~Pokemon Sword & Shield: Raihan X Listener SFW: Flower Language~ {Patreon Exclusive}

Amazing what you can convey without saying anything at all....

Contains: Confessions, Flower Language, Comfort, Feelings

I figured if I was going to spend so much of this month learning how to spell Chrysanthemum, I might as well make an audio containing them lol. But really, I thought it would be nice to have someone talking about the flower language and what the meanings of the flower meant to them, and I also really like the idea of Raihan being super duper chill most of the time, but also being really passionate, so this is kind of what manifested from that. I hope you all enjoy!

~Audio Transcript Below~

Raihan: Thanks for joinin' me to hang out.....never thought I'd ever be able to talk to you again since you became the Champion.....

Well....with Leon....he was so...dedicated I think the kind word for it is---not that you're not, he's just obsessive--but.....to the point where he would be kind of scatterbrained about remembering meetings....and you know his sense of direction is absolute rubbish.....

Anyways....I'm just glad that it seems like you're taking being Champion seriously, but also allowing yourself to be something other than the Champion, get what I mean?

You're allowing yourself breaks to be human, is what I mean......

*scoffs* Leon won't care that I insulted him. To tell you the truth, he's the first person to admit now that he kind of let 'being the Champion' take over his entire personality.

Sorry....off topic....that's not why I wanted to talk about......

*pause*

Have you ever heard of flower language?

*pause*

It was a thing in the 'olden' days that was really popular, people could make whole bouquets or like centerpieces and stuff that could say entire essays without actually saying anything......it's less so now....but that doesn't mean that the meanings of flowers have changed all that much.

Take for example, this flower here. It's a Chrysanthemum.....

*pause*

Hm? Oh, it's alright. These grow like crazy around here, so one flower should be ok to pluck, right?

Anyways........

Most people think Chrysanthemums mean longevity....

When I was a kid.....I dreamed about being the Champion....just like....well everyone......

But as time went by...I realized that, while I may not be the best--Leon and now you have that honor--I don't really think that's where I needed to be. I haven't always been the Hammerlocke Gym leader, obviously.....but when I realized that's what I not only needed to do, but wanted to do, it's like everything else clicked into place. To be honest....I'm still fairly amazed that I've been doin' it as long as I have and it hasn't lost its spark. It's every child's dream to be the Champion, or to be a gym leader.....to be considered a master at what you do and well.....here I am......still doing it....

Pokemon and battlin' just make me so damn happy....despite how....well.....despite how aggressive I am on the battlefield......

It's just......there's this part of me that wants to see people succeed.....but I don't want to just give it to 'em, you know what I mean? I want them to earn it, and feel like they've earned it. Give 'em a challenge that they'll feel joy from having conquered. Accomplished, you know?

That's another thing that Chrysanthemum's represent...happiness....and joy I mean.....

Also love.......

I don't think I'd be much of anywhere were it not for love......

My Pokemon.....I've loved and trusted them for so long it's almost like they're as much a part of me as anything.....and.....I know that they love me as well.....they trust me......

The love I have for my job, what I get to wake up every day and work on and improve on? Molding and shaping the lives and skills of other Pokemon trainers? I love that......and.....as much as I am loathe to admit it sometimes because it sounds a little--ok maybe a lot--vain.....but I love my fans......the people who cheer for me.....the people who see the hard work that I've put into everything and decide, "Yeah, that's the guy I want to cheer for, that's the guy that's my favorite."

I think, 'Yes, yes, these are the people I'm fighting for. Not only to make trainers better, but for entertainment....to make people happy.....to fill people's lives with joy.....'

*pause*

And you.......

*pause*

I.....also love you.....

Yes....I'm bein' serious.......I know I don't come off like it much....but I'm trying........

I'm....in love with you.....your verve for life.....your determination......

I watched you from the beginning of your journey as much as I could....how much you trained....watched you grow stronger and stronger the closer and closer you got to challenging me.... and seeing how much love you had for your Pokemon and for fighting with them?

And...then we became friends....even before you'd finished your challenge.....

*pause*

When we fought, the entire time I couldn't help but think, "Yes, YES! this is what I'm here for.....this person....you....

I knew the moment I stepped on that field that it was going to be a battle I wouldn't soon forget. Whether I lost or not.....there was something different about it.....and that's all you......

*pause*

I also love how much battling makes you happy, and how *chuckles ruefully* that you put your entire dream of becoming the Champion on hold so you could save Galar? *huffs a laugh* How could I not fall in love with someone like you?

And now you're here....the Champion....and you're spending your precious time with me......

You don't have to reply now, if you don't want to. I don't ....I don't want to put you on the spot or nothin'...... I just know that I needed to get this out now, because I don't want anything awkward or unsaid between us......If you just wanna be friends......that's something I can do.....because you are still my friend....even if you don't reciprocate.....

*pause*

And for the record, I think you're going to be the Champion for a long time yet......and I can't wait to see how you continue to grow, continue to fight.....and...I have a hunch that you might even break Leon's record......and I can only hope that I'll be right there beside you as the Hammerlocke Gym leader, for as long as possible....whether it's...well together.....or just as a friend......

So.....that's what this flower means to me.......and.....I'd like you to have it.......

Yes....for real.....

*pause*

*chuckles* Like I said......flowers.....they can mean so much without saying anything at all......