"If you think kissing at my neck is going to get you breakfast faster, it won't" you comment through a little fit of giggles.
Their arms are wrapped lazily around your waist. Rough lips pecking aling the surface of your smoother skin. The chill of the fall morning is nowhere to be felt thanks to their body heat. Truly, this is a perfect morning so far.
"I think my breakfast is right here." Their lips push down on your neck firmly. For a brief moment, you are sure felt teeth. "And you are far better than any food."
"Oh?" After living with them for so long, their morning flirts shouldn't get to you like this. Yet here you are already becoming a blushing mess as the kiss les move to your shoulders and grow more needy.
Hello! I'm new here, I don't know if you're still taking requests, but if so, I'd like to request headcanons or scenario (whichever you think is best), from Dimitri or Claude in the post-timeskip, with a reader who has a crush on them, but who is extremely shy, like Komi-san's personality (I don't know if you know her 😅). People often think the reader is cold, but in reality she just can't talk because she's too shy.
I haven't written for fire emblem in a while but so I hope I'm not rusty
nav.
When you both were students, Claude had been unable to figure you out like he had with his other peers. At first, it had piqued his curiosity, as he didn't like to brag, but Claude would like to think that he could get a good read on people at least.
When he had offered you a chance to join him years later, he was much more surprised to learn of your unique personality. Many thought you were outright rude, even still, as you often kept to yourself. Conversations were most often one-sided, with you providing short answers or only nodding your head. Of course, Claude knew people would assume regardless on if you truly meant it or not.
They didn't see how your eyes lit up whenever he snuck you an extra serving of your favorite dish, nor how you cracked a bit of a smile when he set a swindling merchant on his way when they tried to scam you, only for the merchant to lose out on the deal in the end. A part of Claude couldn't help but feel a little proud that only he was privy to such things. Even so, the heir to the alliance knew that you didn't purposefully do things to seem standoffish.
But you had your moments of hidden kindness. If Leonie needed new wire to restring her bow, it would be conveniently left in a spot you knew she'd be in. If Ignatz needed paints that would've been harder to get due to the conflict, then somehow he had fresh pots of them.
Upon confrontation one day, you had all but fled the scene. Claude, of course, never knowing when to leave well enough alone, followed you. And the rest was history.
"Claude, stop it!" You hiss as he simply smiles knowingly at you. Onlookers watched in shock as he took you by hand to stand in the middle of the freshly restored hall. It was a celebratory scene, the alliance having won and whatnot. He had bowed before you, kissing your knuckles. All but announcing who you were to him without saying it out loud. A melodic sounding laugh leaves him, as he stands now, pulling you as close as propriety allows.
Strings of instruments are plucked, music begins again. Claude leads in the dance, despite your chagrin. Other couples begin to join, prompted by your unofficial lead.
Your heated face does not deter Claude's advances either. If anything, it goads him on, his watchful eyes careful as you follow him in a waltz. For once you're relieved your two left feet do not seem to make an appearance.
Of course, that’s quickly rectified when Claude, rather unceremoniously, dips you and presses a kiss to your lips in front of the other attendees.
—
When it came to your silence, Dimitri understood it was more than you thought he would. When you’d sit on a nearby bench, or rather it could have been rubble for all he knew, you were not perturbed by his ramblings.
In a way, he almost thought it was a way to show him that, in your own way, you too saw him.
Once, he had seen you standing in the back of the group, as Hanneman went on his current lecture of magic and their relativity to crests. You were quietly taking notes, and your current table partner had all but given up at making any kind of conversation, as you simply stared, nodded or shook your head at any questions.
It was a small thing, how your solemnity spoke over your voice. Although he flushed at remembering Hanneman’s clipped tone when asking what the then Prince found so interesting that he was interrupting the lesson.
He had found a note in messy scrawl, first an apology, then the next, a small diagram of the lesson’s more complex equations. He’d seen you quickly leaving the scene, leaving him to ponder.
Now, years later, you were sitting beside him. Dimitri’s cold silence was a bitter thing. But you had remained. Something like guilt twists inside of him, but he cannot find the words to properly convey his feelings.
His mouth opens and closes, but no words come out. Instead, you take the first words.
“Annette made you these,” Your voice is a soft thing. Raspy almost, most likely from a lack of use. So quiet that if it was not just the two of you in this dilapidated chapel, he’d have to strain himself to hear it.
A bundled cloth is placed in his hands, he felt warmth, as he’d removed his gloves, while you got to work mending them. As he carefully untied it, he saw steaming bread rolls. Despite himself, hunger rumbled in his gut.
You make no sound that is laughter or derision. As you simply thread the needle to sew. You watch as he tears into the rolls, few bits of steam that make you blink in surprise more than anything.
The napkin is folded neatly when he’s done. As though he’s remembered himself being with present company. You trade him for newly mended gloves.
“Thank you,” He finally mumbles.
You only nod, placing the folded napkin in a bag that you had with you. The small box of needles and thread had been placed away there too. You’re all packed and ready to go.
But you don’t leave.
You don’t pull away when Dimitri’s fingers brush against yours either. A tap then two, as you both sit quietly. The moon is hidden by the clouds for a moment as you look up at the sky. Then your expression softens when the clouds finally clear up.
tags: wholesome fluff, admiring from afar, secret gifts
dimitri always had his eyes on you and you weren't even aware of it. the leader of the blue lions was absolutely smitten with you, always admiring you from afar, yet never daring to get too close to you
the two of you were classmates, friends even, yet dimitri never dared to get too close to you. he was too shy, too nervous to make a move on you. he practically had no experience with romance and the last thing he wanted to do was mess things up with you!
you were always so kind to him, whenever you spoke. you always knew the right things to say, always appeared in the right moments and always brightened up his day
dimitri cared about you a lot, which was exactly why he didn't want to jeopardize what you two already had. and yet, he wanted you to know you were loved and appreciated
it all started with a little note he left on your desk before class. a small compliment with a heart next to it. something simple and sweet, that could've come from anyone
notes turned into small gifts, like flowers or chocolate. and as everyone began to speculate who your secret admirer might be, dimitri acted oblivious to it all
though what could've given away to you that he was your secret admirer all along was that he told you that someone wonderful like you deserves to get all the love and attention out there. and that there must be countless suitors out there, just hoping to one day make you theirs…
「 blue lions x gn!reader | what type of s/o they'd fall for 」
sfw | tw: n/a
a/n: yeah, it's been a while... anyways, i've been replaying azure moon and i figured i would finish one of the many drafts in my docs.
[ dimitri a. blaiddyd]
dimitri has such a sincere and genuine personality that he could fall for a variety of personalities. first and foremost, he would be incredibly attracted to someone kind and empathetic. despite being good-natured himself, he’s prone to falling into depression and moments of self doubt due to his traumas. a kind, empathetic individual would balance out his low moods and bring a light to his darkness.
there would have to be something else on top of kindness, though. dimitri would be drawn to a partner that has a quirk of some sort, whether it be corny humor or wacky hobbies & interests. he considers himself to be rather plain, so encountering someone that could bewilder him with their uniqueness would have him particularly drawn. you enjoy collecting bugs? he doesn’t quite understand it, but the novelty of it has him intrigued enough to ask you questions and show his support. always cracking jokes? he might act stern and annoyed with your humor at times, but he’d look forward to seeing you just to hear your laugh.
someone with strong ideals and morals would also be incredibly attractive to him. he has his own goals and ambitions he’s passionate about, and he’d want to hear about yours, too. he would only fall harder if his partner shared the same ideals as him.
he struggles to initiate and can get consumed by his own thoughts, so a straightforward significant other would keep him grounded and build his confidence. someone comfortable making the first move until he’s ready to take the lead (this is less of an issue post timeskip and post unhinged emo era). he’d be simultaneously flustered and infatuated by someone who wasn’t afraid to praise or compliment him outright, anything to show he’s not overthinking the possibility that his affections are reciprocated. it would be a bonus if they had enough charm to tease him and bring out his playful side.
[ dedue molinaro ]
as shown in his supports, dedue is not much of a conversationalist. that being said, he would be drawn to a significant other that can fill the silences that are sure to come in the beginnings of your relationship. he can be flighty and dismissive at times as a means to keep others at a distance, so being around someone that compels him to stay with their own outgoing nature would make his heart flutter. he wouldn’t like feeling pressured or pushed to talk, but having a partner with the ability to smoothly coax responses out of him until he’s fully engaging in the conversation would go a long way.
dedue with a chatty partner! even if the conversation consists of them rambling about their interests, or their day, or the food served at dinner evening, he’s enamored. dedue is an exceptionally good listener, and overtime he would come to realize that he could listen to you for hours on end. there would have to be moderation, though, as he would want to be able to enjoy quiet moments with you, simply enjoying each other’s company.
stoic and reserved, dedue can be difficult to read. he would benefit from an observant partner that could pick up on his body language and subtle tells. being able to notice when he’s uncomfortable with something and see past his neutral front would make him feel seen in a way he isn’t accustomed to.
and, of course, be kind to him. ignore his protests that there is no need to flatter him or treat him kindly, and be earnest and genuine in your affection for him. he would be taken aback at first, possibly even uncomfortable, but overtime your amicable gestures would break down his defenses. dedue would fall for a kind soul, one without discrimination or malice.
[ sylvain j. gautier ]
oh sylvain. moving past his issues with genuine connection and intimacy, sylvain would be capable of falling deeply for someone, given they were able to work with him and his issues. he would be attracted to someone more on the no-nonsense side, someone capable of putting him in his place at first. pre-timeskip sylvain would be difficult to grasp unless you’re able to see through his flowery nonsense and be straightforward with him about not tolerating his behavior. there would be push and pull, and the game of that alone would keep him engaged. he would shift between waving off your rejections, becoming internally frustrated with his developing feelings, and ultimately seeking out your company for genuine connection. it’s stereotypical, but being “not like the others” would unfortunately catch his attention and draw him to you.
in order to keep this up, you would need to have a lot of emotional maturity. sylvain can be incredibly perceptive and introspective when he wants to be, and having a partner with a high level of emotional maturity would encourage him to show this side more. he would try to deny it at first, but being with someone that’s able to “read” him upfront and see his true feelings would be… relieving, to say the least.
he would be attracted to someone creative and intelligent, with their own set of unique interests and hobbies. a benefit to being with sylvain is that he’s incredibly open-minded and nonjudgmental, so a nerdy, eccentric partner would only intrigue him further. he’s also a lover of the arts himself, and he would be enamored if you had a knack for art or writing (his supports with bernadetta are a testament to this). his encouragement may seem insincere at first, especially if this is before the timeskip, but he’s genuine in his interest in your work.
[ felix h. fraldarius ]
felix is a tricky one. he’s so stubborn and people averse that he wouldn’t even have an idea of what traits he’s attracted to. in an opposites attract sort of way, i can see him falling for someone sweet and cheerful, or at least kinder than he is. he would act annoyed at first, of course (unless your personality is similar to annette, in which case he may be less harsh), but he would find himself drawn to a friendly and kind disposition. the stark contrast to his own rough around the edges personality would soften him, much to his dismay, and encourage him to loosen up a bit. it would also cause some inner turmoil, as he tells himself to stay away for the sake of preserving your light, something he doesn’t believe he has. in the end, his own infatuation would compel him to stick around despite his inner protests.
he’ll deny it at first, but felix would like a playful partner. not in a boisterous, pulling pranks sense, but a good-natured, humorous, “saying something that you know will crack a smile out of him” kind of way. he can stand to be teased a bit, too, even if it initially seems like a way to instantly annoy him. he would come to appreciate the lightheartedness, as it would coax him into somewhat letting his guard down.
he would appreciate someone strong, though their strength wouldn’t have to be purely physical. a quiet, unyielding strength would intrigue him, especially if he initially saw you as weak. he would also appreciate someone that isn’t too sensitive, as he can be harsh with his words and delivery. granted, he would try to mince his words for someone he truly cared about, but a partner that’s, for the most part, unbothered by his brash way of speaking would put him at ease.
going further into felix preferring someone with thicker skin, he would secretly swoon over a partner that’s willing to stand up to him when he’s being too edgy or stubborn. he admits that he can be a fool at times, so having someone to keep him grounded and embrace his own humanity would benefit him.
of course, he would immediately fall for someone that challenged him. someone he can train with, improve with, someone he can lose to. that alone would keep him engaged and wanting to be around you more.
[ ashe ubert ]
i have a headcanon that ashe gets crushes rather easily, giving him a wide range of personalities he’d fall for. of course, he would find someone kind and cheerful to be endearing, feeling soothed by their gentle nature. he would also admire a confident, outspoken personality, since he’s working to find his own voice and confidence. i could even see him falling for a shyer personality, as it would encourage him to seek you out and initiate conversations.
a commonality amidst all of these personalities would be that his potential significant other would have to match his earnestness. ashe wouldn’t care if you didn’t share the exact same interests, but seeing you passionate about anything would fill him with admiration. he would fall for traits he could admire; tenacity, creativity, vigilance.
similar to dimitri, i think ashe would appreciate eccentricity. he’s open-minded and intrigued by most things, so being around someone that introduced him to new and novel interests would enthrall him. he would appreciate someone that he can explore new things with, someone open to adventure and exploring. bonus points if they’re more adventurous than him, as it would encourage him to come out of his shell.
though he would definitely fall for someone kind and good-natured, he would also be drawn to someone blunt and straightforward. ashe can be too kind at times, and he would genuinely appreciate being with someone that can help him decipher when he’s people pleasing too much.
[ annette f. dominic ]
annette would like a strong but silent type, someone that balances her cheerful and bubbly nature. she wouldn’t be attracted to a personality that was too dark or brooding, rather a grounded presence she can feel secure around. she’s naturally clumsy and prone to occasionally making small mistakes, so having someone that can keep her on her toes (figuratively and literally), would be endearing.
to add to this, she would like having a partner she could spend a lot of time with. it could seem like she’s dragging you around, but ultimately she just enjoys being able to try new things with someone. she would fall for someone open-minded and lacking in harsh or judgmental opinions, as she has her own quirks and hobbies she would want to feel comfortable sharing.
she would fall for someone hard working, earnest, and willing to grow with her. she’s incredibly heard working and fastidious, and she would benefit from a partner that shares her desire to succeed and improve. with this comes patience as well, as she wouldn’t mesh well with someone too critical or irritable.
[ ingrid b. galatea ]
ingrid would fall for someone hard working, passionate, and goal-oriented. she would prefer a partner that she can work alongside; i don’t see her faring well with someone lazy and unmotivated. she takes her ambitions very seriously, and she would be drawn to someone of a similar nature, even if their goals are different than her own. the passion alone is what matters to her, and she would seek a significant other that could provide a dynamic of mutual support and encouragement.
with encouragement comes improvement, and she would admire a partner that wasn’t afraid to give her constructive criticism. she prefers direct communication, even if it’s difficult, so her ideal partner would be capable of communicating clearly and honestly.
she would enjoy a competitive partner, or at least a partner that’s playful enough to push her out of her comfort zone. she can get stuck in her own routines, so having someone that can steer her away from comfortability would be a must.
the ultimate bonus is someone that can cook or shares her love for food. omitting everything above, food might be the key to her heart; she would inevitably find herself falling for someone with culinary prowess.
[ mercedes von matritz ]
perhaps this is controversial, but i feel that mercedes would fall for a significant other that harbors their own fair share of issues and trauma. if they were troubled in their own way, but earnest enough that they were clearly willing and trying to improve, her heart would draw her to them. not necessarily in a savior complex way, but in a such way where she would appreciate your emotional complexity and find herself drawn to your humanity.
this goes both ways, as mercedes has her own issues and traumas that she mostly keeps to herself. one of the reasons she would find herself drawn to a partner with their own set of baggage is that it would encourage her to open up about her own. she would appreciate the mutual connection, and having someone that understands and empathizes with her would warm her heart.
even though mercedes is perceptive enough to read you on her own, she would appreciate a partner that’s open and honest. she loves candid conversations and values communications highly, so she would be drawn to someone sociable and outspoken.
mercedes is very nurturing, and as such can get lost in taking care of other people. it would catch her off guard, but ultimately relieve her, if you showed her the intense attention and care she shows others. surprising her with kind gestures, words of encouragement, and acts of service is a surefire way to her heart.
cw: established relationship. queen!reader. argument but with resolution.
You do not, nor were ever intended to, excel at royal audiences, and they still remain the least of your favorite duties as new queen consort of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, but it often isn’t as strenuous to smile and emotionally disengage with the conversation as it is today. Today, one of the courtiers, a minor noble from the bordering lands, has continued his weeks-long petition to expand his territory and while you usually try to help Dimitri politely deflect his requests for more resources and for more troops, you can sense that he’s becoming more and more frantic.
Dimitri had promised to stay firm in his decision not to allow more soldiers in that region, because it would appear more aggressive than not to the minority groups living in the vicinity, and given that your husband was well acquainted with what happened with Duscur, you assumed he understood intimately.
And perhaps he does still, however, what Dimitri says next shocks you to your core.
“Fine. To your request, the kingdom will supply three hundred soldiers by the end of the week.”
The noble glances in your direction for a moment, then back to the King, a wry smile on his face, and you’re incredulous, your stomach churning in disgust, but all you can do is force your facial expression to stay resolute as if you had discussed it deeply and agreed with the decision. A few nobles gasp in surprise, while others nod in hesitant agreement, and for a moment you catch the duke of Fraldarius who often lurks at the back of such audiences with his arms crossed, shaking his head slightly before exiting quietly.
You’re not imagining how bad the situation is, it’s exactly as you fear.
—
The subsequent requests - matters of food, water, protection for the people, diplomatic relations with nations like Almyra - come thereafter, but there is still anger roiling in your chest from the idea of an evil man receiving more men to his command, and by the time you’ve retired to your bedroom for the evening, you are so disillusioned with the entire affair that you don’t say a word.
If Dimitri reached for your hand as you left the hall, you did not notice, because you were too busy wringing them in your hands repetitively, walking one to two paces before him, enough that he could tell that you were upset, but not enough to display a lack of decorum.
Everything in this castle is watched and measured.
“You’re upset, are you not?” he asks.
You spin so fast that your ornate dress creates a wisp of wind at both of your feet. He watches, stepping just a bit closer to arrange a caught piece of fabric but you practically slap his hand away.
“What in the world is wrong with you?”
He sighs, still bent over, before looking up at you. Your fierce gaze meets his firm but still understanding blue one, and his lips are pressed in a thin, formal line as he waits for the rest of your verbal onslaught.
And you do deliver that to him.
“You said under no circumstances would you-”
“It was either that or imply we lacked any military might.”
“What?!”
You give him an incredulous look, then start to laugh humorlessly, before raising your hands up to the space around you.
“What else does this godforsaken country have if not weapons and people willing to fight and die?”
Dimitri grimaces, knowing that it’s the thing you hate the most about this kingdom, its penchant for violence over peace and prosperity, and he knows that you both work tirelessly to change this, and yet…
“He doesn’t have unreasonable demands.”
“You and I both know that there is no threat coming from that side of the kingdom and this is all just one man desperate to have young lives at his command and mercy.”
Dimitri blinks.
“So you’re calling me a fool?” he says, finally. His arms cross over his chest defensively, feet squared suddenly, and you can tell he’s now prepared to argue for real. Which you might as well need. The back of your hand slaps against his chest, not for damage but for dramatic effect.
“I’m saying that you’re using your chest to think, not your brain.”
He leans in slightly.
“You told me that it was good to lead with one’s heart,” he says softly, his hand attempting to close gently around your hand, but you snatch it away quickly.
“That’s not your heart, that’s machismo, who CARES if this idiot calls you cowardly? You run a country, not a boxing ring!”
His nostrils flare slightly, a flash of irritation glowing in his iris.
“I simply defused a situation.”
If there is a bomb with a lit fuse that is now quiet in the court, there is another one in this bedroom.
“Do I look calm to you, Dimitri?” you ask, coolly. “Is this not another situation now?”
Dimitri gives you a look, really looks, then shakes his head.
“You’re impossible. We will withdraw the soldiers after a short stay, and everything will be back to normal. You’re making a big ado about nothing.”
He turns as though he’s done with the conversation, but you kick off your heels loudly into the corner of the room.
“Lovely use of the royal ‘we,’” you hiss. You set off to the washroom, but in longer strides he beats you there, blocking the way.
“I’m sorry I didn’t ask you, but I had to make an executive decision,” he pleads. His voice is gentle again, and he tilts his head slightly as if it’ll make him more compassionate but all that comes to mind is how you could tell this day would come, where your comments would be mere suggestions under the guise of ‘keeping a nation together’.
“You could have at least spoken to me first if you meant to give in.”
“It’s a strategy-”
“Am I too much of a commoner to understand?” you quip. He blinks as if hit.
“That’s not what I’m saying.”
You sigh.
“I told you I never wanted to be Queen.”
You can feel the physical recoil from your statement, the voice in Dimitri’s head that goes ‘not this again’.
“Again, you are making this a bigger issue than-”
And then you do the one thing that terrifies him.
Your hands reach upwards, settling around the crown that sits atop your head, and no you don’t mean to toss it, no matter how angry you are, but Dimitri sees you move, and panics immediately.
“Stop!”
You’re taken aback, and really do pause, your fingers settled just on the edge of crafted gold, and Dimitri’s facial expression looks pained to match your surprise, and suddenly your hands are in his, while he presses his forehead against yours.
“Just… sorry… don’t do that.”
His hands pull your enveloped ones to his mouth. The moment hangs in between you two with sudden silence where both of your hearts seem to pound loudly in your chest in unison.
“Please… please don’t.”
His fear douses your irritation in a sudden splash of cold water.
“I wasn’t going to…” you trail off, because in a sense, you were. You were trying to throw it all back at him out of anger, you were in some part, threatening to leave, to do this alone.
You let out a slow breath.
“I’m not pleased. But I’m not going anywhere.”
You can hear him swallow hard first before his voice practically croaks out a weary,
“Okay.”
The two of you stand like this for a moment longer, connected by touch, by love, and by precious adornment that confers a complex and thankless power.
“I shouldn’t have done that,” he whispers, finally.
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! 😀
ingredients : SPOILER-FREE, gender neutral reader, introspection, fluff, minimal dialogue, slight angst (dima is mean to himself), graphic imagery, implied background pairings, intentional lowercase.
note from the barista : i'm not late to put this out if his day of devotion banner is still running :')
dimitri does not handle flowers. or perhaps it is more accurate to say that if he can so much as help it, he tries not to make a habit of handling anything fragile.
the same could be said about most, whether they be objects or people. but flowers specifically are high upon that list. they are notorious for their fragility. one wrong move could snap the thin stems keeping them upright, or tear the delicate petals from the receptacle. it means little in the grand scheme of things, that is true. it is a mere flower, another can and will be grow and cultivated. but dimitri does not want to be the one to destroy something so lively, so precious and beautiful.
but dimitri is like a rock against glass — bound for destruction. it has followed him since he was young and will continue to do so until he is laid to rest. this moment is hardly any different. one could blame the precarious nature of his crest. after all, it's provided him with strength nearly unparalleled by others. but a sword does not swing and pierce through by itself; an arrow does not fly and lodged itself into its target on its own. the responsibility is his and his alone.
perhaps it makes him a hypocrite, considering how tenderly dimitri cradles his feelings for you close to his heart. if it does, then he cares not. it was a daunting task to allow himself this kindness when he knows he is undeserving of it. there are many days he considers letting go of them, despite the gaping wound it would surely leave. you deserve better than him. someone who is not tormented by their past and held together by a thirst of revenge that can't come soon enough. dimitri's hands shake around these feelings, handling them like the precious treasure they are.
but make no mistake, dimitri is well aware that you are not fragile. you are one of the strongest people he knows and he loves that. he loves you. he would worship you if you permitted him! dimitri swore to him that no matter what happened, the bloodstained claws disguised as human hands would never tear into you. he would use them to protect and love you. still, dimitri knows he must be careful. with this cursed strength beneath the flesh of his palms, he fears that a single mistake will leave you—
dimitri grimaces. a petal falls and lands atop the toe of his boot. he will not think of that. not today. but it is so difficult. all of this self doubt came rushing forward and revealed itself at the first opportunity presented. now it refuses to leave him lone, clinging to him like rotten flesh to bone. that is to say, dimitri accidentally crushed one of the flowers within the bouquet and the guilt was all-consuming. and now he is plucking the tiny petals from the mutilated plant, one-by-one, as he mutters, "they love me. they love me not."
dimitri has not played this game in years — literally. the last time he had, it was before the tragedy. those were different times, when things were simpler and the truth was hidden behind a veil of childish innocence. when he and his childhood friends were still young. when loved ones and innocents still drew breath. glenn taught the four of them this game, as a matter of fact. dimitri cannot recall how it came up in the first place, something about the holiday itself, but it ended with him, felix, sylvain, and ingrid each with a flower in hand.
he and felix only went along with it because glenn introduced it. sylvain, to no one's surprise, already knew of this practice and teased them, insisting that this method was reliable. dimitri hadn't believed it. but a bright-eyed felix had taken him at his word and tore through what had to be several flowers. ingrid was a little more reluctant and instead counted the petals. dimitri has never since seen her flush as bright as she had when glenn casually mentioned not needing a flower to dictate his feelings.
dimitri is quick to dismiss those thoughts before they, too consume him more than they already have. he forces himself back into the present and it takes him but a moment to recall that he is stilling sitting upon the fountain's ledge at the heart of the marketplace. a comically large bouquet of flowers is cradled in his arm like a babe, its weightlessness surprisingly intimidating. spring snowflakes, if he recalled correctly. they are so small and droopy that dimitri was almost convinced they were sickly. the florist had to assure him that they were, in fact, healthy.
the prince had not bought this bouquet with the intention of doing this. it was meant to be a gift, after all. a gift for the most wonderful person dimitri has been graced with meeting. it feels more like an honor, a blessing he is undeserving of. but the longer dimitri sits for, the more restless and nervous he becomes. now dozens of tiny white petals line his feet and the stem lays limp and pathetic in his palm.
"they love me. they love me not. they love me. they love me not."
dimitri has been muttering those same words for what feels like hours now. his tongue grows tired and numb after repeating them like a mindless husk of what once was. but dimitri refuses to give up. if he has so much as a chance for his feelings to be reciprocated, then he wants to reach out and take it.
dimitri's hand stills around that last petal and watches as it slips between his fingers like a lost opportunity. he reaches for another flower from the bunch and—
"dima?"
dimitri nearly rips the whole stamen off of the flower. that lovely voice rings in his ears like church bells and if he was standing, he's sure he would have fallen to his knees. his head whips upwards and his eyes find the most ethereal shade of color he will ever see in his lifetime. dimitri's heart flutters with a sort of adoration he has little idea what to do with.
"ah, you're here!"
an odd mix of exhilaration and anxiety bundles together in his chest. dimitri eagerly rises to his feet and it's a miracle he doesn't trip over his feet like a fool. the heavy weight of his cloak is a welcome pressure upon his shoulders and it's the only thing keeping him even relatively composed. dimitri clears his throat and stands a little taller, a little straighter.
"i was beginning to think you declined my invitation," dimitri confesses in an attempt at casual conversation, but his worry is unfortunately palpable.
"i wouldn't miss this for the world," you say. "i'm sorry for running late."
dimitri does not hesitate to offer his assurances, almost jumping at the chance to do so. "no, please do not apologize. it's quite alright. to be honest, i just appreciate you meeting me here today."
dimitri spots the relief in your demeanor, in that lovely expression you give him. he can feel his heart soaring and lodging itself in his throat. he would be perfectly content letting it asphyxiate him if it meant you would keep your eyes on him for even a moment longer. he forgets all about the world around them and the other heroes that pass with their special someone in celebration for this day. frankly, the only one who has his attention is you. always you.
it's during his incessant fawning that dimitri's eyes follow yours to the ground when it lingers elsewhere. specifically, to where the petals are scattered and the spot on the fountain's ledge where bare stems lie next to where he had been sitting. vague amusement crinkles at the corners of your eyes and the slight upturn of your lips, and it only becomes even more prominent when you look back up at him. embarrassment washes over dimitri like the waves lapping over one's bare feet at the beach.
the prince pointedly ignores the fiery warmth upon his cheeks. he shifts so his frame hides the unfortunate sight behind him and steps over the petals. he can't even feel them beneath his boot, but the knowledge that they're there is like his own personal torment. dimitri chuckles, an awkward attempt at moving past this.
"in any case, it's good to see you. i'm aware it has not been that long at all since we last saw each other, but...i truly did miss you."
he offers his hand, palm to the sky. your hands slides so smoothly against his glove, his fingers curl so perfectly around yours, and he swears that he can feel your skin through his glove. his hand is a little bigger than yours, and yet dimitri is so certain that they were made to fit so perfectly together. dimitri bows his head, lifts their hands, and brushes his lips against your knuckles. even when he stands upright once more, dimitri does not let go just yet. he will be a little selfish today, even on such a pure holiday as this.
"this is for you. i hope you will accept it."
dimitri extends the bouquet in his other hand, and—
it is a single spring snowflake. the last from the bouquet he had bought, to be specific. it's blanketed neatly in the wrapping and tied with a blue ribbon, but it's like a child wearing their parents' clothing. it stands out so comically in all the ways it's not supposed to be. something like horror and guilt smacks him across the face and dimitri swears his heart gives out in his chest.
he has no chance to amend this horrid, detestable mistake when his offering is taken from him in tender hands, cradled with a gentility only you possess. he dares say that your eyes are soft as you observe the gift, your fingers brushing against the tiny white petals. anxiety bubbles in dimitri's chest as he looks between you and the gift. he doesn't know how to rectify this without hurrying back to the florist and purchasing another bouquet.
"oh, it's beautiful," you marvel. to him, your voice is as soft as a tender caress. "i love it. thank you, dimitri."
dimitri swears he falls in love all over again in this moment. the way the bright sky gleams down on them highlighting them in a light that makes them appear almost ethereal. the soft look in their eyes that dimitri is the always sole recipient of. dimitri does not feel deserving of it, nor has he ever. he doesn't think he ever will. but he has it. he has someone who looks at him, sees him, and likes what they see. he has someone who sees him as he truly is, this dark and ugly and foul creature, and still wants to stand at his side.
"anything for you," dimitri says breathlessly. he offers his arm. "i would love to see the rest of the festival with you. what say you?"
