Mattis looked confused and concerned when Alexei face palmed and made that small shrieking noise. What on earth did that mean? Had he said something wrong. He opened his mouth to say something to him, but Alex beat him to it.

And really, it shocked him.

The two stood in silence for a solid few minutes before Mattis pointed at him with a finger and spoke. "Wait, you're pulling my leg. Why-" No wait, he was serious.

"Really? Hold on, that's really cool. When did that happen?" he said, almost yelling.

Alexei Ivanov

Mattis didn't even acknowledge the birds as they began to fly off because of his loud reaction, still in shock from the news he received from Alexei. He mouth was agape, as though it was ready to throw more loud noises out.

However, he closed it and threw an apologetic look before calming down. "Sorry. It's just..." He trailed off as he explained.

So, Alexei did something productive with his life and became a gym leader. Someone who was held in high regard and had talent. What the hell was Mattis doing with himself? He blinked a few times. "I never expected you to want to become a gym leader, is all. I'm just impressed. And happy for you, of course! I mean, that means you're like... really good."

That sounded stupid.

Mattis sighed, rubbing his face. "I didn't mean to offend you. It was just surprising." He offered a bright smile and clap on the back with his hand. "Look at you, working your way to the top. You've changed so much."

Alexei Ivanov

Mattis looked at him when he asked how often he read the news. Why did he feel like he was getting scolded by Alexei for not reading the news and knowing what was going on in Hoenn? He was just trying to live his best life, right? Going on adventures and spending all his time finding things for his collection.

"Uh... next to never? Only when I think I need to. Is that bad?" he asked. Half the time, he felt like he didn't get good enough service to have connection to a resource, but he didn't care all that much.

He stepped closer as Alex waved at him to stand next to him, peering around his arm to look at his phone. Curse Alex for being a little bit taller than him.

Mattis looked up at him as he spoke, interested as he told his story about how exactly he became the gym leader here in Fortree. He also made a mental note to bring him to the water sometime because he was convinced he could cure him of his fear of water. Somehow.

"Haven't had rest, huh." He looked back down at Alexei's hand, to his phone before looking back at his face. "Tell you what!" He stepped back, stretching his arms and back before pointing at him.

"Let's go do something. Anything. Give you time to have fun and relax, you know? Just... let me shower and change first, okay?" Mattis indicated to his rather dirty outfit. "You can pick too. I'll even buy." He poked his finger against Alexei's cheek.

"For old time's sake. And to establish a friendship that won't be left behind for years."

Alexei Ivanov