[attr="class","mdmwtw"]
[break][break]
Newcomers join their conversation one after another, and it’s with natural ease that Mars takes a step to the side in order to make space for all of them –
coincidentally making it so he ends up standing closer to
BARNABY FINCH.
[break][break]
He smiles, ever so polite, and although it takes a moment for him to remember where exactly he had met
Callan Young before (they had only spoken once, after all, and mostly through a rearview mirror), both him and his companion are greeted with delighted words.
”It’s wonderful to see that so many different people decided to come all the way to Sootopolis for our casino’s grand opening. I do hope you’re enjoying yourselves.” It’s an honest sentiment, one spoken just as his attention falls on
Cathrine Fisher. A hand is offered to her then.
”I don’t believe we’ve met, Miss Fisher. Martín del Mar. I’d love to know more about what sort of books you write.” He does not bother with mentioning his profession, for CEO of POG Bank as Mars may be known to be, this is obviously not his only business venture, and although the public may not be at all aware of it, he also happens to be one of the Team Rocket’s four admins.
[break][break]
Just like his business partner at this casino, who’s yet to show himself.[break][break]
Of course, given the location, Mars had expected to see more than a few Rocket members in attendance, but civilians like
Callan Young,
angelo vestri and
skyler dross are a welcomed sight, and he offers the couple a polite nod and a smile from the distance – also offering
Aurelie Lefevre the same greeting despite the fact that they have never properly met.
[break][break]
Illicit affiliations are to be set aside for the night, even if those are exactly the reason why he knows people like
ana fell. When she says ‘Hi’ him and the cats, Cash Money meows at her in response, raising a paw marked by adorably pink toebeans.
”Hey, Cygne. You look great.”[break][break]
As per usual, compliments come with ease when speaking to people he’s fond of, although apparently they don’t for
BARNABY FINCH and
Elisabeth Fiorelli when speaking to each other. Whatever that may say about their fondness for each other, Mars does not bother to presume, and he does no more than raise a brow at both them, almost as if saying
”Really? Here?” And yet, as if to contradict the gesture, a quip is what follows:
[break][break]
”Elisabeth, I didn’t know you were my competition for the spot of Barnaby’s favourite. Sounds like I may have to step up my game.” Harmless teasing, of course. But, is it really? Studied in the art of reading between the lines as
Elisabeth Fiorelli is, Mars fully expects her to understand the implications made with his words. On the other hand, as Mars sees it,
Rico Bassanello comment on him having excellent taste doesn’t merit the compliment of a rational rebuttal, for that much is always the case and it should be more than obvious. Leave it to a man with an ego as boundless as his to think things like those.
[break][break]
Thankfully,
Melody Miro’s performance draws everyone’s attention away from all such things, and for a moment, Mars simply watches her. It’s much different from the last performance he had attended, back during New Year’s, and although that had been spectacular too, this one seems much more suited to
the Idol of Hoenn. Now also one of Hoenn’s Elite Four, performing right here at the city she had been gym leader of. It makes him wonder how she feels about the experience. Is it bittersweet? Nostalgic, even?
[break][break]
”You might want to get a statement from Melody for your article. I can introduce you two, if you’d like.” He quietly tells
BARNABY FINCH once the performance ends, and although such things can surely wait until later, he still raises a hand to greet the idol that stands nearby with her Hatterene.
[break][break]
”Melody! As amazing as ever.” He grins, and having also met the Elite Four member before (on the day he challenged her gym, no less), his pink-tailed is quick to go greet her.
[break][break]
[attr="class","mdmwtnotes"]
notes
[break]
By the fountain + POG Bank kitties ♡[attr="class","mdmwtpokes"][break]