@vdova ; video

[waytodie]

[Her hair is in two messy twin braids. Her eyes are glassy. The sharp-eyed might notice she's probably, definitely drunk. The less-so might just assume she's overly tired. Her tongue presses into her cheek as she considers how to start this one, but in the end she just rips the bandaid off quickly: ]

So, tell me, how is it that you handle grief?

[She probably won't be elaborating on why she's asking, unless she has a certain level of familiarity with you, but you can try. People closest to her probably already know what this is really about: Her sister is gone. From Moorecroft. From Etraya. From the top side of the dirt. Gone and back to dead, and Yelena is spiraling.]

Comments

[wolfish]

[ His eyebrows pinch together for the barest of moments upon hearing her elaboration. Her sister was a hero, had died? Had died before this, or during? It's something Yuri can't and doesn't venture to ask.

Instead, he smooths out his expression and focuses on the easier subject. ]

Is that so? In that case, I'm pleased to correct the omission. [ Airily, as though he can erase the memory of that one perturbed moment of unease. ] I find it's ever the better if you cook for or with someone. Nice little bonus to see someone enjoy your handiwork.

[ An understatement. It's his favorite part. But that's personal bias. ]

[waytodie]

[She smiles, it's weak and small, but it's there, and that's not insignificant in a moment like this one.]

I don't even know who I would cook for. Or with. [She purses her lips a little.]

[wolfish]

Personally? I'm a fan of hearty eaters. You know, the types whose enjoyment of a meal is plain on their faces.

[ Yuri certainly has preferences. Coming from a country steeped in unending food poverty, seeing someone devour a meal with gusto holds an odd significance to him. But he also just thinks it's cute. Personal tastes.

Concerning her case, he brings a hand to his chin with a hum. What's good general advice for someone who doesn't necessarily want to watch people descend upon meals like a famished bear? ]

But that being said, you can't go wrong with someone you like the company of. Even if their cooking is abysmal, keeping an eye on them and putting out their fires can be a fine distraction.

[waytodie]

Distractions sound nice. [A whole slew of them, in as many forms as she can take. It's part of why she made this post, after all, isn't it? She did not want to sit alone in her own head.]

[wolfish]

Then my vote's picking whoever suits your fancy. So long as the company's pleasant, it should be diverting.

[ Yuri knows well that sometimes, keeping busy is the best one can do. Good company always helps, because one can't get too mired in their own thoughts. ]

Or even mutiple people, if you're game for it.

[waytodie]

I think I might have a friend come over. We will see where it goes.

[Aerith is on her way, and she's pretty good company, even if Yelena doesn't know her that well.]

[wolfish]

Good to hear it. Feel free to reach out if you find yourself wanting for a particular sort of recipe, alright? I might have something good to offer.

[ And if his ideas don't suit, Mercedes might have a good suggestion. ]

[waytodie]

I'll keep you in mind.

[Beat.

She blinks.]

Oh- I'm Yelena, by the way.

[She didn't exactly do much in way of introductions with people on this post, they sort of just jumped right into the deep end of heavy conversations if they chose to engage with her here at all.]

[wolfish]

[ Yuri doesn't miss a beat in responding— ]

Call me Yuri.

[ They had more pressing matters to discuss than names, but since they've gotten to it, he gives her the name most of his world would know him by. ]

I'll wish you luck... And condolences for your loss.

[ It's not a platitude, coming from him. ]

[waytodie]

Thank you, Yuri. I appreciate you reaching out to me, even though you do not know me.

[She hadn't expected so many people to come to her when she made the post, if she's honest. It's a little overwhelming, in a sort of good way.]

[wolfish]

You reached first, yeah? We'd be a callous bunch if we didn't reach back.

[ He says it almost too airily, despite meaning it. ]

Just...be gentle with yourself, alright? Loss is a heavy weight to carry, even with an extra hand or two.

[waytodie]

Yeah, but you didn't have to. It means a lot.

[She nods a little.] I will try. Thank you.

[wolfish]

[ Well, since she insists, he'll demur no more. ]

Anytime. We're in this mess together.