LATE AT NIGHT...[break]

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[break]
"not always."
[break][break]
he takes a break from working the soft material to move towards the fridge. he retrieves a metallic bowl, covered by a thin plastic wrap on top. in seconds, he reveals, and lays out, another unworked glob of dough. between them both, gabriel places a bowl of flour.
[break][break]
"my father was a busy man. he'd spend days, weeks, even months at a time travelling, or working overtime on some project or another. but, when he was home and couldn't sleep, or was stressed, he would come in here."
[break][break]
he pinches flour between his fingers, tossing it on the table, and dough respectively.
[break][break]
"eventually, i caught on and offered to help him. soon enough, it became the only real time i could spend with my father."
[break][break]
he didn't understand the pressure the old man was under back then. now, carrying that mantle himself, it was all too clear.
[break][break]
gabriel looks up from beneath scarred flesh, as one of the hired help comes through the door, taking the photos from their spot. in their wake, two large, lumbering predators make their way past. the pyroar's approach the table, wet noses taking in the myriad of scents, before finding a cool place to lie on the tiles.[break][break]
lazy shits.





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LATE AT NIGHT...[break]

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[break]
"if you wish too."
[break][break]
one of those very large hands motions towards a number of hanging aprons. each one showed signs of use, though, nothing too ragged.
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"i find working with my hands eases my mind. it just so happens, i also enjoy cooking."


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DEEP IN THOUGHT...[break]

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[break]
gabriel gives his son a pointed look, body finally moving to sit in the chair at his desk; it was plush and comfortable.
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"something you've yet to show me."
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his glass lands on the wood of the table, hands sorting through the stacks of documents. the job was never ending, even this late at night. he had long ago gotten used to it.
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"interested in politics all of a sudden?"
[break][break]
gabriel doesn't look up from his task, his haste turning the signature beneath his pen into something audible, and scratching.
[break][break]
"to answer your question —— yes. at the very least, i will look into it. as i do so, you'll be on your best behavior. you will not start trouble and smear our family name. am i understood?"
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[attr="class","credit"]milky

DEEP IN THOUGHT...[break]

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[break]
like a lion, uriah shakes out his mane, eager to prove himself. only, he still found himself living in the shadow of his father.
[break][break]
"unfounded arrogance will lead you to an early grave."
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he should know, it nearly cost him his life. now, the marred flesh around his eye was a constant reminder.
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"do not put me through the headache of having to find someone else to take over what i leave behind."



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[attr="class","credit"]milky

DEEP IN THOUGHT...[break]

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[break]
gabriel regards the boy for a moment. so, he did keep up with the news. at least he had one redeemable quality in him to lead this family after gabriel was gone.
[break][break]
"the region is destabilizing. but, that presents opportunities; ones i would not see go to waste. one day you'll learn even fear is just another thing that will hold you back."
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[attr="class","credit"]milky

LATE AT NIGHT...[break]

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[break]
he continues kneading, even when she approaches to show him the photos. this was merely part of the process, but at this point, unneeded. he knew her work to be exceedingly thorough, and to expectations.
[break][break]
"you did well. the commission will be routed into your account, as usual."
[break][break]
it was a compliment even his children rarely heard. but, they rarely impressed him. normally, their transaction would end here. but...
[break][break]
"have you ever made pizza by hand, nina?"
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DEEP IN THOUGHT...[break]

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[break]
"you always have a choice. despite appearances, you're a grown man. free to make your own decisions."
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only then does the barrel of a man turn, gaze heavy as it falls onto his son. gabriel saw uriah's mother reflected in his proud gaze, and hazel eyes.
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"the region offers a promising business venture. one this family cannot afford to pass up."

[break]
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[attr="class","credit"]milky

DEEP IN THOUGHT...[break]

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[break]
gabriel doesn't turn to face the boy. what warmth in the room comes from the fire place —— not gabriel. the statement hangs in the air as the older man wets his lips with the liquor.
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"the family will be relocating to slateport city. will you be joining us?"
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[attr="class","credit"]milky

LATE AT NIGHT...[break]

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[break]
"nina."
[break][break]
the name feels like clay in his mouth; odd, and lumpy. it was a beautiful name, but an act of personalization. a subtle step-away from a business transaction.
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and that alone made it dangerous.
[break][break]
"how did it go?"

[break][break]
he's silent in the face of her teasing. gabriel gave her concessions in decorum, and professionalism, that he wouldn't many others. she produced results. good ones.

LATE AT NIGHT...[break]

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[break]
hands were deep into the kneading of a rather large thing of dough, when a voice pulls his attention upwards, informing him he has a visitor. with a subtle nod of his head, permission is granted.
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still, he had a job to do.
[break][break]
with the mountainous strength, he continues the process of molding the dough, hands chalk white and with a small, simple apron.
[break][break]
"ms. larson. i admit, it is a surprise to find you here so late at night."
[break][break]
eyes turn away from the work of his hands, to glance up at the woman briefly, before returning to their previous station.
[break][break]
"i assume this is not a simple social call."
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[attr="class","credit"]milky

HM...[break]

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[break]
gabriel sat at the head of the table; a motion more familiar to him than breathing, at this point. since his father stepped down, and he took over, it came naturally, and without thought.
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[break]


but, eyes rested on the empty chairs around him, his expression stone. with the will of a mountain, he suppresses the sigh that threatens to climb-up. void of any eagerness, gabriel reaches for the silverware.
[break][break]
before he could begin, the pyroar at his feet turn their attentions upwards. small, purposed swings of their tail tell them all he needs to know.
[break][break]
"ms. amemiya."
[break][break]
his voice was low, but carried strength. the fact he hadn't even turned to look at her arrival, yet still projected confidence in that it was her, only added to it.
[break][break]
"please, sit. join me."




[break]

[attr="class","credit"]milky

DEEP IN THOUGHT...[break]

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[break]
canalave city. it was his home, no —— their home —— for as long as he could remember. now,
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[break]


he would leave it.
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[break]


gabriel stood staring out the window, a massive, bear of a man that towered most others in height, and bulk. he swirls the cold, brown liquor in the glass of his hand.
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behind him, there's a knock to door of his study.
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he doesn't turn around.
[break][break]
"enter."




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[attr="class","credit"]milky