victory_road | September Catch All [closed]

Dimitri had thought he could cover the towel area himself, but, well, more towels is never a bad thing! Especially for what they're doing, and he reaches over to take Byleth's hand with a pleased smile.

He never thought he would ever get to hold his school crush by the hand, but here he is! Truly he is moving up in the world.

"Something a little different, but which I saw and thought you might like," he offers, as he guides Byleth out of the house and to where Fraldariend is waiting. Better the steed he knows than any of the others... and Fraldariend may want to show off, who knows. Either way, Dimitri offers Byleth help onto the Rapidash. "It is something I saw at the islands, when I went there with Shrike!"

You know, that teenager he occasionally mentions and has definitely mentally adopted.

You can never have too many towels. But all intelligent thought is gone, because Dimitri takes his hand. He recalls that rainy night, when the man had reached his breaking point. How he had seemed so focused on Byleth's hands. This Dimitri would have no memory of it, he assumes. Still, it stood out to him in a strange, fond way. This is better though, Dimitri is happy here. Happy and safe. He squeezes that hand slightly before he allows himself to be helped onto the horse... Rapidash? It's a horse. It's totally a horse.

"Well I'm quite curious now... how exciting." More so, he is excited at the idea of getting to spend an evening with the man he had longed for. It makes him feel almost lightheaded when he thinks too hard about it. A strange feeling he still has to place. Most things he has read seem to lump many of the unusual feelings he has on occasion under the 'you're in love' umbrella, though he feels compelled to classify them further at some point.

Definitely totally a horse. Just a horse with glowing pastel hair and a horn.

And also very psychic, steps smoother than natural as Fraldariend proudly takes the two of them away down the dark path littered with the occasional light - something for the young ones like Chip and Eri to find their way through. It's a simple matter to go off the side path that leads back to the beach rather than Olivine, however, and soon enough the sound of the waves is rolling against their ears.

If there is one thing that Dimitri has grown to appreciate during his time in Johto and Kanto, it is the beauty of such bright and warm beaches. The ocean makes a beautiful sight like this as they reach it, reflecting the glittering lights of distant stars. It also reflects the image of Karimala the Lapras, sitting there in the shallows and making a soft little rolling song as she sees the two of them.

"There is a small island," Dimitri explains, as he gets off of Fraldariend and helps Byleth down. "Or, at least, it is enough of land to be there during certain motions of the tide. I have a few things set up there... Along with my two Gyarados waiting for us. Have you ever heard of water skiing, Byleth?"

He did miss horseback riding, so the trip is quite welcome. Though it's hard to focus on anything with Dimitri's warmth behind him. He reminds himself quietly that he need not hold back anymore, though. So he leans back against the man, enjoying the contact while they ride. Byleth had been rather reserved all his life, but once he had gotten a taste of physical affection, it was like a switch had flipped and he couldn't get enough of it.

Maybe making up for lost time- who knows.

And here they are to go from one steed to another. The question does pique his interest, and his head drifts to the side, as it always does when he's curious.

"No, I have not. Water skiing? Isn't skiing a game to be done in the snow?" Truth be told, he's never been any kind of skiing before. He moves to greet Karimala with a gentle pat and a kiss on the snout.

"It is!" Dimitri says cheerfully, glad that Byleth is familiar with some form of snow activities. Of course, back in Faerghus, it is not nearly as slick and streamlined as it is here in Johto and Kanto. No ski resorts, or the like. Just yourself, some wood, and a bad idea!

It is amazing how that covers so many activities in Faerghus, really.

Helping Byleth up onto Karimala, Dimitri continues. "But people have made something almost similar here on the water, although it requires more than a hill and some wood, as regular skiing does. You need something to pull you along, but, once you can accomplish that... It is quite enjoyable!"

A pause, as Dimitri settles himself amongst Karimala's spikes.

"...Or so I have heard. Truth be told, I have not truly done this myself." But he thought it sounded fun, got a crash course, so they..... should be fine! Probably they will be fine! Either way, he peers around Karimala's neck.

"And I got some snacks for us as well... I made sure to pack a great deal, so even you will be sated, Byleth!"

Trying a potentially dangerous sport that neither of them have attempted before? It sounds perfectly dangerous and ill-advised. It's perfect. Byleth has to admire the creativity and thought Dimitri clearly put in. He settles down against the other man on Karimala's shell, making himself comfortable.

The comment about the food earns a soft, low laugh. That kind of awkward hiccupping sound he does.

"That's very sweet of you." He is quite aware that he does tend to eat a lot on any given day. It's funny to imagine Dimitri trying to sort out just how much to take with them. Either way, it's appreciated, and he presses a little kiss to his cheek for all his trouble. "I have to say I'm quite excited for all of this."

And... it's nice to get some alone time with him.

Hearing Byleth laugh... Every time, Dimitri has to lean against him, as though he can absorb the sweetness of such a clumsy little sound simply by proximity, by skin contact.

"I hope that you will rather like it... Although, ah, we should save the foods for after we have had our excitement!" Wouldn't do to get sick while skiing on water while being pulled by Pokemon.

Because that's the set up! A pair of Gyarados are there circling about a small bit of sand in some vaguely shallow waters - Dimitri's pair that he robbed from a Team Rocket grunt once upon a time. On the little sandbank are some beach chairs that have been set up, a sprawling beach blanket, at least three different coolers and just as many picnic baskets, things which look to be the water skiing equipment...

...And then Silkie the Indeedee and Gabbie the Miltank.

Both of them are wearing little red visors despite it being the middle of the night. Both of them are also wearing life jackets and bright red beach shorts.

The life jackets say, in white, LIFEGUARD ON DUTY.

As they get to the shallows, Dimitri hops off, and excitedly holds his hands out to Byleth. "Come - we can get set up immediately! Bente Jeremias Miela and Emmaline Raisa Gilad adjusted well to having the equipment placed on them!"

It's nice to feel Dimitri lean into him. He never imagined himself as the kind of person who would crave for romance, but here he is now, feeling his very human heart race at even the smallest trace of affection. And what a human feeling it is.

When his feet touch sand again, he takes in the whole scene. Wow- Dimitri really did go all out. He feels his chest tighten a little. Taking Dimitri's hands, but he doesn't move quite yet. He just needs a moment to look.

"You... wow. You really set all of this up for me?" His brows knit, but he can feel himself smiling. The whole thing is terribly cute. Thoughtful. He has to close his eyes for a second to get a grip on the wash of emotion that passes over him before he nods.

"All right. Let's go."

Dimitri will allow Byleth however much time that he needs. In fact, he even leans their shoulders together, just soaking in that soft warmth and hoping that Byleth feels the same.

Being able to share such sweet and special days with his loved ones like this... Dimitri could ask for nothing more, sometimes.

"Let us go indeed," he agrees quietly, when Byleth has recovered himself, and he tugs him along to where there are two pairs of both skis and surfboards. Dimitri points to the larger of the items. "When I was researching the proper gear to acquire, the merchant actually said that such things were good for a steadier feeling, if one were not used to traveling the waters. I thought it would be prudent to have such a choice!" Seeing the two humans going to make their choice, the pair of Gyarados start to circle back to the shallows.

Mostly, Byleth is just happy he gets to hold his hand. As he's looking over the equipment, his eyes trace the shape of the surfboard.

"It does seem like it might be easier... I think I'll go with that." Getting ready is kind of a to-do, but Byleth manages getting all ready to the best of his ability. Naturally he hovers near Dimitri, watching to see if the markedly clumsier man needs his help with anything. He greets the Gyrados as they come near with gentle pets and a soft voice. By now, he's familiar with most of Dimitri's pokemon, and knows nearly all of them by name. His penchant for keeping track of things paying off when it comes to pokemon-rapport, perhaps. Also it probably helps that he just adores all pokemon to begin with. They're wonderful creatures and friends.

Honestly, the surfboards are probably the safest option for the two of them... So Dimitri follows suit on that front, staying in the shallows as he does his best to figure out the whole.... thing. Which isn't that hard! Just that little anklet...

The end result has both his Gyarados hooked up to what equate to very long reins, except there's going to be no controlling them at all, and Dimitri beams while wobbling a little bit on his surfboard, one foot still in the shallows.

"Are you ready?"

This is going to be a terrible idea."

"I am!" Byleth says, crouching on his own board, as it wobbles side to side. When they start to move, it's slow at first. He's unsure on his feet, this is a new sensation, keeping his balance on this. Gradually though, as they coast along very, very gently, he manages to stand up, arms out to the side as he ties to stay upright.

"Ah... this is kind of fun." He calls back to Dimitri, daring to go just a little faster...

If only Dimitri were half so bold. As it is, he tries to stay behind just a little more, glad that the two Gyarados are surprisingly even tempered when not, you know. Newly kidnapped. And having been bribed extensively before getting here.

"I'm glad!" he says happily to Byleth, where he encourages his own partner to try and keep up, because, well, he can't just let him race ahead like this! "Ah, but, be careful - I cannot go so fast, I am sorry."

"No worries! I think I'm really getting the hang of thi-" He leans back slightly and well. That's enough to send him tumbling into the water with a splash. Thankfully, he's none worse for the wear, and he surfaces with a cough.

Well. He spoke too soon it seems.

"Byleth!"

Dimitri tries to lean to the side, to get a better look at just what terrible fate has befallen Byleth... only to have that make him lose his balance and crash into the water as well.

The Gyarados pair slow, turning around to stare at them both.

Byleth is fine thankfully, he surfaces, though his hair is a sopping curtain over his eyes now. He just kind of starts to paddle his way toward Dimitri. How can he even see like that? Don't worry about it.

"That was awesome!" He says excitedly. Well, excitedly for Byleth which is a soft pitching up of his voice. He paws a bit clumsily for Dimitri in the water. He's not particularly a strong swimmer but he gets by well enough.

Dimitri, at least, seems more certain in his swimming technique - once he surfaces, anyway. Well, at least Byleth seems... Happy? Content with everything?

"I suppose you did not hit the water too hard, if that is your reaction." Dimitri reaches up, if only to sweep away the hair over his one good eye. Somehow, his eyepatch has managed to stay on despite everything. "I have heard that some can go even faster, depending on their companion Palien! And do tricks as well!"

Not Dimitri, of course. Because he literally just tried this for the first time. Right now.

Byleth does seem fine in fact. Excited to try again, which he immediately does. Again and again. He does try going faster, and with each inevitable wipeout, sends himself skipping like a rock across the water. Delighted with it nonetheless.

Eventually though, he is shivering from being in the water too long. Enough that it finds him curled up against Dimitri to steal some body heat. Seems it's probably time to get out.

As long as Byleth is happy, then that is just about all Dimitri could ever ask for.

Just about.

Because the other qualification there is that Byleth is healthy, and shivering is the sign of its exact opposite. So Dimitri is more than happy to encourage the Gyarados pair back to the shallows, tropping through the water until he and Byleth can settle down onto the spread out beach towels. Silkie happily provides both of them with a pair of large fluffy towels as well - not exactly suited for the beach, but still wonderful for warming up in.

Dimitri is already digging in one of the baskets for some food to offer Byleth - some warm quesadillas with scrambled eggs and chiles and, of course, plenty of cheese. "Here, this should help warm you up a bit, Byleth... Did you know that there are containers for food in Johto that keep them still warm?"

Dimitri just thinks technology is neat.

"How do you feel?"

He's all too happy to curl up in the big towel and even more so when Dimitri offers him warm food. He doesn't hesitate to tuck into it with great pleasure.

"That's incredible, that it stayed so warm all this time. Thank you." He makes utterly short work of it, too.

"I feel good. Still a bit cold but good." He hesitates, and then reaches for Dimitri's hand. Just to tuck his fingers into the calloused palm and thumb over Dimitri's battled knuckles. "How do you feel?" He rests his head on his own knees, turned to look at the other man with rapt attention.

"Isn't it?" Dimitri gushes, digging through the basket for more food that he can possibly hand over to Byleth. Maybe he should have gotten some warm drinks as well... Or would that not have felt pleasant, with such a sharp contrast? Hm. He really will have to think on this sort of thing in the future.

He's in the middle of pulling out a little container with a stuffed chicken breast - tomatoes and basil and of course more cheese - when Byleth asks that question, and Dimitri looks up to him. "Me? Of course, I feel fine. Relieved, perhaps, more than anything else."

Byleth is all too happy to eat whatever Dimitri hands him. More so to lean into the man and steal his warmth as well.

"Relieved? How so?" Relieved in a broader sense? Relieved they're out of the water? Hard to say, really.

"Relieved that... you have enjoyed all of this." Dimitri tilts his head down slightly, smiling and a little bashful. "I want to truly show you a wonderful time, something that I thought you would like.... and you can be a difficult man to shop for at times!"

Besides, like. All the food. But Dimitri didn't want to be unoriginal here.

"Dimitri. Any time spent with you is enjoyable, but yes, you did very well in choosing things I like." He awards him with a very soft kiss on the cheek. "Thank you. It is quite unforgettable, if I'm being honest."

There's a pregnant pause, though. He considers before continuing.

"There is one thing though, that I think I'd very much enjoy to top the night off, though." Wink. Oh yes. He expects he'll have to explain beyond a wink because well... it's Dimitri after all. Bless him.

The way that Dimitri lights up when Byleth says it's unforgettable.... It should probably be embarrassing for anyone else. He seems wholly oblivious to the matter, however. "Then I could not be happier."

He could, perhaps, stand to be a little more quick on the uptake, however... Considering that Byleth's words just earn a blank blink. "Oh? What is it?" Dimitri suddenly frowns a little. "Oh - should I have gotten warm drinks instead? I know, I thought of it, and yet I worried it would not be a good match with the activity..."

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