[ Which is to say, Nebula straightens at a familiar voice and turns steely. Suddenly aware of her predicament - which is a lot of over-excited children she is doing her best not to yell at (unsuccessfully). She's not good at this! ]
Shut up.
[ She addresses immediately, sharply, in lieu of any kind of real greeting. And then she turns to bark at the children: ]
Get off me!
[ Some - most of them scatter - in shrieks that could be amusement or fear. The little girl stays. She doesn't care so much, she's quiet enough. She, helpfully, pointedly does not look at Yuri. Sorry, Yuri. ]
[ That sure is a commanding yell, if nothing else. Yuri watches the kids scatter like birds startled by a loud noise, which isn't entirely inaccurate, though he suspects from their giggles they've decided it's all in good fun... Save the one that sticks to Nebula like a bur. ]
Looks like you've got yourself a fan.
[ Far be it from Yuri Leclerc to keep his mouth shut just because someone told him to. Goddess forfend. Instead, he strolls further into the room, rifles through his basket, and procures something that smells faintly sweet in a cheerfully colorful wrapping.
He halts a good arm's length away, deliberating. Judging from the kid's behavior, he suspects the treat would be best received from a certain someone else. First, though— ]
You come here often?
[ Yuri never having seen her here doesn't mean anything. They may simply not have ever visited at the same time. ]
[ Nebula makes a face - conflicted. It's not his business to know what happened that day. She will not begrudge a child their comfort - even if it makes her uncomfortable. Even if she's not sure she's truly a comforting presence. But the word 'fan' burns on her tongue and it's difficult to wash down the contempt. Fans are useless things. ]
[ So, she ignores the first statement to answer the question: ]
No.
[ It's the truth. Though maybe she should with her own plans, with the hundreds of children she vowed to make sure had a better life. She doesn't voice that. ]
[ A situation could be many things, none of them good. Yuri accepts the explanation with a nod. Especially with the conditions in Springstar of late, it isn't difficult to imagine what Nebula might mean, especially when the kid is clearly intent on staying attached to her. ]
Seems to be happening more and more lately.
[ He voices his assumption without so many words, mindful of the kid latched onto Nebula. The last thing needed is any reference to what may have happened. Back home, plenty of orphans found their way into Abyss. Many were traumatized. How that manifested varied by the individual, but trying to fuse themselves to the first safe adult they accepted wasn't unusual.
Bearing that in mind, Yuri holds out the colorful little bundle for Nebula to take. The stiffness of her posture bespeaks her discomfort, but the fact that she's made no move to detach this child or shoo her away says even more. ]
Here. It's her cut of what I've brought today — I think it'd be better if it came from you.
[ The dry way in which she says it says the opposite - but her look is pointed. She's not talking about monsters going around killing people just because they can in front of the kid. She may be serious and no-nonsense, but right now that's not needed. They're safe. As long as she was here she wouldn't let something happen. ]
[ She glances at Yuri's hand; Frowns at the gesture. Glances between it and the girl who's watching curiously. She knows fear. She doesn't know or see why she'd trust her so it's a snap that comes out: ]
Go on take it.
[ What she might mean to say is "you can trust it," or "it's fine" but she doesn't have the words to be gentle that way. Not yet. The girl starts a bit before glancing between them both and moving to take it, slowly and gently. Nebula watched carefully. ]
...Fair enough. [ He waits patiently until the girl has a grip on the bundle and lets go, drawing his hand back purposefully slowly so as to avoid startling her. ] We had our share of orphans in Abyss, but there were plenty of us to look out for them.
[ It wasn't always easy, and many of the denizens of Abyss came from rough backgrounds, but most had a soft spot for children. Those that didn't generally steered them toward those that did. Yuri thinks he sees such a side to Nebula, under the tough exterior, though he thinks he knows better than to comment upon it.
Within the colorful wrapping are what appear to be three fresh-baked buns. They're warm still yet, and freed of the foil, they smell all the sweeter. Within the buns are fruit fillings he'd prepared himself. Sweet Bun Trio is a traditional treat in Faerghus, making use of what resources they did have. ]
There aren't so many people here for that, from what I've seen.
[ He casts a glance around, as though to reconfirm what he'd already observed... And notices the other kids continue watching Nebula curiously, from a respectful distance. Hm. ]
i'm sorry!! inbox threads get put in a different filter i guess
[ The girl bounds quickly forward and back, eager. Whatever else, it's likely her family wasn't well off - any food seems to be delightful for her. Treats especially, because her eyes practically glitter when she sees them. ]
[ She grins broadly at Yuri and bobs her head in thanks. For Nebula's part, she watches and says nothing - thinks of how her father would respond and dismisses it. ]
No.
[ She agrees immediately, turning her attention back to Yuri. ]
Not these days especially.
[ Not with the attacks that seem to be picking up pace, would reach its peak soon enough. No. There's not enough people. ]
Most people care to choose to look after only what effects themselves.
[ Yuri's attention lingers on the girl for a moment longer, a soft smile on his face when she digs in and appears to enjoy the treat. These kids deserve more and better than their lot, just like the orphans back home. What kind of world is Zenith meaning to build, by robbing more children of their parents?
He just doesn't know. But he doesn't think it's a better one. ]
They shouldn't, not when the future will belong to these guys.
[ His words are quiet, contemplative, as his expression sobers. He turns his focus back to Nebula, shifting his basket idly. The weight is of little consequence, though the wicker digs into his arm. ]
But there's people like us too, yeah? [ People who notice. People who see. Yuri considers something, painted lips taking a thoughtful bent, before be pivots to— ] ...Mind giving me a hand with distributing these? I can't help noticing we've got a captive audience.
[ For a moment, Nebula doesn't say anything. She stews, perhaps, because she doesn't disagree. After all, wasn't her whole thing ensuring the children after her wouldn't have to deal with her father? To have a home? ]
[ Even here, she had already decided she would die before letting Zenith win. To not know those children would have a home of some kind, because she has to trust that Drax and the others would make sure it happened should she die. ]
[ Chances him a look. ]
I'm not like you.
[ Immediate, defensive, and something thick in it - Maybe she's lying to herself, or maybe she doesn't want to consider it. She tilts her head and moves forward to gesture for some of the food. ]
That's because no one has taught them not to eavesdrop. [ Grumbled, ] I will help, because otherwise they will swarm you.
[ This is her experience.. .this is how she feels about kids. ]
[ Sure, sure he's not like her. Except Yuri is certain when it comes to kids like these and not being able to turn a blind eye to their plight, they're much the same. But he's crossed paths with Nebula enough times to think he knows better than to argue with her when her words are clearly defensive.
No doubt she doesn't want to be seen as soft, vulnerable, or exploitable, or something of the like. That'd be something Yuri can understand, so he lets her first response pass without comment. It's only after she agrees to assist that he responds, offering an easy smile. ]
I appreciate it.
[ The words come lightly, not too much weight, but not without sincerity, before Yuri turns his focus to rummaging through the basket. He manages after a collection of moments to bundle a good dozen of the treats into the cloth he'd originally covered the basket with, then offers that bundle to Nebula. ]
Let's start with these.
[ If Nebula outpaces him and finds herself willing to distribute more, he'll hand more over. ]
[ Wordlessly, Nebula takes the bundle with a nod. She's quick to turn away from Yuri and get right to work because... for Nebula, perhaps, all things are work. Chores that need during, one to the other, without pause to fully see the beauty in it. ]
[ Because the beauty can always wait. ]
[ Tasked with the current mission, she stiffens some as some of the children nearest leave their spots of play as the adults finish speaking. Seeming to understand that what Yuri brought was for them and she was helping, some of them approach rapidly. Pulling at her hand or looking at her with wide eyes. Her mouth twitches into something that's almost a smile - unpracticed and rare. ]
[ ... And yet she passes over each package as no-nonsense like as she does everything else. "Here," and she places it into kid after kid's hands, notably a little less roughly than she had taken it from Yuri in the first place. Eventually, the little girl she's originally helped returns to her side and tries to take her hand - for a second Nebula flinches and moves to take it away before relaxing. ]
[ She makes no comment about it even as she returns to Yuri, some time later, after all of their charges have been given away. ]
[ Yuri goes about handing out the snacks the same way he always does. He crouches nearer to eye-level and he knows by now that expectations are set. Children approach him ready for their share and Yuri hands it over, greeting each by name in the process. Those he doesn't yet know he introduced himself to, and so it goes.
He has only just finished his own portion of the work when Nebula returns to report her own progress. She seems more relaxed, at least to Yuri, though he thinks he knows better than to say so. It's clear to him she cares about these kids here, including the one who's rejoined her, but this too he won't call out.
But it does inform his image of her, just the same. ]
Thanks for lending a hand.
[ The words come with an easy smile, and Yuri's basket is clearly no longer weighted down with food as he shifts. ]
Went much quicker this way. Not that I mind, but I have to imagine the wait's difficult when it's just me passing things out.
[ And he can't just deposit the food somewhere and expect that everyone will get their fair share. ]
[ Nebula raises and lowers one arm in a shrug, dismissal. She does not take the thanks, barely looks at him even when the child that had clung on finally runs away to another - ]
[ She breathes out instead: ]
If they find it too difficult, then it's a good time for them to start learning patience.
Not like they don't wait, but hunger's a hell of a thing no matter how patient you are.
[ Anyone from his homeland knows that far too well, even its royalty. Dimitri is a king, yet he learned the same as anyone which weeds were edible and could be used to sustain oneself when needed. ]
...I'd rather they not have to learn that, if it's avoidable. I want better for them than what I've lived.
[ Even if they aren't off to the best of starts in that regard. ]
As it happens, he'll sometimes say jarring things simply to see what the response is. It's his way. ]
Might be worth giving them lessons. [ A casual suggestion, not reacting to the sharpness of her intial response at all. ] My people learn a number of survival skills from a young age children from other nations don't. Bet you've got insights they could use, for that matter.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[ Which is to say, Nebula straightens at a familiar voice and turns steely. Suddenly aware of her predicament - which is a lot of over-excited children she is doing her best not to yell at (unsuccessfully). She's not good at this! ]
Shut up.
[ She addresses immediately, sharply, in lieu of any kind of real greeting. And then she turns to bark at the children: ]
Get off me!
[ Some - most of them scatter - in shrieks that could be amusement or fear. The little girl stays. She doesn't care so much, she's quiet enough. She, helpfully, pointedly does not look at Yuri. Sorry, Yuri. ]
no subject
Looks like you've got yourself a fan.
[ Far be it from Yuri Leclerc to keep his mouth shut just because someone told him to. Goddess forfend. Instead, he strolls further into the room, rifles through his basket, and procures something that smells faintly sweet in a cheerfully colorful wrapping.
He halts a good arm's length away, deliberating. Judging from the kid's behavior, he suspects the treat would be best received from a certain someone else. First, though— ]
You come here often?
[ Yuri never having seen her here doesn't mean anything. They may simply not have ever visited at the same time. ]
no subject
[ So, she ignores the first statement to answer the question: ]
No.
[ It's the truth. Though maybe she should with her own plans, with the hundreds of children she vowed to make sure had a better life. She doesn't voice that. ]
It's just a coincidence, there was a situation.
no subject
Seems to be happening more and more lately.
[ He voices his assumption without so many words, mindful of the kid latched onto Nebula. The last thing needed is any reference to what may have happened. Back home, plenty of orphans found their way into Abyss. Many were traumatized. How that manifested varied by the individual, but trying to fuse themselves to the first safe adult they accepted wasn't unusual.
Bearing that in mind, Yuri holds out the colorful little bundle for Nebula to take. The stiffness of her posture bespeaks her discomfort, but the fact that she's made no move to detach this child or shoo her away says even more. ]
Here. It's her cut of what I've brought today — I think it'd be better if it came from you.
no subject
[ The dry way in which she says it says the opposite - but her look is pointed. She's not talking about monsters going around killing people just because they can in front of the kid. She may be serious and no-nonsense, but right now that's not needed. They're safe. As long as she was here she wouldn't let something happen. ]
[ She glances at Yuri's hand; Frowns at the gesture. Glances between it and the girl who's watching curiously. She knows fear. She doesn't know or see why she'd trust her so it's a snap that comes out: ]
Go on take it.
[ What she might mean to say is "you can trust it," or "it's fine" but she doesn't have the words to be gentle that way. Not yet. The girl starts a bit before glancing between them both and moving to take it, slowly and gently. Nebula watched carefully. ]
She needs to get used to being here.
no subject
[ It wasn't always easy, and many of the denizens of Abyss came from rough backgrounds, but most had a soft spot for children. Those that didn't generally steered them toward those that did. Yuri thinks he sees such a side to Nebula, under the tough exterior, though he thinks he knows better than to comment upon it.
Within the colorful wrapping are what appear to be three fresh-baked buns. They're warm still yet, and freed of the foil, they smell all the sweeter. Within the buns are fruit fillings he'd prepared himself. Sweet Bun Trio is a traditional treat in Faerghus, making use of what resources they did have. ]
There aren't so many people here for that, from what I've seen.
[ He casts a glance around, as though to reconfirm what he'd already observed... And notices the other kids continue watching Nebula curiously, from a respectful distance. Hm. ]
i'm sorry!! inbox threads get put in a different filter i guess
[ She grins broadly at Yuri and bobs her head in thanks. For Nebula's part, she watches and says nothing - thinks of how her father would respond and dismisses it. ]
No.
[ She agrees immediately, turning her attention back to Yuri. ]
Not these days especially.
[ Not with the attacks that seem to be picking up pace, would reach its peak soon enough. No. There's not enough people. ]
Most people care to choose to look after only what effects themselves.
picks up a grumpy blue guardian like simba
He just doesn't know. But he doesn't think it's a better one. ]
They shouldn't, not when the future will belong to these guys.
[ His words are quiet, contemplative, as his expression sobers. He turns his focus back to Nebula, shifting his basket idly. The weight is of little consequence, though the wicker digs into his arm. ]
But there's people like us too, yeah? [ People who notice. People who see. Yuri considers something, painted lips taking a thoughtful bent, before be pivots to— ] ...Mind giving me a hand with distributing these? I can't help noticing we've got a captive audience.
no subject
[ Even here, she had already decided she would die before letting Zenith win. To not know those children would have a home of some kind, because she has to trust that Drax and the others would make sure it happened should she die. ]
[ Chances him a look. ]
I'm not like you.
[ Immediate, defensive, and something thick in it - Maybe she's lying to herself, or maybe she doesn't want to consider it. She tilts her head and moves forward to gesture for some of the food. ]
That's because no one has taught them not to eavesdrop. [ Grumbled, ] I will help, because otherwise they will swarm you.
[ This is her experience.. .this is how she feels about kids. ]
no subject
No doubt she doesn't want to be seen as soft, vulnerable, or exploitable, or something of the like. That'd be something Yuri can understand, so he lets her first response pass without comment. It's only after she agrees to assist that he responds, offering an easy smile. ]
I appreciate it.
[ The words come lightly, not too much weight, but not without sincerity, before Yuri turns his focus to rummaging through the basket. He manages after a collection of moments to bundle a good dozen of the treats into the cloth he'd originally covered the basket with, then offers that bundle to Nebula. ]
Let's start with these.
[ If Nebula outpaces him and finds herself willing to distribute more, he'll hand more over. ]
no subject
[ Because the beauty can always wait. ]
[ Tasked with the current mission, she stiffens some as some of the children nearest leave their spots of play as the adults finish speaking. Seeming to understand that what Yuri brought was for them and she was helping, some of them approach rapidly. Pulling at her hand or looking at her with wide eyes. Her mouth twitches into something that's almost a smile - unpracticed and rare. ]
[ ... And yet she passes over each package as no-nonsense like as she does everything else. "Here," and she places it into kid after kid's hands, notably a little less roughly than she had taken it from Yuri in the first place. Eventually, the little girl she's originally helped returns to her side and tries to take her hand - for a second Nebula flinches and moves to take it away before relaxing. ]
[ She makes no comment about it even as she returns to Yuri, some time later, after all of their charges have been given away. ]
That is all.
no subject
He has only just finished his own portion of the work when Nebula returns to report her own progress. She seems more relaxed, at least to Yuri, though he thinks he knows better than to say so. It's clear to him she cares about these kids here, including the one who's rejoined her, but this too he won't call out.
But it does inform his image of her, just the same. ]
Thanks for lending a hand.
[ The words come with an easy smile, and Yuri's basket is clearly no longer weighted down with food as he shifts. ]
Went much quicker this way. Not that I mind, but I have to imagine the wait's difficult when it's just me passing things out.
[ And he can't just deposit the food somewhere and expect that everyone will get their fair share. ]
no subject
[ She breathes out instead: ]
If they find it too difficult, then it's a good time for them to start learning patience.
no subject
[ Anyone from his homeland knows that far too well, even its royalty. Dimitri is a king, yet he learned the same as anyone which weeds were edible and could be used to sustain oneself when needed. ]
...I'd rather they not have to learn that, if it's avoidable. I want better for them than what I've lived.
[ Even if they aren't off to the best of starts in that regard. ]
no subject
[ A pointed, quick response, offended that he all but implies it. ]
Even when it comes to food, you need to learn patience. You cannot eat so much you'll be out of rations too soon.
no subject
As it happens, he'll sometimes say jarring things simply to see what the response is. It's his way. ]
Might be worth giving them lessons. [ A casual suggestion, not reacting to the sharpness of her intial response at all. ] My people learn a number of survival skills from a young age children from other nations don't. Bet you've got insights they could use, for that matter.
[ There it is, the enabling. ]