MARCH UPDATE

1008 height

Veni. Videre. Vincam.

awards

4,525 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @mars

POSTED ON Dec 24, 2021 13:56:52 GMT

Serena Malcolm likes this

[nospaces]

[attr="class","textwt"]

[attr="class","textwtw"]

Bright lights and garlands may have overtaken the indoor city of Mauville, holiday cheer making its presence known in every corner and every street, but up in the luxurious heights of Mauville Hills one penthouse lacked in all such things – bare of any and all Christmas décor, and with no colourful tree standing by any of its windows for people to see.
[break][break]
This was by choice, of course.
[break][break]
If anything, perhaps a breath of fresh air after a morning jog that had been supposed to be relaxing, but that ended up being nothing but vexing thanks to the constant reminders of what day it was. December twenty-fourth. Christmas Eve. A day Mars didn’t care for. Or, well, at least a day he told himself not to care for…
[break][break]
Yet, if he didn’t, why did the thought of it overtake his mind no matter how far and how fast he ran? Why did it remain once he was back at the penthouse, not even a warm shower seeming to be capable of making all those memories vanish into nothingness?
[break][break]
This Christmas had been supposed to be different. It had been supposed to be better.
[break][break]
A painful thought, and yet, one he didn’t get to dwell for much longer on – the unexpected sound of the doorbell ringing doing well to distract him from things like those. There was a slight frown, and when he went to answer, his hair was still wet, a towel remained hanging over his shoulders, and the clothes he wore were closer to stylish but comfortable loungewear more than anything. Vain as Mars always would be, not many ever got to see him like this, and he certainly would have avoided it had he known who awaited him in the hallway...
[break][break]
When he finally opened the door, if only for a second, his confusion was visible.
[break][break]
”Serena?”

[break][break]

[attr="class","textwttag"]Serena Malcolm | MISSION

[attr="class","textwtpokes"]

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

close tab

played by

arti

Sera

Feminine

November 16th

Jubilife City

Bisexual

Former Beast

263 height

You don't wanna see me bratty~

awards

595 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @sailorarti

POSTED ON Dec 24, 2021 21:59:34 GMT

Martín del Mar likes this

[nospaces]

[attr="class","sidelongcreditssera"]

[attr="class","sidelongs"]

[attr="class","bodyboxsera"]

[attr="class","border-box"]

[attr="class","image-space"]

[attr="class","text-space"]

Serena had meant every word she had said to him that day and had prepared accordingly. This was going to be the best Christmas he ever had and if it wasn't she'd die of shame. So, clearly she had to plan everything out even to the tiniest detail. What did Christmas mean to her? That's where she started. From there she needed to gather all of the things that made Christmas such a wonderful time for her. [break][break]

So it was after multiple trips to and from her car that she managed to get everything up here in one piece. Multiple bags and bins sat outside Mars' place as she came prepared to give him the full Christmas experience. When the door opened she was taken aback by Mars' casual appearance for only a moment before she took in his wet locks. [break][break]

He must've just gotten out of the shower. She felt a little bad because she was over here so early but she needed to get a head start if they were going to have time to do everything she wanted to do with him that day. "Serena?” Just as he called out to her in surprise she glanced over to see his barren apartment. [break][break]

Barren in the sense of there was not one festive decoration in sight. "I knew it." she said as she placed a hand on her hip. "That's gotta change." she said as she pointed towards his space. "Don't worry though, I came prepared." she said as she glanced over at her things before pausing. "What? You agreed to this, just reminding you. Hope you're ready." she said with a playful smirk. [break][break]

"Now help me with all of this if you don't mind" she said as she picked up one of the bins she'd brought over with her.

[break][break]

[break]
+ more tags: [break]
+ Outfit[break]
+ xtra notes: ^.^[break]

[attr="class","headerbox"]

Serena + Martín del Mar

[googlefont=Hind:400,700][googlefont=Poppins:400,700]
[newclass=.sidelongscreditssera]width: min-content; margin: 30px auto; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongscreditssera>a]display: block; text-align:right; margin-top: 4px; font:700 7px/10px sans-serif; letter-spacing:.8px;text-decoration:none;text-transform:uppercase;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs]width: 620px; position: relative; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 50px; grid-template-areas: ' bodyboxsera headerbox'; background: #141212; -webkit-box-shadow: 0 2px 4px 0 rgba(125,113,107); box-shadow: 0 2px 4px 0 rgba(125,113,107); --accentRGB: 125,113,107; --accent: #c15429 [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs .headerbox] background: linear-gradient(-180deg, rgba(var(--accentRGB), 1), rgba(var(--accentRGB), .45)); grid-area: headerbox; width: 50px; display: flex; justify-content: center; padding-top: 40px; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs .bodyboxsera] padding: 30px 0px 30px 30px; background: #141212; grid-area: bodyboxsera; display: grid; grid-column-gap: 30px; grid-template-columns: auto 1fr; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs .border-box] padding: 8px; border: 1px solid #dcdcdc; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs .image-space] width: 175px; height: 525px; overflow: hidden; background: lightgray; filter: brightness(1.05) contrast(.65) saturate(1.8); -webkit-transition: all 1s linear; -moz-transition: all 1s linear; -o-transition: all 1s linear; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs .image-space:hover] filter: brightness(1.15) contrast(.75) saturate(1.8);[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs .image-space::after] content: ' '; background: #666; opacity: .25; position: absolute; width: 175px; height: 525px; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs .text-space] height: 525px; overflow: auto; padding-right: 40px; margin-top: 8px; text-align: left; font: 13px/18px 'Hind'; -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; color: #f9f9f9;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs .text-space.icon] height: auto; overflow: hidden; padding-right: 0; margin: 0;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs img] padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #dcdcdc; float: left; margin: 0 20px 10px 0; max-width: 150px; filter: brightness(1) contrast(.75) saturate(.8); -webkit-transition: all 1s linear; -moz-transition: all 1s linear; -o-transition: all 1s linear;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs img:hover]filter: brightness(1.1) contrast(.8) saturate(1);[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs b] font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; color: var(--accent); [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs i] font-weight: 400; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs u] text-decoration-style: dotted; text-decoration-color: var(--accent); text-decoration-thickness: 2px; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs .text-space br] content: ''; padding: 0 0 6px; display: block; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs h1] font: 700 12px/12px 'Poppins'; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1.8px; color: white; writing-mode: vertical-rl; font-size: 15px; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs h1 a]font: inherit; text-decoration: none; color: inherit !important; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs h2, .sidelongs h3] margin: 0; font: inherit [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs ::-webkit-scrollbar] -webkit-appearance: none !important; background: transparent; width: 4px !important; border: 0 !important; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs ::-webkit-scrollbar-horizontal] width: 4px; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs ::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb] background: rgba(var(--accentRGB), .5) !important; border: 0 !important; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongs ::-webkit-scrollbar-track] background: #141212 !important; border: 0 !important [/newclass]

Serenity(♀) Telepathy - DAZZLING GLEAM, TELEPORT, PSYCHIC, LIFE DEW, SHADOW SNEAK, MISTY EXPLOSION

close tab

played by

Azul

Mars | Tuesday

He/Him

August 4th

Canalave City, Sinnoh

Bi / Demiro

POG Bank CEO

Underboss

1008 height

Veni. Videre. Vincam.

awards

4,525 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @mars

POSTED ON Dec 25, 2021 1:45:56 GMT

Serena Malcolm likes this

[nospaces]

[attr="class","textwt"]

[attr="class","textwtw"]

In Mars’ defence, he may have forgotten, or it’s more like he had assumed she had probably been joking. After all, Serena had other people she could spend Christmas Eve with; people she loved, people she cared for, people who would have probably enjoyed the holiday as much as she did. So, why in the world would she choose to spend it with him?
[break][break]
The question passingly crossed his mind when looking at her and noticing all of her supplies, but it was with a chuckle that it was dismissed – Mars soon mirroring the playful smirk that tugged at her lips. ”Oh, don’t make it sound like a challenge. You know I’m awful at resisting those.”
[break][break]
Towel being tossed aside onto a modern bergère, his fingers calmly combed through wet locks perhaps in order to make them look at least a little more presentable. An action he was all too aware she could witness, of course, and one during which the smirk remained all the same, even as he took a deep breath.
[break][break]
”Alright. Not like I can go back on my word after you came all this way.”
[break][break]
Not like he would want to, anyway.
[break][break]
Stepping away from the door, he picked up a bin and a few of the bags, allowing Serena to step into the penthouse of stylish minimalistic decor that truly looked more like something out of a magazine than someone’s home. No pictures, no paintings like the ones at his office in Slateport, nothing personal at all.
[break][break]
"Where do you want me to put these?"

[break][break]

[attr="class","textwttag"]Serena Malcolm | MISSION

[attr="class","textwtpokes"]

close tab

played by

arti

Sera

Feminine

November 16th

Jubilife City

Bisexual

Former Beast

263 height

You don't wanna see me bratty~

awards

595 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @sailorarti

POSTED ON Dec 28, 2021 4:59:44 GMT

Martín del Mar likes this

[nospaces]

[attr="class","sidelongcreditssera"]

[attr="class","sidelongs"]

[attr="class","bodyboxsera"]

[attr="class","border-box"]

[attr="class","image-space"]

[attr="class","text-space"]

Despite the opinions with some she really didn't have anyone to spend the holidays with either. Having recently exited a relationship the rest of her 'loved ones' were in relationships of their own. Preferring to not be a third wheel, her plans were going to be to spend Christmas alone, as depressing as that sounded. [break][break]

Perhaps she was taking advantage of an opportunity that presented itself but she really did like Mars. He'd always been a good friend and business partner. Especially with how much he had supported her through this tough time. She wanted to pay back his kindness, if only a little. Besides, who doesn't like Christmas? Mars was too young to be a Grinch or a Scrooge so she took it upon herself to reverse this mindset of his. [break][break]

Perhaps it wasn't her place to do so but she didn't want to dwell on that line of thinking for too long. Preferring to act on her impulses before thinking of the consequences. For a moment they just stared back at one another while she waited for Mars' verdict. He could still turn her away and she wouldn't blame him. This was...a lot. [break][break]

"Oh, don’t make it sound like a challenge. You know I’m awful at resisting those.” Serena's eyes lit up as her smirk broadened. She didn't say anything but her facial expression said it all. For all intents and purposes this was a challenge. And Serena was competitive as fuck, this he knew. She certainty wouldn't be backing down from this one and she had no intention on losing. [break][break]

She watched as he combed through his wet locks, a playful smirk mirroring her own rested on his lips as he maintained eye contact with her. The movement left her flushed for a minute before she quickly tore her eyes away from him. What was he, some shojou anime character? Was there supposed to be roses in his panel while he did that? Regardless, she needed to focus. Not time for letting her imagination get the better of her.[break][break]

"Alright. Not like I can go back on my word after you came all this way.” She nodded, "I appreciate it." she said with a small chuckle as he stepped out of the door way allowing her passage inside the penthouse. He quickly scooped up a bin and some of the bags and followed her inside. "Where do you want me to put these?" he asked and she chuckled once more. "I feel like I should be asking you that." she said as she glanced at him before pointing towards his living room. [break][break]

"There. We can put the bins there. The bags can go in the kitchen. I brought groceries." she said as she placed her bin down in the living room before turning to him and putting her hands on her hips. "Rejoice. I'll be cooking for you today. Not everyone can boast that they've gotten to enjoy such fine dining." [break][break]

If she sounded confident it was because she was. Even Gordon Ramsay would love her cooking. After years of being praised for her work she knew better and she knew just how her pallet worked. In another life she would've been a world famous chef or something. "So, once we get everything settled in you can start on the decorations, under my guidance of course." She said as she gently brushed past him before pausing to look at him. "While I fix you breakfast. Sound good?"

[break][break]

[break]
+ more tags: [break]
+ Outfit[break]
+ xtra notes: took me a little longer to post because I ended up getting sick, sorry for the delay! ^.^[break]

[attr="class","headerbox"]

Serena + Martín del Mar

close tab

played by

Azul

Mars | Tuesday

He/Him

August 4th

Canalave City, Sinnoh

Bi / Demiro

POG Bank CEO

Underboss

1008 height

Veni. Videre. Vincam.

awards

4,525 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @mars

POSTED ON Dec 28, 2021 11:37:08 GMT

Serena Malcolm likes this

[nospaces]

[attr="class","textwt"]

[attr="class","textwtw"]

It’s not as if the holidays didn’t matter to him; it’s not as if he saw no importance in days like these.
[break][break]
After all, if that were the case, he would have never bothered with doing all the things he had done for the sake of making sure Eris Halla could have the sort of happy and wholesome holiday memories he never had a chance to make back when he was her age. He wouldn’t have cared. He wouldn’t have enjoyed those moments with her.
[break][break]
But, hadn’t he done all that only for her sake?
[break][break]
That was what Mars had told himself, at least, and even now, while bringing all of Serena’s supplies to his living room just as instructed by her, there was a small voice in his head that told him to do this for her sake – to indulge her wishes because she deserved to enjoy her holidays, especially after everything that had been happening as of late.
[break][break]
Him, on the other hand? Did he deserve to be enjoying the holidays?
[break][break]
Just as he often did when questions like those came to mind, he brushed the thought away, instead smiling brightly when turning to look at her. ”You’re making me breakfast?” That too hadn’t been expected, and as much as Mars may have had a personal chef to cook for him on most days, there was something alluring about the idea of Serena cooking for him instead. It seemed… special, in a way.
[break][break]
Maybe that was why, if only for a few seconds, his gaze lingered on her, even if soon enough he returned to the task of making sure all the bins made it into the penthouse. ”By the way… I hope you know I have no idea what to do with these. When I decorated the tree in my office with Eris the other day, she did most of the work.” He chucked with these words, the memory clearly being one he cherished quite a lot.

[break][break]

[attr="class","textwttag"]Serena Malcolm | MISSION

[attr="class","textwtpokes"]

close tab

played by

arti

Sera

Feminine

November 16th

Jubilife City

Bisexual

Former Beast

263 height

You don't wanna see me bratty~

awards

595 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @sailorarti

POSTED ON Dec 29, 2021 2:40:06 GMT

Martín del Mar likes this

[nospaces]

[attr="class","sidelongcreditssera"]

[attr="class","sidelongs"]

[attr="class","bodyboxsera"]

[attr="class","border-box"]

[attr="class","image-space"]

[attr="class","text-space"]

"You’re making me breakfast?” He asked as he looked back at her with a smile. Serena flashed him an amused look and nodded. "What? Thought I was going work you all day and not keep you fed?" She dramatically placed a hand on her chest as if she was faint of heart. "I might be a criminal but I'm not heartless. I thought you knew me by now." she teased. [break][break]

Together they managed to bring in everything that was out in the hallway, which was quite a lot mind you. It almost seemed like Serena had robbed some poor unfortunate soul or storage container to explain all the things she had in her possession. She may or may not have gone a little overboard with her planning. She was a little excited. Okay, really excited, leave her be. [break][break]

Once everything was settled inside nicely she began to unpack her things in the kitchen. "By the way… I hope you know I have no idea what to do with these. When I decorated the tree in my office with Eris the other day, she did most of the work.” Serena could help but laugh out loud. "Of course, I wouldn't expect anything less." she giggled before shaking her head. [break][break]

Grabbing her kitchen tool kit, that had all her favorite utensils and knives in it, she paused and looked up at Mars. "No worries though, under my guidance you'll think you're some sort of professional by the time you're done." She said as she winked at him. "Start with that big box right there." she said as she pointed to a long rectangular white box. "It's a tree." she informed with a knowing smirk. [break][break]

"It's not Christmas unless you have a tree, duh." she continued. Had she gone out a bought one for him specifically, of course she did. She would've opted for a real tree if she hadn't been on a time crunch. Instead she had a little work around for their artificial beauty. Placing her hands on her hip her amber hues scanned the room before pointing towards a spot near his fireplace. "There, setting up there would be perfect actually. Think you can handle that much without supervision for now big guy?" [break][break]

Her tone was playful even if she tried her hardest to look serious. He'd see through it quickly by the way the corners of her lips trembled as she attempted to prevent the inevitable smile that was to come. Meanwhile she put away all the groceries that would be used for later meals and left out what she needed for breakfast. [break][break]

The menu for this morning? Japanese styled soufflé pancakes and a fruit assortment. Maybe if he was nice enough she'd make him some coffee to go with it. She'd been told on numerous occasions she makes a mean cup of joe.

[break][break]

[break]
+ more tags: [break]
+ Outfit[break]
+ xtra notes: ^.^[break]

[attr="class","headerbox"]

Serena + Martín del Mar

close tab

played by

Azul

Mars | Tuesday

He/Him

August 4th

Canalave City, Sinnoh

Bi / Demiro

POG Bank CEO

Underboss

1008 height

Veni. Videre. Vincam.

awards

4,525 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @mars

POSTED ON Dec 29, 2021 12:27:40 GMT

Serena Malcolm likes this

[nospaces]

[attr="class","textwt"]

[attr="class","textwtw"]

”Ah, such a nice criminal. I didn’t even know you liked to cook, honestly.”
[break][break]
Mars could have told her about the fact that while he may have been kind enough to have his chef not work on Christmas Eve, there was still food prepared and ready to be served in the fridge, which she would probably notice the moment she opened it. But, where was the fun in that? If Serena wanted to cook, then he wouldn’t stop her, since admittedly now he really wanted to give her food a try.
[break][break]
Was that selfish of him? Maybe, but Mars could be incredibly selfish at times.
[break][break]
”Professional Christmas decorator. I’ll make sure to add that one to my resume later. Thank you for your guidance, oh wise Christmas elf.” He also winked, taking just a short moment to tease her before returning his attention to the actual decorating he was supposed to be doing.
[break][break]
A tree.
[break][break]
Easy enough, right?
[break][break]
He reached for the box, but it was then when Serena’s next comment caused him to chuckle.
[break][break]
”Think you can handle that much without supervision for now, big guy?"
[break][break]
Eyes of honey-like hues met those of an all too similar shade, and naturally, as should have only been expected, a playful smirk tugged at his lips then. ”I can handle anything, Serena, but I do expect to be rewarded for it.”
[break][break]
As he deserves, obviously.
[break][break]
Setting the jokes aside, he smiled, this time actually returning his attention to unboxing the artificial fir.
[break][break]
”Don’t worry about it, I’ll take care of the tree while you cook. Promise. What’s on the menu, anyway?”

[break][break]

[attr="class","textwttag"]Serena Malcolm | MISSION

[attr="class","textwtpokes"]

close tab

played by

arti

Sera

Feminine

November 16th

Jubilife City

Bisexual

Former Beast

263 height

You don't wanna see me bratty~

awards

595 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @sailorarti

POSTED ON Dec 31, 2021 10:39:30 GMT

Martín del Mar likes this

[nospaces]

[attr="class","sidelongcreditssera"]

[attr="class","sidelongs"]

[attr="class","bodyboxsera"]

[attr="class","border-box"]

[attr="class","image-space"]

[attr="class","text-space"]

Other than playing games and entertaining other's, which ended up being a hobby turned profession, Serena loved to cook. It was one of her favorite escapes. Like music, cooking ended up helping her through whatever emotional funk she was going through. Eventually it became something she did so frequently that it was expected that she improved. She was constantly searching for new ways to challenge herself in her culinary art. [break][break]

But she knew it wasn't something that she could pursue, her father never would've let her. Building an empire like she had done was what got her father to acknowledge her, not backing pies or searing steaks. While they chatted she ended up floating around the kitchen till she found the things she needed. [break][break]

While she was separating the egg yolks Mars paused and looked back at her. The way he looked at her and chuckled caused her to hesitate for a moment before an embarrassed flush crossed her cheeks. Did she say something wrong? "I can handle anything, Serena, but I do expect to be rewarded for it.”[break][break]

Serena's eyes widened as her hands froze above the bowl she was working with. "I'm cooking for you aren't I?" she said with a slight tilt of her head before a small chuckle escaped her lips. Perhaps he was right. Was this not reward enough? If so she'd have to improvise and think of something suitable quickly. But what could she give a man that had enough wealth and power to get everything he desired anyway?[break][break]

...[break][break]

Almost as if several lightbulbs went off at once in her head she snapped her gaze back to Mars as her face clearly turned red. Considering how quick she was to pick up on things this one went a little over her head. "Keep that up and I'll tell Santa to put you on the naughty list." she muttered, referring back to when he addressed her as a Christmas Elf. She quickly went to whisking the eggs and the rest of her mixture in a bowl. [break][break]

"Don’t worry about it, I’ll take care of the tree while you cook. Promise. What’s on the menu, anyway?” She flashed him a suspicious look before quickly continuing with her work. "Japanese soufflé pancakes" she answered as she quickly fell into rhythm once more. "They're fluffier than normal ones. You'll see." she said as she beamed at him before she continued. [break][break]

Looking around his home she noticed he like simple and clean décor. Or perhaps that what he wanted to come across. A modern bachelor's pad that'd you'd find in your typical magazine. "What colors are your favorites? Pick three for me." she asked seemingly out of nowhere. But trust the process, there was a method to her madness. Once she knew what to work with she could direct him to which decorations to put on the tree and where, once the tree itself was set up, of course.

[break][break]

[break]
+ more tags: [break]
+ Outfit[break]
+ xtra notes: ^.^[break]

[attr="class","headerbox"]

Serena + Martín del Mar

close tab

played by

Azul

Mars | Tuesday

He/Him

August 4th

Canalave City, Sinnoh

Bi / Demiro

POG Bank CEO

Underboss

1008 height

Veni. Videre. Vincam.

awards

4,525 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @mars

POSTED ON Dec 31, 2021 14:42:18 GMT

Serena Malcolm likes this

[nospaces]

[attr="class","textwt"]

[attr="class","textwtw"]

If Mars had heard her mumbled comment about putting him in the ‘naughty list’, he would have likely agreed that that was what he deserved, for despite the public image he had so carefully built, a ‘good person’ is not something he would have ever believed himself to be. ’Good’ and ’bad’ were subjective things. Perhaps, after everything he had done, Mars simply was – not good, not bad, just himself, perfect in all of his flaws.
[break][break]
Such were the reflections that would have filled his mind if he had heard her, but since he didn’t, he simply smiled at her comment about cooking for him, all while unboxing their artificial tree.
[break][break]
”I know, and I’m thankful you are. I can’t cook for shit.”
[break][break]
The comment came with a short laugh, but it wasn’t entirely true: there were a couple of things Mars happened to be great at making, but those were things he had once put effort into learning for the sake of impressing people he loved. Otherwise, though? For a twenty-seven year old man, he wouldn’t have even known how to boil an egg without having to look up the appropriate times. He wasn’t interested in things like those, and he had never had a need for that kind of knowledge.
[break][break]
It was obviously different in Serena’s case, and that made him want to try her cooking even more.
[break][break]
”Souffle pancakes, huh? Not gonna lie, that sounds amazing.”
[break][break]
As they talked, he worked on setting up the tree, first placing the stand by the fireplace just as she had asked and then working on assembling it section by section. As with most things in life, Mars was methodical about the task, carefully making sure that each branch was in what looked to him like the right spot. While doing this, he considered her question:
[break][break]
”My favourite colours? I’ve never really thought about it much. Hmm… Probably something like seafoam green? I like the colours of the ocean… Gold? But that’s kind of predictable.” A banker who liked gold, who would have thought? His reasons for it were different, of course, but that didn’t stop him from chuckling at how ironic it was. He looked at his surroundings then, considering his third choice. ”Maybe grey? White? Both are good.”
[break][break]
From where Mars stood in the living room, he turned towards the kitchen, watching her for a moment.
[break][break]
”And yours?”
[break][break]
If he had to share, she should too.

[break][break]

[attr="class","textwttag"]Serena Malcolm | MISSION

[attr="class","textwtpokes"]

close tab

played by

arti

Sera

Feminine

November 16th

Jubilife City

Bisexual

Former Beast

263 height

You don't wanna see me bratty~

awards

595 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @sailorarti

POSTED ON Jan 1, 2022 13:00:26 GMT

Martín del Mar likes this

[nospaces]

[attr="class","sidelongcreditssera"]

[attr="class","sidelongs"]

[attr="class","bodyboxsera"]

[attr="class","border-box"]

[attr="class","image-space"]

[attr="class","text-space"]

"Soufflé pancakes, huh? Not gonna lie, that sounds amazing.” Serena looked up as she started to prep a pan that she had put on the stove on low. "Yeah they are currently my favorite thing ever. They look and taste divine." she giggled, "So prepare to have your socks rocked." she teased as she continued to work, this time on slicing up some fruit while her pan warmed up. [break][break]

"My favourite colours? I’ve never really thought about it much. Hmm… Probably something like seafoam green? I like the colours of the ocean… Gold? But that’s kind of predictable.” Serena nodded as she paused, knife hovering above to cooking board. Seafoam green was such a specific color she didn't think she had anything like that here with her unfortunately. [break][break]

"Maybe grey? White? Both are good.” Mars continued. She closed her eyes for a moment as her mind drifted towards what she had brought with her. What could she whip up for him to really make this place feel like Christmas? "And yours?” Mars asked, tearing her away from her thoughts for a moment. "M-Me?" she asked before she tapped her finger on her chin. [break][break]

Did she even have a favorite color? She liked them all but that was such a boring answer. "I'll be honest, not sure I have one but..." for the sake of sharing she figured she could think of a few that were exceptional. "I do love black. My wardrobe consists of a lot of it actually. When I'm not entertaining of, course." she smiles. "Hmmm, but red and silver are great too." she said before her eyes widened. [break][break]

"That's it!" she snapped as she pointed towards the boxes. "The two towards the middle will have what you need. But..." she said with a grin, "You might need my help to pull it off. Unless you're up for a challenge?" the design she had in mind was nowhere near beginner friendly but it would look absolutely stunning in his home. Now that she had settled on something she didn't want to give it up.

Perhaps if Mars asked nicely she'd be willing to give him a hand or two. [break][break]

"In the meantime," she said as her hands were busy flying around in the kitchen. She had been working while speaking, "Breakfast is finished." Somehow during all of it the conversation and thinking she had finished the pancakes and plated them. They looked like something one would have a gourmet restaurant. She cleaned up the edges of the plate after she sprinkled powdered sugar over it and placed it on the island counter in front of him. [break][break]

A moment later she had a smaller cup filled with warm syrup placed beside his plate with golden utensils presented neatly nearby. "For you." she beamed as she gestured towards the food. "Come, try it quickly. It's best when hot." she bounced happily. She'd make her own once he had a bite of his. Despite knowing how good she was, she was always nervous before someone took the first bite.

[break][break]

[break]
+ more tags: [break]
+ Outfit[break]
+ xtra notes: ^.^[break]

[attr="class","headerbox"]

Serena + Martín del Mar

close tab

played by

Azul

Mars | Tuesday

He/Him

August 4th

Canalave City, Sinnoh

Bi / Demiro

POG Bank CEO

Underboss

1008 height

Veni. Videre. Vincam.

awards

4,525 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @mars

POSTED ON Jan 1, 2022 15:49:01 GMT

Serena Malcolm likes this

[nospaces]

[attr="class","textwt"]

[attr="class","textwtw"]

”Your favourite thing ever…” Serena’s own words were repeated by him, not as if to mock her or to judge her, but almost to put emphasis on this fact alone. His own musings spoken out loud? Perhaps, especially given the faint smile that lingered at his lips. ”Gotta say, now I feel even more special.”
[break][break]
Martín del Mar was and would always be a man who knew his own self-worth; he was prideful to an almost narcissistic degree, and this was something he cared little for hiding or denying. But, out of people in the world, sometimes those with the greatest egos are the ones who appreciate flattery and praise the most, and having a beautiful woman wanting to make one of her favourite dishes just for him to try it? Well, that was quite the ego stroke.
[break][break]
Did that make him easy to please?
[break][break]
For the right person and with the right actions. Things Serena Malcolm may not have been aware of, and yet that could have been called obvious given how not a single complaint was raised while doing something as tedious and potentially annoying as setting up an artificial tree – especially for someone who had never done something like this. He seemed almost entertained, but that could have easily been attributed to that same fact: Mars never had a chance to do things like these before.
[break][break]
”Black, silver, and red… Doesn’t that make us opposites?”
[break][break]
He looked at her then, playful in the way he smirked. A thought lingered about how opposites attract, but it wasn’t voiced, for as Mars saw it, only fools and children believed things like those. ‘Opposites’ made for poor pairs, and compatibility mattered so much more. How much did he and Serena truly share? If only he had known…
[break][break]
”You know I’m always up for a challenge, but I guess that’ll have to wait…”
[break][break]
The scent of pancakes had filled the air as they talked, and after having gone for a run and been working with the decorations for some time, he was ready to drop it all the moment she announced breakfast was finished.
[break][break]
”Damn, Serena, this looks amazing. How do you even make something like this?” He smiled at her, genuinely impressed. A feeling that only increased the moment a bite was finally taken. "That's so good. I really like the texture."

[break][break]

[attr="class","textwttag"]Serena Malcolm | MISSION

[attr="class","textwtpokes"]

close tab

played by

arti

Sera

Feminine

November 16th

Jubilife City

Bisexual

Former Beast

263 height

You don't wanna see me bratty~

awards

595 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @sailorarti

POSTED ON Jan 3, 2022 10:45:39 GMT

Martín del Mar likes this

[nospaces]

[attr="class","sidelongcreditssera"]

[attr="class","sidelongs"]

[attr="class","bodyboxsera"]

[attr="class","border-box"]

[attr="class","image-space"]

[attr="class","text-space"]

"Black, silver, and red… Doesn’t that make us opposites?” That's what he had said but his eyes were playful and suggested the following statement, that opposites attract. Serena smiled, the meaning wasn't lost on her. However, after everything she'd been through she wasn't so sure she believed in 'the law of opposite attraction'. [break][break]

Sure, it sounded nice, but more times than not those, once cute and quirky, opposites turn into ugly conflicts. People that were too different from one another could never really be together. Not without pulling teeth. Love wasn't supposed to be like that, right? Then again, after all the bullshit perhaps real love didn't exist. People got together for convenience and lust, nothing more. [break][break]

That was a little too edgy, even for her. Moving back to all things Christmas and happy....[break][break]

"You know I’m always up for a challenge, but I guess that’ll have to wait…” This was something she was certainly learning about him that was for sure. It was nice to find a kindred heart who had a love for contests just as much as she did. He must've been hungry because he practically flew over to where she was. She had to resist the urge to giggle and instead brought her slender fingers to her lips. [break][break]

Her pose was one of anticipation and nervousness as she awaited his verdict. Mars had the opportunity to constantly eat expensive and luxury things. She was sure his pallet was quite refined at this point so she could only hope that her earlier boasting lived up to expectations. It would be too embarrassing if she had failed. [break][break]

"Damn, Serena, this looks amazing. How do you even make something like this?” His smile was genuine and she offered him a small shrug. "Lots of practice." she chuckled. "It not that hard truthfully. But I did have to run some tests to make sure the pancakes stayed fluffy and bouncy. You have to have just the right amount of firmness and melt-in-your-mouth texture." she rambled before waving her hand. "But enough about that, go on!" she said with an eager smile. [break][break]

She watched him with trained eyes as he brought the fork to his mouth. The time it took him to chew was agonizingly long but she was rewarded for her patience with praise, "That's so good. I really like the texture." Serena's eyes visibly lit up as one of the brightest smiles she'd shown him up until now, spread across her face. [break][break]

"Right?!" She exclaimed as she emphatically gripped the counter and leaned towards him. "It's so airy that it melts on your tongue! But still somehow tastes as buttery as normal pancakes. The thing I love about them the most is that they don't feel so heavy on my stomach after I eat them like normal pancakes." [break][break]

For once it seemed like her guard was truly lowered as she spoke enthusiastically about her first love, food. Serena clasped her hands together and bounced slightly. "I'm so happy you like it." she beamed before leaning back and quickly putting together a plate for herself. "Now I have to try it. I did things a little differently this time so I want to know how it tastes." she mused happily to herself.

[break][break]

[break]
+ more tags: [break]
+ Outfit[break]
+ xtra notes: ^.^[break]

[attr="class","headerbox"]

Serena + Martín del Mar

close tab

played by

Azul

Mars | Tuesday

He/Him

August 4th

Canalave City, Sinnoh

Bi / Demiro

POG Bank CEO

Underboss

1008 height

Veni. Videre. Vincam.

awards

4,525 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @mars

POSTED ON Jan 4, 2022 16:20:09 GMT

Serena Malcolm likes this

[nospaces]

[attr="class","textwt"]

[attr="class","textwtw"]

No matter how dismissive she may have been about it, it sounded like a lot of work – like she had put much time and effort into perfecting the recipe to meet the standards she set for herself. It was something he could understand and even respect, for while Mars may have known next to nothing about cooking, he was a perfectionist when it came to most things he did.
[break][break]
This was also why he could understand why she watched him closely as if patiently waiting for a verdict, and why she seemed filled with endless joy when he said he enjoyed the fruit of all of her efforts. The way she smiled… Had he ever seen her smile like that before? So honestly? With such pure happiness? It felt like a glimpse of something many would never get a chance to see.
[break][break]
Then again, he could have also been reading too much into it.
[break][break]
”They’re really great, I could get used to eating this sort of thing.” It was with a slight smile of his own that he cut into the soft and fluffy pancake with his fork. How long had it been since the last time he had had pancakes in general? Too long, perhaps, since Mars had always been one to watch his diet, especially as of late given his recent health concerns.
[break][break]
It was this thought and no other that caused him to look at her again, watching her as she put her plate together.
[break][break]
”By the way, Serena… How have you been doing?”
[break][break]
A simple question, one raised calmly and nonchalantly and that people casually asked each other every single day, and yet, one that could sometimes be so very difficult to answer.
[break][break]
The fact that she was here with him on Christmas eve of all days, doing all this for him…
[break][break]
Undeniably so, he asked because he worried about her.

[break][break]

[attr="class","textwttag"]Serena Malcolm | MISSION

[attr="class","textwtpokes"]

close tab

played by

arti

Sera

Feminine

November 16th

Jubilife City

Bisexual

Former Beast

263 height

You don't wanna see me bratty~

awards

595 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @sailorarti

POSTED ON Jan 5, 2022 15:04:40 GMT

Martín del Mar likes this

[nospaces]

[attr="class","sidelongcreditssera"]

[attr="class","sidelongs"]

[attr="class","bodyboxsera"]

[attr="class","border-box"]

[attr="class","image-space"]

[attr="class","text-space"]

Serena had her breakfast plated in no time wanting to try this as soon as possible. She opted for whipped cream instead of syrup and quickly began to dig in. She hummed as her hand flew to her cheek as she chewed. Damn, she was good. She actually preferred this version of the pancakes than her other versions. She really had outdone herself. [break][break]

"They’re really great, I could get used to eating this sort of thing.” Serena smiled at him and nodded. "I'll make them for you whenever you want. Just say the word." she said as she continued to eat happily. Besides, if she made them for him that meant she would have an excuse to eat them too instead of eating properly and healthily like she should. [break][break]

"By the way, Serena… How have you been doing?” Mars' sudden question took her off guard. Pausing as she was bringing her fork to her mouth, the pancake fell off her fork as she stared at him. For a moment as she processed the weight of his question her facial expression became clouded and pained. [break][break]

She hadn't stopped to think about her situation much. If she did she was liable to only focus on that and end up depressed like she always did. Her life wasn't going well currently. She felt weak and wanted to cry but this was not the place. It was simply easier to just focus on something else. Out of sight, out of mind. [break][break]

Suddenly losing her appetite she put her fork down and looked down at her plate. At this point she realized she couldn't lie but what was she supposed to say? "I...." she began before she offered him a weak smile, "I'd rather not think about it, if that's okay? I don't want to ruin the good thing we have going here." she said before pushing around her food with her fork on her plate. [break][break]

Though to her the mood was already ruined. She bit her lip as she tried to think of something else to focus on. "What about you? How are things going with you?" she asked nervously. It was obvious she was trying to change the subject but what else could she do?

[break][break]

[break]
+ more tags: [break]
+ Outfit[break]
+ xtra notes: ^.^[break]

[attr="class","headerbox"]

Serena + Martín del Mar

close tab

played by

Azul

Mars | Tuesday

He/Him

August 4th

Canalave City, Sinnoh

Bi / Demiro

POG Bank CEO

Underboss

1008 height

Veni. Videre. Vincam.

awards

4,525 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @mars