Dratini, I choose you!

Hey, I'm Adelaide Ketchum. Seventeen years old, and future Pokemon master from good ol' Pallet Town. If you need any training advice, ask away. Oh, and if you mess with my family or friends, you'd better watch your back.

[chase--mercer-blog]

Resolutions || Chase&Ade

[adelaide-ketchum]

Chase chuckled happily to hear the details of the Ketchum family holidays. “Oh that sounds like a blast!” He replied genuinely. He felt the strong urge to just–be there, in the mix of all that craziness but hopefully somehow fitting in. But then he frowned. “Wait, you’re related to Garrett?” Why else would the Oak family have been over at the Ketchums? Maybe there were just close. But if they were related, Chase wondered by Adelaide had such a beef against the guy– besides the obvious reputation he carried around with him everywhere. “And what kinds of gifts did you get, Miss Adelaide?” He carried his own gift for her in his pocket, but wasn’t sure when was a good time to give it…or if it was even acceptable at all to give a gift to her. But he couldn’t help himself. He fingered it now but quickly abandoned it. Later, it could wait.

Chase’s stomach did somersaults when he drank in her bright smile. She seemed as genuinely pleased to hear about his life as he was to hear about hers. That was a strangely wonderful feeling. He then laughed at her response to the creek incident. “It’s well on its way to becoming a strange tradition, that’s for sure. And hey, there’s always next holiday season!” Wait, did he just invite her to spend the next holiday with her? Yes, and he was glad for it! Sure, it was a year away. But– anything can happen in a year, right? Focus, Chase.Luckily, focus wasn’t a problem when he heard Adelaide’s next comment. Cute? “Me?” he voiced the rest of the thought out loud, laughing. “Look at you, missy! I’m just trying to keep up with what you’re layin’ down.” There went his stomach again, living out its dreams of being a gymnastics master. He grinned down at her, giving out a little chuckle. “Besides, I’m not planning on going easy on you either, so I’m glad we’ve got that out of the way.”

Speaking of, there were in Chase’s training spot before he knew it. He’d never felt so disappointed as he entered the pleasant little clearing surrounded by just enough trees for solitude. It was an open and flat green, perfect for practice battles or just letting his Pokemon roam free. “Welcome to the Mercer Gym.” he extended his hands in a showcase of the place, as his Simisage jumped out of his gym bag, racing into the forest to stretch his legs. “Don’t go far, buddy!” he turned his grin on Ade.

Adelaide nodded in affirmation, a precocious light flickering in her eyes at the thought of just how much of a ‘blast’ family gatherings could be. It was definitely an apt word, in any case. She made a disgusted face a moment later, shaking her head vigorously as though Chase had accused her of something quite despicable. “Oh, definitely not. We’re just family friends with the Oaks, and we’ve been neighbors all my life. So it’s very difficult to go a break without spending some sort of dinner or holiday party with them.” A fact that had quickly soured after Garrett decided to act like a jerk to her family. “The rest of the family is cool, though. Even Elliot stops in--it was weird to see him as a professor when I first came here, and now it’s weird to see him outside of the Academy.” She was glad to have cleared that up--Adelaide wanted no one, least of all Chase, to think that she was in any way related to Garrett. “Gifts? A new bike, three hats, a Dragon Scale, and enough food to put me in a two-day coma,” that came with a jovial smirk. “How about you, sir?”

Making Chase laugh was quickly becoming one of Adelaide’s favorite hobbies. Giggling along with him, Adelaide’s eyes widened at his casual offer. His smile was irresistible in that moment, and she nodded quickly, trying to play it cool even as the idea of spending the holidays with him turned her stomach into a swarm of Butterfree. “Strange traditions are clearly the best. And there’s no way I’m missing that strange tradition next year.” Responding with an equally subtle ‘yes’, Adelaide mentally patted herself on the back for keeping her cool. “Well, you’re... keeping up a little too well.” Smooth, Ade. Clearing her throat, she tried to regain her composure enough to flash him a cheeky smile in response.

As Chase stopped, Adelaide’s gaze swept the verdant clearing ahead, a small grin spreading across her face. The place was perfect for training, and somehow she wasn’t surprised that Chase had found it. It was tranquil, yet practical. “Nice,” was all she could say for a moment, before releasing Shinx and Charmeleon to follow Simisage into the forest. “What he said!” She warned the two excited Pokemon as they explored their new surroundings. Reaching up to grab a branch, Adelaide waited for Twist to move up into the trees. She grinned as the Dragon Pokemon coiled around a tree, keeping an out on the more rambunctious Pokemon. Turning to face Chase, Adelaide could feel her cheeks start to hurt from smiling so much. “This place is pretty incredible, Chase.” 

[chase--mercer-blog]

Resolutions || Chase&Ade

[adelaide-ketchum]

Chase felt genuine warmth fill his chest when she replied that she’d had a good break. It was strange, but the best way he could describe it to himself was that he felt happy that she was well? Or maybe it was just the joy of hearing her voice again, and feeling her presence walking beside him… He wasn’t sure, but he liked it. He grinned openly and nodded. “That’s good to hear! I’m sure things can get a little crazy in the Ketchum house, huh?” He chuckled. “Fulfill any holiday traditions?”

And then she asked about him, and he smirked while shaking his head. “I’m great, as well! It was– one of the happiest breaks I’ve had in a while.” Then he pondered a minute as he cast his eyes around the chilled scene. It wasn’t too cold or warm, which was good. For once he’d made the right decision to invite Ade along on a good weather day. “Well, my cousins and I nearly relived that ‘falling in the creek’ incident from years ago– the one I told you about?” He laughed. “We become regular children for my poor mom to deal with when we’re together.”

Adelaide nodded in an exaggerated manner, her sigh turning into a small laugh. “A little crazy may be an understatement. At least one battle usually breaks out, someone breaks something, dad probably gets electrocuted at least once, and the adults swap old training stories that they tell every year.” Tapping her chin at his question, Adelaide shrugged. “We all passed around gifts, and Mags got into a scuffle with Garrett, so I guess those two both count as traditions.” She had never enjoyed people asking many personal questions before, but Adelaide felt herself wanting to share the little things that went on in her life with Chase. It was weird, but she didn’t really want to fight it, either. 

His apparent joy made Adelaide beam back up at Chase, glad that he seemed able to share a part of him. “That’s awesome!” She responded genuinely, laughing a moment later at Chase’s next comment. “What? No way. I would actually pay money to see that happen now. Would you consider the creek incident a tradition of yours?” Chuckling, Adelaide glanced up at Chase a moment later, with an almost stern expression on her face. “Y’know, I’m not gonna go easy on you in training just ‘cause you keep acting all nice and cute,” smirking defiantly, Adelaide spoke before she could quite register the words leaving her lips.

[chase--mercer-blog]

Resolutions || Chase&Ade

[adelaide-ketchum]

Chase tried to play it cool, but the closer she got the less he was able to remain still. This resulted in his shifting around on his feet to where he thought he looked like he could break into a strange dance move any minute. He prayed that it didn’t quite look that way from Adelaide’s point of view. But she had long-since mastered the art of “cool”, something that Chase was sure he’d forever be an amateur in.

“Hey!” You already greeted her, idiot. But then she asked the question and he nodded emphatically… realizing he should add some words onto that. “Absolutely!” he reached out an inch as if to take her hand (here we go again!)but managed to pull away just in time. “Follow me, m’dear.” He was glad it was actually pleasant for a winter’s day. He’d told her that he preferred training outside, especially with how packed the gym was lately. And he hoped she was up for an outside-training session, in his go-to location. “So…how are you?”

Adelaide bit back a laugh at his double greeting. While she found it cute, something told her that he may not feel the same way. And the last thing Adelaide wanted to do was insult Chase. “Great!” She found herself fidgeting as often as he did, and was relieved as Chase started walking. Then at least she could channel some of her nervous energy into moving in a constructive way. “Good--relaxing! Break seemed to go smoothly back home, for once.” Adelaide chuckled, shoving her hands in her pockets as she followed Chase. Part of that had been because of her successful avoidance of Garrett Oak--and the fact that everyone knew not to bring up the details of her last battle with him.

“How about you? Any crazy stories?” A thought nagged at the back of her mind--Adelaide had gone on an excursion with Marissa Joy to Mt. Pyre, and neither girl returned empty-handed. She had planned on keeping the new addition to her team as a sort of secret weapon, but Chase struck her as a fairly trustworthy person. And if they were going to train together, it may not be a bad idea to bring it up sooner rather than later. 

[chase--mercer-blog]

Resolutions || Chase&Ade

Chase glanced at his watch, and a swarm of butterfrees erupted in his stomach. He’d texted Adelaide only a few minutes ago saying he was heading out to train if she’d like to join him. Of course, he’d had to correct a few words because his hands had been shaking so much. Why did she make him so nervous in the best way possible? He wasn’t sure if he even cared to find out the answer.

He looked down at his Simisage, smirking at the knowing look the Pokemon was giving him. “Aw, shut up.” He chuckled, hearing approaching footsteps. He took a deep breath to calm down and grinned when he looked up. “Hello, there.” He greeted simply, but warmly. Boy, was he glad she’d agreed to this. This year was already becoming his favorite, and they were only a week into it.

[adelaide-ketchum]

As soon as her phone lit up with his text, Adelaide had been in constant motion. Dashing about her dorm, Adelaide tossed her bag of Pokeballs and other battle items over one shoulder after making sure she had everything she needed. Twist observed her antics from her desk as the girl hopped about the room to put on a pair of boots. Glancing up at the Pokemon, her face blushed a deep red and Adelaide attempted to smooth her hair down as Twist crawled up one arm and draped himself about her neck. “It’s a good thing you can’t speak.” The girl grumbled at her amused Pokemon, sticking out her tongue at him as she stepped out the door. 

Lola’s advice about playing all calm and cool sounded much easier in principal, but whenever Adelaide found herself near Chase, she couldn’t quite stop acting like an idiot, no matter how hard she tried. As she neared the gym, Adelaide took a few deep breaths to settle her nerves. Slowing her footsteps as soon as she noticed a figure outside the gym, she couldn’t help the broad grin that split her lips at Chase’s greeting. “Hey.” Bouncing to a stop in front of him, Adelaide caught herself staring for a moment too long. Glancing at the ground and clearing her throat, the girl looked up a second later with a playful smirk. “Ready to go?”

[adelaide-ketchum]

Ugh.

[adelaide-ketchum]

…Awesome! I– um, I’ll let you know next time I head out…to do that.

I actually feel the same way! Looking forward to any class in particular?

Yeah, yeah, you should do that. As soon as--I mean, next time you--yeah.

Strategy is always interesting, that’s probably my favorite. I got into the advanced class, too! So I’m ready to show all those old people that I mean business. You?

[adelaide-ketchum]

Ugh.

[adelaide-ketchum]

Hm, I’m not sure if I even have the patience to keep up with them. Which is why I’ve taken to training outside the gym. You should join!… I mean, if you’d like to.

Hey, that’s good to hear! And I completely understand… Break’s– great. So you’re all refreshed to take on the new term?

Ooh, then they must be difficult. Definitely!--I mean, yeah, I think I could fit that into my schedule.

Heck yes! It’ll be a good one. At least, it feels like it’ll be a good one.

[adelaide-ketchum]

Ugh.

[adelaide-ketchum]

Well…maybe they can hire you as their personal trainer. I’m sure that’d motivate them to get their butts in gear.

Hi!… I mean, I’m good. Really good. And you?

I mean, I don’t want to scare them outta there. I’m not sure I’d be the most constructive coach. I have a feeling that’s more your speed.

That’s really good! Me too, I mean, I’m really good. Ate lots of food, had lots of mini battles with family, slept in till, like, nine most mornings. I don’t normally say this, but break was much needed.

[adelaide-ketchum]

Ugh.

[adelaide-ketchum]

chase--mercer

At– least they’re trying? I don’t know how much of a consolation that is, though…

Hello, Adelaide.

That’d be fine if they tried and then continued trying, but they don’t usually and it’s just--

Chase! Hi Chase! Hey. Hi. How are you?

[adelaide-ketchum]

Ugh.

Why do people pick New Years to crowd up the gym? You’re all gonna be gone in two weeks anyways.

[prettylittleblogpostings]

[adelaide-ketchum]

Coffee > Parties || Ade & Chase

[adelaide-ketchum]

When Adelaide told him he’d end up feeling sorry, Chase immediately shook his head, wrinkling his face a little. “To hear your voice? I don’t think I’d ever be sorry for that.” And it was true. Hearing it in his dreams, along with her laughter, wouldn’t be enough. Chase knew he had to see to it that he was blessed to be in her presence for as long as he could. Even if she only wanted to be friends—even though that’d be the exact opposite of what Chase wanted—it would still be something.

“Oh you get that a lot, huh?” He chuckled, shaking his head. He didn’t get how sassy she could be with such ease. And she pulled it off with such flair, he marveled at her. For so many reasons, and he loved being witness to each moment of the night. This night, that had turned out so wonderfully different than he imagined. And with each passing moment, in the rising blue haze of coming morning, he knew he’d be thanking fate for ignoring whatever logic there was and bringing Adelaide and him together.

And then she told him he was great, and she kissed his cheek, and a grin spread across his face with such gleeful ease, he felt as if he’d burst. “You’re pretty great, yourself.” He murmured through the smile, his cheeks glowing hot to blow his “cool” cover to bits. As if he’d even had time to build any of that up tonight between all the giggles she was bringing out of him. The place where she’d pecked his cheek burned hotter than the rest of his face, like a pleasantly warm coal was stuck to his skin. He situated her a little in his arms and stared for a moment down at her. She looked so content, so utterly happy—like him. But exhaustion was almost visible clouded behind her eyes. “A secret?” He sucked in a quiet gasp, smiling faintly. She liked him. And not just like… reallylike! Maybe they’d said that already, possibly communicated it one way or another throughout the night. But something in those words, quiet and peaceful… It was some strange affirmation that he wasn’t completely hopeless in pursuing this wonderful girl. He grinned down at her. “Oh really?” He got out, tilting his head to the side a little. “Would it be crazy if I told you that feeling’s mutual?” More than mutual. But he didn’t want to scare her away just yet. Plus, she might even be delirious at this point and completely change her mind when she’d had some sleep. Speaking of…

He leaned in a little close, lowering his voice. “But,” he sighed. “As much as I hate it… I think it’s time to get you on home.” Adelaide was exhausted, it was clear. And he knew the minute he cleared away whatever excitement he still felt over tonight, that he’d drop himself. And it pained him to admit it, but he was afraid that this night had to come to an end after all. “…What do ya say, m’dear?”

Adelaide smiled bashfully at that, hiding her blush as she glanced down at their feet. She wasn’t sure if Chase knew exactly what he was getting into, but Adelaide wasn’t complaining. She’d worry about the unfairness of it all later--right now, she was simply basking in his presence. Sure, Chase deserved someone much kinder, and sweeter, and gentler than she had ever been and could ever be, but right now he was spending time with her, and that was all that mattered. “Just you wait till my next cold, you wouldn’t like my voice then.” Plugging her nose halfway through speaking as an example, Adelaide couldn’t wipe that bashful smile off her face.

“All the time!” Adelaide laughed, nodding childishly and widening her eyes. She had to keep up the ever-confident image, after all. He didn’t seem at all bothered by it, so Adelaide didn’t feel at all guilty acting so silly. She could giggle, make dumb jokes, all of it felt so much more entertaining with Chase laughing along. And while she wasn’t sure exactly how much of his reactions were out of courtesy, she didn’t care much. Because since when was courtesy considered a bad thing? It just made him that much of a better person. If he actually thought she was funny, well, then Adelaide had to hold on to him.

Grinning coyly, Adelaide hid her face against his shoulder for a moment, unable to bear meeting Chase’s gaze without turning scarlet. Crushes for her were few and far between, and had never really amounted to much of anything. Now suddenly she found herself spending hours with a boy so perfect she couldn’t have made him up even if she tried. And Adelaide was in his arms--a position that, normally, she would totally not be okay with--and her lips were burning, and her confession was still fresh on her tongue when Chase threw it back at her. “It would make me very happy to hear that the feeling’s mutual. Whether or not it’s crazy, well, I’ll let you be the judge of that.” Unlikely, maybe. But she’d take all that and more, if Chase really felt that way about her. Tilting her head to the side at Chase’s crestfallen expression, Adelaide attempted a pout at his next words. “I mean, I don’t have t--” She interrupted herself with a yawn, quickly covering her mouth and flashing him a sheepish smile. “Okay, so maybe that’s a good idea...” No part of Adelaide wanted to end this night, but Chase had a point. Sighing, Adelaide tilted her head at Chase, squinting at him. “Walk me to my door?”

[adelaide-ketchum]

Okay, what the hell.

[adelaide-ketchum]

I feel you there. Sounds like your a good friend to have around, Adelaide.

Ah-haa, now you’re catching on! We could have lots of fun with little Sparks a dash of drunk kids scared of the dark…

I get that a lot.

...Can we please?

[adelaide-ketchum]

Okay, what the hell.

[adelaide-ketchum]

sebastianivy

That’s definitely not a bad power. I kind of like reading. I’ve probably read every book I’ve ever been assigned, but I could see how you might feel that way if you didn’t like it.  

Thank God. It’s a sweet drink–spiced rum, coconut rum, pineapple juice, blue curacao, melon liquor and no actual marijuana I promise.

You’re perfect for the school system, then. Oh really? Well, what’s your favorite book, then?

That actually sounds delightful. Let’s do it!

[adelaide-ketchum]

Okay, what the hell.

[adelaide-ketchum]

poppy-grayson

Well remind me to never get on your bad side then. 

The last one was pretty wild, to say the least. It’s not bad. I’m enjoying the more laid back feel of it.

Good call.

Insane, some would say. I ended up enjoying it in the end. This one is pretty laid-back, and, I mean, I guess fires are fun. When they’re controlled. I kind of miss the high-energy, myself.

[adelaide-ketchum]

Okay, what the hell.

[adelaide-ketchum]

augustusketchum

One day he’ll thank you. 

*laughs* Thanks Mere. You’re too late though, some sketchy guy in the woods already offered me a handful of drugs right before I talked to you.  

What can I say, I aim to help people. It’s my one true passion.

Ha ha. C’mon Gus, I thought you were smarter than that. Why take a handful when you could probably convince him to give you at least two.

[adelaide-ketchum]

Okay, what the hell.

[adelaide-ketchum]

Yeah, you Ketchums seem to have a habit of attracting a little too much of the wrong kind of attention.

Well, I heard rumors warning us not to step out of the party boundaries. What do you think’s lurking in the shadows, hm?

Yeah, it’s obnoxious. Not that I care much about negative attention, but I don’t like hearing people talk shit about my family. Or friends, for that matter.

That’s a fantastic question. Should we find out? Maybe spook a few people while we’re at it. Sparks--my Shinx--can make the creepiest face in the dark. His eyes glow ‘n everything. 

[adelaide-ketchum]

Okay, what the hell.

[adelaide-ketchum]

poppy-grayson

I knew you would like it. Would I lie to you Adelaide?  

How are you enjoying the rest of the party so far?

You’d be right. I hope not--the last person who lied to me is still regretting his decision. Poor kid.

Eh, it’s getting better. Hard to top the last one though. You?