Title: I Like Your Style

Fandom: Fire Emblem: Three Hopes

Characters/Pairing: Yuri Leclerc/Ashe Ubert, implied Constance von Nuvelle/Hapi. Annette Fantine Dominic, Balthus von Albrecht.

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: Not mine, anything mentioned here by name isn't mine

Warnings: Alludes to Yuri's past with Rowe/past trauma, allusions to alcohol poisoning and drinking in general.

--

“Thank you so much, Ashe,” Annette said for the fourth time. “I can’t believe that the Lizards bailed on me like that! If it weren’t for you, I don’t know what I’d do.”

“You would’ve sung that song you’ve been working on, and everyone would have loved you.” He was employed as a bartender at Annette’s, but tonight Ashe was earning his pay another way. After the hired act had ditched poor Annette for a supposedly higher-paying gig at Pallardó’s (Ashe took some pleasure in the knowledge that they would never actually see a paycheck), she had no choice but to turn to the amateur who carried his older brother’s keytar with him for good luck, even if it was heavy on the bike ride to work and back.

Annette shook her head so fast that her braids spun around her head. “Nope. Not when everyone interprets my lyrics as this weird edgy experimental thing when I just wanna sing about cute stuff.”

“Edgy’s not bad. The Savage Mockingbird was edgy.”

Annette gave him a look. “You’re only saying that because you had a crush on the Savage Mockingbird.”

“I did, but that doesn’t mean I’m wrong.” He tested a few keys. He would never be as good as Christophe or Reggie, but Christophe had passed away and Reggie… well, he would find Reggie one day. Seeing Reggie again was the one reason Ashe still pretended that he could become a professional musician one day. If Reggie was safe and sound, he would have happily declared himself a passionate amateur and taken that offer from Dedue to work full-time at his restaurant. But there was the occasional lead in the music world. Someone remembered Reggie or had seen someone who looked like him. It wasn’t much, but it was enough that Ashe kept pretending he’d make it big in the music biz one day when someone with his talent could hope for networking with modestly successful opening acts at the best.

“Well, maybe you can channel some of the Mockingbird’s edginess into your performance tonight. The crowd is rowdier than usual,” Annette said guiltily as she undid a few buttons on his uniform top to give him a more rebellious air. Then she gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Don’t worry, I’ll give you a fantastic intro. You’ll kill them.”

Ashe nodded. At this moment, he just wanted to help his employer/friend. This was no time to ruminate on the Savage Mockingbird or even Reggie.

--

A few hours earlier…

“If you keep ruminating like that, Yuri-bird, you’re gonna get wrinkles,” Hapi reminded him as she strummed her guitar.

“I’m not ruminating,” Yuri replied, still absorbed in an article about the Mystical Songstress having yet another success.

“You’re pretty successful yourself.” Hapi’s voice wasn’t much louder than her guitar, but her blunt tone got Yuri’s attention nevertheless. “And Dorothea’s super nice. I don’t wanna be her rival. I don’t think you really wanna be her rival, either.”

Yuri bristled. “Oh, so you can read minds now?”

Hapi shrugged. “Not so much that as I’ve been working with you long enough to know how you think.” She put down the guitar, walking to where he sat. Gently, she took away the magazine from his grasp. She placed it on the table upside down, hiding Dorothea’s dazzling smile from their gaze. “Yuri-bird, we’re doing okay. We live in a mansion.” Her expression was surprisingly gentle as she then said, “Why don’t you just tell me the real reason why you have beef with Dorothea?”

“Hapi, you should know by now that I don’t give secrets away unless I absolutely have to… but thanks for your concern,” he conceded. “You’re right; I need to stop obsessing about a woman whose one crime is being too good for the world.”

“And that murky contract business neither one of you will talk about, but as you say, business is business,” Hapi supplied helpfully.

“Exactly,” Yuri said, pointing at her approvingly. He allowed himself to stand up and stretch. “We may be doing okay, but we also need to fund our tours and concerts. And pay the fines when somebody lets Constance loose with a laser.”

Hapi chuckled. “You’re never gonna let me live that down, hunh? In my defense, I didn’t know that the laser was real. Also, it was funny as heck.”

“Spoken like someone that didn’t need to talk to the authorities of three different counties after that.” A thought occurred to him. “You know, we didn’t start out in a mansion and with lasers.”

“Nope. You were looking for a way to crawl back into the music world after that business with Dorothea, Coco and I were runaways playing gigs to pay for food, and Balthus was this close to dying from alcohol poisoning.”

“And we pulled together and conquered the music world regardless. You know, I think we need to go back to that, if just for a night. Maybe we’ll rediscover something about ourselves creatively.”

Hapi gave him a thoughtful look. “Only if we don’t have to give up all our stuff. I kinda like Balthus being alive, having food whenever I want it, and Coco being happy for once. Speaking of Coco, she’s going to hate your plan.”

Yuri smirked at her. “Mark my words, Hapi. The Shady Lady is going to love it.”

--

“How dare you bring the glorious Ashen Wolves to such a gauche establishment, Yuri!” Constance scowled, fanning herself with a bar napkin she had folded in an elaborate pattern that contrasted violently with the rowdier atmosphere. “I fear for both Balthus and my beloved Hapi’s morality.”

“Hapi is taking full advantage of the free nachos policy while she cruelly watches me eat crow.” He motioned to Hapi, who was cheerfully stuffing herself next to Constance. Hapi waved, then returned to eating. “And c’mon, this place is Balthus culture! He’s already run into some old friends—”

“Who will undoubtedly drive him into even further debt over a ‘friendly’ game of poker—”

“I made him give me his cash and cards before we left. Give me some credit, Shady Lady.” He ignored her offended scoff and continued. “Look, like it or not, we need new talent.” The Ashen Wolves were an amazing band with a raw sound that could not be duplicated. But the Mystical Songstress Dorothea Arnault? She was glamorous and glittery, her beauty and charm enchanting all who saw her. Annoyingly enough, she was also talented and business savvy, having the sense to wrestle back control of Mittelfrank Records despite all of Yuri’s schemes. No wonder everyone loved her and wanted to be with her… or be with the pale imitation.

Yuri downed his diet soda in one gulp. He needed to remember Hapi’s words. Now was not the time to ruminate on the past. He needed to think about the future, and the Wolves needed a new talent if they wanted to keep their bark. They were already good. Constance’s vocals were unforgettable. Hapi was the best bassist in the world. Balthus was their jack of all trades, playing the drums or the sax as needed. His friendliness also made him a crowd favorite, especially with the moms of the edgelord kids that made up the bulk of their audience, thus doubling their merchandise sales. But they needed something that would make them stand out. Something… well, not soft. Dorothea had the market cornered when it came to soft. And soft wasn’t their style. What they needed was something melodic, but still intense. Something…

Was that a keytar?

… It was. The bar owner, a tiny redhead, was explaining that the Limp Lizards couldn’t make it tonight, but weren’t they lucky that the waiting staff was so talented? The audience seemed to doubt their luck as their shouts drowned out the keytarist’s opening notes. Luckily, Yuri’s hearing was sharp. Through the cussing and screaming, he could make out the melody—the soulfulness of the music. Okay, he was talented. But could the keytarist, a silvery-haired slip of a thing, deal with the pressure of a rough crowd?

The keytarist deftly dodged a beer bottle thrown at his head, not missing a note.

Well, that answered Yuri’s question. Now he just had to make this kid a Wolf.

Constance was, for once, sort of on the same page. “The poor dear,” she gasped as the keytarist dodged another bottle. “I am only too familiar with the dangers of an unfriendly audience. We must rush to his aid. Wolves!” Constance jumped over the table, elbowing two guys twice her size to make room. She pointed her makeshift fan in the direction of the stage. “To me!”

As for Yuri, he leaned back in his seat to watch things unfold. He knew when to let the Shady Lady work her magic.

As the Wolves grouped, the energy of the room changed. Any fight drained from the crowd as they whispered in reverent tones that the Ashen Wolves were here. Right in front of them! The only one that didn’t seem cowed was the keytarist, who eyed them neutrally.

“Good evening, my dear,” Constance cooed, fanning herself. Her slinky pink gown had clashed with the grungy tones of her fellow patrons when she entered the bar. Now her look gave her the soft power of sophistication to control the crowd. Balthus was at her left side. He was in his default outfit (topless and ripped jeans) and had somehow found a sax. Hapi was in the process of ‘borrowing a bass guitar from some hapless chump. She dusted nacho crumbs from her revealing green top and straightened her tight black miniskirt (the same shade as her fishnets and combat boots) before hoisting the instrument over her shoulder and joining her friends. They should have clashed. Hell, if it hadn’t been for all their lives imploding at the same time they never would have met. Yet they acted as one.

Constance held up a gloved hand, immediately silencing the crowd. “As you are undoubtedly aware, we are the Ashen Wolves.” She grinned at him wickedly. “You possess talent, young man. I wonder if you could keep up with us.”

The keytarist blinked in surprise, looking around as if trying to find an exit. Maybe Yuri had been wrong.

But then the kid took a deep breath, steeling himself. There was something familiar in that action, but Yuri set that aside for now. Because the kid—this tiny little waiter who looked like a strong breeze could knock him over—grinned back at the Shady Lady. “Depends on if you can keep up with me.”

--

We could make some noise, you and I…

Constance’s gaze was locked on the keytarist, appraising him even as her siren-like voice filled the room. She had opted for a song from the Wolves’ most recent album and one that wasn’t too popular (much to her sorrow since she had written it). Yuri knew that she hadn’t chosen this song out of hurt feelings, however. She wanted to see if this new talent knew the band enough to keep up—and maybe even make the song better.

Are you willing? Are you willing to try?

The keytarist hit each note, never breaking eye contact with Constance. Even without discussion, he knew the backup vocals—and his raspy voice blended startingly well with Hapi and the Shady Lady. Not only was the kid keeping up, but he also added a rhythm and even humanity that the Shady Lady hadn’t been able to manifest, even after a week of sleepless nights trying to perfect her work. The crowd had been throwing beer bottles at the kid a few minutes ago. Now they cheering him on, as both the Wolves and the crowd demonstrated an energy Yuri hadn’t seen in years.

I like your style!

The instant the song ended, Constance grabbed the kid in a hug, declaring him her new assistant in all things musical.

Damn straight he was, Yuri thought triumphantly. This kid was their edge. This was how they’d get critics to stop whining about how they were just an imitation of the Songstress.

Whatever it took, this kid was going to walk out of the building a Wolf.

--

It was easy to say you’d do whatever it took when you weren’t sandwiched between sweaty/drunk bar patrons, Yuri realized as he weaved his way around people in various states of intoxication. It didn’t help that his ‘beloved’ Wolves has whisked the kid backstage before he—you know, the manager that handled little things like contracts and talent—could talk to him. Not to mention they’d probably offered him half the mansion at this point.

“Yeah, you and your siblings should move in with us. We have a whole wing just gathering dust,” he could hear Hapi say as he approached the closet that served as the dressing room for the bar.

“Indeed!” Constance chirped. “And the local school district is an exemplar for the state! Of course, I also will gladly tutor the little ones in both literature and the sciences—”

“Hey, bro.” As Yuri opened the door, he noticed that Balthus already had an arm around the kid. “Seeing how you’re pretty much already in the band, do ya mind sharing some coin? Will’s getting a poker game set up and I know my luck is good tonight—”

“I really appreciate all of your help. You guys saved me from a sticky situation,” the kid said as he gently pulled away from Balthus. He grinned at them politely, but there was something … not cold in his bearing. Perhaps calculating was a better world. He was a passionate musician—the past performance had proven that—but he wasn’t naïve. Yuri should have been annoyed that their new talent was savvy. Instead, he felt a strange pang of nostalgia. “However, I think I should read and sign the contract first before I move my family in with you guys.”

The raspiness in his voice was familiar too, but Yuri pushed that aside as he decided to make his presence known. “And that’s where I come in.” He gave the kid his most dazzling smile. “And what signature can I hope to see on the dotted line?”

“I’m Ashe…”

It was Ashe Ubert, Yuri realized with icy dread. The messy silver hair, the raspy voice, the talent for anything with piano keys, the strange mix of pragmatism and idealism in his spirit. How had Yuri not realized before?

Ashe, however, recognized him right away, green eyes lighting up like it was Christmas morning. He dashed up to Yuri, about to speak—until Yuri put a finger on Ashe’s lips. The other Wolves frowned at Yuri, not sure what was going on. If Yuri was lucky, it would stay that way.

Thankfully, Ashe caught on. He pulled away, calm and cool as he had been a few moments earlier. “Thanks, everyone. But for right now, I think it’s best if I talk to your manager in private.”

Constance curtseyed to Ashe. Balthus clapped Ashe’s shoulder—and to Ashe’s credit, he only stumbled a little. Hapi followed her fellow Wolves as they left, but she paused to whisper something in Yuri’s ear.

“I like Freckles. Don’t mess this up.”

Once the door closed, Ashe’s entire demeanor changed once more. His green eyes glinted fiercely as he leaned against the wall. “Tell me.”

“Tell you what?”

“Tell me why I have to pretend I don’t know you.” His tone was quiet, almost flat. It was worse than if Ashe had blown up at him.

“It’s a long story, Ashe. One that I am under no obligation to tell you.” He turned his direction to his briefcase. “Listen, I kept a copy of a contract in here in case we were fortunate enough to discover the talent we need. Since we did, why don’t you look this over and—”

“No. Not until you tell me what happened to you.”

When Yuri was silent, Ashe pressed further. “Reggie, please.” And wow, it was hard not to react to that old nickname. “You were my best friend back in Gaspard. The only reason I’m still trying to make it in the music business is because you left to become a singer. I had to find you, and no one would talk to me otherwise.”

Yuri kept his breathing steady.

“What happened? Why did you change your name? Why are you a manager now instead of singing?”

Yuri still kept his breathing steady.

I haven’t seen you since, what, ten years? And what’s with this job? The last clue I had was that you were in Rowe to study—”

“Stop,” Yuri gasped. He—he needed Ashe to shut up so he could remember how to breathe. “Please. Stop.”

“Of course,” Ashe said without missing a beat. Because he was worried, but not intrusive. He was gentle, unlike other people in the business. Unlike Yuri himself. “I won’t. Here, sit down and I’ll get you some water.”

“Thanks.” There was no point in pretending that he had been ‘only a little rattled’ or whatever. Ashe had seen worse in the past, after all. Ashe handed him a small water bottle from the mini-fridge. Yuri took a thankful sip. “Ashe, there are things about the past ten years I cannot share. For now, you just need to know that I go by Yuri Leclerc now and that I try to keep the Wolves from going astray.” Ashe sat across from him, nodding. “I understand if that means you won’t sign on, but the things I keep in the dark stay there.”

Ashe pounded his fist. “I hate knowing that you got hurt and I can’t help,” he admitted. “I’ll respect your choice, though. And if you ever change your mind, I’m here.”

It was a simple declaration, but it soothed Yuri regardless. Maybe Ashe was a knight in a past life. He was annoyingly valiant enough for the job. “Thanks.”

“Don’t thank me just yet,” Ashe warned him. “I’ve read about Yuri Leclerc’s unsavory business tactics. When I sign up, I’m going to make sure you run things fairly.” He smiled, a little. “That includes taking care of yourself, by the way.”

The night was picking up. “So, that means you will become a Wolf? Even if it means you’d work for a lowly villain?”

Ashe rolled his eyes. “I don’t think you’re a villain. You’re looking at the former premier pickpocket of Gaspard, remember? I think that you’ve done what you had to so you could survive in a tough world. But now that I’m here you won’t have to resort to such tactics anymore. That’s all.”

… Yuri hated that even ten years later, those corny lines made his masks fall away. Only his mother had the same power over him. “Um. Listen. What about the Wolves?”

“I want forty-eight hours to review the contract, and I reserve the right to negotiate anything I deem unfair, but yes, I think I will join your pack.” Ashe’s smile was more real this time. “Reggie?”

He should have reminded Ashe that the name was Yuri now, and yet… “Yes?”

“I won’t pry. But I also won’t give up on you.”

--

Final Notes: I am fairly sure that the number of “people who are old enough to be invested in Jem and the Hologram and also Fire Emblem and also be obsessed with AsheYuri” begins and ends with me. And that’s okay. However, this AU has lived in my brain for almost a year so I do want to talk about it a little, if only because I have no clue when I will be able to visit it again. So, please allow me to discuss who fits where here.

The premise. This is heavily influenced by Jetta’s origin story in the 80s cartoon. I used the basic plot and lyrics from her debut song/music video, “I Like Your Style.” That’s also where I got the title. This wasn’t heavily emphasized in the fic, but this AU’s world is “80s cartoon” as a result. That’s why Yuri is reading about Dorothea in a magazine rather than on his phone.

Constance. With her bombastic personality, of course she’s the Pizzazz of the group. She’s more openly kind and has a ‘riches to rags’ story that Phyllis does not, but who else can you imagine on a hang glider shooting lasers? XD

Hapi. She’s not a perfect fit for Roxy, but she does have that ‘prickly with a sad origin story’ thing going on, especially in the comics version.

Balthus. When I billed him as the obligatory ‘nice antagonist,’ I may have accidentally hinted that he’s Stormer, but he’s meant to be Jetta despite that. He’s more cheerful, but he has an inverted version of Sheila’s origin story in the cartoon. Whereas Sheila was able to convince her bandmates she was wealthy when her origins are very working-class, Balthus (for now) has convinced everyone he’s just a rough and tumble guy, when his own origins are much fancier/complex than he wants you to believe. Yuri knows the truth, because he’s Yuri.

Ashe. This man? Is the Fire Emblem version of Stormer. 100%. He does shady things sometimes, but feels bad about it. He seems like a pushover, but can be steelier than you realize when he needs to be. He would DEFINITELY ask “Will they be all right? ☹” when Constance locks people in closets so the Wolves can escape. His voice even has the raspy quality that Stormer had in the cartoon. He is more assertive than Mary was at first, but as you can tell, he has to be. He’s in love with Yuri.

Yuri. I was going to make him Riot but then remembered his supports with Dorothea, so I made him Eric Raymond instead. (Although as you can probably guess from the less than subtle hints, there’s still aspects of Riot in Yuri here.) He is still quite morally dubious, but don’t worry, because of Ashe and his own heart, he’s not going to do some of the slap-worthy things Eric would do in the show.

Dorothea. Of course she is the Jem of this AU. I kept her nature/link to Yuri murky because I’m not 100% sure what I want to do with her, but she would show up eventually when/if I continue this AU. I have no idea who Synergy would be. (Not Manuela. I have other ideas for Manuela that require her to be alive.)

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