#*; Blue Lion » MAIN | Dedue Molinaro

[multiipl]

*; @nobleburn​ » starter call ❤

Under normal circumstances, he would not approach anyone first. However, it was His Highnesses wish for him to pass Nikolette a message. ─── ❝ Nikolette. I hope I am not disturbing you. His Highness wished for me to deliver a message to you. ❞

[mysterynoel]

12 Days of Ficmas Day 12 - Blue Lions Count of Monte Cristo Inspired

Title: The Boar Prince of Remire

Chapter Title: Engagement Ball

Ship: Sylvain Jose Gautier/Ingrid Brandl Galatea, Mercedes von Martritz/Dedue Molinaro, Annette Fantine Dominic/Felix Hugo Fraldarius (and Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd/Female My Unit | Byleth, but despite being the main ship, it isn't present here)

First made: April 2021

Last worked on: December 2022

At another table sat two people not unfamiliar to the expectations of arranged crested marriages.

Sylvain Jose Gautier, heir to House Gautier and the title of Margrave Gautier, had been told since he was young that he would carry on the family line. He had built up a reputation as a philanderer for that reason; playing with the affections of many of the girls he met, knowing they were not interested in him but what they could get from him. Nobles had wondered about when he would settle down and take a wife while young woman had tried to enter a courtship with him, but he had turned them all down.

Mercedes von Martritz, though a commoner, had the distinction of being a crest-bearer. Many young noblemen looking to strengthen their house and name had sent letters asking for her hand in marriage, but she had refused each one. Her father’s anger at her actions was no secret to those in the merchants’ district, but she was adamant in her wish to either devote herself to the church or marry for love.

To say Sylvain escorting Mercedes to tonight’s ball earned the attention of a few guests would be an understatement. All around them, whispers involving a union between them swirled about. A few were excited gossip, though many were laced with talks of scandal and impropriety. The two had spent a few dances together in an attempt to enjoy the evening, but as the attention became too much for them, they chose to instead return to their table for a quiet discussion over a drink.

“How are you holding up?” he asked her.

“I was about to ask you that.”

“They’ve been saying those things about me for years. I didn’t think they would start about you. Had I known, I wouldn’t have asked to escort you.”

Mercedes smiled softly at him. “I’m not sure it would have been good for you to attend alone. I’m worried you would have done something you would regret.”

“You’re right. I would have.” Sylvain took a sip from his glass.

“Did you ever tell Ingrid how you felt?”

Panic crossed Sylvain’s face. He quickly composed himself, falling into his notorious playful smirk. “You sure you don’t want to keep that guard company?”

“Sylvain!”

He put his hands up in surrender. “Okay, you win. I haven’t told her. But what am I supposed to do? Walk up to their table, say, ‘Ingrid, I’ve been in love with you since I was sixteen, leave your arranged marriage and marry me instead,’ and then pray to the goddess that it doesn’t end in my death?” He sighed. “I can’t do that to her. The two of them are going through with this for multiple reasons. The last thing I want is to make matters worse. Tonight, I’m here to support them.”

She took a drink from her glass. “Annie is the same way. I kept checking with her to make sure she wanted to attend, but she swore she would be fine.” She looked out at the dance floor to see Annette currently dancing with Ashe, no doubt surrounded by their own set of whispers of how House Dominic could help the heir to House Gaspard into a new era. “I’m happy he’s able to help her smile.”

“Returning to that guard, are you sure you don’t want to meet with him?”

“He’s currently working.”

“Mercedes, I’ve never seen you gaze at a man like you were when we approached the steps. It’s too late for me, but you deserve to find love. If anyone begins talking about you speaking to a Duscurian, I’ll stop them immediately.” Mercedes blushed.

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #1035: Taking the Challenge Head On (Fire Emblem Three Houses)

10:45 a.m. at the Blue Lion's Dining Halls......

Ashe: You want me to take part in the.....(Raises an Eyebrow in Confusion) "No Nut November Challenge"?

Sylvain: (Smiles Brightly) Yep! It's one of the few challenges to test your endurance, patience, vulnerability, and worth of being a true man.

Ashe: Ah I see. (Frowns a Bit in Uncertainty) But....do you really think I have what it takes to complete the challenge?

Sylvain: (Happily Nodded) Definitely. You're practically one of the most devoted and hard working guys I've ever known, besides yours truly of course.

Ashe: (Smiles Brightly) Why, thank you Sylvain. I know I don't say this as much, but I really wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for yours and everyone else's support and guidelines.

Sylvain: And we couldn't be anymore prouder of you, bud. (Wraps his Arm Around Ashe's Shoulder) Now listen, the challenge itself is gonna be a long road ahead and you'll might have a 80% chance of going crazy along the way, but I'm sure you'll have no problems making it through as long as you keep your urges in check and have a clear, neutral mindset. Just like our friendly neighborhood giant, Dedue-

?????: I failed.

Sylvain eyes starts to widens as he slowly turns his head towards to Deude sitting next to Ashe, drinking a cup of tea in a casual like Manner.

Sylvain: .............I'm sorry, you what?

Dedue: The challenge. I've already failed it-

Sylvain: Yeah, you already told me the first time. What I wanna know is how in the hell were you failed so easily? You're a Dedue Molinaro! The right hand man of King Dimitri himself! I figured if anyone in our unit would have a chance of completing the challenge, it would be you, what happened?

Dedue: (Shrugs) The temptations had gotten the better of me last night. (Starts Blushing a Little) I suppose that's.... the price I have to pay for being in love.....

Mercedes: (Happily Makes Her Way to the Boys' Table) Why, hello there, boys!~ I hope we're all having a wonderful morning today. (Uses her Two Fingers to Rub Under Dedue's Chin With a Bit of a Flirtatious Smirk on her Face) Especially you, my sweet gentle giant~

Dedue: (Chuckles Lightly By the Chin Rubs) I'm having a fine enough morning for the most part. As well as a nice and memorable last night, many thanks to you, of course, m'lady. (Gently Brings her Hand Down Before Kissing the Top of It)

Mercedes: (Giggles Softly and a Bit Ticklishly by the Kiss) Oho you!~ There's no need to thank me for that. (Lovingly Hugs her Lover) If anything, I should be thanking you for keeping me company all night~

Dedue: No thanks is needed. I'll always be there for you.

Mercedes: As will I, my dear~

The couple begins to romantically rub on each other's noses while the boys watches.

Ashe: Awwww~ (Suddenly Felt a Hand Covering his Eyes Before Turning to the Culprit) Sylvain!

Sylvain: This is part of the challenge, Ashe. Don't let it blind you.

Mercedes: (Giggles Some More) Alright. I believe it's time for me to get started on breakfast before I embarrass the boys some more. (Kiss Dedue on the Lips Before Placing her Forehead onto His) Try not to miss me too much, you hear?~

Dedue: I'm sure I'll manage to pull through for the time being. Try not to get yourself hurt while you're in the kitchen cooking, okay?

Mercedes: I'll be extra cautious. Promise. (Gives One Last Kiss on the Forehead Before Walking Away to the Kitchen and Waving Goodbye at the Trio) Wish me luck!~

Dedue: (Wave Back at his Lady) Well do. ('Sigh') One of these days, I will marry that woman.

Sylvain: Well, ain't that sweet. Still doesn't change the fact that you disappoint me. (Went Back to Grinning) But no worries though. Cause the next person I have to set an example is none other than my main man, Feli-

Felix: (Takes his Seat on the Trio's Table) I failed the challenge.

Sylvain: (Immediately Gives his Childhood Friend a Deadpinned Look) Seriously?

Felix: Yes, seriously. Last night, in her tent, Annette wanted to try and take the next skip I'm our relationship. So we....(Starts Blushing a Little) did it. And it was nice.

Felix turns to see Annette making her way to the kitchen door in the distance. As she opens it, she sees her boyfriend staring at her before shyly waving at him with a smile on her face and walk inside.

Felix: (Slowly Waves at the Closing Door Before Sighing) Anyways....(Turns Back to Sylvain) Mind telling me why you're bringing up that dumb challenge for in the middle of the morning?

Dedue: He wants Ashe to take part of it for the first time.

Felix: (Groans While Pinching his Nose) ('Ugh') Are you kidding me? Ashe is way too soft and naive to be taking that challenge, let alone know what it really is! (Turns to Ashe) No offense.

Ashe: (Smiles Sheepishly) None taken, I guess......

Sylvain: Hey, I just figured Ashe is now in an age where he could test his might as a man. But now that you and Mr. Gentle Giant over there failed the challenge already, I might as well ask Dimitri to come over here and set an example.

Dedue: About that......

Sylvain: (Starta Pinching his Nose in Annoyance) Oh my fucking-You mean to tell me Dimitri failed too? Really!?

Felix: I always figured the boar would have a better chance at completing it out of all of us here.

Dedue: (Takes a Bit of a Deep Breath Before Explaining) Okay, this is completely speculation and haven't heard anyone of this from, but.....the other morning, when I walked down the halls, writing down the daily routine for the day, I saw the professor sneaking a tray of breakfast into the majesty's chambers, whole only wearing a robe that resembles that of the majesty's.

Sylvain: A robe.....(Eyes Suddenly Begins to Widened at the Realization) Wait. Was the color of his robe blue and silky?

Dedue: (Simply Nodded) It was, yes.

Sylvain: Ahaa....See? I knew it would look familiar every time I see Dimitri wear it. (Starts Smirking Teasingly) So the king and teach are already getting busy these pass few nights, huh?~

Felix: (Shrugs) Can't say I'm surprised. Those two has gotten a lot more closer since the day they got see each other again for however long.

Ashe: (Smiles Brightly) Well, I'm happy for the both of them. They've been through a lot these past few years. So I think it's nice to see their bond gradually grow into something more each time passes. (Eyes Suddenly Widens at the Realization) Oh! That reminds me.....(Turns to the Gang) There's something I've been meaning to ask you guys.

Sylvain: What's up?

Ashe: What exactly is a....."Snu-Snu"?

Felix: (Immediately Gets Up From his Seat) And that's my cue to leave.

Ashe: (Watch Felix Casually Walks Away) Oh.... o-okay.....(Waves Goodbye to Felix) See you later, Felix!

Dedue: Uh...Ashe? What..... (Raises an Eyebrow in Uncertainty and Confusion) exactly made you want to know what that word is?.

Ashe: Well, you see, yesterday after we returned home from one of our....(Starts Blushing a Little) many date night sessions, Petra asked if we could ever try doing this "Snu-Snu" session this evening but I'm afraid I have no clue what it is.

Sylvain: (Starts Shaking his Head) Oh sweet, sweet, naive, Little Ashe. Let me tell you a little thing about those two simple syllabl-

?????: MESSAGE F0R SIR SYLVAIN JOSE GAUTIER!

Sylvain: (Immediately Gets Startled) Oh God! (Turns to see the Local Gatekeeper Presenting Him a Envelope) Uhhh....(Receives the Envelope) thanks....

As The Gatekeeper salutes to him before marching off, Sylvain opens the envelope and reads the letter from inside. The longer he reads it however, the more he begins to blush and let out abnormal, goofy like laugh, causing Ashe and Dedue to stare at him weirdly.

Dedue: Uhh....Sylvain? (Raises an Eyebrow) What exactly did that letter sent to you say?

Sylvain: (Immediately Comes Back to Reality) Oh! (Turns Back to the Fup as He Quickly Hides the Letter Behind his Back) N-Nothing! Just some boring.... request letter for a side mission or whatever. (Chuckles Awkwardly) Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna have to head out to see Ingrid at my bed- I mean chambers- I MEAN TRAINING GROUNDS! (Claps his Hand Together) YES! Training grounds! So uh.....

Without any second thought or reason, Sylvain hurriedly runs away towards the door leaving his two fellow Blue Lions behind in the Table.

Ashe: He....seems to be in a hurry.

Dedue: ('Sigh') That he has....We'll just head to the library to find out what this....."Snu-Snu" really is after we finish our breakfast.

Ashe: (Nodded in Agreement) Okay.

The hours has passed since Ashe and Dedue has discovered and learned more about the meaning of the word "Snu-Snu", so the up and coming knight has decided to man up and test this new discovered with his beloved princess of Brigid later that evening. Needless to say, as wild and unexpected as the experience was....He still had a very good time at the end

Blue Lions: FAILED AS A UNIT!

@keyenuta

@ma-lemons

@cyber-wildcat

@caleb13frede

@albion-93

[pathetic-gamer]

Blue Lions and who they main in Super Smash Bros Ultimate

Dimitri: Captain Falcon (spams neutral-b and occasionally does the voice but only when he's playing alone [Falcon. Puuuunch!])

Dedue: Meta Knight (spams side-b)

Felix: Daisy (it's for the meta ok dude it's the meta shut uP SHUT UP Sylvain she's the STRONGEST CHARACTER. Undefeated except for that one Little Mac main from EVO in 1181)

Sylvain: Bayonetta (thinks shes hot, manages to pull off unbelievable combos)

Ingrid: Zero Suit Samus (pure meta, gets annoyed when people try to pick Zero Suit Samus if they dont even understand why shes better than normal Samus. 3 stocks Sylvain every single time)

Annette: Yoshi (spams dair and does the voice [boing HOP! 😊], also is weirdly good at combos)

Mercedes: Rosalina and Luma (still doesn't actually know why Luma disappears sometimes)

Ashe: Mario (indulge nostalgia AND meta, baby!)

Explained some terms in the tags - Golden Deer / Black Eagles / Church of Seiros / Ashen Wolves

[sabineelectricheart]

Guest-House [Pt. 1]

Summary: It is all quiet at the Blue Lion Pension, as Byleth prepares for a night in.

Rating: T - Suitable for teens, 13 years and older, with some violence, minor coarse language, and minor suggestive adult themes.

Words: 1308

Notes: So, it’s not my first multichapter fic ever, but it is the first time I have finished writing it before posting, so it might be the first one I take no hiatus or feel discouraged. I hope you like it.

Tonight, Byleth Eisner will spend alone. The people she usually spent time with were out in the town, leaving her behind to man the fort.

A night out with the lads. Nothing special, it is a recurrent event. Every Moon, her tenants would go out for the night, just the eight of them. That leaves her with the house to herself. She usually takes a bath, do a face-mask and watch some streamed movies on the big screen downstairs. Most of the time some bloody Almyran horror, one that the boys never want to watch, despite assuring her on many occasions that they do not get scared from stupid movies.

There is nothing different this night, and the green-haired young woman cannot help but feel glad about it. Taking care of her cubs was a full-time job, and she had another one of those on top of it.

Byleth had been helping on their guest-house ever since she was born, but this is the first time she takes care of their tenants all by herself. When her parents wed, many a year ago, they bought this old house just around the corner from the University of Garreg Mach gates.

To complement their income from their jobs at the Church of Seiros, the main sponsor of the university, they offered rooms for rental to her father’s friends, acquaintances and relatives from the Province of Faerghus, a place to stay during college. The place was convenient, being so close to the main schools and lecture halls, but also very clean, beautiful and coddled with the warm care of Sitri’s and the tough, disciplined love of Jeralt’s.

As the years passed them by, as the alums from their little guest-house grew in number and sent forward their own college-aged children with glowing recommendations, her mother was always proud to say that the Blue Lion Pension was the best in the Upper City. Certainly not apropos of nothing, they were always woe to accommodate every student that wished to reside there, as Faerghusians of all walks of life reached out to them for a room.

This semester, however, her mother got an opportunity to work in Enbarr for the Southern Church. It would be temporary, but absolutely invaluable for her studies on theology. Of course, moving tens of hundreds of kilometres south was not conductive with keeping a students’ guest-house. The choice weighed heavily on Sitri’s heart, as she felt neither seemed really the right answer.

As she witnessed her mother’s unwillingness to let her tenants go without a place to stay, of closing down, even if temporarily, a business she worked so hard to build from the ground up, Byleth offered to take care of it, at least so the Year Four students could finish their education and do not worry about moving out. It was merciful of her, as looking for a lease would be harsh to conciliate on top of exams, the bar and their term papers.

It seemed only natural to her, however. She was just finished with her master’s dissertation and was on a lull at the coffeeshop she worked down the street, so it would not be too much of a trouble. Life gave an opportunity to do something nice for her mother and the tenants, and so she jumped on it.

Besides, with or without her parents, she took care of her cubs for four years, now. It seemed cold-hearted to throw them out on the streets for the next great thing that came around their home.

There were eight tenants this year at the Blue Lions Pension. Ashe Ubert and Dedue Molinaro shared Room 1, next to the kitchen. Annette Dominic and Mercedes von Martritz shared Room 3 and Ingrid Galatea occupied Room 4 on the first floor. On the third floor, Room 7, by the stairs, was occupied by Felix Fraldarius, Room 8 belonged to Sylvain Gautier and Room 10 housed Dimitri Blaiddyd. Byleth had a suite on the attic and her parents’ room was on the basement.

They were a lively bunch, and after four years together, she came to care deeply for this batch of cubs, as the students that stayed on the guest-house were known across campus. As much as she appreciated her tenants, however, Byleth would not begrudge herself some time with her own thoughts every now and again, and so was more than glad to stay behind as they held their private party away from the house.

She said goodbye to the excited troupe, took a bath and now she is sitting in the living room about to start her gory slash film when their landline starts to ring. They kept it so the students could contact their parents in case of an emergency and vice-versa, but it has been a while since it last rung.

The phone was kept at the head office, and it was a bit of an ordeal to find the keys and unlock the door to the room while the damn thing rang obnoxiously.

“I’m coming, I’m coming…” She mutters. “Hello?”

“BYLETH? IS THAT YOU?!” Sylvain screams through the phone.

He is drunk. It was quick even for the ginger skirt-chaser, as it is not even past nine. Though, honestly, it does not quite surprise her. She has gone out with her tenants once in her life, too. Sylvain and the girls are usually the first ones to get inebriated, followed by Ashe, then Felix, Dedue and, on a rare occasion, Dimitri after that. Rare indeed, that man almost never loses sight of himself. A Blaiddyd thing, she is assured.

She can only hope they are taking care of Mercedes. She gets grabby whenever she is intoxicated and Byleth does not want to bail her out from jail due to public indecency again.

“Yes, Sylvain, it is me. You called the guest-house, who else did you expect to take it?” The landlady asks sarcastically. In the background, she can hear loud, electronic music playing. “Where are you?”

“INGRID FOUND A CLUB SOMEWHERE NEAR OUR USUAL BAR!” The redhead shouts once more, and the green-haired woman distances the phone from her ear.

“HEY BYLETH!” Ingrid yells.

The older woman laughs to herself. She cannot imagine them in a club, dancing the night away with the e-boys that populated the more modern dancefloors in Garreg Mach’s scene. Usually, their itinerary when out was comprised of just some drinks at a pub, quiz night if they are feeling frisky.

“Hey, Ingrid.” Byleth greets. “Are you having a good time? Is everything alright with you or should I take the Transporter out?”

Jeralt left the family car, a royal blue Transporter, behind for her to use in case of emergencies. Since they lived in an older part of the city, the streets were narrow and mostly pedestrianized, so driving was an absolute nightmare. The car was meant to be used for driving people to the hospital and the train station, and that is about it.

“THERE’S NO TROUBLE, SILLY YOU!” The inebriated blonde chuckled. “IT IS AMAZING HERE! EVEN DIMITRI IS DRUNK!”

“Dimitri?” She is rather shocked, as it is not like him to get drunk. Especially when there is not really something special to celebrate.

That would also mean there is no designated driver, no-one to stay sober and take care of the others, and so she should wait up for them, lest something bad happens. It was no use to be concerned about it now, though.

“Well, have fun.” Byleth finished cheerfully. “Don’t stay out too late!”

“Can’t promise anything, bitches!” Annette shouts aggressively from behind and the landlady roll her eyes.

“Alright, take care.” She says and hangs up the phone.

She stops by the kitchen to brew herself some coffee and returns to the movie. It will be a long night for her.

*_*_*_*_*

Guest-House Masterlist

Fire Emblem Masterlist

Three Houses Masterlist

[strife-and-discord]

Here Kitty, Kitty - Chapter 3: Dimitri Finds Out

Read on AO3 here | First Chapter | Previous Chapter

Characters: Felix Hugo Fraldarius, Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd, Dedue Molinaro 

Summary: After Gronder Field, Dimitri discovers that the rest of the world has moved on while he was singularly focused on decapitating Edelgard. A lot has changed and some things a weirder to process than others.

A/N: uhhh hey! long time no see but I'm here to continue these catboy Felix shenanigans! This is less a "Dimitri finds out" and more "Dimitri tries to mentally process that his best friend has cat ears" I said before that this isn't meant to be shippy but I do have a bias towards dimilix so sorry if it shows

okay so given that I won’t  be getting a job in the foreseeable future I’ve decide that anyone who donates to my ko-fi page and shoots me a message with proof of payment and a request will get a short drabble (absolute max word count 500) so if you like my writing please consider doing that! 

Things started to move quickly after the battle at Gronder Field, something Dimitri is thankful for as it gave him less time to dwell on… well… everything. Apart from suddenly taking on numerous kingly duties, He's also trying to process how all his former classmates have changed over the years. It's not that he hadn't noticed the differences when they all arrived at Garreg Mach, it's just that, amid his vengeful obsession with Edelgard, he hadn't cared. Now that the fog has somewhat cleared from his mind and the voices are a little quieter, he can finally appreciate how much they've all grown.

Ingrid's hair is short now and she got rid of her bangs, Dimitri has made sure to tell her that he thinks it suits her. Ashe has grown several centimetres since the academy and looks far more the knight he's always dreamed of being then he used to. Dedue hasn't actually grown but he holds himself with so much more confidence now that Dimitri can't help but feel that he towers over everyone more then he used to. Sylvain hasn't changed all that much, aside from some minor details, but Dimitri can see how the darkness in and under his eyes has grown over the years. Felix… Felix has cat ears and a tail.  

Dimitri can vaguely recall this change happening not too long after the Blue Lion's initial reunion, however, he also recalls quickly dismissing the change as unimportant before returning his focus to mowing down as many imperial soldiers as physically possible. Now, Dimitri curses his brain for dismissing this as unimportant. His closest childhood friend has grown cat ears and a tail!! Of course that's important!! Unfortunately, Dimitri seems to be the only who cares at the moment, presumably because everyone else has simply moved on already given that they've been aware since it happened.    

However, it feels like Felix and Dimitri's relationship is at a crossroads right now, considering everything that's happened. It's honestly a miracle that Felix has stayed to fight by his side this long (it's a miracle that anyone has stuck around this long) and Dimitri is terrified of saying something that might push him away for good. For example, pointing out the fact that he seems to have gone through some unusual physical changes and can Dimitri please, pretty please, scratch him behind the ears, they look so soft and he wants to know if Felix will purr and-  

Dimitri quickly cuts off his line of thinking because he knows the only way that scenario ends is with him losing his other eye. The point is that things have been… tenuous with Felix lately and Dimitri has been subtly avoiding him because he doesn't know how to handle the situation without screwing things up with Felix more then he already has.

"Talking to him will help a lot more than avoiding him, Your Highness." Dedue points out, shocking Dimitri out of his internal musings. They are having lunch together in the dining hall, a new tradition they have taken to based on a mutual concern for each other's health.

Dimitri gives Dedue a look, "talking to who will help a lot more, Dedue?"  

"Felix, of course," he replies, as unfazed as ever.

"And what makes you so sure that Felix is the subject on my mind, hm?"

"You have a 'worrying about Felix' face, Your Highness. It's very similar to your "I'm getting a migraine' face."

Dimitri frowns. Felix has been the cause of many of Dimitri's migraines in the past so Dedue has a point.

"Fair enough. Then what makes you assume I'm avoiding him? I have been awfully busy as of late and Felix spends most of his time in the training grounds."

"Despite your new responsibilities you have also been spending a reasonable amount of time in the training grounds yet I have not seen you spar together once, something you still did regularly even when we were students at the academy and Felix hated you."

Dimitri deflates, he knows when to admit defeat and honestly he doesn't know why he thought he could successfully lie to Dedue in the first place.  

"Talking to Felix is never easier, Dedue," he sighs.

Dedue's face softens, "You'd be surprised, Your Highness. He's matured a lot over the past five years and I truly believe he wants to rekindle your friendship as much as you do. Not mention his recent… biological changes have actually served to make him more flexible as a person."

"That may be true with everyone else Dedue but my mere presence is usually enough to annoy Felix."

Dedue sighs, "If it is worrying you so much, Your Highness, I could accompany you to talk to Felix."

Dimitri perks up. If Dedue's there, he'll be less nervous and therefore less likely to screw something up! "That would be amazing, Dedue!"

 ____________________

These days there are actually a number of places one could look for Felix at. With the cat spell and the passing of Lord Rodrigue, Felix's time spent at the training grounds has been cut down significantly. It's probably for the best that Dedue decided to accompany His Highness or else he wouldn't have been able to find Felix at all.

 The Crown Prince of Faerghus is very shocked to find his oldest friend curled up under a tree napping.

 "Does he do this often?"

 Dedue allows himself a small smile. While this whole situation was very weird and confusing at first, most of them had gotten used to it by now. It's amusing to see someone struggle the way they did initially.

 "Yes, Your Highness. We discovered the hard way that Felix needs more then a full night's sleep, he gets too exhausted if he doesn't take regular naps."

"Oh."

Dedue decides to spare His Highness the agony and kneels down next to Felix to gently shake him awake, It doesn't take much since pretty much all of Felix's senses are enhanced now. Felix yawns in a way that shows off all of his new teeth and Dedue thinks he hears His Highness gulp at the sight. Dedue reflects on how much things have changed given that he is no longer disturbed by the sight of Felix licking his hand and cleaning behind his ears.  

Once he is finished Felix looks up at the two of them, squinting with disdain, "What do you want? Is something wrong?"  

Dedue looks to His Highness in anticipation. This is his cue.

His Highness looks about as nervous as if he'd just been asked to dance in the Heron cup but does his best to put on the image of a noble king. An act that's actually more likely to piss Felix off.

"Uh… Nothing is wrong, Felix. I simply felt that…" His Highness takes a deep breath, "I simply felt that we are long overdue for a talk."

Dedue keeps his expression neutral. As deeply as he cares for His Highness, even he can't deny that sometimes the things he says are just so… lame.

Felix continues to squint at them with disdain, "Why do you make it sound like I'm a student who's been misbehaving? Are you making a run for Seteth's job?"  

This is the main reason Dedue felt he should tag along. It takes His Highness much time to build up the confidence to talk to Felix about serious matters and it often only takes one slash from Felix's cutting words to bring it all back crumbling down. In a near instant, Dimitri's kingly demeanour is gone and all that is left is a stammering wall of muscle in a fancy cape.

And Felix hates stammering  

"I… uh… I'm sorry, I didn't mean to… um… what I meant to say was…"

Even without the flicking of his tail, Dedue would be able to sense how annoyed Felix is getting.  

"Your Highness," Dedue steps in, when Dimitri turns to face him Dedue mimics taking in a deep breath with his arms. Dimitri does as shown and smiles at Dedue gratefully.    

"What I meant, Felix," Dimitri tries again in a much more casual tone, "is that a lot has changed very quickly recently and I would like the opportunity to catch up with you, As you are someone I care about deeply. If that's okay?"

Felix's tail stops it's flicking and instead falls beside him and Dedue barely manages to contain his sigh of relief. He'd hate for his words to His Highness earlier- about Felix maturing- to have been false. Felix looks over at him for a brief moment before going to back to Dimitri, Dedue can just see how his eyes a darting around, evidence of how Felix still dislikes making eye contact.

"I… guess that would be okay, " Felix extends,

"but in return I expect you to train with me... It would be bad if our so-called Savior King became sloppy." The last part is said in a rush, as though said as an afterthought. Dedue can see the truth behind Felix's words, he clearly just wants to spend time with his friend again.

"I believe my work here is done, Your Highness. I will take my leave now and let you two talk." Dedue gives a small bow to His Highness, to which he smiles back fondly, and turns to Felix one more time, "And Felix? I ask that we do not have a repeat of what happened with Sylvain in the dining hall."

With a smirk and the sound of Felix muttering, "that wasn't my fault." Dedue makes his way back to the monastery.

_____________________

Dimitri does everything in his power not to stare longingly after Dedue. Just because Felix accepted the invitation doesn't mean he won't still need help! Come back! Dimitri's mind screams desperately, although he doesn't let the emotion show on his face as Felix would likely see it as a sign of weakness. Not that Dimitri is feeling very strong now that it's just the two of them. It feels as though the weight of their entire history together is sitting on his shoulders.

"So…" Dimitri starts, not really sure where to go from here. Everything he has to say seems like it will upset Felix.

"Oh just come out with it already, will you? You've been staring for weeks while simultaneously avoiding me. I'm not an idiot so just come out and say what you want to say."

Dimitri pauses. Sure Felix is giving him permission to say whatever he wants but it feels like a trap… on the other hand, being dishonest could land him in just as much strife.

 "You… have cat ears." Dimitri settles on.

Felix scoffs, "That's the best you've got? You really are a moron."  

"And also a tail." Dimitri continues.

'Oh really, King Obvious? I hadn't noticed, is that what those weird growths on my body are? Thank you for blessing me with this truly enlightening knowledge."

Dimitri grimaces but then thinks on what Dedue would want him to do, "Well don't ask me to speak my thoughts if you are only going to get upset upon hearing them. I realise it's obvious to everyone but me but I haven't had the time to process it yet."

Felix's ears fold back forward and his tail relaxes again when Dimitri hadn't even noticed they'd changed in the first place. He smiles a little at the thought that Felix is once again back to wearing his emotions on his sleeve. Albeit, not by choice.

"So…" Felix looks at the ground near Dimitri's feet.

"So," Dimitri responds.

 "I have cat ears… and also a tail." Said tail is currently moving back forward in a rather languid wave movement. Dimitri doesn't know if that means something or if it is simply an idle motion.

 "Do you… feel very different?" Dimitri asks hesitantly

 "Um… Not physically speaking. I didn’t really know how much I'd changed until the… differences made themselves known."

"You're um… you're ears… they look very soft," Dimitri looks away, feeling the blush on his cheeks. He knows Felix appreciates honesty but this is so embarrassing.

"Go ahead," Felix says. When Dimitri turns to look at him Felix has his head tilted forward and his eyes squeezed shut.  

"Umm… I'm not sure what-"

"As I said earlier, you've been staring for weeks! So just go ahead and touch them already, I know you want to!"

Dimitri's entire chest fills with warmth and happiness. This is exactly how he wanted things to go! He didn't think it could possibly happen given that Felix is Felix but perhaps Dedue had a point about him maturing since Dimitri's been gone.

Tentatively, he reaches a hand out to where Felix is bowed and does an experimental scratch. A shiver runs through Felix's body and Dimitri feels him pushing up against his hands. Ah, so this is why Felix was so eager to allow him this miracle, he's getting something out of it as well.

 His ears are just as soft as Dimitri had imagined and after a little while of scratching something new happens. Purring. Felix is  purring . Dimitri doesn't understand how on earth he is making that sound but it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful things he's ever heard of.

They stay like that for perhaps a couple minute or so when Dimitri feels that he's probably pushed Felix to the absolute limit of his patience for the day and gently starts to retract his hand. Only, there is suddenly a hand clasped over his on Felix's head.

"Who told you to stop? Huh?" Felix is glaring up at him and holds Dimitri's hand there until he starts to scratch again.

After a while longer, Dimitri thinks that Felix probably isn't going to let him go anytime soon and requests that they move to sit beneath the tree Felix was originally napping under. They end up staying there for what feels like hours, mostly just in comfortable silence filled only with the sound of Felix's purring but with the occasional small talk. Discussing things that happened over the years, what else had changed for Felix. By the time Dedue returns to fetch them for dinner Felix has dozed off and Dimitri doesn't feel far behind him.

[sneakymalou]

Pairing : Dedue (Fe3H) x reader

This is a first fic in french, but I can translate it in english for those who want =) Also, don't hesitate to send me request if you wish for me to write specific characters or prompts ! <3

“Dedue ?”

La voix de la jeune femme se perdit dans l'immense serre, résonnant contre la chlorophylle ambiante. Chaque plante semblait le témoin de son énième tentative, infructueuse, de parler à cet homme remuant vivement ses émotions. Il avait suffit d'un baiser. Une caresse sur ses lèvres froides pour que sa marque indélébile y demeure. Secondes magiques, divines, avant le silence, la honte, l'appréhension. Combien de fois avait-elle osé espérer pareil instant ? Trop pour en parler à vive voix. Mais le fait d'être ainsi évitée par la suite demeurait insoutenable. Si Dedue poursuivait dans cette direction, à l'éviter comme la peste - tout en prétextant devoir répondre auprès de son altesse Dimitri - elle devait provoquer une discussion. Une dispute, même. Qu'ils soient au beau milieu d'une guerre avec l'Empire, elle n'en n'avait cure : aujourd'hui, au sein même de cette serre, ils se parleraient. Et, afin d'éviter toute issue malencontreuse, elle comptait vie faire barrière de son corps, posté devant les deux larges portes du bâtiment, sciemment refermées après son entrée. “Dedue...” répéta-t-elle en désespoir de cause, s'approchant précautionneusement de l'homme occupant nuits et jours ses moindres pensées. “Puis-je vous être utile, Madame ?”

Cette voix... rauque, inaccessible, dépourvue de toute émotion. Aux antipodes de celle avec laquelle il murmurait son nom, quelques jours plus tôt. Le cœur de la jeune femme réprima un battement, ne se souvenant que trop bien de l'émoi s'emparant de son être à l'évocation de ce simple timbre. Mais aujourd'hui, aucune intonation personnelle : ni chaleur, ni familiarité d'aucune sorte. Ainsi, le duscurien mettait d'emblée une muraille infranchissable entre leurs deux âmes, avec autant de ferveur qu'il en usait autrefois, aux prémisces de ses différentes amitiés envers les Lions de Saphir. Cette pensée fit saigner le cœur de l'ancienne étudiante, pensant - non sans folie - être parvenue à devenir au moins son amie. N'en n'était-il rien en vérité ? S'agissait-il d'une fumisterie de plus, à laquelle s'accrocher pour ne pas sombrer totalement en ces temps de guerre ? Sans même s'en apercevoir, la dureté de ses ongles s'enfonça à même la chair de ses paumes, tentant par la douleur de la ramener à la réalité. Une réalité à laquelle elle n'aurait jamais cru avant que cette simple phrase ne la brise, elle, dont les émotions restaient pourtant si aisément absentes. Du moins, d'ordinaire... “Madame... as-tu oublié jusqu'à mon prénom que tu uses d'une telle politesse, Dedue ?” Il ne lui fallait pas céder à cette panique intérieure ne demandant qu'à gronder. À la place, une froideur contenue s'empara de sa voix et de son regard. Le bleu de ses iris devint bientôt aussi glacial qu'un matin d'hiver en Faerghus, seule réponse possible à pareille distance...

Le vassal de Dimitri se retourna alors, relevant de sa beusogne auprès des fleurs de la serre pour la gratifier d'une première œillade. Son propre cœur se fendit d'un soupir inaudible, sachant pertinemment que son attitude ne lui vaudrait rien. Si toute son âme n'éprouvait pourtant qu'un seul désir : la serrer contre son corps, laisser ses doigts puissants parcourir sa chevelure bouclée, écouter sa respiration s'apaiser au fil de leur étreinte. Mais ses espérances se mirent à s'effriter face à cette présence qu'il désirait de toutes ses forces. Se retrouver ainsi à leurs débuts ne lui donnait qu'une envie, puissante, irrémédiable : quitter une fois de plus sa présence, l'éviter en usant d'une nouvelle excuse fumeuse. Pour se faire, Dedue esquissa un pas, puis un autre, espérant quitter ce lieu sans encombre, avant qu'une main décidée contre son torse ne le stoppe dans son élan. “Ne fais pas ça...” Un murmure outrepassa la barrière du duscurien, alors qu'il osa prendre sa délicate paume dans la sienne. La fureur de ses iris le poussèrent à lâcher cette étreinte plus vivement qu'il ne le souhaitait. “Ne pas faire quoi au juste ? Vouloir te parler ? Arrêter de jouer à qui va éviter le plus l'autre jusqu'à la nuit des temps ? Mes félicitations Dedue, tu remportes haut la main cette bataille !”

Finalement, ce fut elle qui s'écarta des portes, la rage au ventre, présentant ces dernières afin de lui offrir une opportunité de s'échapper. “Tu veux partir ? Pars. Loin. Mais ne compte pas sur moi pour te rattraper une fois encore.” Sa voix fut aussi aiguisée que la lame d'un sabre de samouraï, tandis que son bras s'échouait le long de son corps frêle et tremblant. Oui, elle tremblait. “Es-tu... fiévreuse ?” Entendre le duscurien s'enquérir de son état lui donna presque un espoir, mais elle refoula cette idée d'un revers de main. Secouer vivement sa tête pour nier ce qui sautait aux yeux lui parut être la meilleure des idées. “Non. Je suis fatiguée, Dedue. Juste... fatiguée. Comme tous les Lions et nos alliés, probablement.”

Un grognement la fit subitement sursauter, la forçant à relever les yeux sur un visage marqué par une colère inhabituelle. “Je ne... je suis l'épée et le bouclier de son altesse. Il n'est pas question d'être autre chose. Je ne peux pas être autre chose...” Cette résolution, armée par une colère qu'elle n'avait vue que sur le champ de bataille, alors que sa hache pourfendait nombre d'ennemis, lui arracha une vive expression surprise. Si elle ne s'était concentrée que sur ce revirement, sûrement la colère ne serait pas infiltrée si aisément dans son être. “Tu ne peux être rien d'autre ?! Tu te moques de moi Dedue ! Pitié, dis-moi que ce n'est qu'une moquerie !” Sa paume échappa à son contrôle pour venir s'échouer contre ses lèvres, refusant de hurler alors que l'envie devenait pressante. “Tu es venu à moi... tu es venu à moi ! Pourquoi avoir tout fait pour que je ne puisse pas t'oublier ? Pourquoi m'avoir embrassée de façon si symbolique en haut de la tour de la déesse !” Finalement, sa voix se transforma en cri. Un cri de douleur, un cri du cœur, l'obligeant à serrer les poings et à baisser le menton. La jeune femme éprouvait un florilège de sentiments contradictoires, y compris la honte. Celle de courber l'échine et de ne trouver les mots pour toucher l'âme de Dedue comme il s'était littéralement emparée de la sienne, et ce d'un simple baiser.

Son corps trembla de plus belle face au silence et au froid l'entourant. L'homme avait-il passé les portes sans se retourner, comme elle le suspectait ? Devenue sourde à l'atmosphère de la serre, ouvrir les yeux reviendrait à embrasser cette réalité dont elle ne voulait pas. La dureté des événements la poussait à demeurer droite, rassemblant le peu de fierté lui restant encore pour que ses jambes ne se dérobe point. Puis, dans une seconde éclair, deux bras d'une puissance sans pareille enlacèrent son être, lui offrant une chaleur divine qu'elle n'espérait plus. “Si nous n'étions pas en guerre...” Cette voix rauque et suave fut tout ce qu'il lui fallut pour revenir à la réalité, et oser poser ses mains contre ce corps marqué de nombreuses cicatrices.

“Nous ne serons pas toujours en guerre, Dedue. Il y a de l'espoir pour un futur où Dimitri unifiera Fodlàn...”

“Alors attends-moi. Lorsque cette guerre prendra fin, je ne serai probablement plus le bouclier de son altesse. Et ce jour-là... nous penserons à nous.”

“...nous ?”

Cette promesse ne fut pas scellée uniquement par un regard empreint d'un amour indestructible. Ce jour-là, la valse de leurs lèvres en un baiser unique marqua la promesse d'un futur. Un futur en paix, où Dedue accepterait de lier son destin au sien.

#dedue #dedue x reader #fire emblem #fire emblem three houses #fanfic #blue lions #blue lions house #duscur #fe3h #dedue blue lions #dedue molinaro #fire emblem imagines #fire emblem three houses imagines

[xiil3gendaryzetsubou]

Nate plays Fire Emblem: Three Houses starting July 26th!

In Fire Emblem: Three Houses, you get to select one of three different groups as your main squad. Please help me pick the stream squad based off of who you like! Here is some information to help you decide:

**Please note that all links will lead to the Fire Emblem wikia page for that character and MAY contain previously announced information that some may find SLIGHTLY spoilery. Because of this, I’ll be adding a spoiler tag!**

The Black Eagles:

Edelgard von Hresvelg - Leader

Bernadetta von Varley

Caspar von Bergliez

Dorothea Arnault

Ferdinand von Aegir

Linhardt von Hevring

Petra Macneary

Hubert von Vestra

The Blue Lions:

Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd - Leader

Dedue Molinaro

Annette Fantine Dominic

Ashe Ubert

Mercedes von Martritz

Sylvain Jose Gautier

Felix Hugo Fraldarius

Ingrid Brandl Galatea

The Golden Deer:

Claude von Riegan - Leader

Hilda Valentine Goneril

Leonie Pinelli

Raphael Kirsten

Ignatz Victor

Lorenz Hellman Gloucester

Lysithea von Ordelia

Marianne von Edmund

Once you’ve made your choice, please vote in the strawpoll below. Thank you so much for taking the time to participate!

>>VOTE HERE!!<<

[ao3feed-lokiangst]

The Road of the Crimson Flower

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/3zNvjTB

by Orca478

The continent of Foldan has been on war for five years. In an effort to end it, the Black Eagles summon a hero from another world to help them out. That hero is Tony Stark.

Tony now must help them unite Fodlan, and free it form the Immaculate One's control, as well as find more about his past and connection to the place.

Words: 1302, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Marvel Cinematic Universe, Fire Emblem: Fuukasetsugetsu | Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Major Character Death

Categories: F/F

Characters: Edelgard von Hresvelg, My Unit | Byleth, Tony Stark, Lysithea von Ordelia, Bernadetta von Varley, Petra Macneary, Thor (Marvel), James "Rhodey" Rhodes, Peter Parker, Steve Rogers, Hubert von Vestra, Annette Fantine Dominic, Ferdinand von Aegir, Dorothea Arnault, Marianne von Edmund, Bruce Banner, Vision (Marvel), Natasha Romanov (Marvel), Sam Wilson (Marvel), Clint Barton, Wanda Maximoff, Stephen Strange, Carol Danvers, James "Bucky" Barnes, Loki (Marvel), Skye | Daisy Johnson, Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd, Claude von Riegan, Rhea (Fire Emblem), Hilda Valentine Goneril, Dedue Molinaro, Ingrid Brandl Galatea, Blue Lions Students (Fire Emblem), Golden Deer Students (Fire Emblem), Shamir Nevrand, Hanneman von Essar, Seteth (Fire Emblem), Church of Seiros Members (Fire Emblem), Thales (Fire Emblem), Nemesis (Fire Emblem)

Relationships: Edelgard von Hresvelg/My Unit | Byleth, Lysithea von Ordelia/Bernadetta von Varley, Edelgard von Hresvelg & Tony Stark, more pairings to be added later

Additional Tags: Crossover, Civil War Team Iron Man, Fire Emblem: Three Houses Black Eagles Route, Crimson Flower, Pro Edelgard, Pro Tony Stark, not team Cap friendly, Not Steve Rogers Friendly, Edeleth is the main pairing, Female My Unit | Byleth, Black Eagles Lysithea von Ordelia, Black Eagles Annette Fantine Dominic, Black Eagles Marianne von Edmund

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/3zNvjTB

[garregmachuniversity]

*+: / CONGRATULATIONS, LAPIS!

ᴡᴇʟᴄᴏᴍᴇ ᴛᴏ ɢᴍᴜ ʀᴘ! We’re SO excited to have Dedue with us. Please find your invitation to the discord channel in your inbox/DMs. If you have any questions or just want to talk about your character beforehand, please don’t hesitate to drop us a message on the main !!

APPLICATION FOR DEDUE MOLINARO UNDER THE CUT:

Congratulations, DEDUE MOLINARO HE/HIM from GLOUCESTER, SCOTLAND! You’ve passed every exam and have been rewarded a place at the renowned Garreg Mach University to study CULINARY ARTS in your SECOND year. It’s a huge honour for someone who’s only TWENTY to be a member of THE BLUE LIONS. As someone who’s STALWART & DEDICATED but also QUIET & WARY, I can’t wait to see what you’ll do next. OOC: Lapis, she/her, they/them, GMT-6

[demethinkstoomuch]

Learning to Read, pt 5: E is for Etiquette

Chapters: 5/26 Fandom: Fire Emblem: Fuukasetsugetsu | Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Fire Emblem Series Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd/Dedue Molinaro Characters: Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd, Dedue Molinaro, Gustave Dominic, Original Characters, Rufus Blaiddyd Additional Tags: Pre-Canon, Canon Compliant, Grief, Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Angst, Fluff, Tragedy of Duscur, Racism, Developing Feelings, Fire Emblem: Three Houses Blue Lions Route, Blue-Lions Typical Mental Illness

Summary:

A series of 26 alphabetically-titled vignettes examining the period where, in the wake of The Tragedy of Duscur, Dimitri taught Dedue to read: a time in which they learned about each other, and the rules of their relationship, perhaps more than about books.

Read on AO3!

A is For Ambiguity

B is for Book

C is for Commendation

D is for Dining

E is for Etiquette 

“Eet…” No, it might be short. “Eti…” Dedue considered the messy back half of the word written on the spine of the book before him. It had just happened to catch his eye when he was replacing something they’d been looking at in the library this morning, and it was a thorny title. The first word was fairly incomprehensible, but sounding it out, it sounded more like a name than a word. The second… If it was a word he knew, it couldn’t be Guard, unless R sounds could just vanish when written out, so maybe Guide? Someone’s Guide to… He nodded at it seriously. He didn’t know the word. He quietly took the book and returned with it to where Dimitri was waiting. He placed it down on the table with a thud slightly louder than he’d been expected, causing Dimitri to almost jump out of his skin. 

“I am very sorry,” he said, and got waved off while Dimitri settled to look at the book. They’d been planning to head out, but Dimitri wasn’t in such a hurry that he didn’t have a glance to spare for it.

“Gwenolen’s Guide to the Etiquette of the Chivalric Court ? What made this catch your eye?” he asked, inspecting the book thoughtfully. His fingers made a little rainfall tapping against its spine.

“Its title was hard to read, so I grew curious.” Of course, the answer had nicely confirmed his guess. “Do you know what it is about?” Dimitri’s mouth pulled into a closed-up frown.

“Oh, it’s a famous manual of conduct for courtiers of all levels, sectioned by rank. Compared to other books like it, it’s not very much trying to pretend Faerghus is Adrestria, so it’s well-liked, I guess. I had to read a great deal of it in the past.” He looked at the book with his eyes tense; likely, that spoke to his feelings on it. He brought it back down to the table. “Chivalry are the ideals of a knight, and Chivalric, a term to refer to things supporting and supported by those ideals. Etiquette is the rules underlying polite conduct.”

“I thought the word for that was ‘manners,’” said Dedue, whose mother had clucked over the manners of her children until they were (mostly) undeniably well-behaved.

“Ah, well.” Dimitri rubbed his chin thoughtfully. His face was looking better — he was looking healthier on the whole — since Dedue had started cooking some meals for him. Dedue wasn’t satisfied with the response to his cooking when he saw Dimitri’s entire lack of enthusiasm for it outside of his words; still, Dimitri’s color was better, and he was finishing meals now, so the rest would be a matter of understanding and patience. But he couldn’t say Dimitri looked quite right — his hair often seemed completely unattended to, the long blond strands falling over each other and crossing over his face if Dimitri didn’t shake them out of the way, and his eyes were often, between their sleepless shadows and their long stares, worrying in a way Dedue knew he himself sometimes mirrored. Dedue didn’t want to wonder if it would ever be easier — to see, to be, both. He wanted to know. “Manners are the specific actions and words, while I suppose etiquette is more a matter of the theory, that is, the rules and reasons guiding manners?” Dimitri attempted, and then shook his head, causing his hair to fly all over. 

Dedue made a noncommittal noise as he ran his hands over the book. The rules and reasons for how people in Faerghus — people in Fhirdiad — people in this castle — were supposed to handle others. Perhaps, then, too, the sort of things that might be expected of them? Of him. 

“Would it be alright if I borrowed this someday?” He eventually asked, causing Dimitri to shrug.

“It’s not often used, though I imagine that with... so many new staff members, people might be using it in the near future in order to bring new servants to order and to be accustomed to the castle.” The way Dimitri had paused wasn’t something to overlook — but nor was it something Dedue knew how to press. Still, did the book cover even something like that? “But that’s not to say you couldn’t borrow it for your own study, of course. I think if no one comes looking for it, it shouldn’t be a problem to hold onto it for a while. And you can always borrow it multiple times.”

“Hmmm...Perhaps I will come back for it.” As he turned to return it to its place, Dimitri followed after. 

“I do, however, hope you know your conduct to this point has been fine. I’ve no complaints.”

Dedue wondered to what extent Dimitri meant it, and to what extent Dimitri only said such things because he was, Dedue had realized, very much dedicated to being nice. It was true Dedue had always striven to be polite, but that didn’t remotely mean he was faultless.

“Good,” he told Dimitri. It wasn’t untrue — he’d rather keep it that way than much else, even if Dedue was simply being treated nicely. “I still feel I need to understand better.”

  ***

There had been a time, the day before last, when he had certainly done something wrong. It was possible it had even slipped Dimitri’s mind entirely; it had been a bad day, after a stormy night where Dimitri must not have been able to sleep, not when Dedue certainly hadn’t. That was what had started it to begin with. Dedue hadn’t been comfortable watching Dimitri pace about his rooms for much longer that day. No one should pace that quickly when they were so exhausted that he barely kept his eyes open, but his steps had been relentless. It was too much.

“Is there something you would like to do, Dimitri?” He’d asked, hoping to draw Dimitri back out, pull him away from the corners of himself.

“What? Oh, Dedue, I’m not...” Dimitri had blinked intently, and picked up his voice to put it back on solid footing. His face grew taut, mask-like. “I’m fine. I can’t think of anything. I mean, nothing comes to mind in particular. I’m perhaps just a little tired.” 

“Would you perhaps walk with me, then?” Perhaps it had been a lot to ask. Dimitri spent a long moment considering it, enough that Dedue found himself mimicking what Dimitri tended to say at times like these, “It is fine if you’d rather not.”

“It’s no trouble at all, I’d be happy to accompany you.” Dimitri side-eyed him at the common refrain, but that at least pulled something a little more natural, maybe even amused, out of his face. “Where did you intend us to go, then, Dedue?” 

  “I have not seen much of the gardens. If we could, I would like that.” He’d taken a long pause to consider his options — he had not planned this far ahead. Dimitri gave a little nod, took a long series of slow, methodical breaths. 

‘’Yes, let’s go; it’d likely be nice this time of year, wouldn’t it? The weather seems to be quite nice, as well.” With an answer that sounded right without sounding right when Dimitri said it, they headed out. Dedue made a point of keeping his stride relatively short as to not leave Dimitri behind — a bit more of a conscious effort than normal. There was no hurry. 

Dimitri had been correct. The air was sweet and sun-warmed, smelling of wet earth — the night’s storm lingered as a scent and a buoyant freshness all around them as they stepped out of the main body of the castle, to a landing above lower gardens. Dedue sometimes had the sense of moving through a hollow shell, a castle of ghosts; so much in it was old, and places that looked as if they ought to have been busy, even recently busy, were starting to collect dust — but it didn’t seem that way on that day, when a great many of its residents went to enjoy this brief sunlight amid the rows of blooming lupines, set in concentric beds amid a kaleidoscope of dreamy, billowing poppies. The lines of sight were blocked by juniper bushes, spaced neatly across the beds. At the center of this garden, which branched off towards other ones or buildings along its sides, was an array of large stones, touched with deep green moss and shockingly-colored lichen; the mountains were here, in their way, with blue bellflowers cascading from their gaps and slopes. Even though there had been people taking their own strolls or an afternoon snack on a bench, the precious warmth had seemed more important to them than Dimitri and Dedue. 

He’d agreed with them on that. The sunlight had sunk into his bones; its weight draped around him like a blanket. Something squeezed his heart as he drifted down the stairs, approaching the rivers of blooms. He was alive. This had been true for over a month; he still couldn’t explain why in that moment it had struck him so strongly, so bright and so stinging, as he watched the poppies bob their colorful heads, petals satinesque, in the soaking light. Dedue sifted a sigh through his teeth as his heart squeezed tighter.

Dimitri stumbled ahead of him without warning, not so much heading down the stairs as almost falling over himself — the stairs ran out before he could, and so he landed with his feet on the ground.

“Dimitri?” Dedue asked as he caught up to him. Dimitri’s shoulders jerked up around his ears. Dedue waited for Dimitri to relax even just a little before he continued. “Do we need to go back?”

“No. I was only startled by something,” Dimitri answered with that same strained face as before. “I simply heard something unsettling, or maybe odd is a better word, I suppose.  I’m sorry for being jumpy today. After all, everything’s alright... isn’t it?” 

“It is.” Dedue had realized even in that moment that the plan may not have been entirely sound, but the response at least let Dimitri’s tension ease as he looked out across the garden.

“...It really is lovely today,” Dimitri said once he’d recollected himself. Dedue nodded.. “I think we may have a kitchen garden somewhere, actually. That might be of some interest to you.”

“It is.” That was all they said as they strolled the outer rim of the garden, towards an archway leading elsewhere. While the green between the gate and the main body of the castle was large, while there were padlocks by the stable, and he’d even heard of a small pasture within the walls, it sometimes felt like he was living in a tightly-wound maze that Dimitri navigated on his behalf, keeping him from smacking into one of the walls that towered over them and cut out pieces of the high, vaulted sky. On that day, his navigation felt almost rudderless. 

The path they took hadn’t been properly swept yet — petals torn off of poppies and twigs littered the cobbled walkways. And amid that storm detritus came one thing more than the rest — a young juniper, likely only freshly planted to replace some gap in the line, fallen into the way. Its roots rose sideways into the air, some of the dirt still clinging to them. Dedue crouched down beside it in the name of inspection. A branch still bearing the first traces of pale blue berries had snapped on impact; that much was apparent when he tried to move it. Other than that, though, it seemed unharmed.

“Is it going to die?” Dimitri had asked from somewhere behind him. His voice had a high crack in the middle that carried it further than anyone might have wanted it to, not when it sounded so far-away and truly mournful for the thing. He looked embarrassed, clearing his throat uneasily when Dedue glanced back up to check.

“It is not too late,” he’d answered reassuringly. It was a hardy plant, even if it was young, and Dedue ran his fingers through the scaly needles, still green, still pliant to the touch. “It just needs to be moved back into the ground.” 

“...I see.” Dimitri was very quiet, as if that would shove the noise he’d made back in him. While Dedue thought he might be relieved, judging from the softness of Dimitri’s tone, there was also the chance that if Dedue checked those blue eyes, they’d have slipped into the glass jewels that had begun this walk. He wanted to believe he’d heard relief that this plant still had a fighting chance, no matter how rough its first storm had been. It had been a storm that had broken it away from everything it had ever clung to. With a small huff from his nose, Dedue’s lips curved wryly. Just exactly what was he thinking? Whoever had failed to check up on it, leaving it sadly on its side like that, didn’t deserve to work on such a garden as this.   

“I can set it back as it should be, rather than waiting. Though I do not have the shears for the hurt branch.” A shame, that. He would have to check on it later. He ran his hands over it, seeking out its main trunk at the core of the whippy young branches, checking for other damage. He lifted it upright, angling himself to face the bed as he held the plant. It tottered unsteadily in the hole it had deserted and tilted back over when he went to remove his hands. It would barely be a trouble to hold it steady while he moved the dirt back over and around it; however, it would take longer. “I am sorry for stopping us.”

When he didn’t get a response, Dedue had looked up and saw that, even if there had been relief before then, it had retreated as Dimitri’s eyes shifted, looking for all the world like a pair of rolling marbles; people had noticed them now, but that wasn’t what he was looking for. Dedue didn’t know what it was — only that it bruised his heart black and blue to watch those frantic jerks of dark-ringed eyes.

“Dimitri,” he’d said, and now, in the present, he’d analyzed every word of that sentence for error; he’d memorized it. “Would you do something for me, please? It is very small, but I would appreciate an extra hand to help me hold this steady.”

He hadn’t immediately noticed the way the background hum of people going about their business had stopped. What he’d noticed instead was that Dimitri had snapped back to Dedue, had nodded and crouched down by Dedue’s side, a rare moment when their faces were roughly level, and Dedue could see the earnest focus the prince put into attending.

“I think I can manage that. I honestly shouldn’t be trusted with plants,” Dimitri had made a self-deprecating noise best described as a laugh impersonator.”How should I hold it?”

It was when he was preparing to answer that question that Dedue had looked up. Had noticed the silence that sucked everything else out of the air. The man and woman half-armored who’d been admiring the bellflowers were shooting strange looks at them. The woman eating sweet buns on a stone bench had stopped mid-mouthful. She’d looked sad, but when Dedue’s eyes met hers, her nose wrinkled in disgust. She swallowed in a heavy gulp without once breaking eye contact.

Even thinking of it now made Dedue’s heart spin in a whirlpool. He’d kept looking from eye to eye, heartbeat slamming into audability as he met those perplexing expressions. Some eyes were on Dimitri with a hard mourning. Some were on him, more disdainful. Not a one lacked tension, fixed on this simple scene. He’d kept wondering, was still wondering — What had made it so wrong? Was there a better way to phrase it? Was the question itself wrong? His heart went on, but his lungs, his shoulder, his arm, his hand had frozen down to the fingers. It must have been at least a little wrong, he knew it was a burden, he’d understood, but Dimitri had answered so calmly and what is about to happen? The air bristled with knives and needles unseen. He couldn’t breathe.

Then someone scoffed, and the tension broke; the pair at the bellflowers turned back to the bellflowers, the distant figures at the edge of the courtyard resumed their stroll, the woman turned her head to take another bite. And Dimitri had asked how he should hold the plant again, as if there was nothing wrong with it.

“...Have I done something wrong?” Dedue had asked while he held the plant as an example, reaching around its base to hold the trunk. His voice hadn’t come out right; it sounded so stunned that Dimitri’s face lost its strange distance, became real and present and worried for him.

“I’m not sure what you mean. You haven’t really done anything.”

Dedue only stared worriedly in response, and did not let go right away when Dimitri’s hand wrapped exceedingly gingerly around plant as directed, his hand all but open around the trunk so he barely touched it.

Now that the anxiety was dying — for whatever had happened, it didn’t seem like something truly terrible would come of it — his face went red as he tentatively let go and began to replace the dirt over the now steady plant. Embarrassing. But it may have been more than that.

He looked up — not at Dimitri, but at the people who were beginning to filter out of the garden with studious disregard. None of them were doing anything. No step advanced towards them. The woman with the sweet buns didn’t come over and scold him; the pair by the bellflowers were now heading towards the stairs as if nothing worth those glances was occuring. Had it only been that they’d noticed Dedue and disapproved? No.

“Are you well?” Dimitri leaned forward until their faces were only a few inches apart. He should still have been asking that question of himself.

“Everyone was staring when I asked you to help me,” Dedue managed.

“Really?” Dimitri looked more baffled than anything else as he glanced up and around at the mostly-vacant garden, morphing to faint irritation as he caught only the backs of these very innocent people. His next words came out flinty. “Oh, I see. Some people are so stubborn and hidebound, it’s completely unreasonable.” He shook his head, trying to wipe the frown from his lips.. “...Let them think what they want. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

An answer which told him many things.  There was something wrong. If it was somehow beneath the honor of a prince, why was no one coming to say something? To take it from his hands and scold one or both of them? Why not do something for him? Dedue’s hands on the soil told him to hold back, to go slowly, to be gentle with the juniper. He wasn’t listening to himself. He scooped up the dirt roughly and pressed it down over the top of the roots, where clods tumbled down through the criss-crossing layers. The plant’s trunk shook in Dimitri’s hand as spare flecks of dirt spattered on it. 

 “I...think that if it weren’t you, no one would have minded, even if it means a prince gets his hands dirty at your request. I certainly don’t mind, and it’s unreasonable that they might.” Dimitri’s face fell back onto Dedue — the sympathy in his eyes felt like an act of will, so intent and honed that it pushed it too hard. But Dimitri’s voice was flatter than that, and his feelings were normally carried there more perfectly than in his face. So it was a milder, less distressed absolution which melted over him like the sunlight, loosening up muscles he hadn’t entirely known he’d tensed. Dedue gently tapped the top layer of dirt down over the roots in response, with the slowness and patience he’d needed before. “I mean that, I truly, truly mean that, understand? I’m not in the slightest bit bothered, and I’m truly glad to help, and as it’s me being asked, that’s what matters.”

“Thank you, then,” he’d said, still uncertain. “We will have to keep an eye on it, but I believe it will be fine.”

“Really? How nice. I know it’d be arrogant of me to act like I was of much help, but it’s nice,” Dimitri had sounded wistful as they’d both stood up to go. “My hands aren’t useless, if only for a little bit.”

Dedue couldn’t ask for more than that, he simply could not get it, not without shattering the feeling that, in having done all of that, even his errors, he may have been a little useful to Dimitri’s heart. The gardens were waiting before them, and the uncertainty and fear could be, for both of them, briefly set aside.