with @studiodrafts, hypatia and midna "you're very beautiful." the statement comes out of nowhere , but it doesn't seem out of place in the princess' mind. she's been admiring hypatia for quite some time now , watched her grow as a leader in the short time they've become acquainted. she respects her , sees her as a friend , but perhaps she longs for more than just that. midna's head tilts to the side , her smile every vibrant as she watches for the inquisitor's reaction. "i hope you know that. you have this elegance about you . . . i find myself unable to look away."
it stops her. her hand is frozen in place, fingers twirling a few black strands of hair back into her braid. after a moment's pause to catch her breath (and replay midna's words over and over in her head, making sure she didn't just imagine them), hypatia blinks, turns, and catches midna's peaceful face with her own startled expression. "i... thank you, your highness. that's very kind of you to say." her lungs are squeezed tightly in her chest like two fists, cramped by feelings, too emotional. when hypatia inhales, it feels like she's underwater — locked away, burdened by the will-they won't-theys of this upcoming conversation. "you are exceptionally beautiful, as well," she finally adds. her hands resume the repair of her braid, returning fallen strands to the carefully wound wrap. now it's a distraction, a way to keep her hands busy while her mind races. midna's eyes haven't yet left hypatia's face. "i certainly don't try to be... elegant. most of the time i'm stumbling around or stepping over mud puddles in skyhold's courtyard. but you see me here, at my best... i'm trying to be my best around you." maker, now her cheeks hurt. her skin is on fire. "i'm trying to impress you, i suppose..."