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.
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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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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.