Even with a carefree look, often on his guard, eh? …That’s something he may or may not have heard of. Then again, it’s not like Silver knew how to relax his expression for more than a minute or something.
“Just be careful of the words you say while being carefree then.” he spoke. Silver would know. Even with a serious outlook, some were offended by his words and retaliated. But back then, it wasn’t like Silver actually cared. But then again… he has grown to be a bit softer since then. Still… there were times when it would take one a few moments to comprehend what Silver actually means.
“You don’t need to worry about me, but I appreciate the concern, Silver. I’ll make sure I’m careful.” It was kind of odd talking so normally with his senior but it also felt rather calming to know that he seemed to show some care for his junior.
At first it seemed like Silver wasn’t much interested in the three Hoenn Dex holders, but maybe that could just be chalked up as too worried about other things to care. With everyone just being able to get some relaxation since their own dramatic events, it’s pretty obvious why trying to get to know his new juniors would be low priority right now.
“You should be careful too. Don’t let yourself be so cautious all the time! You have to try and enjoy yourself when you can, got it? This may be the only real time you can.”
Now there’s a face he could get used to. No, he wasn’t going to question the sudden change. If anything, it sort of reminded him of how Blue was. Typically the carefree type, but also someone who knows when it was time to be serious. ..At the same time, Silver was usually serious anyways. He only ever stopped being on the edge when he’s with someone he completely trusts… and that is just with a few people.
“…Nothing’s ever good. Always try to be in top form with your team. I… don’t believe in having a carefree look in life.. but don’t ever let your guard down for even a second.” he advised.
“Just because I act carefree doesn’t mean I’m never on my guard… It may not seem like it, but I’m on guard more often than one would think. I just don’t like to show it much.”
Being a serious person like his father just wasn’t the way Ruby wanted to live his life. He preferred the more carefree and fun life that he chose to live now. Yet it always seemed trouble might be around the corner so he had to keep himself in top shape. Wouldn’t want something horrible to happen to him and those he cared about.
His gaze shifted a moment. …It’s true. There are pasts that no one likes to speak of if it was bad. It’s not like Silver would pry anyway. He isn’t Blue.
“As far as I know, everything has been calm. …Though it honestly feels like the calm before a storm.” It really does. Especially after everything that he’s been through. There’s usually never a bore. Then again, there’s still the fact that Silver hasn’t stopped training. “What about your side?”
There was a sudden change in Ruby’s features. As if he had suddenly gotten much more serious than before. Not many really got to see this side of him since he always tried to pull off a more carefree demeanor at times. It was only when things were serious did he look as he did now.
“In all honesty, I know what you mean… I feel like something is about to happen, but I just don’t know what yet. It can’t be good though.”
…The fourth person he’s met who said they won’t pry. He looked at the hand for a moment before slowly bringing out his hand to shake Ruby’s. Ruby, huh? Like a gemstone or something? He hates wondering the same thing as that man but… what is it with parents naming them after colors and gems?!
“Likewise. Thanks for not prying.”
“No need to thank me. We all got a past we don’t like to talk about, right? So don’t worry about it.” A nervous laugh came from the young man as he waved his hand about. Wow, was he ever making this become more awkward than it had to be. But hey, that was starting to become kind of a specialty of his now.
“So have things been okay since I last saw you guys? Nothing troubling any of you?”
…Was Silver getting easy to read for a stranger? Or was the dude simply not an idiot like a certain idiotic trainer that somehow became his best friend? At any rate, he had blinked for a moment before releasing a small sigh. “…Sorry. I’m not good at small talks.” He admits. “I.. was raised believing it to be nothing but a waste of time.” In other words, he’s never really had a normal life as a kid.
”..My name is Silver. What’s yours?”
“Ruby’s my name. Nice to meet you, SIlver.” He extended out a hand, giving a friendly smile. It seemed like they were both just trying to make this whole situation work. It was a little awkward for the two of them but they would get it worked out eventually.
“Sounds like you had a rough childhood. I’m not gonna pry about it.”
There’s no point in getting mad over a small thing like that. If anything, fighting against Neo Team Rocket took priority. Not some silly pokemon fashion show… But mentioning that might bruise the boy. Figuratively speaking anyway.
“…A photo album of your pokemon victories..?” he questioned for a moment before shaking his head a little. “You don’t have to tell me about it.”
“Look if you don’t want to see it just tell me. You don’t have to beat around the bush about it. I’m just trying to figure out what to talk about since I hardly know much about any of you.” Jeez. If the guy didn’t care then why didn’t he just say so? Was that so hard? This was just starting to make Ruby feel a little hurt.
Ah. One of those celebrity types. Or troublesome ones. In a way, his attitude reminded Silver of Gold. “…Sorry I didn’t know.” he answered. Nope. He didn’t really care. Nor did it seem like it was any of his business. “I must have been caught up in something else that took priority to pay attention.”
“Well that’s fine. Not going to get mad over that.” But it isn’t like he wouldn’t take some offense to that. “I’m sure something must have been going on at the time so I won’t worry about it. Besides, I can always show you it whatever I want! I have a whole photo album of their victories in Johto. Just remind me next time and I’ll be sure to bring for you to see next time.”
Yep, Ruby was just going to nonchalontly mention his photo album and never bring it. Unless he just suddenly remembers to bug Silver about it, which is more than likely.
Ah. …So this kiddo came from Johto, huh? “…I see.” he responded. It’s kind of too bad that Silver can’t really say the same about himself. He did miss home… and he did go back to seek his father. Just to know who it was… and to see if he’d have anything waiting for him.. but it ended in naught. And now? Silver would just be training himself to be as strong as possible in order to stop his father’s ambitions.
“Yeah. I am surprised none of you actually heard about me before. I made quite a name for myself when I was in Johto, taking on contests whenever I could. But they weren’t as big as they are in Hoenn so that could also be why…” Ruby took much pride in his coordinator abilities, and it really made him sound like he was trying to be some kind of big-shot. Best thing to do is just agree with him when he is like this. Unless you want to get into some kind of argument.
Ah. Not exactly a battler it seems… but it was hardly any of Silver’s business, wasn’t it? It’s not as though he’s close to any other trainer anyway… “Best of luck to that. What brings you to Johto?”
“Well you wouldn’t know, but this is where I grew up before moving to Hoenn. Just thought I’d come back and see the place again. I still sort of miss it, really” Ruby never really left Hoenn now unless he had a good reason to, but it had been a little while since he last had seen his home region. It was nice to come back and see it every now and then.