Julien blinked at Duncan's blithe comment. "Your Grace" was the proper way for someone of lesser status to address a Duke, especially since the men were not close. Julien considered Duncan an acquaintance at best. [break][break]

Still, it was even more improper to correct the Duke, so Julien simply offered a polite smile as the men shook hands. "I am, thank you. You look to be in good health as well." [break][break]

They took their seats, picking up the menu to peruse it. Julien's pale eyes fell upon the king crab when Duncan mentioned it. As he grew up in a city ringed by mountains, Julien was not as accustomed to seafood, but he was willing to try anything. [break][break]

"The king crab does look good," he agreed. "Are you in the mood for an appetizer? I might get a lobster bisque. This cold weather is perfect for soup." [break][break]

At that moment, a waitress appeared to take their drink orders. [break][break]

"Water with lemon, please."

TAGS – Duncan Calcifet[break]
NOTES – mission | outfit

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Dressed in casual clothing, Julien sat at a table in the window of a highly-rated seafood restaurant in Lilycove. While it was not as grandiose or luxurious as he usually preferred, its food had earned it one of the highest marks a restaurant could attain. Therefore, he had no reason not to try its menu. [break][break]

But he was not there to dine alone. Recent news of Duncan Calcifet's arrival in Hoenn had piqued Julien's interest; the men were acquaintances, having met during the latter's tenure as Kalosian ambassador in Galar. [break][break]

Though Julien has his misgivings about members of the Calcifet family, it would have been remiss of him not to extend a welcome to the Duke of Hammerlocke. [break][break]

The conversation led from one topic to another, until Duncan suggested they try some local cuisine during the upcoming Vital City Tournament. Naturally, Julien agreed. He selected this restaurant overlooking the sea and set a time and date for them to meet. [break][break]

Julien was reading the VCT rankings on his phone when movement in the corner of his eye drew his attention. Looking up, he found himself face-to-face with Duncan as he approached their table. Julien immediately stowed away his phone and stood to shake the other man's hand. [break][break]

"Your Grace," he said smoothly. "It's a pleasure to see you again."

TAGS – Duncan Calcifet[break]
NOTES – mission | outfit

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Fire reignited in Julien's belly when Mei grinned at the praise and leaned in to nuzzle him. [break][break]

"Eager for another round already?" he asked, more amused than amazed. Reaching over, he hit the switch to turn off the jacuzzi. "Let's get out of here and dry off first." [break][break]

He eased her off his lap and handed her one of the fluffy white towels folded at the side of the tub. After stepping out himself, he dried off and wrapped his own towel around his waist, then scooped her up princess-style to carry her to bed. [break][break]

[break]

The next morning, Julien received an email from the hotel that the roads had been cleared of snow and guests were free to leave as they wished. While Mei was still asleep, he showered and dressed in a change of clothes he'd brought with him. [break][break]

The mattress creaked as he sat down on the bed next to her. "Good morning, Miss Liu. I've already checked us out, so you can leave anytime before noon," he said, his voice low, as if he was speaking of something private. He set a thick envelope full of PD bills onto the bedside table. "Your payment." [break][break]

Gently, he brushed a lock of dark hair from her face, before sliding his knuckles down her cheek in a brief caress. Then he stood, collected his things, and left the room.

TAGS – Mei Liu[break]
NOTES – mission | outfit

[attr="class","pkmn"]

There was no doubt about it: Mei was an expert in her craft. Every movement of her hips and moan that fell from her mouth drew Julien deeper and deeper into her spell. If he was a lesser man, a weaker man, he would have fallen for her illusion. [break][break]

That she was his lover in truth, instead of a service being rendered. [break][break]

As Mei's pace quickened, Julien urged her on with hushed words breathed between grunts and groans. His hands gripped her hips, helping her bring them both to completion. [break][break]

And finally, she gasped. Her face contorted in pleasant confusion as a sudden "oh!" escaped her. The sight of her ecstasy pushed him over the edge. Stars burst in his vision, and something inside him snapped. Burying his face in her neck, he shuddered against her. [break][break]

Julien took three deep breaths to calm his racing heart, then raised his head. A lazy smile spread across his face as he gazed into Mei's eyes. "Good girl," he rumbled, genuinely pleased.

TAGS – Mei Liu[break]
NOTES – mission | outfit

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Julien offered Mari a mild smile. "It's no trouble at all." [break][break]

He led her around the rink—slowly, because he read her movements and the tightness of her grip as uncertainty. And when she confessed she hadn't ice skated in years either, he nodded in understanding. [break][break]

"We don't have to go very fast, if you like," he said. "And we can take as many breaks as you want, too." [break][break]

Julien had no reason to hurry her. Their outing was supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable, not full of fluster and panic. [break][break]

"How many years has it been for you?"

TAGS – marilee beaufort[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Julien stepped onto the ice with care, making sure to maintain his balance as he readjusted to the sensation of standing on thin metal skates. He tried to remember how many years it had been since his last turn around a rink. Three? Four? [break][break]

Either way, he was certain his body would remember how to move after a few minutes. [break][break]

"Come on! Get on with it already!" [break][break]

The impatient shout prompted Julien to turn, eyebrow arched curiously. He found Mari at the edge of the rink, anxiety and trepidation clearly written on her face. [break][break]

Behind her, a middle-aged woman stood with two teenage girls—her daughters, most likely. All three of them were glowering at Mari. [break][break]

"The rink is open all day and evening, ma'am. Surely you can wait just a few minutes for the young lady to get her bearings," Julien said to the older woman. Though his words were polite, his tone and glance were cutting. [break][break]

Reaching out, he offered his hand to Mari again and said in a softer voice, "You can hold onto me if you need, Miss Mari. I won't let you fall."

TAGS – marilee beaufort[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Though Mei's little strip tease was brief, she achieved her goal of arousing Julien further. When she settled onto his lap, he gripped her hips and pulled them flush against his. Water streamed down his arm as he lifted his hand out of the water to tilt her chin for a kiss on the mouth. [break][break]

"Very nice," he conceded, murmuring against her lips. Then he kissed her again, over and over, languid and unhurried. Unlike other men, Julien had no reason to rush after his pleasure. [break][break]

Yet the nature of their intimacy nevertheless stoked the flames of his passion. His hands wandered every inch of Mei's curves, caressing and squeezing her ample assets. His mouth trailed down her neck, nipping and sucking at her sensitive skin. [break][break]

Before long, Julien had enough of foreplay. Using his hands, he brought their bodies together at last. A soft moan escaped his lips as she enveloped him completely. Quiet praise followed, the encouragement laced with filthy words.

TAGS – Mei Liu[break]
NOTES – mission | outfit

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Mei was warm and sensual in Julien's arms, her lips soft like velvet. Her perfume filled his nose, and her fingertips teased caresses against his skin. A primal urge stirred in him when his name rolled off her tongue; he could not help the low sound in his throat when she pulled away. [break][break]

He followed her to the jacuzzi. Situated in a corner of the hotel suite against massive windows, it provided a gorgeous view of Petalburg City at night. The edge of the jacuzzi was wide enough for wine glasses or small plates of food, but Julien and Mei had no need for either. [break][break]

Starting the machine was easy enough, and within minutes, the rumble of its jets banished the silence of the room. Julien dipped his hand into the water to test its temperature and, finding it sufficient, stepped back to undress. [break][break]

He shed his shirt first, revealing a well-muscled fencer's upper body and arms. Then, without any shame, he stripped the rest of his clothing off before slipping into the jacuzzi. Taking up position in one corner, he sat with his shoulders and arms above the water. [break][break]

"Come here, Mei," he said, the mildness of tone making his words no less of a command. The expectation was obvious: he wanted her on his lap.

TAGS – Mei Liu[break]
NOTES – mission | outfit

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Lucilla barked happily at the head pats. As Eva stood, the Houndour trotted circles around the woman's feet, bumping her furry body against Eva's legs. [break][break]

The antics brought a soft smile to Julien's face before he glanced up again at Eva. "You're very kind. It would be rude of me to refuse," he said, his smile widening. [break][break]

Together, they walked over to the coffee cart. He waited patiently for his own cup of peppermint mocha and thanked his companion when he received it. The drink was way too hot to consume right away, so he cradled it in his hands, relishing its warmth that seeped through his gloves. [break][break]

"How have you been since we last saw each other?" Julien said to Eva as they stepped away from the cart. "Has anything in your research captured your interest?"

TAGS – Eva Morales[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Julien watched Mei's face, observing the way an unexpected surge of emotion bloomed within it, too complex and nuanced to name. The frankness of her answers thus far—and their surprising softness—intrigued him. [break][break]

At that moment, he understood the depths that existed beneath her beautiful surface. Cultivated over her short lifetime and born from personal struggle, she saw no need to hide them. [break][break]

Instead, she drew strength from them with the confidence of a woman who knew no fear. [break][break]

Julien had seen what he'd wanted to see: the quality of Mei's character. Satisfied, he rose from the chair and walked two steps to reach her side. [break][break]

He extended his hand toward her. If she took it, not only would he help her to her feet, but he'd slip his other hand around her waist and gently pull her against his body. [break][break]

"You can call me Julien," he said in a low voice, before dipping his head to capture Mei's mouth in a fervent kiss.

TAGS – Mei Liu[break]
NOTES – mission | outfit

[attr="class","pkmn"]

TAGS – Marguerite[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","credit"]

[attr="class","pkmn"]