trustfell | Initiative.

Initiative.

Rachel looks a bit conflicted about what should happen from here; Lisbeth is still on the floor, but she's told her what she should do, and so... Well, she's never really been good at saying no, though she does walk up and reach out to pet Lisbeth's hair gingerly for a moment before turning to everyone else.

"We should leave."

And with that, the courtroom changes, all at once; it was one thing, and then quite simply it isn't, and the podium circle has been replaced with a round spread of consoles wrapping around a center spire. The room is no longer concrete and steel, but rather stark white, all done up in glossy tile that looks like it'd crack if you hit it hard enough with something – that said, it's not recommended to try, given that it's just as indestructible as everything else in the building.

Rachel approaches the consoles, reaching out to touch them, fingers tapping gently against several of the unmarked buttons; it's probably not precisely necessary for her to do so, given the state of things, but she seems to like doing it, so do it she shall. There are a pair of slots that look like keycards are required; she glances at them for a second before manipulating more buttons, causing a small panel to open up in front of her – it looks like an authorization mechanism of some sort, the kind that you press your hand against to get it to recognize you.

"It's going to be a bit jarring when you wake up; sorry about that, but you've been asleep for a really long time. I'd suggest giving it a moment."

She pauses, though, once that's out there, glancing back at everyone.

"I'll be on the other side with you, but not like this. We can still talk, though, if you like."

And with that she just turns and presses her hand against the panel without waiting for an answer; the next thing you're aware of is the flash.

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[ Yuri can be good at hiding things like this...or anything at all when he puts his mind to it. And he sure as hell put his mind to it a lot, even though he definitely had copious amount of moments where he went 'oh...' for lack of a better description. ]

Guess not.

[ ... ]

... Well, honestly, I didn't even know if I'd ever even make it obvious at all. Before it was the whole situation and then after it was not knowing how it'd go.

[The bingo square about him having a good poker face was certainly no joke.

Rideaux nods to the first bit since that's definitely understandable, but...he can't help but tease a little bit at the second.]

Are you saying you were nervous about how I'd react?

[He's taking an opportunity to tease Yuri, but it's actually pretty endearing to think of Yuri being nervous about something like this, considering how well he handled the gravity of the situation they just got out of.]

[ At that teasing, the embarrassment shows on his face. It's kind of a little difficult to hide that, considering the situation now. Even with a good pokerface. ]

...Yeah, something like that.

[ His words sound kind of like a bit of a mumble and a grumble there. He knows when he's being teased!! ]

I don't get nervous very often, you know.

[Rideaux isn't going to help matters by looking pleased with himself about this. But it really is good information to have. It helps him process his own feelings on the matter a little further. Having this knowledge, though...he really must have put Yuri's feelings through the wringer more than he knew.]

Well, I have been told that I can be intimidating. It would only be natural to be nervous about confessing ones feelings to me.

[Which was by his own choice. He had put up quite a few walls around himself. But Yuri was very good at tearing them down.]

I don't know how long you had been holding this in, but you have no need to be concerned anymore. [...] If my reciprocation to your advances just now was any indication, I quite like the idea of giving our mutual sense of importance a more intimate definition.

[ That he has! Though, Yuri is glad that given the way things happened when they did in regards to keeping such things to himself and that he chose his way of going about doing things. It seems that that worked out and he's honestly very grateful for that at least. ]

Heh, well, I didn't think that you were really intimidating after we got along pretty well. It was more...worrying about it ruining what we had, honestly.

[ ... And actually what could happen to either of them back then.

Though he'll allow a smile of sorts to come across his face. ]

But, it's kinda nice to know I don't have to worry about it anymore, and I don't think I imagined it going this well. But I'm happy about that too, you know?

In the event that I did not return your feelings, yes? That is understandable. [...] Honestly though, I believe you had a much smaller chance of ruining things between us than I did.

[That's meant to be reassurance, not one-upping or anything like that. Rideaux can only imagine how much more of a disaster the trial would've been if Yuri had said made his feelings clear any sooner. So not to leave that on a sour note, though...]

If it means anything, however, I... [Hm.] I may have shared these feelings for some time now. I suppose I simply did not know how to define them at the time, as they were completely unfamiliar.

[It felt like appreciation, but so much more. More than he could describe. Now that he's felt it again with Yuri in his arms, though? He thinks he has a clearer idea.]

I'm glad that you are happy, though. [...before he can say anything too sappy, he follows that up with:] Really, the only thing you have to concern yourself with now is figuring out how to impress me if you intend to take me on a date.

[ It would've been an absolute mess -- and actually things becoming a shitshow in trials due to it is one of the myriad of reasons why he kept it to himself for so long.

...He's wearing kind of a knowing grin on his face when Rideaux mentions that he's 'glad that he's happy', that looks vaguely teasing all the same. Though... ]

Of course I'm definitely gonna take you out on a date.

[ Somehow that grin seems to look a bit more mischievous all the same. Part of him is so excited that he feels like he's about to be lift straight off of his feet. Not that he's going to say that because he'd die from embarrassment from saying something that sappy himself. Though he's got some really cheesy words in store for the future, likely enough. ]

Wherever we end up going or whatever we're doing is going to be a time to remember, that's for sure. I also already got some ideas, but I think I'll save them for when we get home. Y'know, to leave you in total suspense and all.

[Don't look at him like that, Yuri!!

He does his best not to show too much of a reaction to all of this, but honestly... He was mostly just making one of his usual quips when he brought up a potential date, so when Yuri so enthusiastically confirms that it's definitely happening and he even has ideas already, Rideaux can't help but avert his gaze for a second as he processes it all...and maybe clears this lump out of his throat. Wow.]

Well then. I hope you realize that my expectations are at an all-time high now. You had better not disappoint me.

[More than anything, he's curious to see what Yuri's definition of a memorable date is.]

[ Too late...!! ]

Heh, well then, I think you know by now that I've got a track record for exceeding expectations. Or, you know, I can always remind you that I do by the end of that date.

[ ... Well, Rideaux, apparently Yuri has decided that this time it's his time to be 'smooth', once he's gotten (for the most part) past his nerves and it's been determined they do very much feel the same way, because he's going to be giving a wink now. ]

[...

The fact that he can make the distinction that Yuri is being completely serious in this moment makes that wink all the more attractive. He's enjoying the hell out this, honestly, and it is only further proof to himself that he shouldn't have any regrets about developing feelings for the man in front of him.]

You have done surprisingly well at taking me by surprise, I'll give you that.

[He leans in close and lowers his voice to a whisper once more.]

Nevertheless, I look forward to the reminder. By all means, sweep me off my feet.

[...he can encourage that, and expect it to happen literally because it's Yuri. Oh well.]

[ Rideaux leaning forward and whispering like that does earn a blush reappearing on the raven-haired man's cheeks, but he's still wearing a stupid smile on his face. It's probably because of how everything's panned out -- he's very aware his heart's pounding, but in that good way. ]

Glad I got you all excited, Rideaux.

[ Speaking of encouragement, with him so close, the temptation's really high to kiss him. Though, there are too many people around for him to want to do something like too much PDA wantonly, he'd have to forgive if he gives him a quick kiss on the cheek.

There. That'll do. ]

By the way, let me know whenever you feel ready to go. Estelle and I've pretty much gotten our last-minute talking with the others in.

[It's quick, but it's still bold enough to actually make Rideaux choke on his words for a moment. On the verge of dumbstruck, he draws back a little and brings a hand to the spot. Oh... Hm. Now his face feels a little warm. Odd. Surely that's not showing outwardly right now or anything... It is, though. There's a hint of color on his cheeks for the briefest of moments, but it's there.

That smirk of his returns quickly enough once he has finished processing Yuri's actions, and he runs that free hand along Yuri's jawline before finally releasing him from his clutches. For now, at least.]

Awfully rude of you to leave me hanging like that, though. Don't make me wait too long.

[Well...it can wait, and he'll relent to it later. They have a lot to do when they get back home. "Home"... Yes, Yuri and Estelle's home, and soon to be his new home.]

You two are welcome to begin making preparations. I'm just about finished, myself.

[ Yuri's so glad it is, though. It's not often that he's able to make the man blush, and he gets kind of a thrill out of managing to do something like that. For a moment, he's a little distracted when Rideaux makes a quick move like that with his hand. ]

Don't worry, I'm not gonna make you wait until we're getting grey hairs or something.

[ That's what it is!

And when they get home, Yuri can't wait to have a good meal. He'll turn his gaze over to where Estelle is and nods, beginning to walk. ]

Anyway, if you're all set, then c'mon.

[ It's going to be interesting once they get home, that's for sure. But Yuri's finally glad that they won't be dealing with any of this anymore. ]

All right. I'm right behind you.

[Though it doesn't take him very long to properly join Yuri's side as they head over to Estelle to figure out how to get to Terca Lumireis.

"Interesting" is quite the word for it indeed. Even meeting up with Estelle should prove to be...something. Rideaux assumes she's seen what went down at the trial, and he wouldn't be surprised if she had some reservations about this. They're going to need to sit and talk about everything, no doubt... He's ready for it, though. Just like he's ready to meet the rest of Yuri and Estelle's friends too, and ready to begin adjusting to this brand new world to begin anew in.

It's going to be quite the new journey with all of these massive changes, but he's ready to rebuild.]

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Initiative.

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