[ It's a perfectly harmless text message to receive, but she feels a hint of a blush in her cheeks all the same. There are only two people alive who might feel nostalgic over receiving flower garlands from her, and only one of them is here with her. This Dimitri still speaks with fondness about things they did together, even if he is not the exact boy she played with as a lonely child so far from home. ]
A gift is not necessary but I appreciate the sentiment.
Had it been less spontaneous I would have left treats for Hugo as well. I hope he won't feel slighted.
I suppose I will have to give him treats on your behalf. Although he seems to have taken a keen interest in the garland as it is.
[ Let us not speak of the fact Dimitri is wearing said garland right now and that Hugo is... clawing his way to it. On top of his head. Ow. ]
That aside, if not a gift, then surely we could arrange for something else. Even though our circumstances may not be ideal, and whether or not it is your birth month, you are still one year older. It is reason enough to celebrate, I reckon.
[ She's been alive a year longer, and that means much to him. ]
None caused by an outside influence, rest assured.
[ Is he implying he feels some natural feral urges, though? Hmmm! ]
As for my idea, I was thinking we could perhaps try cooking for ourselves? A proper meal, that is.
[ Two royal warlords cooking! Not even whatever overly processed rations or the equivalent of microwavable food they have been subsisting of! Real food! Wow! ]
[ Not the clear-cut answer she was expecting, but he must be joking about being jealous of his cat. At any rate, the idea makes her smile again. She has no doubt that Hugo earns attention from everyone Dimitri knows. ]
You may be pleased to know that I received a few tips from Ashe. I thought it would be wise to hone my cooking skills now that I can easily do so.
[ And now that she has been here for so long. ]
Between the two of us, I am certain that we can meet this challenge.
[ Yes, he's joking about being jealous of the cat. Not so much about the feral urges, though; he's long since accepted the beast as a part of him. ]
Ah, his lessons over the network, I presume? To tell you the truth, I will be relying on those, myself. It will be a simple meal, no doubt, but with his instructions and your assistance, I am sure we can manage.
We should perhaps secure dessert from the café, however. Just to be safe.
[ Edelgard is too particular (and demanding) about sweets, after all. ]
[ Is this her way of subtly implying she would rather visit? He has a feeling it is. ]
If this is to be a celebration of your life, then you should be the one who chooses dessert. It is your preferred course, after all.
That aside, since there is potential for my attempts to go awry, it might be best to use my own kitchen, if you would not mind it. I may have caused enough property damage to your quarters as it is.
[ That first bit earns a small laugh from him, and his smile only widens at the rest. This may be only text, but she sounds so... eager? ]
I might have a meal in mind, though I need to check the recipe first to be sure I have all ingredients available. Since you are handling dessert, you may leave this much to me. [ Teamwork! Who would've thought! ] And provided we can set this up within the next few hours, I see no reason why we should wait any longer.
[ His fingers hover over the keypad for a second or so longer, but he sends the following message soon enough: ]
Unless you would prefer that I settled my debt first? To be frank, I thought you would want to choose for yourself.
[ Taking the (not) girlfriend out shopping for lingerie, though? Sounds like fun (not) date idea. ]
[ "No reason why we should wait any longer." She knows what he means, but it does seem cute for him to put it that way. As though they have done without this for too long? ]
I do not have plans for the night so that would be agreeable.
If we are to be fair, I believe I owe you as well.
[ In response to his teeth, she did liberate him with a blade. A path cut to what she wanted to see at the time. ]
It would make sense for us to choose our own replacements. I suppose we could do a little shopping together.
[ At home this would not necessarily sound as intimate as it does here. In the past she has sometimes entrusted others to shop for her or place orders, well aware of what she was looking for. It wouldn't be quite the same here, no tailor ready to alter to her exact measurements and specifications. Only a well-meaning Dimitri. ]
With the use of our bracelets or in-person. We can discuss our options over dinner.
[ The idea of Dimitri sending her pictures -- or perhaps even video -- while shopping for underwear is more amusing than it should be. Fortunately, right now he can't see how her eyes dance. ]
[ There's a blink at that last message. Shopping with the use of their bracelets...? He's not sure what she has in mind with that, but he's (very) willing to discuss their options. ]
Of course. I am not in any immediate need for new trousers, so we will do this at your convenience.
[ Their celebration dinner, however, is something he definitely doesn't want to put off, so he's going to go check his pantry right now as they speak-- or text, as it were. In the meantime: ]
While I have your attention, there is something else on my mind. You said your last night back in Fódlan was a cold one, and before the Professor reappeared. If our timelines match even remotely, would that be around Ethereal Moon, by any chance?
Very well. Barring another incident, I do not foresee it changing any time soon, but I will keep it in mind.
[ It's probably generous to call it an incident when she very much intended to use that dagger, but, well. Can't say he minded it. ]
And it would seem this much would be an accurate match between our worlds; I am fairly sure the Millennium Festival was the day the Blue Lions promised to reunite, and also the day the Professor returned to us. But by the time I arrived on this island, that day was far behind me. It was the Verdant Rain Moon, I believe, a whole eight or nine months ahead. Do you understand what that means?
How strange to think that after five long years the war could be decided in less than one more.
[ And as happy as she will be to see the Professor again, assuming it is an amicable reunion outside of battle (and she hopes it is - Byleth chose to stand by her side once already), it is still uncomfortable to think that so much hinges on someone who hasn't been present for so long. To think that she could not do it on her own.
Her head tips thoughtfully, though. To her this means a few different things, although she's not sure which idea he is so focused on at the moment. ]
[ ... hmm. He was trying to keep the conversation light, but somehow he gets the feeling her thoughts have headed off to a different direction. ]
Ah, well. I was thinking that means you are no longer older than me. In the spirit of nostalgia, that is something you used to hold in high regard; your right of seniority and all.
[ But now he just feels silly. She might not even remember that. ]
And then lets out a pink-cheeked laugh so abrupt it would startle if she had anyone nearby. ]
I remember urging you to do as I said because I was older and clearly more experienced.
[ It probably happened much more than she can recall.
She also vaguely recalls feeling as though it meant she should take care of him, but he was often trying to take care of her, whether it was warming her cold hands in his after playing in her first snowfall or sneaking a few sweets to her. ]
Does this mean you will put up more of a fight if I ever keep you dancing past sunset?
[ That she remembers at all is an immediate relief, but even more importantly, she plays along with the memory, and he feels that is more of an accomplishment. He's come to understand (and accept) that war is an inseparable part of her now, but even if only for a few brief moments, he wants her to have some respite and just enjoy herself.
(She may not need it -- she never did -- yet perhaps he's still taking care of her, even now.) ]
These days, I might put up more of a fight if you do not.
[ Not that he didn't enjoy her company just as much as a young boy, of course. It's just that now he's more willing to challenge whoever he must so to be with her. ]
Incidentally, I may have at last figured out how to operate the... sound system, I believe it is called? [ What's the erkuvalent of a music app? Alsexa? ] It is quite the extensive library of genres [ just picture Dimitri stuck on something like Baby Got Back for long, long minutes. ] but fortunately there are some which are well suited to dancing.
[ The blush in her cheeks isn't quite dying down yet. ]
I'm pleased that you have gained such an appreciation for it since childhood.
[ It's strange to think about but almost every time she has had a chance to dance here he has been nearby to ask her for the honor, whether it was fueled by manipulated feelings of fondness or whatever boldness he found under that golden lion mask at the ball a few months ago. And even at the party that was thrown just after her arrival she danced with someone who looked a bit like him. ]
Are you suggesting that we dance properly after dinner tonight?
If you would give me the honor, yes. In case our culinary attempts wind up as a failure, then dancing is one way in which we can succeed for the night, I am fairly confident.
[ Ensuring one small success is hardly his only motive here, but he's been pretty forward as it is. ]
I will be happy to dance with you regardless of how dinner turns out.
[ But most of her recent (and admittedly modest) attempts in the kitchen have gone reasonably well and Ashe's tips were useful. She believes their effort can lead to something delicious. ]
[ This might be the first time since their childhood that they dance together-- willingly, without an influence, and not just near each other. Truly something worth celebrating, too. ]
As for our meal, I was thinking of the Gautier cheese gratin. It would not be actual Gautier cheese, of course, but any substitute should do well enough. [ It's cheese? You can't go wrong with cheese, really! ] It is a fairly popular dish in Faerghus, and hopefully to your liking, as well?
I have not had it since our Academy days, but I always found Gautier cheese gratin a bit heavy for my tastes. Do you have any onions? Perhaps we could try some kind of onion gratin soup?
[ Not like the Academy's, since she is fairly certain that he hasn't been fishing for trout lately, but something similar could work. ]
Though I should admit that I have not tried my hand at soups yet. Have you?
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A gift is not necessary but I appreciate the sentiment.
Had it been less spontaneous I would have left treats for Hugo as well. I hope he won't feel slighted.
[ It's teasing. Mostly. ]
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[ Let us not speak of the fact Dimitri is wearing said garland right now and that Hugo is... clawing his way to it. On top of his head. Ow. ]
That aside, if not a gift, then surely we could arrange for something else. Even though our circumstances may not be ideal, and whether or not it is your birth month, you are still one year older. It is reason enough to celebrate, I reckon.
[ She's been alive a year longer, and that means much to him. ]
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Then perhaps I should make him a small garland of his own.
[ A catnip garland? Something to consider. ]
I thought I would treat myself by buying something at the cafe, but I am open to other ideas if you have them.
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[ He's a big kitty himself, Edelgard! Very jealous of his toys! (He's not, he teases.) ]
And I may have something in mind, though it is fairly unorthodox. Some might even deem it... revolutionary.
[ Hmm! ]
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[ Apparently teasing is just a thing they do now.
Honestly, it would not be so bad if he did feel a few feral urges. She would be willing to help him out. ]
Revolutionary? You have my interest.
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[ Is he implying he feels some natural feral urges, though? Hmmm! ]
As for my idea, I was thinking we could perhaps try cooking for ourselves? A proper meal, that is.
[ Two royal warlords cooking! Not even whatever overly processed rations or the equivalent of microwavable food they have been subsisting of! Real food! Wow! ]
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You may be pleased to know that I received a few tips from Ashe. I thought it would be wise to hone my cooking skills now that I can easily do so.
[ And now that she has been here for so long. ]
Between the two of us, I am certain that we can meet this challenge.
[ Probably a simple meal, but no less proper. ]
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Ah, his lessons over the network, I presume? To tell you the truth, I will be relying on those, myself. It will be a simple meal, no doubt, but with his instructions and your assistance, I am sure we can manage.
We should perhaps secure dessert from the café, however. Just to be safe.
[ Edelgard is too particular (and demanding) about sweets, after all. ]
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Would you prefer to make use of your own kitchen or would you like to visit mine? The visitor can have the honor of picking up dessert at the cafe.
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If this is to be a celebration of your life, then you should be the one who chooses dessert. It is your preferred course, after all.
That aside, since there is potential for my attempts to go awry, it might be best to use my own kitchen, if you would not mind it. I may have caused enough property damage to your quarters as it is.
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My quarters look better than ever, but you do still owe me a particular item of clothing.
Does this mean you have a meal in mind already? Is there something useful I can take along?
[ While she is asking questions, a very important one comes to mind. ]
Is this happening tonight?
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I might have a meal in mind, though I need to check the recipe first to be sure I have all ingredients available. Since you are handling dessert, you may leave this much to me. [ Teamwork! Who would've thought! ] And provided we can set this up within the next few hours, I see no reason why we should wait any longer.
[ His fingers hover over the keypad for a second or so longer, but he sends the following message soon enough: ]
Unless you would prefer that I settled my debt first? To be frank, I thought you would want to choose for yourself.
[ Taking the (not) girlfriend out shopping for lingerie, though? Sounds like fun (not) date idea. ]
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I do not have plans for the night so that would be agreeable.
If we are to be fair, I believe I owe you as well.
[ In response to his teeth, she did liberate him with a blade. A path cut to what she wanted to see at the time. ]
It would make sense for us to choose our own replacements. I suppose we could do a little shopping together.
[ At home this would not necessarily sound as intimate as it does here. In the past she has sometimes entrusted others to shop for her or place orders, well aware of what she was looking for. It wouldn't be quite the same here, no tailor ready to alter to her exact measurements and specifications. Only a well-meaning Dimitri. ]
With the use of our bracelets or in-person. We can discuss our options over dinner.
[ The idea of Dimitri sending her pictures -- or perhaps even video -- while shopping for underwear is more amusing than it should be. Fortunately, right now he can't see how her eyes dance. ]
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Of course. I am not in any immediate need for new trousers, so we will do this at your convenience.
[ Their celebration dinner, however, is something he definitely doesn't want to put off, so he's going to go check his pantry right now as they speak-- or text, as it were. In the meantime: ]
While I have your attention, there is something else on my mind. You said your last night back in Fódlan was a cold one, and before the Professor reappeared. If our timelines match even remotely, would that be around Ethereal Moon, by any chance?
[ His birth month, incidentally. ]
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[ Her schedule here is far from hectic. ]
You are correct. It was mere days before the date of the millennium festival, which is when I am led to believe the Professor will return.
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[ It's probably generous to call it an incident when she very much intended to use that dagger, but, well. Can't say he minded it. ]
And it would seem this much would be an accurate match between our worlds; I am fairly sure the Millennium Festival was the day the Blue Lions promised to reunite, and also the day the Professor returned to us. But by the time I arrived on this island, that day was far behind me. It was the Verdant Rain Moon, I believe, a whole eight or nine months ahead. Do you understand what that means?
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[ And as happy as she will be to see the Professor again, assuming it is an amicable reunion outside of battle (and she hopes it is - Byleth chose to stand by her side once already), it is still uncomfortable to think that so much hinges on someone who hasn't been present for so long. To think that she could not do it on her own.
Her head tips thoughtfully, though. To her this means a few different things, although she's not sure which idea he is so focused on at the moment. ]
What are you thinking?
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Ah, well. I was thinking that means you are no longer older than me. In the spirit of nostalgia, that is something you used to hold in high regard; your right of seniority and all.
[ But now he just feels silly. She might not even remember that. ]
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And then lets out a pink-cheeked laugh so abrupt it would startle if she had anyone nearby. ]
I remember urging you to do as I said because I was older and clearly more experienced.
[ It probably happened much more than she can recall.
She also vaguely recalls feeling as though it meant she should take care of him, but he was often trying to take care of her, whether it was warming her cold hands in his after playing in her first snowfall or sneaking a few sweets to her. ]
Does this mean you will put up more of a fight if I ever keep you dancing past sunset?
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(She may not need it -- she never did -- yet perhaps he's still taking care of her, even now.) ]
These days, I might put up more of a fight if you do not.
[ Not that he didn't enjoy her company just as much as a young boy, of course. It's just that now he's more willing to challenge whoever he must so to be with her. ]
Incidentally, I may have at last figured out how to operate the... sound system, I believe it is called? [ What's the erkuvalent of a music app? Alsexa? ] It is quite the extensive library of genres [ just picture Dimitri stuck on something like Baby Got Back for long, long minutes. ] but fortunately there are some which are well suited to dancing.
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I'm pleased that you have gained such an appreciation for it since childhood.
[ It's strange to think about but almost every time she has had a chance to dance here he has been nearby to ask her for the honor, whether it was fueled by manipulated feelings of fondness or whatever boldness he found under that golden lion mask at the ball a few months ago. And even at the party that was thrown just after her arrival she danced with someone who looked a bit like him. ]
Are you suggesting that we dance properly after dinner tonight?
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[ Ensuring one small success is hardly his only motive here, but he's been pretty forward as it is. ]
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[ But most of her recent (and admittedly modest) attempts in the kitchen have gone reasonably well and Ashe's tips were useful. She believes their effort can lead to something delicious. ]
Can I ask what recipe you are considering?
[ Call her curious! ]
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[ This might be the first time since their childhood that they dance together-- willingly, without an influence, and not just near each other. Truly something worth celebrating, too. ]
As for our meal, I was thinking of the Gautier cheese gratin. It would not be actual Gautier cheese, of course, but any substitute should do well enough. [ It's cheese? You can't go wrong with cheese, really! ] It is a fairly popular dish in Faerghus, and hopefully to your liking, as well?
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Hmm. ]
I have not had it since our Academy days, but I always found Gautier cheese gratin a bit heavy for my tastes. Do you have any onions? Perhaps we could try some kind of onion gratin soup?
[ Not like the Academy's, since she is fairly certain that he hasn't been fishing for trout lately, but something similar could work. ]
Though I should admit that I have not tried my hand at soups yet. Have you?
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