Chapter Text
Chapter 3: B support
It’s an ordinary day around the camp. Well aside from the laughter and lively conversation that can be heard from the dining hall.
Claude’s plan to help the others warm up to Teach has been working very well. As Claude as been enjoying the dinning hall with her some days, the others seem to eventually join them; which he suspects is what led to everyone gathering around her them today. Before it was jsut one or two, but maybe they wanted to make sure Byleth didn’t feel so alone with a small feast. Though that’s partially thanks to Hilda. She heard about Claude's plan to help Byleth get acquainted with everyone, and decided to get everyone together today as one big show of friendship. Sure, knowing Hilda she’ll probably ask for something in return, but there also must be a part of her that genuinely wants to become friends with Byleth too.
Claude is just happy everyone is talking to her like a person. To finish the meal, Shez ended up challenging Byleth to an arm wrestling match that they quickly lost.
“Darn, even on a full stomach, I still have a lot to do to catch up to you, I barely put any strain on your hands, but I guess that’s what happens when the Ashen Dem- I mean Byleth is your rival.” Shez says with a smile
Hilda lightly holds one of Byleth’s hands, looking at her nails “Speaking of her hands, just noticed you have painted nails. You’ll have to tell me how you keep them maintained so well without gloves. Oh maybe in exchange I can show you how to do up your hair! Wouldn’t she look great with dolled up hair Claude?” Hilda says, glancing at Claude. He feels a blush briefly come across his face as he pictures her hair up, then done up in an Almyran style. Where did that thought come from?
Claude shakes it off “I’m sure Teach would appreciate the lesson Hilda.”
Byleth nods. “It would be a nice skill to learn. I have seen many different hairstyles in our travels, but never got a chance to learn how to do them.”
“You must have seen so many amazing places working as a mercenary. I’d love to hear you talk about them. Maybe I can sketch them.” Ignatz says enthusiastically.
“I have seen a lot of places, though I always have had to look at them from a strategic place.” Byleth then gets a slight smile “Though lately I’ve been thinking about the flower fields they had.”
Does Byleth like flowers? Which is her favorite? Maybe Claude can take her to see them if they happen to be near any of their stops. Things to note for later though, there are other things to focus on right now. Claude noticed Ignatz got even more excited by that though as the knightly artist said “Oh maybe I can sketch them for you sometime, at least the flowers, it sounds like you’re fond of them.”
Lieonie then jumps as she takes a bite of meat. “I know I was a bit harsh on you before, but after getting to know you, you're not heartless, you just needed some help learning some people skills.”
“Thank you Lieonie, I know I still have some things to learn, so I’m sorry for anything that might have done to offend any of you before.” Byleth says with remorse in her eyes
“No need to apologize. As army comrades, it is only natural we should get used to each other’s skills and weaknesses, and help each other with those weaknesses. As a noble, I will gladly help you with social etiquette. Before you know it, you’ll be the social butterfly of the Alliance army, or my name isn’t Lorenz Helman Gloster.” The noble says with a twinkle in his eye, not really seeing the others roll their eyes.
“The advice you gave me on horse care has really been helping me with Dorte.” Marriane jumps in saying. Seems Byleth isn’t the only one learning to be more social.
“You’re actually quite knowledgeable. I’ve been helping you learn faith magic and you’ve caught on quickly. You’re not a socially skilled sure, but you’ve treated me like an equal and I truly appreciate it.” Lysithea says with an appreciative nod.
“Not often I meet someone who can keep up with my appetite.” Raphael jumps in as he begins his third plate.
“I could say the same thing about your strength. I might have to convince your father to have you join the forces at the locket.” Holst says with his usual big smile as he grabs Byleth’s shoulder.
Claude notices Byleth making a slight nervous expression. The others might not notice, but he feels he’s gotten a good read on her expressions. Perhaps it’s time for him to cut in
“I think that's enough everyone, Teach and I need to head to practice.” Claude says looking Byleth in the eye and hopes she understands the silent ‘I got you.’ behind them. The others seem to understand and wave the pair off as they go to the training ground.
Byleth and Claude go for their respective weapons, but Byleth doesn’t get in her normal starting stance.
“Before we start Claude, I want to thank you.” Byleth says with a slight smile.
Claude then walks closer towards her away from his starting position. “What for? For that little rescue I did back there? Well isn’t it the duty of any noble to save a lovely damsel in distress, even if that distress some social anxiety?” Claude says with a wink. Why did he phrase it like that? No time to dwell on that, cause she seemed to find it funny and let out a light laugh. In the back of his mind, Claude thought it was cute. He hopes he can hear her laugh again sometime.Though that laugh gets quickly overshadowed by what she does next.
As she turns to face him directly, she does something Claude never expected, she gives him the biggest smiles, it’s even reaching her eyes. Claude isn’t sure it’s because they’re outside and the light is hitting her just right, but she seems to be practically glowing as she gives it.
“Admittedly, I was feeling a little overwhelmed, so thank you for letting me take a break without seeming rude to the others, but more importantly, I wanted to thank you for helping them see me as a friend in the first place. I never imagined I could connect with so many people.”
He gladly returns the smile. “No thanks needed. I’m always happy to help a fellow outsider, even if it’s helping that outsider feel like less of an outsider.”
He’s happy she’s starting to make friends. Though it is a little bit of a bummer they don’t have as much time to spend together one on one outside of these training sessions. Even when they’re at the dining hall, at least one person tends to join them. Of course, she’s a mystery he still wants to solve, but there’s something else. He just genuinely likes being around her.
Claude’s not dumb though, he knows he can only prolong these sword training sessions for so long. Even pretending like he didn’t know the basics was a stretch (Nadar was a little confused when Claude explained the situation to him). Maybe when he takes a flight later he can think of another excuse for them to spend time together. Wait, that’s it!
“Hey Teach, do you think you could help me learn how to use a sword on a wyvern?”