Another Trip [Rae]

Rae was late again, like usual.  He hadn't gotten lost this time, since he had learned his way to and from Shupert City pretty well by now.  Instead, he had simply been distracted.  He had been kickin' back in his dorm room and messing around on his laptop and the next thing he knew, he was running late.  Even late, Rae wasn't one to hot step it to make up for lost time.  Instead, he just took it nice and easy and eventually made his way.  It was much more soothing just to roll with it.  Not like the Pokemon Center was going anywhere, anyway.

When he finally came strolling up the block toward the front of the Pokemon Center, Rae's eyes traced upward over the familiar front-face of the edifice.  It was an impressive building and he recalled the few times he had already been here.  He was supposed to meet up with the Randy boy, but he had no desire to go inside.  For one, his Pokemon were in good health and plus, he was currently enjoying a delicious cigarette.  Waiting outside on the front steps, he took a seat and smoked on the cancer stick.

He had gotten an IM from the boy earlier, but still didn't know how the kid had come across his screen name in the first place.  Perhaps he had gotten it from someone else?  Rae shrugged, figuring it didn't matter now.  The kid was nice enough and Rae didn't mind meeting up with him for a little training.  Especially since the kid knew way more than Rae about Pokemon and could definitely teach him how to be a better trainer.  Rae might not admit this straight up, but it was true.

Rae had been to quite a few places around Shupert City and the surrounding area, but he wondered where the kid was planning to go today.  Perhaps it was somewhere new?

Rae peeked behind him when he heard the kid's voice.  "Oh hey man, how's it hangin'?" he greeted, amid a breath of ciggy smoke.  His eyes were happy to see a familiar face and he smiled for a brief second, until they trailed downward and spotted the kid's bike.

Rae's heart immediately sank, as did the corners of his lips.  The frown that now decorated his face said it all.   He hadn't even thought about bringing his bike, again.  What was it with him lately?  He had enjoyed his bike so much, but after taking it out for an adventure that first time, he seemed to be neglecting it every time there after.  He sighed heavily and closed his eyes. 

Either he was going to have to walk, or ride on this kid's handlebars or something.  He took another drag of his smoke, taking a moment to gather himself.  Maybe there was another way?

"I've never been up there before, you know which way we're headin?" he asked, looking at the kid. 

"Oh man, you're a life saver," replied Rae, his eyes lifting from the newly-fastened pegs to the boy's face.  Without another moment's hesitation, the smoker flicked his ciggy to the breeze and stood.  He exhaled his last long drag and proceeded to pat himself one last time to ensure he had everything.  Surprisingly, more often than not he would sit down and things would fall out of his pockets without his knowing. 

Such was not the case today and Rae nodded, satisfied.  Climbing up onto the pegs, he planted his palms on the kid's shoulders for stability and gave him a little pat on the top of his orange hat to signify he was ready.  "All set captain," he teased, before directing his eyes to the road ahead.

The kid had mentioned it would probably be an hour or more on bike and Rae was super thankful that he wouldn't have to walk it.  Just the thought of watching the kid ride off ahead of him on the bicycle while he strolled along, had been enough to make his stomach hurt.  Fortunately, the boy was generous and thoughtful enough to have remedied the situation and now Rae was standing up, riding in style!

What was more, he didn't have to do any work!  He just got to enjoy the ride, look all around and take it all in.  Next stop, the lava caves!