museboxofmuses | Dimitri + Byleth Catchall

Hmmm, it would've been preferable to receive this confession elsewhere, true.

[But life didn't work like that. Long had Byleth grown accustomed to the fact that life simply... just shat on you, when it came to plans and aspirations, and you simply had to work with what you had. Byleth was good at that.]

But that doesn't matter.

[Byleth settled back slightly, and considered his words. He honestly had no idea how this went but... blunt sincerity hasn't failed him yet.]

Dimitri, as I've said before, I trust you. I also treasure your company deeply, and care for you in a way I haven't felt for any other. A professor shouldn't have favourites, but undeniably... [He trailed off, but the implication was there: Dimitri was his favourite.] In any case, my response to your confession is this...

[Oh? What's this? Did Byleth actually feel a flutter of nerves? Well, he was plunging into wholly new territory: he'd be a fool not to pause before leaping straight in.]

...I accept.

[ Dimitri listens with partially bated breath, just... trying to sort through the conflicting emotions running through his head and figure out how he's going to feel when this is all over. But then - then Byleth just says "I accept" and his brain short-circuits again.

Wait.

He blinks down at Byleth and then manages a little 'oh'. ]

...you do? Truly?

[ He reaches out to take Byleth's hands in his and squeeze. ]

Yes. I wouldn't have said it if I didn't. I accept and return your feelings, Dimitri.

[Dimitri's hands were warm, and large enough that they practically covered his more petite ones. Byleth squeezed them back, and let out a quiet, amused sound.]

Your hands are very warm. [Hadn't Dimitri said the same words to him, in what felt like eons ago?] ...though, that may be the blizzard affecting my ability to judge temperature.

[Everything about Dimitri felt warm compared to the punishing cold outside of the little pocket of warmth in their snow cave. Reminded of it, Byleth huddled closer, until it really just the layer of armour and cloth that separated them.]

[ Feeling Byleth cuddle closer made his heart jump and Dimitri swallowed thickly. Even if this wasn't ideal... even if it was awkward... he still felt a deep warmth; an well of joy that seemed to fill the air around him. He drew closer to Byleth wit ha laugh. ]

...I don't think it has. Not yet, anyway.

['Not yet' being important here. Still, Byleth didn't let the threat of hypothermia dampen his mood, not when Dimitri seemed overjoyed. Byleth just soaked up the closeness and warmth, letting his gaze drift to the entrance of their snow cave. It was just pure white past it, the snow coming down so fast and heavy it was like a wall.

Okay. Hostile weather conditions aside, he and Dimitri had agreed to take their relationship in a new, albeit unexpected, direction. It was a very important occasion, he was sure. However.]

I have to confess. [Byleth's tone was thoroughly blithe;] I'm not very experienced in romance. Is this where we kiss? Or does that level of intimacy come later?

Ah.

[ What a question to ask. ]

...we can kiss now, if you like. I... wouldn't mind in the least. It mostly happens when we're comfortable trying that sort of thing.

I see.

[Byleth pondered over his own feelings on the matter. He had never kissed another person before, though he understood the mechanics of it well enough... he thinks, anyways. Trapped as they were in this snow cave, it wasn't as if they had anything better to do except to stare at each other, and they couldn't risk falling asleep either in these sub-zero conditions. But, what Dimitri said: 'comfortable'.

Was Byleth comfortable with it? Dimitri said he didn't mind either.]

I've... never kissed anyone before. So, I'm not entirely sure what to do. [In an attempt to inject some levity, Byleth added:] Hm. It seems the shoe is on the other foot. In this situation, I am the student... if you're willing to be my teacher, that is.

[Even if Dimitri was just as new to kissing as him, he at least had some inkling of how this was meant to go. Byleth was utterly blind. He had paid little to no attention to romance and its various unspoken rules. His ambition, before he joined Garreg Mach, was always to make a name for himself as a mercenary, and then die when his luck inevitably ran out. Then his ambition morphed into supporting his students in their endeavours, then it was to see Dimitri through the dark times of the war, and now... well, now his ambition was to learn romance after all. Funny how life worked out.]

Well... in that case... I suppose I can demonstrate?

[ Dimitri sounds a bit tentative and nervous, but he still leans down toward Byleth. His hand lifts to cup his cheek and he slowly presses a kiss to his lips. It's gentle and chaste, as far as these things go. A warm press of lips against lips to test the waters and see what will come next.

It's still enough to make Dimitri want to burst. He's actually kissing Byleth. THis is real. It's happening.

What does he do next? ]

[As Dimitri leaned in, Byleth instinctively closed his eyes. He had a feeling it might be off putting to just have him staring intently when Dimitri looked a little skittish. It meant the kiss was almost a bit of a surprise, despite Byleth anticipating it - a warm press against his lips.

It was a simple contact. Nothing fancy or strange. Yet Byleth still felt. Odd? Not in an unpleasant way, but definitely unfamiliar. Byleth held himself very still, trying to sort through his initial impression of this chaste contact, and decided that it felt nice. Yet, 'nice' felt too mild a word. He decided the exact semantics were unimportant and pushed it aside for later consideration.

What was important was reciprocation. Dimitri had demonstrated the action as a teacher should, and it was Byleth's duty as a good student to mimic. So, as the short, yet chaste kiss, ended, Byleth immediately leaned back in, eager to show what he had learned. He pressed his lips firmly against Dimitri's, and he wasn't quite sure what to do with his hands, so he pressed one hand against Dimitri's thigh and the other against his shoulder.

The kiss itself only lasted a handful of seconds, yet Byleth's face felt curiously warm despite the chill as he pulled back. His pulse was racing... what a novel experience. The Crest Stone that functioned as his heart normally kept his pulse at a steady baseline, no matter how flustered he was.]

Was that... fine? [Even his voice sounded a little breathy. He cleared his throat.] I wasn't quite sure what to do with my hands...

[ Dimitri is left beaming, his smile practically lighting up the snow cave - although it is getting dark. That felt - that was - beyond description, really. His heart was humming away in his chest, his pulse was racing. There was a pleasant heat somewhere deep inside of him and he didn't truly know how to describe it. Love? Affection? Words didn't feel as if they'd do it justice. Instead he tries to breath. He tries to just... act normal. Or normalish. ]

No, no, that's - that was fine. I wasn't quite sure either.

[ He laughs. ]

That felt... that was very good. Thank you, Byleth.

[Byleth couldn't help but smile, pleased at Dimitri's open joy. Who knew that such a simple action could result in such happiness? Perhaps he should've paid more mind to romance earlier...]

No need for thanks, Dimitri. I enjoyed it as well.

[Was it normal for his lips to tingle afterwards? Byleth pressed his gloved fingers against his bottom lip and looked away, noting the unique sensations. Heightened pulse, flushed cheeks, tingling lips, an indescribable warmth in his chest cavity... all from a chaste kiss that lasted barely a handful of seconds. Who knew how much these sensations would intensify the more intimate they became?]

...to be honest, I didn't expect a simple kiss to affect me so much. It's interesting.

...I think it's something to do with kissing someone you care about.

[ Dimitri laughs, his eye dancing as he watches Byleth react. The way he touches his lips amuses him some how. He doesn't quite know why. It's just... it's cute. ]

I'm glad you feel so much the same as me. It's - I find watching you respond to this incredibly endearing. It's... almost cute.

Cute?

[Byleth has been called many things in life: cold, heartless, and terrifying, but 'cute' was certainly new. Maybe it was because it had come from Dimitri, but he found himself liking it, an odd fluttering feeling in his gut that had him wanting to smile and to hide it at the same time. Strange.]

No one's called me that before. It's usually 'cold' or 'intimidating'...

[Byleth felt squirmy. It was the only way he could describe the sudden, fidgety restlessness that had overtaken him. His face felt even warmer too. Was he blushing? He was blushing. Amazing.]

I can't deny that people have said such things about you.

[ He reaches out to take both of Byleth's hands, though, and he squeezes them tight, his face a mask of earnestness. ]

But I think they're wrong. You're not cold. You're not frightening - not unless you mean to be - you're just - earnest. And honest. And willing to give advice, to listen, to guide. I - I cannot properly find the words to express how much I admire you, Byleth. So please believe me when I say that.

[This earnest praise was not uncommon from Dimitri - or any of his students, for that fact, though some were more forthcoming than others. Byleth always took the praise in stride, yet cherished it every time, feeling warm and proud that he had such a significant impact on those that had been under his care. It never made him flustered, and he always was able to respond in kind.

This time was different. He didn't know if it was because of the kiss, or the squirmy restlessness that had overcome him, or just how Dimitri held both of his hands while saying such lovely things and looking at him like- like that, but... whatever the reason, Byleth felt himself go utterly red, and was briefly rendered speechless, taking a moment to negotiate with his brain long enough to remember what words were.]

Ah, I, um, I-I do, of course. Yes.

[...he was beginning to understand why people in love made fools of themselves now. It was strangely hard to think when someone you cared about dazzled at you like that. How lethal... if Dimitri ever weaponised that smile...]

Believe you, I mean. [With iron control, he swiftly regained his composure. He tried to ignore his mild embarrassment.] I'm happy you think of me that way. I... worry, sometimes, that I still give off a cold impression, when I don't intend to.

Even if you do - which I don't think you do - it's a part of who you are. It's understandable.

[ Another squeeze of his hands as he tried to think of what was appropriate to say next. His mind felt like it was a-buzz, despite the circumstances. The snow, the, cold - it all seemed to fade when he looked at Byleth. ]

But I - I suppose it would be cliche to say I've fallen for your because of that? Not in spite of it? There's so much to you that... I think it's hard for me to find any part of you that takes away from how I feel.

Dimitri...

[What else was Byleth to say? He didn't doubt Dimitri's words, even if a part of him felt more than a little flustered that not even his unintentional stoicism or difficulty in expressing himself was considered a flaw in Dimitri's eyes. Even Jeralt on occasion had gotten slightly exasperated with him, due to miscommunication.

Anything Byleth could say in response felt trite. Or lacking in the emotional weight he desired. He struggled with himself, trying to find the correct words that aligned with this weird, indescribable emotion kindling in his chest. How on earth did Dimitri make it seem so easy? The man was a born romantic, in Byleth's eyes.]

I... I'm not sure what to say. [His words came out slow, clearly figuring out what to say as he spoke.] It's hard to- to put my feelings into words, but... I know I'm happy. That you think that- feel that.

[Maybe Byleth had just been slow on the uptake, that it took the pair of them huddling in a snow cave in the midst of a blizzard to realise that this warm feeling of comfort he felt with Dimitri was perhaps not platonic. But now that he was sitting here, Dimitri holding his hands, pouring his heart out to him, brimming with open affection... Byleth was just amazed he'd been so blind. If this blizzard had never happened, how long would it have taken otherwise? Them just being together, never quite bridging that gap - Byleth out of ignorance, and Dimitri out of propriety or nerves?]

And, I can say I feel the same way. That, I have seen you in a myriad of states, and it has only strengthened my dedication to you. In these months since the war ended, I can say that the only reason I have managed to wade through my new role as the Church's archbishop is due to your support. Our regular meetings, and our walks, made me feel calm and comforted, though I hadn't realised it was due affection until now...

[He was rambling, wasn't he? But Byleth wanted to be absolutely certain he was getting his feelings across - not matter how clumsy.]

I suppose I'm trying to say that I'm happy, and, I hope I can make you happy in turn, Dimitri. I'm ignorant about romance, and everything else that comes with it, but I'll try my best to... [What's the best word to use here? ] ...satisfy you?

[ Dimitri wears his heart on his sleeve half the time. When he was younger he repressed himself, of course, but as he's grown older and come out of that trauma and pain that defined him for so long, he's seen little reason to hold his emotions in - especially the positive ones. So in this respect, he is simply willing to be romantic. To say what he wants and to give of himself if that means that other will understand him. He's lost too much to want to hold back.

But that's not what's on his mind. Byleth is. He listens, shutting out the howling of the wind outside, his attention entirely on the man huddled against him in the dim darkness of the snow cave. He can hear his breathing, hear every word, and they make his heart sing in a way that he cannot describe. Unbidden, he feels a tear prick at the corner of his eyes and he has to will it to stop - the last thing he needs are frozen tears. But the surge of emotion is very real. ]

...y-you needn't say it quite like that. [ He laughs - and it's good natured, because even if Byleth doesn't realize it, there's a certain connotation to those words. ]

Trust me, you are already completely satisfactory. You needn't worry about that. You make me happy... but I suppose in turn, I should promise that I will always do what I can to make you happy. To bring you joy. To live every day I have with you to the fullest. This I pledge with all my heart.

You already make me happy just by being with me, Dimitri.

[It was true. Byleth doubted he would've taken the mantle of archbishop with as much grace as he had if he didn't have Dimitri supporting him, willing to listen to him as he confessed his uncertainties and frustration during their long walks, and just... keeping him company. With Dimitri... Byleth didn't feel the need to project a perfect, unfailing front. He trusted him enough that he could show him his flaws and not be judged for them. That was more than enough to make him happy.]

So, I promise the same: to bring you joy, to live every day I have with you to the fullest, to love you with all my heart even as we pass into the next life.

[Wait... this sounded a little like-]

Oh. [Byleth couldn't stop the amused noise from leaving him.] We sound like we're exchanging marriage vows.

...do we?

[ Huh, they do. His face flushes and then he laughs aloud. ]

...I realize that this is sudden. Fast. But-

[ His eyebrow quirks. ]

...do you... want to get married? Officially?

[I mean it's just as sudden as the marriage proposals in vanilla Three Houses SO!]

Yes.

[Wow, not a shred of hesitation!]

...oh. Wait. [Byleth abruptly remembered: proposals were meant to have rings involved. He pulled one hand away from Dimitri's, and reached for the inner pocket in his tunic.] I forgot. Let me try that again.

[A bit of rummaging and, aha! He found it. Jeralt's ring. Byleth had kept it with him at all times, if only because it was the last bit of his father left... but he would be more than happy to entrust it to Dimitri. In fact, Jeralt would want him to use it for this exact purpose.]

I read that proposals require rings. [Byleth clasped his hand with Dimitri's, the ring pressed between their palms.] However, it's too cold to take our gloves off and... likely it'll need resizing, so we'll do it like this. Yes, I'll marry you, Dimitri.

[A bit of a chaotic proposal there, but Byleth was just pleased he managed to remember such a vital component of it.]

[ Dimitri pauses as Byleth rummages for something and then stares as he pulls out a ring. Oh. His heart feels like it's rapidly trying to beat out of his chest. He swallows and then engulfs Bylth's hand, squeezing tight as he listens to his words. This is a lot. But... how can he complain? ]

Then I will wait until we're somewhere warm and safe and we can sort out the issue of rings, but... you really do make me the happiest man in the world, Byleth.

[ He's not gonna cry. He swears. ]

[Oh dear, Byleth can see Dimitri tearing up there. Fortunately, he recognised it for the positive emotion it was, and squeezed Dimitri's hands back. He was so endearing, it made Byleth feel all warm inside.

...figuratively speaking, of course. This snow cave, despite their cosiness, was still utterly freezing.]

I'm glad. Once we're free of this blizzard, we can do this more properly if you wish. For now...

[Byleth hesitated, before asking... not quite shyly, but certainly with an air of bashfulness to him:] May we seal this proposal with a kiss?

I think that - that would be wonderful.

[ Dimitri laughs. Nervous and excited and invigorated all at once. He squeezes Byleth's hands in reply and scoots a little closer. He's done this once already, so there's not exactly a sense of anxiety - but he still feels like he's going to vibrate out of his skin. He leans down slowly and presses another kiss to Byleth's lips with a soft exhale.

This one he allows to linger. ]

[Byleth easily leaned into the kiss, his eyes fluttering closed. This one lingered, instead of finishing after a handful of too short seconds, and he hummed quietly.

It was still amazing how such a simple contact could make him feel so much. He tilted his head fractionally, and the movement of his lips against Dimitri's made a warm shiver tremble down his spine. Yes, it really made him feel a lot of new and wonderful things.

Slowly, he pulled back - just enough so that he could open his eyes without being uncomfortably close:] There... now we're promised to each other.

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