"Kicked out? Not particularly," he pulled out the thin metal case that housed his badges. He popped it open and held it out to her feeling the pride swell inside for his accomplishments. "I've already beat their gym, so the next logical step is to come here and challenge Pryce." He shut the case and slid it back into his bag. "I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised to see you here, you've always been my shadow." He couldn't resist the jab at her.
Sariah was a rather accomplished trainer even though they both knew that her heart wasn't really into fighting. Alex could remember a time when they had been close as very young children. He had liked her a great deal when they were kids, but he hadn't known the best way to express it. Unfortunately she had taken his teasing and pranks the wrong way and they had drifted apart. He had been so frustrated to find out she was becoming a trainer because being the champion had always been his dreams.
He felt a small pang but pushed it away. He was a very happy sort of guy and did not like dwelling on unpleasant thoughts.
"I've heard some rumors about a red gyrados though, I think I might go check it out before I challenge Pryce." He said as he looped his thumbs through his belt loops. "Maybe-" he cleared his throat. "Maybe you want to go check it out with me?"
He felt the back of his neck get hot. What in the world was he doing? Why did he always feel so awkward around her. He hated that.