Three months break, at the very least. It feels like forever since she's been sent on official Ranger duties. Ever since the dark patrol at Slateport Harbour, less missions had been sent her way at her request. Other than the occasional neighbourhood errand or dispute to settle, she'd mostly been holed up at home and keeping her head out of the waters. Hell, she'd even voted to skip the latest ranger meeting in favour of reading the newest book she had picked up from the store.[break][break]

Of course, she would read all the minutes later and actually thank her guardian angels that she didn't have to do any of that chummy congratulatory exchanges. Or deal with the supposed tensions over Raziel Beckett's new appointment and his previous dealings with Silph. Sure, she simply would have grabbed some food and watch the ladies fight things out, but when the conflict is started by the same few people at a time, it does get a little bland.[break][break]

"Sense anything, Ollie?" She breaks that thread of thought with a whistle for her buddy, a rare smile tugging at her lips as she watches him scrabble and rush back to her side. And as always, she'll offer him a scratch under the chin, listening to his growls and grunts in hopes of discerning some useful information.[break][break]

"Nothing so far, huh? It's all good, bud. We have a whole day ahead of us to check anyways."

That's not quite the answer I'm looking for, sunshine." She meets his joke with a weak smile. "Better learn quick or I'll banish you from my kitchen."[break][break]

_{ɯᴉɥ ɥʇᴉʍ lɐǝp oʇ ʎƃɹǝuǝ oN}[break][break]

Placing a measuring cup on the counter in front of him, she takes a bit to pass over some flour and sugar before sliding a notebook. Cursive letters line the page, instructions clearly and neatly written down.[break][break]

"Help me measure those out." Her hands are already busy with cracking eggs open, leaving butter to warm on the counter as she shuffles about trying to gather the other components. A lively mischief peppered with spots of polite silence is her usual but she's far too lost in thought this time, pausing slightly as she looks at the egg shells she allowed to drop into the bowl.[break][break]

[break][break]

What? And then get lectured about whatever trouble I never got into? Yeah right." She snorts at the sheer thought of her mother over the phone. "They're already looking for reasons to get me back home. I don't need to feed them any."[break][break]

Things are tough enough without having to worry about her freedom being stripped away. Had it not been for the concealer she'd actually spent time using this morning, LANCE VOLLANS might have caught the dark circles under her eyes. But even then, her voice lacks a certain luster that shines with her mischief, barely bubbling up between sips of hot chocolate.[break][break]

"Stand out a little less next time and maybe you won't get pulled into such things."[break][break]

At some point, she stops drinking it and turns to grab a jar of instant coffee powder, adding one teaspoon full to the cup and stirring.[break][break]

"Depends on how well you can listen to instructions." A light hum accompanies the shifting of ingredients over the counter, a measuring cup and bowls drawn from the cabinets as she counts under her breath. "I'm thinking something simple." Mostly because she just really feels like going back to bed already. "Do cookies work for you?"

Now this - Seconds of pure cheer and whatever unnecessary hype immediately being set ablaze by some horrible doomsday topic. Sure it's important to talk about and all, but this is why she hates attending parties. The drama that ensues is honestly... mildly disinteresting.[break][break]

There are smart ones, those who understand that people and pokemon will be devastated no matter what city or areas they choose. There are those who understand that there isn't any time to fight these decisions, that it's probably more well-spent planning on evacuation and how to shelter those who have been moved. Then, there are those who's words are clouded with emotions - Understandable, with what they risk losing and all but honestly...[break][break]

What do they care more about? Their homes? Or their lives?[break][break]

For once, in her coffee liquor-stained outfit and sleep-deprived state, she flicks a glare towards Laurence Anderson then SACHA ROSIER, her lips curling with disgust at the tone he uses. As for Julia Davis and Kaida Adachi, there is a softer gaze, one filled with more raw emotions as she pushes down the guilt of putting them through this.[break][break]

She'll apologise later when she's certain she won't see them crying over dead bodies.[break][break]

"Are you here to stir the pot or tell us what we need to focus on doing?"[break][break]

Her words taste so bitter. She forgets how much she hated being placed up upon that stage to address the crowd. But she's already started, so she has to wrap it up with whatever clarity she has left.[break][break]

"If you have time to draft up whatever strongly-worded letters about your displeasure on the chosen cities, you have time to start evacuation people and setting up temporary shelters. If you truly cared for your family... people or pokemon alike, ensuring their safety first is our best bet."

Amethyst eyes light at the sound of familiarity, a weak smile tugging at her lips as she hugs her elbows close.[break][break]

"That and a possibility of seeing you? Would be a pity to miss out, really..." She keeps herself busy by sneaking a piece of garlic bread from Amelia Livy's tray before crunching down on it. "I'll probably slip away when they start getting into serious business, ya know? Ollie should be done by then."

Two mugs sit on the countertop, filled to the brim with steaming hot chocolate and waiting to be snatched up at a moment's notice. But one goes untouched for now, the surface rippling as Zahra pushes the other cup towards LANCE VOLLANS.[break][break]

"Honestly, my mom would flip if she knew I let a guy into my house." She hums, turning her attention back to the kitchen bench. "Add on the whole ' the region is ending!' shenanigans and she'd be buying me the first plane ticket home."[break][break]

Her momentary pause for jazz hands is mixed with mild exasperation and mirth as she rolls her eyes soon after.[break][break]

"So before Hoenn gets destroyed and all, have you finally decided on what you want to bake?"

Sleepless - Undoubtedly showing up with partially messy hair and a homemade batch of tiramisu. The scent of coffee liquor drenches her sleeves, reaching her own nose when she reaches up to tuck strands of loose hair behind her ears.[break][break]

She really should have put this cardigan through the washer, shouldn't she? Oh well, she might as well just drop off this dessert first before slipping right back out. Then again, Alexei Ivanov or LANCE VOLLANS could very easily come knocking at her door and there'd just be this whole issue of having to come up with some excuse to skip out...[break][break]

When she turns her gaze to Ollie, he's already on the fallen slices of pizza, greedily gobbling whatever pepperoni happens to drop off a person's plate.[break][break]

Guess that means we're staying, huh?[break][break]

At least, until that bugger eats his fill.

She can say the same with regards to cheaters and all, but she zips her lips because she knows she's flaunted a rule or two before. Even if they were just light-hearted games, she'd rather not upset Lia right here and now.
[break][break]
"Perhaps, guardians of the sea. Titans of the land... I've only ever heard fairytales, but I sure would have loved to devote a bit more of my childhood to learning about them if I could."
[break][break]
Amidst all the pretty dresses and grandiose balls, etiquette and general knowledge had been the core focus of her life: Anything to ensure that the next heir of the Belskies wouldn't be looked down upon by others, nor pitied solely for her lineage or looks. Now that the sky's the limit and she's broken those chains, she's free to do as she pleases -
[break][break]
"And if you'd like to do a little bit of lorediving together sometime...?"
[break][break]
An invitation is extended between small talk, perhaps peppered with the possibility of free drinks. That and another day of slacking off instead of actually doing what they're supposed to.
[break][break]
"Oh, Snowbelle huh... It's usually bright because of all the snow, but better bright than hot really. I'd love to show you around if you ever decide to make a trip." Perhaps, even show her the secret hallways through her manor and little hiding spots sprinkled through the sleepy town. But hopes are always to be swept away for the more imminent wishes, desires that linger on the tip on one's tongue and yearn to see the smile of another.
[break][break]
Her gaze softens, her fingers already fishing for her wallet as she for a nearby stand.
[break][break]
"What flavours you thinking, hun?"

Probably important to those who want to show up on the leaderboards. For all you know, there could be a repeat of last year with some other legendaries crashing the award ceremony. I don't find much interest in that though. The peaceful life is my way to go." Tilting her head allows the cracking of her neck, a relieved sigh escaping her as she takes in a deep breath of salty air.[break][break]

That and well...[break][break]

"Whatever happened to partners in crime?" Even feigned disappointment can't hide that mischievous glint, her shoulders shrugging as she turns to lead the way. "Besides, the keyword is if. It's a festival! We're allowed to have fun too!"[break][break]

She's quick to clasp Lia's hands, lightly tugging her along as they stray off their patrol route towards the sunny beach. Plenty of kids are running about with their little pails and excitable pokemon, whereas other adults seem to be lazing about and getting in some good tans.[break][break]

"I'd honestly try that if I wasn't prone to being roasted alive." She pouts, flicking a hand in the direction of those brave beachgoers. "Snowbelle's weather isn't quite as merciless."

"No rest for the wicked, huh?" She grins, stretching her arms to the sky and taking a deep breath. "I don't suppose you know what all these crown thievery is about?"[break][break]

Violet eyes flit over the other woman, drinking in the stunning sight draped in the colours of a setting sun.[break][break]

"Do you think we can uh... maybe not? Just a secret between us~"