"like, uh, four, five times, maybe. it was wild."[break][break]

even if he isn't aware of it, he finds himself on the same page as her using small talk to skirt around what awaits them: the shower that continues to heat up in the background.[break][break]

as his fake arms fall to the floor, he reaches for his belt, unbuckling it before sliding his pants off. they fall, lapping over his fake arms.[break][break]

"it should wash right off...i hope."[break][break]

he chuckles, then reaches for her hand.[break][break]

"come on. before we run out of hot water."

[attr="class","ooc"]calla roth[break]
mission![break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-machamp color-shiny"]

his real arms lift slightly to allow her the necessary space needed to undo the straps of his fake arms. yes, it's real tiresome work, and it's a wonder he was able to get into them in the first place.[break][break]

"i, uh—" he laughs when tickled—practically giggles—only to reach a hand down to playfully slap her tickling fingers. "—had the uber driver help once we got to the bar. dude earned that tip, holy."[break][break]

his two fake arms soon fall to the ground.

[attr="class","ooc"]calla roth[break]
mission![break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-machamp color-shiny"]

it's the small acts that often have him falling. like how she presses a kiss against his palm. or how her face still seems to redden as though it were possible.[break][break]

what next?[break][break]

"i'll look forward to the next time."[break][break]

for now, he leans in to give her a quick kiss before stepping away briefly to start the shower. water pours, cold at first only to quickly turn warm.[break][break]

he's careful not to turn because his machamp arms would just go slapping everything. so, with a gesture and a sheepish chuckle, he gestures to the straps behind his waist.[break][break]

"could you help me with this please?"

[attr="class","ooc"]calla roth[break]
mission![break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-machamp color-shiny"]

her comment draws a chuckle from him, equally as soft as her touch that draws along his neck. he dips his head in a nod, conceding that, yes, he is in fact very green.[break][break]

"and you're very red."[break][break]

his hand reaches up to her cheek, teasing in the way he smiles at her.[break][break]

"it's a good look on you."

[attr="class","ooc"]calla roth[break]
mission![break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-machamp color-shiny"]

uri. hearing his name whispered by her feels electrifying. grounding, even. and in that moment he knows there's nowhere else he'd rather be.[break][break]

"cal..."[break][break]

almost gently, he watches her, and it's only after her dress meets the floor does he dare to reach a hand up. his fingers brush against her bare shoulder, tracing down along her collarbone.[break][break]

"cal...you're just—beautiful."

[attr="class","ooc"]calla roth[break]
mission![break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-machamp color-shiny"]

almost effortlessly, his arms slide down before he lifts her up, carrying her close as his green-painted skin presses into her delicate-white outfit. the kiss deepens, quickens, even, as he carries her through his apartment.[break][break]

a stumble or two later finds them in the bathroom. again, the lights flick on automatically, and he pulls away from the kiss only to peer into her eyes.[break][break]

no words escape him. he simply smiles, breathless as he leans his forehead against hers.

[attr="class","ooc"]calla roth[break]
mission![break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-machamp color-shiny"]

uriah could definitely model for the pea brand, no doubt. he'd even go into the shoot having done his own makeup to save them some costs. that sounds like a good pr gig, actually. not like he'll remember it, though.[break][break]

and while her answer should not have been a surprise, it makes him feel light. happy.[break][break]

"okay."[break][break]

however, in an act of boldness, he leans down to kiss her once again.

[attr="class","ooc"]calla roth[break]
mission![break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-machamp color-shiny"]

even though he can't see himself, uriah knows he looks ridiculous. the outfit would come off easily but the green paint? not so much. it's why, despite his desires, he hasn't kissed her just yet.[break][break]

"i'm sure i look ridiculous, cal."[break][break]

he chuckles. his free hand rises to her cheek.[break][break]

"...do you wanna shower together?"

[attr="class","ooc"]calla roth[break]
mission![break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-machamp color-shiny"]

"good point. mine it is."[break][break]

his hand holds hers a little tighter before leading them down the now empty sidewalks of the upper district.[break][break]

every now and then, they come to a cross where they're forced to stop and wait for the light to turn green. then they cross, and on and on they go until, finally, they arrive at his place.[break][break]

an elevator ride up later, and they arrive at his apartment.[break][break]

"i swear i'm not usually this messy."[break][break]

he's just been busy, that's all.[break][break]

the lights automatically flick on once they step in, revealing his (almost) penthouse apartment that's spacious and modern but cozy in a sense.

[attr="class","ooc"]calla roth[break]
mission![break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-machamp color-shiny"]

"yes, ma'am."[break][break]

but not before reaching for one of the many red cups still on the table. it would be a shame to waste them, after all. with her hand in his, he leads them through the bar and out the exit. no need to pay as it'll just be on uriah's tab.[break][break]

the cool air of slateport brushes by them.[break][break]

"so, uh, my place or yours?"[break][break]

because his place is a mess. but then again, he just takes the assumption that they're going to end up at either one of their places. she could've just been asking to go to a different bar.[break][break]

regardless, he's said it, so he stays committed to it.

[attr="class","ooc"]calla roth[break]
mission![break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-machamp color-shiny"]

luckily, as though fate willed it, she finds his real hand, grounding him in the moment which is good timing as her question attempts to rip him off his feet.[break][break]

his heart drops, skipping even if he knows the answer.[break][break]

"yeah."[break][break]

he squeezes her hand.[break][break]

"let's get out of here."

[attr="class","ooc"]calla roth[break]
mission![break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-machamp color-shiny"]

it's a fleeting moment but the warmth persists only to spread at the sound of her laughter. he returns one as well, breaking into a smile.[break][break]

"yes! very much alive and well."[break][break]

he wishes he could just kiss her again.[break][break]

"lucky you."

[attr="class","ooc"]calla roth[break]
mission![break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-machamp color-shiny"]

he mirrors her movements and slips his hands up along the curve of her jaw, tender in the way he holds her, longing in the way he kisses her.[break][break]

it ends before he knows it, and when he pulls away, he finds himself peering down into her eyes, now standing properly.[break][break]

what does he say now? what can he say?[break][break]

"cured."

[attr="class","ooc"]calla roth[break]
mission![break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-machamp color-shiny"]