#manuela x hanneman

[cupofcolors]

Flayn voice: I'm a healer 🔫 BUT --

[proshippersstimming]

⚤ ⚤ ⚤ ⚤ ⚤ ⚤ ⚤ ⚤ ⚤

Hanneman von Essar x Manuela Casagranda from Fire Emblem: Three Houses with books for Hanneman, alcohol for Manuela, holding hands, and kissing as requested by an anon!

[beezonia]

A Sarah Jane adventures au

With Manuela as Sarah, the journalist who lost her parents and investigates the aliens that come to earth

Dimitri is luke the boy who’s a genetically engineered

Byleth is Maria but she doesn’t move away in this

Claude is Clyde the school prankster who wants to explore the world someday

Petra is rani the high school investigator who’s extremely interested in the mysterious woman and her son who lives opposite her and her family

Edelgard comes in somewhere as like a half human half alien teen who gets put on earth to destroy it

(So does the rest of the cast at some point)

Hanneman is the doctor (yes he fits the 10th doctor vibes me thinks)

Seteth is they guy Sarah Jane nearly gets married to but is a reoccurring character because Manuela kinda crushes on him afterwards and he misses her

And it’s basically just Manuela her son and his friends trying to save the world from aliens with a bit of love smooshed in with it

———-

Like imagine The Wedding Of Sarah Jane episode but it’s Setuela

Seteth is Peter who she’s been seeing for a few months and is hopelessly in love with him and he her.

Dimitri, Claude, Petra and Byleth are worried about her because she’s been lying to them more often and as Dimitri says “Nothing good ever happens when she lies to them”

So they end up following her and find out about her and seteth because Claude sees them kissing.

Manuela tells them about seteth, her and Dimitri have this talk about how she’s not gonna tell him about the alien investigator part of her life because she doesn’t wanna loose him.

Fast forward a few weeks to the wedding. turns out that Seteth made a deal with the trickster Manuela’s greatest enemy and they are now trapped in a time loop that only she can break

The others are with the doctor or Hanneman as he likes to be called and their trying to figure out how to save/help Manuela

Whilst seteth is trying to persuade Manuela to say I do and she’s trying to get him to see the truth

(I love this episode so much you have no idea I could go on for hours)

But yeah that’s the gist of the au let me know if you want more!

[malsfefanfics]

Edelgard x Flayn post war recovery

Let's go for it.

Edelgard let out a soft grunt as she felt her leg being pushed back towards her chest. Ever since the end of the war, her health had been taking a turn for the worst. It wasn't until Professor Hanneman came running with his team declaring they'd succeeded in their research that she'd found some modicum of hope for living beyond thirty.

And now, nearly two months after just healing from her Crest removal surgery, having both Seiros and Flames removed from her blood, she found herself laying on the floor, on a thick mat of weaved hay and feather down as Flayn helped her with her stretches. Normally Hubert would be the one she turned to for this. Finding herself in such a vulnerable position in front of anyone else made her stomach churn.

But Hubert was away in Nuvelle, so Flayn had insisted that she could handle all the physical therapy Manuela had assigned. Stretches, strength training, everything she would need to regain reasonable range in motion again.

"How do you feel?" Flayn asked as they stopped for a drink.

"I thought it would be hard, but I'm okay." Edelgard happily drank down the water, sighing contently at the coolness offsetting her aching muscles.

Flayn nodded. "I am glad you are able to handle these exercises now. It was rather....'touch and go', as it were. You did not seem to be handling it well at first."

Edelgard held back the urge to correct her. There was no way to hide the truth from her now. "Perhaps it was rather difficult. But they've been getting easier. I don't think I'm at the point I can do most of them myself yet, though."

"That is why I'm here." Flayn leaned in and gave her a brief kiss. "Once you are finished with your recovery, we can make good on that promise."

"Promise?"

Flayn stared at her sternly. "Did you forget the promise we made before the surgery? Hubert assured me that he would see to the planning personally-"

Edelgard giggled. "I didn't forget, Flayn. I was just kidding."

After an overly dramatic gasp, Flayn lightly smacked the Emperor on the shoulder. "You dare tease me? Perhaps I should eat your portion of dessert tonight as pennance."

"Perish that thought. I will share at most."

"So greedy!"

"I'm the greedy one? Who nearly ate the entire palace out of its entire fish storage."

"If you did not want me to eat the fish, you should not have made it so delicious and within my reach."

The two laughed, lightly shoving each other playfully. Neither thought they'd be lucky enough to be given such a chance at happiness.

They would be sure to savor it.

[pistachio-pierrot]

CRINGETOBER DAY 7-- Crossover

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a man in possession of a hyperfixation must be in want of a crossover." Jane Austen, i think.

And now, the six merry murderesses of the Garreg Mach Monastery Jail. (Musicals are my jam for crossovers; it's so fun imagining the different parts)

Chicago x Three Houses!

it may have been a poor idea to try to scramble together a mini-animation when I have to wake up early tomorrow, but I couldn't stop once the idea was planted in my head.

Full image:

"Pop": Hilda/Caspar

"Six": Flayn/Linhardt

"Squish": Bernadetta/Felix

"Uh Uh": Petra/Ashe

"Cicero": Manuela/Hanneman

"Lipschitz": Ingrid/Ignatz

[idk6123]

The White Heron Ball (Dimitri X Male Reader)

“Professor, I beg of you. Please, do not choose me as our house representative. I am utterly serious.” And that’s when the problem started. “What?! Curse you, professor. I will of course accept but know that you have damned us all.”

And so, after the event, an official Blue Lions meeting has been started. Inside of the classroom, the entire original group are all standing around to figure out what to do with the dreading situation.

“I just can’t believe it. I begged to the professor, and yet they choose me. Why?”

“They probably wanted to be humored.” Felix coldly says.

Ingrid looks besides her with a glare. “Not now Felix. This is serious.”

“It’s just a ball.” Felix merely responds. “Just do it and lose. Who cares?”

“This isn’t just about the ball. This is about our pride.” Ashe corrects him.

“He’s right. If he loses, that will look bad on us.” Sylvain agrees.

“My apologies in advance.” Dimitri apologetically says.

“No need to apologize.” Dedue assures. “We’re in the same boat, so we must share the burden.”

“You say that, but we aren’t the ones on the dancefloor.” Annette looks unsure at the retainer.

“Even so, we can offer our support.” Mercedes positively smiles.

 “Mercedes is right.” Dimitri feels a bit more secured thanks to everyone’s support, well, everyone except Felix. “Perhaps with some dedicated training, there is going to be a chance I can win. I just need to learn how to dance.”

There is a silence in the room, as everyone looks awkwardly stiff.

“I’m sorry my lord, but if I knew this would happen, I certainly learn how to dance.” Dedue says.

“I was always more interested to learn how to fight.” Ingrid admits.

“I can try, but I doubt it would be much help.” Mercedes says with a frown.

Dimitri sighs. “I guess nobody knows how to dance.”

“I do.” Everyone eyes lay on Y/N. “My parents always love to throw balls. I basically grew up with them.”

“You do?” Dimitri looks amazed. “Do you think you can teach me?”

“Of course. Know that since we have only less than 2 weeks, you’re technique will be… clunky.”

“I just have to accept that.” Dimitri is quick to scoff that aside. “So? When do you think we can train?”

“How about now?”

-

In the courtyard, Dimitri is awkwardly looking around as Y/N begins his first lessons as a dance teacher.

“You will be leading, which is I usually do, so please excuse me if I get confused.” He walks over to Dimitri, right in front of him, making Dimitri a bit flustered. “With your right hand, you grab mine. While on at the left hand, grab my hip.”

“You’re hip?” Dimitri looks a bit gasp but doesn’t complain. With silence, he merely does what Y/N instructed.

“You need to hold me tightly. Imagine how tightly you grab your lance.”

“A-Alright.” Dimitri mutters. Holding Y/N tighter, they get to basic pose.

“This is the base. As long as you hold me like this, everything else falls into place. First though, we’re doing the basics.” Y/N says. “Now, follow my movement.”

And so, Dimitri carefully follows Y/N’s instructions. His eyes keep looking on the ground. Both because he wants to his movement, and he doesn’t want to see his partner’s eyes. It starts out slowly, with the prince carefully moving. However, as he repeats the moves, he goes a bit faster and faster. After several minutes, the two take a break.

“And? Did I do good?”

“You were good as a beginner.” Y/N complements him. “You were a bit rusty, but we work on that.” From behind Dimitri, Y/N sees the other teachers, as well the students that Dimitri is going to compete with. “Oh no.”

“What is wrong?”

“I didn’t consider your opponents…”

Dimitri turns around and instantly gets what he’s worried about. At the Golden Deer, being led by Hanneman, is Hilda, one of the most charming person in the school. To make things worse is at the Black Eagles, being teach by Manuela herself, is no other than the songstress Dorothea. Both girls definitely have more experience with this, whether it's dancing, or looking mesmerizing.

“I’m going to lose. Aren’t I?”

“Don’t say that yet.” Y/N wants to motivate him, though he knows the chances of him winning is very low.

“I’m competing against an opera songstress and one of the most charming girls in the school.” Dimitri says with a frown.

Y/N sighs. “Fine. Yes, we’re screwed, but we still need to try. Imagine this is a battlefield. You see multiple strong opponents. What would you do?”

“I fight. The least I could do is give it a shot.” Dimitri then looks a bit happier. “I have to say, I still have my doubts, but I shouldn’t give up. Please Y/N, teach me further.”

“That’s the spirit!”

-

Days has passed. Every day, Dimitri takes time to practice his technique with Y/N. First starting with the basics, and later keep adding one thing to refine his movement. That leads them to the White Heron Cup. Every student is in the large hall, all awaiting for their house to participate and win. In one corner, the Blue Lions await anxiously, especially their leader.

“You got this. I just know you’re going to win.”

“Thanks Mercedes. I give it my all, but I feel like I’m outmatch.” Dimitri was pretty confident in his ability until the day actually came. That’s when he began to feel nervous.

“At least you know that. But there is no shame with losing to these gorgeous girls.” Sylvain casually comments.

“I think Sylvain was trying to say, even if you lose, we’re still proud of you.” Ingrid corrects her friend.

“Just remember the technique.” Y/N reminds the blonde lord. “If it helps, imagine you’re dancing with me.”

“That just sound wrong.” Sylvain chuckles. “…Or right depending on his highness.”

“What does that supposed to mean?” Dimitri looks a bit flabbergasted.

Before Sylvain could clarify, their teacher walks up to the group. “It’s time. Good luck, Dimitri.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

As everyone stand at the side, the three participants head to the center. Alongside them are the judges, Alios, Shamir and Manuela. Along the three students, Dimitri looks the most nervous. It doesn’t help that Dorothea merely looks like this is her casual day and Hilda just smirking happily. After the announcement, featuring Alios, the crowd cheers for the three students.

“Very well… BEGIN!”

With elegant music playing in the background, the three students begin gracefully move around. Surprisingly, Dimitri isn’t butchering his technique, which surprises his classmates. He blends in with the two girls pretty well. However, even though he’s doing good, doesn’t mean he outdid the likes of Dorothea and Hilda. Still, they don’t know what the judges think. Though for Dimitri, he doesn’t think about it. He merely thinks of holding Y/N in his arms, as he carefully moves his body around.

Minutes has passed, and the music stops and the bell rings. “TIME! That’s all, folks!” Alios announces. Thus, the three students stand still in front of the judges. All three awaits until they hear the result. Like minutes ago, Dorothea and Hilda still look confident, while Dimitri still looks nervous.

“Splendid! All three of you were fantastic! Now, let’s hear what the judges have to say…”

“Oh my, let’s see. I suppose I have no choice but to vote for… The Black Eagle House. Your performance was… exhilarating. My heart is still beating a mile a minute.”

“C’mon. At least give us one vote.” Annette begs back in the background.

“That vote was just rigged.” Sylvain is quick to conclude. “She’s in her house, AND they worked together.”

“Shh!” Ingrid shushed him. “They’re going to say the next person.”

“I vote for…” The room awaits for Shamir to give her vote. “The Blue Lions House. You were the most original.”

“Yes!” Ashe happily cheers. “At least we got one.”

“Great feedback, both of you! Well then, let’s see… Factoring my own humble opinion… Yes! We have a winner! And I will announce who it is… right now! Without any delay! The winner of this year’s White Heron Cup is…” With the surprise of the entire room, the winner gets announced. “The Blue Lion House.”

As the entire room claps for the winner, Dimitri merely looks confused. “I won? There must be some mistake…”

-

From that day, the students gave Dimitri an odd look, because they keep thinking how the prince only skilled in the battlefield could win in a dance competition. Days has passed since that day, and the prince still can’t believe he managed to win. The ball started, with about everyone at the event. In the middle of the room is the dancefloor, while those who just wanted to do something fun standing at the side.

“I can’t believe every girl rejected me.” Sylvain stands with his childhood friends as he complains about the event. “Am I losing my charm?”

“You didn’t had any in the first place.” Felix is quick to insult him.

“You know, I’m glad they rejected you.” Ingrid says with honesty. “You just toss them at the side when you’re done with them.”

“I take it none of you are going to dance, huh?” Y/N asks.

“Not a chance in the world.” Felix says.

“I wasn’t asked.” Ingrid responds.

“Oh.” Sylvain looks surprised. “I didn’t expect that. If you don’t mind, we can dance.”

Ingrid is quick to glare at him, thinking he’s up with something again. “And here I thought out of all girls, you wouldn’t treat me like-”

“Hey! Hey!” Sylvain quickly calms her down. “I meant as a friend.”

“Oh, yeah? Would you dance with Felix?”

“Sure. Why not?” Sylvain says with issue. He looks back at the frowning swordsman.

“No.”

 Y/N laughs at the interaction. From his side, he sees Dimitri walking to them to join them. “Hello Dimitri. Everything going well?”

“Well, after my victory, girls are quiet interested with dancing with me.” Dimitri answers.

Sylvain looks disappointed. “Damnit. Why didn’t the professor picked me?”

Dimitri merely chuckles. “Anyway, it appears now I have some time alone. Ironically, I wanted to ask Y/N to dance?”

“You do?” Y/N is a bit surprised.

“Of course.” Dimitri gives his hand to Y/N. “It would be an honor to dance with you.”

Y/N smiles at the other smiling man. “I could say the same about you too.”

With that, Dimitri leads his friend to the dancefloor, where the prince leads his dance partner as they move around. In the background, the three childhood friends watch them.

“I didn’t expect Dimitri to ask him.”

Sylvain chuckles. “I do.”

“Hm?” Ingrid looks back at her friend. “What do you mean?”

“Well, I think after all those privet lessons Dimitri became interested in Y/N.”

“Romantically you mean?” Ingrid then looks back at the prince. “Huh. We never had two kings before. Still, Y/N is responsible and kind, so if he would be the future king, I wouldn’t mind.”

“And he’s far saner then the boar.” Felix adds.

Sylvain hums. “Well, whoever Dimitri is going to end up with, let’s hope it’s someone like Y/N.”

[grinserabe]

(Template from here)

Notes: I think Hanneman x Manuela is a bit above & Sylcedes a bit below "mid" but they just fit those categories the best, imo. I also don't see any ship as canon, but the ones I picked seem a bit pushed, at least.

[meggannn]

Three Houses/Hopes x Taskmaster

AKA here's how I think the kids would do in a school-wide Taskmaster competition.

notes/explanations/ramblings under the cut

GARREG MACH STAFF

My thinking is that this is a lighthearted team-building game across houses, like a school sports day, so that’s why it’s students-only. If the staff participated, here's how I'd categorize them:

Rhea: I do not see a universe in which she participates lol. like I try to envision it and it does not compute

Seteth: just does the task

I included Cyril above just cause of his age and his likelihood to become a Garreg Mach student post-canon. He's only in “asks for help” because he needs someone to read the tasks out. After he hears it he’d be “just does the task.” But I wanted to put someone else in the bottom category with Hilda lol

Hanneman: would fall under the “distinguished older gentleman who completely loses his marbles over something small” category if there was one. Otherwise, loophole user or overly competitive

Manuela: I didn’t make an “older woman who makes every task as horny as possible” category, but if she was involved I’d make one just for her

Gilbert: gets distracted by something small, like categorizing all the rubber ducks by color or cleaning up after himself, and forgets to do the task. In this tier, “doesn’t give a fuck”

Catherine: overly competitive

Shamir: just does the task

Alois: does his best with mixed results

Jeralt: doesn’t give a fuck

PLACEMENT NOTES

Alois as Taskmaster was something I came around to after the subreddit recommended it. He'd award a bonus point randomly to whoever genuinely laughs at his puns.

I considered Seteth as Little Alex Horne, because he does have a sense of humor, but I think he's too genuine of a “straight man” to join in the spirit of the game. I do think he'd do well in the studio portion, reciting the stats and calling out mistakes/quipping back when the conversation gets rowdy.

But I like the thought of Byleth as the assistant for the recorded on-site tasks as someone who: 1. would get their hands dirty, and 2. doesn't mind the students making fun of them. Either way, I think a hard-working assistant (Seteth/Byleth) carefully planning all of these tasks only for the results to be judged by Alois who decides winners on his whims would be a funny inverse of the Davies/Horne dynamic, and very on brand with the show.

I thought about putting Ingrid in the “just does it” category but I think she’d get competitive if it were a game of BL vs other houses. If it’s just her house, she’d just want to have a good time. If it’s vs the other houses, she wants to represent her country well.

Annette is in the competitive category because she reads the task and immediately gets to work once the timer starts. Too concerned with Doing a Good Job and doesn’t read over the task and think it over, much less check under the table or look for any hints.

Claude also could have been in “overly competitive” but I think he’d have too much fun trying to find loopholes that he wouldn’t care about winning, he’d just try to have a good time bending the rules as much as possible or getting a rise out of the TM+assistant. Like Rhod Gilbert but with less antagonism.

Petra is in the loophole-user category because she is smart, and I think her second-language skills would help her here. She’d read instructions and interpret them as the Rules as Written, not Rules as Intended, which comes in handy in this game.

I haven't played Scarlet Blaze yet, so admittedly I had to make an educated guess on Monica based on content I've seen at a glance and fandom reactions to her.

Lysithea is ambitious in schoolwork and stuff that matters, but I think for something this nonsensical, she’d just do the task to get it over with. That is assuming she shows up at all.

I was torn with Sylvain because he is the type to show off, but since this is something that ultimately does not matter, he doesn’t want to try hard, fail, and look like an idiot doing something stupid like Felix or His Highness, so I think he’d just be in it for a good time. He occasionally wins without even trying, which absolutely infuriates Felix, who says he does not care (he does care).

For Felix himself I swung between “overly competitive,” “just does the task,” and “doesn't give a fuck.” But I think he's competitive only in certain things (he wouldn't get bent out of shape if he can't draw a horse with his feet), and I think he is too passionate a person to put in no effort at all. For most tasks I think he'd fall somewhere in the middle in terms of effort, thinking this is all stupid but still privately kind of wanting to do well.

SUBCATEGORIES

Subcategory 1: “Does the tasks while wearing a unique/weird Taskmaster outfit” includes Sylvain, Caspar, Hilda, Flayn (Seteth helped her make it), and all the house leaders. Dimitri and Edelgard got convinced into wearing one by their class. Claude was down to wear one immediately.

Subcategory 2: “Does good on the art tasks and nothing else” includes Ignatz, Flayn, and Bernadetta

PRIZE TASK IDEAS

I see Claude making a running gag out of his prize tasks, like something that embarrasses Edelgard or Dimitri every single round but it's always a tossup who it'll be. Like for "bring in the thing someone will miss the most," he'd bring in all of Dimitri's left shoes. Claude would also bring in the Sword of the Creator for "most high-octane item" and it's unclear whether he stole it or Byleth lent it to him because she thought it'd be funny.

Caspar would get a tattoo of the Taskmaster.

Raphael brings in the grilled cheese/cheese toastie box for "best subscription."

Hilda would be a big-time bullshitter like Judi Love trying to talk up all of her prize tasks.

Petra would bring in a reindeer skull for "most unusual item."

Hubert would find some way to bring in human blood in every task.

In a shocking turn of events, Ashe would steal the Spear of Assal for his "best stolen item."

Leonie is responsible for the "And I haggled for it" running joke, but it's unintentional.

Someone like Edelgard, Dedue, or maybe Ignatz would bring in the puzzle box, I'm not entirely sure who, but what I DO know is that Sylvain is responsible for "Just open the box, you p***y" and Byleth calmly stands, motions him over, and pulls him outside to chastise him while the entire class watches in disbelief/horror.

Ingrid brings in the laminator. It's by far her proudest moment in the competition.

MISC NOTES

Edelgard would be like Victoria Coren Mitchell: She'd keep trying to apply reason to the tasks, with mixed results, but on certain things (that may or may not even help her in the competition) I think she'd shine. Like when Victoria calculated everyone's scores in her head before Alex and Greg did, or when she taught herself how to ride a bike on camera just to complete the task.

Dimitri would just try to have a good time, but the assistant would need so many extra props because he'd end up breaking a lot of the materials. He would do excellent on all the food tasks though. In "Eat this egg the fastest" he'd just break it on the counter and swallow it raw.

Claude would get caught out by the two-part tasks every time because he'd try to be so clever working on Part 1 that it'd end up fucking him over. He'd make the obscenely tall chocolate sandwich for "make the most exotic sandwich" only for the second task to say he now has to eat all of it as fast as possible.

Felix mockingly saying "All the information is on the task" becomes a meme. Most of his tasks are crumpled from all the times he's clenched his fist in anger.

Leonie + Hilda on a team = Ed Gamble + David Baddiel. "Can I just check, have I been put on a team with Hilda Valentine Goneril?"

Solo tasks: The TM would probably want to give all the house leaders unique tasks, e.g. making Edelgard count all the beans in a can or Dimitri send him 500 cheeky texts. But I think Felix, Ferdinand, Hilda, Sylvain, or Lorenz getting extra tasks would be best for entertainment value. I think Felix is the only one who might be a sore loser about it, but god it'd be funny (even Lorenz might laugh it off if he sees it ~endears him to the public~ or something).

[beantothemax]

I'm gonna ramble a teensy bit sorey

4 years after I first had this thought and I am still angry that there is no Marianne and Seteth support chain. Doesn't even have to have an A support (would be nice though) I JUST NEED THEM TO CANONICALLY INTERACT. Marianne is a very devout (is that a word) believer so you'd think she'd have supports with a member of the church, right?? NO. She should've had a support chain with Seteth bc he's like. The church guy. Flayn is too silly in contrast to Marianne's canon depression, Catherine is also too silly and Cyril is Cyril. He's lovely but no. That only really leaves Seteth. There are no Rhea supports and Manuela and Hanneman do not care much about the church. Not to mention that she DOES have supports with Hanneman, but he's just asking about her crest!!!! I do think Seteth and Marianne could be friends cause Seteth is a very patient and understanding person and that is EXACTLY what Marianne needs. Obviously if they had a paired ending then it would be platonic. Idk what the ending would even be, just not something with "they got married and ran off together" or something stupid. Fe3h has some iffy paired endings in regards to some characters' ages sometimes unfortunately :(

Also just while we're here. EVERYONE is so so so mean to Cyril. In game and irl. He adores Rhea bc of [spoilers] and she takes advantage of that by making him do SO MUCH LABOR. RHEA YOU BASTARD HE IS 15!!! THAT BOY SHOULD BE READING BOOKS AND HAVING FUN!!! AND DRAWING AND PAINTIGN OR SMTH!! Also he CAN'T READ!! I can't believe she didn't even take the time to teach him to read. It'd take like 3 months and she could just get someone else to do it. It could be Seteth since he's such a lovely caring guy. Hey Bean did you know I love Seteth? Anyway back to what I was saying. Also the fandom isn't fond of Cyril. He's often reduced to just some guy that is obsessed with Rhea. The only people that like Cyril are Lysithea fans. He has a super cute support chain with her so people watch that and then they think "oh Cyril is actually pretty cool". This is also why all Cyril fans are also Cyril x Lysithea shippers. It's an objectively very cute ship. Also did you know his VA is called Griffin Burns?? Sick name. Griffin Burns has done a good handful of characters I like but the only one you know is Kai in to your eternity. That's sick.

Marianne doesn’t have any supports with church members? that seems. wrong.

annnnnnd yeah I was kinda expecting that with the paired endings. these are the same people who decided incest was a cool and necessary thing to put in sacred stones.

ALSO WHO IS BEING MEAN TO CYRIL. HE’S QUITE LITERALLY JUST A LITTLE GUY. AND HE DOESNT KNOW HOW TO READ??????? RHEA WHAT DO YOU EVEN DO ALL DAY.

[doctorcorby]

Send me a kiss prompt from this linked list and any ship on the list below the cut and I'll write something for it!

ETA: I turned on anon for this

note: these are all pairings I can write without calling on my writing partner XD

Digimon

Ken x Daisuke

TK x Ken

TK x Daisuke

Matt x TK

Koushiro x Mimi

Koushiro x Ken

GTA V

Trevor x Tracey

Lester x Trevor

Franklin x Trevor

Ace Attorney

Kavier x Apollo

Phoenix x Miles

Phoenix x Apollo

Phoenix x Mia

Peter Pan

Hook x Smee

Jane x Tinkerbell

Tinkerbell x Hook

Slayers

Zelgadis x Xelloss

Rezo x Kappii

Zelgadis x Kappii

Lina x Zelgadis

Metal Gear Solid

Ocelot x Otacon

Acid Snake x Ocelot

Ocelot x Mantis

Mantis x Otacon

Jem

Eric Raymond x Raya

Eric Raymond x Pizzazz

Eric Raymond x Kimber

Techrat x Riot

Kimber x Riot

Pizzaz x Riot

Rapture x Riot

Kimber x Pizzazz

Craig x Pizzazz

Craig x Jetta

Craig x Riot

TGAA

Kazuma x Ryuunosuke

Yuujin x Kazuma

Yuujin x Ryuunosuke

Barok x Ryuunosuke

Barok x Kazuma

hosonaga x mikotoba

hosonaga x ryuunosuke

barok x hosonaga

drebber x tuspells

drebber x yuujin

drebber x barok

Courtney x drebber

Urusei Yatsura

Mendo x Megane

mendo x ryoko

mendo x shingo

rei x mendo

ataru x mendo

ataru x megane

ataru x rei

Resident Evil

Chris x Wesker

Chris x Tyler

Leon x Tyler

karl x ethan

nikolai x george hamilton

chris x ethan

annette x wesker

heisenberg x chris

heisenberg x wesker

Fire Emblem

Manuela x Hanneman

linhardt x caspar

manuela x dorothea

claude x lorenz

jeritza x mercedes

jeritza x ingrid

jeritza x seteth

jeritza x hanneman

jeritza x yuri

balthus x yuri

bathus x jeritza

seteth x mByleth

byleth x anyone

Claude x Linhardt

Danganronpa

Toko x Nagito

Toko x Syo

Toko x Kirigiri

toko x Hifumi

nekomaru x gundam

nekomaru x teruteru

teruteru x kotoko

kaziuchi x hiyoko

hiyoko x kotoko

asahina x sakura

Marvel

Sabretooth x Otto

Sabretooth x Forge

Sabretooth x Cypher

Sabretooth x Kitty Pryde

Kitty Pryde x Cypher

Kitty Pryde x Otto

Cypher x Otto

Sabretooth x Tabitha

Sabretooth x Banshee

Sabretooth x Toad

Banshee x Northstar

Banshee x Doug

Sabretooth x Logan

Kitty Pryde x Logan

Peter x Harry

Peter x Otto

Peter x Adrian

Adrian x Otto

Harry x Otto

Harry x Adrian

sabretooth x daken

daken x logan

steve x logan

steve x sabretooth

peter x Ben

Ben x Otto

Ben x Harry

magneto x northstar

northstar x sabretooth

Homestuck

Vriska x Aranea

Vriska x Dave

Vriska x Eridan

Vriska x Sollux

Vriska x Equius

Vriska x Cronus

Cronus x Aranea

Aranea x Eridan

Dave x Karkat

bro x dave

dirk x dave

hal x dirk 

hal x dave

dirk x vriska

DD x HB

BQ x DD

BQ x HB

dave x sollux

dave x eridan

sollux x eridan

cronus x equius

Kurlox x equius

Persona series

Naoya x Kei

Katsuya x Baofu

Baofu x Dojima

Dojima x Naoto

Yukari x Junpei

Kei x Reiji

kandori x reiji

kandori x kei

chie x yukiko

yu x dojima

yu x chie

yu x yukiko

akira x akechi

akira x ryuji

[tinnictheguardian]

Ethical Valentines for Professor Byleth Eisner

I have been meaning to do this for sometime but with Engage coming out, I thought the time for this was passed. However, Engage’s S-support threw-up a lot of controversy given that the Japanese S-support dialogues were clearly romantics, even when the S-support target was 12-year old Anne.

So I thought, you know, with valentines around the corner, I can finally explore the concept of “ethical valentines for Byleth”! Since I normally play F!Byleth, I’ll be using she/her but stuff I discuss applies to M!Byleth and I certainly will be discussing pairings that are gender locked to M!Byleth.

Now to be clear, given that Byleth’s support with her students and faculty generally do not take a romantic turn until the war phase, by which time almost all of them are legal adults by both modern and Fodlan standards, from the game’s point of view. There is no Alear x Anne situation.

However, many FE3H fans still accuse Byleth of grooming and highlight the power dynamic between her and the students to argue that no student S-pairing is okay. But this all neglects to take into account the fact of what Byleth is in-game. So let’s start with Byleth!

When the game opens, Byleth Eisner is only 21 years old and she wakes up in a room that she seems to be sharing with her father. In Hopes, Jeralt confirms that Byleth has no friends and generally limits her social interaction. That doesn’t mean, of course, that Byleth is virgin. She might well have been enjoying herself with her fellow mercenaries when Jeralt was off drinking. But that part of her life is somewhat of a blank that we the players can fill in however we choose. But even if you assume that Byleth romantic body count is almost as high as her kill count, it doesn’t change the fact that she is a 21 year old with limited social circle at the beginning of the game.

I think this is important because many people who have issues with Byleth’s student pairings are usually pro Byleth x Faculty. But given that Byleth is 21, the majority of faculty relationship with Byleth as actually creepy and exploitative towards Byleth.

Hanneman is in his 50s, Manuela is at best late 30s but more likely in her mid 40s. They are both way too old for 21 year old Byleth! As for the Nabatheans, Rhea and Seteth are hundreds, if not thousands of years old. If we say that Byleth x Students is bad because of age gap, and you want to be consistent, you can’t be okay with Byleth x Seteth or Rhea.

However, I do think Flayn might be different. Because we don’t actually know how long Flayn lived for before she went to sleep. In Hopes, Seteth explains that Flayn was very young when she overtaxed her body and as a result she’s sleeping for a long time. If her development was arrested when she was a teenager, she’s not in the same category as Seteth or Rhea because Flayn has NOT been collecting life experiences. Because ultimately, when people complain about Byleth’s pairings being “problematic”, what it usually boils down to is that there is a life experience gap between Byleth and her romantic partner. So depending on at what age Flayn went to sleep, you can argue that the fact she’s no different to an young adult going into suspended animation today and waking up in the far future. The arrested development puts Flayn close to Byleth.

Incidentally, I think the same arrested development argument works for Alear because Alear was both asleep and had a memory reset. So the fact that she was alive a 1000 year ago doesn’t matter when it comes to ethnical considerations about whether she should be jumping into bed with Diamant, Alfred or any of the other adult Engage characters. Because age gap is about experience but if you suffered from arrested development and don’t have the mental maturity for your age, I think just citing age gaps misses the point of why age gaps can be problematic.

This is a good segue into the students. Now the oldest of Byleth’s students are Sylvain and Mercedes. They are 19 and 22 at the start of the game. So age gap objection cleared! The issue it both is that Byleth is a professor and Sylvain and Mercedes are students over whom Byleth has enough influence that she can get them to go against the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus. 

Now Mercedes can betray the Kingdom in Hopes as well, which makes sense given that she is originally from the Empire. But Sylvain does not betray the Kingdom in Hopes. So you can argue that Byleth being able to influence Sylvain into betraying his country, family, and King with whom he grew-up, means that Byleth has enough influence over him that she could make him do things he wouldn’t otherwise. But in terms of power, Sylvain is a wealthy noble from a powerful family who doesn’t have to be at the Academy. Like he can leave anytime and in Hopes, most of the students do just leave.

Mercedes is a commoner with little power. So you can argue that Byleth, despite being a year younger, probably has a power imbalance with her. However, a lot of Byleth’s charm power comes from the fact that many of her students are in a bad place in life, mental health wise. Both Mercedes and Sylvain have issues, especially with boundaries. So there is an argument that Byleth should stir clear of these two despite their being no age gap between them.

Before moving on to the other students, let me say something briefly about Jeritza, who is the same age as Byleth but given his mental health issues, his fixation on Byleth, I personally find him a problematic S-support. But he’s also only available in Crimson Flower and you can argue that Crimson Flower Byleth is perfectly equal to Jeritza both in power, age etc. So if you say he’s perfect for her, I am not going to argue.

Now most of the other students are 4-6 years younger then Byleth and commoner or noble, are psychologically vulnerable. That said, I would like to point out that in terms of raw power, Byleth is way down the pecking order to someone like Dimitri. What power Byleth has, she has because Rhea gave it to her. We know from Hopes that without Rhea or Shez’s endorsement, she’s just a mercenary. Yes the Ashen Demon has some brand recognition but its still very limited recognition. But I can see why some people might find Byleth’s pre-time-skip actions “grooming”.

Post-time-skip is interesting because while Byleth can technically be argued to be 26 when she rejoins the student, I would like to point out that she was basically in a coma. She did NOT acquire any additional experience, make additional memories. Per the suspended animation argument before, is mentally still 21. Indeed, given the nature of what happened, you can even argue that she’s probably physically 21 too!

So post-time-skip, there is a a real argument that she’s younger then almost everybody but Cyril and Lysithea, depending on when you set Byleth’s birthday. Power wise, war phase is interesting in that you can argue that she has the least power during Crimson Flower because she has no power independent of Edelgard.

She is arguably more powerful then Dimitri for the first half of Azure Moon because he’s a prince in exile while she, the head of the church, has Garreg Mach Monastery. Also, religious power tends to be more mobile because she has a power-base wherever there are people faithful to the church of Serios. While Dimitri’s power is location based and since he’s not in control of the Kingdom.

I would say she and Claude are equal in Verdant Wind and of course, she’s flying solo in Silver Snow. That all said, you can argue that Dimitri is back to being more powerful then Byleth at the end of Azure Moon, as the king of United Fodlan. But power plays are never that clean.

However, Byleth is the most powerful person in all of Fodlan in Silver Snow and Verdant Wind. But given that we know that Claude becomes the King of Almyra in Verdant Wind, you can argue he’s her equal after becoming the King of Kings (note, I don’t know if Alymra was like Ancient Persia or the Ottoman Empire, but its my headcanon).

So by the end of the game, I think all power-based equality goes out the window for anyone outside of Dimitri and Claude because no one else is Byleth’s equal in Azure Moon and Verdant Wind, once she becomes the Archbishop of the Church of Serios and/or the Ruler of United Fodlan. In Crimson Flower, she destroys her own powerbase and any power she has after is by the grace of Edelgard. So if Byleth ever loses Edelgard’s favour, she’s nothing.

However, Byleth is equal to the other students in Crimson Flower. While I would argue that she has a power imbalance with her commoner students in every other route but are probably on equal footing with most of the noble students in non-Crimson Flower route.

Now I am sure you have noticed that so far, I have not mentioned two people. Catherine and Shamir. In my opinion, if you want to be as ethnical as possible with your selection of romantic partner, both from an in-game and meta perspective, your best bets are Catherine and Shamir.

Both of them pass the age gap test on account of being close to Byleth’s age. Their relative older age means that unlike Mercedes and Sylvain, they have had more time to figure out their core values and principles. Also, Catherine is a noble while Shamir is a foreigner. Both of them can leave if their relationship with Byleth doesn’t work out.

To me, part of being in an ethical relationship isn’t just about how good the dynamic is when you are together but how much worse off one partner can be compared to the other IF things turn sour. But this works both ways.

Both Dimitri and Claude can potentially make Byleth’s life hell if her relationship with either goes sour. Technically, Byleth could make Catherine’s life hell if things go sour. But Catherine in an unique position where she can rely on her House’s power if she needs it but she’s also lived independently long enough that she can just walk away to protect her house if needed.

Shamir can up and leave for Dagda if she no longer wanted anything to do with Byleth. So I think, on the whole, if you want to avoid issues with age gaps, power imbalances, do the right thing by Byleth and her partner, this valentines day, S-support Catherine and Shamir!

I, of course, am not very ethical and my Byleth will be modifying Dimitri whether he wants to be modified or not, and living a long life with him! My Byleth doesn’t care about ethnics when it comes to Dimitri! ^.^

[nikibogwater]

Ranking some more of my Three Houses couples because I’m back on that Garreg Mach Brainrot:

Lorenz x Marianne: “You are perfect, just as you are,” and “You’re trembling. If uttering this secret hurts you, then I have no desire to hear it. Your smile is worth more to me than any truth.” That’s it. That’s all, I’m dead, goodbye. S-tier, a criminally underrated pairing imo. 

Ashe x Hapi: The Goodest Boi in all of Fódlan makes the world-weary Hapi believe in heroes again by being one for her. Also he makes her giggle. I repeat: ASHE MAKES HAPI GIGGLE. Need I say more? A-tier, the potential for wholesome romantic fluff is off the charts. 

Sylvain x Dorothea: Two frustrated heartthrobs yearning for a genuine connection each find it in the last person they would have expected. There’s just something so Real about these two, I can’t put my finger on it. B-tier, because I’m upset that they didn’t get a fourth Support conversation. 

Hanneman x Manuela: Disaster grandparents who insist that they’re neither disasters nor grandparents, but of course that’s not true. Probably the most un-romantic pairing on my list, but the amount of havoc these two could cause if joined forever in the holy bonds of matrimony is too tempting to resist. B-tier, almost a crack ship, but a canon one nonetheless. 

(Bonus) Linhardt x Shez: A-tier. Accidentally fell in love with this pairing without meaning to because the thought of Little Miss Enthusiasm Shez being smitten with Mister I-Don’t-Give-Any-Damns-Whatsoever Linhardt is both hilarious and heartwarming and I bet they have all kinds of wacky adventures together after Three Hopes.

[proshippersstimming]

Can I have a stimboard of hanneman x manuela (Fire Emblem: Three houses) with alcohol on manuelas side, book/library themes on hanneman side and as well as holding hands/kissing gifs? Thanks!

Posted :] Had fun with it!

[bigklingy]

Well I guess this could be sorta fun. Also, spoilers here. 1. It was a Fire Emblem game. 2. No, and all of them but the original FE1 and FE2. 3. Chris Hackney got robbed HARD of Best Performance at the 2019 Game Awards. 4. Azure Moon. 5. Verdant Wind. 6. Azure Moon. 7. I made a tier list on my tumblr a while back but I'm too lazy to search for it. 8. Kronya should've been a recurring villain, instead of dying half a chapter after killing Byleth's dad. Imagine if the BLACK KNIGHT went out like that?? 9. Ahem, "Dimitri's motivation is maxed out." A.k.a "Dimitri goes bananas." 10. Swordmaster for being better than its intended promotion somehow. 11. I forget, which kinda says something. 12. Sofibeth Arts did fanart of a memetic NPC from my first playthrough, Blilda! https://sofibeth-arts.tumblr.com/post/188826204925/thank-to-bigklingy-we-have-discovered-three 13. I don't read 3H fics. Too much discourse. 14. I have a silly Dimitri x Edelgard parody fic. 15. Have a hypothetical P5 crossover in my head. 16. Grappler Hanneman, Seteth, Flayn, Cyril, Alois, Catherine, Shamir, Manuela, Normal Hanneman, Rhea, Gilbert. 17. Ferdinand, Hubert, Edelgard, Linhardt, Petra, Caspar, Dorothea, Bernadetta. 18. Dimitri favourite, Dedue least, everyone else tied. BL are all so good it's hard to choose. 19. Hilda, Lysithea, Marianne, Lorenz, Ignaz, Claude, Raphael... lol I forgot Leonie entirely. (Sorry Leonie fans) 20. Manuela. 21. Sylvain, maybe? 22. Rhea. She doesn't strike me as someone interested in romance at all. 23. Well, Blilda (Green unit in AM Chapter 19 replacing Hilda if she's recruited) is a Female War Master... 24. Yuri I guess? 25. I don't feel Byleth's sexuality is conventional, but I don't have a specific label for it. 26. Dimitri, obvious pick is obvious. 27. Off the top of my head, Ignatz? 28. Bernadetta. While I don't agree with Edelgard ideologically, that's different from disliking the character. Bernadetta, I feel the game ends up fetishizing her abusive past to a disturbing degree. I'm aware this is a hot take. 29. Jeralt, Kronya, Claude, Rhea. 30. ANNA. A character with absolutely zero supports in a modern FE game should not exist. Worse, they're DLC. Skipping all design questions, would require me to look through tons of art and I don't have a good sense of design aesthetics anyway. 37. I seem to remember someone had funny dining dialogue but I forget who. 38. Felix liking cats made me lol. 39. Hilda I guess. 40. Dorothea always offers to join without me even trying. I'm not sure why. 41. Claude ships Edelgard/Dimitri and distributes his fanart and fanfiction during the war as propaganda. 42. Azure Moon has the best writing for Edelgard. 43. Sylvain/Mercedes. 44. Edelgard/Dimitri is HILARIOUS and my coping mechanism when discourse bothers me. 45. Sylvain/Mercedes. 46. Unsure. 47. Hilda. It's really the ONLY one I've done, but it was fine. 48. Hilda/Marianne, I'M SORRY. I just don't see it. 49. Dorothea/Hanneman. WHY is this romantic and explicitly mentions them having children, when his endings with all other students are platonic?? 50. FEMALE BYLETH/MERCEDES, easily. Compared to the other female bi options, I feel this is rarely talked about.

50 Questions of FE3H

The ultimate FE3H ask game - Send me an ask and reblog to play!

What drew you to / made you pick up and play FE3H?

Was FE3H your first Fire Emblem game?  If not, which other games did you play?

Who is your favorite FE3H voice actor?

Which route did you play through first in FE3H?

Which route did you play through last?

Which route is your favorite?

Which side quest / paralogue was your favorite?

What storyline threads should have had more development / been further explored?

What is your favorite scene in the game (can be in the main story or a support convo)?

What’s your favorite combat class?

What’s your go-to weapon or spell in combat?

Post a link / reblog your favorite FE3H fanart (no reposting / credit erasure!!).

Post a link to your favorite FE3H fanfic.

If you’ve posted your own fanart or fanfic, post a link to the piece you are most proud of.

If you are an artist or writer, are you currently working on any new FE3H content (art or fanfic)?  If so, will you share a sneak preview?

Rank the Church of Seiros characters from your favorite to least favorite.

Rank the Black Eagles from your favorite to least favorite.

Rank the Blue Lions from your favorite to least favorite.

Rank the Golden Deer from your favorite to least favorite.

What character do you headcanon as bi?

What character do you headcanon as poly?

What character do you headcanon as ace or aro?

What character do you headcanon as trans?

What character do you headcanon as genderfluid?

What character do you headcanon as another sexual orientation or gender identify not listed above?

Who is your overall favorite character?

Which character do you feel “meh” about?

What character do you not like at all / hate?

What character should have gotten more development?

What characters should have more support options and who should have been their support options?

What is your favorite pre-timeskip character design or outfit?

What is your favorite post-timeskip character design or outfit?

What is your least favorite (or hated) pre-timeskip character design or outfit?

What is your least favorite (or hated) post-timeskip character design or outfit?

Which characters would you like to see switch pre-timeskip designs (for fun)?

Which characters would you like to see switch post-timeskip designs (for fu0?

Who are your favorite dining partners?

Who is your favorite teatime companion?

Who is your favorite / most used combat unit?

What character do you always recruit, no matter which route you are playing and why?

What is a favorite character headcanon (can be one you came up with or one you liked / adopted from someone else)?

Do you have / are you willing to share a possibly controversial opinion or headcanon you have about a character?

Who is your favorite in-game ship (meaning they have supports and a confirmed romantic ending card)?

Who is your favorite headcanon ship (meaning they either have supports but not necessarily a romantic ending or they may have no supports at all)?

Who is your FE3H OTP?

Who is your FE3H poly ship?

Who is your favorite Byleth ship?

What is a popular ship that you don’t care for / don’t like?

What is a general (not necessarily popular) ship that you don’t care for / don’t like?

Which ship do you wish was more popular / had more content available?

[malsfefanfics]

Linhardt x Caspar x Ashe and Seteth x Manuela x Hanneman?

Okay, so you know that one scene in The Lion King? The "before sunrise" scene? That's basically AsheLinspar.

That's it. That's them.

Now, honestly, the potential of Seteth/Manuela/Hanneman is amazing, but I just want you to know anon, that when I saw that ship, the first thing I did was sing.

SOON MAY SETUELAMMAN COME TO BRING US SOTHIS AND CRESTS AND RUM ONE DAY WHEN THE TEACHING IS DONE WE'LL TAKE OUR TEA AND GO.

And if that doesn't sum up how much comedy potential this trio is I don't know what will.

[kumeko]

For risquetendencies, for the FE Three houses Spring exchange!

Prompt: For, Dorothea marrying someone else (maybe Hanneman bc the fact that they have a paired ending with kids blew my mind) because it was the best option at the time. She and Linhardt were mutually pining while at the academy but he lazed around too much then instead of shooting his shot and missed the chance to say anything. Years later, they cross paths again and old feelings are rekindled.

A/N: I absolutely love the idea of a reunion like this! Immediately it ate my brain and I had to write it. I was tempted to have her married to Manuela/Ferdinand, I think that would be a fun ot3, but I wanted this to be a more tempered piece and Hanneman fits a lot better than “whirlwind romance of 3 divas”. I also find Hanneman’s ending with her funny, I wonder how many years it took before she said “Yep, those are my kids and my husband.”

…

…

…

…

Dorothea.

A woman Linhardt hadn’t thought about in over a decade. A woman he hadn’t seen in even longer. Yet, despite the time that had passed, he knew the woman standing in front of him was her all the same. Her face had matured over the years, soft cheeks giving way to more defined cheekbones. Where before her hair had been loose and free, her wavy locks were pinned up, giving her an elegant look. And her clothing…

True to her wishes, she had clearly moved up in the world, swathed in silks and satin as she was.

Her green eyes widened as she caught sight of him. Despite her surprise, she recovered faster than he did, her ruby red lips curving into a provocative smile. “Linhardt. It’s been a while.”

Even now, her voice had a musical lilt. Tongue-tied, all Linhardt could reply with was, “Yes, it has.”

-x-

The Crimson Flower was a small but fancy coffee shop. Despite his passing knowledge, he could tell with a single glance that the red velvet seats and the intricately carved wooden paneling were of the highest quality. The last time he had entered such a refined establishment, he had still numbered amongst Fódlan’s nobility.

Now, as a mere researcher, it cost more than a year’s salary for a single meal here.

A problem Dorothea didn’t have, with the familiarity she perused the menu. A red fingernail traced the fine stock paper listing a variety of deserts. Her lips pursed as she tapped one before sighing and setting down the menu. At his curious glance, she smiled wryly and explained, “Tragically, now that I have a show in production, I have to maintain my figure.”

 Even in his relative hermitage, Linhardt had heard passing tales of her performances. “Your fans wouldn’t mind.”

“That’s sweet.” Dorothea bit her cheek before signalling a waiter and ordering the smallest slice of cheesecake. “I suppose it can’t hurt to have just one. It is a special occasion.”

Special. Throughout their school days or the war, they hadn’t been the most intimate. Just two acquaintances who’d bump into each other every now and then in the quiet corners of their school. His most vivid memory was of her sitting beside him in an alcove, her crossed ankles grazing his, her chin propped on her hand as she idly looked out the window.

Of her green eyes filled with silent mirth whenever she noticed his stare, her lips mouthing, “Like what you see?”

And now here she was, sitting across from him, more than a table between them.

“You look good,” Linhardt finally said after their coffees arrived. He hadn’t been keen on the drink until Hubert had all but foisted it on him. Now he could hardly handle a day without one.

Dorothea chuckled. “You? Giving Pleasantries? Since when did you care for social norms?”

His fingers curled around his hot mug. “I’ve had to adapt. It’s hard to get research grants otherwise.”

“Hmm, so I’ve heard.” Dorothea stirred her coffee twice. “I suppose time really does change everything. Even you.” She tapped her spoon on the rim as she studied him. “I wish I could say the same, but you look terrible. Have you been sleeping?”

He resisted the urge to turn to the window. Without looking, he knew what he’d see: dark bags under his eyes, pale skin, messy strands of hair escaping his ribbon. It had been a while since he’d last groomed. Suddenly, he wished he had. “Exhausted,” he explained. “The problem with research, I suppose.”

Dorothea frowned. “Ah, yes. Research. My bane.”

Linhardt paused. She’d never seemed to hate her studies in the past.

“What are you researching?” Dorothea asked before taking a sip of her coffee.

“Crests.” Was there an easy way to tell her? He usually talked to fellow academics; it had been a while since he had to translate to the layman. “To be precise, the variations of Crest strengths, especially on those that have diverged from other Crests over the centuries.” Cutting himself off before he could ramble, Linhardt looked away. “It’s hard to explain simply.”

Despite his fears, Dorothea didn’t look confused in the least. Her fingers rapped the table as she considered his words. “Is it just about the skills connected to the Crests or also about power levels?”

“The former.” Linhardt blinked, surprised. “I wouldn’t have pegged this as an interest of yours.”

“I know enough,” Dorothea said with a delicate shrug. “A passing knowledge, though far more than I desire.”

There was a story there that she wasn’t telling. Linhardt sipped his sugary-sweet coffee. “You’re in a lot of shows now.”

“Dozens each year,” Dorothea confirmed with a confident smirk. There was that fire in her eyes, the one he’d seen whenever she’d marched past any of her detractors, the one that he couldn’t help but follow even if he was across the room. “I doubt you can pass a corner without a poster—though, then again,” she tapped her eyes. “you’re not going out, are you?”

He couldn’t deny that. “Research takes up too much time.”

“Research and napping, right?” Dorothea asked with a wink. She giggled when he reluctantly nodded. “Still lost in your own world. I’m glad that much hasn’t changed.”

The fondness in her voice almost took his breath away. It was strange. They hadn’t met in years and yet, it was all too easy to talk to her, to slip into old patterns. He’d asked her to dinner once, but they’d never gone—he’d kept putting it off. The war, the rebuilding, the research; there was always something else to do.

Would it be too late to do so now?

“Dorothea—” Sunlight through the window hit her and something glinted around her neck. It was a golden chain looped through a small, simple golden band.

Noticing his stare, Dorothea glanced down and softly gasped. “Oops.” Sheepishly, she pulled out the chain, her hand curling delicately around the ring at the end. Her expression softened. “My little secret. I can’t let my adoring audience know about this just yet.”

“You got married,” Linhardt replied automatically, putting two and two together.

She gently dropped the ring under her dress’s collar. “Yes.”

This time, his breath did get knocked out of him.

“I didn’t think I would, after…everything. Especially when Ingrid…” Dorothea’s eyes darkened as her voice trembled. Even after all these years, their former friends’ deaths still hit hard. “When they all died. It was hard to want that anymore. Though I…” She peeked up, her eyes meeting his, her gaze lingering as she continued, “I did have second thoughts. I waited…though I’m not sure for what.”

He could hear the unsaid words, the pointed barbs that led back to that delayed dinner, to that chance that he’d never taken.

To that chance he could now never take.

She broke eye contact first. “Anyways, I thought I’d just throw myself into work. Become the second Manuela, so to speak. It was hard at first, but I started to get bigger and bigger roles in the local opera troupes.” Dorothea sipped her coffee. “I didn’t have too many fans at first, but…well, I had one consistent one. Hanneman made sure to come to every single opening. Sometimes with Manuela, sometimes alone…”

Her gaze grew tender. “He’d promised I’d always know kindness, and despite my doubts, he proved it.”

Linhardt stared down at his coffee, at the murky darkness. He’d heard about her shows, from Hubert, from Bernetta, from Hanneman himself, the times they’d collaborated on Crestology. Once, just once, he’d bought a ticket, but he’d never been able to bring himself to go.

“One time, he’d missed the show. It felt so wrong—even after the curtains fell, I didn’t feel right until he came running as everyone was leaving, flowers in his hand.” Dorothea giggled, shaking her head. “The silly man apologized. He was so flustered—it was adorable.”

Now she looked up, locking eyes with him once more. “I remembered what you said. I’m not the kind of girl to wait—I do what I want, with my head held up high. So I asked him out.”

“Oh.”

“And then I had to ask him out a few more times because he thought I was just teasing.” Dorothea clicked her tongue. “As though I would take courtship lightly. He ruined all of my plans of nobility and marry rich.” Her hand rested on her chest, tapping the hidden ring. “But I can’t say I regret any of it.”

He couldn’t say the same. Linhardt curled his fingers. “Are you happy?”

“Very much so. It isn’t the whirlwind romance I’d imagined as a girl, or the quiet practicality I’d accepted as a teen but…” Dorothea smiled softly. “Love is a more complicated thing than that. It’s not the life I pictured but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

She sets down her spoon. Just when had she finished her meal? His own coffee had grown cold.

“No, I suppose that is a lie.” Dorothea reached forward, her warm hand covering his. Despite the passing years, remembrances of the war didn’t fade easily and he could feel her scars and callouses. She squeezed his hand, lingering for a moment before pulling away. “I do have one regret.”

Linhardt turned his hand and squeezed back before she could escape. “Me too.”

She closed her eyes. Her smile turned bittersweet as she stood up, her hand slipping out of his grasp. “It was good seeing you, Linhardt.”

He could only watch as she left, as her figure appeared outside the window and she stepped into a waiting carriage. The seat across from him was empty, only a lipstick stained cup and some cheesecake crumbs proving that Dorothea had been there, had been so close and yet so far at the same time.

The coffee was cold. Linhardt picked it up anyways, turning slightly to stare out the window. Across the street, a giant poster for Dorothea’s latest opera was plastered on a wall, her enigmatic smile dominating the paper.

He took a sip but all the sugar in the world couldn’t stop the bitterness filling him now.

Let’s have a proper dinner, she’d asked him once. Not in the dining hall, but out. The two of us.

He should have taken her then.