Dark, divey, laced with velvet that ran smooth under her fingertips. It wasn’t her favorite bar in Slateport, but it provided a nice escape from the more rambunctious nightlife. Not everyone knew about it, and even if they did, not everyone was allowed in.

With a nearly empty drink in her hand, she swayed to beat of the live band’s smooth rhythm. She wasn’t dancing with anyone in particular, just letting herself get lost in the deep thrum of the bass line.

When there was nothing but ice left in the bottom of her glass, she turned to sway towards the bar. The shine of familiar, silver hair caught her attention. A soft smile greeted him upon recognition.

“Cal,” she set her empty glass on the bar, sliding in between the stools to stand beside him. The proximity shows their familiarity. After signaling the bartender for another gin, she turned her attention back towards Calllan, “You look rather gloomy this evening,” Or perhaps it’s the lighting, “Are you alone?”

---

Callan Young
outfit

He’s as smooth as the hum of the saxophone when he pulls her close. It doesn’t take much encouragement for her to abide, shifting a step closer and settling into his lap. Her soft touch runs from his hand, up his arm, and finally settles on his chest. Her fingers curl around the fabric when he leans in. A gentle tug closer hints towards her approval when he kisses her.

Callan tastes like gin and cigarettes – not a bad combination. Her lips part gently, pressing in to make the kiss deeper. Her tongue explores his to get a better taste.

When he pulls away, he’ll see her smiling, The grip around his shirt relaxes as a shiver runs down her spine. His hot breath tickles at the nape of her neck., “Hmm,” she hums, “So eager.”

The bartender returns with her drink, but she pays it no mind for now. Instead her gaze glances back towards the small dance floor, “I wouldn’t worry about him,” she teases, turning her attention back to Callan. Her dark gaze lands on his crimson, a salacious smirk pulling across her dark red lips, “If you’d like to be alone though, I can leave,” Something about that kiss told her he doesn’t, but she just wants to hear him say it.

---

Callan Young

He says what she wants to hear, and that smirk grows into a smile. She would like to stay too, but he knows that. Then why does something not feel right?

The moment fades into the dark corners of the bar as he offers her the drink. There’s a sting of disappointment and it shows when the smile fades and curls into a bit of a frown. With a sigh she accepts the drink. As his hand retreats, she does as well.

In one smooth motion, she slides from his lap into the stool beside him, putting space between them. One elbow leans into the bar as the other arm raises the glass towards him, “Hm, you caught me,” and with that truth, she takes a quick sip. She’s not here with anyone, but the illusion she could be makes her twisted mind feel more wanted.

She’s just as alone as he is, and in normal Toni fashion, she’ll drown it out in cheap thrills, booze, and cigarettes.

---

Callan Young

The smile returns when he chuckles and admits is strategy. He’s likely kidding, but it’s still an amusing thought, “Hm, good plan,” she glances down briefly at her dress. She’d be quite sad if this one was ruined.

After another sip of her drink, she gently plays with the thin straw to stir around the ice. The soft chime of it moving against the glass is lost to the music.

This is new, Toni alone in the night . . .

She points a finger at him to interrupt, “For now,” she quickly corrects with a little smirk. She certainly doesn’t wish for it to remain that way, that’s why she’s here, looking fine as hell.

A light laugh accompanies a smile as he turns her own words against her, “Do I look gloomy?” She hopes not, “No, just . . . bored,” and lonely. Her head tilts slightly, holding his gaze, “What brings you here tonight?”

---

Callan Young

It seems Toni’s boredom won’t last long. Callan doesn’t leave, and neither does she. They find some common ground over their shared brooding and similar habits to numb the sting or loneliness.

“Ahh that’s right, you’re a ranger,” she feigns forgetfulness with an innocent smile as the space between them shrinks yet again. Toni takes the bait, leaning into the warmth of his shoulder. She’s pulled even closer by the hand that slips around her waist. She completes the connection by moving a hand to rest on his thigh. It’s a gentle touch, but firm enough to feel her thumb caress the fabric.

A particular warmth spreads across her limbs, raising goosebumps in its wake, as he leans into her ear. Hot breath bathes her cheek, and the pressure of her hand on his thigh subtly increases involuntarily. Toni’s lips peel into a smile, a light, airy laughter lost beneath the jazz, “Be careful,” she teases back, “I hear they’re ruthless.”

Callan’s request doesn’t elicit immediate action, but the smile remains. Her gaze flashes down to his lap momentarily, “Hmm, my ass is barely contained in this dress as it is and I don’t think this club’s guests deserve such as treat,” a brief sip of her gin interrupts her thoughts before she angles her head to bring her own lips up to his ear, “Dance with me,” she whispers, her hand moves up, fingers curling over the inside of his thigh, Please.

---

Callan Young

The laughter returns with a smile as he grins. To please him? Perhaps, “Well, maybe I’m turning over a new leaf,” the game continues. Cat and mouse. She may have indulged him in the past but tonight he finds himself victim to a woman that wants to play with her prey a little before she takes a bite. Luckily, he’s willing to indulge her as well.

Toni abandons her gin for another delicacy. She stands as well, letting him lead her onto the dance floor by the hand. They find a space to themselves amongst the other patrons. Her fingers easily slid between him, locking in place with a gently squeeze. The other arm reaches up to slide behind his neck. She follows his direction, his pull drawing her hips into his to minimize the space between them. They move together, swaying to the beat.

“My bar is always well stocked,” she assures him with a soft smile. The arm across his shoulders adjusts to let her manicured fingers lightly tickle the back of his neck, “You sound thirsty, Callan,” Her head tilts up, and the teasing smile fades so her lips can brush gently against his. Her gin soaked breath, laced with mint bathes his senses, “Are you thirsty?”

---

Callan Young

The unexpected lecture has her leaning back slightly to frown, dark eyes running over his sharp facial features, accentuated by the shadows of the dark club. He seems serious, “Test you?” That’s not quite the word she’d use for it, but apparently there was a little stick up his ass that kept him from having fun tonight. That’s all she’s trying to do: have a little fun.

Apparently, the teasing isn’t doing it for him. Pity. The arm around his neck slips off his shoulders, falling to rest near his elbow, “I’m not testing you, Callan,” her sharp brows pull into a furrow, “If you’d rather not enjoy yourself and return to your drink then please, take your leave,” he’s not the only man in Hoenn, hell, not even in this bar. He’s just the one she hoped to take home tonight. Toni wouldn’t put forward the effort if their past encounters didn’t rest fondly in her memories. Settling for a second choice wouldn’t be too bad. Just frustrating.

---

Callan Young