Summary: Timeline rewind- after the bridge- before setting out for Fareghus
Notes: This was the first chapter I wrote for my fiction, and I am extremly excited to finally get the chance for yall to read this one 3 enjoy
Chapter Text 24It had been three days since the fight on the bridge, and she still hadn't awoken. Upon seeing her, Seteth was insistent that she be moved to the archbishop's quarters, much to Cyril's protests. Guren hadn't left her side, sleeping at her feet on the bed, guarding her. Besides a dislocated shoulder, that they had to put back in place, her wounds were minimal. The puncture wounds from the wolf's fangs were the worst of her injuries and healing well.
Dimitri made sure that the sword of the creator had been near her. Gilbert had insisted because of the easy guard point that Dimitri stayed there as well. He and Dedue had already moved all of his belongings as well as hers here to this room. He hadn't realized that she had so little for herself. With her life as a mercenary, moving around would make it challenging to get attached to anything that wouldn't fit into a bag.
It made him wonder what happened to her old clothing. The items she had held the most dear were stitched inside. What she wore now looked much better on her than it had on Sothis, much more beautiful on her he found himself thinking. So many intricate details that his eyes could drink up for hours. He still marveled at the change and display of power. He took the ring out that he had bought from Anna, the blue stones glittering in the light. Did he truly intend to ask a goddess to marry him?
Guren looked up and came over to him, nuzzling her hand closer to Dimitri and tilting his head to the side.
"Yes, it's for her." Dimitri answered the silent question.
Guren wagged his tail before going back to lay at her feet.
"I'm still not sure what to make of you. I had grown to respect you while you were merged with Darren. You can no longer speak, but do you know what is being said to you?" Dimitri inquired.
Guren lifted his head and nodded once.
"You intend to stay and guard her then?" Dimitri asked.
Again Guren nodded.
Dimitri did feel slightly relieved at that. "Thank you. I'll be counting on you for when I'm not here to guard her myself."
Guren started to wag his tail before it stopped moving and his ears sunk back. He got up and licked her hand that was attached to her injured arm with a whimper.
"That magic was some ill work, but you managed to pull through. She did forgive you and she's glad your free. We will have to watch for that. She's too prone on taking the burden herself if she thinks it will benefit someone she cares for." Dimitri found it odd to be talking to Guren in this form, but at least it was better than talking to the ghosts inside his head.
They still snarled at him sometimes, called him weak and worthless for abandoning his bloody path to avenge them. The shadows threatened to drag him back sometimes. All he had to do was look at her and know that he was where he belonged. It was her light he would follow and protect. He would still avenge them, but he would do it his own way.
He took her hand and kissed it before he stood up. "I need to go check on a few things. Can you get someone's attention to fetch me if she wakes before I return?"
Guren wagged his tail before moving to get himself underneath her uninjured arm, his head laying on her shoulder. Byleth let out a sigh before she rolled over, her injured arm laying across the wolf's back, and nuzzled her head into the fur into Guren's neck before going still again.
"Don't get too comfortable." Dimitri grumbled to Guren.
Guren let out a long breath, his tail lightly swishing back and forth. Dimitri left, not letting it bother him too much. She would do the same thing to him if he still had the cloak on when he had come in while she was still asleep. As far as Guren himself that was a little more complicated to think about, but she probably had the most loyal guard a person could get, even if that guard was an intelligent wolf. Coming down the stairs, he saw Darren at the edge of the corridor, slumped against the wall.
Darren got up the moment he noticed Dimitri. "Is she doing any better?" he asked.
Dimitri shook his head. "Still asleep. I left Guren with her. He hasn't left her side."
Darren sighed. "Sounds like him. Just for peace of mind since I know its an odd situation, Guren sees her as the Queen of his pack, one of the alpha pair that he has to protect at all costs. He knows that she's yours and will do what he can to stay out of your way."
"And what are your intentions?" Dimitri asked.
Darren shrugged. "After we take out Cornelia I plan on leaving. I'll probably wander around a while. It's odd not having him in my head anymore, but at least there is peace of mind that he's going to be doing what he's always wanted by protecting her. I'm also glad she has you. The smiles and emotions on her face when she looks at you, I never would have thought it possible with how she used to be."
Dimitri bowed his head a moment, his hand finding the pouch that held the ring. It was true, and he cherished every smile she had given him. "The others and I plan on throwing a small celebration when she wakes, to thank her for everything that she has done for us. You are welcome to join us."
Darren looked up in shock. "Even after all we did to her?"
"One was an accident, the other you were being controlled by magic. As long as there isn't a third incident of any kind and she doesn't object to your presence, my offer stands open."
"Thank you, your highness," Darren said with a bow. "I will strive to do better. I am sorry that I can't lend you the strength we once possessed. Whatever magic gave my body that power was bound to him."
"That's quite alright." Dimitri said.
Darren took one look at the stairs behind him before he retreated back to the main grounds. Dimitri would wait until she awakens before he let him up there.
Sylvain poked his head out of Jeralt's office. "That's you, isn't it Dimitri?"
Dimitri nodded and went over to him. "Yes, she's still sleeping for now. The wolf is guarding her for now."
"I'll guard the stairway then." Sylvain said, waving at him as he passed.
"Thank you Sylvain." Dimitri said.
The rest of the interactions he had were similar. Everyone was worried about her. Mercedes was finished with the dancer's outfit and he went to work on his gift as everyone talked and prepared for what they wanted to do when she woke up. Rodrigue and Gilbert were making plans and preparations required to set out for Faerghus and had told him that he would not be needed until the war council and they would be holding that after she awoke.
A bark and a shriek caught his attention as Guren bounded up to him. One of the knights was chasing him, sword drawn.
"That is Byleth's pet. If you wish to keep your head, put that sword down!" Dimitri said, leaving the cloak and supplies in Byleth's old room.
The knight stood at attention. "Your highness, this monster shouldn't be within the monastery walls."
Guren came over to Dimitri and sat next to him, still as a statue. Dimitri pointed at him. "I would watch your tone. He may be a wolf, but that doesn't make him any less loyal than the dogs that wander around here."
The knight bowed. "Forgive me, your highness."
Dimitri looked down. "Is she awake?" he asked Guren.
The wolf nodded and took a few steps before looking back at Dimitri. Dimitri nodded and followed. The knight gave them a salute as they passed, sheathing his sword. He nodded to Sylvain before ascending the stairs, who left to let the others know that preperations could commence. Guren took guard on the hallway side of the door as Dimitri entered and shut the door behind him. She was lying on the bed, hugging his old cloak to her. He stopped and just stared at her a moment before she brought her gaze to his and a smile widened on her face. His heartbeat was rapid. He had thought her perfection before, but this….. he could barely think straight.
She rose into a sitting position. "Are you alright my love?" He still didn't answer her... "Dimitri?"
His heart skipped a beat. She had called him that before, just as often as she had called him her lion. How selfish could one man be? To lust for a goddess that he never had the right to touch, and yet all he could think about right now was to touch her. She was leaning towards him now, her breasts framed by the new outfit. He hadn't felt this nervous around her since that first day she had brought him to her room. When she had promised herself to him, and said she wanted to be his. She could be with anyone she wished, and yet it was him she chose.
"It's still me Dimitri." She said softly, sitting back and looking down.
He swallowed before coming up to her, standing at the bedside. She looked up to him, her face showed her hesitation, her smile was gone for the moment and he felt guilty for whatever thoughts she held that took it away. He stroked her cheek and smiled, thinking on that day they had.
"I could never hate you Byleth, especially for something that wasn't yours to control. It just surprised me, I'm sorry if my lack of speech or actions hurt your feelings." He said, repeating the words that still rung true now.
She smiled warmly, knowing those words well. She laid her hand against the one he had cupped at her cheek.
He breathed a deep breath. "But Byleth is it truly alright for me to….. if you are truly the goddess now, what right….."
She rose up on the bed to reach up to him. "If I had a heartbeat, Dimitri, it would beat for you." She said before she locked her lips with his.
He wrapped his arms around her then, returning her kiss with a deep one of his own, his fingers running along the bare skin of her back that the dress left open. Her breasts were pressed tight to his chest as she held him close. One of his hands trailed down where the fabric split to move along her skin of her legs. The other hand trailing up to trace the skin on her shoulder. Byleth moaned and tightened her hold on him.
He wanted to bite her, mark her as his, but knowing how much skin both this and the dancer's outfit showed he knew he shouldn't. He didn't want to give anyone else the thoughts or fantasies of what she let him do to her. It was bad enough that Felix and Sylvain saw them that night. He shouldn't be so greedy. His hand touched her bandaged arm. He broke the kiss and leaned his head against hers and sighed.
"You're still recovering. You've been asleep for three days. I do want you Byleth, so much it hurts, but I won't push you farther than your body can take. Everyone is worried about you. Tonight I am all yours if you are up for it." He said, trailing a hand across her jaw.
She pulled away, reluctantly, and sighed. "Did you or any of the others suffer any injuries?"
He shook his head and sat behind her, wrapping her in his arms and cradling her to his chest. "No. All of us are well. The empire retreated, and the Alliance has helped bolster its defenses. You gave all of us a scare when you passed out."
Byleth felt him hard and throbbing behind her and while happy that he cared enough to show restraint, she wanted him as well. He was right, if he took her now she might end up falling back to sleep with as tired as she still felt. There was a part of her that didn't care that wanted him to take her until she did pass out again, but that wouldn't be fair to all the other people she had worried. She turned in his arms before rubbing her hand against him. It twitched and pulsed under her touch as his eyes went wide.
"Byleth…" he stuttered, his hands clutching her.
When she unlaced his pants and took him in her mouth, he could barely breathe. Having his goddess lathering her attention on him like this was enough to make his head spin with pleasure. To see her there with that crown and outfit, and knowing what he did about her. Yes, he was selfish and greedy, but he didn't care in this moment as her lips and tongue brought him to climax. She had swallowed and licked him clean before sliding her way up his chest with a smirk on her face.
Dimitri sighed and brought his hand up to stroke her cheek. "You are… It would be rude to keep you all to myself….. but there is a part of me that doesn't want to let you leave."
Byleth smiled. "It would only be goodbye for now. Tonight we reunite for some more fun."
He kissed her. "Indeed." He bit his lip, wondering what he'd start with first.
She pulled away from him and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath he watched as gold light enveloped her, disappearing shortly after as her attire changed back to her normal outfit. She leaned forward panting a bit before taking off her cloak. She started using her nails to take out the stitching that held the ring and blue lion pendant in place.
"I had been worried about loosing these. I'm glad whatever it was that changed my outfit wasn't permanent in that sence. I'll have to get a chain or something to put the ring onto. Not sure what to do about the pendant. I don't want to loose it either." She said holding them in her hand.
"Let me worry about the pendant for you. I'm sure the girls will want you for a fitting." Dimitri said holding out his hand.
She handed him the pendant, and put her coat back on, the ring still in her hand. He caught her giving him a glance and blushing at him before she turned around and stepped onto the floor. Jeralt had given her that ring with the intent for her to give it to the one that would bring her the joy he had felt with his wife hadn't he? His hands found the pouch that had the one he bought for her. It would be like her to be thinking a step ahead of him. She had gone to the desk and found a simple silver chain out of what was still Rhea's belonging. She seemed hesitant to put it around her neck and ended up putting it in a small box on top of the desk.
She looked over to him and his confused look must have been obvious. "I don't want the girls asking questions. It may be a heirloom but they might think otherwise."
She left then and he took the ring out once more, looking over where she had left the other one. He wanted to ask her, but with everything going on around them there never seemed to be the right time. He heard her excited voice and a bark outside as she greeted Guren. He put the ring back into the pouch and opened the door. She was squatted down in front of the wolf hugging him. Guren's tail was swishing quickly from side.
"I'm sorry that you don't get to stay in a human form anymore, but are you at least happy now?" She asked before pulling her arms away.
Guren's tounge lolled to the side happily as he nodded. She ran her hands through the fur on his head, ruffling it a bit. "Good." She said.
She looked up at Dimitri before raising herself back up. "Is there anything that I've missed that you need help with before I go?" she asked.
Dimitri kissed the top of her head. "No, they'll be waiting for you and the schedules are cleared. After such a large scale battle everyone has been resting to recooperate. Gilbert and Rodrigue have already taken over for the preperations. The war council won't be held until tommrow and everyone is excited to have you dance for us."
She nodded and leaned up to kiss him before she pat her hip and called Guren to her side. The wolf's demonor changed to that of a calm guard and he padded along side her as she left to go downstairs.
Dimitri had been right. The moment she went into Mercedes' room it was a flurry of activity. Even Dorthea and Ingrid were there to get into the fun and poor Ingrid got dragged into getting makeup and a different outfit after they were done with Byleth. Ingrid complained about how was she going to be able to relax in something so frivolous. Dorthea had changed into a blue version of her dress since this was a Lions event as she called it. Annette's blue dress was long, blue and white with a high collar. She already had her makeup on and started to work on Byleth's hair. Curling the ends to give it a wavy effect.
The sandals were probably the most odd about the dancer's outfit. After wearing her heels for so long to not have them on didn't seem right. She was already short enough with them, now everyone would tower over her more without the extra height. The fabric was light and she liked the sound of the metal as she moved. She didn't let them overdue it on the makeup either, just some light powder, lipstick, and some eyeshadow to match the fabric color.
When they finally released her they told her to go straight to the cardinal room. When she had gotten there the tables were pushed against the walls with the chairs pushed in leaving the center of the room wide open. Guren had been her silent guard as she went from place to place. Gilbert came up to her and bowed.
"I know you have something planned with your students but could I have your assistance a moment? I promise that we will be finished before the meeting time." He said.
Sylvain breathed a sigh as they went past the common room. He left to go tell everyone in the dining hall that the plan had worked and Byleth would be distracted for a little bit but it wouldn't be for long. They didn't have a lot of time to put this plan into motion. The food was almost ready and the small cake was being decorated. They had gained more supplies from the great bridge that the empire had placed there for their own troops and the greenhouse was thriving again. It wouldn't be as extravagant as they may have liked and the portions were small, but they knew it would please her none the less.
Yuri came in to help at some point and he worked his cooking magic with the other two masters to make due with what they could. Balthus was a great help in carrying everything from the dining hall to the cardinal room. Gilbert was supposed to be keeping the professor locked up in either the knights hall or in the blue lion classroom so she wouldn't see anything in the meantime.
They were surprised at how much they were able to make and Yuri just shrugged saying that he knew how to make rations last, after all in abyss there were times that they had to keep everyone fed and they might not have as much to go around. They worked with the chef to make sure that everyone would be able to get at least a little bit of it to go with some rice or soup. There was plenty of fish to go around now that the water inside the monestary was clear so it was easier than they thought and it would compliment the flavors they had chosen. The chef was ecstatic at the flavor and told them to go have fun and that they would take care of the cleanup.
Darren had poked his head saying that Dimitri had invited him too. He had brought an violin with him thinking that music might help the mood tonight. The group decided that if she wanted him to leave she could make the decision then, but now that the golden eyed wolf was now out and his demenor had changed they were going to give him a chance. Plus Byleth had been training with him more and that bond seemed to be growing.
Dimitri was still no where to be found. The room and everything was ready and it was about time to let the professor in. Everyone else had gathered and Flayn had offered to go get the professor. They were worried that perhaps Flayn would spoil the surprise, but they all knew the professor wasn't stupid, she would have figured out that something was happening, she just might not know what. When Dimitri finally came through the door he looked around. He had changed to a white shirt and blue and black pants. There was a small bundle in his arms.
"Good I was worried I might be late." He said
"What took you so long?" Sylvain asked.
"It just took longer for the finishing touches than I thought it would." He replied.
"I hear Flayn. Should we hide?" Annette asked.
"No we don't want to startle her too bad. She's still healing after all." Mercedes answered.
Flayn was chatting loudly and Byleth had her attention on her when she entered the room. When she looked up she was wide eyed.
"Surprise Professor! You're always doing so much for us and we wanted to thank you!" Annette giggled.
Byleth was at loss of words to say at the feeling she had. "Thank you…. I don't know what this feeling is, but it's warm, very warm." She felt a tear slide down her cheek and was confused by it.
Mercedes came over to her and put a bit more powder on her cheek. "Sometimes people cry when they're really happy, but we have been enjoying seeing you smile lately professor. We are so glad you are in our lives." She hugged Byleth and Byleth returned it tightly as she looked around the room.
"Let's eat before it gets cold, then let the gift giving begin before we get to see our pal dance!" Balthus said.
"Gifts?" Byleth said tilting her head.
"Of course, don't think we never noticed how much you've gotten us over the years. From our weapons to just little things we'd enjoy you've always been so selfless and we want to give you something this time." Annette said.
"You've always been nice to us chatterbox. I would really hate it if you were dead for real and didn't visit." Hapi said.
"Indeed it would." Constance agreed.
Ashe brought her a plate of food. "We all pitched in, even Yuri helped Dedue and I cook this up for you. We hope you like it."
Byleth took it and took a bite. Her eyes lit up as she smiled. "It tastes wonderful guys. Everyone else dig in." She said before taking a seat and finishing her plate.
There was so much happy chatter around her and it was wonderful to have everyone she cared about in one room. Lysithea brought her over to the cake which they had decorated with blue swirls and an A+ on it. Byleth couldn't help but laugh and smile. Lysithea had made a small cake herself that Felix could enjoy that wasn't sweetened. The cake that the girls had made her was pleasant, not too overindulgent. Flayn had tried making one as well, but only Dimitri would eat any of that one. She tried a bite of it and tried not to react as her mouth exploded with the overly sweet taste.
One of these days Flayn I will force you to use a measuring cup, her inner voice growled. Something odd was happening with Dimitri, he had the same bewilderment that he had had the night she kissed him with the sugar cube. It made sense, with as much sugar as Flayn put in that thing there's no way there couldn't be some kind of reaction. Flayn's happiness was enough to make it worth it, and Byleth grabbed some tea to wash it down with, making sure to ignore the tea that Lysithea made. Byleth liked sweet things but that was a little much.
Then came the gifts, small things like new quills since she went through so many, a blue ribbon to attatch to her armor, a new fishing rod, and some other objects and books they thought she might enjoy. Yuri gave her a blank notebook that had dragon wings carved into the cover. Her own wings of protection for those she cared about. He hoped that she wouldn't need to write any names in it so it might just do well to chronicle the war or just her private thoughts. Felix had Gilbert carve her a replica of her sword of the creator to use for their sparring matches.
When it was Dimitri's turn he hid whatever it was behind his back and couldn't seem to find the words he wanted. She stood up to come to him and the next thing she knew something warm was covering her.
"Fhirdiad is colder than you're used to and I thought about maybe giving you my old one since you seemed to like it but that size wouldn't work well for you so… I made you this so you'd stay warm." He finally said, looking away from her, cheeks covered with a slight blush.
Byleth looked up at him, realizing that it also had a fur lined hood as it fell back against her neck. It was just the right length, when she had her boots on it wouldn't touch the floor. From the colors she could tell that it was blue with white fur. At her neck he had put the Blue Lions pendant to hold it shut. and if she let it the fabric would wrap around her. He was getting flustered at her silence, she could tell. She stroked the fur, wondering how long it took him to make it. It was simple, but the meaning behind it made her smile. She threw herself up to hug him. "I love it, thank you." He returned the embrace, wrapping his arms around her.
"I…I'm glad." He whispered.
"And I love the one who gave it to me. Thank you Dimitri, it will be useful, as well as make me think of you when I wear it. Just don't get rid of the other one, there might be days where I might forget just to get to snuggle under yours to be close to you instead." She whispered back nipping his ear.
"If there wasn't an audience right now…." He started nuzzling into her neck.
"Then save those thoughts for when we are back in our room later." She said before letting go.
He released her reluctantly, nodding and putting his hand on her cheek. "I think I can manage that." He said before sitting back down.
Mercedes gave Byleth a knowing look and Byleth gave her a smile and nod in return. For the moment she took off the cloak and handed it back to Dimitri.
"Alright then. A promise is a promise. You can thank Felix and Yuri for it. Tomorrow we head out for Fhirdiad. Today we celebrate the bonds we have and go into the next dawn with the hopes that those bonds won't be broken. I care about everyone in this room, you all have become my family in arms. No longer students, once this war is over you all will go live out the path that feels right to you, and I will encourage you until the end. May this rejuvenate you all."
She was a little started by the sound of music, seeing Darren for the first time. He had been so silent. He nodded to her and she shook her head.
"Thank you. It's good to see you again. The one song you always played for my father, the one he said reminded him of mom. Do you still know it?"
Darren moved his hands until he found the right strings. She closed her eyes with a smile as she swayed to it for a moment. It had been so long since she had heard the melody. The pace started out slow, hands in the air she thanked Sothis for this moment. She thanked Rhea for giving her life, and her father for raising her so well and giving her a path to follow. Her thoughts went to Dimitri and the rest of her lions. She had watched Felix perform it enough to know the movements herself, but as she found herself having fun she did what felt right to her, spinning a few times as she enjoyed the sound of the metal clink together. When the song faded and she finally stopped, her breathing was rapid.
Sylvain broke the silence. "Yeah maybe it's a good thing Felix is our dancer, if she did that on the battle field I don't think I would be able to concentrate."
Dorthea stood up and grabbed her hands. "Professor during the next opera can I please have you dance for it, it was absolutely breathtaking, I'm sure an audience would love it."
"Maybe she wouldn't be comfortable on a stage Dorthea." Yuri interjected. "That was lovely, friend."
Byleth found herself blushing from the attention and made her way to Dimitri, grabbing the cloak and sitting in his lap, pulling it over her.
"That is quite enough." She said, face red.
"Awe but professor that was wonderful. It was like the goddess herself had descended to grace us with her beauty." Flayn said.
She felt Dimitri's arms around her. "I think she's just embarrassed give her at least some time to catch her breath." He said. Then to just her, he whispered. "You were breathtaking. Later would you dance just for me?" He could see her face as she looked up at him, her cheeks still covered with a blush as she bit her lip while she was trying to keep herself from smiling as she nodded.
Petra stood up. "May I be showing you how we dance in Bridgid? The ball dancing wasn't …..was difficult. The dance that the professor did was more similar to ours."
Byleth peeked out from the cloak. "I think we would enjoy that very much Petra." She said. After pinning the cloak onto her she readjusted to the chair next to him, laying her head against Dimitri's chest so she didn't have to crane her neck. She smiled again at the warmth the cloak brought, not only from the fabric, but at the thought of the work he put into it.
"Do you know any songs like Bridgid?" Petra asked.
Darren thought a moment. "Drums are usually the beat they go for, but I might be able to get something going that will work."
Yuri turned to Dorthea. "You know what we talked about with creating our own group? He might be good for the plan as well."
Dorthea's eyes lit up. "I think you might be onto something."
The song he played was fast and Darren's foot against the wood made a rhythmic sound that Petra nodded and approved of as she started to move. Her movements were fluid, and she would throw her whole body into it. No wonder she had trouble with Fodlan dancing. It didn't have near as much life to it. It was as if she was becoming one of the spirits she talked about so much. When she ended with her hands together in a prayer with her head bowed Byleth thought it might have been just that thanking her spirits for speaking through her movements.
"That was beautiful Petra. Thank you for showing us. Dedue did Duscar have anything like that?"
"Yes, but I doubt I could give it any justice." He answered.
Byleth chucked. Yeah she really didn't see him dancing by himself in front of a group. Dimitri stood up and reached down to her. "Claude had stole your first dance at the ball and the rest of the students had swarmed you before you had left to get some air. I never got the chance back then to dance with you. Do you think that we could dance now?"
She took his hand. "Yes. I'd love to."
Darren played another tune, this one with a slow steady melody as Dimitri put his other hand against her waist and she placed her hand on his arm while he took her other hand in his. The smile she gave him was beautiful and he thanked Sothis in his mind again. Everyone in this room was dear to him, his friends and his allies who he could trust and would do what he could to protect. Byleth meant so much more to him than that. His ally though all, and the one that had claimed his heart. She would always be his beloved…. Yes his beloved. That described her perfectly. Her hands were so small compared to his and yet they had saved him countless times. She would always reach out in kindness, and no matter how far in the darkness he found himself, her guiding light has always found him.
"I love you Dimitri, and yes a dance back then might have been nice, but I'm glad that we had the chance within the Goddess Tower instead to share our wish. I hope this will be the first of many dances." She said leaning her head against him.
He pulled her closer and closed his eyes as he rested his head on hers. "I love you too Byleth, and yes I do love the sound of that as well. Once this war is over I hope we get many chances my beloved."
Her eyes lit up as a blush covered her face as soon as beloved left his lips. "Until then we'll dance with our blades as partners to protect those we care for." She replied, tilting back to look into his face.
She loved the look he gave her now. There was no hatred or sadness in his features. He had a smile and his blue eyes were focused on her. He nodded and then a devious smile curved his lips as he scooped her up and twirled her around. She clung to him when he stopped and his jubilant laughter echoed around the room. It had been a long time since she had heard his laughter and it was wonderful. She put her forehead against his and smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck. He sat back down and kept her in his lap. She gave him a chaste kiss and laid her cheek against his. When she noticed all their eyes were on them she tried not to let the heat rise to her face.
"Don't let us have all the fun. If Darren doesn't mind playing more music I think you should split off into pairs and dance yourselves. Have some fun before we have to return to war." Byleth said.
Darren chuckled. "Here something that's not so, hold me my sweetest I just want to stare into your eyes and…. Damn…I can't even make fun of you two. I am glad your happy with him Eisner. You two make a great pair."
He strummed out something that Sylvian exclaimed at and grabbed Felix by the arm.
"Oh no you don't!" Felix growled, but Sylvain wasn't having it, taking his arm and his and spun around a bit.
Sylvain held out his hand to Ingrid "Come on, you know it too Ingrid."
"No thank you. I've never been good at it." She replied.
Sylvain just raised her eyebrow at her and grabbed her hand, dragging her out onto the floor with them.
Dimitri's chuckle vibrated through her. He looked down at her. "Are you well enough for another one?"
Byleth looked at the three of them as they made a circle around the other, their hands raised but not touching, before they would split off to the other side, bow, take the arm of the other person they weren't dancing with and gallop would be the best word she thought as they made three spins before pulling back and then together again. Ingrid had a smile on her face and every time Felix tried to get away Sylvain would just pull him back again.
"I don't know the moves." Byleth said.
"It's fairly simple, and is more fun with more people. I'll be happy to teach you." He said, placing her down in front of him. Then he stood, and then bowed before offering her his hand.
"He is right professor. The festivals in Faerghus usually have both the noble and common folk alike doing this dance. It's easy enough for the children to learn and participate from a young age." Annette said.
Byleth took his hand without a second thought and he showed her the movements. Apparently, every few spins you were supposed to take a different partner you hadn't danced with before. It was a good way to mingle with people you might not otherwise have the chance of speaking with. Mercedes managed to get Dedue to join her by taking his hand. Yuri had shrugged before offering his hand to Dorthea. Ashe extended his to Hapi and Petra excitedly took both of Ferdinand's hands to bring him out too as she watched Dimitri show Byleth. The others looked to each other an shrugged before stepping up to the floor. By the time it was over Byleth was glowing, her face warm with a smile and laughter, but Dimitri could tell she was also getting tired.
Dimitri spun her around once more before he pulled her to his side and faced the others. "When this war is won, why don't we all meet up like this again? You have all been our allies in these darker times. Thank you all for your service and for your freindship. I am proud to call all of you my family in arms as well. May we find victory in the coming battle and all live to dance another day!"
The room erupted with agreement.
Byleth smiled. "Don't you mean fight another day?" she asked.
He wrapped her in his arms. "No, because once this war is over I want to dance with you some more, whether it be on the battlefield or anywhere it strikes our mood. I'm grateful for such a good dance partner." He said before he kissed her.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and ignored all the giggling and noises in the background as she kissed him back. Dimitri wondered if perhaps he should pull the ring out now, but call him a coward all you want, he didn't want to do it with so many eyes on them. There was also part of him afraid. He knew that she wouldn't reget him, those fears and doubts had left him long ago, but she had asked him long ago about his rise as king. Even if she rose to the title of Archbishop, would his council allow it? He had told her as a foolish teenager that as king he wouldn't let anyone take her away from him. He wouldn't let her become just his mistress, and he would not part from her. Rodrigue and Gilbert were on his side, and so was everyone in this room, but politics were always a problem when it came to royalty.
"Something wrong?" She asked.
"Just lost in my own thoughts a moment." He replied holding her hands a little tighter.
She leaned up against him as they swayed for a moment. He stroked a piece of her hair back behind her ear. "I think we may need to wrap this up." He said to the group.
Mercedes nodded. "She is still healing after all. Let's get everything over to your room and then we'll let her rest. We have a big day tommrow."
Balthus gathered everything up in a small box. "Leave the stuff to me pal." He said lifting it up and leaving the room. Guren followed him as the group started helping with the cleanup.
"Thank you everyone. It's a day I won't be forgetting anytime soon." Byleth said when they all refused to let her do anything to help.
Ingrid came up to her. "The attention you've given to us over the years has not gone unnoticed. We have always appreciated your dedication to us Professor. We only wished to return the favor."
"We are always happy to cook for you professor!" Ashe said from the table, a stack of plates in his hands.
Dudue nodded. "Yes, I am in agreement."
"Come on, they can handle everything from here." Dimitri said as Balthus returned to help carry everything down.
Dimitri scooped her up to carry her. She nuzzled his neck. "You seem to like carrying me don't you?"
"And what if I enjoy having you like this?" He asked.
She grinned at him as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I guess I could allow it." She said kissing him under his jaw.
"Alright you two. She needs to rest Dimitri." Felix snapped.
The girls giggled behind them.
Dimitri left as he felt his face getting redder. She only wrapped herself tighter against him. Guren followed at Dimitri's heels, settling himself outside their door. Dimitri sat her down on the bed and went to close the door. When he turned his breath caught. She was still wearing the cloak he made and it spilled behind her as she sat. The metal pieces of her outfit jingled as she moved. The way they did her hair had it smooth and curling around her in small waves. He also coun't remember if he had ever seen her in makeup before. The color of the eyeshadow only brought the green in her eyes more. He wasn't sure which he found more beautiful on her, this or her Sothis Regalia. When she leaned up as soon as he was close to the bed to twist her hands in his shirt and kiss him he decided it would be something he'd sort out later.
"Beautiful." He said when they took a breath, cupping her face in his hands. He wondered what had been the turning point, of when she had become his greatest treasure. No not even that, treasures could be bought and sold. They were items to be owned. He would never treat her as a mere object. His goddess, his light. She was something he never thought he deserved.
"You're looking rather dashing yourself." She said.
"How are you feeling? Felix is right you do need some rest. I'll have you riding with me for the journey into Faerghus so you won't need to worry about the march." He said.
"And here I thought you were so eager to have me tonight." She teased.
"Not at your expense I'm not. If you asked for me to let you sleep all that I'd ask is that you let me hold you. You won't disappoint me by telling me you need a break. I'm content just to have you at my side. Yes the pleasures of the flesh have been wonderous with you, but you know it's not required."
She unclasped the cloak and handed it to him to hang up with his. She took off her shoes while his back was to her. She was tired and they had a long journey ahead of them. There wouldn't be many chances that they should take advantage of those pleasures in case of an ambush. Until they won Fhirdiad this would be their last chance, but she found herself alright with that. While she did lust for her handsome lion she was happy just to be with him.
He stripped down to his smallclothes before he joined her on the bed. He gave her a deep kiss and ran his hands over the silken fabric. "So my beloved, what do you want tonight?"
There it was, that word again, it was enough to make her smile. "Just to spend some time with you before we curl up to sleep my love."
"That sounds like a wonderful idea." He said laying down and pulling her across him. The fabric felt wonderful, even if the metal was a little biting. She snuggled against him. Before she lifted herself up and pulled the dress off, complaining about the metal as well. While it looked nice it wasn't the best thing to sleep in.
She pulled the blanket over them both and snuggled back on his chest like before. "Tell me about the Fhirdiad you remember."
He told her stories while he toyed with her hair until she fell asleep above him. He gently slipped her to his side and buried his head into her hair as he closed his eyes. He missed his homeland and he was looking forward to it, but he was also worried. The last time he had been there he was fleeing from Cornelia's men after Dedue set him free. He had killed his countryman that were only following her orders, wandering and evading her men while trying to survive.
He tried to push it out of his mind as he held her. He hadn't been sleeping well some nights after Rodrigue had questioned him about Patricia. His nightmares waking her on some of those nights. She had never been mad at him for disturbing her rest, just nodded in understanding as she would hold him or just talk about something to distract him. He hoped that tonight that they would both rest well.
