melodiesoflife | When You Are Overconfident

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When You Are Overconfident

Characters: Yuri Lowell, Rukia Kuchiki, Flynn Scifo, Albel Knox, Lailah, Hisui Hearts, Selphie Tilmitt, Natalia L.K Lanvaldear, Anise Tatlin & Open
Where: Palitutu’s Laboratory – Aqures Ixen
When: March 01
Summary: Yuri faces his Calamity Self after much wasted time on his end. He figured it might as well get whatever he could and maximize his resources. Of course, he wants to be complicated so, Yuri basically leaves a letter to his friends stamped to the refrigerator of his house and various other locations throughout Aqures Ixen for those who had close CR with him or considered him close.

{F A C I N G T H E P A S T

"Yuri a note on the refrigerator is not how you contact your friends when you need their help," Acrisius floated next to Yuri as the former imperial knights was standing in front of the machine and preparing to hand the crystal to his moogle. Yuri didn't say anything at first. Acrisius wasn't wrong and strangely enough the moogle had grown on him significantly—that and he reminded Yuri of Flynn very much. Always damn nagging.

"They'll get the gist of it in no time. It's not like I want them to be worried about me."

He waved his hand dismissively. There's a lot of things Yuri would rather not talk about in front of his friends. Of course, he wouldn't be as rude as to not tell them but he wasn't going to be easy about it. He's difficult and he'd be difficult until the bitter end. Even Repede is giving him the look of disapproval.

"Hey, they can gather each other and meet me when I'm doing this right now. It's not like I ran off somewhere."

Acrisius sighs loudly, "That isn't the point. You know that they'll be unhappy with how you handle things. Are you really going to let yourself be subjected to more concerns with your other self?"

"Why not? I got a mountain full of problems. What's one more?"

Acrisius shot him a dark look, "Alright if you insist," he paused as he rubbed his little moogle temples. Yuri wasn't going to let up so he wasn't going to fight anymore, "Here we go Yuri."

Without further adieu, his moogle inserts the crystal and Yuri stepped back crossing his arms. His other self was just like the many others that he saw. It was a dark eerie figure, with different colored eyes and a draft of coldness about him. The only thing that made him different from Yuri was the fact that he wore the Imperial Knights uniform that Yuri had worn a couple of years ago. Given that Aqures Ixen and the Crystallis were about two years his residence. Yuri watched the other him manifest from the crystal, seemingly unfazed.

"Confident aren't you?" His other self scoffed a bit as he crossed his arms. He wasn't much different from Yuri but his temper for one was not anyone's cup of tea-- not even Yuri because it was him, "Don't think it will be that easy, Yuri."

"You bet I'm confident that this will be pretty easy. I don't have anything to worry about. You just do your thing and I'll just take it in stride," Yuri retorted as he glanced at his other self standing right across from him. At least for a moment before it came up close to him in a matter of seconds and socked him right across the face hurling him a few feet across the room. Now Yuri wasn't expecting that.

"Bull. You're full of it as always hiding behind the façade of an uncaring asshole."

Yuri slammed into the wall behind him after he flew a few feet backwards. He didn't even seem fazed at this either as he pushed himself up, somewhat aggravated by the punch. He spat out the blood that was in his mouth from cutting his lip, "What's wrong with that?"

The other him just stared at him incredulously, "You're really impossible! TELL THEM HOW YOU REALLY FEEL YOU BASTARD!" he snapped angrily at the other.

{G O I N G H O M E

[ Yuri rubbed the bruised side of his face. What a damn punch that Shadow had. It wasn't his intention to bottle things up or keep things under a lock and key. He just never found it worth his time to mention or brought up. Burdening his friend was something he never really thought about doing and even though he relied on them, he still kept them at a distance. Some things he realized from being beaten around by the god awful shadow that was just him pissed at his stupidity.

Yuri laughed almost bitterly. ]

Man, this stuff sure hurts literally. Geez. I guess it's time to go home. C'mon Repede, Acrisius.

[ The former Imperial Knight mused as he pat the animals on the head. They looked rather worried for him bt he seemed fine. Yuri had nothing to really hide and he learned some things he did were subconsciously done and were more like a defense mechanism. ]

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"You deserved that."

Rukia stood just to the side of the doorway, arms folded, chin raised to give him that fierce Kuchiki imperial stare. "If your shaddow hadn't done it, I would have. Surely you didn't think a note left on the fridge that we might see was going to be in any way acceptable!"

In short, she was pissed. After all they'd been through together, with every insecurity and sorrow laid raw at his feet, he'd still pushed her away to do things on his own. He owed her the mother of all apologies, and that was nothing compared to what he owed his best friend since childhood.

She drew out her hand and stabbed her finger into the air in Yuri's direction. "I told you to open up to me countless times! If you'd simply accepted my offer, then perhaps this would have been easy! Fool!"

Good thing Yuri had such awesome supportive friends!

Asch doesn't consider himself close to Yuri. He acknowledges the other man as annoying and even kinda stupid sometimes, but Yuri's also been helpful from time to time. So after seeing Yuri leave a note somewhere, Asch gives it a once-over and decides to follow. If the other man is leaving notes like this, it probably means he's up to something dangerous. Besides, Asch himself has done things like this before, and he knows people always have a way of involving themselves anyway.

Which is exactly what he's doing now, tailing Yuri as something of a lookout more than anything else.

After having slipped in, he'd taken cover and watched the Moogle place the crystal to summon Yuri's other self. Asch finds himself startled at the sight of the other Yuri, who looks like a replica created out of darkness. He can't help gritting his teeth at their exchange.

Then, he hears someone at the door—that girl, Rukia Kuchiki. He doesn't really know much about her, either, but she's also been a valuable resource in understanding the goings-on of Crystallis. But seeing her now, standing in the doorway jabbing an accusing finger at Yuri... Asch probably shouldn't get involved, right?

"You know, you really are an idiot," he says loudly as he reveals himself. "As if you can face something like this all on your own!"

Edited 2017-03-08 01:50 (UTC)

"Well, this is Yuri we're talking about," Selphie chimed in a flat tone of voice.

Selphie had followed Rukia inside and was standing just behind her, eyes slightly widened in surprise. A little part of her was upset that he hadn't trusted any of them enough to support him through this despite his chiding her about the same problem in December. She crossed her arms over her chest and frowned darkly at her friend.

"He just goes off and tries to face his shadow all on his lonesome but he tells others not to do things by themselves. You're as bad as Squall, you know that?"

Albel stood behind Rukia, arms crossed with a sly smile on his face. He hated to admit it -- Yuri had grown on him. In a sort of pain-in-the-ass way that Fayt and Cliff had. In any case, the other man had (stubbornly) always been there for Albel.

So here Albel was.

"She is not wrong," he offered, stepping into the room and giving the Shadow a once-over. "To open up to her, not me."

Teasing. Mostly.

Flynn didn't have to say anything. Everyone else already said it. What Flynn did do was smile at Yuri - more of a smirk, really - because Yuri already knew what Flynn would say anyway.

It was just the way their relationship was.

Yuri was Yuri, Flynn was Flynn, and they wouldn't listen to each other even if they had the words to say.

Stepping forward next to Yuri's side, Flynn let him know that no matter what, he would back his best friend up, in a way that only two of the closest people to each other could.

Anise stood behind Rukia, as one of the last members of the Yuri Defense Squad (tm). She had a few healing spells on hand in case things got really nasty, but for now she was pretty okay with Yuri feeling the effects of that punch.

"Boooo, you jerk! Even after all of that 'don't go it alone' stuff, you pull this! Rukia's right, you totally deserved that punch."

"H-Hey I wrote notes. I even sent them to your places with Acrisus."

Yuri protested in his defense. Acrisius just stared flatly at him as he didn't need to say anymore. The moogle's 'I told you so,' look only made Yuri give his moogle a look.

The former imperial knight glances at Rukia by the door. Well, that certainly started off great. He knew she was going to be upset but it wasn't like he could stop himself from being well, himself. Yuri just sighed as puts a hand to his head listening to the others equally add to the whole 'You deserve it,' conversation. His Shadow seemed rather happy with the fact that he was being called out for his shit and Yuri was just not going to have his Shadow get the best of him.

How he really felt? Well that's not too hard right? He's still not going to outwardly admit it all at once. What's the fun in that? He had to be difficult. That was Yuri thing to do. Damn did Rukia's point hurt. If he opened up a little more. Yeah, if only he did.

"Look, I get you're pissed off but I can't help being me. It's part of how I am. Just because you tell me to do something doesn't mean I'll just do it."

He replied slowly to the Shadow and the rest of the people in the room, "Whoa, even Asch is here! You know calling me an idiot won't change anything but nice to know I'm important enough for you to sneak in."

Yuri didn't even bother to take this whole situation seriously until his Shadow glowered at him.

"Of course he does. He knows you're full of it. For once that loud mouth ass has a point."

Sorry Asch, this isn't really how Yuri feels about him. Ah, there's Selphie. Man why did he always have to deal with overly worried people? He couldn't get a break could he? This was going to end smoothly anyway, since the Shadow was pretty much sucking up all the truth Yuri had said so far.

"He doesn't even open up to Flynn freaking Scifo. Why would he open up to anyone else?! Such things would only burden them, am I right?"

"Damn straight. I couldn't even talk to Flynn about everything, so talking with everyone else is out of the question."

"It's not cuz you can't. It's just too painful. The weight you carry on your shoulders. The burden that you force yourself to take. They're right. You should share it! After all you do want it don't you?"

"I probably should but I'm not going to."

The swordsman seemed so done with this Shadow. He really was. He didn't want to hear this anymore, especially when it was as if he was looking at his past self. How hot headed, irresponsible he was. He still is but it's controllable, "Man, here I thought you couldn't give a rat's ass about me, Albel!" His tone was just as joking as he turned to Albel's teasing. There's a twitch of Yuri's lips when he stared at Flynn. He knew what the other was gong to say and he knew that Flynn didn't have to say it. In fact, that smirk really pissed him off.

"You don't even need to talk huh Flynn? Of course not. You already know what you need to know but there's more. You should have seen the sorry state he was in when you weren't around-- he almost got himself almost killed. Hell, the authorities almost got him good that time too."

Yuri's lips quivered, "Yeah what of it? What changes if he knows?"

Ah, Anise. She really did throw a punch at him. She was right too. He couldn't deny that. He ignored the Shadow to turn to Anise and greeted her with a laugh. What else was he going to say? She wasn't going to take the excuses either.

"You don't want to deal with it am I right? It's better for you to suffer on your own than let others in. After all, those who get close to you end up dead. Man, you were so useless. You couldn't even save a dog. Some Imperial Soldier you were. Isn't that why you quit?"

"Hey."

He started slowly as his other self sniped at him, "Drop it."

"You'd like that wouldn't you? Let's talk about the recent things, like that vision and how it bothered you to no end. Even now it troubles the back of your mind like an electrical shock."

"Tch...as if you really believed a note was ever going to cut it," Rukia grumbled. Did he take the lot of them for fools? It was a horrible lie not even he could make himself believe.

But for the rest, Rukia remained silent, her attention focused more on Yuri's shadow than the downed swordsman. He wasn't panicking, but he still didn't seem ready to accept this other side of himself. Would that be the case if he didn't have an audience? She wasn't quite sure, so she studied the Shadow quietly.

Time and time again she'd offered to listen, knowing there were things he needed to say. But she'd respected his wishes, reluctant to pry where she wasn't invited. And now the sage's vision was being dredged up. Rukia spoke quietly, her back turned to Yuri.

"If we leave, will you be able to accept that this is a part of yourself?" she said, plainly and simply. "We...I have no right to be exposed to the pain and heartbreak you've kept to yourself all these years. I would rather hear it from you, of your own volition, than see the things you hold dear dragged out and announced with such blatant disregard." Her head turned faintly in Yuri's direction.

"The choice is yours. I will honor it."

Asch observes as everyone says their piece, paying close attention to how Yuri and his Shadow interact. Is it weird that he can somehow relate to Yuri in this situation? Probably because of issues with himself and his own replica. Anyway, Asch simply ignores the Shadow’s insult—Yuri already knows why Asch is here. He wouldn’t have bothered if Yuri wasn’t important in some capacity. Even though he called Yuri an idiot.

Still, Asch comes to the conclusion that Rukia voices. Much like his own battle with his replica in Eldrant, this isn’t really anyone else’s battle but Yuri’s own. It’s natural he doesn’t want anyone involved, but everyone wants to support him anyway. Asch included, and he thinks he’d made the right decision checking up on the other man. He may have said Yuri can’t face something like this all on his own, but...

"Good thing you’re not really alone, right?" He turns toward the door and begins leaving. In a lower, calmer, and almost sentimental tone, "But don’t get me wrong, you’re still an idiot."

Asch wouldn't bother mentioning it if he didn't really care.

Flynn wasn't entirely sure what he could say to make anything better. Yuri was always one to forge his own path, even if that path was one full of hardship. Not that he could talk, considering his path was just as difficult if not more so. But it was true. Words weren't exactly needed when you were practically the same person who chose a different path. Flynn could understand where Yuri was coming from and what the Shadow meant by its words, but that didn't mean that he would be able to persuade Yuri any better than anyone else present. If it were that easy, they would've never left each others' sides after Niren's passing.

"It's all right," he stated, almost softly. "Do what you need to do. But that doesn't mean we won't be watching you, ready to stand by your side. Sure, we get into all sorts of trouble when the other isn't there to check on us, but... I know that when I ring that bell, you'll rush to my side. So don't ever hesitate to do the same thing in turn. A world without Yuri isn't a world I'm willing to save as fiercely as one with him in it."

"I managed to find one rat's ass," Albel replied wryly. "I figured I might as well give it to you."

He shifted his weight and placed a hand on his hip, staring down Yuri's Shadow. That same self-doubt, that same isolationism, wanting to push everyone else away to "keep them safe" when really it was about protecting Yuri -- just as Albel had done with his own heart. He kept everyone at arms' length so he wouldn't be disappointed or hurt or responsible.

"Everyone has the right to exist as they choose," he stated. "Their friends support them."

Friends. Yeah, he supposed they were. Yuri had defended Albel's existence before.

"Actually, no I realized that wasn't gonna cut it but you know it wasn't going to stop me from trying."

He shrugged briefly at her reply. Rukia was right, he knew that his note wasn't going to cut his worried friends. He was being ambiguous on purpose. He knew it wasn't going to fool them for long. It's not that he minded it was more that he wasn't the type to really share his life with those he cared about. It was something he seemed to have an issue with—taking everything on his own instead of sharing it. When it came to him, he was always a bit harsh on himself.

"C'mon Shorty it's not about that."

He sighed. Now he felt bad because all of his friends really did care about him in such a way that it was hard for him to dismiss their concern. They were probably more times than ever sounding like Estelle and the others.

"--Just don't want to worry you."

Well thanks Shadow Yuri. You really know how to be blunt and cocky.

Yuri sighed, "Right, that. This is—

"Embarrassing."

"Right—will you quit that for a sec!"

Yuri really had it against his other self as he started to speak again. Yuri couldn't help but start chuckling at Asch's comment. Really? Of all the people he got encouraged by a short tempered red head that wanted to strangle him for various things.

"What made you think that?"

"That Lone Wolf Attitude of yours of yours."

"You’re not wrong."

Somehow this turned into a weird comedy show. Yuri was maybe a little baffled by the tone that Flynn used. Well—to be fair, his Shadow showed a larger amount of shock for the both of them. Okay, he was fairly used to Flynn being pretty sentimental but this was all way too sappy for his own comfort and he couldn't help but look the other way. Yuri—embarrassed? Yeah that's totally happening.

"Shucks Flynn, didn't know you cared that much," he muttered. Ah—why were they all sappy? Even Albel too. Yuri just couldn't handle this right now. In truth, he could but it didn’t want ot admit to these things all the time. He knew he made friends with a great bunch of people who would never betray him. They were always going to be by his side and protect him for whatever dumb reason they had.

"I guess I can take that rat's ass as a thank you for going out of your way for little old me here."

Okay, he's really going to have to end this quickly or he's going to drown in all the cheesy sap and his Shadow was already enjoying the amount of squirming he was doing by busting out laughing. Which probably would have surprised the room.

"We achieved what we came to do," Flynn spoke softly as he turned to the others. "It's up to Yuri to deal with his Shadow now, and it doesn't appear as though a physical altercation will be needed. Why don't we step aside so that Yuri may have some privacy?"

Albel looked at Yuri for confirmation before nodding. "If that is what is best."

Yuri gave him privacy to face the spirit of the Crimson Scourge. They weren't that close. Close enough that Albel cared, he supposed, but... well, he didn't want to invade Yuri's space any more than necessary. Flynn was his friend. If this is what Flynn thought was appropriate, Albel would agree.

"We'll be outside." He left, intending to wait until Yuri was done and still ready to fight if necessary.

"That's the logic of a fool," Rukia sighed, dropping her head with exasperation written all over her face. "We would worry less if you bothered to tell us what's going on. Instead you let us find out like --this--." She gestured briefly at the lab with her hand before looking to his Shadow. The purple-eyed Yuri didn't seem particularly violent or aggressive. This was the side of himself that he repressed, it seemed...a side that worried for his friends more than his own safety and well-being. Well that wasn't so bad, all things considered.

She took a few steps toward the door, but she didn't leave. Neither version of Yuri seemed particularly insistent about being left alone. If anything, this might be the only way he could ever really speak his mind, as she knew there was a lot he didn't say despite his claims of being straightforward and blunt.

"So?" she said, folding her arms casually below her chest and shifting her weight to one side. "The question is, now that you know what you've been hiding, will you continue to hide it? Or are you going to commit to a change, and better communication with your friends?"

[And just as Yuri turns, there stands Natalia right in his path. Her green eyes are wide, and her mouth hangs open with a hand half-raised as though to stop the gasp from escaping. She doesn't look angry at all, but that's probably because Yuri didn't leave a note on her fridge. She can't be mad about what she didn't even know she missed.]

Yuri! What happened?

[Natalia quickly closes the distance between them, reaching out to gently seize his chin and get a better look at his injury.]

My, that's a nasty bruise. It's fortunate I ran into you.

[The reason why becomes clear as the holy light of a Cura spell washes over him. It won't do much for the dried blood or dirt, but she can at least reduce the pain and swelling with her magic.]

Come. You can explain on the way, we're going to get you washed up straight away.

[She turns on her heel, clearly expecting him to follow her without argument. And if he doesn't? She'll frown at him and take him firmly by the hand to drag him along.]

[ Yuri turned when he heard Natalia's voice. Well, this was definitely a pretty bad situation to come out of. Initially Natalia didn't end up finding out about anything yet, but it wasn't like he'd keep it from her if she asked since he got an earful from everyone else that was involved in the confrontation. He did what he needed to do but he supposed that wasn't enough to please his friends or the Shadow. He was at fault for it and he knew it. ]

What's up Natalia?

[ Despite that, his tone came off rather typical and Yuri like as he greeted her only, until she grabbed his chin and looked at the bruise that was forming on his face. Well, that was a bit hard to hide wasn't it? He sighed. ]

H-Hey, wait a minute.....

[ There's a frown on his face but he followed on after her anyway. This was going to be a long night. He's going to have to explain this to her somehow. Not that he had a reason to but she's not one to let up. Better tell her before anyone else decides to tell her and she'd get even more upset about it. ]

[A wise decision, and one he won't regret nearly as much in the long run. She's determined to repay him for all of the kindness he's shown to her, and he just looks so weary. A quiet place to rest will be just the thing, where she can heal his injury and cook... ... Well, perhaps she'll ask Kumew to fetch something from Anise's cafe instead, just to be on the safe side.]

Well? You still haven't told me how you got that bruise. Please don't tell me you've resorted to bar fights.

[Natalia doubts that's what happened, he isn't someone who goes out of his way to irritate people. Still, he does have a natural talent for pushing people's buttons.]

Did someone strike you?

[ What else could he do against an insistent princess who was going to really let him have it if he didn't listen to what she had to say? It wasn't like he wanted to add another ass beating to his list. He also could use the company after all of that. Despite looking like he could care less, Yuri did really care about what had happened to him. ]

Myself. I got the bruise from myself and well you shouldn't think so highly of me....

[ Because Bar Fights were a thing with him and he did them quite often. He's not going to talk about either cases, though. She really did see him in a different light from how he saw himself. ]

Yourself? I don't understand.

[She's just so dense. But her concern truly is genuine as she looks back at her friend. Maybe she doesn't recognize the exact circumstances, and likely won't until he tells her. But she can see that he's at a low point just in the look of his face, and the way his shoulders slope so heavily. Something is truly bothering him.]

[Regardless of what it is, she gives his hand a reassuring squeeze as she leads him down the street.]

And who are you to command my opinions? We may disagree, but my regard for you is unlikely to change. I hope that brings you comfort.

[She smiles back at him over her shoulder before facing the road ahead.]

[At long last they reach her house. She knocks before opening the door, peeking inside. It doesn't look like anyone else is home. Natalia slips off her shoes.]

Here, remove your boots and rest on the couch. I'll bring you some water.

[ Seems like she missed his note. Not that he minded. It was one less thing to worry her over. Strangely enough her sincerity was always on his mind. People like Natalia were hard to come by. At least, princesses that mean well when it it comes to her country men and citizens. ]

The thing that we all had to face-- our Calamity selves.

[ He replied when she stated she didn't understand. Hopefully that was blunt enough for her to get. He didn't really know how to speak to her on the matter. She'd be unhappy either way. He could contradict himself a lot and he knew it. Not that it made anything happier. ]

I'm not commanding. It's the honest truth-- haha, you're pretty stubborn aren't you, Princess?

[ He chuckled if only for a moment. ]

...Right...

[ Strangely enough he didn't argue as he tossed off his shoes and made his way in. ]

Stubborn? You're one to talk.

[There doesn't seem to be any anger in her voice, or righteous indignation. It seems like there should be some sort of reaction after hearing that he faced his Shadow without asking her to attend, but there's nothing.]

[Returning from the kitchen with what she promised, she passes the glass of water to Yuri's hands before moving to the side and holding up her hands, slim fingers delicately curved as the soft glow of magic pulses in her hands. A Cure spell may not be necessary given that his injuries aren't severe, but she'd rather not see any bruises on her friend regardless.]

[She remains silent as she works, stealing little glances. Honestly she is worried, but there's little point in doing so. He defeated his Shadow, after all, now all he needs is time to recover his strength.]

...I won't press you for details. If you'd wanted me to know about that other side of you, you would have asked me to come with you. You scarcely know me, so I can't say I'm surprised. But I am willing to listen, if you decide that there's more you wish to say.

[Natalia finds it a struggle to keep the disappointment out of her voice, and it's subtle enough that it wouldn't be blatantly obvious. But still...she wishes he would have asked, even if she (thinks she) understands why he wouldn't.]

That's all I'll say about the matter whatever you decide.

Ouch.

[ He replied with a brief chuckle at her words. He was only half serious after all. Even in these given situations, he can be quite sarcastic. Since he was in someone else's home, he did the proper etiquette per her request and took off his boots. He'd leave them by the door as he walked into the kitchen following her.

At some point he plopped in one of the chairs in the kitchen with a glass of water that was given to him. Yuri didn't argue with her when she wanted to insist on fixing the bruise that lined his face. He deserved it so it didn't bother him too much. ]

It's not the fact that I care about people knowing what my past is like-- rather it's not important and it won't do anyone any favors knowing. I like to handle my personal problems on my own-- contradicting compared to what kind of intrusive guy I am but you have to understand that I'm that kind of guy.

[ He shrugged a bit as she pointedly told him those things. ]

Are you really that curious about me?

[This guy... How vexing he is!]

Handling your own affairs is praiseworthy. But you're wrong if you think your past doesn't matter, or that it would burden someone else to know more about you.

[Just gonna bluntly say it: He's wrong. Natalia draws out a chair to sit at the table.]

Knowing where someone has come from...where they've been, the trials they've overcome, the struggles they still face...is a sign of trust, and loyalty. So in that sense, yes, I am very curious about you. However, I will not force your trust. I will only express that the desire to be trusted in the future is there. And that is all.

Now drink your water.

[ Selphie had decided early on that if their other housemates were going to play the justified anger card, she would play the support card instead. She was annoyed with Yuri for the note on the fridge that had her scrambling to sprint to Palitutu's laboratory but wasn't going to punch her friend or anything. He'd been there for her during her own confrontation so she wanted to return the favour.

When he's getting ready to leave, Selphie stands in the doorway with a thoughtful frown on her face and a potion in her hand. Whatever had happened in the past was simply that and she wouldn't hold it against him She nods tp the offered potion as her head tilted to one side, curiously wondering if he will accept the item or not. ]

Just like you keep telling me not to do everything by myself, you should probably take your own advice.

[ She will step aside eventually, but the worry wart of the house would appreciate an apology of some sort. ]

So, a knight, huh? You always beat to the rhythm of your own drum so that surprised me.

Want some company for the walk home?

Edited 2017-03-08 03:01 (UTC)

[ If anything, he deserved it. The others weren't wrong to be upset with him. Yuri had this issue that was always ongoing. He always bottled things up and took the weight of the world on his shoulders, rather than share it. Even his best friend knew that. Flynn of all people had every right to punch him down for what he did. Especially, when they went through so much together. Even then it wasn't about trust. It was about Yuri taking things to the extreme and he always took responsibility to the extreme. He'd rather have blood on his hands than someone else's. It was just how he rolled.

He turned when he caught Selphie's petite form standing by the doorway handing him potion. He pushes it back to her and shook his head with a brief laugh. ]

C'mon Sunshine, you know I'm not good at that stuff. I don't do what I preach. Pretty Hypocritical of me huh?

[ He shrugged/ ]

Yeah-- everyone keeps giving me that reaction. I guess it's pretty hard to see me be a law abiding citizen, right?

[ He paused before adding. ]

Flynn and I joined the Imperial Knights to fight for those who could not fight for themselves with equal treatment. In the end, I couldn't do that in the Imperial Knights and I didn't do much outside of it either.

[ Yuri dismissively waved his hand as he started down the street. ]

Whatever you want, Sunshine. ]

[ He wasn't going to stop her. ]

[Selphie tucked the potion back into her pouch before she smiled sadly at her friend. It was very true, he was the type to take on everything by himself, much like a certain Commander that she could name. It ultimately comes down to trust, she supposed but it still stung to be pushed away when she could help. He can't take everybody's weight on his shoulders, he'll break eventually.]

Just a bit. I... I wish you'd trust us a little more. It isn't fair, Yuri. I trust you, so why can't you do the same?

[She listened quietly to his explanation as she tried to keep up with Yuri.]

We all fight in our own ways and our paths started off differently but right now, we're all on the same path. Facing shadows or saving Crystallis and the rest of our worlds isn't something to take on by yourself.

[She frowned a bit.]

That's too much for one person to bear by themselves. Try to share the load a little bit.

[She's not trying to lecture but it may certainly come off as such. Even Selphie grows up eventually.]

[ If anything, he was thankful for the thought that she put into asking him anyway. He appreciated it that much at the very least. ]

It's not about trust, Sunshine. It's about how I am. You could probably ask everyone that knows me. They'll say I'm pretty reckless and self sacrificial.

[ He sighs. ] It's complicated and it's not easy to explain.

[ He replied, taking his usual strides. Damn did his face still freaking hurt. He'd deal with it until they got home at the very least. ]

I know that. You don't need to remind me, jeez. You're starting to sound like Flynn.

[ He shakes his head as she frowned. ]

I'll try to be better but I make no promises.

Hey, slow down a bit?

[ Even if she's managing to keep up with him, she'll run out of steam eventually. She mulls over his words about being reckless and self sacrificing and Yuri really does remind Selphie of Squall. It's a relief to know that he's willing to try to share the burden but even Selphie knows that it isn't going to be easy. ]

Well, Yuri. You've always listened to me and even if you are reckless and self sacrificing, I bet your friends would feel the same as I do. Your heart is always in the right place and you've always been there when I or anyone else needed someone to lean on.

And I know that personal stuff isn't easy to explain but I'll always listen just like you've always listened to me. Or... told me off when I'm being an idiot but that's not my point!

[ She volleys a Cura at him to help with the punch to the mouth he took earlier. ]

You're not alone either. And I'll say it a thousand times in a row if I have to until you believe it. You're not the only one who had to make the tough choice.

Right.

[ Well he didn't realize he was walking that fast, but maybe she was referring to something else. Either way he didn't seem to really get it right now since he was in a huge daze moments before. ]

Don't you think I know that Sunshine? Of all the people, I should really do what I preach huh?

[ He sighs a bit as she said those words. ]

It's a little more complicated than that you know?

[ Well he'll thank her silently for that nice cura. It did really stop the pain. ]

Being aware and understanding it different from actually doing it. You know I've accepted that part of me, whether I can talk about it or not depends on the situation I guess. I'm not one for blowing up my life to others. I appreciate that you and all of them can trust me with your personal stuff-- don't get me wrong.

Hey! Stop!

[Selphie moves to grab Yuri's hand to get him to slow down even a tiny bit. She'd kept silent for most of his confrontation but wasn't about to let him blow this off as easily as he's trying to. She could only understand what she had witnessed and even then, it was still difficult to take in.]

Stop walking for five minutes and listen to me! If you don't want to talk about it, that's perfectly fine. It isn't easy to talk about, I know that too but just stop for a few and do something other than try to blow this off like it isn't a big deal.

[She lets her head tilt to one side as she smiles sadly.]

Even if you don't say anything at all and act like everything is fine, it still hurts inside, doesn't it?

It's okay to let your guard down every now and again.

[ Yuri stops when she grabs his hand and turns back to her when she raises her voice. He doesn't seem like he wants to listen much like everyone else. He's keeping to himself and even if she has good intentions, he really doesn't want to burden her with his problems. Problems of which he already knew how to solve but being incredibly stubborn about it. ]

It really isn't a big deal, Sunshine.

[ He used his free hand to ruffle her hair. ]

It's just how I am. It won't change overnight and there's no use worrying you over it.

[ He sighed. ]

Right... letting my guard down.

[ Yeah sweetie, he's really not gong to bite. He's going to be Yuri and be completely difficult. ]

[ Some part of Selphie still wants to pursue this, but she knows Yuri well enough by now to know that he wasn't going to relent. There were a lot of mixed emotions swirling in her mind as he ruffled her hair and sometimes it was just easier to let it go then to push. She squeezed his hand a bit during the hair ruffle before sighing in defeat. ]

Sorry, but the sunshine isn't feeling very sunny right now. Apologies for certain notes left on the fridge and promises of curry miiiiiight help to sway things in the Captain's favour though.

[ If Yuri does say anything, Selphie will just have to accept that it's going to be on his terms and no one else's. ]

Hey, man.

[Hisui notices Yuri walking down the street, looking a bit battered. Since he was coming from the lab, there was no hesitation in Hisui's deduction as to where he's been.]

You kick its ass?

Yo, Hisui.

[ Yuri waved a hand at Hisui as he noticed Hisui approaching him. He laughed a little. Hisui was always so damn blunt but he didn't mind. ]

More like it kicked my ass and we made up.

Well, better than having lost, I guess.

[Hisui whistled, but he was impressed. Yuri was no ordinary swordsman, and this only proved that he was amazingly strong.]

You need some healing, dude?

You go that right. I don't care what happens as long as I go there.

[ He replied with a smirk, though yeah his face did hurt quite a lot. Not to mention the threats of his friends wanting to hit him as well. ]

Probably, but you're not obligated to heal me Hisui.

It may be so, but I'm the type of person who does what they want, damn the consequences.

[Hisui then casts a healing spell on Yuri, hopefully providing some physical relief.]

You're probably the same way.

Guess you're right. You an I both.

[ chuckled when Hisui did what he wanted and healed his injury. ]

Thanks-- and you're not too far off. We are similar aren't we?

Perhaps. I'm willing to bet that maybe the people you surround yourself with aren't all that different, either. Sure, there are some superficial differences, but in the end, a lot of us want the same thing. It's just those differences sometimes make us clash.

[Like the endless fight between the people of Quartz and Cellirand.]

In any case, you take care of yourself, all right? I gotta get going, but I'm glad to see you kicked that shadow's ass.

Man for a guy I hardly know that well, you're pretty blunt as usual.

[ He chuckled at Hisui's response as he shook his head. It's one of those things. ]

You're not wrong. I meet a bunch of misfits on my journeys. We're just a band of that aren't we?

[ He laughed louder. ]

Thanks Hisui, you sure know how to cheer a guy up ! Of course, I'm not as pathetic as to let my Shadow kick my ass all day.

[Lailah looked up and saw Yuri outside of of Palitutu's lab. Bowing politely, she had an idea of why he was here.]

So you're ready.

[She tried to smile, but she knew it would be a difficult fight.]

I can't say it'll be easy. I can't even say anything with much certainty since we don't know each other very well, so it feels a bit like cheating if I lie to you and tell you not to worry. But...

[Lailah swallowed.]

What I can say is that I've seen you around, and you have many allies. As long as you have them, you can withstand anything.

More or less. I couldn't for the life of me waste useful resources. I got to learn about myself better don't I?

[ He mused giving her a small smile as she greeted him. ]

You seem to have caught me before anyone else did. You must be pretty good at reading between the lines huh Lailah?

[ Not that he was angry at her for approaching. ]

I know. Your reassurance is more than enough. We're not close and yet here you are giving me advice on how I should handle things. Not that I mind.

[ He shakes his head. ]

Man, they're going to be pretty pissed off when they find me. I'm sure they're not even happy with that half assed note.

[ Why he's telling her? He didn't know. ] Not going inside?

[Lailah shook her head. She already knew his allies were waiting inside - it wouldn't be right of her to intrude.]

Perhaps not.

[Notice the smile.]

If the prose was especially... colorful... I can't imagine it would have helped.

[ Lailah was a strange person. There was something otherworldly about her adn it wasn't because he was trying to flirt. ]

Right.

[ He replied still smiling at her. ]

I guess not but you know this is just how I roll. I'd rather not make them worry too much but in the end, I worried them didn't I?

You can't control that. The realm of another heart is not for someone else to control. The fact that you have a place in so many peoples' hearts is something not everyone can achieve.

[she smiled in turn]

In any case, it wasn't my intention to keep you from what you are about to do. Please, count me as one of your allies if you ever need assistance in the future.

Jeez, even you too huh?

[ Yuri puts a hand to his face. Just what has he been doing really? It's just baffling time to time with him. She was right though. Not everyone could impact others as easily as Yuri did. he didn't even try most of the time. It wasn't his ego or anything-- rather it was just the way he was. ]

Thanks Lailah, you aren't keeping me. I'm glad to have an ally in you. Don't go getting yourself hurt either you hear me?

[Leaning in, Lailah chuckled.]

Come closer.

[With that, Lailah quickly planted a short kiss on his cheek.]

For good luck.

[with that, before another word was said, Lailah vanished.]

...Ok?

[ Was she going to tell him something secretive? He wasn't sure so he leaned over briefly until he felt her lips pressed against his cheek and just like that the long haired woman vanished. ]

H-Huh?!

[ Yuri was staring at the empty space where Lailah was for a brief moment, before his face turned bright red. ]

Jeez, what is wrong with that woman?! Yo,Lailah!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

When You Are Overconfident

Facing the Past

lmk if i should change anything...

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Going Home (?)

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Going Home

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S-sob ;-; /embarrassed so effing much/

it's okay.

/chews on/

Going Home

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Before the Fight

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