a lion among ladies

[backstreetbard]

[ Dorothea doesn't exactly love spending time in the cathedral of Garreg Mach's campus, as stunning as the stained glass windows and flying buttresses are to behold. She hasn't put stock in the Seirosi faith since she was six years old.

In spite of that, she can still be seen there often in the days following the mission to quell the Western Church's rebellion in Gaspard territory, her hand rubbing circles in Ashe's back. She understands what it feels like to lose a parent, though she doesn't speak of it; instead, she only listens as he very gradually works his way through the shock and pain. Sometimes the only comfort is commiseration.

It's draining, though. She has to step back eventually, to try and shake off the old familiar feelings that watching another orphan in mourning dredges up in her.

Standing on the bridge that leads to the cathedral, she inhales the fresh mountain air and releases a sigh as she looks out over the scenery. A flash of blue in her peripheral vision catches her attention, though, and she's back on stage, turning to face her new house leader. ]

On your way to pray?

Comments

[hauntedking]

[ Dimitri is honestly a little surprised that Dorothea approaches him afterward. Although maybe he shouldn't be. She's always been kind to him and seems to care for him deeply. He gives her hand a tentative squeeze as they walk. ]

Ah - still working on it, honestly.

[ He smiles, even if it's a bit brittle at the edges. ]

I'm sorry about that, though.

[ He still feels the need to mention it. ]

[backstreetbard]

Don't be. You didn't do anything wrong. You can't help having a crest, just like I can't help not having one. [ There's a little bit of a sour note there, but she moves on quickly. Her lack of a crest and the affect it had on the trajectory of her life isn't something she likes talking about. ] You're strong, but you don't intentionally hurt people when you aren't fighting for your own life, or protecting your friends in battle. I imagine it's just like any ability--it takes patience and practice to perfect.

And anyway, I like you just as you are, and I trust you. You've always done your best to treat me so gently.

[hauntedking]

I know.

[ He still sounds a little let-down by himself. ]

I just - I don't want to hurt anyone. I don't want to lose control. And sometimes... sometimes it feels as if that's closer to the surface than I realize.

[ He pauses to glance at her, expression punched slightly. ]

Thank you, though. I'm glad I've earned your trust.

[backstreetbard]

Dimitri.

[ She uses his full name instead of the pet name she's given him to show just how serious she is, reaching up to cup his cheek with her palm. ]

You haven't hurt anyone. If you feel like you might, perhaps we could come up with exercises to help you regain your calm and focus. Breathing exercises and the like. I've even read about Almyran meditation techniques, though the church would frown on those, I'm sure. [ She waves her hand dismissively, like she doesn't give a single damn about what the church frowns on. ] We'll figure it out together, all right?

[hauntedking]

[ There's a chance someone might see this tender little moment, but Dimitri isn't worried about that right now. He frowns, brow furrowed. ]

...you're right. There's more I could do... and as long as I'm aware, I'll manage. I think.

[ He manages a smile. ]

Thank you, Dorothea. You're a great comfort.

[ He gives her hand a warm squeeze and resists the urge to lean down and kiss her in the middle of campus. ]

I just... sometimes I wish that none of this was my responsibility.

[backstreetbard]

You can't help being prince, but you have friends and advisors who can help carry whatever burden you're responsible for, right?

[ With their hands linked together, she gently begins to guide him away from the training grounds and down towards the dorms. She knows that Dedue, at least, is watching like a hawk as they leave, and she honestly wishes he'd stop worrying so much. What exactly do they think she's going to do to him that's bad enough to warrant that kind of scrutiny? Goodness gracious.

It's not long before they're standing near his door. The courtyard out in front of the dorms is mercifully vacant at this time of day, so there aren't too many people who might have seen her leading him up to the second story where most of the nobles are housed. ]

Which one of these is yours?

[hauntedking]

[ Dedue is protective. And mostly wants what's best for Dimitri. They've talked a little about Dorothea, honestly, and while Dedue is happy that she makes Dimitri is happy, he still worries. Hence the watchfulness. For now, though, it's just the two of them.

Dimitri glances at the door and nods. ]

This one.

[ He doesn't think anything of it until he's swung the door open and walked in, with her behind him.

Oh.

Wait.

His face goes red. ]

Ah. It's... not much to look at.

[backstreetbard]

It's perfectly fine; all the rooms look about the same, don't they?

[ Dorothea does a small circuit of the room before she plops down onto the bed, then pats the spot beside her. ]

Come and sit down with me.

[hauntedking]

Well - as you wish.

[ He hesitates for a long moment and then settles onto the bed next to her. He's a bit drawn in and nervous. It's the first time he's been alone in his room with Dorothea, after all. ]

[backstreetbard]

Come here.

[ Gently, her fingers comb through the hair at the base of Dimitri's skull as she pulls him into her arms. It takes a little bit of maneuvering, but she guides his head down to rest on her shoulder and then wraps him up in a loose embrace. ]

Just relax for a little while, sweet heart.

[ Smoothing her palm down over his back, Dorothea hums an old lullaby that her mother taught her when she was a child. It's always soothed her since then. ]

[hauntedking]

[ Oh. Dimitri's face flushes a little darker, but after a moment of awkward stiffness, he slowly wraps his arms around her and sinks into her embrace. He takes a slow, deep breath and then another. This is... actually comforting. He can't really recall the last time anyone has actually held him like this and it's... pleasant. ]

...thank you, Dorothea. I... really don't know what I'd do without you.

[backstreetbard]

You don't even have to wonder. I'm here for you, darling.

[ Holding and being held by someone isn't just comforting for Dimitri; it does her a world of good as well. As flirtatious as she comes off, Dorothea has always been a guarded person. Open and friendly and compassionate, of course, but growing up on the street like a stray cat teaches you very quickly that an outstretched hand is more likely to strike you than to offer help.

Dimitri will never hurt her, though. She's certain of that.

She kisses the top of his head, holding him a little tighter. ]

[hauntedking]

[ With the door shut and just the two of them, he can pretend that the rest of the world is very far away. There's nothing else to worry about, at least for a little while. They can just sit and take comfort from one another. He takes a few deep breaths, letting the silence stretch out.

What does he say?

The only thing that comes to mind. ]

Dorothea... I think - I love you.

[backstreetbard]

[ When he speaks those words, Dimitri will feel Dorothea's body going tense in his arms. So many emotions are rising in her, and she can feel the telltale stinging in her nose that means tears aren't far behind. She could ask if he means it, but Dimitri is such a sincere person that she can't imagine him saying such a thing without being fully convinced of it.

So, she does the only thing she could possibly do in response. Lifting his chin so he can meet her watering eyes, she smiles brilliantly at him. ]

Dima, I love you, too. So much.

[ And then she kisses him, leaning in and closing her eyes. Everything in her heart is conveyed through this kiss: all her hope and her longing, all her desire and affection--she holds nothing back. ]

[hauntedking]

[ Maybe they're rushing into this too quickly for a teenage love affair. But Dimitri has never been more sure of anything in his life - so he clings to her in turn and returns the kiss with a passion of his own. His heart feels as if it's going to burst and he's happy with that. Content. He shifts his weight a little, leaning into her, a sigh escaping his lips.

And then when the kiss breaks, he looks a little bashful. ]

That was... a little sudden, wasn't it?

[backstreetbard]

Sudden? I feel like I've been waiting my whole life to hear those words.

[ She chuckles softly, a little breathlessly, and kisses him again. ]

Even if it's sudden, that doesn't mean our feelings aren't real. I love you. I want to be with you for the rest of my life. [ She kisses him once more, tears sliding down her cheeks. ] I know I--I'm not worthy of you. I'm just a peasant, really, but... I'll dedicate my life to you. Everything I have. Oh, Dima.

[ Dorothea kisses him yet again, more fervently than before. Her arms wrap around him, pulling their bodies close. ]

[hauntedking]

[ Dimitri's head feels like it's spinning. Everything is happening all at once - and here they are, but it makes his heart want to burst. He drags her closer, kissing her in reply, over and over again as he allows his emotions to run away. If only for a little while. ]

I know - I know. All I want is to keep you close. To make sure you're loved and valued. Your birth - your birth has never mattered to me. It shouldn't matter to anyone. You deserve the world and I want to give it you.

[backstreetbard]

Just give me your love and I'll be satisfied.

[ It's almost overwhelming. This is everything she has ever wanted: love and validation, someone who will take care of her for the rest of her life, someone who will cherish the children they'll eventually have whether or not they're crested.

Dimitri has pulled her so close that she's basically straddling his lap at this point, so she settles in for more kisses, basking in the warmth of his body. She could kiss him forever, she thinks, but her lips stray from his after a moment, across his cheek to the edge of his jaw. Finding his pulse where it's fluttering in his throat, she kisses him there too. ]

[hauntedking]

You can have all of it...

[ For a long few moments, he's lost in her. The press of their bodies, the heat mingling, the soft flutter of lips. He breathes deep - can feel his body tense - and then there's a moment where he remembers where they are. His face is flushed a deep red and he reluctantly gives her a gentle push, taking her by the shoulders. ]

I - we should - slow down. We're still in school... and - well. People will wonder where we've gone to.

[ And the unspoken idea of, well, if something happens, he doesn't want her (or him) to have to leave because of it. ]

[backstreetbard]

[ It's a little disorienting (and embarrassing) to be pushed back, even with as much care as he uses. ]

I... I'm sorry. I got carried away.

[ But she can't exactly step outside looking as she does now--breathing hard, flushed from her forehead down to the hem of her shirt, eyes dark with wanting. Clearing her throat, Dorothea hops up and sits at Dimitri's desk, taking deep breaths to steady herself and fanning her face with her hand. She can't meet his eyes for a moment. ]

Even so, I--I do love you. And we won't be in school forever.

[hauntedking]

No, no, don't apologize-!

[ He's almost in as bad a shape as she is. His trousers, for example, feel painfully tight at the moment. He follows her to the desk, settling a hand on the back of his chair and hovering with a look of adoration and mild concern. ]

I just - I do want - I want to hold you. I want to be close to you. Please don't think I don't. But you're right. We won't be in school forever. So... we'll have time. All the time in the world. The... the rest of our lives.

[backstreetbard]

[ Taking off her hat to help herself cool down a little, Dorothea looks up at Dimitri and bites her lip. She knows he wants to abide by the rules, and there's good enough reason for that, but at the same time she can still feel her desire for him like a physical ache.

They have time enough, too--class is over for the day, and dinner is still an hour off at least. ]

You know... we don't have to get undressed for you to hold me close. [ Her hand extends, pressing her palm flat against his stomach--high enough to be technically appropriate, but with the implication that it could easily travel lower. ] Sometimes it's enough just to touch, and to be touched.

[hauntedking]

I - well-

[ The temptation is there and very real and - well. He can't say no to her. Not right now. He reaches down to slide his fingers against her wrists. ]

Well - alright. Um. Show me?

[backstreetbard]

[ She honestly expected a little more resistance, but his easy acquiescence brings a smile and a fresh blush to her face. Standing, Dorothea guides Dimitri back to his bed and urges him to lie down. She joins him the next moment, renewing her kisses. Her lips are tender on his as she runs her fingers up and down his stomach, each time letting them stray farther south until she's able to lift up his tunic to reveal the tenting in his pants.

Licking her lips once, Dorothea begins to massage his cock through the fabric of his trousers, cupping her hand to feel the full shape of it. ]

Girls want the same things boys want, you know. It just isn't as easy to tell, with us.

[hauntedking]

[ He finds it hard to resist her, in all honesty. So she has that going for her. He allows himself to be guided back to the bed and he sprawls himself out, watching her with wide eyes - eyes that flutter half shut as they start to kiss again. His breath escapes in a little gasp as her hands slide over him. Even through the layers of clothing that cover him, there's an enticing, seductive quality to it. He's full of nervous energy and it takes him a moment to figure out what to do with his own hands. He eventually settles on wrapping his arms around her to hold her closer, a little half-moan escaping his lips as she brushes her fingers over him through his trousers. ]

D-Dorothea - I-

[ His teeth worry at his lower lip and his hips lift, pressing into her exploring fingers with an eagerness he didn't quite realize he had. ]

I believe you. [ He's red-faced now; flushed and panting and just as turned-on and heated as she probably is. ]

I - I want to touch you, too.