sleepytimejunction | ➵ heir today, gone tomorrow

[The first and last time Ashe had met Dimitri, it had been confusing and difficult. In retrospect, no doubt more for the prince than Ashe himself; he could only imagine the horrible things he experienced and saw at the Tragedy of Duscur. Dimitri had seemed so withdrawn during their meeting, but still polite of course. The amount of trauma he experienced was not lost on Ashe, but he also had no way of knowing what else he could do but sit quietly with the prince. It didn't help that not long after, Christophe had been executed, blamed for taking part of the Tragedy.

The betrothal is really meant as a way to keep the people of Faerghus fed, and brokering peace over the unrest of the Tragedy. Gaspard might be a small village, but its farms produce adequately in comparison to a lot of the Kingdom which truly can't be underestimated. So though they lack a crest, the lands are more fertile than the colder and rockier parts of Faerghus. More than once Ashe's legitimacy has been called into question, having been once just a commoner, but Lonato had adopted him all the same and has no other heirs other than the children he'd kindly brought in from the streets.

It's certainly not the life he'd ever imagined for himself. Going from a starving thief, stealing to feed himself and his siblings, not even knowing how to read until a noble was generous to him. Now he's going to Garreg Mach for the academy, betrothed to Prince Dimitri, and trying to draw little attention to himself. He hasn't had a chance to speak with Dimitri yet, but news of his return after the skirmish by Remire Village at least comes as a relief.

So he approaches when he feels bold enough, trying to keep his nerves down.]

I'm glad you returned safely, Your Highness.

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[ It's a strange match, some people say. And they're right. The crown prince with a young man who used to be a commoner - but it's held up despite that. Dimitri doesn't want to go back on the promise that was made, even if he's still dealing with all of his own thoughts and the wounds of the Tragedy. In fact, that was the last time he'd seen Ashe - right after the Tragedy. They'd both been very young at the time, but he thinks he'd like the other boy.

He thinks.

The fact that they were both going to be at the Academy was a bonus, honestly. It would give them a chance to get to know one another again - and if either of them found it distasteful, maybe then they could call it off. Or not. Dimitri isn't sure. His thoughts are consumed with the skirmish, the attempt on their lives, and a dozen other things. He looks a bit distant when Ashe approaches and then he starts, blinking. ]

Oh! Ashe!

[ There's a slightly sheepish smile and he lifts his shoulders in a shrug. ]

Thank you. But you needn't call me "your Highness". Dimitri is fine.

[Lonato's done everything he can to try to prepare Ashe, educating him -- it's been a harder road than expected, but Ashe will never say he's ungrateful. He's extremely lucky compared to so many other people out there, and he knows it.

In return, Ashe is smiling shyly, feeling a bit helpless. Dimitri had been so despondent when they met, but rightfully so. And those wounds don't fade easily. Still, he's glad to see him doing better, or at least it appears that way.]

I... suppose that's true. Sorry, I might end up stumbling over that a few times, but I'll try. There's a part of me that can't help but still consider myself a commoner.

I don't want to interrupt whatever it is you might have going on, but I-I was hoping we could talk sometime?

You're the son of a nobleman - even adopted, you're still worthy of that title.

[ He smiles, trying to be reassuring. He's doing his best to put forward a positive attitude here. He wants to do what's best for everyone around him - even if he doubts himself. ]

It's no bother, I promise you. I was just finishing up. We could speak now, if you like?

I see.

[Though he doesn't voice it, Ashe is sincerely glad for that. Despite everything he's been through, Dimitri really is kind, isn't he? He shouldn't be surprised, considering how loyal Dedue is to him.]

Oh, of course. I guess... before, both of us weren't in a very good spot to really get to know each other. And I understand that. I couldn't imagine everything you've had to go through.

But still, I'd like to really have the chance know you.

[ Dimitri's smile turns a touch strained. He doesn't like talking about Duscur, but it is what it is at this point. It's the burden he'll bear for the rest of his life, after all. No; it's not Ashe's fault. It's his. ]

I would like that, especially if we're going to be class-mates.

[ And "house-mates" for that matter. ]

Is there... anything you particularly enjoy doing? Any hobbies?

[Right. He wants to think that even under any other circumstance, he'd still want to befriend the prince, but this is especially more complex in a way. It's laughable probably, but he always imagined falling in love to be more like one of the books he enjoys so much.

The question makes him bashful, and he ducks his head.]

Ah, well... Let me think. Let's see. I like gardening. I've learned so much about herbs from Lonato. And I like reading novels and stories quite a bit! I'm really only any good at cooking, but even then Dedue is much better than I am. I feel like quite the amateur in comparison to him.

I'm hopeless at gardening and cooking, I'm afraid, but I'd be happy to accompany you, anyway. I can at least pull weeds, you know.

[ He laughs, a bit self-deprecating. ]

Either way - just spending time with you would be wonderful.

[He chuckles, blushing a little.]

Well, you have a lot to worry about in your role, so those kinds of things? There are people who work on that. But, um... if you ever want to lend a hand, I'd be happy with that.

I was actually going to go the greenhouse, if you want to come with me. And you should tell me your hobbies too!

➵ heir today, gone tomorrow

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