[College. College had been a truly blessed experience for Rei, and she could truly say that she was having the time of her life. She had finally found a place where she wasn't going to be the only strange person, where nobody had heard of the 'mysterious maiden' that dwelt in a shrine near Jyuuban district, and most importantly: where she could train her mind without constant distraction. Familiar places, and most importantly familiar people needed to be set aside for a time.
She loved Usagi, Minako, Makoto, and Ami dearly but they had definitely agreed that with peace reigning on Earth they should take the time to attend school. Yes, they had an eternity ahead of them, but there was more to their plans than that.
They needed to be individuals, capable and knowledgeable. Leaders all, and that meant education. It also meant separating out, meeting new people and building a network they could call on. And college was the ideal vessel for this. Rei had gone to Kyoto for her schooling, theology and business, with side courses in anthropology. It was in that smattering of classes that she'd met Yuri.
Something about the girl had struck Rei immediately, but she couldn't put her finger on what right from the outset. They talked well, got on easily, and could relate to one another in surprising ways. Yes, their upbringings were very different, but few people lived the bizarre, mixed blessing life of a Sailor Senshi. All of them had extraordinary lives, but the more Rei talked with Yuri, the more she realized that maybe there were other people out there the universe just had a thing for.
Not that it mattered today, since they were coming up on Winter Finals. There wasn't much time to natter on about life, not when there was studying to do, and Yuri made for an ideal study date. They'd set up a meeting for their Intro to Folklore course, with Rei heading over to the study room in Yuri's dorm across the quad from her own. Easier that way, since she hardly minded the cold anymore, and a few moments out in the cold and wet of early winter wouldn't be too bad.
Brushing past the desk with a flash of her ID, she trotted down the hallway to Yuri's room, tapping lightly on the door. She was sure she knew the answer already, since her friend was as keen on studying as she ways, and they were both stressed out about it. Maybe more than was strictly necessary, but it was their first year of exams and who could tell. Once they finished, she was going to suggest paying a visit to the nearby shrine, in fact, since maybe a charm would help let off some of that strain.]
[It was a little bit of a miracle that Yuri had reached out at all to anyone, let alone met someone she could consider a friend. Hisoka had not-so-gently pushed Yuri out the door and encouraged her to go to college, to have a life outside the coffee shop and the little spiritual training Hisoka could provide.
She had reluctantly agreed to go for at least one year, and so far hadn't actually been very disappointed. She liked learning, she liked her classes, and she liked the new friend she'd managed to make-- one she could actually confidently say out loud was her friend. (She knew plenty of other people by now, of course, but no one she'd really bonded with like with Rei.)
Besides, Rei was interesting and pretty and there was something about her that just drew Yuri in. Like a gravitational pull drawing her into an orbit she didn't feel inclined to escape from. Yuri closed the textbook she'd been glancing over and rose, already grabbing her things together; there was only one person who'd be coming for her now, so there was no need to wonder who was knocking at her door.]
Of course, let's go. [Yuri greeted Rei with a small smile, pleased to see her, and shrugs her bag a little more securely onto her shoulder.] If we can just make it through exams, we'll finally be able to relax again... [The upcoming much-needed break seemed to loom with the same intensity the exams did, the light at the end of a tunnel. You know, if they cold reach it.]
[Rei was all to happy to be the orbit for Yuri, or rather, her counterpoint. She was in a similar way here at school, cut off from her usual support network of fellow soldiers, and often thought of her relationship with Yuri as her first natural friendship. Not that Usagi and the others were any less friends, but their relationship had been started by necessity, born of memories long past. Yuri? She was of this era, and someone Rei knew she could trust implicitly.
When the door opens she shifts back a pace, smiling warmly despite the stress. This had been a trying time for everyone, with all the prepwork that needed doing before exams next week. Even meditation had been a little difficult.]
We'll make it. Don't worry about that. Just one more week...
[She trailed off, turning towards the study room and walking easily down the hall. Yuri's question required a little thought, though. A whole four weeks with no classes seemed like heaven right now, though she was sure it'd be just as fast as breaks in high school.]
Plans? No, not particularly. I was going to head to Tokyo at some point since the dorms close for break, but probably not for all of it. I figured I'd try and go on a trip while I can, I just haven't figured out where, yet. What about you? Anything big on the horizon?
Just one more week... [Yuri echoes with a little sigh, running a hand through her hair as she follows after Rei. The idea that in just a week it would all be over was both a relief and a cause for anxiety. Had she done well enough? She's sure she has-- there's been no late work and everything's come back with high marks, but the concern is still there. Like, somehow, she missed something important that will ruin her grades and everything.
It's an unfounded fear, she knows that, but it still makes her stomach twist uncertainly anyhow.
She focuses on Rei's voice instead, finding it calming.] To visit your other friends? [She's heard of them, of course; old friends are one of the many subjects touched upon in idle and getting-to-know-you types of conversations, though Yuri had never met the other girls.
The question being turned back around on her makes her hum in contemplation.] It'd be nice to see the mountains again. It's quiet out there, and it'd be nice to take a break from so many... people. [It was draining sometimes to be around so many people almost constantly.] A trip sounds nice though. I'd like to see some of Tokyo myself maybe and visit some shrines. Maybe the beach, even if it's a bit cold.
...I think, mostly though, I'll just be happy to sleep in.
[Rei could really agree with the sentiment. She was confident in her abilities academically, gifted in her own way, and a hard worker just like Yuri, but there's always that nagging thought that she's screwed something up. A missed exam, fear of oversleeping, trick questions, sudden amnesia, and any number of other things keeping her awake at night. There was just so much going on that she's glad to have another conversation to focus on.
Yuri's been excellent at that, a welcome distraction from all of this.
Nodding in answer to the question, she smiles fondly.] Yes, I think so. I talk to them online pretty regularly, but seeing them in person will be nice. Most of them, anyway. Ami's probably not going to be able to fly back from Britain this winter so I won't see her till summer. [As predictably, the blue-haired genius had been accepted into Cambridge and taken the offer with the group's blessing. A guardian in the UK was a good relay station anyway.
All in all it promised to be a pretty nice trip, a nice reward for a hard semester. Though, a thought comes to Rei. It's maybe just a daydream, but it sounds like fun, and Yuri does seem so much happier around Rei that she can't not offer.]
Hey, Yuri. [She turns a bit and takes her new friend's hand.] If you want to come to Tokyo, why don't you come with me? Maybe just come up and stay with me in our guest room till it's nearly Christmas, then head back home? And...I could maybe come visit you after Christmas in the mountains? That'd be a nice trip for me.
[Britain sounds like it would be nice to visit, she can't help but feel a little envious for this girl. Her thoughts fill with an idle daydream of a fantasy London in winter, snow falling and Big Ben in the background, carrying hot chocolate or hot tea or something in one hand, her other hand occupied with holding the hand of--
She blinks and snaps herself out of it at suddenly being addressed, eyes a little wide.] Me? [Well, of course, it's not like there was anyone else here for Rei to be addressing. Her face colors somewhat and she hesitates] It's really not that exciting... [Not that she doesn't feel a thrill at the prospect, but she feels like she should be warning Rei about that. And beyond that, she feels a flutter of anxiety-- what if Rei go bored with her or annoyed spending that much time with her? Could she entertain her enough?
A deep breath and Yuri reminds herself that Rei didn't particularly care about things like that. The two of them could spend hours not speaking to each other, just quietly enjoying each others' company. She didn't have a thing to worry about.]
--Sorry, I was just thinking. It wouldn't be a problem. [Yuri shakes her head; that had sounded a bit too formal and her expression turns a bit sheepish.] No, sorry, I mean... I'd love to, honestly. I'm just already trying to think of what to do first.
[Rei's fingers curl a little bit, pensive enough that she's done or said something, overstepped somehow. She's a fairly affectionate young woman, thanks to a certain pair of blondes, and physical contact with friends seemed normal enough, though now that she thinks on it this is probably the first time she's actually touched Yuri's hand. That makes her own cheeks gain their own dusting of scarlet, but only for a moment.
It didn't help that she felt a sudden flicker of anxiety, a tiny part of her worried she'd gone too far. A trip is just a trip though, and when Yuri responds in that sheepish tone she let out a breath she wasn't sure how long she'd held.]
I have a few ideas for that. You'll enjoy it, I promise. [She readjusts her grip a bit, more fully taking Yuri's, palms brushing as they walk down the hall.] And I'd love to see your town. Honestly I haven't been to the countryside as often as I'd like. Mountain air sounds ideal.
[Meeting her friend's eyes, she nods with an air of finality.]
I'll make the arrangements with my grandfather. It'll be a good time, and I can take you to some of the places we've talked about. [Restaurants mostly...]
[She wants to protest again that it's boring, really, because in truth she's just worried that Rei will get-- What? Bored? Bored with the mountains, bored with her? She's pointlessly worrying, she knows that. Hadn't she just finished telling herself that Rei wasn't the kind of person who'd want non-stop action and adventure every second anyhow?
She takes a breath and gives Rei's hand a light squeeze, smiling shyly.] ...I'd like that. [Yuri imagines sitting in for a quiet evening, just her and Rei and Hisoka. Coffee, maybe playful fortune telling, and didn't Rei's shrine do things like that too? Yuri had never held too much stock in it, though with everything she knew to be true by now and Hisoka's own uncanny ability to be right far more often than wrong, she's curious.
Maybe Rei can tell her fortune one day, which prompts her to ask about it now.] I'd like to see the things you do at the shrine. You could tell our fortune. [The 'our' part slips out unintended, when she'd fully meant to say 'my'. Yuri pauses, surprised at herself, before deciding that it sounds right enough to not bother correcting.
And then, a tad teasing, she adds:] And it'd be nice to see you in those priestess robes sometime.
[Rei brightens a little at the acceptance, the squeeze, that smile. Yuri was a good friend, and ever so lovely when she was actually smiling. And she was interested in a lot of the same things as Rei, which helped the obstinate and difficult-to-relate-to young priestess to open up more. Questions about the shrine were always welcome, and someone wanting to see the place she'd treasured her entire life just made her feel warm.
Almost as warm as she felt now, her cheeks gaining another layer of scarlet.] I...can certainly do that. Tell our fortunes, I mean. [A beat.] And yes, you'll see me in my hakama.
[Because she'll be doing priestess-y things. And...those would be things Yuri was interested in, right? Well, clearly they were because she wanted to see her in that robe of hers.]
Hah...it's funny, you're probably the only friend I have that hasn't seen me in them. But yeah. I can do that. And maybe I can lend you my spare set, if you want to help out some? I think they'd suit you.
[It's Yuri's turn to blush, imagining the two of them in the traditional red-and-white outfit, so unlike the priestess uniform that had been worn on her mountain. And Rei thinks they'd suit her?]
You just want to play dress-up with me. [It's playfully accusing, and she glances down at their hands again, running her thumb idly over the back of Rei's]
I ca see you in that kind of outfit easily, though; it definitely suits you. [Moreso than herself, she thinks, but she doesn't say it out loud.] Elegant ad graceful and refined... That's the kind of image you project--almost like a princess.
[Rei can't help but feel warmer, her own thumb running against Yuri's fingers. Is this a moment they're having? She's...not sure she ever would've found another kindred spirit before this point, not after Kaido, but here they are.]
Hee [A weak half-laugh.] I try to be. But I'm not a princess.
[Not yet, anyway. But that's a topic for another time. Or never, who knows.]
I think...though...it might be nice to dress you up, yes. We'll be in Tokyo, and I have some ideas. [She winks playfully, trying not to blush harder.
But all these moments were doing was distracting them, of course. The door to the study room stands before them like a gigantic, looming monolith of moment-spoiling. Rei shoves it open with a shoulder, not wanting to look away from Yuri, and finally lets her hand go.]
...but...we should get down to business. We can plan all that when we finish up.
[Yuri hums lightly at Rei's protest. Not a princess?] A queen, then, for sure.
[It might be fun to play dress-up with Rei though. She can imagine matching outfits or just generally being silly--it's not something she indulges in often, being much more on the serious side herself, but breaking from that might still be fun if it's with Rei.
When they reach the door and Rei's hand slips from her own, Yuri makes a brief gesture as if to try and reach for it again before thinking better and dropping her hand to her side. Right. Business. Important things they had to do.
She can't help but sigh] I guess our exams are sort of important, even if there's more important things to be planning. [Like this vacation. Clearly more important than exams!] Let's work quickly then, okay?
[School is rude. Very rude. But Rei's just resolved to get the studying done as quickly as she can in hopes of actually doing more planning tonight while the iron was still hot. It seemed like such a good idea!]
Yeah. Let's get this done.
[Rei clears a space on the table and starts setting out her books and notebooks, all neat and tidy. It's not long before they're both hard at work, chatting and going over some of the texts attentively, comparing notes...and gradually growing more and more worried.
After a minute, Rei sighs and drops her head to the table with a thud.]
...I feel like I'm making no progress at all. This is just so...so...stressful!
[Yuri jumps slightly at the little thud, looking to Rei at first to determine everything's okay before she sighs deeply in agreement. She leans back in her chair, closing her books with a frown.]
I wasn't this worried before I started. I know I know this, but the more I read the more anxious I get. I can hardly think.
[Her tone holds a slight whine to it that wouldn't normally be there and she slouches more in her seat] I give up. Just fail out. [One exam failure, even the final, wouldn't be enough for her to fail-- hell, she probably wouldn't even drop a whole grade or anything--but there was a sinking feeling of 'inevitably going to fail' about the whole thing that seemed separate from even normal anxiety regarding exams.]
[Rei sighs, scrubbing her face with her hands. It really shouldn't be this hard. This stuff seemed comparatively simple in class, but these problems were just so overwhelming right now.]
I know what you mean. I was just...I was okay with this when we sat down, but the more and more I think about it the more it feels like this is just going to not be alright.
[After all the battles, all the demons, the dark gods, the magical beasts and stuff, this was what was going to do her in. Exams. School. The one thing she had been completely sure of. She slumped over, hands running through her hair in frustration.]
Ughhhh, I shouldn't be so stressed out. It's like there's some sort of...I don't know, curse on these books or something.
[Which may ring hollow with most people, but that...seems to strike a chord, when she voices it. And when the lights in the room flicker. They dim a few times, the bulb hissing and popping, almost like...]
A curse... [To others that might sound absurd, but Yuri's seen curses before. It might not be so far off...
An idea that seems more true after those flickering lights. Yuri sits up straight, suddenly alert, and casts a look around the room. There's something that seems just in the corner of her eye, trying to avoid perception] I did. It's moving through the rooms.
[She has a feeling other students are going through similar distressing moments of despair right now and she frowns again] Something's definitely here. A spirit...?
[Rei's head jerks round at the comment and question. Yuri believed in spirits too? She could...feel it? Holy...
No.
No, not the right time. Deal with the ghost first, Rei.
Standing up she starts rooting in her bag for something, nodding her agreement.]
Yes! Yes, I think so. Some sort of phobophage, perhaps? A fear-eater.
[Her fingers close around two things, the familiar warm weight of a senshi communicator and a stack of wooden charms and o-fuda bundled up. She pulls one of those things out and starts unwrapping them.]
I think we can stop this though. Do you know anything about charms? Or o-fuda?
[Since you know about spirits, it can't hurt to ask.]
[under normal circumstances, Yuri might not have admitted it out loud at all. This is, however, not an ordinary circumstance and Rei is a priestess-- if there's any one who would believe it, it'd be her.
Yuri's glad to see her gamble was the correct one.] Something heightening the anxiety and despair of the students that are already stressed as it is so it can eat more of it?]
I-- I know a little bit. [A real little bit; the basics really.] I've never used them before, however. But if you tell me how, I'm sure I can make it work.
[Rei nods sharply and slides over a strand of prayer beads and a wooden charm.]
You know the chants, right? The ones we're taught as children? All you really need to do is chant, and focus on the spirit. I'll actually be the one binding it, I just need you to help erode it's will. It'll be glutted on stress and anxiety, around here.
[She focuses her eyes on Yuri then, smiling fondly.]
I know you can manage this. I'm counting on you, Yuri.
[Yuri picks them up tentatively, feeling like she's carrying more weight than just those beads and charm. There's a feeling of responsibility here and like Rei is seriously trusting her.]
...I won't let you down. [She can't let Rei down, Yuri won't let herself. Whatever she lacks in confidence in herself, she at least can place it on Rei ("believe in me who believes in you" or something). She straightens up a little more, clutching the items carefully.]
[Rei is trusting her, yes. There are other answers she could draw on in the form of Mars, but this is important other. This little bit of magic, this expression of her faith, this was Rei Hino and not the alien goddess. She knew there'd be a time when they were one and the same, and she wanted to bring more to the table than just a face and a name. She wanted to bring experience, and...honestly she wanted people to remember her as she was now.
So, she puts her faith in her new friend to follow her lead, slowly beginning a rolling, sonorous chant of her own. Careful syllables, archaic words that only a priest would really care to know, trying to draw out the spirit.
The room darkens slightly, a murky feeling dimming the lights, a foul wind that smells of sweat and fear permeating the room...and the ghost appears. A fat little man, no taller than a very large dog, flits out of the wall with eyes yellowed by age. It sees the two of them and immediately moves forward, but stops about two feet away, hands pressing against some sort of barrier...a circle. Sausage fingers paw at it, curious, while it's eyes focus on Yuri, broken teeth sneering at her.]
[Yuri nods and concentrates, the chanting soft at first as she tries to remember it all; once it comes to her again she grows more steady with it. She keeps her eyes closed at first to concentrate, but after she feels the spirit appearing, she can't help but open her eyes to see what's come.
She's a little taken aback, honestly, and her chanting slows a moment as she furrows her brows a little at the creature. It's not like the spirits she usually sees, but she supposes her kind might fall under special circumstances.
Her eyes narrow, but her chanting picks up tempo again. Was it trying to say she was weak? She supposes, when compared to Rei, she probably is, but-- But....
Yuri quickly shakes her head. No! She can't let herself think about it right now. Rei is depending on her!]
[Rei's chant rises in pitch, a passionate and throaty recital of prayer. Heat swirls up around her, magic visible to anyone now, unlike the invisible barrier the two of them have put up. The creature's eyes flicker from Yuri to Rei and widen slightly. It skitters backwards, hissing and trying to disappear, but instead of passing through a wall, it bumps into it.
Confused, it lets out a shriek of fury and flies at the barrier...]
Release me!!!!
[Blue sparks ripple out from the wall, looking for all the world like ripples on a pond, and it holds. Rei's fingers reach out, a flicking gesture as power gathers there, orange and blue flames mingling together...and for an instant there's a pressure to the room. Weight, like gravity itself is intensifying, and then the spell takes the creature by the throat. Chains of flame bind it, slowly pressing inward, and Rei's able to slow her chant and take a breath.]
That...that got it. It's bound for the moment, and my spell will finish it so long as it stays put.
[Yuri looks to Rei out of the corner of her eyes, watching her in rapt fascination. Was this the power of a shrine maiden, or was it something unique to Rei? It's beautiful and almost... dangerous? A bit like Rei herself, if Yuri was to be poetic for a moment. She doesn't let up her chanting, but there's an exhaustion settling over her. Doing things the proper way like this was draining, and Yuri, who'd never had to exercise her spiritual power this much, was definitely feeling it.
'Maybe I should've stretched beforehand,' she thinks in amusement, but her chanting is beginning to suffer for it too. She can't quite keep the rhythm steady anymore and she grips the beads tightly in an effort to concentrate and steady herself.]
[Rei notices Yuri beginning to flag and reaches out to her, putting a gentle hand on her shoulder while taking up the chant in turn. Harmonizing is easy enough, and together they stand a better chance of success. It doesn't take long, the power in the room intensifying and slowly folding the spirit inward on itself. It's a bit like watching a documentary where the focus is on a black hole crushing itself. Or what scientists imagine it would look like.
Space folds, the fiery chains squeezing until it simply vanishes, leaving only a puff of smoke. Breathlessly, Rei sags forward slightly, rasping out...]
[Yuri tries for a few valiant seconds to keep her feet under her, but that's about all she manages before her knees give out. She holds onto the edge of the table as she kneels, breathing hard.]
We did it... [Perhaps she shouldn't have sounded so amazed, but it's not Rei's skills she'd lacked confidence in. Yuri smiles slightly, pushing a hand through her hair to get it out of her face] That was amazing-- We worked pretty well together, hm?
[She glances to Rei, a bit shy, and then back to where the spirit had been.] Is it gone for good, though?
[When Yuri kneels, Rei moves to her side immediately, putting a hand on her shoulder and rubbing it gently. The simple touch and contact helps her focus as well, drawing strength in solidarity.] We did. You...were a wonderful partner, Yuri.
[Her eyes track back to where the spirit had been as well, her head lolling to one side to bump against her friend's.]
It is. It's back in the spirit world where it belongs. And without something to pull it back to this side, it won't be returning to trouble anyone.
[Yuri laughs softly when Rei's head bumps against her's, and leans against her a little more.] It's only because you were with me. [She doesn't think she would've been able to do it on her own or had the confidence to continue through if it wasn't for Rei's presence and the desire to live up to expectations.
Rei, she thinks, makes her stronger. She closes her eyes a moment, taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling.] I don't think I want to study anymore tonight.
[Rei takes a breath, steadying herself further and rubbing Yuri's shoulder in their embrace. She knows, deep down, that she could've accomplished this alone, as Mars. But Yuri made Rei stronger, this warm and gentle person resting against her.]
I...think it's because we worked together.
[Shifting a little, she does something she hadn't really expected to do. Something she's definitely thought about doing, but never acted on. Impulses flare up though, and she just acts, quickly and without thinking. Pressing her lips to Yuri's cheek, a quick and gentle kiss.]
We're a good team. We should-- [Her words are cut off by the sudden press of lips to her cheek and she freezes in surprise.
Had that... Had that really just happened? She reaches up to touch her cheek, ears slowly turning red and spreading down from there.] ...Do this... more often. [She finishes her sentence with a little squeak, glancing to Rei and then away again in embarrassment.
A little afraid Rei might mistake her embarrassment for rejection, she reaches up to place her hand over Rei's that had been rubbing her shoulder. Hesitant, unsure, she slides her fingers against her's and curls them around them.]
[Rei's fingers instinctively curl against Yuri's, her cheeks flushing slightly at the strengthened contact. Fortunately for the other girl, her empathic senses are on high alert and it's easy to see the embarrassment and hesitation, but there's no rejection. At least, not yet.
Her head slips lower, shifting back just in case, not wanting to pressure her friend. Her...very attractive friend.]
Sorry. I...didn't mean to do anything you were uncomfortable with. It just...seemed like...the thing to do?
N-no! [THe protest is a bit too loud and Yuri turns her head quickly to look at Rei, eyes wide. She then quickly lowers her voice to a more manageable level.] I, uh... I mean, no. It's not that. [She feels like her face might actually catch on fire at this rate with how red she's turning, and she closes her eyes a moment to disengage and gather herself.
When she opens them she meets Rei's gaze a moment, trying to remain steady and confident.] I wasn't uncomfortable. It was... nice. [With her free hand she touches at her cheek and looks away shyly.] We could, um. ['Do that again'? Yuri hesitates and glances at Rei's mouth, leaning in some herself.]
[Rei smiles at Yuri's half finished question, sucking on her lip a little while she waits with baited breath for the other to finish. She doesn't want to cut her off, but she understands the question.
Leaning in a little, she puts her free hand against Yuri's cheek and nods.]
We...we can.
[And with no further hesitation she dips her head in the rest of the way, angling herself to not bump foreheads when their lips finally meet. Not today, anyway. There's a softness to the touch, a willingness to go further but no pressure to do so, letting Yuri decide how deep she wants their kiss to go.]
[A soft, surprised noise, and she returns the kiss with a shy hesitation. She's never kissed anyone before, that much is probably obvious right away, but the absence of physical intimacy in her life seems painfully obvious to her now.
Was this the sort of thing she'd been missing until now? She pulls away after a moment to remind herself to breathe and to not push for the touch she's been starved of before now. She stares at Rei for along moment, just taking in her face, the line of her mouth, her own reflection in Rei's eyes. It feels like the library and everything else doesn't exist anymore; it's just herself and Rei in a bubble she doesn't want to break.]
[Rei isn't really aware of why Yuri's feeling this way, but she can feel something just let go in her friend. In her head, it's almost a dam breaking, and it only makes her feel more right about this. She tilts her head a little, studying Yuri and deepening the kiss slightly, holding her tenderly.
She doesn't keep it for too long, not wanting to overwhelm anyone, knowing that the longer it goes on the harder it'll be to pull away. And when she does, finally, she sighs softly and bumps her forehead against Yuri's.]
[Yuri laughs, just a little, and closes her eyes.]
More, even. I... [She doesn't know what she's about to say, but she reaches up to touch the side of Rei's face and just marvels at the turn of events.
In the end, she doesn't end up studying much at all for her exams, but she passes them just fine anyhow. The worrying was for nothing, her grades were great. On her returned trip to Takayama, she hesitantly told Hisoka about her new--friendship. Relationship? She was a little too hesitant to apply an actual title to whatever it was between herself and Rei. But Hisoka's response had been what she expected-- warm and just happy that Yuri was expanding her social circle, ecstatic at the idea that Yuri might actually be in love.
So of course she'd given her blessing for Yuri to go visit Rei in Tokyo. And as soon as she got the go-ahead from Rei as well, Yuri found herself standing at the station with her one suitcase, trying to not look like a complete tourist. It's hard not to be a little starstruck though, but she doesn't have time to focus on that when she's too busy looking for Rei herself.]
[Rei had taken great pains to prepare for today. She'd arranged things with her grandfather, with her friends, and ensured on pain of death that they wouldn't be followed. The confession that she might be seriously interested in someone, even if it was a woman, had earned her Makoto and Ami's most serious support. They'd pledged to enforce her will on Usagi and Minako, who had predictably been prepared to stalk. Grandfather hadn't required even that much convincing, willingly taking the train to visit some friends up in Aomori. He understood what his granddaughter wanted, after all.
The day arrives, the appointed hour, and Yuri won't have to wait for Rei very long She's standing in the station dressed in her priestesses hakama, a driver waiting at the curb. Waving, she crosses the space between them and bows, smiling her most radiant smile.]
I'm so glad you could come, Yuri. I have a car waiting for us, but...before we go, do you need anything here? I know you must be tired, from the trip.
Oh-- Wow. [The exclamation is out before Yuri can think to stop it and her face turns red seconds after. But look, Rei is beautiful and she hadn't really expected her to show up in her hakama like that, looking like she stepped right out of a period drama or painting of classical Japanese beauties.]
I, uh-- I mean. I just, I imagined you in one before, but seeing it in person... It really does suit you. [Wait, that mad it sound like she was thinking weird things and she quickly shakes her head] That's not what I meant, I. Um.
[Fuck. Can she get a redo?] ...I am pretty tired. [Let that be her excuse.] But I'll be okay. [Her pride, however, may not be. She takes a step forward and half-reaches out as if to touch Rei, and then shyly retreats before she can.]
[Rei takes that awkwardness in stride, honestly feeling a little tongue tied herself. Or, she would be if she hadn't spent hours practicing how to speak to Yuri in the mirror earlier today. It'd been hard, and she'd resisted the urge to call Makoto over to listen.
Her discipline nearly dissolves though, seeing Yuri reach for her. She awkwardly reaches out and catches Yuri's retreating hand. Her grip nearly slips, and she steps in closer to make sure it doesn't, smiling at her. Self consciously, she blushes a bit, but doesn't let go.]
I've missed you. It's so nice, seeing you, and not just hearing you on the phone.
[Casually, she takes the handle of Yuri's luggage and tugs it closer. She's taking this, nothing you can do about that.]
Let's go. You can freshen up at the shrine, and then we can catch up. Okay?
[Yuri lets out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding, the touch of Rei's hand grounding her back to reality. Rei was here, and so was she, and there were no regrets from either of them.
She can feel some of the tension leaving her and her shoulders relax, her return grip on Rei's hand relaxing into something more natural as well. She makes a small noise of protest as Rei takes her luggage, but one look at her face has Yuri quieting again with a soft sigh of amusement.]
Yeah, okay. It's funny, isn't it? I wasn't nearly this nervous before... [She shakes her head.] You're still the same Rei, but somehow... I kept thinking, 'what if she changes her mind or something?' [Yuri looks a tad sheepish] ...I shouldn't have doubted this.
[Rei's smile is nothing short of genuine, a showstopper if there ever was one. She was beyond delighted to see Yuri and she was glad, in a way, that she hadn't been the only one who'd been nervous.]
But I'd be lying if I didn't have the same thought at least once on the drive over here.
[Jerking her head, she starts walking towards the exit, using the motion to hide her blush.]
Grandfather is away visiting friends up north, so we'll have the whole shrine to ourselves. I expect you'll like the quiet, Yuri. It's beautiful this time of year, and I heard on the radio we may be in for a major snowstorm. Though I suspect you're used to them, aren't you?
[Yuri laughs a little bit, giving Rei's hand a squeeze as she follows after her. It felt like a chastise--of course she shouldn't have doubted!-- but a friendly one. There was no reason to have doubt, but at least Rei admitted to feeling similar.
It helps her relax too, though her eyebrows raise in surprise at the admission it'll be just the two of them. While Yuri isn't usually inclined to tease, she feels like letting this opportunity to do so slip by would be a gross injustice.]
I am, yeah. I rather like the snow and the rain and things like that. It makes the rest of the world seem sort of... Hazy? Dreamlike.
But-- All to ourselves... [She trails off with a hum] Is that how this is going to be...?
[Rei nods in time with her steps and Yuri's speech, content to listen and agree, because she doesn't mind snow at all. Not really. Even at it's worst, her shrine still has a generator and a fireplace. Not that she's been cold for a long, long time.
Of course, the record scratch in her head is nearly audible. She stops cold, face flushing bright red. Clearly...]
...I...hadn't considered that. [Well fuck. Now she's come across as too eager, hasn't she.] I...I'm sorry. I hadn't thought you'd mind. It just seemed natural, I guess, and that you'd prefer not to have my grandfather poking in on us. But if it makes you uncomfortable...
[Oops. Yuri quickly squeezes Rei's hand in reassurance and shakes her head, looking embarrassed herself.] No, no, it's okay. I know it's not really like that.
I like the quiet, and the fewer people the better most of the time. It was thoughtful of you, really. [She raises their joined hands and presses a light kiss to the back of Rei's, smiling slightly] If you wanted to go that far, I don't think you'd be sneaky about it. I trust you.
It was just funny to see your face, though... [Look she can't help it, that reaction was funny and cute.]
[Yuri why do you do this? Rei's mind had definitely come to a screeching halt, mortification setting in, but those reassurances helped. Almost as much as the kisses. Her fingers tighten around the other girl's, squeezing back, but her cheeks still blaze scarlet.]
You...are a most vexing woman, Yuri Kozukata.
[Yes she said that, but with an exhalation she lets it go, breaking in several times slowly to re-center herself. She would not make an ass of herself in public. She would not.]
But I'm...I am glad that you trust me. [She squeaks a little as her eyes dart towards the waiting car.] S-Shall we go?
[Yuri can't help but laugh again, but at least she looks apologetic for it] Sorry, sorry... But, you know, if it was like that, maybe... [She trails off, but doesn' elaborate, shrugging her shoulders.] Well, anyway, we should go.
[It's fun, she realizes, to tease Rei. despite her own earlier anxieties, this somehow helps her feel more at ease and comfortable. She feels a bit more confident, her shoulders relaxing as she nods and tugs at Rei's hand to move them to the car now.]
Are your friends going to try and meet up with us too? [Not that she'd mind; she's heard a bit about them, after all, and she's intrigued, but she also wants to know if she has to share Rei's time with anyone during this stay.
Also just casually going to change the subject nothing to see here nbd]
[And a cruel thing you are, Yuri. But Rei just keeps on walking, not turning around until the heat is gone from her face. It's tough, kind of annoying, because she's not used to anyone being able to get under her skin but it's Yuri so it's fine. It's worth it.]
I'm not actually sure. [That was something she'd discussed with the others, and while Usagi and Minako had been bouncing around like pinballs, Ami and Makoto had taken a more levelheaded approach and flatly shut down any and all attempts to worm into Rei's private time with Yuri.]
I think if we called them, they'd come meet up with us, but I didn't make any definite plans. I wanted to see what you thought first. They're great people, though...Usagi and Minako are both very loud and I wouldn't want you in the path of Hurricane Tsukino without a lot of warning.
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And the best place to start is, of course, at the beginning.
She loved Usagi, Minako, Makoto, and Ami dearly but they had definitely agreed that with peace reigning on Earth they should take the time to attend school. Yes, they had an eternity ahead of them, but there was more to their plans than that.
They needed to be individuals, capable and knowledgeable. Leaders all, and that meant education. It also meant separating out, meeting new people and building a network they could call on. And college was the ideal vessel for this. Rei had gone to Kyoto for her schooling, theology and business, with side courses in anthropology. It was in that smattering of classes that she'd met Yuri.
Something about the girl had struck Rei immediately, but she couldn't put her finger on what right from the outset. They talked well, got on easily, and could relate to one another in surprising ways. Yes, their upbringings were very different, but few people lived the bizarre, mixed blessing life of a Sailor Senshi. All of them had extraordinary lives, but the more Rei talked with Yuri, the more she realized that maybe there were other people out there the universe just had a thing for.
Not that it mattered today, since they were coming up on Winter Finals. There wasn't much time to natter on about life, not when there was studying to do, and Yuri made for an ideal study date. They'd set up a meeting for their Intro to Folklore course, with Rei heading over to the study room in Yuri's dorm across the quad from her own. Easier that way, since she hardly minded the cold anymore, and a few moments out in the cold and wet of early winter wouldn't be too bad.
Brushing past the desk with a flash of her ID, she trotted down the hallway to Yuri's room, tapping lightly on the door. She was sure she knew the answer already, since her friend was as keen on studying as she ways, and they were both stressed out about it. Maybe more than was strictly necessary, but it was their first year of exams and who could tell. Once they finished, she was going to suggest paying a visit to the nearby shrine, in fact, since maybe a charm would help let off some of that strain.]
Yuri? Are you ready to get to work?
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She had reluctantly agreed to go for at least one year, and so far hadn't actually been very disappointed. She liked learning, she liked her classes, and she liked the new friend she'd managed to make-- one she could actually confidently say out loud was her friend. (She knew plenty of other people by now, of course, but no one she'd really bonded with like with Rei.)
Besides, Rei was interesting and pretty and there was something about her that just drew Yuri in. Like a gravitational pull drawing her into an orbit she didn't feel inclined to escape from. Yuri closed the textbook she'd been glancing over and rose, already grabbing her things together; there was only one person who'd be coming for her now, so there was no need to wonder who was knocking at her door.]
Of course, let's go. [Yuri greeted Rei with a small smile, pleased to see her, and shrugs her bag a little more securely onto her shoulder.] If we can just make it through exams, we'll finally be able to relax again... [The upcoming much-needed break seemed to loom with the same intensity the exams did, the light at the end of a tunnel. You know, if they cold reach it.]
Do you have any plans yet?
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When the door opens she shifts back a pace, smiling warmly despite the stress. This had been a trying time for everyone, with all the prepwork that needed doing before exams next week. Even meditation had been a little difficult.]
We'll make it. Don't worry about that. Just one more week...
[She trailed off, turning towards the study room and walking easily down the hall. Yuri's question required a little thought, though. A whole four weeks with no classes seemed like heaven right now, though she was sure it'd be just as fast as breaks in high school.]
Plans? No, not particularly. I was going to head to Tokyo at some point since the dorms close for break, but probably not for all of it. I figured I'd try and go on a trip while I can, I just haven't figured out where, yet. What about you? Anything big on the horizon?
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It's an unfounded fear, she knows that, but it still makes her stomach twist uncertainly anyhow.
She focuses on Rei's voice instead, finding it calming.] To visit your other friends? [She's heard of them, of course; old friends are one of the many subjects touched upon in idle and getting-to-know-you types of conversations, though Yuri had never met the other girls.
The question being turned back around on her makes her hum in contemplation.] It'd be nice to see the mountains again. It's quiet out there, and it'd be nice to take a break from so many... people. [It was draining sometimes to be around so many people almost constantly.] A trip sounds nice though. I'd like to see some of Tokyo myself maybe and visit some shrines. Maybe the beach, even if it's a bit cold.
...I think, mostly though, I'll just be happy to sleep in.
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Yuri's been excellent at that, a welcome distraction from all of this.
Nodding in answer to the question, she smiles fondly.] Yes, I think so. I talk to them online pretty regularly, but seeing them in person will be nice. Most of them, anyway. Ami's probably not going to be able to fly back from Britain this winter so I won't see her till summer. [As predictably, the blue-haired genius had been accepted into Cambridge and taken the offer with the group's blessing. A guardian in the UK was a good relay station anyway.
All in all it promised to be a pretty nice trip, a nice reward for a hard semester. Though, a thought comes to Rei. It's maybe just a daydream, but it sounds like fun, and Yuri does seem so much happier around Rei that she can't not offer.]
Hey, Yuri. [She turns a bit and takes her new friend's hand.] If you want to come to Tokyo, why don't you come with me? Maybe just come up and stay with me in our guest room till it's nearly Christmas, then head back home? And...I could maybe come visit you after Christmas in the mountains? That'd be a nice trip for me.
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She blinks and snaps herself out of it at suddenly being addressed, eyes a little wide.] Me? [Well, of course, it's not like there was anyone else here for Rei to be addressing. Her face colors somewhat and she hesitates] It's really not that exciting... [Not that she doesn't feel a thrill at the prospect, but she feels like she should be warning Rei about that. And beyond that, she feels a flutter of anxiety-- what if Rei go bored with her or annoyed spending that much time with her? Could she entertain her enough?
A deep breath and Yuri reminds herself that Rei didn't particularly care about things like that. The two of them could spend hours not speaking to each other, just quietly enjoying each others' company. She didn't have a thing to worry about.]
--Sorry, I was just thinking. It wouldn't be a problem. [Yuri shakes her head; that had sounded a bit too formal and her expression turns a bit sheepish.] No, sorry, I mean... I'd love to, honestly. I'm just already trying to think of what to do first.
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It didn't help that she felt a sudden flicker of anxiety, a tiny part of her worried she'd gone too far. A trip is just a trip though, and when Yuri responds in that sheepish tone she let out a breath she wasn't sure how long she'd held.]
I have a few ideas for that. You'll enjoy it, I promise. [She readjusts her grip a bit, more fully taking Yuri's, palms brushing as they walk down the hall.] And I'd love to see your town. Honestly I haven't been to the countryside as often as I'd like. Mountain air sounds ideal.
[Meeting her friend's eyes, she nods with an air of finality.]
I'll make the arrangements with my grandfather. It'll be a good time, and I can take you to some of the places we've talked about. [Restaurants mostly...]
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She takes a breath and gives Rei's hand a light squeeze, smiling shyly.] ...I'd like that. [Yuri imagines sitting in for a quiet evening, just her and Rei and Hisoka. Coffee, maybe playful fortune telling, and didn't Rei's shrine do things like that too? Yuri had never held too much stock in it, though with everything she knew to be true by now and Hisoka's own uncanny ability to be right far more often than wrong, she's curious.
Maybe Rei can tell her fortune one day, which prompts her to ask about it now.] I'd like to see the things you do at the shrine. You could tell our fortune. [The 'our' part slips out unintended, when she'd fully meant to say 'my'. Yuri pauses, surprised at herself, before deciding that it sounds right enough to not bother correcting.
And then, a tad teasing, she adds:] And it'd be nice to see you in those priestess robes sometime.
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Almost as warm as she felt now, her cheeks gaining another layer of scarlet.] I...can certainly do that. Tell our fortunes, I mean. [A beat.] And yes, you'll see me in my hakama.
[Because she'll be doing priestess-y things. And...those would be things Yuri was interested in, right? Well, clearly they were because she wanted to see her in that robe of hers.]
Hah...it's funny, you're probably the only friend I have that hasn't seen me in them. But yeah. I can do that. And maybe I can lend you my spare set, if you want to help out some? I think they'd suit you.
[turnabout is fair play.]
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You just want to play dress-up with me. [It's playfully accusing, and she glances down at their hands again, running her thumb idly over the back of Rei's]
I ca see you in that kind of outfit easily, though; it definitely suits you. [Moreso than herself, she thinks, but she doesn't say it out loud.] Elegant ad graceful and refined... That's the kind of image you project--almost like a princess.
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Hee [A weak half-laugh.] I try to be. But I'm not a princess.
[Not yet, anyway. But that's a topic for another time. Or never, who knows.]
I think...though...it might be nice to dress you up, yes. We'll be in Tokyo, and I have some ideas. [She winks playfully, trying not to blush harder.
But all these moments were doing was distracting them, of course. The door to the study room stands before them like a gigantic, looming monolith of moment-spoiling. Rei shoves it open with a shoulder, not wanting to look away from Yuri, and finally lets her hand go.]
...but...we should get down to business. We can plan all that when we finish up.
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[It might be fun to play dress-up with Rei though. She can imagine matching outfits or just generally being silly--it's not something she indulges in often, being much more on the serious side herself, but breaking from that might still be fun if it's with Rei.
When they reach the door and Rei's hand slips from her own, Yuri makes a brief gesture as if to try and reach for it again before thinking better and dropping her hand to her side. Right. Business. Important things they had to do.
She can't help but sigh] I guess our exams are sort of important, even if there's more important things to be planning. [Like this vacation. Clearly more important than exams!] Let's work quickly then, okay?
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Yeah. Let's get this done.
[Rei clears a space on the table and starts setting out her books and notebooks, all neat and tidy. It's not long before they're both hard at work, chatting and going over some of the texts attentively, comparing notes...and gradually growing more and more worried.
After a minute, Rei sighs and drops her head to the table with a thud.]
...I feel like I'm making no progress at all. This is just so...so...stressful!
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I wasn't this worried before I started. I know I know this, but the more I read the more anxious I get. I can hardly think.
[Her tone holds a slight whine to it that wouldn't normally be there and she slouches more in her seat] I give up. Just fail out. [One exam failure, even the final, wouldn't be enough for her to fail-- hell, she probably wouldn't even drop a whole grade or anything--but there was a sinking feeling of 'inevitably going to fail' about the whole thing that seemed separate from even normal anxiety regarding exams.]
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I know what you mean. I was just...I was okay with this when we sat down, but the more and more I think about it the more it feels like this is just going to not be alright.
[After all the battles, all the demons, the dark gods, the magical beasts and stuff, this was what was going to do her in. Exams. School. The one thing she had been completely sure of. She slumped over, hands running through her hair in frustration.]
Ughhhh, I shouldn't be so stressed out. It's like there's some sort of...I don't know, curse on these books or something.
[Which may ring hollow with most people, but that...seems to strike a chord, when she voices it. And when the lights in the room flicker. They dim a few times, the bulb hissing and popping, almost like...]
Yuri, did you see that?
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An idea that seems more true after those flickering lights. Yuri sits up straight, suddenly alert, and casts a look around the room. There's something that seems just in the corner of her eye, trying to avoid perception] I did. It's moving through the rooms.
[She has a feeling other students are going through similar distressing moments of despair right now and she frowns again] Something's definitely here. A spirit...?
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No.
No, not the right time. Deal with the ghost first, Rei.
Standing up she starts rooting in her bag for something, nodding her agreement.]
Yes! Yes, I think so. Some sort of phobophage, perhaps? A fear-eater.
[Her fingers close around two things, the familiar warm weight of a senshi communicator and a stack of wooden charms and o-fuda bundled up. She pulls one of those things out and starts unwrapping them.]
I think we can stop this though. Do you know anything about charms? Or o-fuda?
[Since you know about spirits, it can't hurt to ask.]
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Yuri's glad to see her gamble was the correct one.] Something heightening the anxiety and despair of the students that are already stressed as it is so it can eat more of it?]
I-- I know a little bit. [A real little bit; the basics really.] I've never used them before, however. But if you tell me how, I'm sure I can make it work.
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You know the chants, right? The ones we're taught as children? All you really need to do is chant, and focus on the spirit. I'll actually be the one binding it, I just need you to help erode it's will. It'll be glutted on stress and anxiety, around here.
[She focuses her eyes on Yuri then, smiling fondly.]
I know you can manage this. I'm counting on you, Yuri.
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...I won't let you down. [She can't let Rei down, Yuri won't let herself. Whatever she lacks in confidence in herself, she at least can place it on Rei ("believe in me who believes in you" or something). She straightens up a little more, clutching the items carefully.]
Should I begin now?
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[Rei is trusting her, yes. There are other answers she could draw on in the form of Mars, but this is important other. This little bit of magic, this expression of her faith, this was Rei Hino and not the alien goddess. She knew there'd be a time when they were one and the same, and she wanted to bring more to the table than just a face and a name. She wanted to bring experience, and...honestly she wanted people to remember her as she was now.
So, she puts her faith in her new friend to follow her lead, slowly beginning a rolling, sonorous chant of her own. Careful syllables, archaic words that only a priest would really care to know, trying to draw out the spirit.
The room darkens slightly, a murky feeling dimming the lights, a foul wind that smells of sweat and fear permeating the room...and the ghost appears. A fat little man, no taller than a very large dog, flits out of the wall with eyes yellowed by age. It sees the two of them and immediately moves forward, but stops about two feet away, hands pressing against some sort of barrier...a circle. Sausage fingers paw at it, curious, while it's eyes focus on Yuri, broken teeth sneering at her.]
Weak...
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She's a little taken aback, honestly, and her chanting slows a moment as she furrows her brows a little at the creature. It's not like the spirits she usually sees, but she supposes her kind might fall under special circumstances.
Her eyes narrow, but her chanting picks up tempo again. Was it trying to say she was weak? She supposes, when compared to Rei, she probably is, but-- But....
Yuri quickly shakes her head. No! She can't let herself think about it right now. Rei is depending on her!]
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Confused, it lets out a shriek of fury and flies at the barrier...]
Release me!!!!
[Blue sparks ripple out from the wall, looking for all the world like ripples on a pond, and it holds. Rei's fingers reach out, a flicking gesture as power gathers there, orange and blue flames mingling together...and for an instant there's a pressure to the room. Weight, like gravity itself is intensifying, and then the spell takes the creature by the throat. Chains of flame bind it, slowly pressing inward, and Rei's able to slow her chant and take a breath.]
That...that got it. It's bound for the moment, and my spell will finish it so long as it stays put.
[Nothing more to worry about...]
Just keep up your chanting, keep it from running.
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'Maybe I should've stretched beforehand,' she thinks in amusement, but her chanting is beginning to suffer for it too. She can't quite keep the rhythm steady anymore and she grips the beads tightly in an effort to concentrate and steady herself.]
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Space folds, the fiery chains squeezing until it simply vanishes, leaving only a puff of smoke. Breathlessly, Rei sags forward slightly, rasping out...]
That's it. It's...it's gone.
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We did it... [Perhaps she shouldn't have sounded so amazed, but it's not Rei's skills she'd lacked confidence in. Yuri smiles slightly, pushing a hand through her hair to get it out of her face] That was amazing-- We worked pretty well together, hm?
[She glances to Rei, a bit shy, and then back to where the spirit had been.] Is it gone for good, though?
does this on a loading screen bleh.
[Her eyes track back to where the spirit had been as well, her head lolling to one side to bump against her friend's.]
It is. It's back in the spirit world where it belongs. And without something to pull it back to this side, it won't be returning to trouble anyone.
dem loading screens are killer, man
Rei, she thinks, makes her stronger. She closes her eyes a moment, taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling.] I don't think I want to study anymore tonight.
They really are. It's kind of annoying.
I...think it's because we worked together.
[Shifting a little, she does something she hadn't really expected to do. Something she's definitely thought about doing, but never acted on. Impulses flare up though, and she just acts, quickly and without thinking. Pressing her lips to Yuri's cheek, a quick and gentle kiss.]
I don't think I do, either.
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Had that... Had that really just happened? She reaches up to touch her cheek, ears slowly turning red and spreading down from there.] ...Do this... more often. [She finishes her sentence with a little squeak, glancing to Rei and then away again in embarrassment.
A little afraid Rei might mistake her embarrassment for rejection, she reaches up to place her hand over Rei's that had been rubbing her shoulder. Hesitant, unsure, she slides her fingers against her's and curls them around them.]
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Her head slips lower, shifting back just in case, not wanting to pressure her friend. Her...very attractive friend.]
Sorry. I...didn't mean to do anything you were uncomfortable with. It just...seemed like...the thing to do?
[Lame answer, Rei.]
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When she opens them she meets Rei's gaze a moment, trying to remain steady and confident.] I wasn't uncomfortable. It was... nice. [With her free hand she touches at her cheek and looks away shyly.] We could, um. ['Do that again'? Yuri hesitates and glances at Rei's mouth, leaning in some herself.]
Can I...?
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Leaning in a little, she puts her free hand against Yuri's cheek and nods.]
We...we can.
[And with no further hesitation she dips her head in the rest of the way, angling herself to not bump foreheads when their lips finally meet. Not today, anyway. There's a softness to the touch, a willingness to go further but no pressure to do so, letting Yuri decide how deep she wants their kiss to go.]
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[A soft, surprised noise, and she returns the kiss with a shy hesitation. She's never kissed anyone before, that much is probably obvious right away, but the absence of physical intimacy in her life seems painfully obvious to her now.
Was this the sort of thing she'd been missing until now? She pulls away after a moment to remind herself to breathe and to not push for the touch she's been starved of before now. She stares at Rei for along moment, just taking in her face, the line of her mouth, her own reflection in Rei's eyes. It feels like the library and everything else doesn't exist anymore; it's just herself and Rei in a bubble she doesn't want to break.]
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She doesn't keep it for too long, not wanting to overwhelm anyone, knowing that the longer it goes on the harder it'll be to pull away. And when she does, finally, she sighs softly and bumps her forehead against Yuri's.]
That was...everything I thought it would be.
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More, even. I... [She doesn't know what she's about to say, but she reaches up to touch the side of Rei's face and just marvels at the turn of events.
In the end, she doesn't end up studying much at all for her exams, but she passes them just fine anyhow. The worrying was for nothing, her grades were great. On her returned trip to Takayama, she hesitantly told Hisoka about her new--friendship. Relationship? She was a little too hesitant to apply an actual title to whatever it was between herself and Rei. But Hisoka's response had been what she expected-- warm and just happy that Yuri was expanding her social circle, ecstatic at the idea that Yuri might actually be in love.
So of course she'd given her blessing for Yuri to go visit Rei in Tokyo. And as soon as she got the go-ahead from Rei as well, Yuri found herself standing at the station with her one suitcase, trying to not look like a complete tourist. It's hard not to be a little starstruck though, but she doesn't have time to focus on that when she's too busy looking for Rei herself.]
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The day arrives, the appointed hour, and Yuri won't have to wait for Rei very long She's standing in the station dressed in her priestesses hakama, a driver waiting at the curb. Waving, she crosses the space between them and bows, smiling her most radiant smile.]
I'm so glad you could come, Yuri. I have a car waiting for us, but...before we go, do you need anything here? I know you must be tired, from the trip.
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I, uh-- I mean. I just, I imagined you in one before, but seeing it in person... It really does suit you. [Wait, that mad it sound like she was thinking weird things and she quickly shakes her head] That's not what I meant, I. Um.
[Fuck. Can she get a redo?] ...I am pretty tired. [Let that be her excuse.] But I'll be okay. [Her pride, however, may not be. She takes a step forward and half-reaches out as if to touch Rei, and then shyly retreats before she can.]
It's... really good to see you again.
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Her discipline nearly dissolves though, seeing Yuri reach for her. She awkwardly reaches out and catches Yuri's retreating hand. Her grip nearly slips, and she steps in closer to make sure it doesn't, smiling at her. Self consciously, she blushes a bit, but doesn't let go.]
I've missed you. It's so nice, seeing you, and not just hearing you on the phone.
[Casually, she takes the handle of Yuri's luggage and tugs it closer. She's taking this, nothing you can do about that.]
Let's go. You can freshen up at the shrine, and then we can catch up. Okay?
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She can feel some of the tension leaving her and her shoulders relax, her return grip on Rei's hand relaxing into something more natural as well. She makes a small noise of protest as Rei takes her luggage, but one look at her face has Yuri quieting again with a soft sigh of amusement.]
Yeah, okay. It's funny, isn't it? I wasn't nearly this nervous before... [She shakes her head.] You're still the same Rei, but somehow... I kept thinking, 'what if she changes her mind or something?' [Yuri looks a tad sheepish] ...I shouldn't have doubted this.
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[Rei's smile is nothing short of genuine, a showstopper if there ever was one. She was beyond delighted to see Yuri and she was glad, in a way, that she hadn't been the only one who'd been nervous.]
But I'd be lying if I didn't have the same thought at least once on the drive over here.
[Jerking her head, she starts walking towards the exit, using the motion to hide her blush.]
Grandfather is away visiting friends up north, so we'll have the whole shrine to ourselves. I expect you'll like the quiet, Yuri. It's beautiful this time of year, and I heard on the radio we may be in for a major snowstorm. Though I suspect you're used to them, aren't you?
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It helps her relax too, though her eyebrows raise in surprise at the admission it'll be just the two of them. While Yuri isn't usually inclined to tease, she feels like letting this opportunity to do so slip by would be a gross injustice.]
I am, yeah. I rather like the snow and the rain and things like that. It makes the rest of the world seem sort of... Hazy? Dreamlike.
But-- All to ourselves... [She trails off with a hum] Is that how this is going to be...?
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Of course, the record scratch in her head is nearly audible. She stops cold, face flushing bright red. Clearly...]
...I...hadn't considered that. [Well fuck. Now she's come across as too eager, hasn't she.] I...I'm sorry. I hadn't thought you'd mind. It just seemed natural, I guess, and that you'd prefer not to have my grandfather poking in on us. But if it makes you uncomfortable...
[Or if it's moving too fast...]
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I like the quiet, and the fewer people the better most of the time. It was thoughtful of you, really. [She raises their joined hands and presses a light kiss to the back of Rei's, smiling slightly] If you wanted to go that far, I don't think you'd be sneaky about it. I trust you.
It was just funny to see your face, though... [Look she can't help it, that reaction was funny and cute.]
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You...are a most vexing woman, Yuri Kozukata.
[Yes she said that, but with an exhalation she lets it go, breaking in several times slowly to re-center herself. She would not make an ass of herself in public. She would not.]
But I'm...I am glad that you trust me. [She squeaks a little as her eyes dart towards the waiting car.] S-Shall we go?
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[It's fun, she realizes, to tease Rei. despite her own earlier anxieties, this somehow helps her feel more at ease and comfortable. She feels a bit more confident, her shoulders relaxing as she nods and tugs at Rei's hand to move them to the car now.]
Are your friends going to try and meet up with us too? [Not that she'd mind; she's heard a bit about them, after all, and she's intrigued, but she also wants to know if she has to share Rei's time with anyone during this stay.
Also just casually going to change the subject nothing to see here nbd]
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I'm not actually sure. [That was something she'd discussed with the others, and while Usagi and Minako had been bouncing around like pinballs, Ami and Makoto had taken a more levelheaded approach and flatly shut down any and all attempts to worm into Rei's private time with Yuri.]
I think if we called them, they'd come meet up with us, but I didn't make any definite plans. I wanted to see what you thought first. They're great people, though...Usagi and Minako are both very loud and I wouldn't want you in the path of Hurricane Tsukino without a lot of warning.