“It can.” He can accommodate most things, if Enzo chooses to do so. That’s the benefit of running this particular operation. “And what sort of person is the right sort, then?”[break][break]

It’s a genuine sort of curiosity that prompts him to ask, no matter how tailored his words might seem to those who interact with him during operating hours. “The latter, of course.” She stands out, it is as simple, and as complicated, as that.[break][break]

“Oh. No, no Miss Reyes.” His smile curls as he lifts her hand in his, the corners of his mouth just visible over the back of her hand and wrist when he presses a soft, but polite kiss against her knuckles. His eyes flitting up to meet the ruby glint of her own in tandem with the gesture. “I do insist that the pleasure is mine.”[break][break]

He does not hold on when she withdraws, fingers slipping away from his own with ease. Enzo follows suit and returns to his own drink, mirroring those small movements as his spare hand slips casually into one pocket. Presenting relaxation because it seems to suit her.[break][break]

“Ah, there is nothing wrong with a business call.” After all, whether Illeana is aware of it or not, most interactions in this area of the hotel tend to fall into that category. Still, he allows his expression to shift into something light and teasing in the face of how she demures.[break][break]

“Oh? Why not? Bit of a shame, that.”[break][break]

He cannot say he blames her, though. There is an air of formality there, and that is something he has very much worked to cater carefully. In his opinion, however, traces of warmth are still to be found. If only one knows where to look.

[break][break]
illeana reyes   | >:3

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A pithy, high noise sounds from the back of his throat. “Shouldn’t you, though? That is the point of this excursion, is not?”[break][break]

It sounds silly when he says it out loud– stealing the pearls off of pigs. How is any aspect of their task not utterly ridiculous?[break][break]

If he is meant to be intimidated by the way she turns her strange eyes toward him, Enzo proves to be a disappointment. Lilac glints back at her through the low dark, even and placid. A look that says, don’t bore me.[break][break]

“Your temperance leaves much to be desired, Miss Mori,” he remarks, nose wrinkling at the way she flashes her teeth at him like an angry dog. It strikes close to home, once again and he brushes off the memory of his own proclivity to snarl and snap when provoked.[break][break]

The edge she sits on is precarious, like the fine line of a honed blade. The tension traces the outline of her frame, sharpening her up, and perhaps it is foolish to rile her further, but Enzo (despite his admonishment,) cannot help but act as a whetstone. Flinty and provoking.[break][break]

“Manners, Margot.”[break][break]

If she is going to be clipped with him, he will be in turn. Rather than move as she insists, Enzo examines his nail beds. Still seated rather comfortably, his houndoom pacing the ground beside the headstone.[break][break]

“What is there to respect? I’m curious.”

[break][break]

+ margot mori    | pearls before swine

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Maybe the young Cross has more resolve than Enzo has estimated. He skirts the slight attempt at prying and keeps to his goal of speaking with Enzo about his agenda.[break][break]

It, at least, impresses him enough to quiet the need to continue fishing for more information on what’s going on with Wyndon Pharma in the wake of the father’s demise.[break][break]

And how it’s affected jayden cross as a result.[break][break]

It could be assumed that Enzo is treating this whole visit with a degree of flippancy, and while that might not be wholly untrue, he is curious to what Jayden might offer him. He’s skeptical in the wake of the new Rocket cleaning house. He’s not unfamiliar with the rumors of what has happened to other, less accommodating members of the previous ranks.[break][break]

But he is pleased with what is presented to him, and while his chin continues to rest in the cradle of his fingers, Enzo cracks a grin. Liquid smooth with approval, but wolfish all the same. “We did work quite well together, yes. And it is a shame for Rocket to lose a valuable chess piece. I do admit, though, I’ve been wondering if an offer would be extended, and I am certainly interested.”[break][break]

At the last addition, he does lift his head. Only for it to tilt to one side in interest. “And why is that so, Little Cross? By virtue of your father’s connections, or something else all your own?”

[break][break]

jayden cross   | m: recruitment act i. | you got a mobile order for him, starbo boy??

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He didn’t have ties to consider here. There were, perhaps, a few individuals he’d care enough to see safe if the world began to crumble and deteriorate around them, but Enzo was a solo operative for exactly those reasons. Avoiding excess attachment meant avoiding both vulnerability and reckless action. Idly, he wondered what Zev might hold dear. If he did.[break][break]

Enzo hummed in thought, the sound low in his throat. “I can understand the struggle.” It wasn’t just ammo that had become more difficult to import, but nearly everything necessary for jobs like theirs. “I’m afraid to say I’ve been in much the same boat for the past few months.”[break][break]

His head tilted as he considered the available options. There were other means of doing what was necessary, of course. Such as training, like Zev had been recommended. However, it wasn’t all that helpful in a pinch, wasn’t it? In situations where pokemon might not be as easily accessible as an inanimate weapon.[break][break]

“I’ve managed to find a few. Scarce though they may be.” Still, however, there were more factors to consider. Would it help him, or harm him if he gave up the few names he’d managed to scrape together since the dome had come down? Would it mean he lost out on some aspects of business because that business was being shifted elsewhere?[break][break]

Rather than readily offer, Enzo held his tongue in favor of how Zev might proceed–if he’d barter, or ask outright. He downed the remnants of his old fashioned and wrapped his knuckles on the bartop in request for a fresh drink.

[break][break]
Zev Harcourt | m: sleepless in slateport

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“You say that now, but you’re going to be sorely disappointed, Kosei,” he snapped back, his own arms folding as his head turned away stubbornly. This was the stupidest thing they could’ve subjected themselves to. He couldn’t afford to lose. Not if he was giving up the few amenities he currently had for this.[break][break]

A nasally hmph sound of triumph slipped free as Enzo practically flounced past Kosei after the surprise smack. The other hadn’t been expecting it and it showed. And if he wanted to fight Enzo for it, then he’d oblige. Kosei seemed to be under some sort of impression that just because Enzo had some finer tastes, he was weaker for it. But that was far from the truth. He had lofty goals. Ideas about things. Yet his earlier days within the ranks of Rocket had seen him as no more than a glorified butcher. And whether Kosei realized it or not, Enzo had reveled in the displays of what he could do with some applied brutality.[break][break]

He had simply learned how to control himself. Well, mostly. He wasn’t quite perfect at the notion of poise just yet. He was still working on it. Carving away the bits of himself that made him look more like a feral thing. If Kosei was the trained, orderly hound, then Enzo was the uninhibited wolf.[break][break]

Their earlier lives had been vastly different. There had been no strict routines for the young Enzo–he’d had to survive by his own means. His own methods and tactics and fangs. So while he acted huffy and entitled, there was a cord of steel under the surface. Even when he scoffed and placed a hand on his chest, violet eyes wide with affront. “Who ever said I wasn’t handling my own shit? I can’t believe it–he has so little faith in me because I’ve asked for directions.”[break][break]

But rather than split off in a different direction, Enzo followed. Petulantly so.

[break][break]

+ Kosei Kiryu | deserted island | 8 years ago!!

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Despite the terse briefness that Kosei tried to act with, Enzo knew that he was at a slight advantage here. Kosei needed the job, and no matter how swift he wished to be about doling out assignments and tasks, he was at Enzo’s will. Because when push came to shove, he was a good contact for work. Simple as that.[break][break]

Of course he accepted the perfunctory offer, though. Enzo stifled the urge to sigh and moved to the corner of the office rather than sit in one of the plush chairs as he would’ve preferred. “Only the best blend for my…honored guest.” He tossed a flattened stare back toward Kosei, implying he didn’t believe the title worthy of being bestowed upon him.[break][break]

With Miu distracted by Cassius, Enzo took to the conversation–talking as he worked the lid of a carafe loose to pour out still-hot coffee into two mugs. Contained steam rolled out of the newly opened spout and rose up off of the dark liquid. “So you’re still willing to get your hands extensively dirty, then? I’m surprised.” There was a mocking note there in his voice as he turned back toward the other with both mugs in hand.[break][break]

There were no additives. If Kosei wanted cream or sugar, that was unfortunate.[break][break]

Handing one of the cups over, Enzo’s head tilted as the smug edge to his smile returned. “Isn’t so easy scrubbing the blood from under your nails then, is it?”

[break][break]
Kosei Kiryu | xoxo

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Enzo wouldn’t be caught dead in full costume. But unfortunately, he couldn’t deny the sad puppy eyes of a kid, either. How laughable–done in by one little girl hellbent on seeing him geared up for trick or treating. At least he could take satisfaction in the fact that Kosei was forced to suffer his presence. After all, it was his insistence that they wander some of the nicer streets in Mossdeep. The larger homes doled out the nicer candies. The full-size candy bar kinda good. [break][break]

Still, he’d bartered with Miu, and they’d reached a little compromise. He was not allowed to wear one of his tailored suits, though he wasn’t exactly dressed down either. Black cable knit sweater (yes, with the collar of a light gray button down folded over the neck and with the slightest glimpse of the knot of an orange tie,) and black slacks. And ugh, gray sneakers. This was a decent exception for wearing something apart from a full on costume. The caveat being the devil tail hooked to his back belt loop and the headband with the large spiraled houndooms were known for.[break][break]

The actual houndoom along for the walk with them was not so fortunate. Cassius walked glumly alongside Enzo, clipped to his leash and stuffed into an obnoxiously bright magikarp suit. Enzo knew he wouldn’t be forgiven for this for a while to come.[break][break]

“Have I told you yet that you look ridiculous?” He said to Kosei, over the top of Miu’s head as they walked the block toward the next brightly lit house, as other children ran about to collect their treats. “I feel like I forgot to tell you how ridiculous you look.” He had not.

[break][break]

+ Kosei Kiryu | m: tricking or treating | cassius’ costume…

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“Interesting choice for the heir to a massive pharmaceutical company,” he muses in response, thoughtful gaze resting on jayden cross as if he’s some specimen to be studied. It is curious, isn’t it? Though maybe he thought he’d have a bit more time to get his legs under him before unfortunate circumstance set it and responsibility loomed overhead.[break][break]

He doesn’t ask outright, however–content to leave it be for the time being in favor of figuring out why he is here, visiting Enzo of all people.[break][break]

Enzo lifts one shoulder in a shrug of acceptance. “That I am.” His steepled fingers lace together, and while still watching the young man fidget a bit, drops his chin to rest against them. “I do appreciate the promptness, Mr. Cross.” Rather than press, he waits for Jayden to find his words.[break][break]

Then smiles back, honey-saccharine and curious.[break][break]

“So it seems. This is a good venue for overhearing the most interesting things.” His brow lifts slowly. It’s no secret that he was formerly affiliated with the former iteration, but despite the years of experience, Enzo by no means wishes to be considered old guard. He jumped ship nearly as soon as things went south. So– in one hand there is potential, and in the other threat.

Which one has been brought to his stoop today, he wonders.

[break][break]

jayden cross   | m: recruitment act i. | you got a mobile order for him, starbo boy??

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There is a slight tilt of his head, another brief flash of teeth. “I’m sure that can be arranged easily.”[break][break]

It’s a bit cute, the way she acquiesces to his assistance with a degree of elusivity in her smile. She is playing at something outside of her normal, and she knows as much, but does so anyway. He can understand the sentiment, though Enzo has an impression that the reasoning as to why probably doesn’t align with his own.[break][break]

He hums in quiet assent, eyebrows lifting in tandem with a short nod. “Of course I do.” His finger taps against the side of his glass, ring clinking against the surface. “A pleasure, Miss Reyes. De Luca, Enzo.” He offers his free hand out to her then in gesture.[break][break]

“I see.” Leaning against the bar, he settles one elbow on the glossy surface and allows his chin to settle in the cradle of his palm. There’s a flicker that passes through his eyes, and it’s undoubtedly the sort of interest that betrays his want for gain. “And is this a business meeting, if I might ask? Social call, maybe?”

[break][break]
illeana reyes   | >:3

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“Do you even know how best to find spoink, Miss Mori?” Enzo asks casually, head rolling to the side to look over at margot mori as they wander among the countless rows of tombstones that comprise the eerie grounds around Mt. Pyre. “Maybe if you snuffle like one, they’ll come hopping.”[break][break]

He smiles thinly, lilac eyes narrowed but placid as he observes his partner of the evening. It’s not often that he wanders away from Mossdeep often–and by consequence, his hotel as well. But even Enzo can’t avoid being called to task by their organization. And really, despite the scrutiny, he doesn’t fully mind Margot.[break][break]

She’s a newer member, and only one he’s somewhat acquainted with–hard-edged and sharp. One might think he’d have little regard for the frenetic pulse of chaos that seems to just roll off of her presence, but Enzo perhaps is more than his appearance might denote. And there is something in her that he recognizes, silently so.[break][break]

Low-hanging fog curls around their heels, and in an act of disregard, he perches halfway on one headstone–neatly so. Arms folding and ankles crossed in a casual lounge. He is better suited for barrooms and leather chairs for this sort of posture, but he’ll make due. Even his clothing is carefully tailored as opposed to the more rugged-ware he probably should have opted for.[break][break]

Contented to wait for what might appear. And also curious to see what she might do when faced with either pokemon on their collective radar.[break][break]



[break][break]

+ margot mori    | pearls before swine

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THE HANGED MAN

vincenzo de luca

Zev accepted his presence simply, and it was this air of acceptance that Enzo appreciated about his acquaintance. Despite his penchant for social niceties, there was no need to put on airs for Zev–they could cut straight to the chase without pretending there might be more innocuous reasons for his appearance at the hotel.[break][break]

“An unfortunate truth,” he replied with a desolate sigh. At one time, he’d considered setting up there given the bustle that Slateport seemed rife with. But no, business did better here where it was a slight degree removed. A destination location. And if someone really wished to hide out or find a particular type of work, they now knew Mossdeep was good for it. “Glad to hear Howling is servicing you well, however.”[break][break]

Enzo listened as the other man went on about the state of affairs elsewhere, nodding at the appropriate moments with quiet hums as he sipped from his glass. “I suppose if war is what it must come to, then we have no choice but to prepare.” His head rolled to the side to look over at Zev, a lax smile curling the edge of his mouth. “So long as they don’t do battle in my foyer, they can level the rest of the city as much as they please.”[break][break]

The rule of civility continued to be set hard and fast here. But that did not mean Enzo himself was wholly pristine, even as he played at being somewhat neutral despite his obvious alignments. Outside of his management, however, he wasn’t always so pristine in his actions.[break][break]

That, however, was of little importance at present. Enzo was much more curious about what Zev might need from him. And if not from him, then from here. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

[break][break]
Zev Harcourt | m: sleepless in slateport

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