The rain drummed a steady rhythm against the windows of the Trancy manor, a stark contrast to the quiet chill within. You sat by the fireplace, a heavy blanket draped over your shoulders, trying to focus on a book while your fingers remained stubbornly cold.
A shadow fell over the page. Claude stood there, his expression its usual mask of apathetic perfection, holding a tray with a single porcelain cup.
"The temperature has dropped significantly," he remarked, his voice a low, steady hum. "I took the liberty of preparing a blend of Earl Grey with a hint of honey and cinnamon. It should provide the warmth you currently lack."
He set the tea down with a silent precision that made you wonder if he ever made a sound he didn't intend to. As you reached for the cup, your fingers brushed his gloved hand. He didn't pull away. Instead, he watched you with those unblinking golden eyes, a gaze that usually felt piercing but tonight seemed strangely... attentive.
"Your hands are still cold," he noted.
Before you could respond, he knelt by your chair. It was a rare, humble gesture for the spider demon. He took both of your hands in his, his grip firm but surprisingly gentle. Through the white fabric of his gloves, you could feel a faint, unnatural heat—not the warmth of a human, but something more concentrated.
"Claude, you don't have to—"
"I am a butler," he interrupted smoothly, his thumbs tracing slow, deliberate circles over your knuckles. "Ensuring your comfort is my primary directive. To allow a guest of this manor to shiver would be a mark of gross incompetence."
He stayed like that for a long moment, the only sound the crackling of the fire. Every now and then, he would adjust his glasses with one hand, never letting go of yours with the other. There was no mockery in his silence tonight, no calculating edge. Just the quiet, methodical care of a demon who found a peculiar sort of satisfaction in the simple act of keeping you warm.
"Better?" he asked eventually, his voice barely above a whisper.
You nodded, a small smile tugging at your lips. Claude didn't smile back, but the slight inclination of his head and the way he lingered a second longer than necessary before standing told you everything you needed to know.
"Good," he said, smoothing the front of his waistcoat. "I shall bring more coal for the fire. Do not move. You are exactly where you ought to be."
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! 😀
I think I have a type; seeing how much I love Kaeya Alberich (my beloved) & Claude von Riegan
Ooh, two beautiful, flirty, clever men🥰. Honestly, both represent top-tier writing in their respective games. They're both secretive, but care about others so much. They're both conflicted with decisions, and they have brother troubles (sadly😥). And they're both royalty.
Kaeya seems to be the type who, once he falls in love, will be head over heels. He's loyal to a fault, despite his inner conflict about staying with Mondstadt or Khaenriah. You would always be in his thoughts, and he only wants the best for you. When he returns from his missions outside of Mondstadt, he gifts you souvenirs, which you happily place on your bedside table. Personally, I don't think he would ever be the type to be loose, despite some fanon ideas. He used to be the shy RagBro, and he still shows this throughout the story, as he often keeps to himself. But when you catch his eye (no pun intended), he tells himself he can't miss this chance to be with such a lovely person. He'll try to get over his shyness and flirt with you, melting as he watches you laugh. He debates with himself over if he should tell you about his past and his worries. For now, he will ignore those troubles and instead act as your Prince Charming.
Claude, on the other hand, is ambitious. He will never lose sight on his dream to unite the world and end discrimination. Therefore, he doesn't fall in love too quickly. But, if you are in the Golden Deer House and join his army in the war, he openly admires your dedication. "Hey, Team-Player! What's up?" he'll greet you every day. At first, he thinks you are a wonderful friend - intelligent, funny, caring. He respects these traits, which is why he feels bad about keeping some of his schemes a secret from you. If you ever discovered what he has had to do to accomplish his goals, he's afraid you'll be furious or concerned about his well-being. Therefore, he eventually, whether consciously or subconsciously, begins to be by your side more often. You keep him out of trouble, so to say. He defends you from incoming attacks in battle, and he consistently asks about your takes on certain historical events. You're so fascinating to him, and every moment together is a blast. After the war, he is convinced there is no one else who can rule by his side than you.
be prepared for the entirety of fodlan to envy you for dating dimitri and claude. actually, scratch that! add the entirety of almyra on top of that as well!
keeping a relationship with dimitri and claude ‘private’ or even ‘a secret’ is not in the cards for you! everyone will know they are your boyfriends, simply because all of fodlan's eyes are on them at all times
dimitri and claude try to shield you from the public as best as they can. they want you to have as much privacy as possible, but people will still stare at you or ask you about your relationship with the two boys the second they leave your side
dimitri and claude spend a lot of time with you as a throuple, but at the very least, they try to make sure you're never alone! if claude is going to almyra, you'll either accompany him or stick with dimitri for the time being. and the same goes when dimitri has to travel fodlan
dimitri and claude are both deadly protective of you! they'll play bodyguards for you, but they will probably get you your own retainer as well – someone they trust to keep you safe, not just some random person!
both of them have lost a lot, especially during the war. they want to make sure that they never lose you! and they'd do anything to keep you safe…
both claude and balthus are pretty flirty guys! especially balthus can't keep his mouth shut when he sees someone he considers good looking!
claude had his eyes on you before balthus even knew your name. it was physical attraction first for claude, but the more he got to know you, the more he wanted to be with you because of your personality!
balthus took notice of your good looks as well, but while claude had been playing the long game with you, balthus’ first interaction with you was already flirty!
claude usually isn't as bold and pushy when it comes to flirting, but with balthus trying to win your heart as well, claude knows he needs to change his strategy!
and claude is the smoother one of the two! he's so good at it that even balthus notices how easily claude flirts with you!
balthus wants to flirting advice from claude, but claude won't just give up such valuable info to his opponent!
if you chose balthus over claude, claude will accept your choice and move on! but if he has to lose, he at least wants to have tried everything in his power first to win your heart!
claude is a dom for sure! he loves to be in control, but for the right partner, he'll be persuaded into taking on a submissive role every once and again. especially if that means he gets to lay back while you ride him, he wouldn't mind that…
claude is someone who likes to please more than he's concerned about his own pleasure. he'll always get off one way or another, but the best part is making you crazy with pleasure and overwhelming you!
he's a tease and just like he knows some dirty tricks on the battlefield, he's got some dirty tricks up his sleeve in the bedroom as well. even more than when it comes to battle…
claude switches between being rough and going slow. he prefers it more rough and fast, but if going slow means he'll make you beg for more and you get all needy and desperate, then he'll happily go slow for his own entertainment!
he's a menace when it comes to dirty talk as well! he's constantly talking during sex, but even in public, he loves to lean in and whisper dirty things in your ear, which often leads to the two of you quickly finding a quiet place nearby for a quickie…
pairing: claude von riegan x gn!reader x lorenz hellman gloucester
tags: polyamorous relationship, wholesome fluff, teasing/banter between claude & lorenz, spoiling reader with gifts
while claude and lorenz often bicker with each other and tend to argue over the smallest things, their love for you is the one thing they can agree on!
both boys are infatuated with you and they can put aside their quarrels easily, as soon as you enter the scene!
especially claude is head over heels for you! lorenz is very open about his love for you, but while claude tries to downplay how much he likes you, it's painfully obvious that this man is madly in love with you!
it's certainly something lorenz teases claude about a lot! and it's just one more thing those two end up bickering about as soon as you turn away…
lorenz loves to spoil you, both during the time at the academy and during the war! he believes you deserve nice things, especially when the world around you is so miserable. he at least wants to put a smile on your lips from time to time…
claude is more restrained when it comes to spending money on you. sure, he's certainly not poor, but he's not the type to waste all his money on you all the time!
though whenever claude does make you a gift, it's a very thoughtful one – and usually a bit expensive! he'll gift you jewelry, so you'll have something that will last you forever – unlike the expensive chocolate lorenz buys you that hardly lasts for a week!
both of your boyfriends are very vocal about how much they love you, as well as physically affectionate! especially claude can never keep his hands off you, even in the company of others–
all your friends think the three of you are an adorable trio. sure, they'll roll their eyes amused when claude and lorenz blabber on about how much they love you, but they're all glad that you three make each other so happy…
Immense amounts of protectiveness can often blind someone, making them prioritize the well-being of others over their own. Those who care deeply for others may forget to take care of themselves, viewing the loss of someone they love as the same as their own death. They would repeat this cycle of saving others, regardless of the sacrifice to their own lives. This behavior is fueled by a deep sense of responsibility and selflessness, sometimes even border on self-destructive tendencies. A trait that he hated the most and a behavior she could not ever change...
Female reader will be named as Celestial
Just like the day before, the empress continued to feel a strange emptiness inside. Despite the newfound freedom of her confinement, she did not feel any joy or gratitude, just a mere sense of detachment. She might had just gotten use being alone in her room and not spending time outside. Worst still, if Claude could so easily release her from the restriction spell, he could just as easily re-impose it upon her.
His power and influential status rendered him virtually untouchable, leaving her feeling powerless. His powerful mana was even a stark reminder of why the late emperor had shifted his favoritism from his son with the empress to the one with a mere maid. That was how powerful the current King of Obelia.
Therefore, instead of just placing the sole blame on the former empress for her harsh treatment towards Claude, Celestial held a different perspective. She could understand and sympathize with the former empress' actions, knowing that they were likely born out of intense pain and betrayal.
Celestial recalled the rumors about how the former empress had married the king for power and status. How diverse it was from the truth as she still remembered the looks in the empress eyes. The hatred, hostility, loath and distaste, only capable to form due to amount of love for the king.
The one that should be blamed was the former king who desired someone other than his sole partner. He did not even perform his duty to both of his sons as a father figure. Due to that understanding, it was easier to be closed to the former queen and Celestial understanding even deepen as she experienced the same situation.
The empress stared into the cup of tea in her hands, her solemn eyes reflecting back at her in the liquid's surface as if mocking her miserableness. Instead of treating it as her light drink, she had darker thoughts, contemplating other purposes for the tea. She raised her head and turned her gaze to Claude, contemplating the dark thoughts that fleetingly crossed her mind.
Yet, she quickly dismissed them in favor of her beautiful child, Athy. No, she should hold herself back at least for Athy sake. It would be uncomfortable and unpleasant for a child to watch an adult fight, especially between the empress and emperor. She had also given her word to her ex-lady-in-waiting, Lilian York, to ensure the child's safety.
"My lady, I know it's already hard for you but please keep Athy safe"
"Don't you worry, Lily. Your desire is just the same as mine"
Celestial found herself reluctantly joining Claude and Athy on the boat ride, her protective instincts on high alert, ready to shield the princess from any harm that might come her way. She had assumed that Athy might be scared of her tyrant father, but instead, the child seemed delighted by Claude's invitation. Athy even called this guy papa in affection tone. Was it because she craved her father love all this time? How was her life in the Ruby Palace?
She could not help but feel her heart ache at the thought of Athy's life in the Ruby Palace. The child was likely isolated and lonely, with a deep yearning for her parent's love. Having lost her mother since she was born, all of that crave of love and attention would have been directed towards her father alone. Celestial felt her heart broken upon imagining it.
Celestial gently lifted up the petite princess and placed her on her lap, encircling her small waist with a soft and protective grasp. She could not help but wonder if all children at age 5 were this diminutive.
The little girl was initially surprised by the sudden move, but soon after, she relaxed and leaned her warm, small body against the empress's chest. The young princess seemed to find comfort in the safety and protection that Celestial's embrace brought while watching the scenery around her.
'Yes, mama's here Athy. There is no need to be afraid. I will protect you'
The minutes ticked by in silence, with none of the three uttering a word. The emperor kept his stoic gaze on both the empress and his daughter, while the empress deliberately avoided looking at her husband, choosing instead to focus on the lake. Meanwhile, the young princess, having grown bored with the inactivity, slipped off from her place in the empress's lap and began to explore the boat, particularly intrigued by the magic that enabled its movement.
"What are you thinking about?"
Claude was the first to break the silence, his gaze shifting towards his moving daughter. Celestial was about to intervene, having noticed the child's discomfort, but her attention was captured when the girl spoke up, her next words startling the empress.
"You hair is sparkly and pretty, papa! Like the lake water! I like sparkly things! Hehehe"
A smile tugged at the corner of Claude's lips, his usually stoic expression softening slightly. The young princess' compliment seemed to please him, her words causing a genuine or what seems to be smile to form on his face.
Seeing the interaction between father and daughter, Celestial's pay more attention to her surroundings, her body tensed, and her gaze sharpened, ready to intervene if bad occurrence happen. Having a slight interest from Claude would subject to his unpredictable actions.
Claude spoke again, his tone casual yet laced with something else. "That reminds me, you had a pouch of jewels with you that day. I kept your treasures safe and sound. Why don't you come and retrieve them yourself next time?"
Celestial's instincts kicked in. It was clear to her that her husband's invitation was more of a threat than a genuine offer. After all, this was the same man who had attempted to take the princess' life the moment she was born. This was also the man who had sacrifice his half blood brother for the throne.
"Stop treating Athy as your plaything, Claude," Celestial said firmly, her voice leaving no room for argument. "What's the point of Sir Felix? Order him to send the pouch."
Claude turned his attention to her, his features hardening at her words. He let out a scoff, his voice cold. "And why should I do that? Stop regarding Athy as my plaything? Nonsense. She's my daughter, and I have every right to regard her as I please." He clearly stated or mocked the empress true status for the said princess as if he meant his wife did not behold any power or right on the child.
Celestial responded, her tone laced with a mix of sarcasm and bitterness as she would not back off easily. "Ah, so you've finally realized you're a father? How amusing. That's the funniest thing I've heard all day, Claude."
She knew she promised herself not have a fight with the emperor in front of the child but this guy really invited it. Meanwhile, the young princess continued to distract herself staring into the lake by the side of the boat, seemingly oblivious to the tense atmosphere between the rulers of the empire. However, Celestial had already observed that the child was quite intelligent and knew when the princess just feign ignorance to her surrounding.
Celestial, consumed by the heat of the argument, failed to pay attention to the princess. She failed to notice the young princess reaching out towards the lake, leaning too far to the side and falling over the edge. The sound of the splash and the desperate cries for help jerked her out of her focused state, and she instantly realized that Athy was missing from the boat and struggling in the water.
"Do not tell me how to treat my own child, Celestial. I will do as I please with my daughter, and you have no say in the matter. She is mine, and not yours"
"H-help.... Help..!"
"Athy!" She shouted, her voice filled with a mix of panic and concern. She immediately rushed towards the edge of the boat, her eyes scanning the surface of the lake for the sign of the struggling child.
Celestial desperately strained her arm to reach out and grab ahold of the struggling princess, but she was too far away. Her heart filled with despair as she gazed down at the thrashing child, trapped in the clutches of the deadly lake.
The lake, adorned with beautiful blue lotuses, was not as innocent as it appeared. Infused with potent magic, the plants served as a formidable trap, designed to ensnare any intruder and relentlessly pull them down until they were completely lifeless. It was one of the most dangerous trap put in the palace and her own child succumb to such trap due to her carelessness.
As a product of her noble upbringing, Celestial had been shielded from learning how to swim due to societal norms. Such skills were deemed unbecoming of a lady, as it was expected for a woman to be rescued by a hero rather than be the hero herself.
Never be the lead but be one of the main character. If only that ridiculous traits not being implemented to the society, if only she knew how to swim then Athy's suffering would be alleviated.
The sight of the child's frail arms flailing helplessly in the water, desperately grasping for air, caused Celestial's heart to sink in despair. Only Claude, who used to live in a harsh environment, who she once saw the former empress push him into the lake could help.
"SHE'S YOUR DAUGHTER! CLAUDE! DO SOMETHING!"
Celestial's desperate plea fell on deaf ears as Claude sit there like a statue, his expression devoid of any emotion. His callous indifference was even more evident as he remained motionless, not even a hint of panic or concern evident in his demeanor.
'He was not normal. He was not human. How could as a father to react such way...'
Celestial's heart shattered as she witnessed her child being dragged further into the water, her hair slowly vanishing beneath the surface. Hot tears streamed down her cheeks as she begged for her husband's intervention.
"CLAUDEE!!!"
Finally, Claude responded to Celestial's desperate plea and moved to scoop up his daughter with one strong arm in ease. His sleeve became wet as he retrieved the child from the water.
The boat glided towards the shoreline, and soon Athy was placed gently on the ground. Lily, Felix, and several other panicked maids rushed to the princess's side, assessing her condition as she lay on the ground, panting and coughing, her wet hair sticking to her face.
Athy continued to cough violently, her body attempting to expel the lake water from her lungs. As the child suffered, Celestial refused to hesitate further. While she may not have been able to save her child in the lake, she was determined to prevent any further suffering due to today's harrowing experience.
With fierce determination, Celestial made up her mind, no longer caring about the consequences for herself. Who would care what would happen to her if she used this power after a long time?
Celestial placed her hands on Athy's chest, her palms emitting a soft white light as she absorbed the young princess' suffering into herself. However, before she could complete the healing process, Claude quickly moved to stop her, his expression panicked and concerned as he was familiar to the power side effect.
"Cease it!" he exclaimed, his words laced with panic. "I forbid you to continue! Stop! Don't waste it on that child!"
With an iron resolve, Celestial stood her ground as Claude attempted to pull her away from the princess. She determinedly increased the flow of her power, channeling all of Athy's pain and sorrow into herself. As the princess' condition improved, it was the empress who started coughing, the effects of the healing process taking a toll on her own body.
As water filled her lungs, Celestial felt a mixture of pain and relief, knowing that she had managed to save the child from further suffering. However, the strain of the healing process and her already weakened condition took their toll, leaving her unconscious. Before succumbing to darkness, she faintly heard a desperate voice calling out to her.
