#claude x lorenz

[tidbi-t-art]

So remember that poll I posted about Claurenz?

Yeah, this is completely unrelated

[dillybilly]

Saw this tumblr post and knew what had to be done.

[cherishedboxart]

I made lineart of this for claurenz week a while ago

[g-uilt-tripping]

[claurenzweek]

Happy Claurenz Week, Everyone!

We can't wait to see what you've created!

An AO3 collection is here, if you'd like to post to it, but it's by no means required.

Just click "Post to Collection" or type ClaurenzWeek2023 (no spaces) in the Collection field.

Have fun, please tag appropriately, and be kind!

And remember, a world without your Claurenz creations would be ever so dull.

[jschrepp-illustrations]

Rival Felix, Rival Ferdinand, and Rival Lorenz would like to battle!

[asperrusual]

3H x Tumblr

[frickingnerd]

something that'll last forever

pairing: claude von riegan x gn!reader

summary: after claude finds out that you've been proposed to, he realizes that if he doesn't confess to you now, he'll lose you forever

tags: confession + proposal (claude to reader), lorenz proposing to reader, best friends to lovers, wholesome fluff, claude being serious for once, holding hands & kissing

claude knew that eventually the day would come when someone else would show interest in you and where he'd have to tell you how he felt about you. but he didn't think that day would come so soon…

he heard about it from hilda. apparently, lorenz had proposed to you! you still hadn't given him a clear answer, but it was clear that this was a proposal you couldn't easily turn down. after all, he was the first and only man proposing to you. though claude planned to change that!

claude had invited you to his room, under the premise of just being nosey about lorenz's proposal. of course, he hadn't told you that he'd propose to you as well. he wasn't even sure how he'd go about it. but he knew that he had to do it. now or never!

“let me guess…” you plopped down onto claude's bed next to him. “you want to talk about lorenz's proposal…”

claude got a bit nervous when you addressed the topic so casually. was it that obvious?

“you're not the first one to ask me about it. everyone wants to know all about it. the ring, the location and what he promised me…”

claude was a bit relieved to hear that he wasn't the first one to ask. though he certainly was curious about everything that happened. and how you felt about it.

“and? did his promise sound good? good enough for you to marry him?”

claude had never been as nervous as he had been now. if you'd tell him you wanted to accept lorenz's proposal, then what was he supposed to do? propose to you anyways? or let you live in peace, unaware of his feelings for you…?

“well…” you hesitated. “i haven't given him an answer yet. i think that says it all. but i haven't rejected him either…”

that answer was as vague as it could be. it sounded like you weren't even sure yourself yet if you wanted to marry lorenz.

“is there something that would help you make up your mind…?”

claude sat up on his bed, holding eye contact with you. his gaze was so intense, as if he feared you'd slip away once he took his eyes off you.

“maybe…”

you stared back at him. but you didn't specify what could potentially change your mind. almost like you didn't want to say it out loud. just like claude didn't want to say out loud how he felt about you, because he was terrified of your answer. but he had to.

“alright…” he took a deep breath, to prepare himself. “then let me say something, that might help you find clarity”

his hand found its way into his pocket, grabbing the ring he had gotten for you. but he didn't pull it out. not yet. he just needed to remind himself that it was there and what he needed to do now.

“i know i'm not the type for this serious talk. but you're my best friend and i don't want to lose you. i don't want to ruin what we have, but i want you. and if i don't say it out loud now, i'll lose you to lorenz and have to regret not telling you how i feel for the rest of my life…”

claude took a deep breath, pulling out the ring.

“marry me! i swear to you, that i'll make you just as happy, if not happier, than lorenz ever could!”

the tension was unbearable. it was only a moment of silence, but it felt like an eternity to claude. he could hear his own heart beating so loudly, that he was sure you could too. never in his life had he feared something as much as he feared your answer.

“i don't want to lose you either…”

you carefully reached out your hand towards claude, grabbing the hand he was holding the ring in.

“if you truly mean what you said, then i don't have to think twice about it. i've loved you ever since our first year at the officers academy. through the years, my feelings for you never changed. you're the person i love the most…”

claude smiled happily, pulling his hand away from yours, so that he could cup your cheeks and press a kiss onto your lips.

“i know i joke around a lot, but i am serious about this. i meant what i said. i'll make you happier than anyone else can!”

[glowingbadger]

Which of the Three Houses guys will watch their beloved go off on an enemy and have the reaction of "Well mark me down as scared AND horny", do you think?

Ahh, see my dear Friend Anon, this is a nuanced spectrum- but I'll do my best to break it down as I see it:

Scared and Horny:

Claude - has enough common sense to be scared, but definitely hot-blooded enough to be horny about it. A beautiful balance, frankly, though he may tease you about how wild you were.

Raphael - soooo close to qualifying for the "just horny" category, but he is a sweet boy and still wants to check to be sure you're alright (mentally, emotionally, physically) after the battle.

Ignatz - soooo close to qualifying for the "just scared" category lmao. However, as you all know, I see our boy Ignatz as very repressed and very kinky, and seeing you be so powerful and passionate definitely stirs some part of him.

Ferdinand - practically the poster-boy for "scared and horny" tbh; he feels sheepish about it, but he just can't help how your strength and force of will arouse him.

Seteth - also strangely close to the "just horny" category, not that he wants to admit it; seeing you like this really awakens something primal in him from far in his past. Still, his concern for you is ever-present and ultimately pushes aside how entrancing you look conquering your foes so thoroughly.

Sylvain - I almost don't know how to elaborate on this one because, I mean, of course, right? Of course Sylvain is worried, but also just burning inside watching you flushed in the face, damp with sweat, muscles tight, hair wild.......

Just Scared:

Lorenz - oscillating wildly between worried for you and worried for every person around you. Definitely impressed, don't get me wrong- he appreciates battle prowess. But if you're really going berserk, he's worried.

Dedue - while he's likely right there beside you in the fight, he worries about seeing you get particularly aggressive. He's seen what bloodlust has done to the other most valued person in his life, and never wants to see you go too far down that path.

Ashe - it's not as though he can't stomach violence, he just feels that there's a certain responsibility and necessity for rules of engagement when it comes to combat, hence his proclivity for chivalry. Seeing you completely lose yourself worries him, and he'll want to be with you and hold you and make sure you're okay as soon as he can.

Just Horny:

Hubert - I feel like this is more or less self explanatory lmao. Though he does still hope you'll be rational and not do anything unnecessarily risky while eviscerating your foes.

Caspar - again, an obvious choice. Honestly, I think Caspar wants to fuck after just about every battle you two come back from, provided neither of you is hurt too badly.

Jeritza - this is the most obvious one so far lol. Though, when he's more 'himself,' he does silently worry about you sharing in his bloodshed and provoking the Death Knight part of him.

Felix - honestly, it's probably even fiercer than Hubert or Caspar; the lust he feels for you in the heat of battle is both primal and nearly spiritual. This is about his whole life philosophy, after all. After a particularly tough and gruesome fight, he wants nothing more than to absolutely ravage you (and might need to be talked down if he has wounds to attend to first)

Outliers:

Linhardt - ideally, he is not present, as the sight of you "going off" on an enemy is likely to involve waaaaay more blood than he's comfy with. He'll definitely tend to you afterward, and wryly scold you for going overboard (secretly, he was super worried when he heard from your comrades of how ferocious you were out there)

Dimitri - he's in different categories depending on where he's at in his arc tbh. Feral Dimitri is obviously just horny about you diving into the bloodshed with him, while "redeemed" Dimitri has some measure of restraint about it

Yuri - it's more like "amused/impressed and horny," tbh. Though he never looses his head about it- he's still keeping a close eye on you to make sure nothing goes awry. But he won't deny that he enjoys watching, nonetheless.

[firstknightvulion]

One thing I like about Lorenz is that when he dedicates himself to something, he goes all in. Especially after the time skip when he’s done some soul searching and realizing his views on life as a teenager were skewed.

Lorenz: I must go on journey to discover the secrets of pleasing the fairer sex in the act of love making!

Claude: Ya know, you could just ask me.

Hilda: Yeah, you could use a few pointers yourself.

Claude literally turns stark white as he turns to Hilda with a look utter shock in his face.

Hilda: Why not ask me? I’ve swung my axe both ways.

Lorenz: Forgive me, but you would purposely give me false advice to make me really bad at it.

Hilda: …Yeah, you’re right. That’d be too funny not to try.

Lorenz: I must go now.

Cut to a montage of Lorenz traversing the land. Climbing mountains. Traveling through the desert. Finally, he arrived at a witches cottage.

Witch: What knowledge do you seek?

Lorenz: Please, wise lady! Teach me the secrets of pleasing a woman!

Witch: Oh shit.

Lorenz: Pardon?

Witch: I’m sorry, you got the wrong witch. I’m ace.

Lorenz: Oh, I’m terribly sorry. Do you know of any lesbian witches in the area?

Witch: Bisexual okay?

Lorenz: Honestly, any sapphic will do at this point.

The witch writes down some directions. Lorenz continues on his journey.

Many years later…

Hilda: So, how’s your sex life?

Marianne: *grinning from ear to ear* I got three orgasms before he got his last night.

Hilda: That so?

Hilda stirs the honey in her tea and looks at Claude. Claude sips his tea and looks away. Lorenz presents Claude a slip of paper while happily sipping on his tea.

This needed to leave my head.

[randoimago]

Hi there! Happy holidays! Could you please do headcanons on the friends to lovers prompt “hang-outs that start to feel more and more like dates” with Lorenz, Claude, Annette and Ferdinand and a reader-turned-S/O? Thank you so much!

Fandom: Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Character(s): Claude, Annettte, Ferdinand, Lorenz

Note(s): These are such cute prompts, I'll happily write these!

Annette

It started with study dates and you two being paired together to clean the classroom or other parts of the academy. She'd always be sure to happily talk with you about this and that too.

And then she'd start to notice more things about you, remembering little details you mentioned before. Can't help but buy you a gift at the market at some point because you're good friends.

Then her clumsiness gets her in trouble. She's trying to clean a shelf when the contents of it start falling, but you're there to shield her. You're very close together and she notices more about you before realizes that "Oh, I like you as more than a friend."

Claude

He originally asked you to help him in the market. He noticed some of the moral not being the greatest so a trip to the market to get some trinkets and food would help things along. And he figured that he could also improve your mood while he was at it by having this outing.

Claude noticed that things seemed to go rather well when he had you around that first time so he asks you to join him for other things. Walks around the monastery, more market visits, trips to the library, things like that. He did notice the growing chemistry between you both and it intrigued him.

He slowly tries to do different things with the more outings you go on. He holds your hand if there are large crowds "so you don't get swept away", he holds doors open for you "because he's such a gentleman", he gets you more gifts like flowers and such... he doesn't really have an excuse ready for that.

Ferdinand

It started with Ferdinand wanting to show you that he's much better than Edelgard. Even if you preferred him to her originally, he still feels like he has something to prove. So he asks you to hang out with him, watch him spar (maybe join him too), study with him, just various things like that.

He doesn't realize that he tries to show off for you. Before it was mostly him showing off to prove himself. But now he's trying to show off to get a positive reaction from you. He wants to see your smiles, even if they're from laughing at him because he tripped or something embarrassing like that.

Now he starts asking you to join him to the market or to walk around the less busy areas of the academy together. Places that don't seem like they'd be super romantic, but where it will be the two of you together. Will get you something sweet or a little gift. As thanks for hanging out with him all the time, of course.

Lorenz

He always invites his classmates to tea so he can secretly (or bluntly) judge them under the pretense that he's giving "helpful" advice. And he has invited you to these tea sessions quite a bit.

It's just the two of you talking about schooling and the various nobility. Lorenz also does his judging of pointing out that you'd look nicer with some accessories or things like that. But as time goes on, he starts to notice other things.

One tea session, Lorenz mentioned a necklace looking nice on you. The next session, he got you a necklace. And then instead of his "judging", he starts to point out the shade of your eyes or how your hair is styled. His tone of voice does come across as a bit snobby, but he really does mean the compliments as he's realizing a lot more about you than he thought he would when these sessions started.

Taglist: @unhelpfulnpc

[tidbi-t-art]

Care for a Claurenz fic?

Well you’re getting one anyway! Enjoy <3

[jade-gemstone]

I made this during pride month, and while I am aware it is no longer pride month, I will make gay posts whenever I want thank you very much.

[blehbet-arts]

Hi! I know it's old, but I just stumbled upon your fe3h x genshin au recently. It seems really interesting, so I was wondering if you could elaborate some of the lore 👉👈

oh!! of course!!

this will be a lil long because of how character focused it is, so feel free to look at whichever one interested you the most. the yapperning, shall now commence :3

Byleth Eisner - ☆☆☆☆☆

Vision: Anemo Delusion: Pyro Weapon Type: Sword Region: Sumeru (formerly Snezhnaya) Affiliations: The Akademiya, (formerly the Fatui)

An ex high ranking Fatui officer, Byleth escaped the clutches of the Fatui upon the discovery that their father was killed by one of the Fatui Harbingers (feel free to guess who did it...). Finding easy mercenary work in Sumeru, they worked their way up from an escapee to a trusted hired sword for the Akademiya. On request, they're also willing to teach scholars basic combat. Because of them and their strange, but effective teaching methods, there's unsubstantiated rumours flying around that the Sages are considering the implementation of a new Darshan.

Currently in their possession is the Sword of the Creator, a heroes' relic passed down into their grasp from civilisations of old - an object in which they stole in the midst of their retreat.

Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd - ☆☆☆☆☆

Vision: Cryo Weapon Type: Polearm Region: Snezhnaya Affiliations: The Fatui

Adopted by the Tsaritsa under mysterious circumstances, Dimitri was raised in accordance of the Fatui's ideals. Growing up to be a capable fighter, he'd then take on the role as one of the Tsaritsa's military generals and plays a critical role in her personal vanguard. As of now, he is currently on the hunt for traitors of the Fatui, and that just so happens to include a certain professor...

Currently in his possession is Areadbhar, a heroes' relic once wielded by upstanding Khaenri'ahn soldiers. It was given to him by the Tsaritsa.

Edelgard von Hresvelg - ☆☆☆☆☆

Vision: Pyro Weapon Type: Claymore Region: Mondstadt Affiliations: Knights of Favonius, (Khaenri'ah)

Born and raised amidst the Mondstadtian uppercrust, Edelgard has led an uneventful life as a Knight of Favonius. However, beneath this seemingly unshakable visage is a secret that even she is yet to fully grasp. In her spare time, she can often be found surveying ruins, most of which have been prescribed to the ancient civilisation of Khaenri'ah. Her curiosity is sourced by her dissatisfaction with the current ways of Teyvat.

Currently in her possession is Aymr, a heroes' relic that she found on one of her personal expeditions. Even so, she can't help the feeling that its placement, upon being discovered, was notably purposeful.

Claude von Riegan - ☆☆☆☆☆

Vision: Anemo Weapon Type: Bow Region: Sumeru, Fontaine Affiliations: Corps of Thirty, Temple of Silence

A free spirit - Claude takes to new environments well and is rarely seen stationed in one place for too long a time. As a dedicated member of the Corps of Thirty, he maintains Sumeru's security, albeit in his own unique ways. While relations between the Akademiya and the Temple of Silence have improved, he also secretly acts as an undercover agent for the Temple should this bout of trust prove misguided on the Akademiya's part. As of now, he is currently on vacation leave, which he is using to travel around Teyvat. Residing in Fontaine, he is accompanied by one Hilda Valentine Goneril and Lorenz Hellman Gloucestor.

Currently in his possession is Failnaught, a heroes' relic that was gifted to him by his grandfather. Though mysterious, he trusts that he'll wield it well should the time of its use come.

Yuri - ☆☆☆☆☆

Vision: Electro Weapon Type: Sword Region: Inazuma Affiliations: The Shuumatsuban

Like many Shuumatsuban ninjas, Yuri's past is shrouded in mystery, but this fact has never hindered him from his job. Specialising in undercover work and assassinations, Yuri is thorough while maintaining a casual air that would ease many away from suspicion. Even so, there is a part of him that yearns for a better life for him and his fellow ninjas.

Currently in his possession is the Fetters of Dromi, a heroes' relic that was salvaged from Fatui supplies on one of his missions. While its use is unknown to him, he keeps it close in the case that it one day becomes useful.

Seteth and Flayn - ☆☆☆☆☆

Vision: Geo and Anemo, respectively Weapon Type: Polearm and Catalyst, respectively Region: Fontaine, (formerly Liyue) Affiliations: Adepti

In the wake of Rex Lapis' death, Seteth and Flayn took to travelling, which eventually led them to Fontaine. In the current day and age, they live a quiet life in the Fontainean countryside, caring for the surrounding wildlife and tending to their farm. In the past, however, Seteth and Flayn were devout Adepti who fought by Rex Lapis' side during the Archon War.

While not much has occurred in the peaceful life they currently lead, Seteth senses an incoming global change. Any measures made to further seclude themselves is for the sake of Flayn's safety.

Shez - ☆☆☆☆☆

Vision: Electro Weapon Type: Sword Region: No set region, encountered in Sumeru Affiliations: Treasure Hoarders

A prolific member of the Treasure Hoarders, Shez is renowned for his many escapades in locating and finding treasure. While being a Treasure Hoarder often gives people a bad impression of him, those who know him are well aware of his intentions. Likewise, his past is also shrouded in mystery. Not even Shez himself is fully aware what landed him in this position as a notable Treasure Hoarder.

Currently in his possession is the Asura Blades, a heroes' relic that Shez found (stole) from Khaenri'ahn ruins. Upon closer inspection, he too found it suspicious how it was positioned - as if the intent was for it to be found.

Dedue Molinaro - ☆☆☆☆

Vision: Geo Weapon Type: Claymore Region: Sumeru Affiliations: Aaru Village Guard, (the Fatui)

Reliable and steadfast, Dedue is a formidable member of the Aaru Village Guard. In truth, he also harbours a secret connection. Taken in by the Sumeru division of the House of the Hearth at a young age, Dedue was raised and eventually recruited by the Fatui. Proving his worth, he was then brought into Dimitri's vanguard, which then led him to being stationed out in Aaru Village for the sake of tracking down 'the professor' and maintaining safe passage for fellow Fatui personnel to pass through.

Hubert von Vestra - ☆☆☆☆

Vision: Electro Weapon Type: Catalyst Region: Mondstadt Affiliations: Knights of Favonius

Earning quite the repute as a Knight of Favonius, Hubert has often been questioned for his motivations. Though he makes it clear that his loyalty is solely towards the Knights and Edelgard herself, there are some who still cannot shake the feeling of something else beneath that cold visage of his. But others yet chalk this up to his role as an undercover reconnaissance mission soloist.

Ferdinand von Aegir - ☆☆☆☆

Vision: Pyro Weapon Type: Polearm Region: Mondstadt Affiliations: Knights of Favonius

A noble, but only in name, Ferdinand is determined to re-prove the worth and mettle of the Mondstadtian nobility in light of the many controversies that have come to darken the region's past. This is spurred further on by his father having gone missing, the trail of evidence leading itself outside of Mondstadt's borders. Right now, he is at a crossroads; should he stay and take on his role as the last remaining Aegir noble, or should he leave Mondstadt to uncover the mystery of his father's disappearance?

Hilda Valentine Goneril - ☆☆☆☆

Vision: Pyro Weapon Type: Claymore Region: Fontaine Affiliations: Spina di Rosula

Hailed as a master of her craft, Hilda is known for her work as a jeweller in Fontaine's fashion sphere. She is also a trusted member of the Spina di Rosula. That all being said, she is also just as well-known for her habit of leaving her projects to the very last minute, if not outright asking her employees or other members of the Spina di Rosula to complete projects for her.

Lorenz Hellman Gloucestor - ☆☆☆☆

Vision: Electro Weapon Type: Polearm Region: Fontaine Affiliations: Spina di Rosula

As an upstanding member of the Spina di Rosula, Lorenz's family has a long history serving the presidential line of the organisation and have often been seen supporting them by way of sponsorships. Though he may hold some qualms over how the Spina di Rosula currently runs, one can trust him to be loyal as a thoughtful confidant to whoever sits at its current head.

Ignatz Victor - ☆☆☆☆

Vision: Dendro Weapon Type: Bow Region: Sumeru, (formerly Fontaine) Affiliations: Akademiya

A Vahumana scholar that was sent to the Akademiya because of his merchant family's encouragement and desire for him to become well educated, Ignatz is reluctant but willing to learn in due thanks to the financial trouble it took for him to travel and apply. As much as he is determined to learn about Teyvat's history, his heart lies in the arts. Secretly, he's a widely renowned artist, known for his landscape and candid painting work. He works under the pen name of 'Verdi'.

[mostrandomgallery]

"Oh, Deer!"

A modern rendition of the Golden Deer.

DO NOT REPOST!!! Also on deviantART

[kumeko]

Prompt: Modern meet cute (strictly first meeting)

A/N: For @signelchan for the @claudelethgifts! I always wanted to write something based off those immortal Byleth aus, so…took full advantage of your prompt for that. Hope this scratched that meet cute itch!

…

…

…

…

The woman wasn’t charming.

She was certainly pretty, if perhaps a little eccentric. Khalid had seen few people with dyed-green hair and green contacts, but the stranger was certainly pulling off the look. Her tank top and short shorts revealed toned muscles; perhaps she was an athlete of sorts. Standing in front of the ruins of an old tower, her gaze focused on the crumbling arches at the top, there was something charismatic about her lone profile.

Still, even without talking to her, Khalid knew she wasn’t a charming woman. Her expression was cold, distant. She seemed like someone who didn’t laugh much, if at all. The exact opposite of his type, in all honesty.

Yet, Khalid couldn’t look away.

In his ear, the tour guide chattered away about the Garreg Monastery ruins, about the history of the Battle of the Lion and Eagle and the old rulers who fought and died in this place. At eighteen, he’d had just about enough with the school lessons—it was the reason he’d taken the summer to backpack through Fódlan with his best friends Hilda and Lorenz. After all of those essays and exams and the prospect of even more once college started, he was more than ready to take a break. A break from teachers, from parents, from rules and responsibilities.

Hitting on an absolute stranger in the middle of a foreign place with only his wits to help him through? It sounded exactly like the kind of adventure he wanted.

And the kind of action Lorenz would stop. Khalid quickly glanced at the clumped-up tour group. The small group was listening intently, following the instructions on their earpieces as they examined the outline of what used to be a training yard. Lorenz, as usual, was at the front, already trying to correct the tour guide because he’d read up on Fódlan’s history the night before. Long bored, Hilda had taken to chatting up one of the girls on the trip. No one was paying attention to Khalid at the back.

No one had noticed the woman standing by the tower.

As though sensing his mischief, Hilda glanced over her shoulder at Khalid. She raised a brow and even at this distance, he could already read the question on her lips: what’re you doing?

They’d been best friends for only a few years now in high school, but it’d felt like he’d known her his entire life. Khalid had never met anyone who fit so seamlessly with his pranks and schemes, who knew how to play the game just as well as he did. The sparkle in her eyes told him that she was more than willing to join in whatever plan he had now.

However, this was a solo mission. Khalid tilted his head in the direction of the woman. Hilda stared at her for a few minutes before grinning and winking. She pointed at Lorenz and gave a thumbs up, a promise to keep their rigid friend occupied.

Perfect.

Quiet as a mouse, he walked slower, falling behind in the tour group. Parents with their children streamed past, lovers held hands as they idly strolled by. The earpiece crackled as the tour guide answered yet another one of Lorenz’s questions. Bending down, Khalid pretended to tie his shoes.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

Straightening up, Khalid found the courtyard empty. The tour group had already moved onto the next section, the guide’s voice turning into static as they walked out of range. Meanwhile, the woman was still there, still staring at the tower, still utterly alone.

It was rare a plan fell together so easily. Khalid tried not to whistle as he headed over to the stranger.

Like the rest of the ruins, the tower was crumbling on one side, vines and flowers growing out of the bricks. A bird flew through the second floor to a small nest and a squirrel ran up the side. It had been several hundred years since the place had fallen into disrepair and between an earthquake, a fire, and plain old time, the tower had clearly left its best years far behind. Whatever restoration work the rest of the old church received, it hadn’t reached this far yet.

However…it was odd. Khalid paused for a second, his eyes focused on the second story floor. Aside from what he’d read in the pamphlet on the way here, he knew nothing about this tower. Yet, just like the woman, there was something about it that drew his gaze. A niggling feeling tickled the back of his head, like a dream he just couldn’t quite remember.

Like he’d been here before.

Like he’d once known the place.

Maybe Lorenz had told him too much about the monastery on the tour bus here.

Khalid shook his head. This wasn’t the time to be thinking about this. The woman didn’t react as he stood next to her. Up close, her moss green hair appeared to glow. He’d helped Hilda dye her hair pink a few times, but he’d never seen a dye like this before. That was for the best—if Hilda ever found out, she’d glow in the dark for the rest of her life.

And that would make it impossible to sneak around at night.

Clearing his throat, he said, “That’s an intense look. See something up there?”

The woman shook her head, though she didn’t turn his way. “It’s nothing.”

A one-liner. It didn’t give him much room to maneuver. Well, Khalid liked a good challenge. He scrambled through his memories for all the random facts Lorenz had nattered about on the walk to the bus. “I heard this was a god’s tower—guess he’s not doing a great job if it’s looking like this.”

“She,” the woman corrected softly.

Khalid raised a brow, not following. “She?”

“It’s the goddess tower. And the goddess…” She paused, her expression darkening. “She could only protect so much.”

“I guess that’s why she isn’t worshipped anymore, then,” Khalid replied blithely, sensing his opening and taking it. Maybe she was a history buff. He could only hope she wasn’t a religious zealot. “Kinda hard to believe in a goddess who can’t even protect herself. You know her name?”

“Sothis.” The woman bit her cheek before quietly mumbling, “She had never really been a goddess in the first place.”

“Sounds like you were there. You know a lot about this place?” Khalid paused before adding slyly, “Teach.”

“Teach?” The woman flinched at the nickname. Maybe he’d jumped the gun there. “You—”

As she turned to him, she froze mid sentence, her eyes wide, her lips parted. Her breath hitched. It was like she’d seen a ghost. Had they met before? Khalid had always had a good memory, for people, for places, and even if it had just been in passing, he’d never forget seeing hair this green. Her hands were fisted but her stance wasn’t aggressive. However they’d met, at least she didn’t seem to hate him.

“Try not to stare too hard, you might tear a hole through me,” he teased, trying to lighten the mood.

It was enough to snap the stranger back to her senses. She tightened her jaw and averted her gaze. “You shouldn’t be here,” she said curtly, her tone clipped and tight.

“Ouch, prickly aren’t you?” Khalid winced. He’d been wrong then. They’d definitely met, and he’d definitely done something wrong. He could only hope it wasn’t too egregious.

Ignoring him, she pointed to the path behind him. “This is a restricted area. You’re not allowed to wander on your own. You have to return to your tour group.”

“But I’m not on my own.” Undeterred, Khalid smirked and leaned forward. “And it looks like you’re without your tour group too.”

“That…” The woman hesitated and he could almost see the gears in her brain moving. Whatever else she was, she wasn’t a good liar. “I have permission.”

“As a tour guide? Or do you do work here?” Khalid pressed, trying to keep the smile out of his voice. Maybe it was a little mean to push like this when it was obvious she was scrambling for an excuse, but he couldn’t help himself.

“I…I help out.” The woman frowned before gesturing for him to leave again. “You need to get back to your tour group.”

“Alright, alright. Could I have your name then?” Khalid asked, holding out a hand. If Plan A failed, there was always Plan B. “So I can leave a note on how helpful you were?”

The woman hesitated once more, biting her lip. She stared at his hand, troubled, her own hand opening and clenching. After a few seconds, she sighed and shook. “Byleth.”

Progress. Though the name didn’t ring a bell either. Khalid smiled. “Nice to meet ya. I’m Khalid.”

Once again, Byleth’s breath hitched, her posture stiffening. Her hand gripped his tightly. “Khalid,” she breathed.

“Don’t wear it out now,” he joked.

“You…” Byleth’s teeth sunk into her lip once more and she retracted her hand quickly. Her eyes glimmered with an unnamed emotion. “You need to get back to the group.”

There were so many puzzles to unravel here. Even if he hadn’t known her name, she had clearly known his. It was time to change tactics. He pivoted, raising a hand to shield his eyes as he scanned his surroundings dramatically. Making a good show, he pretended to search for his tour group. Fortunately, they’d already moved on to the next spot, so the space behind him was empty. “I would but they’re not there anymore.”

Byleth studied their surrounding, her frown growing deeper as she realized he was right. “If you return to the main path, you should be able to catch up to them.”

“Sure—” Khalid took a big step forward before stopping. He turned back to her. “I’d be alone then.”

“It’s fine,” she replied, her frown deepening.

“I wouldn’t want either of us to get in trouble. Maybe you could help me find the group?” he fished.

The woman scowled, as though she knew just what he was after. Despite that, she exhaled deeply before nodding. “Fine. I’ll take you to them. Do you remember what part you were on?”

Not only had she taken the bait, but she’d even given him the best opening he could hope for. Khalid pointed in the opposite direction that the guide had gone. “The library, I think.”

-x-

As they walked, Khalid was certain of exactly three things about Byleth: she was a terrible liar, she was the least sociable person he’d ever met (and that included his grumpy former classmate Lysithea), and she knew these ruins like the back of her hand. If he pointed and asked about even the most random-looking pile of bricks, Byleth would tell him exactly what that place was. Maybe she was a tour guide on vacation or a historian.

Actually, that made four things he knew about her—despite her distant demeanor, she was considerate and helpful. Even when he’d slowed his pace, feigning exhaustion, she’d matched his speed. All the while acting the part of a guide.

It was a fact Khalid took full advantage of. Crouching, he pretended to tie his shoes next to the chalk outline of a building. “Wonder what used to be here.”

Byleth didn’t even pause before replying. “The greenhouse.”

“A greenhouse?” Khalid stood up quickly, trying to stand a little taller to take in the shape of the outline. “They had one of those back then?”

“Of course,” Byleth replied, standing at the boundary of the building’s outline. “For fresh food.”

“I mean, of course, but…” There was just something very modern about a greenhouse. He’d never considered just when the first one had been made. Or how long they’d been in use. It didn’t feel like the kind of thing one would find centuries ago. “Did they grow poisons there too?”

Byleth snapped her head to stare at him. While she didn’t say anything, her lips twitched, her eyes full of unspoken mirth.

Mildly embarrassed, Khalid resisted the urge to look away. “What?”

“Poisons?” she asked.

He rubbed the back of his neck, his skin warm. Now it felt like a stupid question. “Since there was a war and political fractions, it sounded like something they’d use here.”

“I see.” Her lips twitched again, and she muttered, “Some things don’t change.”

There was something unnerving about her gaze. She wasn’t looking at him, not really. “What doesn’t change?” he asked.

Byleth pursed her lips and gave him a long look. Shaking her head, she started walking. “The route shouldn’t change. They might be in the monastery,” she said, changing the subject.

It was obvious and blunt and Khalid had seen kindergarteners with more subtle skills. But if he pressed now, she wouldn’t respond. Patiently, he trailed after her. “Maybe.”

There was a cobbled path up a gentle sloping hill, the rocks well worn over time. On his left, a series of small rooms in a low, one-story building. On his right, the walls of the main building, in somewhat decent shape. Byleth paused as they passed, staring at one of the small rooms, its door long rotted away.

The room wasn’t any different than the other ones. Khalid paused beside her, not sure what she was looking at. “Let me guess—storage?”

“Dorm rooms,” Byleth corrected. Her expression softened. “Mainly for commoners.”

While he didn’t remember much about the tour, he did remember this small fact. Khalid grimaced. “I thought this school advocated for equality amongst students.”

“You’re right,” Byleth replied softly, still staring at the hole. “Views and practice don’t always align. You taught—” She cut herself off, tearing her eyes away. “Let’s keep going.”

You taught.

He couldn’t unhear that. This was their first conversation. He reached forward, grabbing Byleth’s wrist and gluing her in place. An electric current ran up his arm and through his spine, a sense of déjà vu for something that could never have been. “Have we met before?”

“No,” Byleth replied quickly. Too quickly. Even without her other responses, her body language had already given away the truth.

“On the street or—” Khalid pressed, not letting go.

“No,” Byleth interrupted, yanking her arm free. She stared at him, then down, rubbing her wrist. Softly, she uttered, “You…just look like someone I used to know.”

He could hear the heartbreak in her voice, the misery in her eyes. A death. A painful one. “Oh.”

She didn’t say anything and they stood there, silently staring at the ground.

Khalid rubbed the back of his neck. He shouldn’t have asked. Not like that, at least. Cracking a smile, he tried to lift the mood. “But he wasn’t as handsome, right?”

Byleth stared. A ghost of a smile crossed her lips. “The opposite.”

“Ouch.” That was twice that she’d stung him, but he couldn’t even get mad or feel hurt, not when she was brighter, the colour returning to her skin. “You really know how to kick someone when they’re down.”

“I’m not kicking anyone,” Byleth said, her lips twitching again. She was trying not to laugh, he realized.

“Liar,” Khalid muttered, grinning. Maybe he should make that his new goal—getting her to actually laugh out loud. As they walked past a set of bigger rooms, he pointed and asked, “Noble dorms?”

“No, classrooms.” Byleth pointed at one, then another. “Blue Lions. Black Eagles.” Her breath hitched as she pointed at the last classroom. “Golden Deer.”

It didn’t feel like she was reciting history, but rather memory. As though she’d lived through those times. As though she knew what this place had looked like in its peak. As though she knew this whole ruin.

Lorenz wasn’t the only one who’d spent the night cramming up on history.

“Apparently I had an ancestor there,” Khalid replied. He would have looked into it more if he’d realized he was going to talk about it. “I think he was a house head.”

“Yeah…” She closed her eyes. “You resemble him.”

“I didn’t even tell you which one,” he said, half-jesting, half-serious. “Stalker?”

“There’s a museum at the end of the tour,” she replied, opening her eyes, staring at him in the same way she had looked at those classrooms. As though he too were a relic out of place and time. “You look exactly like the Golden Deer leader, Claude.”

“Oh.” Well, that was a simple, obvious answer. Not that he bought it.

Sounds of gravel crunching and a low chatter filled the space. They’d caught up to the tour group and Khalid looked up to see stragglers turning a corner ahead of them.

“You won’t get lost now,” Byleth said softly as she picked up the pace.

Privately, Khalid wanted to swear—he’d been getting somewhere with her. Slowly, but surely. As he turned the corner, he spotted Hilda and Lorenz standing under a tree, Hilda fanning herself as she glanced idly around. Spotting him, she waved, and Lorenz turned to shoot him a suspicious stare.

“Yeah, I guess I won’t,” he said, turning to Blyth. “Thanks—”

She was already gone.

He wasn’t sure if he should be insulted or hurt.

-x-

Hilda snuggled up to Khalid as he sat in the ratty old seats in the auditorium. If there was one thing he’d learned so far from his first year courses, it was that they were all held in giant rooms that could hold a hundred at least. A far cry from high school and its tiny classrooms.

“Can’t believe you signed up for history as an elective,” Hilda grumbled, leaning against him, her head already resting on his shoulder. “You don’t even like history.”

Well, he couldn’t really say he’d joined it because he couldn’t stop thinking about that woman he didn’t pick up. It had been weeks and Khalid still turned whenever he spotted a bright green, half-expecting Byleth to just pop out of the shrubbery like the ghosts she knew so well.

“Neither do you,” he replied, trying to get comfortable. The seat felt too hard and too soft at the same time. “I thought you wanted a bird course?”

“Lorenz is here—stealing his notes makes it a bird course,” Hilda replied with a grin. She shivered and rubbed her bare arms. “Fuck, it’s cold here.”

“Get a jacket next time, or—” His words died as he heard a click and turned to the doors at the front.

Green.

“Hey, isn’t that lady the one from the tour?” Hilda whispered, squinting as she stared. “How’d she dye her hair like that?”

“Yeah,” Khalid whispered, sitting a little straighter as Byleth walked to the front of the room. She was several rows down, but he could see her expression was as blank as ever.

Setting down her papers on the podium, Byleth cleared her throat. “I’m Byleth, your Fódlan History 101 professor.”

He’d been right, she was a history buff.

Khalid grinned. At least now he could get her number.