Description: Fencing practice can be a little hazardous, if proper caution isn't taken. Vince is caught unprepared and beaned severely with one of the pointy antennae. Fortunately, the lovely nurse-in-training Yuki is on campus at the time. Bonus feature: LaRose history lesson!
Another mid-afternoon weekend, another day of practice with the fencing team. Oh, but things are just like they normally are. Numerous high-speed sword drills, footwork drills, parry-riposte drills, and finally, sparring. The crew has gotten to the last segment of practice, and the coach has had a few of the students square off already. The captain of the team, Vince, has yet to be called up, which is both a relief and a pain to the other fencers. Some find fighting him outright frustrating - he's the captain for a reason, after all, and not all of the team freaking LIVES AND BREATHES RAPIER. Others believe he's the best practice they can get for that very same reason. Popping a score on him is always a thing to be proud of.
But he doesn't really look up to his greatest right now. Vince looks a little breathless and worn down - likely not from the practice here, but probably more from his strict daily training regimen that comes just before this. Ahwell. Nothing out of the ordinary, right?
Right.
The coach finally calls out Vince, who raises to his full height and tugs the mask on over his head. Foil is drawn from its sheath - yes, his uniform actually has those, as well as those elegant little stiletto rosettes - and he proceeds to the field to meet his opponent that's already there. But before the spar begins, he feels water is in order. So he turns slightly aside, lifting his foil to attempt getting the coach's attention and call out for water...
Though when people spar with Vince, they get super edgy on the slightest of his movements. When the foil is lifted, his opponent suddenly jabs his foil as hard as he can manage towards Vince's chest, hoping to blast through Rose Dansant's defenses. Needless to say, the completely unprepared, unawares Vince didn't even start to block it. It strikes and hard, knocking him back. But his opponent has already sprung into a second attack, mind convincing him that he's most likely been parried. So the second lightning fast strike is aimed a bit higher. Higher and much more clumsy. It lands, certainly, as Vince was already knocked breathless, and pushes clean through the mesh protection of Vince's mask, crashing against his forehead.
And Vince topples back, sprawled. The two females on the team gasp, the males on the team start to rush and crowd around, and the coach quickly moves in to start tossing the fencers away to "give the man some air." And in the meantime snatch away the offender's foil to most likely later beat him over the head with.
Not exactly the way practice usually goes.
Meanwhile, in a galax--er, classroom far, far aw--er, not that far away with a clear view of the athletics field, a number of students suddenly gasp. And all of them are female.
Yuki stands from where she knelt next to Annie (a CPR dummy), biting off her lecture mid-sentence. "He's down! Sempai is down! ...He's not getting up!"
"It's a catastrophe! Oh, senpai!"
"Senpaaaaaaiiiiii!" Tears flow like waterfalls.
"What?!" Yuki flies to the window, seeing the blonde student lying on the ground with worried fencers gathering around him. This looks serious. She doesn't know what happened, but it's better to be safe than sorry. "Stay here!" she barks at the classroom, dashing out the door. She doubts it'll keep the Vince fans at bay, but hopefully it'll stall them for a little while.
Yuki practically flies across the field, pumping her fists to drive her faster. It pays sometimes to be heavily involved in athletics. "I'm a medic!" she announces herself, shouldering her way through the students, past the coach, and dropping onto her knees beside the fallen fencer. "What happened?" Her fingers move to his throat, cupping her other hand just above his mouth and nose to check for signs of breathing. Immediately she notices the abrasion on his brow, and frowns, studying it carefully.
Indeed, the coach went right ahead and removed Vince's mask, revealing the youthful noble within. And he looks pretty knocked out, eyes closed, mouth slightly hung open.
The other fencers don't move at first. But then the coach is helping fling them out of the girl's way. She says she's a medic, it's good enough for him. He tosses the mask aside carelessly and puts his now-freed fist to his hip, scowling. "This -moron- over here went ape-crap on him!," he barks.
"Senseeiii~!," whines the moron.
"Shut up!" And the coach promptly turns to bean the fencer over the head with his own foil a few times. Of course, he's wearing a mask as well, so there's no real damage done.
But that presents a problem all its own. "Hey! -I- didn't do it! It was him!" And one identical fencer points to another. Who points to another. And so on, and so forth, until it's a huge tangle of mask-wearing clones doing E.T. impressions.
"Oh, for God's sake...," growls Coach. "Yoki, hurry up and get the school nurse!"
And Yoki, being the one guilty of the injury, starts to rush off for the main building. But not before getting bonked over the head with his foil. "Moron!," barks Coach.
As for Vince, though? He isn't breathing. He's been put through worse, but the combination of already being breathless, getting the rest of the wind knocked out of him, and being bonked square in the head seems to have overdone it a little.
Yuki's brow furrows, a worried frown tugging at the corners of her lips. Not good! She was right to hurry, every moment without oxygen could seriously damage the young man. At least his heart is beating, so there's no need to risk damage to his ribcage with CPR. She'll have to resuscitate him on her own.
Gently she cradles the back of Vince's neck with her fingers, tilting his head. She draws his mouth open and pinches his nose. Without hesitation, her lips seal over his as she exhales forcefully. Her head turns, listening and searching for signs of breath. Sensing nothing, she again draws a breath and exhales into his mouth, filling his lungs.
~Come on, kid...hang in there!~ Yuki silently urges, again checking for a pulse to make sure that hasn't faded as well.
Fortunately, it doesn't take too much to get him breathing again. But man, is Vince going to be embarrassed when he gets to reflect on this. But for now? Well... for now, nothing. The breathing begins with a soft, almost gentile cough. Eyes flutter, then the lids gradually lift to reveal those sparkling icy blues with a muted groan.
At first, everything's quite blurry. Vince has no idea what even really happened at this point. He just feels.. inverted, somehow, from what he last knew. The eyes begin focusing, though, filtering out images. First, he notices a bunch of mesh faces staring down at him.
Oh, God. Abducted by aliens.
The next thing he notices is Yuki's face, though. His blank expression shifts to quiet confusion, but he doesn't speak just yet. One of the male fencers on the team pipes up with, "So is he dead?"
Immediately, Yuki lets go of Vince's nose the moment he starts to draw breath. She sits up a little, looking down at him with concern evident on her face. He seems responsive, if not yet fully alert, and that's a good sign. "Are you all right?" she asks, ignoring the fencer's question. It should be obvious that Vince is far from the realm of the dead, since he's looking around with wide, open eyes. She rests one hand on his chest as she watches his face intently, waiting for his response as she gauges his respiration in a far less invasive manner.
Vince blinks those eyes a couple times more.. then squeezes them shut tightly. It feels like he's being held, almost. And there's a girlhead above him. Whaaa? His fists lift to rub at those eyes before opening them again, notably more clear now. But the confused look on his face remains steadfast, now affixed to Yuki.
And finally...
"Wh-what..?"
That's all Vince says. It's all he can articulate just yet. But hey, the coach seems to get it. He leans over the extra-terrestrial faces to grin at the captain. "Yoki knocked your brains out!," he explains helpfully.
Yuki smiles awkwardly, then exhales, her shoulders sagging with visible relief. "Phew..." Looks like he's going to be okay after all. It doesn't mean he's in the clear just yet, though, she doesn't like the look of that mark on his head. "How do you feel?" she asks, continuing to hover much like a mother hen. "Is there any pain? Can you sit up?" Thank goodness she brought her first aid kit along...not like she doesn't travel anywhere without it, but just the same!
And someone mentioned a school nurse as well? Yuki hopes she's still on the school grounds, otherwise he's not going to have a quiet, comfortable place to lie down.
Vince shakes his head slowly, still attempting to clear it and suss out what's what. "Ugh... Yoki..." The eyes then set back on Yuki, and he furrows his brow. "I think I'll be all right," he replies, finally getting that smooth, soft, eloquent quality back in his voice. The subtle French lilt never really left it in the first place. "But I have a headache." That's worth confiding, at least. Aspirin, anyone?
And a student can be seen in the distance, dragging a lanky woman behind him. Likely the school nurse.
Yuki smiles, chuckling quietly and shaking her head. "Looks like you're okay. Come on." She slides her other arm beneath his shoulders, gently helping him to sit up before standing to her feet and offering her hand. "You should probably lie down for a bit. You took a pretty nasty hit," she holds a finger to his brow, though she doesn't touch the injury. "Some aspirin ought to help, and I've got band-aids to stop the bleeding." There isn't really much, but it looks like the skin broke.
She turns her head to regard the approaching lady, and grins. "Hey, we're in luck, the school nurse is here. We can use her office." Or, well, he can. The nurse will likely look after him, but Yuki's not leaving until then.
Vince is eased on up to a seated position, looking just slightly loopy at first. But it clears up before long at all, and he's taking the offered hand and carefully trying to pull himself back up to his feet. Though he does have to frown at her. "I'm -bleeding-?," he asks. He doesn't like bleeding. Sure, bleeding is a part of fighting, especially when blades are involved, but come on! Who likes to get all cut up? So Yoki, once he's arrived, gets the dirtiest of looks.
The school nurse then shuffles over to look him over, poke at him, etcetra. And then predictably enough, she starts trying to guide him back towards her office. Vince, however, looks back over to Yuki curiously, waiting to see if she intends to follow.
Yuki smiles, and clasps her hands behind her back before she trots along after him. Maybe she's wrong with her assumption, but he seems like he'd be more comfortable if she did. Her 'pleasant and professional bedside manner' was one of the most reoccurring compliments she received from her professors.
Allowing the nurse to steer him along, Yuki remains at his side to keep a silent eye on her unofficial patient. "Don't worry, it's not serious. Just a dribble," she reassures him, tapping her own brow with a wink. "We'll check, of course, to make sure you didn't fracture your skull, but you'd be bleeding far more heavily if that was the case." Most likely, anyway. She's seen it happen before, as a child, when a swingset piece struck one of her friends directly on the forehead and broke two pieces of skull. Blood had been streaming down his face as he cried and screamed. No, she's certain he has nothing to worry about in that regard. "What's your name? I'm Yuki."
Vince does seem a little more at ease when she's following him. Something about the fact that he woke up in her arms has him thinking she's been around him long enough to know more about his condition than the nurse. But speaking of which... "What exactly happened? Why were you propping me?," he inquires. He then gives a sheepish smile. "I.. ah.. I'm embarrassed," he admits, icy blues lowering to the ground he traverses. "This isn't how I prefer to meet people. But my name is Vince LaRose..."
"Pleased to meet you," Yuki smiles with a polite incline of her head. "There's no need to be embarrassed. These things happen." She shrugs a little, and turns her face forward as she continues to keep pace. "While I wasn't there to see how you were dropped, it appears that a foil struck you in the middle of your forehead. You weren't breathing when I reached you, so I resuscitated you." She glances at him out of the corner of her eye, unblushing. It seems she's accustomed to this. "I hope you don't mind that I took the liberty." Better her than one of his male teammates, at least, right?
Vince lulls his head aside to look at her curiously. "You... resuscitated me," he replies. She may not be blushing, but his cheeks have turned a rosy hue. "I owe you more than just my name, apparently. Thank you very much, Yuki. Thank you very much, indeed." The nurse clears her throat and jostles the swordsman slightly, getting an annoyed look from him. He then regards Yuki again. "You're a student here, I assume? What grade?"
Yuki just smiles and shakes her head. "You don't owe me anything. Please don't worry about it, okay?" She was just glad to be of help. In a world where fighting warriors hold so much sway, it's nice for someone like her to find her own niche and means of offering positive change.
She laughs warmly at his assumption, waving her hand to dismiss the idea as she shakes her head. "That's awfully kind of you, but no, I'm not a student. Not here. I'm attending medical college at the moment. I earn an extra credit each semester for teaching first aid classes to different high schools," she explains, grinning as she regards the young fencer. "That's why I'm here. It was a stroke of luck that they let me use a classroom with a good view of the field."
"I see..," Vince says slowly, brow furrowed. She doesn't look much older than him, if older at all. But if she's a college student, that makes sense. He's about ready to hit college, after all.
And by now, they've made it to the main building, and started for the nurse's office. Thankfully, there aren't any stairs to get in the way of things. His balance is still a little screwy.
"Well.. yes.. I suppose it -is- lucky that you happened to be here. I still feel that I should try to repay you somehow." Vince offers a weak smile. "Perhaps I can dedicate my next fight to you? You -did- save my life, didn't you? Unless that makes you uncomfortable, m'lady."
"Ah ha ha! Not uncomfortable, no, but I'm a little embarrassed!" Yuki grins, holding the back of her neck. Now /that/ causes her to blush, but at least she seems happy about it. No one's ever dedicated a fight to her before. What marvelous chivalry! "If you like, sure! I'd be honored. Just don't push yourself too hard for my sake," she winks.
Of course, she assumes that he's talking about his fencing. She has no idea he's wrapped up in the same kinds of things that Kyo and Benimaru participate in. "When's your next match? I'll be sure to come see it!"
Her approval gets a smile from him. Vince bows his head slowly to her in appreciation, then looks ahead. "It would be -my- honor, Lady Yuki." Indeed, calling her 'lady' now. That's a rare thing from him! Clearly he -does- hold her in high regards now. "I'm not sure when my next match will be... but it will probably be with the Neo League or Saturday Night Fight. It's time I took Rose Dansant to that level, and now would seem the best opportunity."
And now they arrive at the office, with the nurse nudging the door open to bring Vince on inside. Once within, she immediately nudges him over onto the white bed dealie, which he only sits atop. Stubborn, perhaps.
"Wha--?!" It's a small world, after all. Shock is evident on Yuki's face as she suddenly focuses her full attention on the younger man. At this point she was prepared to leave him be with the school nurse, but this is way too interesting to just walk away! "You're THAT kind of fighter? I had no idea! I thought you were talking about a fencing match!" She laughs, feeling a little sheepish as she sits down in a nearby chair. "But that's great! Are you new to this sort of thing? I don't catch all of the fights..." Usually she only bothers with Kyo's, unless someone outright asks her to tune in -- homework otherwise occupies most of her free time.
Vince shakes his head gently, bangs wafting about as he does so. "No, hardly new to it. My family prides itself on combat expertise with the sword, and I've been fighting others for a very long time. As long as I can remember. Just nothing that's been -televised- outside of the school's fencing team. So.. I plan to make the world aware of the LaRose's mastery of the sword by besting every other fighter it has to offer." He makes it sound very simple, as if he's already there. Go figure. "If you'll be around the school more often.. I can probably tell you when they schedule me, and for what..."
"I see..." Yuki taps her finger against the edge of the chair, looking thoughtful. "Rose Dasant...is that the name of your weapon, or your art style?" She can't say she's ever heard of it before, but she doesn't fear looking ignorant by asking questions. No, she's never been afraid of /that/. She smiles, rolling her shoulders as she leans forward with her heels neatly placed together. "I don't normally come here, just once a semester. But I can give you my cell phone number, if you like."
"I would like!," Vince replies readily.
"Rose Dansant is a style of swordplay created by the LaRose family, and taught exclusively to members of LaRose. It was first pioneered back when the rapier was first beginning to circulate in France, and-..." Vince pauses, then gives that soft, sheepish smile again. "You wouldn't want a long-winded history lesson. Suffice to say that it's an elegant style you'll see nowhere else. As for my rapier... I've not named it. I've often thought that I should, since it's a very personal item and unique, but..." It would have to be something special. And he's not come up with anything that truly captures it.
"I wouldn't?" Yuki laughs, scrubbing a hand through her short hair. "Really, I don't mind! I'm a bit of a nerd," she sticks out her tongue playfully. "I actually /like/ learning about things like that. History, math, literature..." She's one of the very few people she knows who actually /enjoys/ school and didn't see eight years of college as a major setback when she signed up for the medical program. Besides, she's been scoring scholarships and grants to pull her through without paying a cent! It's much easier to focus on her studies without worrying over a part-time job, that's for sure.
She nods faintly at his explanation, suddenly curious to see what his rapier looks like. It must be a treasured item, and something very dear to him. "Well, no rush on that. I'm looking forward to seeing your match, now more than ever. I'm sure it's beautiful."
"I look forward to showing it to you, as well as the rest of the world," Vince says with a grin. That's his goal, after all. He wants to say, 'Hey, world! Look how awesome the LaRose family is! Look what we can do! Aren't we super cool?' It's not for arrogance or taunting so much as pride for his heritage and birthright.
But she seems interested in a history lesson. Vince tilts his head slightly, even as the nurse nudges him to lay back and rest himself. "If you want some history.. well.. alright. You could say the entire LaRose line began with a single man living in Nantes, France. A man no one considered for anything more than a nobody. A peasant named Pierre Lefevre, who had a modest job working as a blacksmith. When the rapier began to emerge in France in the 17th century, Pierre took an interest in its unique, innovative shape and aerodynamic design. At that time, there were very few 'proper' ways for handling a rapier, if you know what I mean. It was so very different from the longsword and whatnot. But he began to study it at length. History tells us that it became a sort of obsession for him."
Yuki grins. "Heh..." If he developed a martial arts style that managed to survive for centuries, even to the present day, then he must have put a lot of hard work and effort into it. "I see..." She sits back, crossing her legs and holding a curled hand against her mouth. So his ancestor was one of the men who helped develop a sword-style based on grace and finesse rather than sheer brute strength. Yuki can appreciate that. And yet, his name doesn't match Vince's own, so there's apparently more to the story. She nods, indicating that she's listening. Please, do go on!
Vince turns his head aside, looking across the short distance to Yuki through sandy blond bangs. He seems perfectly comfortable reciting the history of the LaRose line. Likely from practice, or habit. "It was through that obsession Pierre made his own unique style of wielding the rapier. Most were just stabbing and poking with the pointy end - Pierre was... almost -waltzing- with the weapon. He saw it for the elegant tool that it was. But as time went by, a form of fencing emerged, and though perfectly effective and revolutionary to their weak, graceless forms, Pierre's style was not recognized. He remained peasantry, but found himself engaged in many duels - plenty of opportunities to showcase his style, and how it was superior, but still."
Vince shifts over, staring up at the ceiling. "He married and had a son named Pascal, whom he began to teach his style to. They continued living the humble life for a while, but fate took a shine to Pascal." He shifts over again, once more staring at Yuki with those bright icy blues. "History tells us that Pascal was delivering a rapier to an officer when he encountered a caravan delivering the barony. It was under attack by brigands, and using the Lefevre style of rapier, he slew the attackers! Those that remained were too frightened to continue their assault, and they fled! He had saved the barony, you see!"
Yuki grins. That's certainly one way to earn fame and fortune: protect royalty! This might be how they picked up their new family name, as well. She's at least vaguely familiar with European history and how surnames could be affected for generations to come with fortune and misfortune altering the course of people's lives. "You'd better lie down," she urges with a glance at the nurse. "But please continue. This is getting interesting."
Vince snickers softly at the chastising, and defiantly, he remains shifted on his side! The nurse is pre-occupied with filing her desk, anyway. She spares little more than an over-the-shoulder glance at him, decides nothing's critically wrong, and gets back to her work. Or hobby. Hard to tell.
It would seem that Yuki's predicted a part of the tale, though, judging by what Vince says next. "This endeared the Lefevre family to the barony. They became 'adopted', in a manner of speaking, and finally in recognition of their beautiful and artistic swordsmanship, they were renamed to LaRose. Meaning, 'The Rose', if you didn't know."
"Anyway, time passed and the LaRose family turned out some royal guards. Royal guards!," Vince continues proudly. "While they continued to refine their rapier style through the years, the royalty granted the LaRoses nobility in recognition for service to the king, as well as their revolutionary, unique way of handling the rapier. They grew independant of the barony, became self-sustaining in their estate, and finally settled on a name for their elegant style: Rose Dansant. Or 'Dancing Rose', if you prefer."
Yuki's eyes gleam. +_+ When it comes to practicing medicine, she shows no leniency, and no tolerance for people who are stubborn. In fact, she's downright bossy! And if she has to browbeat her patients into health, then so be it!
She rises from her chair without missing a beat, striding right up to Vince, and plants her hand squarely against his chest to gently, but firmly, push him down. If the nurse won't tend to him, then /she/ will! "Lie down," she smiles again...but that smile shows she won't brook any arguments. It's almost scary...! And yet, she's still listening to his story. It's not like getting some rest will cut him off from being able to speak. Then, and only if he complies, does Yuki continue. "That's quite some history, Vince. If I might ask, what brings a Frenchman such as yourself all the way out here to Japan? The professional fights?"
Vince actually makes a surprised squeakish noise when he's pushed down into the bed, blinking up at her. He loses dramatic flair if he can't look at her, though! Sigh! He squints up at her, although he doesn't seem angry or anything, per se. But just as quickly, he goes on to say, "There's still more to it, but.. anyway." Her question gets a curious look from him. "Not entirely. I came to Pacific High to extend my cultural feelers, you might say. Diplomatic relations with the future politicians and such of other countries between the LaRose family is ideal. But otherwise, yes. There is more opportunity here to show everyone what the LaRose family is capable of. Like a stunning work of art by Leonardo DaVinci or Michaelangalo, I don't think that Rose Dansant should be hidden from the world."
"Ah? Really? My apologies, then. I'd like to hear more." Since he's appeased her, Yuki goes back to her usual pleasant demeanor. She sits on the edge of the bed (so he can still see her just fine, and she, him), plucking up a bandage and tearing away the paper with a nip of her teeth.
Gently she brushes away his bangs to fully expose the wound, which she covers with the band-aid, and presses with her fingers to adhere it firmly. "Try and keep that covered for about a week. I'm sure you'll heal fast. You fighters always do," she winks.
Vince opens his mouth to go on, but then pauses. He's being band-aided. He smiles up at her softly. "Well.. I suppose there isn't -much- else to say, unless I were to tell you the intricacies of LaRose life. To summarize the rest, the LaRose family is well-known through France for being savants. And I'll not be any less than that for my family."
And then he pauses, staring up at her. "Hrm. M'lady? Do you have a ribbon or somesuch that you're fond of?," Vince asks finally, possibly sounding out of the blue.
"Hm?" Yuki blinks, looking rather surprised at the question. "Well...not really...my hair's too short for anything like that..." she admits, reaching up to briefly run her fingers through her hair. Vince's hair might even be longer than Yuki's. She regards Vince curiously. "Why do you ask?" She can guess. All of his actions seem to mirror the European knights of old, and from what she can surmise, it sounds like he wants to wear her favor in his next battle. ~What would Kyo think about that, I wonder? He probably won't care,~ she chuckles. He'll fold his arms and pretend to look aloof, telling her she can 'do what she wants.' And then he'll try to sulk in silence.
Vince's hair is... about the same length. Longer bangs, for certain. The rest's length is hard to tell. It's less conforming to his head, more stylishly layered. Either way! Her hair is certainly too short for a ribbon, it's true.
Crikey, she's a smart one. Or Vince is simply predictable, or is just -that- much of the stereotype. Oddly, this revelation would please him. Confirming her supposition, Vince smiles at her again and says, "In older times, a man would wear the favor of a lady he meant to represent on the field of battle. This was usually a ribbon, or some other colorful, distinctive item he could have on his person and show others."
Yuki smiles. Then she chuckles, placing a knuckle against her mouth as her shoulders shake. "I thought that might be the case. You're a nice guy, Vince." Normally she'd use his last name, but after a year in America, and knowing that Europeans also prefer having their birth names addressed, she'll go with 'Vince' unless he pleads against it. "I think I've got something. It might not be what you have in mind," she remarks, standing to her feet and walking to the cabinets. "But it would make me happy if you used it. ...Ah, here's the aspirin," she smiles, reaching up to draw down a bottle of pills. She fills a paper cup with water, then uncaps the bottle to tap two round, white pills into her palm. She hands these to Vince. "Here. Take these, and wait for me. My bag's still in the classroom, I'll be right back." She gives him a little wave before opening the door and exiting.
Vince snickers softly at her. She has an idea about him, he sees! And he -loves- that. Strange as it may seem, he loves it when people can tell what he means or wants simply because of the way he acts. Not many Asians catch on to his very deliberate behavior! But unfortunately, the moment she's left the side of the bed, he's pushing himself right back over onto his side. Then to sit up. Stubborn!
The water and pills are taken eagerly, gulping both down then setting the cup aside. "Thank you," he says, eyes doing the happy-curvy deal. And that's exactly how he intends to stay until she returns.
Well, he'd choke if he tried to drink the water lying down. So there's no protest or scary eyes from Yuki this time. Besides, she's seen that he's lucid enough to carry on a full conversation, and retain all of his mental faculties. If he feels well enough to sit up, then this time, she'll allow it.
Several minutes later, Yuki returns with her bag. Those who still remained in her class were dismissed, postponing the lecture until the next week. She'll have to juggle two classes to make up for what was lost, but she's sure her professor will understand the situation.
"I'm back," she announces, closing the door behind her. A large messenger bag is slung over her shoulder, and she busies herself opening the flap. Once done, she removes a roll of gauze, unwinding a length of it before tearing it loose. "It's nothing fancy, or even very pretty..." Yuki smiles as she holds it out to Vince. "But it represents the things I hold dear. Do you accept?"
And when she enters, Vince offers a friendly little wave. He then watches with wide-eyed curiosity at what she may retrieve from her bag.
And out comes the gauze.
Vince bursts into laughter at this, tumbling back a little from the fit. It takes him a few seconds to compose himself again, and he looks both completely amused and pleased by this. "Oh, it's perfect! Just priceless! It represents you better than anything else I could even think of! It would be my honor to accept it and wear it for my inaugural match!" He takes the strip and goes to fold it gently over once, then tuck it over his belt securely.
Yuki smiles, pleased at his reaction. "Great! I'll be watching for it carefully," she holds up a finger, winking. She will, too! Seems like it wouldn't embarrass him, and she's happy about that. Heck, if it's televised, she'll have to ask her mother to record it for her. It's the sort of memory she'd be pleased to keep.
"Now that that's settled, I should probably get going. I've got a research paper to work on, and I need to get a few books from the library before they close. Here's my cell number," just as she promised, which she hands over to him in a square of neatly-folded paper. She fastens her bag shut after replacing the roll of gauze, then exhales, regarding her patient with a warm smile. "You going to be all right?"
Vince nods stoutly at her. "It won't be hard to find. I'll wear it on my arm," he notes. And the phone number is taken quickly, folding it into a pocket. "I'll call the number later so you'll likewise have mine. In case you need to tell me anything," Vince says with a grin. But then his head bows, grin turning to more of a polite smile. "I'll be perfectly fine. I promise. You did well, and I thank you very much for it. Be safe, m'lady."
Yuki chuckles, modestly accepting the praise and the title. Why pretend? She likes it, in all honesty, what girl wouldn't? "It's a deal. Thanks!" She pushes open the door, grinning over her shoulder. "Well, see you around. Take it easy." To coin an American term. She smiles again, then steps out into the hallway, the echo of her footsteps gradually fading away.
Log created on 20:56:09 01/12/2008 by Vince, and last modified on 23:20:47 01/16/2008.