Alison readjusted the fascinator upon her head with frustration. Charity events had never been her favourite pastime. But, as most of her useful skills revolved around such scenes, Alison had been instructed by Rocket to mingle at one. Intended to be a way of gathering intel on League, she began to wonder if this was their non-offensive way of trying to get rid of her for a day.

Because, as far as she could tell, no one here was of any significance.

Her eyes flitted up to the stage where the biologist stood. Alison faked a smile with every achievement they mentioned, the speech littered with biological jargon she could barely understand. She tried desperately to pay attention, but she found her mind turning to a more pressing matter in the room.

Her outfit.

Alison’s face pulled into one of mild disgust as her eyes dragged along the fabrics the biologist had seemingly thrown together seconds before crossing the stage. For an event intended to celebrate her accomplishments, the outfit was… definitely a choice. Alison knew she couldn’t blame the biologist for their fashion blindness. They spent most of their time in stained lab coats and khakis, after all. Though, as her eyes flitted over to the beauty of the Milotic, she couldn't help expecting better.

As the speech ended, Alison released an aspirated sigh. Swigging down another class of champagne from a passing waiter, she scanned the room of unfamiliar faces, searching. At this point, she just wanted someone to talk to. Anyone. 

As if by fate, a voice beside her made her turn suddenly. She blinked in disbelief. Delilah Silph? She’d recognise that face anywhere. For her own sake, though, she tried her best to hide it.

“I’d be lying if I said marine biology was a subject I was familiar with,” She whispered in response, matching Delilah’s playful tone. “I was worried if she said ‘Anthozoa’ one more time, a curse might suddenly be afflicted upon us.”

Alison tilted her empty class towards Delilah, feigning ignorance of her identity with an inquisitive expression. “You look familiar. Are you sure you aren’t an oceanography fan? I could have sworn I saw a poster of you and – Katy? – swimming with Finneons at the entrance.”

Delilah Silph | Outfit | Fascinator

☉

Alison made an ‘ah’ shape with her mouth, her eyebrows raising with faked shock and recognition.

“Delilah Silph? Oh wow, what a pleasure. I should have known it was you – you look stunning, as always.

Alison’s silver nails shimmered as they interlocked with the similar, manicured hand of Delilah.

“Alison. Everly.” Alison couldn’t help her gaze drifting to the Delilah’s nail varnish, to her elegantly flowing dress, to her hair cascading over the shoulders like ebony satin. God, it was nice to finally be around someone who also cared about their appearance. Too often she was surrounded by people with no affinity for fashion, for beauty. And since joining Rocket, it had become even worse. But Delilah’s perfectly powdered complexion, charm, and beautiful choice of dress was a sight for her sore eyes.

It was a shame who Delilah was affiliated with.

As guests began to move and mingle, Alison couldn’t help noticing Delilah’s gaze on her. Her look swam with a familiarity that she couldn’t quite place, a memory faded from too many years of attending events, of learning too many names. Alison wasn’t surprised she didn’t remember her, but she couldn’t help feeling a little butthurt.

“You might remember me from the Kalos Queen competitions,” she stated, a sly smile creeping up onto her lips. “I believe we actually met a few years ago at one of the showcases. I can barely remember it myself, it was so long ago, but I do remember you attending.”

Delilah Silph | Outfit | Fascinator

☉

Her laugh is clear, gentle. Practised and perfected to sound genuine, disarming.

“It’s okay, really. Don’t worry. I can imagine it can all be a lot to process. I don’t blame you for not remembering. There’s always too many names…”

Delilah’s throw-away comment didn’t go unnoticed by Alison. It was something she was aware of already - her brother’s wedding - yet many details failed her. Seeing it seemingly weighing on Delilah’s mind, however, made Alison keep it in the back of her mind.

At Delilah’s remark, a smugness tugged at her lips involuntarily. Delilah Silph calling her brilliant was something she couldn’t help revelling in. It was something Alison knew already, of course, but a Silph’s word was one she’d hold onto dearly. 

“Please. You flatter me. I’ve simply learnt from the best.” She gives Delilah a knowing look.

“And, oh, this and that,” she responds, waving her hand dismissively. “There’s only so many things you can win and do in Kalos. I had to start setting my sights a little further. A little higher. I needed a new challenge.”

Her eyes drift over the crowd of the charity event, over the many unfamiliar faces that whispered and laughed over glasses of alcohol. She guessed many knew as much about marine biology as her and Delilah, and she also guessed many were here for other reasons. Many for company. Many for gossip.

Many for information, much like herself.

“I see you’re still stuck doing these pleasantries,” Alison continues, “ I can’t say envy you.” She did envy her. A lot. Even if Alison hated these charity events, there was nothing she envied more than popularity – fame. Things Delilah would always have.

“You must get sick of it sometimes. How do you manage it all with–” she gestures with her glass “–everything else?”

Delilah Silph | Outfit | Fascinator

☉