I have these two in my head now. Badly. Every time I play the game I see something else that reminds me how these two are SO CANON even if they're not.

Again I own nothing.

It was ridiculous really. The conflict Commandant Flynn Scifo faced. The conflict that constantly plagued his thoughts. That plague known best as Yuri Lowell.

Flynn couldn't recall all the times he grew so frustrated at his best friend that he hit him. He couldn't help it, honestly. Yuri had a knack for saying all the wrong things. And he hardly EVER shut up. He was always asking for trouble. Making people worry, not considering how his actions would affect others. Honestly, knowing Yuri had shed some much needed years off of Flynn's life. Being the Commandant of the Imperial Knights created the stress needed to do the rest. As he sat in his office, with a mountain of paperwork, he paid little attention to his surroundings. They were typically safe, unless Yuri Lowell decided to 'grace' him with his presence. So far today Flynn's work was carried out in peace. Normally this would make Flynn happy.

But he wasn't.

Surely Yuri would pop in at some point and annoy the ever loving crap out of him. Distract him from his work and infuriate him. Not that he'd come to enjoy the verbal sparring with his best friend. No way, he shook his head and signed off another form. Yuri was giving him a break, he should be enjoying this! So why was the thought of Yuri elsewhere grating on his nerves? Was he too good to come say hi to his best friend?

Come on Yuri, hurry up! He thought as he angrily signed off another request for supplies. Flynn paused. Did he really just think that?

Simply ridiculous.

After what felt like forever in the office something finally disrupted the peace. "I wouldn't want to bother our pride and joy Commandant when he's thoroughly enjoying his paperwork, but I need a moment." called a voice from the window. Flynn fought off the impending surge of anticipation and the twitch of his eyebrow.

"Must I kindly remind you there is a door and you should use it?" was his reply, eyes never leaving his work. A shuffle and sounds of boots approaching only made his heart beat faster in his chest.

"I see you're in as crappy a mood as ever." came a sharp retort, and Flynn sighed, turning his gaze to the unruly trespasser. His breath caught in his throat as he gazed upon his best friend. For whatever reason, Yuri was dressed elegantly. The crest of the Union embroidered on his dark uniform, and a long flowing cape donned his muscular frame. His midnight tresses pulled back into a ponytail, Yuri looked...well Flynn couldn't think straight. The room suddenly grew very hot and Flynn felt the need to loosen his collar.

One word did fly out of his mouth. Damn.

"That wasn't the reaction I was expecting." Yuri blinked in confusion. "You're not falling over laughing or calling me horrible names. You're not sick are you?" he stepped forward to place a hand on Flynn's forehead, causing Flynn to snap back to his senses. He bat the hand away.

"No I was just surprised. How did someone manage to pin you down long enough to get that on you? And what did they threaten to get you to keep it on?" he asked quizzically. Yuri let out a snort.

"No one threatened me. I happen to like this sort of thing."

Silence.

"Ok so there's a story to it." came the nonchalant shrug from Yuri. "Care to elaborate?" Flynn asked, raising an eyebrow. However he knew how this was going to go. How it always went. Another shrug. "Nah, it's boring."

Seriously, why did Flynn even like this guy? He was infuriating! "If you're not going to talk then go away, I have work to do."

As Flynn turned away he could hear Yuri scoff. "Suit yourself. The guilds are holding a celebration marking the appointment of the new Union leader. Harry protested the idea at first but the people need a break some time or another after post-world saving reconstructing. I told them playing dress up wasn't my thing but they didn't seem to care. If it weren't for some lame bet with Kaufman I wouldn't be in this mess." Flynn pretended to be more concerned with his work. What did he care about this celebration? It was a guild matter and he was sure the Knights were to have no part in it. They may have made peace but they still kept to their own affairs. " Anyway I came to invite you so I wouldn't be stuck being eye candy all night."

Flynn huffed at that. "Like you wouldn't enjoy having women ogle you. I'm too busy to kick back and relax like you. Find someone else with time on their hands to keep you entertained." At that he expected Yuri to return with a sarcastic, aggravating comment. And Flynn in turn would snap back and they'd bicker as they always do. However the footsteps retreating to the window made him pause. Yuri hadn't said a word. Was he...angry with him?

He didn't enjoy leaving things on a bad note when it came to their meetings. He hated it. They spent so many years dancing around the issues of their jaded friendship that it took a world catastrophe to fix it. Now that the world was at peace, he really wanted things to improve between them. "Yuri..." Flynn called out in a last attempt to get Yuri to stay.

"I get it Flynn. I'm sorry I bothered you." And with that Yuri effortlessly hopped out of the window and out of sight. Flynn simply gaped at the open window. Yuri was honestly upset about that! A knock at the door snapped him from his stupor and he called out to whoever it was, permitting them to enter. It was Sodia.

"Commandant I've received reports that the Union is to have a large celebration tonight."

"Yes...I've already been made aware." he answered absentmindedly. "Yuri just stopped by."

Sodia's uncomfortable gaze went unseen. "The Union asking Lady Estellise to attend...what were they thinking?" Flynn glanced over at her in surprise. Yuri hadn't mentioned that at all! "Yuri...neglected to mention that. I will go speak with Lady Estellise." he added as he stood up.

"Sir, with all due respect, the capital is in a precarious situation right now. Surely it would be better for her to remain here." Sodia objected, following him out of his office.

" The Union likes her. Her travels with Brave Vesperia have made her quite the ambassador on behalf of the Empire. And..." he paused, almost bitterly before adding the next part. "She misses Yuri." Mentally he scolded himself. He had no reason to be jealous of the two. There wasn't anything going on. But the way Estelle's eyes lit up when Yuri occasionally visited...he could tell. She liked him. A lot. "If we want things to continue to go well between the Empire and the Union, we have to show we trust them. Brave Vesperia will make sure she is safe." the tone his voice took meant the discussion was over. Sodia simply nodded in defeat.

Flynn arrived at Estelle's quarters and knocked. "Lady Estellise, are you there?"

A moment later the door opened and Estelle greeted them happily. Motioning for them to come inside and closing the door behind them Estelle smiled. "What can I do for you Flynn?"

"The Union has expressed their desire for you to attend their appointment ceremony this evening. I initially thought against this, but it is imperative to maintain the peace we fought so hard to gain. If you would like to go, I will take you." Flynn explained. Estelle looked to the side in thought, and he knew she was contemplating what was in the best interest of everyone. "The choice is up to you. It's what you want to do."

"I want to go!" she answered almost immediately after Flynn spoke. "I've never been to a guild celebration before! And we can see all of our friends! Yuri will be there too..." his stomach twisted a bit at how her tone went to that of fondness. "We have to make sure he doesn't get into any trouble." Estelle continued with a laugh. He smiled weakly. "You're right. Then please get ready as soon as possible." Flynn left and returned to his own room. He paced around the room trying to get ready, placing and replacing things until he was satisfied. Sodia watched before letting out a sigh. Flynn should be worried about other matters. This was not something he needed to partake in.

"Sir with all due respect I don't think you should be going. Allow me to escort Lady Estellise." Sodia pleaded as Flynn finished his preparations.

"No, I need you to stay here and take care of things at the Capital. I must be the one to be responsible for Lady Estellise. Besides I...owe Yuri an apology." Little more was said on the matter before Flynn collected his things and started out the door. A Knight informed him that Estelle was still getting ready and would meet them by the exit as soon as she could. As Flynn and Sodia reached the steps of the castle she broke the silence.

"Why..." Sodia mumbled. Flynn stopped and looked at her, almost unsure of what she was talking about until he recalled his words a few minutes ago. "I..was really harsh to him earlier. It wasn't necessary. I know Yuri works hard on behalf of the Union. I know he pushes himself more than anyone. Yet I...told him otherwise. It was wrong and I don't want him to think I really feel that way." Flynn answered, before starting to walk down the steps.

"No I meant why do you always act like this when Yuri in involved? I know he is your friend. But the way you act whenever he's mentioned...it that of more than a friend."

Flynn stopped in his tracks to think about that. Did he really act all that different when it came to Yuri? His reasoning seemed to falter, if something happened to the other man his heart beat painfully. These were feelings he thought were associated to being best friends with someone. However he didn't feel that way when Sodia was around. Or Estelle or anyone else he spent constant time with. Just Yuri. Always Yuri. He smiled to himself as it came to him. He felt silly for waiting this long to see it. He turned his head over his shoulder.

"I guess it's because I love him." and Flynn continued on his way, making sure not to catch the look on his second in command's face as he went. He knew she would be disappointed. And she was, but she was also more than disappointed. She let a tear escape her eyes before darting back into the castle. She cursed herself bitterly. Don't ask questions you don't really want to know the answer to...she thought.

Luckily for Estelle and Flynn, they wouldn't have to take a boat or ride horses to their destination. Judith had returned to Zaphias after taking Yuri back to Danghrest and was waiting by the exit with Ba'ul. "I had a feeling you would come around. Even if it were in the best interest of Estelle." she smirked with an all knowing tone. Estelle hugged her friend and took off towards the cabin to drop off her things. That left Judith and Flynn alone. Judging from the glance Judith threw Flynn, he could deduce that she already knew what happened between the two guys. As if reading his mind, she started the conversation.

"He was really hurt you know. I'm not sure you're aware of this or not, but Yuri is so busy these days with guild matters he doesn't get to relax. Kaufman had to make a bet on a game of poker just to get him to partake in the celebration." Judith started, looking over at the young knight. Flynn looked down.

"I know what I said was uncalled for...I really had no idea what Yuri was going through." he said apologetically.

Judith pat him on the head. "I'm sure you saw what he was wearing. Kaufman is making him a dress up doll as part of his penalty for losing. The one in store for this evening...I can't wait to see it. Harry has made Yuri a 'white knight' so to speak. A savior of the Union for his deeds as part of Brave Vesperia. All of us have high honors tonight but we all agree Yuri deserves the most."

Flynn's chest swelled with pride and agreement to Judith's words. It was about time Yuri was accredited for the things he had done for this world. He meant what he'd said when he was proud to call Yuri Lowell his friend.

"He's caught the eyes of a multitude of women in Danghrest also. No doubt they will use tonight to make their move on him. I know Yuri's not the type to settle down but if he starts to feel like staying in one spot will be less bothersome for people well..." she trailed off thoughtfully, completely aware of the horror-stricken face of the blonde man. After a brief silence Judith started to walk away. "Yuri once told someone that he didn't deserve a place next to you. He was simply waiting for the right person to come along. Do you think you could watch someone unworthy of Yuri stand by his side?" she asked, leaving him with that question.

Flynn stared at the land below, as they crept closer and closer to Danghrest. He closed his eyes, trying to picture someone he hardly knew being with Yuri. Someone else Yuri would open up his actual self around. He grit his teeth at the thought of someone receiving that smile reserved only for Flynn.

No, he thought resolutely, clenching his fists. No he couldn't watch someone else stand by Yuri's side. Only someone who knew him, cherished him, would be worthy.

And tonight he would make sure to show Yuri he was just that person.

This'll be a two part story even though I could finish this in one chapter. I like a little suspense now and then. Plus a friend of mine wants to take a crack at Yuri's evening outfit and I thought I'd give her a chance to do it. =)