Finally. They’d hopefully be seeing each other more than just once every few years. Well, whatever caden maher ’s scheduling allowed. Stupid, fucking internships.

The elevator opens with a chime and the brunette pushes herself off the back rail to strut forward into the lobby. It doesn’t take long to spot the overworked intern probably falling asleep in the plush couch near the reception desk. A smile curls across her pink lips at the sight of him. Instinctively, her pace quickens, heels clacking noisily across the marble stone. That’s probably what made him sit up. So he isn’t asleep after all.

Maybe half asleep.

The smile turns into a frown as she looms over him, “Really, Caden? there’s disappointment in her voice, “All this time and you can’t even bother to stand up and give me a proper hug?”

---

caden maher

MISSION

OUTFIT

[attr="class","cadentop"]

[attr="class","littlejay"]

ok, maybe he had decided to sit down because he was tired. his feet fucking burned — a twelve hour shift would do that to you, nevermind multiple of those in a row.

[break][break] not to mention, he'd had to stuff his shoes into black oxfords. he couldn't let toni be showing him up.

[break][break] "but what if i like the view?" his gaze glints mischievously for a heartbeat, before he pushes his hands against the chair and stands up. he opens his arms wide.

[break][break] "c'mere, toni."

[attr="class","ooc"] Antoinette Spina [break]
sleepless in slateport

☉

Toni doesn’t miss the mischief in his gaze. She returns it with an equally as impish grin, “good, because I’m always on top,” she teases, holding his gaze until he finally stands up.

Caden’s arms aren’t left empty for long. It’s a quick step forward and her arms are wrapped around his waist, pulling him in tight for a good hug, I missed you, goes unsaid, but the way she lingers for a moment after their embrace says it all.

“You clean up nicely,” her eyes wander, critically evaluating his outfit, “I hope there’ nothing too fancy planned. This all I could manage since I haven’t been shopping yet,” she vaguely motions to the fairly casual outfit of choice. Even if it is somewhere fancy, she’d manage . . . but she wouldn’t be happy about it.

---

caden maher

MISSION

OUTFIT

[attr="class","cadentop"]

[attr="class","littlejay"]

always on top.

[break][break] hey — he's not complaining. Antoinette Spina of all people should know his preferences when it comes to that sort of thing. she does follow his onlyfans account, like any international bestie should.

[break][break] she meets him in an warm embrace, and his arms wrap around her, holding her close. caden's never been the kind of person who is good with words - not like cian - but it's okay because, their relationship is not one that requires it. the twenty-five year old is comfortable in the quiet, the silent i missed you throbbing in his heart.

[break][break] his relationship with Antoinette Spina is one that he cherishes deeply, even if he may not say so outloud.

[break][break] she steps away, and he arches a brow at her, equally appraising her outfit too. "please toni," he says, in almost exasperation. "you act as if you aren't always beautiful." a smirk turns the corner of his mouth, and he offers his arm out for her to hold, rolex watch gleaming on his wrist.

[break][break] "nothing too grand," he promises. "just a stroll around the city."

[break][break]

[attr="class","ooc"] Antoinette Spina [break]
sleepless in slateport

☉

The eye roll in response isn’t subtle. Typical Caden, always flattering her even when she doesn’t deserve it. Secretly, she relishes in it and appreciates him for it. Toni loves the attention, after all.

With a soft smile, her arms slips into the crook of his, almost too easily, “Just a stroll?” her dark eyes are suspicious, showing the same doubt in her half smile. Something tells her Caden has more up his tailored sleeve than just a stroll. That would be a terrible reason to switch shifts at work.

She also hopes it’s not just a stroll through the city. She’d be immensely disappointed if it is.

The grip on his arm tightens as the two beautiful people walk through the hotel’s beautiful lobby and towards the streets of Slateport. A rush of the warm, evening summer air brushes her hair back, only for it to gracefully fall into place, framing her face, “Why don’t you tell me what you really have planned,” her voice is soft and look playful, but there’s still a command in there, somewhere, if you sift between the letters.

---

caden maher

MISSION

OUTFIT

[attr="class","cadentop"]

[attr="class","littlejay"]
"yeah," he repeats. "just a stroll."

[break][break] there is a bit of a twinkle in his eye as he looks at her, eyes glinting mischievously. he knows exactly how much Antoinette Spina enjoys the attention, because he does too. also dangling something in front of her is just too good an opportunity to miss.

[break][break] the summer air is warm on their skin as they walk through the hotel's sliding doors and into the city proper. he first leads her down a street that seems rather quiet, except for the brownstones that litter the sides of it. it's the perfect opportunity for them to settle into an even pace, without the hustle-bustle of the city. for now, anyways.

[break][break] "hm?" he hums, a smile tucked into the corner of his mouth. a warm hand places itself on top of her own where she holds onto him, and he smiles. "now, now, toni. patience comes to those who wait." a pause, before he pulls out his phone with one hand and scrolls aimlessly through it. "are you hungry? or can you wait?"

[break][break]

[attr="class","ooc"] Antoinette Spina [break]
sleepless in slateport

☉

“Hmph,” she still looks up at him with suspicion despite the small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. The mystery is intriguing. Caden knew how to play the game well. Must have come from years of listening to her bitch about it.

The warm evening breeze is nothing compared to the warmth of his hand over hers. There’s a familiar comfort that has also come from years of their back and forth. Toni easily settles into pace with him, long legs matching his stride despite the heels of the boots that clicked rhythmically against the concrete.

Patience, “Ugh,” her eyes roll rather dramatically, “We both know I’m terribly impatient,” Her lips twist into a frown, knowing he’d likely force her to be patient.

After a moment of consideration, she shrugs her shoulders lightly, “I could wait. Why?” she leans closer, attempting to peek at his phone for a clue.

---

caden maher

MISSION

OUTFIT

[attr="class","cadentop"]

[attr="class","littlejay"]
she's pouting.

[break][break] 'it's cute,' the thought - unbidden - escapes him and he indulges in it for a moment. he watches the throngs of people walking around them, just as if it was any normal day. which - he supposed - it technically was.

[break][break] his head tilts back towards her, grinning. "yeah, you're insatiable."

[break][break] not, of course, that he was ever any different.

[break][break] he's quick to lock his phone once she tries to lean forward and get a glipse. "ah ah," he scolds lightly. "no cheating." he smiles, pointing to a spot in the distance in the middle of a park. it's an adoption fair.

[break][break] "wanna go look at some puppies?"

[break][break]

[attr="class","ooc"] Antoinette Spina [break]
sleepless in slateport

☉

Pouting indeed. The delicate twist of her lips and large brown eyes fluttering just the right way usually got her what she wanted from an unsuspecting victim. Unfortunately, Caden is smarter than that. It’s partially what makes him exciting, a thrilling hunt – though that is not her intention.

Still, she tries it anyway if only to feel the frustration of the rejection. Large brown look up at him from the locked phone screen, “aww not even a little hint?” she bats her eyes a few times before giving up.

”puppies?” her gaze follows his pointed finger, “hm, sure,” dogs make up a large portion of her hunting pack, they are particularly skilled. Hers aren’t really the cuddly type so a friendly few are a welcome change.

---

caden maher

MISSION

OUTFIT

[attr="class","cadentop"]

[attr="class","littlejay"]
"hmm."

[break][break] as fun as it is to tease Antoinette Spina, caden knows better than to keep her waiting for long. after all, they've known each other for years. as much as he knows toni's good sides, he also is keenly aware of any consequences that he should face should he disappoint her.

[break][break] "alright, i'll give you a hint. one." he smirks. "our day involves a park." she knew that much, considering she agreed to the puppies. he led her slowly towards the park's entrance. "but also involves some food."

[break][break] he taps his lip. "and, don't worry, i won't make us walk too much."

[break][break] caden hands a voucher to the attendent who lets them through. luckily, there aren't too many people visiting yet. the barks of a tiny riolu and poochyena can be seen from a gated area not too far off.

[break][break] he glances at her. "cute, aren't they?"

[break][break] one of the riolu reaches out with grubby paws, asking to be lifted.

[attr="class","ooc"] Antoinette Spina [break]
sleepless in slateport

☉

Toni listens closely to the hints, but the softness intensifies into something more keen to bitterness. Her eyes roll dramatically, she knows both of these things already. They are currently heading towards the park and he’s already asked if she could wait to eat, “Please, Caden,” she begins, but the annoyance is cut short by the sharp yelp of puppies as they near.

There’s no denying they are frikken cute.

Even toni flashes a warm smile at the little pups. Her grip around Caden’s arm tightens as she resists the urge to grab one and cuddle it hard. A riolu with obviously filthy paws begs to be held. Toni denies the pup that (she can’t soil her white blouse) but dos reached forward to scratch it behind the ears. It seems somewhat satisfied with the attention, “why are there so many puppies out here? Is it an adoption fair?” she rises back to full height, glancing around at the various dog-type pokemon running around on pens.

---

caden maher

MISSION

OUTFIT

[attr="class","cadentop"]

[attr="class","littlejay"] though the change is subtle and smooth, as can only be expected of Antoinette Spina , it is just enough to make caden recognize it. it's the kind of thing that would make someone fearful that they'd upset a beauty like herself.

[break][break] but caden's known her too long for that.

[break][break] instead, he laughs. "alright, you caught me." he flashes a grin. "it's just so fun to tease you, sweetheart."

[break][break] "there's some bulgogi tacos around here that are simply to die for. my seniors took me last week. don't worry — " he says, gaze twinkling as he gazes down at her attire. "they offer bibs."

[break][break] he leads her to the puppy pens, and sure enough, even though she tries to hide it, the infamous bounty hunter finds herself obliging the grubby puppy. caden is perfectly satisfied watching her. plus, he doesn't want to ruin his silk shirt either.

[break][break] "yeah, an adoption fair." his gaze twinkles. "you interested?"

[break][break]

[attr="class","ooc"] Antoinette Spina [break]
sleepless in slateport

☉