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[ That very slight blush returns to Felix's face, and he turns his head slightly away from Dimitri. (but his arms still wrap around him in turn - just because he's huffy about the teasing doesn't mean he's going to be entirely cold.) ]
So what if I was? [ Translation: perhaps. He didn't even fully dry his hair, opting to tuck it into a bun instead to keep it off his neck.
But before he can focus on that admission: ] Tell me about your trip. [ What in the world was so important that Dedue needed to come along, but not important enough for him to be notified...? ]
So what if I was? [ Translation: perhaps. He didn't even fully dry his hair, opting to tuck it into a bun instead to keep it off his neck.
But before he can focus on that admission: ] Tell me about your trip. [ What in the world was so important that Dedue needed to come along, but not important enough for him to be notified...? ]
[Despite Felix's attempt to turn Dimitri's attention away from his admission, it still knocks him off balance for the briefest moment. Felix actually... missed him. Of course he hadn't doubted his lover's words (or smile. or that lovely flush his cheeks took) but suddenly the feeling of it - the dawning of just how much Felix missed him and how much he loves this man - sweeps up his into his chest like a gust of cold air. All the bravado of his previous tease leaves him and all that's left is the star-struck puppy dog that Felix should be more familiar with.
He won't be distracted any longer. Dimitri chases after Felix, kissing his neck now that his head is turned away from him.] I want to give you something first.
[They're pressed so close together. Can Felix feel his heart pounding? Can he hear it?] Will you close your eyes for me?
He won't be distracted any longer. Dimitri chases after Felix, kissing his neck now that his head is turned away from him.] I want to give you something first.
[They're pressed so close together. Can Felix feel his heart pounding? Can he hear it?] Will you close your eyes for me?
[ Felix is too distracted by the warmth of their bodies and Dimitri's soft voice by his ear to register anything else.
He huffs, but there's no edge, no roughness to it. ] You didn't have to get me anything. [ But he closes his eyes, as asked, and (reluctantly) loosens his hold on his king. ]
He huffs, but there's no edge, no roughness to it. ] You didn't have to get me anything. [ But he closes his eyes, as asked, and (reluctantly) loosens his hold on his king. ]
Oh, but I did. [Dimitri is just as reluctant to leave Felix's side but what's to come will be worth it. He takes the sword from it's spot just tucked out of sight and returns to Felix with it. His voice is calm, betraying his nerves.] That was the whole point of my trip after all.
[Then, Dimitri kneels. He unwraps the sword enough that Felix can see the blade and the fine details so lovingly crafted into it but it is still resting in the silk in his hands as he holds it out.] Open your eyes, Felix.
[Then, Dimitri kneels. He unwraps the sword enough that Felix can see the blade and the fine details so lovingly crafted into it but it is still resting in the silk in his hands as he holds it out.] Open your eyes, Felix.
[ A complaint is on the tip of his tongue - "you left your affairs to me for a week just to get me a gift?" - but when he opens his eyes and sees that beautiful sword presented to him, his breath leaves him. The detailing, the gemstones (the color of their eyes, he picks up on immediately), the blade itself... everything is perfect. The swordsmith should be proud of themself.
Felix reaches down to pick up the sword, and takes a moment to marvel at it properly while it's in his hands. ] It's stunning. [ That feels like an understatement, though. ] But why did you get this? My birthday's already passed. [ And he's pretty sure neither of them remember when they started courting. ]
Felix reaches down to pick up the sword, and takes a moment to marvel at it properly while it's in his hands. ] It's stunning. [ That feels like an understatement, though. ] But why did you get this? My birthday's already passed. [ And he's pretty sure neither of them remember when they started courting. ]
[Byleth truly has the only braincell in all of Fodlan.]
It's not for your birthday. It's not - [Dimitri's been thrown off balance again. He can recover. He can do this.] Felix... Fraldarius and Blaiddyd have been bound together since the beginning of time. Our ancestors, Loog and Kyphon, our grandparents, our fathers - A Blaiddyd has never walked a path without Fraldarius by their side. Words cannot possibly describe how happy this makes me... when I can scarcely imagine a world without you in it. You've been by my side through the worst of it - when I didn't deserve it, your kindness or your patience. Your knowing or your love. And I -- I love you, Felix Hugo Fraldarius.
[Dimitri takes a breath, one good eye watchful of Felix's expression.] I want our path to branch from our ancestors, though. I don't want you to walk at my side as my shield. I don't think I have ever wanted that. But now, right now, I want you to walk at my side as my equal - I want to walk with you as... as husbands. I... [Oh, his voice is getting wet. Felix hasn't even said anything yet.]
Will you marry me, Felix?
It's not for your birthday. It's not - [Dimitri's been thrown off balance again. He can recover. He can do this.] Felix... Fraldarius and Blaiddyd have been bound together since the beginning of time. Our ancestors, Loog and Kyphon, our grandparents, our fathers - A Blaiddyd has never walked a path without Fraldarius by their side. Words cannot possibly describe how happy this makes me... when I can scarcely imagine a world without you in it. You've been by my side through the worst of it - when I didn't deserve it, your kindness or your patience. Your knowing or your love. And I -- I love you, Felix Hugo Fraldarius.
[Dimitri takes a breath, one good eye watchful of Felix's expression.] I want our path to branch from our ancestors, though. I don't want you to walk at my side as my shield. I don't think I have ever wanted that. But now, right now, I want you to walk at my side as my equal - I want to walk with you as... as husbands. I... [Oh, his voice is getting wet. Felix hasn't even said anything yet.]
Will you marry me, Felix?
Edited 2019-11-03 19:38 (UTC)
[ Felix, truthfully, has thought of marriage before. He remembers clinging to Dimitri shortly after Glenn and Ingrid were engaged and promising his future to him, someday in the future. But as time passed and the anger and sorrow that once froze his heart melted away, revealing the love still buried deep within, he finds himself content with his relationship with Dimitri as is. Even if they never wed, there was no doubt in his mind - in either of their minds - that their hearts belonged to each other.
To have Dimitri before him now, though, delivering a heartfelt speech just to ask for his hand - well. It reminds him a bit of some of the stories he read with his brother and Ashe. But this is real - the sword in his hand, the room around him, Dimitri himself - and Felix takes a slow, shaky breath. ]
Aren't we already? [ After several days of whining to their parents, Lambert and Rodrigue organized a small wedding ("wedding") ceremony for the two of them. Felix still recalls the look on Dimitri's face when he saw him, dressed up in a nice tailored suit made just for the occasion. Though on the verge of tears, his eyes shone with all the love in the world. It's one of Felix's most cherished memories, even to this day.
His vision blurs as he continues with his answer. ] But really... proposing with a sword? You really caught me by surprise. [ But he nods his head, ignoring the tears that've begun to roll down his cheeks. ]
I'll marry you, Dimitri. [ A breath. ] I want to marry you.
To have Dimitri before him now, though, delivering a heartfelt speech just to ask for his hand - well. It reminds him a bit of some of the stories he read with his brother and Ashe. But this is real - the sword in his hand, the room around him, Dimitri himself - and Felix takes a slow, shaky breath. ]
Aren't we already? [ After several days of whining to their parents, Lambert and Rodrigue organized a small wedding ("wedding") ceremony for the two of them. Felix still recalls the look on Dimitri's face when he saw him, dressed up in a nice tailored suit made just for the occasion. Though on the verge of tears, his eyes shone with all the love in the world. It's one of Felix's most cherished memories, even to this day.
His vision blurs as he continues with his answer. ] But really... proposing with a sword? You really caught me by surprise. [ But he nods his head, ignoring the tears that've begun to roll down his cheeks. ]
I'll marry you, Dimitri. [ A breath. ] I want to marry you.
[The only thing stopping Dimitri from picking Felix up and crushing him into another embrace is the sword still in Felix's hands. He does rise from his kneeling position, the momentum and burst of emotion forcing his own tears to fall.] Truly? [His voice wavers.
Dimitri takes hold of Felix's waist but leans in close, foreheads together.] I love you. I love you endlessly, Felix. My dearest. [Through the waver, the tears, there is unbridled happiness in Dimitri's voice.]
Dimitri takes hold of Felix's waist but leans in close, foreheads together.] I love you. I love you endlessly, Felix. My dearest. [Through the waver, the tears, there is unbridled happiness in Dimitri's voice.]
[ Felix, despite every urge he has to just melt into Dimitri, tries to step away as soon as he rests his hands on his waist. ] Hang on. Let me put this down first.
[ He has enough sense to grab the silk as well, lest he damage such a beautiful blade, but he wastes no time placing it down on the nearest flat surface so he can return to his embrace.
This time, Felix is the one to cup his cheek as an uncharacteristically large and warm smile threatens to overtake his features. (not that he could be blamed - it's not every day dimitri proposes to him.) ] There we go. [ Now he's free to be crushed in his arms. ]
[ He has enough sense to grab the silk as well, lest he damage such a beautiful blade, but he wastes no time placing it down on the nearest flat surface so he can return to his embrace.
This time, Felix is the one to cup his cheek as an uncharacteristically large and warm smile threatens to overtake his features. (not that he could be blamed - it's not every day dimitri proposes to him.) ] There we go. [ Now he's free to be crushed in his arms. ]
[ Felix scoffs. ] I intend to.
[ And before Dimitri can comment further, he takes the opportunity given to him by the cat and leaves the stables without another word. He's already exposed himself (his emotions) too much in one day - he has to resume "hiding away", as Dimitri put it, before anything else slips.
Before he focuses too hard on his words. As he presses his back against the door to his room, Dimitri's voice rings in his ears, louder than his demons.
"Don't you ever want to forget?"
"That doesn't mean you don't want to."
Damn him - damn him for knowing him so well, for caring about him no matter how aggressively he shoves him away. And damn himself, too, for his weakness.
Because despite himself - despite how he continues to duck out of class the second the professor dismisses them for the day and sourly complains about the ball - he... doesn't want to back out of his promise to Annette and Mercedes. Goddess knows he'd never hear the end of it if he tried, anyway.
But there is an issue with that: Felix doesn't know how to dance. His footwork on the battlefield doesn't translate to the ballroom. He's well aware that, without practice, he will make a fool of himself on the night of the ball. (he still will, probably - it's not like he can become an expert overnight - but he'd like to think he could gain enough muscle memory to at least be passable.)
When it comes to potential practice partners, though, his options are limited. Annette and Mercedes are far too busy roping Ingrid into girly things for him to ask for their time, Ashe is meek as a lamb around him and would probably faint, and Sylvain... no. No way. So while his final choice isn't too great, it's the best he has.
At the end of class, Felix remains in his seat for once, and addresses Dimitri next to him. ] I heard the professor chose you to be our representative for the White Heron Cup. [ The news came as a bit of a relief to Felix - thank the goddess they didn't choose him - but he still wonders if Byleth has fish bait for brains. Dimitri might be charming, but he's... hopeless, to put it bluntly. ] How confident are you that you'll win?
[ And before Dimitri can comment further, he takes the opportunity given to him by the cat and leaves the stables without another word. He's already exposed himself (his emotions) too much in one day - he has to resume "hiding away", as Dimitri put it, before anything else slips.
Before he focuses too hard on his words. As he presses his back against the door to his room, Dimitri's voice rings in his ears, louder than his demons.
"Don't you ever want to forget?"
"That doesn't mean you don't want to."
Damn him - damn him for knowing him so well, for caring about him no matter how aggressively he shoves him away. And damn himself, too, for his weakness.
Because despite himself - despite how he continues to duck out of class the second the professor dismisses them for the day and sourly complains about the ball - he... doesn't want to back out of his promise to Annette and Mercedes. Goddess knows he'd never hear the end of it if he tried, anyway.
But there is an issue with that: Felix doesn't know how to dance. His footwork on the battlefield doesn't translate to the ballroom. He's well aware that, without practice, he will make a fool of himself on the night of the ball. (he still will, probably - it's not like he can become an expert overnight - but he'd like to think he could gain enough muscle memory to at least be passable.)
When it comes to potential practice partners, though, his options are limited. Annette and Mercedes are far too busy roping Ingrid into girly things for him to ask for their time, Ashe is meek as a lamb around him and would probably faint, and Sylvain... no. No way. So while his final choice isn't too great, it's the best he has.
At the end of class, Felix remains in his seat for once, and addresses Dimitri next to him. ] I heard the professor chose you to be our representative for the White Heron Cup. [ The news came as a bit of a relief to Felix - thank the goddess they didn't choose him - but he still wonders if Byleth has fish bait for brains. Dimitri might be charming, but he's... hopeless, to put it bluntly. ] How confident are you that you'll win?
[ Ferdinand never thought he would get used to Fhirdiad, let alone Faerghus's colder, harsher environment. Spending his springs and summers in Fodlan's capital made him appreciate the lands he grew up in much more - the endless expanse of wheat that was Gronder Field, the eastern seas right at his fingertips... but he's found a home here in Fhirdiad, carved into stone, right by King Dimitri's side.
Try as he might to break the habit, he still compares him to the long deceased Edelgard. Dimitri is the very picture of Faerghus's values: strong, chivalrous, bound by a duty to protect those who cannot protect themselves. But he is soft and sensitive in ways that Ferdinand never expected, driven by his heart rather than logic, or a sense of what has to be done. During the war, he had his doubts about Dimitri as a ruler (despite the war, despite everything she did to fodlan, to dimitri, to himself, he still believed edelgard to be better in that regard), but he's pleased to admit now that he judged him too quickly. With guidance from himself, Felix, and countless others, Dimitri has risen to the occasion and helped lead Fodlan to its current era of peace and prosperity.
He once told Byleth that no matter what happened to the name Ferdinand von Aegir, he would continue carving a path forward and doing what must be done. While his thoughts on the matter haven't changed much - more than being remembered in the annals of history, he wants to do good by the people living now - he has to admit, he would like at least one thing, if nothing else, preserved: that he, Ferdinand von Aegir, and Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd were madly in love.
Dimitri's request to court him all those years ago had caught Ferdinand completely off-guard. Ferdinand remembers being blinded by his smile, swept straight off his feet by his charm, his compassion, his everything really, and nearly bursting into tears of joy when he took his hand and professed his love to him. (dimitri might have a different recollection of the events, but ferdinand swears by his version that paints dimitri like the dashingly handsome king/knight that he is.) They couldn't hide their relationship, even if they tried - Dimitri is the sun, moon, and every star that graced the night sky, brightening Ferdinand's life. He is a treasure, a gift, and he cannot even fathom a future where he's not by his side.
So Ferdinand decides that he must propose. (or, perhaps more accurately, the thought strikes him over dinner one day, as he was midst of losing himself in the lovely blue of his eye, and he nearly choked on his food as a result. it was, perhaps, not one of his finest moments.) And what better way to do so than by incorporating their mutual love of horses? Sure, his idea may be a bit silly, but he thinks Dimitri would appreciate it all the same. Dimitri is the king of all of Fodlan, who will one day be remembered as the Savior King, but he wants this to be for Dimitri, who broke countless sewing needles just to cross-stitch him a tiny horse.
With all the necessary preparations complete, Ferdinand makes his way to Dimitri's room. He knocks in a pattern he will recognize, announces his entry with a simple "Excuse me." and crosses over to where he sits at his desk.
He wraps his arms loosely around his shoulders, so he can continue to move his hands freely, and presses a feather-light kiss to his hair. ] Is there anything I can assist you with, my love? [ Paperwork that can be passed off? A knot he can work out of his shoulder? More kisses he can give? ]
Try as he might to break the habit, he still compares him to the long deceased Edelgard. Dimitri is the very picture of Faerghus's values: strong, chivalrous, bound by a duty to protect those who cannot protect themselves. But he is soft and sensitive in ways that Ferdinand never expected, driven by his heart rather than logic, or a sense of what has to be done. During the war, he had his doubts about Dimitri as a ruler (despite the war, despite everything she did to fodlan, to dimitri, to himself, he still believed edelgard to be better in that regard), but he's pleased to admit now that he judged him too quickly. With guidance from himself, Felix, and countless others, Dimitri has risen to the occasion and helped lead Fodlan to its current era of peace and prosperity.
He once told Byleth that no matter what happened to the name Ferdinand von Aegir, he would continue carving a path forward and doing what must be done. While his thoughts on the matter haven't changed much - more than being remembered in the annals of history, he wants to do good by the people living now - he has to admit, he would like at least one thing, if nothing else, preserved: that he, Ferdinand von Aegir, and Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd were madly in love.
Dimitri's request to court him all those years ago had caught Ferdinand completely off-guard. Ferdinand remembers being blinded by his smile, swept straight off his feet by his charm, his compassion, his everything really, and nearly bursting into tears of joy when he took his hand and professed his love to him. (dimitri might have a different recollection of the events, but ferdinand swears by his version that paints dimitri like the dashingly handsome king/knight that he is.) They couldn't hide their relationship, even if they tried - Dimitri is the sun, moon, and every star that graced the night sky, brightening Ferdinand's life. He is a treasure, a gift, and he cannot even fathom a future where he's not by his side.
So Ferdinand decides that he must propose. (or, perhaps more accurately, the thought strikes him over dinner one day, as he was midst of losing himself in the lovely blue of his eye, and he nearly choked on his food as a result. it was, perhaps, not one of his finest moments.) And what better way to do so than by incorporating their mutual love of horses? Sure, his idea may be a bit silly, but he thinks Dimitri would appreciate it all the same. Dimitri is the king of all of Fodlan, who will one day be remembered as the Savior King, but he wants this to be for Dimitri, who broke countless sewing needles just to cross-stitch him a tiny horse.
With all the necessary preparations complete, Ferdinand makes his way to Dimitri's room. He knocks in a pattern he will recognize, announces his entry with a simple "Excuse me." and crosses over to where he sits at his desk.
He wraps his arms loosely around his shoulders, so he can continue to move his hands freely, and presses a feather-light kiss to his hair. ] Is there anything I can assist you with, my love? [ Paperwork that can be passed off? A knot he can work out of his shoulder? More kisses he can give? ]
[ For years and years, the Von Aegir Family Farm never ventured far from Enbarr. As far as the previous heads of the farm were concerned, there was no reason to sell their prized fruits and vegetables outside of Adrestia County. Those in the Faerghus and Leicester county's didn't deserve their goods. But with Ferdinand at the metaphorical reins (his father, bless his heart, really doesn't have the best interests in mind. or any remotely good interests at all.), their business has expanded. Every week, without fail, from late spring to mid autumn, Ferdinand makes the two hour drive into the city to set up shop in Fhirdiad's farmers market.
If he's being honest, he's not sure he could ever manage living in the city. It's loud and noisy, with far too much smoke in the air from cars and pedestrians alike. But the energy is infectious. There's a liveliness here, chatting with the market-goers about their days and his produce, that he doesn't see elsewhere. Every person he talks to fills him with warmth - he only hopes he does the same in return.
There's one person in particular, though, that is extra special to Ferdinand. He doesn't know too much about Dimitri - only that he works somewhere near the market, and has a fondness for peaches and honey - but every time he sees him, his heart threatens to burst straight out of his chest from sheer happiness. Perhaps it's a bit silly to have a crush on someone you only see for a couple months out of the year, but, well - sometimes love is like that. ]
Oh, Dimitri! Hello there! [ He beckons him into his stall with a wave of his hand and a fond smile. ] I must say, I was hoping to see you today - we had an exceptional harvest of peaches this week, and I could not help but think of you! [ He holds out a plate of bite-sized peach pieces out to him. ] Would you like to partake in a sample?
If he's being honest, he's not sure he could ever manage living in the city. It's loud and noisy, with far too much smoke in the air from cars and pedestrians alike. But the energy is infectious. There's a liveliness here, chatting with the market-goers about their days and his produce, that he doesn't see elsewhere. Every person he talks to fills him with warmth - he only hopes he does the same in return.
There's one person in particular, though, that is extra special to Ferdinand. He doesn't know too much about Dimitri - only that he works somewhere near the market, and has a fondness for peaches and honey - but every time he sees him, his heart threatens to burst straight out of his chest from sheer happiness. Perhaps it's a bit silly to have a crush on someone you only see for a couple months out of the year, but, well - sometimes love is like that. ]
Oh, Dimitri! Hello there! [ He beckons him into his stall with a wave of his hand and a fond smile. ] I must say, I was hoping to see you today - we had an exceptional harvest of peaches this week, and I could not help but think of you! [ He holds out a plate of bite-sized peach pieces out to him. ] Would you like to partake in a sample?
Edited 2019-11-08 21:27 (UTC)
[Why him.
Why him??
Dimitri has a great deal of respect for the professor but he cannot possibly fathom why they thought it was a good idea to choose him, Dimitri "can't wield most weapons without breaking them" Alexandre "has all the grace of a knobbly newborn foal" Blaiddyd, to be the representative for the White Heron Cup. He's not even that charming!! His battalion only barely tolerates him because he has skill on his side!
So, perhaps, Dimitri is look forward to the ball slightly less than he was before and he doesn't at all appreciate Felix bringing it up. He had hoped Felix was sticking around after class to have an actual conversation with him. Something. Anything but this. But no. Dimitri lets his head fall into his hands, tired and embarrassed, with a groan. At least Felix isn't teasing him... yet.... ] Please... The professor has been giving me lessons so perhaps I won't be a total failure.
[The only way he can turn this competition around is if he's up against someone like Raphael and Hubert. And even then, Raph could win with his personality and Hubert can scare his way into the ranks. He's doomed.]
Why him??
Dimitri has a great deal of respect for the professor but he cannot possibly fathom why they thought it was a good idea to choose him, Dimitri "can't wield most weapons without breaking them" Alexandre "has all the grace of a knobbly newborn foal" Blaiddyd, to be the representative for the White Heron Cup. He's not even that charming!! His battalion only barely tolerates him because he has skill on his side!
So, perhaps, Dimitri is look forward to the ball slightly less than he was before and he doesn't at all appreciate Felix bringing it up. He had hoped Felix was sticking around after class to have an actual conversation with him. Something. Anything but this. But no. Dimitri lets his head fall into his hands, tired and embarrassed, with a groan. At least Felix isn't teasing him... yet.... ] Please... The professor has been giving me lessons so perhaps I won't be a total failure.
[The only way he can turn this competition around is if he's up against someone like Raphael and Hubert. And even then, Raph could win with his personality and Hubert can scare his way into the ranks. He's doomed.]
[Linhardt sighs heavy through his nose, exasperated. Indignant.] I wasn't sad, I was terrified.
[Which is no better and he understands Ferdinand's sentiment will remain the same. So Linhardt reaches and returns Ferdinand's embrace. He buries his face into his neck, nosing into his warmth.] I'll hold you to that. Whatever happens next... whatever we may find at Garreg Mach, you mustn't leave my side. Not until we can spend our days in peace, lazy in love, and napping in sun spots. And even then...
[Don't leave him. Don't leave him.]
[Which is no better and he understands Ferdinand's sentiment will remain the same. So Linhardt reaches and returns Ferdinand's embrace. He buries his face into his neck, nosing into his warmth.] I'll hold you to that. Whatever happens next... whatever we may find at Garreg Mach, you mustn't leave my side. Not until we can spend our days in peace, lazy in love, and napping in sun spots. And even then...
[Don't leave him. Don't leave him.]
[ "Terrified" sits heavier in Ferdinand's chest. He had little reason to fear for Linhardt's safety these past five years - his father may have pledged his support to Edelgard, but he, more than anyone else, knows how to avoid conflict - but...
Ferdinand shakes those thoughts off and urges Linhardt to settle between his legs. It'd be more comfortable this way, he thinks - and he can curl around his soulmate like a protective shield, sheltering him from the world around them for a few more precious moments.
After all, he, more than anyone else, deserves that peace he so greatly desires. ]
I will not leave you. Not even for a single moment. [ He squeezes him tight, brushing his lips over his hair. ] I love you, Linhardt von Hevring, with all that I am. And I will not allow anything to stand between us again. [ He'll swear it, over and over, whispered against the top of his head as many times as he needs to hear it. ]
Ferdinand shakes those thoughts off and urges Linhardt to settle between his legs. It'd be more comfortable this way, he thinks - and he can curl around his soulmate like a protective shield, sheltering him from the world around them for a few more precious moments.
After all, he, more than anyone else, deserves that peace he so greatly desires. ]
I will not leave you. Not even for a single moment. [ He squeezes him tight, brushing his lips over his hair. ] I love you, Linhardt von Hevring, with all that I am. And I will not allow anything to stand between us again. [ He'll swear it, over and over, whispered against the top of his head as many times as he needs to hear it. ]
[Linhardt allows himself to be pulled into Ferdinand's lap and he settles there, against his chest. In this position, and with the weight of everything out in the open and off his shoulders finally, Linhardt now feels exhausted.]
We've allowed... [He stifles a yawn.] far too much as it is...
[He adjusts against Ferdinand's chest, moving away from whatever it is that he has underneath his clothes that's poking him. Linhardt wrinkles his nose.]
We've allowed... [He stifles a yawn.] far too much as it is...
[He adjusts against Ferdinand's chest, moving away from whatever it is that he has underneath his clothes that's poking him. Linhardt wrinkles his nose.]
[ A warm fondness swells in his chest as he feels Linhardt settle comfortably against his chest. His weight against him is comforting in a way he cannot put into words. ]
Indeed. For now, though, you should get some more rest. We still have a ways to travel before we reach the monastery. [ And while Linhardt doesn't necessarily need to be conscious the whole ride there (because there's no way he's letting linhardt walk while he rides duchess marigold von aegir), he's certain there are better places to nap than on horseback. ] But, before you drift off, may I give you something? You may consider it a token, so we may never forget my promise to you.
[ Or, well... more than that, if he'd prefer. It's bold, but so was Linhardt's confession. And as they've just addressed, they've allowed far too much to get in the way as is. Why wait any longer? ]
Indeed. For now, though, you should get some more rest. We still have a ways to travel before we reach the monastery. [ And while Linhardt doesn't necessarily need to be conscious the whole ride there (because there's no way he's letting linhardt walk while he rides duchess marigold von aegir), he's certain there are better places to nap than on horseback. ] But, before you drift off, may I give you something? You may consider it a token, so we may never forget my promise to you.
[ Or, well... more than that, if he'd prefer. It's bold, but so was Linhardt's confession. And as they've just addressed, they've allowed far too much to get in the way as is. Why wait any longer? ]
[Dimitri loves visiting the farmer's market. He's been attending for as long as he's worked at his father's office near religiously. He loves seeing all the stalls and the smell of fresh flowers and produce and goods wafting through park they're set up in. He loves talking to all the people; both his fellow attendees and the vendors. But also, he envies the lives some of these vendors live. He envies that they are able to only be a temporary presence in this city.
Fhirdiad is his home but it hasn't felt it for a long while. Not since his father passed. Maybe even before then.
The farmer's market gives him a brief reprieve from that feeling. Especially now that he has developed a bit of an, ahem,.. crush... on one of the vendors.
Dimitri had been shocked, honestly, the first time he'd seen Ferdinand amongst the other vendors. They didn't get too many folks from Adrestia County - and especially Enbarr. It was a bit of a trek to get between the two, and there has always been tension between the two Counties (with his father's company partly to blame, unfortunately). But Ferdinand had been wonderfully pleasant and his peaches to die for. The same was to be said the next time Dimitri saw Ferdinand at the market, and the next, and the next...
Until the point of Dimitri finding himself, embarrassingly, daydreaming about running his fingers through Ferdinand's long hair, pulling it loose from its braid. He can imagine eating peaches from Ferdinand's own hands and feeding him in return. What would it be like to kiss each of those sun-kissed freckles? Heaven, he's sure.
Dimitri's brain stalls around "I could not help but think of you" for a moment. He was thinking of him... of him? Ferdinand? Of Dimitri? Oh, goodness. He almost can't bring himself to recover from that thought process - but he manages, somehow.]
Yes, please. Though you must know I'd be purchasing some regardless. [Dimitri takes a piece and pops it into his mouth. Just as he suspected, it's a treat. While he may not be able to actually taste the fruit, the juices still fill his mouth and feel cool on his tongue. There's a bit of a tingling sensation that Dimitri knows means its sweet.] Ah, how do you manage to get them so juicy? Delicious, Ferdinand.
Fhirdiad is his home but it hasn't felt it for a long while. Not since his father passed. Maybe even before then.
The farmer's market gives him a brief reprieve from that feeling. Especially now that he has developed a bit of an, ahem,.. crush... on one of the vendors.
Dimitri had been shocked, honestly, the first time he'd seen Ferdinand amongst the other vendors. They didn't get too many folks from Adrestia County - and especially Enbarr. It was a bit of a trek to get between the two, and there has always been tension between the two Counties (with his father's company partly to blame, unfortunately). But Ferdinand had been wonderfully pleasant and his peaches to die for. The same was to be said the next time Dimitri saw Ferdinand at the market, and the next, and the next...
Until the point of Dimitri finding himself, embarrassingly, daydreaming about running his fingers through Ferdinand's long hair, pulling it loose from its braid. He can imagine eating peaches from Ferdinand's own hands and feeding him in return. What would it be like to kiss each of those sun-kissed freckles? Heaven, he's sure.
Dimitri's brain stalls around "I could not help but think of you" for a moment. He was thinking of him... of him? Ferdinand? Of Dimitri? Oh, goodness. He almost can't bring himself to recover from that thought process - but he manages, somehow.]
Yes, please. Though you must know I'd be purchasing some regardless. [Dimitri takes a piece and pops it into his mouth. Just as he suspected, it's a treat. While he may not be able to actually taste the fruit, the juices still fill his mouth and feel cool on his tongue. There's a bit of a tingling sensation that Dimitri knows means its sweet.] Ah, how do you manage to get them so juicy? Delicious, Ferdinand.
Hmm? Go ahead... [As long as it doesn't require Linhardt to move. But Ferdinand show know better than to jostle him from his napping place, much like a cat, by now.]
[ With Linhardt's (very sleepy) permission, Ferdinand reaches around his own neck to unhook a hidden chain and pull something out from beneath his cravat - a gaudy, golden ring, to be exact.
He holds it up for Linhardt to see, allowing the emeralds to glisten in the afternoon sun for a moment, before taking his left hand in his. ] This ring is one of the last things that remains of the Aegir family. [ There's himself, the ring... his father, hopefully... and their legacy. That's it. ] You may find it silly, but I could not bear to leave it behind in our estate. I have been carrying it with me for the past five years, close to my heart.
But now I would like you to have it, so that you may look upon it whenever I am not immediately by your side, and remember my promise to you. [ He gently opens up Linhardt's hand to place the ring in his palm. ] Even if I am out of your line of sight, I will always return to you - and I will never stray far, to where you cannot find me again.
He holds it up for Linhardt to see, allowing the emeralds to glisten in the afternoon sun for a moment, before taking his left hand in his. ] This ring is one of the last things that remains of the Aegir family. [ There's himself, the ring... his father, hopefully... and their legacy. That's it. ] You may find it silly, but I could not bear to leave it behind in our estate. I have been carrying it with me for the past five years, close to my heart.
But now I would like you to have it, so that you may look upon it whenever I am not immediately by your side, and remember my promise to you. [ He gently opens up Linhardt's hand to place the ring in his palm. ] Even if I am out of your line of sight, I will always return to you - and I will never stray far, to where you cannot find me again.
[ Since the day Ashe entered the Officers Academy, he's admired Ingrid. Her strength, her wit, her work ethic, the way she carries herself... in his eyes, she's the very picture of the kind of knight he aspires to be. But the more time he spent by her side - the more he learned about Ingrid Brandl Galatea, whose eyes shine brighter than the stars at the sight of a full plate of food, who shares his passions and dreams but nearly threw them away for the sake of her family's future - the deeper his feelings grew.
"Admiration" is too weak of a word now. Even "love" doesn't feel right. He just... feels so much. He wants to stand by her side both on and off the battlefield, give her reasons to smile for the rest of her days, and support her however he can in reaching her goals. He wants to hold her close when the toll of war weighs too heavily on their hearts and have her sleep by his side, if that would help her get some rest. (he'd like to kiss her, too, but that's lower on his list of desires - and only if she wanted that of him.) Most of all, he wants to make sure she knows just how special she is. Not because of her Crest, Hero's Relic, or family name, but because she's Ingrid.
(deep down, he knows he doesn't have the right be her partner. he's heard enough about her father and the multitude of marriage proposals sent her way to know that he, a crestless commoner set to inherit a small title simply by chance, would never be accepted by her family. but perhaps he can remain with her as a friend - that would be enough for him, he thinks.)
Long after the dining hall's usual hours, Ashe lingers in the kitchen, a book meant for Ingrid set a safe distance away from the Daphnel Stew bubbling away on the stove. If he's timed this out right (and he hopes he has - if she's late, something may have happened to her) Ingrid will be finishing her patrols for the evening and heading in his direction to procure some dinner.
With the war there's little he can do for her. He can't make her as happy as he wants to when there's still so much suffering outside the monastery walls. But hopefully, even the smallest of gestures - a warm, freshly made dinner after a long day - amount to something. ]
"Admiration" is too weak of a word now. Even "love" doesn't feel right. He just... feels so much. He wants to stand by her side both on and off the battlefield, give her reasons to smile for the rest of her days, and support her however he can in reaching her goals. He wants to hold her close when the toll of war weighs too heavily on their hearts and have her sleep by his side, if that would help her get some rest. (he'd like to kiss her, too, but that's lower on his list of desires - and only if she wanted that of him.) Most of all, he wants to make sure she knows just how special she is. Not because of her Crest, Hero's Relic, or family name, but because she's Ingrid.
(deep down, he knows he doesn't have the right be her partner. he's heard enough about her father and the multitude of marriage proposals sent her way to know that he, a crestless commoner set to inherit a small title simply by chance, would never be accepted by her family. but perhaps he can remain with her as a friend - that would be enough for him, he thinks.)
Long after the dining hall's usual hours, Ashe lingers in the kitchen, a book meant for Ingrid set a safe distance away from the Daphnel Stew bubbling away on the stove. If he's timed this out right (and he hopes he has - if she's late, something may have happened to her) Ingrid will be finishing her patrols for the evening and heading in his direction to procure some dinner.
With the war there's little he can do for her. He can't make her as happy as he wants to when there's still so much suffering outside the monastery walls. But hopefully, even the smallest of gestures - a warm, freshly made dinner after a long day - amount to something. ]
[Despite all odds, Dimitri and Felix have made good on their arrangement for an entire moon now. Despite how Dimitri still does not want to burden Felix with the task of keeping him sane, he has found himself at Felix’s door once a week to drink his blood. He has to remind himself that this is for the better – if it weren’t for this arrangement, Felix’s sacrifice, who knows what he’d be doing. (Going mad with hunger and attacking his companions?) And it’s for the best that it’s only Felix that knows – Felix, who’s opinion of him could not possibly get any lower. Felix, who saw him as a beast already. It’s better this way.
Though, Dimitri does have one concern that he’d like to bring to light today if Felix doesn’t beat him to the punch. Thus far, he’s literally been drinking from the palm of Felix’ hand. Felix doesn’t care for most things – his hair, his looks in general – but his hands have been an exception since he was a child. Dimitri knows his hands are precious to him. Now he’s cutting into them for Dimitri. The cuts can be healed (with magic that Dimitri has slowly but surely been learning from the professor and Mercedes) but he’s certain there will be long-term damage if they keep up this way.
It’s dusk when Dimitri find himself in Felix’s room again. Twilight is giving way to the night and Dimitri prepares himself for the inevitable. Felix won’t accept a weak-stomached, self-conscious suggestion. Dimitri has to declare it.
He settles into a stance that was more familiar to him when he was feral, arms across his puffed out chest. It’s the authority he’ll have to have when he's king. He has to demand respect. Even from Felix.
Even if it’s only now and with Felix’s best interests in mind.]
I don’t want your palm anymore.
Though, Dimitri does have one concern that he’d like to bring to light today if Felix doesn’t beat him to the punch. Thus far, he’s literally been drinking from the palm of Felix’ hand. Felix doesn’t care for most things – his hair, his looks in general – but his hands have been an exception since he was a child. Dimitri knows his hands are precious to him. Now he’s cutting into them for Dimitri. The cuts can be healed (with magic that Dimitri has slowly but surely been learning from the professor and Mercedes) but he’s certain there will be long-term damage if they keep up this way.
It’s dusk when Dimitri find himself in Felix’s room again. Twilight is giving way to the night and Dimitri prepares himself for the inevitable. Felix won’t accept a weak-stomached, self-conscious suggestion. Dimitri has to declare it.
He settles into a stance that was more familiar to him when he was feral, arms across his puffed out chest. It’s the authority he’ll have to have when he's king. He has to demand respect. Even from Felix.
Even if it’s only now and with Felix’s best interests in mind.]
I don’t want your palm anymore.
Edited 2019-11-18 20:30 (UTC)
[ Dimitri is a beast - a monster. There's no denying that. But over the past several weeks, as they've settled into their new routine of Felix quite literally spilling blood for his sake, he's seen traces of his humanity. It's present in the way he looks at him so guiltily before he sinks his teeth in, a silent apology for the pain that's to follow. He feels it in his holy magic, warm and comforting as it repairs the damage done to his skin. And he hears it in the gratitude he expresses, the clarity in his voice as he thanks him over and over again for feeding him, for keeping the darkest parts of him at bay. Dimitri is improving, partly thanks to him - and Felix still isn't sure how to feel about that. Relieved? Frustrated? A mix of the two, and more? Who knows. All he really knows is that Dimitri needs this - needs him - and he doesn't want to ignore that.
When Dimitri steps into the room, Felix wordlessly peels off his gloves and reaches for the knife he keeps underneath his pillow. But his declaration makes him pause, fingers curling around nothing but air. ]
Then what do you want? Not drinking isn't an option. [ He regards him with a stern look - but he's willing to listen. ]
When Dimitri steps into the room, Felix wordlessly peels off his gloves and reaches for the knife he keeps underneath his pillow. But his declaration makes him pause, fingers curling around nothing but air. ]
Then what do you want? Not drinking isn't an option. [ He regards him with a stern look - but he's willing to listen. ]
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