#i want to squish her into a puddle it's so dire

[icedille]

look at him. the littlest guy. so normal and not a weird thought in his head

[mommymooze]

Post Timeskip Hugs from the Resident Hugmeister. Golden Deer Hugstravaganza

Comrades in arms. Friends til the end. Bestest best friends that ever friended. The Golden Deer are a strange bunch. They did not know each other before coming here. All from different backgrounds, different experiences leading them all to the same place, it is like destiny calls them together. At first it is a bumpy road, the bumps bringing them closer together as a team. They grow up together over the year having classes together. Learning to fight, learning to kill, figuring out how to survive and cope with the sadness that fighting and now war brings.

The reunion is fun except for the fighting. Cleanup keeps everyone’s hands and minds busy. Once things settle down a bit and everyone settles into a routine, that’s when reality hits everyone. Instead of learning and classes, it is now war council meetings and practicing to become stronger. No more pranks or kidding around. Everything is serious, the situation dire. When did the norm become walking past someone hiding in a corner crying to themselves? The only laughter one can recall is from the enemy attackers, laughing at you in your nightmares.

You find Hilda alone in the Golden Deer classroom, sitting in front of the low fire, her arms pulling her knees close to her chest.

“Hey Hils.” You greet her then sit down next to her. “You look like some company would do you good.”

“I never wanted any of this war. It is so scary and terrifying. I had to beg my brother to let me come and still had to sneak out when it was time. “

“I’m glad you came”, you begin. “We need you. The Deer would not be the same without you. Claude would be a wreck without you, you’re his right hand gal!”

“True, Claude can’t function without me.” Her lips turn up at the corner a bit.

“And who else can design battle armor that is also fashionably fantastic?”

“Only me.” Her smile gets a bit bigger

“And when you completely decimate the enemy, whose battle cry inspires us to go on toward the win?” You grin at her, rubbing her back.

“Hilda! Hilda!” she says giggling.

“That’s my gal!” you grin holding your arms wide open to give her a hearty strong hug.

You stroll along the monastery grounds and run in to Lorenz looking over the rose bushes.

“Sir Lorenz.” You call out as you bow towards him.

“Hmpf.” He sniffs.

“Come on, let’s have a cup of tea and a chat. There is nothing like a steaming hot cup of Bergamot to bring an air of calm to a stressful day.”

“Finally, someone understands the importance of tea!” Lorenz huffs.

You both head to the kitchens and work together to prepare the tea. Using a basic tea service, the presentation is quite lackluster, however the tea smells quite delicious.

“I understand your father gave you a difficult time before you joined us. Let me personally thank you for your strong beliefs and determination in joining us.” You nod, raising your teacup toward him as a salute.

Lorenz frowns. “My father is a competent leader and has managed the territory well, however when it comes to the support of the alliance and the war, that is where our opinions differ. “

“I am happy that you have become your own man.” You begin. “We do need your opinions. Claude may at times think of you as a thorn in his side, but he needs you. We must think of all ways to solve the many problems this war brings. You have great knowledge and don’t shy away from bringing up contrary points. Claude may not say it, but he does appreciate it.”

Lorenz visibly flusters. “I am taken aback. I thought you all felt I was purely a nuisance.”

“No. You may be prickly, or lets say as thorny as your favorite roses, but there is also much beauty and other things to be gained when you get past the thorns.”

You are both smiling warmly as you drain your teacups.

Standing before him, you request a hug and he is eager to accommodate you. You hold him until he gives a pleasant sigh.

As you walk past the training grounds you hear battle cries that definitely sound like Raphael. You walk in and wait for him to finish working out.

“Hi Raph. How are you doing.” You ask

“Pretty good. After being apart for five years you would think it would take longer to get used to it but I’m right back into the thick of fighting again. I did keep busy fighting bandits at home, so I kept my muscles growing.” He proudly displays a few muscles for your review.

“You sure have. Isn’t it hard leaving your little sister behind?” You ask.

“Funny you should say that but before I knew it, she grew up right before my eyes!” Raph muses. “She’s quite the young lady now. I think she nearly pushed me out the door when it was time to go. She said something about my being a good big brother but making it hard for her to date. I mean, I didn’t do anything. I just wanted to meet the guys and see if they were strong. Hah.”

You grin at the huge muscled man. “Raphael, you are so amazing! Never change.” You walk up to him and give him a bear hug, he hugs you back until you tap him on the shoulder, then he lets go so you can breathe again.

In the stables Marianne is tending to Dorte. You call out greetings before slowly entering the room. The woman is not nearly as shy as she had been in the past. Sitting on a pile of straw you watch her for a bit.

“Marianne, I am so happy that you are here with us again.” You smile.

The soft spoken woman returns the smile. “I am happy to be here. I cannot imagine abandoning my friends after all they have done for me.“

“I feel the same.” You nod “You worked so hard keeping us alive. Can I give you a hug to show how grateful I am that you’re here?”

“Of course.” She answers softly.

Her hug may be soft and gentle, but it is filled with a warmth that fills you with happiness.

Leonie is in the kitchen cooking up a big pot of stew. Just as she puts down the ladle, you have snuck up from behind her and grab her around the waist.

“Sneak hugs!!” You call out as she gasps then laughs.

“You’re lucky I didn’t smack you with the ladle.” The redhead grins.

“Why’d you think I waited til you put it down to attack? I know you are fierce in battle.” You chuckle.

Heading out through the dining hall you wander by the dorms. You notice a bit of light coming from Ignatz’ room.

“Knock Knock!” You say as you knock on his door.

“Oh, come in! I was just cleaning.” The talented young man is organizing his paints and brushes.

“May I interrupt you for a hug, perchance?” You grin peeking into his room.

“Of course! I always have time for those!” he chirps happily, holding his arms wide open. You dive into them, giving him a warm squishy hug that spins him half around, making you both chuckle. Waving goodbye, you head for your next recipient.

Claude is lying on his back on the porch, his feet towards the Professor’s door as he looks out into the stars twinkling in the sky. Byleth sits on the edge of the porch with her feet hanging off. As you walk up they both greet you.

“What’s up? It is starting to get late.” Byleth mentions.

“Does there have to be anything going on for me to hand out a few hugs to my favorite leaders?” You grin happily. “I must keep your comfort and reassurance levels as high as everyone else.”

Byleth already has her arms spread wide open for her hug which you gently weave yourself into giving her warm hugs and a gentle “mmmm” as you nuzzle your nose into her neck. Once you know for certain she has relaxed a bit you slowly loose your grip on her.

“Your turn, Claude.” You say to your fearless leader, yet he still lies on his back looking up at you.

“Too late, I’ve already turned into soup. I’m just a puddle on the walkway.” Claude grins.

You walk up to him, picking up his arm, as soon as you let go, it falls back onto his body then slides to the wooden planks.

“Did you hear the splash? I’m soup.” He smirks.

You put the back of your hand to your forehead in mock sorrow. “Whatever shall I do? My leader has withered away and is now soup. Ahh, I may have an idea…a good thing to go with soup is bread. I can dip it in the soup and not lose a drop!” You snicker as you sit on his stomach, holding him down while you first poke him like you are dipping bread in his chest, then you start tickling him.

Claude struggles to sit up and knock you off of him. “Hey! Wait! No fair. How am I to know that soup is ticklish. Get off!” He hollers and laughs as you two roll along the porch, only stopping when he nearly falls off. You both can hear Byleth giggling watching you two idiots roll around.

“I knew that the tickle spell would make Claude congeal back into himself. Now give me my hug you brat!” You laugh and pull him in for a mighty squishing hug as he laughs. It’s good to bring a smile or a laugh to your bestest friends.