''Operation fish-party'' was coming together with an ease that Hilda was finding immensely gratifying. While the majority of the Monastery were up at the Cathedral being subjected to the holy celebrations for Saint Cethleann's day... a choice few of the students had stayed behind with the singular purpose of transforming the Blue Lion's homeroom into a dedicated underwater-themed party-zone and the Golden Deer room next door into a bespoke dining area.

In previous events, the refectory had accommodated group celebrations, but with the influx of people on site for the religious festival, the student area's were being utilized instead. To Hilda's mind, it was a far better venue, and as the queen of the organisation committee, she was feeling undeniably happy as to how things were working out.

'You really do have an amazing eye for flower arrangement Dedue.' The pink-haired girl praised when he transported in the table posies that he had made up along with a larger centrepiece that was breathtaking in its beauty and complexity.

'It was mainly Bernadetta's design and hard work.' Dedue shrugged. 'She has a fondness for all handicrafts and almost unnatural patience for the more intricate work required.'

'Hmm.' Hilda tapped a finger on the plans laid out in front of her. 'Do you know where she is now? I can't see her attending the religious rites, and I could really use her input in these final details...'

'She was in her room a few minutes ago, although she did say she would be following me over here to make sure the flowers were displayed correctly.' Dedue smiled faintly. 'For someone so small and timid, she is a fierce taskmaster where her creations are concerned.'

'Great! Well then, just leave everything there, and I will liaise with her when she arrives.'

Dedue nodded and did as he was told.

'Next, I think I could use you next door.' Hilda continued. 'I have Raphael and Caspar following my instructions for the table layout, but I am not entirely sure they understand what I want.' Hilda put a hand on Dedue's upper-arm and squeezed his impressive muscles appreciatively. 'I have noted that along with your rather exceptional strength, you are also possessed of a very healthy intelligence...'

'It is okay Hilda, you have no need to compliment me into compliance.' Dedue had raised a brow at the girl's flattery. 'I have promised the Professor to aid in any way required, I need no further incentive to help.'

'Compliments? Dedue, I fear you misunderstand my intention!' Hilda retracted her hand quickly. 'I merely pointed out the truth.' She insisted.

'As you do to anyone that you wish to bend to your will?' Dedue looked amused.

'What a suggestion!' Hilda grumbled, faintly blushing at being called out so directly. 'I understood you were a quiet man... not one to go around throwing out accusations!'

Dedue smiled broadly and rumbled a chuckle. 'I am a man who had a literal horde of exceptionally strong and talented sisters.' He stated. 'I have had every single manipulation in the book used on me at some stage or another, and usually blatantly! I apologise if I speak out of turn, but I cannot help but be reminded of them whenever I watch you wield your axe with the strength of a Valkyrie or talk circles around some poor unsuspecting innocent.'

'I see.' Hilda gawped at the big man's rare smile. 'I have a brother whom I love to distraction, but who is a rather easy victim.' She admitted with a returning grin of her own.

'Poor him.' Dedue bowed his head and looked as if he were about to leave.

'Dedue!' Hilda called before he could reach the door. He turned back towards her politely. 'Your sisters... are they... I mean, did you lose them when...'

'Yes.' Dedue replied quietly. 'Every single one of them.'

'Does it bother you to be reminded of them?' She asked, a frown creasing her brow.

'Not at all! Quite the opposite, in fact.'

'Well, good!' Hilda nodded at him. 'I will just have to remember to be a little more creative when I try to manipulate you in the future. But that's okay, I do love a challenge!'

'You can try...' Dedue's smile returned. 'You will fail.' He added.

'Now you are making it competitive too.' Hilda smirked. 'You are in so much trouble!'

'Bring it on...' Dedue taunted as left to hunt down Caspar and Raphael.

.

As Dedue left, Bernadetta arrived with a large bag, which she planted at Hilda's feet.

'I made some flowers too.' She said shyly. 'I thought maybe they could be suspended from the ceiling along with the fishies.'

'Oh! These are divine!' Hilda cooed as she took out a few of the crocheted concoctions hued in pink and purple to match the real flora. 'You are extremely talented Bernie, the posies are beautiful too.'

'That was mainly Dedue!' Bernadetta told her, blushing. 'It is amazing how dexterous he is considering that his hands are the size of shovels!'

'What I find amazing is that the two of you are obviously such good friends.' Hilda admitted. 'I would have thought you would have found a man like him to be intimidating. I know a lot of people do.'

'Oh, no!' Bernadetta shook her head fiercely. 'It is impossible to be scared of someone who is so gentle and who has such a brilliant smile!' She declared, then leaned in closer to Hilda. 'It is also useful to be friends with someone so large.' She whispered. 'It makes him a really good person to hide behind!'

Hilda chuckled. 'Good point!' She agreed. 'So, Sylvain will be along in a second with the fish-art. Do you think you could help me with the placement so that we get the best visual effect possible?'

'Me?' Bernadetta breathed, clutching at her chest. 'You want Bernie to help? Honestly?'

'Obviously. It is quite clear you have an excellent eye and consummate skill.' Hilda nodded. 'Do you happen to make any jewellery and accessories as well?'

'Oh... well no, not often. I sometimes make a scarf or the like.' Bernadetta admitted.

'Maybe we could do a few workshops together at some stage?' Hilda asked. 'I would really love to see how you made these flowers for a start.'

'Okay.' Bernadetta agreed shyly, then flinched when the door to the room was flung open wide, and Sylvain marched in, his arms full of rigid paper fish and his whole self absolutely covered in glitter.'

'Seriously, Hilds, did you actually need to use so much sparkly on these?' He griped as he put down his burden.

'I admit I have to concur...' Hubert muttered as he followed Sylvain in with a similar bundle. 'I will be trying to remove this glitter from my person for weeks!'

'Oh!' Berndaetta squeaked, trying to hide behind Hilda. 'What are you doing here? You're not usually helpful, Hubert!'

'Bernadetta?' He spied the girl and grinned meanly. 'Are you saying that I lack any kindness?' He smirked.

'No,no,no,no,no...' Bernadetta replied faintly.

'She might not have the guts to say it...' Hilda put her hands on her hips and stared down the dour mage. 'I do, though... since when do you get all joiny-in?'

Hubert sighed heavily. 'Church activities are most definitely not my thing. It seemed churlish not to offer my services to the cause since I was at a loose end.'

'Edelgard is up at the Cathedral, so he didn't have anyone's shadow to lurk in.' Sylvain quipped.

'I seriously don't know why I bothered.' Hubert grouched, putting down his fish and turning to leave. He stopped dead when Bernadetta suddenly started to giggle. 'Are you laughing at me?' He demanded.

'You're sparkling, Hubert!' Bernadetta's eyes were wide, and her laugh was genuine. 'You look just like an evil fairy!' She laughed so hard that she had to double over clutching at her sides.

'Do I indeed?' He took a step closer. 'That amuses you?' He asked.

'You really aren't so scary when you're sparkly!' Bernadetta nodded.

'Having a good laugh at my expense...?' Hubert tried again with the intimidation, but when Bernadetta just continued to snigger, he smiled back at her quite genuinely. 'Well, now - it looks as if I need to keep myself covered in glitter if it means you no longer fear me.' He suggested.

'Oh, you can't do that.' Bernadetta shook her head, still laughing. 'You do look completely adorable, but I'm sure that the others would just tease you.'

'They generally do that anyway.' Hubert said, glaring round at Sylvain, who had the decency to blush.

'I know!' Hilda suddenly exclaimed. 'If making Hubie here look more approachable is the goal, then why don't you get him to wear one of your amazing flowers? It's easier than drowning himself in glitter any time you want to have a conversation!'

'That could work!' Bernadetta agreed shyly.

'Um... flowers?' Hubert asked reluctantly.

'Yes... one of these!' Hilda handed him a pink crocheted bloom.

'I note that you have some in purple as well...' Hubert said faintly. 'I believe that would be more my colour...'

'If you insist.' Hilda swapped them over. He held it up to his lapel.

'Okay?' He inquired.

'That's wonderful, Hubert!' Bernadetta clapped her hands in glee. 'I can set a pin on it so it can be worn whenever you want to!'

'Okay.' He agreed cautiously.

'Hang on. Try out your evil laugh on me!' Bernadetta insisted. 'If I can withstand that, I can manage anything!'

'This is the most fun I've had in ages..!' Sylvain had sat cross-legged on a desk with a huge grin on his face.

'Yeah, let's all hear your evil laugh, Hubie!' Hilda chuckled.

'Very well.' Hubert rolled his eyes, but he obliged anyway, starting out small and then reached a crescendo of full-blown maniacal roar.

'Wow... scary!' Hilda's eyes were wide.

'That's some serious malevolence man!' Sylvain agreed.

'Um... Bernie...' Hilda was shaking the girl who had gone rigid.

'Oh dear, I believe she has fainted again.' Hubert sighed.

'But she is stood up, and her eyes are open!' Sylvain noted.

'Yes.' Hubert agreed. 'She has some very special skills when it comes to fainting. Don't worry...' He moved forward and scooped the girl up in his arms bridal style. 'I have had to deal with this before. I will take her to her room. She is usually only out for a short time, but she does require rest once she comes too.' He strode from the room and headed towards the dormitories.

There was a moment's silence.

'Is it me, or is it possible that Hubert might actually be human after all?' Hilda breathed.

'Did any of that really happen, or have we been overwhelmed by glitter fumes?' Sylvain asked.

'Glitter fumes isn't a thing you donkey!' Hilda replied impatiently.

'I think I probably need a lie down too.' Sylvain admitted. 'I just witnessed Hubert being nice... that was nice, right?'

'I think we may have underestimated him.' Hilda said thoughtfully. 'Maybe if we surgically removed him from Edelgard's side for a longer period, he might actually be quite... decent!'

'I guess. I mean, her Highness is a very pretty lady and all, but a few minutes in her frosty aura makes me shrivel worse than an ice bath.' Sylvain declared dramatically.

'Eww, gross Sylvain. Now I have images I really didn't need.' Hilda grumbled.

'You know you love thinking about it...' Sylvain smirked.

'Gross again!' Hilda went and shoved him off the table. 'Better get a move on. The service will be over soon, and we have a ton of fish and flowers to hang. Is there anyone else about that we can press-gang?'

'Just Felix, but he might be a bit vertically challenged for the job.' Sylvain chuckled.

'I heard that arsehole!' Felix said coolly, walking in.

'Let's hope that Hubie comes back then.' Hilda prayed.

~0~

Byleth raced down to the classrooms just as soon as she could get away from the Saint's day celebration.

'I can't believe it!' She said, quite overcome with emotion when she walked into the Lion's room to find it made up so stunningly beautiful.

'It's okay, isn't it!' Hilda remarked.

'It's completely wonderful!' Byleth agreed. 'You really are a miracle worker, Hilda!' She complimented.

'I had a good team.' Hilda replied modestly. 'Now, I need to go and get myself dressed up ready for the party.' She added. 'What will you be wearing, Professor?' She asked.

'Wearing?' Byleth looked confused. 'Just this as normal.'

Hilda groaned. 'Okay, as a reward for the work I have done here, I want you to agree to allow me to sort out your outfit for the ball later in the year. I insist!'

'Ball?' Byleth asked.

'Yes!' Hilda replied firmly. 'The ball that I will be dressing you up for and arranging your hair and your make-up and even your accessories.'

Byleth gulped and physically flinched.

'Aww, go on, Professor. Let Hilda work her magic on you.' Sylvain was smiling down from where he, Felix, and Hubert were pinning the last flowers.

'I guess it couldn't hurt...' Byleth agreed weakly.

'Yes!' Hilda punched the air. 'Okay then, See you in a bit!'

'We are done here too.' Sylvain had climbed down.

'It's going to take a serious amount of bathing to get rid of this bloody glitter.' Felix moaned.

'I'll scrub your back for you!' Sylvain threw an arm around his friends shoulder and his other around Hilda as he accompanied them from the room.

'They are right.' Hubert murmured, scratching at his neck. 'The glitter gets everywhere.'

'Thanks for helping out!' Byleth said gratefully to him.

'Not you as well, Professor.' Hubert sighed. 'Everybody finds it unbelievable that I might be happy to provide aid when required.'

'I've missed you!' Byleth suddenly blurted, then she flushed and scowled.

'Missed me?' Hubert looked perplexed. 'I see you every day in lessons.'

'Yeah.' Byleth agreed belligerently. 'But you seem to have been mad at me just lately, and I've missed having you follow and spy on me, and turn up at random times to annoy me... and I've especially missed talking stuff through with you.' She crossed her arms defensively.

'You really are most vexing.' Hubert complained. 'If you enjoy talking with me so much, you might have mentioned the small matter of your twin brother to me at some stage...'

'It wasn't just my secret to keep.' She insisted. 'And Claude found out on a need to know basis...' She added defiantly.

'For myself, it's not an issue.' Hubert came forward and put a reluctant hand on her shoulder. 'Lady Edelgard sees it all as something of a slight to her personally, though. I don't believe that to be your intention at all... but...'

'I know.' Byleth sighed. 'I am finding it hard to do the right thing where she is concerned. I need your input, Hubert!'

'You shall have it.' He nodded. 'We will talk later. I do need to fumigate this glitter now before I end up with unfortunate rashes.'

That raised a smile. 'You look ever so pretty, though.' Byleth teased.

'Bernadetta agrees.' Hubert shook his head.

'Being covered like that has saved you from being on the receiving end of a very relieved and spontaneous hug...' Byleth noted.

'Oh, really? So there is a silver lining after all!' Hubert chuckled.