Chapter Text
Festivities had always been a pleasure to incite or participate in in Claude’s world. It’s how people came together and set their differences aside. Well, the ones they were willing to put aside for five minutes, anyways. It always brought a certain air of comradery that Claude loved to observe, to see his friends unwind for a few deserved hours and chat amongst the Blue Lions, reforging burnt bridges like it were something as easy as clicking their fingers. He always admired that about the Golden Deer, and he shouldn’t be surprised considering he was their leader, but their class always knew how to socialise as if it were second nature.
Claude allowed himself just this celebration to unwind for a few moments. He knew he was on a ticking time limit, his departure from Fodlan to return to Almyra a short blink away once the sun finally resurfaces. Still, this was a hard fought and well earnt celebration for everybody in this room, he deserved to enjoy it even for a few moments. To watch those who he cared about more than the world laugh and happily converse with one another, to see them finally have a moment of time to spend with one another beyond battle tactics and war meetings.
To see the way Hilda and Sylvain chat it up like old friends, the mischievous glint in both their eyes indicating the ability to recognise one manipulator to another despite how time had passed, clearly enjoying whatever game of metaphorical chess they were playing. The way Marianne watched Hilda with rapture from beside Mercedes, who was gently talking to her about shared interests of their faith. Even how Annette had somehow managed to start a duet with Raphael, both clearly having drank to some capacity to let embarrassment go. Claude watched in amusement as Lorenz sat to the side with his face pulled in a grimace at the racket while Leonie was unable to catch her breath from laughter, practically slumped on his side for support.
To the side of the noise, Ignatz was sheepishly chatting to Lysithea, who had her fists planted firmly on her hips as she likely lectured him about this or that topic, treating him as if he were a little brother despite being the younger one. Beside her, Cyril watched quietly, clearly intent on not really getting involved, but watching nonetheless. On the other end of the outskirts of festivities, Felix and Ingrid sit together, clearly more intent on not getting involved in the more lively events occurring and just enjoying the peace in their own way. Not to far from there, Ashe was smiling up at Dedue as he talk in excitement, Dedue calmly nodding and smiling in return. Not everybody loved celebrations, but Claude was glad they found their own way to enjoy it even if it were on a more subtle level.
With everyone accounted for, Claude let his eyes drift to try and locate one specific person. When he was certain his eyes had looked over everyone in the vicinity of the celebration and hadn’t come upon the one he was hoping for, he let out a breath and decided to go and search it up. He knew attempting to find Dimitri meant that they would have to talk, but Claude knew it was inevitable, and really he wanted to see the man before they'd be separated for who knows how long.
Claude ventured away from the festivities
“How are you finding the festivities, your Highness ,” Claude asked teasingly when he had snuck up behind him, watching smugly as Dimitri’s shoulders jumped up before relaxing and turning around, a face of slight embarrassment revealed. Claude silently admired the sheepish look on his face for a moment, a look so caught off guard and genuine that it was a nice occasion to see. Not one of seriousness, not one of gloominess or madness, just Dimitri as his true self. It was all Claude had been searching for before, when trying to piece the puzzle together on who Dimitri was back at the academy, and now he can finally start to see him for who he truly is.
“Ah, I guess I am still not used to them just yet,” he spoke, tone self deprecating which made Claude’s brain hone in for a more serious conversation. While observing, he noticed Dimitri warring with words in his own mind, unsure of what to say by the way his eye shifts or how his lips flatten and unflatten as if testing words on his tongue. Eventually, he admitted only to Claude in the fresh night air that, “I still find it strange to be surrounded by so many people, sometimes”
“That's okay, take it all one step at a time,” Claude reassured honestly, “people will stand behind you while you figure it out, and even if you don’t, that’s okay.” Claude looked out towards the dock, earlier where he had been almost cornered and murdered this very day. Everything he worked for could have crashed and burnt had he not put any faith in the man beside him. Claude knew others thought he was likely mad himself for placing such a responsibility on someone so unstable, but Claude believed in Dimitri until the end. Even if that meant there was a possibility of getting burnt.
Still, though, Claude felt that Dimitri’s admittance to not being comfortable around people was a loaded statement that had little hidden crevices hidden to the corners of his mind. It was only recently he had been pushed back onto the realm of sanity, and since then he’s had responsibility after responsibility piled high on his plate by unforgiving hands. It was not a meal to be swallowed lightly, so Claude couldn’t blame him for choking. Still, though, Claude knew Dimitri likely felt undeserving of held confidence issues like shackles due to past mistakes, and he wanted to rectify the situation with a more positive viewpoint. “I think you should have more faith in yourself, though,” he added at that thought, “I believe you’re capable of many great things.”
Dimitri didn’t verbally respond beyond a hum, eye drifting away as he appeared to be in his own little world from Claude’s words. Claude didn’t mind, he just stood beside him and enjoyed a little moment of peace in the night air after such a gruelling battle. He let his eyes fall closed, taking in a deep breath and cherishing the refreshing breeze from the ocean, briny but a welcomed one. Claude himself needed a pause before they continued their conversation, knowing that a lot of things had to be discussed before either of them were satisfied.
So, he started with his own queries. “Dimitri,” Claude internally winced at the tone of his voice, the vulnerability present, “why did you come when I sent you that letter? Why did you help us?”
Dimitri’s thousand yard stare became present, as if the ghost he was staring at in the distance had disappeared. “You asked for me, so I came,” he answered easily enough, tone neutral which made it hard for Claude to decipher how he felt about the question. No doubt it was a complicated question, sensitive considering his return to the land of the living was a fairly recent one. He had crawled and scraped by by himself for years with only ghosts calling out to him and Edelgards demise at the end of the tunnel. Claude never blamed him, but he still knew this conversation was one needed. “Are you surprised?” He asked in return, intent on continuing.
Claude felt his lips thin, biting the inside of his cheek as he mulled over his response. He felt that he had no other option but to be honest, it wouldn’t get either of them anywhere, and yet he was nervous. “A little. I wouldn’t have sent that letter if I didn’t hope you’d come but…” Claude trailed, staring at Dimitri and seeing the guilt starting to slosh over in waves, but the eye contact insisted that he continued. “Your hatred for Edelgard was so strong, I couldn’t be certain anything else could take priority.”
“I see,” Dimitri was resigned, unable to look at Claude, “had that letter been sent to me a few months prior I am unable to say with confidence if I would have been here to help you. Seeing El finally have her demons catch up with her was the only thing on my mind, and I would have died trying to make that come true.”
Claude leaned closer, not uttering a word to let Dimitri let out the weight of his emotions crushing him out like a waterfall, but letting his physical presence be a supporting one. He let their arms brush one another, sending him a non judgemental smile with the gentle beckon to continue. “I can only see now how that was harming others, not just myself. If you had fallen after you had asked me for help and I ignored it, I…” Dimitri grit his teeth, the grating sound of scraping metal signifying clenched fists. “It would have been another thing to add to the list of why I cannot forgive myself. I already regret what happened at Gronder.”
Claude understood, it was a mess of fatalities and innocents dragged into this war. Claude himself could have died, had Dimitri or Byleth chosen to end him after foolishly cashing after them in such a dangerous climate. They both made many mistakes during this entire war, but Claude knew that being a leader meant that sacrifices were inevitable. They were both chained to their responsibilities, whether they wanted to or not, an unbreakable force until they eventually disappeared from the world. Claude’s feelings towards their interaction at Gronder was complicated because it could have gone so, so much better, but at the end Claude recognised that Dimtri had managed to break through the shroud of malicious shadows haunting his every move and decided to spare him.
It may not have been the best move, tactically or to keep up an alliance of sorts, but Claude could not begrudge him of that. Especially considering Dimitri now stood here, having essentially saved not only his but all of his allies' lives. That was a debt Claude was unsure he could ever repay. Despite the absolute hell Dimitri had been through, hands of the dead dragging him down as far he could go, Edelgard watching with unforgiving eyes, he had managed to bring himself back. To stand beside Claude now and have a conversation, a real one. One where they could both be honest, be their true selves that was denied of them before due to circumstances.
“I would always come for you, Claude, if you called for my help.”
Claude felt his cheeks warm despite the temperature, a small but honest smile gracing his lips. Honesty really was Claude’s weakness, and a statement like that was almost like hitting a critical weakness. People were deceitful, most looking out for their own interest and willing to stab you in the back to get it. Being two faced was the only way to survive sometimes, especially when growing up in a place like Almyra in his position. Still, hearing words so sweetly spoken from Dimitri in a tone of such unshakeable honesty, such heavy reverence, Claude was inclined to listen to his heart.
With that, their conversation hushed, only the reverberating sounds of the slowly diminishing celebration slithering through the alleys and streets of the city. Claude distantly wondered if any of their allies were searching for them, but decided that since both of them were gone, it was likely obvious they had come to talk. No one likely wanted to disrupt two leaders discussing affairs, even if it were less politics and more where they stand with one another. Speaking of the celebration…
“I have to go home. I’m leaving tomorrow morning,” Claude restated from earlier, as he had spoken that sentiment at the beginning of the celebration before things got rowdy. He had stood up in the middle, all eyes on him as if a spotlight were cast upon him. He had made his decision, and had told everyone as much. He was going to resign and hand over responsibility of the Alliance to Dimitri, including land, soldiers, everything. Obviously, the mass majority were shocked, but not outwardly against the idea like Claude was sure the lords of the roundtable would be once they found out. Not that he’d be here to have to deal with their scorn, finally able to escape the bickering for such a monumental decision.
Still, he had seen the supporting or downright unsurprised expressions on his close allies’ faces, Hilda sharing meaningful eye contact and Lorenz giving him a respectful nod. He had admitted to all of them that he had to return home, that Almyra was calling him and for the sake of them all he had to return. When questioned what was to happen, he explained his faith in Dimitri to lead them and treat them well, to end this war together and finally put Edelgard in her place.
Some were a bit unsure with his conclusion, but ultimately out of respect for Claude and his wishes, his friends accepted it despite their reservations on the matter. When he was honest about returning home although not going into the finer details of why, and discussing where he originally came from, he had never seen such a look on his friends’ faces. Honesty was a weakness, was something people could exploit as a weapon, that was what Claude was taught from a young age. However, seeing his friends’ faces of absolute trust and appreciativeness being shone back at him, it was one of the first times Claude understood being honest had its unshakeable positives. It could be used as a weapon, but it could be used to forge unbreakable bonds, and since coming to Fodlan, Claude got to see that with his own eyes.
He hadn’t discussed his decision with Dimitri, however, and when standing there with all eyes watching his every move, he felt guilty at not having time to tell him beforehand. It was a huge responsibility, and while Claude was confident Dimitri could be trusted since he came out here to save them, he wasn’t sure how he felt about it. So, he decided to bring it up, as it was simply another thing they had to air out and discuss with one another, another on the tally.
Dimitri nods, although does not question further. The silence felt like nails on a chalkboard, grating and unnerving to Claude. “I have affairs at home to take care of,” he explained further to break the nothingness.
It was true, after all. Claude may have inherited his headstrongness and fighting spirit from both his parents, but he knew that his intelligence and cunningness was a blessing passed down to him only by the precious hands of his mother. She would not have sacrificed and fled to Almyra had that not been the case, let alone survived and stood strong in a place that threw looks of scorn at her every appearance. Without him going back to Almyra to keep his older half brothers in check, he knew they would try and start a fight with Fodlan while they weren’t ready. The last thing anyone needed was more war, and if Claude’s dreams were to come true with everywhere being on good terms and opening borders, that was the last thing he needed.
So as much as he wanted to watch the finale of Fodlan and to be by Dimitri’s side, he knew he had to go for everyone’s benefit. This was Dimitri’s fight, and Claude had one of his own. Once the war at Fodlan had ended, then he could make time to escape on the excuse of business to see everyone, but not yet. He had to bide his time and play his cards right, for the future of Fodlan, for Almyra, for everywhere . He was always called a dreamer with unrealistic and lofty goals, but for once he can finally start to see the light at the end of the tunnel for them all, and he was not going to stop now until they all reached it together.
Once again, though, Dimitri didn’t pry further. He just hummed and smiled, even if it were a little strained and a little melancholic. Claude felt his fingers twitch, that bubbling feeling of frustration like an unwatched pot of simmering water starting to surface. Usually, Claude would be thankful for a reprieve from being hounded, questioned at every corner and scrutinised for every word. Yet, for once he wished Dimitri would pry, that he would question where he was going, what he was doing. It was strange, for such a secretive person, he hadn’t quite felt like this before.
“Aren’t you going to ask where I’m going?” Claude finally spewed out, unable to handle such a foreign nagging feeling.
Dimitri smiled, although ultimately seemed slightly confused by Claude’s question. “I’m happy with you telling me, but only if you want to, Claude. You would tell me if you wanted me to know.”
Claude opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. His heart was beating too fast, from anxiety or from the admittance, he wasn’t sure. It was likely an amalgamation of being seen and understood but also being fearful at how trusting Dimitri was. It was only fractions ago he had seen the man hold everyone at an arm's length, the flipped switch was still something Claude was wrapping his head around.
“What if I was lying? What if this was all just an act and I was actually working with Edelgard? Aren’t you at least a little worried?” Claude couldn’t help the slight desperation, despite how outlandish the statement was. They both had multiple opportunities to stab each other in the back, and yet neither of them had gotten close to taking it. Claude thought he had lost a piece of his mind at saying such comments, he had wished someone would finally understand him for him, and yet this is what he says in return? Deep down he knew it was because he was scared, for himself and for Dimitri, but he knew it wasn’t fair. Still, the words had already been said.
Dimitri was clearly taken aback by such words, eyebrows furrowed as his confusion furthered. Ultimately, he faintly smiled, eye fond directed straight at Claude in spite of it all. “I appreciate you worrying, Claude, but there’s no need. I trust you.”
He blinked, speechless. Dimitri didn’t continue, only smiled.
Claude laughed, though it was barely a let out breath, his heart thundering inside as if a storm had taken front. He was sure the heat he could feel on his cheeks were noticeable, but he was too astonished to give a shred of care. He reached up and pushed some of unruly hair behind his ear to release some of his barely contained emotional explosion. He was unsure if this were real, or if he had somehow gotten deliriously drunk and passed out back at the celebrations even though he hadn’t touched a drop of alcohol.
The contrasting temperature of Claude’s warm cheeks and a cold, metal gauntlet brought him out of his head. Tilting his downturned head to face him, something Claude had done unconsciously to shift his eyes away since they were the window to the soul, Dimitri made Claude face him. His expression was endlessly fond, no longer a piece of confusion, his thumb ever so gently sweeping over the rosy colour on Claude’s cheeks. He eventually let go, let his hand drop to his side, his own face taking on a slight pink hue from the action. Goddess, they were both disasters, Claude felt like he was tiptoeing around something he hadn’t encountered before. He wasn’t sure what land mine would be set off if he triggered it though, though he doubted it would be a dangerous one.
“I’m going back to Almyra,” he admitted softly, both now staring at one another, “my father is the king. I have duties to attend to there. It’s unfortunate timing, especially considering the war over here hasn’t finished yet, but I need to go back to stop my half brothers from doing something careless. Who knows what they’ll do if they know Fodlan is weaker right now. If I want my dream to come true, I need to stop that from happening and to become king.”
“What’s your dream, Claude?” he whispered, hesitant at first to ask but Claude was willing to open his heart, just for right now.
“I want the world in unity. I want the borders to open for every country, not just Almyra and Fodlan. I want everyone to be free, to be understood, to get rid of held prejudices and allow for everyone to interact. I don’t want people to be subjected to judgement like I was when growing up just because of where they come from. Why divide ourselves when we can all work together?”
“What a beautiful dream, Claude. I would love to see it come true.” Claude knew he was speaking the truth. Even years ago back at the academy, Claude could see Dimitri didn’t even hold the same prejudices some of their classmates held. Not only was his most trusted friend someone from Duscur, who had been subjected to unfortunate racism, but Dimitri actively supported them. Claude knew Dimitri was noble and wanted peace for everyone that he could logically help. “I have seen myself how unfair prejudice has caused issues. I wish to repair and aid the people of Duscur after everything that happens, so I believe your dream is noble. It’s something I’d wish to achieve one day, too, although I think you will be more successful at it.”
“Give yourself some credit,” Claude reminded, wanting to boost Dimitri’s dismal self esteem. Claude would remind him how capable he is until he finally saw it for himself like a diamond hidden in the rough. “I can’t do it alone, and I know you’re more than capable of reaching your own goals.”
When Dimitri avoided eye contact by looking to the side, blue eye casted with doubt, Claude decided to be a little bold with his growing affection. Claude reached up and cupped his cheek in his palm, appreciating the warmth against the skin of his hand. Leaning forward, he gently leant his forehead against Dimitri’s, one of Claude’s displaced curls intertwining with some of Dimitri’s flyaways. Dimitri was staring wide eyed as he whispered, “Fodlan will be lucky to have a king like you.”
“Do you really think so?” His voice trembled with emotion, his eye so crystal clear instead of the murkiness so often found there. No hidden secrets, no madness, just him. Him and Claude, both standing here no longer shrouded in secrets, bearing their souls to one another.
“Of course, I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it. You will be an amazing king.”
Their emotions were running wild, cut off from the leash Claude usually held them on around the other. They had never been quite this close, even back in the past. It was all fleeting touches of hand holding, teasing smiles and flushed cheeks as they flirted with one another. That was then, though, when they both still had to pretend. They’d been through a lot more than that, now shining a beacon of light on their honest feelings. So, Claude leaned a little forward, feeling the way Dimitri’s breath grazes against his own lips. With one more unspoken conversation with their eyes, they cleared the space, gently pressing their lips together.
It was short, but sweet, just a fleeting little peck held on for a few extra seconds to pour feelings from one to another. It was a long time coming, really, but it was still miraculous that after everything that had happened over the years they could still be here with each other comfortably, affectionately showing that to one another. Claude pulled back after a few seconds, backing up a bit but could feel the smile on his face, a real one that made his eyes crinkle.
A loud collection of cheering that blew in with the wind made Claude look back to the celebration at hand, letting out a quiet laugh. He gave Dimitri a shared look of amusement, clear that while their rowdiness was supposed to be fading soon, they had a few more good times ahead before they called it quits. Running a gentle hand down Dimitri’s arm before lightly holding his hand, Claude gestured in the direction of their collective allies with a nonverbal signal that they should get back to see the end. Before he let go of his hand to move forward, though, he asked, “come see me once the festivities end? It would be nice to spend time with you before I leave.”
Dimitri’s eye shone, affectionate as he nodded in agreement. With that promise carved for the near future, both of the leaders went back and joined their old classmates and allies for a few more moments of fun. Claude needed to celebrate the last moments he had with his friends and allies that he’d have for a while. He cherished them too, and he was going to make sure that they spent their time together wisely before he was to depart.
Still, even while he was surrounded by his friends, letting himself be swept by the tide of good vibes, he still kept an eye out for Dimitri on the occasion. This was his last night here for a while, and he was going to make sure he would spend it with the people who mattered most in his life.
~~~~~
Light cracked through the cracked window, crawling up the material like spreading spiderwebs. Claude had only just woken up, but he couldn’t help but stare at it from his position of where he was laying, a fleeting thought that reparations for Derdriu was just another task to the list to repair Fodlan of this war. It was hard to concentrate on being a leader when there was an arm around him, snuggly securing him against a body behind him, almost feeling as if he were cocooned. It was quite comfortable, but Claude had duties, and he had promised himself he would leave for Almyra as soon as he awoke, even if the sun was barely rising above the waterline.
He let himself cherish the moment for just a small, significant moment. He let his hand intertwine with one of Dimitri’s, unglauntleted and unguarded. He closed his eyes, rubbing his thumb in a soothing motion up and down, tracing the reminder of his hand into his mind. He had always wondered what Dimitri’s hand would feel like if not hidden away by cloth or metal, if they’d be warm or cold, rough or soft. His hands were scarred, textured to the touch but not an unpleasant feeling. Claude had his own fair share of scars, so it wasn’t a foreign encounter. His hands were warm, warmer than his, and Claude harmlessly cursed Faerghans and their genetics for allowing them to be a heater no matter the climate.
With his mind still docile from what little rest he had managed to gather, he recalled everything of yesterday. The desperate struggle to fight for their lives, their saviours arriving with blue banners signalling their relief, handing over the reins of everything he had built here to the man that lay beside him. The thoughts of leaving made Claude’s heart hurt in a foreign way, and he wondered if this pain was something his mother had experienced, although he doubted it from how she talked of Fodlan. Even though he had come to the conclusion that for the sake of everywhere, he would have to go, it still didn’t make it any easier. It was still suffocating in a way he never expected when he first arrived in Fodlan, a head full of dreams and a closet full of trust issues.
Still, getting to celebrate with his friends and allies as if it were their last. Getting to see Dimitri at the end of the night and asking if they’d like to talk. To get to quietly lay together, literally not figuratively, and exchange hushed words and meaningful wishes. They had limited time right now, but there’d be an opportunity in the future to see and talk, Claude would make sure of it. So they talked and talked, whispering in the moonlight piercing through the window of a myriad of topics before eventually succumbing to slumber in each other’s presence, their guard already lowered and trust already present.
With a yawn, betraying the hours he had slept over the past few years, he wiggled in the grasp of the other, attempting to at least sit up. He wasn’t prepared yet to leave, needed to wake up a bit and wanted to say a few words to the other currently tightening his grip like constricting vines. Claude had the thought that if he really wanted to, Dimitri could snap him like a twig without even meaning in his sleep, but despite how morbid the thought was he found it a little humorous.
Sitting up with his back against the wooden headboard of the bed they decided to rest in, Claude reached out and carded his hands through Dimitri’s hair, watching as the other tilted his face slightly more into the pillow at the action. He let his hand trail, index finger ghost against the scar of his unseeing eye, a motion that caused Dimitri to pop his eyes open, half lidded as he shied away from the touch. Claude didn’t pursue it, instead smiling down at him in a small teasing manner.
“Wakey wakey, sleepyhead. I’ve got to go soon.”
Dimitri huffed, although Claude was sure it was more like a laugh, wrapping his arms around Claude’s midsection and nuzzling into the fabric of his shirt. Claude wasn’t sure how comfortable his shirt would be, considering it was likely a little scratchy, but Dimitri didn’t seem to mind as he lay there. “Stay a little longer?” he mumbled, voice thick with sleep and a layer of emotional vulnerability. Claude smiled, resting his head back against the headboard and continuing the motion of running his hand through Dimitri’s hair, untangling any knots he came across until the bedhead was smooth.
They remained like this, almost as if they were in a bubble, no sounds exchanged but simply enjoying being there with one another. It was popped, as it inevitably had to be, by Dimitri asking, “Do you plan on returning?”. Claude hummed, not stopping in his ministrations, eyes flitting up to the ceiling as he noticed the cracks spidering through the ceiling.
“Of course, you can’t get rid of me that easily,” he responded teasingly, softening like butter to be more honest saying, “Fodlan is still my home too. I have people here I care for and I would want to see them again. I want to see you again. Matters just need to settle down and be resolved first, not only in Fodlan but in Almyra too. If all goes right, I’ll be able to see you all more regularly, it will just take time.”
Repairing the damage of not only this war, but across borders was going to take many, many years. Claude was not daft, he knew his hopes and dreams were going to be lengthy. Still, he had always strived to go after what he wanted despite the scorn of others, he’s sure he could sneak away without eyes on him to see his friends. Even further, he’s sure he could escape everyone’s eyes just to visit Dimitri, even if it were just for one day. Claude once again humoured the thought that he really is his mother’s son, before returning to more pressing matters.
“While I’m gone, you have to promise me something.” When Dimitri shifted to peer up at him, two eyes instead of one, Claude swallowed down his heart and continued on. “Promise me you won’t fall to Edelgard. Promise me you’ll still be here when I return, or there might not be much for me to return for.”
“Claude,” Dimitri said in a way that makes Claude have to look away, his hand stilling in his hair. “I promise,” Dimitri took a moment, but eventually settled with, “Promise me you’ll do the same. Promise me you’ll be safe.”
“What?” Claude blinked in surprise, unconsciously turning to him, “What do you mean? Why do you think I’ll be in danger?”
“Well,” Dimitri trailed, turning so he lay on his back, Claude shuffling so his head lay in his lap, “I know if you are leaving Fodlan during a crisis like this, wherever you must be going must be important and therefore dangerous. Was I wrong to assume?”
Claude couldn’t help but laugh, seeing Dimitri look up at him like a confused puppy, “No, no, you aren’t wrong, guess you just read me a little better than I thought.” He unconsciously smiled down at Dimitri, gently brushing some of his fringe out of his eyes. “I promise to be safe, I’ve always had a few trick up my sleeves to keep myself safe, don’t worry. Plus, I want to see what Fodlan will look like without it being in a constant state of war.”
Dimitri agreed, reaching up and cupping Claude’s cheek lightly before letting it drop. Claude liked this, just the two of them there together, getting a moment of well deserved peace. They weren’t even allowed this back in the academy with all eyes on them, and every decision being a curse. Instead, they finally got the chance to be themselves, and be honest with one another. It’s just a shame, Claude thought sadly, it had to happen right before he was due to leave.
Leaning downwards, Claude brushed his lips against Dimitri’s forehead, letting it linger for a few sincere seconds. “I’ve got to go now, Dimitri,” he said, barely a whisper before he pulled back, running a hand down his hair in a final motion before attempting to move. Dimitri let him go easily, slowly sitting up himself and freeing Claude to get up and get his affairs in order. It wasn’t hard, he was already clothed although could do with a jacket, and had already collected all of his essentials in order. All that was left was saying this final goodbye, the last one since he had done all his farewells last night, before finding his beautiful white wyvern and returning back to Almyra.
While Claude got all his things together, he heard the bed creak and the sheets shifting against each other. Once he had stood up, his bag held in one of his hands, he felt arms wrap around him to hold him still for just a moment. Claude indulged, letting himself tilt backwards, feeling the way the ends of Dimitri’s hair tickled his neck. The sensation made him want to wiggle away but he refrained, letting Dimitri have his moment to come to terms with their parting, feeling the way he tilted his head so he could press a sweet kiss against his cheeks.
Right as Claude was about to turn around, Dimitri whispered in utter affection, “I love you.”
Claude felt the strap of the bag held securely in his hand slip, making a discontent sound as it impacted with the dusty and chipped floorboards. That was the last thing on Claude’s mind, eyes wide as he stared forward unseeing, face blossoming up in a summer's warmth. Those words were a rarity for anybody, surely, but for himself he knew it was even scarcer. Many years ago, back when he was unable to fight on his own, he wondered if he could even be loved by those forced too, such as his mother and father.
Even then, those words were barely spoken, as Almyra was all about strength and those words meant little in that realm. He knew Nader had his back and looked after him as if he were his own son, and the same could be said with Judith who despite rolling her eyes and being done with his antics, looked at him like a son as well. Even his friends, they all had bonded through war together, many hardships they faced as allies fighting for the same cause. They all meant so much to him, and yet, he had hardly had anything like this expressed to him throughout his entire life.
Especially not in the way Dimitri had just said.
Swivelling around, Claude looked at him in utter shock. “Do you mean it?” the words were barely heard in the still air.
Dimiti’s eyes shone in complete and utter adoration. “Of course.”
“I…” Claude peered down, unsure how to respond for once in his life. He always defaulted to deflection and jokes, hiding behind a shroud of mystery. He couldn’t muster the courage to do that here though, not to something so sincerely heartfelt. He felt like his whole body was tremorring, as if there was an earthquake rumbling inside him, breaking him down piece by piece. His breath was caught, his face was endlessly warm, and he was truly caught off guard for the first time in years.
He reached out to one of Dimitri’s arms, them loosening on their hold. He held the back of his hand with his palm, directing it upwards so Dimitri’s palm lay flat right above his heart. The gesture in itself revealed his reciprocation to the gesture, but he was unable to utter those words just yet from his tongue. “I trust you,” he responded instead, green meeting blue and milky grey head on, able to keep the emotion from overflowing. It was just as a meaningful sentiment, Claude hardly trusted anyone in this world, but he trusted Dimitri wholly and undoubtedly. “Please, wait for me.”
“Of course. I would wait forever for you.”
Claude laughed, bright and just so real it felt exhilarating. “You’re such a charmer,” he joked, giving him a firm squeeze of the hand before backing away completely. He had stalled enough, it was time to go before it became almost impossible. Dimitri watched, no longer attempting to stop him after having bared his heart, instead smiling and watching Claude pack up and leave with eyes swimming in bittersweetness.
This continued as Claude made his way out and came to his wyvern, strapping all of his belongings onto the pouches of the saddle. He gave Dimitri a quick departing kiss for a final goodbye, their promises already made that they’d survive and see each other once Fodlan had peace. As he mounted his wyvern, kicking up into the air and enjoying the freedom that came with being in the air, he spared a glance for the man growing smaller and smaller in his vision who stood and watched.
Claude had many things to do, many things to achieve before he came back, but he was sure when he arrived back in Fodlan, he could say those words back to Dimitri.
I love you too.