Let's Waste Time Chasing Cars

[fracturedbeauty]

Who: Yukari and Curufin (closed)
What: The first date of the two adorkable babies
Where: Delight's Bar; The Silent Hill Zone
When: Backdated to January 28
Warnings: Innuendos, updated as necessary. (Curufin broke it, I'm sorry. I should have known better.)


After a flustered conversation of what happened between Yukari's Double and Curufin, Yukari and Curufin confirmed a time and place for seeing each other. Yukari burned the pesky letter from his Double (no sense in keeping around something so uncomfortable), before continuing his beauty regimen. Not that he's taking extra care just because he's going out with his new partner; he's always cared about his looks. But there might be some extras he's putting consideration into just for such an event. You know... just to see if he'll notice. Just a little.

He pulls on his jacket, sheathing his sword, and checks himself as he passes by the mirror in the living room, just to be extra sure. Satisfied with his appearance, he heads out and makes his way to Delight's Bar. Upon his arrival, he looks around for the Elf, to see if he made it there first. With no sign of Curufin, he chooses a table in the corner, in the hopes of being more isolated from the rest of the people in the bar. He drapes his jacket over his chair. Since he's waiting, he orders Curufin a vodka on the rocks and himself a cocktail. It was his remembrance of the first time they were here, after blowing up the Colosseum together. How Curufin could drink straight vodka is beyond him; he must have tastebuds and a throat of steel, but he hopes this will make him happy.

Come to think of it, for a first date, this is certainly no candlelit dinner. All the conversations they had about what delighted them most about people and ideals. He remembers another thing they had spoken of, as well. The Dark Place on the other side of the River. Perhaps he will bring that up after they've had a few and they can finally go explore it together, after talking about it for so many months. Who knows what they'll find? The mystery is part of the thrill, never knowing how much danger you'll get into.

When Curufin arrives, Yukari smiles as he waves over at him, holding up the vodka-filled glass for Curufin to see. Did I get it right? When Curufin walks over to the table, Yukari chuckles at him.

"You're late, Curufin-san. I took my time getting here." He clicks his tongue in mock-disapproval. "What am I going to do with you, hmm?"

Comments

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin has spent the day on Guard matters. First he got up early and went to work on repairing the partially ruined headquarters building, which Rey's double had bombed. Then he showered, changed his clothes, donned his blue sash, and headed out into the city on his regular patrol shift. And after that, he rushed back to his house, showered again, pulled on his best clothes, and hurried to Delight's Bar.

Now, walking through the door, he looks swiftly around, breaks into a smile. He comes to join Yukari at the table in the corner. For a moment, before he sits down, he just looks at his friend, appreciating him. The extra glow and sparkle is obvious. "I'm sorry I'm late."

He sits down and takes the glass of vodka. Oh yes, you got it right. Tastebuds and throat of steel. He lifts the glass to clink it against Yukari's. "You look especially beautiful this evening." Curufin's eyes are glowing as he looks at him.

[fracturedbeauty]

"I suppose I can forgive you, this time." He smiles as he mocks a disappointed, forgiving tone. "But next time, you'll have to make it up to me."

He tolerates being stared at for the moment. He knows it's just Curufin admiring him, and what's the point of dressing up a little more if you don't expect to get noticed? He can at least reason out that much for the newfound attention. There's an excuse to be stared at. He raises his glass to meet Curufin's, sipping it shortly thereafter.

And what Curufin says next causes him to choke on his drink a little. That, he wasn't expecting. He coughs roughly as he feels the burn on his esophagus, trying to regain his composure, and covering his reddened face by hovering a hand over it. He glances through his fingers at the Elf. Just what is he supposed to say to that, in public of all places? He can't say he didn't dress up for him.

"Erm... Thank you..." he manages to sputter out as his coughing dies down. He makes a mental note to get Curufin back for that one later. "What took you so long anyway?"

The faster he can get the attention off of himself, the easier this will go along.

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin laughs. "All right, I suppose I owe you. I'll turn up twenty minutes early next time."

They clink glasses and drink, and Curufin can tell Yukari is a little bit embarrassed by the attention, even before chokes on his drink, turns red, and covers his face. Curufin's eyes soften, and he refrains from teasing the poor man who apparently doesn't know how attractive he is. Or perhaps he knows, but just isn't used to people pointing it out.

"I worked a double shift. Guard Headquarters was damaged by one of the doubles. Apparently, I'm not the only one here with a stash of explosives. So yesterday I volunteered to recruit a repair crew and rebuild the office end of the building, and today we started work. And then I had my regular patrol shift. And then I had to cover for part of somebody else's at short notice. But I should have texted you to say I was going to be late. I thought you'd appreciate it if I didn't turn up all hot and sweaty from fighting a monster who got loose from one of the tunnels, so I dashed home to take a shower."

And to dress up a little himself. He's all in black, as usual, but his swashbuckler-style shirt is black velvet, his boots are polished, and he's braided his side-locks, Elven-style.

[fracturedbeauty]

Yukari's eyebrows shoot up with intrigue.

"You're with the Guard?" Considering he was just harassing Captain Chivalry yesterday. And to come to find out that he's dating one? This is going to be priceless. Yukari can't help but smirk at this new information. He was already planning on giving extra trouble to Henry, but now Curufin's a factor. Curufin might have his hands full at work from now on, because a certain pretty boy has nothing better to do in his time. He wonders if he should start subtly, making it a mystery game of Whodunnit, or if he should start blatantly and make it a game of tag.

"Well, I certainly do appreciate you putting in the time and effort to make sure you're presentable enough to be seen with me." A light taunt in the edge of his tone, there. He does have to admit, though, Curufin looks extravagant in velvet. He smiles as he looks him over more properly. "You do look rather dashing, yourself." He certainly has no problem giving out compliments where he is afraid to accept them.

[so_dark_a_road]

"Yes, did I not mention that?" he asks, blithely. "My son joined when he first arrived here. And so after a while, I did, too, so that I might stand by his side. Of course, it's more complicated than that, now that I am involved. I am very active in the organization."

He grins at the compliment, and all the more so because he can hear the playful taunt in Yukari's voice. "Thank you. I did not want you to be scandalized when a ruffianly soldier came dashing into the bar with his hair uncombed, to sit down at your table and claim to be your date." (Pun intended.)

And he's still looking at Yukari with admiration in his eyes, despite his teasing back.

[fracturedbeauty]

"You hadn't." Yukari chuckles. "What else are you keeping from me?"

That's right, Yukari had almost forgotten that Curufin had family here. Still, it strikes him odd that they would come from a background of war and rebellion and decide that being on the Guard is what suited them best. Although Curufin is certainly not uptight and pompous (unlike his impression of another someone of the Guard), he figured that was the sort of work for the chivalrous; a word he and Curufin had discussed before. It seems rather contradictory to what Yukari expected of the Elf.

Well, at least Curufin's son is in the Guard, too. More fun to be had that way. He'll have to step aside and take the time to learn the Guard to chart some proper harassment techniques.

"Who's claiming what, now?" Yukari scoffs. A date? Who said that's what this was? You did, Yukari. Nevermind that the enhanced appearances of the two make it obvious that it's exactly what it is. "Well, I suppose it's true that all dogs can be domesticated, hmm? Curufin-puppy-san."

Back to that again.

[so_dark_a_road]

"Wouldn't you like to know?" retorts Curufin, chuckling. Never mind that he hasn't in fact got any more secrets. (Well, maybe one or two.)

A background of war and rebellion may be the best background to have when joining an organization of those who believe in law and order. It means Curufin has plenty of practice at what he's supposed to be combating. Besides, he regards it as a possibly temporary gig -- considering that he knows very well that nobody in either Hadriel or his last world, Arda Marred, or for that matter, his first world, the original Arda, can count on permanence of life or permanence of anything, including a job or an employer. This causes him not to worry so much about the implications of his actions or of other people's ideas or expectations -- not even Yukari's. He doesn't think of his guard work as chivalry.

"Oh, now I'm not merely a ruffian, but a dog?" He laughs. He has no intentions of arguing about whether or not this is a date, since it's obvious to both of them that it is. "Well, in that case, maybe I should crawl under the table and chew your slippers?" Wicked grin.

[fracturedbeauty]

"Of course not." He sits back and crosses his legs, feigning disinterest as he pushes his hair over his shoulder. "I was only interested in you. Not what you want to keep to yourself."

Which is, despite his faux-disinterest, the truth. The fun is not always in the conquest, but in what other people want you to know. And then being able to jerk a chain off of that. A lack of knowledge certainly doesn't bother Yukari, it just opens additional doors. And the fact that he is interested in Curufin as a person. A real person, not simply some chew toy that is only there for his amusement. The banter is just a bonus. And, of course, Curufin has shown he will reveal with whatever he's comfortable revealing in due time. If there's something he doesn't know, it's either something he doesn't need to know or will learn eventually.

He's got much larger things to worry about than unknown information, anyway.

"As long as you give me a foot massage while you're there, I suppose I could tolerate you chewing on my slippers." Yukari moves the King behind the Rook. You're going to have to try harder than that, Sir Cheshire Cat. Yukari meets Curufin's grin with a knowing, sly smirk. Your move.

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin knows Yukari doesn't care about the information but does care about the person he's with right now. The banter, of course, is a considerable part of the enjoyment of this friendship, for both of them. Curufin wouldn't miss it for the world.

"Oh, I would certainly give you a foot massage. You'd probably faint from the enjoyment." Curufin's smile is just as knowing, just as sly. There is some doubt as to whether he's actually talking about feet.

[fracturedbeauty]

Yukari catches that undertone, allowing himself to fantasize for the moment what Curufin could be implying. After a few moments, he's pretty sure he understands the drift, and turns an equal shade of red to match.

"What did I tell you about saying such things where anyone could hear?" His tone a mix between embarrassed submission and mild annoyance. If you have to talk dirty, do it in private... I don't care how subtle you think you're being. Nevermind that Yukari is actually kind of curious at this point; he's mentally battling himself just how curious he wants to allow himself to be. Perhaps he'll test it a little later, when they are actually alone. "You really are a ruffian, aren't you." Both publicly and sexually. That fancy attire isn't fooling anybody, you know.

[so_dark_a_road]

"Do you think anybody in Delight's Bar could care less?" he asks with an arch look.

Moreover, in bed, he's a perfect gentleman -- unless requested to be otherwise. But he's not going to tell Yukari this and spoil his image. Yukari is getting too much milage out of being annoyed and curious, and Curufin can see this.

He preens himself, brushing an imaginary spec of lint off one of his his gathered sleeves, folding his graceful hands together on the table, casually displaying his silver ring with its square-cut hematite bezel, smiling his most gentlemanly smile. (However, that just makes him look like a gentleman pirate.)

[fracturedbeauty]

"Yes!" Yukari shouts a little louder than he would have liked, bumping the table in his excitement, before catching himself. Great, now I'm the one drawing attention. He takes a breath. You're doing this on purpose, aren't you? "As a matter of fact, I do. What we do is our business and ours alone. Who knows what anyone who listens in might think."

Despite the reputation of bars, or perhaps because of it, he worries that people will fantasize. And well... Maybe Curufin doesn't mind, but he'd rather not have people pondering what he would look like naked with any subliminal suggestions thereof. He'd also prefer it that people don't imagine Curufin naked, either. He was there first, thank you very much; although they have yet to do anything.

He shoots a glare at Curufin as he mock-preens, mentally comparing him to that pirate. Stealing hearts and women. ...Or men. Just what is the point of this display? Is he being teased or is this something else? He rests his chin in his hand. "And just what do you think you're doing?"

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin looks around to see if anybody is obviously listening. Even the few people who turned their heads when Yukari bumped the table and raised his voice have already returned to their drinks and their own conversations. It's just another night at the bar. Curufin shrugs.

"Very well, have it your way! I'll scrub my speech of dicey references. I'll henceforth be so circumspect that the City Council will give me their Clean Speech of the Year Award." Of course Curufin is joking. Hadriel has neither local government nor pointless civic awards. And neither has he any intention of toning it down, though he will probably do so for a while, just to be kind to his jumpy friend.

And he reacts to the glare with a genuinely kindly smile, though there's still a trace of mischief in it.

"You were giving me the name of ruffian, so I thought I'd play up to it. Really, Yukari, why do you throw me challenges if you don't want me to take you up on them?"

[fracturedbeauty]

Is that what he said to do? When he says it that way, Yukari actually feels as though he himself might be overreacting. I had only wanted... Despite Curufin's smile, he can't help but actually feel a bit guilty. Perhaps he's being a selfish, insufferable child. His voice is lowered as he speaks.

"Because I keep forgetting the way you play is underhanded." He smiles, despite himself. "You really know how to use someone's weakness. I should expect no less from you."

He's just jealous that Curufin has been able to mercilessly attack that weakness several times, and Yukari hasn't even been able to get one. He sets his hand around his cup, keeping his chin in his hand as he looks idly away.

"You don't... have to stop. I guess it wasn't very fair of me to ask that of you."

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin smiles back.

"I do play in an underhanded fashion. I admit it. But I am sorry if I have made you uncomfortable. Sometimes I don't know when to quit; that's a weakness of mine."

Curufin is feeling more than a little guilty as he watches his friend react to Curufin's counteracts. He likes to play, but really, he does't always like the result. Seeing bafflement or defeat in the face of a friend -- especially of one for whom he cares this much -- does not bring him satisfaction, just a kind of sadness.

"You are my friend, Yukari," he says, quietly. "I should not be so inconsiderate."

[fracturedbeauty]

Yukari watches Curufin. He's not sure what else to say. He's not used to someone being apologetic to him; but then, he can't say he's used to being the apologetic one, either. This is weird. Can't they just back up a few steps and pretend this didn't happen? Maybe he'll show a little affection in public. Just this time, though.

Yukari looks around at the bar to make sure no one's noticing as he reaches out to gently takes one of Curufin's hands. He stands up from his seat and leans in close to the Elf, to brush his lips against Curufin's cheek, just under his eye. It's alright. Let's just move beyond this.

As he sits back down, he'll glance around the room again, still allowing his hand to be held by Curufin, slightly blushing. That took alot of nervous effort on his part and he might not make eye contact for a few moments.

"Hey, do you remember that Dark Place you were talking about? Did you... maybe want to explore it tonight?"

Of course, Curufin isn't dressed for such an endeavour, but...

[so_dark_a_road]

To Curufin's surprise and delight, Yukari reaches out to touch him with a hand and then with his lips. Curufin's cheek tingles with that kiss, and he gives his friend a look of tenderness. And Yukari doesn't let go of his hand when he sits down. His nervous glances around the room before and after don't in the least detract from the gesture, nor from the moment. Curufin curls his own fingers around Yukari's, telling him in silence that his peace offering is accepted with gratitude.

But he thinks maybe it would be best if he waited until some other moment to respond in kind. Yukari has just taken a big risk, and he seems to need them to return to something more ordinary for now. Curufin is certainly willing to go along with it, if it will make his friend happy.

"I remember. Yes, we could go tonight, if you like?" He doesn't care about the clothes. Anyway, he has an everyday shirt in his satchel.

He gives Yukari's fingers a very gentle squeeze, indicating that he can let go if he likes. It will be all right.

[so_dark_a_road]

[ OOC: Moved left. ]

[fracturedbeauty]

"I would like that alot, yes." Either way it goes, they will either run into something to enjoy together, or be completely alone. Yukari won't have to worry about prying eyes; or at least that's what he hopes. He certainly hasn't determined how often people travel to such an area. He hasn't heard much of anything about it, though, from other civilians in Hadriel. So, it is his educated guess that people won't be there when they are.

Even with that gentle, reassuring squeeze, Yukari remains holding on to Curufin's hand. That much isn't so bad, not at all. In fact, he finds himself welcoming it in this moment. As though letting go of that hand would take all of his security with it. He didn't expect it to be so comforting as it is. Maybe he could tolerate this much in public on a regular basis. He gives a reassuring squeeze of his own.

"Should we head to your place after drinking so you can properly change, then?" In favour of practicality. He'd hate for that beautiful, velvet shirt of Curufin's to get torn.

[so_dark_a_road]

Yukari is right about that. It's unlikely there'll be anybody else in the Silent Hill area -- people avoid it. And on the pathways that lead to it and around it, there won't be many people, since that area is in the far northwest corner of Hadriel, distant from the more central and frequented areas. Tranquility's temple and the moped lot are the only nearby places likely to draw people, but they are like islands in the darkness.

Curufin smiles when instead of letting go of Curufin's hand, Yukari keeps hold of it. He twines his fingers with Yukari's. He looks into his friend's violet eyes and sees the welcoming, and a shy sweetness that both evokes his compassion and enchants him.

"All right, we'll go to my place so I can change. But what about you?" Yukari has taken some care to dress in his best, too. "Should we run over to your house first?"

[fracturedbeauty]

"And just what am I supposed to do if you peep on me?" Yukari asks half-jokingly. Would he mind? He's not sure. It would probably feel fairly awkward. For that much, he's particularly glad that things didn't progress between his Double and Curufin to the point of exploring each other's bodies. Thank you, Curufin, for having that restraint. Initially, he had no plans to change. But if they're going to be in the housing area for Curufin to get changed, he might as well stop by his place as well.

Yukari finishes his drink before standing up, turning back to Curufin with a sly smile.

"Well? Shall we, then?" In the name of adventure. He's kind of curious to see what it's like where Curufin lives, anyway. Until now, Curufin had always come to him.

[so_dark_a_road]

"I promise faithfully that I will hide my eyes," Curufin answers, with a smile. "In fact, I'll stay in the livingroom and you can shut the bedroom door." Curufin, too, is glad that he did not go further with Yukari's double than affectionate kisses and cuddling. If Yukari ever recovered his double's memories, it would have been an ambush, an insult to him -- at least, that is Curufin's feeling about it.

The one thing he has to thank the double for is that the simple affection he gave to Curufin was something that Yukari himself actually wanted to give. Curufin might not have known for a long time, if ever, how sweet Yukari really was. And if Yukari wants him to know that now, Curufin is very willing.

He finishes his own drink and sets the glass down. "Let us go! We are closer to my house than yours, so we should go there first."

Delight's bar is across a field and a few roads from Delight's Housing, where Curufin lives. They head out into the night of Hadriel. It is always night here. A ten minute walk takes them to the recessed spiral of houses, and along the cement walkway to #06, Curufin's house.

Celebrimbor and Maedhros are both out, Celebrimbor on his guard shift, and Maedros, who has told Curufin he will join the guard also, presumably out on the same errand.

Curufin shows Yukari to a seat in the livingroom and then changes quickly in the bedroom. He emerges in more casual clothing, black jeans and boots and a black shirt and jacket. He is carrying his blue guard sash and he holds it up in his hand with a grin. "Think I should wear this, too? In case we meet any monsters, no doubt they'll see the dreaded emblem and run away immediately!" He is joking, of course.

[fracturedbeauty]

An insult, and an embarrassment. For it may have been Yukari's body, but it wouldn't have been Yukari that Curufin had gotten to know. It would cause an emotional dissonance between them, often making Yukari's actions to the already teasing notions even more awkward. Yukari would probably have shut down around most of it, instead of turning red and behaving like a defensive child. It would have done so much more harm if the Double had succeeded in his goal.

Yukari patiently sits down while he waits for Curufin to come back. As Curufin sweeps back into the room, Yukari's eyebrows shoot up as he sees the sash, reiterating Curufin's compliance to join the Guard.

"Or give them something to strangle you with. They actually make you wear that? They should give you a vest or a jacket. Or even a badge. A sash seems like a poor choice if you're going to end up in battle. Shouldn't the Guard think of such things ahead of time?"

He's actually more mocking the appearance than actually being worried. While it could be a valid point of attack for a particularly skilled and difficult enemy, he's pretty confident Curufin is not so easy to take down.

"Besides, you could get it torn." He stands up, straightening himself. "Unless you're looking to use it as a proper means for them to identify your body after you've been maimed beyond recognition, you should probably leave it here."

Of course, he knows the likelihood after death is resurrection. So, the sash is a moot point altogether.

After they get to Yukari's house, he changes into his usual attire and removes his makeup, ensuring his sword is secured in place. He hardly thinks he'll break a sweat, but just in case, then there's no makeup to smudge and cause a distraction with. He returns to the living room where Curufin has promised to obediently stay while he changed. He gives a chuckle. "Such a good Curufin-san-puppy. You didn't even chew my slippers."

He reaches out to pat Curufin's head in mock praise. "Shall we, then? While the night is still young?"

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin laughs softly. His shoulders shake with that laughter. It is a pleasure to hear Yukari holding forth in his usual style: affection strongly laced with sarcasm. Yukari is clearly feeling much better!

"It's a custom from a world called England, from its fourteenth century. Although I'm not sure what that means -- surely a world that has only been in existence for fourteen centuries would not be so advanced? Anyway, the cities all had a volunteer street patrol, and each city had its own color. The sashes were worn crosswise, to distinguish the guards from other townsmen. Sashes were a thing, in that time! Big, ostentatious, brightly colored swathes of fabric, tied around a person's middle. The guards of different cities considered themselves the rivals, and if they met, they might drink together amiably or they might break each other's heads. I know this because I found a book in the library that described it." Still chuckling. He wags a finger like a teacher in a school of history.

He picks up his sword in its sheath and hooks it onto its harness and arranges it behind his shoulder, and leaves the sash at home. The only reason for bringing it out was to goad Yukari into teasing him about it, so that they might both enjoy the humor.

Once they arrive at Yukari's house, he keeps his word and sits quietly smiling in the living room. When his friend comes out of the bedroom without makeup and in less dressy clothing, Curufin looks up as his head is patted.

"I couldn't very well chew your slippers, now could I? They were in your bedroom with you. I had to make do with a couch pillow or two. I hope you don't mind." He grins.

And then he stands up and picks up his sword and puts it back in its scabbard with a snick "Let's go. We have all night to get into trouble."

And off they go, cutting across the open lawn with its few paths and roads. They come to Delight's temple and skirt it around the back, and then they arrive at the bridge below the dam. Dark water flows beneath that stone bridge, lapping the grassy shores with its quiet current.

Tranquility's temple soon looms up before them, shining white in the darkness. It had been the scene of a number of duals during those days of the invasion of the doppelgangers. Curufin had been there himself. He eyes the temple with considerably less approbation than he did Delight's temple when they passed it.

On their left, the moped lot appears with its rows of handy machines of transport. They encounter only a few people during the entire walk, and all three of these are taking mopeds out of the lot and heading back towards the town center.

On the far side of this lot and the temple, the atmosphere begins to change. A light mist rolls along the ground, slightly obscuring the grass. There is only darkness up ahead, though at this point, the light from the temple still shines faintly and causes Yukari's and Curufin's bodies to cast long dark shadow-silhouettes on the ground, and increasingly, on the mist.

"We're getting near the place," murmurs Curufin.

[fracturedbeauty]

"Ah, I bet that was Captain Chivalry's bright idea for the sashes then." Remembering how simply saying medieval had offended the pompous knight, Henry, after he had met him in the bar. After having to explain it's definition. That Guard jumps to his defenses perhaps far too quickly. "I suppose I shouldn't be so surprised at his valiant efforts then, sounding just as primeval as ever." Feel free to give him that message for me, if you like.

Yukari smirks at Curufin. "Are you certain you're not into asphyxiation, wearing such a garment in the attempt to taunt your enemies?" Dating back to the conversation he and Curufin shared about the birds and the bees of BDSM regarding Beren. "I'll bet you really get off on it."

Yukari clicks his tongue at the mention of his poor sofa pillows, tilting his fingers under Curufin's chin.

"Well, I was going to give you a kiss as a reward for being such a good boy, but if you admitted to that, I suppose I can't now, can I?"

It's a little underhanded, and he's quite sure it can backfire on him, baiting Curufin like that. He tries to mentally steel himself against whatever the Elf might throw back at him for such a comment. How well that will work is strongly up for debate.

He happily lets Curufin lead the way, sidestepping trench and tower, and taking particular notice of the scenery as they go along. He sees the moped lot as they approach the darkened zone. He'll have to give Tranquility another reprimanding message later. That God seriously lacks foresight in what he is trying to achieve. But, seeing the mist flow gently in and out before them is no less satisfying, the light from the temple casting a delightfully eerie glow upon the scenery before them. It feels almost too silent in the moments before they enter the fog, with only Curufin's voice breaking that silence, and barely at that.

The lowering of Curufin's voice causes Yukari to simply nod in response, drawing his sword looking carefully into Curufin's eyes before they proceed forward. They have no idea what awaits them in this fog. And fog can be a source of hardly noticing an enemy before it's too late. For the moment, he'll stay silent as they walk along, glancing around at the thickening fog ever further. As though instinctively, Yukari hovers closer to Curufin. He's never seen Curufin battle, but Yukari knows himself well enough to be fast, and will allow himself to serve as a distraction to whatever might attack them so Curufin has a chance to focus. That's how joint combat works.

Of course, he won't say out loud that he's keeping Curufin under the safety of his gaze, Auras ready to shoot up at a moment's notice if need be. He also isn't saying out loud how comforting it is to have Curufin this close to him, especially away from everyone else. He gives another stern look-around, using all of his senses to detect the presence of enemies that might be nearby. But, thus far, he feels nothing. Not another living creature besides the two of them. He supposes, so long as nothing arises, it's okay for the moment to embrace his free hand around Curufin's. And so, gently, delicately, he reaches out his hand to Curufin's, giving a firm squeeze for tenderness and support as they wander.