Julien did not completely understand what compelled him to hire Mei Liu again, this time for a dinner date. Yes, she was a beautiful woman with a captivating personality and skill as a conversationalist. [break][break]

But she was also an escort, her interest lying only in how much she could extract from his wallet. And in that way, any woman would do. [break][break]

No, that wasn't true, and Julien knew it. Any old escort would have bored him out of his mind. He wanted entertainment, and not purely of the physical kind. Mei had proven herself entertaining in multiple capacities, a trait he looked forward to as he approached their table at Le Petit Pearl. [break][break]

"Good evening, Miss Liu. I hope I haven't kept you waiting long," he said, lifting the woman's hand to his mouth for a kiss. His golden gaze lingered upon her beautiful figure and the dress hugging her curves, before he turned away to take his seat. [break][break]

The restaurant served their food prix fixe, and a waiter listed each dish of the five courses Julien had selected for dinner. Afterward, the waiter poured white wine into two glasses and departed to fetch the first course of appetizers. [break][break]

"I received your Palentine's Day gift," Julien said to Mei, a smile spreading across his face at the memory. "I did not know you were practicing how to make ratatouille." [break][break]

Picking up the wine glass, he took a small sip.

TAGS – Mei Liu[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Julien Demassieux was as handsome and chivalrous as he'd been during their first encounter, but it was the way he regarded her that sent a distinct thrill through Mei. They were surrounded by decadence, but he looked at her as if she were the only thing he wanted to savor that evening. His lips pressed to the back of her hand, a simple - yet intimate - gesture, and it caused a small shiver to travel up her spine.[break][break]
"Not long at all," she assured him, taking back her hand and settling it on her lap, the skin he'd kissed prickling as if charged with electricity. "I'd hardly taken my seat when you walked through the door."[break][break]
Mei had experienced tasting menus before, but there was a certain elegance to the Kalosian prix fixe. The waiter regaled them with the chosen dishes as if he were telling a grand tale, each one a notable stop along what ought to be a highly satisfactory journey. Once he'd departed, Mei took a sip of her wine, finding that it was deliciously smooth and subtle. How much did this meal cost? She wondered.[break][break]
Mei blushed when Julien mentioned the ratatouille, but she soon recovered, setting down her glass and eyeing him mischievously.[break][break]
"Well, you spoke so highly of it that I became curious," she replied. "I like to cook, so I wanted to learn the recipe. My first attempt was...decent." Yumi had seemed to like it well enough. "It's a beautiful dish. So vibrant. I like the idea of a meal that is both pleasing to the eye and the palette."[break][break]
She smiled back at him. She liked her men that way, too.

TAGS – Julien Demassieux[break]
NOTES – Mission | Dress[break]

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Julien watched Mei's face as she spoke, seeking any sign that she was being dishonest. Yet the light in her eyes when she talked about the beauty of the dish seemed genuine enough. [break][break]

"As do I," he said, setting down his glass. "It makes the dining experience that much more enjoyable." [break][break]

Recalling the taste of her on his tongue, the corner of his mouth tugged his smile into a smirk. His gaze did not leave hers, a pointed gesture. [break][break]

But bedroom entanglements were not the point of their meeting that night. Julien only wanted a pleasant dinner with a companion, nothing more. Relaxing into his chair, he folded his hands in his lap. [break][break]

"The hot chocolate quality was very high. Where did you purchase it? I'll have to buy more when I run out."

TAGS – Mei Liu[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

"I purchased it from a boutique chocolate shop in Mauville called Temptation," Mei answered, pleased to hear that Julien had enjoyed her gift. "My roommate recommended it." Yumi always knew where to find the highest quality things.[break][break]
Thanks to the prix fixe, Mei did not need to burden herself with any decision making or meal selection. She could simply sit back and enjoy Julien's company as decadent dish after decadent dish was presented to them. Every time she tasted something, it was more delicious than the last. Rather than suppress her delight - a different woman might have felt anxious about appearing uncultured - Mei let out soft sighs of pleasure, revealing the sincere appreciation she felt for the rich Kalosian cuisine.[break][break]
"So," Mei began, leaning in somewhat conspiratorially. "What's keeping you busy as of late, ambassador? I heard about that business with the mysterious island off Dewford. Were you involved in all that?"

TAGS – Julien Demassieux[break]
NOTES – Mission | Dress[break]

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Mauville City. A shop called Temptation. Mei's roommate had fine taste, but it was extremely gauche to compliment a woman when a different one sat in front of you. So Julien simply said, "Temptation. I'll remember that." [break][break]

Dinner that night was a normal affair for Julien. He had enjoyed tasting menus all his life, though he hardly indulged in them. They were an occasional treat while the majority of his meals were simpler events. [break][break]

Still, the food that night was divine. Proper Kalosian food, he decided. Though he was less vocal about his pleasure, he could not help the smile that curled his lips through each course. Mei's obvious appreciation for the food only boosted his ego, and he watched her with interest from across the table. [break][break]

"No, I did not have the opportunity to witness that curiosity myself, unfortunately. I did hear the rumors," Julien replied, dabbing at the corner of his mouth with his napkin. "I've been occupied with the messy business of politics." [break][break]

He took a sip of wine, savoring the subtle, complex flavor. As he'd been pacing himself throughout the meal, he did not feel the slightest bit influenced by the alcohol. [break][break]

"Let me pose a question for you, Mei," he said, pivoting the topic slightly. "There's a charity event I'll be attending to represent the goodwill of Kalos, but it's all posturing." [break][break]

A flicker of disdain entered his face before vanishing just as quickly. [break][break]

"I'll give a speech about the strong friendship between Hoenn and Kalos, but the Hoenn government continues to refuse any actual aid. If you were me, what would you say to these Hoennians to encourage their cooperation?" [break][break]

The woman had a sharp, astute mind. Perhaps she could provide interesting insight.

TAGS – Mei Liu[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Mei had been somewhat less diligent about her alcohol intake, the subtle buzz of the expensive vintage loosening any lingering inhibitions. The only visible changes to her physical appearance were a brightening of her eyes and a slight flush to her cheeks, but the giddy delight she felt whenever Julien addressed her had been present long before the wine had begun to take effect.[break][break]
Mei's attention sharpened, however, sultry smile sobering into a thoughtful expression, as he made the unexpected request for her opinion regarding his upcoming speech. It was a somewhat intimidating question, but Mei did not back down from it. In fact, she relished the trust - preening slightly even as she weighed the various pros and cons of the different approaches he could take.[break][break]
"Nobody likes being thought of as a victim," she murmured, fingertip tracing the lip of her wineglass. "I would show them respect rather than pity. Our region is anomalous - dangerous - yes. But Hoenn is full of capable trainers, competent government officials, and brilliant minds."[break][break]
She eyed him, mouth quirking into a slight smile once more.[break][break]
"You may view their resistance to your aid as stubborn foolishness, and at its core, it is. But it is also pride, and it is also faith, and it is also determination. Laude the Hoennians for their devotion to their region, their belief in their own strengths, and their ability to remain steadfast through disaster after disaster. Make them appreciate you for being able to see them not as an ambassador hoping to broker a deal, but as an eager student of a safer region, desperate to learn from their courageous example - should Kalos be next."

TAGS – Julien Demassieux[break]
NOTES – Mission | Dress[break]

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Julien nodded slowly as he took in his companion's suggestions. "How insightful. It is a perspective I had not considered," he admitted. The smile on his lips widened. "I appreciate your opinion, Mei. It's refreshing." [break][break]

Waiters came to remove their empty plates. The final course of dessert had finished, and they were free to leave whenever they desired. A casual turn of his wrist allowed Julien to check the time. [break][break]

"It's still early," he said to Mei, lifting his gaze to meet hers. "Shall we get some fresh air? There's a small rose garden behind the restaurant." [break][break]

Without waiting for her answer, he stood, buttoned closed his suit jacket, and extended a hand to her.

TAGS – Mei Liu[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

His praise, complimented by a dazzling smile, sent a thrill through Mei. She grinned back, pleased, finding it easy to believe he truly did value her insight. She'd advised clients before, it wasn't an unheard of request, but there was something utterly compromising about the way he seemed to chew on her words as if they, too, were as delicious as the meal: worth savoring, and more importantly, worth remembering.[break][break]
The magic of the moment was broken by the wait staff beginning the process of clearing their table, however. An unhappy pang of disappointment nagged at Mei as the orchestral background music seemed to wind down as well. The dinner had flown by; it felt as if they were only just getting started learning more about one another, but now they would have to - [break][break]
Julien's eyes sparkled as he extended the invitation to visit the rose garden. Delighted, Mei eagerly took his hand, allowing him to pull her gently to her feet. She rounded the table, graceful movements the very definition of elegance, though inwardly, her joy was a childish thing - all giggles and kicking feet.[break][break]
"I could do with a little walking after all of that rich food," she replied, a hint of playful jest. Then she gazed up at him with sincere gratitude. "It was incredible - the best I've had in a long time."[break][break]
The rose garden was, indeed, small - and mostly barren, frost covering thorns. The tight quarters did not bother Mei, however. More reason to press herself close to Julien, taking his arm in hers. She remembered the hotel room, then, and the jacuzzi, and she ached to draw him down to her for a kiss. Not because it was expected, but because she wanted to.[break][break]
Instead, she stopped to admire a single white rose - one of the few that had endured the winter. Perhaps its snowy color had offered it some measure of protection.[break][break]
"I know you have important work to do on behalf of your government, ambassador," she murmured, then. "But what is it that you want?"[break][break]
All people had selfish desires, she knew.

TAGS – Julien Demassieux[break]
NOTES – Mission | Dress[break]

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Though Mei and Julien donned their coats for the walk in the garden, she pressed close to him, her hand tucked around his arm. He did not mind, finding himself pleased with the weight of her against his side. [break][break]

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself," he said, meaning it. [break][break]

They took their time strolling between the frost-laden bushes. Perhaps the walk would have been more appealing in another season, but the well-manicured garden reminded him of his mother's roses on the Demassieux estate. [break][break]

Still, lamps arranged carefully around the garden lent a warm, intimate glow to the area. A person might have called the scene romantic if they didn't know any better. [break][break]

In front of a single white rose, Julien contemplated his answer to Mei's question. After a moment, he exhaled, his breath clouding on the frigid air. "I suppose I have always wanted to be the best at what I do, no matter what it is." [break][break]

He met her gaze, pale gold locking with bright aquamarine. [break][break]

"I'm a second son. My brother Guillaume has everything: the title of Duke of Snowbelle, the land, our family's company. He has a beautiful wife and a darling daughter—the picturesque family." [break][break]

"As the second son, I've had to carve out my own space from the world around me and rise to the top through discipline and hard work." He lifted his chin, proud. [break][break]

"It was good for me and my character, but it's an existence that doesn't allow me to rest. I have moments of reprieve, yes, but I'd be a fool to think I can rest on my laurels so soon." The corner of his mouth curled into a smirk. "I don't say that to complain, mind you. I enjoy the challenge." [break][break]

Julien paused then, his eyes flickering over Mei's face as if to memorize her features. Surrounded by the soft glow of golden light and the gleam of frost, her beauty was so breathtaking that he did not wish to look away. [break][break]

"And what about you, Mei? What do you want, more than anything in this whole, wide world?"

TAGS – Mei Liu[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

As the second son...[break][break]
Mei listened, engrossed by every detail Julien was willing to divulge about his circumstances - about the past that had shaped him. Where there might have been resentment - for an older brother that had been handed success on a silver platter - there was only pride, and a steadfast confidence in his own capabilities. There was something admirable about a man who preferred the harder road, who embraced the difficulties his life had thrown at him.[break][break]
The way he was looking at her made her stomach flutter, so intense was his golden gaze. As for his question...[break][break]
Mei considered it, thinking back to when she had first left Kanto. She had wanted freedom then: the autonomy to choose her clients and her contracts. Now that she had that, what did she really want?[break][break]
Her free hand brushed against her abdomen, a seemingly absent gesture.[break][break]
"I want to take care of people," she murmured. "Children, especially." She paused, feeling the sorrow squeezing its way through her ribs. "I do it now, in a sense - but my reach is limited."[break][break]
She remembered what it had been like, to grow up homeless, on the streets of Celadon.[break][break]
"I was - am - an orphan. If I could give every lost little girl a better life, I would."

TAGS – Julien Demassieux[break]
NOTES – Mission | Dress[break]

[attr="class","pkmn"]

The way Mei brushed her abdomen with her hand was not lost on Julien. His gaze flickered to the fingers resting lightly on the area below her stomach. Briefly, he wondered if she wanted to raise a family. [break][break]

The image of her running after a happy toddler manifested in his mind's eye. He examined it with the detached coldness of an outsider, neither happy nor repulsed. [break][break]

Mei's confession drew Julien from his thoughts. Her answer should not have surprised him, considering the conversation they once had in a snowed-in hotel room. For some reason, he had expected a more ambitious, selfish wish. Only when she revealed her history as an orphan in Kanto did he understand her true desire. [break][break]

Not to have children, but to protect them. To ensure they did not grow up like she had. [break][break]

Julien's gaze shifted back to her face. "You continue to impress me," he said, his tone a mix of amusement and genuine appreciation. "Witty, astute, compassionate, charming… You certainly are a package deal, aren't you, Mei?" [break][break]

He took care not to mention her physical attributes. Any man could call an escort beautiful, but he doubted few ever thought to compliment her mind and character. [break][break]

Easing his arm from her grip, Julien wrapped it around her to pull her closer to him. His voice dropped lower, taking on an intimate note. "I'm fortunate to have had your company tonight. Remind me to invite you out more often." [break][break]

And then, because he was the selfish one, he pressed his mouth against hers in a fervent kiss.

TAGS – Mei Liu[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

"I'd like that - "[break][break]
The words had barely escaped her lips when Julien suddenly dipped down to capture her mouth in a passionate embrace - one she had been aching for, but had dared not seek too early, lest she break the spell that was their discussion: intimate and captivating in its own right.[break][break]
Each compliment - witty, astute, compassionate, charming - stoked the fire of her desire, spurring her into action as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She pressed her body closer, hungrily returning the kiss, devouring and devoted and determined not to waste even one second of their remaining time together.[break][break]
It felt so right to kiss Julien: as if this were the natural conclusion to an evening well-spent, the company immaculate and the conversation riveting; something as natural and subtle as breathing - undeniably necessary, required for survival.[break][break]
Normally, she would lean into her role as seductress, but there was no script for this, something that felt suspiciously like real affection.[break][break]
"Julien," she half-moaned, half-sighed his name, nails curling through silvery blond hair, kisses becoming more urgent.

TAGS – Julien Demassieux[break]
NOTES – Mission | Dress[break]

[attr="class","pkmn"]

As Mei melted in his arms, Julien held her fast against his body, savoring the feel of her beneath his hands. He took his time kissing her, tasting the flavors of their shared meal on her tongue. When she uttered his name in a breathy moan, he could not help the pleased smile that broke across his face. [break][break]

He had compromised her thoroughly. What a boost to his ego, that he had successfully seduced the seductress. [break][break]

For a brief moment, he considered extending their night together and taking her to a hotel there in Slateport City. But no—he had an early morning back at the embassy. It was better to send her home with her payment and return to his residence in Ever Grande. [break][break]

Still, he could not stop himself from teasing her. "Yes, Mei? What is it?" he asked.

TAGS – Mei Liu[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]