earthen-decay-blog

[earthen-decay-blog]

tmtheory‌:

      His eyes grow wider, more innocent than ever as Giovanni mentions a vacation. He only has the clothes on his back, his head coming to tilt as he thinks Giovanni needs something on site. He flushes now, not even thinking to pack and knows this will present a problem. 

       ❝I wasn’t aware you’d want to spend time with someone like me on the holidays. I didn’t pack a bag so I don’t think I should stay too long. P-perhaps a text would have given me time to prepare?❞ he comes across blunt, but the scientist doesn’t mean to at all. 

      ❝But we can do something you like before I go??❞ he tries to compromise with the other, so he doesn’t want to disappoint him. Not entirely. 

Normally Giovanni is clearly frustrated when things don’t go his way. He’s used to getting what he wants when he wants. But in this case, Giovanni was prepared for the worst-case scenario, and has, of course, planned accordingly. “Ahh, I suppose I should have thought of that,” he chuckles awkwardly, “well, there’s no helping it, I guess. When you’re ready to go back, just say the word.” He checks his watch. “It gets difficult to leave at night, though, if that helps you plan--” he makes sure to speak up enough for his executive to hear him from the front door “--and with the powerful pokemon in the issue, avalanches can be a problem, so I won’t hold you up for too long.”

He pauses for a moment, then smiles. “Would you like to help me pick the tree for the cabin? A quick stroll around the lake, we’ll bring something warm to drink, take one back if we can, how does that sound?” It was bound to only take a couple of hours, and really, that was all he needed. For, er, the spirit of Christmas. Or something. Yeah, that was it.

A Winter’s Visit

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tmtheory‌:

      It’s strange to be approached in such a way. He’s whisked away out of his home, away from his family to spend it in the presence of a man he’s wary of. They may be friends, but Mathew airs on the side of caution and knows better than to sway to his side to truly work for him in the ways Giovanni wants. Those at Silph aren’t content with his choice and though he’s pressured to join, and that’s where he currently refuses the other’s commands and whims. 

      He believes it’s going to happen again as he’s led inside a large cabin, violet hues wide and lips parting in sheer surprise. He can’t believe all this, bewildered as he’s led to where Giovanni is. He feels shy the instant his eyes meet the other’s own and carefully he folds his hands before him, tugs at the fabric of his clothes. 

      ❝I see you’re enjoying the…erm… holidays?❞ it’s a lame way to start all this, to be alone with him here. ❝Did you need me here for something?❞

Giovanni is more than prepared when Mathew arrives. Surprisingly, he’s dressed casually for once, his usual crisp business suit exchanged for a far more comfortable crewneck, sweater, and khakis. He’s still very well cleaned up, but probably looks far less opposing than he does in his usual attire. He’s clearly made an effort to look nice for Mathew, and he smiles when Mathew is led to him, dismissing his executive with a wave of his hand.

Mathew speaks first. Giovanni’s smile remains. “I am, actually,” he replies, “and I hope you are, as well.” Of course, he’s never forward with what he wants. Giovanni prefers conniving and scheming, and that’s probably why he’s such a good mob boss. Instead, he laughs warmly when Mathew questions the summons, and leans forward on the balls of his feet. “No,” he replied, “not really need. More like... wanting company, while I’m here. Wondering if you’d like to spend some time here, too. Just for a little while, as a treat. A vacation?”

A Winter’s Visit

[earthen-decay-blog]

A Winter’s Visit

@tmtheory

He’d sent someone to pick him up. Giovanni may have enjoyed the solitude of his cabin (well, cabin was likely a rather underwhelming way to describe it, as the building itself was huge,) deep in the woods and isolated on a particularly beautiful spit of land in the mountains, enjoyed the inherent ruggedness of living, even for the holidays, so far from civilization, but he wasn’t a caveman; he still had people when he needed things urgently. And Mathew just so happened to be one of the things he needed urgently.

Giovanni had invited him to spend a little time in this quaint little hideaway, wouldn’t have taken ‘no’ for an answer. Because Mathew was his friend, and obviously, this was something friends did for each other, yes? And how relaxing a snowy mountain vacation would be! Yes, obviously these were the only motivating factors for Mathew’s invitation. While one of his executives was busy chauffeuring Mathew to the cabin (disguised, of course,) Giovanni did what he could to prepare; had some grunts deliver enough groceries to last the visit, cleaned the rooms and bathrooms, made sure there was enough fuel to last the fire, and even took stock of the accessories for outdoorsy adventures. He was adamant about cutting down his own trees on the worst of years. But most of all, he spent his time meticulously planning every last step that would win him the most coveted of prizes; inviting Mathew was only the first step, after all.

[earthen-decay-blog]

tmtheory‌:

      ❝T-things?❞ he looks up then, eyes full of fear as he takes Giovanni in. What is he hatching this time? He knows better, and with glass trembling in hand he complies and leans into him. The wheels turn in his head, and yet he falls short of a real answer. 

      ❝I don’t understand how spending time with you… means I’ll be paid more.❞

It’s that look that sends shivers up Giovanni’s spine. It stokes his ego, reminds him yet again of just how different their respective levels of control over the situation were; it made him want to see how far he could and make Mathew bend.

“Ask any of the others,” he chuckles, “I tip incredibly well. And beyond that, well... anyone else can look, but certainly can’t touch.” He squeezes his shoulder for emphasis. “That’s something you can provide me that you can’t provide others, you see. Scarcity drives up value, after all.”

Service || Mathew & Giovanni

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tmtheory‌:

      There’s always a catch. He knows this, and Giovanni decides to draw things out. He’s always been like that, even when they were younger. He knows this game and when Giovanni sits, he follows, draws closer to accept his wine and to nervously take it in hand. He finds himself knocking it back quickly, nearly choking on it infact, his nerves about him almost getting the best of him. He recovers as gracefully as he can, and carefully makes his move. 

      His features are scarlet by the time he seats himself in Giovanni’s lap, just as he knows he likes it. ❝I don’t want to owe anyone anymore. I-it was enough to even be put into debt in the first place.❞ but what else could he do? ❝I..I’m listening, though.❞ Now if only he could become drunk to steel his nerves. 

A smirk plays across Giovanni’s lips as Mathew takes the proper seat; the weight of him on his lap is pleasing. Perhaps, he muses, this whole thing will be a lot more painless than he initially expected. Yet, caution remains in his actions and his words. He places one hand on Mathew’s shoulder as they sit, rubbing gently with his thumb.

“I think we can both agree, it was worth the price,” he ventures, “and you know me, Mathew. I’m not fussed about when I get the money, not particularly. But....” Even though they’re already so close, he leans in further, pulling Mathew further to nestle him in. “There are things that can be done with value more than what you earn now, yes? Certain.... services you can perform, let’s say. Certain actions taken and more time spent here. With me. Do you understand?”

Service || Mathew & Giovanni

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tmtheory‌:

       His heart begins to thrum a steady tune in his chest and dread twist in the pits of his stomach when Giovanni asked if him paying the other off could accelerate. He hopes he isn’t wanting to mention his experiences with developing him weapons– a means to abuse the TMs he creates. He draws in a breath as the other closes in, yet he’s forced to stand still, to gauge him carefully with a wary gaze. 

       ❝I would like to, but again… I… don’t want my research used for nefarious means. T-that is why I am in your debt. Y-you promised…❞ his words were meek, weak and he found he couldn’t continue to speak as worry overcame him. ❝I-is it something else…perhaps?❞

Giovanni doesn’t answer right away. Words, carefully chosen in the right order and at the right time, could change the entirety of a pitch’s reception, after all. “Like I said,” he vaguely replies, “I just thought we could talk. Would you like some wine?” He had some employees bring it for him earlier; a fine pinot noir from one of his favorite estates. There was no reason to scare Mathew off. Honey rather than vinegar, yes? He steps away to pour two glasses, but takes his own and sits back into a heavy armchair, crossing one ankle over the other knee.

“You’re right, of course. I did promise you,” he continues, “and I like to think I’m a reasonable man, wouldn’t you agree? Of course we could work something else out. You’d like to put all that behind us, wouldn’t you?”

Service || Mathew & Giovanni

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tmtheory‌:

      His nerves were about him. They always were when it involves Giovanni. He’s always been wary of him, even when he worked at Silph, even when he had had been saved by the man he now greeted at the door. A bow of his head and he slipped inside, held onto his arm as he never finds himself getting used to these rich and fancy places. He feels his presence behind him, but refuses to really move and wander as the cityscape alone absorbs his attention. He already knows what he wants; the man has wanted it ever since they were younger and before he can strike he turns, words quick to tumble from his lips as fear settles in the pits of his stomach. 

      ❝T-thank you, but… shouldn’t I be asking that of you? I think you work harder than any of us.”❞ his voice trembles, uncertainty in his eyes as he wonders why Giovanni requires him to be there. He’s no good at his, a not-to-be-touched host that earns him enough money and yet he knows there are others out there better suited for what the boss of rocket needs from him. ❝I’m.. ah… not in trouble, am I?❞ Perhaps that’s why he’s here. He’s not paying off his debts fast enough or perhaps Gio wants to ask him for his expertise again– something he has to refuse. 

     His work.. his.. morals. He still clings hold of them.

He wants to play dumb. They both know why he’s here. Giovanni watches Mathew’s form as he takes in the view upon the city, knows he’s stalling. That’s okay. He doesn’t mind playing, too. It all leads to the same place, in the end. Giovanni was sure that was something they both knew, too. So he slapped on his most charming, most practiced businessman’s smile and began his approach, but before a move can be made, Mathew turns on him, strikes the conversation to try and burn everything else away.

“Well, I’m certainly here for a break, too,” he replies. Mirth dances in his eyes as Mathew questions whether or not he’s in trouble, and he almost laughs. “No, of course not. I’ve spoken with your supervisor. Things seem to be progressing on-track. I just thought....” He paused. Mathew certainly owed a great debt to Team Rocket’s coffers. He could always owe more, of course. And he could owe less. Neither had much to do with the other, but both had everything to do with Giovanni’s whim and Mathew’s willingness to deal with his bullshit. “I just thought, maybe we could talk. About what your path is, here, yes? About perhaps getting you back to normalcy on... an accelerated track. Would that interest you?”

Service || Mathew & Giovanni

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Service || Mathew & Giovanni

@tmtheory

He wasn’t the Boss for nothing, after all.

Giovanni oversaw all aspects of Team Rocket, to some degree. All aspects of its business, at any rate, and its business tended to include the numerous front companies and shady businesses tangled so far up in their own webs that their ownership was rarely, if ever, traced back to him. Especially not by the wrong people. Some, perhaps, were aware of the skeevy dives and various “massage parlours” Giovanni owned around the KohJoh areas, and fewer were privy to the fact that these were the various bases of operation—and, in the case of this particular dark, seedy strip club, the designated playground—of Team Rocket. Yes, Giovanni wasn’t the boss for nothing, and it was good to be king. The king, after all, always got what he wanted. Power warranted hedonism.

Half pleasure palace and half business, the Seducente Palazzo was Giovanni’s most preferred relaxation hubs for a complex of reasons; one just so happened to be who he summoned that evening. Giovanni had more than one private room at the Palazzo, but this one in particular was notable for its view; the top floor of the small building, but at the top of a hill overlooking the city proper, and in darkness, the lights and heart of Saffron came alive, gleaming as the ultimate “fuck you” to the cold and distant universe. It wasn’t nearly as heavy with incense as the rest of the building, but maintained the seductive Gothic decor he so admired. This was where he summoned him, that evening. This was where he waited, so patiently for now, to indulge in pleasure he had long desired.

He was ready and waiting when he arrived, let him in and gently, yet adamantly, shut closed the door behind him. Their last encounter had been a pleasant surprised, but it hadn’t been nearly enough. “Good evening,” he greeted, “Come in. Sit. I thought perhaps you’d enjoy a break.”

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rockettheory:

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Mathew’s smiling and goes on to continue explaining the different ways Fissure may end up diffusing into the world, mentioning breeders, his sister; Giovanni tilts his head. “Your sister breeds pokemon?” he asks, “well, your family does it all, don’t they? I don’t suppose your parents are move tutors, then!” It’s teasing, of course. At Mathew’s expectant look after his tangent, however, Gio can only chuckle.

There were certain things, of course, that Giovanni coveted for only Rocket’s use; numerous patents and technologies he’d gotten his filthy money-laundering hands on were reserved for his organization, and no one else. But that’s not necessarily something he can admit out loud, and what’s more, Fissure doesn’t even fall under that category; he likes to think he keeps his worlds separate. “As a Gym Leader, and moreover, as an expert of the Ground-type, I’d like to see this move become widely used by as many trainers as possible,” is what he eventually settles on. “Strength means nothing if it can’t be used to better the whole.”

Soon, there’s a tablet being pressed into his hands, and he eyes the files Mathew shows him with curiosity, brow furrowing as he scrutinized every last bit of information from it all. “This seems to be a decently-sized pool,” he eventually says, “I’ll admit, it isn’t an easy move to use; frankly, I’m surprised you think this many pokemon will be able to learn it.”

Clientele || Mathew & Giovanni

[earthen-decay-blog]

rockettheory:

      Mathew, of course, is awaiting the email he needs to start his work. He never expects to actually meet the man who went through so much trouble to establish his own move. Usually, it’s left up to them as a team to decide the move they’ll be working on, and in turn it’s left up to them to gather all the data needed so that it can be converted into code and published as a move. This is the first break he’s gotten from the process since working within the company and while it’s certainly nice, it leaves him curious about the man behind the move. He finds he wants to meet him, but with his position as gym leader and business man he doubts he will ever see or meet him. 

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There’s a certain vigor, an excited passion that displays plainly across Mathew’s face that Giovanni can’t help but admire, and while he’s expecting an excitable discussion over the future of this little project, he wasn’t quite prepared for the level of excitability that came; Mathew’s handshake is incredibly energetic, goes on far too long, and Giovanni’s smile breaks from its usual charm to fill, instead, with mirth.

“Why, thank you,” he chuckles in reply to Mathew’s compliments, “I have to say, it took quite a while to perfect the move on its own, though I would love to see it become widely distributed.” Of course, the pun merely inspires a good-natured roll of the eyes; so this was the kind of person he was entrusting the development of his move’s TM to. He could get used to this. “Believe me, Mr. Jermain,” he continues, “the thought makes me positively quake with excitement.”

He pays rapt attention as Mathew explains his preparations, even goes on to explain just what might happen once his move reaches the masses—how it may not remain restricted to a TM, how Nature herself might assimilate it into the growth of some pokemon; frankly, Giovanni couldn’t fathom a greater honor. “Well, I would hope so!” he replies, “if my move survives through the generations in the wild, then regardless of its availability, my work won’t have been for nothing.”

He pauses, flashes a smile back at his guide, and tells him everything is fine, that he and Mathew should probably speak without distraction, and he waits patiently as the guide babbles on about contacting anyone if he needed anything, and soon, they were left without distraction. Giovanni turns his attention back to Mathew. “They told me very good things about you,” he says after a moment, “and your work, as well. You sound quite talented. I really am looking forward to working with you, Mr. Jermain; you mentioned sketches?”

Clientele || Mathew & Giovanni

[earthen-decay-blog]

//eyyyy whoops forgot to do this but if you wanna plot or starter w/ Giovanni or petrel im not picky like or dm me and i can bother you/whip something up this weekend!

[earthen-decay-blog]

Pilgrimage || Open

He walks through town with a spring in his step and his persian trailing faithfully at his side. It’s been a long time since he was in Kanto, longer still since he was in Saffron. While he was sure there were no crimes he was currently charged with—being one of the most powerful trainers to come out of the region certainly had its perks in this dog-eat-dog world—Giovanni was certain he wasn’t exceedingly welcome in this city. At the very least, not at Silph Co.

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[earthen-decay-blog]

lxsamine:

❝ Oh my, ❞ she responds, a soft chuckle leaving her as a smile tugs the corners of her mouth upwards, ❝ But already you do such a wonderful job of presenting yourself. Your taste in fashion is quite lovely, and your leadership skills are simply divine. One could almost call you majestic~ ❞ One hand is raised to tap on her chin, jade eyes practically scanning the man up and down. Why yes, what a wonderful specimen he was. 

Giovanni briefly nods his head in thanks, offering her his most charming smile. “Well, I could say the very same to you, though it would do you no justice at all,” he says, “frankly, just being in your presence pulls my entire ensemble up to par.“

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"I suppose you could say I consider you truly beautiful. A marvel, if you will."

“Aha. You’re far too kind, madame. Truly, it’s an honor to be paid such a compliment by a woman of such astounding caliber. Frankly, I aspire to match the beauty I see before me—perhaps you could bequeath some advice on the best way to do so?”

[earthen-decay-blog]

“You’re beautiful!” ~ Spark

“Well now, I could say the same to you, couldn’t I? Truly a remarkable specimen, if I may be so bold.”

[earthen-decay-blog]

Put “You’re beautiful.” in my ask box and watch my muse’s reaction.

[earthen-decay-blog]

Clientele || Mathew & Giovanni

It’s a big day. Saffron City is towering, intimidating, and beautiful, and Giovanni isn’t here for a play date; he’s here for business. Beyond everything else in his life, he was, first and foremost, a pokemon trainer. A gym leader, to boot, and not just any gym leader—Giovanni was Kanto’s strongest ground-type specialist. And that was part of the reason why he was at Silph Co, today. The move he developed, Fissure, was on track to become a licensed TM by the end of the fiscal quarter and distributed throughout the region.

He’d just finished going over the last bits of contract, signing what needed to be signed, shaking hands with all of the big wigs in the room when one of them announced they could begin the process that very day. Giovanni, of course, was delighted; there was some sort of pride that came with the thought of his own move undergoing production, and frankly he couldn’t wait to see the fruits of all of his years of hard work.

He was lead through Silph’s halls, listening to his current guide’s ramblings: how the programmer he was going to be working with was new, but talented, young but already proven. Always the skeptic, Giovanni chose to reserve judgement, but he couldn’t help but get excited. With that sort of praise, it was hard to imagine anything going wrong. At least, not yet.

Eventually, they came across an office door, and his guide knocked loudly before shepherding Giovanni inside. “Mathew,” his guide said, “this is the client we told you about the other day, Mr. Sakaki. He developed the Fissure move you’ll be programming. Mr. Sakaki, this is Mathew Jermain.”

Giovanni offered Mathew his most charming smile and thrust his hand out. “It’s good to meet you,” he greeted, “I’ve heard good things.”