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[ashenputtel]

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TEXT ✧ AUDIO ✧ VIDEO ✧ ACTION

BALTHUS VON ALBRECHT ✦ FIRE EMBLEM: THREE HOUSES
RESIDENCE ✦ Residency
GEMBOND ✦ Ruby

"Hah! What's on your mind, pal?"

INFO ✧ PERMISSIONS ✧ KINKLIST ✧ EXTRA

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[ashenputtel]

Piece of cake. It's Aubin, of course.

[Missing the point, of course, that if they're trying to prove that he's not a figment of Ashe's imagination, having Ashe ask him something that he by definition knows the answer to isn't...really...proof of anything...]

Well, now, this is certainly something, isn't it. This is a dream, and we're the both of us.

[shootyourshot]

[It absolutely proves nothing but Ashe buys into the idea that Balthus is The Balthus anyway. Listen, don't worry about.]

That's so strange. Is that something related to your Ruby maybe?

[ashenputtel]

There's no telling. But this is the first time I've ever wound up transformed like this, so maybe there's some secrets to it that I'm just not aware of, yet.

[He stops a minute, thinks, then untangles himself from Ashe just far enough to grab the waistband of his jorts and pull it out and away from his body to check the current state of his gem.]

...Well, it's not glowing. Usually it does when it's doing something. Hm.

[shootyourshot]

[Ashe almost shrieks when Balthus looks down at his Crotch Gem, but he manages to cover his mouth. He really can't look away, though.]

Ah-- well! Maybe... it has to do with your transformation? I know I could do different stuff depending on what kind of thing I turned into for that time.

[ashenputtel]

Oh, that could be. Maybe I'm glowing on the outside.

[Outside the dream, he means, but at least he doesn't really clock Ashe's moment of aroused panic while he's busy trying to sort out this conundrum.]

Uh, sorry about all this, then. If this really is something to do with my gem, then I didn't mean to barge in on your dreams.

[shootyourshot]

N-no, no it's okay. If anything... I'm really glad you're here.

[He clears his throat and works on not being as horribly flustered. It probably won't stick for long.]

It would've been a really bad dream if you weren't here with me. And I think I realized some things, too. So really, I should be thanking you.

[ashenputtel]

I'll say you did. You stomped the hell out of that...whatever it was.

[Lightly, he pulls Ashe back against him again; this time it's his turn to initiate the hug.]

And I'm proud of you for it. All the cheering and convincing in the world won't do a thing if you don't believe in yourself first.

[shootyourshot]

I'm not sure how to describe it. Probably a bunch of my worries wrapped up into one awful thing.

[The hug is nice, to have it initiated by Balthus. He leans into it, closing his eyes briefly as he puts his arms around his friend again.]

That's true. I guess... sometimes, it isn't just telling someone what you think of them. It's also encouraging them to think better of themselves, and... and also what they deserve out of their circumstances.

You're a great friend, Balthus.

[ashenputtel]

[The affection is so nice. That good, satisfied feeling blooms inside him again, insistent and encouraging for him to keep them this way as long as possible. Not that he's got any objections to that, obviously, but it's nice to know that whatever it is, they're both in agreement about it.]

That's the kind of comparing yourself to other people that you should be doing. When you see them being great, that should inspire you, not leave you feeling worthless. I've never once beat Holst in a fight, but you know what? That made me stronger. It made me get better. I wouldn't be anywhere near the man I am today if I didn't have Holst out there making me think I could be.

[He reaches up, ruffling Ashe's hair.]

And I know you've got it in you, 'cause that's one of the things I admire about you. You always step up when someone's in trouble. The world's never hurt for smart guys or strong guys — what it needs more of are the ones like you.

[shootyourshot]

Being surrounded by strong and wonderful people can be pretty inspiring.

[The ruffling makes him laugh, becoming more fond of the gesture. It's so strange that he can feel it all so vividly in a dream, but he's glad that Balthus is here. Though he does remember Bernadetta's encouragement too, that he should ask for help.

He'll have to remember both of those things.]

You think so, huh? [He reaches up, putting his hand over Balthus', smiling up at him.] Then I won't regret who I am. All I ever want is to help others.

[And sometimes, you can't help everyone.]