Resolutions || Chase&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 was admittedly relieved when Adelaide said she was not related to Garrett. He’d never officially met the guy, but based on his reputation Chase couldn’t imagine someone as great as Ade would ever be related to him by blood. But he was starting to understand now what made Adelaide’s desire to beat Garrett in battle so personal. Old friends turned rivals. “Well that sounds like quite a gathering!” he commented, smirking. And then he raised his brows with excitement at all the gifts Ade listed. “Dragon Scale? Ohh, that’s the best!” He then thought a minute. “Hm... a great book on Pokemon-Trainer Connection, a new jacket,” He indicated it on him with mock-pride. “And a whole lotta coffee from all kinds of places.” he chuckled. “My family has finally caught on to my obsession with the stuff.”
Wait. She said yes? Well, not exactly. But she definitely alluded to the remote possibility of her being there for the next holiday season. And to say that made him feel like doing several cart wheels in a row would be a severe understatement. He looked at her, drank in the smile on her face, and mirrored it whole-heartedly. “Awesome.” No more needed to be said on that account... And then he felt the heat rise to his cheeks and he chuckled. “I’ll-- try to tone it down then.” He messed with his hair and distracted himself with setting up.
He watched with a fond smile on his face as both their Pokemon went scurrying off together, quite content. That brought him as much joy as just being with Adelaide today. This day was somehow, without even trying, perfect. And sneaking a glance at Adelaide, he could guess why he felt that way. “Thanks! Yeah, I went scouting out a perfect training spot the minute I got here years back.” he gave a quick sigh of contentment as he peered around. “ ‘Course, it quickly became more than just that. A place to get away, think about things, or-- not think so much about things.” he chuckled, then paused to look at her. “You’re-- actually the first person who I’ve shown this spot...” that sounded really hokey. He cleared his throat, trying to think of something to lighten it up. “So-- let’s just keep this between you and me, huh?” That didn’t make it any better, Chase! He could kick himself. So he thought changing the subject might be a slightly better solution. He turned away to busy himself with his bag, not actually doing anything productive. “So! What do you typically do in regards to every day training?”
