[It takes everything he has not to laugh, or even show a bit of that amusement, when Dimitri explains why he'd assumed him dead. Ah. So, not dead in Dimitri's memories just... no longer in Fodlan.
The blond steps forward and Claude's easy smile tightens ever so slightly at the edges. If someone weren't watching carefully they wouldn't see anything different but there's an air of tension that wasn't there before. Not fear so much as caution.]
Don't suppose it'd do me any good to ask that you... I dunno, warn me if you're wanting to fix that whole "should be dead" thing, huh?
( that's okay. dimitri doesn't really trust anyone to the fullest either. is he worrying about that? to some extent, yes--- but he also doesn't want to dwell in the past. even if he's never forgiven by some, the desire to find some kind of friendship again would be stabilizing.
carefully, he reaches out. takes one of claude's hands and gives it a squeeze--- not too firm, not too gentle--- before using it to pull himself toward the other man. not so close to pull into a hug or anything like that (yet), but to merely be closer. )
[It's not at all what he expects, that's an understatement. Dimitri of all people wanting that sort of closeness, especially with him, seemed strange no matter how he thought about it. But then... it wasn't like they'd been close during school and then-]
Yeah... [Agreement but still wary, to a point. Dimitri was a big guy, imposing in a way Claude would never have anticipated him becoming. But the hand on his is steady and he imagines this has to be a big deal for the blond so he just... returns the squeeze and allows him to keep his hand.
So.... this is happening.
Claude is usually so good at playing everything off so smoothly but just standing here holding the other man's hand is a little awkward so he casts around for something, anything to make a joke about.]
Sorta living up to your Kingdom symbolism huh? Cats get attention on their terms and all~
( the silence makes him uneasy, but it's only because of how there aren't other voices occupying his own head. no self-imposed ghosts, no spirits of his own creation. just the deafening sound of nothing in particular. social anxieties aside, he gives claude's hand one final squeeze before letting go--- hands and fingers a little too warm now.
he prefers the warmth of the living than the chill of the dead nowadays. probably better for him in the long run. )
Make no mistake, I only wanted to make sure that you are truly here.
( that and yes. very cat. no claws, though. no scratches for claude unless he requests them. )
I must ask you about those that you believed had died. Who?
[Maybe he'll request some scratches another day~ Who can say... but the statement makes him frown a little. Truly here? What else did Dimitri think? Of course he's here.]
Ah... I've... seen a couple of the Black Eagles around...
[Not that he's going to say which ones. Though, thinking back to his conversation with Hubert he almost winces, abruptly feeling so much more guilty for..........
( oh, he might. he certainly might. after all, he might be a bristling angy lion right now, but over time? who knows! dimitri could be persuaded to not limit himself to claws only. )
Them.
( he can't hide the trace amount of scorn. of anger that creeps in like a searing hot flame. he takes one deep breath through flared nostrils, then lets it go through in between pursed lips. contempt for one particular individual than the whole bunch, but if their allegiances persist?
well. no mercy! no mercy. claws AND fangies out if needed. )
That is a concern I will deal with at a later time. ( huff. ) Would you defend them, if they were in danger?
[Claude's sure as hell not expecting any miracles as far as changing allegiances go but it isn't as though they're in any position to really start anything here. Their hands are tied. There's a whole new corrupt government to research, infiltrate, and potentially dismantle.
Only time will tell.
He's not at all surprised to see the mention of the Empire's forces anger Dimitri. Which is precisely why he hadn't said who exactly. He's pretty sure mentioning Hubert would be just a half step away from the Emperor herself.
But Dimitri's question is a complicated one. One he knows the blond wants a simple answer for. It's not that simple, though. Not to him. He disagrees with her methods but he never argued that Edelgard was wrong to try to make the changes she did. Especially now, knowing the extent of Rhea's lies and manipulation. But one doesn't change the minds of the people that easily.
Claude makes no effort to hide his frustration, sighing heavily, running a hand through his hair again, a futile attempt, as always, to tame curls that were more pronounced now that he'd had weeks at home to begin caring for them they way they needed.]
Look, Dimitri. I know you want me to say absolutely not, they're all evil but you know I can't do that. What's the saying?
The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
We have no idea how far this Nyx lady is willing to go to get what she wants and she's sure as hell lying through her teeth so.... I'll take a known entity, even if what I know is that they're untrustworthy, over the unknown.
( he's not going to like what he hears. but he knows that, if anything, it comes from a good place. it's why he doesn't immediately dismiss what claude says, instead tightening that expression on his face--- not of disappointment. not of anger, as it leaves him. why? it's because claude is right. nothing that dimitri does would improve the situation. perhaps another version of him wouldn't care about that or the future, one eye trained on revenge, but this one...
this one...
sighs. )
Then, I would let you deal with those who I cannot.
( trust. as much as he can give. it's not that dimitri isn't able to control himself, but that the familiar is still familiar. he should try to understand the situation. )
If this Nyx is being deceptive, then it is best that we somehow find common ground amongst ourselves.
( he wonders if this will surprise claude in any way. at times, it's difficult to tell what he's thinking--- if not impossible. )
[It's not often that Claude is completely at a loss for what someone's response might be. Dimitri, however, is utterly unpredictable. This man was not the beast he had seen at Gronder and his experiences were so different he couldn't really make a prediction. Even so, on a scale of bad to terrible trust was not what he expected at all.
Claude smiles at that, not the usual playful grin that he hides behind but something softer and more genuine, appreciative.]
Common ground between all of the uh... "gembonded" would be great, get everyone on the same page. But it's not likely to happen. Not even taking into account the history some of us have together, some of the worlds other come from are so vastly different it's hard to even begin to consider.... [He trails off, shaking his head a little.]
((OOC: I wasn't sure if you wanted to continue with how reserves shook out. Either way though if you ever wanna PSL things or do memes or something, hit me up. Your Dima is lovely <3 ))
( he likes that smile. he missed it, though he finds that this isn't the appropriate time to bring that up. shame, really.
lowering his head in some thought, he nods a few times. claude isn't wrong; they'd have to work together to get over the various inconsistencies among themselves. the black eagles having a presence here alone is concerning, and that's putting it lightly in dimitri's perspective. it means that there is a world where they have succeeded to some extent, and that he failed--- in some way. somehow. or, someone was missing. either way: it cannot be ignored.
however... )
I would hope that what is just and good is something easily understood between worlds. That is something we should cling onto. If we have the time to develop these bonds among gembonded, then we must do that. Not just for our sake, but for those who are also strangers to this place.
( and he now offers claude an equally warm smile. )
[Oh, Dimitri. There was that adorable naive prince again. "What is just and good..." There will always be different approaches on how what is "just and good" should be executed. It's such a warm, hopeful... unrealistic sentiment that it hurts his heart to see it from Dimitri of all people.]
We definitely have our work cut out for us, making connections and such. Plus looking into the Ministry.
( one of them is better with words and charm. one is... charming in his own right? but if he clings onto that optimism and uses it to his advantage alongside his belief in ideals that will certainly make his kingdom flourish one day, how can dimitri lose?
there is one path to a defeat, and that is not gaining trust. but actions speak louder than words when it comes to that. surely. )
[Claude shakes his head a little, guilty but firm.]
I think, no offense, it's probably best if we... stick to different circles. Somehow I don't think some of what I plan on investigating really uh- [A smirk, stupidly pleased with himself over a dumb pun.] syncs with all your noble Kingdom ideals, your kingliness.
[The teasing name, the stupid pun, all little ways to make it more light-hearted than what it really is. He's willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish his goals and, in this case, that's going to mean schmoozing with a lot of people that Dimitri would probably rather see dead than ally with. But crime has it's place and technically everything on his short list so far is highly illegal.
Let Dimitri be his accidentally charming, naive self. Claude will get his hands dirty this time.]
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no subject
Date: 2021-01-14 07:04 pm (UTC)The blond steps forward and Claude's easy smile tightens ever so slightly at the edges. If someone weren't watching carefully they wouldn't see anything different but there's an air of tension that wasn't there before. Not fear so much as caution.]
Don't suppose it'd do me any good to ask that you... I dunno, warn me if you're wanting to fix that whole "should be dead" thing, huh?
no subject
Date: 2021-01-15 03:14 pm (UTC)All I can do is give you my word that hurting you is the last thing on my mind.
( another step. this one, a little longer than the last. )
Whether this piece of knowledge will ease your nerves or not, I am unarmed.
no subject
Date: 2021-01-17 03:33 pm (UTC)Yeah that's one of the unsettling things about this place, huh? It'd be nice to be able to rearm... probably safer not to in this big city, though.
[A shrug and then he holds his hands out, as welcoming as he can be while still holding that wary tension.]
Go on then.
no subject
Date: 2021-01-17 10:15 pm (UTC)carefully, he reaches out. takes one of claude's hands and gives it a squeeze--- not too firm, not too gentle--- before using it to pull himself toward the other man. not so close to pull into a hug or anything like that (yet), but to merely be closer. )
It has been a while.
no subject
Date: 2021-01-20 03:55 am (UTC)Yeah... [Agreement but still wary, to a point. Dimitri was a big guy, imposing in a way Claude would never have anticipated him becoming. But the hand on his is steady and he imagines this has to be a big deal for the blond so he just... returns the squeeze and allows him to keep his hand.
So.... this is happening.
Claude is usually so good at playing everything off so smoothly but just standing here holding the other man's hand is a little awkward so he casts around for something, anything to make a joke about.]
Sorta living up to your Kingdom symbolism huh? Cats get attention on their terms and all~
no subject
Date: 2021-01-20 08:41 pm (UTC)he prefers the warmth of the living than the chill of the dead nowadays. probably better for him in the long run. )
Make no mistake, I only wanted to make sure that you are truly here.
( that and yes. very cat. no claws, though. no scratches for claude unless he requests them. )
I must ask you about those that you believed had died. Who?
no subject
Date: 2021-01-22 03:59 am (UTC)Ah... I've... seen a couple of the Black Eagles around...
[Not that he's going to say which ones. Though, thinking back to his conversation with Hubert he almost winces, abruptly feeling so much more guilty for..........
well all of that. Sorry Dimitri.]
no subject
Date: 2021-01-22 03:14 pm (UTC)Them.
( he can't hide the trace amount of scorn. of anger that creeps in like a searing hot flame. he takes one deep breath through flared nostrils, then lets it go through in between pursed lips. contempt for one particular individual than the whole bunch, but if their allegiances persist?
well. no mercy! no mercy. claws AND fangies out if needed. )
That is a concern I will deal with at a later time. ( huff. ) Would you defend them, if they were in danger?
no subject
Date: 2021-01-22 03:54 pm (UTC)Only time will tell.
He's not at all surprised to see the mention of the Empire's forces anger Dimitri. Which is precisely why he hadn't said who exactly. He's pretty sure mentioning Hubert would be just a half step away from the Emperor herself.
But Dimitri's question is a complicated one. One he knows the blond wants a simple answer for. It's not that simple, though. Not to him. He disagrees with her methods but he never argued that Edelgard was wrong to try to make the changes she did. Especially now, knowing the extent of Rhea's lies and manipulation. But one doesn't change the minds of the people that easily.
Claude makes no effort to hide his frustration, sighing heavily, running a hand through his hair again, a futile attempt, as always, to tame curls that were more pronounced now that he'd had weeks at home to begin caring for them they way they needed.]
Look, Dimitri. I know you want me to say absolutely not, they're all evil but you know I can't do that. What's the saying?
The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
We have no idea how far this Nyx lady is willing to go to get what she wants and she's sure as hell lying through her teeth so.... I'll take a known entity, even if what I know is that they're untrustworthy, over the unknown.
no subject
Date: 2021-01-23 06:48 am (UTC)this one...
sighs. )
Then, I would let you deal with those who I cannot.
( trust. as much as he can give. it's not that dimitri isn't able to control himself, but that the familiar is still familiar. he should try to understand the situation. )
If this Nyx is being deceptive, then it is best that we somehow find common ground amongst ourselves.
( he wonders if this will surprise claude in any way. at times, it's difficult to tell what he's thinking--- if not impossible. )
no subject
Date: 2021-01-26 02:31 pm (UTC)Claude smiles at that, not the usual playful grin that he hides behind but something softer and more genuine, appreciative.]
Common ground between all of the uh... "gembonded" would be great, get everyone on the same page. But it's not likely to happen. Not even taking into account the history some of us have together, some of the worlds other come from are so vastly different it's hard to even begin to consider.... [He trails off, shaking his head a little.]
((OOC: I wasn't sure if you wanted to continue with how reserves shook out. Either way though if you ever wanna PSL things or do memes or something, hit me up. Your Dima is lovely <3 ))
ily
Date: 2021-01-26 09:49 pm (UTC)lowering his head in some thought, he nods a few times. claude isn't wrong; they'd have to work together to get over the various inconsistencies among themselves. the black eagles having a presence here alone is concerning, and that's putting it lightly in dimitri's perspective. it means that there is a world where they have succeeded to some extent, and that he failed--- in some way. somehow. or, someone was missing. either way: it cannot be ignored.
however... )
I would hope that what is just and good is something easily understood between worlds. That is something we should cling onto. If we have the time to develop these bonds among gembonded, then we must do that. Not just for our sake, but for those who are also strangers to this place.
( and he now offers claude an equally warm smile. )
no subject
Date: 2021-01-27 03:10 am (UTC)There will always be different approaches on how what is "just and good" should be executed. It's such a warm, hopeful... unrealistic sentiment that it hurts his heart to see it from Dimitri of all people.]
We definitely have our work cut out for us, making connections and such. Plus looking into the Ministry.
no subject
Date: 2021-01-28 03:18 pm (UTC)( one of them is better with words and charm. one is... charming in his own right? but if he clings onto that optimism and uses it to his advantage alongside his belief in ideals that will certainly make his kingdom flourish one day, how can dimitri lose?
there is one path to a defeat, and that is not gaining trust. but actions speak louder than words when it comes to that. surely. )
But we will not fail. I am sure of it.
no subject
Date: 2021-01-29 10:44 am (UTC)I think, no offense, it's probably best if we... stick to different circles. Somehow I don't think some of what I plan on investigating really uh- [A smirk, stupidly pleased with himself over a dumb pun.] syncs with all your noble Kingdom ideals, your kingliness.
[The teasing name, the stupid pun, all little ways to make it more light-hearted than what it really is. He's willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish his goals and, in this case, that's going to mean schmoozing with a lot of people that Dimitri would probably rather see dead than ally with. But crime has it's place and technically everything on his short list so far is highly illegal.
Let Dimitri be his accidentally charming, naive self. Claude will get his hands dirty this time.]