This was originally just going to be a one shot but I just love this pairing and think it's super underrated, so I think I'm going to write about them meeting in the goddess tower for this story. Enjoy.

OoOoOoOoO

"One…two…three…spin."

This was a nightmare

"One…two…three…spin."

I can barely feel my legs.

"One…two…three…spin."

All the guys in Garreg Mach Monastery, why'd I fall for a perfectionist?

"One…two…three…spin."

If I had known he was gonna work me this hard I would've changed into my sportswear.

"Now left…right…left…right."

Yesterday was the first day of Hilda's dance practice and to her, it went absolutely perfect. For starters, she and Byleth spent a good time just chatting away about things unrelated to the dance routine. She remembered how she couldn't stop the stupid smile from spreading across her face as she eased back into her old routine with her professor before Dorothy showed up.

After catching up they officially started practice. Which was absolutely a walk in the park. First, they were just talking about what moves she should perform and how best to implement them to wow the judges.

Then she did a walkthrough of the routine while Byleth looked on, and while the professor's expression may have still been the same old blank look he's always had, the fact that his eyes were on her and her alone caused a tint of blush to color her cheeks and her heart to flutter at a rapid pace.

And finally, the highlight of yesterday was her having to dance out the steps to the best of her abilities. While she could easily have done it, a brilliant thought entered her mind. Why do it herself when she could have a hunk like the professor help guide her hips? So feigning forgetfulness as well as stiffening her movements, Hilda beckoned her professor to help guide her motions.

For a while, he just stood there but eventually, Byleth began moving until he was right behind her and after another short pause she felt his touch, Byleth's hands were on her body sure her skirt was in the way so it wasn't skin on skin but the effect was still the same, an electric jolt of joy ran through her body as goosebumps raced across her skin. His breathing only added to her giddiness as it tickled her neck.

Then slowly but surely they started to dance the approved maneuvers. Fully content Hilda closed her eyes as she savored the close proximity to her crush.

But that was then and this is now. And now he was making her repeat the steps over and over again!

"One…two…three…spin."

I can barely feel my legs

"One…two…three…spin."

Goddess how long has he had me practicing for?

"One…two…three…spin."

The professor sure is lucky he's such a cutie.

"One…two…three…spin."

I-I can't take this! I need rest!

"Now left…right…left…rig-."

"Professor!"

Byleth stops his conducting. "Yes Hilda, is something wrong?"

Haggard with sweat flowing down her face the pink-haired girl voices her concerns. "I'm tired, can't we take a break, we've been practicing for hours."

Byleth tilts his head at her words, confusion dancing in his eyes. "But Hilda, it's only been forty-five minutes."

Forty-five minutes!

Collapsing to the ground Hilda begins gasping for air.

As Byleth, unamused looks on. "...Hilda, don't you think you're over exaggerating."

Sitting up she looks up at her crush. "But professor, remember what I said the other day, I'm a delicate flower!"

Pinching the bridge of his nose Byleth lets out a sigh. "I remember but Hilda you also agreed that you'd give your all in this practice."

Remembering that she did agree to that, the lazy girl turns her head away from her teacher, puffing up her cheeks in a pout. "I know but…"

Watching her pout, Byleth's mind wanders to yesterday and how his interactions with the pink-haired girl had caused him to really look within himself and figure out what was going on with him.

Can what sothis say actually be true?

Yesterday was a breath of fresh air as Byleth got to finally spend some time with Hilda. And doing so had reminded him how greatly missed her company was.

It wasn't like he was trying to avoid her, it was just when Dorthea joined he realized that she greatly needed help, no fault on her part. She was a quick study and she also possessed great natural talent. It was well he'd hate to talk bad about others but on the account of them being so similar perhaps Manuela may have not been the best choice for Dorothea.

Thoughts going back to yesterday, after their conversation they began creating the routine for Hilda's dance but when it was time to actually practice the steps that's when things began taking a strange turn for the professor.

Hilda had made some mistakes and had asked him to help take a more physical approach in guiding her it had taken him a second to understand what exactly she meant. Slowly he made his way behind her placing his hands on her hips it was then he realized something was strange, he had done this before, his first-week teaching, Hilda really had no clue on how to properly swing an axe so he guided her through the steps but this…this for whatever reason felt different.

As they danced through the motions the scent of her perfume wafted into his nose and combined with their close proximity Byleth's mind went into a dizzy and his stomach felt somewhat uneasy.

Then a conversation played within his mind, one that would replay in his head for the rest of that day and even today

Am I getting sick… I must be. What else could it be? Maybe it-

Oh for crying out loud you're in love you dolt!

Huh, Sothis?

Byleth may not have been able to see her but he had a distinct feeling his companion was rolling her eyes at him.

Who else would it be?!

Fair point. Now, me? Love? What?

It's obvious you've fallen for her

Who, Hilda?

Yes!

I'm in love with Hilda? Wait, how do you know what love is?

I-I just know alright!

Okay then, well what do I do?

That my dear boy is something you will have to figure out on your own.

"Professor!"

Snapping from his musings from yesterday he found Hilda sitting in the grass staring at him. "Huh, What?"

"Is everything okay professor?" Detecting a bit of worry in her voice, Byleth does his best to ease them.

"Yes, I'm just thinking about tomorrow's classes."

Did he love Hilda?

"Oh okay. Soooo can I take a break?"

A much more important thought crossed his mind. Does Hilda love me?

Byleth just couldn't wrap his mind around it, not only did he have to figure out his feelings but now he needed to find out if Hilda felt the same way. This was all starting to get too confusing for the poor professor.

Why couldn't love be as easy as killing a bandit? Sighing he looks down at the lazy girl. "You know what, sure Hilda let's take a break." Seems both of us will benefit from it.

"Yes! Thanks, professor."

Showing such great enthusiasm at receiving a rest. Byleth can't help the small smile that graces his face. Maybe sothis is right…maybe I am in love.

On the flip side, Hilda couldn't stop the blush that spread across her face. Quickly she covers her face with her hands. Goddess what's happening to me!? Just a little smile from him sends me into a dizzy!? Maybe I should just finally confess.

The Garreg Mach Establishment Day ball is just around the corner, if I could get him alone in the goddess tower it would be the perfect opportunity to tell him how I feel.

But before Hilda could get too far into her planning, a third party made themselves known. One that instantly soured her mood.

"Yoo hoo Professor!"

Both student and teacher turn to see their newest golden deer Dorothea Arnault walking toward them.

What is she doing here?

While Hilda's reaction was more negative, Byleth's reaction was more pleasant.

With a nod, he happily greets his student. "Hello Dorothy, is there something I could help you with."

With a small giggle, Dorothy makes a beeline toward the man. "Oh no professor just wanted to see how everything was going." placing a hand on his shoulder she begins slowly rubbing up and down his arm. Turning she looks at the pink-haired girl on the floor. "Hildy."

Hilda responds with a bit of venom laced in her voice. "Dorothy."

Whether or not the songstress picked up on Hilda's attitude was not known as she comments on the lazy girl's current state. "You know Hildy the ground is no place for a lady don't you think?"

Hilda was only partly Listening as she eyed Dorothy's hand slowly going up and down the professor's arm. Professor! Why aren't you stopping that harlot from touching you?!

She thinks just because her hands all over him that it means anything, maybe Dorothy needs a little reminder on who exactly has his time.

"Well I was just taking a small break from all the practice I was doing… you know, for the dance contest."

Her words hit Dorothy immediately as her smile drops and her hand leaves the professor's arm.

Yeah, that's right get your hand off my man!

But just as fast as her smile left it appeared once more as Dorothy clasped her hands together in excitement. "Oh, now I remember Professor!" The diva leans into his personal space.

"If you want I'll gladly help you guys perfect your dance routine."

Paling Hilda's mind goes into a frenzy. No, she's not really planning on trying to bud in on my time with him, is she?

Crossing his arms, Byleth gives it some thought. "Hmmm… that does sound nice."

Noooooo!

…But no, I think we've got everything covered. We spent a good amount of time yesterday hashing out the choreography.

Yes!

A look of disappointment crosses Dorothy's face. "Oh…ar-are you sure? It really is no trouble professor."

Clueless of the tension between the two girls, Byleth looks toward the pink head. "Hmm, Hilda, what do you think?"

Quickly getting up from the ground Hilda wraps her arm over Byleth's. "Nope! But thanks for the offer anyway Dorothea." Looking up at the professor she smiles. "In fact, I think it's time we start practicing again, don't you professor?"

A look of surprise graces Byleth's face. "Really, are you sure? Your break just started."

Absolutely! You could say I've gotten a burst of energy." Turning towards Dorothea she winks. "Oh but you're more than welcome to watch Dorothea."

Taking a few steps back Dorothea's eyes dart between the two as these arms are still interlocked. "No…no it's fine…I think I'll go. …Bye Professor. Hilda."

Watching the songstress leave in defeat Hilda can't help but childishly stick out her tongue in victory. "Sucker."

"What was that Hilda?"

"Oh, uh… I said, let's get working!"

Byleth stares into Hilda's pink eyes and then at Dorothea's retreating form. Did I miss something just now?

Removing himself from her grasp he looks at the lazy girl. "Hilda, are you serious about this, or are you going to be asking for another break in a few minutes?

Feigning hurt she lets out a gasp. "Of course I am professor but you can't blame me if I get a little tired." Looking to the side she puts her arms behind her. "Actually Professor, maybe if I had an incentive to keep on going… that would help me stay focused.

Raising a brow, Byleth crosses his arms. "Oh, and what did you have in mind?" It couldn't hurt to hear what she had in mind.

"Professor…" a blush covers her cheeks as she stands a bit straighter. "If I win the contest will you be my date to The Garreg Mach Establishment Day ball?"

Byleth's whole world slowed down as her request finally made everything click. The way she would always want to sit by him. How she'd latch on to him as they walked the grounds of

Garreg Mach. Caching her smile at him from time to time with a dreamy look.

Hilda Valentine Goneril loved him.