@boareign, continued frm here :*
my friend, he calls him, and ferdinand feels his heart warm. all joking aside, it is nice to see dimitri in this light --- to see more of his face, to see him smile, and to catch a flicker of the leader that the lion is destined to be: strong, compassionate, and firm but still kind. ferdinand’s grin will soften under the sweetness of it all, glad to see that the young king is listening to his people --- to see him taking steps to take care of himself, after all he’s been through.
ferdinand did not always feel welcome here ---- always as though he has something to prove due to his... previous allegiances, always feeling like a bit of an outcast, tucked away on the outskirts and left to look in. but as time passes, that feeling fades away bit by bit, and baring witness to dimitri’s laugh further drives those phantom thoughts from his mind. ( the laugh replays in his head, once or twice --- he does not think he’s ever heard dimitri sound so carefree. even during their school days, he hadn’t witnessed such a thing. )
❝ truly, that is wonderful. i agree with whoever gave you that advice --- you look very dashing, if i may say so! ❞ he’ll say so, regardless of whether he can or cannot --- it is ferdinand’s job to give advice, and to reassure and help guide the leaders around him. this is but a small step in the right direction, and he would like to ensure that there are many more.
he gives dimitri a nod, and a smile full of warmth and genuine affection. the offer that’s extended to him is sweet, and it’s one that he would be a fool to turn down. ❝ it would be my honour to help you, your majesty. i may already have a few things in mind! ❞