A Seasoned Match

"You did well today, Flayn. It is not quite perfect, but you have come a long way since we started."

Flayn giggled before spooning the last bit of her soup into her mouth. "Thank you, Chef Dedue! Coming from you, that is ever so high praise!"

The two of them were eating in the dining hall, slightly before most people came in for dinner. Flayn had wanted to try cooking some onion gratin soup, and she'd made just enough for the two of them. She'd added a little too much salt, and her onions were a little unevenly cut, but other than that, she was quite proud of how it had turned out.

"It is just the truth." Dedue paused to finish his own soup. "Shall we clean up, then?"

Flayn nodded, carrying her bowl and spoon over to the kitchen staff. They took both her and Dedue's utensils, and then the two of them turned to leave the dining hall. Flayn had, almost automatically, went the way leading out to the fishing pond. Even on days when she didn't go fishing herself, she still liked to pass by and look out over the water before heading off to do something else, and the day was no exception.

"You know, Chef Dedue, it is all thanks to you that my cooking skills have improved," she commented as they walked.

"But you are also quite willing to learn," Dedue replied. "My advice would not have meant much if you did not keep trying. Soon, I may not even need to help you at all."

Flayn gasped and covered her mouth. "Why, that would be terrible! I do so enjoy our cooking time together."

Maybe it was a little dramatic, but she did mean it. Flayn had really come to enjoy spending so much time with Dedue... In spite of all his critiques at first, she did like being around him. Did this mean they would spend less time together?

Dedue smiled lightly and shook his head. He had a very nice smile, Flayn thought. It was a rare sight, and maybe that made it all the better.

"I did not mean to say we could never do it again. Just that you need less advice than you used to. I do enjoy the time as well."

Flayn nodded and smiled as well. "That is ever so lovely! To be honest, it would sadden me to spend less time with you."

He blinked, then let his gaze fall on a few students heading to the dining hall for their own dinners. Maybe he was just using the pause to think, but Flayn was curious as to what he could be thinking. Then, Dedue glanced down at her again and gave her another tentative smile.

"As I said, I enjoy being with you as well. Though perhaps you could suggest more for us to do sometimes as well?"

Flayn nodded eagerly. "Oh, yes, that is fair! Let me see... Oh, fishing, perhaps? Or reading together! My brother always used to read to me when I was small, so I have such fond memories of the books he shared with me. Oh, not that I mean for you to read to me, I just-"

"Flayn." Dedue shook his head again. "You need not rush into things that much."

"Oh. Right." Flayn covered her mouth as she giggled. "I was just so excited to be thinking of new ideas!"

They had started absently walking towards the dorms as they talked, and now they were getting closer to Dedue's room. Flayn was oddly sad about parting ways, even if she now had more ideas for them to do later. Dedue paused shortly before reaching his door, as if he were thinking about saying something. Fortunately, he spoke his mind soon enough.

"And they were good ideas," he agreed. "So perhaps we may use one of them the next time we see each other."

"Yes, that would be marvelous! Although..." Flayn's cheeks dusted with pink. "Do you think we could soon? I was going to pick up some bait at the market tomorrow, so fishing would be an excellent way to spend the afternoon!"

Dedue nodded. "I agree. So I will see you tomorrow, then?"

"Yes! Er..." Flayn fidgeted. "Actually, if you don't mind..." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "May I... hold your hand before we say goodbye?"

"Hold my hand," Dedue repeated curiously. "I suppose we could."

He extended his hand, and Flayn stared at it for a few seconds before accepting it. Despite being her idea, her face reddened further as she took Dedue's hand in her own. Well, with how much bigger his was than hers, it felt strange to phrase it that way. Dedue's hand was very large and warm, though a little bit calloused and rough. Still, it was very comfortable, and her hand felt very delicate next to his.

"...Flayn?"

"I, um..." Flayn giggled again. "I do like this, too, you know. It is ever so rare that I get the chance to hold someone's hand without my brother looming over me. That is to say, er... I would... like to do this more often? If you would like to as well?"

She really did find his presence comforting, in a way. And standing there with their hands laced together made Flayn not want to let go, to spend more than just casual time together. Now that she had been brave enough to suggest it, her heart fluttered at the possibility, and she hoped she hadn't just made things awkward.

However, Dedue's hand tightened slightly around hers, and he shifted his fingers so they were laced together. Flayn's eyes widened as he smiled at her again.

"I would," he replied gently. "Perhaps we will be able to get closer the more time we spend together. I would like to learn what you enjoy doing when we are not correcting your over-seasoning issues, as much as I enjoy helping you."

Was that his attempt at teasing her? Flayn laughed again. She leaned up on her tiptoes, still feeling very far away from Dedue's face as she answered him.

"Indeed! That would be wonderful. May I, um..."

She shyly gestured at his cheek, and Dedue obligingly leaned down slightly. Flayn quickly leaned up, pressed the briefest of kisses to his cheek, and somehow managed to turn even redder when she pulled back.

"I have... rarely ever gotten to do that, either! Ah... that is... G-good evening, Dedue!"

"Flayn. Wait a moment, please."

She had let go of his hand, but Flayn paused, looking up at Dedue bashfully. Upon glancing around to make sure they were alone, Dedue leaned down, took her hand, and pressed a quick kiss to her knuckles.

"Good evening, Flayn," he replied gently. "Again, I very much look forward to tomorrow."

"I-I do as well!" she replied breathlessly. "Um, good night, then!"

With that, Flayn turned around and nearly skipped away, her heart light in her throat. She could scarcely believe her good luck, and she could only hope things continued like this from now on.