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[It's fine, it's fine. Leo was expecting this.
He still has to take a deep breath to soothe the immediate annoyance that bubbles up his throat.] This is exactly why I wanted to say it in person: so you could see me while I said it.
Do I look like I'm joking? I wouldn't be so cruel.
He still has to take a deep breath to soothe the immediate annoyance that bubbles up his throat.] This is exactly why I wanted to say it in person: so you could see me while I said it.
Do I look like I'm joking? I wouldn't be so cruel.
[ No. Leo might be prickly and, honestly, a bit rude in certain circumstances, but he would never pull something like this. Takumi knows that. But still... ]
It's just hard for me to believe... [ h!!!! ] I didn't think I was your type.
It's just hard for me to believe... [ h!!!! ] I didn't think I was your type.
[ The weeks since the battles at Zaude had been nothing short of a living nightmare. Raven had thought that maybe upon Alexei's death, his old heart could finally feel some peace. That with his (and Yaeger's) death, he could finally end this long-lasting chapter of his life and actually live for the first time in over ten years. But then the sky opened up, unleashing the Adephagos onto the world, and while he was still reeling from that terrifying reveal, Yuri disappeared without a trace.
Yuri Lowell. The righteous leader of Brave Vesperia, who held their rag-tag group together through strength and charisma alone. Ever since their chance encounter beneath Zaphias castle, Raven's life has been wrapped up with Yuri's. He's followed him around the world, fought alongside him in countless battles, and even betrayed him in the worst of ways - and not once did Yuri push him away. Even when he gave him a knife to end him once and for all (like he knew he could. he had the blood of ragou and cumore on his hands, so what was one more life that he had plenty of reason to extinguish for the greater good?), he instead punched him in the jaw and forbade him from dying.
All logic said that whatever happened, there's no way Yuri could've survived a fall from Zaude. The pessimist in him agreed. But he foolishly chose to remain hopeful - not only for Karol's sake, but his own as well.
After all, he's not sure he could handle losing someone he loved so dearly a second time.
He'd only been able to tell Casey he loved her in their last moments together, as they stared death in the eye and swore to fight side-by-side until the end. (he still doesn't know if she really understood what he meant. not that he would've had the guts to ask, had he the chance.) And by the time he'd realized the depths of his feelings for Yuri, he'd gone missing. (in retrospect, he feels he should've connected the dots much sooner.)
But now that he's returned to them, alive and well, Raven knows he can't make that same mistake again. So long after the rest of their party had fallen asleep, Raven turns in his bed to face Yuri, who's found himself a cozy spot against the wall with Repede curled up by his side. ]
Hey, kid. You awake?
Yuri Lowell. The righteous leader of Brave Vesperia, who held their rag-tag group together through strength and charisma alone. Ever since their chance encounter beneath Zaphias castle, Raven's life has been wrapped up with Yuri's. He's followed him around the world, fought alongside him in countless battles, and even betrayed him in the worst of ways - and not once did Yuri push him away. Even when he gave him a knife to end him once and for all (like he knew he could. he had the blood of ragou and cumore on his hands, so what was one more life that he had plenty of reason to extinguish for the greater good?), he instead punched him in the jaw and forbade him from dying.
All logic said that whatever happened, there's no way Yuri could've survived a fall from Zaude. The pessimist in him agreed. But he foolishly chose to remain hopeful - not only for Karol's sake, but his own as well.
After all, he's not sure he could handle losing someone he loved so dearly a second time.
He'd only been able to tell Casey he loved her in their last moments together, as they stared death in the eye and swore to fight side-by-side until the end. (he still doesn't know if she really understood what he meant. not that he would've had the guts to ask, had he the chance.) And by the time he'd realized the depths of his feelings for Yuri, he'd gone missing. (in retrospect, he feels he should've connected the dots much sooner.)
But now that he's returned to them, alive and well, Raven knows he can't make that same mistake again. So long after the rest of their party had fallen asleep, Raven turns in his bed to face Yuri, who's found himself a cozy spot against the wall with Repede curled up by his side. ]
Hey, kid. You awake?
[ Even as an adult (an old man), no longer bound by the restraints of homework, exams, and much too early curfews set by helicopter parents, Raven finds joy in snow days. Not in the snow part, per se - he could honestly do without the cold - but in the excuse it creates to stay inside with the heater cranked up high and do whatever the hell he wants.
Which, for the record, is nothing. But before he can settle in on the couch for his day of relaxation, he hears a knock on the door. Curious. He's not expecting any company. Maybe it's a neighbor? (or maybe he should look at his phone for once.)
Regardless, he probably shouldn't keep whoever's waiting at his doorstep for too long. So he calls out ] I'm comin'... [ And makes his way over to unlock and open the door.
Just don't mind his matching sweats from college. They're warm and comfortable, okay? ]
Which, for the record, is nothing. But before he can settle in on the couch for his day of relaxation, he hears a knock on the door. Curious. He's not expecting any company. Maybe it's a neighbor? (or maybe he should look at his phone for once.)
Regardless, he probably shouldn't keep whoever's waiting at his doorstep for too long. So he calls out ] I'm comin'... [ And makes his way over to unlock and open the door.
Just don't mind his matching sweats from college. They're warm and comfortable, okay? ]
[Or maybe, if Raven checked his phone for once, he'd see that Yuri texted him a bit ago to say he was coming over.
Why wouldn't he be? It's a snow day and so Yuri's school is closed. He can do what he wants. And as far as he's concerned, Raven can do whatever he wants too - he's off the clock for the day. Which means, and Yuri's really reaching here, that it should be fine for them to finally spend some time together as a couple.
They've been so limited with what they can do but now, NOW - Yuri's at Raven's front door and no one can STOP THEM. Not that he really has anything specific that he wants to do; he just wants to spend time with Raven. Maybe kiss a lil.
Maybe.
Perhaps he should have asked if he could come over first, but Yuri knew he wouldn't get a response. As evidenced by how Raven is still surprised to see him when he answers the door.
Yuri simply smiles, smug.] Surprise. [And takes a moment to give Raven a once over. He looks comfy.] You really know how to clean up, huh. Cute.
[He's joking but also like. Raven is genuinely cute. What the fuck.]
Why wouldn't he be? It's a snow day and so Yuri's school is closed. He can do what he wants. And as far as he's concerned, Raven can do whatever he wants too - he's off the clock for the day. Which means, and Yuri's really reaching here, that it should be fine for them to finally spend some time together as a couple.
They've been so limited with what they can do but now, NOW - Yuri's at Raven's front door and no one can STOP THEM. Not that he really has anything specific that he wants to do; he just wants to spend time with Raven. Maybe kiss a lil.
Maybe.
Perhaps he should have asked if he could come over first, but Yuri knew he wouldn't get a response. As evidenced by how Raven is still surprised to see him when he answers the door.
Yuri simply smiles, smug.] Surprise. [And takes a moment to give Raven a once over. He looks comfy.] You really know how to clean up, huh. Cute.
[He's joking but also like. Raven is genuinely cute. What the fuck.]
[Yuri hasn't been sleeping much since waking up in his room after falling from Zaude. Only short bursts of rest between picking up Rita and Judith and then their arrival at Dahngrest. He's not sure what it is - he's not afraid. He knows his next sleep wont be his last; he'll open his eyes again.
He just, maybe, doesn't want to lose sight of them? They've all had close calls now, more-or-less. He has to keep his eye on them.
So, of course he's awake when Raven shifts in his bed.
Yuri's hand, brushing through Repede's soft fur, stills only for a moment.]
You should sleep, old man.
He just, maybe, doesn't want to lose sight of them? They've all had close calls now, more-or-less. He has to keep his eye on them.
So, of course he's awake when Raven shifts in his bed.
Yuri's hand, brushing through Repede's soft fur, stills only for a moment.]
You should sleep, old man.
[Dimitri is... no good at flirting. (He can barely interact with people normally - though he has a very practiced face when working with clients.) And for the most part, he hasn't had to flirt. Admitting his feelings to Felix and Dedue had been awkward for sure but the build up to their relationship had been fluid - they'd all known each other previously, were friends, and it felt natural to take the next step. No flirting needed.
But now... Dimitri has found himself charmed, enamored, with almost a complete stranger that he knows almost nothing about.
Ashe has been working at the lobby's coffee shop for what feels like ages now, and he caught Dimitri's eye immediately. He's so kind and earnest - always striving to do his best while managing to be a little sunspot about it. It's not just a retail face either; Ashe is genuine to his core. He looks for the best in people and has many traits that Dimitri admires. He's cute as hell, too.
(his freckles. oh, his freckles, dimitri wants to kiss every last one of them)
That being said: approaching Ashe require some tact and ... goddess help him, some flirting.
Despite Dedue and Felix's attempts to dissuade him, Dimitri eventually solicited some advice from Sylvain and he's finally (finally!) going to put that advice to the test. This fine morning he feels confident!! He's going to order his (and Felix and Dedue's) usual drink and he is going to chat Ashe up. He is going to clue Ashe onto his interest!!!
Hhghjjhg but Ashe looks so sweet in his apron and his smile sucks the breath (and words) right out of Dimitri instantly. As it always does.]
Good morning, Ashe.
But now... Dimitri has found himself charmed, enamored, with almost a complete stranger that he knows almost nothing about.
Ashe has been working at the lobby's coffee shop for what feels like ages now, and he caught Dimitri's eye immediately. He's so kind and earnest - always striving to do his best while managing to be a little sunspot about it. It's not just a retail face either; Ashe is genuine to his core. He looks for the best in people and has many traits that Dimitri admires. He's cute as hell, too.
(his freckles. oh, his freckles, dimitri wants to kiss every last one of them)
That being said: approaching Ashe require some tact and ... goddess help him, some flirting.
Despite Dedue and Felix's attempts to dissuade him, Dimitri eventually solicited some advice from Sylvain and he's finally (finally!) going to put that advice to the test. This fine morning he feels confident!! He's going to order his (and Felix and Dedue's) usual drink and he is going to chat Ashe up. He is going to clue Ashe onto his interest!!!
Hhghjjhg but Ashe looks so sweet in his apron and his smile sucks the breath (and words) right out of Dimitri instantly. As it always does.]
Good morning, Ashe.
[ Ever since he was a young boy, Ashe has loved fairy tales. They're just so... captivating. And, honestly, inspiring. He knows that even if they existed, he's far from knight material - he's simple, the orphaned child of a pair of restaurant owners - but there's no harm in indulging in daydreams every now and again, right? Even as a young adult with a job.
Dimitri, though - Dimitri's everything he'd imagined a charming prince would be. Smart, caring, charismatic... not to mention handsome. How could he not be drawn toward him?
(or fall in love with him?)
Though their interactions are always (unfortunately) short, Ashe is grateful for the little time they spend together. (separated by a counter, a pauper and his prince.) ]
Oh, hello, Mr. Blaid- I mean Dimitri! Would you like me to make your usual this morning?
Dimitri, though - Dimitri's everything he'd imagined a charming prince would be. Smart, caring, charismatic... not to mention handsome. How could he not be drawn toward him?
(or fall in love with him?)
Though their interactions are always (unfortunately) short, Ashe is grateful for the little time they spend together. (separated by a counter, a pauper and his prince.) ]
Oh, hello, Mr. Blaid- I mean Dimitri! Would you like me to make your usual this morning?
Yes, please. [He glances around behind the counter to see if Mercedes, the girl who works with Ashe, is around.] For Dedue and Felix as well. Please.
[(they always arrive around when the morning rush really starts (and felix, who is somehow grumpier in the morning, complains about the wait)
As Ashe works on his drink, Dimitri finds that what little confidence he had is quickly whittling away to nothing. And thus his first attempt to flirt starts with a stutter.] D-Did you see the sunrise this morning, Ashe? It was truly magnificent --
[Keep going, keep going!! He can hear Sylvain encouraging him in his head.]
But it [Do it, Dimitri!!] pales in... comparison.. to you.......
[He loses steam at the end. Oh, honey.]
[(they always arrive around when the morning rush really starts (and felix, who is somehow grumpier in the morning, complains about the wait)
As Ashe works on his drink, Dimitri finds that what little confidence he had is quickly whittling away to nothing. And thus his first attempt to flirt starts with a stutter.] D-Did you see the sunrise this morning, Ashe? It was truly magnificent --
[Keep going, keep going!! He can hear Sylvain encouraging him in his head.]
But it [Do it, Dimitri!!] pales in... comparison.. to you.......
[He loses steam at the end. Oh, honey.]
[ Oh, honey. If Ashe could hear that attempt at flirting, he'd surely appreciate the effort and fall head over heels for it all the same. (and if mercedes were here, she'd surely be giggling at his attempts)
But with the whirrrrr of the blender next to him, he only catches fragments of his sentences. Something about the sunrise, he thinks? He's not sure.
So he hands over Dimitri's drink (blended to perfection) with an apologetic smile. ] I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you very well over the blender. Would you mind repeating what you said?
But with the whirrrrr of the blender next to him, he only catches fragments of his sentences. Something about the sunrise, he thinks? He's not sure.
So he hands over Dimitri's drink (blended to perfection) with an apologetic smile. ] I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you very well over the blender. Would you mind repeating what you said?
[ As it turns out, snow days at the monastery are just as beautiful as the ones back home. Though as Ashe makes his way to the library, snow crunching beneath his feet, a tiny part of him longs for those simpler days. If he closes his eyes and stands still for a moment, he can almost hear the joyful laughter of his younger siblings, alongside Christophe and Lonato. He misses them still - not a day goes by where he doesn't think of them - but Christophe and Lonato live on in his heart. And, once he graduates, he has every intention to visit his siblings. So he can't linger for long.
As he expects, the library is quiet when he arrives. Most of his classmates are probably taking advantage of the day off by being outside - earlier he'd passed by Annette, dragging along Mercedes and Ingrid for a snowball fight - but something about curling up in bed with a good book (or two. or ten) sounds more appealing to him today. So he starts browsing and pulling various books off the shelves. Though one is just... barely... out of his reach... even when he's on his tippy toes... aaa...!!!! ]
As he expects, the library is quiet when he arrives. Most of his classmates are probably taking advantage of the day off by being outside - earlier he'd passed by Annette, dragging along Mercedes and Ingrid for a snowball fight - but something about curling up in bed with a good book (or two. or ten) sounds more appealing to him today. So he starts browsing and pulling various books off the shelves. Though one is just... barely... out of his reach... even when he's on his tippy toes... aaa...!!!! ]
[Dimitri can only breathe. What.. had he said?
You're beautiful? More beautiful and breathtaking than the sunrise. I haven't seen you without a smile on your face or a positive attitude since you started working here and I truly admire and envy that about you. I want to be the one to make you happy now? Anything to see that smile? And I'm sorry I feel so much so intensely but I]
Oh, nothing. Just that the sunrise this morning was magnificent. Did you happen to catch it? I've never seen the sky so orange before.
You're beautiful? More beautiful and breathtaking than the sunrise. I haven't seen you without a smile on your face or a positive attitude since you started working here and I truly admire and envy that about you. I want to be the one to make you happy now? Anything to see that smile? And I'm sorry I feel so much so intensely but I]
Oh, nothing. Just that the sunrise this morning was magnificent. Did you happen to catch it? I've never seen the sky so orange before.
Oh, yes! I could only catch glimpses of it from the bus, but it was beautiful - almost like it was straight out of a book!
[ That bright and beautiful smile that steals Dimitri's breath is back on Ashe's face as he begins making Dedue and Felix's drinks. ] It makes waking up early worth it, doesn't it?
[ That bright and beautiful smile that steals Dimitri's breath is back on Ashe's face as he begins making Dedue and Felix's drinks. ] It makes waking up early worth it, doesn't it?
[ Though he's not sure how well Yuri can see his face in the darkness of the room, he smiles wistfully and shakes his head. ]
I could say the same to you, y'know. What, with getting Estelle's powers under control and savin' the world, we're not gonna get many nights like this. [ He sits up, though, and runs a hand through his hair. ] But still, this old man's got a lot on his mind right now. So I'm gonna for a walk.
[ The last time he announced he was going on a walk, he kidnapped Estelle. So as he's heading out, he stops in front of Yuri and offers him a hand. ] Join me, wouldja? [ also because i want to confess to you pplleeeassseeee ]
I could say the same to you, y'know. What, with getting Estelle's powers under control and savin' the world, we're not gonna get many nights like this. [ He sits up, though, and runs a hand through his hair. ] But still, this old man's got a lot on his mind right now. So I'm gonna for a walk.
[ The last time he announced he was going on a walk, he kidnapped Estelle. So as he's heading out, he stops in front of Yuri and offers him a hand. ] Join me, wouldja? [ also because i want to confess to you pplleeeassseeee ]
[ The initial surprise of seeing his boyfriend (? can he call him his boyfriend? they're dating in secret, so "boyfriend" almost feels too simple) fades, replaced by a blush that lightly dusts over his cheeks. ] Hey, ya can't judge a man for what he wears in his own home!
[ But moving on from the subject of worn but warm college paraphernalia-- he takes a look at Yuri, lightly dusted with snow (like powdered sugar on one of those crepes he tried to feed him on a rare secret date) and reflexively shivers. ] But aren't ya cold? And what're you doin' here anyways? [ Someone very clearly hasn't looked at his phone. ]
[ But moving on from the subject of worn but warm college paraphernalia-- he takes a look at Yuri, lightly dusted with snow (like powdered sugar on one of those crepes he tried to feed him on a rare secret date) and reflexively shivers. ] But aren't ya cold? And what're you doin' here anyways? [ Someone very clearly hasn't looked at his phone. ]
[ Raven laughs as well. ] Y'mean age hasn't caught up to ya yet? You're 22 years old now, Yuri.
[ He shifts to lay on top of Yuri, arms on either side of his head. ] Soon, you're gonna be as old as me. [ and probably as handsome of an old man as he is wink wonk. ]
[ He shifts to lay on top of Yuri, arms on either side of his head. ] Soon, you're gonna be as old as me. [ and probably as handsome of an old man as he is wink wonk. ]
[ The years since Adrestia's declaration of war against the church and Gaspard's fall to the Imperial army have not been kind to Ashe. Thankfully, his little brother and sister are safe, far from the battlefield... but he couldn't just sit back and watch Fódlan burn under a crimson banner. How could he ever face Lonato and Christophe if he didn't do his part in saving their lands?
So he fights. Spills blood. Protects the innocent and defenseless with his bow and lance. And, through it all, does his best to preserve his pure, kind heart.
His roaming eventually leads him to Gilbert, a familiar face from the monastery. Though as a student, he didn't speak with him much (he never had reason to, and he always seemed lost in his own thoughts. intimidating, honestly.), he's quick to ally with him as soon as he learns his motivations.
Dimitri is alive. At least, that's what Gilbert believes - and what Ashe wants to hope, too.
Their search eventually leads them to an abandoned village. Even without the corpses of Imperial soldiers scattered about the streets, it's clear to Ashe that a battle took place here. The buildings have seen better days, and there were still arrows sticking out of the ground from when they missed their marks.
Habitually, Ashe begins to search the buildings, to ensure no one was left behind in the chaos... and he feels his heart stop as he sees inside one home the large, imposing figure of a man, clad in dark armor and clutching a lance like a lifeline. Even though it's been five years since he's last seen him, and his dirty blond hair covers his features, Ashe knows who this is.
Slowly, he steps closer. ] ... Your Highness?
So he fights. Spills blood. Protects the innocent and defenseless with his bow and lance. And, through it all, does his best to preserve his pure, kind heart.
His roaming eventually leads him to Gilbert, a familiar face from the monastery. Though as a student, he didn't speak with him much (he never had reason to, and he always seemed lost in his own thoughts. intimidating, honestly.), he's quick to ally with him as soon as he learns his motivations.
Dimitri is alive. At least, that's what Gilbert believes - and what Ashe wants to hope, too.
Their search eventually leads them to an abandoned village. Even without the corpses of Imperial soldiers scattered about the streets, it's clear to Ashe that a battle took place here. The buildings have seen better days, and there were still arrows sticking out of the ground from when they missed their marks.
Habitually, Ashe begins to search the buildings, to ensure no one was left behind in the chaos... and he feels his heart stop as he sees inside one home the large, imposing figure of a man, clad in dark armor and clutching a lance like a lifeline. Even though it's been five years since he's last seen him, and his dirty blond hair covers his features, Ashe knows who this is.
Slowly, he steps closer. ] ... Your Highness?
Geez, check your phone for once. I told you I was coming over.
[Yuri shuffles. He's not so bothered by the cold.]
There's no school today.
[He says it with meaning. Do you get it, Raven. DO YOU.]
[Yuri shuffles. He's not so bothered by the cold.]
There's no school today.
[He says it with meaning. Do you get it, Raven. DO YOU.]
[Oh?
Yuri looks about the room one more time; the girls and Karol are still all tucked in bed. They shouldn't be moving any time soon.
Repede has, however, woken up, and his head is perked up to glance between the two men. It makes it easy for Yuri to lean in and nose into his fur close to his ears and whisper "watch over them," before taking Raven's hand.] Yeah.
[He let's Raven lead him out of the inn and he remains quiet until they're a good distance away.] I get the feeling you're going to tell me what's on your mind whether I ask you or not. So, out with it.
Yuri looks about the room one more time; the girls and Karol are still all tucked in bed. They shouldn't be moving any time soon.
Repede has, however, woken up, and his head is perked up to glance between the two men. It makes it easy for Yuri to lean in and nose into his fur close to his ears and whisper "watch over them," before taking Raven's hand.] Yeah.
[He let's Raven lead him out of the inn and he remains quiet until they're a good distance away.] I get the feeling you're going to tell me what's on your mind whether I ask you or not. So, out with it.
[Dimitri doesn't feel particularly strongly about snow. It's common in Faerghus and, while beautiful, the quiet of snowfall is sometimes too quiet for him. He finds the silence is not so bad at the Officer's Academy, at least, since there is always the sound of students murmuring about whether rain or shine.
The biggest downside, he finds, is that the other students outside the Blue Lion's house aren't used to fighting in the snow. The slush is slippery and makes it that much more difficult, dissuading them from the training grounds. And the only person interested in training in this weather is Felix... who wants nothing to do with Dimitri a good ninety percent of the time.
Which is why, In Dimitri's attempts to find something to occupy him on this fine snow day, he finds himself at the library. He decides he's going to pick up a few books and then head to the dining hall so he can read with noise playing in the background of his mind. That is... until he spots Ashe.
Admittedly, he's still not completely sure how to navigate this new relationship they're in. He doesn't know when to see him out: it's hard for him to hold back and he doesn't want it to show. He doesn't want to be overly intense. Overbearing. Scare Ashe away. But if he just happens upon Ashe...
This should be fine.
From behind Ashe, he plucks the book his boyfriend is currently trying to pull from the shelves.] Careful now. Are there any others on this shelf you'd like?
The biggest downside, he finds, is that the other students outside the Blue Lion's house aren't used to fighting in the snow. The slush is slippery and makes it that much more difficult, dissuading them from the training grounds. And the only person interested in training in this weather is Felix... who wants nothing to do with Dimitri a good ninety percent of the time.
Which is why, In Dimitri's attempts to find something to occupy him on this fine snow day, he finds himself at the library. He decides he's going to pick up a few books and then head to the dining hall so he can read with noise playing in the background of his mind. That is... until he spots Ashe.
Admittedly, he's still not completely sure how to navigate this new relationship they're in. He doesn't know when to see him out: it's hard for him to hold back and he doesn't want it to show. He doesn't want to be overly intense. Overbearing. Scare Ashe away. But if he just happens upon Ashe...
This should be fine.
From behind Ashe, he plucks the book his boyfriend is currently trying to pull from the shelves.] Careful now. Are there any others on this shelf you'd like?
[ It's been five years since Ashe last saw Felix. Not that he expected any different - they've both been busy in their own ways ensuring whatever remained of Faerghus didn't get swallowed up by the Empire's bloody maw.
He missed the days at the academy. When his biggest worry was completing his assignments before class, Dimitri's eyes weren't cold and empty, and Dedue was ever by the prince's side. While it hurt to see how five years of war changed not only Dimitri, but the rest of them, he's grateful that most of them made it back for the Millenium Festival, as promised.
Darker days are brewing over the horizon - even he, ever the optimist, can see that. So he doesn't think anyone can blame him for grasping onto the happiness he has. ]
Felix!
[ After their class and the knights dispersed to explore and begin mending the ruins of the monastery, Ashe runs up to Felix and throws his arms around him, trapping him in a tight, affectionate hug. ] Hey. [ This is, by far, the happiest he's been in five years. ]
He missed the days at the academy. When his biggest worry was completing his assignments before class, Dimitri's eyes weren't cold and empty, and Dedue was ever by the prince's side. While it hurt to see how five years of war changed not only Dimitri, but the rest of them, he's grateful that most of them made it back for the Millenium Festival, as promised.
Darker days are brewing over the horizon - even he, ever the optimist, can see that. So he doesn't think anyone can blame him for grasping onto the happiness he has. ]
Felix!
[ After their class and the knights dispersed to explore and begin mending the ruins of the monastery, Ashe runs up to Felix and throws his arms around him, trapping him in a tight, affectionate hug. ] Hey. [ This is, by far, the happiest he's been in five years. ]
[ Ashe has a problem. Or, maybe an inconvenience? Regardless of how he phrases it, it's this: his soulmate mark makes him look tougher than he is. Not that he holds it against this soulmate of his that he's yet to meet, but... given the lion-emblazoned shield with multiple swords sticking out of it on his bicep, he can't help but wonder about the type of person they are. (and if they'd even be a good match.)
Going to the gym was initially Caspar's idea. If his mark makes him look tough, then might as well train and gain some muscle, right? That'd show the people who act like he's the toughest guy on the block. While he questioned the logic at first (he could just uhhhhh avoid confrontation all together maybe? use his words instead of his fists?) he finds that, with time, he enjoys working out.
It helps that his friendly nature allows him to talk with people easily. Like Felix, for example. It's probably a coincidence, but most days he's at the gym, Felix is there too. And while he never tries to distract him from his routine, he does enjoy their time together. It's bold, but... he considers him a friend.
So, like clockwork, when Ashe arrives at the gym and sees Felix in the corner getting warmed up, he smiles and makes his way over to him. ] Hello, Felix! How are you doing today?
Going to the gym was initially Caspar's idea. If his mark makes him look tough, then might as well train and gain some muscle, right? That'd show the people who act like he's the toughest guy on the block. While he questioned the logic at first (he could just uhhhhh avoid confrontation all together maybe? use his words instead of his fists?) he finds that, with time, he enjoys working out.
It helps that his friendly nature allows him to talk with people easily. Like Felix, for example. It's probably a coincidence, but most days he's at the gym, Felix is there too. And while he never tries to distract him from his routine, he does enjoy their time together. It's bold, but... he considers him a friend.
So, like clockwork, when Ashe arrives at the gym and sees Felix in the corner getting warmed up, he smiles and makes his way over to him. ] Hello, Felix! How are you doing today?
[ He hears the new set of footsteps, but doesn't register they're heading his way until an arm reaches out above him to grab the book he was struggling to pull from the shelf. The sound of his voice alone is enough to make a warm smile spread across his features, but he turns to face him all the same. ]
Oh, Dimitri! Hello! [ When it comes to their new relationship, Ashe is just as uncertain about how to act. Honestly, he still feels his chest tighten from anxiety sometimes calling him by name (dimitri. not "your highness" or "prince" or anything along those lines. just dimitri.), as though he's doing something wrong by addressing him so casually, but at the same time, he... wants to be close to him. Always. He knows he has a special place in Dimitri's heart (and, honestly, he's the luckiest person alive to have that spot) but he understands there's only so much they can do in public.
Even if he wants to just take a few steps back and lean against Dimitri, like he's seen the more affectionate couples around the school do.
But oh, right, he asked him a question-- ] Yes, I, um- that one, too, please, if you don't mind. [ He taps the spine of the book in question. That makes book #7 for him but it's Fine. ] Are you here to pick up a few books as well?
Oh, Dimitri! Hello! [ When it comes to their new relationship, Ashe is just as uncertain about how to act. Honestly, he still feels his chest tighten from anxiety sometimes calling him by name (dimitri. not "your highness" or "prince" or anything along those lines. just dimitri.), as though he's doing something wrong by addressing him so casually, but at the same time, he... wants to be close to him. Always. He knows he has a special place in Dimitri's heart (and, honestly, he's the luckiest person alive to have that spot) but he understands there's only so much they can do in public.
Even if he wants to just take a few steps back and lean against Dimitri, like he's seen the more affectionate couples around the school do.
But oh, right, he asked him a question-- ] Yes, I, um- that one, too, please, if you don't mind. [ He taps the spine of the book in question. That makes book #7 for him but it's Fine. ] Are you here to pick up a few books as well?
[Dimitri's had nightmares like this before. Or were they hallucinations since sleep rarely found him long enough for the darkness of nightmares to settle in and they were strikingly different from the voices that haunted him constantly.
Whatever they are, he's grown used to his classmates appearing before him. They find him often but they never haunt him. They find him often and sometimes they call out to him, like now, but they always leave shortly after. They never haunt him. It's what he deserves. Being around him now would only bring them suffering. He would kill them just as he's killed everyone else.
Regardless, he's grown weary of them. He's too many reminders of what he's lost already.
Dimitri tightens his grip on his lance and while it doesn't make much noise, the sound of the hilt scratching across the ground and the leather of his gloves tightening are stark and echo through the silence of the abandoned village.
Dimitri's voice, too, is loud. It rumbles like rocks in his chest.] Go away.
Whatever they are, he's grown used to his classmates appearing before him. They find him often but they never haunt him. They find him often and sometimes they call out to him, like now, but they always leave shortly after. They never haunt him. It's what he deserves. Being around him now would only bring them suffering. He would kill them just as he's killed everyone else.
Regardless, he's grown weary of them. He's too many reminders of what he's lost already.
Dimitri tightens his grip on his lance and while it doesn't make much noise, the sound of the hilt scratching across the ground and the leather of his gloves tightening are stark and echo through the silence of the abandoned village.
Dimitri's voice, too, is loud. It rumbles like rocks in his chest.] Go away.
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