyway, so I might not be any good, but… since we’re both strangers to this place…”

From:

gold_drum

"I'm probably gonna steal, so they'll kick me out," Gold says like it's a foregone conclusion. "And I'm an unlikable, shitty brat, so nobody wants me around."

Trip's movements frighten him anyway, despite the slowness, and he glares on instinct, tensing. But because Trip's so slow and careful with his movements, Gold decides to see what he's up to, and doesn't move out of the way. The headpat is... confusing. He looks up at Trip questioningly, not getting what the point of this is. (Also, his hair is definitely dirty and oily, so it's probably not a pleasant experience for Trip.)

Trip's question has him staring at him blankly, and tilting his head a little.

"Why? You don't like me. You called me a dirty little thief and I called you a prissy boy. You don't want me around either," Gold says, matter-of-factly. "I know you're nice, but you don't gotta do all this. You got me food and shelter, so I'll be fine on my own."

From:

serperiority

It’s fine, since he had to kneel earlier, Trip was going to shower anyway.

Gold’s undeniably filthy, but for what it’s worth, Trip does a good job of masking it!

Trip just sighed, shrugging a bit, not knowing how to deal with such a child.

“… you could try not to? Quit the cursing, get cleaned up—the bathrooms usually have showers and stools—and you can live honestly. I’m sure there are couples who want kids that have none. You’re young, so they’ll find you cute for sure. It’s a farming town, so you can even earn work and earn money if you want… adults will generally give children a place to stay for free, though. It’s kind of your right to be taken care of, you know?”

From:

serperiority

Repeating the insult did earn a twitch of his brow and another unpleasant and crooked smile.

“… you are a dirty little thief, you know, but that’s something you can change. You’ve just got to make an effort, this place is giving you all you need to improve, so just take advantage of a good thing and don’t stab people in the back when they showed you kindness.”

He made a big show of flicking dirt off his hand. “Ugh, this is a waste of time and now, I’ve got your germs all over me, so I’m going to shower first. Lucky there’s more than one bathroom, right? Later, pint-sized pickpocket.”

It was a bit hard to tell if calling him “prissy” or “nice” angered him more, but either way, he laid it on thick again.

From:

gold_drum

Everything Trip says is clearly kind of new to Gold, so he listens intently. This advice is kind of making sense to him, unlike most of what Trip tried to teach him before, which just went over his head, so he nods along, some sort of understanding in his eyes.

"So I should disguise myself as a good kid," Gold says, nodding. Sounds smart. Gold assumes Trip was talking from experience, and that he also worked to hide his meanness from adults when he wanted them to look after him. He makes mental notes about what he should do to accomplish that. No swearing, cleaning up more often, not stealing when people can see him...

He also nods to being called a dirty little thief again, he knows it's true. Seeing Trip's nasty smile and attitude makes him more at ease than the awkward headpat before, since it feels so much more genuine.

"Okay. Later, Mister Asshole," Gold says, treating it as a name, since he still doesn't know Trip's name, and goes to find a place in the room to stash his food away in. He's clearly in no hurry to go shower.

From:

serperiority

… pretend?

If that’s what it took, yes, although he had hoped Gold would genuinely turn over a new leaf. It would make it a lot easier for him to find a permanent home that way… but perhaps that was a touch too naive.

Trip felt even more that the boy was a strange sort of mirror. A monster in the shape of a child. The similarity was unsettling, especially given the differences.

Maybe he really couldn’t leave him alone. He didn’t have it in him to be a caretaker, he was too cold and distant, even to his Pokemon who loved him, but… a fellow monster, he could be.

Regardless, it would be a while before he returned to check on what Gold had gotten up to, only half expecting to find him still in the room…

From:

gold_drum

Gold is still in the room when Trip returns. While Trip was out, Gold did not go to wash up, and instead spent his time looking through the room, but surprisingly not making much of a mess. The food Trip gave Gold is hidden away somewhere, possibly in the desk drawers.

Gold, however, is sitting on the floor, looking at the desk, and... talking to himself.

"No, Mister Asshole probably smiles nicer when he's not talking to shitty kids," he says as Trip enters the room, and pauses like he's listening to an answer. "Yeah, I do. Smiling's important, I think."

He then realizes Trip's there and turns to look at him.

"Oh, hey," he says. The edges of his lips turn up, in an expression you can barely recognize as a smile. It probably looks kind of creepy, but he's still practicing.

From:

serperiority

Trip paused in the doorway, but kept his expression neutral and disinterested, pretending to be more interested in a corner of the room.
An... imaginary friend? He'd never had one, but then again, he was always content, playing on his own.

When Gold turned to address him, he looked back at him and felt a genuine revulsion at the face. This, he couldn't quite mask, eyebrows shooting up and lips pressing tightly.

"... maybe just. Think of something that makes you happy and your face will make the right expression, but good job taking it seriously. And it's Trip, by the way. Can I have your name, so I won't just be calling you thief?"

From:

gold_drum

Not an imaginary friend, he's just talking to the desk! ...is what Gold would say. He feels it's completely different from having an imaginary friend.

Gold's smile ends up looking more natural immediately, when he sees the face Trip's making and has to hold back a giggle, and he hides his mouth behind a hand. Despite Trip advising him on how to smile, Gold thinks he'd be mad if he laughed at him.

"...Okay. I'll try," Gold says after managing to get his expression back to neutral, and nods seriously. "Mister Trip. I'm Gold."

From:

serperiority

((He's in the anime only properly appearing in one episode (Evolution by Fire) although he's first introduced in a shadowy flashback early in BW! Tepig's former trainer. My friend plays him past that point, he had his trainer's license temporarily suspended after Professor Juniper learned of his cruelly abandoning his starter Pokemon. He's getting better, but he's still rather caustic, a sore loser, and causes trouble from time time, but he's funny and they do get along, which is why I thought he might with Gold too. :D;; ~~Trip has had to bail him out like twice at least in rp.~~))

That... was a much better expression, surprising Trip and even drawing a more genuine smile from him too. He wasn't offended one bit and honestly, he felt fond and a even bit wistful.

"Good. Keep that up and you'll be very easy to love," Trip said, taking a seat on one of the lower beds with a sigh. "Won't be too hard to find someone to take you in, I don't think. Gold, huh? That's a good name."

He's feeling too fond and too nostalgic, to be honest, to make any wry comments. What an ironic name, a precious stone for such a neglected, seemingly unwanted child. A rather rude and coarse child at that, but... to Trip, it also seemed fitting.

"Nature’s first green is gold, her hardest hue to hold..."

Closing, quite pretentiously, with a poem, Trip decided to take a rest on the bed, right there, backpack worn the opposite way so he could hug it (... and be perfectly aware if someone were to unzip or steal it from him).