#sorry if my characterization of nanu is off :x

[alolan-colress]

So. This headcanon is more about how Grimsley ended up in Alola, inspired by his lore from Pokemon Masters. (This does not make sense considering there’s no official detail addressing the timeline when the Pasio events took place but I like to indulge myself with ideas so here we are.) Details below the cut.

Headcanon that Grimsley is really good friends with Nanu, and has indeed visited Alola a few times already during his E4 days. (The first one being where he was invited by Nanu for sushi back when they were in Pasio.) Some time later (before Alola events took place), Nanu's received the news late that Grimsley had officially stood down from the League. Surprised and concerned for his buddy, he tries to contact Grimsley but he couldn't reach him. This bothered Nanu for few days straight until he finally decided to head to Unova to look for him himself. (Real friends will go through lengths bro don’t @ me) Nanu decided Castelia City was the ideal place to look for him. And he was right-- he located Grimsley at the Thumb Pier. Poor guy was all alone drinking. Grimsley was surprised at his friend’s sudden appearance. Nanu approaches, tells Grimsley that he heard the news. Says he got worried so he visited him personally. Grimsley nonchalantly says he's got nothing else left to lose anymore. Nanu immediately knew what he meant.  And so, Nanu offers to help him get a fresh start. Grimsley drunkenly laughs, unsure about all that, saying that there's really no speckle of hope left after the pathetic situation he put himself in. Then Nanu says something like; "Listen. You can drown all your regrets until the mornin' for all you like. But I sure as hell won't leave you just like this 'cause I care about you. So don't be ridiculous.” It only took a few more words from Nanu for Grimsley's emotions to overwhelm him. He couldn’t help but cry. After a day or two of settling things, Nanu's bought tickets for both of them to Alola. He really was really willing to help Grimsley get back on the track again. Nanu speaks up when he hands Grimsley his ticket. "I assume you have no other place to stay. You're always welcome back at home. Take it as another chance in life. You yourself used to say that nothin's really left for the loser." And this is where it leads to Grimsley's Alola chapters. Eventually he finds passion for surfing. Nanu was surprised about it as well, saying it was an unexpected hobby to suddenly pick up for a guy like him. But deep inside, Nanu is very happy that his good friend is starting to cope, and reminds himself to mention that the next time they eat and drink together. (Like I’ve said for the nth time this doesn't make any sense at all bc im big stupid and im just really weak for possible Grimsley backstories and bc I adore the idea that Grimsley and Nanu has solid friendship and so that led me to write this all out lol) also should i mention that i initially thought of grimsley not being able to visit alola at all before his big time loss? and never getting to have that sushi meal with nanu as promised. but that was too fucking depressing lmfao.