A/N: (I havent posted in a long time (apologies for that) but hi! Im still here :3)
I FINALLY have this out lmaolmao. Ive been waiting forever to finish this read it for myself too u see, I'm just so happy w
(B4 anything, if ur busy u can just take breaks w/ the roman numbers i put. I also write in 3rd PoV omniscient if that bothers anyone. Some parts here also feel repetitive lol)
Anyway, hope y'all enjoy lt!
"Country Roads, take me home
To the place, I belong~!"
-Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
• 𝐈 •
It was a known fact that Serena was a hot-headed, no-nonsense and rather straightforward, serious individual.
However, behind that facade of hers, she also had this little not-so-well-known sense of adventure — a sort of want, a wanderlust to explore the world.
But most importantly for her homeland dimension called Fusion, and more specifically the Mainland and the places within it.
She's heard of its busy streets and picturesque nature views—and she does remember a few vague memories from her early childhood before she was taken into the Academy—as well as its beautiful Venice-like structures… And she longed to see them again for herself.
See what has changed since then, if anything, and if the places were as beautiful as she pictured and remembered.
And… With all the fun she had that day, dragging a certain partner as she went from one stall to another—be it some carnival game or street food—and exploring the limits of the festival, as well as its numerous kinds of celebrations they had somehow come right in time for, they were bound to need rest.
'Thus, from those experiences, it still seems to be that way,' she mused as she walked through the outer part of the forest which was connected to the city.
"Dear Serena, what could be going on in that head of yours?" her aforementioned partner , Yuri, asked.
She didn't want him to be with her—or so she believes, anyway—during the trip, but the stupid cabbage had insisted anyway since he heard where she was going.
If only the other girls didn't tell their boys and they didn't tell Yuri then she didn't need to deal with him right now.
But they did, so Yuri kept insisting and annoying her to the point that she just caved and ended up with him.
"Nothing much, to be honest," was her response. Of course there was a lot, but she didn't want to talk about them right now.
"Just some thoughts about the trip I guess," she shrugged, "and… Don't call me that."
"Oh, but I love doing so. It's amusing how it annoys you but pleases me."
"Why'd you really want to come, anyway?" she asked.
"Because I wanna explore with you!" Yuri exclaimed enthusiastically. For him, that was the main reason. "I wanna see the sights too, you know? Sure, I've been to the other dimensions, but I haven't explored our own dimension yet, ironically. And I'm sure it's just as beautiful, if not more than the others."
In connection to that, he glanced at the sky.
It was near dusk now. The sun was setting, but it wasn't really visible as it was blurred—almost blanketed by clouds. And instead of the usual gold and orange sky, the approaching night made it dark blue, almost lavender-violet, with the clouds pinkish in comparison to their cliff-with-lava-beneath–like coloring earlier.
They continued walking through the oaks and evergreens silently for a while before he added, "And it's better to do it with a companion than alone."
"Hm." 'You're quite right about that, though.'
Silence fell over them again until they reached their destination:
Barrett's house, which was located in a small village-like area not too deep into the wood.
It was already around six when they got there, as planned. They were to spend the night at his place before their hike the next day.
"So… Who's knocking?" Yuri asked, pulling his backpack's straps down to adjust it.
"Do we even need to decide on that? You." Serena said almost instantly.
"Why me? You're the one who secretly sees him as a father-figure of sorts."
And it was true. With the way he guarded her with his life those times she went AWOL from Academia and how he took care of her when she was younger… He was definitely more than just a bodyguard for her… Perhaps it's just her, but yeah, he definitely felt like the father-figure she never had.
Even more so than a more probably-biologically-related guy named Leo who treated her more as fodder for some machine and a precious object than a normal, living person.
Serena sighed. "Y'know what? Fine. I'll do it."
Yuri just hummed okay, and she took a step forward, before she knocked three times.
"Genera—I mean, Barrett? Are you home?" she asked, and took a step back in case the door would open.
They heard a creak that sounded like a chair moving and some big, heavy steps.
"Yes, I'm here. Just wait while I unlock the door."
A little clank of a metal chain lock, and the door was opened. "Come in."
They nodded and went inside, taking their shoes off and placing them on the side of the foyer.
Serena observed Barrett's little house carefully as she stepped inside.
His place was a small and simple one-story home with a kitchen, bathroom, living room… That sort of stuff. And of course, he has two bedrooms—one for himself and the other for any guests, which, of course, is where these two will be sleeping in for that night.
She frowned seeing the ankle monitor on Barrett's leg. He was free after the war as no charges were pressed against him, but he still needed to be kept in check and to do that, he was given an ankle monitor and a limit to where he could go.
"Better than prison," he said the day it was put on him.
"You can both leave your stuff in your room," he told them, breaking Serena's thoughts. "You can stay there, but please come out when I call—I'm cooking you both dinner."
"How kind of you," Yuri smiled gratefully, "thanks."
Serena was a little amused at Barrett. "Oh come on, I told you we'd be fine with some instant noodles."
"No, no, let me. I thought of cooking you both some dinner while you stay. The next day's gonna be a hike, after all," he explained. "It's good to have some energy packed up now." 'Or maybe I just wanted to try cooking for you both,' he added through his thoughts, a warm feeling going through his chest.
"Plus, it's not healthy, Serena-sama. I don't know why I still have to tell you that," he added, going back to the kitchen to cut some vegetables.
Yuri elbowed her and whispered, "Gee, just thank him: he's trying. And hey, free dinner!"
"Oh I will. Plus, he's actually pretty good with food."
"That so?" Yuri gave it a thought.
Then, he had a bright, brilliant idea. "Perhaps I can help him."
"What—?"
"Barrett," Yuri said rather loudly as he stepped into the kitchen area. Serena followed suit, a bit of an annoyed expression on her face.
"Yes?"
"May I please aid you in the preparation of our dinner? It's the least I can do, as you've already lent us your home for the night and considered cooking us our food…" He took a breath. "So, please, let me."
Barrett looked… Amazed and perplexed at Yuri's offer.
He chuckled a bit. Yuri always helped when he knew it would benefit him. But now… Now it's just because the guy was grateful. And also benefits him.
Yuri might be an annoying shit most of the time, he knows, but he still has his manners.
"If you really want to, then I won't stop you. Of course, you should leave your bags in the room first."
Seeing a satisfied and happy little spark in Yuri's eyes made him smile a little more.
"Oh, yes. Will do right away!" He excitedly trotted over to the room, bag in tow.
"Well," Barrett said, looking at Serena, "what about you? You gonna help as well?"
"He already offered to, and I feel bad not joining him in that, so… I guess?" She shrugged. "You know what, I will ."
If only Yuri did not make that offer she wouldn't have to work in a while.
At the same time, though, it would be nice cooking with them.
Those rare times when she was younger and Barrett would cook those delicious foods always made her wonder how he made them, and now she'll get to see and even help with one of them.
Within a few moments after leaving her bag in the room, there she was, with Yuri and Barrett, cutting the hard vegetables needed to cook a certain soup: a simple Tonjiru.
Barrett taught them both how to use a knife efficiently in cutting as he cut some, what was it? A burdock root? It wasn't exactly cutting what he did with the thing though—it was more like scraping.
Somehow, Yuri caught up easily, swiftly cutting a carrot—each slice clean and intricate, made better by the sound of the slow and quiet tap of the knife hitting the wooden cutting board followed by this little squeezing sound the carrot makes when cut. Its fresh carrot-y smell also smelled nice which, she admits, kinda made her hungrier.
'He's so quick…' Meanwhile, she was in charge of peeling a daikon radish. She was kinda intrigued by the weird smell it gave off.
It then dawned on her that these two might always be better at cooking than she'll ever be.
A little while later, she and Yuri finished cutting all the vegetables.
"Good job, both of you. Now for the cooking part."
There was the delicious smell of sizzling pork belly, which made Serena's stomach call for the food.
It's right there…!
Then came the many hard vegetables and other ingredients.
To pass time for the food to finish cooking—as well as distracting herself from it—Serena went outside.
Immediately, she was greeted with the cool nighttime Autumn air.
She looked around to the dark figures of trees reaching out to the night sky, some only having a few leaves left due to the upcoming winter.
Speaking of leaves, her every step was always followed by a crunch, and she listened to them as she circled about Barrett's home to see if there were any "hidden secrets."
She didn't mean to do anything serious—that was reserved for the next day, just a short little adventure is all.
Yuri went out a little while after.
"Dinner already?" she asked as she inspected a random bug she caught.
"Oh, yeah. But if you still wanna stay out a little longer, it's fine."
But she was too hungry now to do that. The thought of having good, delicious food felt like it could fill her stomach.
But, of course, it didn't. She needed the real thing.
Plus, that smell of meat and vegetables…
She let the bug go. "I'd rather go inside now, actually."
And that's what they did.
• 𝐈𝐈 •
"Itadakimasu!"
Simply put, the food was amazing .
Like, really amazing. There was the pork, of course, it was the predominant taste — but there's also a nice tinge of sweet in the broth, as well as a mouthwatering, piquant taste.
Some vegetables made a soft cracking kind of noise as she bit into them, and she could just savour the flavours slipping out of them.
Afterwards, she gratefully drank the rest of the soup.
Its warmth passing through her throat then to her stomach made it even more the better, as she had just come inside from the cold that occupied most of the outdoors during Fall.
Barrett was proud of himself seeing the other two Fusionists enjoy the simple soup, mostly because it meant that it all wasn't a waste of time and was worth every minute of the preparation.
He was amused at how Serena gulped down every last bit of what she had and quite eagerly asked for a second helping while Yuri slowly and elegantly ate his, occasionally picking the spoon up to drink the soup.
'I guess everyone has their own way of savoring and enjoying things,' he thought, taking Serena's bowl to fill it up again.
After dinner was the time for sleep.
Serena gladly unfolded her shikibuton and spread it as far as it would go in her part of the room with Yuri doing the same beside her, only with less energy.
She then let herself free-fall backwards onto the thing, liking how the mattress's thin but soft cushion caught her and prevented any serious injuries.
The thought of going to sleep with a full and satisfied stomach really seemed like the best thing right now. She could still freshly recall the taste of the Tonjiru in her mouth.
She remembered Rin telling her how she and Yugo slept starving many times before in Synchro…
It made her even more grateful for the experience right before this, with Barrett's soup.
And also Academia. Even if Leo made it that strict, they at least give all students a full stomach, even if it's food they didn't fancy.
Although, it also made her happy to remember that Yugo had a home with the Sakaki's now and Rin with the Hiiragi's and/or Kurosaki's and, of course, was also her sister. Yugo and Rin can live happily and still be able to visit each other when they'd like.
"Rena-kun, I think you should change into some nightwears first because, y'know, hygiene," Yuri suggested, but it felt more of a command than anything.
"Alright, fine."
Afterwards, Serena fell asleep around ten, but woke up around an hour after because of someone's dog.
She tried to sleep again but couldn't. The ceiling was suddenly very interesting.
She gave up on trying to sleep.
"Yuri," Serena whispers, "are you still awake?"
"Unfortunately, I still am," he answers back with a yawn. "Those dogs were a tad annoying. Although, I feel like I'm about to sleep in a while."
"Well," this time, Serena used a normal volume because Barrett won't hear them anyway. Probably. "I wanna sneak onto the roof, if that's possible."
"And why , exactly?" Yuri rested on his right elbow to face her. He felt his sleepiness ebb away, which made his head ache and him disappointed in himself, but he knew he shouldn't leave Serena alone.
Speaking of her— Serena, with the most normal expression, said, "I wanna… Well, stargaze?" She turns to him.
Yuri thought of it. Were the stars even still visible?
Oh wait. They're in Fusion, and in a forest. Of course the stars can be seen. The thought of stargazing also seemed like a great idea right now, as it was around eleven already.
"Fine." He face-palms and rubs his forehead. "But, two conditions. One: take me with you."
He hears Serena sigh as she ties her hair with her ribbon. "Whatever, okay. Was gonna take ya anyway. And the second?"
"Don't stay long—we have to wake up quite early tomorrow."
"Alright, alright." And with all the energy she still had, she stood up. "Let's go!"
Before they left, Yuri put on a jacket. "I suggest you put one on, too." He motioned to his jacket.
"I'll be fine."
"Suit yourself, but don't ask for me to share later, got it?"
"Yeah, yeah."
A few moments later, somehow, they were on the roof.
It was slanted, so it required some balance, but for people like them, this is but a walk in the park.
Also, it's cold. So, very very cold. It wasn't just the environment, but also the roof itself as it normally absorbs the temperature of its environment.
And Serena greatly underestimated her tolerance of that—the cold, especially since she's wearing nothing but a t-shirt and shorts.
But… The sky…
Millions of billions of stars scattered all around it like someone spilled lots of shining, twinkling glitter.
There they were, twinkling: yellow, white, red, blue—so many colors! And the moon, too, shone as bright as it could, and It warmed her heart to see the fragment of nature she and her En were named after.
"Whoa." She could feel the cool of night get cooler on her skin out of sheer bemusement. It felt overwhelming.
It was just so astonishing , the word even ringing in her ear, as there was not another word that could explain it.
"Yuri!" she called over to her companion whose face was as full of amazement as her.
"Yeah?" he asked, not even turning to face her.
"I wanna go somewhere higher!"
Yuri shot her a look. "Are you serious? How…? Oh wait, I know."
And there she flashed him that little, dumb, mischievous grin. "Let's climb a treeeeee! Please."
She even said 'please'...
He shook his head. "Stupid idea."
"Well, you're not stopping me, so I'm doing it!"
"Wait, don't—"
She moved back a bit and ran full speed, head-on to the nearest tree.
With one strong leap, she caught a branch and swung, just nearly missing it. "Crap."
Though, she quickly got out of the pickle herself and started climbing.
She chuckled hearing Yuri let out an unamused groan and followed her.
They reached the canopy a little later.
The city's lights near the ocean… They were near it—the city—right now, because as mentioned earlier, Barrett's house is not too deep in the woods. Still, it was amazing. She could only imagine what it'd look like from somewhere higher in the mountain, but… It wasn't unachievable.
More wind rushed by, and she thought it said "Excuse me" as it did that, as if a spirit was with it.
She just. Froze in place there.
Yuri looked around and was also stunned.
His gaze then fell on Serena, and her eyes… There, he saw some little reflections of lights that shone from both the city and stars.
And, other than his own, those were the most lovely eyes he's ever seen.
Those beautiful, shining, curious emerald eyes were all he needed to see as proof to know that she… She was just… Well, it's hard to explain, but at that moment there he was struck by a sort of even greater appreciation for her which, of course, was present in the past, but became even more prevalent right now.
It warmed his cold heart seeing her just. So full of curiosity—of wonder, of absolute amazement . He finds it rather… Cute. Adorable.
It was a side of her that only ever seldomly showed, as most of the time she'd rather not show it or doesn't have time for it. And now he got to see and experience it himself… It felt so… Good —amazing.
Then those eyes closed, which made Yuri's heart drop a bit, but he knew she was just relishing the moment.
She hugged herself. "It's cold; you were right, I… Should've brought a jacket."
Without another thought, Yuri sighed, smiled, and took his jacket off and put it around her.
"There, now quit complaining. Just know that I won't do that often."
A questioning look was on her face. Did he really just—? Was he just kind to her? Well he is, of course, but only for teasing usually.
"Thanks…" She could really use this moment to tease him about what he said earlier about sharing his jacket, but she just let it slip. Instead, she looked down, to the leaves and branch they sat on. It was nice to be in nature.
Dang… It was still cold. So, with a bit of embarrassment, and 'cause she didn't have much choice anyway, she scooched over to the cabbage-head.
"Hmmm?" Then came the drawled-out 'M'.
"Oh, shut up. I just need to get warmer is all."
"Hey, that's fine with me. Would you like me to put my arm around you? You'd be warmer that way."
"You know what? Fine." She herself leaned in closer to him, deciding to rest her head near his neck and closing her eyes.
Great. Her head was sleepy now. She yawned.
"Tired already? Was it because of tree-jumping and climbing?" Yuri said rather softly.
"Maybe. I've had my fill of both food and a view for the night, I guess. I'd gladly go back to our room, but—" another yawn "—sleepy. As fuck."
"Then what, you expect me to carry you to the room?"
"Half only, as I know you won't do that anyway." 'Probably. This guy's always full of surp—' Aaand Yuri picked her up.
"I think I shall. My dear moonflower will not be sleeping on a branch tonight, no matter how much of a nice idea that actually is." There was both mockery and genuinity in his voice, Serena noticed, which was a bit… Rare.
And back to the room they went.
Serena was already asleep when they got back, and it was nice seeing her in this state, as it was one of the many things people never get and, in his opinion, does not have the right to see.
For the second time that night he pulled her close to a hug then couldn't help but kiss her forehead and leaned his own to hers before going deep into slumber himself.
• 𝐈𝐈𝐈 •
Yuri was awoken by the sound of his disk's alarm.
He yawned. It was fairly early, just around four-thirty. They chose this time because Serena desperately wanted to see the sun rise high up in the sky early in the morning.
Still, five—wait, maybe even just four —hours of sleep was definitely not enough.
Looking from the ceiling to his left, he found Serena still sound asleep.
He smiled seeing her, but even if he wanted to adore her cute little state, he knew they had to go, so he finally sat up and yawned in hopes of getting his grogginess away.
Peering through the curtain's small window, the sky was still quite dark blue. No signs of the sun coming up anytime just yet.
He then turned his attention back to his companion. As much as he did not want to, he shook and patted Serena awake.
"Wake up, sleeping beauty: it's time for our hike." He then went to fix his bed.
Serena groaned and, while yawning, said, "It's so early…"
"That's the point. Plus, it's not my fault we slept late. Now, come on."
"Yes, yes. I know… Gee…" She forced herself to sit. Her eyes were still droopy, and she was blinking to regain her clearer vision.
A yawn tries to escape her, but she keeps her mouth shut.
Nevermind. She yawned anyway. A biiig, large yaaaawnn…
Yuri decided to do something a bit silly. He kneeled in front of her and put his hands on the sides of her face. He then did that light slapping thing with his right hand. "Awaken, Serena. Awaaaaaaaaaken…!"
"I AM awake ." Her sleepiness was gone in an instant, and she pushed him away, albeit gentler than usual as she just awoke. "Let me fix my bed and change, and we'll go."
He chuckled at her. "Alright. I'll be changing myself."
When they went out of their room, Serena was first to notice that there was a hint of chocolate—or maybe it was coffee?—in the air around them.
"What's that?"
"I dunno. It's either chocolate or coffee," Yuri chipped in. "I can't really tell."
Dragging their bags, they ventured to the kitchen.
There, they found Barrett preparing some food, probably for them… Again.
"Oh, no," Serena began, making Barrett stop what he was doing and turn to them. "Oh, uh, mornin'."
"Good morning," he said.
"Morning." Yuri nodded once.
Barrett continued what he was doing. He was now in the middle of mixing two drinks.
"Excuse me, but—you didn't need to do this," Serena finally mentioned.
"I agree with her, you've done more than enough now," Yuri added, stepping closer.
But Barrett pretty much ignored them and finished. "Here, a small breakfast." He saw their looks and couldn't help but be an annoyed. "Just take it."
And so, they gave up on trying to convince him and decided to eat with him.
While they did, they talked about a few stuff from Academia. Of course, there was stuff they decided to leave out — a lot of stuff.
There weren't many recent good memories from the place, you see, and most that they remembered either hurt or weren't worth talking about.
At some point, Barrett snuck some sandwiches and two flasks of hot chocolate into their bags.
Alas, a little later, they were finally about to leave.
"Bye, Barrett," Serena muttered, hugging him before letting go. "Thanks for the food and for letting us crash for the night."
"Goodbye, Barrett-sama, and thank you too," Yuri said with a nod.
"You're both welcome." Barrett gave them a thumbs up and a nod. "Remember that you both can come here anytime you want, alright?"
"Will do," they said in sync.
"Oh, and, take care, okay?"
Serena walked up to him. "We will. Don't worry, Barrett—we're not kids anymore."
"But you still act like one," Yuri murmured under his breath, descending the wooden stairs.
"Shut up." She looked at Barrett. "Bye again!"
Barrett went inside as soon as both Serena and Yuri reached the ground.
"Oh damn, it's still cold…" Serena muttered, hugging herself again. She could feel the hairs of her body stand through the chilly weather.
And then a little breeze blew by, waking all her senses. "Kss…" she grimaced.
"To be fair, it's still quite early in the morning," Yuri shrugged, "don't forget though: this is your idea."
"I assure you I haven't forgotten that. Let's go now."
So this was really it, huh?
She's really gonna get this chance to explore some part of Fusion's forest, even if it's just by following a hiking trail.
Her heart pounded and pounded heavier with each minute of her deep realization and excitement.
'It'sreallyhappeningit'sreallyhappeningit'sreallyhappening…'
Those were the words that repeated in her head like a broken cassette tape.
With a sudden burst of adrenaline and joy, she ran straight ahead—it wasn't far, just a few feet forward—and jumped a bit before landing back on one foot, catching the rest of her body with the other.
She then slowly spun around a bit, arms spread, whilst she closed her eyes. Then, she spun, and spun, and spun, until she tripped over a little rock, making her fall on her back, crashing into the plethora of autumn leaves, a few of which flew beside her when she landed.
She then looked up…
The sky was obviously much more different than it was last night. It was much lighter now.
She then laughed softly. She felt so… Free , and so happy ; both things combining into one, overfilling her mind and body with so much emotion. There was the uncomfortable feeling of her big backpack that felt like a rock on her back, but she ignored it.
She was uninjured as the leaves and earth caught her safely, but the way she saw Yuri run up to her made her feel like she was.
"Serena! Will you watch it sometimes? It's literally too early to have an injury," Yuri reprimands, looking down at her. His worried expression changed to one of relief seeing she was fine.
His tone changed, too. "Had fun?" His elbows were on his slightly parted knees, still looking down at her. "Look at you…"
" Lots . Oh, and the sky looks nice," she randomly comments.
"Nice to know, then! Just please watch out, okay?" Yuri sat beside her. "Mind if I join?"
"Yes, I do—"
He didn't even let her finish her sentence and let himself sit, put his backpack to the ground to cushion his head, and lay with his back toward the ground.
Looking up, he saw how beautiful the sky really was .
It was mostly empty with nothing but clouds, the moon, and some stars left. Although, he thinks that the 'stars' aren't stars at all—rather, they're probably planets: Jupiter and Venus, specifically.
Serena may or may not have been the one to tell him that sometime before.
The sky's color made up for its near-emptiness, though. It was an eyesome sight to see the beautiful mostly-blue and orange-yellow backdrop, how their shades contrasted with each other yet was still as pleasing and calming to see.
"It's not just nice, you know —"
Serena interrupted him: "Exactly, it's between the lines of both Cimmerian and sibylline…"
"And since when did you learn those words?"
"Since I found them on the Internet." She sat up.
She wanted to look up more, yes—but she knew that they were here to also explore, and that's what they have to do,
And what she came here to do.
"That's enough. I think we should go," she suggested, dusting herself and her backpack then looking at their path.
"Aww, I wanted to lay more," Yuri whined. "The ground's soft and cold. And don't forget that we didn't get enough sleep due to your short stargazing escapade."
"Well, I'm somehow not affected by it and have lots of energy, so I'm off first."
Around them were occasional sounds of a bird singing a song, or maybe an owl hoot-hooting or birds of prey cawing, but otherwise, the environment was silent.
The clouds overhead moved, and 5 AM finally came.
This was the time they saw a few people busying about already, with farmers going here and there milking cows, collecting eggs, and doing other farm-related stuff and making sure they'd get to the town early to sell their products.
And finally, the first rays of day caught the duo's eyes.
Walking quickly to an eastward direction, they hoped that they would be in time to see the sunrise, and, of course, they are.
A venust sight it was, seeing the little tip of the sun slowly rise up, giving the sky a more orange and pink hue and replacing the blues.
Thick, gray clouds gradually turned orange then to pink as the sun's light touched them, which also made the fluffy things cast their own shadow.
Suddenly, the world around them did not seem so dark anymore, and of course it became lighter and felt more full of life with each passing second.
These things themselves were enough to send chills down their spines, and even Yuri was frozen in seeing such beauty come from nature itself.
Some morning wind passed them, making them feel even more chillier than before.
"What a sight indeed," Yuri muttered. He smiled and placed his hands on his hips. "It was well worth it, getting up early. Now I do not regret it at all. It really is quite different from those of the likes of other dimensions."
"So many pretty views…!" Serena exclaimed then sighed. She wondered what sunrises were like with the other dimensions. Sure, she can visit them when she likes, but she never wakes early enough to witness them, and she only had to force herself earlier because of Yuri. "And you're right: so worth it."
Soon, the orange hills covered by many copses were made more orange, and some vales were also covered by shadows, which looked really nice now that they were a little further up. The fog also started to finally lift, evaporating and turning into air, but not entirely as some still remained.
Still, it was a fascinating sight to see. Yuri even pulled his camera—which he hung off his neck for easy access—out to take some pics of them.
They continued their trek a bit later, as there was more to be seen other than the sunrise.
More noise came the longer the morning went. Although…
These sounds… the moos of cows, the early rooster caws, the rattling of carriages filled with produce and crops and others—these noises made the whole place feel more like a countryside, really.
Even the sound of a rivulet that ran at the bottom of a slope near them and sounds of people meeting and greeting each other and sounds of children… They made the whole place feel as if it was full of life.
And… It was .
How Serena wished she had this all throughout her youth, to be able to hear the many sounds other than just the typical sounds she'd hear in the Academy.
Some of the things she liked there were the sounds of waves crashing against the steep rocky cliffs or sounds of seagulls flying overhead and the occasional sound of some of her peers' laughter—they were what sounded genuine and full of life to her.
But back here… It wasn't just sight and sound, but smell too… Kinda.
The fresh scent of barley, wheat, and rice wafted all over the place. The wheat was most strong, filling the air with what smelled like flour and a bakery. It was nice.
Yuri went near the cliff side and trees again.
He noticed that the city below felt further—though not too much since they were just going through hills—than before, meaning they've made quite the progress in the hike.
Still, he was getting kinda hungry and couldn't wait till they could have snacks again.
• 𝐈𝐕 •
"Yuri!" Serena called. She was saying ahead of him, somehow still as full of energy as when they left.
Man, what is it with her…?
"Race ya to that tree over there!"
Oh Dear Ra… Okay, look, he actually has a lot of metabolism, but he wasn't one who liked to sweat a lot, and right now under the sun—he very much preferred the sun from a few hours before, the one that won't give him sunburn—he felt like his energy was evaporating from him, even if it's not as hot as summer's. "I'm afraid I can't—"
"Loser's inferior to a Slifer!" She sprinted off.
"Now you've done it." He absolutely is not inferior to a Slifer.
He, too, dashed off.
They bumped into some people carrying produce, but they were too caught up in the race to care.
For a while they were right beside each other.
But Serena, as she wanted to win so much, decided to cheat and bumped him by the side.
"Ack! You cheat—" he shouted, amusement and glee from her successfully hitting him in his voice.
His momentum, though, sent him flying towards a farmer with a bullock cart full of some fruits.
"I win!" Serena yelled happily. Turning around, though, she saw the result of the supposed 'little thing' she had done. "Oh… Shit."
She ran over to Yuri.
He was fine, and the cart wasn't toppled over, but fruits from it fell everywhere.
Yuri had no empathy towards pretty much anyone he doesn't care about, but he knew that right now, he did something wrong and should acknowledge it.
'Stupid Serena…' he thought affectionately, contrary to what was in the thought. He looked at the farmer. "I'm sorry."
"Well, you should be," the farmer said angrily, glancing at the fruits scattered around them. But then he looked at Serena, sighed, and—to the surprise of Yuri—smiled a bit. "I saw, though, that you were both just having fun. I'll forgive you for that."
Yuri didn't exactly know how to respond to that , but he decided to say something nonetheless. "Yes… She sometimes does things without thinking of the consequences. Still, let me at least help."
"Oh I wasn't gonna let you off easily anyway; go on ahead now and help me gather these."
"Yes, sir." With that, he bent down to gather the countless fruits and vegetables and some other crops on the ground, the farmer following beside him.
Serena didn't say a word to the farmer and also kneeled on one knee beside him and helped. "Sorry…"
"At least you are. And it kinda hurts, ya know—not you hitting me, but the crash."
"I guessed that."
"But like the farmer said… We were just having some fun." He paused and looked at her. "So don't worry too much."
She gave him a surprised look as she separated some fruits she got into different baskets. "You're not mad?"
Yuri scoffed. "Come on, why would I be? I couldn't ever be mad at you. Not for a long period of time, anyway. And it's better to let go of these small things."
He, too, dropped fruits into respective baskets. "And yes, you got me to work, but you did too so I'm fine."
"Of course… Thanks, still, that you're not mad."
"Don't worry, I know just how much of a klutz you can be," he teased.
"Oi." She lightly punched him on the shoulder.
The final fruit fell into the basket. They finally finished.
"Thank you both for helping me," the farmer said gratefully, nodding to them. "I appreciate it, even though you were both the ones who caused it."
"You're welcome." Yuri bowed.
Serena sighed. "And I'm sorry as well." She bowed, too.
Then they stood upright again.
"We should get going now," Yuri reminded. "Goodbye."
"Wait!" the farmer called.
The two turned to him.
"For your help, here."
In the farmer's hand were two net-sacks: one was filled with oranges and another with apples. "Have them. They're a bit damaged, but are still fine to eat."
Serena was the one who happily accepted it. "Whoa, thanks." She felt guiltier tham before. "And again, I'm sorry. I don't think we deserve this even if they are damaged."
"Welcome. And, ah , don't worry about it." He picked up his cart. "I should get going too. Enjoy your hike, you two!"
Then he thought of something, again. "Wait! Before anything, are you both gonna head to town?"
"Yes," Yuri said, giving Serena a questioning look.
She just shrugged. "Why?"
"Well, I thought to offer you both a ride on my cart."
They were both, well, they didn't know what to feel. On one hand, it'd be fun and give them both rest, but on the other they didn't deserve it and the farmer didn't need to get delayed by them any further.
"But—" Serena started.
"It's fine, alright? And I'm sure I've carried heavier things than just these before. And I've forgiven you both already." He motioned to the carriage. "Come on! Don't be shy."
Thus, with mixed thoughts, the two climbed on.
The farmer was finally satisfied and happily went on. "Here we go!"
It was nice to be on. Yuri could finally take pics of many things without having to remember he was walking, although there were times he wanted to stop but didn't want to bother the farmer and just screamed internally.
Serena meanwhile admired everything around them without a camera.
When they finally got to the town, they both helped the farmer set up his stall for a bit.
"So… you both look kinda familiar," the farmer mentioned.
'Ah, not the counterpart differences questions again, please ,' Yuri thought. "That so?"
The farmer nodded. "Yes. You… You're Yuri, right?"
"Someone finally got that right," Yuri scoffed. "Sorry if that was rude, but people, even ones from Fusion— here , mistaken me for Yuya!"
"Ah but you guys look quite different. For me at least."
" Exactly. Thank you." Yuri very much likes this guy now.
Then the farmer looked at Serena. "And you, hm…"
"She's my lovely Serena," Yuri declared. "Although she isn't exactly 'lovely,'" he fake-pouted.
She gave him a lightly furious look. He just smiled. He knew she wouldn't make a scene.
"Ah, that explains it!" The farmer laughed. "Yuzu's counterpart, correct?"
Serena nodded, a bit of a surprised expression on her face.
He laughed again. "I really like you eight, you know? A very peculiar group."
"Indeed," Yuri agreed. "You know—"
"Well, we should probably, you know, get going," Serena interrupted. There was no more time for Yuri to gossip.
"But I don't wanna leave yet," Yuri whined. "This guy's nice! Plus, the sun. Scorching ."
Serena rolled her eyes. "It's just gonna get hotter. And it's fall , it's not that hot."
"She's right. Perhaps we can talk next time; let me lead you both out." He walked right beside them. "You both know where to find me, anyway. Make sure you guys visit again!"
They said their goodbyes and left.
Some time later, the two paused again to enjoy another amazing view.
The sun was high up now, but it was almost blocked by the many cumulonimbus clouds that floated over them. It's probably past 8 by now.
Yuri saw how Serena seemed to blissfully spin and jog around a cliffside.
It was a bit worrying, but he knew she wouldn't be stupid enough to fall over.
Plus, it was too much a precious, rare little sight to see her this happy.
"Look here!" he yelled, making his camera turn to her.
In that exact moment, Serena happened to spin facing his direction at the exact time he snapped the pic.
And there he had it. Within that little camera upon his hands was now something he considered to be one of the happiest moments—happiest memories he had of his dear beloved: a moment of time he froze then and there of her happily spinning and laughing with a backdrop that couldn't be more beautiful.
The hills were perfectly brownish-orange because of Fall, and her happy-go-lucky, arms-spread-wide-and-one-leg-lifted carefree pose perfectly matched them.
But, though… That smile.
Yuya was right when it comes to smiles and smiling, especially with one that came from the heart. It's… Delicate. Very, very delicate.
She was just so… Genuinely happy, so much so even his 'cold, dead heart' was warmed a lil bit. Yet another Serena thing getting to him.
He looked at her again. She was enthusiastically looking over the cliff now, face once again full of wonder.
"Hey, Serena." He didn't want to break that short moment of curiosity, but there was something he wanted to do right now.
"Let's take a photo!" Yuri proposed, showing his small camera.
"Oh yeah, sure."
The two gathered by the cliff side that had nothing but pegs and ropes to serve as a fence.
Yuri held the camera up above and put his free right arm around Serena with a 'Loser' sign, while Serena put her left arm on him and did the 'Rock n Roll' sign.
The former then took the pic.
"Lemme see!"
"Yes, yes." Yuri turned the screen to her.
Both of them smiled in that little photo, clearly enjoying the trip and their time spent with each other.
"Heh, nice…"
"I think we should have a break," he suggested as he continued scrolling through some other pics he took earlier of the sun, trees, landscapes, and people, among others.
"I guess, yeah. We have been hiking for quite a long time." Serena, too, looked around. "Preferably somewhere with shade though."
"You're saying we should go off-course?"
"Not exactly, I don't want to get lost. Just under the trees in the forest."
"Sure, then. Off we go!"
Their hike quickly turned into a trek with what they did and where they went.
Oh, and they didn't rest, and they also went off-course. Because of this, Yuri made sure to turn a GPS on, just in case.
They went through many trees—even passing a shinboku!—and over their sun-dappled roots. Most of them were huge , some a good 30 meters high by estimate.
Then there was balancing on some slippery rocks which led to a crossing of a river where they actually almost slipped, hopping onto some rocks.
There was the smell of nature around them: the dead leaves, the running water, and the flowers when they reached a copse on flat terrain where they finally thought to rest.
But Serena didn't want to yet. She thought she shouldn't ask about this thing she's about to—Yuri was clearly tired—but after a while decided to anyway.
"Yuri… Can I go explore a lil more around, please?"
"So much for 'I don't wanna get lost.'"
"But I won't! Promise I won't wander off too far."
He sighed. He really shouldn't leave her alone.
But… Sometimes, maybe he should. "Yeah, go ahead. Don't go too far." He sat down on the ground and started looking through his huge backpack.
"Wait, you're really not stopping me? Although I shouldn't leave you alone either, come to think of it."
"Pfah, don't worry about me. I'm not gonna randomly card anyone out of the blue just cause they pissed me off; day's too bright and good for that." He took a picnic mat out of his bag. "Plus, I'm not really into that anymore…" He stood.
"Hm… Alright, then. And thanks! I'll be back in a few."
"Mmhm." While she ran off, Yuri set up the mat. It was just big enough for the two of them to lay on, would they want to gaze at the sky together. It took him a while to flatten out all the creases, but he finally managed and took pleasure in finally sitting down and relaxing.
He relished in the quiet around him. Birds mostly broke that silence like earlier, but there was also the nice sound of strong wind through the trees' branches.
Around him, the sun shone from the leaves of maples and cedars, speckling the ground with light from the cerulean sky above.
He then took out the fruits from earlier.
Yuri took the net-bag with apples first, took one, and made sure to wash it with some of his water first before directly taking a bite off of it.
'It's—it's delicious!' he thought. 'The sweetness is just the right amount, and the juice from it is refreshing.' He sighed. 'Serena should try these…'
The sky became dark.
'Oh, that's not good.'
Just then, it rained. It was just small, little drops for now.
'I should find her, but where'd she go, anyway? Oh how could I forget…'
He started to panic and tie up the bag of apples and refolded the picnic mat.
When he finished, she was still not there.
Where is she?
What if she's lost now? He decided to try and send her a message.
It was just a few seconds, but it felt much longer to wait for her reply.
Minutes passed and there was still nothing.
His worry grew more and more until there was nothing but quiet and rain around him.
He stood up. But… He shouldn't go anywhere if he wanted her to find him.
The rain got a bit stronger. He had to take his purple hood to use it to cover his head.
He walked.
He thought of sprinting when finding Serena while yelling her name, but just then, he saw a shadow rushing to him.
His heart beat faster figuring out that… Yes, it was her! She wasn't lost—no: just late, as always. The hood from her hoodie was pulled over her head as well to help shield from the rain.
"Yuri!" He heard her scream between pants. "Follow me, I found a small abandoned house just a little way off!"
• 𝐕 •
"Are you sure you actually found one?"
"Yeah, I even went exploring in it," Serena assured.
Now that they were back with each other, they finally got to calm down from their panic and worry of not finding the other.
The rain did not bother him anymore as it did earlier. He actually liked it again as he normally does.
Meanwhile, Serena knew how worried Yuri could get if she got lost or the sort, so as soon as the rain got stronger, she ran back through the thicket to meet up with him again and ease him up.
She decided not to dwell on those right now and instead try to start a conversation with him. "The place was old, and dusty. Some doors were harder to push to the side but it's a good shelter for the meantime."
They arrived at a stone pathway.
"See? Told you it wasn't that far."
"Alright, alright."
Together they walked on the pathway that led to the old, little house.
Yuri was the first to reach the place. The front door wasn't closed properly, probably because Serena did leave in a hurry.
He went inside, Serena following suit.
"We can leave our stuff pretty much anywhere," she began, "I don't think anyone will take them anyway."
Yuri nodded, and the both of them agreed to just leave it in a small room.
"You know, I think I wanna clean this place," he said, somehow randomly finding a broom.
"Of course you do, but sure. Go ahead."
"Right away!" Yuri first took his shoes and socks off, placing them near their bags—and Serena following as well—then began sweeping that elevated wooden floor that extends toward the garden area.
Serena helped with that as she wanted to go and stay at that specific part to look around as, though the house was a bit small, it made up for its decent backdoor garden.
And so that's exactly what she did after. She put the broom where she found it and strolled back there, sitting on the cold wood floor and leaning to the wall. And after looking about, she felt the vibration and beat of the rain.
It was nice, the rain. She remembered how Rin liked it a bunch and how she even taught and told Serena much about it, usually with lots of interest.
Rin also mentioned 'playing under the rain,' saying it was fun even if it was cold and wet and the soil turned to mud if one was in a garden or the like.
Serena then wondered about that. She wanted to experience it herself.
So, without much thought, she stepped outside, to the place's garden.
At once rain fell on her. This time though she did not put her hood on.
Come to think of it, she probably should've left her jacket… But she was already wet by now.
She faced the sky, eyes closed, and let the raindrops lightly splash and land on her face.
She breathed and embraced the rain around her, like Rin said she does sometimes. Serena even stuck her tongue out for a bit to catch raindrops on them.
Then she laughed. This was quite fun.
She looked over to the house. It seems Yuri hadn't noticed she left yet.
Hm… He should loosen up a bit, she thought. Perhaps it would be nice to drag him out into the rain and relax.
She went back inside with the silly little plan in mind. Yuri was turning away from her right now and was on the floor wringing a towel.
Gee, he didn't need to mop . "Hey, Yuri. Let's go under the rain."
"No thanks, I'd rather keep dry. I recommend that you do, too."
Pfft, he's a few minutes too late.
Then he turned, looking from her feet to her dripping clothes then to her face.
His nonchalant expression changed quickly. "Okay, what—"
Knowing she caught his attention, she zipped away as quickly as possible.
"Hey—!" He ran after her. "What were you thinking?! And stop running, you'll slip!"
"Oh come on, it ain't that bad!" She laughed, running faster.
When she felt that she'd lowered his guard enough, she swiftly jumped to the center of the garden and stopped there.
And, of course, Yuri followed. Heh.
Task completed successfully—the words appearing in her mind in capital and bold letters.
"Alright now, you listen…" Yuri pants, trailing off and feeling the rain hit his head. And shoulders. And pretty much every other part of his upper body.
"Great." He shook his head, a bit disappointed that he got fooled. But still, he smiled.
Now it was Serena's turn to admire such a thing. It was a pure, happy Yuri smile. No malice in it, just disbelief. "You did it, congrats," he went on. "You fooled me."
"Thank you." Serena even bowed lightly. She was in a really good mood today. "And since you're dripping wet anyway, can we please just have fun here now? It's just rain: it can't exactly kill you."
And man was he wet. It filled Serena with so much glee to see him, the oh-so-elegant Yuri, good at almost everything, feared by almost everyone…
Dripping. Like a small, wet kitten—a purple and pink kitten, specifically, with beautiful magenta eyes, and hair draping at the side of his face, the antenna-like parts too heavy to stand and sticking to the rest of it. It was kinda… new.
It really amazes her, how his white shirt stuck to him, and his purple jacket which was tied around his waist probably felt heavier now. She giggled again.
And who was he to say no to an adorable sight of Serena giggling? "Ah, fine. We should not stay long, though."
"Well, duh. Now come on!"
After that they frolicked around, barefoot of course: running, splashing on shallow puddles, and even making mud pies despite Yuri's protests—and that's why he stayed away in that part—followed by a short game of tag after said guy forced Serena to wash her hands.
It started in the garden but Serena ran from there, through the part of the house Yuri cleaned, then outside, a few feet to the side of the rocky path.
"How dare you dirty the floor!" he laughed, "I'm gonna get ya!"
"I'd love to see you try!" Serena retorted with a grin.
He jumped right in time, much to her surprise. "Gotcha!"
"Ha-whoa—!"
Except… he slipped on some wet soil, causing him to hit her and both to fall to the ground, brown mud splashing around them.
Then, Yuri hugged her from the back despite his sore hip and whispered the same word, "gotcha."
She could feel the little "Hehe" in that statement.
She let him embrace her. "You did…" she smiled, then sat down.
For a while, that's what they did, sitting on the ground and basking in the cool raindrops and nice forest about.
Then, Serena asked, "Hey, wanna dance?" which is unusual, but she left that thought for now.
"Under the rain?" Yuri slightly tilted his head.
She hummed a laugh. "That? That's the best part."
"But the mud! Don't you see we're covered in it? Well, not our whole body but still! The dirt, germs, bacteria; heck, even worms, parasites —"
"Yuri!"
He shut up.
"C'mon… Please, for now? We can wash up right after, promise!" Now just felt… it just felt like the perfect time, place—and weather …
And she did not want to waste it.
Yuri got up first and smiled, deciding to give in. Again. "Okay, then." He held his hand out. "Let's dance."
"You're not gonna swipe your hand away the moment I lift mine, will you?"
"Don't you wanna figure that out yourself?" He grinned.
He did, in fact, swipe it. But he held it out again and that time he didn't.
"Lead the way, milady."
And they danced. It was a simple slow dance, with Yuri's left hand interlocking with Serena's right and his right on her lower back with her left near his neck, making them a bit close with each other.
Then they moved around, back to the hall again then to the small garden. Around a pond with the bamboo thing rising and falling, and through miniature trees and bonsais.
It felt like a dream, all of this. The dancing and Yuri slowly turning her in-between, all while wet and covered in mud… It was all something she never really thought doing one day, and it was like a sleepy, shallow thought she can fall asleep to and probably forget when she wakes up.
But still, she got to do it. There was an odd serendipity to it, though, how she did not ask for the thing but here she is enjoying it.
And it made it much better that Yuri was with her. It wasn't a bad idea to bring him now after all.
"I think we ought to go back inside now…"
Always ruined a moment, though.
He motioned to their clothes. "We really need to wash up."
She looked and… okay, yeah, they were both covered at least neck-to-toe with mud. The rain helped a bit by washing some off, but a lot still remained.
"Yeah, let's just."
• 𝐕𝐈 •
Serena sat by the porch as she waited for Yuri to finish preparing a bath. The house was still quite functional.
They then took turns after: her first while he cleaned the mud they tracked and went after she finished.
She looked towards the interior. They've only cleaned the living room area, as there was no reason to clean the others. It looked nice and shiny, not a speck of dust in sight, with an electric pull-up lantern they brought dangling from the ceiling.
"Food?" Yuri asked, bringing the fruits with him.
They were both just resting now, new clothes and all. Serena at that moment was huddled in a nice thick blanket they packed that was miraculously not wet.
"Please."
He smiled. "Well then, let's start with the fruits. Have an apple first—I took a bite on one earlier and I must say, it's amazing, and sweet!"
So, Serena decided to try it herself, following his instructions to wash it then taking a bite. "Yeah, I'll be peeling mine first."
"Fine, then. Just know that apple peels contain a lot of nutrients and are actually very healthy."
Y'know, she decided to take this into consideration even if she didn't really like having to eat the peels.
And, just like he said, the apple was quite sweet. And juicy. And refreshing. She took a bite again, and then another. She couldn't help it, it was too good!
Next were the oranges.
Of course they both peeled it this time, with their bare fingers.
"Whaaat are you doing?" Yuri queried, observing how Serena picked just about every white thing off the little nooks and crannies of the orange.
"We-we're not supposed to eat this, right?"
He laughed at her.
"Oh, come on. What is it now?"
"Nothing, just that your brain has the likes of having one like Yugo's. Maybe worse."
She furrowed her brows. "Tell. Me."
"Fine, fine. You—you need not to pick all that off the poor orange," he said at last, still full of laughter.
Yeah, okay, she was a bit embarrassed now. In her defense any oranges she's had before had already been pre-peeled before she ate them, and she didn't really care to observe them.
"I was just being safe!" she countered, pouting.
"You know, you look adorable when you pout," Yuri teased, eating one of his oranges.
And, out of her already-pissed mood, she said, "You do too, you know!"
Then she shut up because she wasn't supposed to say that.
But Yuri looked overjoyed by her statement. "Really? Well I'm proud." He, of course, grinned ear-to-ear, making Serena look away out of his sheer cuteness.
Damn him. He was not supposed to be able to look adorable but there he was.
She angrily ate one of her own oranges. It wasn't that sweet—anyway oranges aren't exactly sweet—but still, it tasted delicious. The juice, like the apple, was refreshing.
If someone'd ask about one thing she likes about fruits, it would definitely be the juices.
They finished their oranges some while later.
"Oh, wait. I remembered seeing Barrett pack us something earlier, maybe thinking I wouldn't notice." Yuri stood up and walked away. "Be right back."
He came back with two box-shaped plastic containers and two vacuum flasks in hand and placed them beside Serena.
He left again to the place which looked like the kitchen and brought with him two clean plates and mugs, all of which looked like they were just cleaned.
"So I found these in the kitchen earlier after I cleaned the mud, when you were still in the bath—"
"Of course you did."
"I like the kitchen, I can't help it!" he admitted. "Anywho, there were some plates, mugs, cups… Those things. It makes me feel as if this place isn't as abandoned as we think. It's quite uncanny."
"Mhm…"
Then, he sat down beside her. He poured some hot mocha from the flasks into the mugs as he talked about some "theories" as to why the house was empty. After this, he took the sandwiches out of the containers and carefully placed them onto the plates.
"That's enough talking now." He pushed one of the plates to her. "Time to have a little snack."
Serena pulled herself up and sat properly then reached for one of the sandwich's halves.
Man was she happy that she finally got a chance to eat it, as Barrett had made this same sandwich some time before, if she recalls correctly… and she remembered enjoying it.
The combination of the smell of cheese and tuna melt made it smell even more appealing. Without another second, she took a bite.
Flavors flooded her mouth, and she relished every moment she chewed.
"I must say," Yuri commented, "Barret makes the greatest stuff! I've had other sandwiches before, but this," he showed that satisfactory okay sign, "this is the best thing since sliced bread."
"It's made of sliced bread, too," Serena randomly adds.
"Mhm!" Yuri agreed, not opening his mouth 'cause it's full.
He then went after the mocha after swallowing, and, well, it's also the best mocha he's currently ever had; the blend of cocoa or chocolate with the coffee was just right, and neither overpowered the other in terms of flavor—it wasn't more sweet nor was it more bitter.
"Rena-kun, you've got to try Barrett's mocha."
Serena too drank some of it, and yes, she loved it just as much as Yuri did.
"I think we should contact the others later if the rain takes too long—send them a signal and a message to teleport here," Serena suggested a bit sadly after finishing. She didn't want to cut the trip short, but they couldn't exactly go on like this. "If it doesn't, then don't have to do that and we'll continue."
"Even if I don't want to, I have to agree with you."
Since they couldn't do much, after having their short meal, they decided to just enjoy the moment as is and lean on the wall or lay on the other's lap—what Yuri was doing right now, head on Serena's lap—and admire the nature surrounding them.
They listened to a traditional wind chime's chime and the steady pitter-patter of the rain hitting the ground outside while enjoying the cold air around them.
The smell of rain against earth—it was… Comforting, bringing them both a feeling of solace, and peace. It almost made them feel as if the war never began in the first place.
They both wished the war never happened, that Leo never happened, or that they'd still be in Academia but be allowed to meet and talk openly and not have to hide even just the most simple exchanges.
But… there was a little upside to it: it made Serena appreciate the whole world, the whole multiverse even more. Admire how each dimension survived against the hands of her own; how the war was resolved even through all that, and how each dimension was—or almost is—restored to their former glory.
Admire meeting her and Yuri's counterparts, how they each lived as themselves now that they were separated, and appreciate them more.
She started to subconsciously caress Yuri's soft hair subconsciously, which the latter liked a lot.
Admittedly, it also made her appreciate this cabbage more. Like her counterparts, she was kinda forced to miss and long for her Yu's presence, as well as strengthening the desire to meet him again…
She couldn't lose him again.
And, of course, Yuri…
Right now, he was just looking up at her, her ribbon removed and soft, slightly wavy indigo hair cascading onto her shoulders.
He played with a few strands, twirling them around his finger but not hard enough that he may hurt her or pull too hard.
He watched again, those emerald eyes of hers which were full of thought, staring at the garden outside.
She was too precious to him. He didn't ever want anyone to take her from him again as Leo did, nor lose her.
He then just… Had the sudden urge to hug her, to give her a nice, great big bear-hug filled with nothing but his love and adoration for her.
It just so happened that she said, "It's getting cold… again."
And of course, he took the opportunity and sat up.
"Hm? Why'd you get up?"
He didn't say anything and just leaned to the wall she was on then raised arms in favor of a "Hug?"
"Sigh, alright." She moved closer to him and leaned onto his body, relishing the warmth they shared with each other.
It wasn't even afternoon but she already felt sleepy… The rain always makes one feel that, huh? Or maybe it's also 'cause they lacked it—lacked sleep .
"I think we should try sleeping to pass time," Yuri brought up, staring outside. "No adventures for now."
Serena nodded to that. They did greatly need it, especially if it would help fuel their energy for later.
He hummed a tune.
Well I will call you darlin' and everything will be okay,
Cause I know that I am yours and you are mine doesn't matter anyway…
Ah, the acoustic of that song he keeps mentioning… Make You Mine, was it? By PUBLIC.
Put your hand in mine…
Straight to the chorus.
You know that I want to be with you all the time,
You know that I won't stop until I make you mine…
Until I make you mine …
"Dude, I'm already yours…" she muttered, stretching and leaning closer.
"Shhh, I know that. Just let me sing it."
She slightly rolled her eyes and nodded. Then Yuri went on.
You know that I won't stop until I make you mine,
Until I make you mine.
His singing together with his warm embrace was something Serena never thought she ever wanted.
Wait, no: needed.
Once again she was stuck with that weird feeling of serendipity.
She sighed realizing this, but then Yuri sang now a different song, one she hasn't heard of yet, making her let go of the previous thoughts.
There's an ocean between us there's a hole in my soul,
And God only knows just how far I would go,
But tell me you love me and tell me again…
Or we fall forever or wait 'til the end.
Damn, that tune… it was… calming.
"Sing…" Serena murmured, trying to stay awake, "Sing me that one."
"Hm?"
"I know you heard me. It's new, isn't it?"
"Hmph, yes, it is," he grinned, "and f iii ne, alright." He thought not to delay further and go on.
And there in your arms
Is where I will lay,
And there in your arms
Is where I will stay…
And he sang and sang in that beautiful, sweet voice of his that he'd normally not use but had to for now…
Where my heart beats faster now, faster now—
My lungs breathe deeper now deeper now
And you're the only reason I come home…
More time passed and the song seemed to pass too quickly.
And my knees get weaker now weaker now
And your taste gets sweeter now, sweeter now,
But, very slowly, she started to go and fall… Fall to sleep…
And you're the only reason I come home…
My love.
Oh, yes: and love, too.
You're asleep on the couch when I finally arrive,
A kiss on your forehead brings you back to life,
I tell you I love you and I tell you again…
Then came Yuri's own favorite part, one he likes to take to heart forever.
He took a deep breath, and he hummed.
You're mine forever and I'm yours,
Yours 'til the end, mmm~
Yours 'til the end … hmmm…
Those words were the last Serena heard and, with one last smile through the day's adventure, she fell asleep.
Knowing and hoping that the rain would stop and more stuff like this would happen—that they'd get to explore more and experience more. And that… She'll love this dimension more.
No, not just her. Yuri, too, no matter what it had done to them. It would be the both of them—they'll learn it together.
And, of course, that they'll be with each other, and that—that's the best and most important part.
End
A/N: Id like to thank a good friend who discussed Sere wanting to explore fusion with me inspired me to write this, who also helped writing the soup here (even if it was just a small part) lol, ty!
Oh, that part where Yuri took a pic of Serena was inspired by a fanart by Risacan6627 btw, here (just remove the parentheses and spaces. ull know it when u see it): ( www .pixiv. n et en/artworks/ 63783999# big_2) It is... precious.
I'm open to constructive criticism btw :D (just... pm/dm if possible)
-01. See y'all.
Last mentioned song is Oceans Between Us by The Icarus Account btw. Y'all should listen to it, I find it rather soothing