@bienaimee // x
The sound of his own feet on the ground, the crunch of snow underneath his boots -- it was that rhythm that Dedue was focusing on as he wandered through the Cotes Ward. His hands were deep in his pockets and a scarf he’d purchased the day before wrapped around the lower half of his face, hiding some of his facial scars, but not all.
It was like any other day in the city, at least so far as he’d noticed. He hadn’t been there for very long, and though he wanted to understand everything about this place eventually, he’d realized quickly that it would be harder than he thought.
It couldn’t be said that Dedue was used to going through life alone. Sure, as an outsider to Fodlan he was used to being looked at with trepidation, but he wasn’t alone. He had had Dimitri, who had stood up for him even when Dedue had thought it unnecessary. He’d had his fellow Blue Lions classmates, most of which had told him in so many words that he didn’t have to be by himself, that he had friends.
That was the thing, though. Dedue was alone.
He shivered a little as he continued walking, thinking of memories of his time in Garreg Mach. Before the war, before he almost died -- before his king had been wounded and so many had perished. Before the slaying of Edelgard. Before, before, before…
He couldn’t help the small little smile that pressed at the edges of his mouth when he thought of one friend in particular that he missed so dearly. Sylvain had related to him; sure, it was in different contexts, but he’d understood what it was like to have people talk behind your back and say cruel and unnecessary things. Sylvain had promised to be his friend, and he always was.
Dedue paused under the eternal cherry blossoms, his head turning upwards to look at the trees. He paused, letting out a soft sigh as he let his thoughts wander further still. He probably would need to pick up groceries for later, maybe some other items to entertain himself. He also would probably have to get a job at some point, but that was an issue for another time…
His thoughts were interrupted as he looked straight ahead. It was as if he had summoned Sylvain from his memories, forced him to show himself right there. Joy rushed through Dedue as he tentatively waved to the familiar figure, his boots making a soft crunching sound beneath him as he went to his friend. “Sylvain,” he greeted. “You’re here.”