Chapter Text
It was a slow morning in the Ordelia cafe when Claude had first laid eyes on her.
She was just one of the early customers, and Claude's eyes decided to settle on her.
Not just because she's seated a few tables across him.
There's something with her that has piqued his interest, other than the fact that she's actually working in that side of the cafe, judging by the papers and the pen she's poking to her lower lip as she frowns at the paper she's holding.
It's probably the teal blue hair that is braided loosely to one side, giving her a soft and gentle look.
Or maybe those red glasses of hers that stood out because no one really wears glasses in those colors, unless sunglasses.
Or it could be how she's simply dressed in a white button down blouse and long skirt, with ankle boots.
This is the first time he had seen anyone dress like that. He's so used to women dressing in either smart casual or just casual.
But her clothes, and the way she carries herself, gives off that impression that she owns her very identity. She doesn't dress to impress others, but rather she dresses the way to express herself and the world just have to accept it.
Or maybe it's just his imagination running wild.
Claude never approached her, since he figured this is just one of those one chance meeting with a stranger. It would be weird to approach someone suddenly just because he found them pretty for a few minutes.
Yes, he admits that he found her pretty in her own simple way, and she had occupied his thoughts for the next couple of days.
He didn't visit the cafe for a while, thinking that she won't probably be there.
On his day off though, he visited again with a couple of friends, Hilda and Marianne, whom he owes some cake to because they helped him out one time with something.
And he noticed her there, seated at the same spot, now sporting a professional looking ponytail, and wearing a smart casual outfit in black and white.
Claude stared hard at her before Hilda pushed him from the back to get to the counter.
Thankfully, his usual seat a few tables away from the lady is free and they took that spot, with Claude sitting at an optimal view where he can see her.
He watched her curiously, wondering if she's new in town and have taken a liking to the Ordelia cafe.
His heart sank a little when a man with red hair, overly friendly face, wearing a weird mix of pink-ish button down shirt, jeans and loafers came up to her.
She even smiled at him.
Her smile was radiant in Claude's point of view. The framing was also perfect when it happened.
If only he could have taken a photo of it.
But then, that would be a bad idea if the man she's meeting is her boyfriend. No one wants to steal their girl, nor stalk them.
And that would be unbecoming of him. He's been raised to treat people well, regardless of age and gender. And most importantly, never butt into any kind of relationship with ill intentions.
"Hey Claude...?" Hilda tried to get his attention, waving her hand in front of his face. "Why are you zoning out when we're literally sharing stories to you about our trip?"
Claude only blinked at that, taking his eyes off the lady and turned his attention back to his companions.
He smiled sheepishly at them.
"Sorry. You were saying something about Holst not being surprised that you introduced Marianne?"
Hilda rolled her eyes, grunting in annoyance. "Claude, that topic was so fifteen minutes ago. We were talking about the trip we did to the Rhodos Coast. Marianne was so cute, it was hard to keep the creeps away from her."
"But Hilda," Marianne interjected softly. "You were very cute as well back then. I...seem to remember you were approached more than I did..."
"Don't be silly, Marianne. Didn't a guy named Sylvain approached you and said your smile was so pretty?"
Claude's eyes darted to the lady at that.
She's still smiling.
She's so pretty when she smiles.
She also looks like she's having some fun with her boyfriend.
"He was just being nice, Hilda." Marianne assured her. "I am still new in smiling this much. And it's all thanks to you. If Claude didn't set us up... I wouldn't really have any big reason to smile like this."
Hilda pressed a hand over her heart, blushing furiously as Marianne gave her a heartwarming smile.
Claude only pursed his lips, hating the realization that Hilda got him to spend on their date today and be the third wheel that has to suffer with their sweetness.
"But seriously. You almost gave your number to that Sylvain guy. Never ever give your number to guys. They're just trying to pick you up."
Marianne frowned. "Pick me up? Why would they ask for my number just to carry me?"
Hilda stared at her before letting out a laugh, squishing Marianne's face affectionately.
"You are so adorable, Marianne. But don't give your number, okay? It's for your safety. And because you have me."
Claude only rolled his eyes at the display of affection, and noticed that the red head the pretty lady is with have stood up, looking at their direction.
He's frowning.
Uh oh.
Did Claude stared too much that she told her boyfriend there's a creep watching her?
The red head came over at them.
"I'm sorry, I keep hearing my name and I feel like I'm being slandered." He said as he stood next to their table and instantly recognizes Hilda and Marianne.
His expression changed in an instant. He smiled at them charmingly.
"Oh, it's you two. Nice to see you again."
"Ugh, go away, Sylvain." Hilda told him as Claude watched them intently.
Oh, so she hasn't noticed his staring and didn't tell her boyfriend.
Who happened to have hit on Claude's friend.
Some boyfriend he is.
"Hey, that's rude. My friend is laughing at me since we keep hearing my name getting slandered."
Claude turned his head at Sylvain at that.
Did he just said 'friend'? So, he's not her boyfriend?
So he's allowed to daydream that he did actually strike a conversation with her in the cafe and it turns out okay?
Though he's not sure if the lady isn't seeing anyone at all. With that pretty face, who wouldn't get an immediate crush on her? And maybe someone was brave enough to ask her out is the lucky guy.
Hilda looked over her shoulder to look at the lady, who just inclined her head at them in greeting, giving them a smile.
Claude thought he's going to squeal from cuteness with that little action she made.
Though a sound still escaped his throat and he hid it by pretending to cough in his drink that he quickly put up to his lips.
Sylvain only raised an eyebrow at Claude, who seem to be smirking into his drink.
"Ah, no. Sorry. I wasn't laughing at you." Claude finally said to Sylvain as he put down his cup.
The lady stood up and went over to them and Claude tried hard not to gawk.
He thought she was taller, but turns out she's a half head shorter or so than him.
She still has her amused smile.
Claude is drawn to it, taking in the little details like how it quirks up to one side ever so slightly, her high cheekbones pushing upwards and making her look squinty eyes.
And she seems to be really enjoying the slander being done to Sylvain.
"Thank you for putting him in his place." she told them.
"Oh, it was nothing." Hilda replied sweetly.
Sylvain only sighed dramatically, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Miss Byleth, please. I'm begging you not–"
"Then beg, Sylvain. I've told you many times you should find someone already to settle down with."
Sylvain hung his head back, disgruntled.
"I'm Hilda Valentine Goneril," Hilda introduced herself as she held out her hand. "And this is my girlfriend, Marianne von Edmund."
Byleth took her hand and lightly shook it, giving Marianne an acknowledging nod and smile.
"And this man here is–"
Claude cleared his throat, frowning at Hilda. "I can introduce myself, Hilda."
"Oh, really? I'm sorry. I thought you're still zoning out."
Claude only frowned at her deeper before shaking his head and standing up. Turning to face Byleth, he gave her one of his most charming smile as he held out his hand.
"I'm Claude von Riegan. It's nice to meet you...?"
She returned his smile with her own as she took his hand and gripped it firmly. "Byleth Eisner. It's a pleasure to meet you, Claude."
Claude never thought being the third wheel for Hilda and Marianne would result to something like this.
To be able to interact with her.
For once, he's grateful for his friends' insistence that he come along with them.
Sylvain then declared, after forcefully separating their hands, that Byleth is going to be late for her class and he quickly herded her out.
Claude watched them go, torn between just letting that their only interaction or go after her and give her his number.
"Hey Claude." Hilda called his attention.
"What?"
"Does your number ends with one or eight?"
Claude blinked, looking back at his friend who seem to have scribbled on a piece of paper.
"My...number?"
"Uhuh. Quickly now."
"The eight comes first, then one." He answered.
Hilda nodded at that, finishing her scribbling and folding the paper to hand it to him.
"Give it to her now before you regret things." She told him.
Claude stared at the paper.
Hilda's...helping him?
"Don't worry. I won't ask anything in return." Hilda assured him. "Think of this as...me repaying the favor of getting me and Marianne together."