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( continued from here )
[So. True to his word, he does end up heading over to Dimitri's apartment to save him from the little furry menaces that found their way in.
And to hide from Felix.
So - after a knock to be polite, he opens the door...
And finds Dimitri with the two cats up on him.]
Dimitri... how did this happen?
[Don't laugh, don't laugh...
Just going to reach up and scoop one of the cats off him, though.]
[So. True to his word, he does end up heading over to Dimitri's apartment to save him from the little furry menaces that found their way in.
So - after a knock to be polite, he opens the door...
And finds Dimitri with the two cats up on him.]
Dimitri... how did this happen?
[Don't laugh, don't laugh...
Just going to reach up and scoop one of the cats off him, though.]
Continued from here
[Unlike his good friend, Sylvain, Manuela is not coming over to save him. Rather, she's coming over to delight in how utterly sweet this is. Dimitri spent so long being such a beast that she's eager to see him being stuck in a silly situation like this.
It's good for him.
And really cute.
So knock, knock~
(Just assume someone told her where you live, young man.)]
[Unlike his good friend, Sylvain, Manuela is not coming over to save him. Rather, she's coming over to delight in how utterly sweet this is. Dimitri spent so long being such a beast that she's eager to see him being stuck in a silly situation like this.
It's good for him.
And really cute.
So knock, knock~
(Just assume someone told her where you live, young man.)]
[ Here stands King Dimitri Alexandre Blaidyyd, scourge of kittens. He's just sitting on a seat in the living room as he stares blankly at Sylvain, device held helplessly in his hand before he gives his friend a Look of exasperation. ]
If I knew that, I wouldn't be sitting here stuck with them playing on me.
[ He moves when Sylvain plucks them off though, finally stretching his shoulders and standing. ]
I just hadn't wanted them to fall and hurt themselves, is all.
[ Or get crushed by his attempt to hold them. He does give Sylvain an awkward, sheepish look though. ]
Thank you. Now we need to get them somewhere safe before Professor returns...
If I knew that, I wouldn't be sitting here stuck with them playing on me.
[ He moves when Sylvain plucks them off though, finally stretching his shoulders and standing. ]
I just hadn't wanted them to fall and hurt themselves, is all.
[ Or get crushed by his attempt to hold them. He does give Sylvain an awkward, sheepish look though. ]
Thank you. Now we need to get them somewhere safe before Professor returns...
[ The door's opens so should she push it, she'll find her way to a rather stunningly embarrassing view of Dimitri with a device in one hand and two kittens now crawling up his arms. He's at least dressed down in a black shirt and breeches, but—
When he sees Manuela, however, he tenses up visibly- especially because of what this goddessdamned device has been doing and he can feel his face heat up. ]
Professor, you...
[ First things first, he attempts to bow to her in apology— only to be met with whining mewls. ]
I'm sorry you had to see... all of that. Gah!
When he sees Manuela, however, he tenses up visibly- especially because of what this goddessdamned device has been doing and he can feel his face heat up. ]
Professor, you...
[ First things first, he attempts to bow to her in apology— only to be met with whining mewls. ]
I'm sorry you had to see... all of that. Gah!
[Okay - the fact he didn't want to move them himself for fear of hurting them is... both a valid concern and also very, very cute.
He won't go ahead and call him out on that, though, letting him have the 'I didn't want them to fall' excuse. There were enough cats at Garreg Mach for them both to know that they were far sturdier than that.]
You don't want him to meet them? They successfully defeated you, after all.
[Yeah, he's not going to let him live that one down any time soon.
Even if it does become glaringly apparent how rambunctious they are when one climbs its way up onto his shoulders, even as the other seems very content in his arms.]
He won't go ahead and call him out on that, though, letting him have the 'I didn't want them to fall' excuse. There were enough cats at Garreg Mach for them both to know that they were far sturdier than that.]
You don't want him to meet them? They successfully defeated you, after all.
[Yeah, he's not going to let him live that one down any time soon.
Even if it does become glaringly apparent how rambunctious they are when one climbs its way up onto his shoulders, even as the other seems very content in his arms.]
[The door swings open and...
Oh. Oh my.
Manuela stares before she chuckles softly and comes over to lightly pet one of the protesting kitties.]
Now how did they get up here, Dimitri?
Oh. Oh my.
Manuela stares before she chuckles softly and comes over to lightly pet one of the protesting kitties.]
Now how did they get up here, Dimitri?
[ Damnit Sylvain stop reading him so well. He just gives him a tired look at that remark before watching the kittens start to play and climb all over Sylvain now—
At least, from here, they look adorable. He sighs and sets his device down on the coffee table there, shaking his head as he looks aside for a moment. The mention of the Professor is enough to get his cheeks visibly colouring again, but he does try to maintain his composure. ]
I was in the middle of cleaning his chambers next door. The last thing he needs is kittens making more of a mess. But.. I suppose showing them to him isn't too bad.
[ He looks back at Sylvain though, unsure on how to approach this but. ]
... now that you're here, though, there's something I'd like to talk to you about.
[ And he actually looks nervous about it. ]
At least, from here, they look adorable. He sighs and sets his device down on the coffee table there, shaking his head as he looks aside for a moment. The mention of the Professor is enough to get his cheeks visibly colouring again, but he does try to maintain his composure. ]
I was in the middle of cleaning his chambers next door. The last thing he needs is kittens making more of a mess. But.. I suppose showing them to him isn't too bad.
[ He looks back at Sylvain though, unsure on how to approach this but. ]
... now that you're here, though, there's something I'd like to talk to you about.
[ And he actually looks nervous about it. ]
[ He gives Manuela a helpless look when she comes over, a bit too nervous to move too quickly and catch the kittens in reflex— that's the last thing he wants happening right now, and he sighs. ]
They must have gotten in when I was cleaning the Professor's chambers next door.
[ There were a lot of jellyfish. A lot... ]
Would you... mind lifting them off me, Professor Manuela...
[ He really doesn't want to hurt them by lifting them off himself, with how bad he is with delicate things. ]
They must have gotten in when I was cleaning the Professor's chambers next door.
[ There were a lot of jellyfish. A lot... ]
Would you... mind lifting them off me, Professor Manuela...
[ He really doesn't want to hurt them by lifting them off himself, with how bad he is with delicate things. ]
[Can't stop, won't stop. It's his right as The Insightful One of the childhood friend squad.
But at least Dimitri looks more at ease with the kittens in... safer... hands.
Until the Professor is mentioned, at least. He does take note of that blush, stores the knowledge away for later use - to tease Dimitri or Byleth or both with.]
You did take a photo... Should I set them outside, so we can talk?
[He sure does notice that uncertain, nervous air about him, so he wants to be able to give him his full attention, if the topic warrants it.
He's sure it does, to get Dimitri like this, but on the other hand, maybe the presence of the kittens would... lighten the mood a bit. So they'll stay if Dimitri wants them to stay. If he doesn't, they'll be safely let out.]
But at least Dimitri looks more at ease with the kittens in... safer... hands.
Until the Professor is mentioned, at least. He does take note of that blush, stores the knowledge away for later use - to tease Dimitri or Byleth or both with.]
You did take a photo... Should I set them outside, so we can talk?
[He sure does notice that uncertain, nervous air about him, so he wants to be able to give him his full attention, if the topic warrants it.
He's sure it does, to get Dimitri like this, but on the other hand, maybe the presence of the kittens would... lighten the mood a bit. So they'll stay if Dimitri wants them to stay. If he doesn't, they'll be safely let out.]
I didn't take the picture. They did it themselves.
[ The kittens are somehow smarter about the device than he is. But he looks up at Sylvain before shaking his head and motioning to him to set the kittens down near a box they were favouring. He at least managed to get some yarn the Professor brought in in there and he had just been failing in getting them off him long enough to play.
Once done, he sighs, moving a hand behind the back of his neck— he's dressed down, wearing a shirt similar to the one in Claude's post, just in black, and matching breeches- he hardly looks as intimidating as he does in full armor, at least. ]
It's about... the Professor. I may have said something to him that... may change things between us.
[ It's not bad news at least, but he wants to at least let Sylvain know. Felix, too, but he has a feeling he'd be less inclined to actually listen to something like this. ]
... and I'm... unsure, on how this bodes for when we return.
[ The kittens are somehow smarter about the device than he is. But he looks up at Sylvain before shaking his head and motioning to him to set the kittens down near a box they were favouring. He at least managed to get some yarn the Professor brought in in there and he had just been failing in getting them off him long enough to play.
Once done, he sighs, moving a hand behind the back of his neck— he's dressed down, wearing a shirt similar to the one in Claude's post, just in black, and matching breeches- he hardly looks as intimidating as he does in full armor, at least. ]
It's about... the Professor. I may have said something to him that... may change things between us.
[ It's not bad news at least, but he wants to at least let Sylvain know. Felix, too, but he has a feeling he'd be less inclined to actually listen to something like this. ]
... and I'm... unsure, on how this bodes for when we return.
[They did it themselves... Oh. Dimitri. That's cute...
Still, he does as instructed, sets the kittens down in the box, and watches to make sure they become more preoccupied with the yarn than with coming back to play with either of them. Especially Dimitri.
Double-especially since neither of them are in armor, and fabric makes climbing legs so much easier for tiny claws.]
You finally confessed to him, didn't you?
[There's... something of an odd expression on his face as he asks. He's proud of Dimitri - and that's what shows through the most! - but there's also a tinge of melancholy and worry mixed in, too.
It's not really a secret how most of them had some level of affection for the Professor, and really it was only a matter of time until someone said something. It's just a bit of a surprise that Dimitri beat everyone else to the punch.
He hopes it went well. He also hopes it doesn't change anything between them, or between Byleth and the rest of them.]
What has you so uncertain? How did he respond?
Still, he does as instructed, sets the kittens down in the box, and watches to make sure they become more preoccupied with the yarn than with coming back to play with either of them. Especially Dimitri.
Double-especially since neither of them are in armor, and fabric makes climbing legs so much easier for tiny claws.]
You finally confessed to him, didn't you?
[There's... something of an odd expression on his face as he asks. He's proud of Dimitri - and that's what shows through the most! - but there's also a tinge of melancholy and worry mixed in, too.
It's not really a secret how most of them had some level of affection for the Professor, and really it was only a matter of time until someone said something. It's just a bit of a surprise that Dimitri beat everyone else to the punch.
He hopes it went well. He also hopes it doesn't change anything between them, or between Byleth and the rest of them.]
What has you so uncertain? How did he respond?
[ Those words make his eye widen in shock. He's sure Byleth hasn't said anything yet (mostly due to the amount of time he's been spending with him) but it dawns on him that Sylvain's far more perceptive about this than he could have imagined.
It'd be frightening if it weren't so reaffirming of the fact that his friend is simply extremely admirable if he puts his mind to it.
He looks as though he wants to ask how he knows but then thinks better of it, sighing and giving him a half-smile. ]
I'm both surprised and not that you guessed, Sylvain.
[ The only other person he imagines who would would be Claude— but that's another he'll figure out in time.
At his question, he lifts a hand as though to reassure him. ]
It went well. He feels the same way. I'm just...
[ His expression shifts to something more reminiscent of when they were younger— when Dimitri was younger, far less destroyed with experiences he can't take back. ]
I'm just worried that I'm being too selfish, especially with us in a place like this. A place where it's likely the environment alone will make us desire others.
[ He's come a long way if he's actually feeling worried about this. ]
... I don't want him to feel unhappy, or guilty. I fear I've said too much too soon, but I don't want to take it back.
[ He just wants to know if it's something they should continue to explore within this environment at all.. when it can't be permanent yet. ]
I love him, Sylvain. I just want him to be happy.
[ He lowers his gaze, his fists clenching to his sides. The thought of Byleth having to struggle in choosing between him or others is not something he wants him to suffer if the situation arises. ]
It'd be frightening if it weren't so reaffirming of the fact that his friend is simply extremely admirable if he puts his mind to it.
He looks as though he wants to ask how he knows but then thinks better of it, sighing and giving him a half-smile. ]
I'm both surprised and not that you guessed, Sylvain.
[ The only other person he imagines who would would be Claude— but that's another he'll figure out in time.
At his question, he lifts a hand as though to reassure him. ]
It went well. He feels the same way. I'm just...
[ His expression shifts to something more reminiscent of when they were younger— when Dimitri was younger, far less destroyed with experiences he can't take back. ]
I'm just worried that I'm being too selfish, especially with us in a place like this. A place where it's likely the environment alone will make us desire others.
[ He's come a long way if he's actually feeling worried about this. ]
... I don't want him to feel unhappy, or guilty. I fear I've said too much too soon, but I don't want to take it back.
[ He just wants to know if it's something they should continue to explore within this environment at all.. when it can't be permanent yet. ]
I love him, Sylvain. I just want him to be happy.
[ He lowers his gaze, his fists clenching to his sides. The thought of Byleth having to struggle in choosing between him or others is not something he wants him to suffer if the situation arises. ]
Edited 2019-10-05 05:58 (UTC)
[Byleth hasn't told him a thing about it, but... well, Dimitri was obvious. And when he said he'd spoken to the Professor... it wasn't difficult to put two and two together.
The fact that Sylvain is terribly observant, but rarely shows it is just an aside, and the surprise on Dimitri's face alone makes that much worth it.
But even so, he doesn't interject, just stands by and listens, takes in all Dimitri's saying. His concerns aren't unfounded in the least bit, and the fact that Dimitri is concerned, along with allowing himself to feel these things so intensely is a beautiful thing. He's come a long way, and he hates to have to be... somewhat pragmatic in the face of it.
But Dimitri is his closest friend. He can't let him carry on with the potential of being hurt without allowing him to see all the options - pleasant and otherwise - in front of him.]
Dimitri... I don't believe you're being too selfish. Especially not if he feels the same. I can't speak to wanting to stay committed to one person-
[A laugh, light, airy, but still with a heavy undertone of bitterness - he knows his reputation, and it was very well-earned besides.]
-But I don't want you, either of you, to be hurt.
[A sigh, as he chews on his bottom lip, thinking about how to word what he feels he has to say next and finds himself unable to look directly at Dimitri.]
You've spoken with Claude. You know... we may - all of us - be from entirely different versions of our world. I don't know how, but that doesn't matter right now. What does is if you're prepared to have that conversation with him again, when we get home, if you have to. And... if, knowing that, it really matters what this place does to your desires regarding others.
[He's inclined to think it doesn't matter - but then again he thinks very little matters in the first place, regarding matters of attraction.]
The fact that Sylvain is terribly observant, but rarely shows it is just an aside, and the surprise on Dimitri's face alone makes that much worth it.
But even so, he doesn't interject, just stands by and listens, takes in all Dimitri's saying. His concerns aren't unfounded in the least bit, and the fact that Dimitri is concerned, along with allowing himself to feel these things so intensely is a beautiful thing. He's come a long way, and he hates to have to be... somewhat pragmatic in the face of it.
But Dimitri is his closest friend. He can't let him carry on with the potential of being hurt without allowing him to see all the options - pleasant and otherwise - in front of him.]
Dimitri... I don't believe you're being too selfish. Especially not if he feels the same. I can't speak to wanting to stay committed to one person-
[A laugh, light, airy, but still with a heavy undertone of bitterness - he knows his reputation, and it was very well-earned besides.]
-But I don't want you, either of you, to be hurt.
[A sigh, as he chews on his bottom lip, thinking about how to word what he feels he has to say next and finds himself unable to look directly at Dimitri.]
You've spoken with Claude. You know... we may - all of us - be from entirely different versions of our world. I don't know how, but that doesn't matter right now. What does is if you're prepared to have that conversation with him again, when we get home, if you have to. And... if, knowing that, it really matters what this place does to your desires regarding others.
[He's inclined to think it doesn't matter - but then again he thinks very little matters in the first place, regarding matters of attraction.]
[ There's only the slightest huff of laughter as Sylvain mentions commitment— there's not much to be said about the obvious really, but he does watch Sylvain's body language. And he finds that he's a bit too attentive to it, a realization that he's finding himself having again every time he sees him.
It's difficult not to, having known- and cared for Sylvain for as long as he has. Even as he watched him hide so much of his suffering behind a careless smile and dismissed concern—
It's not like he didn't want to support him whenever times got hard. For all that Sylvain's decided to show himself to be, he knows there's more to him- always has, and it's always saddened him when Sylvain has downplayed that.
With a sigh, once he's done talking, he falls quiet as he looks down. Would he be prepared to have this conversation again?
It they forget- no. He knows his feelings were present even before he came here. And Byleth..
He reached out his hand. ]
... no. It won't matter.
[ He turns his gaze back to Sylvain. ]
Regardless of what happens here— even if I forget this place, my feelings for him will be as they were before I came here. That won't change. He saved me, Sylvain. I dread to think what would have happened had he not...
[ And right now, the thought of dying to his vengeance seems so pointless. ]
Forgive me. I'm... just not sure how to progress. This is all so new to me.
[ He lifts his gaze, almost looking like that rather lost and confused student at Garreg Mach, hoping to get Sylvain's aid for something he hasn't ever pursued before. ]
It's difficult not to, having known- and cared for Sylvain for as long as he has. Even as he watched him hide so much of his suffering behind a careless smile and dismissed concern—
It's not like he didn't want to support him whenever times got hard. For all that Sylvain's decided to show himself to be, he knows there's more to him- always has, and it's always saddened him when Sylvain has downplayed that.
With a sigh, once he's done talking, he falls quiet as he looks down. Would he be prepared to have this conversation again?
It they forget- no. He knows his feelings were present even before he came here. And Byleth..
He reached out his hand. ]
... no. It won't matter.
[ He turns his gaze back to Sylvain. ]
Regardless of what happens here— even if I forget this place, my feelings for him will be as they were before I came here. That won't change. He saved me, Sylvain. I dread to think what would have happened had he not...
[ And right now, the thought of dying to his vengeance seems so pointless. ]
Forgive me. I'm... just not sure how to progress. This is all so new to me.
[ He lifts his gaze, almost looking like that rather lost and confused student at Garreg Mach, hoping to get Sylvain's aid for something he hasn't ever pursued before. ]
Edited (Press F for respect) 2019-10-05 19:37 (UTC)
Oh certainly, dear. Though that doesn't at all explain how they got up on top of you.
[Carefully she lifts one off to nestle it against her chest. The other is a little more tangled but she eventually gets them free and cuddled against her. Stroking there little heads, she gives them both smiles before looking back to Dimitri.]
May I ask why you were cleaning the Professor's chambers?
[Carefully she lifts one off to nestle it against her chest. The other is a little more tangled but she eventually gets them free and cuddled against her. Stroking there little heads, she gives them both smiles before looking back to Dimitri.]
May I ask why you were cleaning the Professor's chambers?
[And there's that look. It takes him back, to Garreg Mach, yes, and further. It stirs a protectiveness in him, an almost brotherly - almost, because he's not entirely sure what "brotherly" even means, all told - affection. He's ill equipped to advise Dimitri in these matters, but he wants to help.
Even if helping only ends up being making a sounding board of himself for Dimitri to air his thoughts to, or a tempering presence for wild emotions.
So he softens. Offers Dimitri a smile that isn't nearly as bright as he usually would, but this one is all sincerity and pride. He really has come back to himself, hasn't he? And not just the 'himself' of the academy, but the 'himself' from before the tragedy. The little boy with the too-big heart.
The remaining scars will heal in time, but he's returned.]
You'll figure out how to progress. With him. I'm sure of it.
[It's not quite advice and he knows it, but if there's one thing he does know it's that every relationship is different. There are similarities, sure, but he can't tell Dimitri how to progress in his relationship with Byleth because, honestly, he's never had one like it.]
And as for what to do about what this place does... that's a conversation to be having with him as well, Dimitri. I'd be inclined to suggest that you not attempt to be exclusively... ah- physical, with one another, but maybe that's me being selfish.
[There's that laugh again - that one that's a little too light and airy, that has hints of something darker underneath. Because maybe he shouldn't have worded it that way, but... he had, and now he'll have to contend with the fact that he'd like to be intimate with Dimitri. And Byleth. That is, if Dimitri can read between the lines easily enough to pick that out.]
Just know that I will be here for you no matter what you two decide, my friend.
Even if helping only ends up being making a sounding board of himself for Dimitri to air his thoughts to, or a tempering presence for wild emotions.
So he softens. Offers Dimitri a smile that isn't nearly as bright as he usually would, but this one is all sincerity and pride. He really has come back to himself, hasn't he? And not just the 'himself' of the academy, but the 'himself' from before the tragedy. The little boy with the too-big heart.
The remaining scars will heal in time, but he's returned.]
You'll figure out how to progress. With him. I'm sure of it.
[It's not quite advice and he knows it, but if there's one thing he does know it's that every relationship is different. There are similarities, sure, but he can't tell Dimitri how to progress in his relationship with Byleth because, honestly, he's never had one like it.]
And as for what to do about what this place does... that's a conversation to be having with him as well, Dimitri. I'd be inclined to suggest that you not attempt to be exclusively... ah- physical, with one another, but maybe that's me being selfish.
[There's that laugh again - that one that's a little too light and airy, that has hints of something darker underneath. Because maybe he shouldn't have worded it that way, but... he had, and now he'll have to contend with the fact that he'd like to be intimate with Dimitri. And Byleth. That is, if Dimitri can read between the lines easily enough to pick that out.]
Just know that I will be here for you no matter what you two decide, my friend.
[ As he lifts his gaze, he does notice it- the kind of smile he gets, and it's enough to at least lower his guard enough to allow those words in.
He's spent so long in his aggression, so long hating and pushing away— that it's been a while since he could even bring himself to even think about listening to someone else's advice.
Perhaps, the fact that it's coming from Sylvain of all people is what makes it matter even more, so he's quiet as he speaks, pausing when he's done. While he doesn't entirely hear the undertone, he does see some sort of validity to his words. ]
Ah, you're right... this place will often have us being influenced, or even in situations where we might end up intimate with more people besides one another. And if not that, then we may have to assist each other with chroma drain.
[ He assumes that's what Sylvain means... ]
As... difficult as it might be, we should be prepared for those scenarios.
[ He speaks aloud- but, he finally looks up at Sylvain. ]
It might not be comfortable for me to see someone I have such feelings for with others, but at least here, I can be understanding. And... I would not turn any of you away in this place, should you need my presence.
[ Intimately, or just doing what they're doing now. ]
... is that acceptable?
He's spent so long in his aggression, so long hating and pushing away— that it's been a while since he could even bring himself to even think about listening to someone else's advice.
Perhaps, the fact that it's coming from Sylvain of all people is what makes it matter even more, so he's quiet as he speaks, pausing when he's done. While he doesn't entirely hear the undertone, he does see some sort of validity to his words. ]
Ah, you're right... this place will often have us being influenced, or even in situations where we might end up intimate with more people besides one another. And if not that, then we may have to assist each other with chroma drain.
[ He assumes that's what Sylvain means... ]
As... difficult as it might be, we should be prepared for those scenarios.
[ He speaks aloud- but, he finally looks up at Sylvain. ]
It might not be comfortable for me to see someone I have such feelings for with others, but at least here, I can be understanding. And... I would not turn any of you away in this place, should you need my presence.
[ Intimately, or just doing what they're doing now. ]
... is that acceptable?
Only you can decide what is or is not acceptable for you, here.
[So that's... not a yes, but it's not a no, either. The important thing is that Dimitri's heart is in the right place, and that he's trying. That's... more than he expected, honestly.
But he can't just let Dimitri go on assuming that any affection between them would be from either the world's influence or for the sake of chroma. He could get that with anyone. Easily. And he's not entirely sure Dimitri understands what he's just said, about not turning any of them away.]
I just might turn you away, though, if the only time you'd consider intimacy is for the chroma, or while under the moons' influence.
[It stings, to put it so bluntly like that, but... that's what it feels like, and it would be unfair to Dimitri to keep it from him.
But that's where the selfishness comes in. If it was only a matter of making money, or only a matter of alleviating some effect, he could use - and be used by - anyone, but doing something like that to someone he cares about is out of the question, and he won't allow someone he cares about to sour his opinion of them by allowing them to do such things in return. It's too similar to what happens at home for him to be comfortable doing that.
But suddenly his tone lightens again, and his expression brightens - he even gives Dimitri a wink, too, just to emphasize that he really doesn't have any hard feelings (yet), and the flirting to come is very, very genuine.]
But... if you desire my presence, then I'd be foolish to turn you down, wouldn't I?
[So that's... not a yes, but it's not a no, either. The important thing is that Dimitri's heart is in the right place, and that he's trying. That's... more than he expected, honestly.
But he can't just let Dimitri go on assuming that any affection between them would be from either the world's influence or for the sake of chroma. He could get that with anyone. Easily. And he's not entirely sure Dimitri understands what he's just said, about not turning any of them away.]
I just might turn you away, though, if the only time you'd consider intimacy is for the chroma, or while under the moons' influence.
[It stings, to put it so bluntly like that, but... that's what it feels like, and it would be unfair to Dimitri to keep it from him.
But that's where the selfishness comes in. If it was only a matter of making money, or only a matter of alleviating some effect, he could use - and be used by - anyone, but doing something like that to someone he cares about is out of the question, and he won't allow someone he cares about to sour his opinion of them by allowing them to do such things in return. It's too similar to what happens at home for him to be comfortable doing that.
But suddenly his tone lightens again, and his expression brightens - he even gives Dimitri a wink, too, just to emphasize that he really doesn't have any hard feelings (yet), and the flirting to come is very, very genuine.]
But... if you desire my presence, then I'd be foolish to turn you down, wouldn't I?
... I can't say. They're happy in the box with the yarn, then decide to climb on me.
[ And he's afraid to pick them off because of his strength. There's relief when she lifts the cats off him so that he can move, unsure of why they suddenly decide to climb him when they get bored of whatever he's trying to distract them with.
And it's a little difficult to not look at where Manuela is holding them, a sight that- ah, he shouldn't be staring at too much, before- right, she has a face. Look at her face-
Though her question makes his eye widen before he glances away for a moment- ]
I was... careless when fighting the jellyfish off of him. So he's staying with me for now while I clean up. He shouldn't have to... to.
Professor, perhaps you oughtn't hold them too close to your skin. They've got claws.
[ Don't look down, Dimitri. ]
[ And he's afraid to pick them off because of his strength. There's relief when she lifts the cats off him so that he can move, unsure of why they suddenly decide to climb him when they get bored of whatever he's trying to distract them with.
And it's a little difficult to not look at where Manuela is holding them, a sight that- ah, he shouldn't be staring at too much, before- right, she has a face. Look at her face-
Though her question makes his eye widen before he glances away for a moment- ]
I was... careless when fighting the jellyfish off of him. So he's staying with me for now while I clean up. He shouldn't have to... to.
Professor, perhaps you oughtn't hold them too close to your skin. They've got claws.
[ Don't look down, Dimitri. ]
play your cards right and you can get more pussy, Dimitri
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
searchingforlove
2019-10-06 10:20 am (UTC)(link)
Oh these little things? They won't hurt me.
[She scratches their ears. Currently it seems they're happy to rest on her breasts. Then again, who wouldn't want to? They're a glorious set obviously. She takes very good care of them since they are two of her best assets.
Manuela smiles at the kittens then looks back up at him.]
Have you found them a home yet?
[Wait. Is he looking at her...
She looks down. Oh. That's not kitten he's looking at.]
[She scratches their ears. Currently it seems they're happy to rest on her breasts. Then again, who wouldn't want to? They're a glorious set obviously. She takes very good care of them since they are two of her best assets.
Manuela smiles at the kittens then looks back up at him.]
Have you found them a home yet?
[Wait. Is he looking at her...
She looks down. Oh. That's not kitten he's looking at.]
[ For a moment, Dimitri stares at Sylvain, unsure of what he could have said to warrant those words. He's never even imagined Sylvain turning him away, if only for the fact that the very idea seems absurd.
He's taking him for granted, isn't he?
It makes him still, listening to him, even as he teases, and yet he can detect something there- something that worries him and causes him to try and parse what he's actually implying.
And the realization that Sylvain is suggesting something beyond what they need for obligation, makes his jaw drop just slightly, though he catches himself as he feels his face heating up a bit. This is unlike Sylvain, even if he's trying to coat it with flirtation, and he can't help but feel a rush of nervousness followed by a feeling he hasn't paid any attention to until recently.
A feeling of longing. ]
He's taking him for granted, isn't he?
It makes him still, listening to him, even as he teases, and yet he can detect something there- something that worries him and causes him to try and parse what he's actually implying.
And the realization that Sylvain is suggesting something beyond what they need for obligation, makes his jaw drop just slightly, though he catches himself as he feels his face heating up a bit. This is unlike Sylvain, even if he's trying to coat it with flirtation, and he can't help but feel a rush of nervousness followed by a feeling he hasn't paid any attention to until recently.
A feeling of longing. ]
[ There's a brief reminder of how they were as children- how Felix and him, even Ingrid to an extent, looked up to him...
His next words come from that same place of affection, shared between friends. ]
... regardless of your activities, I cannot think of a moment where I did not desire your presence, Sylvain.
[ It's honest, even if he means this he hasn't wanted him for more than that- and yet... that feeling of longing remains, as he adds— ]
Am I allowed to be so selfish, after everything?
[ He repeats, now aimed at Sylvain- because after the atrocities he's committed, is it even right for him to want any more from his friends than they already give? ]
His next words come from that same place of affection, shared between friends. ]
... regardless of your activities, I cannot think of a moment where I did not desire your presence, Sylvain.
[ It's honest, even if he means this he hasn't wanted him for more than that- and yet... that feeling of longing remains, as he adds— ]
Am I allowed to be so selfish, after everything?
[ He repeats, now aimed at Sylvain- because after the atrocities he's committed, is it even right for him to want any more from his friends than they already give? ]
[ The mun would like to point out her rear is also very attractive-
He does, at least, have some propriety to keep his singular gaze on the top of her head, so it looks like he's staring at her (very pretty) eyes. He has a feeling it's this place, because he's never even thought of Manuela or anyone in terms of appearance-
Though he does recall how small and fragile she'd felt when she'd been attacked by the Black Knight... he'd been the one to carry her to safety back then, and he'd worried intensely for her.
Right now, though- she's in no such danger, and he finds himself releasing an exhale of breath. ]
No. They seem to be strays, much like the ones at the Monastery.
[ His gaze does soften though. ]
... Have you been well, here? I apologize for not having asked after you sooner.
He does, at least, have some propriety to keep his singular gaze on the top of her head, so it looks like he's staring at her (very pretty) eyes. He has a feeling it's this place, because he's never even thought of Manuela or anyone in terms of appearance-
Though he does recall how small and fragile she'd felt when she'd been attacked by the Black Knight... he'd been the one to carry her to safety back then, and he'd worried intensely for her.
Right now, though- she's in no such danger, and he finds himself releasing an exhale of breath. ]
No. They seem to be strays, much like the ones at the Monastery.
[ His gaze does soften though. ]
... Have you been well, here? I apologize for not having asked after you sooner.
[Yes. One her other...ASSets.
Well, at least she can confirm he's a healthy young man with good taste. Looking up again, she purses her lips for a moment. No home for these? At the monastery that's fine because there are so many and they essentially take care of any rodents. These two though... That's mildly concerning.]
I don't know that these two will be able to manage like the ones at the monastery. We'll need to find them a home.
[For now they can be happy purring against their newfound pillows.]
You don't have to apologize. This place is quite a bit to take in and then that whole incident with the Iris moon? Let's just say that I've settled in since then. It seems that you have as well. Have you figured out which of these moonblessings you have yet?
Well, at least she can confirm he's a healthy young man with good taste. Looking up again, she purses her lips for a moment. No home for these? At the monastery that's fine because there are so many and they essentially take care of any rodents. These two though... That's mildly concerning.]
I don't know that these two will be able to manage like the ones at the monastery. We'll need to find them a home.
[For now they can be happy purring against their newfound pillows.]
You don't have to apologize. This place is quite a bit to take in and then that whole incident with the Iris moon? Let's just say that I've settled in since then. It seems that you have as well. Have you figured out which of these moonblessings you have yet?
Of course, your majesty.
[The answer came too quickly, so the epithet is tacked on to, in some ways, draw back a bit. It's a habit - a bad one - for him to be somewhat afraid to put himself, his genuine wants, out there.
So, of course Dimitri is allowed to be selfish. He's their king, why would he not be? He could ask the world of them, and they'd bring him the universe.
...But isn't that why he should be less afraid? It's Dimitri. The little boy that ran after him in the snow, who cried when he tripped and scraped his knee. The handsome young noble who looked to him for guidance at the Monastery, despite his reputation. The beast, swallowed up in the depths of grief and suffering that they all still stood by until he found a way to claw himself out and return to them.
His question had been genuine, so he shouldn't be flippant.
So he sighs, and starts again.]
Of course. I mean it, Dimitri. Ask anything of me, and it will be yours, and I'm certain we all feel the same.
[The answer came too quickly, so the epithet is tacked on to, in some ways, draw back a bit. It's a habit - a bad one - for him to be somewhat afraid to put himself, his genuine wants, out there.
So, of course Dimitri is allowed to be selfish. He's their king, why would he not be? He could ask the world of them, and they'd bring him the universe.
...But isn't that why he should be less afraid? It's Dimitri. The little boy that ran after him in the snow, who cried when he tripped and scraped his knee. The handsome young noble who looked to him for guidance at the Monastery, despite his reputation. The beast, swallowed up in the depths of grief and suffering that they all still stood by until he found a way to claw himself out and return to them.
His question had been genuine, so he shouldn't be flippant.
So he sighs, and starts again.]
Of course. I mean it, Dimitri. Ask anything of me, and it will be yours, and I'm certain we all feel the same.
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