Year 1180, Verdant Rain Moon

Raphael entered the dining hall with a grin on his face. It was always his go to spot after training, as he needed to replenish his body with nutrients, and he was also ready to feast. He noticed he was the first one to arrive, and the only person he spotted was Dedue from the Blue Lion house.

"Hey, Dedue!" Raphael started conversing with him, and Dedue turned around and saw Raphael smiling at him and lifting his hand up to greet him. "On kitchen duty today?"

"Yes, I just finished cooking meals for today. It won't be time to eat quite yet, Raphael." Dedue hadn't spoken to Raphael much, the main reason being they were in different houses, but he knew of Raphael's strength and his powerful appetite. "I know! I like getting here early so my food's fresh from the oven!"

"I see. Would you take a seat then?" Dedue asked Raphael as he walked over to the oven. "Sure thing! Do you want help with anything?" "I appreciate the offer, but I will be alright." Dedue set the last few meals down and returned his gaze to Raphael. "Okay! That looks good, Dedue! I can't wait to eat!" Raphael said as their fellow students moved into the dining hall.

After eating with his class, Raphael remained in the dining hall and assisted with cleaning up the plates. "Man, I'm stuffed! I didn't know you were so good at cooking, Dedue! Today's lunch was the best!" "Thank you, Raphael." Dedue had a small smile as he cleaned up the last few plates with Raphael. "This is gonna sound completely out of nowhere, but could you maybe teach me how to cook better?"

Dedue looked at him. "Cook better?" "My parents aren't around anymore, so it's just me, my little sis Maya and our grandparents," Raphael began, "I learned to cook with my sis, so I already know the basics. I'm just decent at it though, while Maya's way better than I am. I've always wanted to make her a dish that'll surprise her at how good it is and say 'Wow!'".

"I see. Why me, though? Are you not concerned about what people may whisper under their breath about you?" Dedue asked him, curious. "Nah. I haven't really heard anything about you, but I think it's silly to make up things about a person you've only looked at once." Raphael answered back to Dedue. "Well, if you are fine with it, then I do not mind seeing what you can make sometime and giving you pointers." Dedue nodded his head.

"Aw, thanks! Wait, I wanna help you with something too so we're both getting something out of it." Raphael's brow furrowed in thought. "Have you decided?" Dedue waited for his answer. "I can't help ya with schoolwork cause I'm not the best at reading, but I have seen you at the greenhouse before. I don't know too much about flowers, but how about I help you plant stuff and move things around with these strong arms of mine?" Raphael flexed an arm. "I would like that. I must leave now, but if you have spare time this week, we can begin improving your cooking." Dedue opened the door to prepare to leave. "That sounds great! See you around, Dedue!" Raphael waved and headed off. "Take care."

--

"I like this dish, Raphael." Dedue was back in the kitchen with Raphael a few days later. "Thanks!" Raphael grinned. "I would use more seasoning the next time you make it. It would add more flavor to the meat." Dedue added on. "Okay, I get what you mean." Raphael acknowledged Dedue's advice and they finished up their time in the kitchen and made their way to the greenhouse to hold up Raphael's part of their agreement.

"Plant these into this pot and move them to that corner when you have finished." Dedue instructed Raphael after showing him how to plant flowers. "Okay." Raphael began his work and Dedue watched him ease into the work and he watered the flowers in need. Dedue heard movement later on and found Raphael delivering the pots now with flowers ready to grow in the section he pointed out.

"I didn't expect that to be so simple!" Raphael turned around to Dedue. "You are catching on quickly, Raphael." "Hey, thanks!" Raphael beamed, "I like working with my hands a lot better than having to write those exams." Dedue inclined his head in listening. "Do those plants over there need water?" Raphael pointed towards a group of flowers the same colour as snow. "No, those are flowers from Duscur. They do not need to be watered, they can withstand long periods of time without hydration."

"Cool! I was just checking 'cause they look really pretty to me!" "They are beautiful." Dedue agreed. "That's the place you're from, right? Duscur? Are all flowers like that?" A curious Raphael asked while he planted the next batch of flowers. "Yes. Duscur can be a very dry land, so the flowers have adapted to survive. The roots would rot if they received too much water." Dedue replied to him.

"Alright, I'll leave those alone." Raphael finished the last of his work and Dedue followed shortly after. "I appreciate your assistance today, Raphael." Dedue said as they walked out of the greenhouse. "It's the least I could do for you helping me out! See you next time!" "See you next time." Dedue headed back to his room after Raphael waved goodbye.

Year 1180, Wyvern Moon

"Add more pepper to this next time and use less salt." Dedue offered Raphael after tasting his newest dish. "Got it!" Raphael responded. The two headed off to the greenhouse after finishing Raphael's cooking lessons, and they examined the flowers planted when they began working together. "They are fully bloomed now." Dedue commented. "Nice! They look so pretty!" Raphael smiled and touched a petal as gentle as he could.

"Thank you for your assistance with them, Raphael." Dedue's minute smile made Raphael grin. "You're welcome! I didn't expect to like being in the greenhouse. It's quiet and calm, and it's a huge difference from training all the time. I like it!" Dedue nodded. "You are improving at cooking, as well." "You think so?" Raphael asked. "Yes. I think the rest of the students would like it if you were on kitchen duty now."

"Thanks for helping me out with that!" Raphael praised. "I appreciate it a lot. I can't wait to make a dish that'll make my sis shocked at how good it is!"

Dedue felt curious. "You must care for her well-being greatly." "Yep. I came to Garreg Mach 'cause I wanna help support ourselves by becoming a knight. It's why I train so often." Raphael told his friend. "I see."

"What about you? Do you have any family?" Raphael asked him. "I do not. It is just me now." Dedue plainly replied. Raphael nodded in understanding. "Ah, my bad. You don't have to talk about it if you don't wanna, we can talk about something else." "It is alright. I do not mind telling you." Dedue offered. "Okay."

Dedue began. "My mother and sister both died in the Tragedy of Duscur. My sister and I learned how to cook from our mother. We would watch her cook us breakfast and dinner, and she would instruct us on what ingredients to use and which spices are the best for each dish." "I'm sorry, Dedue. It must've hurt a lot losing them like that." Raphael looked empathetic.

"It did. I remember watching my mother and sister in the kitchen, and I wish we could have that again." A forlorn Dedue said. "I get that feeling. I miss my parents sometimes." Raphael admitted. "You do? I am a bit surprised to hear that. You always seem happy." "Oh, I am. I can feel my parents watching over me and my little sis, so it keeps me going. But sometimes, I think about what would've happened had they survived the accident. I still feel a little sad it's just Maya and I now, but having that feeling that they're watching me and protecting me from where they are makes me feel like it'll be okay."

"I see. That is a good way of thinking." Dedue said. "Thanks! I didn't expect to tell you all of that, but do you feel a bit better?" Raphael inquired. "I do. It wasn't much, but I enjoyed speaking with you." Dedue inclined. Raphael's grin reached his ears. "I like talking to you too! Getting your feelings out, even if it's not much, is a good thing! Thanks for trusting me enough to tell me a bit, Dedue!"

Dedue's smile was tiny, but Raphael knew he appreciated it. "Thank you for listening. Ah, look at the time." Raphael noticed the sun beginning to go down as well. "Oh yeah, you're right! We gotta go now. See you tomorrow, Dedue!" Raphael opened the door to leave after waving him goodbye. "Goodbye, Raphael." Dedue called out, and he noticed to himself the feeling in his chest. The feeling of loneliness plaguing him had shrunk, and he felt himself enjoying Raphael's friendliness.

Year 1180, Ethereal Moon

"Well, isn't this a surprise, Dedue!" Raphael said as he walked into the kitchen. Dedue turned around and the corners of his lips went up as he saw Raphael enter. "Good to see you, Raphael. Did you get assigned for kitchen duty today?" "Yep! My turn finally came after a while." Raphael answered as he finished tying his apron. "The dish we have to make today is one I showed you during our early lessons." Dedue pointed Raphael to the ingredients set out.

"Ooh, nice! I can't wait to make everyone hungry for seconds!" Raphael exclaimed. "We can consider this one of your cooking lessons. Show me what you've learned, Raphael." Dedue said and began mixing a few ingredients. "You got it, Chef Dedue! I'll make it so delicious it'll be your favourite!" Raphael grinned and got to work with Dedue.

After setting out the completed dishes for everyone, Raphael beamed watching the rest of the students enjoy his and Dedue's cooking. "I think we were a success, Dedue!" Raphael smiled as he touched his shoulder. "That we were. I liked what you made, Raphael." "Thanks! You've been so helpful and I appreciate you taking the time to help me." "I enjoy spending time with you." "Aw, you're making me blush!" Raphael chuckled.

They cleaned up the kitchen and noticed they still had time before their next class. "Oh yeah! I was meaning to ask you something. Wait, make that two things." Raphael said. "What is it?" "The first thing I wanted to ask ya was if you could show me how to cook a Duscur-style dish." Dedue took a few moments to reply. "I do not mind showing you." "Awesome! My next question is do you wanna come train with me? We still have a bit of time and I've been curious about how you fight. You're so strong I wanna see if I can beat you!" Dedue took on Raphael's challenge. "Alright. Just know I am not an easy opponent."

Year 1181, Guardian Moon

Dedue found Raphael preparing to join the rest of his class for their mission against Kronya. "Hey, Dedue." Raphael greeted him as he grabbed his gauntlets and axe. "Raphael. Be careful out there." "I will." Raphael squeezed Dedue's hand to comfort his worried friend. "I'll come back safe and sound, okay? I'll make you something when I get back that'll wow you." Dedue lightly squeezed Raphael back. "I will hold you to that."

"I know you will. See you when I get back!"

"Be safe."

"I will."

Year 1186, Harpstring Moon

A groan left Dedue's lips as he woke up agonizingly slow. Everything felt sore and tired as he opened his eyes and found himself lying on a medical bed. "Dedue?" He heard a voice, and slowly turned his head. His eyes met Raphael's, a mix of worry and relief on his face. "Raphael?" Dedue's tired voice whispered. "What happened?" "I found you on the ground at Gronder Field." Raphael began, and Dedue recalled the chaos of that battle. So much blood spilt the field would never look the same.

"You found me?" Dedue asked. "Yeah, I did," Raphael kept going, "I started to head back with everyone, but I saw something fall, and found you when I checked it out. I barely heard your breathing, and I decided to carry you back here with us." "You brought me back?" "Yeah. I know we're in a war and people I know are gonna die, but I didn't want that to happen to you. You're important to me, Dedue."

Raphael smiled as he said those words. "You are important to me too, Raphael." Dedue managed to say. Raphael found his calloused hand and Dedue felt him gently squeeze him. "Are you feeling hungry? I'm gonna have to tell Manuela that you're awake, so I can whip up something for you while she checks on you." "That would...be nice. Have you improved?" "I think you'll love what I can make for you. I'll be back in a bit!" Raphael squeezed his hand again and left for the dining hall.

When he came back with a bowl of soup ready, Raphael found Dedue sitting up on the bed. "How are you feeling?" He asked as he handed the bowl to Dedue. "Sore. And tired." Raphael nodded and let him have a few sips. "How'd I do?" "It's good. I would have seconds." Dedue answered as he finished the rest. "Nice! I knew you'd like it!" "I appreciate the thought." Dedue said to him. "It's the least I could do for you. You're my friend." Raphael beamed.

"You are my friend too." Dedue smiled. "You don't have to decide immediately, but if you want, we'd be happy to have you with us. I'd be happy to have you." Raphael said. "It is alright. My lord is...no longer here." Dedue stated. "I'm sorry, Dedue." Raphael comforted him. "Is Claude's goal to stop Edelgard?" "Yeah," Raphael answered, "we're planning on marching to Enbarr this month starting with Fort Merceus." "Then I will join you. My goal is the same as Claude's." Dedue made his resolution.

Raphael felt glad to have Dedue join his team. "Okay," he said, taking the now empty bowl, "you focus on healing. I'm happy to make you meals anytime you need them! I'll go tell Claude that you're gonna march with us." "I will take you up on that." Dedue said, watching Raphael open the door to leave. "One more thing." Raphael turned around. "Yes?" "Remember what I said about getting your feelings out?" "I do." Dedue answered. "I just wanted to let you know I'm always here if you wanna lean on me." He said to Dedue. "I know. I might take you up on that sometime." "Okay. Whenever you're ready." Raphael then left Dedue to rest his body.

Year 1186, Garland Moon

Dedue entered the greenhouse and found Raphael watering the plants. Raphael looked towards the source of the noise and grinned when Dedue greeted him. "Hey, Dedue! Good to see you here!" "Raphael. It is good to see you in here." Dedue inspected the new plants. "You too! I missed you a lot, actually. I missed spending time with you in the greenhouse and having you help me cook. I didn't really realize just how fun it was until the war started." Raphael looked at him and continued. "I came here sometimes because it made me think of you, and I hoped you were okay."

Dedue smiled at his words. "I enjoyed those times too. We are busier than before, but if you don't mind, I would like to see more of your cooking. Have you achieved your goal of surprising Maya with a stellar dish?" "Not yet, but she likes what I make now. There were a few times where she said 'I like this, Raph, but next time I should cook.' anymore." Raphael answered. "Tough words." "Yeah. She hasn't gone 'Wow!' yet, but she looks happy when she eats my food, so I'm getting there. We opened a restaurant during the war, actually."

"That is good to hear." Dedue looked interested, and then he spoke his mind. "Do you remember what you said about talking about feelings?" Raphael paused his work. "Yeah, I do. Something on your mind?" He asked. "A little bit." Dedue answered. "Okay. Do you wanna talk about it right now if you're comfortable?" Raphael asked him gently. "I do, if you are fine with it."

"I am!" Raphael beamed. "I'm happy you want me to listen. You can start when you feel ready." He set aside his equipment and walked over to Dedue, letting him take his time. Dedue felt nervous wanting to talk, but he knew it would be okay. He felt no pressure from Raphael and he greatly appreciated his patience. He inhaled deeply and exhaled, and he let his feelings spill out from deep within him.

"I feel anger at what happened in the Tragedy of Duscur. My family was taken away from me, along with countless others. I feel sad and frustrated at the loss." Dedue spoke slowly, his eyes looking down. "That's completely understandable." Raphael said, and he let Dedue continue. "I keep it all inside. It is how I have handled it since it happened. This is the first time I have said it out loud." "I get how you feel. It's good that you're opening up on how you feel, Dedue, instead of letting it build up inside you."

Dedue looked up at Raphael. "It is a good feeling." He exhaled. "That is all I wanted to say. I needed to say that to someone." Raphael nodded. "Okay. One step at a time, it doesn't have to come out all at once." "I understand. Thank you." "You're welcome, Dedue." They smiled and enjoyed the silence of the greenhouse as they inspected the flowers and planted new ones.

Raphael broke the silence later on. "Hey Dedue, do you wanna spar with me? I know getting your feelings out must be tricky for you, so if you want, why not train with me when you've got time? You can swing your axe around with me if it'll help you feel better." Dedue contemplated his friend's suggestion. "I do not mind the idea. Thank you, Raphael. I appreciate you being my friend."

His words made Raphael feel flushed. "Aw, thanks Dedue! You're a great friend too!" He smiled, and then remembered Dedue mentioning wanting to see his cooking. "Oh yeah, you should see my cooking skills before the dining hall closes! We won't have as many ingredients, but I bet I can make a dish that will have you so impressed you'll want me to make it again immediately!" "We shall see. I hope you impress me, Raphael." Dedue imposed the challenge, and they headed off to the kitchen.

Year 1186, Blue Sea Moon

The sound of wooden axes filled the training room as Dedue and Raphael swung them at each other, their strength evenly matched as neither had yielded the match for what felt like hours. Eventually, Dedue knocked Raphael to the ground and pointed his axe at his neck. "There." He said, panting in exhaustion. Raphael huffed. "Oh man, Dedue...you're so strong!" "Thank you. You are very talented yourself. Those long hours spent training paid off for you." Dedue complimented him.

Raphael slowly stood up. "Thanks! How are you feeling?" "Good. I like training with you. I feel better and I feel prepared for Shambhala." Dedue replied. "I'm glad to hear it! It's fun training with you too, especially when you beat me like you did today. Means I still have room to get stronger!" Raphael beamed and Dedue smiled. "I am happy you enjoy our matches. If you do not mind, after we clean up, I would like to cook you lunch."

"Nah, I should cook you lunch."

"I insist."

"I'm insisting too."

"Would you agree to the two of us cooking together?"

Raphael chuckled. "Okay, I can't say no to that! Come on!" They made their way to the dining hall, and got out the equipment and supplies. "What do you plan on cooking?" Dedue asked Raphael, curious. "It's a surprise! I know you'll love it." Raphael answered him as he began cooking his dish. Dedue left it at that and got to work on his own meal.

When they finished, Raphael presented Dedue with his dish. "This is something me and my little sis have been working on! It's the Kirsten Special and the customers at our restaurant love it!" Dedue accepted it and they ate together. "Mmm, this is delicious, Raphael. You have become very talented." Dedue praised him. Raphael let out a small cheer. "Yes! Thank you, Dedue. If you liked it this much, I just know that it won't be long before my little sis begs me to cook again!"

"I would like to see her reaction to it." Dedue said as they cleaned up and left the dining hall. "You're gonna love it! I can't wait to see her when we're done taking down those slither guys!" Raphael wished, imagining him hugging Maya after coming back to his home. "I have been interested in meeting her and tasting your restaurant's cuisine." Dedue expressed. "Oh! I just remembered, she got curious and I ended up telling her about you. I told her I made a really good friend at the academy and she's dying to meet you when the war's done!"

"That sounds good. Do you have any other plans outside of having me meet Maya?" Dedue asked him. Raphael shook his head. "Nah, I haven't figured out anything outside of just supporting myself and her." Dedue inclined his head. "Raphael, do you remember the Duscur flowers in the greenhouse?" Raphael didn't expect that question, but he remembered. "Yep, they were really pretty. I know they're important to you."

Dedue kept going. "After the war, would you consider joining me and traveling to Duscur to see the fields? They are very lovely, and I think you would like them. I want to show you them." Raphael smiled. "I'd love that! Visiting your home would be really cool! I'd love for you to show me around the place." "I am happy to hear you say that. There is work to be done to rebuild it, but I think you will like it. I look forward to meeting your sister as well. There is something in mind I would like to ask her."

Raphael tilted his head. "Oh, like what? Gonna ask her if we can get married or something?" Dedue remained silent before speaking. "No, it would be too early for me to ask that question." and Raphael chuckled. "Dedue, I'm just pulling your le-" He stopped when he noticed Dedue's smile, and the way his cheeks and ears were flushed red.

Oh.

Oh.

Ohhhhhh.

"You...like me?" Raphael just realized. "I have wanted to have you by my side for some time." Dedue took his hand, and Raphael let him, his face red with emotion. "Dedue...I've felt the same about you. I like you a lot. So much I wanna shout it for everyone to hear." Raphael stumbled upon his words, but it was okay. Their other hands intertwined with each other. "I plan to impress your sister." Dedue told him.

Raphael giggled. "Aw, don't worry! There's no way she wouldn't like you. Cook her something she likes if she's mad at you and she'll go 'Okay I forgive you.' so I'm sure you'll be successful!" "We won't truly know until the battles are finished. I will keep that in mind." Dedue said, letting Raphael's hand move up to his face. "Good. Dedue...could I kiss you?" "I've wanted to hear you say that for so long. And ask you it too." Dedue breathed.

He brought his hand up to Raphael's face, the two inching closer and closer. "You can. You always can." Raphael whispered. Dedue leaned in, having to bend down slightly, and finally, their lips met with a soft kiss, one filled with promises. Both closed their eyes, and opened them when they stopped kissing. "You're beautiful." Raphael smiled. "You're radiant." Dedue kissed his forehead and they brought their lips together again, knowing they'd be okay and their dreams of a life together in each others' embrace would come true.

Year 1188

Their wedding was a small one, the two grooms gazing into each others' eyes in a field of Duscur flowers. The same field in Duscur Raphael teared up in as he presented a ring to his lover, and kissed him when Dedue smiled as he showed Raphael his own ring. Everyone cheered and cried, as they tied the knot with the most lovely kiss, and they spent the rest of the day celebrating their union. When joined each other in their bed, Raphael kissed Dedue and asked him, "What should the Kirsten-Molinaro Special be?"

Dedue laughed. "Let us think about it tomorrow."

Year 1193

The bell rang as the restaurant door opened and Raphael greeted Dedue with a kiss. "Hey sweetheart! How's the rebuilding going?" "It's going smoothly. So much progress has been made I feel surprised sometimes at how far it has advanced." Dedue said, and they heard the thumping of feet and beamed when their twins came running to greet their father.

"Daddy!" Their son Ronan exclaimed as he jumped into Dedue's waiting arms. Raphael heaved their daughter Sofia onto his shoulders. "Did you miss me?" Dedue asked them.

"Yeah Daddy, we missed you!" Sofia said from atop Raphael's shoulders. "Why don't you three join me in the kitchen and I can bake some sweets?" Ronan and Sofia's eyes lit up as Raphael and Dedue smiled. "Yeah! Make us those cookies again!" Ronan asked, and Raphael and Dedue carried them into the kitchen.

"Will you two be patient while we get the cookies ready?" Raphael asked, already knowing the answer. "Yeah Papa!" Ronan answered. "We'll be extra extra patient!" Sofia said with a smile. He kissed their foreheads and he let them watch their fathers bake the cookies.

They shared dinner together, and Raphael and Dedue carried their sleepy kids into their bedroom. "Good night, you two." Raphael whispered. "Good night, Papa. Good night, Dad." He heard them whisper back to him and Dedue. The two husbands then went into their room for the evening.

"I'm blessed that I have you and them in my life." Dedue kissed Raphael. "I'm blessed that you're part of my life and that our kids are with us." Raphael kissed him back. "I love you." Dedue smiled. "I love you. I don't think I'll get tired of saying it and get tired of kissing you." Raphael intertwined his hands with Dedue's and they laid there together. "I will never tire of saying that I love you, and I will never tire of you saying you love me, dearest." Dedue looked so beautiful to Raphael in the night light. "I'm the luckiest man in the world, sweetheart." He whispered.

"I believe I am luckier because you married me and we have twins." Dedue chuckled. "We're both lucky men." Raphael let his radiant husband hold him in his warm, fuzzy arms, Dedue kissing his neck, his jawline, his cheek, and his lips, tasting sugar and spice. Another day of work and cooking was in store for them, but if Raphael and Dedue got to spend their nights together in each others' arms, nothing could be better.