MARCH UPDATE

POSTED ON Apr 30, 2023 21:34:26 GMT

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Yumi walked through the darkened foyer of Casino Starlight, her scrutinizing gaze traveling over the furniture draped in fabric dust covers. Ever since former underboss Killian Decker departed the region, the casino had closed its doors.[break][break]

Yumi knew the unfortunate circumstance was a blow to Team Rocket's income, as the casino had provided much revenue to the criminal organization.[break][break]

Which is why the invitation from her employer, vincenzo de luca, had so intrigued her. He had invited her to meet him at Casino Starlight to assess it for future use. Could he be interested in acquiring the casino for himself?[break][break]

She finally spotted him waiting for her by the curving staircase leading up to the second floor. Smiling, she approached, her heels clicking against the marble floor.[break][break]

"Good morning, Mr. de Luca. I hope I didn't keep you waiting."

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played by

lou

enzo / the proprietor

he/him

thirty-three

april 4

alto mare / sootopolis

bisexual

hotelier

executive

6'2 height

I’m haunted like a wolf. I feed, I feed like a wolf. I’m lost and I’m lonely, I hunger for you only.

awards

299 posts

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TAG WITH @enzo

POSTED ON May 3, 2023 22:15:17 GMT

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A shame that Casino Starlight had closed as abruptly as it had. The business was an ornate and successful one–especially for Rocket. He’d spent his own fair share of time there, both as a patron and a businessman looking to forge ties. It wouldn’t do him much good to lose a strong connection. Even if it meant that it might push some business across the way to Mossdeep.

Arranging a tour had been easy enough. The longer it sat here unused, the more of a liability it could become.

He had ideas, of course. But then again, he always had ideas. In the end, Enzo would stick hard and fast to his commitments to the Nimbus. On the other hand, though. That didn’t mean that he couldn’t find ways to benefit from whatever new ownership came about.

Especially if he might be able to swing those odds. Something as small as an idea, just an inkling that could expand the casino back to its grandeur with the right pull. The right person. And Enzo liked to think that he was a proficient judge of what the right person looked like. Who that person was.

As he leaned against the bannister, he tried to look casual about it. It wasn’t because of the recent injury he was still recovering from. Of course not. So when the telltale click of yumi’s heels echoed across the grand entry, he straightened up and ignored the twinge of pain in his abdomen. “Not at all. Good morning to you too. I trust all is well?”

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[attr="class","sam-banner-up-title"]notes

a devil in a fancy suit, but I’m coming back after you

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played by

gunsmile

she / her

august 1

Goldenrod City, Johto

power

casino owner

executive

5'7" / 170 cm height

When someone says you can't do it, do it twice. And take pictures.

awards

731 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @yumi

POSTED ON May 3, 2023 22:57:15 GMT

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Yumi nodded, oblivious to her employer's injury. Instead, her eyes traveled up the curve of the staircase toward the second floor as her mind remembered the grandeur of the casino while in use. She had only visited a few times in the past, sometimes for work and other times for pleasure, but she loved each time. The ritz, the glamor, the expense…[break][break]

She longed for the day when the casino could open again. Perhaps Enzo would allow her to work here instead of at the Nimbus, if he acquired ownership. While she liked the Nimbus — like the Starlight, it was also ritzy and glamorous, in its own way — casinos reminded her of home, in a way.[break][break]

Her family operated a number of gambling parlors back in Goldenrod City, after all.[break][break]

Finally, Yumi lowered her gaze to meet Enzo's. "Yes, thankfully. For you too, I hope?"

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played by

lou

enzo / the proprietor

he/him

thirty-three

april 4

alto mare / sootopolis

bisexual

hotelier

executive

6'2 height

I’m haunted like a wolf. I feed, I feed like a wolf. I’m lost and I’m lonely, I hunger for you only.

awards

299 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @enzo

POSTED ON May 31, 2023 22:59:30 GMT

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As Yumi approached, Enzo studied her silently. The appreciation she held for the casino was somewhat evident in her posture, in how she took everything in as it was–furniture draped in protective coverings. Machines powered down and void of their bright, flashing lights. There was no shuffling of cards, or the clack of chips falling as should’ve been the case of any active casino.

He shifted his weight, attempting to ease some of the tension in his sore back. Why was he so old suddenly? Still, he smiled easily at her, congenial as ever as their eyes connected. “As well as any morning, I suppose.” His head tilted to the side in inclination toward the staircase. “I thought we might conduct a self-directed tour. Walk with me?”

To the point as usual, his hand found the rail and he began his ascent up the wide spiral. “It’s a pity, isn’t it?” he mused aloud, violet stare darting over to her before fixing on the stairs ahead again. “A place like this shouldn’t lose the momentum it gained when it was so successful.”

Reaching the top of the flight, he looked over the rail at the stretch of the floor below. “What do you think about the abrupt closure, Miss Hasegawa?”

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a devil in a fancy suit, but I’m coming back after you

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played by

gunsmile

she / her

august 1

Goldenrod City, Johto

power

casino owner

executive

5'7" / 170 cm height

When someone says you can't do it, do it twice. And take pictures.

awards

731 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @yumi

POSTED ON Jun 1, 2023 20:15:40 GMT

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[attr="class","yumi2"]

[attr="class","text"]

"Of course," Yumi said, smiling widely at the thought of a leisurely tour through the quiet casino. She matched her pace to Enzo's as they ascended the curving staircase. "And it really is a pity. I loved walking through the halls with the rooms full of light and noise. I admit, I may have felt a little nostalgic about it."[break][break]

Of course she'd told her employer about her past experience in casinos before coming to Hoenn. Though she'd never been in charge of one, she'd familiarized herself with some of the responsibilities while shadowing the men her family had employed to run theirs.[break][break]

Having so much power at one's hands, running such intricate and demanding machinery as a casino, had sent a thrill through her younger self.[break][break]

Yumi joined Enzo at the railing and gazed down at the grand foyer and its many doors leading outside. Briefly, she imagined standing in a gorgeous, floor-length dress as she surveyed a throng of enthralled guests.[break][break]

"I think it was foolish for Mr. Decker to leave without appointing a successor," she admitted, her tone matter-of-fact. "Team Rocket received a considerable amount of revenue from the casino's profits. Without a succession plan, no one knew who to turn to for instruction, and now they've lost several months' worth of income."

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played by

lou

enzo / the proprietor

he/him

thirty-three

april 4

alto mare / sootopolis

bisexual

hotelier

executive

6'2 height

I’m haunted like a wolf. I feed, I feed like a wolf. I’m lost and I’m lonely, I hunger for you only.

awards

299 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @enzo

POSTED ON Jun 2, 2023 22:49:48 GMT

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“It really was quite a sight. And it feels odd to be speaking of it in the past tense. It wasn’t long ago that I was spending a fair portion of my down time here.” Not that he often allowed himself too much leisure, but all the same.

The nostalgia burned bright in Yumi’s voice as she spoke to it. “I can tell,” he replied lightly as a crooked smile carved the corner of his mouth in an upward arc. To Enzo, that bode well. It was telling of what he believed might be a passion for this particular avenue.

His chin tilted upward in a silent ah, before descending into a slow nod. “I agree. I found it a slovenly action. No matter how abrupt the move may have been.” As they resumed walking the second floor, his hands found his pockets leisurely, pushing back the length of his suit jacket. It was more casual than he might typically present on the floors of the Nimbus, reserved for closed doors.

But there were no patrons to present airs for. No other staff to look put together in front of.

Around Yumi, Enzo found himself slightly more lax, but only just so. He was still her employer, after all. Well, perhaps that would shift somewhere in the midst of their conversation. “What would you propose Rocket do with it, then? Has it lost too much momentum–as in, should the space be considered a wash and repurposed entirely? Or do you think that perhaps…” he trailed off, squinting in thought as he considered his words. Absently, his steps had petered to a slower pace as well.

“the right set of capable hands might prove restorative?”

[attr="class","sam-banner-up-icon"]

[attr="class","sam-banner-up-title"]notes

a devil in a fancy suit, but I’m coming back after you

[attr="class","sam-banner-up-bounce"]

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played by

gunsmile

she / her

august 1

Goldenrod City, Johto

power

casino owner

executive

5'7" / 170 cm height

When someone says you can't do it, do it twice. And take pictures.

awards

731 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @yumi

POSTED ON Jun 4, 2023 0:13:08 GMT

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[attr="class","yumi2"]

[attr="class","text"]

They resumed walking across the second floor, Yumi at Enzo's side. Beyond ornate doors, they found the casino proper, its furnishings similarly covered. Inside, everything was dark, the intricate ceiling lights all cold.[break][break]

Though Yumi knew the light switches were not in reach in case a drunk patron thought to turn them off, she still glanced at the nearby walls to look for them. She found none. They stood alone in the dark, surrounded by furniture in repose.[break][break]

"It would be a waste to repurpose it into something else. I imagine millions of PD were poured into this building, from each gambling table to the chandelier in the foyer," she answered, her mind churning as it weighed profit versus loss.[break][break]

She reached out and touched a cloth-covered table. "Rocket should reopen it. Find someone with the business acumen to restore the casino to its former glory — no, someone who can take it to new heights."[break][break]

Yumi turned to her employer, the start of her trademark Seviper smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Perhaps you, Mr. de Luca? Is that why we're here?"

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[attr="class","tag"]vincenzo de luca

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played by

lou

enzo / the proprietor

he/him

thirty-three

april 4

alto mare / sootopolis

bisexual

hotelier

executive

6'2 height

I’m haunted like a wolf. I feed, I feed like a wolf. I’m lost and I’m lonely, I hunger for you only.

awards

299 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @enzo

POSTED ON Jun 6, 2023 14:54:54 GMT

[attr="class","sam-banner-up"]

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It really was a beautiful building. Even with the pallor of ghostliness cast upon it from its empty rooms and covered furniture. Even in the dim light, the architecture remained intricate. Extravagant. Something that by and large should not go to waste. “Again, we’re of the same mind. It seems you’ve put much thought into this.”

Another good sign.

He met her smirk with one of his own–sharp and coy like that of the nickit he owned. “Yes and no,” he answered with another slight, tilted incline of his head. “I’d had the thought that I might acquire it and reopen it as a branch of the Nimbus. Perhaps the beginning stages of developing a chain.”

His fingers dully tapped against one of the billiards tables with idle repetition. “Admittedly though, I’m fond of Mossdeep and continually traveling between there and Sootopolis sounds exhaustive.” Enzo turned back toward her– “But then I had another thought. What if you took over ownership, Yumi?”

Of course, he had limited idea of how far her funds might stretch at present, or if she’d regained any ground with her family. But if the idea were to stick? Well then maybe they’d have something to work with. “I don’t necessarily have the time or patience to add casino management to my to-do list. It would be better, after all, for the reins to fall to someone who has that experience with less necessity for a learning curve, no?”

[attr="class","sam-banner-up-icon"]

[attr="class","sam-banner-up-title"]notes

a devil in a fancy suit, but I’m coming back after you

[attr="class","sam-banner-up-bounce"]

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played by

gunsmile

she / her

august 1

Goldenrod City, Johto

power

casino owner

executive

5'7" / 170 cm height

When someone says you can't do it, do it twice. And take pictures.

awards

731 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @yumi

POSTED ON Jun 7, 2023 13:05:03 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","yumi2"]

[attr="class","text"]

"What if you took over ownership, Yumi?"[break][break]

The woman stared at her employer, stunned. Her heart burst with a storm of emotions: gratitude, joy, pride.[break][break]

Gratitude for Enzo, because he saw something in her that no one else had, prompting him to hire her and take her under his wing. Joy and pride of a woman who'd worked hard to make a name for herself in an unfamiliar region.[break][break]

"Are you serious? Me?" Yumi breathed, her smirk having melted into a rare, beaming smile.[break][break]

No imposter syndrome seized her then. The princess of the Hasegawa family knew of no such thing. Instead, she turned her starry-eyed gaze upon the casino's interior once more, looking upon it in a new light.[break][break]

"I can do it," she declared. To Enzo, and to the world. "Just you watch. Casino Starlight will be fully operational again by the end of the month."

[attr="class","ooc"]

[attr="class","tag"]vincenzo de luca

[attr="class","pkmn"]

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MADE BY GUNSMILE

close tab

played by

lou

enzo / the proprietor

he/him

thirty-three

april 4

alto mare / sootopolis

bisexual

hotelier

executive

6'2 height

I’m haunted like a wolf. I feed, I feed like a wolf. I’m lost and I’m lonely, I hunger for you only.

awards

299 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @enzo

POSTED ON Jun 7, 2023 22:18:38 GMT

[attr="class","sam-banner-up"]

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□

[attr="class","sam-banner-up-blurb"]
The moment her expression shifted and changed to reflect the unexpectedness of his suggestion was almost payoff in and of itself. Naturally, though, he expected more benefit if she was for the idea, but crossing bridges when one comes to them, and all that. For right then, it was enough to see the idea take root in her mind, and then burst into blooming life.

“Of course I’m serious,” he replied simply. His smile, while mellower, was no less genuine. Earnest, as well. He wasn’t the sort to make suggestions based on a lack of opportunity. There was, by and large, a great opportunity that came with Yumi taking over operations there at the casino. Obviously she saw it as well, or their conversation would have gone differently.

“I’m not sure where you stand with your family at present, or what the accumulation of your savings looks like. But should it be required, I can assist you in procurement. I believe it would be a good investment on my part.” And after having Yumi work for him for a while now, he didn’t find her to be the sort to squander what might be given.

Both brows rose as she made declarations with sudden fervor, and despite his proclivity for holding himself together, an amused laugh slipped free in turn. Albeit a short-lived laugh, but a laugh nonetheless. “A lofty goal to set before any paperwork is even drafted.” Finally, his smile stretched just wide enough to flash white teeth.

“But I wouldn’t imagine anything less from you. In fact, I fully expect it.”

[attr="class","sam-banner-up-icon"]

[attr="class","sam-banner-up-title"]notes

a devil in a fancy suit, but I’m coming back after you

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played by

gunsmile

she / her

august 1

Goldenrod City, Johto

power

casino owner

executive

5'7" / 170 cm height

When someone says you can't do it, do it twice. And take pictures.

awards

731 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @yumi

POSTED ON Jun 8, 2023 17:24:46 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","yumi2"]

[attr="class","text"]

The paperwork. Of course. Yumi's smile fell into a serious expression, though the fire in her eyes did not diminish. "You're right, I mustn't get ahead of myself. I need to check if Team Rocket owns the building now that Underboss Decker is gone."[break][break]

She was not certain if the criminal organization would be open to a negotiation on the cost of the building considering her ties with them. Enzo's offer to assist with that aspect was a generous one, but she needed time for calculations. How quickly could she repay such a debt?[break][break]

Yumi took a few steps toward the door back to the staircase. "Allow me a few days to do some research and start a conversation with Rocket. I'll find out how much they are willing to sell for, then contact you. How does that sound?"[break][break]

It occurred to her how strange it was to talk with Enzo as a peer. No longer would she view him as her employer but as a business contact.[break][break]

The thought brought a smile back to her lips. She had ascended.

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[attr="class","tag"]vincenzo de luca

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played by

lou

enzo / the proprietor

he/him

thirty-three

april 4

alto mare / sootopolis

bisexual

hotelier

executive

6'2 height

I’m haunted like a wolf. I feed, I feed like a wolf. I’m lost and I’m lonely, I hunger for you only.

awards

299 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @enzo

POSTED ON Jun 13, 2023 17:43:22 GMT

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