The world is all one! Unity mind!

[brandnewday]

[Another week, another set of disasters. Hibiki’s head is still reeling from the lengthy ordeal that was Solf J. Kimblee. But it’s because of that exasperation that she’s able to turn her restlessness into something useful. It’s too late to set about making curry for everyone, so it’s time to make some easier dishes. A replication of Fern’s mac-and-cheese, somehow she’s whipped up some kind of donut to go with her animal-shaped rice balls. There’s coffee, tea...hopefully it’s enough? And if it’s not, Rin has provided some delicious Chinese food. And that always tastes better late at night, doesn’t it?

And for the adults (or the exasperated teenagers), Susan is carting down booze from the bar. Joy. Hibiki’s never written to the group en masse before, but she delivers a piece of paper to everyone while Rin and Susan finish up the preparations. Each paper has a drawing of an animal on it, too.]

Too much has happened today. Whether you want to get angry, cry, smile, laugh, or just be out of your room, you don’t have to do it alone. Rin and I have prepared food for everyone, and Susan’s brought the drinks downstairs so none of us have to go into the bar tonight.

Even if it’s just for a little while, won’t you think about joining us in the dining room tonight? Being together is just as important as working hard. And remember, nankurunaisa!

-Hibiki Ganaha

[Three more candles are lit today. Tabitha Smith. Sigrun Eide. Solf Kimblee. They’re all Cabanela’s doing. There aren't any decorations, but the food is spaced out so everyone should be able to grab something and munch if they need it. It’s not clear how many people will come, but a serious attempt was made this time.]

Comments

[hesperos]

[ Well, he raises the drink and he seems to consider something, stopping himself from taking another gulp for now. ]

You weren't? Did you have pressure from society or something weighing down on you even before you took on your job?

[ Which he can see. He definitely has had the opinion that Rideaux's been from that kind of background. Granted the other guy didn't exactly carry himself in the identical way nobles from the royal quarter did. ]

[evilfrenzy]

[There's a pretty significant pause here, like Rideaux is internally battling with a decision. The secret that was forcefully revealed a few weeks ago was very bad, but it was something Rideaux had accepted. What he's considering speaking about now... Honestly, it would have hit him even harder if he were forced to have this revealed to everyone. It's something he wanted to completely distance himself from, to cover up when he rose the ranks in Spirius Corporation.

But...after Yuri spoke to him about his own background, he doesn't suspect he'll judge him for this. So after a deep breath, he continues.]

I was homeless. I spent a while on the streets, fighting just to keep myself alive. [He cracks a smile as he swirls his drink, but it's a bitter sort of smile.] Obviously, that's not a place for a kid to make friends.

[hesperos]

[ It's at this time that Yuri feels a bit of surprise, if only because that's the last thing he's ever expected to hear out of Rideaux's mouth. The man's right, though--Yuri's also the last person who would ever judge him for having that type of background. He doesn't offer apologies or condolences either, since he's sure Rideaux wouldn't want his pity.

Still, it makes Yuri think of his own time in the Lower Quarter. But even when worst came to worse, he at least had someone--he had Flynn and those who lived there to support him. ]

No, it isn't.

...Must've been tough. [ Said with a degree of understanding and as carefully even he can manage. ] And it must've been hard to even tell me something like this. So I figure that it'd be a good idea to let you know that I appreciate you said any of that to me--'specially since you didn't have to.

When I was living down in the Lower Quarter, things weren't always the best. But when you have people looking out for you, it made it bearable, and it wasn't so bad.

[ ... ]

Well, I'm glad you finally ended up finding someone to be your first. Can't imagine if I'd do be able to do even alright without Flynn or someone backing me up.

[evilfrenzy]

[For being the first person Rideaux's willingly given this information to, Yuri handled it as gracefully as he would've liked. But it's pretty obvious that he's feeling weird about it, surprised at himself for being willing to reveal one of the lowest points in his life.]

It's something I don't like random people knowing about, because frankly it's none of their business. I've worked very hard for the image I have built for myself and I would prefer for this information not to draw the attention of the ignorant who have no idea what such a life is like.

[Especially the assholes who would get the impression that he was lifted into success rather than having worked for it. He just happened to get one very lucky break.

He leaves his glass alone for a moment to glance at Yuri.]

Admittedly, it does feel strange. But I don't expect you to run around telling everyone about the time Rideaux had hit rock bottom. [There's a brief smirk at that, but...] It is hard to explain, but it seemed appropriate. I got the sense that you would understand, and I don't appear to be wrong about that.

[He leans his chin against an arm. He's considering something again. It's pretty clear this isn't the sort of talk he's used to. He's actually kind of envious. Having support in a time like that...]

I suppose you'll just have to show me what Lower Quarter hospitality is like.

[hesperos]

Yeah. People can be kinda stupid about these sorts of things.

[ Yuri 'what is mincing words' Lowell. Anyway, he's sure that his straightforwardness would be appreciated anyhow, and he's taking a quick sip of his drink. He takes a quick peek at the man beside him before looking back in front. ]

Heh, well... you're right with both things. Gotta live up to my reputation as being dependable.

[ He's being a bit serious and joking at the same time. Shh, let him have this. ]

...Anyway, I'll be glad to show you that hospitality, and judging by how well we've got along so far, something tells me you'll like it.

[evilfrenzy]

See, you get me.

[It is definitely appreciated, because if he likes anything it's when his opinions are validated.

...and despite the earlier seriousness of their conversation, he finds himself smirking once again. Though this time, there's no bitterness to it.]

Out of the titles we've apparently earned for ourselves here, Dependable is not a bad one to live up to. [He reaches for his glass and raises it to Yuri.] Well, I look forward to it.

[hesperos]

It sure isn't.

Here's to that and whatever good comes as a result too.

[ Yuri holds up the glass and has it meet with Rideaux's. It's been awhile since he's done something like this, but it's not too difficult, honestly. ]