[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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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.
no subject
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.