one. [text / action]

[ferino]

[There are a few solid things about this world that Nicolas has declared as fact--the neighborhood trainers are pains in the ass, not enough places have nice showers, phones suck, and he's fucking lost. He looks annoyed at best when he finally works to turn on the gear, frowning at it.

Then there's just a few solid moments of him frowning, a Chatot perched on his shoulder chirping away, as he tries to work it. He just looks confused.

And then abruptly, the image disappears. (He finally figured out how to text. Yippee.)]

how do you leave tihs place?

i have
things to do
at home

where the exit
?

who's bird is this
it wild?

[It looks terrible. But you know what? Typing is enough of a pain. But to Nic, it'll do.

For anyone in New Bark Town, he stands there, staring with a dull look at the gear. It's a little odd, this tall, with a tiny kid's backpack on one shoulder. He feels almost like a dad being here... looking around as if trying to decide where to go first.]

Comments

[video]

[ladywithnovoice]

[A little more at ease now that she's not rushing to repeat her Chatot's words, Red takes a bit more time writing out her words with each one carefully picked.]

It protects you. There are a lot of different animals here that might attack you when you travel. Your bird is stronger than it looks.

[video]

[ferino]

[Oh this one is a saint. He's curious on why she's writing instead of talking, but he doesn't ask. Not sure he wants to open that can of worms on comraderie yet. She can understand when he speaks, as sloppy and struggled as it is, and that's good enough for him.]

What are we traveling for?

[video]

[ladywithnovoice]

[Less a saint, and more just someone who's managed to stockpile the patience of one. You learn to be patient when you can't speak.]

It depends. Most people travel just to get out of New Bark Town at the very least. There isn't a lot there.

[video]

[ferino]

[Interchangeable if you ask Nic. He looks at her words, then glances around; she's right, there's really nothing. Glancing back, he just frowns a bit.]

...wha' else is 'ere?

[video]

[ladywithnovoice]

[Give her a minute. This response takes a little bit longer than the other ones, and the reason becomes clear when she turns the notepad around. She's drawn a fairly simplified map of Johto, with boxes having town names and straight lines being used.]

[There are small lists beneath each name, just things she knows are there off the top of her head. Goldenrod, for example, has "largest city" written beneath it, and Cherrygrove has "1st shop/hotel". Nothing too fancy.]

[video]

[ferino]

[Oh, she's taking time. Nic just waits, though his expression goes from mildly annoyed to curious, almost child-like, as he tries to peer a little more to see what she's doing. Doodling something...

But when she finally reveals it, Nic's eyes widen. That's a lot more than he'd actually been expecting. He takes it in for a few moments, then nods, and his right hand comes up into view, fingers straight and extended, pointing a little low near his chest before he brings his face closer to his hand in an accidental Sign of 'thank you'.

And then he realizes what he did and just grunts.] Ah... Thanks. For the map.

[video]

[ladywithnovoice]

[With a jolt, enough to make her Chatot flap its wings to regain balance, Red leans closer to the Pokegear. It's a bit different from what she's passingly familiar with from her own home, but she thinks...]

[Another quick scribbled set of words.]

Sign language?

[video]

[ferino]

[The note catches him by surprise, especially since she seems oddly interested. But then he nods in response.]

Yeah... Easier.

[video]

[ladywithnovoice]

[A thoughtful tap on paper before another reply is shown.]

Do you teach?

[video]

[ferino]

[The question catches him off guard and he just stares at her, trying to see if this is some sort of joke. But she doesn't look like she's kidding. And for a moment, he's reminded of someone from his home.

He just sighs.]

...not a lot, but I will.

[video]

[ladywithnovoice]

[A relieved smile settles on her face when he agrees, and a nod of her head is the best thanks she can give before writing anything else out.]

Thanks. I can pay you for the lessons.

[video]

[ferino]

[Pay? Nicolas just rolls his eyes.]

I don' need money. Jus' practice hard, I hate teaching the same thing.

[Says it likt it bugs him but really? Kind of makes him feel all warm and fuzzy and gross. He's getting soft.]

[video]

[ladywithnovoice]

[Silent laughter shakes her shoulders at the gruffness. It reminds her just a little of Blake. Writing her answer down at this point seems like a waste of ink, so instead she gives a small mock salute.]

[She'll do her best.]