museboxofmuses | Dimitri + Byleth Catchall

[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.

...and all because we went for a walk today.

[ Dimitri has to laugh. Maybe it's fate. ]

I'm so glad that you accept me - my affections. I really can't put it into words.

[ He nuzzles in a little closer, wanting to be as close as he can in this moment. Even if it makes things a little awkward. ]

[Byleth let out a soft noise - something like fond amusement. Dimitri nuzzled him, reminding him a little of a cat, so Byleth nuzzled him right back, shifting a little closer - so close that he was just shy of outright climbing onto Dimitri's lap.]

Yes... though I can't help but wonder what the others may think... from their perspective we went out on a walk as friends, and returned after a blizzard happily engaged.

I'm sure they'll understand... we just have to explain it to them.

[ He laughs softly. ]

I can't imagine they'll object.

Yes, I'm sure they'll be glad just to see us happy.

[Well, Byleth hoped, anyways. He was aware there may be some mumbled questions amongst the other nobility about heirs and conflicts of interest, but with Dimitri being the king of a united Fodlan, and Byleth the archbishop of the Central Church, those mumbles should remain only that: mumbles.

And, as a phrase Byleth had learned at the Academy said: they'll cross that bridge when they got there.

In any case, having laid their hearts bare and very snugly curled around one another, they rode out the blizzard in higher spirits than most would have in their position. The storm died down when night had well and truly set in, though the chill remained scathing as they cautiously left the snow cave to their usual path now buried in several feet worth of snow. The journey back to the city had been slow - but vastly sped up when the search party (led by Dedue to the surprise of no one), had found them... and promptly scruffed them like you'd do with a wayward cat. Byleth hadn't minded. Dedue, in all of his infinite wisdom, had brought warm blankets with him, and so tolerated the scruffing with blissful happiness.

The original plan, before the blizzard had rudely intervened, was that Byleth was to depart in the early morning back to Garreg Mach. However, the late hour that they were rescued from the deep snow, combined with the fact that Byleth felt exhausted from spending so long in dangerously low temperatures, had that plan sharply shifted to the right. A day was required for their archbishop to recover from his ordeal, the Church escort had decided, and Byleth didn't correct them.

Which led them to this point: after dethawing himself with a much needed warm bath (at everyone's, including Dimitri's, insistence), Byleth didn't return to his room (a guest room in the royal wing of the castle). Feeling a little bold, and also wanting to check in on Dimitri, he headed to his old student's personal chambers. Once he reached them, he gave the doors a firm knock before announcing himself:]

Dimitri? It's me. Are you still awake?

[ Dimitri is far too cheery when they get picked up by the rescue party and Dedue, at least, notices. But he doesn't pry (at least not yet) and instead focuses on getting the two of them back to the castle. It's a cold journey, made warmer by hot drinks and blankets. But Dimitri feels warm the whole way back. Once they're home, he's treated to a hot bath and many blankets and more hot food and then finally allowed to take his leave after they're done fussing over him.

He'll tell Dedue in the morning.

He's sitting up, still a little too excited to do much else. He's trying to read - to keeps his mind moving - when there's a knock. He sits up and hastens to the door. ]

Byleth! Yes! Come in-!

[ He practically yanks the door open. ]

[Byleth blinked, surprised at how quickly Dimitri had answered the door (and with such vigour too) - but his surprise quickly gave way to fondness.]

Wide awake, I see.

[He entered Dimitri's personal chambers, and he found it hard to look away from Dimitri's beaming face. His joy was so pure and infectious, Byleth couldn't help but smile back, the gesture small but filled with affection.]

I wanted to check on you before I went to sleep...

[And, admittedly, he just wanted to see him. Even though he knew the morning would bring them together again, a restlessness filled him to reunite with Dimitri as soon as he was able. Yet, now that he was here, he found himself at a bit of a loss on what to do. Kiss him? Embrace him? Simply stand here and stare at him like a lovestruck fool?]

But, mostly, I just wanted to be near you. Is that alright? I'm not intruding, am I?

...no! No. Far from it. I'm quite happy to see you again - and looking much warmer than before.

[ His smile is broad and happy and without reservation. He steps forward after a small moment of hesitation and wraps Byleth in a warm embrace. ]

I know I haven't told a soul yet, but... I was hoping to have another moment with you to myself. Before we have to share and you have to go back to Garreg Mach...

[Byleth let out a soft noise when Dimitri swept him up into a hug - it squeezed him in all the right ways, and Byleth slowly returned it, nuzzling against him. He had already felt sufficiently warmed by his bath, but this just made him cosy and drowsy.]

Yes... though I know our parting will be brief, I feel sad at the thought of returning to Garreg Mach so soon after promising ourselves to each other.

[See, if they had planned it properly, instead of impulsively doing it in a snow cave, they could have set aside a full week or so to fully enjoy their proposal. As it was, they had a day, if that, before Byleth would return to the monastery to fulfil his duties. While he frequently journeyed to Faerghas... even so much as a few days almost felt unbearable to imagine.]

So, if it's not too selfish to ask... may we spend the night together?

Ah-

[ Dimitri.exe has stopped working. He's processing those words, his arms squeezing tight as he tries to make sure he's interpreting (hearing) them properly. ]

I... I would like that a great deal. Whether we simply sit up and talk or spend time alongside one another. It would be a pleasure.

[Byleth pulled back slightly at hearing the slight pause, blinking up at him innocently. He was about to ask if he had said something wrong when Dimitri continued, and Byleth just brushed it off as him being surprised at his blunt question.]

I'm glad. In all honesty, I enjoyed our closeness in the snow cave and... wish to resume that in bed. I felt very warm and comforted beside you.

[Also, Byleth was tired, and snuggling up close to Dimitri sounded like the best thing to do right now.]

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LET'S DO THE TIME WARP YEEEEAH~

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