![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Entry tags:
@SELFCROWNED
[The boy's dorm room in Abyss hasn't gotten any less messy in the seven months since the war started.
In fact, some would argue it's only gotten worse. (Some being Constance, primarily, in a forty minute tirade that only ended when Yuri threatened to surface for some sun.) He's commandeered the back shelves to transform them into a makeshift desk, littered with papers and books and maps and quills, organized in a way that seems to only make sense to Yuri. The colorful bottles that used to be strewn about here haven't been tidied up, just pushed to one side. He's nesting, Hapi titters whenever she's within earshot. Yuri wishes he had the energy to jab back.
He doesn't have the energy for anything other than Abyss, right now. And for that, just barely. He's added up the budget four times now and still can't get it where he needs. Yuri knows why, can't fool himself. They just plain don't have enough funds. So many mouths to feed, and so few hands to feed them. The cost for food is sky-high, and most merchants don't even make it close to the hollowed-out shell of Garreg Mach monastery-- deserted, supposedly. And it is, save for the forgotten that inhabit its basement. There's hardly even a soul to steal from. Yuri is used to solving difficult problems, enjoys the puzzle of it, but... he's nearing the end of his frayed rope.
He sighs deep, buries his face into his hands. There's a dull, throbbing pressure that's started to well up in his temples, refusing to dissipate even when he presses his thumbs into it. Maybe if he skips dinner for a week, there'll be enough gold to replace the most tattered of the children's clothing.
Maybe he's accidentally bet on something that can't win, this time.
Without realizing it, Yuri has begun to find the surface of his desk rather inviting. His head keeps tilting down every few minutes, hair falling into his face. And then, with little fanfare, Yuri's slumping forward onto his notebooks, falling asleep right there with his face buried into his arms. There's only so much avoiding sleep he can do before his body forces him to catch up like this.]
In fact, some would argue it's only gotten worse. (Some being Constance, primarily, in a forty minute tirade that only ended when Yuri threatened to surface for some sun.) He's commandeered the back shelves to transform them into a makeshift desk, littered with papers and books and maps and quills, organized in a way that seems to only make sense to Yuri. The colorful bottles that used to be strewn about here haven't been tidied up, just pushed to one side. He's nesting, Hapi titters whenever she's within earshot. Yuri wishes he had the energy to jab back.
He doesn't have the energy for anything other than Abyss, right now. And for that, just barely. He's added up the budget four times now and still can't get it where he needs. Yuri knows why, can't fool himself. They just plain don't have enough funds. So many mouths to feed, and so few hands to feed them. The cost for food is sky-high, and most merchants don't even make it close to the hollowed-out shell of Garreg Mach monastery-- deserted, supposedly. And it is, save for the forgotten that inhabit its basement. There's hardly even a soul to steal from. Yuri is used to solving difficult problems, enjoys the puzzle of it, but... he's nearing the end of his frayed rope.
He sighs deep, buries his face into his hands. There's a dull, throbbing pressure that's started to well up in his temples, refusing to dissipate even when he presses his thumbs into it. Maybe if he skips dinner for a week, there'll be enough gold to replace the most tattered of the children's clothing.
Maybe he's accidentally bet on something that can't win, this time.
Without realizing it, Yuri has begun to find the surface of his desk rather inviting. His head keeps tilting down every few minutes, hair falling into his face. And then, with little fanfare, Yuri's slumping forward onto his notebooks, falling asleep right there with his face buried into his arms. There's only so much avoiding sleep he can do before his body forces him to catch up like this.]
no subject
So, yes. He's going to keep squirming until Balthus squeezes him tight against his chest.]
Nnf.
[A noise so quiet, it could almost go unheard if Yuri wasn't this close to Balthus. His arms are pinned between him and Balthus now, and all the shoving in the world wouldn't help free them. Yuri has always known, obviously, but... he can't help his thoughts drifting to how strong Balthus is. And muscular. And-- goddess Yuri is tired.]
Yes, I do think you will, or I'm going to make you regret it--
[Somehow. Really.
Even though he can barely wiggle any more.]
no subject
At the very least, he's glad to have Yuri restrained properly now, meaning he won't end up with a pen stabbed into his eye. Yeah. That's a start.
What a warm bundle in his arms though... It's kind of cute, really? Which is again a line of thought he does not want to follow because everything tonight is already going a little over his processing capability and he has no interest in straining his brain any more than necessary - ever.
Balthus is just going to move back towards Yuri's bad now. Dumping him in there is no guarantee he'll actually stay in it, but that's a problem for two minutes in the future. ]
You're welcome to. I'm a jerk, not like I won't deserve it. Unfortunately that means I also won't back down now.
no subject
Mockingbird will have to suffice, as far as animal comparisons go.
He runs a bit warm, and doubly so when he's worked up like this, body a searing stripe of heat along Balthus's torso. Yuri's struggles renew as Balthus approaches his bunk. It's not like he couldn't just get out of his bed again once he's freed, but it's the principle of the thing. That, and he wouldn't put it past Balthus to blockade him in bed until he falls asleep. On that note... Yuri's not sure he can keep himself awake if he ends up horizontal.]
Wow, what a martyr. Fine, then. You've made your point, I'll go to bed, just put me down.
[Don't believe him, Balthus, he's lying through his teeth.]
no subject
At this point letting you to the floor first is extra effort.
[ They're so close now, it's kind of ridiculous to not go all the way with whatever this has turned into. The only thing more awkward than literally carrying Yuri to bed would be carrying to a step in front of the bed, defeating the whole purpose of any picking up.
So Balthus crosses the last distance and lets the Yuri-bundle flop down onto his bunk. Instantly he feels the cool chill against his body where Yuri previously was and it's... a little sad, really? Not that Balthus has ever been much of a cuddling type, but there's still something nice about physical contact and--- nope. ]
Nighty night now, boss.
no subject
[Yuri knows what Balthus is planning the second he opens his mouth, because they've lived together for long enough by now and Balthus is not skilled in subterfuge. Regrettably, in this instance knowledge is not power, and knowing that Balthus is going to deposit him into his bunk does nothing to help him prevent it from happening. He falls out of Balthus's arms and bounces on the mattress, growling in aggravation as he comes to rest in an untidy heap.
The expression on his face can be described as nothing but sour.]
You're unbelievable.
[As if Yuri has any room to talk.]
I didn't even take off my makeup.
[He sighs, long and aggrieved, and fidgets around until he's sprawled out, head propped up by his hand with his elbow on the bed. He works his fingers into his hair, nails dragging softly along his scalp. Weariness pulls at him. This is exactly why he wanted to avoid this. A few seconds on a soft (if lumpy) surface, and Yuri could almost just let his eyes slip shut. The perils of creature comforts.
There's a long, soft moment of quiet before Yuri turns his head, tucks his cheek into his palm and huffs, near inaudible--]
...Thanks.
[For caring, remains unspoken.]
no subject
.......... oh.
That's something he didn't expect to hear tonight. And for a moment he's simply stunned into silence, looking down on Yuri and just taking him in... Vulnerable like this, opening up like this, just... They've really come a long way. Balthus would have knocked people out for Yuri within two days of meeting him, but this reciprocal dynamic of theirs? That's newer. And it feels precious, even to Balthus who is not notable for his skill in recognizing precious things unless they're metals.
He breaks into a smile that isn't all that smug anymore. ]
You're welcome, boss. Sweet dreams.
no subject
There's an effortless beauty to him, the edges of which are softened by sleep. Maybe softened by this thing that neither of them are willing to acknowledge. The Rite of Rising changed things between them, sure, but Yuri opening up? Treating Balthus like an equal? That's all thanks to Balthus and his headstrong persistence.
Yuri huffs softly, settles his head down on his pillow. Lilac hair pools around his face.]
Yeah, yeah. Don't let it go to your head.
[And as simple as that, Yuri's asleep.
There are few hits and many misses in the following weeks. Yuri keeps burning the candle at both ends, because he's never known how to do anything else, but he's a little more receptive to Balthus's nagging over his health. They scrape together, repair, and sell every weapon and piece of armor they can from the scrap heap. Groups of able-bodied Abyss denizens work deep into the caverns of the underground, gathering up whatever relics that could have some sort of value. They're worth a lot less coin nowadays than they would have been in the past. The steel items that can be melted down into weapons prove the most lucrative. Balthus appears some evenings with gold, and Yuri feels like he's helping him pave the path to his ruin when he accepts it. Still, it's not enough. Yuri can barely line the stomachs of his people with the food they can afford to acquire. They need something more.
Balthus comes through once again.
Bodyguard work for a merchant caravan. They're looking for protection from bandits and otherwise, so they can move their merchandise between nations during the war. It's dangerous, so it pays well. Balthus sniffs the lead out and brings the head of the merchants to Yuri-- the negotiation's all up to him after that, that's not Balthus's strong suit, he's told. Luckily for them, it is Yuri's strong suit-- in fact, he might hold the entire deck. So negotiate he does. The final deal is struck after three hours, and it's only thanks to Yuri's perfect composure that he doesn't tremble with joy when they shake hands on the agreement.
His cape swirls out behind him as he rushes through the hallways, heels clacking loud on the stones beneath him. At least two people jump in shock as Yuri bursts into each room he comes across, ducking out just as quickly.]
Balthus!
[He's not in any of the usual haunting spots, so Yuri keeps moving until he finds a back alley lit warm with fire magic. He shoves the thick wooden doors open to the first chamber in the hall, and beams when he sees Balthus.]
It's done. The deal, it's... it's all settled, friend.
no subject
They need this deal. They need it desperately. Even with the usual debt collectors gone from his life, Balthus is running out of ideas for where to obtain more gold. He's pretty sure a bunch of the wealthy have a 'kill on sight' order out for him by now. That really spices life up, but it's not exactly practical when you've got a few dozen hungry mouths to feed.
The situation is wearing them all down, even him. He's had worse, he's been closer to starving than this before, and still... knowing there's other people in it with him who deserve it so much less? That's what's stressful.
And then there's Yuri and Balthus whirls around to face him and wow. That's a smile alright. Balthus barely registers the actual words when that expression really says it all and makes all the weight drop of his shoulders instantaneously. ]
Hell yes!!
[ That cheer was louder than any indoors voice has a right to be, but damn if that isn't called for right now.
With a few quick steps Balthus is right in front of Yuri, matching that beam with equal intensity. ]
I knew you could get them to cave, boss! Leave the bodyguard stuff to me, we'll be swimming in coin in no time!
no subject
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.]
no subject
Yuri looks dazzling smiling like this and it makes Balthus think that the war has really taken a toll on his friend more than anybody - if he's this blindingly beautiful in comparison to before, the old look must have gotten pretty bad over time. Yeah, that's what this is. An exacerbated effect by comparison.
The mention of a bonus makes the laughter fade out into a pleased grin, like a cat basking in the sun. ]
You know how to make a man feel appreciated, I gotta say.
no subject
That's why Yuri keeps him around.]
Oh, I do know how to appreciate a man.
[It's no different from the kinds of lines he tosses out every other day of the week. But for some reason, the second it leaves his mouth this time, Yuri feels his chest flip. The tips of his ears warm.]
Well? Are you coming, or should I tell them that the indomitable king of overindulging in drink isn't interested tonight?
[Yuri's head tilts to the side a little, teasing and curious in equal measures. Then he nods back out toward the hall, and steps out, leading back toward the center of the settlement with his first few steps. Balthus will follow him. He always does.]
no subject
He shakes off the weird feeling and follows Yuri with wide steps. Having long legs means he's caught up within seconds, even giving Yuri a head-start. ]
Just try telling them. It'll only hurt your credibility.
[ If there is anybody the people at the inncan rely on it's Balthus von Albrecht. They certainly all greet him accordingly when they enter, as they always do. Balthus is a good pal to every habitual drinker in Abyss and he can never help fistbumping a few people on the way to finding a seat. ]
It's been way too long since we got let loose. Never thought I'd be the one to say this, but this war? Too much fightin'.
no subject
Balthus catches up easily. There's not much ground that eleven extra inches of height can't make up for. Sometimes Yuri finds that frustrating, if he's trying to outpace him. He ends up half-jogging in front of Balthus taking easy strides to keep up every time they argue, and it doesn't do much for his case. They don't argue much lately, though, and Yuri appreciates Balthus keeping by his side.]
Hah. As if anything could damage my credibility with the citizens of Abyss.
[Not that they don't see and appreciate what Balthus does for them, too. That's immediately evident when they stroll into the inn, and all the bar rats greet him enthusiastically. Yuri has to step out of range of a full, sloshing mug when Balthus bumps fists with someone, and he huffs and steers him along to a table tucked into the far corner of the inn.]
Too much fighting? For the King of Grappling? Never thought I'd hear that out of you, either.
[Even the reminder of the world they now live in isn't enough to dampen Yuri's spirits. They're getting a lot of looks from around the room-- he hasn't made an announcement about the deal yet, but Yuri bringing strange merchants down into Abyss certainly hasn't gone unnoticed, and gossip travels fast in the underground.
Or maybe they've have just seen that Yuri's smiling.
The bartender drops them two tall mugs of a sweet-smelling mead, unbidden. By scent alone, it seems higher quality than anything that's been poured in the Wilting Rose before.]
I'd be content to forget all about it, for tonight. Hopefully this'll help.
[Yuri punctuates his statement with a long sip from the mug, and a sigh of content.]
no subject
It's half about the drink and half about the attitude, I'll have you know. I'm not only the king of grappling but also the king of emptying my head. Even the great Abysslord Yuri can learn a few tricks from me.
[ He picks up his mug, still smiling an easy sort of smile that is less teasing and more simply content. An actual swig of the drink has him sighing in delight. ]
... okay, this will absolutely help though. Man, I've missed this.
[ All of it. Not just the alcohol but also the carefree evenings, just sitting with Yuri and betting stories on all kinds of inane things. Abyss has never been affluent, never been pretty, but it used to be happy. To Balthus, it had been the first place in the world that he really would call home. It is home in a way House Albrecht can't ever be, because Balthus is not made of the stuff lords and ladies are made of. He wonders where they went wrong in raising him, sometimes. Casting the noble lifestyle aside had not felt like punishment to Balthus but like tossing off chains. Where other nobles fret and fear about losing their titles, Balthus would take any day spent hungry and beaten on the streets over returning to his old lifestyle.
This is where he belongs, among the common folks and the outcasts. He closes his eyes for just a second, listening to the murmuring in the inn, and he feels revitalized. ]
no subject
I don't think I want to hear exactly what your idea of tricks are. Could stand to hear you call me the great Abysslord a few more times, though.
[Teasing, always teasing. But Balthus's content smile makes Yuri think he takes no offense to it. (Hopefully, by now Balthus would know not to take Yuri's sharp tongue too seriously.) Balthus finally follows suit in sipping at the mead, and the contented sigh he breathes threads warmth through Yuri's chest. It's why he negotiated for the addition of the alcohol to their deal-- even though it added another half hour to their meeting. He knew that Balthus... that the people of Abyss would find joy in the reminder of easier times. If not that, then they could at least take comfort in the distraction it offered.]
I'll be honest... I missed it, too.
[Yuri lifts his chin from his hand, tosses his hair over his shoulder as he sits back. It sounds like an easy admittance, but honesty is hard for Yuri, and he means something bigger than just the nostalgia of sitting with Balthus over a few drinks. Confessing that he missed this goes hand in hand with acknowledging that it was gone-- that Abyss was in as much danger as it was, with no funds and no prospects. No patrons to swoop in at the eleventh hour and save them. It's all on Yuri, this time... but they managed to create their own act of the goddess. That just opens up the possibility of more.
Yuri notices Balthus close his eyes, taking a few deep breaths. He watches for a few beats. Balthus is rarely still like this, quiet, and Yuri feels compelled to just... take it in. Then he grabs the handle of his mug again and slides it forward to bump up against Balthus's.]
To getting hopelessly trashed with no regard for tomorrow's responsibilities.
no subject
To exactly that! Couldn't have said it better. You always were well-spoken.
[ And he takes another hearty swig from his cup because honestly, he might as well get a headstart in on this whole getting trashed business. Bad habits are where Balthus is really in his element. ]
Up for a little betting game?
[ He doesn't know what to bet about or for, but the best ideas come spontaneously. Probably.
It's all about the principle of the matter anyway, because this is what they do when they spend nights out late talking about nothing but nonsense. Balthus would lose all the time and it would only raise his fascination with the game, if he's entirely honest. There is something intriguing about letting Yuri take everything from him like he's a deity of fortune incarnate - or maybe just a little cheater. Both of these options have their appeal. ]
no subject
[Using his gift with words not to cheat, coerce, or wrap up slimy nobles with silver-tongued tales-- but to negotiate a deal to help Abyss, and then to toast over the victory. It's... fulfilling.
Yuri's mouth curves up into a soft smirk, eyes bright with the shine of mischief. He drinks to give himself another beat of pause, then his head tips to the side, hair cascading over his shoulder.]
Up to bleed you dry, you mean? Is the answer ever no?
[The nostalgia of Balthus offering a bet isn't lost on him. He's heard every story Balthus has to tell and then some, because Yuri is both incredibly lucky and a little cheat. That doesn't make their games any less satisfying. It's become their thing, in a way, even if they haven't had much time for it in a while. And there's a thrill in risking Balthus getting something out of him, some day. Unlikely as it is.]
I know neither of us have much of physical value to put on the line, so... play for truths? We'll throw dice. I'll even let you pick the set.
[Because both of them know every die Yuri owns is loaded.]
Whoever wins gets to ask any question. If it proves too tough to answer, [Yuri raps his knuckles against the side of his mug,] the penalty is to finish your drink. Thoughts?