HEY GUYS!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

GUESS WHO'S BACK FROM THE DEAD ?

SORRY FOR THE UNANNOUNCED HIATUS.

LIFE...HAS NOT BEEN VERY KIND TO ME LATELY. I LOST A LOT...

MY FIANCEE, MY JOB ETC.

IF ANY OF YOU ARE RELIGIOUS. PRAY FOR ME.

ANYWAYS. THIS ONE SHOT IS JUST TO TRY TO GET ME BACK IN THE WRITING GROOVE.

I WILL ALSO LIMIT MY FOCUS TO POCKET CHANGE...AND MAYBE DISHONORABLE FOR NOW...IF YOU ARE A FAN OF MY OTHER FICS.

ANYWAYS READ AND ENJOY!


Caspar groaned audibly as he relaxed into his chair. The youngest son of Count Bergliez wasted no time in voicing his frustration to the familiar faces seated around the large oak table.

"This is just another reason I don't like meetings! I could be doing some training with my squadron right now!"

Dorothea sighed but a small playful smile still graced her lips.

"Those poor soldiers deserve a break every now and then Caspar. You've earned yourself a reputation for being the army's most demanding Captain."

The young man smirked.

"Keeps them strong. Keeps them prepared. Keeps them alive. We can't slack off because we're no longer at war. The Professor always used to warn us about complacency back in the day."

Linhardt decided to add his own two cents before Dorothea could object further.

"He has a point.There are still reports that the Church of Serios has supporters hiding in the shadows. We never know when we'll be called back into action."

The opera singer shrugged.

"I can admit that there is indeed benefit to Caspar's...dedication. I just wonder if he realizes that not everyone is as addicted to training and fighting as he is. No wonder he hasn't found a wife yet. All work and no play..."

Caspar snorted, everyone present knew that it was just friendly banter.

Ferdinand spoke up next.

"No need for us to get restless, Caspar. Her Majesty and the Imperial Commander are only about twenty minutes late. I agree that it is a rather rare occurence for them but there are many important things happening in the capital right now. They're probably stuck in another meeting."

Dorothea perched an eyebrow as she gestured to a tall dark haired man seated closer to the head of the table.

"A meeting without Hubie? Her Majesty brings him to every single gathering and war council. He is her right hand man. He probably even knows where they are right now."

Hubert's eyes remained glued to the documents in front of him despite the weight of everyone's gazes resting on him.

He was quite aware that The Emperor and her fiancée had excused themselves to their bedchambers for a...private chat but he was sure Edelgard would have him executed for treason if he released such vital information.

"Um...?"

Thankfully Petra's voice broke the group's train of thought. Everyone turned their attention to the Brigid native.

"Why does Her Majesty need help with her right hand? Was it hurt in battle?"

Bernedetta offered her friend a small smile.

"It's a figure of speech Petra."

Linhardt offered a comforting hand on his wife's back.

"I promise to explain later tonight, dear."

CLICK!

A guard promptly opened the door that served as the room's main entrance and exit.

The Emperor and the Commander of the Adrestian Army had finally arrived.

Each occupant stood in respect as the pair joined them at the table. Edelgard was quick to dismiss the formal gesture.

"Thank you for patience, everyone. Please be seated. We're here as friends and comrades."

Byleth offered a small smile and a nod that further relaxed his former students.

With each of them now seated and comfortable, Edelgard decided to continue.

"Right. Let's get right down to business. We have received a letter from our vassals in Faerghus concerning-"

"Professor? What is that on your neck?"

The interruption came from Dorothea. Her eyes widened in disbelief.

Edelgard froze.

Byleth frantically tried to readjust his formal attire so that his neck could be fully covered but the damage had already been done.

They had all seen it.

Not one.

But two very dark red patches of skin decorated the mighty warrior's neck.

Caspar shared his own opinion.

"Ouch! Those must be bruises from a rough spar. I'm surprised Professor, you normally keep those areas well guarded from attack. You must have been distracted."

Before either Byleth or Edelgard could attempt to validate Caspar's story, Dorothea interjected. Her eyes gleamed with troublesome glee.

"Those aren't bruises from a spar you dolt! Those are...hickeys!"

Bernadetta squeaked.

"Hickeys! Are you sure?"

Dorothea scoffed.

"Of course I'm sure Bernie. Don't forget who you're talking to!"

Ferdinand coughed into his hand nervously.

"Well...whatever the Commander and the Emperor does in their own private space really isn't anyone's business-"

Dorothea smirked.

"That is not the point, Ferdie! Those hickeys...are fresh...really fresh."

Exactly five seconds of silence passed before Linhardt narrowed his eyes.

"Wait...you guys were late to your own meeting because you were...making out?"

Dorothea chuckled.

"Or something even more...intense."

Hubert sighed.

"I am sure that several of the productions you participated in at Enbarr's opera house were filled with scandalous and embarrassing plots...but this is real life. I'm absolutely sure that there's a proper explanation for the marks on the Commander's neck."

Dorothea narrowed her eyes.

"...and that would be?"

Hubert found himself searching his mind for a plausible answer, however he could not readily find one.

Luckily his Emperor found one herself.

"The Enbarri Gnatus."

The entire room blinked in unison. Caspar was the first to voice the inquiry.

"The what?"

Hubert followed up, once again unbelievablly proud of his Emperor's quick thinking.

"The Enbarri Gnatus is a rare insect that is often known for leaving dark red spots on their victims after biting and sucking on their blood. It is especially drawn to males for some reason."

Linhardt nodded before anyone could question the validity of this strange explanation.

"Well it is possible..."

Dorothea deflated. Just when she felt like she had caught a juicy one!

This type of material would have been enough to tease Edelgard for weeks.

The Emperor made a mental note to thank her Head Advisor for the much needed help at a later time.

Finally they could move on to the meeti-

"Brigid has several books on Fodlan's insects..."

Petra had once again captured the room's attention.

The Swordmaster placed a single finger on her chin as she recalled what she had read.

"The Enbarri Gnatus is mostly known to appear during the Red Wolf and Ethereal Moons. We are currently in the Horsebow Moon. What would cause such a strange occurence?"

The room went silent again. Neither the Emperor nor her most trusted Advisor seemed to have a ready response.

Dorothea grinned as she prepared to set sail on this second wind that Petra had so lovingly gifted to her...

Unfortunately for our favourite Black Eagle troublemaker, there would be no such opportunity.

"I believe the Encyclopedia on Rare Insects Volume Five has a chapters that mentions how some Enbarri Gnatus appear earlier than usual when their breeding sites are disturbed. It's well documented."

Byleth's answer left very little room for reproach, Linhardt's curiosity got the better of him.

"Where did you even find that book?"

"The library back at Garreg Mach."

"Of all the books, that's what you chose to read?"

"I've read all of them twice, I was planning to support my favourite student's attempt at world domination and reformation. I needed all the information I could get."

Bernadetta shook her head.

"And no one ever believed me when I told them that you were the scariest Professor."

Byleth smiled before continuing.

"Now I believe the Emperor had some information she wished to share, I would hope that we will have no further interruptions about theoritical hickeys or anything else silly like that...right students?"

And in that moment the Black Eagle Strike Force were given a stern reminder.

Even though they were no longer in the Academy...

The Embodiment of Power seated before them was still their Professor and he could still whoop their asses.

The group nodded as one as Byleth turned to his fiancée.

"You may go ahead Your Majesty."

Edelgard nodded to her fiancée before continuing.

"Thank You...As I was saying..."


The meeting was finally over and almost everyone had left the council room to retire for the evening.

Hubert had asked Bernadetta to wait outside for him as he wanted to have a private word with the Royal Couple.

The raven haired magic user folded his arms in disapproval as he spoke.

"I hope the two of you have considered the unnecessary stress you've put me through today because of your hormonal shenanigans. You could at least wait until the end of the day to devour each other."

Edelgard snickered as Byleth smiled at the Dark Mage.

"Remember that time I caught Dorothea trying to sneak you out of her room?"

Hubert's face twitched.

"I have no idea what you're talking about. Good Night to the both of you."

Edelgard blinked a few times as the normally stoic man practically ran out of the room closing the door behind him.

"Wow. You even have dirt on Hubert? I thought that was impossible."

"I have dirt on everybody."

Edelgard smiled at her fiancée before giving him a brief kiss. Byleth returned the display of affection before speaking.

"I warned you about putting the hickeys on my neck."

The Emperor blushed.

"I...just really like doing it! I told you to wear a shirt that would cover them better!"

"No excuses, your Majesty! I intend to return the favor."

Edelgard sputtered a bit as her lover pulled her into a warm embrace.

"B-b-b-but I don't have any clothes that covers all of my neck!"

Byleth's soft lips barely touched the rim of Edelgard's ear as he whispered. Delightful shivers ran all the way up and down the woman's spine.

"Don't worry my love. This bug is gonna leave his bites somewhere only we can see."


THE END.

THANKS AGAIN FOR READING.

YOUR LIKES,FAVS,KUDOS, COMMENTS AND REVIEWS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED.

AS I SAID BEFORE, ONLY LOOK OUT FOR UPDATES ON POCKET CHANGE AND MAYBE DISHONORABLE.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

KINGNIKEN.