Little note here since we have too many chapters already; yes hello I am back! I have big time depression and will try to write and update at least once a week. I'm going to be working on a Gloria x Bede fluff comp, please feel free to hit me up with ideas, requests, inspiration, it's all good. Hope you guys are well in these turbulent times, I know I personally have been going off the deep end. I'll also be working on site next week so my uploads might be sporadic. We have Jeritza coming up once I have time, I love that brooding boy and it's nice to see so many of you do too

Bathus stood there in the middle of the hallway, using his hand as a visor and surveying his surroundings for evidence of his prey, while totally oblivious to the glares of those pressing by him. He spied a head of messy green hair pass down a conjoined corridor and he was off, running through the crowd in an effort to catch her. He rounded a corner in time to see her pass into the goddess tower

"Hey you! I need to talk to you!" His voice thundered through the domed ceiling and caused her to jump in surprise before his arm moved to trap her against the ancient wall

"It was you, wasn't it? You…" his voice trailed off in annoyance as she refused to meet his gaze, the hands that had risen in surprise we're now planted firmly over her cheeks.

"Hey, I'm talking to you." He groaned, poking the hand covering her cheek with his free hand.

"Come on, look at me, it's really important-!" His teeth bit involuntarily down on his tongue as Byleth's bashful eyes met his, her hands moving from her cheeks to hide her gaze as he stood there dumbfounded. Slowly realization of their position sank in and he felt giddy joy bubbling to the surface.

"Byleth…" he called her name softly, witnessing the goosebumps his breath left in their wake, her chest heaved with shaky breaths. "You're so cute Byleth." He closed the distance, prying her hand gently from her face before pressing his lips to hers. She was rigged beneath his touch and he couldn't help but chuckle.

"All this over a little kiss? How're you gonna take the big news then I wonder?" She glanced up at him shyly sending shots through his heart. "Ouch, you really are too cute… my love."

He was grinning like an idiot now, he could feel it but he couldn't help himself as a deep red stained her cheeks

"Balthus I don't understand…" He kissed her again, sliding his knee forward between hers. A small moan escaped her lips as she leaned into him, her fingers working through the fur of his armor. His head was cloudy with the glee welling up within him, his excitement trembling forth through his fingers but he willed them to her sides and pulled her closer

"Balthus…" She gasped his name so softly he almost didn't hear it. But he did hear it. Color bloomed through his face as he descended to kiss her again, his tongue begging shamelessly for entrance. But instead Byleth caught his lip between her teeth, he was powerless to his emotions as he saw the playful minx behind her eyes. Slowly she released him and slumped herself back against the stone

"You wanted to tell me something, didn't you?" She twirled a section of hair around her finger, biting her lip as she awaited his answer. They were pretty lips, he'd always thought, pink like little flowers and looked so soft. He had been so naive then, a schoolboy's ideal but she wasn't one to be outdone.

"We're getting married." He barked, his heart had blurted the words before his brain caught up but the look on her face…

"Th-that's usually something you ask!" Her bashful expression was back in full swing, he smirked, he was finally winning

"Are you kidding? After all that? I can't let you go…" He stared down at her, her trembling lips, pink cheeks and heaving chest. "I love you."

She tugged hard at his armor, pulling him down to her lips and kissing him with the same burning desire

"I thought you'd never say it…" Her voice was light but dripping in a playful honey. He never stood a chance. He sighed, wrapping an arm around her waist and lifting her onto his shoulder

"Which way's the bedroom?"