That would be the swiftest way for us to meet, yes.
[He smiles.]
Ah, yes, now I have not one, but two very good reasons for transporting myself. I shall see you soon.
[True to his word, he teleports only a few moments later, quickly adjusting his size and making his way to the door. Seeing as he was expected, he lets himself in, looking for Obsidian in the living room.]
[There are some basic things that Obsidian has learned to cook by now with his time with Angeal and Byleth, so there's a bit more to his repertoire than before. As a result he has some coffee biscuits on a plate set out, and he finishes tying off a ribbon to a box.
He glances up as he sees Themis enter; it earns a smile and he nods at the other man.]
[A groan escapes Hephaistos as he slowly stirs to awake. He’s disoriented and tired, very unlike his usual stoic self. He lays there for a while in a quasi-sleep, his red eyes peeking out from underneath his dark lashes. His eyes feel heavy, and his body stiff as he slowly stretches his arms above his head. Once done, he lays there on the pillows, almost tempted to fall back to sleep after such exertion. While he feels well-rested now, unlike before, he’s still drunk with sleep.
Hephaistos takes a moment to rub his eyes in a vain attempt to orient himself again. That is when the dulcet tone of crashing waves catches his attention. He sits up halfway from the pillows, his gaze sweeping across the great blue sea spread out before him like a painting. He stares at the distant horizon for a long while, his red gaze focusing on the tranquil blue waves. A confused hum escapes him as he glances around awkwardly in a fit of panic.
This isn’t the place Elidibus took him! Where is he? What in the world is happening—]
[Lahabrea stirs, and Elidibus enjoys the slow rise to sleep by the other man. He had clearly needed the rest, but for him to become as comfortable as he had touches Elidibus’s heart. Arms firming in their hold around his fellow Ancient, Elidibus makes a calming noise.]
Be still, dearest Lahabrea, all is well.
[His voice is hushed, soothing, the smallest of smiles coloring his expression. His eyes especially, lids heavy with relaxation.]
I have but brought us near my abode, thinking you might enjoy the ocean surf. A bit of home to wake upon.
[Then those eyes, already luminous, begin to glitter with mirth, with glee. A teasing edge practically drips from every word, now.]
To think how unawares the great Lahabrea has become, laid low in my embrace - enough to forget my entire presence! Truly shocked and hurt has this made me, how shall I ever recover from such a thing?
[He winks, once, exaggerated. In truth he is not insulted at all, the teasing mock outrage though is needed - so rare was this occasion.]
I am forced to commit the sight to memory, you have left me no choice.
[Lahabrea nearly jumped the second he notices those brilliant cerulean eyes. He stares back at Elidibus in shock, his red eyes wide with alarm. For a second, he completely forgot where this was and who he was with. He was so tired that he did not notice the strong arms wrapped around him. Poor Lahabrea. It’s not like him to be caught unaware like this, and it shows. The tips of his ears darken with shame, almost as if they were dipped in scarlet. While blush doesn't reach his cheeks, a slight hint of panic crosses his features.]
Wait, when did we—[He trails off with a huff at that little quip, shifting slightly while still comfortable within Elidibus’ languid embrace.]
Tis the price you pay for lulling me to sleep with such a coyish guise. However, I was not unaware of your presence. I was merely surprised by the change of scenery, nothing more.
[He lies in an attempt to save face. The tips of his ears burn even hotter now, the redness definitely noticeable as he protests in this vulnerable state. However, soon his eyes narrow, and his jaw squares as he glares at Elidibus.]
What do you seek from me? Is this an elaborate ruse to win my favor?
[Lahabrea questions hotly with a hint of timbre in his voice despite having yet to peel Elidibus from him. He’s comfortable, far too comfortable for words to express. The man lays there staring into the Emissary’s gaze with so much fire and spice, and yet, he is sweetly pressed against him like some lovesick beau. It is mildly hilarious, especially since Lahabrea is known for his withering glares. However, his glare has little effect when he’s content to be held like this. So no matter how much those lips may lie, his body is honest.]
[Facial expressions, words and tone, all of this Elidibus commits to memory. So rare was the occasion. But it is not born of malice, no. Merely a desire to treasure these moments. The lie is answered with a knowing smile, it does not fool him in the slightest, not when Lahabrea makes no motions, apparently content enough to remain where he is. He cannot help but chuckle at the excuse, the fluster.
That accusation, however, faint though it is...]
It is my understanding, dearest Speaker, that I have already obtained your favor. Upon my election to my position, in fact, when I earned your respect for the first time - and then kept it for many, many years. I can hardly win that which I already possess.
[But he understands Lahabrea's history. Understands why he would accuse in such a manner, even if this particular instance was brought upon not by true suspicion, but by fluster and embarrassment. To that end, Elidibus would answer true. The humor drops from his face, leaving only bald sincerity.]
What answers I may give full well may fall under suspicion, but know I do not speak false when I tell you - I seek nothing from you, Lahabrea. I wish to do what I am able to ensure that happiness follows you, that you remain comfortable here. It is not transactional in nature. Merely a wish that one I love is well, is cared for, and to be allowed to show my affections freely.
[If Lahabrea wasn’t already thoroughly flustered before, he is most certainly flustered now. He gives the younger man a knowing look, his gaze quite sincere and honest as the lie upon his lips wants to state otherwise. He stares at Elidibus for a long while before glancing toward the sea again. A gentle sigh escapes him as the tips of his ears burn hotter. He is having a time comprehending Elidibus’ affections towards him, especially after spending so many decades alone after Athena’s horrible betrayal. While a part of him yearns for this level of intimacy, another part of him is scared to trust.]
Wishing to shower me with affection, are you? [He mumbles before gazing into those brilliant blue eyes.] I have nothing to offer you other than my compliance, especially since my rank and title mean very little anymore. The riches I’ve gained from my prestige are long gone with everything I held dear…except for one.
[A sigh escapes the man as he suddenly wraps his arms around Elidibus. This is a mock surrender to the emotions this foul bastard has stirred within him. He’s scared, so very scared, to trust again. Yet despite it all, he desperately wants to believe in every word Elidibus says. He’s truly pathetic, isn’t he? A wounded man with centuries worth of baggage. Lahabrea never hated himself as he does now for being so weak.]
Not long after the delivery of the message, Dimitri will have a visitor. One Emissary, hands full with a plate of freshly made cookies, an almost shy smile on his face. Elidibus looks up at the other man with the barest of flushes on his cheeks, and a smile so fond it almost aches.
"I hope you can forgive me for such a paltry offering, but it was all I could do on such short notice," he smiles brightly. "Such a beautiful declaration required a response as soon as I could muster."
Now, he hesitates, but only briefly.
"It is important for you to know that you already hold a place in my heart, dearest Dimitri."
Dimitri can smell the cookies before he sees an Elidibus. For a few seconds, he reminisces to Amani's beginnings and how the house used to be full of delightful scents thanks to Dedue's presence. For as much as he misses the man, he's more than happy to allow for others to fill the spaces of his heart that they can.
"It's anything but," Dimitri reassures, ushering him inside, and taking the plate from him with a winning smile of his own along with a swift smooch to the top of his head. "As I've told Byleth before, things like these - made rather than generated - hold so much more meaning." They show the time, care, and effort one put into something rather than it just being delivered ready-made.
Call him old-fashioned, but that speaks a lot to how much Elidibus had likely wanted to show his appreciation. "And glad I am to hear it, though that just means I need to continue working to keep it."
Allowing himself to be guided inside, Elidibus finds himself nodding along. "When possible I do enjoy crafting by hand. There is a solidity to it that I find myself missing when resorting to pure creation magicks," a habit picked up from his living alongside mortals. While in the guise of heroes he had to act as they would, be that in battle or at rest. The skills were picked up over time, and here in Amani he had the space to think on what they truly meant to him. "Some things, however, are utterly impossible to translate from the mind to the hands - and there is where magic excels."
He stops himself before he begins to speak too far at length. That wasn't why he'd come. Reaching up, he gently frames Dimitri's face in his hands, tugging with gentle insistence. "You will need to do far less work than you think."
Should the other man resist, he will let go, but he thinks that he will not. Luminous blue eyes slip shut, and he pulls their mouths together for a tender, lengthy kiss.
It's interesting to consider that, for Elidibus, such things were for fun rather than necessity. At least, for a time. Yet instead of default to the simulation's generation of things on a whim, he again found the joy in appreciating things done by one's own hands. It speaks a lot to his character more than he knows. "So it does," he agrees.
When he turns back to Elidibus, he's being greeted by hands at the sides of his face drawing him in. "Is that-?" he starts to ask, but is interrupted by that kiss. He loses what he wanted to say and instead settles with a half-chuckled 'hm' of a sound.
[An excursion? Well, far be it from Themis to deny Erich anything reasonable - or unreasonable, truthfully - but this is a simple ask. One he'll do so gladly.]
Of course. It is quite the enjoyable spot, peaceful and easy to relax within.
[He's tempted to speak more, but Erich seems on edge. Surely that's why he seeks the spot, to bask in its calm. They can bask together.
Reaching out, he takes hold of Erichthonios's hands and transports them to the location. Thanks to his careful magic and wards, it remains neat, tidy, and untouched.
Letting go, he turns away to take in their surroundings with a soft smile. Filling his lungs with the fresh air feels fantastic. He'd been at his desk overlong.]
[He's as blunt as ever, isn't he? Well, it's a good thing Themis has grown accustomed to Lahabrea's oddities. Despite his impressive command over the human tongue, the man has a habit of being brutally honest at times.]
I will arrive at your home shortly. If you are elsewhere, please inform me of your location.
I look forward to your smile.
[Themis is thankfully not busy, but even if he had been, he would have finished up quickly to attend to Lahabrea. Making his way over to Lahabrea's home, he considers the text, and ultimately does not bother to knock. He lets himself inside and begins his search for Lahabrea.]
['My smile?' Lahabrea couldn't help but huff at that last bit, despite the fact that he was smiling from ear to ear. While he is slightly concerned about the implications of this conversation, Hephaistos is overjoyed at the opportunity to speak privately with Themis. Despite knowing his son has taken a liking to Themis, he didn't expect the boy to suddenly ask to marry him. This comes as a bit of a shock, but a welcomed one since Erichthonios certainly could've done worse. However, this is quite a development.
When he heard the knock on the door, he felt a pang of worry. What shall he say? Lahabrea never imagined such a day would arrive. However, the vast majority of parents are woefully underprepared. Perhaps it was naivety on his part, but Lahabrea couldn't help but think of Erichthonios as a child at times. After all, that's his son. No matter how big Erichthonios grows, he'll always be the chubby little bundle of joy Athena placed in his arms.
He takes a deep breath once he sees Elidibus, taking a moment to calm himself before speaking.]
[Themis does not answer Hephaistos at first. His countenance instead seems to soften, almost melting slightly, and he strides over to the far taller man. It is good that Erich told Lahabrea of their engagement - he had hoped it would happen, and that it was so soon spoke to the warder's eagerness. In truth, Elidibus knows that to their people this development was quite fast. When you are immortal, things take time, drag out, as the years slip by.
But after everything, after all of them suddenly had no time at all.
Well.
He fully believes he can be excused for a touch of hastiness.
Speaking of hastiness, he reaches up to pull Hephaistos down to him, kissing him soundly before any further words are exchanged. Let that be a sign of how he feels for the older man, and how naught has changed between them. This is a time only for happiness, and he is determined to have both. Finishing that, he lets go and smiles brightly, as if he'd done nothing.]
Am I to receive words from our dearest Speaker on the subject? Our relationship, quiet as it was, has been steadily progressing for some time now - since shortly after the events that brought us all together in the first place.
audio; time is an illusion and this is post-Bylethverse event
I realize we're all probably a bit... occupied at the moment.
[It's a bit hard to wind down after everything that's happened, and he certainly hasn't been successful at Chilling Out.]
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What is it I can do?
[What is it you need, he does not say. But he will show it so, as soon as he is able.]
I am able to travel to you, or may give to you my location. Which would you prefer?
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Suppose it's just quicker for you to appear here, isn't it?
I'm at Byleth's. Letting him rest, naturally, but I can wait in the living room for you.
Video -> Action
[He smiles.]
Ah, yes, now I have not one, but two very good reasons for transporting myself. I shall see you soon.
[True to his word, he teleports only a few moments later, quickly adjusting his size and making his way to the door. Seeing as he was expected, he lets himself in, looking for Obsidian in the living room.]
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He glances up as he sees Themis enter; it earns a smile and he nods at the other man.]
Make yourself at home.
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Seaside ✧ [action]
Hephaistos takes a moment to rub his eyes in a vain attempt to orient himself again. That is when the dulcet tone of crashing waves catches his attention. He sits up halfway from the pillows, his gaze sweeping across the great blue sea spread out before him like a painting. He stares at the distant horizon for a long while, his red gaze focusing on the tranquil blue waves. A confused hum escapes him as he glances around awkwardly in a fit of panic.
This isn’t the place Elidibus took him! Where is he? What in the world is happening—]
Action!
Be still, dearest Lahabrea, all is well.
[His voice is hushed, soothing, the smallest of smiles coloring his expression. His eyes especially, lids heavy with relaxation.]
I have but brought us near my abode, thinking you might enjoy the ocean surf. A bit of home to wake upon.
[Then those eyes, already luminous, begin to glitter with mirth, with glee. A teasing edge practically drips from every word, now.]
To think how unawares the great Lahabrea has become, laid low in my embrace - enough to forget my entire presence! Truly shocked and hurt has this made me, how shall I ever recover from such a thing?
[He winks, once, exaggerated. In truth he is not insulted at all, the teasing mock outrage though is needed - so rare was this occasion.]
I am forced to commit the sight to memory, you have left me no choice.
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Wait, when did we—[He trails off with a huff at that little quip, shifting slightly while still comfortable within Elidibus’ languid embrace.]
Tis the price you pay for lulling me to sleep with such a coyish guise. However, I was not unaware of your presence. I was merely surprised by the change of scenery, nothing more.
[He lies in an attempt to save face. The tips of his ears burn even hotter now, the redness definitely noticeable as he protests in this vulnerable state. However, soon his eyes narrow, and his jaw squares as he glares at Elidibus.]
What do you seek from me? Is this an elaborate ruse to win my favor?
[Lahabrea questions hotly with a hint of timbre in his voice despite having yet to peel Elidibus from him. He’s comfortable, far too comfortable for words to express. The man lays there staring into the Emissary’s gaze with so much fire and spice, and yet, he is sweetly pressed against him like some lovesick beau. It is mildly hilarious, especially since Lahabrea is known for his withering glares. However, his glare has little effect when he’s content to be held like this. So no matter how much those lips may lie, his body is honest.]
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That accusation, however, faint though it is...]
It is my understanding, dearest Speaker, that I have already obtained your favor. Upon my election to my position, in fact, when I earned your respect for the first time - and then kept it for many, many years. I can hardly win that which I already possess.
[But he understands Lahabrea's history. Understands why he would accuse in such a manner, even if this particular instance was brought upon not by true suspicion, but by fluster and embarrassment. To that end, Elidibus would answer true. The humor drops from his face, leaving only bald sincerity.]
What answers I may give full well may fall under suspicion, but know I do not speak false when I tell you - I seek nothing from you, Lahabrea. I wish to do what I am able to ensure that happiness follows you, that you remain comfortable here. It is not transactional in nature. Merely a wish that one I love is well, is cared for, and to be allowed to show my affections freely.
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Wishing to shower me with affection, are you? [He mumbles before gazing into those brilliant blue eyes.] I have nothing to offer you other than my compliance, especially since my rank and title mean very little anymore. The riches I’ve gained from my prestige are long gone with everything I held dear…except for one.
[A sigh escapes the man as he suddenly wraps his arms around Elidibus. This is a mock surrender to the emotions this foul bastard has stirred within him. He’s scared, so very scared, to trust again. Yet despite it all, he desperately wants to believe in every word Elidibus says. He’s truly pathetic, isn’t he? A wounded man with centuries worth of baggage. Lahabrea never hated himself as he does now for being so weak.]
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Hello spicy my old friend
nsfw
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Wrap!
happy valentine's fray
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The chase is on. Find me.
v-day delivery! (2/14)
LATE LATE SO LATE
"I hope you can forgive me for such a paltry offering, but it was all I could do on such short notice," he smiles brightly. "Such a beautiful declaration required a response as soon as I could muster."
Now, he hesitates, but only briefly.
"It is important for you to know that you already hold a place in my heart, dearest Dimitri."
right back at ya, oops
"It's anything but," Dimitri reassures, ushering him inside, and taking the plate from him with a winning smile of his own along with a swift smooch to the top of his head. "As I've told Byleth before, things like these - made rather than generated - hold so much more meaning." They show the time, care, and effort one put into something rather than it just being delivered ready-made.
Call him old-fashioned, but that speaks a lot to how much Elidibus had likely wanted to show his appreciation. "And glad I am to hear it, though that just means I need to continue working to keep it."
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He stops himself before he begins to speak too far at length. That wasn't why he'd come. Reaching up, he gently frames Dimitri's face in his hands, tugging with gentle insistence. "You will need to do far less work than you think."
Should the other man resist, he will let go, but he thinks that he will not. Luminous blue eyes slip shut, and he pulls their mouths together for a tender, lengthy kiss.
and again!!!
When he turns back to Elidibus, he's being greeted by hands at the sides of his face drawing him in. "Is that-?" he starts to ask, but is interrupted by that kiss. He loses what he wanted to say and instead settles with a half-chuckled 'hm' of a sound.
He doesn't resist. How could he, really?
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[Action]
Action!
The thought scatters as he's greeted with Erich's presence, and any confusion falls away in place of bright joy.]
Oh! Hello, my dearest love. What brings your knock to our door?
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Can you... would you accompany me to the place you took me when I first arrived here, please?
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Of course. It is quite the enjoyable spot, peaceful and easy to relax within.
[He's tempted to speak more, but Erich seems on edge. Surely that's why he seeks the spot, to bask in its calm. They can bask together.
Reaching out, he takes hold of Erichthonios's hands and transports them to the location. Thanks to his careful magic and wards, it remains neat, tidy, and untouched.
Letting go, he turns away to take in their surroundings with a soft smile. Filling his lungs with the fresh air feels fantastic. He'd been at his desk overlong.]
Did you find your peace?
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text ✧ un: orator
[He's as blunt as ever, isn't he? Well, it's a good thing Themis has grown accustomed to Lahabrea's oddities. Despite his impressive command over the human tongue, the man has a habit of being brutally honest at times.]
Text: un:@Emissary -> Action
I look forward to your smile.
[Themis is thankfully not busy, but even if he had been, he would have finished up quickly to attend to Lahabrea. Making his way over to Lahabrea's home, he considers the text, and ultimately does not bother to knock. He lets himself inside and begins his search for Lahabrea.]
[action]
When he heard the knock on the door, he felt a pang of worry. What shall he say? Lahabrea never imagined such a day would arrive. However, the vast majority of parents are woefully underprepared. Perhaps it was naivety on his part, but Lahabrea couldn't help but think of Erichthonios as a child at times. After all, that's his son. No matter how big Erichthonios grows, he'll always be the chubby little bundle of joy Athena placed in his arms.
He takes a deep breath once he sees Elidibus, taking a moment to calm himself before speaking.]
I've heard the news.
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But after everything, after all of them suddenly had no time at all.
Well.
He fully believes he can be excused for a touch of hastiness.
Speaking of hastiness, he reaches up to pull Hephaistos down to him, kissing him soundly before any further words are exchanged. Let that be a sign of how he feels for the older man, and how naught has changed between them. This is a time only for happiness, and he is determined to have both. Finishing that, he lets go and smiles brightly, as if he'd done nothing.]
Am I to receive words from our dearest Speaker on the subject? Our relationship, quiet as it was, has been steadily progressing for some time now - since shortly after the events that brought us all together in the first place.
I admit that we did attempt to be discreet.
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