[ It doesn't escape his notice that she looks just a tad surprised, her wide eyes fixed on him for just a second too long. Is it really so strange that he would spoil his cat...? ]
The book does offer thorough instructions. It may not be as good as his own massages, but I imagine my efforts must have been passable, at least. [ He can't quite compete with cat kneading, you see, but at least he hasn't hurt anyone!
Incidentally, his chuckles fade away as the reminder settles in, a hint of pink dusting his cheeks. ]
It has been quite the... extensive read. [ If Edelgard catches his drift-- and having been on sex island so long, she should. ] Some of these techniques would most certainly not be appropriate for a cat.
[ Dimitri does occasionally strike her as feline, though, even without an island-provided pair of ears. Perhaps he is more accomplished at kneading than he realizes. ]
Ah, so this is a very thorough book.
[ And assuming he got it from the library, "extensive" and "thorough" are no doubt the most polite ways to describe it. She would hate to admit it, but she is intrigued. ]
Does that mean you are ready to try your technique on a friend?
[ "A human friend." she almost stills for another moment. How is it possible for Dimitri to be not just cute but that cute? He is a grown man, and one of immense strength. ]
Are you planning to ask me then? [ She's well aware that she fits the bill. ] Or were you hoping for another volunteer?
[ Will a shy little smile help the cute cause? Probably not, but it's what he has to offer, anyway. ]
I was thinking we could try after your next lesson. While most of these techniques are meant to have someone relax [ and climax ] there are some that could be applied to sore muscles, as well. It should be a good place to start.
[ It's difficult to keep her smile from stretching, pleased, but she makes a fair effort.
Maybe not a concentrated effort. ]
That could be a nice way to unwind.
[ Even his most sincere attempts at being a stern teacher during a lesson have ended with tea and a dessert to share. He always seems to think of a pleasant way to end an afternoon in the water, doesn't he? ]
Then you will be quite good at it by the time I see you again.
[ The idea of him earnestly practicing until her next swim lesson is a sweet one. Her smile is only growing wider. ]
I enjoy lavender and citrus. Some of my favorite soaps and hair treatments here are in those scents. Lavender in particular is said to promote relaxation.
[ Can she say for certain that it does, however? It's arguable. A war for the continent is quite a match for lavender alone to take on. ]
Lavender, eh? That should be easy enough to remember.
[ Is he taking a not-so-discreet glance at her eyes? He might just be! ]
I cannot promise they will be available, but I will do my best to procure some. I hear there is a [ hmm ] specialty shop in the shopping district, so perhaps they will carry a decent selection.
As long as it does not come with unexpected influences, I suppose. [ And they both know the island can pull off effects far less pleasant than simple arousal. ] I might have to try them on myself beforehand.
[ He means to make sure they're safe, but, hmm. Massaging himself or massaging himself with scented oils... Neither sounds like a sacrifice. ]
[ He may have to try them on himself beforehand? Well, that seems like a smart idea, under the circumstances, but it is also a mental image she will have to live with the rest of the day. Dimitri, bared to the world, lounging across his bed, so slick with oil that his hand -- no, his hands -- move effortlessly.
She lets the thought sit for half a moment, cheeks vaguely pink. ]
Conveniently, we have an agreement if you find yourself in need.
The point of testing it out is precisely so we will not need to call upon the agreement. Otherwise, it would be ill-advised to do so on my own, would it not?
[ So no hiding behind the arrangement, Edelgard. Own up to the horny!
And because he's not (entirely) an obfuscating dumbass (anymore) he'll add: ]
[ Her look of mild surprise turns into understanding.
At least until his last-second addition makes her blush more obvious. She happens to know exactly how he can handle himself when the need arises. She swallows quickly. ]
I thought that you were referring to the possibility of other ill effects.
[ Why would the island want scented oils to make someone angry and aggressive? She can't say, but the effects of the play don't fall in line with everything else she has experienced so far and it complicates the obvious the-Augur-wants-us-all-willing-to-get-up-close-and-personal-with-each-other-all-the-time theory she has operated with her entire time here. ]
If it is an aphrodisiac alone I see no reason calling upon our agreement would be a bad thing.
[ ... well. The airiness of his smile fades away, his expression hardening for a second. ]
If there are other ill effects, that is all the more reason for me to weather them on my own. I would not wish to inflict them upon anyone.
[ Especially not her, after what happened last time.
Much like Edelgard did back then, though, he doesn't want to linger on this heavy mood, either. It might start a little forced, just a tad strained, but he summons that smile back before proceeding. ]
And if it is only an aphrodisiac, then I would hardly [ hm. ] deprive you of the warm comfort of [ hmm. ] your bed just for my [ hmm. ] sake. Take my [ hmm! ] word for it.
[ Very agreeable, she says. He can't be entirely sure, but that sounds Edelgard's way of saying...
Well, nevermind. Whatever she means, it earns an easy smile from him. ]
As do I. I would not forget.
[ That's just what it is, a simple truth. ]
Besides, it would be impossible for you to invite yourself over when I have already done so, myself. [ When he gave her that key-- and she'd better be sure that's the only copy! ] I told you back then, that you would always be welcome here.
[ In spite of herself, a small smile tugs at her lips again. ]
I will do my best to keep that in mind.
[ It would still strike her as rude to just show up unannounced. Still, she appreciates the sentiment. She feels less skeptical about it -- less puzzled by it -- now then she did when he first gave her the key.
But this is all a bit beside the point, and he has at least acknowledged her willingness to help if the oils he tries are overly arousing. ]
Then... I suppose I will see you in a few days.
[ She'll just try not to think any more about him practicing on himself. ]
[ He acknowledges her parting words with a nod and a smile, ready to let her hang up and rest for the evening, but quickly changes his mind and adds: ]
El?
[ An exhale, and he hesitates just for a second. ]
Before you go, I must ask. Will you... join us for our meeting later this week?
[ He assumes she's received an invitation by now. ]
[ Even now, a few months after he started using her nickname regularly, she still feels mildly astonished by how easily it rolls of his tongue. ]
Yes, if you think my presence will not be a disruption.
[ She doesn't think it's a terrible idea, but she does think there is a difference between tolerating someone's presence on the island when you rarely see them and inviting them to share a meal. ]
[ Her answer does surprise him, but only for a second-- and pleasantly so. ]
Well. [ A light exhale. ] It would be foolish to expect a meeting with this particular group of people would be entirely... uneventful.
[ He was going to say 'peaceful' but all things considered, they are not at war right now; this is as much peace as they might get. ]
But, anyone attending has been made aware that the invitation was extended to all of us who hail from Fódlan, and that our truce shall be upheld. I understand some presences might have to be tolerated rather than welcome, but--
[ A brief pause, and his smile grows more confident. ]
If it helps, there will be at least one person who will be happy to see you join us.
That... is very kind, and for a moment his growing smile makes her recall the bright and sunny smiles he often wore when they played together as children. Thinking back on it, she supposes that is one thing she feels that she remembers well: when they were younger it seemed he was always happy to see her.
And maybe the recollection enhances the blush in her cheeks momentarily, but the smile she gives him is sincere. ]
Thank you, Dimitri. My expectations for dinner are well grounded, but I will be happy to see you there as well.
[ Well grounded, but still content -- still happy -- to see him. Under these circumstances, this is already more than he could hope for.
(Yet, like a fool he still does.) ]
I am glad to hear. I will meet you there.
[ And though he could stay up all night just talking to her and committing that smile to memory, he knows he's in no place to ask her. The agreement -- or even this treasured friendship -- doesn't extend quite that far, he knows. ]
Well. If there is nothing else you wish of me, I will let you go back to your rest. Have a good night, El.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
The book does offer thorough instructions. It may not be as good as his own massages, but I imagine my efforts must have been passable, at least. [ He can't quite compete with cat kneading, you see, but at least he hasn't hurt anyone!
Incidentally, his chuckles fade away as the reminder settles in, a hint of pink dusting his cheeks. ]
It has been quite the... extensive read. [ If Edelgard catches his drift-- and having been on sex island so long, she should. ] Some of these techniques would most certainly not be appropriate for a cat.
[ So he might need another test subject soon. ]
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Ah, so this is a very thorough book.
[ And assuming he got it from the library, "extensive" and "thorough" are no doubt the most polite ways to describe it. She would hate to admit it, but she is intrigued. ]
Does that mean you are ready to try your technique on a friend?
no subject
But ah, she does get it. Guess he may be learning the ropes of this flirting thing, after all. ]
A human friend, yes. [ Hugo is a friend, too! ] One who would be willing to withstand a possibly too strong grip.
[ "Possibly." ]
Although I suppose some of those techniques only require fingers, or the ball of one's palms. That should be considerably lighter.
[ Ever heard of tantric massages, Edelgard? He sure hadn't, before. ]
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Are you planning to ask me then? [ She's well aware that she fits the bill. ] Or were you hoping for another volunteer?
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[ Will a shy little smile help the cute cause? Probably not, but it's what he has to offer, anyway. ]
I was thinking we could try after your next lesson. While most of these techniques are meant to have someone relax [ and climax ] there are some that could be applied to sore muscles, as well. It should be a good place to start.
no subject
Maybe not a concentrated effort. ]
That could be a nice way to unwind.
[ Even his most sincere attempts at being a stern teacher during a lesson have ended with tea and a dessert to share. He always seems to think of a pleasant way to end an afternoon in the water, doesn't he? ]
I think I would like it very much.
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Very well. I will keep practicing until then.
[ He's sure Hugo won't mind the extra spoiling. Also, since she brought up preferred flavors earlier: ]
The instructions mention the use of scented oils, by the way. Are there any you may favor? Florals, perhaps?
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[ The idea of him earnestly practicing until her next swim lesson is a sweet one. Her smile is only growing wider. ]
I enjoy lavender and citrus. Some of my favorite soaps and hair treatments here are in those scents. Lavender in particular is said to promote relaxation.
[ Can she say for certain that it does, however? It's arguable. A war for the continent is quite a match for lavender alone to take on. ]
no subject
[ Is he taking a not-so-discreet glance at her eyes? He might just be! ]
I cannot promise they will be available, but I will do my best to procure some. I hear there is a [ hmm ] specialty shop in the shopping district, so perhaps they will carry a decent selection.
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Yes, I have seen that specialty shop.
[ And maybe she has even been there recently, but this is none of his business just yet. ]
I appreciate your effort to arrange for a scent I like, but I can't imagine being disappointed with whatever you find.
[ Perhaps she would feel differently if she had any experience with what they mean to do. For now, however, it's new. ]
no subject
As long as it does not come with unexpected influences, I suppose. [ And they both know the island can pull off effects far less pleasant than simple arousal. ] I might have to try them on myself beforehand.
[ He means to make sure they're safe, but, hmm. Massaging himself or massaging himself with scented oils... Neither sounds like a sacrifice. ]
no subject
She lets the thought sit for half a moment, cheeks vaguely pink. ]
Conveniently, we have an agreement if you find yourself in need.
no subject
The point of testing it out is precisely so we will not need to call upon the agreement. Otherwise, it would be ill-advised to do so on my own, would it not?
[ So no hiding behind the arrangement, Edelgard. Own up to the horny!
And because he's not (entirely) an obfuscating dumbass (anymore) he'll add: ]
Worry not. I can handle myself.
[ Handle himself, all right. ]
no subject
At least until his last-second addition makes her blush more obvious. She happens to know exactly how he can handle himself when the need arises. She swallows quickly. ]
I thought that you were referring to the possibility of other ill effects.
[ Why would the island want scented oils to make someone angry and aggressive? She can't say, but the effects of the play don't fall in line with everything else she has experienced so far and it complicates the obvious the-Augur-wants-us-all-willing-to-get-up-close-and-personal-with-each-other-all-the-time theory she has operated with her entire time here. ]
If it is an aphrodisiac alone I see no reason calling upon our agreement would be a bad thing.
no subject
If there are other ill effects, that is all the more reason for me to weather them on my own. I would not wish to inflict them upon anyone.
[ Especially not her, after what happened last time.
Much like Edelgard did back then, though, he doesn't want to linger on this heavy mood, either. It might start a little forced, just a tad strained, but he summons that smile back before proceeding. ]
And if it is only an aphrodisiac, then I would hardly [ hm. ] deprive you of the warm comfort of [ hmm. ] your bed just for my [ hmm. ] sake. Take my [ hmm! ] word for it.
no subject
I am not inviting myself over, Dimitri.
I am merely reminding you of our terms, which I find very agreeable.
[ If he finds himself under the influence of an aphrodisiac and prefers the use of his own hands that... may sting her pride a bit.
But it is his problem to solve as he wishes. ]
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Well, nevermind. Whatever she means, it earns an easy smile from him. ]
As do I. I would not forget.
[ That's just what it is, a simple truth. ]
Besides, it would be impossible for you to invite yourself over when I have already done so, myself. [ When he gave her that key-- and she'd better be sure that's the only copy! ] I told you back then, that you would always be welcome here.
no subject
I will do my best to keep that in mind.
[ It would still strike her as rude to just show up unannounced. Still, she appreciates the sentiment. She feels less skeptical about it -- less puzzled by it -- now then she did when he first gave her the key.
But this is all a bit beside the point, and he has at least acknowledged her willingness to help if the oils he tries are overly arousing. ]
Then... I suppose I will see you in a few days.
[ She'll just try not to think any more about him practicing on himself. ]
no subject
El?
[ An exhale, and he hesitates just for a second. ]
Before you go, I must ask. Will you... join us for our meeting later this week?
[ He assumes she's received an invitation by now. ]
no subject
Yes, if you think my presence will not be a disruption.
[ She doesn't think it's a terrible idea, but she does think there is a difference between tolerating someone's presence on the island when you rarely see them and inviting them to share a meal. ]
no subject
Well. [ A light exhale. ] It would be foolish to expect a meeting with this particular group of people would be entirely... uneventful.
[ He was going to say 'peaceful' but all things considered, they are not at war right now; this is as much peace as they might get. ]
But, anyone attending has been made aware that the invitation was extended to all of us who hail from Fódlan, and that our truce shall be upheld. I understand some presences might have to be tolerated rather than welcome, but--
[ A brief pause, and his smile grows more confident. ]
If it helps, there will be at least one person who will be happy to see you join us.
no subject
That... is very kind, and for a moment his growing smile makes her recall the bright and sunny smiles he often wore when they played together as children. Thinking back on it, she supposes that is one thing she feels that she remembers well: when they were younger it seemed he was always happy to see her.
And maybe the recollection enhances the blush in her cheeks momentarily, but the smile she gives him is sincere. ]
Thank you, Dimitri. My expectations for dinner are well grounded, but I will be happy to see you there as well.
no subject
(Yet, like a fool he still does.) ]
I am glad to hear. I will meet you there.
[ And though he could stay up all night just talking to her and committing that smile to memory, he knows he's in no place to ask her. The agreement -- or even this treasured friendship -- doesn't extend quite that far, he knows. ]
Well. If there is nothing else you wish of me, I will let you go back to your rest. Have a good night, El.
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I appreciate your assistance.
[ Since learning about what flavors he may like was one of the two original purposes of this conversation. ]
Sleep well, Dimitri.