hauntedking | [KENOS] IC Inbox

[ Dimitri makes his appearance just as Yuri sets his basket on the counter nearest him. Assuming the man had to be asleep, it struck him as best to simply leave the treats there for him and go, but there the man is. Despite himself, Yuri's shoulders jump ever so slightly before he turns toward the souce of that familiar voice. ]

So you're up after all.

[ Yes, that's it, that's the greeting. Nothing about how he happens to be in Dimitri's kitchen at two in the morning. It's rather a shame Springstar knows no true night, but most people seem to maintain normal hours. Yuri just never has been that person, and Byleth's cyptid sleep habits assure he never will be. ]

I thought I'd leave these here for you.

[ He taps the basket lightly, absent his usual gloves. With the heat of Springstar's summer being an unavoidable reality, Yuri had reluctantly shed some of his layers of clothing, leaving his cape, gloves, and jacket back at his residence. The ridiculous boots, however, remain. ]

[ Dimitri is a fan of the ridiculous boots, honestly. And a lot of Yuri's look, although he has not yet been able to formulate that into something beyond a sense of approval and appreciation. Maybe even attraction.

Hmm.

Dimitri is dressed lightly in a loose shirt, open at the collar and neck, and a pair of trousers. His feet are bare - no need to wear shoes indoors. For a moment he stares and then he crosses to peer at the basket and the treats inside. It takes him a moment to catch on. ]

Yuri - you really did follow through, didn't you?

[ He sounds slightly amazed at the idea. And amused. ]

But... Yes. I was reading and I dozed off. Here, I'll make that tea I promised you...

[ It's a good look on Dimitri, being dressed down instead of encased in full armor. Yuri'd say he cuts a dashing figure that way, but he likes seeing him this way. Not a battlefield terror or a king who'd come into his crown in the midst of a war, but simply Dimitri.

And when Dimitri pads nearer, Yuri suspects he had indeed been sleeping. The mild drowsy air about him is a cute thing. ]

Far be it from me to stand up a date I actually like.

[ He responds airily, leaning back against the counter and folding his arms so casually one might think he was more accustomed to the space than he actually is. ]

You don't need to trouble yourself on my account, but do try one of the buns.

[ Some of them are a new innovation of his: the filling is an approximation of saghert and cream. He thought it might be a pleasant surprise for Dimitri, now that he can enjoy the taste of food again. ]

A date, is it?

[ Dimitri responds with a little laugh and he can feel his ears burn a little. It takes him another moment to realize why and to realize that his smile feels a little bigger than it did a few moments ago. He shakes that off and turns to the stove, working on getting the kettle going. And hopefully so he can control the flush and the slightly giddy look. ]

Well, in order to make it a proper date, we'll need the tea to go with them. Otherwise I wouldn't be a good host, would I?

[ His smile broadens ever so slightly when Dimitri's features adopt a more rosy hue. The expression's warmer than he realizes it is, though it's a small distinction from his usual amusement at seeing the man blush. From that time they'd met up for a monster hunt, he's known Dimitri to be easily flustered.

It's sweet, really, that the man is somehow so modest. He'd have thought it impossible if he hadn't seen as much for himself. ]

A proper date and a proper host? [ Only Dimitri would concern himself so, but tea would be the best accompaniment to the pastries. ] I'm certainly putting some demands on you at this hour.

Well, what else am I going to be doing?

[ You know, besides sleep. The kettle is on and heating, the kitchen s little more full of life and light than it was a short while ago. Dimitri turns back to him with that smile, his arms folded across his chest as he leans up against the counter. ]

My friend, you never demand too much of me. It's an absolute pleasure to see you, no matter the hour.

[ And that's incredibly sincere. ]

In fact... [ His thoughts take a moment to catch up. ]

If anything, I enjoy seeing more of you.

Edited 2024-03-11 03:44 (UTC)

[ How can Dimitri say all that and absolutely mean it? Yuri doesn't quite know, and he can do little more than stare at his face for a collection of moments as he tries to figure that out.

Dimitri could absolutely charm someone if he had a mind to. ]

I think you're the only one who'd go saying something like that this late.

[ He says as much lightly, but Dimitri's words leave him oddly warm, like he'd taken a nap in the sunlight on a pleasant day. ]

...Well, other than me.

[ Because he's pleased to see Dimitri too. ]

[ It is strange when Dimitri thinks about it. Here he is, in a strange world, far away from home - in fact, his home is probably gone, isn't it? He's fighting to get it back and the vagaries of that right have had him meet Yuri - this Yuri, different and yet alike to the one h knew from his own world.

And as they have come to know one another he's found that there is comfort in him. A warmth that springs up, a place where Dimitri had begun to find solace. How does he interpret that? Especially in the context of their ongoing war? Is it selfish to indulge in the feelings he's dealing with?

He's not sure, but he doesn't think it is.

So Dimitri is silent for another long moment, a few heartbeats. ]

Then we can make one another happy at this terrible hour. Isn't that enough?

[ His mile turns a bit more mischievous. It's not his usual look, but it suits. ]

After all, why are you up and about?

[ It's a face Yuri didn't expect Dimitri to wear, but it really does suit him. That playful side strikes him as something rare, and he appreciates it accordingly, his own smile growing for it. Despite this place, despite all they shoulder, he hopes Dimitri has more occasions to wear that expressiom. ]

Better than enough, if you ask me.

[ He's an ambitious man, but not a greedy one. Good company's no small thing, and if he makes Dimitri happy? Well, that's...actually, he might not want to examine that too closely right this moment. Chances are he will turn it about in his mind later. ]

As for why...I did set the time, didn't I?

You did, but I didn't quite believe you'd actually show up at that hour... especially not with gifts to add to my decor.

[ He gestures toward the little cat. Beside him the kettle slowly starts to warm. It's not there yet, but it will be. ]

But I can't complain. I did invite you, after all. And... it helps me keep my mind off of the darker things. A little ray of light for me, if you will.

Oh, I've been wondering when you'd notice.

[ Yuri admits it easily, since Dimitri has caught him. He'd wondered how long it might take him to comment upon it or question him and now he has that answer. Since Dimitri seems so proud of his house, he thought it might be nice to lend a few little personal touches... Though he couldn't be sure whether they were to his liking.

There's no telling how long they'll be in this place, but Dimitri's cozy little house was where he'd reside in the foreseeable future. Mwy as well make it a little more homey. ]

I wasn't too sure whether you'd be expecting me or not, admittedly. But imagine if you'd been waiting and I didn't show...

[ A ray of light though, him? ]

You could always give me a call if you need a diversion.

[ He taps his temple. ]

I'll hold you to that, you know.

[ Dimitri's voice is warm and full of amusement. ]

...I feel as if I might be tempted to monopolize you sometimes. But I'll resist the urge.

[ Although... A part of him does want to do just that, he realizes. He's not quite sure what to say or how to deal with that particular thought. Does he say something? Act on it? He trails off with a thoughtful little hum. ]

...thank you for coming, Yuri. It does mean a great deal.

Very nearly threatening me with a good time...

[ He's teasing, but in truth, he wouldn't mind if Dimitri wanted to spend more time together. It's seldom that the man asks anything of him, when he thinks about it. Usually it's him offering, isn't it?

Claude's got Hayame, the mercenaries all have one another, but Dimitri... Yuri wonders, sometimes, about whether Dimitri has company when he needs or wants it. ]

But you don't have to thank me, you know.

But I want to think you-

[ Dimitri is cut off as the kettle starts to hiss and then to whistle. For a moment, he turns away to deal with that and steep the tea. He's mulling over his words and his own thoughts, trying to put some of what he feels out into the world. Although isn't he still sort of figuring out what he feels still? ]

...your company has come to mean a great deal to me. That's all I wanted to express.

[ Although somehow that doesn't quite capture it all. ]

Edited 2024-03-11 05:27 (UTC)

[ Oh. Yuri doesn't say the word so much as think it, caught off guard by that simple, genuine appreciation. It isn't the sort of sentiment he's accustomed to hearing from...well, anyone, really. Simple as those words might sound to another, they aren't to him.

They may not be to Dimitri either, considering how he is. ]

...You're welcome to more of it if you like, then.

[ He shouldn't be embarrassed by it, yet here he is, palming the back of his neck and feeling out of his depth. It's difficult to imagine someone feeling that way about him, but at the same time, Dimitri's company has come to be important to him too. Uniquely so. In what way? Don't ask him, he hasn't asked himself. ]

I'd like that.

[ It's a few simple words, spoken with the sincerity and warmth that Dimitri usually uses - but also touched by a deeper sense of pleasure and maybe relief. ]

...I feel a touch selfish asking for so much of your attention. But I'd be lying if I said it didn't please me.

[ The tea is still steeping so he turns back to him again. ]

I don't think I can quite explain it.

[ There's a depth of emotion there that surprises him. A complexity. Yuri regards him in thoughtful silence for a beat before he offers Dimitri an easy smile. ]

You could stand to be more selfish, Dimitri.

[ He really, truly could. Dimitri puts others before himself always, or damn near it. That the thing he'd want for would be Yuri's attention surprises him, but he can't say he dislikes it. Quite the contrary. ]

I mean that. [ He tips his head, peering up at Dimitri from that slightly different angle. ] You've hardly ever asked me for anything.

[ More of his time is such a very modest request, and Yuri's quite sure it's still more him offering than Dimitri asking. ]

[ The space between them seems both very far and very close at the same time. Dimitri's weight shifts a little as he listens, laughter bubbling out of him. Their eyes meet and he trails off, as if he's thinking. It lasts for a heartbeat. Then another. ]

I suppose I haven't.

[ He says that slowly, like he's thinking about something. Dimitri - Dimitri is realizing something as they talk. ]

Then-

[ It's impulsive. A thought that comes out before he can properly reign it in. He holds his hand out. ]

Might I have your hand for a moment?

[ Of all the things Dimitri might ask him for, his hand...? Yuri regards him with open curiosity for a moment, unsure what the thought behind the request could be, but he sees no reason to decline.

It's Dimitri, why would he? Especially after encouraging him to be less reserved with him. ]

...Alright.

[ He finds himself with a distinct lack of clever things to say in the moment, far too occupied with wondering where Dimitri is going with this, but lifting a hand just the same to hold it out like he's expecting a handshake. ]

[ There's a moment of silence, as if Dimitri is mulling something over. He's debating on this, really. But he thinks he knows his feelings - and he doesn't want to sit on them for longer than he has. Not when it's finally beginning to click into place, piece by piece. He carefully takes Yuri's hand in both of his, regarding him with an expression that's a bit serious but also very fond. ]

Yuri. Would you stay by side for as long as you can? Or rather... allow me to do so to you? I know this... is foolish, perhaps. Sudden. But...

[ He exhales, slow and soft. ]

I don't think anything would please me more.

[ So this is it. This is how Yuri meets his end.

Staring at Dimitri and turning a very festive shade of pink while debating if there's some other way he's meant to interpret those words beyond the glaringly obvious one.

Is Dimitri really saying what it sounds like he's saying? Could that truly be the case, or is he hearing something...

Something he'd want to hear? ]

[ Dimitri regards him for a moment and his own face starts to flush. Maybe be said something wrong. There's silence and then a little almost cough. ]

...I will understand if your answer is - not perhaps what I wish to hear.

[ Yuri's still trying to decide whether he's interpreting correctly or reaching for something that isn't actually there just because he'd like it to be true. The realization that he would catches him off guard, for that matter, but— ]

It's not that, I just...

[ He looks down at their hands. For all Dimitri's formidable strength, his hold on him is a gentle thing. Caring, for that matter. When he looks up at Dimitri's face again, he sees that in his visible eye, too. That and the deepening blush on his cheeks.

So then, he really...? ]

...Am I really the first thing you're actually asking me for?

...yes. If I've overstepped, please forgive me... forget all about it if you must.

[ His hold doesn't waver. ]

But... you make me very happy, Yuri. And... I know that in the end, if we win... we have different places to return to. But while we're here...

[ He trails off. ]

Edited 2024-03-12 04:45 (UTC)

[ That last part is the reason he'd fended off Byleth's enthusiasm toward trying to matchmake for him. With little exception, they'd inevitably have to part with all those they come to know in this place, and he doesn't want to be so close to someone only to lose them. All this time, he's told himself that.

And yet... ]

That's not the sort of thing a man forgets hearing.

[ He lifts his free hand to touch Dimitri's cheek, just as he'd done once before. This isn't a situation he imagined himself being in, and the prospect of inevitable loss is an unavoidable reality Dimitri has already acknowledged. Maybe there's something for that, and maybe there isn't, but— ]

Not that I'd want to. [ Wait, how does that sound? ] Forget, I mean.

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