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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

[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.