[ For en entirely new experience, it didn't feel like anything special? Going from his world to another to fight another war? Been there done that, in a sense. Get asked to play nice with a bunch of unfamiliar "heroes"? That was asked of Gerome before too and he ... almost.... got away with not doing it. But he is going to stick to his guns this time - he's not here to make friends. Even with the familiar faces; he knows they're not his Lucina or Robin. He wont get duped into becoming attached to mirror images of the ones he loves. He's just here to fight and then go back home ---
But then a body calling his name is suddenly launched at him and he nearly stumbled backwards in his surprise.] Wh--- Inigo?
[Of all people. The only person he can't deny no matter what universe they're from. Dammit.]
[ Sorry, Gerome, but you're not allowed to move an inch. Not with this dancer (?!) holding on as tight as he is.
Inigo buries his face in the crook of his neck (one of the few places where he won't have to deal with metal) and breathes in deep. He's real. This isn't a dream. Laughter bubbles up in him, and he feels the familiar tickle of a tear in his eye - he can't help it when he's just so happy. ]
You're here... [ Deep down he has a feeling this isn't the Gerome he spent countless hours talking with (talking at) under the night sky, who pushed him in his own gruff way to follow his dreams and become a dancer - the masked Lucina, who still goes by the name of Marth, is the same way - but it's Gerome, who he loves so so dearly, and wants to be with no matter the circumstances. His feelings aren't so weak that they'll change just because this version's from a different time than him.
His voice gets a little softer, a little tearier, only for him to hear. ] I'm so glad.
[This may not be Inigo's Gerome, but it's a fact that every Gerome in every universe is clueless on how to handle Inigo when he's crying.
But this is somewhat reminiscent of when he was recruited back in Ylisse. Inigo had been just as emotional then, teary, remorseful for their situation, and Gerome had held him at a distance. Inigo had wanted to be held, then, he knew it. But he couldn't. Now, though.. he feels he should and Inigo hiding his face makes it easier. He wont be so embarrassed.
Gerome tentatively places one hand on Inigo's side. He keeps Inigo in place with his other hand holding his head. The touch is, in theory, comforting but also gentle enough that Inigo will be able to move away if he so wishes.] I am. For what purpose or reason, I'm not sure.
[ For what it's worth, any touch from Gerome is a comfort. Because Inigo knows better than most the walls Gerome builds between himself and the rest of the world - he doesn't wear his heart on his sleeve like he does, so a gentle hand from him means so much more.
It takes him a moment or two, but eventually Inigo (very reluctantly, he wants to just soak in the warmth and heaviness of Gerome's hands for a little longer) pulls away to wipe his eyes and smile softly. ] Do you... Would you like me to show you around? This castle's unlike anything we've seen in Ylisse.
[ He offers Gerome his hand, though he doesn't expect him to take it. ]
[Gerome takes his hand (he's feeling oddly tender) in silent agreement.
However, he doesn't make a move to follow Inigo or anything after that. While Inigo's standing away from him, he's finally gotten a good glimpse of what Inigo's wearing and he's taking it all it. The clothes Inigo dons now are very much different from anything Gerome has ever seen him in before. It's more akin to... his mother's outfit...
Gerome breathes.] Are you wearing a dancer's outfit?
[ Gerome's gaze has Inigo feeling extra self-conscious, but he won't shy away. Not now, not from Gerome. Instead he gives his hand a squeeze and replies with a simple ] Yes. [ His smile as he says this is warm and natural. ]
Is it strange? I used to be so shy about it - not that I don't still get shy sometimes, but, well, here I am. [ He gestures at himself with his free hand. ] I'm truly a dancer now, Gerome. Can you believe it?
Gerome knows nothing of this Inigo, but he's sure of it. He wears a look of confidence and pride that Gerome only wishes he could see on his Inigo's face one day. It's radiant. He's radiant. So much so that Gerome's finding himself at a loss for words.]
I. [He shakes his head.] I always knew you could do it.
Even though I shrieked whenever you and Minerva spied on me?
[ He wonders if this Gerome has done that, too. Wonders if his Inigo's heart nearly leapt out of his chest seeing a wyvern trying unsuccessfully to hide behind a rock. ]
I have you to thank for this, you know. Or I guess a version of you? [ Details, schmeetails. ] You and Minerva were a very captive and supportive audience... and I figured if I could dance for you two freely, then maybe I could for others. Lift their spirits as well.
[ His smile warms up more - if that's even possible. ] You gave me the courage I needed to try my best. So it might've not been you you, but I'm so happy you can see me like this.
[ Though the mask covers a lot of Gerome's face, Inigo can see little hints of pink on his cheeks. It makes him happy in a way he can't put into words. ]
Of course. How could I say no to you? [ He tugs on his hand. Come on, come on!! ] Follow me.
[ Gerome's still getting a tour of the castle, but it's a miniature one, and quite shitty. It becomes clear quickly that Inigo knows this place very, very well, ducking down various hallways here and there until they step out under an archway into a large but quiet garden. It's lush and full of plant life, including a multitude of flowers - a perfect impromptu stage for someone like Inigo.
He lets go of Gerome's hand and takes a few steps back, making sure he has ample space to move around. ] Are you ready?
[ He doesn't need much of a confirmation - a nod, even some body language that demonstrates Gerome's settling in would suffice - but once he receives it, he takes a quick breath before beginning to dance. The routine he chooses is unlike anything Gerome's ever seen before - not only because it's relatively new, something he's only come up with since coming to Askr, but because he's shining so brightly, wearing a confident smile because he knows, he knows without a doubt that he's practiced, he's made people happy with this dance before, he can definitely do the same for Gerome.
Inigo's a little out of breath when he finally comes to a stop, but he's absolutely glowing. ]
Gay and stunned into silence again. He always thought Inigo's dancing was beautiful but that was something different all together. Inigo's Gerome was truly lucky to have been able to see that on a regular basis; he envied his other self.
Gerome finally finds it in himself to speak so Inigo doesn't misinterpret the silence. Though he knows he wont be able to truly convey how he feels.] That was beautiful.... I never... I knew you could do it but I never knew just what you were capable of, it seems. [He's uncertain and awkward as usual but the emotion in his voice in unmistakable.]
[ Gerome has never been the expressive type, more often than not keeping his feelings locked up behind a stoic face and literal mask - so the clarity of emotion in his voice makes Inigo's face heat up instantly, and habitually he rubs the back of his neck, suddenly feeling rather nervous. d... doki...... ]
You flatter me, Gerome... but thank you. Your support's always meant so much to me. [ This Gerome, his Gerome - any Gerome, really. ]
[Inigo reacting so bashfully ends up making Gerome more embarrassed than he already was.
But he's about to do something very bold. It's somewhat out of the blue but Inigo talking about his (the other Gerome's) support made him wonder about it. Gerome is very important to Inigo, that much is clear but he wonders if they ever... If Inigo ever....
He takes some slow steps closer and when the distance is short enough, he takes Inigo's hands in his.]
[ That blush on his face is definitely not going to die down anytime soon. What in the world's possessed Gerome to make him act so forwardly? A-and what was with that question? Is he asking if he's single?!
No. No. It couldn't be that. So he looks up at Gerome for a moment before looking back down at his feet. ] ... Yeah. But I mean - I'd love to dance with someone? Besides my mother, that is. I've had the opportunity to dance with her a few times, which has honestly been everything I could've asked for, but... I'd like to have the chance with others, you know?
[ blah blah blah male dancers aren't appreciated!!!!! ]
[Gerome can read the misunderstanding (kind of) so he'll make it crystal clear for Inigo. He wants to know if he and his Gerome had ever danced together. If either of them had ever worked up the courage to ask.]
[ He. Uh. He wasn't expecting this? At all? But he squeezes his hands tight and replies without another moment's hesitation, eagerness and excitement leaking into his voice. ]
- Yes! Yes. I would love to dance with you, Gerome.
[ He's still very much flustered, but that bright and radiant smile is back on his face. ]
He's happy Inigo will dance with him now, too but -- alas. Asking and giving Inigo his hands is about as much as Gerome knows what to do.]
I --mm. I admit I don't know how to begin. [Since Inigo didn't really answer his question:] That may be another difference between your Gerome and myself. I don't have any experience.
Well! Then just follow my lead. And I'll take things nice and slow for you. [ Wink! He pulls Gerome closer with their joined hands and start moving his feet. ] Step with your left when I move my right, and vice versa - I'll handle the rest.
[ Once Gerome's gotten a little settled into those, he addresses his statement. ] And now you officially have more experience than my Gerome. [ He laughs lightly at his own statement. ] It's funny - despite always watching me dance, he never once asked to join me. Though I suppose I was too shy to ask him myself.
[ And then, well... Laurent happened. He tries not to let his expression falter as that thought crosses his mind. ]
[Gerome finds it hard not to watch his feet while they dance, especially now that he's so hyper aware of Inigo's feet moving alongside his. He wouldn't want to step on them - injure them somehow - not when they've finally gotten Inigo where he wants to be.
He keeps his head down even while Inigo talks. He's sure the burn is ever growing on his face.] Ah. I'm... surprised. Are you two not together?
[With how fondly Inigo spoke of him, Gerome was sure they were. And he knows he wouldn't only support Inigo to pursue dancing if he had romantic interests, but it would certainly be a good motivator. Or perhaps Gerome was just projecting in hopes that out there somewhere, he had gotten what his heart most desired.]
[ Inigo falters for a step, but he's quick to fall back into the rhythm he's set for them. Ah. This Gerome's just full of surprises. ]
... No. We're not together. [ He hopes this Gerome can't read him like an open book. Hopes he can't hear the "but I wish we were" hidden in his words. ] Don't get me wrong - we're still close friends, and I still saw him from time to time before coming here, but his heart belongs to Laurent.
[ A pause, and a weak smile. ] I'm sorry - it must be weird to hear about this.
[Shit. Abort. Abort.] No, no, it's fine. My apologies for bringing it up. I just foolishly assumed.
[Because Gerome would have thought his feelings would be the same across universes,. For he's sure he would love Inigo in every time and every space even if the feelings weren't mutual. As was the case in his timeline - if only he knew the irony of it. The similarities between this Inigo and himself. He finally chances a glance up at said dancer.]
I think I've been a bit too bold. I don't know what's come over me.
[ He says, completely as a joke - but oh, if only he knew what this Gerome's feelings were. ] - But anyway. You don't have to apologize to me, either. Let's just enjoy this dance and then I'll give you that tour, okay?
[ ... is what he says, but barely a minute passes before there's something else on his mind. ] Can I ask - were you with your Inigo?
[Ha ha, oh boy. Just like Inigo, Gerome falters just a step. He's not nearly as graceful about getting back into the rhythm though. Hopefully it passes as only a misstep. A beginner's mistake.]
My Inigo is off, happily causing trouble with Owain.
[So, no. Unfortunately. "His" Inigo. Ha, if only. What a couple of fools they are with their unrequited loves.]
[ He. Um. Yeah, that's awkward. Because Inigo feels very similarly to this Gerome - feelings of how could I like someone else? I thought I'd always love you and other things like that. ]
I guess your Inigo really is different. [ hahahahahhahahah he's so gay ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
no subject
But then a body calling his name is suddenly launched at him and he nearly stumbled backwards in his surprise.] Wh--- Inigo?
[Of all people. The only person he can't deny no matter what universe they're from. Dammit.]
no subject
Inigo buries his face in the crook of his neck (one of the few places where he won't have to deal with metal) and breathes in deep. He's real. This isn't a dream. Laughter bubbles up in him, and he feels the familiar tickle of a tear in his eye - he can't help it when he's just so happy. ]
You're here... [ Deep down he has a feeling this isn't the Gerome he spent countless hours talking with (talking at) under the night sky, who pushed him in his own gruff way to follow his dreams and become a dancer - the masked Lucina, who still goes by the name of Marth, is the same way - but it's Gerome, who he loves so so dearly, and wants to be with no matter the circumstances. His feelings aren't so weak that they'll change just because this version's from a different time than him.
His voice gets a little softer, a little tearier, only for him to hear. ] I'm so glad.
no subject
But this is somewhat reminiscent of when he was recruited back in Ylisse. Inigo had been just as emotional then, teary, remorseful for their situation, and Gerome had held him at a distance. Inigo had wanted to be held, then, he knew it. But he couldn't. Now, though.. he feels he should and Inigo hiding his face makes it easier. He wont be so embarrassed.
Gerome tentatively places one hand on Inigo's side. He keeps Inigo in place with his other hand holding his head. The touch is, in theory, comforting but also gentle enough that Inigo will be able to move away if he so wishes.] I am. For what purpose or reason, I'm not sure.
But I'm here.
no subject
It takes him a moment or two, but eventually Inigo (very reluctantly, he wants to just soak in the warmth and heaviness of Gerome's hands for a little longer) pulls away to wipe his eyes and smile softly. ] Do you... Would you like me to show you around? This castle's unlike anything we've seen in Ylisse.
[ He offers Gerome his hand, though he doesn't expect him to take it. ]
no subject
However, he doesn't make a move to follow Inigo or anything after that. While Inigo's standing away from him, he's finally gotten a good glimpse of what Inigo's wearing and he's taking it all it. The clothes Inigo dons now are very much different from anything Gerome has ever seen him in before. It's more akin to... his mother's outfit...
Gerome breathes.] Are you wearing a dancer's outfit?
no subject
Is it strange? I used to be so shy about it - not that I don't still get shy sometimes, but, well, here I am. [ He gestures at himself with his free hand. ] I'm truly a dancer now, Gerome. Can you believe it?
no subject
Gerome knows nothing of this Inigo, but he's sure of it. He wears a look of confidence and pride that Gerome only wishes he could see on his Inigo's face one day. It's radiant. He's radiant. So much so that Gerome's finding himself at a loss for words.]
I. [He shakes his head.] I always knew you could do it.
no subject
[ He wonders if this Gerome has done that, too. Wonders if his Inigo's heart nearly leapt out of his chest seeing a wyvern trying unsuccessfully to hide behind a rock. ]
I have you to thank for this, you know. Or I guess a version of you? [ Details, schmeetails. ] You and Minerva were a very captive and supportive audience... and I figured if I could dance for you two freely, then maybe I could for others. Lift their spirits as well.
[ His smile warms up more - if that's even possible. ] You gave me the courage I needed to try my best. So it might've not been you you, but I'm so happy you can see me like this.
no subject
May I see you dance once more? [Now? Fuck the castle tour?]
no subject
Of course. How could I say no to you? [ He tugs on his hand. Come on, come on!! ] Follow me.
[ Gerome's still getting a tour of the castle, but it's a miniature one, and quite shitty. It becomes clear quickly that Inigo knows this place very, very well, ducking down various hallways here and there until they step out under an archway into a large but quiet garden. It's lush and full of plant life, including a multitude of flowers - a perfect impromptu stage for someone like Inigo.
He lets go of Gerome's hand and takes a few steps back, making sure he has ample space to move around. ] Are you ready?
[ He doesn't need much of a confirmation - a nod, even some body language that demonstrates Gerome's settling in would suffice - but once he receives it, he takes a quick breath before beginning to dance. The routine he chooses is unlike anything Gerome's ever seen before - not only because it's relatively new, something he's only come up with since coming to Askr, but because he's shining so brightly, wearing a confident smile because he knows, he knows without a doubt that he's practiced, he's made people happy with this dance before, he can definitely do the same for Gerome.
Inigo's a little out of breath when he finally comes to a stop, but he's absolutely glowing. ]
no subject
Gay and stunned into silence again. He always thought Inigo's dancing was beautiful but that was something different all together. Inigo's Gerome was truly lucky to have been able to see that on a regular basis; he envied his other self.
Gerome finally finds it in himself to speak so Inigo doesn't misinterpret the silence. Though he knows he wont be able to truly convey how he feels.] That was beautiful.... I never... I knew you could do it but I never knew just what you were capable of, it seems. [He's uncertain and awkward as usual but the emotion in his voice in unmistakable.]
no subject
You flatter me, Gerome... but thank you. Your support's always meant so much to me. [ This Gerome, his Gerome - any Gerome, really. ]
no subject
But he's about to do something very bold. It's somewhat out of the blue but Inigo talking about his (the other Gerome's) support made him wonder about it. Gerome is very important to Inigo, that much is clear but he wonders if they ever... If Inigo ever....
He takes some slow steps closer and when the distance is short enough, he takes Inigo's hands in his.]
Do you only dance solo still?
no subject
No. No. It couldn't be that. So he looks up at Gerome for a moment before looking back down at his feet. ] ... Yeah. But I mean - I'd love to dance with someone? Besides my mother, that is. I've had the opportunity to dance with her a few times, which has honestly been everything I could've asked for, but... I'd like to have the chance with others, you know?
[ blah blah blah male dancers aren't appreciated!!!!! ]
no subject
[Gerome can read the misunderstanding (kind of) so he'll make it crystal clear for Inigo. He wants to know if he and his Gerome had ever danced together. If either of them had ever worked up the courage to ask.]
I'm asking to dance with you, Inigo.
no subject
[ He. Uh. He wasn't expecting this? At all? But he squeezes his hands tight and replies without another moment's hesitation, eagerness and excitement leaking into his voice. ]
- Yes! Yes. I would love to dance with you, Gerome.
[ He's still very much flustered, but that bright and radiant smile is back on his face. ]
no subject
He's happy Inigo will dance with him now, too but -- alas. Asking and giving Inigo his hands is about as much as Gerome knows what to do.]
I --mm. I admit I don't know how to begin. [Since Inigo didn't really answer his question:] That may be another difference between your Gerome and myself. I don't have any experience.
no subject
[ Once Gerome's gotten a little settled into those, he addresses his statement. ] And now you officially have more experience than my Gerome. [ He laughs lightly at his own statement. ] It's funny - despite always watching me dance, he never once asked to join me. Though I suppose I was too shy to ask him myself.
[ And then, well... Laurent happened. He tries not to let his expression falter as that thought crosses his mind. ]
no subject
He keeps his head down even while Inigo talks. He's sure the burn is ever growing on his face.] Ah. I'm... surprised. Are you two not together?
[With how fondly Inigo spoke of him, Gerome was sure they were. And he knows he wouldn't only support Inigo to pursue dancing if he had romantic interests, but it would certainly be a good motivator. Or perhaps Gerome was just projecting in hopes that out there somewhere, he had gotten what his heart most desired.]
no subject
... No. We're not together. [ He hopes this Gerome can't read him like an open book. Hopes he can't hear the "but I wish we were" hidden in his words. ] Don't get me wrong - we're still close friends, and I still saw him from time to time before coming here, but his heart belongs to Laurent.
[ A pause, and a weak smile. ] I'm sorry - it must be weird to hear about this.
no subject
[Because Gerome would have thought his feelings would be the same across universes,. For he's sure he would love Inigo in every time and every space even if the feelings weren't mutual. As was the case in his timeline - if only he knew the irony of it. The similarities between this Inigo and himself. He finally chances a glance up at said dancer.]
I think I've been a bit too bold. I don't know what's come over me.
no subject
[ He says, completely as a joke - but oh, if only he knew what this Gerome's feelings were. ] - But anyway. You don't have to apologize to me, either. Let's just enjoy this dance and then I'll give you that tour, okay?
[ ... is what he says, but barely a minute passes before there's something else on his mind. ] Can I ask - were you with your Inigo?
no subject
My Inigo is off, happily causing trouble with Owain.
[So, no. Unfortunately. "His" Inigo. Ha, if only. What a couple of fools they are with their unrequited loves.]
no subject
[ He. Um. Yeah, that's awkward. Because Inigo feels very similarly to this Gerome - feelings of how could I like someone else? I thought I'd always love you and other things like that. ]
I guess your Inigo really is different. [ hahahahahhahahah he's so gay ]
no subject
He's happy... As long as he's happy, that's all I care about.
[GAY!!!]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)