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[Naesala just about pitches himself off the balcony.
But Reyson sounds legitimately concerned about this. So before he can do any sort of dying, Naesala has to answer him. And before that, he inches closer so he can wordlessly put an arm around Reyson’s shoulders. It’ll be a short conversation for sure, but Naesala’s never been able to ignore Reyson when he’s uncomfortable.]
I don’t know. [It isn’t a lie. He doesn’t know. Going to the Goddess Tower doesn’t actually mean anything in the long run. It's just a legend and wish.] What? Do I not have your blessings?
[Reyson is oblivious but Naesala is still a coward.]
But Reyson sounds legitimately concerned about this. So before he can do any sort of dying, Naesala has to answer him. And before that, he inches closer so he can wordlessly put an arm around Reyson’s shoulders. It’ll be a short conversation for sure, but Naesala’s never been able to ignore Reyson when he’s uncomfortable.]
I don’t know. [It isn’t a lie. He doesn’t know. Going to the Goddess Tower doesn’t actually mean anything in the long run. It's just a legend and wish.] What? Do I not have your blessings?
[Reyson is oblivious but Naesala is still a coward.]
[ It's a small gesture, but Reyson's still appreciative. The weight of Naesala's arm around him is just as comforting as ever.
He gathers his words. ] ... No. You do. And I'm certain Leanne would be happy to go with you, if you asked her. [ And if they do share a vow and all the talk of being bound together forever is explicitly romantic, then, well... Reyson will just have to be happy for them. ]
But you're not sure if you'll ask?
He gathers his words. ] ... No. You do. And I'm certain Leanne would be happy to go with you, if you asked her. [ And if they do share a vow and all the talk of being bound together forever is explicitly romantic, then, well... Reyson will just have to be happy for them. ]
But you're not sure if you'll ask?
[He makes a small, affirmative noise.] I love Leanne, but if there’s any truth to the stories around the Tower then I think, perhaps, she should go with someone else.
[Before Reyson has a chance to assume he’s being self-depreciating (not entirely untrue), Naesala continues. He can stand to be a little less of a coward so that Reyson, at the least, knows for certain that he doesn’t have eyes for his sister.] There’s someone else I’d rather go with, too. And she knows it.
[Before Reyson has a chance to assume he’s being self-depreciating (not entirely untrue), Naesala continues. He can stand to be a little less of a coward so that Reyson, at the least, knows for certain that he doesn’t have eyes for his sister.] There’s someone else I’d rather go with, too. And she knows it.
"Someone else"? [ That makes Reyson pause. Sure, Naesala acts chummy with other students, but he really isn't close with many. Micaiah and Sanaki, maybe, but they are more or less spoken for (or completely off-limits, in Sanaki's case). And while Reyson's seen their relationship improve, he's sure both he and Tibarn would die before setting foot in the tower together. Which realistically leaves Leanne, who he's already addressed, and... ...
Oh.
Oh.
He quietly studies Naesala's face, looking for something, any sort of sign that he's not just making some wild logical leaps here. ] Then, are you asking them?
Oh.
Oh.
He quietly studies Naesala's face, looking for something, any sort of sign that he's not just making some wild logical leaps here. ] Then, are you asking them?
[ In retrospect, he should have realized it sooner. All the pieces have been there from the start - he doesn't know how or why he didn't connect the dots. What was he thinking?
No matter. It's taken him some time (which he plans to make up for eventually) but he's here now, standing on this balcony with Naesala on a chilly winter night with love shining in his eyes.
His lips lift into a tiny smile, and he unfolds his arms to slip one around Naesala's waist. ] If that's your way of asking... yes. I would.
No matter. It's taken him some time (which he plans to make up for eventually) but he's here now, standing on this balcony with Naesala on a chilly winter night with love shining in his eyes.
His lips lift into a tiny smile, and he unfolds his arms to slip one around Naesala's waist. ] If that's your way of asking... yes. I would.
[Naesala smiles that special smile of his - the one that reaches his eyes and makes his cheeks a touch warm. The one reserved just for Reyson.] I can ask properly. Only the best for you, angel.
[But joking aside.. Naesala leans in the little bit he needs to, to press a kiss to Reyson's hair.] Thank you.
[But joking aside.. Naesala leans in the little bit he needs to, to press a kiss to Reyson's hair.] Thank you.
[ Reyson closes his eyes, content, and shifts to fully embrace Naesala. ]
You don't need to thank me. If anything, I should be thank you, for being... patient with me. [ While he has no idea how long Naesala's been harboring feelings for him, he could confidently guess it's been A While. ]
You don't need to thank me. If anything, I should be thank you, for being... patient with me. [ While he has no idea how long Naesala's been harboring feelings for him, he could confidently guess it's been A While. ]
[Yuri doesn’t let go of his hand, but he stops at a point so their arms are extended between them. He’s slowly getting used to it, but the fact that Raven can read him so easily is still a bit unnerving. It warrants a little distance but not an entire wall.] I didn’t think you were one to worry. But I’m fine. A little sore, but okay.
[Still not sure how he lived or why Duke decided to save him. But okay.]
[Still not sure how he lived or why Duke decided to save him. But okay.]
[Felix makes another noise but this time it’s one of surprise. He has, indeed, gotten to the masked swordsman. And he can’t possibly fathom the similarities between the character and himself.] W-what, why?
[ Ashe is quick to recover from his moment of surprise at the shocked noise Felix makes. A light shines in his eyes as he begins listing his reasons. ]
Well, for starters, you're both strong and admirable! And you have this air of coolness about you that makes you seem so mysterious, just like them.
[ He pauses briefly, to switch focus to his other leg. ] Also, while you both act aloof, you really care about others. Why else would the swordsman come to the protagonist's rescue? [ well okay there's OTHER reasons but spoilers!!! ] I know you end up complaining about your roommates sometimes, but I can tell you do care about them quite a bit. [ Shyly: ] And, me as well.
You're both really incredible, and I... I'm really happy to have met you, Felix.
Well, for starters, you're both strong and admirable! And you have this air of coolness about you that makes you seem so mysterious, just like them.
[ He pauses briefly, to switch focus to his other leg. ] Also, while you both act aloof, you really care about others. Why else would the swordsman come to the protagonist's rescue? [ well okay there's OTHER reasons but spoilers!!! ] I know you end up complaining about your roommates sometimes, but I can tell you do care about them quite a bit. [ Shyly: ] And, me as well.
You're both really incredible, and I... I'm really happy to have met you, Felix.
[ Raven laughs, though the sound rings hollowly. ]
I know it ain't my style, but... I was worried about you, too. Course, I had a feelin' you were still alive, but life can be cruel sometimes. I could hope all I wanted you were still breathin', but wishes alone don't keep a man's heart beating.
[ His voice softens, and for once he actually sounds... vulnerable. Like the 35 year old man that he is, that's lost more people than he could ever hope to count. ] So, thanks for makin' it back to us in one piece.
I know it ain't my style, but... I was worried about you, too. Course, I had a feelin' you were still alive, but life can be cruel sometimes. I could hope all I wanted you were still breathin', but wishes alone don't keep a man's heart beating.
[ His voice softens, and for once he actually sounds... vulnerable. Like the 35 year old man that he is, that's lost more people than he could ever hope to count. ] So, thanks for makin' it back to us in one piece.
[ As it turns out, being with Dimitri still means being away from Dimitri. Felix may be the king's right hand man (and often holding his right hand), but he was still Duke Fraldarius. He still had duties to fulfill in his territory - not for the sake of his departed father or brother, but himself.
(but oh goddess, is it still hard sometimes to live up to the legacy rodrigue left. he never realized just how much he did until he had to step into his shoes and realized his toes didn't even reach the front. he's had a lot of growing to do these past years, but he's finally beginning to make his own strides.)
That doesn't mean that he doesn't miss Dimitri. Though he doesn't whine anymore like he did as a child, he still longs to be with him. Not necessarily in a physically needy way (that's dimitri) but... taking meals together. Wandering the halls, side by side. Just existing in the same space, and being able to reach out for his hand when he wants to.
So he visits often. Sometimes with official business in mind, but others... he'll call them personal trips. A time when King Dimitri is just Dimitri to him.
When Felix arrives at the castle, he turns down the guards' invitation to retrieve Dimitri. Like he doesn't know Dimitri like the back of his own hand and know exactly where he'd be at this time of day, given that he doesn't have any meetings.
After passing off his horse and meager belongings to the servants, he heads straight for the training grounds. There, just as he expects, he finds his king focusing intently on smacking the everloving shit out of a training dummy. Poor thing never stood a chance.
With the tiniest hint of a fond smile beginning to grow on his lips, he picks up a training sword and approaches. ] Let me in on the training. Or are you intent on destroying that dummy?
(but oh goddess, is it still hard sometimes to live up to the legacy rodrigue left. he never realized just how much he did until he had to step into his shoes and realized his toes didn't even reach the front. he's had a lot of growing to do these past years, but he's finally beginning to make his own strides.)
That doesn't mean that he doesn't miss Dimitri. Though he doesn't whine anymore like he did as a child, he still longs to be with him. Not necessarily in a physically needy way (that's dimitri) but... taking meals together. Wandering the halls, side by side. Just existing in the same space, and being able to reach out for his hand when he wants to.
So he visits often. Sometimes with official business in mind, but others... he'll call them personal trips. A time when King Dimitri is just Dimitri to him.
When Felix arrives at the castle, he turns down the guards' invitation to retrieve Dimitri. Like he doesn't know Dimitri like the back of his own hand and know exactly where he'd be at this time of day, given that he doesn't have any meetings.
After passing off his horse and meager belongings to the servants, he heads straight for the training grounds. There, just as he expects, he finds his king focusing intently on smacking the everloving shit out of a training dummy. Poor thing never stood a chance.
With the tiniest hint of a fond smile beginning to grow on his lips, he picks up a training sword and approaches. ] Let me in on the training. Or are you intent on destroying that dummy?
[Felix scoffs, gently, and when he brings a hand to Ashe's hair and ruffles so aggressively that he actually jostles Ashe, he does it with all the love in his heart.] Yeah, what's up with that?
I could've sworn you were supposed to stay the "half knight." [Get it?]
I could've sworn you were supposed to stay the "half knight." [Get it?]
[Wh
??????????????
Felix flusters immediately. And, as he would if Dimitri or Dedue caught him off guard with some gay shit, he lashes out in response.] Enough! How can you say that with a straight face? And if you knew my roommates you would know there's --
[More to it. He cares, but begrudgingly. (not at all begrudgingly. he loves dimitri and dedue more than he'd ever admit). But before Ashe can get a word in, Felix takes his leg back and sits up.] Get down here. Let's do a different stretch.
??????????????
Felix flusters immediately. And, as he would if Dimitri or Dedue caught him off guard with some gay shit, he lashes out in response.] Enough! How can you say that with a straight face? And if you knew my roommates you would know there's --
[More to it. He cares, but begrudgingly. (not at all begrudgingly. he loves dimitri and dedue more than he'd ever admit). But before Ashe can get a word in, Felix takes his leg back and sits up.] Get down here. Let's do a different stretch.
[Dimitri can be found at one of two places when he has some downtime. He isn't far from Dedue's side, often taking the time to just sit and watch the other man garden or cook. He has been strictly forbidden from helping, but he finds it soothing to only observe and talk as things come to mind while Dedue works. But most of the time, or on days like today when Dedue is in town visiting Ashe's inn, Dimitri can be found at the training grounds.
He's grateful for the time alone, honestly, because he is frustrated and taking it out on the dummy is only mildly helping.
He misses Felix.
They haven't even been apart for that long now, but something has set Dimitri off and he misses Felix more desperately than before. Perhaps its because of recent meetings with some of Faerghus nobles that he finds himself itching to touch Felix, hold him, be around someone who will actually listen to him and look at him for himself.
Ironically, Dimitri is so busy thinking about the man that he actually doesn't notice when said man walks onto the grounds. He startles at Felix's voice and turns swiftly mid swing. His turn jostles his lance out of its originally trajectory, making it hit the training dummy not quite right. There is a resounding crack as the handle gives and breaks between the spearhead and where Dimitri has a death grip.]
Felix... !
[His chest heaves.]
He's grateful for the time alone, honestly, because he is frustrated and taking it out on the dummy is only mildly helping.
He misses Felix.
They haven't even been apart for that long now, but something has set Dimitri off and he misses Felix more desperately than before. Perhaps its because of recent meetings with some of Faerghus nobles that he finds himself itching to touch Felix, hold him, be around someone who will actually listen to him and look at him for himself.
Ironically, Dimitri is so busy thinking about the man that he actually doesn't notice when said man walks onto the grounds. He startles at Felix's voice and turns swiftly mid swing. His turn jostles his lance out of its originally trajectory, making it hit the training dummy not quite right. There is a resounding crack as the handle gives and breaks between the spearhead and where Dimitri has a death grip.]
Felix... !
[His chest heaves.]
[Oh... Even through their gloves, Ashe's hand is warm.
Dimitri looks away again, shakes his head.] I wont rest until she's dead. If you stay by my side, you must be prepared for that.
You'll die too. Just like everyone else... [Everyone else who has stayed by his side. Even in his mania, he knows he doesn't want Ashe to die.]
Dimitri looks away again, shakes his head.] I wont rest until she's dead. If you stay by my side, you must be prepared for that.
You'll die too. Just like everyone else... [Everyone else who has stayed by his side. Even in his mania, he knows he doesn't want Ashe to die.]
[Holding hands with his boyfriend..... scandalous.
Dimitri gives Ashe's hand a gentle squeeze.] Yes. Let's. [And then they're on their way, holding hands the entire time.
When they get to Ashe's room, Dimitri insists Ashe enters first (it is his room, after all, and he wont hear any arguments about it), but once he's also inside he finds himself standing awkwardly. He doesn't know where to sit until Ashe settles... and he doesn't want to be presumptuous taking Ashe's single chair before him. Or, again, too forward by taking a spot on his bed.
Oh, Dimitri's face heats up just at the thought. First hand holding and now.. potential cuddling? Goddess.]
Dimitri gives Ashe's hand a gentle squeeze.] Yes. Let's. [And then they're on their way, holding hands the entire time.
When they get to Ashe's room, Dimitri insists Ashe enters first (it is his room, after all, and he wont hear any arguments about it), but once he's also inside he finds himself standing awkwardly. He doesn't know where to sit until Ashe settles... and he doesn't want to be presumptuous taking Ashe's single chair before him. Or, again, too forward by taking a spot on his bed.
Oh, Dimitri's face heats up just at the thought. First hand holding and now.. potential cuddling? Goddess.]
[ Ah.
Felix doesn't flinch at the sound. Instead, he raises an eyebrow at Dimitri. ]
Again? At this rate, the capital is going to run out of lances. [ Despite the fact that, were Dimitri not completely used to him, he'd be coming off as rude, that hint of a smile turns into an actual lift of the corners of his mouth as he continues making his way over to where he's frozen in place.
About ten or so feet away from him, he stops and rests his hands on his hips. ] How many have you broken so far today, Dimitri?
Felix doesn't flinch at the sound. Instead, he raises an eyebrow at Dimitri. ]
Again? At this rate, the capital is going to run out of lances. [ Despite the fact that, were Dimitri not completely used to him, he'd be coming off as rude, that hint of a smile turns into an actual lift of the corners of his mouth as he continues making his way over to where he's frozen in place.
About ten or so feet away from him, he stops and rests his hands on his hips. ] How many have you broken so far today, Dimitri?
[Dimitri starts to say so many things: felix! again?? i don't break that many anymore! i'm making an active effort to learn how to repair the lances to make up for my blunders! the capital is perfectly well stocked, a couple --
He ultimately lands on pathetically admitting this:] This is only my second one today. [While looking between the lance in his hands and Felix, frown deep set on his face much akin to a puppy being scolded. He won't dare mention how many training dummies he's knocked off their posts today.]
What are you even doing here? You didn't tell me -
[ - that you were coming. Not that Felix often keeps him in the loop of things, but it would have saved him a bit of grief.]
He ultimately lands on pathetically admitting this:] This is only my second one today. [While looking between the lance in his hands and Felix, frown deep set on his face much akin to a puppy being scolded. He won't dare mention how many training dummies he's knocked off their posts today.]
What are you even doing here? You didn't tell me -
[ - that you were coming. Not that Felix often keeps him in the loop of things, but it would have saved him a bit of grief.]
[ She? Edelgard? Cornelia? Or perhaps another woman, someone Ashe doesn't know but has also broken the heart and spirit of the man he loves so much?
His speculating can wait. First, he needs to get him on his feet and out of this town. ] I won't die so easily, you know. I've gotten stronger these past five years. [ His hands squeeze Dimitri's tight. ] So please... let me stay with you. I'll follow you anywhere, Dimitri.
[ And maybe, just maybe, that mindset of his of not being drawn into darkness will help pull him from the grasp of whatever shadows lurk within him. ]
His speculating can wait. First, he needs to get him on his feet and out of this town. ] I won't die so easily, you know. I've gotten stronger these past five years. [ His hands squeeze Dimitri's tight. ] So please... let me stay with you. I'll follow you anywhere, Dimitri.
[ And maybe, just maybe, that mindset of his of not being drawn into darkness will help pull him from the grasp of whatever shadows lurk within him. ]
[ Felix doesn't comment on the lance issue further. Instead, he says ] Don't make that face. It doesn't suit you. [ A smile is so much nicer--
Oh goddess, he's spent too much time with Sylvain, hasn't he. He's rubbing off on him. Gross.
He looks away from Dimitri, an ever-growing blush further betraying his emotions. ] And anyway, why does that matter? Even if the messenger beat me here, you'd just be restlessly waiting for me to show up, like a dog.
[ Translation: there was no time to send a messenger because I decided to visit spur of the moment. I missed you. I love you. ]
Oh goddess, he's spent too much time with Sylvain, hasn't he. He's rubbing off on him. Gross.
He looks away from Dimitri, an ever-growing blush further betraying his emotions. ] And anyway, why does that matter? Even if the messenger beat me here, you'd just be restlessly waiting for me to show up, like a dog.
[ Translation: there was no time to send a messenger because I decided to visit spur of the moment. I missed you. I love you. ]
[It has been a couple years since Dimitri killed Edelgard and thus ended the war. Byleth has settled into her new role as Archbishop just as Dimitri has more or less settled into his own role of King. Every day is a challenge but it’s a challenge he’s willing to meet head on, and when things become too difficult he knows he has the support of his friends, Byleth herself, Gilbert, and everyone else at his side. Sometimes he still doesn’t think he deserves the support but he is ever grateful.
The person he is most grateful for staying by his side is Felix. His childhood friend is now Duke Fraldarius and his right hand man, and Dimitri still hasn’t a clue why Felix stuck by his side even when he’d let himself fall as far as he had. He'd hurt Felix countless times without realizing since the Tragedy of Duscur and Felix was the only person who ever saw him as the beast he truly was.
And yet.. through all the insults and aggression Felix threw his way, he cared. He would never leave Dimitri's side, he would never let him die. He only ever cared but he was hurt and he wanted Dimitri to be better. Dimitri hadn't truly understood that until five years after Edelgard declared war and Rodrigue had died. Since then, he's slowly learned how to calm the boar, the rumbling in his chest, the darkness creeping at the back of his mind, just as Felix has slowly learned that Dimitri is fully capable of being both beast and human again.
They've finally come to understand one another. At least Dimitri thinks so. He hopes so. Because he couldn't bear to disappoint Felix again... He's sure that the next time he does, he'll lose Felix forever and he couldn't stand that. He cares for Felix too much. He loves him too much.
But he’s not entirely thinking about that when he finds himself outside Felix’s guest room one night.
Sylvain and Mercedes are getting married soon and it just has him thinking. About everything and nothing. Their future, the future in general. His mind is alive and buzzing and he just wants to talk to someone. He wants to talk to Felix. Because while he isn't the best conversationalist, Felix is who he goes to when he's thoughtful.
Dimitri knocks, without thinking, a pattern that he only ever uses when calling for Felix.] Felix? Are you in?
The person he is most grateful for staying by his side is Felix. His childhood friend is now Duke Fraldarius and his right hand man, and Dimitri still hasn’t a clue why Felix stuck by his side even when he’d let himself fall as far as he had. He'd hurt Felix countless times without realizing since the Tragedy of Duscur and Felix was the only person who ever saw him as the beast he truly was.
And yet.. through all the insults and aggression Felix threw his way, he cared. He would never leave Dimitri's side, he would never let him die. He only ever cared but he was hurt and he wanted Dimitri to be better. Dimitri hadn't truly understood that until five years after Edelgard declared war and Rodrigue had died. Since then, he's slowly learned how to calm the boar, the rumbling in his chest, the darkness creeping at the back of his mind, just as Felix has slowly learned that Dimitri is fully capable of being both beast and human again.
They've finally come to understand one another. At least Dimitri thinks so. He hopes so. Because he couldn't bear to disappoint Felix again... He's sure that the next time he does, he'll lose Felix forever and he couldn't stand that. He cares for Felix too much. He loves him too much.
But he’s not entirely thinking about that when he finds himself outside Felix’s guest room one night.
Sylvain and Mercedes are getting married soon and it just has him thinking. About everything and nothing. Their future, the future in general. His mind is alive and buzzing and he just wants to talk to someone. He wants to talk to Felix. Because while he isn't the best conversationalist, Felix is who he goes to when he's thoughtful.
Dimitri knocks, without thinking, a pattern that he only ever uses when calling for Felix.] Felix? Are you in?
[ There's a part of him that still hasn't forgiven Byleth for the events that unfolded on the 16th day of the Ethereal Moon in the year 1180. It went something like this: his dear, damnably persuasive professor asked him a few weeks prior to be the Blue Lions' representative in the White Heron Cup. Him - not Annette, who has a knack for singing and dancing, or Mercedes, who, despite her clumsiness, would've wowed the judges based on charm alone. Hell, even Ashe, Ingrid, or Sylvain, for goddess's sake would've been a better choice. But Byleth chose him for some reason, and he couldn't say no.
And he won. Not by the skin of his teeth - it was a unanimous decision from the judges. He's not a religious man by any means, but he wonders if it was a cruel joke pulled by the goddess, because there's no way in hell he could've beaten the opera singer from the Black Eagles or that damn noble from the Golden Deer who won't stop throwing his name around (lorenz hellman glouster) like he's someone important. Felix has never cared about being elegant or charming but he still ended up as the class's - and later the damn Kingdom army's - main source of motivation. He could cut down enemies as he pleased, but he also needed to keep the spirits of those around him high.
He did it, though, because he just can't say "no" to Byleth.
And, joke's on him, so long as it's off the battlefield and no one's watching, he actually... doesn't mind... dancing. It's a departure from his usual hobbies - things like training, and... that's it, really - but he finds it as soothing as swinging a sword until his arms are sore. And, in times of peace, it's arguably a better use of his time.
Which is why, during one of his visits to the capital, he asks Mercedes to mend his old dancer outfit. He'd been putting it off for a while, but after an entire war's worth of battles and bloodshed, it desperately needed some TLC. And, according to her, some additional embellishments. When he gets his clothes back, he finds she's added additional coins and tassels, integrated some diamonds along some expanses of blue... even subtly stitched his crest's symbol onto the strip of fabric near his brooch. It's more than he asked for, and he... loves it, honestly. He'll have to pester someone with a sweet tooth to help him thank her properly later.
But that's for later. For now, he's itching to dance in his revamped attire. So long after the sun's set and the castle has (presumably) gone to bed, Felix makes his way out to the ever-familiar training grounds. It's not as secluded as he'd like, but he can't wander off too far without drawing the attention of any of the night guards. And a quick but thorough look around confirms that he's alone.
After a slow, deep breath to center himself, he begins to dance. His feet kicks up sand and dirt as he glides about the grounds, the only noise accompanying his improvised routine. While his movements lack elegance and grace, Felix is still beautiful as he moves - he's got years of training under his belt, after all.
(thanks, byleth. really.) ]
And he won. Not by the skin of his teeth - it was a unanimous decision from the judges. He's not a religious man by any means, but he wonders if it was a cruel joke pulled by the goddess, because there's no way in hell he could've beaten the opera singer from the Black Eagles or that damn noble from the Golden Deer who won't stop throwing his name around (lorenz hellman glouster) like he's someone important. Felix has never cared about being elegant or charming but he still ended up as the class's - and later the damn Kingdom army's - main source of motivation. He could cut down enemies as he pleased, but he also needed to keep the spirits of those around him high.
He did it, though, because he just can't say "no" to Byleth.
And, joke's on him, so long as it's off the battlefield and no one's watching, he actually... doesn't mind... dancing. It's a departure from his usual hobbies - things like training, and... that's it, really - but he finds it as soothing as swinging a sword until his arms are sore. And, in times of peace, it's arguably a better use of his time.
Which is why, during one of his visits to the capital, he asks Mercedes to mend his old dancer outfit. He'd been putting it off for a while, but after an entire war's worth of battles and bloodshed, it desperately needed some TLC. And, according to her, some additional embellishments. When he gets his clothes back, he finds she's added additional coins and tassels, integrated some diamonds along some expanses of blue... even subtly stitched his crest's symbol onto the strip of fabric near his brooch. It's more than he asked for, and he... loves it, honestly. He'll have to pester someone with a sweet tooth to help him thank her properly later.
But that's for later. For now, he's itching to dance in his revamped attire. So long after the sun's set and the castle has (presumably) gone to bed, Felix makes his way out to the ever-familiar training grounds. It's not as secluded as he'd like, but he can't wander off too far without drawing the attention of any of the night guards. And a quick but thorough look around confirms that he's alone.
After a slow, deep breath to center himself, he begins to dance. His feet kicks up sand and dirt as he glides about the grounds, the only noise accompanying his improvised routine. While his movements lack elegance and grace, Felix is still beautiful as he moves - he's got years of training under his belt, after all.
(thanks, byleth. really.) ]
[ Ashe has had a lot to think about since the war's end. What does he want to do, now that there's peace? What would make his family - Lonato, Christophe, his siblings, his birth parents - proud? All his life he's wanted to be a knight, to follow in the footsteps of all the heroes he grew up reading about, but he thinks he's found a new dream now. Something that'll make him just as happy, if not happier, than being knighted and taking over his adoptive father's territory.
Their time as students feels like centuries ago, but he still remembers a particular conversation with Dedue, clear as day. In an effort to get to know him better, he'd asked Dedue about his life in Duscur. As expected, the conversation quickly drifted to food. Dedue avoided cooking Duscur cuisine, as "not to sow seeds of discontent", but he'd been adamant about wanting to try more of the food he's used to. And he'd smiled so softly it made Ashe's heart ache. Knowing the pain Dedue carries, and seeing the discrimination he still faces first-hand during his time in the capital... he wanted to do something for him, to ensure a future where Dedue could live peacefully, and smile as easily as he had that day.
The only person who knows of his plan was Dimitri who, bless his heart, tried to make his knight-related wishes come true. But with his blessings, he secures a place within the capital to build the inn of his dreams. Parts of it, he bases off of what he could remember of his parents' restaurant all those years ago... but where he can, he draws inspiration from what Dedue's told him about Duscur. It will never truly replace all that Dedue lost after the Tragedy, but he hopes it'll help both him and the citizens of Faergus in time.
He's still several weeks away from opening the doors to his inn, but he figures it's about time to start tackling the menu, and let Dedue in on his secret. Though he looks a little worn out (a day of physical labor and overseeing the construction of a multi-story building takes a lot out of a person) he's still all smiles when he finds Dedue tending to the garden. He squats next to him and peeks at whatever plant has his undivided attention at the moment. ] I hope I'm not bothering you, Dedue. Is there anything I can help you with?
Their time as students feels like centuries ago, but he still remembers a particular conversation with Dedue, clear as day. In an effort to get to know him better, he'd asked Dedue about his life in Duscur. As expected, the conversation quickly drifted to food. Dedue avoided cooking Duscur cuisine, as "not to sow seeds of discontent", but he'd been adamant about wanting to try more of the food he's used to. And he'd smiled so softly it made Ashe's heart ache. Knowing the pain Dedue carries, and seeing the discrimination he still faces first-hand during his time in the capital... he wanted to do something for him, to ensure a future where Dedue could live peacefully, and smile as easily as he had that day.
The only person who knows of his plan was Dimitri who, bless his heart, tried to make his knight-related wishes come true. But with his blessings, he secures a place within the capital to build the inn of his dreams. Parts of it, he bases off of what he could remember of his parents' restaurant all those years ago... but where he can, he draws inspiration from what Dedue's told him about Duscur. It will never truly replace all that Dedue lost after the Tragedy, but he hopes it'll help both him and the citizens of Faergus in time.
He's still several weeks away from opening the doors to his inn, but he figures it's about time to start tackling the menu, and let Dedue in on his secret. Though he looks a little worn out (a day of physical labor and overseeing the construction of a multi-story building takes a lot out of a person) he's still all smiles when he finds Dedue tending to the garden. He squats next to him and peeks at whatever plant has his undivided attention at the moment. ] I hope I'm not bothering you, Dedue. Is there anything I can help you with?
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