It makes for an interesting scene.
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See, his decision to return to the hot springs this late in the evening had been one done out of simple boredom and not in search of company, because what else is there to do at the Lavaridge but spend time at the spa or the pools themselves? Forget about booking a massage this late in the day, and being alone in a sauna while most of the spa’s staff isn’t around sounded like a recipe for disaster.
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So, hot springs.
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Those hot springs where he hadn’t expected to find anyone else when it’s this late.
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And yet, also those hot springs where something is clearly amiss from the moment he enters…
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Everything is exactly as it’s supposed to be, except that here and there there are the obvious signs of someone’s presence: haphazardly thrown items, towels that aren’t really folded up to a pristine spa standard, a poorly-concealed bottle of liquor, and much else. All while the surface of the spring is still, moonlight shimmering upon it. Interesting.
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”...Hello?”
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Naturally, there is no answer, and Mars pauses, wondering if whoever was here simply left in a rush for reasons that are beyond him.
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This wondering stops when he steps closer to the steaming spring, of course, but while perhaps someone else would have followed their first instinct and jumped in to try to save the woman upon seeing her lying in the water’s depths, Mars does no more than raise an eyebrow as he watches her. She looks perfectly comfortable, so for now, he simply sits at the edge of pool, dipping his feet in the water.
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Maybe just interesting doesn’t cut it.
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Strange? Crazy?
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Unexpected.


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+ skyler dross | Hope this is okay hehe <3
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FW4qgp4R
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931/1000

’Shit, my breath tastes like fucking rotten eggs.’
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Ah, so restrained, so regal, so refined.
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Judging by first impressions alone – which most of the time can mean the most, especially with those like Mars who are unwilling to give more than one shot – she seems like a fun one. Shame about the whole rotten egg thing, though.
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The particular and unmistakable scent of the hot springs can be bad enough at times, and he’s sure the flavour is equally as bad – if not worse, judging by her response. Drinking is probably the right call.
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When she offers her hand, he takes it for the sake of a handshake; one firm and short and that comes in the company of one of those charming and confident smiles that could almost be called Mars’ own patented brand. He easily lets go a mere second after that. ”Ship captain, huh? Always nice to meet someone who shares a love for the seas. Martín del Mar, a pleasure. Feel free to just call me Mars.”
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‘Love for the seas’ would probably be an understatement when it comes to Skyler, but Mars doesn’t know that, does he?
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”That makes sense, it’s kind of late. You actually caught me by surprise, I didn’t think there was anyone here at first... You’re pretty good at the whole ‘holding your breath underwater’ thing, huh? Don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone do so at a hot spring before.”
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‘Pretty good’ is also an understatement, but given the circumstances of their encounter, that one is much more obvious to him.
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Still, Mars is always careful with his words, and he maintains his smile; comfortable despite this strange situation.



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+ skyler dross
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xqx1_Mk7
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859/1000

’You don't strike me as a sailor or a fisherman.’
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You.
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The word hadn’t been spoken by her until now, but when it is, he pauses, just like he always seems to do when hearing it as of late. You. What an amazing word. Has there ever been any better?
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Oh. What was she saying?
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”Are sailors and fishermen the only people who can appreciate the sea? It sounds like a good life to live, though.”
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It’s with ease that he carries on with the conversation, for maybe, at most points of his life, Mars would have been happier if he had gotten to live a sailor’s life. All of his best memories are by sea, he loves marine pokémon, and it’s where he usually wishes to be. But, alas, he’s Martín del Mar, and things like sailing and diving are meant to be left as no more than hobbies for him.
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Especially now, for even when thinking of the sea, the thought of the word lingers above it.
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’Unless you want to, y'know, die.’
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There it is again. You.
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Does he want to die?
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That’s not even what Skyler is saying, is it?
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Despite how distracted the word makes him, he chuckles at the distaste shown in her expression. ”Damn, does the water really taste that bad? And, at the offer, he looks at her, the smile that had been tugging at his lips shifting into a slight smirk as he reaches for the offered bottle.
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”Tequila sounds great right about now, thanks.”
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Maybe a drink will clear his mind.
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And so, he sips, only a slight and momentary grimace marking his expression at the sheer strength of the drink.




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+ skyler dross
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VPg7odUu
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772/1000

“Maybe some people don’t have much of a choice… While others can love things without completely devoting themselves to them. But, I agree: not many would be willing to choose life at sea.”
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Would he? Perhaps, if his circumstances were different. If he didn’t have so many things to do, if he didn’t have his goals and ambitions, and if he didn’t have someone he cherishes here in Hoenn. Life at sea would be peaceful. It would be nice. It would be safe. But, it would also lack things Mars simply cannot give up – things he’ll fight for until his last day, as is only fitting of the strife that comes with his name.
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”I think a lot of people can appreciate it even if they’re not willing to make the change, you know? It’s like… Have you heard of the Winnowing Oar? Take an oar and walk inland until someone mistakes it for a winnowing fan, there you will find a place that knows nothing of the sea.” While he may smile, there’s also a shrug, for the story is not really applicable to the world they live in anymore – even if the truths it holds are still unquestionable. The sea will always be of importance, even to people who want nothing to do with it at all.
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This is perhaps why he laughs at her offer despite how distracting that word always is, his smile as sharp as hers when meeting the challenge. ”I might just take you up one day. Although, fair warning, I’m not great at taking orders, captain.”
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He really isn’t, but the first part of his response is honest too: maybe one day he will visit Lilycove’s docks and check out this ship skyler dross must be so proud of.
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It sounds like a fun idea.
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And, it’s this thought that lingers for a moment as they talk about the hot spring’s water, even if no matter how much he tries to focus on the conversation, that word rings every time it's spoken. At least the drink helps, although it comes closely followed by the captain’s laughing mockery.
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”Oh, come on, do I really look like a rich boy?”
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Mars laughs too, because yes, he does look like a rich boy and he’s aware of it too – that particular brand of ‘wealthy and privileged businessman’ being almost something he exudes.
[break][break]
The conversation is fun and it is distracting, and he’s thankful to Skyler for it. So, it’s with no hesitation that he properly steps into that steaming water that somehow feels even warmer than what it did a moment ago, his answer being spoken with honesty:
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”Sometimes it’s hard to enjoy the hot springs when there’s so many people around – present company excluded. Makes it difficult to just sit and think, you know? You had the right idea with bringing a drink, wish I had thought of that.”


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skyler dross
[break]TURN UP THE HEAT 🔥
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g9q6NQU|
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674/1000