[ It's more like he has a cat kneading his stomach, and so he maybe nods off a little bit in between messages, and when he wakes up he... has to blink the dream away.
Oh. Oh, it's not a dream. ]
Please, there is no need to apologize, as far as I am concerned. Odd influence aside, you were hardly the only one at fault.
[ This much is easy enough to type; she may have been territorial over him, yet he was every bit as much. But the next bit is... ]
I am willing to meet with you, however.
[ ... too forward and too fast? Maybe. Okay, but hear him out! ]
Like yourself, I have been considering the options available to us. If we are to stumble into situations beyond our control, then perhaps it might be best to remove the element of surprise, so to speak.
[ There is more he isn't saying, of course, and maybe his fingers work faster than his brain can seemingly catch up with, so-- ]
Besides, we seem to have worked well together so far.
[ ... it's only after he's pressed send that he realizes he had mostly been thinking about the invasion incident when he added that particular last bit, but in the grander scheme of things, that might carry some unplanned (albeit accurate) connotations. How does one burn these incorporeal letters, anyway? ]
[ It is difficult to assign fault at all when they were equal partners and their captors deserve blame, but it is certainly true that she was not the only one to behave in a way that was only appropriate then and there, very much influenced. She has not yet forgotten the things he said to her, if only because no one else would dare to in normal circumstances.
With that in mind, his acceptance of her apology comes as no surprise. His quick acceptance of her offer is more surprising -- she was certain he would want to think it over -- but the next thing he says proves that he is also eager to reclaim more control of his life. Just as she is starting to respond she catches his last addition, and try as she might, she cannot keep pink out of her cheeks. Does he think of this as an example of "surprising compatibility?"
She refuses to ask. Yet another reason to feel she made the right choice in sticking to text for this. ]
I am glad that we can agree on this. My hope is that we can arrange something fair and reasonable that will have little bearing on our truce. I would like to meet as privately as possible, which is increasingly unlikely here at the inn. Are you still living alone?
[ He never specifically said he was, but that was the impression she received on the day the driftwood creatures rose from the sea. ]
[ By all means, he should have thought this over, even more so than he did, should have considered the real implications behind this sort of arrangement-- that he's gambling not with his life (probably), but with feelings he can never quite get a good grasp on, with how fast they're ever changing. He loved her a lifetime ago, hated her in another, and now... where does he stand now? Where will he stand, should they really go through with this?
There's no way to tell. All he knows is that, even here, his dearest wish is to understand her, and if she is the one to take the initiative and reach out to him this time, there is no way he could bring himself to deny her-- to deny them this chance. Even if it has to be under these circumstances.
(Not that this is a sacrifice in any way. It's... much the opposite, though it still shames him to admit.) ]
I have similar hope for it, myself. So long as we do not lose sight of that, I believe we can reach acceptable terms.
[ This sounds... painfully formal, considering the exact kind of terms they're negotiating. As royalty, they get education on how to establish treaties and ceasefires and even advantageous marriages, but he's fairly sure he was never trained for this. ]
I do still live on my own, as well. The building itself is fairly inhabited by now, though you should be able to walk in unnoticed. It might be our best option, and as private as we can manage.
[ What a relief to find him thoughtful and measured about this! As courteous as he has (usually) been while here, she expected this to go...
Well, at bit more awkwardly than this, at least. ]
If you feel comfortable enough doing so, we will try it. However, we should agree on an explanation for my presence ahead of time so we will be on the same page if anyone does see me and ask about the visit. As charming as Hugo is, I suspect that he would not be considered a good excuse. Perhaps we were in a heated argument recently, while tensions were running high, and I'm there to check in and make certain our truce is unaffected by the island's whims.
I hope that you will also think about any terms you would like to bring to the table during our discussion. While I am there we can compare cards.
[ Surprisingly, he can keep his bestial side to himself while doing very formal business transactions! ... even though said bestial side might come in handy when fulfilling some contractual clauses. ]
I would prefer not telling any lies if I can help it, although I suppose that is not too far from the truth, either. In the unlikely event you are seen, then I will corroborate with that version of facts.
[ Since... they had been in a sort of argument before, and at least one particular type of tension was very high, and these negotiations are a direct consequence of what transpired that day. Any more specific details are vastly unnecessary. ]
On my end, if there are any further terms to be discussed, I will see that they are addressed in our meeting. Naturally, I am willing to extend the same offer to you. Although if we are to compare cards, I might need another day to prepare.
[ There are some... acts in his card that he's not quite sure the meaning of, so some research is in order. ]
It's fortunate that he sees enough truth in her proposed explanation to find it palatable, but that leads to a concern that could stop this arrangement from developing further. ]
We can meet in a few days. Or you could simply contact me when you are ready to propose a day and time.
[ That much is simple. ]
But are you truly comfortable walking down this path, Dimitri? If we do this I want it kept between the two of us and I will be less than perfectly honest if it becomes necessary in order to keep the arrangement private. If you would prefer not to offer the same discretion it will be better if we don't move forward with the idea.
[ Ah. Of course miss Lady of Deceit would be perfectly fine with downright lying, but Dimitri is... different. He's not good at lying, even if he tries-- and so he simply doesn't.
But that doesn't mean they need to call off this arrangement, either. ]
I will do what I have to, if I must.
[ That much doesn't apply to only their deal. And much like at war, the alternative is just something he will try to avoid as much as possible. ]
However, I trust my friends not to ask any more than I am willing to answer. Should they ever see you in my company, it will suffice to say we are working on a trade of information as an extension of our truce.
[ Or maybe it's more like a trade of favors, but, again, he can at least handle it if it's a close enough version of the truth. ]
[ She certainly hopes no one will see them and think it suspicious, but she has to believe that Dimitri knows both his living situation and his friends better than she does.
At any rate, if she thinks it feels a bit too questionable when she arrives for this meeting perhaps they can find another location -- a place where neither of them is expected -- for anything they do in the future. ]
Yes, I think it sounds reasonable enough. If our friends become too suspicious we can end the agreement at any time.
In fact, I would say that either of us can end the agreement at any time, for any reason. But we can discuss that further when the time comes.
Of course. Especially given the very nature of this agreement.
[ No, really, what would be the alternative here? Forcing the other into sex? Dimitri couldn't do it if he wanted to, and as ruthless as Edelgard can be, he doesn't think she would resort to that, either. ]
Like you said, we can discuss this further when we meet, in a few days time. I will make sure to contact you once preparations are complete.
[ The next bit takes a second longer to send as he hesitates, but: ]
I imagine you would not be opposed to standard hospitability practices while we talk?
[ Or, in Ye Olden noble speech, tea time. Of the non-laced variety. ]
[ She... is uncertain as to what 'preparations' means within this particular context but some questions -- as difficult as it is to admit this -- may actually be better left unasked. Despite that and despite herself and, well, despite nearly everything, his question makes her huff out an amused breath and she feels herself smile. ]
You need not trouble yourself over this, Dimitri, but as your guest I will graciously accept your kind hospitality.
If we discover that your tea is laced with aphrodisiac at least it will be relevant to our discussion this time.
[ Oh, he's really not going to spring some kind of sex dungeon on her, no need for concern on that front! He mostly means making sure he understands what his own squares entail, and maybe paying closer attention to the coming and going of people in his building to figure out the quietest time slot for them to meet.
What she says in response to his invitation, though... ah. Why. To think he almost made it through this entire conversation without getting flustered!! ]
I will make sure it is not, this time. It would be fairly unconducive to an actual discussion, I believe.
[ Will he ever be able to gift her anything that doesn't terribly blow up in his face? Jury is still out on that. ]
[ Does that mean he intends to test the tea beforehand? She should not find the idea oddly amusing (not when she carries resentment over the fact that she was brought here against her will, is kept here against her will, and is sometimes manipulated by the forces that govern this place) but the twinge of humor is not without sympathy.
Regardless, he is not wrong. This discussion will require clarity. ]
[ Three days later she finds herself knocking at Dimitri's door. He suggested a particular time of evening so here she is, just as advised. She wears a pair of black trousers and a scoop-necked red blouse with three-quarter sleeves -- perhaps not as modest as her clothes at home but most of her scars are still very well-covered -- and her hair is gathered in a long smooth ponytail on one side of her head. In one hand she carries a small paper bag.
She's done her best to attract as little attention as possible, short of actually disguising herself, but as she waits for the door to open she still glances around with a hint of self-consciousness. ]
[ As Dimitri had been expecting her arrival, he's quick to answer the door, if perhaps not as swift to offer a proper greeting, just a little stunned by her appearance. The change in outfit was to be expected-- Dimitri himself has favored matching black trousers and a long-sleeved shirt that laces up at the front-- but the hair is... hmm. Very different. Softer, somehow.
It's a miracle that he pulls himself together after that near staring incident, and an even bigger one that the words leaving his mouth are not entirely inappropriate, unlike the compliment he would rather be paying her: ]
Good evening, Edelgard. I take it you have not been seen?
[ Said as he holds the door open for her, a silent invitation to let her in-- and if that doesn't do the trick, there's a cat peeking in from behind his legs, sniffing in her general direction. A familiar smell!! ]
[ There's just enough of a stretch between the door opening and his greeting to make her feel uncertain, but she solemnly nods in response and then smiles a second later as she steps in and sees Hugo shadowing him. ]
To the best of my knowledge, no. I saw no familiar faces at all.
[ While he closes the door behind her, she bends to give Hugo a pet. ]
As handsome as ever, I see.
[ She absolutely means Hugo, of course, and it takes her a moment to glance up and over to make sure she hasn't given Dimitri the wrong impression. Not that it's... the wrong impression. Dimitri looks very nice.
In fact, now that she's giving him her attention she thinks the clothes really suit him. But this is beside the point and she's quite happy to use the way Hugo's little face rubs against the bag in her hand to distract them all from awkwardness. ]
He's right, of course: I brought treats. Do you mind if I give him a few?
[ Oh, she gave him no wrong impression whatsoever, no worries on that front. If she had, then he might be off staring into the distance with a fluster over his cheeks, instead of looking down at the pair with fond eyes and a smile to match, as he is right now. ]
Of course not. I am sure it will make him rather happy.
[ That goes for Hugo and Dimitri, himself. Not just because he's very generous with spoilings dispensed on his cat son, but also because he... likes seeing this side of Edelgard. Their circumstances might not be ideal, but he'll take whatever chances he's given; whether they help make his wishes come into fruition later, or will further his regrets over doing what he must, that's another risk he's willing to run. ]
I will finish setting up the table, in the meantime. [ He knows better than to stare this time so he'll take his leave to go do just that. ] There is not much to offer, but I do hope it will be to your liking.
[ It might not be a feast like a king would offer, but he at least has managed to procure regular tea-- from Sylvain's personal stock, and it helps that his friend shares a preference for bergamot with Edelgard-- and a couple of puff pastries from the cafe. He wasn't as fortunate on the sweet front, though, so there's a single slice of cake on display. ]
[ She aims a small smile of acknowledgment at Dimitri before she turns her attention back to Hugo. The contents of the bag shuffle around as she drops to one knee and opens it, fishing out a few coin-sized treats and presenting them one a time in her palm to her hungry feline host. ]
There are enough to treat him a few more times if you'd like.
[ She hopes he'll accept it graciously since he has apparently gone to some extra trouble to be hospitable. Her eyes dart in the direction of the table and... is that cake she glimpses? Did he get that from the cafe? She hasn't tried anything other than tea from the cafe yet, although the temptation has been high. In truth, she doesn't treat herself that much when it comes to meals after having had multiple edible aphrodisiac experiences.
Well. If Dimitri has reason to believe it's safe she will certainly have a pastry and a bite or two of cake.
One more scratch under Hugo's sweet chin and she rises, not wanting to keep Dimitri waiting. ]
Did this come from the cafe? [ As she approaches the table, she offers him the folded bag of treats for safekeeping. ] It looks very good.
[ His gut instinct would be to decline her offer, but, well, he supposes they should be working on compromises here, and a few treats for his cat sound like an easy enough start. So rather than a shake of his head, he addresses her with a polite smile and a nod, and makes a note to put the bag away at a later moment. For now, it's time for tea. ]
The tea came from Sylvain's personal stash, so I am fairly sure it is safe. [ Just... putting it out there, considering their recent past. And while he's easing her worries away, he might as well add: ] Fret not, he asked no questions when I told him I would have company.
[ Did he maybe get a Knowing look with the tea? It's very possible. But the one good thing about Sylvain's philanderer ways is that he can be very discreet about an alleged rendezvous, all the more so on this island. ]
The pastries and cake did come from the cafe, though. They were paid for, so I do believe they should come without further strings attached.
[ He earned some credits through means of hard labor-- which he rather enjoys doing, anyway, so the food was a good use of his abundance of strength, time and resources. More importantly, the point is it should all be free of aphrodisiacs. ]
Unfortunately, they were running out of dessert by the time I came, so I could only acquire this one slice of cake. I hope you will enjoy it, regardless.
[ It's the golden rule of good hospitality: a guest gets priority! ]
[ How Dimitri lives here seems fairly close to normalcy, under the circumstances. Close friends that he relies on? A cat? It's difficult for her to wrap her mind around. There is a sense that he is more comfortable here than she is, perhaps because those she recalls him closest to arrived around the same time he did.
A bittersweet thought that brings Hubert to mind again. Her oldest and most trusted friend, and this is the longest she has been without him since they were children. Even though she envies Dimitri's seeming ability to adapt, she only wants to become so accustomed to this place. She is here temporarily, not bound or caged but nonetheless imprisoned. ]
You can't possibly mean to do without for my sake. As your guest I insist that we halve it when we are ready to try it.
[ No arguments allowed on this, Dimitri, and the mildly stern look she aims at him says as much.
She helps herself to one of the chairs at the table. ]
[ It's not quite comfort that drives his actions in this place, though it is true he adapts with ease-- it's the only reason he survived those five years. It's simply that he's learned not to focus so much on the future that he forgets to live in the moment; there's no building a brighter tomorrow by trampling on the present.
Still, that Look is... definitely familiar. It's one he knows better than to challenge, and so he doesn't. Not that he would want to, anyway. That bittersweet pang of nostalgia burns vividly at the thought and the memory of sharing dessert with her.
(For all that he wants to cherish the present, the past haunts him, still.) ]
Then I suppose you leave me no choice but to comply.
[ The smile, at least, comes easy enough to him; knowing how to proceed past cordial niceties, not so much.
So he buys himself some time as he serves the tea, first pouring it in the cup he had set aside for Edelgard, before filling up his own. It's only then that he joins her across the table, taking a tentative sip; chamomile would have worked best to calm his nerves, but this will have to do. ]
Now. [ Another beat as he sets the cup down. ] I believe there was an agreement you wished to discuss with me. I am prepared to listen to your terms.
[ Or maybe not, but he sure isn't backing down from this. ]
[ He complies with cake demands and sexual demands easily enough. Since their initial reunion here she has wondered why he is not more hostile toward her, but now she has to suspect that there is some difference in what she has experienced versus what he has experienced.
It's bergamot tea again. She had wondered if he recalled her preference from their time at the Academy or simply asked the robots for a tea she would enjoy, and now she supposes it could even be that in this Dimitri's version of events they knew each other better.
Odd to think about. She was not particularly in the market for friendships at the Academy, much less a friendship with him or Claude.
It's good tea, though; just as before, she holds it up to her lips and breathes it in before she takes a sip. When she lowers her cup she doesn't quite lower it all the way to the table. ]
My proposal is, as we said before, that we stop letting ourselves get surprised by compromising situations. Much seems to be out of our hands at the moment but I assume that you are as eager to return to Fódlan as I am, whether we do so through compliant behavior like completing the tasks given to us or by improving the island until we have a way to thwart our captors and send ourselves home. You have proven willing to make exchanges in the past so...
[ Now she does put her cup down on the table's surface. ]
I am willing to continue to do it. We can meet regularly to exchange a square for a square. We will tell no one else, and either of us can end the agreement at any time. I will even go so far as to say that you can contact me if you find yourself somehow influenced again and I will help you if I am available, as long as it ultimately leads to another successful exchange.
[ Eager to return to Fódlan, huh... Yes, perhaps she is, having already put so much on the line for the sake of her war. And while Dimitri does wish to return home and see to his responsibilities, can he in good conscience say that's his only reason for going through with this? ]
I understand.
[ It's all he chooses to answer, instead, figuring his motives are his own, and likely irrelevant to her in the grand scheme. His cooperation is all she's after-- and all he should expect from her in return. ]
You say as long as it leads to a successful exchange, but there is one issue with that. [ A small pause as he sips his tea and tries to gather his thoughts. How is he even supposed to treat this so casually, like they're discussing the weather... ] We have had at least one previous experience with marking off a different square than we had agreed upon, and that leads me to believe there may be a chance it might fail altogether at some point. In that case, I assume you would be willing to not assign fault to either party?
[ Because, look? He tried really hard to aim for "oral fixation" that one time, and he would wouldn't want to be accused of trying to sabotage their deal in any way. The very nature of their agreement might be... about as peculiar as this island, but he still has his honor! ]
[ The question, not completely unreasonable, makes her feel a pinprick of heat in her cheeks. Still, she soldiers on. ]
No, I will not blame you for doing your best to fulfill a square and failing.
[ Does she want that to happen? Absolutely not. Is it a problem she has encountered before or heard of someone else encountering? No. The risk seems slim.
And if it does happen she supposes she can hardly blame Dimitri or herself as long as they both tried their best. ]
Although perhaps for more complicated or less obvious squares we should try to educate ourselves before an attempt in order to minimize any risk of that.
[ Just as you would not want to rush into battle with a dull blade you do not want to rush into specific intimate acts without having a solid idea of what they are.
It's entirely at odds with this conversation but she reaches carefully for one of the pastries, willing to use both it and her cup of tea where she can't use her axe and shield. ]
If that sounds fair to you we can compare cards and first look for squares we have in common, or perhaps ones that would be complementary.
[ Wow. Way to imply only he can fail at this, as though she's some kind of sexual deviant-- even if she likely does have more experience than him.
(... what if she is, though? She did very much sit astride his face like it was no skin off her back-- ah, no, better not let his train of thoughts derail down that path.)
So he focuses on what she says next and, oh, it seems they can be like-minded, on occasion. But to think they would agree on this faster than they would on the fate of an entire continent... ]
I do. [ A nod, and he places his cup down again; if they are to compare cards, he will be needing that arm. ] In fact, that is the reason why I asked for a few days before we could meet. I cannot say I knew what several of my own squares entailed, but the library in this place provides... quite the wealth of knowledge.
[ So yes, this is what his preparations meant: studying up on kinks. Did he maybe learn more than absolutely necessary? Possibly. Is he ever going to look at horses the same way again? Absolutely not. But he did what he had to do, so this meeting wouldn't be a waste of time to either of them.
With a deep breath to steel himself, he taps his bracelet a couple of times and leans over, arm reaching across the table so Edelgard can look at the screen, his A5 card on display. It's alarming, really, how he's getting used to this. ]
If there are any squares on my card that you need explained, I should be able to assist.
[ It never feels any less invasive, exposing his card like that, but at least half the squares that have been marked off were Edelgard's doing, so there's little point in feeling embarrassed over those, at least. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Oh. Oh, it's not a dream. ]
Please, there is no need to apologize, as far as I am concerned. Odd influence aside, you were hardly the only one at fault.
[ This much is easy enough to type; she may have been territorial over him, yet he was every bit as much. But the next bit is... ]
I am willing to meet with you, however.
[ ... too forward and too fast? Maybe. Okay, but hear him out! ]
Like yourself, I have been considering the options available to us. If we are to stumble into situations beyond our control, then perhaps it might be best to remove the element of surprise, so to speak.
[ There is more he isn't saying, of course, and maybe his fingers work faster than his brain can seemingly catch up with, so-- ]
Besides, we seem to have worked well together so far.
[ ... it's only after he's pressed send that he realizes he had mostly been thinking about the invasion incident when he added that particular last bit, but in the grander scheme of things, that might carry some unplanned (albeit accurate) connotations. How does one burn these incorporeal letters, anyway? ]
no subject
With that in mind, his acceptance of her apology comes as no surprise. His quick acceptance of her offer is more surprising -- she was certain he would want to think it over -- but the next thing he says proves that he is also eager to reclaim more control of his life. Just as she is starting to respond she catches his last addition, and try as she might, she cannot keep pink out of her cheeks. Does he think of this as an example of "surprising compatibility?"
She refuses to ask. Yet another reason to feel she made the right choice in sticking to text for this. ]
I am glad that we can agree on this. My hope is that we can arrange something fair and reasonable that will have little bearing on our truce. I would like to meet as privately as possible, which is increasingly unlikely here at the inn. Are you still living alone?
[ He never specifically said he was, but that was the impression she received on the day the driftwood creatures rose from the sea. ]
no subject
There's no way to tell. All he knows is that, even here, his dearest wish is to understand her, and if she is the one to take the initiative and reach out to him this time, there is no way he could bring himself to deny her-- to deny them this chance. Even if it has to be under these circumstances.
(Not that this is a sacrifice in any way. It's... much the opposite, though it still shames him to admit.) ]
I have similar hope for it, myself. So long as we do not lose sight of that, I believe we can reach acceptable terms.
[ This sounds... painfully formal, considering the exact kind of terms they're negotiating. As royalty, they get education on how to establish treaties and ceasefires and even advantageous marriages, but he's fairly sure he was never trained for this. ]
I do still live on my own, as well. The building itself is fairly inhabited by now, though you should be able to walk in unnoticed. It might be our best option, and as private as we can manage.
no subject
Well, at bit more awkwardly than this, at least. ]
If you feel comfortable enough doing so, we will try it. However, we should agree on an explanation for my presence ahead of time so we will be on the same page if anyone does see me and ask about the visit. As charming as Hugo is, I suspect that he would not be considered a good excuse. Perhaps we were in a heated argument recently, while tensions were running high, and I'm there to check in and make certain our truce is unaffected by the island's whims.
I hope that you will also think about any terms you would like to bring to the table during our discussion. While I am there we can compare cards.
no subject
I would prefer not telling any lies if I can help it, although I suppose that is not too far from the truth, either. In the unlikely event you are seen, then I will corroborate with that version of facts.
[ Since... they had been in a sort of argument before, and at least one particular type of tension was very high, and these negotiations are a direct consequence of what transpired that day. Any more specific details are vastly unnecessary. ]
On my end, if there are any further terms to be discussed, I will see that they are addressed in our meeting. Naturally, I am willing to extend the same offer to you. Although if we are to compare cards, I might need another day to prepare.
[ There are some... acts in his card that he's not quite sure the meaning of, so some research is in order. ]
no subject
It's fortunate that he sees enough truth in her proposed explanation to find it palatable, but that leads to a concern that could stop this arrangement from developing further. ]
We can meet in a few days. Or you could simply contact me when you are ready to propose a day and time.
[ That much is simple. ]
But are you truly comfortable walking down this path, Dimitri? If we do this I want it kept between the two of us and I will be less than perfectly honest if it becomes necessary in order to keep the arrangement private. If you would prefer not to offer the same discretion it will be better if we don't move forward with the idea.
no subject
But that doesn't mean they need to call off this arrangement, either. ]
I will do what I have to, if I must.
[ That much doesn't apply to only their deal. And much like at war, the alternative is just something he will try to avoid as much as possible. ]
However, I trust my friends not to ask any more than I am willing to answer. Should they ever see you in my company, it will suffice to say we are working on a trade of information as an extension of our truce.
[ Or maybe it's more like a trade of favors, but, again, he can at least handle it if it's a close enough version of the truth. ]
Does that sound reasonable to you?
no subject
At any rate, if she thinks it feels a bit too questionable when she arrives for this meeting perhaps they can find another location -- a place where neither of them is expected -- for anything they do in the future. ]
Yes, I think it sounds reasonable enough. If our friends become too suspicious we can end the agreement at any time.
In fact, I would say that either of us can end the agreement at any time, for any reason. But we can discuss that further when the time comes.
no subject
[ No, really, what would be the alternative here? Forcing the other into sex? Dimitri couldn't do it if he wanted to, and as ruthless as Edelgard can be, he doesn't think she would resort to that, either. ]
Like you said, we can discuss this further when we meet, in a few days time. I will make sure to contact you once preparations are complete.
[ The next bit takes a second longer to send as he hesitates, but: ]
I imagine you would not be opposed to standard hospitability practices while we talk?
[ Or, in Ye Olden noble speech, tea time. Of the non-laced variety. ]
no subject
You need not trouble yourself over this, Dimitri, but as your guest I will graciously accept your kind hospitality.
If we discover that your tea is laced with aphrodisiac at least it will be relevant to our discussion this time.
no subject
What she says in response to his invitation, though... ah. Why. To think he almost made it through this entire conversation without getting flustered!! ]
I will make sure it is not, this time. It would be fairly unconducive to an actual discussion, I believe.
[ Will he ever be able to gift her anything that doesn't terribly blow up in his face? Jury is still out on that. ]
no subject
Regardless, he is not wrong. This discussion will require clarity. ]
It would be for the best, I agree.
Until then, Dimitri.
[ He obviously knows how to reach her. ]
no subject
While they're here, there's... something else he had in mind to discuss, but, hmm. Maybe it's best to give that thought more time to mature. ]
We will talk soon, Edelgard.
[ How strange, those five simple words are. ]
no subject
She's done her best to attract as little attention as possible, short of actually disguising herself, but as she waits for the door to open she still glances around with a hint of self-consciousness. ]
no subject
It's a miracle that he pulls himself together after that near staring incident, and an even bigger one that the words leaving his mouth are not entirely inappropriate, unlike the compliment he would rather be paying her: ]
Good evening, Edelgard. I take it you have not been seen?
[ Said as he holds the door open for her, a silent invitation to let her in-- and if that doesn't do the trick, there's a cat peeking in from behind his legs, sniffing in her general direction. A familiar smell!! ]
no subject
To the best of my knowledge, no. I saw no familiar faces at all.
[ While he closes the door behind her, she bends to give Hugo a pet. ]
As handsome as ever, I see.
[ She absolutely means Hugo, of course, and it takes her a moment to glance up and over to make sure she hasn't given Dimitri the wrong impression. Not that it's... the wrong impression. Dimitri looks very nice.
In fact, now that she's giving him her attention she thinks the clothes really suit him. But this is beside the point and she's quite happy to use the way Hugo's little face rubs against the bag in her hand to distract them all from awkwardness. ]
He's right, of course: I brought treats. Do you mind if I give him a few?
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Of course not. I am sure it will make him rather happy.
[ That goes for Hugo and Dimitri, himself. Not just because he's very generous with spoilings dispensed on his cat son, but also because he... likes seeing this side of Edelgard. Their circumstances might not be ideal, but he'll take whatever chances he's given; whether they help make his wishes come into fruition later, or will further his regrets over doing what he must, that's another risk he's willing to run. ]
I will finish setting up the table, in the meantime. [ He knows better than to stare this time so he'll take his leave to go do just that. ] There is not much to offer, but I do hope it will be to your liking.
[ It might not be a feast like a king would offer, but he at least has managed to procure regular tea-- from Sylvain's personal stock, and it helps that his friend shares a preference for bergamot with Edelgard-- and a couple of puff pastries from the cafe. He wasn't as fortunate on the sweet front, though, so there's a single slice of cake on display. ]
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There are enough to treat him a few more times if you'd like.
[ She hopes he'll accept it graciously since he has apparently gone to some extra trouble to be hospitable. Her eyes dart in the direction of the table and... is that cake she glimpses? Did he get that from the cafe? She hasn't tried anything other than tea from the cafe yet, although the temptation has been high. In truth, she doesn't treat herself that much when it comes to meals after having had multiple edible aphrodisiac experiences.
Well. If Dimitri has reason to believe it's safe she will certainly have a pastry and a bite or two of cake.
One more scratch under Hugo's sweet chin and she rises, not wanting to keep Dimitri waiting. ]
Did this come from the cafe? [ As she approaches the table, she offers him the folded bag of treats for safekeeping. ] It looks very good.
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The tea came from Sylvain's personal stash, so I am fairly sure it is safe. [ Just... putting it out there, considering their recent past. And while he's easing her worries away, he might as well add: ] Fret not, he asked no questions when I told him I would have company.
[ Did he maybe get a Knowing look with the tea? It's very possible. But the one good thing about Sylvain's philanderer ways is that he can be very discreet about an alleged rendezvous, all the more so on this island. ]
The pastries and cake did come from the cafe, though. They were paid for, so I do believe they should come without further strings attached.
[ He earned some credits through means of hard labor-- which he rather enjoys doing, anyway, so the food was a good use of his abundance of strength, time and resources. More importantly, the point is it should all be free of aphrodisiacs. ]
Unfortunately, they were running out of dessert by the time I came, so I could only acquire this one slice of cake. I hope you will enjoy it, regardless.
[ It's the golden rule of good hospitality: a guest gets priority! ]
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A bittersweet thought that brings Hubert to mind again. Her oldest and most trusted friend, and this is the longest she has been without him since they were children. Even though she envies Dimitri's seeming ability to adapt, she only wants to become so accustomed to this place. She is here temporarily, not bound or caged but nonetheless imprisoned. ]
You can't possibly mean to do without for my sake. As your guest I insist that we halve it when we are ready to try it.
[ No arguments allowed on this, Dimitri, and the mildly stern look she aims at him says as much.
She helps herself to one of the chairs at the table. ]
Shall we get started then?
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Still, that Look is... definitely familiar. It's one he knows better than to challenge, and so he doesn't. Not that he would want to, anyway. That bittersweet pang of nostalgia burns vividly at the thought and the memory of sharing dessert with her.
(For all that he wants to cherish the present, the past haunts him, still.) ]
Then I suppose you leave me no choice but to comply.
[ The smile, at least, comes easy enough to him; knowing how to proceed past cordial niceties, not so much.
So he buys himself some time as he serves the tea, first pouring it in the cup he had set aside for Edelgard, before filling up his own. It's only then that he joins her across the table, taking a tentative sip; chamomile would have worked best to calm his nerves, but this will have to do. ]
Now. [ Another beat as he sets the cup down. ] I believe there was an agreement you wished to discuss with me. I am prepared to listen to your terms.
[ Or maybe not, but he sure isn't backing down from this. ]
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It's bergamot tea again. She had wondered if he recalled her preference from their time at the Academy or simply asked the robots for a tea she would enjoy, and now she supposes it could even be that in this Dimitri's version of events they knew each other better.
Odd to think about. She was not particularly in the market for friendships at the Academy, much less a friendship with him or Claude.
It's good tea, though; just as before, she holds it up to her lips and breathes it in before she takes a sip. When she lowers her cup she doesn't quite lower it all the way to the table. ]
My proposal is, as we said before, that we stop letting ourselves get surprised by compromising situations. Much seems to be out of our hands at the moment but I assume that you are as eager to return to Fódlan as I am, whether we do so through compliant behavior like completing the tasks given to us or by improving the island until we have a way to thwart our captors and send ourselves home. You have proven willing to make exchanges in the past so...
[ Now she does put her cup down on the table's surface. ]
I am willing to continue to do it. We can meet regularly to exchange a square for a square. We will tell no one else, and either of us can end the agreement at any time. I will even go so far as to say that you can contact me if you find yourself somehow influenced again and I will help you if I am available, as long as it ultimately leads to another successful exchange.
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I understand.
[ It's all he chooses to answer, instead, figuring his motives are his own, and likely irrelevant to her in the grand scheme. His cooperation is all she's after-- and all he should expect from her in return. ]
You say as long as it leads to a successful exchange, but there is one issue with that. [ A small pause as he sips his tea and tries to gather his thoughts. How is he even supposed to treat this so casually, like they're discussing the weather... ] We have had at least one previous experience with marking off a different square than we had agreed upon, and that leads me to believe there may be a chance it might fail altogether at some point. In that case, I assume you would be willing to not assign fault to either party?
[ Because, look? He tried really hard to aim for "oral fixation" that one time, and he would wouldn't want to be accused of trying to sabotage their deal in any way. The very nature of their agreement might be... about as peculiar as this island, but he still has his honor! ]
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No, I will not blame you for doing your best to fulfill a square and failing.
[ Does she want that to happen? Absolutely not. Is it a problem she has encountered before or heard of someone else encountering? No. The risk seems slim.
And if it does happen she supposes she can hardly blame Dimitri or herself as long as they both tried their best. ]
Although perhaps for more complicated or less obvious squares we should try to educate ourselves before an attempt in order to minimize any risk of that.
[ Just as you would not want to rush into battle with a dull blade you do not want to rush into specific intimate acts without having a solid idea of what they are.
It's entirely at odds with this conversation but she reaches carefully for one of the pastries, willing to use both it and her cup of tea where she can't use her axe and shield. ]
If that sounds fair to you we can compare cards and first look for squares we have in common, or perhaps ones that would be complementary.
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(... what if she is, though? She did very much sit astride his face like it was no skin off her back-- ah, no, better not let his train of thoughts derail down that path.)
So he focuses on what she says next and, oh, it seems they can be like-minded, on occasion. But to think they would agree on this faster than they would on the fate of an entire continent... ]
I do. [ A nod, and he places his cup down again; if they are to compare cards, he will be needing that arm. ] In fact, that is the reason why I asked for a few days before we could meet. I cannot say I knew what several of my own squares entailed, but the library in this place provides... quite the wealth of knowledge.
[ So yes, this is what his preparations meant: studying up on kinks. Did he maybe learn more than absolutely necessary? Possibly. Is he ever going to look at horses the same way again? Absolutely not. But he did what he had to do, so this meeting wouldn't be a waste of time to either of them.
With a deep breath to steel himself, he taps his bracelet a couple of times and leans over, arm reaching across the table so Edelgard can look at the screen, his A5 card on display. It's alarming, really, how he's getting used to this. ]
If there are any squares on my card that you need explained, I should be able to assist.
[ It never feels any less invasive, exposing his card like that, but at least half the squares that have been marked off were Edelgard's doing, so there's little point in feeling embarrassed over those, at least. ]
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