it's partially stressful just how many people there are at the masquerade tonight, even more so that he can't identify them when it's far easier to identify him. it worries him, to say the least, but he finds himself being pulled into their bubble as they begin their dance.[break][break]

for however long their dance lasts, he'll appreciate the sanctity of it all.[break][break]

"uh, have you seen yourself? you've literally turned heads tonight."[break][break]

he chuckles, moving with the flow of the song.[break][break]

"what's it like being famous, councilwoman?"

[attr="class","ooc"]PENELOPE LIVY[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-kecleon"]

"Awful. There's so much to do, so many people to talk to."
[break][break]
Even tonight, at the peak of her planning nightmare, she has stuck reserving timeslots in her night to ensure everything was running smoothly.
[break][break]
With a twirl, Penelope yo-yo'd herself away, then back to Cian, following along with the imaginary YouTube videos she had kept on repeat the night prior.
[break][break]
"Besides, none of it matters to me. I much rather be here with you."
[break][break]

[attr="class","ooc"] CIAN MAHER[break]


[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

the yo-yo move is executed perfectly as he had also spent a good amount of time watching youtube tutorials.[break][break]

"as much as i would love that, i'm afraid i've made other commitments as well."[break][break]

his voice is a register above a whisper, still soft and playful.[break][break]

"i am rustboro's gym leader now, you know. i gotta mingle and shit. suck up to people. you know the drill."

[attr="class","ooc"]PENELOPE LIVY[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-kecleon"]

"Yeah, yeah, yeah."
[break][break]
She rolled her eyes.
[break][break]
It was one thing to have her own schedule filled to the brim with meaningless conversation, but it was another to be forced to forgo even more time with Cian, as his own responsibilities demanded him elsewhere.
[break][break]
But that was just how things were now.
[break][break]
"Just don't mingle too much. You're still my date, after all."
[break][break]

[attr="class","ooc"] CIAN MAHER[break]


[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

in all likelihood, cian's probably going to be fairly active in socializing and expanding his circle because that's what is expected of him now. to establish himself as someone reputable, this is just something that needs to be done.[break][break]

it sucks that it means less time with her, though.[break][break]

"the same goes for you, councilwoman."[break][break]

he chuckles.[break][break]

"anyone here i should be worried about? any other exes?"

[attr="class","ooc"]PENELOPE LIVY[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-kecleon"]

"God imagine."
[break][break]

Having ollie morales act as a constant thorn in her side was already bad enough. Having another ex to worry about would've just been downright unbearable.
[break][break]

"But, no, there isn't," She shook her head.
[break][break]

The couple spun again, weaving and waning along the blurs of colors that enveloped them. Each step made clear by the pluck of the strings.
[break][break]

"How about you, huh? Anyone I need to watch out for?"

[break][break]

[attr="class","ooc"] CIAN MAHER[break]


[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

"oh yeah, plenty."[break][break]

they spin, weave, and drift closer together, following the rhythm set by the melodic strings.[break][break]

his voice falls, coming to a whisper to make sure no one overhears them.[break][break]

"if you see anyone wearing a big red r on their chest please let me know."

[attr="class","ooc"]PENELOPE LIVY[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-kecleon"]

A surge of laughter gets caught in her throat, forcing her to cough.
[break][break]

"Noted," she breathed, barely able to maintain the composure of a councilwoman. But, with the highs came the crashing lows, as her mind now wandered to the possibilities that laid wake. The opportunities for disaster .
[break][break]

"Be careful, though." She leaned forward now, too, nearly resting her forehead against his shoulder. "Like seriously. I don't want you getting hurt."

[break][break]

[attr="class","ooc"] CIAN MAHER[break]


[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

"i know."[break][break]

he pauses, glancing around them briefly before leaning in close once more.[break][break]

"to be honest with you, i'm kinda really fucking scared."[break][break]

the chuckle that escapes is out of reflex more than anything.[break][break]

"like i have to be on edge constantly wondering whether this person's out to get me. or that person. or that one."

[attr="class","ooc"]PENELOPE LIVY[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-kecleon"]

Cian wasn't penelope.
[break][break]

While sincere in everything he says, there was a simmer of emotions just below the light-hearted laughs and goofy smiles. It never fooled Penelope, though.
[break][break]

Resting her forehead against the curve of his chin, she led their dance into a slow sway, allowing the other couples to twirl around them, all while they grew more and more lost to the curtains of fabric.
[break][break]

"Oh Cian," she sighed, the heat of her chest pressing up against his. "It's okay."




[break][break]

[attr="class","ooc"] CIAN MAHER[break]


[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

"...yeah."[break][break]

it'll be okay. he knew the risks and now he has to face them. it helps immensely that he doesn't have to do it alone.[break][break]

he blinks back tears, hidden behind his mask regardless.[break][break]

"i'll be careful, though. i wouldn't hear the end of it otherwise."

[attr="class","ooc"]PENELOPE LIVY[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-kecleon"]

"You better."
[break][break]

Her words had crawled down to a whisper. Caught in her throat was more than the yearning for Cian's safety, it was the fear of loss. Of losing someone who mattered more than all the stars combined.
[break][break]

"I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you."
[break][break]

Burn down the world maybe?
[break][break]

Hopefully, she would never have to find out.
[break][break]

[break][break]

[attr="class","ooc"] CIAN MAHER[break]


[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

"oh, i think you'd be fine."[break][break]

one of his insecurities slips out, normally held back and controlled but the vulnerability he finds himself in allows for it.[break][break]

he breathes out a soft chuckle, trying to bring back a bit of lightheartedness.[break][break]

"fuck. our jobs are kinda scary, huh?"

[attr="class","ooc"]PENELOPE LIVY[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-kecleon"]