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[majorcrotchgrab]

[Well. Someone's more chipper than usual. Must be his holiday spirit coming through.]

I believe I can safely say that this New Years was the best one I've had in a long, long time. The cruise was wonderful. Especially the food. Really, they should have stuff like that more often. It was nice to be able to include the pokémon as well.

[As Katya shows off her ribbon bow from her spot on his shoulder. Stylish as always, just like her trainer. She looks rather proud of herself even though she hasn't done anything to merit it.]

Thank you to those of you who got me gifts. I apologize that mine were "late." I wasn't about to send them out during a holiday I don't celebrate though. I'm sure you understand.

[He almost says "and I hope you appreciate them" but decides against it. Don't want to come off as too much of a pompous asshole. So he decides to steer the conversation towards something else but still related to the topic, and glances off screen for a moment.]

I had heard about last Christmas and how some people got eggs or items from their worlds. I was pleasantly surprised by what I received... especially considering that my egg would hatch into... ah... I believe they're called "shiny?" His coloring is different from the normal species from what the pokédex has shown me.

[He moves the camera down so a shiny Elekid is in view. It's hard to tell at first glance since it's only a little lighter than the normal colored ones but the sparkle is definitely there. The pokémon puffs out his chest and bangs his fists together.]

Did this happen last year? I mean the eggs hatching into "shinies," that is. And has anyone else gotten one this year? I am rather fantastic but I doubt I'm the only person to have gotten one.

[Don't sound so humble, Raikov. Enough of his adorable Elekid. Time to fix the camera on his beautiful face once more.]

Oh- I almost forgot... I'm pretty sure none of you celebrate Old New Years but if you'd like to or just want an excuse to eat classic, good Russian dishes - courtesy of my amazing cooking skills - and drink lots of vodka, let me know. One should share their happiness during this time, after all.


[OOC: Raikov's gift list is here. He sent his out on the 30th a note attached to each package that said "Do not open until the 1st!"]

Comments

[Video]

[crouching_sin]

Russian cooking? I haven't had authentic Russian cooking in a long time. I can't help you with the pokemon questions, I'm afraid, as I just got here.

... Ah, and. С Новым годом.

[Video]

[majorcrotchgrab]

[This man speaks his language... literally. Or at least he knows how to say happy new year. Oh. And he has silver hair! Raikov perks up and smiles.]

And to you too. You certainly picked a good time to arrive here - as well as earning "brownie points" with me, if I'm using the term correctly.

Are you from the motherland or simply far more educated in important matters than most here?

[Video]

[crouching_sin]

Ah, no. I'm Japanese. I haven't been to Russia for many years, but I've picked up quite a few languages in my time.

[It's not... entirely a lie, at least.]

The place has always been interesting to me, though. On a political scale, if nothing else.

[Video]

[majorcrotchgrab]

I see. It is a rather interesting place, isn't it?

[... Even if he was kicked out of it.]

Were there any particular dishes you liked? I may be willing to make an exception for you.

[Video]

[crouching_sin]

It is. They have a culture all their own, neither what scholars would call Eastern nor Western. As for cooking... well, I admit I'm partial to desserts, but in terms of main dishes... I got quite used to shchi and ukha while I was there. I wasn't in a very well-off area of Russia, unfortunately.

[Video]

[majorcrotchgrab]

I do enjoy our culture, even if our country is far from perfect.

And desserts are generally the best anywhere you go. shchi was a staple meal in my house. I was planning on making some, actually...

[Video]

[crouching_sin]

No country is perfect. But to have a perfect country would be boring, anyway. And ah, really? Unfortunately I'm probably far away from you. I've just arrived in this place recently, after all.

[Video]

[majorcrotchgrab]

Hn. Maybe.

[He'd take boring back home anyday. But that's enough about that topic. Food is more important.]

Did you arrive in Goldenrod or New Bark?

[Video]

[crouching_sin]

[Different levels of 'boring'. He has plenty of experience with both boring and exciting.]

New Bark. From what I've heard, Goldenrod is the biggest city around here, correct?

[Video]

[majorcrotchgrab]

[I'm sure Naoya remembers the Cold War.]

It is. It's a nice place to settle down in, especially with the colder weather. But the trip from New Bark to Goldenrod is a couple weeks if you travel straight through the routes...

[Hmmm. Normally he's not this friendly with strangers but this guy actually knows some things about his heritage... and it's been forever since he's cooked Russian food. (Aside from whatever he made on New Years.)]

Ring me up when you get to Goldenrod. I need an excuse to make more Soviet meals anyways.

[Video]

[crouching_sin]

I will. Let's see here...

[Aaaaand saving this number... oh yeah, it has the name pop up. That's handy.]

Ivan. Or would you prefer Mister Raikov?

[Video]

[majorcrotchgrab]

Ivan is fine. "Mister Raikov" makes me sound old.

[And he's not old, dammit. N-not that old, at least...]

And you are...?

[Video]

[crouching_sin]

Ivan, then. My name is Naoya.

[Video]

[majorcrotchgrab]

It's been a pleasure chatting with you, Naoya. If you have any questions about this place, I might be able to help.

[Video]

[crouching_sin]

Thank you. That's very kind of you. I may take you up on it once I get a bit more settled.

[Video]

[majorcrotchgrab]

Good luck and stay warm.

private video

[envy_the_sinners]

[Scar has set the 'Gear down on the floor, closer to level with Keshet, who is currently sniffing out her new things.]

She seems to like them.

[Scar's voice comes from off camera. The tiny Pokémon manages to get the hat on her head, nearly tipping over in the process.]

private video

[majorcrotchgrab]

[Oh, that's too cute. Raikov can't help but grin.]

It'll protect her ears from the winter winds.

[He pauses.]

I hope you like your presents as well. I worry about you sometimes. I mean, you've had to deal with being on your own again after I spoiled you during our travels together. It must be difficult.

[envy_the_sinners]

Thank you.

[Scar pauses, with a small frown.]

I've been fine.

[majorcrotchgrab]

You're quite welcome.

... And is that "fine" as in "I am actually doing alright" or as in "I don't want to talk about it?"

[envy_the_sinners]

Fine as in fine. When do I ever wish to speak on my personal life?

[majorcrotchgrab]

[Siiigh.]

Never, unfortunately. Is there anyone you ever open up to?

[envy_the_sinners]

I have my people.

[FROWNS sideways at the camera.]

[majorcrotchgrab]

I'm offended one of them isn't me.

[envy_the_sinners]

[An irritated pause.]

That is exactly the reason I don't tell you.

[majorcrotchgrab]

... Because I'll be offended if you do?

[envy_the_sinners]

Because you make such a to-do about my not telling you something.

[majorcrotchgrab]

But if you told me, I wouldn't have to be like that!

[envy_the_sinners]

But I didn't, and now we are having this pointless conversation.

[majorcrotchgrab]

Because I consider you a friend of sorts and would like to know what goes on in your life. Is that so bad?

[envy_the_sinners]

I consider you a friend, as well. But there is nothing "going on" in my life.

1/2

[majorcrotchgrab]

Now see, you could've said that from the start instead of being vague-

[majorcrotchgrab]

Oh... you really... consider me to be your friend...?

[I'm sorry, Scar.]

[envy_the_sinners]

[You blithering idiot....]

I traveled with you for months, what else would I call you?

[majorcrotchgrab]

A traveling companion?

[envy_the_sinners]

I had no practical use for you other than company. I believe that constitutes friendship.

[majorcrotchgrab]

You don't have to word it like that but... I am flattered.

[envy_the_sinners]

Would you rather I simply kept you around as a pack mule?

[majorcrotchgrab]

No. I'm quite glad you treated me like a fellow human being.

Besides, you're way stronger than I am.

[envy_the_sinners]

Then what are you complaining about.

[Not a question, really.]

[majorcrotchgrab]

[Siiigh. Raikov's shoulders slump.]

Nevermind.

... I'll try not to pry too much next time. That sounds good?

[envy_the_sinners]

I don't mind your asking, so long as you don't complain when I have nothing to share.

[majorcrotchgrab]

[He purses his lips slightly.]

Okay, okay. You're just... really hard to read, even after all these months.

[envy_the_sinners]

[....You sound like his girlfriend.]

I get that a lot.

[THERE IS ACTUALLY ALMOST A BIT OF AMUSEMENT THERE FOR A SECOND. Almost.]

[majorcrotchgrab]

[Well, if Scar is ever in the market for a lover... ;3]

I'm glad I'm not the only one then.