ah, there it was.[break][break]

how could she break it to him that she would be wearing a one-piece simply because she foresaw this type of salacious incentive?[break][break]

a small laugh came from her, knowing she had packed a bikini or two as well - not wanting to cramp the vibes of the vacation too bad. jesse had managed to find them a good opportunity to let loose and the least she could do was comply with basic expectations. if jesse had been any more of a stranger to her, she would have rather decked him right then and there though.[break][break]

“so do you like hiking?” a quaint question came as alecis took hold of the blonde’s hand, steadying herself on the loose gravel. she did try her best to not be negative and mention that physical exercise and/or labor was in no way, shape, or form some kind of vacation but she figured maybe the stylist would beg to argue. it was almost like that small noodle shop that people would visit religiously after climbing a steep mountain. maybe the journey would be worth it and the stylist’s company would surely help her at least try to not focus on how hard she was trying to not twist an ankle. “if i were a lesser woman, i’d shoot back something like ‘i do like seeing you sweat’ since that’s primarily what we’ve been doing so far.”

⚰︎ divider made by milky!

@jesse

the way jesse pulled the christian woman out of alecis was alarming.[break][break]
of course, this was hoenn and christianity wasn't real so that was out the window.[break][break]
"you act like you've got yourself at half-chub at all times that it surprises me you don't have a girlfriend or some sort of line of women with you at all times," alecis retorted, her brow flat - dead behind the eyes as she was pulled close. she didn't hate or dislike jesse, but she did like to playfully give him flat responses to his direct and bold manner of flirting. her own way of flirting was indeed a bit roundabout, but she could be bold as well - should the situation allow. it wasn't proper of her to really put herself out there, given all her baggage, but the more time she spent with jesse, the more she came to realize he didn't quite care so it made it all the easier to playfully flirt and then perhaps more meaningfully tug him forward.[break][break]
"ah, what's that?" the monotone question came forward as alecis spotted jesse in his loose clothes.[break][break]
yes, the springs were perhaps a bit public but the rocket member didn't quite get the memo of wearing something modest. the swimwear she had packed was part of the wooden bowl she carried with her, noting to wear it when she went to rinse off from the springs. "i'm sure you forgot," she whispers, playfully and in a loud manner. "we get our own spring since i sprung us an upgrade last minute." and thus alecis dropped the good news on jesse, pulling his arm with her free hand - already forcefully dragging him towards their shared room which had its own small hot spring just beyond its back doors. in the appropriate towel for the maximum soakage, alecis was first to sink into the waters and let out a happy sigh - steam practically rising from where she had placed herself. arms splayed behind her and propped up on her elbows for comfort, she beckoned jesse in with a wide, cheesy grin. "come on, you stink like hell."

⚰︎ divider made by milky!

@jesse

“mmm, you blind? can’t see other people?”[break][break]

they weren’t really what you call a cat-and-mouse duo, but they did like joking around a lot. surprisingly, the two were like jesters playing rings around each other, though jesse was far more generous with the way he threw himself out there for alecis to tease. appreciating such, she bit on the line he threw out - without even rolling her eyes! “whatever, maybe i am a bit jealous. it’s just not fun thinking some other person could take you away from me. then what will i have to do? find someone else to hang out with? that’s more bother than it’s worth, by far.” this was largely true, mixed with some hyperboles. alecis wasn’t jealous of the company jesse kept, but she did find her time with him precious enough to consider the start of letting such an emotion spring forward. [break][break]

to her, jesse was special. he knew it, she knew it, and the world likely knew it with how often they saw them together in public.[break][break]

the heat of the springs also helped alecis unwind, letting herself let jesse hear what he would want to know. [break][break]

“you’re just not someone i can replace, really, so don’t go running off on me. well, at least warn me first. i know things can get dicey and sudden so i can at least try to help you if i can.” this was said in a genuine manner - an extension of a free call to action, should the need arise, though jesse should already know she was just a phone call away when it came to him.

⚰︎ divider made by milky!

@jesse

"you're a strange one, you know? what are you thanking me for?"[break]
truthfully, this was nothing he needed to thank her for coming to. this was a vacation and a gift and he was thanking her. no, no. this would not do. "if anything, thank you for letting me come. it was a hell of a trek up here, but it was worth it," said the rocket member, her body letting go of all the stress it had as she dipped herself fully into the water up to her neck - looking out towards jesse idly but with a calm smile that showed appreciation and patience. "that sounds like a good time. i'm hanging around you all the time anyway, so earning some more money for us both would be a good investment as well," she mused out loud - already imagining the financial benefits they could both get alongside some social benefits since the two were attached at the hip recently. although alecis had always imagined herself as an introvert, socializing with jesse was always a fresh shot of caffeine straight to the vein - energizing without a crash, strangely enough.[break]
"if it means we get to spend more time together, i guess i can find time in my day to do that," she offered back with playful pompousness. "though look at you," she paused, pulling herself out of the water partially to lean towards jesse with a shit-eating grin. "it looks like you are getting quite cozy with me to the point of even wanting to see me at work. what does that imply, jesse?" her laugh right after saved him from having to answer. "jokes aside, i'd love to spend more time with you. it seems to be the most enjoyable part of my days recently."

⚰︎ divider made by milky!

@jesse