[attr="class","icon"]

It had been some time since the burnt scarred man went out on a date. After all, the last two dates ended up leaving him alone and broken. In fact, Maverick was starting to think that maybe he wasn’t meant to find the love of his life at all. Or maybe, she didn’t exist in this world. It also could be that the world wanted him to be a lone wolf forever. So when he was convinced to join a dating app, the ex gym leader had little hope to find a real person who actually wanted to try to date. And after browsing through some of the profiles on said dating app, it only proved that most people out there are either pigs or weirdos. That was, until a certain woman made a comment on his profile.[break][break]

Dark ray-ban sunglass shifted over the beach, feeling rather uncomfortable wearing only his black swim trunks in public. It felt exposed, burn scars that not only claimed his face but his chiseled chest too. Yes, he was a man. But, he was never the type to want to show off his battle scars. Still, he took in the advice from some friends not friends and tried to be more open. It felt wrong though. He could see the judgmental eyes, the disgusting stares, the murmured remarks. Despite his over even athletic tone, most only judged him for his scars. The man who looked like he was up to no good. Intimating and dangerous.[break][break]

“I knew this was a bad idea,” the man mumbled to himself in a low tone, avoiding the glared casted at him as he waited for said woman to show up, “I don’t even know why I bothered.” He turned, spotting a mother with a young boy who kept staring at him like he was some kind of freak of nature int he corner of his eye. He grunted, warm crimson colored orbs on the ocean water as it crashed against the shore. Out of all places, this is where she wanted to meet up. In some ways, he understood. After all, they were complete strangers. Still.[break][break]

Suddenly, a feminine voice called to him. And at first thought, Maverick thought it was a girl asking if he was some kind of creep. So when he turned, the burnt scarred man held his usual face. Emotionless, dark and bothered. He was about to tell this stranger to leave him alone. After all, he did nothing wrong. But as he turned, his eyes fell upon a short haired ginger woman. His expression softened and relief washed over him. Thankful, she had finally showed up.[break][break]

“..Yes,” he replied, tone low, dark, and husky, “I’m Maverick.” He cleared his throat, keeping his eyes on her face and not what she was wearing. Or at least, trying not too. “You must be Madeline. It’s nice to meet you.” She was much prettier in person than the pictures. Eyes bright orange like the sun, frame not as petite as many woman who deprived themselves to the idea of being a skin and bone model. And for that moment, he questioned whether he was even in her league. Like, look at him. Surely there were some people already claiming that he was going to rape her or some crap like that just because of the scars on him.[break][break]

His gaze fell upon her offering, giving a small nod and a soft little smile. “Oh. Right.” His gaze lifted back to her for a moment, turning to see an open spot over by the docks. “It looks like there might be some room over there.” The man nodded in that direction, gaze back on hers. “Wanna go over there?” Being social wasn’t his thing. This included dating. How will he make a fool out of himself this time?

[attr="class","bottom"]Madeline McKenna at slateport beach[break]

[attr="class","icon"]

He expected her to turn away, to leave him there alone on the beach as soon as she seen him. Especially, she was seeing more of him than most ever does. He wasn’t the type to run around without a shirt, or something to covering up his scars. Most, if not all, would either judge him like he was some kind of hard criminal or a wack job. However as she got an eye full of him, Madeline, or Madd, didn’t give him a stink eye nor bombarded him with questions about them. She just… accepted it. That’s… new.[break][break]

“Don’t worry about it.. Madd,” he replied, tone seemly softer as though he has finally started to relax ever so slightly, “I just got here myself.” It was a lie, but she didn’t need to know that. And as he offered up to sit along the docks, the ginger haired woman seemed pleased about his findings. She even winked at him, forcing Maverick to give an awkward fake smile. It wasn’t that he didn’t like the compliment, it was just strange to hear for him seeing as he normally didn’t receive such things.[break][break]

Pushing through the crowd of people to head towards their destination, Madds head turned to offer up some casual conversation. And for a moment, Mav had to think about it. Because honestly, he was always working. “I try to keep busy most of the time,” he started, suddenly feeling as though he needed to lie and come up with some grand fun things to do in hopes not to sound as boring as he felt right now, “When not working, I simply care for my pokemon and find odd jobs to keep money flowing.” Arceus… He was such a dud, why did she message him on that app?[break][break]

To avoid the temptation to lie to sound more interesting to her, he threw the question back at her. “How about yourself? What do you like to do for fun?”

[attr="class","bottom"]Madeline McKenna at slateport beach[break]