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Vanessa raised her eyebrow at the last option. Who would just admit that they were a member of team Rocket like that to a stranger? It was even more peculiar since Vanessa was getting involved with them herself. Even more curiously he hid his hand from her on purpose, distracting her as he leaned closer to her. [break][break]

Still, normally Vanessa considered herself to be quite good at guessing games. She hummed as she leaned closer to him, holding his gaze. "Let's see..." she said as she studied him some more. Using this as an excuse to just get a better look at his face in the dim light. "I'd say... the engagement is a lie."[break][break]

After all, would the tension in the air be like this if he was betrothed? Then again, it wouldn't be the first time she'd seen a scenario like that. She'd wait for the Count to tell her if she was right or wrong before continuing with her own. "Hmm, yours was really good. I wonder if I can top it."[break][break]

She said with a mischievous grin on her lips. "I once stole a priceless gem from a famous museum in Kalos. I'm the leader of a successful performance group. And...I've never spent the night with someone I just met." As Vanessa listed off each of her statements she held up a slender finger to keep track. [break][break]

"Now, what will it be hot stuff?" she said with a giggle. "Which one is the lie?"

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The company she was surrounded by was lovely and she had fully intended to give them her undivided attention but her phone began to vibrate profusely in her dress pockets so she just had to see what was going on. After giving it a quick glance over she realize the group chat she had for the Troupe leaders was going haywire due to an emergency. [break][break]

This was awful timing because the members needed to be ready for their performance that was imminent. With an inaudible sigh Vanessa's fingers flew across the screen as she attempted to speedily put out the fires. At least, as much as she could do from here. Her team assured her that she didn't need to come see them in person and that they had it under control, so she trusted that they told the truth.[break][break]

One things were manageable, she noticed that Underboss Elisabeth Fiorelli had already made her departure. With a slight pout Vanessa turned to her boba tea and instead snuck in a flask of her own into the mix. Nothing was better than her two favorite worlds colliding, alcohol and sweets. Vanessa kept her eyes peeled for the performance her members put on, proud to observe them from afar. [break][break]

Something always had to go wrong leading up to a performance but the members always managed to make it through one way or another. After the show and the gift exchange, she was given the perfect gift, cool drinking flasks that were already filled much to her delight. Azure hues twinkled when a newcomer joined the group at the boba bar.[break][break]

She offered a sweet smile in greeting to Aidan Hereford before she was caught up by the kiss cam shenanigans. "Oh," she gasped with a flushed face. "We do shit the organic way, fuck a kiss cam," Vanessa nodded and chuckled in agreement. "Couldn't have said it better myself." she said with a smile. Besides, she was sure that could lead to misunderstandings and she didn't want any with Troy MacQueen. Speaking of, she wondered if he was holding up okay on his own.[break][break]

".. tryna hit the slots? We could pick up a few others on the way, assuming they can hold a conversation longer than two minutes." With a tilt of her head Vanessa considered for a moment before shrugging. "Sure, sounds like fun." It shouldn't hurt to play a few games here. With a quick glance to the mystery man beside her she tilted her head. "You're welcome to join us, the more the merrier."

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"Only if you get closer."[break][break]

Vanessa raised and eyebrow at him for a moment before chuckling and deciding to stand up. As she did so, some of the glitter from her costume dusted the area around her. Brushing herself off she made her way towards the Count and sat beside him. "It'll be easier to pass the flask back and forth."[break][break]

This was the first time she'd seen a smirk on his features all night. "Riiight," she teased. "You sure you just didn't want some company?" she giggled before taking the flask back. "We'll do a simple one." she said with a slight tilt of her head. "Two truths and a lie." pulling her knees close to her chest she leaned against them and smirked.[break][break]

"Pretty straight forward but with a little twist. We'll take turns asking each other questions. From the question we'll tell two truth's and a lie. Then the other has to guess which one is a lie. If you're wrong, you drink. Sound good?" Vanessa loved playing games so she could do this all day. "You can go first. Ask away."

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Ever since arriving in the region Vanessa has been ever the busy little bee. She wasn't complaining though, it was good to have her hands full with stuff to do. After all, she had a lot of people to look after and if she wasn't doing anything, she often felt like she was a failure.[break][break]

Call it confessions of a workaholic, but she just had to be doing something. With that in mind, when she had suggested that they relocate to Hoenn most of her people agreed and stood behind her. It was no easy feat to uproot their life in Unova and come here. Especially when they were at the height of popularity over there, just to start over here. [break][break]

But Vanessa wanted better opportunities for her and her team. What they were doing was fine, but they could do so much more. She was ambitious to a fault but that just meant that her heart was in the right place. After all, she'd do whatever she had to, to ensure that those she was looking after were properly cared for.[break][break]

With that being said, it was no surprise that she found herself aligning with Hoenn's Team Rocket. The Troupe were criminals after all. If they were going to continue their work, she'd prefer to having the backing of a big organization like Rocket. So she handled all the nitty gritty details. [break][break]

And when they asked her to retrieve the jewels for them, she agreed to handled it on her own. No need to get the Troupe involved in this just yet. Vanessa was more than capable of doing such jobs on her own. A bright grin formed on her lips as her heels clicked across the floor. The blonde placed the briefcase on the table with a satisfied huff. [break][break]

"See for yourselves," She practically purred as she snapped the case open and twirled it around for them to see. She wasn't dealing with any higher ups just yet. This was just a trial and easy introductions. But they'd be able to tell that she was capable. After all, she'd secured these gems in record time. "So, what do you think?" she asked with a confident smirk and hand on her hip.

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Vanessa loved Christmas. Almost as much as she loved Halloween. Honestly, the two holidays were neck and neck tied for first place in her heart. But there was just something magical about the Christmas season that had her in a chokehold and refused to let go. Once she had heard that Rocket was putting together a ball for all involved she just knew she had to get in on it somehow.[break][break]

Sure, she hadn't been in the region for long, but this was the perfect opportunity to showcase the Phantom Troupe to everyone around, get the word spreading amongst her peers. It paid that she now had made connections with Admin howard slayte as well. So once all the legalities were squared away, she was able to get the Troupe booked as some of the entertainment for the evening. Honestly, a major success in her books so she was thoroughly excited for it.[break][break]

Vanessa hadn't expected to receive an invitation to tonight's festivities from Troy MacQueen but it was certainly welcomed. They had bonded briefly when they met at a Halloween party and seemed to hit it off quite nicely. At least, that's what she believed. Their banter floated between teasing and flirtation but there was something there, she just wasn't sure what yet.[break][break]

Like a gentleman, he picked her up once she was ready and they made their way towards Casino Starlight. It was her first time being here so she couldn't help but be amazed at how everything turned out. The location was beautifully decorated and the people around her were dressed to the nines. Well, some of them. Other's opted for something more...casual. More holiday themed with their Christmas sweaters. She found it cute as she softly chuckled, taking it all in.[break][break]

Vanessa herself had gone for a more formal look. Her ensemble a deep wine red to match the festive colors of the season. She'd nearly suffocated getting the corset fitted properly but the end result left her feeling pleased. While she entered on Troy's arm they were separated briefly, which was fine for her, Vanessa wanted to go and meet other's this evening as well.[break][break]

Not to mention she'd need to check in with her performers to make sure everything was ready for their performance later. With that, she managed to sneak off and speak to one of her members. After she was sure everything was settled nicely she went to drop off her gift for the white elephant exchange.[break][break]

It wasn't much, just a scented candle bundle with redeemable tickets to one of the Troupe's upcoming shows. It was wrapped beautifully though. Vanessa had a sort of...hidden talent when it came to gift wrapping, she was honestly quite proud of that. Once the gift was safely deposited under the tree she turned around to see what she should do next.[break][break]

Normally she'd beeline straight for the alcohol but this time her azure orbs caught something much more appealing to her. It was true that Vanessa had the biggest sweet tooth among her peers and it just so happened that she saw a boba tea bar in front of her. "Perfect" she hummed as she approached.[break][break]

Xiura Balfaltin's assortments had Vanessa's sapphire hues sparkling like a kid's in a candy shop. There were so many flavors, so many options available to her and she honestly wanted to try them all. "Mmm, how about brown sugar to start me off?" she smiled sweetly to the woman before turning her gaze towards those seated close to her.[break][break]

Taking her own seat at the bar she took in the ensemble of Elisabeth Fiorelli and ALOE EON. "You two look amazing." she would say after their conversation offered her a moment to interject. She didn't want to be rude after all. Leaning her cheek against her wrist an amused smirk pulled on the corner of her lips. "Word on the street is that spiking your boba is the hottest trend right now." she said with a giggle. "Could be fun."

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Vanessa nodded as she listened to the Count explain his reasonings for seeking solace in solitude. She could sympathize with him. After all, she had attempted to escape all the attention herself. Though she wasn't exactly as successful as he. Humming to herself she looked around the room. Since it would seem they would be locked here for a bit they might as well have a little fun right?[break][break]

Rustling around in the hidden pockets in her dress she pulled out a steel flask before unscrewing the top and popping it off. Taking a long swig from the chilled flask left a burning sensation in her throat from the liquor but that's what she liked. Azure orbs glanced over towards the man slumped against the door as she pondered a single question in her head. [break][break]

They were both gonna be here for a minute so it wouldn't hurt to mingle right? Surely he wouldn't lump her together with the annoyances he had attempted to escape from. She extended her flask to him with a smile on her face. "Want some?" an amused glint flashed in her eyes. "Though I'm not sure if Hennessy is your pick of poison. It's okay if not."[break][break]

"Hmm," she hummed as she tapped an index finger against her plump lips. "Drinking alone is no fun, how about a little game to go with it?"

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The rattling from the door quieted down, meaning that her pursuer had given up and Vanessa knew that she had this kind stranger to thank for that. But that being said, she was now in another complex situation. She was essentially stuck here with someone she didn't know in a dim lit room....[break][break]

Nessa sighed softly and ran her fingers through her blonde curls. Ah well, it wasn't so bad. She'd just stay here for a bit and then sneak her way back out to the party. By then the excitement should've died down and people wouldn't be swarming her, at least she could only hope. When the hottie from earlier spoke up, calmly complementing her performance, Vanessa felt her pride swell as she sat up a little straighter.[break][break]

"Thank you, we work hard to make it an enjoyable experience for everyone." A practiced line but one she genuinely believed and felt nonetheless. While the Troupe might be a cover for their nefarious other deeds, they all still genuinely loved entertaining. It's part of what made work so fun for them.[break][break]

Vanessa's azure orbs studied him for a moment before she crossed her legs and rested her arms against them as she leaned forward. "So, what's your story...Count?" she said as she playfully referred to him as his costume's title. Count Dracula was famous after all. "What made you seek solitude back here?" she asked with a coy smile playing on her lips. "Too many thirsty hotties pining after you?"

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It would seem that Vanessa wasn't as stealthy as she thought. She supposed it was due to her shining presence and her ensemble, either way, someone had been following her as she made her retreat towards this back room. "Ms Fairy..." came the slurred callout from one of her fans as the doorknob rattled. [break][break]

She really didn't want to deal with this now. Vanessa just needed one moment to herself. She resisted the urge to sigh heavily as she held on tightly to the doorknob. Moments later a strong hand stretched out above her holding the door shut. "You look like you need a moment, Blondie."[break][break]

With a sharp gasp, Vanessa whips around practically jumping out of her skin, clearly startled. "Wha--" the banging from the fan trying to enter rattled the frame and interrupted her protest. Clamping a hand over her mouth she glanced back towards the door. Now that she got a better look, this position was quite...[break][break]

More banging on the door continued as the fan was eager to enter the room. A slight blush colored her cheeks. This 'Dracula' was quite attractive, but this whole situation was still a lot for her. After all, just who was this man? The man nods in the direction towards the bed as he continues to keep the door shut. It was clear he wanted her to move.[break][break]

Vanessa hesitates for a moment, unsure of what to do in this sudden situation. For one, she was now stuck in here with a stranger, but then again she was running from one too. And thought one was already inebriated so who knows what that interaction could lead to or what problems could occur. [break][break]

With a subtle nod she retreats towards the bed and sits down with a soft 'plop'. "Sorry about that." she whispered, though her volume was loud enough for him to hear. "I wasn't aware the room was occupied when I went in."

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October was nearing it's end which meant the spooky festivities were about to begin. This time of year was easily a fast favorite for Vanessa. Mostly because it was an excuse to eat sweets and dress up, even though she did that normally, regardless of the holidays. Still, it was something about the spooky season that was near and dear to her heart.[break][break]

This evening in particular, she and a few of her other Phantom Troupe family had been hired to put on a little show at this Halloween party. it was nothing in scale to their usual theatrics in their own domain, just a few simple magic tricks, quality ones though. Vanessa worked as an assistant/stage girl for the evening's festivities. [break][break]

The final trick being one where she seemingly transformed from a normal party enjoyer to a budding fairy princess, her own version of Thumbelina. Birthed from a giant blooming flower in front of everyone. With the help of classic misdirection and assistance with effects from their pokémon, the performance ended with a roar of applause. [break][break]

Vanessa was quite proud of it all, normally there were a few things that couldn't be controlled during performances. In fact, something always had to go wrong, but the show must always go on. But today, things were relatively in perfect order. She could definitely appreciate that. Making a good impression here would be good for spreading their name around the region's corners.[break][break]

Plenty of folks began to swarm them after the performance to ask questions about the show but Nessa was feeling a little suffocated. Wishing to enjoy the festivities on her own, she managed to sneak off and leave her fellow Troupe members to handle the incoming crowd. "Sorry!" she whispered before disappearing into the masses of witches and ghouls.[break][break]

Somehow she managed to find herself in a room away from the main action, which is where she let out a sigh of relief. Finally she could enjoy some much needed time to herself.

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