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[It must be difficult, he thinks, in order to find one's fitting in a place like this. When it's less clear for them to figure out how to live their lives. Ashe had been in a similar position, shaken from going right from a war to a fairly calm lifestyle. Admittedly, he thinks that he's adapted faster than most, more glad to be without fighting. For Balthus, that must be harder when he prefers a lot of action.

Ashe leans his cheek against his shoulder, finding himself understanding a bit better. He does try to give more warmth, reassurance, even relief that Balthus is here right now. It's hard, but Ashe does appreciate that he's present now, and he certainly has no doubt that Yuri must feel that way too.]

It'll be okay.

Aw, pal. You don't need to worry about cheering me up.

[But he's still tightening his arm a little around Ashe anyway, like his sense of being at ease is a lifeline — or at the very least, a buoy in the midst of the current Balthus is swimming against.]

You guys have been through a five-year war. A couple of rough days on my part are nothing, next to that.

[A sheepish laugh escapes him.]

I know. But I care a lot about my friends. I want to do my best for you.

Is that so.

[That's a satisfied sort of remark he offers, as he finds his fork and reaches over Ashe to spear one of the potstickers before bringing it up to his mouth. Yeah, with a much longer reach than Ashe has, this configuration is pretty ideal, really.]

And has someone got your back, the way that you've got theirs? Someone with that same feeling about you that you have for them.

That's a good question. I like to think so, at least to some degree.

[Mostly, he thinks about Bernadetta and Byleth. The former surprisingly having so many similar interests as him, and wise in her way. The Professor has always been a reliable friend, of course. But they both have their priorities; that's something Ashe has accepted, even if it hurts a little.

He almost does it again. He thinks briefly on Khalid, annoyed at how evidently the other man would prefer to be intimate instead of being friends, making it fairly clear where his preferences would be. Ashe turns his head, trying to clear it, trying to think of better things. His date with Bernadetta, Byleth's warmth. It's nice, and he does like it, but there's just something bittersweet about it too.]

Ah, sorry. Here I am... just getting caught up in my own head. Sorry, let me try to think of something nicer.

C'mon, now, don't be like that. You shouldn't keep stuff like that locked up; it'll just make you crazy, pal.

[Idly, he runs his hand up and down Ashe's arm, keeping him snug against his side. It's not a whole lot, but it brings back memories of sneaking out at night to look at the stars high above the monastery, from the shadows and hidden places topside where the residents of Abyss knew they wouldn't be seen or noticed. He remembers it was always cold, but it bothered the others more than it bothered him, so they'd all end up burrowing against his side just like this sooner or later.

The saddest part is how fast he picks up on what Ashe is feeling, on his vague and inchoate frustrations. How subconsciously he already knows the remedy for such things, distance and patience and giving the other person ample room to be stupid in the most head-scratching possible ways.]

If you need a break, then let me take a crack at it. I told you I'd tell you some great stories about me and Holst from back in the day, right?

I don't really even know what to do with it.

[Except wait. And waiting is hard, but it's all that he can do while everyone just kind of sorts themselves out, Ashe included. But the contact from Balthus is nice and he closes his eyes, distracted for a moment.

Then he lets out a soft chuckle at the offer.]

You know what? Sure. I'd love to hear about you and Holst.

[He reaches over, taking the plate and replacing it on the coffee table before pulling Ashe more securely against him, leaned over enough that it's natural to kick his feet up onto the couch and lounge if he sees fit, rather than just sitting.]

All right, so. This one time when we were younger, Hilda wanted to go for a walk in the woods — the ones near Fódlan's Throat. So out we go, 'cause Holst could never say no to Hilda for anything, and wouldn't you know it, while we're out walking this big horde of monsters comes out of nowhere and approaches us.

Now, Holst, he's carrying his practice sword, right? Just one of those ones made of wood, nothing with a blade. And I've got my fists of course, but even that against a whole mess of monsters — whew! But Holst whips out his sword and he says to me, Balthus, you take Hilda and run, and you don't stop for anything. You run until she's safe, even if it kills you.

[He laughs, softly.]

It about did! I put her on my back and ran all the way back to Duke Goneril's manor. Not a short run, let me tell you! Hilda was crying and crying, and as soon as I got her back, I dropped to my knees and threw up. A waste of a good lunch, that's for sure.

[Like this, Ashe finds himself leaning a bit more against Balthus, basically snuggling him. It's warm and comfortable, and it feels safe. A rare feeling, honestly.

Ashe listens, but his brows go up.]

Wait, but what happened to Holst? There's no way he took on those monsters with just a training sword, right?

He sure did! That's Holst for you. Ahh, but even so, nobody could've held off that many monsters for long, not even someone as strong as him.

[holst is so great holst is so great HOLST IS SO GREAT]

No, I put Hilda down and ran right back out there, of course. Got there just in time, too. One of them had cornered him, a big nasty thing, and it was just winding up to bend down and eat him when wham! I threw myself right into it and knocked it off him.

Well! Nobody could've held off those monsters alone, but the two of us together? Nothing to it. We knocked the biggest one right out, and the rest turned tail and ran.

[Holy shit, Balthus and Holst are so cool and strong. Doki.]

That's incredible! I really wish I got around to meeting Holst. He sounds like a great guy. And you two make such a good team!

[DREAMY HOLST.]

Edited 2021-05-13 01:59 (UTC)

Oh, he's definitely a great guy. The best! I can't really blame him for being busy, though — Duke of Goneril and the Alliance's top general? That'd keep anybody occupied, even somebody as amazing as Holst.

[HOLST LOVING POWER HOUR UP IN HERE]

We were at the Officer's Academy together, too, you know. We won the Battle of the Eagle and Lion, and that was all because of him. Well — and the heroic contributions of the Unrivaled King of Grappling, of course!

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