Timeline- rewind- last chapter of in-between before the battle at the bridge

Notes: Sorry not sorry- the scene in the sauna wouldn't leave me alone after that last round and wondering what Sylvain would think of all that noise below him ? enjoy

22

They had dozed off in each other's arms as their breathing returned to normal. He woke up first, lighting a candle at their bedside. He had to bite back a curse when the light illuminated her. Bruises were starting to marble over her skin, bruises he had made. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her. Shame washed over him like a cold dread.

Byleth's eyes opened, and he was not expecting the smile that curved her lips. She reached for him, pressing herself tightly against him as she gave him a deep kiss that took his breath away. When she pulled away, the slight blush and bashful smile she had kept entranced him.

"That felt better than I expected. Did you enjoy yourself?" She asked.

He took her bruised wrist in his hands and brought it between them. "Perhaps a little too much." He said solemnly, rubbing them gently.

She moved her hand so she could entwine her fingers with his. "I can assure you I don't mind. The bruises will fade, but the memories will last. I don't think it would be good to keep up that vigor every night, but I'm not against doing it again. It felt incredible."

"I'll have to be more careful about where I place those marks. Most of these can be hidden, but some…."

"I'm not ashamed to have them, Dimitri." She said, cutting off his words with a kiss.

She pulled back. "It's late, and you're right I won't get much of a chance later to do anything that requires little clothing. They have the sauna up and running again. I know we've already worked up a nice sweat tonight, but I'd love to join you there. No one else should disturb us this late. You're tense too, maybe that took more out of you than it should have."

The tenseness was from fear. She didn't seem to be in any pain, but he couldn't help shake the feeling that he had just done something horrible. She went out of bed and lifted her arms, and went on her tiptoes for a full-body stretch. Her contented sigh seemed at odds with all of the marks, especially the savage bite near her shoulder. She looked back at him again and something in her expression worried him.

"Dimitri, why do you look so much like a kicked puppy right now? You did nothing wrong." She asked, sitting back on the bed so she could rub her knuckles against his jawline.

"I'm supposed to protect you, not cause you pain." He said, kissing her bruised wrist.

Byleth smiled before she leaned close to kiss him, then trailed those kisses to his neck. What he didn't expect was for her to bite him. He felt himself harden almost instantly as she lathered the bite with her tongue. "Tell me Dimitri, were you concentrating on the pain or the pleasure just now? Yes, it might ache as it heals, but it's a pleasant reminder of where it came from. Yes, you marked me, but I can assure you it has only made me want you more."

His breathing came harder as she lathered him with her own biting kisses. Her nails were digging a trail along his back.

"Is it so wrong to want the other so badly? I am yours Dimitri, just as you are mine. If there is something I'm not happy with, I will tell you. You don't have to hold back. I won't think any less of you if you suggest something unconventional." She said as she nibbled a trail along his ear.

He pulled kissed her then, burying his hands into her hair as he crushed her to him. He twisted to pin her underneath him, thrusting himself inside her before trailing his hands up her body. Her soft moans echoed in his ears. When her body arched and she came for him, biting into his shoulder, he prayed that it wasn't just another dream. After he came, he started to kiss every place he had bruised her, a silent apology for his rough handling. She just looked at him adoringly curling her fingers around his hair. He knew he was forgiven. Yet there was a part of him, embarrassed perhaps, would be the most apt description. Besides ways to kill, the fantasies he had of her were what he kept as his darkest secrets, ones he tried never to let them bubble to the surface. He expected her to be angry with him, but her calm, almost happy, acceptance was making his mind desire more of it.

"What is this about dancing for us?" he asked, trying to get something else to talk about.

"Do you remember the White Heron cup?" she asked.

"Yes, that awful thing you teased me about making me the blue lion's representative that I wanted absolutely no part of." He grumbled.

Byleth smiled. "But you were so fun to tease, I almost felt like I should be a little mean, but Felix was much better suited for the role. When I told him that out of the Lions he was the only one that I would consider he agreed to take on the dancer class was on one condition. If he could beat me in a sparring match, I had to do it too, outfit included or no deal."

"You might need to wait until after the bridge battle. With as much skin as that dress shows… why would you agree to such a thing?" he asked before gathering some clothes. She had asked to go up to the sauna, and she was right in that no one else should be there right now.

"I don't do looking pretty with my outfits. It's a change of pace, and with all of my specifications already, it makes it a natural class for me to utilize." She said, grabbing the clothing that he offered.

"I beg to differ. Do you realize how form-fitting your usual set is? You still have men ogling you when you walk by them. It was a distraction during class, I do remember that much. You had almost every male in the class panting in their sleep for some alone time with you." He hadn't realized he said it until it was out of his mouth. While true, he hadn't wanted to admit that.

"Oh really." She purred coming to him and wrapping her arms around his waist. "Tell me Dimitri, how many nights were you awake panting for me?"

His face was red as he struggled to find the words. Why couldn't he have just kept his mouth shut?

"I didn't entertain the thought of really being with you like this until after I brought you in my room. It would be improper of me to have done so otherwise. I really shouldn't have done that then, but I didn't want to leave the chance untaken. It had also surprised me how much I did want you then." She said, leaning her head against him.

"Especially after our sparring sessions, seeing you flushed and the ghosts of touches we'd have when we locked. Trust me, I tried fighting it because of how improper it was, but I couldn't seem to help myself. If I wouldn't participate, instead of nightmares, my mind would betray me with images and scenarios of the two of us." He admitted sheepishly.

"I assume those were your shy days. I never understood the reasons why and what I did wrong, but there were days that you'd avoid me like you couldn't stand the sight of me." She said, going in front of him and leaning against the desk as he put his clothes on. It had been a long time since she had seen his face so red.

"You were never at fault for any of that. I just couldn't face you without shame taking over like a vice grip." He said.

She breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm glad that's all it was. I am sorry for the armor, but it's what works best for me. Those tights do more than distract. They're actually pretty warm. Leaving my midsection open presents an unarmored target that most fools lunge straight for. The heels give me a bit more height, and I like having the bracers. The knee brace helps with compression so it doesn't bother me near as much as if I didn't have it."

"Speaking of Guren mentioned massages you've been neglecting. Is it something I can help you with?" he asked.

She smiled at him. "Actually, yes, I think that it would be nice if we could try."

The coals were just a mild sizzle when they stepped inside, the temperature in the room warm.

"I really don't understand why you like this place so much." Dimitri said. It wasn't that he minded it per say, but he had to admit he did miss the cold Fargheus winters. He had learned to adapt to the cold much more than heat.

"I guess it's because it reminds me of the times I spent in Morfis with my father. They always had a warmer climate there." She replied as she sat down on the bench.

They had chosen clothes that weren't the standard fair that were available to borrow at the entrance. Her crop top melded to her as did the shorts he had pulled out. He could still see some of his marks on her and was grateful that no one else was around. He kneeled in behind her and laid his forehead to her shoulder.

"I don't want you overheating on me, so let me know if it gets to be too much." She said, running her fingers through his hair.

"Will do." He replied, putting his arms around her waist.

"Awe don't you two look cute."

Dimitri's head snapped up at the sound of Slyvain's voice.

"What do you want Tomcat?" Byleth asked leaning back against Dimitri.

"Is there a reason you had to drag me too?" Felix growled from behind him as he stepped inside.

"I never said you had to come Felix, I only said you might be able to enjoy the sauna better if there wasn't anyone else around. It seems I wasn't the only one with the idea." Sylvain said.

"I'm out….. wait… what the hell did he do to you!" Felix started to leave but then he caught sight of the bruises that poked out from Byleth's clothing.

"There's nothing to be concerned about Felix." Byleth said.

"Like hell, there's not!" Felix growled.

"Never would have guessed the professor likes it rough. That would explain some of the noises that you two kept me up with tonight." Sylvain said, plopping down on the bench next to them.

"That's right. Your room is above mine, isn't it?" Byleth commented.

"Yeah, and some nights have been interesting for the imagination." Sylvain said with a smirk.

"You mean to tell me you've been letting him gnaw on you like some animal?" Felix asked.

"And what if I say I like being his chewtoy? You'll notice I bit back." Byleth asked, giving Felix an irritated glare.

Sylvain started to chuckle beside her.

Dimitri groaned. "Please don't indudgle them."

Byleth leaned back and stretched to put her hands on his face. "Why not? I don't want you blamed for something I asked you to do."

Dimitri ran his knuckles along her jawline gently. "I know, but I'd rather they hate me then let it color their thoughts of you."

That seemed to relax Felix a little as he sat himself down and turned his gaze in the opposite direction. "I just don't get it is all."

"Speaking of bruising, how's your side doing? I should have tempered my strength." Byleth said.

"Fine." He answered. "How's your leg? I find It surprising. It wasn't that bad in the academy days."

Byleth shrugged. "My guess is I probably fell on it oddly. It's been more aggravating after I woke up than it had before then."

"There had been a lot of hefty rocks on top of you. It wouldn't surprise me if your leg was trapped between some. I wasn't paying enough attention when I dug you out of there." Dimitri said offhandedly.

"Wait, what do you mean by that? When did this happen?" Sylvain asked.

"After the monestary fight. That's why none of you could find me. I fell off of the cliff and into the ravine. If it wasn't for Dimitri and the sword of the creator, I might still be dead and buried." Byleth replied.

Dimitri gave her a look and she shrugged. "I trust them. I know the main reason you believe me is because you were the one who found me. It's hard to believe I slept that long in the goddess' protection myself, and I'm the one who went through it. Let them take the secret however they will."

Felix was staring at her. "That day in the Sealed forest. The Goddess did something to you didn't she?"

Byleth nodded. "Yeah. I doubt I'd be alive now without it."

"Interesting. Your secret is safe with us Professor, and we'll keep the bedroom stuff to ourselves as well. I had come to tease you two, but I just realized how rude that actually was. It's obvious based on the fact that you're not being overly obedient and skittish of him means that he isn't forcing you into something, so there's no reason to go overprotective for you." Sylvain said relaxing.

"Thank you Sylvain." Byleth said. She put Dimitri's hands on her shoulders. "Still willing to try?" she asked Dimitri.

"Now what are you up to?" Felix scowled.

"He asked he wanted to try to help me with my massages." Byleth said.

Sylvain watched Dimitri a moment before he put his head in his hands. "Professor, do you mind if I show him how to do it properly? He's not going to get any of your stress spots that way."

Dimitri's glare was shortlived as he squeezed a bit too hard and she made a sound of discomfort. He wasn't going to delude himself. He had no experience on how to do it properly to another person. "Please, if she doesn't mind."

"Touch anywhere I don't like and you're getting smacked." Byleth said, moving over to the side so Sylvain could get behind her.

Sylvain started explaining to Dimitri before he moved to Byleth. Showing him the hand movements and pointing to the spots on her that she'd probably need it for with as much fighting and bending over parchments she had to do. Then after he told Byleth that he was going to start Dimitri watched as she melted under his touch. Sylvain was happy to show which movements he was using and where for Dimitri to see what to copy. Less gripping and more just using his knuckles and thumbs to knead into the muscles. It should also help it so Dimitri can't hurt her if his grip becomes too tight. When Sylvain got to her waist she practically jumped.

"Ok enough." Her breath was shaky.

"Awe but we were getting to the fun part." Sylvain teased. "Or maybe" He caught her and started running his hands over her side. Her laughter echoed in the room as she tried to squirm away. Sylvain let her go. "The professor is ticklish, who would have guessed?"

She went into Dimitri's lap and wrapped her arms around his neck, her face flushed. He ran a curious hand at her side and she squeaked. "Now don't you start!"

Dimitri's eyes lit up and a smile widened on his face. "I'll be nice to you for now, but I might just have to put that in my arsenal for later."

Sylvain's laughter echoed in the room. "You're welcome."

Byleth stuck her tongue out at him and Dimitri chuckled, holding her close. He took a deep breath and she put a hand to his forehead. "I think you are almost at your limit in here."

"I can go for a little longer if you want some more time." Dimitri said.

She leaned her head against him. When he was almost at his limit he looked down at her. She had fallen asleep in his arms. Dimitri stood and carried her with him.

Sylvain gave them a wave. "Next time you two are going to have mind-blowing sex and keep me awake. Please have the decency to make sure I have a chance to get out of my room first. That way you don't kill me later for the images that come unbidden inside my head."

"Noted." Was Dimitri's reply.

Felix watched him go. "It's still weird seeing them together like that. Him being nice and it not being part of his disguise. He really does love her, doesn't he?"

"Based on what I've been hearing, she's been enjoying every minute of it." Sylvain said.

Felix rolled his eyes. "I really did not need to know that."

Sylvain put an arm around Felix. "What's the matter? Are you jealous Dimitri gets the Professor all to himself?"

"No why would you even….." Felix started, pushing Sylvain off. His face was red. Hopefully, he could just blame it on the sauna.

This time Dimitri didn't have to worry about bothering anyone. He already knew the fit on the armor was good for him. He surprised Gilbert who had come to check up on him after he said he was going to try it on. He appreciated his father's black set, but he had to admit this armor was something he had gotten a liking for. He remembered seeing him and Byleth in the mirror that night. The man he was then and the one he was now almost seemed worlds apart. They were still at war, but he had to admit these tastes of what life was like with her were divine.

He and Byleth had gone over the notes and the book Yuri had pointed out and she was right, the war between the church and slither was one centuries in the making. She had told him of the battle she saw in her dreams, how she was convinced that it was Rhea who fought Nemisis all that time ago. He was still not sure where he stood about the information she had given him about Rhea and the church. There was a reason it was called the Holy kingdom. His lands have always been connected with the Church of Serios. If the church was corrupt, then what exactly were they fighting for? He knew Slither was an enemy. He knew that Sothis was an ally, as was her vessel. Rhea had named Byleth the Archbishop in her place. Through reform they could both work together to try to get these archaic systems destroyed.

Felix had actually asked him to spar with him and that had caught him by surprise. He had lost every round, but Felix had stayed and continued and that alone was an improvement to his previous attempts since Felix would generally just leave the room entirely. Guren would stick around for as long as he could before he had to retreat, taking a command position on everyone's practice. Byleth had started to train Darren after Guren's consciousness faded. Darren's sword skills were improving and he seemed to get along with her better now. They would let their blades do the talking, and both of them would spar without speaking a word to each other.

Sylvain had been hanging around them both more and the three of them would be seen around the monastery for most of the day if he wasn't helping Byleth. He was still not sure about the change in Felix, but he didn't give it much thought. He was just happy to have his old friends back at his side, even with Sylvain's teasing and wanting to know what they did at night so he could offer "suggestions."

Ashe and Hapi had started to take over the greenhouse duties together and it brought a smile to Byleth's face. They made an odd pair with how much usually Hapi dispised knights, but with Ashe's personality, it was hard for anyone to not like him. Now she just had to get Hapi to stop calling Dimitri Didi. Chatterbox for herself she didn't mind. Ashe didn't seem to mind being called Freckles. The first time she heard Hapi call Dimitri that she had to do a double-take and see who she was talking to. She knew Dimitri didn't like it when his friends called him His Highness, but she knew it caught him by surprise still when they spoke. Hapi had given him more details about Cornelia, and he had promised her to try to find a way to break Cornelia's curse. Since she had been trapped in the kingdom for so long, he felt obligated to make it right for her.

It made Byleth wonder if she should have a similar stance. She would call him her love in private, her lion in public, but should there be anything else she should be calling him? Things were pleasant for the moment, but it would be any day now at her estimation that Claude's reply would be coming and the battle for the Bridge would be commencing. She looked forward to seeing Dedue again. The fact that Dimitri thought that Dedue had died in his place had weighed on him heavily.

Dedue's return had been the hammer that made the first blow against Dimitri's armor of madness that had wrapped around him. The girl at Gronder had shown him how blind vengeance is, another strike. Rodrigue's words had been the one to shatter the armor so her hands could caress him and bring his true self forward. The days that she wasn't at his side, he was spending it with his friends. Their bonds made Byleth smile. She would have to see how he acted in the battle that was to come, but the crazed, ill-tempered man she had met when she first woke up from her slumber was almost unrecognizable with the one she had now. She had wondered sometimes what would have happened if he never found her, if she hadn't woken up, what would have happened instead. Who would he have been instead if he was allowed to stay within his shadows? She shook her head of those thoughts. It helped no one to dwell on what could be, all that mattered was living within the present.

Mercedes had asked for Byleth to come into her room for a surprise. When Byleth saw the dancer's outfit she was speechless. It wasn't done just yet, but she didn't want Byleth to think she needed to get one herself with the wager requiring one. She also wanted to make sure that everything fit properly before she finished up the main seams. Byleth couldn't help the feelings that overwhelmed her as she hugged Mercedes. It was so rare to get a gift, and this one was grand in her eyes. The feel of the fabric was also delightful and lightweight. Why, why, why wouldn't they let her have her hand at it? The fabric that connected to her wrists she could see causing trouble in battle, but the movement that it allowed was fantastic. The bruises that Dimitri had left were almost healed, but she saw Mercedes eyeing a few of them.

Byleth bit her lip and smiled. "Gotta love the Blaiddyd strength huh?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stare." Mercedes said, slightly flustered.

"It's ok Mercedes. He hasn't done anything to hurt me, but I know how it looks. I think I'll wait to dance after we get back from the bridge. That will give them enough time to disappear completely. He's still acting a bit apologetic over them. It'll be nice to show him that they do end up healing." Byleth said.

Mercedes nodded. "Yes, that would be best, I think. Let me help get this off of you. It doesn't look like any adjustments need to be made thankfully, so it's just the rest of the accents that need to be taken care of. As far as him as long as he's not hurting you and you're happy, then it's not our business to interfere."

"Thank you so much Mercedes. You don't know what this means to me." Byleth said.

Mercedes looked past the maniquin to her wardrobe chest. The cloak Dimitri was making for her was hanging inside, almost finished. "He's bent so many needles while I've taught him how to mend. He's never meant to do it so I can see how easily just holding you his grip can get a little too hard. I'm just glad you have a forgiving nature too, professor. His strength brings him so much despair because he's afraid of hurting something he cares about. Can you imagine them setting him up with some noblewoman? She'd make him miserable with her torment for putting a bruise on her."

Byleth snorted. "No, that would not be a good match, and hopefully doesn't have to end up that way. I will stay by his side for as long as he'll have me."

Mercedes chuckled. "I don't think he'd have it any other way." She had never seen such a warm smile for the professor before. Mesmerizing is how Dimitri described it when she smiled. Seeing it for herself, she could believe that is what captured Dimitri's heart so completely.

The preparations for the army were complete. All that was missing was the reply from Claude. Byleth found herself on edge. It was already a day later than she had expected. Gilbert came to her with the letter addressed from Claude they had been expecting, but the contents were anything but good news. Byleth thanked Gilbert and ran for the training area. Dimitri should be there at this hour. As the preparations got closer to being done, he spent more of his off time in the arena, preparing himself both mind and body for battle. A few of the students caught sight of her and followed. When she got to the training yard her breathing was coming in pants. Dimitri lowered his weapon, realizing it was her who entered. Felix stopped midswing as his sword was about to slam into Dimitri's shoulder.

"We have a problem." Byleth said in between pants.

Byleth held the letter out for Dimitri as he came over. She waved him off as he tried to make sure she was alright. "I was by the stables. I sprinted here. I'll be fine, read."

He took it, and cursed as he finished. "Everyone, get ready to move out NOW!"