maskormenacelogs | ⋯⋯⋯ｔｏｓａｖｅｔｈｅｗｏｒｌｄ＇ｓｓｏｒｒｏｗｓ

[As Yuri exits his residence and approaches Mathilda, he recalls that this is the first time they will have met face-to-face and in person. It's strange to think he will be spending a few hours of his time with someone so much younger, that she is eager to spend time with someone more than twice her age, but already the girl has demonstrated at least one interest they both have in common. If he's not mistaken, that interest is a topic that could endure hours of discussion between them, making for a decidedly less awkward afternoon.]

[He smiles in greeting, though the expression is clearly restrained.]

I am well, Mathilda. I hope you can say the same?

[Indicating the business card in her hand with a nod, Yuri continues...]

I propose we stop by the dry cleaner's first. I would like to have a first-hand look at the establishment before I take my business there. Afterwards, we can take care of shopping, the meal that I promised you, and when you're ready to depart for the day, I will send you with my suits. How does that sound?

( mathilda carefully observes him, her eyes rising up when he stands before her. he's certainly taller than her, but what surprises her is how pale he looks in person. tall people, she's used to that, really. leon wasn't very short, and the few times he carried her well she saw how the floor looked towards these types of people.

anyways, she nods at his question. )

I'm fine, thank you.

( hearing him be all serious inclined her to be that way as well. as much as she enjoyed speaking in a certain manner, it wasn't really her way of being with an adult. )

Alright then, we can do that. Want me to lead the way?

( ~~because random dry cleaners should be near~~

she nods and then sticks her hands into her pockets. )

Did I mention I charge minimum wage?

( he can thank barnaby for that one. )

[Even the attire Yuri chooses for running simple errands is professional rather than casual: a long-sleeved button down shirt (to hide that pesky tattoo), a bold tie, and grey trousers. He has foregone a suit jacket for the sheer fact that warmer weather has set in. The pale colors of his outfit do little for his complexion, though he seems to prefer it that way. (And why shouldn't he? Warmer hues might make a certain burn scar show through even the generous layers of cosmetics he has applied.)]

I am still familiarizing myself with the city, so if you feel like leading the way, I would be much obliged.

[Yuri dips his head gratefully, but when he stands to his full height once more and begins walking, he casts a sideways glance at Mathilda that is openly curious.]

Minimum wage is not very ambitious. Do you have a low opinion of your skills?

( unlike yuri, mathilda is still stuck in the past. she's dressed in clothing that screamed she was from the nineties- a crop top shirt littered in brown and white stripes, a part of cut up shorts, hiking boots, and a pair of sunglasses.

she had to admit that while she liked the future, she was still wary of it, and it's fashion styles. )

Follow me then.

( she walked alongside him, confident, tall, and her short hair swaying back and forth. she had no lack of ambition or confidence in her- if anything it was overflowing.

but that question- )

Of course not, but I'm a twelve year old kid born in 1981, and minimum wage in my time was five bucks. Here...well I don't spend much. Sure things are more expensive, but I don't really eat much, and I don't have much clothing to wash.

( except maybe underwear. needless to say, his question took her by surprise. )

Listen, I'm happy with what I've got. I was taught to live on the basics.

[Following the young woman's lead, Yuri has opportunity to study their surroundings. The lay of the land, the rise of the buildings, and flow of traffic are all points of interest, particularly if Lunatic shall be required to make appearances in the future. Of course, he is careful to divide his attention equally between his observations and the young lady accompanying him so that he doesn't appear absentminded.]

I was not implying that a utilitarian way of living was somehow lesser, only that you be compensated accordingly for providing services that may involve going above and beyond what minimum wage pays.

[Stopping at the corner of a busy street, the judge presses the button for the pedestrian walk signal, then looks down at Mathilda.]

What if I propose minimum wage plus incentive?

[A generous offer, especially coming from him, and he will of course need to write up official paperwork for it later - it wouldn't do to have people getting the wrong idea about their arrangement - but Yuri appreciates hard workers, especially those that are young and not so characteristically naive.]

You really know how to charm a girl huh?

( mathilda can't help but smile up at him. )

I'll take you up on that then. Oh and don't worry-

( she puts her hands into her pockets, fishing for a small coin purse. )

I'll save every penny well.

[ You know, he does. He really does. He can be quite charming when he wants to be, but oftentimes that charm is reserved for his occupation, not social calls. ]

Impartiality has a charm all its own. I am merely its vessel.

[ Though perhaps there is a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth suggesting her playful comment is appreciated in some form. Or perhaps Yuri is only smiling at her frugal tendencies. ]

[ When the light changes, he starts across the street with Mathilda. ]

I am curious...you say that you do not require much, but mention that you will save every penny. Is there something in your future you hope to acquire?

How very sensual.

( she crossed alongside him, her eyes observing the path before them.

if she could, she would be smoking a cigarette right now. )

I have an old lover back home, if they show up here, I'd like to take care of them financially.

[ WELL IF THAT'S NOT A SUREFIRE WAY TO WIPE A SMILE OFF HIS FACE REALLY FAST... ]

A lover?

[ Miraculously, Yuri doesn't miss a step. He does, however, turn to face Mathilda once they reach the other side of the street, his brows knitted inward, pale eyes alert due to her choice of descriptive words. Children are, after all, imaginative and all too eager to grow up. What are the chances she chose the word lover instead of boyfriend (or girlfriend) so that she could appear more mature in his presence? No, the chances aren't very good. Lover has implications other words do not, and while young, Mathilda does not come across as ignorant. ]

...Shouldering the burden of financial support should not fall to someone as young as you.

[ He knows. After his father died, Yuri had to support his mother. He'd been the only one left of sound mind in the Petrov family, although there are still days where he questions his own grip on reality... ]

( SURPRISE YURI. ~~thankfully it's just her being a big fat liar.~~

she noticed the sudden change in appearance. it was not her intention to change the mood so drastically. but she knew adults, they liked to stick on one thing at a time. )

It would only be until they got a job. I'm pretty sure a cleaner can't keep doing that here easily.

( emphasis on cleaner. maybe he could cook italian food or something.

mathilda continues on as if she didn't say what she just said. )

[ ~~r u d e~~ ]

[ Yuri doesn't miss the emphasis, but neither does he understand why the word cleaner calls for it in the first place. Are they not on their way to a cleaner's themselves? The profession seems profitable enough, especially for those good at their work... ]

[ That said, does he not himself have a cover job? He is two very different kinds of judge back in Sternbild. One who obeys the laws, and one who obeys only the voice of Thanatos - obeys only true justice. The latter, of course, is more hands on and infinitely more fatal to those he passes judgment upon. ]

[ Yuri decides to keep the conversation going so that he can learn more. He clears his throat and responds... ]

Fortunately, an occupation that suits their abilities upon arrival is made available to all imPorts, is that not so? There should be no need for you to take on that level of responsibility.

You wouldn't understand, not until you knew what love was.

( did she just say that? yes she did. she feels he isn't the love-type of person so he wouldn't understand. )

It would be my way of saying 'thank you' to them.

( she continues on, the dry cleaners bright sign in sight. they were still far off, but they were getting closer. )

[ Yuri knows the definition of love. Once upon a time, he loved his parents and the life they shared. Once upon a time he was naive enough to cling to such a fleeting dream. But not anymore. He believes in love, will even admit to love being necessary to some degree, just not for him. And of course there are boundaries when it comes to what is acceptable and what isn't. ]

I must ask you not to jump to those conclusions, Mathilda. We hardly know one another well enough, so it is impolite.

[ His gaze rests upon the sign of the shop up ahead, its name the same as the one on the card Mathilda had brandished earlier. In the back of his mind, Yuri continues to ponder what the young woman meant by her friend's cleaning occupation not being viable here...but ultimately the thought is discarded.]

In return, I'll promise to do the same. I think it is better that we ask one another questions if we would like to better understand each other, besides.

I'm sorry, that was out of line.

( that was childish of her. it was a glimpse that said 'this person is still a child'. even if she thought she knew everything, she was careless. always.

she gives him an soft look and then turns away. )

I couldn't agree more, maybe we should set a list of topics we should avoid too.

I'll start-

( her voice becomes darker now. )

Deaths involving children. Parents, gore, drugs, and love. Let's not get into that.

[ Conveniently... ]

I have nothing more to add to that list.

[ After all, most anything relating to death would be inappropriate conversational material to hold with a twelve year old. So too would love, although there are questions regarding Mathilda's views on love that Yuri will pose again at a much later date if they become more relevant. As for the rest, well, for personal reasons...parents, gore, and any kind of substance abuse is subject matter that tends to illuminate the darker side of his personality. In most cases, they are topics that are strictly off limits. ]

Perhaps we can discuss an interest we both share: justice. Can you tell me much about those who call themselves heroes here?

I can't really tell you much, I haven't really been paying attention to that kind of stuff.

( a pause. )

I'm registered as unsettled. I can tell you, they're protected by the government but one wrong move and Bam!

( she slammed her fist into her palm in a very comical manner. )

It's curtains for ya. Are you registered?

[ Yuri nods, understanding. ]

I should hope you will never need to pay any attention to that kind of thing, but then...I am a man of prudence first and foremost. Being prepared has always suited me better than wishful thinking. Perhaps you will also find it in your best interest to learn who your allies and enemies are?

[ At her gesticulation and question, Yuri pauses. He has told no one of his decision yet. Has shown no one the mark on his arm. And while he doesn't roll up his sleeve now, he does confess... ]

I am registered.

[ Sometimes the best way to fight the system is from the inside. Other times it is the only way. ]

Well I suppose I have Barnaby I can trust..

( she says this in a very skeptical manner. it's not that she doesn't trust him...she just doesn't want to talk to him too much. he can be very strict with her. )

I don't know too many people here outside of my roommates, and this other kid, so I guess I'm alright.

( she probably would be registered if she had useful powers. )

What kind of powers did you get? I hope they aren't lame like mine.

Barnaby Brooks Jr. is trustworthy. [ So long as he's not being manipulated by abilities that can control the mind. ] I can think of no other Hero as committed as he is, except for his partner...

[ Committed being a very carefully selected word. After all, Yuri considers both men naive ~~and more often than not, annoying~~ but that is an opinion he cannot freely voice. ]

In any case, it is good you're not entirely ignorant of those around you.

[ Before long they stand outside the shop and Yuri holds the door open for Mathilda, a ghost of a wolfish smile appearing. ]/small>

I'm not at liberty to discuss my powers in detail, but I can say this...they certainly make my job much easier. And what abilities do you find yourself with?

Is his partner Kotetsu?

( oh that's the one person she knows she can rely on. he bought her so much food the first time they met, and it was wonderful.

she walked into the store, and she reached for a pamphlet on their schedule. )

Ah well, this is one-

( she placed the pamphlet into her pocket before she held out her hand. in a matter of seconds a glass of milk appeared in her hand. )

I guess I won't ever be thirsty.

Barnaby's partner is Wild Tiger.

[ He answers matter-of-factly and without any regard for whether Mathilda knows the real identity of Wild Tiger or not. Presently, asking her such a question would only serve to make her aware of the answer, and while Yuri finds Kotetsu annoying, he would not out the veteran Hero in that fashion. ]

Kotetsu Kaburagi is also a dedicated individual, however. I'm not surprised to learn that you've become acquainted with him.

[ Inside the store, Yuri watches Mathilda's demonstration after she tucks away her pamphlet. He realizes with some disappointment that the so-called-heroes brought to this world are really no different from what he knows back in Sternbild. Not everyone is lucky enough to be bestowed with a power that will help the purpose behind their being brought here, or even escaping back to where they came from. ]

You said it is one. Do you have another ability, then?

I see.

( she takes a sip of milk. well she's stuck with it for now. )

That's something that you'll never get to see here. It's a pointless power and it only causes me harm.

( she's not going to tell him that if she gets close to people, she can feel when they die. it's worthless, and it would never come to use. )

Looks like I didn't win the power lottery.

[Yuri sighs. It is idealistic, but...]

There comes a time when all abilities present their usefulness. With any luck, you will discover the benefits of yours at very little cost to your personal well being.

[He brushes a wave of hair from his eyes, fingertips momentarily alighting upon the masterfully concealed burn mark that covers half of his face. His NEXT ability is great, it's true, a fire which burns hotter than any other...but the scar it has left him with is a constant reminder that all great things can lead to ruin. It isn't always terrible to have small beginnings.]

What if it affects how others see me?

( as in they'll grow fonder of her and probably become obsessed if they have weak wills. )

I mean it literally changes how they feel about me?

[Pardon him if he looks momentarily surprised.]

I do not doubt such an ability could be useful...but more importantly, I think that is the kind of power that one needs to learn to control, especially for their own safety.

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. . . pretend this isn't hideously late or anything /)_(\ I am so sorry

Let's pretend I'm not going to be hideously slow uwu

I could forgive you any slowness XD how could I not at this point

I'll try and be quick ;)

>v> me too me too

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