( It was hard to ignore that shiver. It made Dimitri want to touch the other again, to feel along one of those scars to see if he might earn the same reaction from Claude. He silenced those thoughts in favor of rolling out the bandages to begin winding them around Claude's torso to properly cover the wound. He did allow himself to spread his hand over the warm skin in that instance, holding one end in place as he continued to secured the bandages.
The question almost made him pause, but he managed to keep moving, sliding his hand away to secure the other end of the bandages properly. )
A few months. ( He answered simply, setting the items in his hands aside in favor of reaching out to place one hand on the back of Claude's shoulder and the other on his chest to guide him to lay back in the nest of blankets. There was enough force in the gesture to say he wouldn't accept any resistance, but he was still as gentle as he could manage for the time being. )
No one knows I am here.
( There were the stories from nearby villagers, of course, ones that whispered about a beast haunting the monastery. But those outside the Imperial army and their cowardly followers were convinced of his death. A time would come when Imperial soldiers would find him here, an inevitability he'd been planning for for some time. But that was hardly something he needed to discuss with Claude. )
[A few months. Where had he been before then, and why come to the Monastery? And how can it be that no one knows where the Prince of Faerghus is? Or... would he have been made king already? Every answer begets more questions, but the urge to keep asking is abruptly interrupted by Dimitri gently but inexorably pushing him down onto the blankets.
If he thought Dimitri looked looming and huge before, it was nothing compared to how he looked hovering over Claude like this. The instincts he'd honed from life experience clashed with natural omega instinct, and he could only hope the conflict wasn't blatantly obvious on his face. A wry smile twitched reflexively to his lips.]
( Despite how easily Claude went down to the blankets and his lack of pressing for further information, Dimitri knew he'd piqued the other's interest. Claude was certainly wondering what had turned him from the polite and proper prince to this. It was only a matter of time until those words made it to the surface. )
Yes.
( It shouldn't, but the thought thrilled something inside of him. After all these years he finally had the opportunity to indulge in Claude's attention. The circumstances were far from ideal, and his own alpha instincts kept reminded him that he wanted more and more. )
[Claude was wondering a lot of things, but it seemed like he'd gotten all he was going to out of Dimtiri for now. He wasn't exactly in a mood to sleep but he was in even less of a mood to argue about it, so he shifted onto his side with a grimace and tried to relax. He tended to heal quickly, even without faith magic or potions, a useful side-effect of his crest-- and it would help make that happen faster if he got some rest.
Days pass with him healing under Dimitri's care, Claude prodding him with questions whenever he seems in an amiable enough mood to answer them, always backing off when he senses he's pushed too far into dangerous territory. Claude is all too aware of how fragile his situation is. Dimitri told him about the war, but had little details to offer, particularly on the state of the Alliance. But then, he'd been in hiding for the past several months, so it's not as though he was getting any updates himself. Claude didn't know near enough about what was going on out there to make any real plans for what to do if he left, other than try to make his way back to Alliance territory and hope for the best.
So, for now, he intended to make the best of things, search for more information, and maybe gather up some supplies, if he could get away from Dimitri long enough to do so. As soon as he was able to get around on his own without much pain, the blond followed in his steps like a shadow, almost never letting Claude out of his sight. This was especially a problem because Claude was overdue for his next dose of hormone suppressants. As far as he could tell, Dimitri still hadn't discovered his status, and he'd prefer to keep it that way-- he was already extremely overprotective of him for some reason. While Dimitri was out hunting down their next meal, he sneaked out to where the greenhouse once was, hoping it had gone mostly overlooked by thieves and bandits.]
( As the days passed with Claude under his care, Dimitri found himself wondering more than once if this entire situation were a blessing or a curse. As the days continued to creep past and they spent time in one another's company, he could feel a sense of calm and focus that was steadily pushing against his feelings of anger and need for vengeance. It made him aware of how little patience he had after all these years, encouraged him to try and work through his anger and impatience under Claude's constant questions. It was a product of his instincts, he decided one evening as he left a sleeping Claude in favor of bathing and washing both Claude's clothing and some of his own.
Dimitri couldn't quite make sense of his own thoughts at first, but after a handful of days he'd finally understood. These changes were because of Claude - his alpha instincts encouraging him to care for Claude, an omega. An omega, something in him kept whispering, that was inching closer and closer to a heat. That thought was dangerous, he reminded himself constantly. And it hadn't been easy to ground himself against it.
It made him grateful to go hunt for their next meal, to breathe in air that Claude didn't cloud so thoroughly. He wanted more than anything to curl into the nest beside Claude, to hold him close, breathe in his scent... Among other things. But at least out here, he could focus on other things.
The hunt had been quick, more so than he'd been expecting, and he'd gathered up the beast he'd killed to carry it back to the monastery. He would take care of it there, after he checked on Claude.
He made his way towards the lake, prepared to properly clean and skin their meal there when he noticed one of the doors of the green house open. Dimitri dropped the beast he carried near the lake before making his way into the green house. Even through the scent of blood and dead foliage in the greenhouse, he was dangerously aware of Claude. )
Most plants in here have long since perished. ( Dimitri explained calmly, eye sweeping the plants as if for trying to spot one that might still be living. There was evidence of recent attempts to plant some herbs in one corner, his own small tribute to Dedue. But Dimitri didn't call attention to it as he stepped further into the greenhouse and closer to Claude. )
[Claude tenses when Dimitri speaks up from behind him unexpectedly. How the hell can a man that huge move so silently? His shoulders slowly lower from where they'd hiked up somewhere around his ears in surprise, his expression smoothing out into a trademark grin before he turns around to meet Dimitri's eye.]
Yeah, I'd noticed... That's unfortunate. I was never very into the gardening aspect myself but I know my way around a lot of plants and their effects. Thought I'd check out what was still here, see if there were any medicinal herbs left. Anything useful. I can't just lay around looking pretty all day!
( It wasn't hard to miss the tension in Claude's shoulders, and Dimitri watched him carefully as the younger man turned to face him with that familiar grin. Always so quick to hide what he really felt...
He sighed as Claude explained, brows furrowing. He doubted there was anything nefarious behind Claude's real intentions here, but he couldn't find it in himself to entirely believe what he was being told.
His gaze shifted away briefly at the mention of Claude "looking pretty", desperately telling himself not to rise to that bait. )
I have been told many omegas enjoy such things. ( Dimitri responded carefully after a few, long seconds of silence, attention turning back to the other's face. ) I suppose it isn't a surprise to hear you're an exception. ( The calm in his voice said Dimitri was certain of what he was saying and there was no ill intent behind his words. )
[All the tension that had been in his shoulders is still there in his smile. He suspected Dimitri didn't entirely believe him-- not a surprise. Claude was hardly trustworthy, and Dimitri no longer the overly-trusting boy he'd once been.
He struggles not to react when Dimitri drops that he knows, his eyes widening. Well... there's not much point in trying to deny it.]
Yeah, I'm not a very conventional guy. So, when did you figure it out? [He cocks his head to the side questioningly, his smile tight. Coming from someone else he might take offense-- usually people don't mean it in a complimentary way when they say something like that. But Dimitri still had that straight-forwardness about him in his tone of voice.]
( Claude was surprisingly calm in the face of Dimitri's reveal, but he suspected under the surface, Claude was anything but. )
Within the last day or so. ( He replied honestly, taking a few careful steps towards Claude. There was a desire there to reach out and touch Claude, to try and ease some of that tightness out of his smile. But his touch would be unwelcome, he was sure of that. )
Even so, know you are safe with me, Claude.
( For a moment, Dimitri stood quietly watching Claude. More than anything, he wanted to touch Claude, to try and reassure him in some way. To emphasize how fiercely he would protect him. But this was Claude. A man who had such little trust in anyone. He doubted anything he might say or do would change that.
The thought made him turn to leave the greenhouse and return to his task, and he made it a few paces away before he paused. )
You are always beautiful, regardless of what you are doing. ( Whether he was sitting, standing, laying around... )
[So, about the time his last dose ran it's course. That's a small comfort, at least.]
I know you're not the kind of person to take advantage like that. [There's a lot that's changed about Dimitri, but enough hasn't that Claude can still trust his impression of him. But there's a big difference between that and trusting Dimitri.
The blond turns away and Claude fully intends to keep looking through the greenhouse, just in case, but Dimitri surprises him again.
Claude knows he's attractive-- exotic is the word usually used in Fodlan. Handsome, even pretty... but beautiful feels... different. And Dimitri says it like he does everything else, like he means every syllable because he does. It throws Claude off his guard, blood rushing to his cheeks. He recovers quickly, though, huffing out a laugh.] Always, huh? Trying to win me over with flattery, I see.
( A part of Dimitri considered arguing that he'd changed in the handful of years since he'd last seen Claude. There was no telling what he might do now. But such an argument would do him no favors. A part of him wanted nothing more than to stay in the younger man's good graces for as long as he could, to enjoy moments he would never have again. It was selfish of him, and perhaps years ago he wouldn't have allowed himself such liberties. But now, he had nothing. To allow himself to enjoy something he never thought he would have again would do Claude no harm.
He sighed quietly to himself, shaking his head at the other's words. He wondered if Claude blushed when he said them, even considered looking over his shoulder, but instead, he kept forward to the doors of the greenhouse. He opened one fully, motioning Claude out expectantly as he glanced towards the younger man finally. )
Honesty. ( Dimitri corrected after a moment, watching Claude carefully. What he said to Claude was never just words meant to flirt and flatter. He meant them perhaps too intently at times. )
Come with me.
( It wasn't the most glorious task to clean their kill to make it a proper meal, but it would be quick enough. Dimitri was far more comfortable with the idea of having the other in his view rather than letting him continue to wander. )
So you are trying to win me over. [Claude raises an eyebrow as Dimitri waves him to the door, considering whether to go along with it. His gaze sweeps over the greenhouse one more time-- yeah, he should probably just come back later. If he can get here without the surprise escort.
He watches Dimitri's expression carefully, aware he's about to tread on some potentially rocky ground.]
You really don't want to let me out of your sight for a moment, do you? What do you think is going to happen?
( The question made color blossom on Dimitri's cheeks, but he said nothing in response. During their days at the academy, he might have admitted to such a thing. But now, he didn't know if that were true. So many of the last few years had been spent lost to his anger and thirst for blood and violence that the sudden clarity and calm being with Claude brought to him still felt... surreal.
He raised a brow in return as Claude watched him, waiting for him to move.
The question made tension rise in his shoulders, and he did look only for a moment as if trying to form a proper response to the question. )
No, I do not. ( He confessed, gaze still fixed away from Claude. ) It is... difficult to explain. I don't truly understand it myself. ( A blue eye turned back to Claude this time, trying to emphasize the truth behind those words. )
[Claude stares hard at him, searching for signs that he's being dishonest or hiding something. This new Dimitri is many things, but a good liar isn't one of them.
After a moment, Claude shakes his head and smiles wryly, stepping forward to follow Dimitri out of the greenhouse.]
So where are we going? Did you catch us some dinner, oh big strong Alpha?
( Dimitri was certain even if he hadn't been looking at Claude, he would certainly feel the intensity of the other's gaze on him. No doubt Claude was considering what he said, trying to make sense of it. Dimitri was in no particular hurry to rush those thoughts out of wariness that questions he couldn't (or wouldn't) answer might follow.
When the younger only smiled and stepped forward, he nodded quietly and motioned for Claude to follow him. )
To the pond. I found a wild boar.
( This close to where he'd left it, he was sure Claude could see the animal where it lay motionless waiting to be cleaned and cooked.
A part of Dimitri couldn't help but feel a bit of pride at having found food for Claude, a gesture his instincts hoped the other appreciated. )
[Claude snorts, remembering how Felix would always refer to Dimitri. Huh... come to think of it, he wasn't entirely wrong about Dimitri, was he? Obviously he wasn't a completely heartless beast, but there was definitely something beneath all the Prince's polish. This didn't just come out of nowhere.]
Sounds good to me.
[He helps out as much as he can with preparing the food, more than ready to have something to do with his hands after so long in Dimitri's care.
He never did get another opportunity to sneak down to the greenhouse the next couple days, though he did raid the library, as well as Seteth and Rhea's former offices (with Dimitri stalking behind him, of course) so he at least had something to occupy his time with. Until he came up with a better plan, he may as well investigate what was left of the places he'd never been able to access while the Monastery was up and running.
He's reading through financial records when the feeling first hits. He feels-- antsy, it's even more difficult than usual to sit still. He doesn't think much of it, though, at least not until he starts to sweat. Suddenly the mild air in the room Dimitri had claimed felt like the sauna. It was getting difficult to focus on the meaning of the words he was reading.
The realization hits him all at once. Of course... gods, he was such an idiot. He'd been on suppressants for so long, his cycle must have been thrown off entirely. And now-- now he was practically in an Alpha's nest. Everything had Dimitri's scent, and it was only making his instincts come on faster.]
( The next few days were busy with Dimitri tailing quietly after Claude in his exploration - ready for an attack but forcing himself to keep his distance and not crowd the other more than he already did. It became difficult the previous morning when his senses told him something with Claude had changed. His alpha instincts were quick to tell him that this was it - that his beloved was close to a heat. Would need him now more than ever.
It took everything Dimitri had not to give in when Claude began to show those first couple of signs. The restlessness, the beginnings of sweat on his skin...
Dimitri forced himself to sit quietly as he had been for the better part of the morning, not far from the nest where Claude was settled. One leg was stretched out in front of him, the other drawn up for his knee to support the weight of one arm. Despite the part of him that screamed to give Claude attention, to move closer, to lure him further into his heat and claim him, Dimitri stayed still. His gaze was fixed on the toe of his boot, breathing steady despite the way he could feel his stomach fluttering in anticipation, his heartbeat beginning to pick up.
He stayed that way for a few, long moments before finally turning his head to glance carefully at Claude as if waiting for further signs of what he knew was coming. )
Are you alright? ( He prompted quietly, gaze careful as he watched the younger. )
[Claude shivered at the sound of Dimitri's voice, carefully putting the book and his notes aside with shaking hands. It surprised him, how quickly and thoroughly it had set in. He felt dizzy with need, starved. He'd only been through a heat once before, not long after he'd been accepted as the Von Riegan heir. He'd holed up in his new room at the estate for a few days, and it hadn't been pleasant, but it wasn't like this. Whether it was because he was still a juvenile at the time or it was purely Dimitri's closeness making the difference, he didn't know.
He could already feel the slick pooling between his legs, his face flushing even darker in embarrassment. He turns back to meet Dimitri's eye, his own gaze slightly hazy.]
You know what's happening, don't you? [He smiles, nervous and uncertain.]
( Dimitri's gaze fell to Claude's hands as he put the book down, distracted briefly by the tremble he could see in his hands. It was such a strange sight to see when he was so used to seeing Claude so confident and composed in everything he did. Even so, there was no denying the excitement at seeing Claude come undone in such a way - something he was certain very few, if any had ever witnessed before.
Those thoughts had his gaze lifting back to Claude's face, the flush of his cheeks and that nervous smile. )
I do. ( He replied calmly, nodding. He had realized it was coming well before Claude did, he mused. But that was something he was certain Claude did not want to hear. )
It will pass.
( But he knew that was hardly any comfort. When he had gone through his first rut, locked away in a part of the castle that could endure his restlessness and outbursts of his strength in his rut, it had felt like an eternity. The sheer strength of the need in his bones was maddening even without an omega there to focus on. Claude was surrounded by reminders of him - how long would it take before Claude lost himself to his heat?
There was a brief thought that he could leave, give Claude space to wait this out, but he refused. Even if the sight of Claude in a heat and untouchable would rile him to his core. )
[Every inhale fills his lungs with Dimitri's scent; he gives a high animal whine, unable to look away from the Alpha. Why isn't he coming over to claim him? He could swear he smells Dimitri's interest, but maybe he's wrong, it's not like he's ever been around an Alpha while in heat before.
Wait, no-- he didn't want Dimitri to claim him. Not right now, not like this. It was getting more and more difficult to remember why that wouldn't be the best idea he's ever had, though.]
It didn't feel like this before. [He whimpers, flopping back into the pile of blankets and burying his face in one, his cock already tenting his pants, the back of them soaking through. His clothes feel too restrictive, too much for his rapidly sensitizing skin to bear.]
( That whine left Claude, and Dimitri had to take a deep breath to calm himself. He would resist Claude despite how badly he simply wanted to give into him. It would be difficult, but he would stay here by his side, protect him in case the worst happened while still being there to offer what little comfort he could. It would be difficult either way, but if he could offer even the slightest bit of relief without crossing a line, he would.
Standing quietly, he made his way towards Claude. He was careful in the way he reached out, helping him to sit back up and tugging the blanket away from his face. ) I imagine you weren't in an alpha's bed the last time you were in heat. ( He explained calmly, supporting Claude with one arm around his back at his other hand started to work at the buttons and fasteners of his clothing. )
Try to relax. I will take care of you.
( Adjusting his hold on Claude, he did his best to remove the layers of his top while trying his damnedest to keep his hands from brushing skin, his gaze from lingering. This was no time to indulge - not when Claude was in such a state. )
[He stills when he hears Dimitri moving, thrumming with anticipation. But Dimitri just drags him up to sitting again, pulling away the blanket from his reddened face. He whines a complaint, leaning heavy into every touch. He tries to slide his hands under Dimitri's armor, desperate for the warmth of his skin.
Dimitri's words register, but barely. No, last time he didn't have an alpha around, last time he was alone... but this time... It's only when Dimitri starts removing his clothes that he settles down a little. Dimitri will take care of him, he said. Claude is still vibrating out of his skin with need but he tries to trust that. Dimitri isn't really touching him, not anymore than he has to to undress him.] Touch me, please--!
( It was a difficult task to steel himself against the way Claude's hands touched his armor, seeking out skin. He forced himself to focus on the last few layers on Claude's top before easing him back down into the nest. )
You have to stay still.
( Dimitri ordered despite the way Claude pleaded for him to touch him. He could do it, he reminded himself, feeling the hum of arousal in his veins as he breathed in the scent of Claude leaking, his desperation.
He reached out to start start on Claude's pants before pausing at the sight of the wetness there, the obvious arousal pressing against the fabric. He breathed out slowly, forcing himself start on the ties of his pants and ease them down slowly. He couldn't let himself stare or touch despite how badly he wanted to. He forced himself to focus on the way Claude's pants slid down his legs. )
[Dimitri pushes him back down onto the blankets, drawing a wanton moan from him. He tried to obey the alpha's order, his chest heaving, fingers twisting in the blankets as those big hands worked the ties of his pants open. Dimitri said he'd take care of him, he had to let him-- but it was so hard to stay still as his trousers were dragged agonizingly slowly down his legs.
He's barely aware of the mess of pleas and the older man's name falling from his lips. His cock strains at his underwear, every inch of his skin aching to be touched. A sob builds up in his chest as Dimitri continues to only touch him over his clothes, only to remove them.]
( Dimitri couldn't deny this was a beautiful sight. To hear Claude pleading for his attention, saying his name in such a way... It was something he wanted so desperately years ago during his time at the academy (and still wanted), but not like this. Not when Claude was desperate for any bit of attention he could get from anyone.
He set aside Claude's pants with the rest of his clothing before reaching to start on his underwear. He was just as slow and careful here, mindful not to make Claude even more uncomfortable but also certain to keep his hands from touching parts of Claude that would certainly make the situation worse. Once they were finally off, he was quick to cover Claude up with one of the blankets. )
Is there anything I can do?
( Besides the obvious, he mused, hesitating before reaching to gently brush the back of bare knuckles across Claude's cheek and jaw. It was a small touch, entirely self-indulgent, he knew, but perhaps it could give Claude something. )
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The question almost made him pause, but he managed to keep moving, sliding his hand away to secure the other end of the bandages properly. )
A few months. ( He answered simply, setting the items in his hands aside in favor of reaching out to place one hand on the back of Claude's shoulder and the other on his chest to guide him to lay back in the nest of blankets. There was enough force in the gesture to say he wouldn't accept any resistance, but he was still as gentle as he could manage for the time being. )
No one knows I am here.
( There were the stories from nearby villagers, of course, ones that whispered about a beast haunting the monastery. But those outside the Imperial army and their cowardly followers were convinced of his death. A time would come when Imperial soldiers would find him here, an inevitability he'd been planning for for some time. But that was hardly something he needed to discuss with Claude. )
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If he thought Dimitri looked looming and huge before, it was nothing compared to how he looked hovering over Claude like this. The instincts he'd honed from life experience clashed with natural omega instinct, and he could only hope the conflict wasn't blatantly obvious on his face. A wry smile twitched reflexively to his lips.]
Guess it's just you and me for a while then, huh?
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Yes.
( It shouldn't, but the thought thrilled something inside of him. After all these years he finally had the opportunity to indulge in Claude's attention. The circumstances were far from ideal, and his own alpha instincts kept reminded him that he wanted more and more. )
Rest. You need your strength.
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Days pass with him healing under Dimitri's care, Claude prodding him with questions whenever he seems in an amiable enough mood to answer them, always backing off when he senses he's pushed too far into dangerous territory. Claude is all too aware of how fragile his situation is. Dimitri told him about the war, but had little details to offer, particularly on the state of the Alliance. But then, he'd been in hiding for the past several months, so it's not as though he was getting any updates himself. Claude didn't know near enough about what was going on out there to make any real plans for what to do if he left, other than try to make his way back to Alliance territory and hope for the best.
So, for now, he intended to make the best of things, search for more information, and maybe gather up some supplies, if he could get away from Dimitri long enough to do so. As soon as he was able to get around on his own without much pain, the blond followed in his steps like a shadow, almost never letting Claude out of his sight. This was especially a problem because Claude was overdue for his next dose of hormone suppressants. As far as he could tell, Dimitri still hadn't discovered his status, and he'd prefer to keep it that way-- he was already extremely overprotective of him for some reason. While Dimitri was out hunting down their next meal, he sneaked out to where the greenhouse once was, hoping it had gone mostly overlooked by thieves and bandits.]
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Dimitri couldn't quite make sense of his own thoughts at first, but after a handful of days he'd finally understood. These changes were because of Claude - his alpha instincts encouraging him to care for Claude, an omega. An omega, something in him kept whispering, that was inching closer and closer to a heat. That thought was dangerous, he reminded himself constantly. And it hadn't been easy to ground himself against it.
It made him grateful to go hunt for their next meal, to breathe in air that Claude didn't cloud so thoroughly. He wanted more than anything to curl into the nest beside Claude, to hold him close, breathe in his scent... Among other things. But at least out here, he could focus on other things.
The hunt had been quick, more so than he'd been expecting, and he'd gathered up the beast he'd killed to carry it back to the monastery. He would take care of it there, after he checked on Claude.
He made his way towards the lake, prepared to properly clean and skin their meal there when he noticed one of the doors of the green house open. Dimitri dropped the beast he carried near the lake before making his way into the green house. Even through the scent of blood and dead foliage in the greenhouse, he was dangerously aware of Claude. )
Most plants in here have long since perished. ( Dimitri explained calmly, eye sweeping the plants as if for trying to spot one that might still be living. There was evidence of recent attempts to plant some herbs in one corner, his own small tribute to Dedue. But Dimitri didn't call attention to it as he stepped further into the greenhouse and closer to Claude. )
Are you looking for something?
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Yeah, I'd noticed... That's unfortunate. I was never very into the gardening aspect myself but I know my way around a lot of plants and their effects. Thought I'd check out what was still here, see if there were any medicinal herbs left. Anything useful. I can't just lay around looking pretty all day!
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He sighed as Claude explained, brows furrowing. He doubted there was anything nefarious behind Claude's real intentions here, but he couldn't find it in himself to entirely believe what he was being told.
His gaze shifted away briefly at the mention of Claude "looking pretty", desperately telling himself not to rise to that bait. )
I have been told many omegas enjoy such things. ( Dimitri responded carefully after a few, long seconds of silence, attention turning back to the other's face. ) I suppose it isn't a surprise to hear you're an exception. ( The calm in his voice said Dimitri was certain of what he was saying and there was no ill intent behind his words. )
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He struggles not to react when Dimitri drops that he knows, his eyes widening. Well... there's not much point in trying to deny it.]
Yeah, I'm not a very conventional guy. So, when did you figure it out? [He cocks his head to the side questioningly, his smile tight. Coming from someone else he might take offense-- usually people don't mean it in a complimentary way when they say something like that. But Dimitri still had that straight-forwardness about him in his tone of voice.]
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Within the last day or so. ( He replied honestly, taking a few careful steps towards Claude. There was a desire there to reach out and touch Claude, to try and ease some of that tightness out of his smile. But his touch would be unwelcome, he was sure of that. )
Even so, know you are safe with me, Claude.
( For a moment, Dimitri stood quietly watching Claude. More than anything, he wanted to touch Claude, to try and reassure him in some way. To emphasize how fiercely he would protect him. But this was Claude. A man who had such little trust in anyone. He doubted anything he might say or do would change that.
The thought made him turn to leave the greenhouse and return to his task, and he made it a few paces away before he paused. )
You are always beautiful, regardless of what you are doing. ( Whether he was sitting, standing, laying around... )
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I know you're not the kind of person to take advantage like that. [There's a lot that's changed about Dimitri, but enough hasn't that Claude can still trust his impression of him. But there's a big difference between that and trusting Dimitri.
The blond turns away and Claude fully intends to keep looking through the greenhouse, just in case, but Dimitri surprises him again.
Claude knows he's attractive-- exotic is the word usually used in Fodlan. Handsome, even pretty... but beautiful feels... different. And Dimitri says it like he does everything else, like he means every syllable because he does. It throws Claude off his guard, blood rushing to his cheeks. He recovers quickly, though, huffing out a laugh.] Always, huh? Trying to win me over with flattery, I see.
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He sighed quietly to himself, shaking his head at the other's words. He wondered if Claude blushed when he said them, even considered looking over his shoulder, but instead, he kept forward to the doors of the greenhouse. He opened one fully, motioning Claude out expectantly as he glanced towards the younger man finally. )
Honesty. ( Dimitri corrected after a moment, watching Claude carefully. What he said to Claude was never just words meant to flirt and flatter. He meant them perhaps too intently at times. )
Come with me.
( It wasn't the most glorious task to clean their kill to make it a proper meal, but it would be quick enough. Dimitri was far more comfortable with the idea of having the other in his view rather than letting him continue to wander. )
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He watches Dimitri's expression carefully, aware he's about to tread on some potentially rocky ground.]
You really don't want to let me out of your sight for a moment, do you? What do you think is going to happen?
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He raised a brow in return as Claude watched him, waiting for him to move.
The question made tension rise in his shoulders, and he did look only for a moment as if trying to form a proper response to the question. )
No, I do not. ( He confessed, gaze still fixed away from Claude. ) It is... difficult to explain. I don't truly understand it myself. ( A blue eye turned back to Claude this time, trying to emphasize the truth behind those words. )
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After a moment, Claude shakes his head and smiles wryly, stepping forward to follow Dimitri out of the greenhouse.]
So where are we going? Did you catch us some dinner, oh big strong Alpha?
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When the younger only smiled and stepped forward, he nodded quietly and motioned for Claude to follow him. )
To the pond. I found a wild boar.
( This close to where he'd left it, he was sure Claude could see the animal where it lay motionless waiting to be cleaned and cooked.
A part of Dimitri couldn't help but feel a bit of pride at having found food for Claude, a gesture his instincts hoped the other appreciated. )
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Sounds good to me.
[He helps out as much as he can with preparing the food, more than ready to have something to do with his hands after so long in Dimitri's care.
He never did get another opportunity to sneak down to the greenhouse the next couple days, though he did raid the library, as well as Seteth and Rhea's former offices (with Dimitri stalking behind him, of course) so he at least had something to occupy his time with. Until he came up with a better plan, he may as well investigate what was left of the places he'd never been able to access while the Monastery was up and running.
He's reading through financial records when the feeling first hits. He feels-- antsy, it's even more difficult than usual to sit still. He doesn't think much of it, though, at least not until he starts to sweat. Suddenly the mild air in the room Dimitri had claimed felt like the sauna. It was getting difficult to focus on the meaning of the words he was reading.
The realization hits him all at once. Of course... gods, he was such an idiot. He'd been on suppressants for so long, his cycle must have been thrown off entirely. And now-- now he was practically in an Alpha's nest. Everything had Dimitri's scent, and it was only making his instincts come on faster.]
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It took everything Dimitri had not to give in when Claude began to show those first couple of signs. The restlessness, the beginnings of sweat on his skin...
Dimitri forced himself to sit quietly as he had been for the better part of the morning, not far from the nest where Claude was settled. One leg was stretched out in front of him, the other drawn up for his knee to support the weight of one arm. Despite the part of him that screamed to give Claude attention, to move closer, to lure him further into his heat and claim him, Dimitri stayed still. His gaze was fixed on the toe of his boot, breathing steady despite the way he could feel his stomach fluttering in anticipation, his heartbeat beginning to pick up.
He stayed that way for a few, long moments before finally turning his head to glance carefully at Claude as if waiting for further signs of what he knew was coming. )
Are you alright? ( He prompted quietly, gaze careful as he watched the younger. )
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He could already feel the slick pooling between his legs, his face flushing even darker in embarrassment. He turns back to meet Dimitri's eye, his own gaze slightly hazy.]
You know what's happening, don't you? [He smiles, nervous and uncertain.]
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Those thoughts had his gaze lifting back to Claude's face, the flush of his cheeks and that nervous smile. )
I do. ( He replied calmly, nodding. He had realized it was coming well before Claude did, he mused. But that was something he was certain Claude did not want to hear. )
It will pass.
( But he knew that was hardly any comfort. When he had gone through his first rut, locked away in a part of the castle that could endure his restlessness and outbursts of his strength in his rut, it had felt like an eternity. The sheer strength of the need in his bones was maddening even without an omega there to focus on. Claude was surrounded by reminders of him - how long would it take before Claude lost himself to his heat?
There was a brief thought that he could leave, give Claude space to wait this out, but he refused. Even if the sight of Claude in a heat and untouchable would rile him to his core. )
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Wait, no-- he didn't want Dimitri to claim him. Not right now, not like this. It was getting more and more difficult to remember why that wouldn't be the best idea he's ever had, though.]
It didn't feel like this before. [He whimpers, flopping back into the pile of blankets and burying his face in one, his cock already tenting his pants, the back of them soaking through. His clothes feel too restrictive, too much for his rapidly sensitizing skin to bear.]
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Standing quietly, he made his way towards Claude. He was careful in the way he reached out, helping him to sit back up and tugging the blanket away from his face. ) I imagine you weren't in an alpha's bed the last time you were in heat. ( He explained calmly, supporting Claude with one arm around his back at his other hand started to work at the buttons and fasteners of his clothing. )
Try to relax. I will take care of you.
( Adjusting his hold on Claude, he did his best to remove the layers of his top while trying his damnedest to keep his hands from brushing skin, his gaze from lingering. This was no time to indulge - not when Claude was in such a state. )
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Dimitri's words register, but barely. No, last time he didn't have an alpha around, last time he was alone... but this time... It's only when Dimitri starts removing his clothes that he settles down a little. Dimitri will take care of him, he said. Claude is still vibrating out of his skin with need but he tries to trust that. Dimitri isn't really touching him, not anymore than he has to to undress him.] Touch me, please--!
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You have to stay still.
( Dimitri ordered despite the way Claude pleaded for him to touch him. He could do it, he reminded himself, feeling the hum of arousal in his veins as he breathed in the scent of Claude leaking, his desperation.
He reached out to start start on Claude's pants before pausing at the sight of the wetness there, the obvious arousal pressing against the fabric. He breathed out slowly, forcing himself start on the ties of his pants and ease them down slowly. He couldn't let himself stare or touch despite how badly he wanted to. He forced himself to focus on the way Claude's pants slid down his legs. )
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He's barely aware of the mess of pleas and the older man's name falling from his lips. His cock strains at his underwear, every inch of his skin aching to be touched. A sob builds up in his chest as Dimitri continues to only touch him over his clothes, only to remove them.]
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He set aside Claude's pants with the rest of his clothing before reaching to start on his underwear. He was just as slow and careful here, mindful not to make Claude even more uncomfortable but also certain to keep his hands from touching parts of Claude that would certainly make the situation worse. Once they were finally off, he was quick to cover Claude up with one of the blankets. )
Is there anything I can do?
( Besides the obvious, he mused, hesitating before reaching to gently brush the back of bare knuckles across Claude's cheek and jaw. It was a small touch, entirely self-indulgent, he knew, but perhaps it could give Claude something. )
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