hauntedking | [KENOS] IC Inbox

[ 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.

Oh. I see.

[ The first thing that comes out of his mouth. His thoughts are racing as he tries to process what's happening - what this answer is. His head tilts into the gentle touch from Yuri's hand and he takes another slow breath. He doesn't want to live fearing the future - so perhaps pressing on is simply the only alternative. ]

Then... you'll allow me?

[ His hands squeeze gently. ]

[ The smile he offers Dimitri in turn is a soft one, fond. In his time here, he's spent so much time with this man. He's gotten to know him not as some other version of the king he followed back home, but as a man who has fought his way through so much and come out the other side of that no less caring or kindhearted.

For some time now, despite the difference in their physical strength, he's wanted to protect this man. He didn't really question why that was, even when he'd thrown himself between Dimitri and an attack that would have bounced off his armor.

But he thinks he knows now. ]

So long as you'll allow me to do the same.

[ Dimitri freels his heart flutter and there's a rush of excitement and warmth into his chest. Like Yuri, he's come to know this Yuri as an intelligent, kind person - one who has a great deal of thoughtufl intelligence behind everything he does. Someone who wants to help others. He takes a moment, a low little laugh rushing out of him and then he manages his reply. ]

With all my heart.

[ He squeezes Yuri's hand gently, quite sure that the smile on his face is going to start hurting soon. ]

[ To think he'd hear such words spoken so sincerely... Yuri had harbored hope for it, but it was difficult to believe such a thing would ever happen. He'd seen so many transactional, hollow relationships that it was hard to imagine he'd be fit for anything else.

Hard to imagine he'd be wanted for anything else. ]

Then I've got you, and you've got me.

[ Almost a surreal thought, but such a very warm one. Yuri could simply bask in that, but a thought occurs to him. ]

...I can't imagine you've not heard it around town, but it seems proper I tell you my name.

[ It's different, isn't it? Being told. ]

For as long as we can.

[ Dimitri affirms. It may be the middle of his sleep cycle, but he feels incredibly awake in the moment. Full of warmth and a soft joy that washes away any other worries - at least for now. ]

...your name is Yuri, isn't it? I know that.

[ With his hands rather occupied, Yuri can only duck his head when he quietly chuckles, seized by a buoyant sense of relief. Here he'd thought everyone and their mother had heard his name after the Harbinger Oracle.

But it's oddly pleasing to know Dimitri can hear it from him and not some random gossip. ]

While it is what I go by, it isn't the name my mother gave me.

Oh... should I be calling you something else then?

[ He seems very sincere about that question. And very serious. ]

Only if you'd like to.

[ It's not as though Dimitri has to, really, and he half-wonders whether it really bore mentioning now that he's voicing it. But he'd like Dimitri to know, even if nothing comes of that knowledge. ]

When it's just the two of us, I thought you might, anyway. I'm not all that used to hearing it from anyone but my mother, but...

[ How to offer a small measure of intimacy to a man. ]

...I'd be happy to call you whatever you prefer, in the end.

[ Dimitri's thumb rubs a small circle against the back of Yuri's hand. ]

But if you're willing to offer such a thing to me... I'll happily accept it.

[ Dimitri is terribly sweet. For an instant, Yuri wonders how he'll survive, but— ]

My mother named me Regulus. A little ostentatious for a commoner, but I'm sure she put care into choosing it.

[ She'd named him for the brightest star in a constellation visible during the month of his birth. Its ancient name, of course. ]

I've not told many people that.

[ Because he wants people who know that very real part of him to remain a part of his life. Wants to be sure of it. He doesn't know how long he may have with Dimitri, but still, he wanted him to hear it. ]

Regulus...

[ Dimitri repeats the name slowly, as if he's seeing how it rolls off of the tongue. Then he carefully lifts Yuri's hand to press a gentle kiss against his knuckles. ]

Then, Regulus... I would be honored to keep this part of you close. Thank you for entrusting me with it.

[ Yuri has been on the receiving end of the gesture before, but never from someone he actually felt anything for. Not combined with his true name. His blush comes back in force, and he knows it, because his face is burning.

Goddess help him. ]

You don't need to thank me, I— [ He pauses, considering how to say it. Buys himself a moment by brushing some of Dimitri's golden hair from his handsome face. ] I just wanted you to know.

[ Simple seems best. ]

How could I not thank you for trusting me with it?

[ Dimitri smiles - and while his face is likewise burning, it's probably not as badly as Yuri's. He gives his hand another squeeze. ]

It's... important to you. So it must likewise be important to me.

I'll never know how any man can be so charming without trying.

[ Yuri has thought this more than once, but he didn't quite mean to blurt it out just now. Oops.

He just moves right along before he can dwell on it. ]

...Of course I trust you with it.

[ The tea is steeping and brewing still, but it's been mostly forgotten in the midst of this conversation. Dimitri seems entirely focused on Yuri. ]

Then... thank you, once again. I suppose this little midnight visit has turned into something a bit different, hasn't it?

I'll say... You truly surprised me.

[ But the smile on his lips suggests that's anything but a bad thing. ]

[ Dimitri pauses for a moment. ]

Would it be too forward of me to ask for a kiss?

[ Dimitri, please. ]

[ He's not going to say no, but— ]

Of course not, but... don't hold it against me if I'm not that good at it.

[ Given his storied and sordid reputation, that's an awfully odd thing to say. ]

I could say the same.

[ He laughs, low and soft and then carefully leans in. The kiss is a little hesitant, but soft and gentle and he allows it to linger. ]

[ Yuri hadn't told anyone as much, not even Byleth who knew he carried his mother's ring around, but this is one piece of himself he'd refused to trade away. When Dimitri's lips meet his, he's relieved he hadn't.

It's more an impression than a distinct thought as he furtively returns that kiss and lets his hand drop to Dimitri's shoulder, holding onto him just as gently. ]

[ It's a good kiss, Dimitri thinks. It's what he wants from this and he sinks into it a little, turning more towards Yuri to let their bodies press a little closer. It stays chaste - but there's desire and affection behind it, the strength carefully controlled as Dimitri always is (or tries to be). His hand grips at Yuri's shoulder and urges him a little closer. ]

[ The restraint is something Yuri recognizes, something of a constant each time Dimitri has touched or carried him in the past. He finds it familiar as they explore new territory, something that tethers him as he shifts closer and sinks further into their kiss.

If possible, he wants to be gentle with Dimitri too, in his own way. ]

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