her early leaf's a flower

[backstreetbard]

[ The Blue Lions have a different kind of energy, as a class, than Dorothea had grown accustomed to in the Black Eagles. While her former classmates had carried the air of coworkers being (sometimes very begrudgingly) forced to spend time together outside of business hours, the Lions are like a family in many ways, albeit a dysfunctional one. She’s made a little progress with some of her classmates: Ashe and Annette are both sweet as ripe peaches; Mercedes, too, seems kind, but pragmatic as well. It’s the others that Dorothea has had the most difficulty with.

Ingrid... Dorothea sighs to think of Ingrid. She’d misstepped there, and she knows it—been too familiar too fast and driven her away in a conversation that ended with a resounding and very final-sounding back off. She hadn’t meant to alienate the girl, and she wonders if it's even possible to repair that relationship.

Sylvain is at the opposite end of the spectrum; they’d flirted occasionally with practiced ease, taking the measure of one another until she realized he derived no real enjoyment from it. He's an actor, and a good one, but Dorothea can see beneath the mask. If he hates women in general, she wondered how much he must have hated her in particular, appearing to be the embodiment of every kind of feminine wickedness that he resents.

Felix, of course, was his own animal entirely. He’s coarse for a nobleman, but not in the seedy, perverse ways she’d been exposed to back in Ebnarr. She’s seen him speaking sweetly to Annette. The reception she received was far less welcoming; Felix had treated her like an annoying stray cat, shushing her and calling her a nuisance to her face.

Dimitri and his hulking retainer are practically a single unit, by her estimation, one rarely seen without the other. Dimitri himself is friendly and polite almost to a fault, charming in the way large puppies are when they grow into their strength so quickly that they don't recognize it; and while Dedue is a bit harder to read (in large part thanks to the distance he purposely keeps from others), he seems kind and loyal.

She found it nearly impossible to spend time with them, though, mostly because Dimitri's friends seem to be running an interference campaign to keep her away from their prince for reasons she understands all too well. Dorothea had never made it a secret that her primary motive for coming to Garreg Mach was to find herself a spouse--someone to love and care for her in her old age, to prevent her from finding herself in the same destitute condition she'd spent so much of her life enduring. She knows what the other students think of her, how they call her a gold-digger when they think she's out of ear-shot.

Sometimes it's easier, then, to spend time on her own, seated primly on a flight of stairs at the far end of the monastery in the company of a small host of cats. The one in her lap purrs as she scratches under its chin. ]


You know, Spoonie, I think you don't realize how lucky you are. People feed you all the time just because you're cute and soft. You don't have to work or go off to fight in awful battles--you can lie in the sun all day and not worry one jot about what's going on in the world outside these walls. I'm a little bit jealous of you.

Comments

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( Between the grip on his arm and the startled cats in his lap, Dimitri jumps just the slightest as well in his surprise. But he settles quickly, blinking owlishly as he looks between her grip on his arm and her face.

Her words bring a soft laugh from his lips, and he manages a nod as one hand lifts to place his gloved one over hers on his arm. )

I would be honored to watch you perform, Dorothea.

[backstreetbard]

[ Dorothea's eyes flit briefly to the hand now resting over hers, then back to Dimitri's face, and she smiles at him, apparently appeased. ]

Good. I'll present you an invitation as soon as they're written, and one for Dedue as well. He's almost always with you, after all, and it'd be rude to exclude him.

[ She seems to have more to say on the matter, but a bell begins to ring from a nearby tower. Both cats hop up and head off to tend to their own business, and Dorothea laughs as the bell continues to count the sixth hour. ]

Sounds like it's dinner time, then. Shall we?

[ Without waiting for him to stand and offer his hand (as a prince might be wont to do), Dorothea rolls to her feet and discreetly dusts off the seat of her skirt, then stretches as she starts down the stairs. ]

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( The sight of Dorothea as she stands and stretches is one Dimitri replays to himself over and over. The flash of those thighs, the outline of the curve of her hips and waist.. It causes a strange heat to simmer under his skin that he can't quite explain.

After their conversation, Dimitri finds himself keenly aware of Dorothea. He feels as if they run into one another more often outside of class, occasionally paired for the professor's tasks around the monastery, and even spending time together working with the orphans. It's the latter that endears him the most to her, seeing how compassionate and considerate she truly is. It's a sharp contrast to the nobility he often interacts with, and the ease in which she treats him and others is comfortable and pleasant. And the meals they share... it's become more and more difficult to keep her out of her thoughts.

Dimitri doesn't find any relief from the constant thoughts in his sleep, either. When he does manage to sleep, his dreams are wild and vivid. When they aren't scenes of terror or violence, they're of Dorothea. Heated, passionate displays between the two of them that have him waking uncomfortably hard or wet and sticky. It makes facing her difficult, and he often finds himself turning away, face flushed, whenever they speak.

He tries to tell himself it will be fine, and hopefully the dreams will stop and things will be... less awkward.

It will be fine. It's something he tells himself over and over again as he makes his way to the sauna. He changes quickly before making his way inside, but he pauses at the sight of her. His skin already feels warm from the sauna, but the sight of her just makes color rush to his cheeks. ) Hello Dorothea. ( It's all he can manage, and his voice sounds a little tight when he says it. ) May I join you?

( After he asks, he realizes it might just be a bad idea. )

[backstreetbard]

[ Dorothea really doesn't think anything of the fact that Dimitri is red as a tomato practically the moment he walks into the sauna. He's from Faerghus, which is as chilly as can be, so it makes sense that the heat of the steam room would affect him. Meanwhile, she enjoys the heat, coming from the hot and humid coastal region of Adrestia. It's especially nice after a day of training--Byleth drives them hard to make sure they're prepared for their missions, and today was no exception.

When Dimitri approaches her, Dorothea smiles and waves to the vacant space next to her. ]

Of course. The temperature is perfect right now, if you ask me.

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( His gaze follow her hand as she waves to the spot next to her, and Dimitri spares himself a thought that he should leave now. But he's certain it would be suspicious and perhaps even hurtful to leave so abruptly. Instead, he swallows as he nods and steps further into the sauna.

It's a difficult task to keep his gaze from wandering, and the spot they've landed is hardly helpful to his already rising temperature. His eyes linger on her neck, and as desperately as he tries to stop himself from letting his thoughts wander, all he can think about is the dreams he's had of the two of them, of putting his lips on her neck. Kissing and sucking at her skin in a way that has her squirming on his c-

He sits down a bit heavier than he'd intended to, trying to redirect his thoughts quickly, gaze turning away from her. )

It is a bit warmer than I would like, but it isn't terrible.

( Temperature is a safe topic, right? )

[backstreetbard]

That's not surprising. Do Faerghans really cut holes in frozen lakes to swim in the ice water? I heard people talk about that in Enbarr but haven't found out if it's actually true or not.

[ This is Dorothea doing her best to act casually. She's noticed a shift in the way Dimitri has behaved around her in the last few weeks. She wants so badly to believe that it's possible for a boy like him to be interested in a girl like her, but she doesn't want to risk her feelings if she's misreading things. He's a literal prince, after all, and what is she compared to that? It's no wonder his friends think she's a temptress and a gold digger.

She sighs deeply, pulling her hair away from her face and neck where it's sticking in fine, curling tendrils to her balmy skin. If she looks like a figure from his wildest dreams, it's not intentional. ]

It doesn't get cold enough in Enbarr for the rivers to freeze. We're right by the ocean so all the southern wind keeps us a little warm, even in the winter.

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( More than anything, Dimitri wishes he had the nerve to tell her what he feels, why he's been acting strangely around her. But he worries she'll be unhappy with him, that it will ruin whatever it is they share. So he tries his best to act normally, even if he's more than aware of how badly he seems to do so.

But her question is a good distraction from his own thoughts, from the temptation to rake his eyes over her body. Instead, he manages a soft, short laugh, looking down at his own lap for a moment. )

Perhaps you can come to Faerghus and find out for yourself.

( It's difficult not to look at her, and he finds himself looking over in time to see the way she moves her hair. His attention fixes on the way her hair clings to her skin, the faint flush of she has. It reminds him of the wild dreams he has often, vivid memories of dreams where she's laid out beneath him, breathless and skin glistening. It's enough that he starts to feel a familiar buzz under his skin, and he looks down once more. )

That's quite different from our winters. We don't feel a warm breeze for months once the winter season arrives.

[backstreetbard]

Denied the truth yet again! [ She laughs and shakes her head. ] I suppose I really will have to come to Faerghus to find out. I expect you to show me around. [ There's barely even a pause here. Dorothea, so used to flirting with her classmates, says: ] And maybe you can show me what it is that the Faerghans do to keep warm during those frigid winters.

[ She falls quiet after that, her face flushing an even deeper red when she realizes just how salacious that sounds. Quickly, say something! ]

I'm sure furs must be very popular in the fashion of the kingdom.

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I would be honored to have you visit.

( The response comes easily. The idea of bringing her back to his home, being able to show her around, to lavish her in gifts from his home. It's a thought that spirals quickly into something else at her words.

Instead, all he can think of is what it would be like to have her spread out on the furs on his bed, bare and waiting for him. That's hardly what she means, he knows, but it's still enough that he feels his cock starting to rise quickly, already beginning to strain against his pants. His heart quickens in his chest, and he leans forward slightly, trying to cover his lap with his arms. )

I would be h-honored.. ( Dimitri starts, brows furrowing as he stumbles over his words. He wants to be honest, to say he'd gladly keep her warm in anyway she asked. But bringing himself to say such things out loud is harder than he thought. And instead of finishing, all he can bring himself to do is swallow, trying to clear the sudden lump in his throat. )

[backstreetbard]

[ Sensing him falter, Dorothea glances over at Dimitri to find him hunched over, looking uncomfortable. ]

Dima, are you all right? [ Reaching over, she presses her hand to his forehead. ] Oh, goodness, you're burning up.

[ Dorothea isn't naïve, of course; she understands men and their desires very well after her time with the opera. She might even chalk Dimitri's discomfort to arousal if she thought he was interested in her, or if they weren't in the sauna.

The moment is made worse by the arrival of Sylvain and Felix, the latter frowning and the former grinning like a cat when he spots them.

"You okay there, your highness?" Sylvain asks, plopping down opposite from Dorothea at Dimitri's side while Felix finds a spot in the corner to sulk in. ]

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( The way she touches his forehead has Dimitri lifting her head, blue eyes lifting to her face. He swallows hard, trying to bring himself to speak. He thinks he can finally say what he wants to, and he takes a deep breath. )

Yes, I- ( The words are cut off abruptly as soon as he hears Sylvain and Felix enter, and he sighs. He manages a small smile, trying to reassure her as he reaches up to gently grab her hand. He squeezes it briefly before lowering it, adjusting himself where he sits to try and hide the tent in his pants. )

I am fine, Sylvain. I think it may just be too warm today.

( He doesn't let go of her hand, even as he speaks. )

[backstreetbard]

[ The fact that he doesn't relinquish her hand makes Dorothea's heart flutter. That's more than a friendly gesture, especially if he's willing to do it in front of Sylvain and Felix. Even so, she feels like it's up to her to spare him from having to deal with his friends questioning him unnecessarily.

Giving his hand a squeeze, she slips hers free and stands with a soft laugh. ]

If it's too warm, then go have a dip in some cool water. Enduring the heat if it's overwhelming doesn't make you look tough. [ That's his cue to make his escape. Hopefully he'll realize this is his opportunity. ] I think I've had about enough, too. I'll probably go have a little nap before dinner.

[ Dorothea makes her own escape then, not particularly eager to endure the company of Felix or Sylvain in any combination. The moment she's gone, though, Sylvain turns his grin on Dimitri.

"So, you hold hands with girls now?" he asks. ]

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( The blue eyes watch as Dorothea stands, returning the squeeze before she slips her hand free. He can't stop himself from holding on just a bit longer than he should, their fingers dragging along one another's in an attempt for him to keep that bit of contact. )

Some cold water would be nice. ( He agrees, expression falling slightly as she makes her exit. )

Sleep well, Dorothea.

( She disappears and Dimitri is distantly aware of Sylvain speaking, but he doesn't respond until Felix makes a comment about not ignoring them. He's flustered when he responds, quickly dismissing himself to take a moment to dip into cold water to cool his skin and try and clear his mind. And to scold himself for thinking so perversely.

He cleans himself up before heading back to his room, spending some time there as he waits for dinner. There's a thought to head straight there, but he can't stop himself from taking a detour towards her room. He stands quietly outside the door for a long moment before he takes a breath and lifts his hand to knock. )

Dorothea?

[backstreetbard]

[ Dorothea answers the door in her uniform, minus her hat, her jacket, and her boots. Her bare shoulders are, perhaps, more tantalizing than she realizes, dark curls fanned out over them and trailing down her chest. There's a slight rumpled look to her, as if she really had been napping. ]

Oh, Dima! Were you able to get away from Sylvain and Felix without too much trouble? I hope it didn't seem like I was abandoning you to the wolves--that certainly wasn't my intent.

[ She reaches out to take his hand and give it a squeeze, not unlike how their hands had been joined in the sauna, and the loveliest shade of rose blooms on the apples of her cheeks. Plucking up her courage, she squeezes his hand even tighter. ]

Hey, can I tell you something? [ She asks, but she doesn't actually wait for an answer, afraid she might lose her nerve. ] I'm glad that we've become friends. You're the sweetest boy I've ever met, and I hope we can always be friends.

[ Dorothea's blush turns an even deeper red, and she averts her eyes. She's about to make a fool of herself. ]

But I... I like you as more than just a friend. I know it's silly, and I hope it doesn't change the way you feel about me. I'm sure at least a dozen different girls at this school alone are head-over-heels for you, and all of them have more that they could offer you in the long-run than I do. I just... I had to tell you before I lost my nerve. I hope that's all right.

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( It hadn't occurred to him that she might open the door and be in anything less than the usual state of dress he sees her in normally. But there she is, shoulders bare, hair falling down her shoulders and chest. It takes everything he has not to let his eyes wander, and maybe she sees the way his throat bob as he swallows. He will be polite. He will be a proper and princely companion.

The way she reaches out for his hand, though, is a welcome distraction. His eyes drop to their hands, and he carefully winds his hand around hers. There's always that worry that he'll hurt her with his strength. So he's careful in the way he holds her hand, lifts his other hand to cradle hers between his own. It isn't nearly the same as holding her hand without his gloves, but being able to do so at all is a gift in and of itself. )

No, they had their comments, but I was able to leave without any resistance. It was for the best you left when you did.

( He knows how they can be at times, particularly to Dorothea.

He's prepared to tell her she can tell him anything, but before he can, she's already continuing to speak.

He blinks curiously as he sees the color darken on her cheeks and the way she averts her eyes. He can feel worry building in his chest. A part of him wonders if this will the moment she tells him she's found someone, that she has feelings for another and their friendship has to change. )

Dorothea-

( But what comes is a surprise. To be told she has feelings for him is certainly the last thing he expected, and there's no denying the color that rises to his cheek. He struggles to find words, and nothing seems right. Nothing is appropriate, can convey what he feels. And after a few, long seconds, he finally reaches up, curving one hand against the back of her neck. He leans in quickly, pressing their lips together as he squeezes her hand in his own. It might be too hard, he can't tell with how his heart is hammering against his chest. )

[backstreetbard]

[ The brief span of seconds where Dimitri struggles to find his words feels like an eternity. He's going to reject her, to tell her he enjoys her company but doesn't feel that way about her. The rejection will hurt, but she'll just--

He kisses her, and every thought racing through her mind comes screeching to a halt. He's kissing her, right there in front of her dorm room door. Literally anyone could see them there, but her response isn't to push him away or tell him to stop. No, she actually stands on her toes and leans in to wrap her arm around him. Her lips part of their own accord to deepen the kiss, but she pulls back before things can get too out of hand. ]

Someone might see us.

[ Dorothea's face is bright red--even her chest is starting to flush pink. Her eyes dart around the courtyard and she licks her lips, then yankd him into her room and closes the door behind him. ]

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( It doesn't occur to him that they are out in the open, that anyone could come along and see them like this. All Dimitri can focus on is their mouths together, the way she wraps her arms around him. He is quick to do the same, holding her close as he returns the kiss.

And then she's pulling back and it takes a few seconds for him to understand what she's saying. All he can focus on is the color on her cheeks, the flush on her chest. There's no resistance as he's tugged into the room, and once the door closes behind them, Dimitri's hands move, curving under the back of her thighs to lift her so he can kiss her properly once more. )

[backstreetbard]

[ Dorothea isn't expecting to be lifted like that, but one moment she's standing on the cool stone floor of her room and the next moment she's up against his chest, her legs wrapping instinctively around his waist. Dimitri holds her like she weighs nothing, and her heart races as she leans in to kiss him again.

The whole room smells like her perfume, and the delicate feminine scent of her skin below that. Her tongue slips into his mouth, tasting, testing, feeling out the shape of him. She can hardly believe he wants her, too. It feels like she's dreaming. ]

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( The scent of her, the weight of her pressed this close in his arms, the way she kisses him... It all feels like a dream. A dream that feels too good to be true, yet he's awake.

The last thing he wants is for this moment to end. He's far less experienced in this regard, but he tries to follow her lead. His lips part for her, his own tongue sliding against it, feeling her, tasting her for the first time. It's enough to draw a soft, eager moan from his throat, and he finds his hands gripping tighter at her thighs. )

[backstreetbard]

[ Dorothea kisses him thoroughly, combing her fingers into his hair. The way he squeezes her tight sends a thrill up her spine, and she answers his moan with a breathy sigh. She almost begins to kiss her way across his cheek to the corner of his jaw and down his throat, but the voice of reason in the back of her mind urges her to rein this in. It feels much too good, and she doesn't want them to do something they might regret later.

Pulling back and taking a deep breath, Dorothea fans herself, as if such a trifling breeze could hope to cool her off. ]

We should slow down, or it'll be hard to stop. Not that I don't want more, but...

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( There's no thought to stop. Instead, all there is is a need to continue, to pull her close and indulge in something he'd never given much thought to.

But when she pulls back, he finds himself dragging in a breath of his own. He manages a few slow nods, eyes closing. )

I apologize. I... ( He takes another breath, gaze lifting to her face, his own cheeks flushed. ) I could not stop myself.

[backstreetbard]

It's all right, really. I got a little carried away, too. It just... feels nice. It's nice to find out I'm not completely hopeless.

[ Not that whatever this thing between them is couldn't be considered completely hopeless. Famous as she'd been in Enbarr, she was still practically a peasant, especially compared to a legitimate prince. They'd never be allowed to be together.

No, don't think like that. Not yet.

She kisses him once more and then untangles herself from him until he sets her back on the floor. ]

Well... what comes next? People will talk, you know. They'll say all sorts of things about both of us.

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( Dimitri can't help but chase her lips with that last kiss, but he abandons it quickly. He holds onto her and only removes his hands when she's on her feet, letting them drop to his side instead of touching any further.

Cheeks still pink, he takes a breath, trying to calm himself as well. )

I would like to court you properly, if you'll allow it.

( But the blue eyes do cut away briefly, thinking over her words. Of course people are going to talk. Many will object... But for her, he tells himself, none of that will matter. )

Let them talk.

[backstreetbard]

[ Dorothea's spine straightens in surprise, her eyes going wide. ]

C-court me? You want to court me? As in... the precursor to marriage?

[ Dorothea wobbles slightly on her feet, so shocked by his proclamation, by his willingness to ignore the rumors that will come from this. How is it possible that he likes her that much? It almost feels wrong on some level. ]

Dima, I'm... I'm nobody special. There's no way I'd ever be accepted by the nobility in Faerghus. As much as I want to say yes, as beautiful of a dream as that is... I'm afraid I'd be more trouble for you than I'm worth.

[ She's at war within herself, wanting more than anything to be loved and accepted by someone as kind and handsome as him, but not wanting to be the cause of suffering for him in the future. ]