{ Closed || Playing House }

[hauntedsnowfall]

WHO: Yuri Leclerc and Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd
WHEN: Throughout Mission 004
WHERE: Moorecroft Village || Leclerc-Blaiddyd Household
WHAT: Suburban Living
NOTES\WARNINGS: Ghost imagery, hallucinations, poor mental health, dissociation

My attic is full of bones and full of hopeless young emotions that just won't grow up...

code

Content Warnings by thread

1. First Night || I will be your scarecrow
• Ghosts | Haunting | Hallucinations | Poor mental health
2. Rainy Weekend || My life will always be painted in grey
• Dissociation | Low self worth

Comments

☾ First Night || I will be your scarecrow

[hauntedsnowfall]

When the sky turns gray and everything is screaming...

I will reach inside
Just to find my heart is beating
You tell me to hold on
Oh, you tell me to hold on
But innocence is gone
And what was right is wrong

cw: ghosts, haunting, hallucinations, poor mental health

[hauntedsnowfall]

[ It had been a very full first day in Moorecroft Village. Having landed in yet another strange land just after being stuck on a ship that sails on a black ocean of stars was... tiring to say the least. Dimitri had been looking forward to rest. In fact he had crashed before the 8pm curfew.

When he wakes in the middle of the night he recalls immediately where he is. Disorientation of that nature isn't what's wrong. It's the noises. The scratching, the tapping, the whispering. Quiet voices coming from just outside the window; words at just the decibel where he can't make out what they're saying. And he knows. He knows who they are. It's them. All of them. He's seen them before at the edges of his vision. Nightly visitors. They stay further away from him than his parents do, than Glenn does. He knows though. He knows they're getting closer. They always have been drawing nearer.

And now they're just outside. Scraping the walls looking for a way to get in. A way to get him. Dimitri thought he would be ready for them. He thought he was prepared for the dead to come collect their debt. Take what is owed. He didn't think they all would bridge the distance at once... Perhaps the veil is thinner here in Moorecroft. They're right outside. Scratching their decaying nails against the glass, such a thin defense...

There isn't any light coming from the curtains, but there is some coming from the glowing time display. 3:15 in the morning in wretched red, an unholy hour if there ever was one. Sitting shakily up Dimitri glances about the room to see if any of the spirits have breached the walls... It is hard to tell... that in the corner... it might be... Is it the gleam of a skull? With sunken flesh and rotted clothing... yes it could be... And that chill on the back of his neck, is that fingers?

Before he knows it he is on his feet and in the hall, unsure of how he got there, and his heart is going wild. It's not just the previous room the ghosts are trying to claw their way into, it's out here too. Is it everywhere? Goddess he knows this is what he deserves, but he isn't sure if he can take it. His feet feel unsteady as he walks slowly down the hall. He knows if he turns around he'll see them standing in the room he was just in. He knows. He's sure.

As he passes a room on the left the little nightlight catches his eye and he instinctively looks. The nursery. There. They're outside trying to get in here too. The baby. Sasha. Is that one in the wardrobe there? Near the crib? He can't tell. His feet carry him quicker to the babe's bedside and he scoops the child up, cradling them to his chest. Then he is back in the hall again, but where can he go? The dead have them surrounded. They're so close now he can almost make out what they're saying.

Dimitri looks down at Sasha in his arms and whispers soothing nothings. He can't let the dead take the babe. His feet carry him further, further down. Down the stairs into the deeper dark. He remembers the layout. It's around here somewhere, just here, he knows it. He knows. The basement is quieter, but he can still hear them trying to get in. They're not safe. They won't last the night. Hands that grab, that touch, that feel. They try to grip him but he keeps moving. There. The closet. Another wall, another door to keep them at bay. Just a little more.

It's shut. A little bit more quiet now. No rank breath of the decaying on him. Breathe. He needs to breathe. Shhh, Sasha, keep quiet dear... But he knows they're out there. He just can't hear them anymore shut away like this. Can't hear them coming. Is this worse or better? He can't tell. He just keeps rocking the baby. Hush now. It's alright... ]

[wolfish]

[ Noise isn't unusual in Yuri's experience. Neither are voices. He's long accustomed to the activity of Abyss and various camps that followed his time there, including the Kingdom Army's. Someone was always up, someone was always working on something. There was never a time when everything was quiet and still.

Light sleeper that he is, Yuri had to battle to get decent rest, but it's one of those struggles he's used to. What he isn't used to is the noise that starts up after they're shut in their houses in this place. They're not living in the sort of close quarters that he knows so well, yet the sounds so easily itch at his ears as though they were.

He tries to ignore it, until Dimitri gets up.

He waits patiently, until Dimitri doesn't return.

Time ticks by. Yuri doesn't hear signs of either Dimitri or the baby they'd been given, a baby that somehow has resemblance to them both, like a pretty, impossible little doll. He doesn't know what to make of that part, but they're responsible for that baby, and so he ventures out to search for the two.

It takes him a while to locate them — longer than he likes as he drifts through the house. His footfalls are silent on carpeted floors, though they would be regardless; it's a skill borne of years spent as a thief, among other things. What marks his progress is a healing spell he keeps between his fingers, consistently feeding it enough energy to use it as a light rather than tossing it at a target.

Yuri's search eventually brings him to the basement, where he also sees no sign of the two. As he peers into the dark, however, he thinks he hears a familiar voice. ]

...Dimitri, are you down here?

[hauntedsnowfall]

[ Dimitri startles by the sudden noise- his leg twitches out and kicks the closet door that shut them in. It is time. His ghosts are here to claim him. Here to dig their cold bones into him, to pull him down into the deepest pits where he belongs. A monster like him has no ending but this. He's sorry father. So sorry stepmother. Will you forgive him Glenn? He couldn't bring justice, couldn't end their suffering, but maybe... Maybe the professor will continue the campaign. Finish what he could not.

Their voices are louder now. He can hear them. His parents are beckoning. They are ashamed of him, yes, they hiss as much, but now he too will join them. He's missed them so much. A day has not gone by when he hasn't thought of them. Not one. Why did they have to leave him? If only Gustave was a little later he-

He's not alone in the closet. Dimitri can see him. Glenn. He's here too. Here in the dark. He's quiet. Sometimes he appears that way, quieter, harder to see. It's his eyes, they burn like amber, just like how he remembered them. Sharp and as life like. Glenn is pointing, but at what? At Dimitri? No, he's pointing at what- who Dimitri is holding. Sasha. Sasha, his beautiful child.

Sasha isn't safe. When Dimitri looks back to where Glenn was he's gone. He cradles Sasha closer and tries to breathe. He needs to keep his family safe... His family. Where is Yuri? His heartrate spikes again. Yuri. ]

[wolfish]

[ The noise is enough to spur Yuri down the basement steps, the soft glow of his healing spell drifting along with him. He peers into the dark, looking for Dimitri's familiar form, yet he finds nothing but an apparently vacant basement. All is still, with no apparent sign that the other man is down here, yet Yuri had conducted a thorough search.

Where else could Dimitri be, if not down here in the basement? He wonders this anew as he reaches the bottom of the steps, turning to cast his spell's light one way and then the other as he tries to determine where Dimitri could fit. ]

Dimitri, are you down here?

[ He's sure he'll find Sasha wherever Dimitri has gone. Brief as his tenure at the academy was, it had been long enough for Yuri to observe the way the prince was with orphans and cats caught in trees. No doubt he's looking after the baby they'd suddenly wound up with, wherever it is he's hiding. ]

[hauntedsnowfall]

[ He isn't sure... He doesn't know... But that sounded like Yuri. The door is thick, as are the walls, it muffles everything. But that could be Yuri. Is the other man ok? Did the vengeful spirits finally break in? How close were they now? Does he call out? Will they hear? But Yuri isn't safe. Not if he's out in the open.

Bracing Sasha against his chest with one arm, Dimitri reaches up in front of him trying to find the nob. His nails only scrape against wood. The dark is pitch, is total, is... no, not quite, there, just where the door and floor meet, was that green? He drags his hand down the door to the bottom, pushing down the plush carpet to let in more of the light. It is green. ]

Yuri?! Is that you?

[ If he sounds breathy and scared worried nervous concerned, no he doesn't. ]

[wolfish]

[ The scraping momentarily halts his movements, dragging Yuri's attention back toward the wall behind him. Or rather, to the closet. He stares owlishly, wondering briefly whether a rat or some other creature had managed to get into their house.

Except then he's greeted by Dimitri's voice. It sounds so small and anxious to his ears, which immediately begs questions. He crosses the room toward the door, bringing his light with him as he does, for whatever illumination it provides. Could he have flipped the light switch? Yes, but it didn't occur to him, unaccustomed as he is. ]

Dimitri, are you...? [ He trails off, spying Dimitri's fingertips under the door. ] I'm going to open the door, alright?

[ After he announces his intentions, he does just that, gently turning the knob and opening the door. ]

[hauntedsnowfall]

[ As Dimitri draws in a long breath he can feel his lungs rattle. It is him. Relief is mixing within the dread causing the stagnant chill to warm a little. Upon hearing Yuri's words he draws his hand back so the door doesn't catch them. He's trying to keep his breathing steady and even but he can't seem to get enough air in.

When Yuri opens the closet door he finds Dimitri sitting on the floor shirtless and in his night cloths cradling Sasha to his chest. His eye patch is no where to be seen and both eyes wince once the glowing spell shines down on him. The darkness has enveloped him for awhile causing the light to sting a bit. He seems breathless, like he's been running despite being seated. The closet may be small, but it is empty, awaiting things to be put in storage. In direct juxtaposition of the situation, still sounding strained Dimitri asks, ]

Are you alright?

[wolfish]

[ When Dimitri looks as though something genuinely put the fear of death into him, Yuri can't help being surprised by the question. Even now, even like this, Dimitri puts others before himself. He's still the man Yuri believes in, he's sure of that, but he puts the thought aside for now. It's not the time. ]

I think that's my line, finding you down here like this.

[ Yuri drops down for a crouch, looking Dimitri and Sasha over more closely. Neither seems hurt, thank goodness for that. When he couldn't find them, it was impossible to fend off his concerns, even if he knows Dimitri is perfectly capable of defending himself and others. ]

Why are you hiding?

[hauntedsnowfall]

[ Both eyes rover over Yuri's form, looking, searching, trying to see if he is hurt anywhere. See if they have a hand on him, gripping him, like to do Dimitri sometimes. He doesn't see anything. Yuri looks whole, unharried, but he can't tell for certain.

When Yuri crouches down Dimitri shies away from the light, half closing his eyes from the brightness. At the same time though he tries to lean to see around Yuri, see if they had gotten in the base- if they were nearer. His breathing seems to be coming in quicker now. ]

You can't hear them? Of course you can't hear them. Just... get in and close the door... Please, Yuri.

[ It could just be the white of the spell, but Dimitri looks pretty pale. ]

[wolfish]

[ If Dimitri means the noises coming from outside, Yuri hears it. A little too clearly, he might add. He almost responds with that, but Dimitri asks him to join his little pretend family in the closet, and he looks so ill at ease that Yuri can't find it in himself to keep him waiting.

He's seen Dimitri pleading with his ghosts, he's seen him shatter mirrors and dent walls, but he hasn't seen him quite this shaken before. ]

...Alright, I'll join you.

[ He says as much quietly, taking care to step around Dimitri and Sasha. Once he's inside, he pulls the door shut and cautiously sinks down to sit beside them. ]

So this is because of the noise outside?

[hauntedsnowfall]

[ Yuri's calm demeanor is so startlingly at odds with the situation which Dimitri finds them in its a little jarring. Ultimately he's just relieved the other man is safe and accounted for now. Dimitri leans his head against the back wall and tries to even out his breathing. It's blessedly quiet in their small haven and with light, to which he is slowly adjusting to, he can tell they are alone. He tilts his head to look wearily at Yuri, Sasha still cradled safely in his arms fast asleep. ]

Outside? Does this mean they haven't broken the perimeter yet?

[ Perhaps that is why Yuri is so calm... but, no, what about what he saw in the bedroom, the hall, and the nursery? The hand that had touched the back of his neck... ]

[wolfish]

Supposedly, these houses were built to keep whatever's outside from getting in.

[ Yuri offers in explanation, seated beside Dimitri with more poise than anyone should rightly have when hunkering down in a closet. He's too accustomed to being a pretty bit of decor to require particular effort or intent on his part anymore, even if those days are well behind him. ]

I got a good look around while searching for you two, and it's just us in here.

[ He doesn't particulary like being fenced in, but whatever's out there doesn't sound particularly friendly. This is probably safest for them, until or unless they see evidence to the contrary. Right now, they're still getting their bearings in what is once again a new, bizarre form of cage. ]

Rainy Weekend | My life will always be painted in grey

[wolfish]

[ During the weekend, Yuri has observed a certain habit of Dimitri's. Relieved of his duties watching Sasha all day, it's understandable that Dimitri would take some time to himself. What Yuri finds less understandable is the way the man chooses to use that free time to stand out in the torrential downpour.

He knows northerners can handle the cold, but that doesn't stop the way that cold and wet have a way of seeping into a person. Often the result is illness, and considering his personal history, it should be no surprise that Yuri keeps peeking through the blinds to observe Dimitri as he stands there with a growing concern.

By the time Dimitri opens the front door, Yuri is there waiting, armed with several towels he'd warmed using the dryer. A handy machine indeed. ]

Come down here, you're soaking wet.

cw: dissociation

[hauntedsnowfall]

[ Knowing it isn't the best idea has rarely stopped Dimitri from doing something. It's not one of his better traits, he's aware, but there is just something so soothing about standing in the downpour. It quiets his mind like only the battlefield has; drowns out all sounds, all thoughts, and leaves nothing left. Blessed absence of himself. That is likely how he keeps continually losing time in the rain. Dimitri is uncertain how long he has been out here and can't tell if it is darker because it is late or if it's due to a storm of some sort. Either way he can't feel his finger tips so it's probably time to head inside.

An unknown amount of time later Dimitri finally makes his body move to the door. It's moments like this, when he feels himself coming back to himself, that Moorcroft feels truly surreal and strange. He still isn't sure how he got here, although the Net Work has given him some reference points. Overall it's hard to feel real when you're meant to be on a battlefield, but you've bounced from that to a ship that sails the heavens, then to whatever this strange repetitive land this is. Under an overhang shielding the entrance of the house from rain Dimitri pauses a moment to just breathe.

Upon opening the front door to his home? the house a warm light from the entry way cuts across him. This has a twofold effect of making him notice one, that he is cold, and two, that Yuri is there and appears to be glowing. Dimitri blinks a little slowly trying to take in the sudden influx of stimulus. He looks down at himself, truthfully he isn't sure why, he's aware he's been out in the rain, so of course he is wet, this didn't need checking... But he is certainly dripping all over their doorway. Dimitri is a little confused by Yuri's... request? command? words. He is indeed soaking wet, but doesn't that mean he should stay outside to keep the floors dry? Mud can be really tricky to get out of carpet...

What comes out of this confusion is,]

I'm... sorry?

[wolfish]

[ Dimitri appears baffled, but Yuri stands there, resolute and wielding towels still yet. When he doesn't bend to accommodate, Yuri simply tosses a towel over his head. The warmth from the dryer won't last forever, certainly not with Dimitri lingering in the open doorway, and Yuri intends to make what use of it he can. In this case, that means getting that towel on him and getting to work drying the man — head first. ]

If you're sorry, then come inside. [ This said while he makes valiant efforts to dry the man's hair despite a height disadvantage. ] It's cold and wet out there, and cold and wet tend to bring illness with them. Not the kidn of battle you'd want, I suspect.

[ Dimitri may be his country's king, but sickness could find him just the same. The man has never eaten as well as he should or rested as well as he should from what Yuri knows of him, which makes it an even greater concern. Now that Dimitri is done standing there in the rain (he hopes), it's time to do damage control. ]

[hauntedsnowfall]

[ The bafflement only grows when Yuri tosses the clean laundry hadn't I already washed those clean? over his head. It's warm and fuzzy, and now getting dirty. What is Yuri doing??

Dimitri jolts a little when the other man starts pulling the towel this way and that, the touch surprising. Is he being assaulted with linen? When told to come in he does his best to push his way inside, made difficult by being blind and with Yuri immediately in front of him. Dimitri reaches out setting his damp hands on the the other's rub cage so he can move them both inside better, and maybe get the door closed. ]

Will it, ah, am I not making a mess? If you don't want me bringing in cold and wet I can stay outside. [ Dimitri would hate himself if he were to get little Sasha sick from his want of silence. ] Illness is not something I want Sasha or you to battle, you're right.

[ Then he remembers to take his hands off Yuri. The man is just so warm and a very convenient size. Still, he shouldn't get him too wet. With the warmth of the towel and now absent body heat in sharp contrast with the rest of him Dimitri now fights to tamp down a shiver. ]

[wolfish]

[ Yuri doesn't resist being maneuvered, not that he could do all that much about it if he tried. He realizes that he'd launched right into trying to dry Dimitri off when the man didn't respond, and even now he's still at it, ruffling his blond hair dry as best he can. ]

No, I don't want you going right back out there, messes can be cleaned. You're not some stray, and I don't want you to get sick.

[ He stresses this fact, if only to make his intentions clear. They converse most effectively when he speaks plainly, and though it's contrary to his nature to be wholly direct, Yuri understands it works. Dimitri doesn't know how to read him, and it's not advantageous for them under these circumstances.

So he'll be blunt and save them time. ]

With the life you've told me about, you're more likely to fall ill than I am. My— [ He pauses, hesitating, before murmuring ] my mother's the same way. Sickness finds her more easily and wears on longer. I don't want that for you where we can avoid it.

[hauntedsnowfall]

[ Dimitri still has yet to regain his eyesight back with the towel moving too and fro atop his head. His eye patch having been similarly soaked through is now migrating and dragging it's wet form across his face. While contending with this show of force and trying to remain balanced Dimitri isn't exactly sure what is happening. Was Yuri... chastising him? Out of worry?]

Yes- yes, apologies.

[ This is the first time he's heard Yuri mention something personal, at least with any sort of detail. Dimitri makes note of it, adding it to the scraps of knowledge he has of the man he's found himself tied to the orbit of. His collection is small, but he likes to think it is slowly growing.

The cold is definitely starting to make itself known to Dimitri now and his body responds by starting to shiver on occasion. He should... Yuri is right, he should probably do something about this. Dimitri blindly reaches out to cup Yuri's elbows gently. ]

Yuri? While what you're doing is helpful... Perhaps I should remove the waterlogged clothing?

[wolfish]

[ The hands on his elbows are a suggestion, and Yuri accepts it, hands going still. ]

It would be preferable if you'd take those off, I agree.

[ It's also why he has more towels draped over his shoulders like some peculiar, oversize pauldrons. The sooner Dimitri goes from wet and cold to warm and dry, the better. If he could coax him into a bath, that would be ideal, but he's moving one step at a time here.

If Dimitri's cooperating, that's promising. He doesn't want to see the man ailing. Whatever quiet the rain brought to his mind, it shouldn't come at the cost of his health. ]

I've got plenty of towels for you, and got a fire started. Should help.

[ Blessedly, the fireplace is at least familiar. ]

[hauntedsnowfall]

You just so happened to have them prepared?

His tone is inquisitive, if a little teasing. So Yuri is worried about him then. Dimitri lifts the towel off of his face and head leaving the wandering eyepatch to be in plain sight clinging wetly to his cheek. His eyebrows are raised in not so much as an accusation, but something a little closer to amused. His skin is a little paler than normal though, likely from the cold.

Dimitri rests the towel on his shoulder and swivels to close the door. ]

If you don't mind I'll undress here in the entryway. That way I won't track all of this [ Here he motions to all of himself. ] throughout the house.

[wolfish]

Have you ever known me to fail to plan ahead?

[ Dimitri isn't Ashe, he doesn't know how misleading that is. It's fine.

He wouldn't object had Dimitri wanted to peel his damp clothes off somewhere more private, of course, but that does minimize cleanup. ]

Of course I don't mind. [ In fact, he'd joke about the fine view, but he thinks better of it. Instead, he places the towels on an end table within easy reach of Dimitri. ] Use these, and I'll grab you a robe.

[ For Dimitri's sake, in case he has any concern for modesty, Yuri has a perfectly reasonable explanation for excusing himself. The robe is still in the dryer, and Dimitri's pallor concerns him, so having it ready once he's dry would be ideal.

With that in mind, he turns on his heel and strolls off to retrieve the robe. He'd bought Dimitri a baby blue one. No reason. ]

[hauntedsnowfall]

[ Dimitri gives a little hmph, but it's with a smile, so clearly he agrees. His amusement continues at Yuri's 'Of course' and continued efforts to being helpful. Mind you, he isn't sure why this puts him in such a good mood, but he isn't going to look the gifted horse in the mouth. He murmurs to Yuri's back as the other man heads off into the house, ]

"Do as you like."

[ The eyepatch is the first thing to be removed as he begins undressing. It's a little funny to recall one of their fights on the 'spaceship' being about Yuri's behavior and how closely it resembles that of a vassal. The other man had very clearly expressed he was not in his service and felt no obligation to be there. Yet here the man is, continuing to voluntarily help in every way imaginable. Dimitri only hopes Yuri is never taken advantage of. The man is far too kind. Principle seems a far more fitting role than underground crime boss- although, Dimitri recognizes Yuri did exceptionally well in the position.

After peeling off his shirt Dimitri reaches for a freshly warmed towel. It feels decadent, if he is being honest. The luxuries of this world were numerous and a part of him feels guilty for basking in them when the people of their world go without, but... it would also be wasteful to not take advantage of them. Besides, if he learns enough about them perhaps he could replicate them upon returning to their home world.

He slips off his pants and undergarments, taking the socks with them, quickly there after as the clammy cold was starting to sink in. Dimitri keeps the towel he had grabbed around his neck and snatches another to continue drying himself. ]

[wolfish]

[ Yuri takes his time fetching the robe, slowing his typical unusually quick clip down to something more casual. He assumes by the time he returns that Dimitri will have wrapped himself up with the towels, or such is the aim. In accordance with that expectation, his return is slowed as well, warm robe bundled in his arms.

Only it seems he wasn't slow enough, since Dimitri is still toweling himself off. The man has nothing Yuri hasn't seen, so he doesn't so much fluster as freeze on the spot and turn away. It's a swift, almost mechanical motion executed only for the other man's benefit.

Yuri may have become desensitized long ago, but he has no doubt that the same isn't remotely true for Dimitri. ]

Let me know when you're ready.

[ Something he could have said before entering the room again, upon reflection. But there's nothing for it, so he simply tells Dimitri that now, as casually as he might in any other context.

He certainly has a lot of scars though, doesn't he...? ]

[hauntedsnowfall]

[ Maybe he is taking his time to make sure he thoroughly dried himself off... Or, more likely, maybe Dimitri has been taking his time because the warm towels felt so nice. Maybe, rather probably, it is because he had stood there a couple of moments with just his face pressed into it's warmth. Either way, his first indication of Yuri's return is at his voice- what with his face pressed firmly into a towel. Upon looking over it's edge he sees Yuri awaiting a polite distance away with eyes averted. Kind of him, Dimitri supposes, but he has felt so disconnected to polite society over the years it didn't occur to him to be shy about his naked form. After all, when you've spent years on the run it's rare when you have the luxury of privacy, much less a restroom, far less a bath. Still, it seems to make the other uncomfortable, so Dimitri does quick work of wrapping it around his hips. Had he known Yuri to be shy about this sort of thing he would have gone to their room to change. It'd be extra work to dry up his trail, but he'd rather that than upset the man's sensibilities.

So, it's with one towel slung low on his hips and another looped around his neck that Dimitri calls out to him. ]

I'm quite ready... Although, I wasn't aware we had robes...?

[ At least not until Yuri had mentioned it. ]