[There's a moment, just a moment, where Balthus spins on his heel to face Yuri and it feels like time-- stutters. Like something in the air hitches, like the lingering ring of a silence spell making his arms break out in goosebumps. It hangs there for a beat... and then it passes, and Balthus cheers loud enough to shake the stone walls around them.

A laugh bubbles up out of Yuri. That's about as enthusiastic as the yell, from him. When Balthus moves over next to him, he punches his arm. Barely enough to be felt, he's sure, but they both know that's Balthus's strong suit over his.]

Who would've thought a damn fool like you could have pulled this off.

[He's all but radiating with delight, more alive than Yuri has looked in months. More emotive than Yuri ever looks, really. He stretches, combs a hand through the length of his hair.]

We can take turns, no need to wear yourself out. We'll recruit whoever's interested to fill out the teams. Hapi's always complaining about having nothing to do.

But that can wait until tomorrow.

[Yuri fixes Balthus with the kind of look that usually means he's up to no good.]

Tonight we'll celebrate. I negotiated something of a... signing bonus to be left at the Wilting Rose.

[Booze. It's booze.]