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“Well, this is the place… I have to say, I never took Yuya for being this sophisticated. I was half expecting a bit of a more cozy and casual environment.” Yuri said as he waited outside an ornate building that looked like something out of Baroque France. One could swear the fountains that flanked the entrance were from the Palace of Versailles: If shrunken down and the statues that the water came out were more humble and not as elevated as master-crafted marble and bronze.
Currently, he is wearing the uniform he wore when he was a part of Academia. Judging by some of the clientele, he was only slightly extravagant. His Purple trench coat style uniform with scarlet cape and decorations was well-pressed and prepared with pride as he stood outside the building. He had his hands in the pocket of his teal pants as he resisted the temptation of playing with his Smartphone. His grey and timberwolf-colored dress shoes tapped with patience on the concrete.
In a way, he gained a new appreciation for it. Where it was initially his leash that kept him in Leo’s grasp, it would allow him a new form of freedom. Instead of symbolizing Leo’s power over him, what with it looking almost like Leo’s entire attire, it is now simply Yuri’s costume as a silver-tongued cunning child of Action Dueling.
After doing Action Dueling for a long while, Yuri found it a bit easier for him to adjust to a new life. Something about outsmarting his opponent in dueling and in real life gave him a powerful satisfaction.
Then came what sounded like a heel stepping down behind him. Turning around, he saw… Serena?
“Don’t. Say. Anything!” Serena whispered in a growl as she crossed her Long Gloved arms of fine silk that was dyed a light Violet that matched the long dress that ended in a skirt that slightly covered the glass-like slipper that was the same color as her dress with a royal blue rose at the buckle. Her hair was tied in a transparent, Muslin cloth-like bow colored a pale blue and was so light it would flow almost freely through the wind.
Yuri restrained a smile at Serena’s slight embarrassment; yet another smile was starting to sneak in as he grew fond of how the dress just…
“Hello, earth to Yuri… If you’re doing this out of…”
“Oh, certainly not Serena. I’m just admiring the…” Yuri found the words dangling in his throat as his brain kicked back on. ‘Wait, what was I about to say?’
“Admiring… what?” Serena’s eyebrow rose as her curiosity practically sang from her words.
“… Your dress. I’m surprised you actually decided to dress up for this little excursion. Especially seeing that you tend to look down at…”
Serena’s eyes glared at him, yet it wasn’t out of anger. If anything, it looked like a mixture of embarrassment and fluster with hints of bashfulness. “… I lost a bet.”
Yuri’s eyebrows shot up as he covered his lips in light shock. “… come again? Miss ‘Authority’ has actually taken a bet… and Lost?!”
Yuri’s will was just enough to keep him from doubling down. Instead, one arm clutched his stomach while the other hand was holding his mouth shut as light cackles leaked from his nostrils.
Serena was now, full-on, glaring at Yuri. “Don’t you dare laugh! I’ll let you know that Yuzu was on my case all week to wear this dress. It was only when I lost a duel with her that I was forced to wear this thing.”
Now, Yuri was intrigued. Yuzu made Serena wear this dress? That doesn’t sound like Yuzu at all… Unless.
Yuri took his Smartphone out and quickly looked for the reservation in his email… It was then he noticed a detail that wasn’t mentioned by Yuya.
“Well, I’ll be…”
“Come on, let's head in there. We’ll just wait for Yuya and Yuzu at our table.” Serena practically captured Yuri’s wrist and dragged him into the restaurant. Yuri simply caught up to Serena’s desperate march away from the outside world. A few of the men at the restaurant held a pitying look for Yuri, while some women silently cheered Serena on.
“Good Evening, Monsieur and Madame. Welcome to La Tatou, do you have reservations?” Asked the lanky red-headed head waiter as he glanced at the two teens for a brief moment. Clearly, the Two teens didn’t make that great first impression or weren’t deemed as important as the many other guests in the fancy restaurant.
Serena was the first to speak up, ignoring Yuri’s attempt to gain her attention while his Smartphone was still in hand. “Yes, we have some reservations for tonight. We’re here with…”
Said Head-waiter’s eyebrow raised as if he recognized the voice before him. Taking a quick glance, he quickly reorganized himself before speaking up. “Oh, of course, your table is ready. Please follow me to the ballroom.”
Serena’s words died in her throat as she was quick to be led by the gentlemen. Yuri, for his part, seemed to have a content look to him as he quickly slipped the phone into a free pocket. One thought, though, echoed in his head: ‘I’m impressed the two of them actually did it.’
“And here’s your seat right next to the fireplace with a beautiful view of the cityscape, with a nice vista of the moon to accompany it. Would you like anything to drink to start off?”
“No, thank you. Water will suffice.”
“Thank you, Monsieur, and you, Madame?”
“… I’ll just have water as well.” Serena was currently in the land of confusion as she noticed many details that just didn’t add up. Why were the table they were sitting at only have 2 chairs? Why were they seated in an area with few, if any, people beside them? Why was Yuri looking at his cellphone with a look that was filled with pride and admiration…
“Is something wrong, Serena? My apologies if I was a little preoccupied. I can’t believe the 2 of them would actually…”
Serena quickly snapped out of her confused stupor. “What are you talking about, Yuri? And why would you start talking smart about them when they arrive here in a few minutes? Do you think that…”
Yuri’s eyes quickly looked coy, with a smile to match. “Ohh? You haven’t figured it out, Moonbeam? Yuya and Yuzu set this up…”
Now, Serena was starting to look impatient. “Of course, they set this up. How else but through them and their ‘companions’ that we could even get into this restaurant?”
It was then both of their cellphones vibrated. Both of them reached for said cell phones, with Yuri getting to the message first. Yuri struggled to keep the laughter down. As for Serena…
“’Sorry but something came up, enjoy your date!’… So they…”
“Yup, they set us up on a date, just you and me!” Yuri’s voice was upbeat as hints of sarcasm and laughter could be heard from his voice. Apparently, he was enjoying how things were turning out for him, or maybe he was still applauding that the people who tricked him and Serena were the very last people he thought would even be capable of doing such a task.
Serena remained stationary as she stared at the phone screen as if she wanted to melt it with her eyes. For now, though, she sighed with frustration before turning to Yuri. “… Well, if you want to leave here, then…”
“Have you lost your mind? When we’re guaranteed a free, and very fine, meal, and you want to leave?”
“Well, obviously, we were supposed to be here with friends, and they ditched us, so…”
“Serena, Moonbeam, relax.” Yuri’s voice dragged on gently as if he was trying to lul the lioness of a duelist in front of him to a state of calm. “We’re in a calm environment with beauty and grace, guaranteed a nice meal, and it’s all on someone we know’s money. Worst case scenario, we can at least enjoy the atmosphere and whatever the kitchen produces.”
Yuri extended his hand over to Serena; his eyes were calm and relaxed, not the usual wiley that Serena was used to. “So what do you say? Enjoy this impromptu date for now?”
Serena was taken slightly aback at that face… where did the smug Yuri go? She remembers the arrogant, fox-like smile and wily eyes.
She sighed before extending all five fingers and touching her chest with her thumb. ‘Fine.’
Yuri’s smile strengthened with an unrecognizable playfulness as he stood up from his chair. He then walked towards Serena as he extended his hand to the fair lady. “Very good, then let's enjoy this moonlit evening on a certain benefactor’s tab then…”
Serena glared as she swatted Yuri’s hand out of the way. “Sure, we’ll enjoy a meal, but don’t even think about getting any ideas…”
“How can I have any ideas if I can’t think then?”
Yuri stifled a Cheshire grin as Serena’s glare became very strict. “Exactly, now sit. back. Down!”
Yuri sat back down as a set of footsteps headed towards their direction. “But of course, after all, the Waiter is here for our order.”
Serena’s attention quickly snapped as she hurriedly stared at her Menu, realizing she never even peered at a letter while scolding Yuri.
After the waiter placed two crystal goblets filled with water in front of the two teens, he turned toward Yuri. “Would you like something to start off with Monsieur? Our Smoked Salmon is excellent, especially on the house-made Blinis. It’s also made to be shared between two people, especially on a night like this.”
Yuri glanced momentarily at Serena as he noted the panicky expression on Serena’s face. His disposition shifted to a more serious yet upbeat state of being, as he looked towards the waiter. “Hmm, that sounds lovely actually. Certainly, we’ll try some of that. Also, is there any Caviar we could try with it? I heard that Caviar is usually paired with something similar.”
“I’m sorry, Monsieur, they’re currently out of season.”
“Hmm? That’s a shame. Oh well, can’t argue with the seasons, I suppose. Also, I believe that money was paid already for this dinner?”
“Indeed, Monsieur, a generous 750 was allocated for this night.”
Yuri’s eyes widened by a millimeter as a slightly devilish grin formed. “Is that so? Well then, what else do you have for starters? Perhaps there’s more for us to try then?”
The waiter’s smile went down slightly before recovering and straightening themselves up. “Certainly, we also have some Scallops that would be a nice break from the smoked salmon if that’s what you want?”
Yuri seemed to pleasantly consider this before responding. “Certainly, but if that’s the case, could you do half and half? Unless the scallops are for one person.”
“The scallops are portioned for one person sir.”
“Okay then, then keep the portions the way they are; I’m certain me and this lovely lady can share.”
Yuri then took a quick look towards Serena and smiled, seeing that Serena had the Menu on the table with a relaxed look on her face. “Oh, my apologies, Serena, you should’ve been the first to order, as they say, ‘ladies first’.”
Yuri gave a brief wink as a glare from Serena was about to form a snarl before it was quickly snuffed. “… Thank you, actually, if Yuri is ready, then could we order our mains now? Your snapper looks splendid.
“Indeed Madame, would you prefer the house salad and pilaf or perhaps our polenta instead of the Pillaf?”
“A salad and polenta is fine, thank you.”
“Your welcome, Madame. Now, for Monsure, may I recommend the Confit de Canard? The Chef has prepared the Confit themselves, and it is served with Fingerling Potatoes Sautéed in duck fat and green beans.”
Yuri took a moment to consider the dish as he also peered at the non-alcoholic cocktail menu. ‘Fascinating concept; I’m guessing they don’t want to get the diners too drunk.’
“That sounds splendid, actually. Also, could you bring us a Mixed Berry Fizz? I believe I’ll go heavy with the blackberries.”
Said waiter’s nostrils lightly twitched as he wrote the order down, turning towards Serena…
“You know, I’ll have one as well, and I’ll go heavy on the blueberries.”
This time, the waiter’s face was stone as he wrote the order down. He then took the menus from the table before placing them in his armpit.
“If that’s everything, I’ll place the orders in, and they’ll be here in a timely fashion.” The waiter spun on the ball of his foot as he headed towards the kitchen…
“Oh, excuse me.”
The waiter cursed under his breath as he turned towards Yuri, his face now like a stone as he returned to the Fusion Duelist.
“My apologies, we didn’t have Proper introductions. I believe I introduced you to Serena, and my name is Yuri.” Yuri’s left eyebrow raised slightly as he watched the waiter.
Said waiter steadied himself before answering. “My apologies as well. My name is Al Luigi. Please, enjoy your night, Monsuir Yuri and Madame Serena.”
Al politely bowed before returning towards the kitchen, not waiting for a reply from Yuri, but still polite enough not to offend.
Yuri sat there as he watched the Waiter head towards the kitchen’s pass. The female brunette head chef grabbed at it before turning towards her brigade and giving the order loudly and authoritatively. One could've seen a proud and inspired look in Serena's eyes as she watched the head chef run the brigade.
Yuri then turned towards Serena before breaking down in a light cackle. “Wow, who knew it was so much fun to make the waiter squirm…”
“Yuri!”
“Alright, fine… I’ll give Al the change as tip.”
Serena looked at Yuri for a moment before heading down with a slightly satisfied look. Yet she couldn’t help but notice a wiley look forming in Yuri’s eye.
Meanwhile, Al has returned to the table with the two plates of Appetizers, A fizzy Purple and a Fizzy blue drink: the two drinks filled with assorted and plump berries that floated amongst the soda bubbles.
The appetizers were beautiful, with the Blinis being small cracker-like pancakes that housed a small platform of white-as-snow creme fraiche. That platform would present an orange-as-the-fruit clean slice of salmon that glistened in the chandelier lights. To garnish the, a small sprig of dill rested on the Salmon.
The 6 scallops were lightly seared till they had a light golden brown, they were then finished with a light sprinkle of salt and then they were left resting on a bed of bright green leaves of brassica.
“And here’s the Smoked Salmon Blinis and Scallops, and here’s your two drinks, Monsure Yuri and Madame Serena.” Said Al in a more upbeat tone with a powerful tone of courtesy and professionalism.
In fact, now that Yuri thought about it, he did notice a mop of red hair that was similar to Al’s that was resting on a pillar near their table.
‘Hmm… So Mr. Luigi had overheard me and how much I was going to tip… I wonder how much the tip would be.’
Waiting for Al to place all the dishes on the table, Yuri raised his hand. “Pardon me, How much are we currently paying for in the bill? I wish to ensure that all bills can be paid, and I really do wish to enjoy something from the dessert menu.”
“No worries, sir, you have plenty of money for dessert. Not even the most expensive dessert for two will be close to your cap.”
Yuri’s eyebrow raised as he noticed that Al didn’t even mention a number. ‘Must be a lot…’
“Very well, could you just give us a 100-dollar warning? I would really hate if I go over.”
“No worries, sir, you won’t ever get close to that.”
Yuri smiled as he thanked the waiter and allowed him to leave. A wiley grin formed as soon as Al was far away from the couple, and a slightly evil cackle escaped his throat. Turning towards his date, he noticed Serena had a certain… glare… that was pointed right at him. He simply waved it off before going to take some appetizers onto his plate.
He did, however, have to dodge a Blini that was Launched from Serena as the salmon and other toppings were conveniently found on the plate.
“So anyway, I see you’re a little more… calmer than usual.” Yuri soon found it quite challenging to talk to the girl that he had known almost all his life. A small lump formed in his gut as his nerves started getting the better of him somewhat.
Serena, though, sighed before she looked towards Yuri. “I know, it’s just that… I’m a little scared…”
“Wait, Miss Fearless is scared?”
“Not like that, look. It’s the first time we’re in public like this. I’m very happy and… look, the fact that you’re just relaxed and enjoying the atmosphere is endearing but…”
Yuri reached for Serena’s hand before lightly grabbing it and bringing it to the center of the table. “Hey, there’s no need to worry. We’re in a quiet environment; everyone’s enjoying their dinner, and everything is nice and calm. Enjoy the night.” Yuri popped a blini in his mouth, his eyes closed lightly as he let the fat from the salmon melt in his mouth.
Swallowing, he opened his eyes before grabbing a blini and presenting it to Serena. “Now, please, princess, enjoy yourself. And please, help me with these appetizers. I might’ve ordered too much.”
Serena gave him a deadpan look as she started filling her plate with scallops and blinis… Yet, before she could go to her plate, she decided to snatch the Blini in Yuri's hand… with her mouth.
Yuri’s eyebrows raised in slight surprise as Serena’s eyes went into a moment of proud authority before she returned to the appetizers that were on her plate.
The two duelists enjoyed their appetizers as the awkwardness died down and they started chatting about… things.
One moment, it went to moments in Academia or the edited version with words either coded or removed entirely due to them wanting to leave that behind them.
Then another moment, they were talking about previous duels and some of the opponents that they faced off against.
Another moment was talking about music, books, their hobbies, and Art. It didn’t matter what it was. They kept on talking until their appetizers were devoured and their Main course arrived.
Then another…
“Check out the weirdos in love…” Said a Young adult blond whose hair was well-designed and recently trimmed. Her makeup looked professionally done, and her Salmon colored dress and Perfume reminded Yuri of the Blini they were currently eating… ‘I wonder if Starving Venom Dragon would like a Salmon Flavored idiot…’
“I think they heard you, dear.” Her cleanly pressed suited date said as he tugged at his collar with pursed lips and a slightly panicked demeanor.
Yuri was now utterly annoyed at this beyond rude interruption of the most pleasant of conversations he had with Serena. For once, he was enthralled by the company that Serena gave him; it was an immersive moment for him.
Yuri looked at the woman with a deadpan yet annoyed look and glare. “Hey, I'm tasting your Perfume from over here. So if you could…”
It was then that Yuri noticed that Serena’s bangs had covered her eyes in a downcast. She would then take her drink and then gulp it down in one go. With that go, she would then stomp over to Yuri.
“… Politely…” It was then Serena grabbed Yuri’s face and gave him a loud Smooch. She would go so far as to humm into the kiss as if to put an exclamation point in the act.
With that done, and Yuri in a very rare stupor akin to someone whose breath was ‘taken away,’ His lips were dyed blue with the drink that stained Serena’s lips. Serena looked at the rude blond with a snarl before sounding off to the woman. “You got a problem with any of this!”
It was then, after a brief second, that Yuri was able to form one word. “Nope.”