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As kids Leon and Raihan grew up watching all kinds of Pokémon battles, but specifically Red and Blue's matches. Be that against each other or other trainers. There's something mesmerizing about watching them fight and taking in just how good they are. They are amazing in a way that at the time had been yet unseen by anyone.
The two of them would watch anything and everything that they could get their hands on that involved the two trainers. This didn't change as they got older either, not even when they took their positions as Champion and Gym Leader. Red and Blue remained idles and in their opinion the pinnacle of what a trainer could be.
It was exceedingly surreal now that they were actually on their level. Raihan had actually met Blue before since they were coworkers in a distant sort of way. Gym leaders would gather occasionally, not unlike the yearly champion meet ups. Though it didn't happen nearly as often or usually with all of them.
Every time Raihan had met Blue he'd done his best to be normal. It was a bit insane just how casual the other man was, he juggled pretty much three jobs while also running around for his grandfather. He would always stroll in casually usually with his Umbreon trotting behind him.
He'd show off that damn smirk Raihan had grown up admiring before taking a seat and kicking his legs up on the table. All before spouting out whatever insanity he'd been up too and the latest shenanigans he's been getting into with Red.
And the thing that always got the dragon specialist was how when the meetings officially started his personality would flip on a dime. The cocky arrogance and playful attitude was replaced with seriousness. He took his role as a Gym Leader seriously and he was exceptional at it. He understood better than most just what it took to be a good Gym Leader.
Everyone had heard the horror stories when he first took over Viridian Cities Gym. He'd been unbearable and obstinate, but it hadn't lasted long before he shaped up and became one of the best Kanto had to offer. Raihan understood maybe better than most however after all he himself wasn’t too pleased to lose to his friend in the end either.
Maybe that was why Blue was his favorite of the two and Leon’s was Red. There was a reason his friend’s ace was Charizard after all.
The thing that also amazed Raihan was that he understood just how much work being a Gym Leader was, and Blue the lunatic had decided to also follow in his Grandfather’s steps of being a Pokémon Professor.
(He knew first hand from Sonia just how much work that was.)
And even then, he also triple timed as the other Champion with Red. The two are always together for events and just normal Champion things. Blue had said before in these meetings that Red did a lot and Lance even more, but it didn't mean he didn't also have duties. Even if it wasn't the level that he knew was required of them.
He'd concluded it had to be the Oak in him. The need to never not be busy was something his grandfather continued to embody even in his older age. At least that was the best explanation he could come up with.
Leon had his own run-ins with the pair as well.
The yearly champion meetings always brought them and what a pair they made in person. They would always enter either laughing or close to it as they signed back and forth (or Blue was talking. It was honestly a 50/50). They'd take their place at the table next to one another and continue their conversation as their respective Pokémon ran off to play in the corner.
The two were always in their own world and it was something to witness. The media always harked on how close the two were, but honestly? It was still underplayed.
Leon had learned firsthand from their one-sided conversations that they had keys to one another's houses (like they didn't already live next door). In fact, they often would just come and go from either house as they wanted and crash wherever they ended up.
Leon had been particularly amused by one argument about how Red had barged into Blue’s house to harass him only for Blue to just up and leave to go seek shelter away from the other man at Red’s own house.
The relationship the two had was bizarre at best.
They also shared an equal distaste for the properness and expectations they were held too, and funnily enough no one tried to enforce any of it with them. They got away with far more than anyone else and it wasn't hard to guess why. They were living legends who no one could touch. No one could punish them for not following the rules even if they wanted to.
But it wasn't that they were ever rude, at least not intentionally so. They understood their job, after all they had been champions for longer than really anyone else in these meetings. They just sometimes got a bit too preoccupied with whatever had amused them and missed a question or lost the thread of conversation.
But when needed they shaped up and did whatever was asked of them. They undeniably knew what was required of them and had lots of first-hand experience with any issues posed.
Leon had never really known what to make of them. Sure, he’d grown up with a preconceived idea, but it didn’t quite match the reality of them.
And for as aloof as they seemed sometimes, he could never help but be amazed at just how much knowledge they had. They'd randomly pull out some bit of advice or a perspective they'd yet to consider and solve or spot some potential issue before anyone saw it.
And when the meetings were over, they'd always be the first out the door. Leon could never even blame them, he hates those meetings too and he knows they like him have better things to do.
oO0Oo
It was time for another Champion event. There was usually one held every few years and this time it was being held in Galor. It was quite the honor, and Leon was happy to host.
He and Raihan were standing off to the side making sure everything was set up and prepared, but had started freaking out as they spotted Red and Blue entering the Wyndon stadium.
They were dressed up like all the other Champions. Since it was a major event, they were in full Champion regalia. Each region’s apparel was slightly different, but for Kanto to fit the name of their league they were adorned with Indigo capes that were accented with silver fur and threads.
It had been a long while since either Leon or Raihan had seen them like that and what a sight it was. Sonia from her place beside them stared as well. She'd never admit it, but she was just as big of a fan. It was hard not to be when she'd ended up just like Blue (not unlike Raihan) and had grown up watching them like everyone else.
Finally, Leon managed to choke out a question, “Would it be weird to ask for an autograph?”
Raihan just nodded along with the question.
Sonia sighed, “I mean probably...you're a champion too Leon and Raihan you're technically a coworker of Blue's.”
Raihan frowned at her, “Yeah but it's Red and Blue.” He told her. Like that excused how weird it would be.
“They're legends!” Leon tacked on like she and everyone else didn't already know.
“How long have you been champion Leon?” She asked her friend, exasperated.
“…Okay look to be fair I can't just ask at a meeting. It would be weird.”
Sonia facepalmed, “And it's not weird to ask now?”
Red and Blue glance their way and the three of them try to play it cool, it doesn't exactly work, and they quickly huddle up again in an attempt to hide. But they don't have time to argue more as the start time arrives and Leon hurries over to start the whole thing.
He gives introductions trying to play it cool when he introduced the Kanto Champions and felt at least a bit vindicated about his hero worship when the stadium erupted with some of the loudest applause yet. Only rivaled by his own introduction. It was no secret they were favored to win, not that the two cared. Well Red didn't, Blue all but preened at the fan fair.
The bracket had been pre-decided by someone smarter than him, and as it showed up on the stadium screen everyone was quick to move to their sides locker room. Blue was on his side Leon realized as the man starts walking over. It was of course after saying something to Red before shoving him towards the other side in response to Red signed something back that had him fighting back laughter.
Leon is pretty confident they split the two up for everyone's piece of mind. Truly putting them together only ever caused issues and chaos.
The rounds start and everyone watch the battles intently all preparing for possible future opponents. Blue wins his matches with little surprise, though that isn't to say easily. And when Leon finishes his second match with a victory, he looks up to the bracket and is hit with a realization. He's going to be pitted up against Red next. It's horrifying and exhilarating in equal measures.
Blue smirks at him and wishes him luck as he leaves for his round a few games later, and Leon's pretty sure it's actually genuine.
He puts up a valiant fight but it's little surprise he loses. Though he is surprised at the fact it's closer than he’d assumed. Red was down to only one semi-healthy Pokémon and the one he had out on the field which was barely holding on.
He meets Red in the middle and shakes his hand (trying to keep it cool). Red gives him an easy smile and a small nod before, “Good battle.”
Leon’s eyes very nearly pop out of his head, he'd not heard Red speak since he was a kid. But before he can make a fool of himself, he retreats back to the locker room. Blue is there waiting with a smirk when Leon walks in.
"I'm impressed you did better than most!"
Leon blushes, "Thanks."
Blue snickers and pats him on the back before going back to his place leaning against the wall near the TV.
Leon honestly can't even be mad he lost.
It's little surprise the event ends with Red and Blue facing off. It's a close battle like it always is between them. Blue just manages to squeak out the victory this time, and his cheers are loud enough a microphone isn't needed.
The crowd roars with him delighted at his victory. It's funny to think of Blue as an underdog because of just how good he is but compared to Red he always will be. Red just shakes his head with an amused huff as he walks over and throws an arm around his friend accepting defeat easily.
oO0Oo
After the event Red and Blue are back next to one another signing at each other, so a normal sight. No animosity about the upset it seems, but that's also not a surprise. Blue winning isn't unprecedented, just rare.
No one has a clue what is being said of course but Leon, Raihan, and Sonia approach anyway.
The duo looks up and wave as they spot them.
Finally, as they get into acceptable speaking distance Blue is already talking, "Uuhhgg! Leon, how do you deal with the damn cape?" Blue asks as he pulls at his own.
Leon buffers for a moment before responding, "I got used to it."
Blue snorts derisively, "Well I haven't. It sucks, me and Red both agree on that."
Red nodded a touch aggressively. Obviously, the sentiment is more than shared.
"Congratulations on your win Blue." Raihan manages to squeak out. He's somewhat behind Leon using him as a shield, not that Sonia is doing much better at Leon's other side.
Blue rolls his eyes, "Oh I'm going to lose in a few hours when Red beats me again."
Red hums his agreement, smirk clear and eyes gleaming. If there's something the media does have right about them it's their constant need to be better than the other. Their rivalry is genuine and not for show like it is for some.
Red smacks Blue to get his attention before signing something quickly. Blue nods before fishing around in one of his pockets and pulling something out. He hands whatever it is over, Leon takes it numbly unsure and not daring to say anything.
"It's nice seeing you all again but we have to get out of here." Blue tells them before giving his signature salute.
With that they're gone. The two of them released their Charizard and Pidgeot respectively. Climb atop them and take off near certainly heading back to the airport to avoid all the fanfare surrounding the stadium. A good decision if they want to get out of here in the next few hours.
Leon looks down to see what he had been handed. It's three pictures of all the Champions lined up from the beginning of the event. Both of their signatures are on each one.
Leon muffled a scream.
Raihan blinked at him confused, Leon just handed one over. The dragon specialist bit back a noise of his own. Sonia snatched the last one and just glared at the other two. But she can't fight the smile that creeps onto her face.