[ oh hell yes! once he's got his fingers scritching into his fur, he'll move on to rubs behind the ears. big hands mean plenty of petting coverage, which means Pikachu is getting quite a bout of TLC.

Raihan is expecting some sort of decorated battle history, but his eyes widen a bit at what Red says. he almost wonders if he heard correctly! ]

Champion? You're serious?

[ that's nothing to say with a mumble and downcast eyes! seeing as he's been an inch within earning the title for himself on numerous occasions, he knows how significant having the title is. from the way he carries himself, Red just doesn't really scream what he knows as "regional Champion". ]

I mean, I guess I'm not used to hanging around Champions that aren't... [ he pauses for a beat. how does one describe Leon in one word? ] flashy. I never would've guessed... but that sure explains why you were heading an entire facility!