Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ashe hadn’t left his room since everything that happened with Lonato. News spread fast around the monastery about how he was the heir to Lonato’s estate. Some people offered him condolences, some offered him advice, others asked questions he had no answers to, and some didn’t like that a former thief, a commoner, now would be the heir to land that he wasn’t born into. Ashe tried to get to class, but he couldn’t get out of bed. He got out to get things for his room or when he needed to shower though that was it. He stopped going to class for awhile. He was glad Byleth didn’t hold it against him.

Byleth reassured him that he didn’t have to push himself too much and he could return to class when he was ready. She delivered his homework whenever they had class along with notes on the sections he should read. Ashe did his best to do the work when his mind drifted back to Lonato. He lost someone who gave him and his siblings a chance at a better life. He couldn’t believe he lost another parent to another force that he couldn’t control. Ashe didn’t know who landed the finishing blow. Dedue stepped in front of him along with Sylvain and Felix that he didn’t get a good look at the fight, which was for the best, he wouldn’t have been able to face the person who killed his adopted father. How was it possible for him to lose another parent? At least his siblings would be safe, that was one good thing he could take from everything that happened.

One day after he returned from the dining hall with food for the night he saw a note and a vase of violets in front of his door. Ashe looked around before he grabbed the items and took them back to his room. He placed the vase on his desk and walked over to his bed so he could read the note.

Ashe,

Words cannot describe my condolences in your time of grief. Lonato was a good man, he will be missed. We wanted to let you know that we are here for you. Whenever you are ready to come back to class we will welcome you with open arms. The flowers come from the greenhouse and we chipped in to help take care of them. The vase is behalf from all of us, including the professor.

If you need anything please do not hesitate to find me. I will do everything I can to help.

We all await your return.

Take all the time you need.

Dimitri

P.S.: Don’t worry, we’ll take care of the rumors.

Ashe wiped the tears that rolled down his cheeks from the note. He worried that his friends in the Blue Lions would see him differently after everything that happened with Lonato. Instead they were all on his side even Felix. He finished his dinner with a new found energy that he hadn’t felt in the past couple of days. That night he admired the violets on his desk before he fell asleep with the note safely tucked underneath his pillow.

The next day Ashe grabbed his bag and made his way to the Blue Lions classroom. He took a breath and knocked on the doorframe. “Um, good morning everyone.”

“Ashe!” Everyone exclaimed as they ran over to him. Annette was the first to hug him as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “We were so worried! I thought you’d never come back to class!”

“We’re so happy to see you.” Mercedes smiled as she hugged him next.

Sylvain clapped him on the back. “Don’t worry a guy alright? I thought I would have to send some pretty girls over to cheer you up!”

“That would only work for you.” Felix scoffed. He turned to Ashe with a slight upturn of his lips. “Now you can get back to training.”

“You don’t have to train just yet. Take your time. I’m just so happy to see you again! The new knights series came in and I can’t wait to read it with you.” Ingrid said.

Dedue smiled. “Ashe, it’s good to see you. Have you been eating? I made sure to keep some food aside for you, just in case.”

Dimitri couldn’t resist hugging Ashe that he ended up lifting him off the ground. He quickly placed him back down with a sheepish smile on his face. “Sorry I’m just so happy you’re back! How are you feeling? Don’t push yourself, if you need to leave you can leave.”

Ashe shook his head as he wiped his eyes. “No, I’m alright. Thank you for the flowers everyone, they're so nice. I hope it’s alright if I keep the vase.”

“Of course, it’s our gift to you!” Annette said.

“Yeah don’t even worry about it.” Sylvain said.

“That’s a relief!” Ashe exclaimed. He looked over to Byleth who waved at him and walked over to join the crowd.

“Welcome back Ashe.”

Ashe smiled. “Thank you professor.”

It felt good to be back. Between losing his parents then later on Lonato he thought that he would always end up losing his family. However, he received another one before he knew it. Ashe felt his eyes water up again and he quickly wiped them away.

He didn’t know how he continued to be so lucky to have such amazing people in his life.

Chapter Text

“Loog! Loog! Where are you?” Ashe called out as he walked around outside his apartment building for his cat. He didn’t know what had gotten into his cat recently. He knew that his cat liked to explore and he didn’t mind when he explored the backyard of the apartment building, but his cat has been leaving more often than he liked. He couldn’t figure out where his cat was going. Ashe asked Caspar to help him look in case his cat managed to get to the other side of the neighborhood. He walked near the gym that was at the bottom of the building as he called out his cat’s name again.

“Loog! Loog!” Ashe sighed as he took a seat on one of the nearby benches. “Where in the world could he be?” He racked his brain while he tried not to let his mind wander too far about what could have happened. He checked his phone to see if he got a message from Caspar when he heard a familiar sound by his feet. He looked down to a black cat with a white spot over their eye looking up at him.

“Loog! There you are!” Ashe happily scooped him up and rubbed his head. “You’ve got to stop leaving and going so far! Where did you go anyway?”

“Oh! There you are! I didn’t know where he ran off to...oh, um, hello.”

Ashe looked over to see a tall man with blond hair that brushed his shoulders in black pants, a white shirt, and a blue dress jacket over it. He jogged over to them and stopped when he saw the cat in Ashe’s arms. “Oh, excuse me, is that your cat?”

Ashe stared at the way his shirt seemed to mold against his chest that he nearly missed the question. “Um, yes it is. Did you find him?”

“Yes, I did. I noticed the collar around his neck when he was walking around. I was going to take him to the front desk to see if they could let you know. I’m glad that you were able to find him.”

“Thank you for keeping an eye on him. I don’t know why he keeps running away lately.”

“Oh, I’m to blame I’m afraid. I saw him walking around one day and offered him a treat. From then on whenever he sees me he comes up to me looking for a treat. I haven’t been around lately, so I think he might have been looking for me. My apologies I didn’t mean to cause you any trouble. I wasn’t going to take him I promise.”

“Oh, that’s alright! He normally likes to stroll around outside and he always comes back home so I wasn’t too worried. I’m surprised he took a treat from you. It usually takes him a little while to warm up to people.”
“Really? Well, I’m glad he enjoys my company. I hope you don’t mind me asking, but is his name from a series?”

Ashe gave a sheepish smile as he nodded. “It is. It’s from one of my favorite series.”

“I thought so! One of my friends reads that series, she tells me about it all the time.”

“I’m glad there’s someone else who loves the series too. It’s really good I hope you’ll check it out one day.”

“I will make sure to check it out. Oh, excuse me, I need to take this call.”

“No problem.” Ashe watched him go off to the side as he tried his best not to stare at him. Why did he feel like he saw him somewhere before? Maybe he passed him in the lobby, a lot of people did pass through every day coming and going to their apartments. He could have passed him on his way to work. He may have inherited a good amount of money and land from Lonato, he still found it comfortable to work. He continued to live with Linhardt and Caspar since it was convenient and his siblings were living on campus. It was possible that this man lived in their building and he only ran into him today. Well, Ashe was happy that he was able to find his cat. He left his thoughts when the man walked over again.

“I’m sorry to cut our time short, but I am needed at work. If it would not be too much trouble I’d like to give you the food I bought for the cat. I planned on leaving it out where he normally goes so he wouldn’t be hungry. Would you like to meet up so I can give you the bag? I do live in the building, so we wouldn’t have to go too far.”

“Oh, how about we meet up in the lobby? It will be much easier that way.”

“Good idea. Here let me give you my number so we can keep in touch.” He pulled out a card from inside his suit jacket along with a pen and wrote his number on it before handing it back to Ashe.

“Thank you, here’s mine.” Ashe pulled out his phone and pulled up his number. “Sorry I don’t have any paper right now so I can’t write it down.”

“That’s alright, what name do I put it under?”

“Ashe.”

“Nice to meet you Ashe, my name is Dimitri.” Dimitri wrote the number on the back of another card and placed it in his pocket. “Goodbye Loog, goodbye Ashe, I’ll call you soon.”

“Alright, have a good day.” Ashe waved at Dimitri and watched him walk away towards a sleek black car. When he couldn’t see Dimitri’s back anymore, he smiled down at Loog. “Let’s go home. I’m sure Caspar is worried about you.”

Loog meowed in response and walked along with Ashe back to his apartment.

*~*~*

“Loo! Loo! I’m so happy that you’re alright!” Caspar exclaimed as he rubbed the cat behind the ear. Loog climbed into Caspar’s lap and settled there for more scratches that Caspar was more than happy to provide. “Where did you find him?”

“He was wandering around the gym looking for a guy that fed him before. He was nice and even bought some food for him. He told me he’ll deliver the food later.”

“I’m glad he didn’t get too far. Does this guy live in the building?”

“Yeah, his name is Dimitri, he gave me this card.” Ashe pulled it out and handed it to Caspar. Caspar read the number and turned the card over. “Hey, did you read this side? Do you know who gave you this card?”

“No, who is he?”

“He’s that new, upcoming hotel CEO that all the business sites and magazines have been talking about. My dad has been talking about him too. He got the business from his father a year ago and he’s been doing really good with the changes he’s made. I can’t believe he lives in our building!”

“Who are we talking about now?” Linhardt asked as he stifled a yawn behind his hand on his way inside the living room.

Caspar turned to him with a grin. “Hey Lin! Loo here helped Ashe meet Dimitri, that new hotel CEO who lives in our building!”

“Really? Looks like Loo is very friendly.” Linhardt walked over and took a seat next to Caspar as he scratched Loog behind the ear. “Is that why he’s been disappearing so much?”
“Yeah he’s been going off to visit Dimitri. He’s going to call me later this week so I can get the bag of cat food bought for him. I can’t believe he got him food.” Ashe shook his head at his cat who moved over to Linhardt’s lap.

Caspar grinned. “Looks like you’re really looking forward to his call.”

“It’s for cat food!” Ashe exclaimed. He wasn’t able to get the red off his cheeks while Caspar laughed. “I can’t wait for him to call.”

“Loo is quite the matchmaker.” Linhardt said.

“I’m going to go make lunch now.” Ashe got up and walked over to the kitchen as he ignored Caspar’s snickering. While he got things ready he couldn’t help thinking about Dimitri or how nice he was or how much Loog liked him or how handsome he was...

He really hoped he would be able to talk to him soon.

*~*~*
Dimitri was on his way to a meeting with his team who also happened to be his friends. When he got inside the car Felix looked over at him. “Took you long enough to come back. Did you take that cat to the front desk?”

“I didn’t have to, his owner happened to come by so I was able to give him back. He’s a very nice guy. I was going to try to leave the cat food in a public bowl for him, but now I can give it to his owner. I’m going to drop off the bag of food hopefully sometime this week. Oh, Ingrid, his cat’s name is the same from that series you read, um, Loog I believe it was.” Dimitri said.

Ingrid perked up. “Oh! Someone else who knows! Did you happen to get his name?”

“Yes, his name is Ashe.”

“Wait, does he have gray hair and freckles?”

“He does.”

“I know him! He’s part of our book club, you know the one I’m in with Mercedes, Annette, and Hapi? He’s really sweet and always brings the best snacks. I'm so glad you got a chance to meet him. When are you going to call him?”

Sylvain noticed the way Dimitri looked happier since he got in the car, especially when he started talking about Ashe. He grinned as he looked up from his phone. “I’ve seen him walking around the building before he’s cute.”

Felix rolled his eyes. “Can’t you keep your eyes to yourself?”

“Not when there’s cuties all around. So when are you going to call him?”

Dimitri smiled down at the number in his hand. “I’m going to call him soon.”

There was something about him that Dimitri couldn’t put his finger on. He normally didn’t have such a feeling about someone, but there was something about Ashe that he wanted to learn more about. He couldn’t wait to talk to Ashe again soon.

Chapter Text

Ashe remembered how Dimitri looked out for him during their academy days. He looked out for him, helped him when he was too tired to carry his books back to his room, and pushed back the rumors when they started to grow. Ashe reassured him that he didn’t have to do it, but Dimitri always told him he didn’t mind. He was part of the Blue Lions and Dimitri made sure that he was taken care of too. Ashe did his hardest to let Dimitri know how much he appreciated the favor. Even if his actions flustered him sometime, he knew that Dimitri’s heart was in the right place. Ashe didn’t know he would be returning the favor five years later.

When Ashe first saw Dimitri he couldn’t believe the shadow of the man that fought with such a furosity that it frightened him at first. He refused to believe the rumor of Dimitri’s death. No matter how many times he heard it he knew deep in his heart that he would see Dimitri again. He didn’t know when it would happen, but he didn’t give up hope. However, nothing prepared him for the figure that stood in front of rubble in the chapel everyday. Ashe wasn’t sure what would help or if anything could help after Byleth had difficulties connecting with him. Still, Ashe didn’t give up.

Everyday he made sure Dimitri had something to eat. Many days the food returned untouched, it didn’t stop him, he continued to send food. When he was away on missions he let the kitchen know to prepare something for Dimitri. He wasn’t going to give up, he wanted to help out anyway he knew how.

One night when Ashe didn’t have a mission he carried Dimitri’s food to the cathedral when he noticed that Dimitri wasn’t there. He placed the tray down on the nearest pew and looked around for him. When he didn’t see Dimitri he sat next to the food and racked his brain on where he could be. Their last battle ended with many of their men losing their lives so the rest of the army could get to safety, something that didn’t sit well with Dimitri the moment he learned about it. Ashe hoped he didn’t go back out to get revenge. He waited a little bit longer, until the food grew cold. It looked like he would have to try again later. He stood up and turned to walk back to the kitchen when he heard someone walk in.

“I’ll make sure not to leave the food here all night.” Ashe said with his back turned to the person. When the person walked up behind him, Ashe turned around and nearly bumped into Dimitri.

“Dimitri?”

Ashe swallowed from being under such an intense gaze. He didn’t see any anger in his good eye which eased a little of his worries. However, he saw the bags under his eyes and the way he looked over to the tray then back to Ashe with a look of confusion.

“...Why do you send it every day?”

“...Because you need to eat.”

“I can’t taste it.”

“Doesn’t matter, you still need to eat something. You can’t keep going into battle with nothing in your stomach.”

“Why does it matter to you? As long as we win the battle that’s all that matters.”

“No! There’s more to that.”

“What is it then?” Dimitri snapped as he leaned forward and trapped Ashe against the pew. “There’s nothing more than that, yet you keep sending me food everyday. Why? Why not leave me alone?”

Ashe swallowed from the way the pews dug into the back of his knees, but he wouldn’t back down. “I’m not going to stop, until you eat something. You need food! You need to do something more than stand here all day.”

“It doesn’t concern you!”

“It does when you refuse to take care of yourself! I’m only asking you to eat something, anything! We don’t know when we’re going to come back from a battle, so that’s why we should take time to eat so we can have energy to keep going!”

“When I have that woman’s head in my hands then I will eat, until then you can eat it.” Dimitri snapped. He leaned back and walked over to take his place in front of the rubble again.

Ashe watched Dimitri with a lump in his throat. The same man who used to greet him every morning now sneered whenever he came around. He looked down at the food next to him before he stood up and walked over to him.

“...I’m not going to stop. There will be more food for you in the morning.” Ashe waited for a response when he didn’t get one he walked out of the cathedral. He replayed their interaction on his way back to his room, it was a good thing he finished his chore, he wouldn’t be able to concentrate tonight. Ashe walked inside, took off his boots, and flopped down on his bed. He heard the others talk about Dimitri’s condition, it was different witnessing it in person. He wished there was something he could do to help Dimitri, though he knew Dimitri would have to work with him in order to make that happen. He wouldn’t give up. Dimitri helped him, he would be there to help him.

The next morning Ashe visited the cathedral to grab the tray when he saw the empty bowl. He wondered if one of the children or soldiers ate it instead. He carried it back to the kitchen and added it to the pile of dishes before he got breakfast ready. Thanks to Marianne helping in the kitchen, Ashe was able to finish breakfast with no problem. He prepared Dimitri’s tray then set it aside for someone to take it to him. Once that was settled, he grabbed his own breakfast and joined his friends at their table. Whenever they ate Ashe pushed down the sinking feeling that it could be the last time they would eat together. It didn’t work all the time, the war always a lingering thought in the back of their minds, it worked when he focused on his food. Thankfully, it happened to be one of the days where it worked since last night wouldn’t leave his head.

After Ashe finished his food he carried his bowl to join the others when he noticed the tray. He expected to see a tray full of untouched food not an empty one. He couldn’t believe it. Was Dimitri finally eating? Did his words reach him last night? Ashe wanted to go to the cathedral and ask when he wasn’t sure if he should try talking to Dimitri again so soon. He waited for Byleth to come to the kitchen to make his decision. Ashe took a seat at one of the tables and went through the information Felix gave him of a current battle to pass the time. He looked up when he heard a familiar click of heels on the stone floor. Judging by the frustrated look on Byleth’s face and the way she easily agreed to Felix’s invitation to spar it wasn’t a good morning to talk to Dimitri. He’d just have to try again when it was a better time.

Ashe made sure Dimitri received his meals daily. Everyday he’d wait for Byleth to see if he could approach Dimitri when she would have the same look of frustration on her face. Some days she would be on her way to the training ground before Felix, Ashe knew he still had to wait. The routine stayed the same for a few days. Ashe made his meals, the trays would come back empty every time, and Byleth would come back frustrated or sad. He wanted to talk to Dimitri, he just didn’t know when would be a good time. Ashe made his decision one day after Byleth announced their upcoming scouting mission. He’d talk to Dimitri after things calmed down, normally he’d listen even if he would grunt in response.

On the day of their scouting mission everything went according to plan, until an imperial army ambushed them. Between Dimitri and Byleth’s leadership their armies were able to survive. However, when Ashe turned to go help Annette he felt a sharp pain against his side. He turned to see a swordsman next to him and his blood on the sword. Ashe managed to take out the swordsman with the axe he kept on him for close encounters, but he wasn’t able to stay steady with the wound against his side. His vision faded as he dropped his bow and heard Annette’s voice call his name. The last thing he remembered before he fell was Mercedes coming his way and a roar in the distance.

*~*~*
Ashe woke up a few days later in the infirmary. He sat up and looked around his room as his mind slowly caught up with everything around him. He nearly jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. “Oh, sorry Mercedes,”

Mercedes waved it away with a smile. “It’s alright. You’ve been sleeping for three days. There was poison on the blade, I managed to stop it from spreading, you’re fine now. The most you need to do is rest.”

Ashe nodded and settled against the pillows. “What about the battle? Did everyone make it back to the base? How many soldiers did we lose?”

“The battle went as well as it could go. They were able to make it back safely with some minimum damages. Felix and the others have been taking turns watching you and delivering your food. We can talk about our next plans for the battlefield when you’re better. Right now I want you to concentrate on getting better okay?”

“Okay, I’ll do my best not to worry about what’s next. My side feels much better too.”

“Good, now I’m going to do one more check before my morning run.”

“Okay,”

Mercedes called up her healing magic and moved her hands along his body. She lingered longer at his side when she called her magic back and returned to her chair. “Everything is healing very nicely. I’ll change your bandages after breakfast.”

“Okay. Hey are you alright? You haven’t been overworking, have you?”

“I’m fine, my job is much easier since Linhardt and Marianne joined us. Now, I’ll be...hmm? One second,” Mercedes got up and walked over to answer the door. “He’s up, you can come in now.” She stepped aside for Dimitri who walked in with a tray of food.

Of all the people to check on him, he didn’t expect Dimitri. Ashe wondered if he was still dreaming. Mercedes smiled on her way out of the room. Dimitri walked over to the bed and held out the tray for him. Ashe snapped out of his daze as he took the tray and placed it in his lap.

“Thank you.”

“...You’re welcome.”

“Have you been eating?”

“Byleth makes sure I get it everyday.”

“Good.” Ashe quietly started on his food. He reached for his cup of water when he noticed the way Dimitri stared at him out the corner of his eye. He placed the cup down and turned to Dimitri, he saw the concern on his face, an emotion Ashe knew he still had buried deep down inside him. He wished it was in a different situation, but he couldn’t deny the warmth in his stomach from it.

“I’m alright. I’ll be able to join you back on the battlefield soon.”

“...I’m not worried about that. You’ll be able to train when you’re ready Felix will make sure of that. I’ve been thinking about what you said the other time we had a chance to talk. I’ve been thinking about my actions and I want to apologize. If there’s anything I can do, I will do it.”

Ashe felt like laying down again. To have a future king worry about him was something he never imagined in his wildest dreams, yet it was happening. Everything he wanted to say wouldn’t come out. Instead he placed his hand next to Dimitri’s own.

“Thank you, I’ll make sure to remember it.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

Ashe kept his hand close while he continued his breakfast. When Dimitri’s fingers brushed his hand he couldn’t keep the small smile off his face. Well, maybe the words would come to Ashe in time for now he could enjoy eating his food with Dimitri by his side.

*~*~*

“Did Dimitri deliver the food?” Byleth asked when Mercedes walked into the dining hall.

“Yes, he’ll stay there, until it’s time to switch shifts. However, I believe it’s best not to tell Ashe what happened when he passed out on the battlefield. No matter how many times I see it, it’s still hard to see.” Mercedes said.

Byleth nodded. “Yes, I’m glad that Dimitri wasn’t too far gone that he couldn’t recognize our army from the enemies. Still, I am surprised we were able to stop him.”

“The boar was in rare form that day.” Felix said.

Sylvain nodded. “I knew he cared about Ashe and kept beating himself up over the way he snapped at him. I just didn’t expect him to take out his frustration on that army. It’s probably a good idea that we don’t tell him.”

“I’m really glad Ashe is alright. I was so worried about him when he didn’t wake up.” Annette said.

“Me too. Should we go check on him again or give them some time together?” Ingrid asked.

“We should give them some more time together. When Ashe is done I’m sure Dimitri will let us know. For now, let’s take this time to recharge for the next battle.” Byleth said.

Everyone nodded before they left to finish their chores for the day. The way Dimitri lost his temper on the battlefield wouldn’t leave their minds any time soon, but they were glad that he was slowly starting to talk to others again. It was the first time in a while that he wasn’t in the cathedral lost to his own thoughts, though they wished it wasn’t cause of Ashe being in the infirmary it was something. Byleth didn’t know how long it would last, but she didn’t question it. She walked by Ashe’s room during her rounds and found Dimitri sitting outside by his door.

She knew Ashe was well protected.

Chapter Text

“Am I cutting it right, Ashe?” Ingrid asked.

Ashe wiped his hand on a nearby towel on his way over to Ingrid. He nodded once he saw the way she was holding the knife and the neatly chopped green bell pepper on her cutting board. “You’re doing great, Ingrid! Are you sure you haven’t done this before?”

“I’m positive, I’m not much of a chef. The most I can do is oatmeal in the microwave and those frozen meals.”

“Well, making pizzas is really easy. You don’t even have to make the dough. I just like making it. Being able to use Dimitri’s kitchen helps too.”

“Yeah! It’s big enough to fit all of us. Thanks for the cooking lessons.”

“You’re welcome! I’m happy you’re here, though you never really join us when I’m helping Annette and Mercedes.”

Ingrid looked down as her cheeks tinged pink while she continued to cut the peppers. “Um, well, it’s my anniversary with Dorothea soon so I wanted to make her a meal that’s more than just sandwiches.”

Ashe grinned. “That’s really sweet, Ingrid. I'm sure Dorothea will love it.”

“Aww, you love Dorothea so much! It’s really cute.” Sylvain teased on his way to the stove.

“Be quiet! I just want to do something nice for her!” Ingrid exclaimed while she waved the knife around.

“The way you swing that knife around reminds me of Felix whenever I mention Annette.” Sylvain said.

“I can hear you! I may be elbow deep in dough, but that won’t stop me from getting you.” Felix said.

Dimitri chuckled. “But Felix, your relationship with Annette is very sweet.”

Felix frowned over at Dimitri. “Shut it. I don’t need to hear how great love is or whatever nonsense you start spouting when it comes to love.”

Mercedes giggled as she looked up from cutting tomatoes . “I think it’s sweet when Dimitri starts talking about Byleth.”

Felix scoffed with a roll of his eyes. “He sounds like someone from those knight movies Ashe and Ingrid watch all the time.”

“Don’t you know those movies too?” Sylvain asked.

Felix glared at him. “Keep it up.”

Annette giggled as she popped up from the fridge. “Felix, you know it’s okay! Hey Dimitri, where is the italian sausage? I know we bought them along with the pepperonis.”

“Hmm, it should be in the back.” Dimitri said.

“I’ll help you look, Annette!” Ashe walked over to sort through Dimitri’s huge fridge for ingredients with Annette.

When Ingrid bought up wanting to do something special for Dorothea, Mercedes suggested that she could join her, Annette, and Ashe for their weekly cooking lessons. Ashe thought about different places that they could go to since he wouldn’t have room in his kitchen for everyone when Dimitri suggested his kitchen since he didn’t use it very often. Ashe knew Dimitri had an amazing kitchen just basing it on the descriptions Dedue provided, though it didn’t prepare him for how big his kitchen actually turned out to be. It was enough room to fit everyone! Ashe decided that making pizza would be a great lesson for them. Not only that, it was a great chance for everyone to learn something new in the process!

“Oh, I found it! It’s right here...ahh!” Annette cried out when she lost her footing and nearly fell if it wasn’t for Dedue walking by.

“Are you alright?” Dedue asked.

Annette nodded. “I’m fine! Thanks Dedue!”

“You’re welcome. Oh, Ashe, I found those spices you wanted to use for the sauce.” Dedue said.

“Great! Let me go grab them! Um, do you have everything Annette?” Ashe asked.

“Yep! I’ll go get the sausage all ready!” Annette said.

“Great and remember not to have the heat too high, okay?”

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to have it to the max this time.” Annette held onto the ingredients on her way to the stove.

Ashe made a note to check on her after he grabbed what he needed from the spice room. Another addition to Dimitri’s kitchen is the cupboard that had all kinds of spices imaginable. There were alot Ashe heard of, he never saw in person, until now. He couldn’t wait to use them. He joined Dedue as he scanned the row to see where it could be.

“There it is.” Ashe reached up to get it when it turned out to be higher than he thought. He reached up on his toes to brush it when he felt Dedue behind him.

“I’ll get it.” Dedue leaned over to grab the bottle, pressing close to Ashe in the process. Ashe wasn’t thinking about pizza much anymore. He couldn’t get so distracted, not when everyone was so close by! However, it was difficult when he turned around to the warm look in Dedue’s eyes. Ashe was thankful Dimitri’s kitchen had a cupboard that could be another little room.

Dedue gently placed the bottles in his hands. “Did you require anything else?”

“Um...if you don’t mind...I’d like something else.” Ashe stepped closer and looked up at him.

“Oh? I believe I can assist…” Dedue said softly. He placed a hand on Ashe’s waist to draw him closer as he leaned down to close the gap between them. Ashe closed his eyes, ready to kiss him back when Dedue stopped. Ashe leaned back with a small frown on his face. “Dedue? What’s wrong?”

He turned around to see Sylvain in the doorway with an amused look on his face. “Um, hey, didn’t mean to interrupt but I need some more garlic. I can always give you some more time if you’d like?”

Ashe quickly shook his head, nearly making some of his hair land in front of his eyes. “N-No I’m fine! I’ll go add these to the sauce now! Thank you!” He held the bottles and walked out to join Annette by the stove.

“So when are you guys going to tell everyone?” Sylvain asked.

“Well, Ashe was thinking we could announce it soon. A few people already know, but we’re going to wait a little longer to tell everyone.”

“Okay, whenever you guys are ready, just know that we’re here for you,” Sylvain walked over to grab the garlic then left the spice room with Dedue. Ashe saw Dedue out the corner of his eye with a small smile. He wished they were able to have a little time together, but he knew it wouldn’t be long. They would be able to spend some time together soon. For now Ashe would spend time making sure that their friends didn’t burn any of their food.

Chapter Text

“Dimitri, are you sure this is okay? It’s only my birthday after all.”

Dimitri smiled. “Of course, it’s fine Ashe.”

Ashe adjusted the bag on his shoulder on their way through the airport. Sometimes he couldn’t believe that he was actually dating Dimitri Blaiddyd, CEO of the Blaiddyd Hotels, it felt like something out of a movie. His cat Loog brought them together then not too long after Ingrid explained that he’s her childhood friend along with Sylvain Gautier and Felix Fraldarius, two well known people in the fashion and business world, it led him to knowing more people he’s only heard about such as Dedue Molinaro, world renowned chef, who’s career Ashe started following when he was in high school. He went from only reading about who they were to getting to know them. Ashe thought that he would only run into Dimitri one time before going their separate ways now they’re dating. It happened so fast Ashe sat up at night trying to figure out how it happened.

Ashe tried to wrap his mind around the trip they were going to take for his birthday. A trip with his friends to one of the most exclusive hotels Dimitri’s family owned. Ashe had a chance to invite Caspar, Linhardt, Yuri, Hapi, and their friends Balthus and Constance. Everything paid for, their bags packed, and the only thing Ashe had to do was accept the plane ticket for first class. He still couldn’t help staring at the ticket receipt on his phone that let him know he was going to be riding first class. It truly felt like a dream that Ashe didn’t want to wake up from.

He didn’t realize he was lost in his thoughts until he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Are you alright, Ashe?”

Ashe left his thoughts as he turned his smile to Dimitri. “Oh, I’m fine. I’m just thinking about how amazing everything is. I mean the plane looks comfortable enough to sleep in.”

Dimitri chuckled. “Well, of course, I wanted to make sure you had some time to get some rest during our trip. I do look forward to spending some time with you. I’m sorry that my recent work has made it hard for us to meet.”

Ashe shook his head. “It’s alright. I know you’re busy and I can always look forward to seeing you when you come home. You don’t have to worry about me.”

Dimitri smiled. “It’s hard for me not to worry, but I will try.”

How did Ashe get someone like this again? Ashe returned the smile and adjusted his bag as he moved closer to Dimitri. He looked up at Dimitri who turned to him with a fond look in his eyes. Ashe almost got close enough to lean against him when he heard the familiar click of Felix’s tongue.

“Alright you two knock it off. You can be all romantic when we get there and I don’t have to see it.” Felix said.

“Aww Felix, I know you can’t wait to cuddle with Annette.” Sylvain said as he walked up behind him.

Felix coughed as the tips of his ears turned red and he adjusted his bag. “Anyway, let’s get going, everyone is here so all we have to do is wait for the plane.”

Dimitri nodded. “He’s right we should wait at the terminal. Alright everyone! We’re moving to the terminal now!” He called out to the small group of people behind him. There were various affirmations while they grabbed their bags and walked with them. Ashe felt Dimitri gently bump his hand along the way. Ashe bumped his hand back before Caspar joined him along with Linhardt to talk about the different activities offered at the hotel.

Ashe never expected his life to turn out in such a way, but he wasn’t complaining.

Now if he could only convince Dimitri that he didn’t have to spend so much on him, but that was another conversation for another day.

Chapter Text

Dimitri was a beast. An animal trapped in human form ready to do anything he needed to protect his loved ones. He showed no hesitation on the battlefield. Anyone that had the unfortunate chance of being his opponent needed to make peace with the goddess if they were lucky to receive that chance. Off the battlefield he tried his best to curb his attitude with his friends and former professor. Still, there was no deny the brutality that laid underneath the surface, humming under his skin like a wild animal waiting to pounce. It was something he worked on day by day even after the war ended. Then there was Ashe.

Ashe, who was so gentle, who had the brightest smile that made his green eyes shine, and could use such delicate cooking utensils without accidentally breaking them. He got along well with their friends, soldiers of the army, and even former students that found their way to their side. He was so popular in the market that even Anna lowered her prices for him. While he wouldn’t admit it there were many people who loved him. However, on the battlefield Dimitri discovered that Ashe could be brutal if he needed to be.

Dimitri wouldn’t forget that mission where the enemy army lured him away with a tip of Edelgard’s location which landed him in a trap. He was surrounded on all sides by enemy soldiers. Dimitri was ready to fight no matter what when he saw the first arrow hit the enemy then another one then another before there was a sea of arrows. He heard the command in Ashe’s voice as he aimed his own bow with the other archers and commanded them to fire again, until Dimitri could get out. By time they returned to the monastery Ashe’s fingers were bleeding and Dimitri barely had enough stamina to walk, but they made it back alive. Dimitri knew Ashe could handle himself, but to see it in person was another story.

He preferred the Ashe who held his face in his hands as if he was one of his delicate kitchen utensils. The Ashe who held him close while his fingers went through his hair. The Ashe who still smiled at him despite knowing the brutal beast he could be. Dimitri didn’t feel worthy to have someone as sweet as Ashe in his life, but Ashe reassured him every time.

During those moments he didn’t feel like such a beast.