realpolitik | Yatogami Kuroh | Tsukikage Yuri

[It's been a long journey to this city. Not that it's his destination--Kibougahana City, was it...?--but nonetheless, he can't deny that it might not hurt to take a short break. Ichigen-sama always did say that he needed to take it easy sometimes so he didn't overdo it, because that wouldn't help anyone.

Except...more poetic.

Because Ichigen-sama is the most poetic of all.

He's taken to the rooftops like ~~batman~~ the slightly anti-social soul he is, but at some point, he notices that there's this old lady who needs help crossing the street, and leaving her to do it on her own would just not be honorable at all, and then there's a cat in a tree and it reminds him of Neko a bit, and then--

He's walking along, passing by a school, and honestly feeling very satisfied with how the day went (even if he hasn't gotten any closer to the end of his journey, sometimes it's the journey itself that is really important, right?) when he steps on something.

Something that goes crunch.

He freezes. This was clearly the first meeting that was meant to be.]

[le list:
- fashion modeling
- dinner
- badass fights
- magical girl transformations
- flower meanings
- post movie thread]

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[She smiles, and he feels his expression soften in turn, despite his concerns; it's hard not to, when it's Yuri and she smiles like that.

He's not sure he entirely understands why, but it's one of those things he accepts--Ichigen-sama probably would say to do something like that, he thinks. (He kind of wishes he could ask.)

He clears his throat.]

How is your packing going? [He'll......bring up the topic in a moment.]

It's going well. Aside from the essentials, everything should be packed with this last box.

[ But that doesn't seem like something he'd come in just to ask about, so Yuri straightens up. ] Was there something you wanted to discuss?

...Yes.

[She knows him well, after all--it's not a surprise after all of this time that that is the case.]

I am aware that you are leaving due to proper necessity. However, I must now also go.

You-- [ Okay, hold on, she's lifting an eyebrow, voice emerging slowly. ] Go where? Something's happened?

Yes.

[He won't beat around the bush for this one--he knows that Yuri knows him well enough and knows enough about his life at this point to understand when he says:]

Neko is here.

[ Neko. She remembers him talking about her, about the girl who was his clansman and just as devoted to their King as he was. If Neko had sought him out... that either meant she had news, regarding Shiro, or there was something equally important.

She understands that, truly she does, but there's still a fair bit of concern, conflict, darkening her eyes as she reaches up to tuck a longer strand of hair behind her ear. ]

Then it's necessary to act.

...Yes.

[He knows she must be curious, if nothing else, but honestly, he doesn't have much in the way of reassurances to give. From what he's heard from Neko, the green clan is targeting her in particular (and likely him by extension), for reasons unknown. It's going to be dangerous. They're going to have to get embroiled in the clans' politics once again.

And they still haven't found Shiro.

He bows his head.]

Thank you, for all you have done for me. It has been far beyond hospitality, and for all that we have had, I am grateful.

[Don't make it sound like a last farewell, Kuroh, jeeze.]

... Why do you make it sound as though you don't intend our paths to cross again?

[ If he thought Yuri wasn't going to pick up on that-- ]

[He really should've known....but he looks startled nonetheless.]

That...was not my intention.

[A beat, and...well, it's Yuri. He has to come clean to her.]

But nonetheless, the possibility does exist. [He may not come home, if things get terribly dangerous.]

How likely is it, then, that you'll cut ties completely?

[ She's returning to her packing, but her voice has grown tight, strained, but controlled. Letting Kuroh go is one thing-- she's never claimed to own him, and his choices are his own. Except when it's a choice that ought to be reached by the two of them. ]

I... that would not be what I would choose to do.

[... He shakes his head after a moment, horrified by the thought. It's true that they're separating, and that Kuroh is going into a dangerous situation, but...]

Though we may separate, I would like to believe that nonetheless, there is a bond there that would not be severed. If I have overstepped, I apologize for that.

The possibility I refer to is simply that... I will be a target, when I return there. Neko has already experienced such a thing for herself.

... I see. I expect to still be able to contact you, when it's necessary. If you're made a target, I'd like to know.

[ So she can hurry on down there, yes. ]

Is that so...

[He can understand her wanting to know, maybe, but also--]

Would that not just cause you additional, unnecessary worry?

Not knowing about how you were doing would worry me much more.

[ This isn't a lie. Yuri would rather know than remain oblivious, and if Kuroh's put into harm's way, of course she wants to be there to help him. ]

...Even so... [It doesn't sit well with him. Yuri has plenty to worry about already without getting involved in clan wars.] Well, if that is what you insist upon, then I will keep in contact with you as best I'm able despite the circumstance.

If I said I was going to a place where I could be made a target, you'd want to be kept informed, wouldn't you? It's only fair.

[... Okay, fair. He sighs, but when he shakes his head, it's out of amusement.]

You are right, of course. [YURI TENDS TO BE...] But I must insist that you do not concern yourself overly much with it. I will keep you updated, but... regardless of what happens, this sort of thing is something we can handle. [Silver clan, he means... even if they're still missing their king.]

... I know. [ Kuroh's competent, she's more than aware of that. But still... she's concerned. ] I'll be looking forward to hearing good news from you.

I look forward to delivering it to you.

[And...after a brief pause, he'll continue a bit more sincerely:]

It is not a separation I look forward to.

It won't be a lasting one. [ Firmly. ] We don't intend to cut ties, and once things have settled for both of us...

[ She'll see him again. Or even if things haven't settled. ]

[... He'll finish it for her, even if she won't.]

... Then I shall see you again then.

[And he bows his head, simply but certainly:]

It is a promise.

Yes. Remember, you have your King to fight for. To return to. And you'll have a lot to tell me when that happens, I'm sure.

I will.

[He smiles to himself a little at that, settling, and feeling a bit more at ease.]

I'll tell you about what ends up happening in time. Please wait patiently for me until that day.

I will.

[ Of course she will. ] I believe you're worth being patient for, Kuroh.

Yatogami Kuroh | Tsukikage Yuri | 062

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