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TAG WITH @cian

POSTED ON Oct 11, 2021 12:02:49 GMT

"tch."

it's oddly reminiscent of how he felt during the tournament. he watches the battle come to a close, his pokemon left barely standing after the attack subsides.

he could fight on.

but what good would it do?

as the rain stops, he recalls his pokemon, then smirks.

"damn. you really didn't hold back."

and then a chuckle as he closes the distance.
Martín del Mar
☉

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played by

Azul

Mars | Tuesday

He/Him

August 4th

Canalave City, Sinnoh

Bi / Demiro

POG Bank CEO

Underboss

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TAG WITH @mars

POSTED ON Oct 11, 2021 12:26:33 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","rigid"]

[attr="class","rigidw"]

There is no winning. Not really. Even when Cian recalls his pokémon, there isn’t that rewarding sense of achievement that comes with victory. No cheer. No joy. Not even a smile upon Mars’ expression.
[break][break]
The reason for it is simple enough: there was nothing enjoyable about that battle, and Cian isn’t actually happy that he won. It’s obvious, but the worst part of all is that Mars knows all too well that if he hadn’t tried and let Cian sweep the floor with him, Cian would have also been annoyed – to be paired with his own annoyance at losing.
[break][break]
So, yes, there really is no winning, because they’re both way too competitive and despite it being something they have discussed extensively before, no compromises are made here.
[break][break]
”Would you rather I had?”
[break][break]
Despite it all, Mars meets his gaze and is calm, even if he doesn’t bother with faking a smile. Cian deserves better than a fake smile. Mars thinks so, at least, and it’s with no congratulations for them that he turns his attention to his pokémon, calling them back before looking at Cian one more time.

[attr="class","rigidtag"]CIAN MAHER

[attr="class","rigidpokes"]

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[newclass=.rigid span] display: inline-block; [/newclass]

[newclass=.rigidpokes] text-align: center; margin: 0 auto; background: #60a697; padding: 5px; width: 390px; margin-left: -40px; margin-bottom: -40px; margin-top: 10px; [/newclass]
[newclass=.rigidpokes img] margin-top: -10px; padding-bottom: 5px; [/newclass]

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noodles

triple h

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twenty-seven

september 14th

rustboro

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TAG WITH @cian

POSTED ON Oct 11, 2021 13:15:25 GMT

"maybe."

he shrugs, dismissing the thought.

"it doesn't matter. you won fair and square. i don't have a badge to give you, though."

he thought about reusing the otella badge but it seems wrong to carry on alex's legacy when he should be building his own.

still smiling, he reaches for mars' hand.

"come on, boo. let's get out of here."
Martín del Mar
☉

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played by

Azul

Mars | Tuesday

He/Him

August 4th

Canalave City, Sinnoh

Bi / Demiro

POG Bank CEO

Underboss

1008 height

Veni. Videre. Vincam.

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TAG WITH @mars

POSTED ON Oct 11, 2021 13:44:28 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","rigid"]

[attr="class","rigidw"]

Maybe.
[break][break]
So, yes.
[break][break]
Even though Cian himself had been the one who had said that ‘of course’ he wanted him to do his best. Did he really expect Mars’ best to be less than this? Is that how little he thinks of him?
[break][break]
Deep down, Mars knows it’s unlikely any of these things are true and that he’s just making himself hurt for no good reason at all, but how could he not think of them when Cian doesn’t even bother with a simple congratulations? There’s the desire to bring it up, but he holds back, and he allows Cian to take his hand.
[break][break]
”That’s fine, I don’t really want a badge.”
[break][break]
’I just wanted to see you battling.’ In his hurt and annoyance, this too is something he stops himself from saying.
[break][break]
There’s a quiet sigh, and fingers intertwine.
[break][break]
”Where do you wanna go now?”
[break][break]
He doesn't even bother of thinking about how their clothes are soaking wet and they should probably get changed before going anywhere...

[attr="class","rigidtag"]CIAN MAHER

[attr="class","rigidpokes"]

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noodles

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september 14th

rustboro

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TAG WITH @cian

POSTED ON Oct 11, 2021 14:11:53 GMT

"oh."

he almost forgot.

as his hand slips into mars, he leans in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek, staying close to whisper:

"congratulations, boo."

he wishes he could feel happier for mars.

"we should probably go change, huh?"
Martín del Mar
☉

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played by

Azul

Mars | Tuesday

He/Him

August 4th

Canalave City, Sinnoh

Bi / Demiro

POG Bank CEO

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Veni. Videre. Vincam.

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TAG WITH @mars

POSTED ON Oct 11, 2021 15:12:53 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","rigid"]

[attr="class","rigidw"]

A kiss on the cheek and whispered praise.
[break][break]
It’s only then when the faintest of smiles tugs at his lips, although it is one that has sadness behind it. He really wishes that wasn’t the case, but how could he be happy and proud of winning when things are this way? When he feels annoyed about it all, and when he knows Cian’s probably annoyed as well.
[break][break]
But, at least Cian’s trying to act like it’s fine, right? Even if he wishes they would actually talk about things.
[break][break]
Maybe it’s for the best, and really, wouldn’t he also be annoyed if he were in Cian’s place?
[break][break]
It’s at this thought that another sigh leaves him, leaning in to return the kiss on the cheek.
[break][break]
”Thank you, babe… And thank you for all of that. I–…”
[break][break]
’Sorry if I disappointed you.’
[break][break]
No.
[break][break]
There’s no way he can bring himself to say that, can he?
[break][break]
Even if it does cross his mind. Even if he does hope it’s not the truth. Even if the mere thought of it is upsetting and painful; just as painful as it would be to say it, and probably to hear it too – petty.
[break][break]
Gently, he squeezes Cian’s hand.
[break][break]
”Yeah, let’s go get changed.”

[attr="class","rigidtag"]CIAN MAHER

[attr="class","rigidpokes"]

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noodles

triple h

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twenty-seven

september 14th

rustboro

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TAG WITH @cian

POSTED ON Oct 11, 2021 17:05:28 GMT

cian's annoyed, sure, but now that the adrenaline from the battle's starting to die down, he can slowly start to see how unfair he's being. and selfish, but he hasn't quite gotten there yet.

"i should be the one thanking you."

he smiles, squeezing his hand.

"i had fun."
Martín del Mar
☉

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played by

Azul

Mars | Tuesday

He/Him

August 4th

Canalave City, Sinnoh

Bi / Demiro

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Underboss

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Veni. Videre. Vincam.

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TAG WITH @mars

POSTED ON Oct 11, 2021 17:28:29 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","rigid"]

[attr="class","rigidw"]

It probably would be wise not to ask; to just let it be, to move on, and to keep acting like things are just fine. But, Mars does want to know, and isn’t it better to talk about things than to keep them to themselves? When he looks at Cian, the question asked is simple, and it’s spoken in a calm tone that bears just the slightest hint of surprise:
[break][break]
”Oh… For what?”
[break][break]
What has he done today that Cian could feel thankful for?
[break][break]
It doesn’t make much sense to Mars, and neither do his next words, but instead of being defensive about it, he chooses to smile faintly and so very softly trace circles on the back of Cian’s hand with his thumb – caressing, but perhaps also as an exercise to remind himself that things are fine.
[break][break]
”Did you really? That’s good.”
[break][break]
It didn’t look like Cian was having fun.
[break][break]
Before adding anything else, he brings Cian’s hand up to give the back of it a quick and gentle kiss, then meeting his gaze once again. The slight smile remains.
[break][break]
”Come on, we’re gonna get sick if we stay in these wet clothes… A warm shower sounds pretty good right now too, not gonna lie.”

[attr="class","rigidtag"]CIAN MAHER

[attr="class","rigidpokes"]

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noodles

triple h

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september 14th

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TAG WITH @cian

POSTED ON Oct 11, 2021 19:06:17 GMT

"for not taking it easy on me."

but this seems too obvious, so he decides on another.

"for continuing to push me to be better."

he smiles as his hand's kissed. it makes him feel warm, safe, and it's easily that he allows his frustrations to wash away under mars' touch.

with a smile, he asks:

"wanna go back to my place?"
Martín del Mar
☉

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played by

Azul

Mars | Tuesday

He/Him

August 4th

Canalave City, Sinnoh

Bi / Demiro

POG Bank CEO

Underboss

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Veni. Videre. Vincam.

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TAG WITH @mars

POSTED ON Oct 12, 2021 2:06:44 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","rigid"]

[attr="class","rigidw"]

That doesn’t seem quite right, but maybe Mars shouldn’t question it. Maybe he should be glad for Cian’s words. Maybe he should take them for what they are instead of trying to pick them apart. But, how could he? Does Cian really not realize what’s obvious here? Obvious to Mars, at least.
[break][break]
”Cian, you are a better trainer than me. I only won because Calliope mega evolved.”
[break][break]
The comment is said with a smile and a shrug, as if it's the most obvious thing in the world, but when does Mars ever think anyone is better than him at anything? Perhaps only because it's Cian. Perhaps because Mars really is proud of him and believes in him. His words are honest, even if he was basically ambushed into a battle and things may have gone much differently if he had actually been able to prepare for this.
[break][break]
It doesn’t matter now, does it?
[break][break]
Can they just put all that behind them?
[break][break]
The suggestion makes him happy, and his smile remains as he gently squeezes Cian’s hand.
[break][break]
”Yeah... That’d be great, actually.”

[attr="class","rigidtag"]CIAN MAHER

[attr="class","rigidpokes"]

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triple h

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september 14th

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TAG WITH @cian

POSTED ON Oct 12, 2021 3:48:05 GMT

despite mars' words, doubt has long festered in the back of his mind. he's not a great trainer — he's just someone who got lucky due to his connections.

"cool. let's go."

after a shrug, cian tugs mars along, leading him out of the gym.
Martín del Mar
☉

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played by

Azul

Mars | Tuesday

He/Him

August 4th

Canalave City, Sinnoh

Bi / Demiro

POG Bank CEO

Underboss

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Veni. Videre. Vincam.

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TAG WITH @mars

POSTED ON Oct 12, 2021 4:20:41 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","rigid"]

[attr="class","rigidw"]

To Mars, there isn’t a single doubt that his words are true. Not just because he adores Cian, loves him, and believes in him, but because he has seen his pokémon fight, and he has also battled against them now. Cian has talent, and he has put in effort, but Mars also understands that he has his insecurities even if he likes to talk big and pretend as if they’re not there...
[break][break]
Especially after the way the Hoenn Star Tournament went, even if it was ages ago.
[break][break]
He has probably added to them now, hasn’t he?
[break][break]
The mere thought causes a dreadful feeling of guilt to rise within him, and whatever little joy there may have been about all this completely vanishes.
[break][break]
”Yeah…”
[break][break]
Still, he follows along, allowing Cian to lead him out of the gym while looking at him. Until they’re finally outside.
[break][break]
”...Cian?”

[attr="class","rigidtag"]CIAN MAHER

[attr="class","rigidpokes"]

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[newclass=.rigidw] padding: 40px; background: #272727; [/newclass]
[newclass=.rigid span] display: inline-block; [/newclass]
[newclass=.rigidpokes] text-align: center; margin: 0 auto; background: #60a697; padding: 5px; width: 390px; margin-left: -40px; margin-bottom: -40px; margin-top: 10px; [/newclass]
[newclass=.rigidpokes img] margin-top: -10px; padding-bottom: 5px; [/newclass]

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triple h

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september 14th

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TAG WITH @cian

POSTED ON Oct 12, 2021 4:34:38 GMT

cian?

the glass doors slide shut behind them. he turns then, looking at mars with a curious expression.

"mars?"
Martín del Mar
☉

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played by

Azul

Mars | Tuesday

He/Him

August 4th

Canalave City, Sinnoh

Bi / Demiro

POG Bank CEO

Underboss

1008 height

Veni. Videre. Vincam.

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TAG WITH @mars

POSTED ON Oct 12, 2021 4:48:36 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","rigid"]

[attr="class","rigidw"]

’Mars?’
[break][break]
They probably shouldn’t just stop and chat, because they might really get sick if they stay like this for long. It’s cold, uncomfortable, and droplets of water fall off them and onto the floor. Yet, Mars still takes this one moment, his gaze remaining fixed on Cian.
[break][break]
”Thank you for being with me.”
[break][break]
A gentle smile. A squeeze of his hand.
[break][break]
’I love you’, but now is not the place or the time to say words like those.
[break][break]
”And thank you for being you.”
[break][break]
After all, hadn’t he only promised that he’d always remind Cian of that one fact if he needed to? The simple and obvious truth that, to Mars, he’ll always be much more than just good enough.

[attr="class","rigidtag"]CIAN MAHER

[attr="class","rigidpokes"]

[newclass=.rigid] width: 400px; margin: 0 auto; font-family: roboto; color: #aaa; font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: .5px; text-align:justify; padding-top: 20px; padding-bottom: 20px; line-height: 15px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.rigid b] color: #60a697; font-size: 11.5px; font-family: trebuchet ms; letter-spacing: .5px; [/newclass]
[newclass=.rigid a] text-decoration: none; color: #60a697; font-style: italic; font-weight: lighter; [/newclass]
[newclass=.rigid h1, h2, h3] display: inline-block; [/newclass]
[newclass=.rigid h1] font-size: 13px; font-weight: lighter; color: #60a697; letter-spacing: .5px; line-height: 0px; font-family: monospace; text-transform: uppercase; [/newclass]
[newclass=.rigid i] color: #60a697; [/newclass]
[newclass=.rigid u] text-decoration: none;border-bottom: solid 1px #60a697; [/newclass]
[newclass=.rigidtag] text-align: right; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-top: 20px; font: 10px monospace; [/newclass]
[newclass=.rigidtag a] font: 11px Montserrat; font-weight: 800!important; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0px; color: #60a697!important; [/newclass]
[newclass=.rigidnotes] text-align: justify; padding: 20px 40px 10px 40px; font: 10px monospace; letter-spacing: .3px; border-top: solid 1.5px #323232; [/newclass]
[newclass=.rigidnotes h1] font: 14px Montserrat; font-weight: 800!important; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; color: #60a697; text-shadow: 2px 2px 0px #1e1e1e; padding-bottom: 5px; text-align:center;[/newclass]
[newclass=.rigidnotes a] font: 11px Montserrat; font-weight: 800!important; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #60a697; [/newclass]
[newclass=.rigidw] padding: 40px; background: #272727; [/newclass]
[newclass=.rigid span] display: inline-block; [/newclass]
[newclass=.rigidpokes] text-align: center; margin: 0 auto; background: #60a697; padding: 5px; width: 390px; margin-left: -40px; margin-bottom: -40px; margin-top: 10px; [/newclass]
[newclass=.rigidpokes img] margin-top: -10px; padding-bottom: 5px; [/newclass]

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played by

noodles

triple h

he/him

twenty-seven

september 14th

rustboro

bisexual

rustboro gym leader

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688 height

now come together, come apart

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DOLLARS

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