Could you possibly do Claude x reader rivals to lovers? Not necessarily hostile but definitely not friends either at the start, sort of like how he and Lorenz are at first. Something about that slow build of trust that turns into love just sounds so cute.
This is a really cute idea, Anon 😄I like to think Claude would feel a little weird having a "rival", since he tries to get along with everyone. But something about how you like to beat him to it when answering questions or telling witty jokes makes him feel a bit...riled. He doesn't really know how to put it exactly.
The Golden Deer leader also gets frustrated when you notice he's being a bit secretive.
"You're up to something, aren't you?" You tell him one day in the courtyard, raising an eyebrow. "It better not put any of us in danger!"
"And who's to say it's going to involve any of you?" He'd snap back, becoming a bit irritated by how well you're able to read him.
"Ah-hah! So you are up to something!"
Claude sighs. "Ugh, you're just about as bad as Lorenz. Listen, just trust me that I know what I'm doing and that I'd appreciate it if no one interfered."
Rolling your eyes, you'd reply, " OK. But I won't be surprised if the Alliance gets word about needing a new successor."
"Believe me, I'm not ready to lose my life so soon."
Before leaving him be, you turn back and tell him, "I trust I have your word on that."
Since you two are both major history buffs, you catch each other sneaking away to Abyss to read anything "banned by Seteth" you can find. But you quickly learn you two like the same historical subjects and often argue about who found a book first.
"Not fair, Claude! You know I touched the book first!"
"Well, I think I got to it first, but let's agree to disagree." He waves the large tome, which features old letters from past Alliance leaders, in front of your glaring face.
"Claude!"
"Hey, hey, I don't want us to argue over a book, of all things! How about...we read it together?"
You blink. "Really? You'd like that?"
"Why not? What's wrong with it."
"Um, nothing really," you mutter. "I just wasn't expecting you to be so reasonable."
"Hey, when am I not trying to be fair?"
You pout. "Huh? Claude, you're the type who'd cheat at chess when you have the chance. I know you - you love to win, no matter what."
The lord's eyes widen. "Wow. It's kind of scary how you know that."
"Yeah, well, as your classmate and future subject, I have to keep an eye on you."
He shrugs. "Fine. But only if you catch up to my schemes."
"Hey!"
Like Claude, you also choose the bow as your weapon of choice. Nevertheless, you often become a bit flustered during practice when you see how talented he is at archery. He tends to get the highest scores with each session, and you sigh as you repeat your personal score in your head.
"You need to have steady fingers," you hear his voice interrupt your anxious thoughts one afternoon after practice.
"Come again?"
"When you release your arrow, you need to still have a firm grasp on the bow," the lord explains softly. "No worries. Just try it during tomorrow's practice. I can't have you dying on the field, pal."
You look away from his bright eyes. "Yeah, well, I don't need critiquing from you of all people. You're not the Professor." But then you smile. "But thank you, anyway."
"Anytime."
Neither of you would know how valuable that archery tip would be years later. When Claude is flying high above the battlefield during a skirmish with bandits, you are taking down enemies on the ground. Suddenly, you catch a glimpse of one bandit aiming his longbow at Claude, whose back is turned while fighting the bandits' rogue pegasus knights. You take a deep breath and position your bow at the bandit archer. "Steady fingers now," you whisper to yourself before releasing your arrow. Then, with ease, the archery goes down. You turn your head up to check on Claude, who seems to have witnessed how you saved him.
After the battle, he approaches once you return to Garreg Mach.
"Thank you," he smiles. "You saved me."
"Of course."
"Aw, you care!" He teases.
"I...I was just saving the Alliance Leader, is all!" You stammer, struggling to keep a stoic face.
"Yeah, yeah. Well, I promise to return the favor, if the need ever arises."
"...Thank you, Claude," you end up smiling back at him.
"This doesn't count as returning the favor, but let me treat you to dinner tonight."
"I..."
"Please?"
You nod, still smiling. "Fine. But like you said, it doesn't count, hee hee."
Please don't copy, steal, or feed my work to AI. Thank you!
Author's Note: This was really fun to write, so thank you again, Anon! 😀
toppled head first into a new fictional character obsession accidentally. completely collapsed. hes all i can think about. may need to post some fics to get over him ASAP!!!
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