[ Wait. He can't just say that and get away with not elaborating. ]
Dimitri.
[ Okay, fine, so Hugo's convenient reappearance does distract her for a moment. Watching with amusement as Hugo's valiant effort is thwarted, she feels her lips curl a bit and finally takes another bite of her own cake. ]
I suppose all three of us are stubborn.
[ She can accept that graciously, aware that she is nothing if not determined. There are less kind words that some could use to describe her and she is well aware of that too. ]
[ ... ah. So Edelgard is not only stubborn, but also just as curious as a cat; he didn't foresee her going as far as asking for elaboration. But that is... hm.
All this time, he has been keeping the truth of his identity a secret, if only because he couldn't bear the thought of having her forget who he was yet again-- like his gift had been more meaningful to her than him. But now that there's a real possibility this isn't the very same Edelgard he knows, he has to wonder if maybe she hasn't had the same chance to remember him. Wonder if it wouldn't be best that she doesn't remember she used to call her enemy a friend.
(Sometimes, he wishes he didn't.) ]
What I got was... [ Another pause, the corners of his lips quirking up again, just a bit. ] A smile.
[ Not a lie, but it is as much as he's willing to say at the moment. Whether she ever does realize he's that boy whose face she drew on her sketchpad, or if he's to remain a forgettable piece of her past, it is not his right to force it upon her again. ]
As I said, it might sound foolish to you. [ Sentimental, even, but that word would speak of implications she does not recall. ] But, if you truly are as stubborn as you claim, then perhaps you will understand why that counts as a small victory in its own right.
[ Meanwhile, Hugo finally manages to wriggle himself free of Dimitri's clutches and scurry off across the table, settling down besides Edelgard's plate with his ears drooped and what can only be described as a challenging stare towards his owner. Go on, he dares him to reach this far! ]
[ Of all the answers he could possibly give her, this is not one she considered. Her smile stretches in obvious surprise.
He is not wrong. If she smiled at him during their parley -- a true smile and not just a baring of teeth or a smile of stubborn resignation -- then it does seem notable. She just... cannot imagine how he would have prompted it, especially if he is marching on her capital. ]
As large a victory as I would willingly give, I'm certain.
[ But how could he consider it that at all after a war spanning years?
Her eyes turn to Hugo when he scrambles across the table toward her, and as he looks toward Dimitri in open defiance she lifts her hand to pet him. She is no fool, of course: the fork in her other hand picks up the last frosting-heavy bite of her cake and delivers it to her mouth before Hugo can get any smart ideas about finishing it for her. ]
I would be cross as well, Hugo. I think he should give you a treat to make amends.
[ Her fingers stroke down Hugo's back but her eyes return to Dimitri. She has one more question that she can't quite dismiss. ]
[ A defeated chuckle escapes his lips when she encourages Hugo to demand compensation for Dimitri's disciplinary action from earlier, and he even reaches for the paper bag Edelgard has brought, but his hand halts at her question. Can he really bring himself to answer that in full honesty?
No, no he cannot. But the smile he spares her is every bit as earnest as the memories he does not speak of. ]
In a different life, perhaps.
[ Is it said in reference to their current topic and the likely existence of multiple timelines, or the children they both claim to have been long since dead? That's something they both have yet to find out. ]
But, the present is all we truly have. [ As he resumes his original train of thought-- and promptly veers this conversation elsewhere-- he fishes out a single treat from the bag. ] For the moment, whether cooperating to find our way back home or joining forces to protect the innocent on this island, we are allies. And, having that in mind...
[ When he reaches out with an extended palm again, it's so he can offer Hugo his hard-earned treat; it just so happens that Edelgard is in that very same direction, and his eyes are not at all focused on his cat. ]
Would you be willing to listen to one more proposal?
[ Why doesn't that satisfy at all? Does he not want to answer? Or is this genuinely how he feels in light of their current circumstances?
She studies his face for a long moment, a bit skeptical but stubbornly unwilling to argue on this point. As curious as she has found the way he acts toward her here, he is the one with the self-proclaimed goal of understanding. All she needs from him -- no, all she wants because it is not so dire as to be a need -- is his willingness to be a temporary ally. And it seems she has that.
Putting her fork down on her plate, she gives Hugo another stroke as he slinks off toward Dimitri's side of the table again, lured by the treat. Dimitri has almost as much attention from her. ]
You have my attention. What is your proposal?
[ She has to assume it's somehow related to their new agreement. Of course she'll hear his suggestion. ]
[ As Hugo nips at the treat on his hand and merrily scampers off back to his lap, Dimitri's smile widens, glad for both, her willingness to listen and for having navigated out of the one conversation he has chosen not to have, at least not yet. If she knew of who he really is, would the current arrangement and the proposal he's about to make be more or less difficult to carry out? For now, he can only wonder. ]
Back on the day of the invasion, I recall you told me you were... not a very talented swimmer. [ To... put it gently, as even he could tell she was so badly affected by the ocean that her combat prowess was at a disadvantage. ] At the time, we were able to coordinate our battle efforts, but there might come a day when you have to face it on your own, especially seeing as we are surrounded by water. And so, I have been wondering.
[ A pause to slice off another forkful of cake, though he only takes it to his mouth after asking: ]
Have you considered... improving your skill level?
[ It's such an unexpected change of topic that for a moment or two her surprise is written all over her face. It's hard to imagine herself being in a situation where she's surprised and somewhat disappointed that the proposition she has received isn't more sexual... but for a minute she definitely is.
Regaining her composure, she studies his face. ]
Is this concern for my well-being, Dimitri?
[ "Improving her skill level" indeed. ]
I am aware that it would be to my benefit to become a better swimmer while here... so yes, I have.
[ Has she done anything about that consideration, however? No. ]
[ Well. He can't say he's not concerned for her well-being but also, he can't say that he is, either-- because of her pride, rather than any reservations he might have. And he knows he's not particularly good at being deceptive, so that leaves only one way out: compromising on the truth. ]
I am fairly certain you could handle yourself, but I also have to consider the innocent who might come to rely on your strength. [ His voice takes on a graver tone, though there's still a placating smile on his face. ] You have given me reason to believe that you would come to their aid in a time of need, but having to mind both your own safety as well as theirs might be overwhelming. Even running an unnecessary risk, really.
[ Of course, one must always mind their safety in a battle, but that's usually in terms of watching out for an opponent's fake-out, the way they shift on their feet before an attack, the balance of their weapon and their grip on its handle-- and even when they do have to account for terrain adversities, it's not a matter of immediate life or death. Edelgard, of all people, should be able to understand that much without much elaboration. ]
Besides, as much as I may give you my word on not using this to gain an unfair advantage over you, there are others who might, should they happen upon this information somehow.
[ Surely she has heard Claude is on this island by now, right? Luring her out to a battle in Derdriu, the Aquatic Capital in Alliance territory... Well, Dimitri wouldn't put it past his schemes. ]
The truth of the matter is that over the last few weeks she has thought more than once about how she wishes she had not been put into a position to feel as though she had to let Dimitri know about her lack of swimming skills. Since they were fighting side-by-side and she had already so narrowly avoided being swept underwater she needed him to know, both for his sake and her own, but it wasn't a decision made without ruefulness.
Now, with the knowledge that he is not the Dimitri she will face in battle when she returns home, she feels somewhat more secure about it, but when is showing weakness to the enemy ever ideal? ]
I have considered much of this as well.
[ It's as smooth an answer as possible under the circumstances, and not a lie. As soon as she admitted the weakness to him she knew she should do something about it.
It has been harder to decide what to do about it. Telling someone else means putting a spotlight on her inability again. Perhaps she could do that with Ferdinand, but she is not so far removed from a time when he would have seized this as an opportunity to show that he is better than her at something. He, on the other hand, has recently suggested that he has grown to a point where he realizes that was unnecessary. She is starting to think it may be true, but this is not how she would prefer to test him. ]
You will have to forgive my confusion. Are you offering to teach me?
[ What is there to confused about, Edelgard? He did say he had a proposal to make, didn't he? ]
I am offering to be an option, should you wish to consider me as such.
[ All right, he does see how that could be puzzling; they are not friends, and as far as Edelgard recalls, they never were. Some more elaboration might be necessary, so: ]
Despite our agreement and everything else we discussed today, I understand you might find it difficult to trust me. But on the other hand, much like you came to me because you would rather minimize exposing yourself, you might prefer not to reveal this information to anyone else.
[ Unbeknownst to him, he might be seeing his plans beginning to bear fruit; might be starting to understand the way she thinks, just that little bit better. ]
If it would make you feel more at ease, you could see it as an extended offer to keep things fair between us.
[ For a moment she does little more than blink her surprise at him. ]
I would need to think this over.
[ Again, she is startled by his seeming sincerity. And he obviously isn't wrong in his assumptions: not in thinking she finds trusting him difficult, not in thinking she may prefer to involve as few people as possible. It would be extremely convenient for the only person here who knows to be the one to teach her. Still, she isn't sure she likes the idea.
Her hands fold together on the table. ]
But why would you do this, Dimitri?
[ Unlike the agreement they have already made tonight, there is nothing in it for him. ]
[ Her surprise was to be expected, and the fact she even considers giving it any thought is a much reaction than he hoped for. In all honesty, even he was afraid that would be too bold a move.
This time, her questioning is easy enough to answer: ]
I would do this for any of my allies, temporary or otherwise. [ Sincere as ever, the same smile that never lets him lie. ] Although I think you might have misunderstood me; when I said this would be in the interest of fairness, I meant it would be a way for me to compensate you for having learned of such compromising information. You only felt compelled to reveal it due the circumstances of our battle, after all.
[ He reclines back on his seat, one hand dropping to his lap and the cat on top of it for idle petting. ]
At any rate, I do not expect you to give me an answer straight away. But I would be happy if you considered my offer in earnest.
[ Fine, she can certainly see wisdom in wanting a potential ally to be a good ally. If they had to fight large tentacled creatures on the shore again, he would have a distinct interest in having her perform at her best.
And if more creatures rose from the depths tomorrow she would immediately berate herself for her inaction in the meantime, but she still cannot bring herself to give an answer to this now. ]
I see your point, but I meant what I asked.
[ Does she understand him? No, she still does not, but in this case she is not -- to the best of her knowledge -- misunderstanding him.
If he feels as though she still scrutinizes him across the table as he pets Hugo, he is not wrong. ]
You put this as though teaching me to swim would be your self-inflicted punishment for learning something I only revealed in a dire situation. I suppose that is one way to think of it, but not the way I see it.
[ No, she has difficulty thinking of it in terms other than Dimitri having a front-row seat to her being so far from her best. Vulnerable.
It seems better to think of this as yet another tangible exchange. ]
I want to know what you would consider proper repayment for your time and effort if I decided to take you up on the offer.
[ His eyebrows shoot up in response to her choice of words. ]
Punishment? [ The single puff of laughter that pushes past his lips is more puzzled than anything else, though there may be some amusement to the very dramatic shift this conversation has taken. ] Edelgard, you make it sound as though teaching you would be a chore. Truly, I would be happy to.
[ Not a courteous glad or even a measured content; he really does mean happy, whole-hearted and honest-- though he realizes a second too late that might make room for even more confusion. ]
I spoke only of compensating you, and yet you seem to be under the impression you would be in my debt while I would call that making us even. There would be no need to repay me in any way, I can assure you.
[ It's like they're speaking in two different languages, using two different measures-- and it doesn't slide by unnoticed, that slight hypocrisy that is him denying her repayment when he had once stubbornly refused to comply with a similar arrangement only months prior, but... Hmm. ]
But, if you would still insist on repayment-- [ His smile is still there, accompanied by a dust of pink over his cheeks. ] --I suppose I could accept some tea.
[ It's an admission of his own fault at the time, and a reference he would think hard to forget. ]
[ Why should he be happy to do it? Why is Dimitri so strange? Is this the Tempest King?
Different timelines, yes, but how can he be so far from what she expected to come face-to-face with?
She's about say that that she didn't ask if there was a need to repay him because she is making it clear here and now that she sees one... but then he gives her an answer. For a moment she's so still that she's unblinking, and then for a fraction of a moment after that she looks as though she may let out a small laugh.
Ultimately she keeps her composure, but there is a hint of an upturn at a corner of her mouth. ]
[ Why is he so strange, indeed. The answer to that is something he'll be keeping to himself for a while longer.
At present, all that matters is that they seem to finally have come to a compromise, and even though he knows this is in no way a confirmation Edelgard will, in fact, take him up on his offer, a smile graces his features almost as easily as it would if he had gotten a straight "yes" out of her. ]
I am not particularly selective, and all the less so in a place such as this. But I am rather fond of chamomile.
[ He would be even more fond of having company to enjoy said tea with, but that much, he knows for sure would be too bold to say out loud. ]
I will think about it. If I choose to accept this offer I will make sure you are well-stocked with chamomile tea until the lessons are over.
[ It will meet with his approval, she's sure. If he would be willing to teach her to swim free of charge, he must also be willing to do it for his favorite tea.
And with that out of the way perhaps she should wind this visit down before he finds a way to complicate anything further. ]
But our other arrangement stands. Shall we pick a day, time, and two squares for our next meeting before I leave?
[ He acknowledges her first assessment with a nod and a smile, and, look. He didn't mean to make this complicated, but he's been giving this some thought for a while now, and it's not like he has ample opportunity to just talk to her, so a man must take his chances as they come.
The fact she swiftly redirects the flow of conversation back to their original topic is just another reminder of that: that they'll be doing very little talking during their next meetings. A reminder he doesn't need, because he knows exactly what he signed up for. ]
If you would like. Although I believe starting out with one that we share might be easier... How about sensation play, as we discussed?
[ Starting with a square they have in common, that is, just as they discussed in vaguer terms before. The sensation play itself will... probably be fine. He has proven to be a capable partner.
Ugh, and she thought she was done with blushing. Cheeks just a bit pink, she nods and begins to rise from her chair. ]
If you pick the day-- [ It seems fair since he is the host. ] --I will pick the time.
[ The color of her cheeks isn't lost on him-- hasn't been, for even a second of their entire conversation, and honestly, he doesn't understand why his own don't feel as warm. Perhaps a part of him is getting used to it.
(Perhaps a part of him is looking forward to it. An alarming possibility.) ]
You may pick the day, as well. [ Said as he follows suit and begins to rise. ] This should be our safest window of time for privacy, and I am hardly ever busy with matters so important I cannot make myself available.
[ Far be it from him to risk sounding eager for their meetings! ]
She... would not have told him the same thing, if only out of a desire to be more formal about it. As though she can compartmentalize her time here better than surprise aphrodisiacs usually allow for. ]
[ Well, what else was he supposed to say? That he's often busy with urgent state matters he absolutely must see to? Is that we're calling clearing some rubble and napping with his cat, now? There isn't a war to fight or a kingdom to rule; if anything, he's been finding trouble keeping himself busy.
But, three days, hmm? That is... shorter than he anticipated. Could it be that she fears her resolve will waver should they wait too long? ]
In three days, then. Should any unexpected matters keep you from attending, or in case I find myself with company, we can message each other and re-schedule. I should hope you find that acceptable?
[ Not that he expects to have any visits staying well into the night, but, well. Sometimes Hugo likes to entertain guests. When he's in the right mood. But right now, he seems primed for naptime, though he'll still scamper off to Dimitri's side to meow for Edelgard's attention; don't leave without saying goodbye to your host, that's rude! ]
[ The vague awkwardness she feels creeping in again suggests that she is indeed choosing the right time to depart. Weak to Hugo's plaintive meow, however, she takes a moment to stoop and scratch beneath the cat's chin. It's true that she does not want to feel any more at home in this place than she does, but she is just a bit envious of the pleasant rumbling of an affectionate cat.
(Dimitri nearly purred for her while he had a feline's ears and tails but she tries to think on that as little as possible.)]
It was a pleasure to see you again, Hugo.
[ While she has the brief distraction of petting to occupy her, she takes the opportunity to thank her less feline host without turning her attention to him again. ]
And thank you for volunteering the use of your space, Dimitri.
[ As she rises to her full height again, formality falling back into place, she heads for the door. ]
[ If she's weak to Hugo's feline charms, then Dimitri is just as weak for, well, just about anyone treating his little friend with kindness, though Edelgard is a special case. It's always reassuring, always a reminder that she truly has not lost her heart.
With any luck, the added fondness in his features only lingers while Edelgard has her back to him, and once he reaches for the handle to pull the door open for her, his smile will have returned to more politely neutral standards. ]
Think nothing of it. We will be keeping in touch.
[ And if that sounds like a double-entendre, realization will not strike until much later, once his embarrassment is safe from her scrutiny and judgement. ]
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Dimitri.
[ Okay, fine, so Hugo's convenient reappearance does distract her for a moment. Watching with amusement as Hugo's valiant effort is thwarted, she feels her lips curl a bit and finally takes another bite of her own cake. ]
I suppose all three of us are stubborn.
[ She can accept that graciously, aware that she is nothing if not determined. There are less kind words that some could use to describe her and she is well aware of that too. ]
But what did you get out of your meeting with me?
[ The thought puzzles her. She has to know. ]
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All this time, he has been keeping the truth of his identity a secret, if only because he couldn't bear the thought of having her forget who he was yet again-- like his gift had been more meaningful to her than him. But now that there's a real possibility this isn't the very same Edelgard he knows, he has to wonder if maybe she hasn't had the same chance to remember him. Wonder if it wouldn't be best that she doesn't remember she used to call her enemy a friend.
(Sometimes, he wishes he didn't.) ]
What I got was... [ Another pause, the corners of his lips quirking up again, just a bit. ] A smile.
[ Not a lie, but it is as much as he's willing to say at the moment. Whether she ever does realize he's that boy whose face she drew on her sketchpad, or if he's to remain a forgettable piece of her past, it is not his right to force it upon her again. ]
As I said, it might sound foolish to you. [ Sentimental, even, but that word would speak of implications she does not recall. ] But, if you truly are as stubborn as you claim, then perhaps you will understand why that counts as a small victory in its own right.
[ Meanwhile, Hugo finally manages to wriggle himself free of Dimitri's clutches and scurry off across the table, settling down besides Edelgard's plate with his ears drooped and what can only be described as a challenging stare towards his owner. Go on, he dares him to reach this far! ]
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He is not wrong. If she smiled at him during their parley -- a true smile and not just a baring of teeth or a smile of stubborn resignation -- then it does seem notable. She just... cannot imagine how he would have prompted it, especially if he is marching on her capital. ]
As large a victory as I would willingly give, I'm certain.
[ But how could he consider it that at all after a war spanning years?
Her eyes turn to Hugo when he scrambles across the table toward her, and as he looks toward Dimitri in open defiance she lifts her hand to pet him. She is no fool, of course: the fork in her other hand picks up the last frosting-heavy bite of her cake and delivers it to her mouth before Hugo can get any smart ideas about finishing it for her. ]
I would be cross as well, Hugo. I think he should give you a treat to make amends.
[ Her fingers stroke down Hugo's back but her eyes return to Dimitri. She has one more question that she can't quite dismiss. ]
Do you recall us once being on friendlier terms?
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No, no he cannot. But the smile he spares her is every bit as earnest as the memories he does not speak of. ]
In a different life, perhaps.
[ Is it said in reference to their current topic and the likely existence of multiple timelines, or the children they both claim to have been long since dead? That's something they both have yet to find out. ]
But, the present is all we truly have. [ As he resumes his original train of thought-- and promptly veers this conversation elsewhere-- he fishes out a single treat from the bag. ] For the moment, whether cooperating to find our way back home or joining forces to protect the innocent on this island, we are allies. And, having that in mind...
[ When he reaches out with an extended palm again, it's so he can offer Hugo his hard-earned treat; it just so happens that Edelgard is in that very same direction, and his eyes are not at all focused on his cat. ]
Would you be willing to listen to one more proposal?
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She studies his face for a long moment, a bit skeptical but stubbornly unwilling to argue on this point. As curious as she has found the way he acts toward her here, he is the one with the self-proclaimed goal of understanding. All she needs from him -- no, all she wants because it is not so dire as to be a need -- is his willingness to be a temporary ally. And it seems she has that.
Putting her fork down on her plate, she gives Hugo another stroke as he slinks off toward Dimitri's side of the table again, lured by the treat. Dimitri has almost as much attention from her. ]
You have my attention. What is your proposal?
[ She has to assume it's somehow related to their new agreement. Of course she'll hear his suggestion. ]
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Back on the day of the invasion, I recall you told me you were... not a very talented swimmer. [ To... put it gently, as even he could tell she was so badly affected by the ocean that her combat prowess was at a disadvantage. ] At the time, we were able to coordinate our battle efforts, but there might come a day when you have to face it on your own, especially seeing as we are surrounded by water. And so, I have been wondering.
[ A pause to slice off another forkful of cake, though he only takes it to his mouth after asking: ]
Have you considered... improving your skill level?
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Regaining her composure, she studies his face. ]
Is this concern for my well-being, Dimitri?
[ "Improving her skill level" indeed. ]
I am aware that it would be to my benefit to become a better swimmer while here... so yes, I have.
[ Has she done anything about that consideration, however? No. ]
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I am fairly certain you could handle yourself, but I also have to consider the innocent who might come to rely on your strength. [ His voice takes on a graver tone, though there's still a placating smile on his face. ] You have given me reason to believe that you would come to their aid in a time of need, but having to mind both your own safety as well as theirs might be overwhelming. Even running an unnecessary risk, really.
[ Of course, one must always mind their safety in a battle, but that's usually in terms of watching out for an opponent's fake-out, the way they shift on their feet before an attack, the balance of their weapon and their grip on its handle-- and even when they do have to account for terrain adversities, it's not a matter of immediate life or death. Edelgard, of all people, should be able to understand that much without much elaboration. ]
Besides, as much as I may give you my word on not using this to gain an unfair advantage over you, there are others who might, should they happen upon this information somehow.
[ Surely she has heard Claude is on this island by now, right? Luring her out to a battle in Derdriu, the Aquatic Capital in Alliance territory... Well, Dimitri wouldn't put it past his schemes. ]
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The truth of the matter is that over the last few weeks she has thought more than once about how she wishes she had not been put into a position to feel as though she had to let Dimitri know about her lack of swimming skills. Since they were fighting side-by-side and she had already so narrowly avoided being swept underwater she needed him to know, both for his sake and her own, but it wasn't a decision made without ruefulness.
Now, with the knowledge that he is not the Dimitri she will face in battle when she returns home, she feels somewhat more secure about it, but when is showing weakness to the enemy ever ideal? ]
I have considered much of this as well.
[ It's as smooth an answer as possible under the circumstances, and not a lie. As soon as she admitted the weakness to him she knew she should do something about it.
It has been harder to decide what to do about it. Telling someone else means putting a spotlight on her inability again. Perhaps she could do that with Ferdinand, but she is not so far removed from a time when he would have seized this as an opportunity to show that he is better than her at something. He, on the other hand, has recently suggested that he has grown to a point where he realizes that was unnecessary. She is starting to think it may be true, but this is not how she would prefer to test him. ]
You will have to forgive my confusion. Are you offering to teach me?
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I am offering to be an option, should you wish to consider me as such.
[ All right, he does see how that could be puzzling; they are not friends, and as far as Edelgard recalls, they never were. Some more elaboration might be necessary, so: ]
Despite our agreement and everything else we discussed today, I understand you might find it difficult to trust me. But on the other hand, much like you came to me because you would rather minimize exposing yourself, you might prefer not to reveal this information to anyone else.
[ Unbeknownst to him, he might be seeing his plans beginning to bear fruit; might be starting to understand the way she thinks, just that little bit better. ]
If it would make you feel more at ease, you could see it as an extended offer to keep things fair between us.
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I would need to think this over.
[ Again, she is startled by his seeming sincerity. And he obviously isn't wrong in his assumptions: not in thinking she finds trusting him difficult, not in thinking she may prefer to involve as few people as possible. It would be extremely convenient for the only person here who knows to be the one to teach her. Still, she isn't sure she likes the idea.
Her hands fold together on the table. ]
But why would you do this, Dimitri?
[ Unlike the agreement they have already made tonight, there is nothing in it for him. ]
And what would you consider repayment?
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This time, her questioning is easy enough to answer: ]
I would do this for any of my allies, temporary or otherwise. [ Sincere as ever, the same smile that never lets him lie. ] Although I think you might have misunderstood me; when I said this would be in the interest of fairness, I meant it would be a way for me to compensate you for having learned of such compromising information. You only felt compelled to reveal it due the circumstances of our battle, after all.
[ He reclines back on his seat, one hand dropping to his lap and the cat on top of it for idle petting. ]
At any rate, I do not expect you to give me an answer straight away. But I would be happy if you considered my offer in earnest.
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And if more creatures rose from the depths tomorrow she would immediately berate herself for her inaction in the meantime, but she still cannot bring herself to give an answer to this now. ]
I see your point, but I meant what I asked.
[ Does she understand him? No, she still does not, but in this case she is not -- to the best of her knowledge -- misunderstanding him.
If he feels as though she still scrutinizes him across the table as he pets Hugo, he is not wrong. ]
You put this as though teaching me to swim would be your self-inflicted punishment for learning something I only revealed in a dire situation. I suppose that is one way to think of it, but not the way I see it.
[ No, she has difficulty thinking of it in terms other than Dimitri having a front-row seat to her being so far from her best. Vulnerable.
It seems better to think of this as yet another tangible exchange. ]
I want to know what you would consider proper repayment for your time and effort if I decided to take you up on the offer.
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Punishment? [ The single puff of laughter that pushes past his lips is more puzzled than anything else, though there may be some amusement to the very dramatic shift this conversation has taken. ] Edelgard, you make it sound as though teaching you would be a chore. Truly, I would be happy to.
[ Not a courteous glad or even a measured content; he really does mean happy, whole-hearted and honest-- though he realizes a second too late that might make room for even more confusion. ]
I spoke only of compensating you, and yet you seem to be under the impression you would be in my debt while I would call that making us even. There would be no need to repay me in any way, I can assure you.
[ It's like they're speaking in two different languages, using two different measures-- and it doesn't slide by unnoticed, that slight hypocrisy that is him denying her repayment when he had once stubbornly refused to comply with a similar arrangement only months prior, but... Hmm. ]
But, if you would still insist on repayment-- [ His smile is still there, accompanied by a dust of pink over his cheeks. ] --I suppose I could accept some tea.
[ It's an admission of his own fault at the time, and a reference he would think hard to forget. ]
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Different timelines, yes, but how can he be so far from what she expected to come face-to-face with?
She's about say that that she didn't ask if there was a need to repay him because she is making it clear here and now that she sees one... but then he gives her an answer. For a moment she's so still that she's unblinking, and then for a fraction of a moment after that she looks as though she may let out a small laugh.
Ultimately she keeps her composure, but there is a hint of an upturn at a corner of her mouth. ]
And what kind do you prefer?
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At present, all that matters is that they seem to finally have come to a compromise, and even though he knows this is in no way a confirmation Edelgard will, in fact, take him up on his offer, a smile graces his features almost as easily as it would if he had gotten a straight "yes" out of her. ]
I am not particularly selective, and all the less so in a place such as this. But I am rather fond of chamomile.
[ He would be even more fond of having company to enjoy said tea with, but that much, he knows for sure would be too bold to say out loud. ]
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[ It will meet with his approval, she's sure. If he would be willing to teach her to swim free of charge, he must also be willing to do it for his favorite tea.
And with that out of the way perhaps she should wind this visit down before he finds a way to complicate anything further. ]
But our other arrangement stands. Shall we pick a day, time, and two squares for our next meeting before I leave?
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The fact she swiftly redirects the flow of conversation back to their original topic is just another reminder of that: that they'll be doing very little talking during their next meetings. A reminder he doesn't need, because he knows exactly what he signed up for. ]
If you would like. Although I believe starting out with one that we share might be easier... How about sensation play, as we discussed?
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That sounds ideal.
[ Starting with a square they have in common, that is, just as they discussed in vaguer terms before. The sensation play itself will... probably be fine. He has proven to be a capable partner.
Ugh, and she thought she was done with blushing. Cheeks just a bit pink, she nods and begins to rise from her chair. ]
If you pick the day-- [ It seems fair since he is the host. ] --I will pick the time.
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(Perhaps a part of him is looking forward to it. An alarming possibility.) ]
You may pick the day, as well. [ Said as he follows suit and begins to rise. ] This should be our safest window of time for privacy, and I am hardly ever busy with matters so important I cannot make myself available.
[ Far be it from him to risk sounding eager for their meetings! ]
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She... would not have told him the same thing, if only out of a desire to be more formal about it. As though she can compartmentalize her time here better than surprise aphrodisiacs usually allow for. ]
Then perhaps the same time, three days from now?
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But, three days, hmm? That is... shorter than he anticipated. Could it be that she fears her resolve will waver should they wait too long? ]
In three days, then. Should any unexpected matters keep you from attending, or in case I find myself with company, we can message each other and re-schedule. I should hope you find that acceptable?
[ Not that he expects to have any visits staying well into the night, but, well. Sometimes Hugo likes to entertain guests. When he's in the right mood. But right now, he seems primed for naptime, though he'll still scamper off to Dimitri's side to meow for Edelgard's attention; don't leave without saying goodbye to your host, that's rude! ]
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[ The vague awkwardness she feels creeping in again suggests that she is indeed choosing the right time to depart. Weak to Hugo's plaintive meow, however, she takes a moment to stoop and scratch beneath the cat's chin. It's true that she does not want to feel any more at home in this place than she does, but she is just a bit envious of the pleasant rumbling of an affectionate cat.
(Dimitri nearly purred for her while he had a feline's ears and tails but she tries to think on that as little as possible.)]
It was a pleasure to see you again, Hugo.
[ While she has the brief distraction of petting to occupy her, she takes the opportunity to thank her less feline host without turning her attention to him again. ]
And thank you for volunteering the use of your space, Dimitri.
[ As she rises to her full height again, formality falling back into place, she heads for the door. ]
Good night.
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With any luck, the added fondness in his features only lingers while Edelgard has her back to him, and once he reaches for the handle to pull the door open for her, his smile will have returned to more politely neutral standards. ]
Think nothing of it. We will be keeping in touch.
[ And if that sounds like a double-entendre, realization will not strike until much later, once his embarrassment is safe from her scrutiny and judgement. ]
Have a safe return home. Good night, Edelgard.