9th of the Harpstring Moon, 1999-Friday
Happy Birthday Annette
"The professor always arrives after we all do, but how come every time there's a birthday there are fresh cupcakes and a happy birthday on the board?" Edelgard asked staring at the platter on the professor's desk.
"Maybe she has the place bugged. Some places have tech like that," Claude suggested.
"Does it matter? The cupcakes are always awesome, and there's always enough for people to have more than one," Raphael said. "By the way Happy Birthday Annette."
"It's kind of embarrassing honestly," Annette hid her face in her hands.
"I honestly enjoyed it. It is nice knowing the professor knows at least that much about us and chooses to celebrate it. And the cupcakes always seem to match us," Ferdinand held up a little study guide edible decoration.
"The Bert did have rather… interesting cupcakes," Hapi commented.
Hubert gave a dark chuckle. "They were quite nice."
"Not sure that's how a tradition should have started," Hilda shook her head.
"It's not as though the professor had a choice. Hubert's birthday came first," Ashe pointed out.
"And it would have been unfair to skip him only," Ignatz added.
"You do know he is in the room," Hubert reminded them.
"That's good. It would be bad if you missed class," Professor Byleth said from her spot at the front. How she managed to sneak in was beyond them all. "…Good Morning class."
"Good Morning Professor." No one ended at the same time. Usually if she addressed anyone it was just the birthday person, or someone in trouble. To say good morning to the whole class had thrown all of them off, leading them to respond automatically, albeit in a shocked state.
"Happy Birthday Annette."
"Th-thank you professor," Annette stuttered out, looking over at Mercedes in confusion.
"She seems…happy," Felix whispered to their row.
Flayn stared at their teacher as she launched into the lecture. Did she? She still seemed like the same emotionless doll as usual to her. She couldn't imagine what could make her so happy, except maybe the task of placing them in teams of people they dislike. She sent a silent prayer up to the goddess that their professor was not a sadist.
"What?"
Byleth stared blankly, unbothered by Jeritza's disrespectful tone.
"Is everything I do going to be considered wrong?"
"Do you have a crush on Flayn?"
"No."
"Then what is with the obsession?"
"…"
"Jeritza. If your feelings are not negative, then I need you to be honest with me. Otherwise, I may have to bring this up to Lady Rhea."
Jeritza let out an acceding sigh. "I just want to make sure she's safe."
"Why her?"
"She just…she seems unsafe."
Byleth thought that Flayn could handle herself better than Jeritza gave her credit for, but a little extra never hurt. "Is that why you watched her and followed her?"
A slow nod.
"That sounds boring. Just watching as she has fun with others while you're watching out for danger on your own."
"It's worth it if she's safe."
"But wouldn't it be nicer if you were right by her side. As a friend?"
"If I do that, she might want to defend me in case of anything."
"So, playing stalker is better? And what about her. Shouldn't she feel comfortable?"
Jeritza's mouth tightened as he thought about what she said. They sat in silence for over ten minutes, the only sound was the clock on the wall as he debated his options. "How would I do that?"
"Just go up to her and tell her that you want to be friends, and that you're socially awkward."
"What if she thinks I'm lying."
"I can mediate if you want. I know how difficult it is to explain feelings. I find it hard to. Always have. However, I have found that if you put forth the effort to try, the results are more definite than if you don't try at all. Just remember to respect her decision. Okay?"
"Yes… thank you."
"Of course."
"…"
"Is something wrong?"
"No. I'll take my leave now."
Byleth simply nodded as he left. She was glad that was done with. She knew he meant no harm, but as someone who wasn't the best at social situations, he was awkward in how he did things. She knew about that too well from experience.
"Okay I know we spoke to Professor Byleth about you again. How many times do we have to?" Lysithea asked the moment Jeritza walked up to them.
Flayn was ready to dash away, stopped only by the nervous look on his face.
He shifted from foot to foot, not saying anything, or even staring at them.
"Flayn let's go to the professor. Or maybe Lady Rhea."
"Never mind," he left quickly. As she watched him leave them alone, she wondered what it was that he wanted to say. She felt bad that Lysithea had scared him off. Maybe he would have explained his weird behavior. Turning back to her food, she decided to push it from her mind and not let it bother her. There was no point in trying to figure out another's intentions, well another like Jeritza. He was just too strange.
"Hey," Felix joined them at the table.
"Sylvain annoying you?" Lysithea asked him.
"More like everyone. They are all talking about that war movie. It's getting annoying."
"What is it about death and fighting that makes people so happy?" Flayn asked.
"It's the whole ridiculous idea of being a hero that they like."
"I understand that, but is it not possible to be a hero to someone without killing?"
"The whole idea of a hero is so subjective. Some kid may look at their parents as heroes, even if their parents do nothing special," Lysithea said.
"Not to mention the ones that glorify dying as being heroic," Felix spat out.
"Hey," Edelgard suddenly sat down next to Lysithea. The other girl froze slightly, looking shocked by the sudden addition. Flayn had noticed Lysithea often acted weird when directly interacting with Edelgard, but she had yet to find out why.
"What do you want?" Felix jumped straight to the point.
"You three are going to see that Soldier's Daughter movie, right?"
"We are. So what?"
"…Could I join you three…" she asked shyly.
"You are not going to see the Shadow Dragon movie?" Flayn asked.
"I don't like those types of movies, and A Soldier's Daughter sounded interesting. Hubert unfortunately is the complete opposite, and instead of dragging each other to movies we don't like to avoid being alone…I figured I would ask you three…"
"I do not mind," Flayn responded. There were a few people she would say no to from their class, but none were girls.
"I don't care either," Felix said, leaving just Lysithea to respond.
Lysithea wore a frown and furrowed brow, looking as though she might say no. After a moment though she agreed it was okay. Edelgard visibly sighed in relief. Edelgard seemed snooty sometimes, and only seemed to interact with Hubert. Now Flayn was thinking maybe she was just socially awkward like them.
"Do I look cute?" Flayn asked twirling in her father's office.
"I'd prefer you not looking cute outside of our home."
"Don't worry. Felix will scare them all off. Edelgard and Lysithea too."
"Edelgard von Hresvelg?"
"Yes. She asked to join us tonight."
"Why?"
"So, she did not have to watch the movie alone."
"That's…never mind. Just be careful."
"I know. I'm more concerned about you though. I'll be watching a movie. What are you doing?"
"Enduring much torture."
"Then why are you going?"
"I'm going as an apology."
Flayn looked at him in confusion, waiting for him to elaborate. He did not, instead opting to just shake his head to tell her not to push it.
"Well, hopefully you end up enjoying it. I'm going to meet the others so we can have time to eat before the movie. What time will you be home?"
"I'm not sure yet. Hopefully not too late."
"Okay. I'll leave now."
"Flayn. Have fun." With a big smile on her face, she left her father's office, basically skipping her way to the gate where they agreed to meet up.
"Are you wearing that?" Manuela asked from Byleth's doorway.
"Please knock when my door is closed."
"Oh, I saw the student leave, so I knew you didn't have anyone else in here.:
"I could have had more than one student."
"I suppose that's true. So, are you wearing that?"
Why did everyone seem to have an issue with how she dressed?
"We need much better clothing for you."
"Is this not appropriate for drinking?"
"No. You want something more appealing."
"Appealing?"
"Yes. Like a skirt, and a low-cut shirt is good, show some skin on top."
"Skin on top and a skirt. Got it. I'll change before I meet up with you and the other two."
"Fine fine. I guess I'll let it be a surprise."
"Did you need something?"
"What?"
"You came here for something right?"
"Oh no. I just wanted to make sure you dressed appropriately."
"Okay. If you don't mind, I have some work to do."
"Oh, right. Sorry I'll let you get back to it. See you later."
Byleth waited until she could no longer hear Manuela's heels to get up and close the door that had been left open. She was hoping to finish a good portion of work before tonight, actually starting to regret saying she would go. The most difficult of her work were the teams for classes. She had finished every single one but her homeroom class. What she wanted to do, she could not since it would mean ignoring students' feelings, and that would be highly inappropriate. It was just so frustrating. She wished she had someone to bounce ideas off of. Here though, she was alone, just herself and no one. Feeling something uncomfortable build up, she put away her work, leaving her office. She needed to distract herself. Maybe she would do more than dress appropriately for going out.
Flayn was in pain. She wanted Felix to stop, but on the other she also didn't want him to stop. The stories he had were just too funny. Though Sylvain probably wouldn't be happy to know his friend was telling stories about him.
"Sylvain really takes the cake. And I thought Hubert was unlucky," Edelgard commented.
"You have to share now that you mentioned it," Felix smirked.
"Fine," she pretended as though they forced it out of her, "Hubert has never really liked many people. But there was this girl one time who was close with her little brother, and often babysat him. So I convinced her to go out with us, planning on distracting her brother so that Hubert could spend one on one time with her. We went to a movie and there was this part that had Hubert laughing. Have you ever heard him laugh?"
"I've heard him chuckle. He sounds kind of villainy," Lysithea said.
"Well, his laugh is full on evil mastermind."
Oh they knew where this story was going.
"He scared her brother, didn't he?" Felix smirked.
"Nope. He scared her instead. She had nightmares after and always ran away from him. Her brother tried to act all tough and protect her."
"Okay that is worse than Sylvain."
"Poor Hubert," Flayn said. Though she could not deny that she too found it funny, not as much as Lysithea though. The other girl was laughing so hard she could not even speak.
"Considering the way everyone in class treats him, he'll probably never marry. But at least you feel bad for him. Sylvain I feel no pity for. Or Lorenz. He's just as bad as Sylvain," Edelgard said.
"I have not spoken to him much. Is Lorenz like Sylvain?"
"He's more like if Sylvain and Ferdinand had a love child."
"Edelgard. Now I can't get the image of them together out of my head," Lysithea complained, looking as though the thought was the most disgusting thing she had ever experienced. While Felix rolled his eyes, Edelgard and Flayn broke into a fit of giggles, leaving Lysithea to go from disgusted, to scowling at them.
"Come on Lys. Don't pout. I'll buy you a cookie if you stop."
"I am not a child!"
"Never said you were. As usual you just assume that someone thinks you're a child."
"Does this happen often?" Felix whispered to Flayn.
"I'm just as confused," Flayn whispered back.
"So, you offer cookies, so someone stops pouting to all our classmates."
Edelgard sighed heavily. "I was just joking with you. Is it that strange for me to make a joke?"
"Sorry if I don't believe you when you make jokes."
"Hey that's enough. Don't forget we're in public with student bands on. We can get in more trouble here than at the school."
"Felix is right. Let's just eat and then enjoy the movie."
The two white-haired girls glared at each other for a moment longer before turning back to their food, still upset with each other.
It was awkward. Flayn chewed slowly as she tried to think of something to break the silence. Looking around offered no inspiration. The only thing around them was food. Maybe she could ask what their favorite food was? Would that work? She already knew what her answer would be. "Fish of course."
"What?"
…
Oops. She slowly returned their confused stares, processing what she had just done. Especially the fact that she had quite possibly spoken Nabatean. She had to think of a lie quick. But the only thing around was food. Ooh food! "Sorry I was lost in my thoughts and accidentally spoke with my mouth full."
"Oh. What did you say though?" Edelgard asked her.
"Fish of course."
More blank stares.
She forced a giggle to make it seem as though she was unbothered. "I was thinking about favorite foods and what everyone's answer would be. And then I thought about mine."
"Oh, that makes sense…your favorite food is fish?" Lysithea looked downright horrified.
This time her giggle was a real one. "Yes. Especially the ones my mother would catch and cook for us."
"Us?" Felix asked.
"My brother and I."
"That sounds like it was wonderful," Edelgard smiled as though she could imagine enjoying the same thing. "I don't really have too much of a preference. I like a variety."
"For me it's…sweets," Lysithea shrugged sheepishly.
"I like meats. Well beef, poultry, fish. Spicy stuff too. I hate sweets though. Don't really care much for vegetable dishes either."
"That is blasphemous. How can you not like sweets? I can agree on not liking the vegetables though."
"Lys you barely like anything that isn't sweets. Though I can't say I'm very fond of beef."
"Likewise. It is definitely my least favorite," Flayn agreed.
"And let me guess. Sweets is a favorite of yours?" Felix remarked.
"Well, I won't deny that I enjoy them a lot." So what if they were her second favorite food after fish.
"I'm the odd one out I guess. The only one that prefers meat, the only guy. You all probably like lances or bows over swords. Or don't like weapons."
"Axes," Edelgard responded immediately.
"I prefer more…witty methods, but if I had to choose, I would use a sword actually."
"You're right in assuming I don't like weapons. Or fighting. I abhor violence of any kind. However, I do believe in self-defense, and understand that there are too many that relish in the pains of others. If I had to carry a weapon, it would be a lance." Taken after her dear father of course. It also allowed for her to fight semi long range, though it was not the best weapon against axes. The heavier weapons easily knocked lances from her arms as she lacked the strength to hold up against them, assuming the axe didn't just break the lance in half.
"I'll admit. I didn't expect that kind of answer from you," Felix said to Flayn.
"But their answers were not unexpected?"
"Not entirely."
She wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. She hoped for the former, but most of all she hoped it was irrelevant to who she was. "Is everyone finished eating?"
"I'm done."
Lysithea and Edelgard nodded their heads as the group rose to leave the restaurant. As they left, Flayn hoped that there would be no more talk of weapons or fighting. It always made her uncomfortable, and if she wasn't careful, she risked letting slip things that were best kept hidden.
"How is it that you ended up more covered than usual?" Manuela asked in the direction of the pub's entrance. Seteth followed her gaze to see Professor Byleth joining them. He didn't see Manuela's point. All she did was swap showing off her legs for showing off her arms.
"You said to wear a skirt and show skin on top."
"Cleavage. Or at least back. And you're not supposed to have anything under the skirt."
"…"
Manuela, he internally groaned. "Ignore her. In fact, do not follow her advice," Seteth told her, pulling out a chair between him and Manuela for her to sit.
"So this is appropriate for drinking?"
"Yes. It is perfectly appropriate. Even your normal clothing choice is. Manuela just wanted to see you in something she likes."
"Oh!"
"Manuela taking advantage of the poor child," Hanneman chided her.
"I'm not a child."
All three turned towards her, surprised at the sharp tone. Did it annoy her if one called her a child?
"Thank you by the way," she turned towards Seteth.
"What for?"
"The chair."
"Oh…you're welcome."
"I apologize my dear. At my age I tend to see many as children, even if they are not. I meant no offense."
"I should apologize too. There was no need for my tone." She didn't seem apologetic, she actually seemed happy. He doubted it was because he pulled out the chair for her, that thank you had been indifferent. The only possibility he could come up with was her being happy that they noticed her annoyance. Or rather that she managed to convey it to them. Seteth had to admit to himself that it was actually cute that she was happy at something so simple.
"You shouldn't apologize to Hanneman. He's always looking down on others," Manuela placed her hand on Professor Byleth's arm. Seteth rolled his eyes at the woman's movement. While the professor didn't seem to catch on to the flirtatious act, he found it ridiculous.
"On the other hand, you should apologize for trying to trick her Manuela. Lying to her when she put so much trust in you. Thank goodness she misunderstood you."
"Does a woman showing off her body disturb you Hanneman?"
"I have nothing against a woman dressing in a way she feels comfortable. I'm against her being forced or tricked into something she would not choose."
Seteth tapped the professor's shoulder, motioning for her to follow. The two snuck away from their arguing companions.
"Was it okay to leave them without saying anything?"
"We're just getting drinks. And I prefer to get the first round. Manuela likes to go straight for the high alcohol content drinks. No doubt she'll aim to get you drunk."
"Why?"
"You're her type."
"Her type?"
"You don't have much experience with dating, do you?" She shook her head. "Well Manuela is almost always looking for a romantic partner and she goes for people on first sight. You're in her sight currently. Hanneman and I will keep her off of you, unless you return her feelings."
"No."
He laughed at her blunt response that contained the barest tinge of abhorrence.
"How well do you know drinks?"
She picked up a menu, taking a few moments to look it over. "I'm not really familiar with these."
"Well what types do you prefer?"
"I don't have a preference. Whatever you guys drink is fine with me."
"Alright." He perused the menu until he found a light drink that he knew Hanneman, and Manuela would both be okay with, ordering their group four of them. Hopefully they could keep Manuela's alcohol content low for the night. He doubted it though.
"Really Seteth. Professor don't let him order something so boring. Probably cheap too. Trying to take the easy way out of owing you a drink."
"Don't worry. I'll make sure he pays for an appropriately priced drink." Hopefully, nothing too expensive. He was hoping she was just saying so to placate Manuela.
"How are you settling in professor? Any issues with the students?" Hanneman asked.
"Nothing too major…question actually."
"Go ahead. More than happy to help," Manuela cut in.
"I'm doing teams for my class, but there's an issue with the teams I want. Student A is socially awkward and wants to be friends with Student B. However due to their lack of social skills they have made Student B feel uncomfortable to the point that they have complained to me. I've suggested that Student A just talks to Student B and tell them that they want to be friends, but if that does not happen, or if it goes over negatively, I'm concerned about putting them on the same team. I think they would make a great team though."
"You can't exactly do so while they're in a negative state," Hanneman noted.
"Do the teams by drawing straws or something, but rig it so that it seems like it was a coincidence," Manuela suggested.
"That is actually a good idea. They can't complain if it is by coincidence, and if it is a really large issue after they try it, then just move one of them," Hanneman agreed.
Seteth had to agree that it was a good idea but…
"No. I will not lie to the students."
He was relieved at her answer, happy that she had such values. After he just imagined if Flayn was student B. He would be furious if such a thing were to be done to her. "How about pulling Student B aside before you announce the teams. Ask them how they feel about it, and if they would be okay with trying it out. If they're not, then just have a backup of plan."
"So just explain myself? And ask them to cooperate?"
"Exactly. And if Student B is willing to give it a chance, then maybe their relationship will improve."
"I hope so. I'll do that before the class then. Thank you."
"Happy to help." She sounded happy. Her face didn't show anything despite what he believed, so maybe he was projecting what he thought she was feeling. He decided not to dwell on it, after all trying to solve the mystery of Professor Byleth was probably nothing more than a waste of time.
"Did you see the looks on the faces of everyone coming out of Shadow Dragon?" Edelgard asked excitedly.
"It was probably super cheesy and unoriginal," Felix commented.
"They used the simple settings really well, and the cast all did amazing jobs. Especially the actors playing the main characters," Lysithea said.
"They are quite the talented children. I don't believe I could have ever acted so well as a child. Especially at that age," was Flayn's comment.
"I can't wait for the sequel. Assuming they do one. It doesn't seem to be popular currently," Edelgard said.
"We can just suggest it to others, and I'm sure those who also saw it will do the same. Then everyone will want to see it." Granted Flayn's personal connection pool was Rhea and her father. But hey, Rhea was the archbishop…could the archbishop see movies though?
"Hey you kids! You from Garreg Mach?" They looked over at a store they were passing by, tables outside making it clear that it was some kind of eatery. "Want some ice cream?"
They just stared at him.
"What?"
"My parents say not to talk to strangers. We should go," Lysithea told them.
"Wait wait. I'm not a stranger danger."
They gave him doubtful looks.
"I started a new special. If two people can eat a large bowl of ice cream, they get it for free. If they can't, they have to pay. Want to try?"
"No-"
"It'll be free. I need some kids to test the amount, and give feedback. And spread the word afterwards."
"So, for the price of giving feedback we get free ice cream?" Edelgard clarified.
"Exactly."
"We should do it. We don't need to be back yet, so we have some time. Lys I think you and I can finish a bowl."
"Absolutely!" the sweet lover was basically drooling.
"I don't like sweets," Felix reminded them.
And of course, ice cream was a sweet. No doubt the man would be making it even sweeter with toppings. The girls' faces fell, and so did the man's. One pair could do it, but that would be unfair to the third girl. And all three girls really really really wanted to try it.
Unfortunately for them all, their sense of fairness was stronger. "Sorry," they apologized, turning to leave.
"I really wanted that free ice cream," Lysithea sighed.
"Free ice cream? Where?" the voice from behind them made all of them, including Felix jump.
Turning around, they found Jeritza looking as though he was hunting for prey.
"Emile what are you doing?" Mercedes walked up to them, Anette by her side. The two girls had become fast friends in their class, and since Jeritza was Mercedes brother, it wasn't strange to see the three together. They must have gone out tonight too, probably to celebrate Annette's birthday or just to see a movie too.
"You like ice cream boy?" the vendor asked laughing, oblivious to the awkward atmosphere of them. Lysithea and Flayn could guess that for once it was coincidence that Jeritza was by them, but it still felt awkward. After all, they kept reporting him to Professor Byleth.
Jeritza didn't seem to care regardless, nodding his head enthusiastically at the man.
"Emile didn't you eat enough at the movie?"
"No."
…..
"I'm curious who could eat more now. Lysithea or Jeritza," Edelgard said to Flayn and Felix.
"From the sound of it, Jeritza," Felix responded.
This of course meant one of them would need to share a bowl with Jeritza.
"Though admittedly I'm not comfortable sharing a bowl with him." Edelgard wasn't comfortable. What about Flayn? Lysithea probably wouldn't either. Felix perked his brow at Edelgard. "I just like to know the person decently if I'm sharing a plate or bowl with them," he face turned slightly red in embarrassment.
Flayn having grown up in Nabatea, actually had no qualms about sharing unless the other person was sick, or a stalker. Maybe…if Mercedes was around to control her brother…
It would mean free ice cream. Free delicious ice cream, hopefully with gummy fishes on top…
"Jeritza let's eat ice cream together!" she told him excitedly, much to his and Lysithea's shock.
"Uh Flayn…" Lysithea reached for her tentatively.
"It'll be okay. Mercedes is here. And if anything goes wrong we'll tell the Professor."
"What would any of this have to do with the professor?" Annette asked confused.
"I'm not going to do anything," Jeritza said.
"Emile did you do something to Flayn and Lysithea? Is that why the Professor lectured you."
"We should go inside…"
"Emile. Emile!"
Flayn looked at the bowl with anticipation. The large banana split bowl of ice cream and toppings was filled past the brim. Definitely too much for one person, but for two, maybe it could be devoured. Jeritza had skillfully dodged his sister's questions, and they had explained to the passing by trio about what was going on. Needless to say, Felix was the only one uninterested in everything. The only reason he was sticking around was because her father had apparently threatened him. Something she would have a discussion with him about later. The ice cream man was nice though, making Felix some nice sweet snacks since everyone else was about to have sugar overload.
With spoons set down in front of them, they dug in. She almost choked on the ice cream while containing a giggle at Jeritza. As he ate into the mound, she could not deny that he looked adorable. The look of pure joy on his face made him look as though he was a child enjoying the simple things in life.
"You seem to really like sweets," she said to him, making sure to grab a good spoonful of gummy fishes.
"My favorites are the ones my mother and sister make."
"Stuff from family is the best." It made her crave the fish her mother used to cook. Her father wasn't a bad cook, but he just couldn't compare to her mother. It was also a matter of the process and the time spent together. It was time she would never get back. "Do you eat them often?"
"Mercedes has been making them for me since we've reunited at Garreg Mach, but I have not seen my mother in years."
"Not seen? So she's alive."
"Yes."
"How come you have not seen her?"
"It is…complicated."
She didn't push further, feeling that he did not feel comfortable talking further on the topic. Which was fine. She didn't want to discuss a topic about parents and accidentally slip up. They ate in blissful quiet for a few minutes before she decided to ask something else. "Earlier during lunch. You looked as though you had something to say. What was it?"
He poked at the ice cream, moving the spoon around and mixing in the toppings, forcing them more towards the inner center of the mound. "I…" he stopped moving his spoon. "I wanted to apologize for frightening you. I find it difficult to interact with others…but I wanted to interact with you." He took his eyes off of their ice cream, locking them onto hers.
She refused to let herself look away, choosing to study the honest look in his eyes, and take the time to actually understand his feelings. "I would like to be friends as well. Just please don't stare at me the way you were. It was quite uncomfortable."
"I am sorry. That was never my intention."
"I understand that now. More importantly however, let us finish this ice cream. I believe between the two of us we can!"
For the first time he smiled (well outside of him enjoying sweets) as they dug in with increased vigor. They would probably regret it later.
Being dragged out drinking wasn't too bad with the Professor around. Manuela was distracted, courtesy of her presence, which meant Seteth and Hanneman could have a real conversation. To add on, Hanneman was thankfully looking at him like a real person for now. He would just have to watch for the typical stream of questions that came along when Hanneman looked at him like a science experiment.
"What is it?" he looked over at the Professor, feeling her tug on his sleeve.
"Where is the bathroom?"
Why was she asking him? "Back there," he nodded his head in the direction.
"Can you show me?" For someone that hated being treated like a child, she sure was acting like one. "Ask Manuela. She is the one that's the same gender as you." He made a point of yanking his sleeve from her hand, and turning his head away. He saw her get up out of the corner of his eye. Manuela seeing her get up, followed. He just ignored them, launching back into his conversation with Hanneman, who did not bother questioning them either.
A short bit later when they returned to the table, a man walked up to them. "Hey missy. Aren't you a little young to be drinking with these guys?" Seteth and Manuela were not that old. The man was maybe ten years younger than them, but Seteth personally thought that he and Manuela looked young for their age.
"I'm fine. I'm not too young."
"And how old are you?"
"Don't you know not to ask a woman's age!?" Manuela snapped. Probably had more to do with the fact that the man was treating them as ancient, which he knew Manuela hated.
"Chill lady."
"I believe the ladies have made their feelings clear," Hanneman told him.
"You should go easy on the alcohol old man. Don't want you to keel over."
Seteth currently stood corrected. Drinking with Professor Byleth was annoying. She was beautiful and young, which meant she was a lure for others to hit on. Granted some needed to know how to take a hint.
"Come hang with me and my friends. We actually have stamina." Seteth was out of his chair before the male started leaning towards the Professor, so the moment he was leaning close, she didn't have to back away from his alcohol breath as Seteth was yanking him by the collar already.
"Stay away from her," he warned him.
The man slapped his hand away, attempting to get in Seteth's face, only to trip over Professor Byleth's leg, landing roughly on the floor.
"I did warn you," Seteth told him.
Byleth waited until the man looked up at her to turn away from him, and calmly sip her drink, initiating conversation with Hanneman. Seteth had to admire her audaciousness, and was glad he was not the one receiving it.
Stepping over the male, he returned to his seat, the man deciding they were worth too much trouble, stumbling away.
"Is it bad to ask a woman's age?" Professor Byleth asked them. Something about the question irked him, but he could not place why.
"Of course it is," Manuela huffed.
"No respectable man would ever ask a woman that."
"So Seteth isn't a respectable man." Oh please no.
"What do you mean my dear?"
"He asked me my age when we met."
"Now I'm sure Seteth knows better," Hanneman said.
"I would assume so as well. Knowing him he probably paired it with something like 'You don't know that movie! How old are you?' And didn't mean it seriously."
He wanted to defend himself, but he couldn't, but maybe she wouldn't clarify.
"No. It was stated alone. After that he commented on my clothing."
"Commented how?"
"That it was inappropriate for me to wear."
Both of their coworkers looked over at him in absolute disbelief.
"He did apologize for the clothing part the next time we talked. And then expressed…concern over me being Flayn's advisory professor."
"It sounds like you are being too nice to him." Hanneman glared at Seteth.
"Next thing you know he'll be asking about your dating history," Manuela scowled at him.
He really hoped-
"Oh he did that earlier when we were getting drinks."
Never mind. He was dead.
With furious looks on their faces, Hanneman and Manuela launched into a lecture on etiquette and talking to women. A glance at the Professor just watching showed him that this was revenge for the bathroom incident. Lesson well learned.
Byleth was elated. The looks of contempt that Seteth gave her were hilarious, and she was proud that she outdrank the heaviest drinker. She was so happy in fact that despite not showing her emotions on her face, she decided to walk on the low edge of a planter wall. Why? Because it seemed fun. It was fun.
"What are you doing?" Seteth moved quickly, ready to catch her. It was admirable that despite being upset with her for her trick on him, he still would not allow her to be harmed.
"I'm fine."
"You drank as much as Manuela."
"None of it was that heavy."
"How is a fortress knight mix not heavy?"
She shrugged. "I've had heavier."
The three stopped suddenly, well Hanneman and Seteth did. Manuela was so drunk she was using Hanneman as a crutch, so when he stopped short, she nearly fell. Hanneman may look old, but he showed that he was quite capable.
"What?"
"How can you have such a tolerance at your age?" Seteth was unsurprisingly blunt. Hanneman didn't bother to rebuke him since he too was curious, and Manuela was too drunk.
She began walking again, jumping off the wall with a smooth landing as it ended. "My father enjoyed drinking with his friends. Sometimes he stayed out too late, and I would go fetch him. Where I grew up there wasn't really a drinking age. So after several failed attempts, I challenged him. If I could drink a drink faster than him, he would have to come home. His choice on the drink. Of course being young and having never tasted alcohol, I barely got any down before gagging and throwing up."
"I can't believe your father even allowed that," Hanneman gaped.
"I suppose you lost that bet. No doubt your father expected the result."
She nodded. "He told me better luck next time."
"You challenged him again didn't you."
"Yup. I failed several times until one day I managed to beat him, and never lost again after that. I had figured out how to drink what he chose, and he always chose heavy drinks."
"How did he react when you managed to beat him?"
"He lifted me up on his shoulders and yelled to everyone there 'This is my daughter!'" It was one of her favorite memories. He had been so proud, and was proud every time after.
"That sounds wonderful," Seteth told her softly, his smile a perfect match for his voice. Something about it made her feel tingly. Uncomfortable under his gaze she turned her own gaze elsewhere.
"So sweet. Little Byleth outdrinking her father," Manuel purposely fell onto her. The woman was heavier, so she was forced to catch herself and her. "What's this around your neck." She did not like Manuela hanging on her. She also didn't like her tugging at the chain around her neck. It wasn't overly thin, but enough a tug would-
PLOP!
"Manuela what did you just do?" Hanneman.
"My keys…"
"That made a nice sound." Manuela.
PLOP!
"Manuela please tell me you did not just drop your keys too." Seteth.
"My keys…"
"There is no getting them back from there. She dropped them right in the sewer. Here Seteth, hold this. I do not wish for her to dump anyone else's." Hanneman.
"My keys…"
"Hanneman put me down!" Manuela.
"My keys…"
"Absolutely not. You have caused enough trouble for one night." Hanneman.
"My keys…"
"Professor." Seteth. "What keys did you have on your chain?"
"Um…apartment and office…"
"Just those." She nodded numbly. "Good. We can just get new ones from Rhea tomorrow. She keeps copies for this reason." But where would she sleep? She could pick the lock on her apartment, but that would make her look suspicious. "Come," he gently took her arm to lead her from sewer drain. "You can stay at my place tonight." Right that worked, she numbly nodded, following him.
"Wait what?"
"I did not say anything."
She looked around, realizing that they were at the Monastery. She was so spaced out that it took her a while to even process what he said. "I…I will stay at a hotel."
"That's nonsense."
"Where is Manuela and Hanneman?" she didn't see them around.
"Hanneman went on ahead so as to get her away from everyone. He'll take care of her. It's not the first time he's had to."
"Ok…I'm off to a hotel now, good night."
"Do you think I'm foolish enough to fall for that? You don't need to worry, I have every intention of letting you have my room, which can only locked or unlocked from the inside."
Her eyes widened at his word, immediately feeling guilty for causing him to believe such an atrocious thing. "That's not it at all. I trust you. I know you would never do such a thing."
"Then what is the problem?"
That was something she could not explain, not without upsetting him.
He sighed. "Fine. I'll take you to Rhea. She'll agree that spending a night at a hotel is ridiculous."
"No!"
He merely perked his brow at her.
"I do not want to bother her."
"Then my place it is."
"Won't rumors possibly form?"
"I have Flayn. I doubt such rumors would form when you are my sister's professor."
"Where would you sleep?"
"I have a piece of furniture known as a couch. I have slept on much less comfortable things, so do not fret over my comfort. Anymore excuses?"
"Yes. Just give me a minute to think of one."
Seteth laughed. Really laughed. She had heard his chuckles and seen the occasional smile, but it was the first time she was hearing a truly joyous sound from him. She liked the sound; it was nice to listen to.
"People are sleeping Seteth."
"Oh? And whose fault is it for making jokes?"
"Pixies?"
"You," he lightly flicked her forehead, a bright smile on his face. "Let's go."
Finally she relented, following him to the apartment he shared with Flayn. The rest of the walk was quiet, but not in the least bit awkward, in fact it was peaceful, comforting. She watched him take out his keys unlocking the door, and holding it open for her. Always a gentleman. Thanking him, she stepped through, carefully as the house was dark.
"She's asleep," he said voice low so as to not wake Flayn who was probably asleep.
"Flayn?" she kept her voice low as well.
"Yes."
"It's late, why wouldn't she be asleep?"
"She doesn't sleep very well usually."
"I see…" Thank goodness she was asleep this time.
He flicked on the lights, blinding her momentarily.
"Sorry," he apologized, as she blinked to get the spots out of her eyes. She had noticed she stepped on something soft upon entering, turned out it was a rug, and the apartment was wood or laminate for the floors. He walked without worry about sound, she on the other hand did worry about it, she had on heels after all. She made a point of slipping off her shoes, leaving them by the door. "Are you hungry at all?"
"No. I ate enough at the pub."
"Okay," he handed her a bottle of water. "You should have some to drink. You may not feel inebriated, but it doesn't always mean you're not."
"Thank you," she took it.
"This way. The bathroom is right here," he pointed to it as they passed by. "And here is my room." He held the door open, turning on the light for her.
"Do-"
"I have extra linens in the linen closet. And in a twist of irony I just changed my sheets."
"I've slept on worse anyways."
He perked his brow questioningly, but did not ask her further. "Good night Professor Byleth."
"Good night Seteth."
He closed the door behind him, and she noticed that he had locked it. She let it be only because she worried about Flayn opening it and freaking out. She wasn't fond of sleeping in the dark, but she also had no desire to expend his electricity. They still paid for their utilities after all.
Taking a deep breath she turned off the light, expecting to find herself in complete darkness. Instead she found that there was just enough light from a small nightlight plugged into the wall. Relieved not to be in total darkness, she gratefully crawled into the bed. Shortly after she was under the covers, she fell into a peaceful slumber, the first in a long time.