[ Byleth's reaction makes his heart race- he still finds it hard to believe that he was blessed with this man's love, that even now, with all the temptations of this place, he still desires him- broken and flawed as he is.
But he knew for certain when he went home- when his plea remained on his tongue, wanting, desperately for Byleth to see him as not just his former student or his friend, but as a man. As his beloved-
He knew it was right. He knew that this was the future he would walk into. His friends, all protected and safe- and Byleth, by his side.
It was as clear as day, as clear as the blessed being before him, and his fingers trace over his soft cheek before it's joined with his right hand, cupping Byleth's face in both palms. Leaning in close, he lowers himself to push his forehead against his, inhaling his soft and sweet scent before whispering- ]
I'm never far from you, Byleth. Know that to be true. Know that when we return, we'll find each other exactly like this.
[ It's his desperate plea to whatever gods remain and watch over them if they care- whatever fates allowed him to live and not perish the beast's death he's heard of in everyone else's accounts...
The thought is not only painful, but humbling, and he closes his eye, his grip growing firm. ]
It's our reality. None other matters. I know I want you to be happy here...
[ Is it right for him to feel his gut twisting and wrenched when he thinks of them with anyone other than each other? He'd come to accept it, and as luck would have it... his convincing himself that they would eventually be only one another's on their return was shown to him.
It's enough, even if he knows he has to bear the thought of this place twisting their wants and loves for their friends beyond what they should be.
His lips find Byleth's forehead, and his eyes, before he lifts his face to press a gentler, reassuring kiss to his mouth, his solitary eye watching Byleth's face in the moonlight. ]
You deserve the world. How could I hold you back when I can lay it at your feet? Knowing that you desire me this much- is all I need, Byleth.
[ Yet... ]
Will you forgive me for being weak and selfish right now? I wish to think of none other but you tonight.
[ If Byleth was with anyone else while he was gone, he doesn't want to hear it. For a little while. ]
I'm reassured that I will not lose you when we return. But I would like to be only yours for a bit longer... until we need to accept this place's ways again. Please.
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But he knew for certain when he went home- when his plea remained on his tongue, wanting, desperately for Byleth to see him as not just his former student or his friend, but as a man. As his beloved-
He knew it was right. He knew that this was the future he would walk into. His friends, all protected and safe- and Byleth, by his side.
It was as clear as day, as clear as the blessed being before him, and his fingers trace over his soft cheek before it's joined with his right hand, cupping Byleth's face in both palms. Leaning in close, he lowers himself to push his forehead against his, inhaling his soft and sweet scent before whispering- ]
I'm never far from you, Byleth. Know that to be true. Know that when we return, we'll find each other exactly like this.
[ It's his desperate plea to whatever gods remain and watch over them if they care- whatever fates allowed him to live and not perish the beast's death he's heard of in everyone else's accounts...
The thought is not only painful, but humbling, and he closes his eye, his grip growing firm. ]
It's our reality. None other matters. I know I want you to be happy here...
[ Is it right for him to feel his gut twisting and wrenched when he thinks of them with anyone other than each other? He'd come to accept it, and as luck would have it... his convincing himself that they would eventually be only one another's on their return was shown to him.
It's enough, even if he knows he has to bear the thought of this place twisting their wants and loves for their friends beyond what they should be.
His lips find Byleth's forehead, and his eyes, before he lifts his face to press a gentler, reassuring kiss to his mouth, his solitary eye watching Byleth's face in the moonlight. ]
You deserve the world. How could I hold you back when I can lay it at your feet? Knowing that you desire me this much- is all I need, Byleth.
[ Yet... ]
Will you forgive me for being weak and selfish right now? I wish to think of none other but you tonight.
[ If Byleth was with anyone else while he was gone, he doesn't want to hear it. For a little while. ]
I'm reassured that I will not lose you when we return. But I would like to be only yours for a bit longer... until we need to accept this place's ways again. Please.
[ Tonight, he doesn't want to share. ]