Angelo had known that Razz was on his way, he'd been present when a certain captain had roped the teenager into ship cleaning duties earlier this morning. Although his own enlistment had technically transpired when he arrived last night.  [break][break]

He’s the first to see Razz when he approaches the Sotally Tober, Angelo crouched down near the gangplank filling up a bucket of warm soapy water while a small Totodile is attempting to climb headfirst into the bubbles; whether she’s attempting to help or is just being inquisitive is up in the air. Probably the latter if the wet splashes on Angelo’s t-shirt is anything to go by, already damp before they’d even got started. [break][break]

Blue eyes shift towards the second helper, taking note of the scars and bruises on the younger man’s face with a slow, carefully composed blink. If he’s concerned, he doesn’t let it show; instead smiling in greeting and swallowing the flash of worry. Angelo had suspected that the other man had worn the bandana over one side of his face in their previous encounter for a reason, but it hadn't been his place or intention to pry. [break][break]

“Hi Razz – Del, can you control yourself for five seconds? – You been recruited for unpaid manual labour, too?” [break][break]

Standing, cradling the squirming Totodile as she playfully nips at the bare skin of his arm, he lifts the bottom of his shirt up to wipe the bubbles coating her snout off before letting her loose on the ship deck again. Delphini makes a beeline for Razz’s shoes, sniffing and attempting to nibble at his laces. [break][break]

It’s then that the words (so very tempting and so very dangerous) fills Angelo’s ears. Throwing caution to the wind, the courier grins in the teenager’s direction and calls out over his shoulder towards where Skyler had last been seen with Dorado, regardless of whether she’d heard the initial greeting or not. [break][break]

“Hey, Miss Dross! You’ve got a visitor!”


[break][break]

+ Razz Kingsman & skyler dross [break][break]

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

The ranger just sort of stares the other up and down as it trying to see if he could pick up on anything. Part of him expected some sort of comment, most people did it and he didn't know the other well enough to put it past him. Though it seems like he might have been overthinking it as his only greeting involves asking about the work to which Razz just shrugs with a nervous smile, still unsure of what to think of the other. "Sorta, I had the free time anyways."[break][break]

As he returns his Flygon to her pokeball it was when the other calls for her that he realizes what he said and he inwardly groans. "You knew what you were doing," is all Razz warns as already he could see the sailor coming on her warpath, Salem seems to giggle a bit as she punches his human racer buddy. The young man is caught off guard when she seems to curse at him. It isn't until she leans in and brings her hands up toward his face that he remembers 'oh right she hasn't see these.'[break][break]

The young ranger just puts on a fake smile and waves it off, "No need to kill anyone, just a mission gone array, I promise they look a lot worse than they feel," he tries to assure though there is a pouting Salem on his shoulder giving a look of 'yeah right.' "Soo... uhh what do I need to do?" he tried asking as if to change the subject quickly, moving his shoes away from a nibbling Totodile.




[break][break]

+ angelo vestri + skyler dross[break]
+ Outfit[break]
+ Mission: Sweep under the Rug

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

“I know. Can’t help myself,” was all he responded to Razz’s warning, already having accepted his fate. [break][break]

Skyler stomps across the deck towards them, silver eyes flashing like thunder to match the foreboding footsteps; looking like she’d just about barrel someone out of the way if anyone dared obstruct her warpath. Angelo, like a man with a death wish, just grins at her. [break][break]

Retribution comes in the form of knuckles biting into his arm, a dull force rippling across his muscle that no doubt would have threatened to bruise if she’d put just a little more weight into it. His eyes crinkle at the corners, more amused than pained, before the courier’s expression falls neutral; Skyler having finally caught sight of her visitor’s state.[break][break]

Ah, so those injuries were new…[break][break]

“Sure Salem would've kept Razz home if they were serious. Right, Champ?” There’s a pause, gaze slipping from the Meowstic to his trainer. “But just say if you’re feeling shit, okay?” [break][break]

It doesn’t seem like Razz is keen on talking about it and so he decides not to push. Even if he doesn’t quite buy the claim that his injuries looked worse than they felt. He makes a mental note to keep a quiet eye on the teenager’s condition over the day, just in case. Angelo doesn't know Razz well but still, it's a little worrisome... [break][break]

There’s a clattering beside them, Delphini chewing on the edge of the full bucket and letting some of the water spill. Angelo quickly bends down to pick up the container before its suddenly emptied, the Totodile letting out a whine of protest at her chew toy being taken. [break][break]

“I was going to get started on the deck but I could do with a pair of hands that aren’t going to add more work to my plate. Or it'll take me until midnight,” there’s a harmlessly accusing look thrown down at the baby Totodile. “Unless the captain needs extra support in lifting crates?” There’s a less harmless, arch of a brow thrown in Skyler’s direction; hiding a subtle message: [break][break]

Cleaning the deck might be less physically strenuous than hefting crates.



[break][break]

+ Razz Kingsman & skyler dross [break][break]

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Salem sorta tilts his paw back and forth at Skyler as if to answer 'so-so' because while his trainer isn't psychically hurting Salem knows that all this has taken a mental drain on him. Not that the cat could communicate that without his trainer translating for him. Which Razz didn't seem to interested in doing so if it meant talking about it. The the Meowstic does perk up some thanks to Angelo as he gives a little salute to the other cause yes! That was his duty as Service Kitty! Though because of the attention he does miss the Meowth glaring at him.[break][break]

"Don't worry I'll make sure the captain is the first to know if something is wrong," he assures with a tired smile hoping that neither were too worried about it. Though part of him wondered if he should've just turned her down about cleaning so she wouldn't have to see him this way. "Besides I've had worse," cause that's what people said to make others feel better right? Though the worse was the open scar on his face but that's a different story he doesn't get into. [break][break]

As they mention what they're planning on doing Razz decides to bring out proper help with Royal and Zaffre, "Think you guys can do a decent job?" he questions though both seemed to be none to happy with cleaning. As Razz goes to pick up a broom he does ponder about the two. "Wait so if you had Vestri come early why not ask me to come early as well?" the young man ask as Salem jumps off his shoulder to give instructions to the other two on the best way to use their water attacks to help with the deck.



[break][break]

+ angelo vestri + skyler dross[break]
+ Outfit[break]
+ Mission: Sweep under the Rug

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

They move their immediate focus away from Razz’s injuries as they’re assigned their first task, Angelo giving the ranger a quick pat on the shoulder as he passes; ‘I’ve had worse’ ringing in his ears. [break][break]

Cleaning utensils are divided out amongst the three of them, Skyler ensuring they’re well equipped for their deck scrubbing mission; although Angelo is the only one who gets a wet sponge thrown at him. It collides into his chest with a soapy squelch and he fumbles to catch it, bubbly water dripping through his fingers and t-shirt sticking to his skin. She definitely did it on purpose. “You’re hilarious,” there’s no bitterness in his words despite the sarcasm – the promise – that lingers on the tip of his tongue, blue eyes narrowing with a flicker of something wild that spills over the container. Holding it back. [break][break]

Sponge set aside in the bucket along with his oath of revenge, Angelo takes hold of his own assigned broom. Delphini is momentarily distracted from the soapy water by Razz’s pokemon, the baby Totodile waddling over and taking great fascination in Salem’s fluffy tail.[break][break]

Razz’s question punches through the air, drawing Angelo’s attention away from Delphini just as she goes to reach for the Meowstic’s tails, distracting him. He doesn’t correct him on the use of his surname when that very perceptive point was left lingering in the air. [break][break]

So far Angelo hadn’t told anyone about what he and Sky got up to. Not like he couldn’t if he wanted to - it's not as if they made a promise of secrecy - it was just easier not having to go through the questioning scrutiny where he could help it. Razz however, although Angelo liked him for all their two meetings, was Skyler’s friend first and foremost. What she wanted to divulge to the teenage ranger was for her to decide. [break][break]

“Yeah, Sky. Why didn’t you?” There’s a slight, cheshire smile on his lips as he holds onto the top of the broom handle with both hands, leaning against it as his gaze slowly drifts over Skyler’s expressions with a twinkle of playful inquisitiveness – purposefully unhelpful. Curious to hear the answer she’d choose to a question that he already knew.




[break][break]

+ Razz Kingsman & skyler dross [break][break]

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Salem just sighs as while his trainer can never hear just how dumb the way he worded things are he certainly does. For now though they have been asked to help, the psychic cat was about to grab a bucket before he picked up on the waddling behind him. Taking a subtle look back to notice the new born Totodile, Salem smirks before moving his tail out of the way. They were going to get him that easy no no! [break][break]

Though since Salem was quick to distract it gave Zaire and Royal a small chance to look around, the little Oshawott was quick to be impressed with the Dewott. His eyes couldn’t help but dart to her shells and it just made him look to his own shell-less belly. Why was it no matter where they went he had to be reminded of his loss shell. [break][break]

”Last night?” the young man questions at first not adding two and two together until the mention of the bed, ”Oh... OOHHHH” there it finally clicks as for a moment he thinks back to an old conversation he had with Skyler as he looks between her and Angelo. ”You know, I know you said you were looking for a ‘Fairytale’ Romance for your New Years Resolution, so congrats on finding it early,” he congratulated, as he gave the captain a thumbs up before he whistles for Royal’s aid to use BUBBLE on the dock to help wet it before Razz started his brushing.


[break][break]

+ angelo vestri + skyler dross[break]
+ Outfit[break]
+ Mission: Sweep under the Rug

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Angelo doesn’t turn to gauge Razz’s response at first, attention instead drawn into a shared look with his adventure buddy; hooked on the dangerous spark flitting across silver eyes and the sharpness to her lips. Skyler’s words seem less like an answer to the ranger’s curiosity and more like a curated provocation – an invitation for trouble – tailored just for him. [break][break]

The sailor’s devilish intent summons a beckoning, warm twist in his stomach; ocean blues lingering over her mouth and drifting to the back of her neck as she begins to sweep, skin exposed from golden curls pulled into a ponytail.[break][break]

Razz distracts him from staring after her as he stumbles over his words. For a brief moment, Angelo wonders if Skyler’s less-than-subtle hint had gone over his head. “Yeah. Last night, I –“ He stops, the ranger visibly brightening from a lightbulb moment. [break][break]

There’s a pause. Angelo digests the words. If there’s a semblance of panic that momentarily sends alarming dread down his spine, it’s quick to be replaced. With rationale thinking taking over, moving cogs turn the expression of wide-eyed shock to one that’s of equal measure sincere. Angelo’s lips wobbling in thinly contained mirth – triumphant. [break][break]

There’s no way fairy-tale or romance belonged on Skyler’s lips; certainly not together and most definitely not in earnest. Just the thought of it was so wrong, not aligning with his knowledge of the sailor in the most hilarious kind of way… [break][break]

Angelo’s glad Jolly is next to him, she makes for a great support structure as laughter rips unrestrained out of his lungs, leaning against the sturdy frame of the Feraligatr as he clutches his side. “Oh… Shit. Thanks, Razz. That’s the best thing I’ve heard all day.” And he’d heard plenty of nice things from Skyler this morning. [break][break]

Despite his better judgement, Angelo pushes his broom over towards her direction without any effort to sweep. He swallows his laughter; unable to resist the fruit of temptation that dangles teasingly in front of him. Greedily taking hold of the opportunity that had been presented so generously by Razz’s innocent misinterpretation. [break][break]

Ignoring Dorado, a hand loops around Skyler’s shoulders from behind, his fingertips pressing into her collarbone in a semblance of a loose, one-armed embrace. “You should’ve told me you felt this way, Sky,” his voice is spoken close to her ear, his taunting expression hidden but no doubt carrying through on teasing tones. “If I knew having a fairy tale romance meant that much to you, I'd have been more romantic. Brought you flowers. Serenaded you or something - called you,”[break][break]

It tastes so disgustingly wrong on his tongue but in the best, most self-satisfying kind of way… “Princess.”[break][break]

He’d have to remember to buy Razz a drink next time.






[break][break]

+ Razz Kingsman & skyler dross [break][break]

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

There is a lingering feeling that he had done something wrong here. First with Skyler being interrupted by Angelo's mention of what he said being the best he's heard all day. Something he doubted as they were in bed together or something right so why would something he say be the best. Razz looks toward Royal who is clearly giggling to see if they could explain what was going on. Though all the frog seems to communicate was that Angelo was dead which just confused him more as the frog began chuckling once again as they communicate for the Ranger to just watch and see. [break][break]

Razz decides to take the break as he does as asked, resting his chin on the broom as Angelo goes close and mutters seemingly sweet words. Razz still clearly not seeing the problem due to his inability to just read the room. So it is a surprise to him that makes him jump slightly back as the sudden impact of Skyler tossing the other to the ground and dumping the soapy water on them. Something his pokemon seemed to be expecting as they all shared a bit of a chuckle though Razz was still clearly confused because wasn't romance what she wanted?[break][break]

He tenses up slightly as suddenly her attention is on him as she seems to threaten him. Razz just nods slowly in a 'got it' sort of manner. "I read that situation wrong didn't I?" he can't help but question. Though he feels he probably shouldn't question too much if he didn't want to end up soaked with soapy water either.



[break][break]

+ angelo vestri + skyler dross[break]
+ Outfit[break]
+ Mission: Sweep under the Rug

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

His world flips but somehow a flash of silver remains at the centre of it all – as dangerous as it was attractive, pulling him in. [break][break]

Angelo’s chest jolts from the whiplash of falling and suddenly being caught, suspended for a moment only to be unceremoniously dumped onto the deck. Force of the impact knocking an exhale from his lungs and summoning annoyance to flash behind his eyes. [break][break]

His heart is racing, although whether it’s from the adrenaline of the descent or the ferocity, palpable as it emanates from Skyler and down onto him, is debatable. Angelo pushes himself up on an elbow, preparing himself to get back to his feet, suddenly filled with a hunger for revenge. [break][break]

But she’s faster, Angelo catching a glint of metal flashing in the corner of his vision; sunlight ominously sparkling off the water that sloshes out of the bucket. [break][break]

“Sky!” Her name falls off his lips, sharp and entangled in an array of emotions before its drowned out by the rush of soap and water; turning into a laughed-out yelp. It doesn’t matter if its warm, a shock still rips through him, irritation crackling and intermingling with the amusement into a strange cocktail. Wild grin combining with eyes of turbulent, crashing waves; both directed at the woman who looms over him with her frustratingly addictive smile.[break][break]

“My bad... Did I say princess?” A pause as he swipes water off his face, flicking bubbles away and grimacing a little at the sensation of clothes sticking to his skin when muscles shift. “What I meant was witch. Fucking hag.” [break][break]

Fucking hag and filthy peasant echo across the deck, insulting at face value but void of any real malice. He can feel electricity in the air. Encouraging and addicting.[break][break]

His hand snatches out as Skyler's attention diverts to Razz, grasping hold of a sponge that had been dumped out of the bucket along with the warm water; squelching underneath a fierce grip. It’s promptly pitched towards the captains stupid, smug face; wanting to wipe it away. [break][break]

Spotting the carnage, distracted from Salem’s tails, Delphini blinks at the flying water with bright eyes. Her face splitting into a wide, toothy grin – completely reading the situation wrong. AQUA TAIL suddenly activates as she begins to leap around, excitement rippling off her as she tries to get in on the game; water spraying all over Razz and his pokemon in innocent glee.



[break][break]

+ Razz Kingsman & skyler dross [break][break]

[attr="class","pokeclass"]