Description: Upon his return to Southtown, Vince heads to the park to surround himself with winds for meditation. In the process, he spots someone he met before, but only briefly - a polite, well-mannered girl named Yurika. Despite some shared values and beliefs, it turns out the two differ in more particular, possibly pronounced ways.
With the Seijyun High school year coming on strong, the park and other areas close to the the school are seeing a lot of attention as of late both on and off school-hours. At the park today, in fact, there is a gathering of students from the art club that have taken over a section of the park to practice their painting! This one in particular would be the painting of a tree in autumn, a great time to practice multiple colors. Contrary to popular belief, they're not dressed like a particular student, the uniform does consist of a formal but otherwise not very unique school uniform.
Yurika Kirishima isn't part of the art club, but has decided to take a break from her own load of paperwork to instead find a nice seat at a bench and read one of her favorite romance novels.. She's adorn in her usual light blue and white, frilled dress, with a similar color parasol resting on her lap. But she can't concentrate very hard on it, there've been a lot of things on her mind, despite being so busy she hasn't really felt she's been as.. Pro-active as she could be.
Autumn days, the leaves shifting colors, the breeze taking on a certain chill... and there are few places better than the park to feel more in tune with this. That's why Vince has come out here. More training. But in this sense, more akin to meditation.
At least, that's what is on the noble teen's mind at first. Then he sees a gaggle of schoolgirls, looking entirely too cultured with art supplies. This is somehow a comforting sight to him - quite possibly because he's only just recently returned to Southtown from such places as Germany, India, and Egypt. A sight he can at least call familiar is warming.
So the swordsman is drawn to a pause in the grass, observing from afar as the wind plays through the feather of his hat and the cape trailing behind him. Icy blue eyes wander slowly over the scene.. and fall on a semi-familiar girl perched on a bench. Remarkably familiar, but... difficult to recall her name. Vince begins in her direction in silence, a bit cautious and deliberately taking his time in the hopes of her noticing him and making some dawning of realization first.
Yurika despite how she may appear, isn't very familiar with the other cultures around the world.. At least not personally, she's learned most of what she has through schooling, which is something she hopes to correct when she finds the time. As she turns the page of her book, she believes she hears something familiar when Vince's steps hit the gravel nearby. Ah yes, the gentlemen who had taken interest in Ninon; he was probably here to see her again, surprising a thought as that may be. Still, she pretends to be ignorant of his presence until he gets closer and her very dark eyes raise from the novel to look to the slightly-oddly dressed student..
And greets him with a mysterious little smile as she snaps the book shut with one hand. "A good afternoon to you," she says. "I like your attire, are you attending a ball of some sort?"
Of all the reactions he gets for his wardrobe, that has to be the most pleasant. Of course, the last time he saw her, he was wearing nighted clothes, complete with a black eyemask and cape. Rather like a thief. But today? Not quite. She gets to see the gallant side of the seventeen-year-old.
True to this, his right hand lifts to pinch the forward brim of his hat, plucking it from his head as he tilts himself into a mild bow. The hat is swept under his torso, left hand extended out behind him.
"My lady."
And with that, Vince raises to his full height again to set the hat back atop his head. "Were I to attend a ball, I would choose to do so in something much more lavish than this." Maybe a little more.. modern, too, to not embarrass the host. "But thank you."
A soft, benign smile plays on his lips before his index finger begins tapping at them thoughtfully. "I apologize for being so very forward, but I would swear I've seen you before. Seijyun? With.. Ninon?," he guesses. But the name! The name is what he can't recall!
'Oh my', Yurika thinks to herself seeing his greeting. She didn't expect that kind of greeting at all, it's very rare that boys these days bow! This drives Yurika to stand up a bit quickly, to return the gesture with a curtsey, pinching at the side of her dress as she does so. It'd most certainly be an odd sight for today's passer-bys.
She also was aware that her guess was a bit silly, especially since it was much too soon for a halloween party, but she really couldn't come up with any other question. She remains standing at that point, hand raised to her chest briefly as he tries to recall her name.. Did she give it? She doesn't believe she has, actually and so, "That you have, yes, it was quite some time ago. My name is Yurika, it's a pleasure to see you again under less.. controversial locations. I'm afraid that Miss Beart isn't on campus today, however, I believe she won't be back until.." Hmn, she shouldn't encourage him by saying late in the evening. ".. Tomorrow, likely."
Her returned greeting is met with astonishment. Vince's icy blues widen, and a far more appreciative smile spreads over his face. It's been quite some time since a girl has responded in lieu! "Ah, so my memory served me well. Yes, that was before I began my.. pilgrimage, as it were," he concurs.
He then extends a gloved hand out to her, palm upturned to the sky. "Vince LaRose, m'lady. The pleasure is mine," he replies, voice relaxing into its typical silky smooth level and fluidity, lilted with just the faintest of French accents.
Whether her hand is presented or not, Vince adds in, "I saw Miss Beart in Germany, actually. I did not imagine she would be back that early, as I only returned a couple days ago, myself."
Yurika doesn't hesitate to offer her opera-glove adorn hand, though a touch of pink appears on her pale cheeks. She probably would have hesitated if his formal greeting weren't given beforehand. Also it was interesting, that a male of his age would be so.. Traditional. Did he attend an all-boys school or something, she wonders? "Did you, Sir LaRose?" she adds, unable to his the surprise in her tone.
But she relaxes just as fluidly, expression softening. "Miss Beart is the type to do business rather quickly. She doesn't seem the type to linger longer than she needs to. I've yet to visit Germany myself but I hope to do so someday."
"Pardon me, but I must ask as it's so rare that there are young men like you these days in Southtown. You say you've 'returned', is this your current hometown then?"
With her hand (in an opera glove, no less!) presented to him, Vince's fingers curl gently underneath it, the thumb tapering the fingers downwards. Unless she resists, he dips into a second bow - though this one brings his lips to graze a ghost of a kiss upon the back of her hand. After he raises to his full height again, the hand is released, as is proper.
"I've observed her to be this way, oui," Vince replies easily, the French seeming to slip in unnoticed. "And Germany is magnificent this time of year. Truly beautiful villages along the countryside, which is where I happened to land and find her."
Her question catches him a little off guard, however. Vince somehow expected her to already know this, despite how it doesn't exactly stand to reason. "Ah... I'm the captain of Pacific High's fencing team. I attend classes there. But.. this is certainly not my -true- home." The final note is said with a mirthful smile.
Oh, Yurika wouldn't have guess that this was Vince's birthplace, the accent was more than enough to alert her of such. But even still, there were plenty of those who weren't born here that may come from cultured backgrounds and yet are as rowdy as they come! Again there's no sign of resistance from Yurika, though for but only for a second does Vince become replaced with someone else in her mind which makes her smile a touch more devilishly.
Yet when he stands full height again she is all pleasent and innocent. Well, until she blinks in mild surprise. The truth is, Yurika really had meant to become more familiar with the many students about Southtown for her own reasons. "Pacific you say?" she replies, seeming to look to Vince with more familiarity. "And the fencing captain at that, oh my.. That's quite elegant. Do you intend to partake in the Olympics in the future? And of course this wouldn't be your true home.." Yurika's final sentance added with an amused giggle, hand raised to her lips.
"Many a LaRose has in the past. It would be nothing new," Vince replies, unawares of being replaced for any length of time. "I'm pleased to see someone else with refine, I must say. It's been a while since I've had the pleasure," he notes. "Not to say that Miss Beart is anything but - but still."
Vince takes a moment to examine Yurika and her spectacularly curly hair. For some reason, it makes him think of England. Her name is certainly not English, however. A thought suddenly occurs to him, and his eyes snap to the novel that is now shut. "Oh, I apologize if I've interrupted! It was not my intention! I was merely curious...!"
"Oh it's no trouble at all, Sir LaRose," Yurika replies with a shake of her head. "In fact, I'm quite pleased by this rather chance meeting because there are more questions that I'd like to ask, if you would not mind."
Yurika doesn't seem to mind having her hair looked over, it's quite an unusual style, but in her mind quite elegent as well. It must take quite a while to get into place. "Miss Beart is still a bit rough around the edges.. And yet I very much admire her, despite her flaws. She's quite an interesting one, isn't she? I wonder how you've come to know of her."
"Seijyun isn't short of women like myself, of course. Though I suppose I could say that I'm their representive, as I'm the student council president. But our students have grown more, erm, mixed this year. Ah, but I wanted to ask, are you familar with the name 'Alexis LaCoeur'?" She didn't speak further about Olympic goals, that 'similarity' was all she needed to tie him in with the other student.
"She has a very strong personality," Vince surmises. "And I learned of her through her sister. The two are.. more than a little different..."
The trailing comes to a halt as Yurika mentions that she's the student council president. He's heard from Alexis who it is attempting to convince her to switch schools. So when she asks about her, it only registers on the 'surprise scale' as a blink.
"I know her rather well, yes," he says, voice a little more even and guarded. "You've been.. speaking with her about transferring, have you not?"
Yurika pauses for a moment, realizing her 'error'. She should have assumed from the beginning that he was friends with this woman, and kept the fact she was of her position until later, judging by her company's shift in tone. Yurika was very good with sounds. But that was fine, she wouldn't allow Vince to hide anything from her for long, depending on how close the two actually are. "You're absolutly correct, though I secretly hope that is something about her that never changes.. Ninon that is." She'd rather avoid discussing Mignon though, and that probably isn't unexpected. She then seems to brighten a bit, hand raised to her chest once more, "Oh my, you don't say! Well with company like you, that may explain how she behaves so well, wouldn't it? And yes, I most certainly have been engaging in such conversations with the lady. I assure you, if you were a girl, I'd do the same for you." she offers with a sympathetic smile. "I suppose you weren't very pleased to hear of such things from her, were you?"
Vince cracks a half-hearted grin at her comment on Ninon, but it subdues soon after again. From there, Vince doesn't look angry so much as... upset? His gaze falls, and he nods once. "Your supposition would be correct. Personally, I believe that Alexis, for what she's preparing to do in life, would far more benefit from the curriculum of Pacific High than Seijyun. And her inclinations towards Seijyun.. are.."
Vince's eyes shut momentarily, left hand balling into a tight fist. Given a second, it forcibly relaxes. The tension is still there, however.
"..Flawed. Biased for all the wrong reasons."
A cool breeze whisks through the park, ruffling the feather and cape again. His head lifts, giving Yurika a humorless, somber look. The liveliness in his icy blues has faded remarkably. "The choice is hers, and I'm content to leave it that way. I've.. said what I will to her about it. But.. my lady, if she decides to attend your school..."
Vince pauses, right hand lifting to touch along the side of his neck.
"..Please take care of her? Don't let anything happen to her? I care very much for her, and if she switches schools, I would not be able to watch over her. If something were to happen..."
Yurika's smile wanes as well, she looking.. Well more, studying Vince very closely. There's no doubt in her mind that his words are sincere, and on top of that it seems their relationship was indeed very close. But despite that, she had no intention of pulling any punches despite this fact- In fact it's quiet a relief to her that he doesn't intend to put up a fight.. But flawed? Biased? Actually despite the bit of confusion, she's certain he's right and there's much more she needs to learn and understand about the young gymnast. And she fully intends on accomplishing as such.
She then gives a comforting smile, raising her free hand to touch Vince's cheek, the same side where he touches his neck. "I apologize, believe me, I do understand how difficult it must have been for you. But I assure you that while I will be strict, she will be well taken care of.. And I hope that our meeting, as sudden as it may have been, will assure you that my word is good."
Her hand lowers, and then her mysterious smile returns once more, "Of course, we're speaking much to soon, aren't we. I understand that her brother has recently returned, and even I wouldn't be able to stand to that kind of competition.."
Vince's gaze snaps back to Yurika, looking a little surprised by the touch. But his gaze lowers again. "It is not my business to delve into the reasons and why-fore's, but.. if she's hurt, or abused.. manipulated or otherwise-.. well.." Vince shakes his head quickly. "I apologize. I'm speaking very much out of turn, it's just-.. I.. I am very protective of her, you see? She's a very dear girl to me. Has been for a very long time. Part of why seeing her act this way..."
Vince seems to wince at himself. "Please forgive me. I'm being terrible. This is just an extremely sore, painful thing for me to discuss. This is actually why I left - in the hopes of letting her think clearly."
Yurika seems to be understanding; and to an extent she does.. How Vince feels about Alexis is probably no different that how she feels about her 'only' friend, Akira. When that girl had been kidnapped, it had torn the musician apart, in a way she never thought she'd recover. "I feel, that I should be the one to apologize.. It wasn't my intent to come between any of her friends, and I didn't consider that such concerns of this level would arise. I have heard about the recent attacks at the schools over the last few weeks, so I can understand how this would complicate things for you."
Yurika closes her eyes a moment, fingers touching her chin in thought. "Hmn, though perhaps I'm misunderstanding myself. Are you saying that lately, Miss LaCoeur has been behaving oddly?"
"..She would not be considering transferring, nor even speak of it, were she not behaving strangely. I, unfortunately am the cause of it," Vince explains, expression twisted by awkwardness. "That is why I removed myself from the picture. I already mentioned that I feel her future will greater benefit from Pacific's curriculum."
His left hand lifts, palm outwards in a gentle abating gesture. "I mean no insult to Seijyun. I simply know Pacific High is specialized in inter-cultural relations." Which is partly why he attends it. Neither here nor there, however.
Vince trails off from speech at this point, a small frown tugging at his lips. "I'm not sure I should detail things further than this. She may not appreciate it."
Well now this was interesting.. She hadn't the slightest idea that a young man such as this one would be the -cause- of Alexis' consideration. Or at least a good deal of it? On the other hand, perhaps Vince is just blaming himself for the sake of doing so; it was difficult to tell with so little she knows about the man. "There's no need to apologize, it's only natural that you'd feel that way and to be honest, I'd have to agree with you for the most part intercultural relations is most certainly one of Pacific's larger strengths. I believe I made it clear to the young lady that by transferring here she'd be taking a bit of a chance.. But with my help and guidance that chance would, in time, become a 'sure thing'."
"Because while Pacific is stronger in that regard, I disagree that she benefits greater from it in the end." Yurika's eyes become a bit darker, more focused as she looks to Vince. "However I believe we both would rather this conversation not become a debate, so allow me to just say this: The possibility of failure in your friend's future simply is not an option for me."
Vince's expression does not darken. Rather, he looks exhausted - worn down suddenly. "No.. not a debate. It is not for me to argue the case, anyway. All I can do is hope she makes the right decision, at any rate." Yurika's.. fascination with Alexis is a little disturbing to him, but it's really none of his business. Besides, it's disturbing in a 'different' way than Alexis' other former friend. More suspicious on why she would seem to want Alexis so much than anything.
Regardless!
Vince's left hand gives a small wave. "I fear if I continue to think of this, I'll vanish from the country again just to be sure. So for my own sake, as greedy as it may be, I'm going to try pushing it out of my mind for now. What will be, will be." A second after this conclusion, the icy blue eyes drift listlessly aside. "Anyway...," he murmurs, now grasping for something else to dwell on.
Yurika smiles a bit again, her shoulders relaxing a touch as she gives a nod of her head. She doesn't really seem to catch on that there's any sort of suspicion, but on the other hand she's just assuming that Vince knows Yurika was the one that had set up the teen pageant and the story would build from there. She feels very prepared for any kind of confrontation at this point; in fact she had been expecting it, and yet soon Vince makes it clear that it's the very last thing he'd want to do.
And that, Yurika actually doesn't really understand. "I see, my apologies.. There was something else I wanted to ask you, if you wouldn't mind." Changing the subject certainly would be for the best, before she ended up feeling defensive again. "Just how did you hear of Miss Beart? Ninon, I mean. Very few people actually go so far as to trespass to find her. Not that I intend to take any action, mind you, I was just quite surprised by it.."
"Her sister," reminds Vince, drawing his gaze back to Yurika. "Mignon. As I mentioned to Ninon, I feel I left that situation knowing far, far more about her and her sister than the pink-haired girl even began to learn about me." His arms fold loosely over his chest and his head tilts slightly.
"She.. doesn't ever stop talking, does she?"
"S- So I've heard.." Yurika hesitantly replies, her gaze drifting a bit to the side as well. "I actually haven't met every student on campus yet, and a lot of my sources come from chit-chat and, for fighters, what I've seen on televised roughhousing. She's certainly.. Um.. Talkative, from what I understand, quite a bit of energy in her."
When she looks back, her smile is a bit weaker, as if she's really struggling not to say anything bad. It wouldn't be fair, after all. And she's pretty sure, no, she's -very- sure that she's not like that with Kurow. There's simply no way! "So what did you think? Of Ninon?" she then asks with a bit of a more teasing smile this time around.
The question seems to catch Vince a bit off guard, eyes widening slightly. "Ah.. well.. she's unique," he asserts. "Most assuredly unique. And I think there's something intriguing beneath the rough exterior. Plus!"
Vince's index finger lifts.
"She's a witch. One which I would far sooner believe to be true than her.. ecstatic sibling. She has that meticulous, controlled air about her." Vince's head then tilts aside, the hand drifting to run that index finger along his chin. "..Certainly unique."
Despite seeming to have pretty much nothing to do with Ninon, Yurika seems a little too proud to be hearing what she does. She's quite happy that Ninon's being viewed in a fairly positive light, perhaps short of ecstatic! "I think Unique is a very fair description. I, personally, am not into witchcraft, but I simply thought that was such an intruiging hobby. I would have never thought that Seijyun would end up having one as a student. Very exciting."
"I'm a bit jealous of her kind of charisma, really.. She makes me feel a bit old-fashioned, but really, the only thing I can do is make the best of what I have, correct?" Yurika seems to answer her own question by nodding to herself.
Vince tilts his head slightly. "I'm not sure. Her.. charisma, as you say, appeals to a certain type of person. Not exactly the average person, I wager. Though she certainly has mystique - there is no masking that." Even if she demolished his rose upon first meeting. Ahwell!
Vince clears his throat softly. "I don't mean to speak ill of your friend. All I mean is that she is.. well.. unique!" Such is the watch-word.
Yurika wouldn't be surprised to hear such a thing, it is indeed very 'Ninon-esque'. "You think so?" she replies, again perhaps a bit too happily of Vince's comments. He's probably right, she couldn't really view things from a man's perspective, but on the other hand many Seijyun females find her a bit overbearing and/or intimidating. So why in heavens is Yurika so giddy about it?
However one thing in particular seems to change her mood, dark eyes widening a touch and hand raised to her chest again, "Pardon?" she asks, blinking. "O- Oh no, you misunderstand, Ninon isn't a friend of mine, though I suppose we both hold an above-average level of respect for one another.. Though even I find that a little questionable sometimes."
Vince seems stunned momentarily by this mention, and he quirks a blond eyebrow. "You're not? You seemed to be when I first encountered her..." Somewhat puzzled, Vince turns aside and takes a seat at the bench Yurika was formerly perched upon. He then takes the time to gesture beside her, re-inviting her to her own seat politely.
"I'm not sure I understand."
Yurika re-seats herself, setting her novel atop her parasol after the gesture. She's not surprised by his confusion, though, she gets that a lot. Because of it she's realized perhaps it's unnatural, but that's simply the way she chooses to handle her relationships. "Did I? Hmn, I'm afraid I don't really remember what I was doing at that time.. But it isn't as complicated as you may think, Ninon is quite independant. I'm not really certain myself how close she allows people to be with her, but obviously I don't have a problem with that."
"Hmn, perhaps I shouldn't be saying this but in a way, I am the same. I don't like to get too close to people, and try to keep my relationships with others as .. Professional as possible."
Vince studies her in silence for a few moments, considering her spin on things. Professional as possible... "Why would you want to keep things professional?," he asks finally. "I.. like letting some people close. Life would seem somewhat cold without contact, wouldn't it?"
Yurika hmns, "Why would I? Well, why wouldn't I?" the white-haired girl replies with a light giggle. She then looks up to the sky, seeming to consider how to word her answer. "The thing is.. There are some 'fair' decisions that people are unable to make. I suppose you can say one of my ambitions is to be able to make those kinds of decisions. When you're close to someone, your view of many situations involving them get distorted."
Yurika then looks back to Vince, "Not that I object to others being close, of course. It's entertaining, watching how they interact between good times, and terrifyingly difficult times." She raises her book with a smile. "That's sort of why I enjoy romance novels."
"Watching, but never experiencing that sort of closeness?," Vince asks. After a few beats, he dips his head a little. "But I think I can understand what you want. Complete impatiality in all things..." Vince turns his icy blue gaze ahead, staring out over the grass. Finally, he adds aside, "Wouldn't that be a bit lonely?"
Yurika blinks rapidly in mild surprise, but her expression softens quickly after that. "You know, you may be the first person who's responded in that way.. But yes, that is more or less the jist of it. Never experiencing such closeness, though, I cannot say truthfully that it hasn't happened before."
The student closes her eyes briefly, and shakes her head. It pains her to this day to think about what she had to go through after becoming friends with Akira. She couldn't honestly say she regretted it, but the pain, and fear of losing someone precious.. "No.. For you, it would be. For me, it would not. Despite our similarities, I think it'd be safe to say that the way we think, and view things in life, are incredibly different. But our ways work for ourselves, and that's all that really matters, correct?"
"I.. suppose so," Vince concurs. He gives a finalizing nod, then leans back in the bench. His head tips back to stare up at the sky and the lazy, fluffy clouds. "I couldn't imagine living that way. I suppose the ends of your goal is commendable... but in a way, I feel sorry for you." His head turns, glancing to her through the corners of his eyes. "I don't mean that as an insult, m'lady. Not to imply that you're weak. Only that it must be.. difficult in some ways."
Yurika giggles lightly, and shakes her head, "Please, there is no offense taken, Sir LaRose. But that is part of why I'm hesitant to say things like that.. I'm not looking for anyone's pity, nor do I want it. Though it is amusing that you speak of difficulty."
Her dark eyes narrow a touch, "When only one of us is suffering at the moment. You and I both know that this will not be the last emotional hardship you face.. And those kinds of hardships seem to be the most brutal." With that said, Yurika starts to gather her things, setting her book into her handbag and umbrella tucked under her arm. "Of course, it'd be silly to say that I do not face my own difficult times. But the pain I experience tend to be easier for me to handle. Rationally."
"Yes, but I would gladly suffer my conditions time and time again for the sake of friends and loved ones staying near," Vince replies. "It's.. the way I am, I suppose. As such is the way you are with your dealings."
His eyes fall to her handbag, then lift back to her face. "Taking your leave, I presume?," Vince querries.
The young musician stands up, her free arm stretched outward a bit and then a delighted sigh follows. Though she then looks to Vince, meeting his gaze once more, "Oh, I wouldn't doubt that you would. It'd be unfair of me to compare such actions to that of a kicked puppy, but that is sort of what it looks like. Natures are such curious things.. But that said, yes, I'm afraid I do need to be on my way. But it was quite interesting to have finally met you myself."
Vince lifts a shoulder to give a shrug at her analogy. He honestly doesn't follow it in its entirety, but there's no reason to assume insult. She's been pleasant insofar, why would she suddenly change now?
"Likewise," Vince says. "Just.. remember what I said, if she decides to transfer. Make sure she's all right."
Yurika holds out her parasol, giving it a light shake and draws it open carefully. Of course her little mysterious smile graces her features, freeing a hand so that she can give Vince another gracous curtsey, "Mister LaRose, I wouldn't dare forget we'd agreed upon. Especially so since it appears you'd be the one I'd have to answer to if anything unfortunate were to happen. Oh, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to be able to contact you if I forsee any difficulties, however. Would it be all right for me to seek you on campus?"
"Assuredly," Vince allows. "I would like it very much if you came to me concerning issues. Or if you need help, I'll make myself available." There's another pause from Vince, and he exhales a quiet sigh. "I'm assured, at least, that she'll be taken care of if she decides to transfer."
His hand lifts to tip the hat gallantly to her, presenting a somewhat weak smile.
"Good fortunes, and may the winds be favorable for you today," Vince offers in blessing. Something he's only recently opted for.
Log created on 00:23:38 10/06/2008 by Vince, and last modified on 03:33:28 10/20/2008.