Yes, please. [He glances around behind the counter to see if Mercedes, the girl who works with Ashe, is around.] For Dedue and Felix as well. Please.
[(they always arrive around when the morning rush really starts (and felix, who is somehow grumpier in the morning, complains about the wait)
As Ashe works on his drink, Dimitri finds that what little confidence he had is quickly whittling away to nothing. And thus his first attempt to flirt starts with a stutter.] D-Did you see the sunrise this morning, Ashe? It was truly magnificent --
[Keep going, keep going!! He can hear Sylvain encouraging him in his head.]
But it [Do it, Dimitri!!] pales in... comparison.. to you.......
[ Oh, honey. If Ashe could hear that attempt at flirting, he'd surely appreciate the effort and fall head over heels for it all the same. (and if mercedes were here, she'd surely be giggling at his attempts)
But with the whirrrrr of the blender next to him, he only catches fragments of his sentences. Something about the sunrise, he thinks? He's not sure.
So he hands over Dimitri's drink (blended to perfection) with an apologetic smile. ] I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you very well over the blender. Would you mind repeating what you said?
You're beautiful? More beautiful and breathtaking than the sunrise. I haven't seen you without a smile on your face or a positive attitude since you started working here and I truly admire and envy that about you. I want to be the one to make you happy now? Anything to see that smile? And I'm sorry I feel so much so intensely but I]
Oh, nothing. Just that the sunrise this morning was magnificent. Did you happen to catch it? I've never seen the sky so orange before.
Oh, yes! I could only catch glimpses of it from the bus, but it was beautiful - almost like it was straight out of a book!
[ That bright and beautiful smile that steals Dimitri's breath is back on Ashe's face as he begins making Dedue and Felix's drinks. ] It makes waking up early worth it, doesn't it?
[ Ashe laughs, soft and light, as he moves around behind the counter with ease. ] Of course! I didn't mean to imply I'm only happy to see the sunrise. There are plenty of things I look forward to in the morning.
[ He hands over Felix and Dedue's drinks on a cup tray (gotta be careful - they're hot!!!). ] Including talking with you, Dimitri. [ (don't blush don't blush don't blush--) ]
Dimitri has to stop himself from tightening his grip around the cup in his hand too much (he's done that before. frappe everywhere. he still feels terrible about it). But he - did Ashe really -
Sylvain hadn't prepared him for this. But Dimitri does his best. He musters a small, shy, laugh.] I - you stole the words right from me. I was going to say the same.
Even if the day starts terribly, [and there have been Some Days] knowing I'll be able to see you is sometimes enough to move me forward.
[ Aaaaaaand he blushes. A warm, pink glow spreads across his cheeks as he sheepishly shakes his head. ] Y- you flatter me, really. But I'm glad I can do that for you.
[ This is it, this is how he dies. But he supposes there are worse times to die than after hearing Dimitri laugh. ]
I- [ want to keep talking with you, really, and maybe make you smile because you really do have a nice smile ] shouldn't keep you. You probably a long day ahead of you.
Oh. [He sounds disappointed.] Right. [Dimitri looks at his watch.] Felix and Dedue should be getting here any minute now, and I shouldn't keep you either.
[He tucks his own drink into the drink tray next to the others for easier carrying.] But you know me. I'll be back in the afternoon.
May the day find you well, Ashe.
[Dimitri leaves Ashe with one last, small, parting smile.]
[ The rest of the morning passes by in a blur. Ashe makes more coffees and teas than he can count, and has little time to talk with his coworker, Mercedes, about his early morning encounter with Dimitri.
(but he does give her the details. with a dusting of pink over his cheeks, he recalls his and dimitri's every word. "there are plenty of things i look forward to in the morning. including talking with you, dimitri." how embarrassing!!!!!!! he's blushing!!!!!!!!!!!)
By the time afternoon rolls around, the hours on his feet begin to take its toll. But the smile on his face doesn't falter, not even for a second. So he sounds just as happy as before when greeting Dimitri when he comes by for his afternoon visit. ] Hello again, Dimitri! [ Behind the counter, Ashe begins pulling out the necessary ingredients for his drink. ] Will I be making something for Felix and Dedue as well?
No, though I don't doubt they'll come by on their own later.
[Because Dimitri's back and on a mission again: flirt with Ashe 2.0. And, also, possibly clean up Sylvain's mess (long story short: he may have tried to flirt with mercedes for dimitri sake instead of ashe)]
I do have a request, though, if its acceptable. Would you happen to to have some time to spare?
[ Sylvain flirting with Mercedes was, indeed, a bit of a mess. But it was a nice change of pace from tired impatient businessmen who wanted their drinks 5 minutes ago. ]
Oh, of course! [ whirrrrr goes the blender as it starts up again. This time, Ashe gets close to the counter so he can hear Dimitri properly. ] What can I help you with? [ need some last minute catering for a meeting or something??? ]
[Dimitri can understand why it may be hard for some people to believe he’s the CEO of a company when he’s so nervous. He has to clench his hands at his sides to stop from fidgeting. ]
Could we, um, speak away from the counter? This may take a moment.
[ To be fair, Ashe stuttering over his words probably doesn't help Dimitri's nerves settle. ]
O-oh! Um- [ He looks at the cup in his hand, then at Dimitri, then back at the cup. ] Let me just, ah- [ He sets the cup down and, after a few fidgety seconds, turns to his coworker. ] Mercedes?
[ He steps away to have a quick whispered conversation with her - all Dimitri will be able to pick up from where he's standing is Ashe's slightly louder "th-thank you so much! I really owe you, Mercedes!" at the end before he finishes making Dimitri's drink and comes out from behind the counter with it in hand. ]
I'm sorry to make you wait. [ +1 drink! ] Where would you like to talk?
Dimitri picks any table to sit at but, most importantly, he pulls back Ashe’s chair from him to sit first. Once he does, Dimitri joins him. He cradles his drink in his hands as if it's warm.]
First of all, I want to apologize for Sylvain. It was due to a... misunderstanding that he came down to bother Mercedes. But he should know better than to solicit someone while they are working. [Especially the way he does women!! For the goddesses sake, he’s had to lead several of the yearly sexual harassment seminars himself!!
Dimitri bows his head. It’s partly out of politeness, asking for forgiveness, but also part to brace himself for what he has to say next.]
[ How is Dimitri so much like a real life prince? It's not fair in the slightest.
But his apology leaves Ashe blinking in confusion. ] Oh! Um... I think you should apologize to Mercedes, not me. But she didn't seem too bothered by it? She just brushed him off, like she always does with him. [ Has he flirted with her more than once? Yeah. ]
But if it makes you feel better, then I'll forgive you. After all, it wasn't your fault. [ oh honey ]
[Dimitri blinks, just as confused as Ashe. But Sylvain had said... that he had flirted with Mercedes for Dimitri? Had he not dropped his name? Or had he just... Been lying.... to get Dimitri to go down to the coffee shop again and....... Realization sets in fast and Dimitri is going to kill Sylvain. That’s it. They’ll open the position again and Ugh he’ll be so relieved to finally be able to clear Sylvain’s garbage out of his office it drives Dimitri nuts –
But back to the matter at hand. Dimitri looks away from Ashe’s face.] That’s, ahem, not necessarily true. It is my fault because I have been seeking counsel from Sylvain about how to [hogh goddess here he goes.] speak with the person I, perhaps, have romantic feelings for.
I realize now that I’ve been misled because I thought Sylvain came down to flirt in my stead. However, [HHHhghH Dimitri clasps his hands over his nose and mouth, so his eyes and the massive blush he is now sporting are still visible.] if it was Mercedes he was flirting with, he misunderstood whom I was referring to.
[ Ashe is smart. Or, at least, can connect the dots. If Dimitri had been speaking to Sylvain about his crush, and Sylvain came down to the coffee shop where only he and Mercedes worked regularly, but the object of his affections wasn't her, then...
In an instant, his face turns just as red as Dimitri's, up to his ears. All he can manage to squeak out is a choked ] M-me? [ before he has to hide his face in his hands. In his mind's eye he replays all their interactions from the past few months: all the smiles Dimitri's given him that's made Ashe weak in the knees, their conversations he always wished lasted a little longer, and this morning's words. How sincere Dimitri had sounded when he said that just seeing him brightens his day.
His heart feels seconds from bursting. This is too much. He's dreaming, isn't he? Yes, he must be - because even though this conclusion makes sense, it still feels too good to be true that Dimitri, Dimitri of all people, handsome and charming and good-hearted CEO of the company, would've fallen for someone like him. Just a barista that's more or less living paycheck to paycheck.
There's also the rumors to consider. Though no one knows for sure what's going on between Dimitri, Dedue, and Felix, some of the nosier employees have made it their goal to get to the bottom of things. And Ashe has heard pretty convincing comments about Dimitri holding Felix's hand, or kissing Dedue on the cheek when he thought no one was looking.
He swallows hard, and stammers. ] But- but I thought-- [ ughhhh there's no good way to say this, is there. ] You and Dedue, or Felix... Are you not-- [ together? ]
[Of course Dimitri isn't oblivious to the rumors about himself, Felix and Dedue. There is a reason he's started arriving ahead of them in the mornings, though they do still leave together. They're true (or close to true) but the three of them would rather not confirm or deny due to their positions - Felix being VP and Dedue being Dimitri's personal assistant. They'd all earned their positions: crawled up the company ladder through hard work and sheer perseverance. It had nothing to do whether they were dating or not. Say what they will about Dimitri, but he will not have people questioning Felix or Dedue's reputation due to their relationship.
That being said, he's not surprised Ashe has also heard the rumors and is bringing it up. Dimitri is not going to lie to him. He drops his hands to his mouth, and threads his fingers together so he wont be muffled when he answers.] Felix, Dedue, and I are, indeed, in a relationship together.
[He breathes.]They are also aware of and accept my feelings for you, but I understand if that makes you uncomfortable.
Ashe peeks at Dimitri through his fingers. His mind's still reeling from the confession ("they accept my feelings for you". he has feelings for him.) and while he wants to just reach across the table and hold his hand already, something still holds him back. ]
N-no! Not at all! I just... [ He takes a breath, voice still weak. ] Are you sure? I don't want to intrude on what you already have... [ What if he makes things awkward between Dimitri and his other partners? He'd have a hard time forgiving himself if he sabotaged Dimitri's pre-existing happiness. ]
You would not be intruding. I'm inviting you in. [Dimitri pauses and finally lowers his hands back to the table.]
Would it.. ease your worries some to speak with Dedue and Felix yourself? [He lets himself smile, a little boyish and shy.] That is, if I'm not jumping to conclusions and you.. feel the same?
[ 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.
[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.
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[(they always arrive around when the morning rush really starts (and felix, who is somehow grumpier in the morning, complains about the wait)
As Ashe works on his drink, Dimitri finds that what little confidence he had is quickly whittling away to nothing. And thus his first attempt to flirt starts with a stutter.] D-Did you see the sunrise this morning, Ashe? It was truly magnificent --
[Keep going, keep going!! He can hear Sylvain encouraging him in his head.]
But it [Do it, Dimitri!!] pales in... comparison.. to you.......
[He loses steam at the end. Oh, honey.]
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But with the whirrrrr of the blender next to him, he only catches fragments of his sentences. Something about the sunrise, he thinks? He's not sure.
So he hands over Dimitri's drink (blended to perfection) with an apologetic smile. ] I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you very well over the blender. Would you mind repeating what you said?
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You're beautiful? More beautiful and breathtaking than the sunrise. I haven't seen you without a smile on your face or a positive attitude since you started working here and I truly admire and envy that about you. I want to be the one to make you happy now? Anything to see that smile? And I'm sorry I feel so much so intensely but I]
Oh, nothing. Just that the sunrise this morning was magnificent. Did you happen to catch it? I've never seen the sky so orange before.
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[ That bright and beautiful smile that steals Dimitri's breath is back on Ashe's face as he begins making Dedue and Felix's drinks. ] It makes waking up early worth it, doesn't it?
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[He swallows.] Among other reasons.
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[ He hands over Felix and Dedue's drinks on a cup tray (gotta be careful - they're hot!!!). ] Including talking with you, Dimitri. [ (don't blush don't blush don't blush--) ]
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Dimitri has to stop himself from tightening his grip around the cup in his hand too much (he's done that before. frappe everywhere. he still feels terrible about it). But he - did Ashe really -
Sylvain hadn't prepared him for this. But Dimitri does his best. He musters a small, shy, laugh.] I - you stole the words right from me. I was going to say the same.
Even if the day starts terribly, [and there have been Some Days] knowing I'll be able to see you is sometimes enough to move me forward.
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[ This is it, this is how he dies. But he supposes there are worse times to die than after hearing Dimitri laugh. ]
I- [ want to keep talking with you, really, and maybe make you smile because you really do have a nice smile ] shouldn't keep you. You probably a long day ahead of you.
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Oh. [He sounds disappointed.] Right. [Dimitri looks at his watch.] Felix and Dedue should be getting here any minute now, and I shouldn't keep you either.
[He tucks his own drink into the drink tray next to the others for easier carrying.] But you know me. I'll be back in the afternoon.
May the day find you well, Ashe.
[Dimitri leaves Ashe with one last, small, parting smile.]
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(but he does give her the details. with a dusting of pink over his cheeks, he recalls his and dimitri's every word. "there are plenty of things i look forward to in the morning. including talking with you, dimitri." how embarrassing!!!!!!! he's blushing!!!!!!!!!!!)
By the time afternoon rolls around, the hours on his feet begin to take its toll. But the smile on his face doesn't falter, not even for a second. So he sounds just as happy as before when greeting Dimitri when he comes by for his afternoon visit. ] Hello again, Dimitri! [ Behind the counter, Ashe begins pulling out the necessary ingredients for his drink. ] Will I be making something for Felix and Dedue as well?
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[Because Dimitri's back and on a mission again: flirt with Ashe 2.0. And, also, possibly clean up Sylvain's mess (long story short: he may have tried to flirt with mercedes for dimitri sake instead of ashe)]
I do have a request, though, if its acceptable. Would you happen to to have some time to spare?
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Oh, of course! [ whirrrrr goes the blender as it starts up again. This time, Ashe gets close to the counter so he can hear Dimitri properly. ] What can I help you with? [ need some last minute catering for a meeting or something??? ]
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Could we, um, speak away from the counter? This may take a moment.
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O-oh! Um- [ He looks at the cup in his hand, then at Dimitri, then back at the cup. ] Let me just, ah- [ He sets the cup down and, after a few fidgety seconds, turns to his coworker. ] Mercedes?
[ He steps away to have a quick whispered conversation with her - all Dimitri will be able to pick up from where he's standing is Ashe's slightly louder "th-thank you so much! I really owe you, Mercedes!" at the end before he finishes making Dimitri's drink and comes out from behind the counter with it in hand. ]
I'm sorry to make you wait. [ +1 drink! ] Where would you like to talk?
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Dimitri picks any table to sit at but, most importantly, he pulls back Ashe’s chair from him to sit first. Once he does, Dimitri joins him. He cradles his drink in his hands as if it's warm.]
First of all, I want to apologize for Sylvain. It was due to a... misunderstanding that he came down to bother Mercedes. But he should know better than to solicit someone while they are working. [Especially the way he does women!! For the goddesses sake, he’s had to lead several of the yearly sexual harassment seminars himself!!
Dimitri bows his head. It’s partly out of politeness, asking for forgiveness, but also part to brace himself for what he has to say next.]
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But his apology leaves Ashe blinking in confusion. ] Oh! Um... I think you should apologize to Mercedes, not me. But she didn't seem too bothered by it? She just brushed him off, like she always does with him. [ Has he flirted with her more than once? Yeah. ]
But if it makes you feel better, then I'll forgive you. After all, it wasn't your fault. [ oh honey ]
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But back to the matter at hand. Dimitri looks away from Ashe’s face.] That’s, ahem, not necessarily true. It is my fault because I have been seeking counsel from Sylvain about how to [hogh goddess here he goes.] speak with the person I, perhaps, have romantic feelings for.
I realize now that I’ve been misled because I thought Sylvain came down to flirt in my stead. However, [HHHhghH Dimitri clasps his hands over his nose and mouth, so his eyes and the massive blush he is now sporting are still visible.] if it was Mercedes he was flirting with, he misunderstood whom I was referring to.
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In an instant, his face turns just as red as Dimitri's, up to his ears. All he can manage to squeak out is a choked ] M-me? [ before he has to hide his face in his hands. In his mind's eye he replays all their interactions from the past few months: all the smiles Dimitri's given him that's made Ashe weak in the knees, their conversations he always wished lasted a little longer, and this morning's words. How sincere Dimitri had sounded when he said that just seeing him brightens his day.
His heart feels seconds from bursting. This is too much. He's dreaming, isn't he? Yes, he must be - because even though this conclusion makes sense, it still feels too good to be true that Dimitri, Dimitri of all people, handsome and charming and good-hearted CEO of the company, would've fallen for someone like him. Just a barista that's more or less living paycheck to paycheck.
There's also the rumors to consider. Though no one knows for sure what's going on between Dimitri, Dedue, and Felix, some of the nosier employees have made it their goal to get to the bottom of things. And Ashe has heard pretty convincing comments about Dimitri holding Felix's hand, or kissing Dedue on the cheek when he thought no one was looking.
He swallows hard, and stammers. ] But- but I thought-- [ ughhhh there's no good way to say this, is there. ] You and Dedue, or Felix... Are you not-- [ together? ]
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That being said, he's not surprised Ashe has also heard the rumors and is bringing it up. Dimitri is not going to lie to him. He drops his hands to his mouth, and threads his fingers together so he wont be muffled when he answers.] Felix, Dedue, and I are, indeed, in a relationship together.
[He breathes.]They are also aware of and accept my feelings for you, but I understand if that makes you uncomfortable.
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Oh.
Ashe peeks at Dimitri through his fingers. His mind's still reeling from the confession ("they accept my feelings for you". he has feelings for him.) and while he wants to just reach across the table and hold his hand already, something still holds him back. ]
N-no! Not at all! I just... [ He takes a breath, voice still weak. ] Are you sure? I don't want to intrude on what you already have... [ What if he makes things awkward between Dimitri and his other partners? He'd have a hard time forgiving himself if he sabotaged Dimitri's pre-existing happiness. ]
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Would it.. ease your worries some to speak with Dedue and Felix yourself? [He lets himself smile, a little boyish and shy.] That is, if I'm not jumping to conclusions and you.. feel the same?
[Oh god, oh please?]
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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.
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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.