LITTLE BLACK DRESS

JUST THE BARE ESSENTIALS

“A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME,” announces his keen observation from across the street. it comes as no surprise that star-crossed lovers would find themselves at fate’s doorstep. for hoenn is all too small a region for them to be bound by anything less than chance.

the approaching dusk invites a temporary lull to slateport streets. most traffic reroutes to the commercial district, plagued by those looking to return home after a day’s work. crossing the divide adds a sliver of urgency to his step as the distance between them is cut and culled.

today, they are matching, if only because fernando’s attire rarely changes. business formal and ripe for whisking her away.

“you never told me you would be in town,” he opens, unabashed despite the way his eyes soak her in.

[attr="class","spiralpee"]
Elisabeth Fiorelli
SLEEPLESS IN SLATEPORT

LITTLE BLACK DRESS

JUST THE BARE ESSENTIALS

“I’VE BEEN TOLD I AM FULL OF SURPRISES,” is his way of complimenting her entrance. a vague call back to private conversations that flitter through their nights alone.

what he can only interpret as her variation of playing coy is met with hesitance that begets inward laughter. his pace keeps up but does not follow blindly.

“i have not,” he confirms, drifting from the straps of her dress to the gold lettering of his— her card.

“but that’s quite the condition. almost as if by design.”

[attr="class","spiralpee"]
Elisabeth Fiorelli
SLEEPLESS IN SLATEPORT

LITTLE BLACK DRESS

JUST THE BARE ESSENTIALS

“OH?”

her condition mirrors his own. for such minor decisions are often left to others to make. he reserves his decision for when they matter most. or, when he knows what he wants. unfortunately, an easy-going palate means that this decision is anything but.

“have you tried an omakase before, fiorelli?”

there are several within hoenn but most prove too troublesome to book or too expensive for most to partake.

[attr="class","spiralpee"]
Elisabeth Fiorelli
SLEEPLESS IN SLATEPORT

LITTLE BLACK DRESS

JUST THE BARE ESSENTIALS

“AH,” is his traditional pause. “then you’re in for a treat.”

with the decision primed in his pocket, he cuts ahead, the forward between the two. upon his pass, he too turns toward her, losing the card in his own sleight-of-hands as it becomes conveniently open for her own.

“if i didn’t know better, i would think you love surprises.”

[attr="class","spiralpee"]
Elisabeth Fiorelli
SLEEPLESS IN SLATEPORT

LITTLE BLACK DRESS

JUST THE BARE ESSENTIALS

“OH?” he barely pardons a pass. “then i hope this one measures up to expectations.”

their destination is not the omakase itself but instead a nearby parking lot. there, fernando’s car awaits, humble and considerably plain considering both his reputation and wealth. much like his gym, the exterior is bland and sports a safe grey color. it beeps at their approach, sleek handles extended from within itself as it prepares for their entry.

“if you’re unhappy with the meal, then i suppose i’ll have to make it up to you,” slips in the mention of a tease. he corrects it expeditiously with “unless you rather have burgers.”

[attr="class","spiralpee"]
Elisabeth Fiorelli
SLEEPLESS IN SLATEPORT

LITTLE BLACK DRESS

JUST THE BARE ESSENTIALS

“IF YOU CAN ABIDE BY YOUR PRINCIPLES THEN THE FLAVOR ISN’T STRONG ENOUGH.”

push to start turns it on with a quiet hum. dashboard displays come online and a porygon2 dances across the console, squeezing between huds and on-screen buttons. to no surprise, his car is strictly electronic. it even backs up on its own accord, at least until he personally takes the wheel.

one hand lies somewhere between nine and eleven. the other manages the shift, testing the waters on whether his passenger princess will grant him clemency on her thigh.

“i did. a bit heavy for my taste but by no means bad.”

the acceleration proves surprisingly smooth considering their speed. such a humble appearance makes the interior and performance seem like a swindler. a distinct difference but one that’s understandable considering silph co.’s ingenuity. the sound of their movement is silenced from within their cockpit.

a private space for two.

[attr="class","spiralpee"]
Elisabeth Fiorelli
SLEEPLESS IN SLATEPORT

LITTLE BLACK DRESS

JUST THE BARE ESSENTIALS

HIS HAND FINDS A SEAT AGAINST HER LEG. the gesture proves innocent enough once settled. nothing more than lying there, pleased just to exist.

“i didn’t order it,” he reveals. “i had it reserved ahead of time. work keeps me busy these days.”

METENO still looms on the horizon. it hasn’t proved drastic just yet—for circumstances of consequence haven’t happened. but the tension boils as each day passes. like a poison, it works slow and deliberate.

a sudden call registers on the main console. the contact name is listed as ‘WORK’ but a number is absent. it’s unexpectedness causes him to squeeze her, gentle albeit reactionary.

“do you mind if i take this?”

[attr="class","spiralpee"]
Elisabeth Fiorelli
SLEEPLESS IN SLATEPORT