[ Well, Edelgard is in luck(?) tonight, as it turns out his wildly erratic sleep schedule still acts up, every now and then. So while the message does surprise him, the answer comes swiftly enough: ]
Of course. Is there something you need of me?
[ ... hmm. Maybe not the best way to answer, but he's not about to start second-guessing his every choice of word around her. ]
[ look at you, dima, getting all tech savvy and making anon posts. sylvain sees you. honestly like, he's pretty proud? he remembers when they all had to navigate the devices together (he's still saved as sylvie in annette's phone and it's a sweet reminder) and now here they are. so yeah, he obviously figured that it was dimitri who made it, because there's only one person he knows who'd type in that same painfully polite manner. ]
Goooood evening, Your Highness. [ here comes trouble. except it's not that bad; there's a genuine smile in sylvain's voice despite the teasing lilt. ] I'm sure you're busy, [ with responding to a certain post, perhaps? ] But, if you'd be so kind to spare a moment of your time to let me attempt to entice you into taking a break, I'd appreciate it.
[ Look, just because he makes bad life decisions sometimes, it doesn't mean he's dumb, okay? He's even figured out how to take pictures! And... couple selfies! Which is in no way related to a certain anonymous post that he most definitely did not make!
But! No, he's not currently too busy with a post he didn't make, and he's definitely not arguing with one particularly stubborn anon on the internet either-- and yet, somehow he wouldn't be opposed to a little break. So!! ]
Ah, good evening, Sylvain. [ There's an uplift to his voice, because, welcome distractions or not, he is always happy to hear from his friends. ] I am not particularly busy at the moment, so perhaps your attempts should see better use once we return home.
[ You know, when there will be a war to be won and a Kingdom to rule and all that... not fun stuff. ]
Right now, I would be happy to make time for you. Do you have something in mind?
Your Majesty, if I may, I'd like to have a word with you.
Now, I understand we all come from varied timelines. Events have taken place differently for all of us. As a matter of course this is none of my concern. Still, I feel it prudent to make my feelings on the matter known.
It seems another of our former classmates have arrived. I haven't the faintest idea what you or she recall. That said, if I find out you have, in any way, caused harm to come to Mercedes no crown nor truce will save you.
Am I understood?
[He absolutely had to do this over text because this is at least 65% bluff but Flames watching her fall defending him and him not even batting a lash at it still makes him sick with fury.]
[ .......... Lorenz wtf? Mercedes is his friend? Why would he hurt her??
Also is he still upset he didn't get an invitation to his Schrodinger's wedding, is that what this is about?? ]
Set your heart at ease, Lorenz. I know not of what events transpired in your world to make you question my loyalty as such, but I can assure you Mercedes is a treasured friend of mine. I will allow no harm to come upon her, least of all give cause to it, myself.
[ He didn't even know Lorenz and Mercedes were so close?? ]
[ WAHOO it's gifting time!! Apparently cufflinks where invented in the 1600s, but it's all fantasy chess anyway, so whatever! Hilda's made him a set in blue. —Ah, but she does realize he doesn't specialize in tasks requiring finer motor skills, so her accompanying note reads: ]
Happy Holidays, Dimitri!
These might be a little annoying to get on... Let me know if you need help, okay?
Love, Hilda ♥
[ of course, whether or not he chooses to wear them at all is entirely up to him! ]
[ Guess who spent a solid twenty minutes blushing furiously in the darkness of her own room at night because she fixated on the realization that Dimitri not only saw her drawings but must have seen a sketch of himself as a boy.
How did he go without confronting her for so long?
Eventually, still unable to sleep, she sends a message she may regret later. ]
It occurs to me that there may be something else you could do for me.
[ She doesn't expect him to commit without knowing what it is, but she isn't going into detail until she knows whether or not he is awake right now. ]
[ For once, Dimitri had actually been dozing off, though the beep from his bracelet startles him awake-- and the name on display doesn't lessen his surprise in the least. What could Edelgard want at this time of the night? ]
[ It took a few days to truly register once she realized just how long she has been here. Here and now it does not feel much like the time of year it was when she was last in Fódlan. It feels much more like the warm-winded days near her birthday, a fact which serves as inspiration.
Truthfully she is not sure their captors would approve of her clipping six white roses from the bushes in the botanical garden, but since she is here against her will there is only so much she can care about their approval. A few hours later those six white roses, carefully stripped of any thorns, are neatly woven into a simple garland left by Dimitri's front door. Nestled between the blooms is a small card bearing her neat script: ]
The other day I mentioned that it must be about a year since my arrival. The night before I left Fódlan was quite cold but the weather here today makes me think more of my birth month. Though I have not woven a garland like this since I was a child, I suppose I am feeling a bit nostalgic.
I am glad to know you, Dimitri. I value our friendship.
[ Oh, and what a nice little surprise it is. Much like Edelgard, he can't remember having been gifted any rose garlands since his younger days-- and if he digs further back, he'll realize most of the times happened to be from the hands of his favorite southern flower. It truly is nostalgic, a present he will treasure just as much as their childhood together.
Just as he treasures the time they spend together now, as well, the words on her card forever imprinted on his mind. They have come such a long way since the days of careful distance and formal arrangements...
(Can he really afford to risk ruining it all?) ]
I appreciate the thoughtful gift, but if it feels closer to your birth month, then would it not be more appropriate for me to give you a present?
[ This time she doesn't approach sending him a message as though she wants to be sure he has the time for a conversation here and now. The important thing is saying thank you - he will see it when he sees it and he will respond if and when he deems it appropriate. ]
I wanted to let you know I have had a chance to go through your letters, Dimitri. You did not have to share them with me, but I appreciate having the opportunity.
[ Whether it's no longer an expectation or it never was to begin with, Dimitri replies as soon as he gets the notification for her message. There's no reason to keep her waiting or avoid a simple conversation altogether-- other than how much harder this could potentially make things for him, that is. ]
Please, there is no need for such. As I said, they may be several years late and be of little relevance now, but they were meant for you, nonetheless. If anything, it makes me glad that they have finally reached their destination, so perhaps I should be thanking you for the indulgence.
[ If the username wasn't enough of a hint, then the, uh, behavior would be a dead giveaway as to who this is. But for once, it's not meant as an admonishment; more like friendly teasing, really. ]
Regardless, I am glad to hear from you, despite the circumstances. I take it you are somewhere safe?
Please, Professor, there is no need to apologize. The island is known for having an effect on even the most resilient spirits, and I assure you I think no less of you for that incident.
Besides. It honestly makes me happy that you can rely on me, for a change. For so long you have reached out to me, and this is only so little I can do in return.
[ But wow, don't give him the "we need to talk" talk, that's very anxiety-inducing!! ]
But, if there is still something you wish to discuss with me, then of course I will listen to you. What would this be about?
[ Based on when she estimated her own birthday might be, Edelgard knows that Dimitri's should fall within the next few weeks. She is in no particular need of a designated day to be nice to someone she loves, but now that they have quite purposefully entered a relationship she can't help a desire to mark the occasion somehow.
One night this week she chooses to make a dinner gratin that is especially cheesy, truly questionably cheesy, far more cheesy than her taste usually allows. Since she has no skill at baking sweets and knows quite well that he would probably be happy to slather cheese on anything, it seems like a fair birthday gesture.
Her second birthday gesture is made a day later: a neatly-wrapped bundle placed on the foot of his bed. The sleek blue ribbon tied around it also secures a handwritten note: ]
First you gave me a dagger, and then we exchanged daggers. I think your estimated birth month is high time for you receive one of your own. One blade made certain that I did not lose my heart entirely; this one allows me to share it.
With love, El
[ She can't help feeling a flush of self-consciousness when she signs off with love. Is it a bit too much after she has implied it in the body of the message? Well, she will not rewrite it. Here and now there is no reason not to celebrate with all the affection she feels.
Inside the bundle Dimitri will find a dagger of fine steel sheathed in dark leather worked with dark blue thread. The dagger is handsome but not particularly ornate, meant for practical use, and its dark wood handle is wrapped with black leather for a comfortable grip, much less biting than the catch that saved his life on the shoreline over a year ago. ]
[ While the dinner had been a particularly kind gesture -- that sinful amount of cheese had to have been nothing short of a deliberate attempt at spoiling him, seeing as Edelgard isn't nearly as fond of dairy products as he is -- it hadn't set off any suspicions regarding his estimated birthday. He doesn't bother with keeping track of the time to celebrate another year of his life, yet he wouldn't think twice before doing so for his friends and loved ones, as he in fact did with Ashe not too long ago, and with Edelgard before him.
The snow, however -- or whatever disappointingly room-temperature emulation now showers upon the island -- made him wonder if another winter was encroaching, but what really does the trick is finding that neat little package on the foot of his bed, and more importantly, the accompanying note. Even now, months after (knowingly) entering a relationship with each other, the open affection still catches him off guard every now and then, the memories of war still too real, but fading into fond gestures and words of love more and more, with each day spent together.
The gift itself reminds him of a sweeter past-- and also of something he's since learned from Sylvain while on the island. But it's not really important at the moment.
Though he had plans to wash the white flakes off himself before joining her and the cats in the living room, he decides that can wait. Right now, his priority is to be with her, to lean over the backrest of the couch and wrap his arms around her shoulders, his face and a kiss buried in the curve of her neck. ]
Thank you, my beloved. I will treasure it for as long as I live.
[ Both the dagger and the heart she's chosen to share. ]
[ There is a paper-wrapped box garnished with a few dried, white flowers. Within, Dimitri will find a small sachet of chamomile tea, a few owl feathers, some nice new gloves, a knit scarf and a small, handmade lion doll.
A note is also enclosed: ]
Dimitri,
I wish you a wonderful birthday. I know these gifts are not much, but I do hope they suffice until I can do something better. Please take this day to be at peace and comfort, surround yourself with your loved ones and take a moment to be kind to yourself. You have grown and changed so much in my absence, I wish you success and happiness in all your endeavors.
[At this point, Felix is more familiar with tracking the days leading up to Dimitri's birthday than his own brother's or father's. They may not know exactly what the date is, but the changing of the seasons and his internal clock give him enough to approximate.
So on as close a day to the 20th of Ethereal Moon as he can manage, Felix leaves a plain-looking box at Dimitri's door. Inside is a pair of royal blue ice skates in Dimitri's size, and a note that reads:]
Dimitri,
Happy birthday. More or less. Who knows whether this place even has months as we know them? But close enough.
I have not been idle since last we spoke. I've taken this time to think. You asked me for honesty, so I can admit that one reason I have trained so diligently to become stronger was so that I could succeed where my brother failed. Someday I hope to show you that I am strong enough for you to rely on without fear that I will become a martyr.
In the meantime, this gift comes with the caveat that you must come with me to spend an afternoon skating. It has been quite some time since we've done anything of the kind, and I want to see whether you have kept your skills sharp. Impress me, and I may even agree to do it again.
With one last look toward the door to make sure it has been locked, Loog/i> claims Ashe's hand in his, gives it a tug so soft it should defy his Blaiddyd heritage. ]
Walk with me?
[ As short a walk as it is, anyway, from the conference table to his newly instated throne. It seems... so much bigger than him. So grandiose in meaning, and in the knowledge that his people have been liberated and will now follow their own path under his rule... But, is he truly ready for it? ]
Soon, all the major lords in Faerghus will bend the knee for me. Minor lords will follow, and our knights, soon after. It is... overwhelming to think about.
[ And yet, rule he must, anyway. And yet, he takes his rightful seat at the throne, pulling at and guiding Ashe to stand between his spread out legs as he looks up. ]
Will you help me allay these troubled thoughts? Will you swear fealty to your King, as only you can?
[He need not even ask - when Loog takes his hand, Ashe follows willingly, feeling his heart beat fast in his chest. It's not like this is the first time this has happened, and yet he still feels a rush every time.
Despite Loog's own troubled thoughts, all Ashe can think when he sees his beloved king on the throne is the final realization of all they've worked for. The people of Faerghus will be free now, and far better taken care of under Loog's rule than that of the Empire. That's what he sincerely believes in his heart, at least. He has never seen a man so just, wise, and kind as Loog.
So when he is pulled forward, guided to stand between his king's legs, he can't help but stare for a moment, just drinking him in.
Then, he nods, and lowers himself to one knee, head practically buried in Loog's lap.]
You already know I do. I swear it with my everything. You are my King, my only King, forever.
[ Well. Lucky for Felix, Dimitri remains oblivious to his less-than-platonic thoughts, focusing instead on the language of his body. And right now, what his body is saying is that Felix both enjoys the massage and is also somehow adverse to it, if the sudden tension of his muscles is anything to go by.
Hmm. It's not so unlike the way Felix reacts to Dimitri in general, is it? Drawn to him with almost the same strength that repels him. ]
I would like to, yes. [ Spar, Dimitri means, as he continues to focus on the lighter topics, to hopelessly try to keep this fragile bond between them from eroding any further. ] It has been quite some time for us.
[ With one hand still kneading the small of Felix's back, the other moves up to his shoulders again, and then to the side of his neck-- another tension spot, he's learned. It's all focused motion, but occasionally his thumb may brush past the higher corner of Felix's jaw, maybe his earlobe. ]
Ah, but I would be fine with waiting, if you are not up for it right away. The sun does seem to have gotten to you...
[ On the island this time of year always seems to be marked with snow flurries (or a significant storm, as she vividly recalls). The weather may not be significantly colder right now but it is wetter, curtailing her initial sentimental ideas of revisiting a picnic much like the one that truly opened her eyes to pairing Dimitri and romance (with her) in the same thoughts, so she opts for compromise of sorts.
After asking Dimitri to plan on joining her on the apartment's balcony for afternoon tea, she sets up a thick spread blanket and pillows so they can watch the island snow fall, much like cherry blossom petals on their picnic. She's pouring tea -- a chamomile hibiscus blend -- when Shadow, with the subtlety of his namesake, bravely creeps behind her to a corner where some snow has settled. He leans down with his tongue out for a little taste and, unimpressed, immediately turns around to slink back inside as Dimitri comes out. ]
Dimitri.
[ While it can't be said that she didn't put some extra effort into looking nice for the occasion, there is nothing particularly proper about this tea. For all the faults she pins on this island and the forces that govern it, she can't say that she doesn't know a brand of comfortable here that she would likely never know at home. She can read with her beloved's head in her lap. She can drape herself across him when they lounge on the couch. They are equals, in love and everything else. When she greets him like this, its in a low warm tone that no one else has ever earned. ]
Have a seat. I have strawberry and orange blossom scones.
[ And she's never had these before! It's a treat for both of them. ]
[ On this island where so little makes sense, there is nothing extraordinary about two rulers of warring nations having a picnic on their balcony; whimsical, perhaps, and even he would not dare deny just how much of their relationship has been based on eccentricity. They were intimate before they were friends again, once married before dating, wore rings as a promise and guarantee they could be together beyond this world; their steps were out of order, their pace didn't always match, but all that matters is that they walk the same path. ]
Beloved.
[ His greeting is as warm as hers, shameless in its affections by nature-- a name that has wasted no time leaving his lips since the day she accepted his feelings. It may be no formal tea party, and honestly there is no need for propriety between the two of them, yet he still claims both her hands to kiss her knuckles, simply because he wants to. ]
These look delectable. Thank you for planning this.
I must admit you have me curious. To what do we owe such formal invitation?
[ Should Edelgard look over as he takes his seat, she will realize exactly what he means by we: Hugo, oh so comfortably spread across one of the pillows, demanding his own share of treats with a single, languid look. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
o_o
[ It's late. Late enough that she certainly would not be surprised if he did not answer until tomorrow morning. ]
o_o!
Of course. Is there something you need of me?
[ ... hmm. Maybe not the best way to answer, but he's not about to start second-guessing his every choice of word around her. ]
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sometime after his totally anonymous anon post; audio
Goooood evening, Your Highness. [ here comes trouble. except it's not that bad; there's a genuine smile in sylvain's voice despite the teasing lilt. ] I'm sure you're busy, [ with responding to a certain post, perhaps? ] But, if you'd be so kind to spare a moment of your time to let me attempt to entice you into taking a break, I'd appreciate it.
it was totally anon idk what you're talking about
But! No, he's not currently too busy with a post he didn't make, and he's definitely not arguing with one particularly stubborn anon on the internet either-- and yet, somehow he wouldn't be opposed to a little break. So!! ]
Ah, good evening, Sylvain. [ There's an uplift to his voice, because, welcome distractions or not, he is always happy to hear from his friends. ] I am not particularly busy at the moment, so perhaps your attempts should see better use once we return home.
[ You know, when there will be a war to be won and a Kingdom to rule and all that... not fun stuff. ]
Right now, I would be happy to make time for you. Do you have something in mind?
uh huh
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Because VW is cruel to the blions
Now, I understand we all come from varied timelines. Events have taken place differently for all of us. As a matter of course this is none of my concern. Still, I feel it prudent to make my feelings on the matter known.
It seems another of our former classmates have arrived. I haven't the faintest idea what you or she recall. That said, if I find out you have, in any way, caused harm to come to Mercedes no crown nor truce will save you.
Am I understood?
[He absolutely had to do this over text because this is at least 65% bluff but Flames watching her fall defending him and him not even batting a lash at it still makes him sick with fury.]
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Also is he still upset he didn't get an invitation to his Schrodinger's wedding, is that what this is about?? ]
Set your heart at ease, Lorenz. I know not of what events transpired in your world to make you question my loyalty as such, but I can assure you Mercedes is a treasured friend of mine. I will allow no harm to come upon her, least of all give cause to it, myself.
[ He didn't even know Lorenz and Mercedes were so close?? ]
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ASHE
[ Soft boy is incredibly accurate for Ashe, though? What's the problem with it?? ]
That is something only you can decide on, I am afraid. But if it helps, I cannot say I see anything wrong with your profile as it is.
[ There, he said it. ]
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You can't honestly mean that... Even the parts about... "muscular people"?
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i will never do sleeby 2am phonetags again
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Delivery!
Happy Holidays, Dimitri!
These might be a little annoying to get on...
Let me know if you need help, okay?
Love,
Hilda ♥
[ of course, whether or not he chooses to wear them at all is entirely up to him! ]
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How did he go without confronting her for so long?
Eventually, still unable to sleep, she sends a message she may regret later. ]
It occurs to me that there may be something else you could do for me.
[ She doesn't expect him to commit without knowing what it is, but she isn't going into detail until she knows whether or not he is awake right now. ]
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I am listening.
[ Sort of. Barely awake, but listening. ]
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just following through 👀
Dimitri, do I have your attention?
ohoho 👀
Of course. Is there something you wish to talk about?
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Truthfully she is not sure their captors would approve of her clipping six white roses from the bushes in the botanical garden, but since she is here against her will there is only so much she can care about their approval. A few hours later those six white roses, carefully stripped of any thorns, are neatly woven into a simple garland left by Dimitri's front door. Nestled between the blooms is a small card bearing her neat script: ]
The other day I mentioned that it must be about a year since my arrival. The night before I left Fódlan was quite cold but the weather here today makes me think more of my birth month. Though I have not woven a garland like this since I was a child, I suppose I am feeling a bit nostalgic.
I am glad to know you, Dimitri. I value our friendship.
- Edelgard
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Just as he treasures the time they spend together now, as well, the words on her card forever imprinted on his mind. They have come such a long way since the days of careful distance and formal arrangements...
(Can he really afford to risk ruining it all?) ]
I appreciate the thoughtful gift, but if it feels closer to your birth month, then would it not be more appropriate for me to give you a present?
[ Well. He will play safe... for now. ]
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I wanted to let you know I have had a chance to go through your letters, Dimitri. You did not have to share them with me, but I appreciate having the opportunity.
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Please, there is no need for such. As I said, they may be several years late and be of little relevance now, but they were meant for you, nonetheless. If anything, it makes me glad that they have finally reached their destination, so perhaps I should be thanking you for the indulgence.
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text; un: gautier
[Two seconds later.]
Actually, if this isn't Dimitri, could you let me know? That'd be better.
[And another second later.]
And if this isn't Dimitri, hi, what's up? Who's this?
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[ If the username wasn't enough of a hint, then the, uh, behavior would be a dead giveaway as to who this is. But for once, it's not meant as an admonishment; more like friendly teasing, really. ]
Regardless, I am glad to hear from you, despite the circumstances. I take it you are somewhere safe?
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that icon is unfair... stop undressing people with your eye
more texts; un: gautier
Got a very important question for you.
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1/2
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[text] @checkthesyllabus
I would like to apologize for my unfortunate behavior the other night. I did not mean to burden you with such absurdity.
I do appreciate all of your
assistance thus far. I think you and I need to have a talk when you are available to do so.
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Besides. It honestly makes me happy that you can rely on me, for a change. For so long you have reached out to me, and this is only so little I can do in return.
[ But wow, don't give him the "we need to talk" talk, that's very anxiety-inducing!! ]
But, if there is still something you wish to discuss with me, then of course I will listen to you. What would this be about?
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approximate birthday gift!
One night this week she chooses to make a dinner gratin that is especially cheesy, truly questionably cheesy, far more cheesy than her taste usually allows. Since she has no skill at baking sweets and knows quite well that he would probably be happy to slather cheese on anything, it seems like a fair birthday gesture.
Her second birthday gesture is made a day later: a neatly-wrapped bundle placed on the foot of his bed. The sleek blue ribbon tied around it also secures a handwritten note: ]
First you gave me a dagger, and then we exchanged daggers. I think your estimated birth month is high time for you receive one of your own. One blade made certain that I did not lose my heart entirely; this one allows me to share it.
With love,
El
[ She can't help feeling a flush of self-consciousness when she signs off with love. Is it a bit too much after she has implied it in the body of the message? Well, she will not rewrite it. Here and now there is no reason not to celebrate with all the affection she feels.
Inside the bundle Dimitri will find a dagger of fine steel sheathed in dark leather worked with dark blue thread. The dagger is handsome but not particularly ornate, meant for practical use, and its dark wood handle is wrapped with black leather for a comfortable grip, much less biting than the catch that saved his life on the shoreline over a year ago. ]
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The snow, however -- or whatever disappointingly room-temperature emulation now showers upon the island -- made him wonder if another winter was encroaching, but what really does the trick is finding that neat little package on the foot of his bed, and more importantly, the accompanying note. Even now, months after (knowingly) entering a relationship with each other, the open affection still catches him off guard every now and then, the memories of war still too real, but fading into fond gestures and words of love more and more, with each day spent together.
The gift itself reminds him of a sweeter past-- and also of something he's since learned from Sylvain while on the island. But it's not really important at the moment.
Though he had plans to wash the white flakes off himself before joining her and the cats in the living room, he decides that can wait. Right now, his priority is to be with her, to lean over the backrest of the couch and wrap his arms around her shoulders, his face and a kiss buried in the curve of her neck. ]
Thank you, my beloved. I will treasure it for as long as I live.
[ Both the dagger and the heart she's chosen to share. ]
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[Box left on doorstep]
A note is also enclosed: ]
Dimitri,
I wish you a wonderful birthday. I know these gifts are not much, but I do hope they suffice until I can do something better. Please take this day to be at peace and comfort, surround yourself with your loved ones and take a moment to be kind to yourself. You have grown and changed so much in my absence, I wish you success and happiness in all your endeavors.
- Byleth E.
backdated to somewhere close to the 20th
So on as close a day to the 20th of Ethereal Moon as he can manage, Felix leaves a plain-looking box at Dimitri's door. Inside is a pair of royal blue ice skates in Dimitri's size, and a note that reads:]
Dimitri,
Happy birthday. More or less. Who knows whether this place even has months as we know them? But close enough.
I have not been idle since last we spoke. I've taken this time to think. You asked me for honesty, so I can admit that one reason I have trained so diligently to become stronger was so that I could succeed where my brother failed. Someday I hope to show you that I am strong enough for you to rely on without fear that I will become a martyr.
In the meantime, this gift comes with the caveat that you must come with me to spend an afternoon skating. It has been quite some time since we've done anything of the kind, and I want to see whether you have kept your skills sharp. Impress me, and I may even agree to do it again.
-Felix
for Ashe
[ Well.
With one last look toward the door to make sure it has been locked, Loog/i> claims Ashe's hand in his, gives it a tug so soft it should defy his Blaiddyd heritage. ]
Walk with me?
[ As short a walk as it is, anyway, from the conference table to his newly instated throne. It seems... so much bigger than him. So grandiose in meaning, and in the knowledge that his people have been liberated and will now follow their own path under his rule... But, is he truly ready for it? ]
Soon, all the major lords in Faerghus will bend the knee for me. Minor lords will follow, and our knights, soon after. It is... overwhelming to think about.
[ And yet, rule he must, anyway. And yet, he takes his rightful seat at the throne, pulling at and guiding Ashe to stand between his spread out legs as he looks up. ]
Will you help me allay these troubled thoughts? Will you swear fealty to your King, as only you can?
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Despite Loog's own troubled thoughts, all Ashe can think when he sees his beloved king on the throne is the final realization of all they've worked for. The people of Faerghus will be free now, and far better taken care of under Loog's rule than that of the Empire. That's what he sincerely believes in his heart, at least. He has never seen a man so just, wise, and kind as Loog.
So when he is pulled forward, guided to stand between his king's legs, he can't help but stare for a moment, just drinking him in.
Then, he nods, and lowers himself to one knee, head practically buried in Loog's lap.]
You already know I do. I swear it with my everything. You are my King, my only King, forever.
[That everything including his body.]
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honestly don't remember what he was wearing lol
for Felix
complicated first times
[ Well. Lucky for Felix, Dimitri remains oblivious to his less-than-platonic thoughts, focusing instead on the language of his body. And right now, what his body is saying is that Felix both enjoys the massage and is also somehow adverse to it, if the sudden tension of his muscles is anything to go by.
Hmm. It's not so unlike the way Felix reacts to Dimitri in general, is it? Drawn to him with almost the same strength that repels him. ]
I would like to, yes. [ Spar, Dimitri means, as he continues to focus on the lighter topics, to hopelessly try to keep this fragile bond between them from eroding any further. ] It has been quite some time for us.
[ With one hand still kneading the small of Felix's back, the other moves up to his shoulders again, and then to the side of his neck-- another tension spot, he's learned. It's all focused motion, but occasionally his thumb may brush past the higher corner of Felix's jaw, maybe his earlobe. ]
Ah, but I would be fine with waiting, if you are not up for it right away. The sun does seem to have gotten to you...
[ Because Felix looks awfully flushed and all. ]
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complicated feelings talk
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reasonably good dimitris get birthday proposals
After asking Dimitri to plan on joining her on the apartment's balcony for afternoon tea, she sets up a thick spread blanket and pillows so they can watch the island snow fall, much like cherry blossom petals on their picnic. She's pouring tea -- a chamomile hibiscus blend -- when Shadow, with the subtlety of his namesake, bravely creeps behind her to a corner where some snow has settled. He leans down with his tongue out for a little taste and, unimpressed, immediately turns around to slink back inside as Dimitri comes out. ]
Dimitri.
[ While it can't be said that she didn't put some extra effort into looking nice for the occasion, there is nothing particularly proper about this tea. For all the faults she pins on this island and the forces that govern it, she can't say that she doesn't know a brand of comfortable here that she would likely never know at home. She can read with her beloved's head in her lap. She can drape herself across him when they lounge on the couch. They are equals, in love and everything else. When she greets him like this, its in a low warm tone that no one else has ever earned. ]
Have a seat. I have strawberry and orange blossom scones.
[ And she's never had these before! It's a treat for both of them. ]
that's very reasonably good
Beloved.
[ His greeting is as warm as hers, shameless in its affections by nature-- a name that has wasted no time leaving his lips since the day she accepted his feelings. It may be no formal tea party, and honestly there is no need for propriety between the two of them, yet he still claims both her hands to kiss her knuckles, simply because he wants to. ]
These look delectable. Thank you for planning this.
[ Did she sneak bake these while he was away training, or buy them from the café? Either way, he appreciates her thought and effort no less. ]
I must admit you have me curious. To what do we owe such formal invitation?
[ Should Edelgard look over as he takes his seat, she will realize exactly what he means by we: Hugo, oh so comfortably spread across one of the pillows, demanding his own share of treats with a single, languid look. ]
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