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Well, it went without saying that it would suck. Just about anything would suck, the way he was feeling lately, and traveling abroad would probably be harrowing enough even without the promise of meeting his parents on the other side of the journey. But, well... it didn't seem like there was a whole lot of choice.

He drew another long breath. It was still perfectly terrifying, and it certainly didn't get any less terrifying through more thorough consideration. He was beginning to wonder if he'd ever really stood his ground against his father, and judging from the fact that he'd run away from home without saying anything and only interacted with his family at all through one-way letters stating that he was well, the answer to that wonder was probably a probably a resounding 'nope.'

The shoulder Yuri's hand found was tense and did not relax in spite of the smile its owner feigned. "I guess," he said vaguely, "though I think I'd prefer if it didn't have to be a risk in the first place." Couldn't always get what you wanted, though. At least he had a better idea of what he could do.

He gave a slight nod in reply, in expression of the gratitude that couldn't find appropriate words to convey itself. The sudden demand that he eat took Luke off guard, leaving him to blink in a brief surprise before responding with a mild shrug and a quiet "sorry." That was the problem, after all: he couldn't remember to eat if he didn't have the appetite for it. He recovered the bowl that had been set aside - it had gotten a bit lukewarm, but he wasn't especially concerned over the temperature - and complied with Yuri's request.

In a way, Luke was grateful to have Yuri's attention away from him. His facade was far from perfect, but he was still making valiant - and tiring - efforts to disguise his disposition. He crouched when Repede approached him, laying a hand on the dog's head gently. It was easy to think that the situation would be easier to consider if he had Mieu at his side, but the trainer was innately aware that the Flareon had the power to change absolutely nothing. He bit his lip harshly, brow furrowed, and contained a passing shudder before pulling his hand away and rising once more. Another controlled breath. It was feelings of uneasiness like these that caused the uncomfortable patterns in his heartbeat. He moved to seat himself and ate small bites from the cooling curry in silence; he had accepted the offer of food, and he didn't intend the rudeness of discarding it.

He raised his head with an expression that was like a smile without the emotion of one. "Yeah," he said, nodding. "Thanks-- or rather, sorry, I guess... for barging in here and just throwing all this stuff down." Did he feel better for it? Maybe, maybe not. Half and half, perhaps. Some worries were assuaged, some increased. Just because he wasn't the best at wearing a facade didn't mean he wouldn't try, though.

Luke nodded, uttering some vague sound of acknowledgement. Though his attempts at disguising the unpleasant emotions from his expression could be graded highly for effort, he did not make a similar effort to conceal his gratitude. "Thanks," he said. "I've really been nothing but trouble, but you're always helping me out with stuff. I really appreciate it." Sort of an understatement, given the context. There was a lot to be said for knowing that others were standing with him. Many of his experiences in Kodo had been painful, but he never would have known such support had he remained at home.

It was a big enough deal to Luke. He wasn't sure what he would do if he had to react to the situation alone. He wasn't especially thrilled about his decision, but at least it was a decision. It was better than sitting around wondering what to do with the risk of death looming ever closer.

He didn't linger in Yuri's company much longer; though the older swordsman had already said that he didn't mind Luke's presence, he still felt reluctant to overstay his welcome. The light conversation that followed was soon brought to a close, farewells exchanged, and Luke moved to return to his own home. He breathed a sigh as he walked. If he was going to do this, it was probably to do so sooner rather than later...