A/N: 2024.02.28

Hey, all! Sorry for the silence! Life has been HECTIC! Like, totally! Here's the latest part of the story! Stick around until the end and I'll explain what's next.

Enjoy!

Part 5: Happy

Yuri knocked on the door to Rio and Miles's apartment. Miles opened it, greeting Yuri with a smile, "Hey, Cap."

Yuri smiled back, "Hey, Miles. How are you?"

"Doin' alright. You?" Miles opened the door further, allowing her in.

"Thanks," Yuri stepped inside. "I'm okay."

"How's Pete?"

"Busy as ever. Your mom here?"

"In the kitchen." Miles closed the door and locked it. "I gotta do some homework then got meet Ganke for some stuff."

Yuri smiled, "Just watch yourself on the streets."

Miles grinned right back. "Will do!"

Yuri walked into the kitchen, finding Rio at the coffee pot. Rio turned to her and smiled, "Yuri!"

"Hi, Rio," Yuri replied.

"Glad you could make it. Please, have a seat. It's been so long."

Yuri sat on the kitchen stool, "Too long."

"It's so good to see you, Captain," Rio handed Yuri a cup of coffee.

Yuri took the cup, "Thank you so much, Rio. I'm sorry I've… been distant."

"It's alright. I understand. Besides, in the past few months, you've been…" Rio smirked. "…busy."

Yuri stopped just short of taking a drink. She sighed. "Everyone's been saying it like that."

"How?" Rio smirked. "Accurately?" She laughed.

Yuri sighed and dropped her head.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Yuri!" Rio giggled. "I couldn't help it. I really am happy for you and Peter. I love Peter. He's been there for Miles through everything. He's one of the greatest guys ever. I'm glad you're both together."

"Thank you."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure." Yuri took a sip of coffee.

"How does all this work out with you two and Mary Jane?" Rio asked.

Yuri shrugged, "Actually… better than you think. She's a really sweet girl. She's been understanding and we had a long talk when we went to Sykmaria."

"You had a talk while there?"

"I know. Weird, right? But… that's kinda how things worked out."

Rio giggled a bit. "You've never had a normal life, Yuri."

The most recent developments in her life flashed through Yuri's mind. "Tell me about it. But, anyway, me and her talked. I already knew most of what she'd say but her confirmation of not wanting Peter back was… comforting. In a sick, 'I-need-to-talk-more-about-it-with-my-therapist-because-I-have-issues' kinda way."

Rio laughed. "You don't have issues, Yuri. You just want to make sure your boyfriend's ex doesn't want him back."

Yuri chuckled a bit. "So, why do you ask?"

"Because…" Rio paused to find the right words. "Listen, I really do like Mary Jane. She's a fantastic person. But… I really like what I see in you and Peter ever since you two became a couple."

"Both of us?"

"Yes. You're both… just way happier. I'm thrilled to see it."

Yuri smiled. "It's funny. 'Happier' is one way to put it. But… it's also funny that some days… I'm just happy."

Rio smiled.

"Just… I realized I was smiling one day. I felt good… but so strange."

"You're happy, Yuri," Rio stated, plainly. "That's a great thing, after all you've been through."

Yuri sat in silence. "Sometimes, I feel like I don't deserve it."

"You absolutely do. That's why I commend you." Rio smiled, mischievously.

Yuri grinned. She already knew what was coming.

"Catching yourself a younger man and all."

Yuri laughed. "'Catching'? Really?! C'mon, Rio! You know Peter! It wasn't like that! It's not like I was on the hunt."

"Yes, it does," Rio smiled. "Isn't that what cougars do?"

"WHY DOES EVERYONE USE THAT WORD?!" Yuri bumped her forehead on the table.

Rio just laughed. "I'm only kidding, Yuri! Peter's a fantastic guy! I'm so glad he and Miles met."

Yuri lifted her head up. "He appreciates Miles, too. I think it's good for both of them."

"I agree." Rio sighed. "Yuri."

Yuri stared at her.

Rio smiled at Yuri. "Enjoy this. I know it can be hard but… there are many great things about this. You and Pete… you're calmer next to each other. More at peace."

Yuri considered that and became lost in thought a bit. "He… really does bring me a lot of comfort. Most of the time, when he's not even trying. He's just… caring. That means the world to me."

"Like I said, enjoy it. You deserve it."

"Thank you, Rio. For everything. You're one of the best people I know."

Rio smiled. "Back at you."

A/N: How did you guys like it?! Let me know!

So, what's next? Unfortunately, I still haven't been able to play the second game yet. Hopefully, really soon, I can start. However, I do know a good chunk of the game's storyline and I've already had some ideas of how to incorporate Yuri into it, in the terms of my stories. I do want to do a couple of more stories for "New Ways To Live" before I really jump into making a story for the new game. I also have a few other stories for other fandoms to do as well.

So, I ask that all of you, please, be patient. This year is shaping up to be a busy one for me. It already has been. But, keep your eyes on those notifications. Hopefully, more will be up very soon!

But I sincerely want to thank you all for caring about this series and showing so much interest. That really means a lot to me. Thank you! See you in the future!