Victory Road Inbox

[perfectteatime]

Hello. You've reached the message box for Byleth Eisner. Please leave a message after the beep.

... Was that all I had to do? Oh hit the pound key- BEEEEEP

Comments

[perfectteatime]

Ahh I see.

[ He nods, thoughtfully chewing a shortbread cookie. ]

If it helps, I think you are very handsome?

[shiro2hero]

[ o h n o ]

I - [Why is this hard??] - agree. About you.

[perfectteatime]

Well thank you! That's not so bad is it?

[shiro2hero]

No, no, of course not -

I'm... well. Would you believe me if I said these things are complicated?

[perfectteatime]

Of course I would. You do not owe me an explanation, but please understand that I do not think any less of you.

[shiro2hero]

[What the heck did he do to deserve this? Why are you such a good guy already, Byleth?]

[He reaches over, to put his hand on the other's shoulder or arm or whichever he can reach.]

I believe you. Thank you. [A beat of silence -] You're really kind, Byleth.

[perfectteatime]

[ He places his hand over Shiro's in return, giving him a gentle nod. ]

I am as kind as you deserve my friend. I do hope that you do not find the conversation taxing in any way.

Would you like more tea?

[shiro2hero]

[He really can't help the smile that forms. At all of this.]

A bit embarrassing, but I wouldn't say it was 'taxing'.

And yeah. I would. Thank you.

[perfectteatime]

Well, rest assured, there is nothing to be embarrassed for. My day is enriched by your company.

[ More tea it is! ]

Not to mention I have been given quite the high compliment.

And thank you for coming to join me. And for the insight into my- ah. Sight.

[shiro2hero]

Hey, now who's bringing the flattery?

[Good, tea is hot. He can say the color in his cheeks is from the tea.]

It's no problem. I just hope I'm right, and it helps.

[perfectteatime]

Well, now that I know you find me attractive, can you blame me?

[ Is he joking? It's impossible to tell. This man has a godly poker face. ]

Regardless, your willingness to help is very admirable.

[shiro2hero]

I mean... I have a hard time blaming anyone for... anything, really.

[It's about as much of a 'non answer' as he can give, considering. And also considering he really doesn't want to say 'I don't see how you could possibly reciprocate']

It's just the right thing to do, I feel like.

[perfectteatime]

That's probably not a good thing, though it does mean you have a very kind heart. Though I could tell that just by talking to you.

[shiro2hero]

Hey, I just end up seeing the good in people. Maybe that has something to do with it.

But I have to say, the person who invites someone over and makes him tea to keep his mind off a curse is pretty kind hearted, too.

[perfectteatime]

Be that as it may, you must look out for yourself sometimes.

Ah- well that's... I don't know. It's nothing really. [ A little bit of a blush. ]

[shiro2hero]

Well... we're working on that.

[Is he? Maybe. We just don't know.]

It's a lot, from where I'm sitting. And it means a lot, too.

[perfectteatime]

Well, in that case, I'll take it.

You know you're welcome to come have tea with me any time you want. I find it to be ery relaxing and I enjoy serving.

[shiro2hero]

I... I'd like that.

[No really, he would.]

I'll have to make tea for you, sometime. As a thank you.

[Because, shockingly, hot drinks are the ONE THING he can't screw up in the kitchen.]

[perfectteatime]

Well, your presence and companionship is thanks enough, but I will not say no to tea.

And you know... if you perhaps wanted to try going on a date sometime, I'd like that too.

1/?

[shiro2hero]

I've been told I make pretty decent tea.

[shiro2hero]

[ Byleth's poor Espurr can probably hear a record scratch noise though, as soon as the word Date comes up. ]

[Oops.]

[shiro2hero]

[ oh crap oh crap oh crap oh crap no no no not right now not when he can't deflect not when he has to speak his mind oh %$#@ no ]

[shiro2hero]

[No. Okay. Breathe. Focus. He cannot screw this up - he's already fond of the guy - but - ]

[But there's that lingering shadow of what he lost. Of what everyone is trying to force on him, trying to push on him. It's not Byleth's fault, there's no way the man could possibly know. Why now - why now of all times?]

[His jaw works. He's got to do this, doesn't he?]

ok done

[shiro2hero]

Byleth, I ...

I need to think about it?

[Wow, that sure feels like some kind of garbage, even if it's true. It feels like those awful 'it's not you it's me' speeches. But he really, truly isn't completely against the idea. He hasn't been. There's a part of him that deeply wants nothing more than an enthusiastic yes. While the rest of him yells betrayal.]

I'm not - I'm not opposed. I just. Need to think about it.

[perfectteatime]

[ He watches Shiro chew on that, and realizes- oh yes. He is afflicted right now. Perhaps that was not the best time to ask. There is a little pang of guilt, but the smile on his face doesn't falter at Shiro's answer. ]

Of course, Shiro. There's really no pressure, I probably should have asked you when you weren't put upon by such a strange kind of affliction. So I do apologize for putting you on the spot, I hope it doesn't stress you too badly.

Regardless, take all the time you need, and even if the answer is no, I'm more than happy to continue our friendship. Most importantly, please do not worry.

I may add that there is also no time limit on this invitation, so don't rush to decide.