"Reeeeeeed."

When she speaks to him, Leaf always makes a point of drawing out his name. He doesn't answer her, though he shifts just slightly, resting more heavily on the silver railing that surrounds the deck. She knows he's listening.

"Reeeeeeeeeeeed," she tries again. Finally, she gets what she was waiting for.

"What?"

It was only a single word, but it was something. He says it with exasperation, as though just speaking that one word was such a bother. Grinning to herself, Leaf leans back against the other trainer.

"Nothing." She grabs Red's hand, lacing their fingers together. "Can you see the islands yet?" The question is answered with silence, and Leaf can't help but sigh. "Reeeeeeeeeeed."

"No. Just... water."

What was it that had Green called Red? Oh, right. A "chatty gossip". She could only wish that were still true. Instead, it was like pulling teeth just getting a few words from the male. Yet a few words were better than nothing, and getting Red away from his training on Mt. Silver was some degree of progress.

"Green said he was already there. Said you're too slow, so he was going to go on ahead."

"...brat."

Leaf can't help but laugh.