artfuldestruction | 3 ☢ [VIDEO/ACTION FOR THE GOLDENROD TR BASE]

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3 ☢ [VIDEO/ACTION FOR THE GOLDENROD TR BASE]

[Today, Kato has actually decided to unlock his video feed and make it available for everyone - not just his fellow Team Rocket members. How lovely! Clearly, the fact that it's Valentine's Day has...filled him with love, or something.

Right.

Regardless of the date, he's looking fairly casual - he's not wearing his mask, nor his scarf or coat, and appears to be content with just a black dress shirt. He's even doing his best to smile instead of smirk! All in all, he almost looks welcoming! This truly is a special day. Or something.

Leaning forward on his desk and smiling into the camera, he begins to speak.]

Love is a funny thing, wouldn't you agree? I've always found it rather fascinating. Today's the day for it, you could say.

[Even if we're being plagued by disgusting slimy beasts.

...he's not a Goomy fan - put it that way.]

But love doesn't have to be limited to another person; there are so many ways it can be felt, and be expressed. Hence why I'm asking this; tell me about your favourite place in Johto. Is it a city that fills you with joy? A monument that makes you feel strong, or perhaps a tall building whose views make your heart sing? This world is so beautiful, after all; I'd like to be able to appreciate it better.

[Continuing to smile, Kato leans back, resting his hands on his desk.]

Well, regardless...do have a good day, and ensure those slimy creatures don't ruin it for you.

[...

really not a Goomy fan]

Dist, come to the lab - I have a gift for you.

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[To say that Dist has been acting a little odd lately is something of an understatement. After their vacation in Celadon, he seems to have gotten increasingly nervous around Kato. He hasn't been outright distant, but his lack of eye contact when speaking and occasional stumbling over of words is noticeable. So after seeing that text and knowing what day it is from all the talk about it on the network, it only makes his anxiety worse.

But he does show up because hey, gifts are cool right. And he doesn't want to stand Kato up of course. That would be just rude!

It doesn't take him very long to make his appearance since he was already in the labs doing his routine checkups on the database and his projects. He's surprisingly dressed up for a regular workday though, choosing to wear one of his suits instead of just his dress shirt and labcoat.

He lightly knocks against the door frame to announce his presence.]

You called?

[He may seem put together but internally he's like "oh god oh god what in the world could this be about."]

[Kato has put his mask and scarf back on now that his little broadcast is completed, and is in the process of doing up his coat when he hears Dist arrive. His partner isn't exactly the subtle sort, so his change in temperament has not gone unnoticed, although Kato is hardly bothered by it; if anything, he's amused.

He's got a few theories about the source of it, so...it's time for an experiment.]

Mhmm.

[Once his outfit is back to (ever-so-fabulous) normal, Kato gives Dist his full attention, still with a smile on his face - although now that his message to the network is done, it's back to being more of a smirk.]

I have something for you.

[Reaching down, Kato begins to open one of his desk drawers; however, before the contents can be revealed, he turns back to Dist, fighting to keep a highly amused smirk off his face.]

You look rather nice.

[You didn't really think he'd give you your Valentine's Day gift without teasing you a little, do you? You've been so entertaining lately, after all~

Plus, that is a nice suit.]

Do you?

[Well he kind of guessed that from the message, but Dist will spare Kato from being overly technical.

He makes his way over, watching Kato's movements to see what this mystery gift is. Naturally, he's taken off guard when Kato suddenly halts to compliment him.]

Ah--

[He freezes in place and glances down at his attire...then realizes he's actually stopping to consider it. Of course he looks nice, he always does. It's a regular thing for them to compliment each other on their appearances, so why is he getting a different feeling from it now?

He only looks uncertain for a moment, but quickly regains that familiar, overly smug aura to mask it. Who knows if he's doing a good job at it though.]

Why thank you, Kato. I wanted to feel extra beautiful today. It seemed like a good day for it.

[That moment of uncertainly is more than enough for Kato to consider his theory correct, and his smirk widens slightly - after all, it is quite the ego stroke, should he turn out to be correct (but there's no question about that! He is a genius, after all).]

You couldn't have chosen a more appropriate day for it, no. But coincidentally, that brings me back to the topic of my gift...

[Neatly sliding the drawer open, Kato reaches inside and pulls out a pearly white envelope, before reaching down and collecting something from out of sight, behind his desk (he could hardly shove it in a drawer, after all!). It's a small bouquet, composed of two types of flowers - ones Dist might find familiar. The card inside the envelope isn't the traditional sort, instead being a single piece of cardboard with no folds or messages. On it, however, is a hand-painted red rose, with a small 'K' in the corner.

Holding out the bouquet with the envelope balanced neatly between his fingers, Kato places the other hand on his hip and continues to smirk - although perhaps in a less 'i'm going to blow up everything and cackle madly' sort of manner, and more...well, amused, but it's a fond sort of amused!]

Happy Valentine's Day, Dist.

[The mask of arrogance and togetherness Dist had on shatters immediately when he sees the gift, his expression turning into one of utter astonishment. He can't believe it. He can't believe this is actually happening. He was talking to someone about the language of flowers not too long ago, but he doesn't even need to be fluent in that language to know what that bouquet means. It's his and Kato's favorite flowers, arranged together and being given to him on the day of love and happiness.

Without saying a word he accepts the gifts, hands visibly trembling as he holds the bouquet and examines the contents of the envelope. And when he sees that painting, he bites down on his lip to keep that from trembling too. It takes all of his willpower to not look like a complete mess because he can't handle this.

Kato painted him a rose. Sure this must be some sort of dream, because does this mean Kato...

He realizes how utterly rude he's being by remaining silent in the wake of receiving such a fantastic gift, but he doesn't know what to say. So when he glances back at Kato, he's displaying a look that says, "I'm really happy but also really confused."]

Kato, y-you didn't have to...

[Okay that wasn't the greatest acceptance response but he'll get to the thank you in a moment, just let him try to recover from this oh god.]

[Even though Kato can't help feeling rather pleased with himself (that was most definitely an excellent reaction, Dist, thank you for that~), there's another emotion present - one that he can't seem to put his finger on. He almost feels...happy. Giving Dist this gift has made him feel happy. He's actually taking pleasure from something that doesn't involve a massive explosion? He almost has to keep the shock from crossing his face.]

Of course I did - I had a feeling you'd appreciate the gesture.

[...ok, there is definitely still plenty of smug mixed in amongst that happiness.]

Do you like the flowers? Ibara helped me choose them.

[And he flicks his head towards his desk, where a Roselia has emerged from behind it, waving at Dist with his red rose. That Budew egg you gave him has certainly flourished - he doesn't even mind that it can't learn Explosion! That's how much you mean to him, Dist.

...

...not that you mean anything to him, or anything! That would involve feelings and...

...

...look, he's glad you like the card and flowers, alright.]

[After a good moment of internally freaking out, Dist is able to finally bring himself back together. At least, enough so he can stop trembling. He's even able to return Kato's smugness with a smirk of his own.]

I do, very much so. ...Thank you.

[And again, his heart starts racing again right as he says it. Because from the bottom of his heart, he's actually being sincere about it. There isn't any sarcasm or malice behind it, just...sincerity. It feels so weird, he won't lie.

When Ibara makes his appearance, Dist can't help but smile. He knew you would do great things with a Budew, Kato.]

You've raised him well, I see. He's already well aware of our preferences in flowers. I've no doubt that he'll make a fantastic Roserade. Perhaps I have a spare Shiny Stone to help you with that.

[He finds himself glancing back down at the gift in his arms as he talks about the stone.]

Though it would seem like a rather weak gift in return, wouldn't it? I must apologize for that, I...wasn't expecting any of this.

[That much is obvious.]

[We're doing absolutely spectacularly on the feelings front tonight, Dist, so let's just...talk about his Roselia for a moment, shall we? Yes, good.]

I certainly wouldn't turn it down - he's a good little servant.

[Pokemon Trainer of the Year, right here.]

Regardless, don't feel obligated to return the gift, Dist; I didn't do this because I expected something in return.

[Alright, now that's he's gotten over his momentary emotional problems, he can go right back to being smug and completely in control of the situation. So brace yourself, Dist; you're actually getting a...surprisingly soft smile.

...well, as soft as he can get it. Which is still kind of like a smirk, but a nice one. Yes.]

I did it because I wanted to.

[God, he's such a romantic~...and that totally wasn't cliche, shut up.]

[Yeah you know what, Kato is definitely in control here because Dist just cannot handle this.

He can tell the difference in that smile. He's been working alongside Kato for over a year now, and he's never seen that smile before. He should smile like that more often...it makes him all the more stunning. He thinks...and locks up once again.

The only time Kato's smiled like that is in front of Dist, while saying he wanted to give him such a spectacular and thoughtful gift on Valentine's Day. Not to mention he actually just found Kato's smile stunning...]

Kato...

[While he can't actually see Kato's eyes behind the mask, he hopes he's making direct eye contact here.]

A-Are you saying that you...

[And just as quickly, he trails off and tries to find something, anything else to look at because he's ridiculously embarrassed. He can't even bring himself to finish that question.

He grips onto the bouquet and card tightly to try to stop trembling. Damnit Dist, don't shut down now.]

Ah...

[Oh, Dist. Kato has to bite his cheek to keep from laughing softly at this display - admittedly, it's extremely endearing (and, of course, rather good for his ego), but so...so you.

Yet, for some reason, that makes it all the more pleasant. Hmm. He'll definitely have to contemplate these strange emotions later, when this is all over. As it stands, however...well. As tempting as it is to continue to tease Dist, and ask him to elaborate on what he's trying to say, Kato actually feels rather compelled to fill in the blanks himself. His voice is smooth and controlled, as always, but that smile is still playing around his face.]

I've never seen someone whose destructive talents could equal mine in both power and beauty. You've captivated me. I don't know if you feel the same way-

[-actually, he totally does-]

-but I thought a gift would be nice, regardless. To show my appreciation.

[...yes, his entire proposal can basically be summed up in 'baby, I love the way you destroy things'. God, he's such a romantic~]

I...I do. I do feel the same way.

[He blurts it out way more quickly than he would've liked, but just knowing that Kato has similar feelings gives him so much relief and strength to finally admit it out loud. To Kato, and to himself.

His conflicted feelings were the cause of his odd behavior the last couple weeks. After that day in the Celadon Garden, he realized that he had some different feelings about Kato, and they really confused him. He was genuinely smitten with his lab partner. How long had he been going like this without noticing? He didn't even think it was possible for him to feel like this for someone, not after all that time he spent in solitude. Dist definitely admires Jade and strives for his acceptance and approval above all else, he absolutely adored his professor enough to spend twenty-four long years attempting to revive her so everyone could be happy again, and he did always feel warm and appreciated around Nephry, but this wasn't quite the same feeling. There was something different. With Kato, not only does Dist feel a deep bond with the man in terms of their work—oh, the wonderful projects they've done together—but he feels like they understand one another and can talk about almost anything. And he means anything, he even told Kato about his dreams and failures back home. That involved a great deal of trust.

Perhaps spending so long away from the important people in his life back home had caused a change in him. Aradia did say that the best way to avoid getting too homesick was to find important people here in the Pokemon world.

He has absolutely no doubt that he's done that now.]

To be honest, I have felt this way for some time, but I did not know what to think of those feelings. I believe it's time to embrace them.

[The nervousness has all but vanished for the time being, because he's too busy being happy to be nervous. He does feel the warmth in his cheeks, but he doesn't mind at all.

Let's be beautiful and destroy shit, man.]

You have my guarantee that I will cherish this gift. The card will go well beside the rose sculpture on my desk.

[He smirks at that. He hopes Kato never stops with these less destructive expressions of art.]

Thank you, Kato.

The pleasure is all mine.

['Let's be beautiful and destroy shit, man'

Well if anything could convince him he's made the right choice, that would be it. Oh, it's like music to his ears...he could destroy an entire planet right now!]

...likewise, actually. I believe it was our 'battle' at that castle that started it - I certainly didn't expect this to happen.

[Despite his earlier wariness regarding this whole...emotions thing, Kato is finally allowing himself to feel properly happy. He's still amazed at how much Dist accepting him has made him feel; he's just...not used to feeling any overly strong emotion that didn't involve his work. Really, this whole Valentine's thing started more as a 'how about it, then?' sort of thing, something casual that he was doing for the hell of it, but he'd never really stopped to analyse the reasons behind it, and how much Dist actually saying 'yes' meant to him.

Johto really is doing things to him.]

Although I must say...I'm rather glad it did. I actually feel rather happy.

[And nothing has exploded yet! He still cannot comprehend this...what have you done to him, Dist?!]

And I'll make you as many sculptures as you like - don't tell anyone here how good I am at creating things besides bombs, however...they'll think I've gone soft~

[And we simply can't have that, can we?

...

Ugh, look at all this mushy nonsense. Clearly he needs to go blow up the Olivine Lighthouse again to get his rep back!

...the fact that he's moved forward to place a gentle kiss on your cheek kind of isn't...helping, um

...

he'll blow up the gym too]

Ah, the castle! You are absolutely right, that was quite a time for us, wasn't it?

[So much of a time in fact, that he actually has trouble remembering the negative parts of that strange adventure. Their moment of pure bliss blowing creatures up kind of overshadows the bad by a long run. Yes...that must have been the defining moment for them.

He chuckles as he he gently places the card back in its envelope for the time being.]

Your secret is safe with me. If anyone asks, I'll simply say they are from a secret admirer. [Because that'll totally throw them off.] I'm already looking forward to what you create for me next.

[The kiss happens moments after he finishes that sentence, and it's jarring. It shows in the way he briefly stiffens before relaxing with a relieved sigh afterwords. After pushing people away for so long, he just allowed someone to kiss him. On the cheek, but it's still a big step for him and way more intimate than he's ever been used to. He'll definitely have to keep working on getting used to it because he now feels like he's really been missing out on something very nice.

Still standing close beside Kato, Dist glances up at him. He's basically glowing, this is so great.]

Would you like to have dinner tonight? I feel like this is something worth celebrating. Wouldn't you agree?

[Maybe they can do some evil science afterwords, who knows.]

It was. If I didn't know better, I'd say it was dreamy.

[Oh my god, Dist, that was so clever, he is a genius. But don't judge him too harshly - one can't be a true cacklingly evil villain without making the occasional terrible pun! At least this one didn't have anything to do with explosions.]

And I think dinner sounds good. A tad more romantic than dining on the cardboard from the mess hall, wouldn't you agree~?

[Dist's reaction to his (really incredibly chaste) kiss amuses him, the way he tenses up before allowing himself to relax. Going for his cheek had obviously been a very good decision - he can't imagine what sort of reaction he would have gotten if he'd try to kiss him properly. Although, the thought of said reaction does make it a very tempting thought...Dist really does make it far too easy...

...

...look, at least he isn't going to ditch you on an icy mountain and then have you arrested. Think of it that way.]

Besides - you can't get wine at the mess, and I think an occasion like this simply demands it.

[Wine, romance and evil science...what more could a villain want?]

I may have already made a reservation at our favourite one.

[Not that he was arrogant and cocky about this whole thing, or anything! The word you're looking for is confident.

Yes.]

[Oh Kato, you're such a card. Dist will humor him with a laugh though. ...At that joke, and the fact that Kato already had a reservation for them.]

My, you have all the bases covered, don't you? But as they say, great minds think alike, and you've gone above and beyond. [with a soft laugh,] I must admit, I feel spoiled.

[He loves it. He totally loves it and he's not hiding it.

Of course he finds it funny, but also endearing that Kato thought that far ahead. At the same time, it makes him realize how obvious his feelings must have been coming across if Kato was confident enough to set all this up.

Sigh. Oh well. They're both happy, so it doesn't really matter, does it?]

Should I expect you a bit before our usual dinnertime then? Or would you like to leave the labs early and spend some time together beforehand?

[From the way he says it, it's pretty obvious what he would prefer.

...look, it's going to be difficult to focus on work today for obvious reasons okay.]

[Kato can't help but smile at Dist's reaction, even if he's being smug, as usual. Well, the smugness is rather justified, considering this evening has gone exactly as he planned it, but there's also something endearing about how obviously Dist is enjoying himself. Perhaps he could get used to this whole 'do nice things for people and feel good' thing.

....

...naaaah.]

What can I say? I'm obviously quite the Casanova.

[Laughing softly, Kato turns his head and looks around the labs - at their various ongoing projects, the pieces of machinery strewn around, the paperwork...all the evidence of how hard they've been working for the team.

...]

I think we should leave as early as possible.

[Basically? Screw work - it's Valentine's Day, let's get out of this place and do something.]

We've slaved in here for those useless Executives long enough; tonight can be about us, and nothing else.

[Turning back to face Dist, Kato can't help but raise an eyebrow, still looking playfully amused.]

Unless, of course, you'd rather stay and work...?

Edited 2014-02-19 11:01 (UTC)

Mmm, you are. I'm so lucky to have managed to claim you for myself.

[Haha he went there. Nevermind the fact that Kato was the one who did the claiming...Dist tried to be sassy, okay?

He then returns that amused look with a smirk of his own, still feeling confident about that comment he just made.]

Oh no, I completely agree.

[Seriously Kato why would you even need to ask that.]

And look, we already happen to be dressed for a night out. How convenient is that? [He really did make the right choice to dress up today.] Why, we could leave right now if we so wished.

[To make his point, he tentatively and quite nervously laces the fingers of his left hand together with Kato's right, watching Kato's face for any signs of approval or disapproval. He's not sure if holding hands is the right move, but damnit he's going for it anyway.]

[Well, it was certainly a valiant attempt at being sassy, and it appears to have worked rather well - Kato's smirk deepens, and he certainly doesn't seem unpleased. How very forward, Dist~]

Why, we certainly could...

[As he feels Dist's fingers sliding through his own, Kato curiously flicks his gaze down to their hands, which are now neatly linked. What an odd feeling it is, to be holding hands with someone...he can't say he's ever really done it. It doesn't bother him, of course, but the feeling is still rather strange.

Regardless, the nervousness practically eminating off Dist can't help but amuse him.

He tightens his grip.]

I'm ready if you are...partner.

[It's definitely a strange feeling, Dist would agree. He hasn't held hands with anyone since he was a kid, and that doesn't really count since it wasn't a romantic thing. But he does like it, especially when Kato tightens the grip. It feels right, like their hands intertwine perfectly.

Yes...he's certain he can get used to this.

So he moves to take the first step toward the door, gently tugging Kato along.]

I've been ready, partner.

[He says it playfully of course, but with a small bit of curiosity near the end. "Partner" means multiple things now, doesn't it?]

[Oh it certainly feels right - it's probably something to do with the fact that we're both completely insane, utterly evil and fabulous mad scientists who delight in causing destruction with bombs and/or huge machines.

...

...look, it's important to have things in common with your partner, isn't it? No-one ever said they had to be nice things!]

Then let's get out of here and have some fun.

[God, Dist, look at us - we're holding hands and giggling like a pair of schoolgirls. Clearly, we need to...I don't know, blow up the...daycare centre after causing all the Pokemon to evolve into distorted versions of themselves, or something! Yes, that will get our rep back up to the appropriately diabolical level that it should be at!

...right after we have dinner and drinks and stuff. And maybe a walk through the city because it's like...nice at night, okay. Yes, that sounds rather perfect.

Happy Valentine's Day~]

Have you been to the roof of the Goldenrod department store? Particularly on a warm day with a slight breeze.

Ah, the Department store...?

[What a good idea! That will make an excellent target.]

I can't say I have. Is it nice?

Not particularly. It's the height you really want, and that's one of the highest places in the city that you're allowed to be outside.

I suppose I could have also said some mountaintop, but I have a fondness for civilization.

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3 ☢ [VIDEO/ACTION FOR THE GOLDENROD TR BASE]

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