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alolans are not as intrusive as kalosians, way less nosy than their pinkies-out counterpart. i could shatter this damn mug right now, faust entertains the thought — of losing his temper; of letting artemis’ words bite his nerves so matter-of-factly, lick just a little too hot — steam rises from his black coffee and he’s filling up with smoke. fuck all of her assumptions, since when has she been so entitled? faust’s narrowed eyes flash around the cafe. they wouldn’t even move a muscle, he thinks; or, perhaps, he and artemis have found a place where nothing — quote-unquote — bad ever happens, so no one ever bothers to look for it.
“ i don’t owe you an explanation, artemis , ” faust folds his hands on the table. he feeds the flame with every curl and fold of his harsh tongue. “ in fact, no one does. it’d be shame if your ever-rising celebrity status has changed you … ” he circles the tip of his finger around the rim of his mug, “ but it seems you suddenly believe this is about you . ”
She could see that her words were getting under his skin. No matter how hard he tried to keep his composure, there was always an angry boy lurking in the shadows. Artemis wasn’t stupid. She knew there were things out of his control, and she didn’t want to seem like some love struck teenager, stuck on someone who didn’t care enough to stick around.
He was exactly who all of her songs were about. Songs about a love that couldn’t be. Songs about wanting to hate someone so much, but you just...cant.
Pitiful.
Biting her lip, she stares down at the cooling cup of coffee before her. Somehow it turned more bitter as it sat, but if that didn’t sum up this interaction, she didn’t know what else could.
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
“It’s always business with you. I don’t want to get in the way, I just always seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, huh.” Chewing on the thought, she wonders how different her life would be if she would’ve just took over that shitty company her parents ran. It would’ve saved her a lifetime of troubles, and probably more money.
“If you do want me, then why do you keep pushing me away? Because it feels like you don’t and I can’t keep holding on to something thats never going to happen because of your job.”
The words left her lips before she could stop them. A familiar ache that she had been pushing away continued to creep up, until she felt like she was choking. Instant regret filled her chest, as she slammed down the rest of her coffee, wishing that it was a glass of whiskey.
“Actually, maybe this was a mistake. I shouldn’t have came here, because I know what you’re going to choose. It’s my fault for assuming.” Inhaling sharply, she wished that she had stayed home that morning. “Speaking of jobs, I do have a meeting with my PR team. I’ll be at the horrible tiki bar later tonight, if you have time. If not don’t sweat it.”
Despite what many might think about the elusive Brain, seeing Thorton all by his lonesome in a Jubilife cafe is not an unusual sight to behold, in fact, he finds himself stopping off here once during all of his trips to the city, which were beginning to average at once weekly. A good cup– as opposed to the cheap cups that he often brewed at home– of coffee and the overall change in atmosphere did wonders for getting his normally muddled thoughts in order before taking on the seemingly never ending obligations for the day.
And not only that, but hardly anyone seemed to recognize him here on the far eastern side of the region– or if they did, they were often too concerned with the deadlines and ins-and-outs that helped make up the technological capital to say anything. Yes, that too is always a plus.
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With any luck, they would settle down.
They would see that she wasn’t Gates, and that she was just a patron meeting with a friend. Just a normal girl, with a normal nine to five job, meeting up with a friend getting coffee. Everything was going to be fine.
Or it could go south quickly. She could see the headlines now.
Gates seen with mystery beau in Sinnoh!
Who is this mystery man?
Lead Singer of Stand Lumiose no longer single?
Dread filled the pit of her stomach, but still she held out hope. Her eyes glanced nervously at the man beside her, as she started to hear the murmuring quiet. They both seemed to have green in their hair, but she wondered if his was dyed, just as hers was. Anything to set her apart from the Kanemoto line, she did. Anything that would give her sister any fuel against her, she avoided.
“Thank you....So, I take it you’re from around here? What do you do for fun in Sinnoh?” She asked, nervous that they looked a little too stiff.
Her stomach began to growl, signaling that it was way past her breakfast time. As a traveling star, if you didn’t have a schedule, you were bound to pass out on stage at any given time. Shortly after that, the rumors begin about bogus health issues that you may or may not have, or addiction. It was a vicious cycle, and Gates knew thats exactly what they meant by only the strong survive.
It had only been four years since her debut, and she had already fell victim to the press a handful of times.
Next!
Her train of thought was interrupted by a frazzled barista, who looked like she had stuck a fork in a light socket. Waiting for the stranger to step up to order, she had forgotten to look at the menu. Squinting, she studied the tiny words.
★ -
she’s starting to cry. waterworks were not according to plan, but faust never ruled them out as impossible — much less, unavoidable. artemis is dramatic, in a different vein than he; because she’s the type to amplify emotions, make the biggest scene she possibly can, then scowls when she’s got herself an audience. it’s in her blood.
faust drags the back of his hand across his forehead. at least artemis composed herself before shoving her way into the coffee shop. mission accomplished? — barely but, whatever. faust scoffs and stops the door with the front of his skateboard, he rolls his eyes at the harsh dinging of the bell above the doorway.
Retrieving her goodies and card, she followed him to the furthest table. Of course he wouldn’t want to be sitting out in the open, she didn’t mind so much either. With her newfound fame, she had to constantly either stop for photos or take the back ways to avoid them. Sipping the cocoa, she resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
So casually cruel, in the name of being honest.
Her stomach seemed to twist in knots, as he kept repeating the word friend. Hypocritical of her, but nonetheless. She knew she had a target on her back, but a few rogue idiots wouldn’t be able to catch her so easily. She learned at a very young age, to always keep moving.
“Please. We’ve crossed that line one too many times, dontcha think?” Gently setting her cup back on the table, she tapped the table with her nails.
Not anymore.
“It’s not like we’re together.” She spoke quietly, avoiding his gaze. “I don’t have any valuable information for them, surely those halfwits know that. I’m nothing but leverage.”
The stereotypical muse behind the main character, a soft spot. Not that she would’ve minded, if she knew thats exactly what it was. She assumed so, since he hadn’t let her die...yet. They had played cat and mouse for years, childhood bestfriends, turned to lovers, and now back to strangers. She noticed how panicked he looked when she had his holocaster in her hands, and wondered just what was so important on that screen. Kicking herself, she wished she would’ve held out just a little bit longer.
“Still, don’t they have things like burner phones? You couldve called. Sent a carrier Pidgey. Hell, even a smoke signal.” You left me hanging. “And you still didn’t. It is a two way street, and when I did call, you never answered. What am I supposed to do, track you down every few months when you get a wild hair up your ass to travel to a new region?”
She was growing frustrated, but managed to keep her voice low and level. The surrounding patrons remained unbothered by their presence, which was nice considering she had spend the last twelve months, hounded for pictures and interviews. Thinking she had found peace was laughable.
“I’m not here to try and win you over again. I’m not even sure why I care enough to hear you out either. Yet, here I am. If you don’t want anything to do with me, all you have to do is say so.”
It wasn’t often she dreaded coming to a new region, but this one in particular had been quite the experience. With the new album dropped, her popularity had sky rocketed in a matter of three months. Not surprising, considering the fact that every single place she went, her face was plastered on the front page. Thankfully, no media outlet was froggy enough to dig too far in her past.
She couldn’t really imagine how different it would be if they had found out about her dealings with the shady Lumiose Gang, and her affair with their brand new leader. Shuffling through the crowds of people in Jubilife City, she started to let her mind wander.
Not really knowing what the day would bring, she had decided to wander by herself. No need to bring unnecessary attention to herself by surrounding herself with body guards. Her jumpsuit made her blend in, and her baseball cap was tilted down so no one could get a real good look at her face. Coffee was calling for her, as she felt the circles under her eyes start to weigh her down.
When she stepped into a small café, was when things started to go south. First the whispers started, then someone called out her stage name. Flinching, she refused to look up. Keeping her eyes glued to her phone, she sent a message to the groupchat containing her bandmates.
Artemis [11:23am]: I think I might get mauled in Jubilife. Anyone near that can perform a rescue op?
Swiping away the messages, she waited for a response. Feeling her heart jump to her throat, she began to curse herself for her caffeine dependancy. It always happened that way, and she ended up running out of a coffee shop without a coffee, and then was scolded by her manager by not being careful enough. Peeking up, her eyes landed on a particular person, who seemed to be oblivious to the commotion around him. Approaching him, she smiled.
“Hi, this is probably really weird, but can you pretend to know me for like... five minutes? I’m trying not to get bombarded with pictures, and the inevitable autograph.”
Gates always had a hard time following directions.
To keep a low profile meant, not being able to explore the new region she had called home. That simply wouldnt fly, due to her need to rebel against every rule placed against her. She was finally in a place where she could roam freely, without checking her back, or making sure she only moved at night.
It really was therapeutic.
Hau’oli had the most traffic, between the Malasada shops and various clothing stores. She figured, if anything she could get some weather appropriate clothing, seeing as being in jeans seemed a little too confining. Some skirts and shorts would do, as her closet was full of tops that she hadn’t even touched.
She made her way through the stores, really only buying two bags worth of clothing. To expect the same style range that Lumiose had, was just absurd. Being the fashion capital of the world, you really did have any selection to choose from. Assuming that it would be more expensive to import designer clothing, she made a note to do some online shopping.
Stepping back out onto the main stretch, she stopped to see what direction the coffee shop was in. Off to her left, she waited at the crosswalk. From there it was a straight shot, which left little room for error. If she timed this, she could keep her profile low, and acquire the necessary fuel for the writing session that would take place later that evening.
Briskly walking into the shop, she inhaled. The smell of coffee, woke her senses almost instantly.
Her rage was contained, up until that point. If it were possible for steam to be coming out of her ears, she was sure that would happening. It wasn’t like her to let out all of this emotion, especially when she was supposed to be keeping a low profile. If she didn’t know any better, she would’ve lunged at him and created the biggest scene she possibly could have. Fortunately for him, she wasn’t like her sister.
“You didn’t know I was here.”
Watching as his eyes seemed to grow as large as saucers, her lips pressed into a very tight line. Was she reading too much into it? Or did he actually know she was in Alola, and made an attempt to avoid her.
Clenching her fists, Artemis made direct eye contact as he attempted to give her and ultimatum. He knew she hated that, and yet he was playing that in his favor. Perhaps, he was hoping she would choose to walk away. She had half a mind to, but couldn't move her own legs. Finally, her tough facade broke. Rubbing her temples, her eyes started to water.
“Why...” Her voice cracks as she speaks, as much as she tried to keep it from doing so. “Why do you insist on doing this to me?”
“You’re giving me emotional whiplash here.”
Instead of turning her heel and walking away, she walked into the coffee shop. Perhaps she was being too cold, after all, if he wanted to, he could’ve walked away after retrieving his Holocaster. At least, he was giving her an opportunity to get some answers.
The Faust she knew three years ago, wouldn't have let her get that close. But the question remained; was he even going to tell her the whole truth? Pulling out her card, she stepped up to the counter.
“Hi, I’ll have a Tapu Cocoa, and two malasadas...” Stepping aside, she gestured to Faust. “And whatever my friend here wants.”
To keep a low profile meant, not being able to explore the new region she had called home. That simply wouldnt fly, due to her need to rebel against every rule placed against her. She was finally in a place where she could roam freely, without checking her back, or making sure she only moved at night.
It really was therapeutic.
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Fighting the urge to be smug at his stammering, she raised a brow. It was nice to hold that power over someone, though nothing really scared Faust. It was like that when they were kids, he was always fearless, and Artemis fell in his stride. They didn’t always get along, but somehow fate kept bringing them back together.
The pain in her chest seemed to worsen, as her hand was left hanging in the air. She wasn’t used to be rejected, in fact, she was used to being the one who was rejecting. Frowning, she retracted her hand. He was quick to snatch the Holocaster, which meant there was probably some sensitive information pulled up.
What are you doing here?
Flinching, she sighed inwardly. It seemed lately, she had a habit of showing up where she wasn’t wanted. She wasn’t one to stay in her feelings long, determined to show she didn’t care, she refused to smile or look nervous. She owed him no explanation, and didn’t want to engage in anything that made her vulnerable.
“I have my own reasons to be here, not that you would care about it.” Pulling out her phone, she pulled up her recent messages. Shooting a quick message to her drummer, she placed the device back into her pocket.
Maybe we should get a coffee. There’s a lot to talk about.
Incredible. First, he refuses to contact her. Then, when her presence is forced on him, by accident, he wanted to talk. Chewing her lip, she debated on making up some stupid excuse on how busy she was. However, she didn’t want to waste a solid opportunity to get the answers that she needed. Knowing that they werent going to be the ones she wanted, she huffed.
“So now you want to talk? Don’t think I’ve forgotten, Faust.” Remember the last time we met? “If all you’re going to do is make up excuses, I don’t want to hear them. If you really wanted to talk to me, you would’ve done it months ago.”
You tasted like cherries.
“I’m not here to find you, if thats what you’re wanting to know.”
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“ slater ! ”
“ this better be good . ”
“ arceus’ sake — ”
“ you know it’s my day off . ”
as if gang leaders get such a luxury. it’s kind of hard to relax when a secretly-villainous organization is ready to fire at will, and the local moron brigade, deemed team skull, are a nuisance just waiting to meddle in affairs. affairs that are of a way higher caliber than their intelligence, mind you. gold eyes dart to the time in the corner of the holocaster screen — 12:03 pm. faust shifts his weight, curving his skateboard around a corner in hau’oli city. the afternoon hasn’t even had the time to show itself before the lumiose gang’s commander-in-chief hits his line. what unsavory news could he have now? the wheels of faust’s board audibly whir across the even pavement. the chief clears his throat above the noise.
“ sorry to disturb you on your little vacation, boss, but there’s —” chief pinches the thick bridge of his nose. a black and white skull bandana covers him from nostril to chin.
faust decides he’ll let the mockery slide, this time, at least. he shoots his brows passed the rim of his black sunglasses. he’s waiting for an answer.
“ i’m not sure how you’ll react to this, so i’m not sure how to say it …”
“ well, my patience is wearing thin. so you better hurry and figure it out . ” faust snaps, skidding his board to a halt at a crosswalk. he rolls his eyes.
“ your little girlfriend’s in alola. artemis azalea. the media’s already caught wind of her, as well as a few of our members. you can stop wasting time keeping tabs on her now . ”
Keep reading
Gates always had a hard time following directions.
To keep a low profile meant, not being able to explore the new region she had called home. That simply wouldnt fly, due to her need to rebel against every rule placed against her. She was finally in a place where she could roam freely, without checking her back, or making sure she only moved at night.
It really was therapeutic.
Hau’oli had the most traffic, between the Malasada shops and various clothing stores. She figured, if anything she could get some weather appropriate clothing, seeing as being in jeans seemed a little too confining. Some skirts and shorts would do, as her closet was full of tops that she hadn’t even touched.
She made her way through the stores, really only buying two bags worth of clothing. To expect the same style range that Lumiose had, was just absurd. Being the fashion capital of the world, you really did have any selection to choose from. Assuming that it would be more expensive to import designer clothing, she made a note to do some online shopping.
Stepping back out onto the main stretch, she stopped to see what direction the coffee shop was in. Off to her left, she waited at the crosswalk. From there it was a straight shot, but before she could take a step forward, her legs were smacked with a board. Gritting her teeth at the pain, she turned slowly to address the clumsy kid who decided to throw all caution to the wind. Or at least, that was until that kid was...
“Faust?”
Scanning his face for any sign that it wasn’t actually him, but was met with a pair of golden orbs, that seemed to burn through her. Inhaling sharply, her lips were pressed in a tight line. Of all places, why did she have to run into him there. A crosswalk, in the middle of Alola. When did he even get here? Why hadn’t he called?
A familiar ache quelled in her chest, reminding her of why she opted to go on such a long tour. In order to work him out of her system, she just needed to not think of him. Pretending she didn’t miss him, or that she even cared, worked just long enough to convince her friends. Balling her hands into fists, she debated on walking away. Just walking away wouldn’t solve the issue that had been weighing on her brain lately, but she didn’t know if she wanted to deal with it, especially in public.
Bending down to pick up his Holocaster, she offered her hand to him.
“You should be more cautious.” She spoke flatly, pushing down any emotion that threatened to spill out. “Before you hurt someone else, yanno.”
It had been a week since she had landed back in Alola, which meant her rest was to be put on hold. Taking time to actually write her own songs, and put out a solo record after her bands success, was no easy task. Being a guitarist had its perks, but she wanted more. Being able to sing was what she really wanted, but had always been put on the side.
Not anymore.
Making her way to the coffee shop, she continued to scroll down her newsfeed. News of her bands hiatus had hit the tabloids, which caused an uproar in the fan community. Her manger assured them that it was for the best, and that each member had individual content coming out. Liking the messages that were uplifting, she closed the app as she crossed the threshold of the building.
Alolan coffee was a lot stronger than the kinds she experienced back home, which was useful for days like this. Ordering a large black coffee and a malasada, she waited off to the side. Tilting her sunglasses down, she scanned the area. It wasn’t something she had to do in a very long time, but old habits die hard.
“Artemis!”
As her attention as snagged by her name being called, she shook her head. There was no need to be on edge, she wasn’t in danger. Grabbing her goods, she headed out, only to be met with another person. Malasada on the ground, and scalding coffee on her arm, meant only one thing.
