sworndevotion | karteria inbox

Yes...

[It's terrifying, to lose control like this. He knows imprints can help, and though he's bad at asking for it, there is a layer of desperation beneath all of this. A layer of fear that he will simply shut down and never come out of it. His hand tightens a little on Dimitri's, squeezing it.]

I am trying to fight against that. You are helping. But I detest being forced to lie in bed rather than take care of you the way I want to. I am sorry I cannot be more useful.

[There is a deep and heartbroken shame in his tone.]

Perhaps you should. I do like to see you eating more, and since there is a lack of noble duties to take care of here, you could afford a break.

[He sets the last bite of his sandwich down for a moment and leans in, headbutting Dedue's hand resting on top of his own before rubbing his face against it affectionately. It's so much better when Dedue smells like him... just a little.]

While I very much would like to see you out of bed more, it is not to take care of me. I'm doing just fine. It is you who I'm worried about, my friend.

[His stomach grumbles, though quietly, unwilling to let him forget about that last bite. Keeping his hand where it is and still leaning against Dedue, he snags that last bit of his sandwich and finishes it.] No, I don't think it would do to lounge about all day. There's plenty that needs doing around here.

And I should not eat more than my fair share either. The people are already worried about food stores. [They may not be his people to worry about like a King might, but he can't help himself.]

I know.

[The sweet act of the scent-marking softens and warms Dedue's gaze, and he puts his own sandwich down, because he cant help but reach out with his other hand to caress the side of Dimitri's face, his fingertips sliding gently into locks of blonde hair. His thumb rubs gently against his friend's cheekbone. Looking upon him, he gets that lovely ache again, that intense melancholy of yearning. Then, a second feeling: relief, that he's still able to feel those emotions. That he's not completely numb.

And then Dimitri chomps down the last bit of sandwich. Dedue releases an exhale that isn't quite a laugh, but does make him feel a little lighter.]

Not all day, but a nap cannot hurt. The rest and food is doing you good. You look much healthier these days.

[His smile falls slightly at the notion of a 'fair share' of food, though.]

You must eat what your body needs. There is nothing unfair about that.

[The caress is... so very, very comforting. Odd, but comforting. Far too good for him to linger too long on how out of place it seemed. The word inappropriate danced on his tongue, but if he didn't say anything, and Dedue was offering such a gesture, and they were both here, in this private space, what was the harm? He closes his eyes and tilts his head slightly to lean into Dedue's palm, feeling the warmth and contentment wash over him. Through him.]

Yes, it's becoming habit... A walk, an afternoon nap, and then the smell of dinner coming from the dining hall wakes me.

[He doesn't mention that he then doesn't usually sleep until the predawn hours. He feels awake and energetic once the sun sets. It's different than before, when he simply couldn't sleep.]

Hmm, perhaps, but if that is the case, I feel as though I should put more effort into helping procure that meat. Perhaps I should volunteer to hunt more.

[Dedue tries to keep the amourousness out of his gaze as he watches Dimitri lean into his touch. He likely fails, but it's hard to regret or retract such a gesture when he can see it brings Dimitri peace, and it loosens some of the stiffness in his own muscles in turn.]

That sounds pleasant. As I have said before, you need and deserve a break.

[It's alright if Dimitri has an unusual sleep schedule, as long as he is getting the rest he needs somehow.]

Not a bad idea. It would help the food shortage, and it may satisfy your soul.

[He has another bite of his sandwich.]

Personally, I am hoping to aid the Augmented farming effort when I am feeling more myself.

[He can't deny how that expression feels like it warms his whole being and breathes life into him. At the end of the day, the one thing he desires most is for Dedue to be happy and well. It's these moments that give him hope that Dedue will recover soon.

As for his own wellbeing, the dark circles are gone from under his eyes if that gives Dedue any reassurance.]

You're right, it likely would. I was never an avid hunter though... Perhaps I should lean into my soul, as you've suggested. I had not considered hunting in that way.

[His ears perk up a little at the mention of a farm. While he wasn't exactly confident in his predator instincts, he still had his strength and could certainly lend a hand at the farm.] I hope that time is soon, Dedue. If you would have me, I would love to accompany you. Surely, they could find some task I'd be capable of.

I imagine that your soul is skilled at it. Though it might simply eat all of your haul if you do not keep it on a short leash.

[He's unsure if those with 'wild animal' souls find them difficult to control... Dimitri's lion seems more like a housecat than a fierce predator, though, so maybe it would be easy to contend with.]

You would?

[He didn't expect Dimitri to want to spend time on the farm, but seems quite pleased that this is the case.]

It would be nice to have you there. I am certain there are heavy lifting and strength-based tasks you are well-suited to assist with.

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