[9] we're all trapped in a maze of relationships

[dammit_yuri]

Characters: Flynn Scifo. Open to anyone who I've discussed my plans with. You know who you are.
Where: Palitutu's Lab
When: November 11th
Summary: Flynn faces his Shadow, and we all end up dancing all night.
Warnings: Vesperia spoilers.


How are you any different from Commandant Alexei Denoia?

[Flynn didn't know off the top of his head how to answer that.]

Don't play dumb, asshole. You ride atop other peoples' accomplishments and take credit! Back on Terca Lumireis, Brave Vesperia did all the work while all you did was enable someone to activate the Adephagos, nearly bringing on the apocalypse! And you have the nerve to call Yuri your friend!

[Those words stung, so much that Flynn had to take a step back.]

I-

You think just following the rules and being a quiet little follower makes everything all right? How stupid are you?! It's because of you that someone incredibly evil was allowed to almost destroy the world!

[Flynn bit his lower lip.]

Well?! Don't you have any sort of excuse to say for yourself?! Not that it'll do much good. It runs in your family, after all.

[Flynn sighed, numbing himself for what was coming.]

I would, if you'd let me get a word in edgewise.

[The Shadow's face mutates into an off-color smile.]

You'll never be Yuri. You're you. A failure. Someone who will always just be a figurehead, someone who has no real power to change anything.

I've come to realize that now, as much as it hurts.

[Flynn casts his gaze temporarily to the floor.]

We grew up together. We share the same goals. Our methods may be different, and maybe he actually got results. He's the hero the world of Terca Lumireis needed, but did not deserve. Nobody deserves someone as good as him. Not even me. But he never doubted me. And while I've doubted him, I've still trusted him and his judgement. We are two sides of the same coin, and I'm glad for that, because we've come to understand each other better than any other pair of people. I strive to be as good as he wants me to be. And he strives to accomplish what I cannot.

[He takes on a fighting stance.]

I already feel guilty enough for everything, but he never did made me feel bad about myself. Not once. And I'll be damned if I let you.

Comments

[gorgeous_sin]

Mostly.

[One finger leaves her cheek to gesture vaguely at Yuri before returning.]

It isn't a matter of doing what it tells you to do, but accepting that you have these thoughts and feelings. Saying 'that's not me' or 'I wouldn't say that' is just denying the things you repress. It'll only cause you trouble in the long run.

[She's quiet for a moment. Thoughtful. He seems so unhappy, and she doesn't care for that. Besides, she owes him. He looked after her when she was ill, and without any benefit to himself. By the law of equivalent exchange, she still owes him for that.]

[Finally she straightens, walking down the short steps that lead to the center of the room to stand on the other side of Flynn and place a slim hand upon his shoulder.]

All of us have a dark side. Some of us have nothing but that. There's no shame in admitting it. Besides...

[She chuckles.]

If this is as bad as it gets, it speaks volumes about the goodness you still carry inside of you that you don't repress. Go on.

[Lust squeezes his shoulder then releases him, looking at his Shadow.]

You know what you need to do.

[dammit_yuri]

[The touch that Lust gave him - it was a first, he thinks. Well, it felt warm. Maybe that's why it stood out. For someone who insists they lack humanity, she sure seemed more human than some of the other people Flynn's known. But no... she was herself. Yuri was himself. And Flynn was himself. There was no point in pushing a cart sideways. People can change a little bit at a time... but being anything but who you were wasn't going to help, especially if it was forced. Starting bar fights... trying to take on roles that weren't his to take... none of that was helping anyone. As exhilarating as it felt to try new things, he had to stand tall. Which is what he did - facing his Shadow, he extended his hand.]

What can I do for you?

[His smile was solemn yet subtle. Yet it was genuine.]

...!

[The Shadow moved toward Flynn, and whispered something in his ear.]

... I can't promise she'll say yes.

[The Shadow shook its head, before disappearing.]

[dammit_flynn]

[ Let's just say Yuri may or may not have heard that last statement as he coughed a laugh. His best friend was easy to deal with honestly. Flynn would never change no matter how much time had passed. Even if he tried to do other things, it wouldn't change him. Having Lust here was helpful. He didn't know the woman too well but he could tell that she was pretty close to his best friend. He was fine with it of course. It was something Yuri had bet on for the longest time. ]

Alright, now that this is over, why don't we all take a step outside and grab a few drinks? You're included too, Lust.

[ He replied with a big grin before throwing his usual arm around his best friend, and putting his weight on the blond. ]

You can't be a light weight tonight alright?

[gorgeous_sin]

[Oh? It sounded as if he had a question for her personally, unless there were a great many more women in Flynn's life. He did have two female roommates, but while others were inclined to give the benefit of the doubt, Lust was a little more savvy than that.]

[Ah, well, she doubted it was all that important. If it was, he'd ask her, and she'd reply honestly to whatever it was. The ordeal was over, and there was just a tiny part of her that felt a sense of relief that he'd come out of it unharmed. She just wouldn't say so aloud.]

I'll pass.

[She smiles as she folds her arms, allowing Yuri to take the lead.]

Drinks really aren't my thing. Besides, the two of you are best friends. I'm sure you have much to talk about.

[And she doubted that kind of conversation could take place with her hanging around. She needed to prepare for that excursion to Mysidia in any case.]

You two boys have fun~