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[ Finally, Ashe has the courage to lower his hands and meet Dimitri's gaze, though a bit timidly. ]
It would, yes. [ He wrings his hands together on the table. ] I believe what you're telling me, and I... feel the same toward you. If I'm being honest, I've liked you for quite some time now. [ hgoh, he never thought he'd be saying that to his face. ] But I want to be sure Dedue and Felix are truly okay with me being there. I want to hear it for myself.
[ He almost breaks eye contact, but he doesn't. ] I'm sorry, Dimitri.
It would, yes. [ He wrings his hands together on the table. ] I believe what you're telling me, and I... feel the same toward you. If I'm being honest, I've liked you for quite some time now. [ hgoh, he never thought he'd be saying that to his face. ] But I want to be sure Dedue and Felix are truly okay with me being there. I want to hear it for myself.
[ He almost breaks eye contact, but he doesn't. ] I'm sorry, Dimitri.
[ ... Why doesn't he feel better now? ]
Wait. [ Felix reaches for his wrist, but stops short. His hand clenches into a fist. ] You stay. I'll leave.
Wait. [ Felix reaches for his wrist, but stops short. His hand clenches into a fist. ] You stay. I'll leave.
[ Oh, if only Dimitri knew how soothing his kisses can actually be sometimes. Maybe he does know. Maybe that's why he kissed him like that, and leaves his heart feeling just a tiny bit less heavy.
Felix nods quietly ] Fine. ... I'll see you soon. [ and waits for Dimitri to take his leave and for silence to overtake the training hall before picking up where he left off in his routine. The rhythm feels all wrong and his mind keeps wandering further and further with each pirouette, but even if it's just practice, even if it's for himself, he's not leaving this unfinished.
Around half an hour later, he keeps to his word and knocks on the door to Dimitri's bedroom. ] Open up. [ He's still in the dancer outfit (if he's staying the night in his room, he can just borrow his clothes. it wouldn't be the first time he's done that.) but he has a long cloak wrapped around his body to hide most of it, and to keep him warm. ]
Felix nods quietly ] Fine. ... I'll see you soon. [ and waits for Dimitri to take his leave and for silence to overtake the training hall before picking up where he left off in his routine. The rhythm feels all wrong and his mind keeps wandering further and further with each pirouette, but even if it's just practice, even if it's for himself, he's not leaving this unfinished.
Around half an hour later, he keeps to his word and knocks on the door to Dimitri's bedroom. ] Open up. [ He's still in the dancer outfit (if he's staying the night in his room, he can just borrow his clothes. it wouldn't be the first time he's done that.) but he has a long cloak wrapped around his body to hide most of it, and to keep him warm. ]
You're very lucky I have a terrible reputation and no one trusts me.
[And yet, he still sighs as fond and in love with Reyson as ever.] Just remember I tried to decline. I wont be kissing your feet after I've stepped all over them.
[So, yes, he'll dance. You rat.]
[And yet, he still sighs as fond and in love with Reyson as ever.] Just remember I tried to decline. I wont be kissing your feet after I've stepped all over them.
[So, yes, he'll dance. You rat.]
Violets. [He's not going to lie to Ashe.] They are very delicate and require a specific quality of soil so it has taken some time, but they are finally ready to be planted.
[They've proven to be a challenge, but one that Dedue was willing to accept. Partly because he loves a challenge and partly because.. well, even if it's only a small gesture, he'd do anything to make Ashe happy.] They are your favorite, are they not?
[They've proven to be a challenge, but one that Dedue was willing to accept. Partly because he loves a challenge and partly because.. well, even if it's only a small gesture, he'd do anything to make Ashe happy.] They are your favorite, are they not?
[ Reyson kisses the back of Naesala's hand softly, a gesture he hopes passes as gentlemanly to others, opposed to completely and utterly affectionate. ]
Just follow my lead, Naesala. You'll be fine. [ It's not like he doesn't know he has two left feet. For someone who carries himself with so much bravado on a daily basis, he's, well... uncoordinated, to say the least. But Reyson and Leanne still loved dancing with him as a child, laughing as they spun each other around and around without a care.
He's just as happy to lead Naesala out to the dance floor now, but he won't be spinning him so wildly. Hands still clasped tight, he rests his free hand on the middle of his back and starts to move to the music.
After a few moments of helping Naesala find his rhythm, he gives him a little smile. ] That wasn't so bad, now, was it? [ stubborn binch ]
Just follow my lead, Naesala. You'll be fine. [ It's not like he doesn't know he has two left feet. For someone who carries himself with so much bravado on a daily basis, he's, well... uncoordinated, to say the least. But Reyson and Leanne still loved dancing with him as a child, laughing as they spun each other around and around without a care.
He's just as happy to lead Naesala out to the dance floor now, but he won't be spinning him so wildly. Hands still clasped tight, he rests his free hand on the middle of his back and starts to move to the music.
After a few moments of helping Naesala find his rhythm, he gives him a little smile. ] That wasn't so bad, now, was it? [ stubborn binch ]
[Dimitri isn’t sure how to react exactly because the old Felix would never have done these things. Not at this age. A younger Felix clung to Dimitri, whined to be with him at every moment. It was very clear how much Felix adored him then. But as a teenager and an adult, something changed and he remembers Felix being distant, even in his affection. He was unaccustomed to expressing how he felt and, in turn, Dimitri grew unused to such open displays of affection.
He eventually settles on holding Felix in return, his hands settling on the small of his back and nose in Felix’s hair. It’s so funny to him, how he’s never known this Felix and yet this feels so comfortable – so right. They slot together like they were meant for each other.] I didn’t think you’d be looking for me. I thought I’d never see you again.
He eventually settles on holding Felix in return, his hands settling on the small of his back and nose in Felix’s hair. It’s so funny to him, how he’s never known this Felix and yet this feels so comfortable – so right. They slot together like they were meant for each other.] I didn’t think you’d be looking for me. I thought I’d never see you again.
[Dimitri opens the door and immediately bristles, torn between fussing because that can’t be the warmest even with the cloak, and staring at the peek of the dancer outfit Felix is still clearly wearing underneath the cloak. What he ends up on is a weird combination. 70% fussing, 30% get inside so I can look at you more.] Oh, I thought you would have changed. [A comment made without really thinking, but Dimitri quickly recovers.]
Get inside; the fireplace is already going. [He moves aside for Felix. When Felix is safe inside, he starts pulling blankets from his bed so they can cozy up by the fire.]
Get inside; the fireplace is already going. [He moves aside for Felix. When Felix is safe inside, he starts pulling blankets from his bed so they can cozy up by the fire.]
[ While he's not the most receptive to fussing (calm down dimitri he's fine, his toes are just really cold), sitting in front of a warm fire sounds appealing. So he shrugs off his cloak and accepts a blanket wound around him as a replacement. ]
It was easier to come straight here. [ He also didn't want to keep Dimitri waiting too long.
Watching the fire dance before his eyes, he takes a seat on the couch (and leaves plenty of room for Dimitri to settle next to him). ] Listen. I want to apologize for before. When I got mad at you, I let my emotions get the better of me. [ It's not always easy for him to say sorry, but he at least recognizes when he should. ]
It was easier to come straight here. [ He also didn't want to keep Dimitri waiting too long.
Watching the fire dance before his eyes, he takes a seat on the couch (and leaves plenty of room for Dimitri to settle next to him). ] Listen. I want to apologize for before. When I got mad at you, I let my emotions get the better of me. [ It's not always easy for him to say sorry, but he at least recognizes when he should. ]
[ Felix lets out a groan. Everything Dimitri says is, of course, spot on - the main differences between now and their academy days are the lack of uniform and that Sylvain is, for once, actually devoted to one girl and one girl only. And he knows how lucky he is to have as steadfast and reliable of a friend as Sylvain. But that doesn't mean Dimitri has to say it out loud. ]
Shut up. Stop talking about that. [ The room is just dark enough that thankfully, he won't catch the slight color to his cheeks, the telltale sign of his embarrassment. He runs his hand back through his hair a second time, catching his fingers on some of the longer strands on the way back down. ] What else is on your mind, besides the wedding? [ Because there's gotta be more than that, right? ]
Shut up. Stop talking about that. [ The room is just dark enough that thankfully, he won't catch the slight color to his cheeks, the telltale sign of his embarrassment. He runs his hand back through his hair a second time, catching his fingers on some of the longer strands on the way back down. ] What else is on your mind, besides the wedding? [ Because there's gotta be more than that, right? ]
[Felix stops his assault on Ashe’s hair, but keeps his hand threaded in place when he leans back to pretend to really get a look at him. Of course Ashe hasn’t changed that much aside from his height. His hair has lost some of its fluff due to his new hairstyle but it’s still nice and soft underneath Felix’s hand. Eyes still that beautiful Luna Moth green. Constellations strewn across his nose.
His personality certainly hasn’t changed too much, either. Ashe is still a shining light in the darkness, especially now. Felix tsks, but it’s still light hearted.] Not at all.
[His hand trails down to cup Ashe’s cheek.] Might have to recount all those freckles, though. Just to be sure.
His personality certainly hasn’t changed too much, either. Ashe is still a shining light in the darkness, especially now. Felix tsks, but it’s still light hearted.] Not at all.
[His hand trails down to cup Ashe’s cheek.] Might have to recount all those freckles, though. Just to be sure.
[Ashe is such a kind soul.. Dimitri softens, his expression, his posture, and he reaches to place his hand over Ashe’s.] Please don’t apologize.
I understand where you’re coming from, and Felix and Dedue will too. I think they will actually be happy to talk to you one on one. They’ve had to deal with only my ramblings thus far. [He laughs, and finally gives Ashe’s hand a little squeeze.] Let me know when you’re free and I’ll set something up. Thank you, Ashe.
I understand where you’re coming from, and Felix and Dedue will too. I think they will actually be happy to talk to you one on one. They’ve had to deal with only my ramblings thus far. [He laughs, and finally gives Ashe’s hand a little squeeze.] Let me know when you’re free and I’ll set something up. Thank you, Ashe.
[ he only bit as hard as you did, thanks!!!!
Felix gingerly touches his neck, feeling the damp skin beneath his fingertips. Again, he's had worse, but... ]
If it'll make you feel better, then go ahead. [ He won't stop Dimitri from caring for him, especially when it is his fault.
But without further delay, Felix strips off the rest of his clothes and leaves them unceremoniously in a pile by the foot of the tub. Being the smaller of the two, he goes ahead and gets settled in first. Not that he'll admit it out loud, but... his body really is exhausted, from both the long day of travel and the sparring. The warm water is soothing, leaving him sighing in content.
But before he sinks beneath the water entirely like he's honestly tempted to, he looks to Dimitri, ready to shift as necessary to accommodate him. ]
Felix gingerly touches his neck, feeling the damp skin beneath his fingertips. Again, he's had worse, but... ]
If it'll make you feel better, then go ahead. [ He won't stop Dimitri from caring for him, especially when it is his fault.
But without further delay, Felix strips off the rest of his clothes and leaves them unceremoniously in a pile by the foot of the tub. Being the smaller of the two, he goes ahead and gets settled in first. Not that he'll admit it out loud, but... his body really is exhausted, from both the long day of travel and the sparring. The warm water is soothing, leaving him sighing in content.
But before he sinks beneath the water entirely like he's honestly tempted to, he looks to Dimitri, ready to shift as necessary to accommodate him. ]
Oh! [ Well, there goes his plan to not blush around Dedue. Ashe chuckles, a little embarrassed but mostly overjoyed. Even if they're not for him, the fact that Dedue knows his favorite flower and is adding it to the castle's gardens does, indeed, make him very happy. ] They are. I'm... surprised you remembered, honestly.
[ He nervously tucks a few strands of hair behind his ear, dislodging some sawdust in the process. ] They'll certainly fit right in with all the other plants.
[ He nervously tucks a few strands of hair behind his ear, dislodging some sawdust in the process. ] They'll certainly fit right in with all the other plants.
[ Ashe leans into his hand like a cat seeking affection, pressing a kiss against his gloved palm. Honestly, he doesn't think Felix has changed much either - his eyes are still so soft and warm, a contrast to his strong and intimidating (to others) exterior. All the five years made him is more handsome, and perhaps a touch more affectionate.
Not that he can say much, with how his heart's fluttering like he's falling in love with Felix all over again. He gently rests his hand over Felix's, smile softer now. ] Maybe you do. Though I don't think I've noticed any new ones recently.
Not that he can say much, with how his heart's fluttering like he's falling in love with Felix all over again. He gently rests his hand over Felix's, smile softer now. ] Maybe you do. Though I don't think I've noticed any new ones recently.
[ It comes as no surprise to Felix that Dimitri feels that way. What else is he supposed to think? If he remembered everything in picture perfect clarity, he'd remember Felix never coming back for him, sharing the battlefield as his enemy. And if he didn't... well. That'd almost be better, he thinks. Better to forget all that pain and darkness than to have it continue haunting him now.
He shakes his head, careful to not jostle Dimitri in the process. ] Of course I looked for you. You're... [ my best friend. my first and only love. the one person i never wanted to lose. ]
... Never mind. Forget I said that. [ It's pointless mentioning it, anyway. ] Anyway. Are you... alright?
[ google search "how to tactfully ask if someone is still a damn boar" ]
He shakes his head, careful to not jostle Dimitri in the process. ] Of course I looked for you. You're... [ my best friend. my first and only love. the one person i never wanted to lose. ]
... Never mind. Forget I said that. [ It's pointless mentioning it, anyway. ] Anyway. Are you... alright?
[ google search "how to tactfully ask if someone is still a damn boar" ]
[At least Dimitri can only fuss so much. He barely knows how to take care of himself anymore, let alone other people.
Regardless... He takes his place next to Felix without a word and follows suit in wrapping himself in blankets. After Felix has his say, Dimitri lays his hand atop Felix’s smaller one.]
Thank you. But I think your anger was justified. I lingered - [No, that’s not it.] watched you for far too long. [He rubs his index finger over Felix’s knuckle and down the knobby slope of his thumb, willing some warmth into their hands.] You rarely do anything without purpose, so if you went out of your way to do something alone I should have known better and respected that.
[He, too, can own up to his mistakes.]
Regardless... He takes his place next to Felix without a word and follows suit in wrapping himself in blankets. After Felix has his say, Dimitri lays his hand atop Felix’s smaller one.]
Thank you. But I think your anger was justified. I lingered - [No, that’s not it.] watched you for far too long. [He rubs his index finger over Felix’s knuckle and down the knobby slope of his thumb, willing some warmth into their hands.] You rarely do anything without purpose, so if you went out of your way to do something alone I should have known better and respected that.
[He, too, can own up to his mistakes.]
[Surprise, Dimitri can be incredibly simple minded. But Felix should know that already. Dimitri glances around the room, trying to find something to focus on. The darkness lends him no favors: offering nothing to find purchase on.]
It – the wedding has me thinking about the future, too. Faerghus’ and my own future. But those are . . . less tangible. [Muddy, unsure. He wants so many things for his future but he’s not sure if he can have those things with Faerghus to consider. He’s not even sure he deserves what he wants. Happiness? Felix…?]
… I just bothered you for nothing, didn’t I?
It – the wedding has me thinking about the future, too. Faerghus’ and my own future. But those are . . . less tangible. [Muddy, unsure. He wants so many things for his future but he’s not sure if he can have those things with Faerghus to consider. He’s not even sure he deserves what he wants. Happiness? Felix…?]
… I just bothered you for nothing, didn’t I?
[Dimitri's laugh is soft and fond. He nuzzles into Felix’s hair because if Felix is still clinging to him so tightly, then a little gesture as such should be okay.] I wouldn't call myself a “boar” if that’s what you’re asking.
I’m... better. [Not okay, not totally fine, but better. Better than how Felix would remember him. Much better than he expected to be after running into someone from his past. He slowly pulls back, as much as Felix will let him, so he can get a look at the other’s face.] ...Are you okay? Is –
[Is Glenn? Is Rodrigue? Are they even around? Dimitri starts to ask, but immediately his voice catches in his throat with the realization it may not be prudent to ask about them.] I think we should go somewhere more private to talk.
I’m... better. [Not okay, not totally fine, but better. Better than how Felix would remember him. Much better than he expected to be after running into someone from his past. He slowly pulls back, as much as Felix will let him, so he can get a look at the other’s face.] ...Are you okay? Is –
[Is Glenn? Is Rodrigue? Are they even around? Dimitri starts to ask, but immediately his voice catches in his throat with the realization it may not be prudent to ask about them.] I think we should go somewhere more private to talk.
[ Felix exhales sharply through his nose. He's simpleminded and he loves him, truly, but sometimes his hesitancy is a bit much. ] No, you didn't. ... Come over here. [ He pats the spot next to him on the bed.
Once Dimitri's beside him, he continues. ] I won't pretend I know what's going on in that head of yours. But you're not the only one unsure about his future. [ He looks down at his knees as he admits ] I am, too.
[ Because he, too, has his uncertainties. About what's expected of him as Duke Fraldarius, and what his relationship with Dimitri is going to look like five, ten, twenty years down the line. It's stupid to think about, but truly... truly, he'd like to always be by his side. Even if Dimitri can't be his king. ]
Once Dimitri's beside him, he continues. ] I won't pretend I know what's going on in that head of yours. But you're not the only one unsure about his future. [ He looks down at his knees as he admits ] I am, too.
[ Because he, too, has his uncertainties. About what's expected of him as Duke Fraldarius, and what his relationship with Dimitri is going to look like five, ten, twenty years down the line. It's stupid to think about, but truly... truly, he'd like to always be by his side. Even if Dimitri can't be his king. ]
[ Felix lets Dimitri pull away, but he still keeps a hand in his shirt. Forgive him for being just a bit clingy, but he's emotional right now. Even if it doesn't show too clearly on his face. ]
... I live in the dorms. [ Translation: my room is out of the question. As much as heloves tolerates his roommate, Ashe, he's not keen on the idea of kicking him out to have a private chat with Dimitri. He doesn't want to give him the wrong idea, nor open that can of worms. ] What do you suggest?
... I live in the dorms. [ Translation: my room is out of the question. As much as he
[ Felix drops his head on Dimitri's shoulder and murmurs, barely audible over the crackle of the fire ] ... Thanks. [ Because he's right - he was purposeful in everything about that dance practice, particularly the being alone part.
He turns his hand beneath Dimitri's, letting their fingers lace together naturally. ] At least it was you who saw, not one of the others. [ He can still look Dimitri in the eye, which is more than he could say if it were anyone else. ]
He turns his hand beneath Dimitri's, letting their fingers lace together naturally. ] At least it was you who saw, not one of the others. [ He can still look Dimitri in the eye, which is more than he could say if it were anyone else. ]
[ Ashe is okay with silence. It's comforting, even, just being in Dedue's presence. It's an odd thought to have during a time of peace, but he feels... safe when he's with him. He doesn't build as many walls around his heart as some of their other classmates, but Dedue's still the only one he's cried in front of - so he knows, without a doubt, that Dedue is there for him no matter what.
So he feels confident enough, once they've finished planting the violets, to ask ] I was wondering, could you get your opinion on something? It's... important. [ "Important" feels like an understatement, but it's the only word he has. ] Do you have time to come by my room later?
So he feels confident enough, once they've finished planting the violets, to ask ] I was wondering, could you get your opinion on something? It's... important. [ "Important" feels like an understatement, but it's the only word he has. ] Do you have time to come by my room later?
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