I'm still a delicate flower, you know

“Probably because he has a softer heart than I do.” He stretched as he stood, casually making sure the men trying to impress Dorothea with their volleyball skills were looking.  “How about you accompany for one this time?”

“Or he’s just waiting for the moment it would most embarrass me.” Because messing with people was such a top hobby of his. 

“You are so very easy to read.” Finally he got up.  “Claude’s too smart for any of those tactics, anyway.  I’m looking for cheap thrills, not a commitment.” He waved a hand.  “I’m going to get something to cool down.”

“You think I would learn I can’t fake anything around you.” She let out a small annoyed sigh. “Or him, but at least he hasn’t called me out yet.” 

That had him laughing.  “And what does it matter to you, since you have no specific target?  Or are you afraid he’d actually go for it and I’ll have him all to myself this weekend?”

So that was on purpose. “When I say I have no specific target i mean... well it’s like I draw a really big circle.... and Claude just happens to be in that circle.” She was trying to play it off very nonchalantly even though she knew Yuri was smarter than that.

“Hmm, I suppose.” He wasn’t going to call her out on it this time. “Perhaps I can get Claude in with the sunscreen plea.”

“Well good. And that is why it needs protection.” He shifted under the umbrella. “And what about yourself, Hilda? Any aspirations for the weekend?” His eyes went to Claude, who was playing volleyball with some of the others.

“You make fun, but my skin is one of my most precious assets.  My skincare routine is likely leagues more intricate than yours.”

“I have, and she’s certainly a sight to behold, though not much more than usual.  Though you bring up a good point.  Simply laying here under an umbrella won’t get me anything.”

“I may consider it.  Or I might be busy by the time the sun goes down.  It all depends on if I attract any attention.  I was honestly hoping to get some of Dorothea’s admirers after she rejects them.”

“There are bound to be a lot of them, I mean did you see what she’s wearing? I hope it’s enough for her to get the real attention she desires, but the girl has her work cut out for her.” Hilda had seen a lot of dense people, but honestly Ingrid had to be in the top five. 

“Why let someone else tell me second-hand when I could be here to see it for myself?  It’s certainly been an interesting few months.  I wasn’t going to miss potentially large developments.  And maybe see some good-looking men in skimpy swim suits.”

“I see you have your priorities in check. Plus swimsuits are as cute and fun to wear as they are to look at. Even if you don’t like the sun, it’s the perfect vacation. No assignments, no sitting in lectures, no training, the professor may be here but at least she’s the chillest one.” The jury was still out on if Dunban would rain on any parties, but she wasn’t about to let that stop her.

“I do abhor the sun.  On the other hand, I couldn’t give up the opportunity to see my fellow students make fools of themselves while their guards are down on vacation.”

“That’s quite the dedication. I guess you’re lucky shade can be found even here.” Yet she couldn’t blame him, their group had gotten larger since the first suggestion and there was bound to be entertainment. 

@axeofgoneril​

Is that Yuri?  Was he even with the party that traveled to the beach?  Who knows. But he is definitely hiding under an umbrella and has applied copious amounts of sunscreen.

“Oh!  Um, you know those teddy bears dressed in armor you see a lot in gift shops?  My family started making those when I was just a baby, and now they’re pretty popular.”