smashacademy | [004G

[A hand lifts and she adjusts the video feed to offer a closer look at her. Her expression is a tad thoughtful with perhaps a little concern lying beneath the surface.]

Hello.

[She waves a little. This is the first time she's using video. Evidently this is a big deal for her.]

I understand that tensions are running a bit high at the moment, so I thought it might be appropriate to offer a bit of a distraction. Don't worry; I've not started anything yet. This is more or less gauging the response of the public to see if there's an interest or lack of interest in an idea.

I'm from a town called Lilycove. It's well-known in Hoenn for being the centre of Pokémon contests. I've noticed we don't have anything like this in the academy or in Final Destination. I'm aware we have quite the variety of people here and I thought perhaps there might be some intrigue in having a contest hall right here. It'd certainly make things easier on those who don't wish to return to their regions due to inconvenience.

For those unfamiliar with the term, back home the contests are used to display a Pokémon's particular abilities based on efficiency and aesthetic. It would be a bit unfair for me to limit to Pokémon, however, and I want everyone to feel like they're welcome to participate as well. I'm still working on how I'd like to do that, aside from talent competitions. Such as a 'come and show us everything you have'.

Winners get ribbons of their accomplishments and there are all kinds of ribbons, too. They look like... [For demonstrative purposes, she reaches past the camera feed and draws back a plaque of ribbons.] ...this! Aren't they cute? And there are all different kinds.

I'd really like some of your guys' thoughts on the idea, perhaps suggestions, or things you'd like to see or experience. I'm rather well-versed in the world of contests, so I'd really love to have a hand in making it come to life. I just think this would be a really great way to add something to the community and make it more welcoming.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Ooh. I think Red's Mom watches some've those contests on TV. Some lady with ghost balloons' always on.

Wasn't really my thing t'watch, but if you're organizin' it, I guess I will. S'pretty ambitious of you.

...O-oh?

[She turns a little pink.]

You'd watch it just because I'm organising it? Really, Vinnie?

Sure, why not.

I mean, I wouldn't enter, but... I'd still wanna see it go well.

Th-that's so sweet of you.

[Okay. Now she's really blushing.]

Maybe you can tell me what kinds of things you'd want to change about contests to make them more interesting to you?

More interesting? Hrm...

[Vinnie didn't watch a whole lot of TV to begin with, so he had to take a moment to think about this.]

I guess if there was a contest theme goin' on that I was into, that'd be pretty sweet. Springtime maybe, since it's comin' up?

Springtime, hm? That's a great idea!

[Her entire face lights up at the very notion.]

I think that's exactly what I'll do then! I think of butterflies and flowers and light rain when I think of spring. What do you think of?

Mmm... [He took a second to think.]

Springtime's like morning; the sun's just hittin' your face and even the rain's warm? When everything in the ground's wakin' up an' they're all going, shit, that took long enough. I missed you, let's party. Lots've flower an' pollen if you know what I mean.

[She giggles. Vinnie, you're very, very silly. Did you know that?]

Hmm! I understand what you're saying. Lots of flowers and pollen... Maybe I should visit Hoenn and bring some flowers from there, too. That's a great start, actually.

[There's a pause.]

You sure there's no way I could bribe you to join me?

[N... nervous chuckle. What. Oh no, he can't refuse, can he.]

...You mean behind the stage or on it?

Well, I think you'd be a wonderful asset to join me, but I was thinking...

[She fingers at her chin idly.] I was going to ask my friend to be a female poster child for me. The issue is, is that I only use a girl, boys might not think they're welcome. I could use a boy that I could tailor outfits for to advertise.

Would you be interested in letting me make some costumes for you? [Voile bats her eyelashes at him. Never mind that she's practically asking to borrow his body...]

So wait, you want me t'be on posters...?

[It's not that Vinnie was shy, per se. But this wasn't exactly his scene. It was perhaps the complete opposite of his scene. He didn't know what to feel about his face being on advertising.

On the other hand, though, if Voile really needed help...]

Uh... maybe if there's really no one else y'got to volunteer. I'm sure someone else's better suited for this kinda thing. Just call me if y'need a last resort...

Oh, are you shy? I wasn't expecting that.

[Voile considers it for a few moments. Then she toys with some of the green hair curling over her shoulders.] You have a handsome face, intriguing features, and you're a good symbol for the boys here in the academy. I think if they saw you doing it, they'd be more likely to join in.

[She wonders if that's manipulative of her... There's a slight frown and her face softens a mite.] I'm not making or looking to make a profit out of something like that and if it's worrisome for you, I'm sure I could find some form of compensation for the trouble.

[Come on, who did you take him for, Marie?]

I'd just get sick've seeing my own face plastered everywhere. 'Sides, it'd be weird if I was on the posters but not doin' the contest... cuz I'd really rather not do contests.

[Perhaps shy wasn't the word for it. Self-conscious, maybe. It might've seemed strange considering how often he was out in the sun shirtless (that was a thing of necessity more than vanity), but the presence of his scars was still an uncomfortable thing for him. No one wanted to see a gimped Venusaur at a Pokemon contest, and he wasn't interested in showing off or getting pity back-pats.

Besides, he didn't feel like a symbol for much... other than 'don't send teachers to intensive care and then run off to become a forest hobo for several months.']

[He's got a point, doesn't he? Voile's expression darkens momentarily. Perhaps Watt feels the same way. Perhaps Watt's enthusiasm was really all false. Perhaps she was just excited because she knows of Voile's passion for contests.]

...Uhm...

Oh.

[It's very soft. A bit sheepish. Mostly embarrassed because in hindsight, Voile's likely aware that she knew better. Alas, humiliation is the price for over eager behaviour...]

...Okay. Thank you.

[This is the sound of Vinnie punching himself in the face. Can you hear it. Wow, you really were the worst big brother in the world feeling was back, and he couldn't say that it was wrong. First Sasha, now this...]

I'm just sayin' there's probably loads've other dudes who'd be linin' up for the chance t'wear your costumes! Lot've well dressed guys at the school, you should give them a shot, not me...

I'm too scarred up t'be any good as a model anyway.

Don't say that.

[She gives him a look.] Yes, I understand that you'll judge yourself far more harsher than anyone else will, but it doesn't mean the rest of the world isn't going to agree with you.

And honestly? If you saw yourself as lots of other people do, you wouldn't be half as modest or as charming as you actually are.

[It would seem, this isn't even about her contest hall anymore. Now, it's just about him and his self-worth issues.]

[Well, he had to concede to that point. Not the part about him being charming, he couldn't see that at all (especially with how frequently he seemed to upset people these days) - but it was true that everyone was their own harshest critic.

Didn't mean he could stop, though. But at least he could accept a different perspective on himself.]

Guess you're right 'bout that. It'd be pretty annoyin' if I believed my own hype.

[Vinnie paused. Letting his self image come between helping a friend was the exact opposite of what he was supposed to do, right? Even if said help involved using his image. He glanced away, idly scratching at the stubble coming in at his jawline.]

...I really don't know anything 'bout this stuff, so. I guess you'd have to teach me?

[Her head tipped as she listened to him, nodding along slowly, just simply listening and agreeing mostly with how obnoxious it'd be if he suddenly became narcissistic or overly egotistical.

Then she found her expression contorting in disapproval.]

I'm not interested in making you uncomfortable. So if you still want to help out, I'm sure I can find something different. A better question would be to ask what kinds of things you like to do.

[004G - Video]

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A+ at making every girl feel bad, Vinnie

JEEZ, VINNIE.

DON'T LOOK AT MEEEE

BUT YOU'RE SO CUTE.