Work Text:
A new Deer moved in next door.
Since moving into Byleth’s island, Dimitri’s neighbor has never lasted more than a month. He wonders when Byleth will call him down to residential services and suggest moving his house to the back of the island, away from the others. It’s obvious he’s the problem, who on earth could relax living next to a Lion? It’s only a matter of time before this new villager flies the coop.
(So to speak.)
The next morning, everyone is invited to the heart of the island to welcome their new neighbor. Dimitri stays home but makes sure to drop off the Deer’s housewarming present. A fresh baked pumpkin pound cake wrapped in glittery blue paper, left conspicuously on his doorstep.
With K.K. Metal on repeat, Dimitri works out in his living room until his arms are weak and wobbly like noodles. He eats a short lunch and cleans up, brushing out his mane before wandering into his backyard, woodsy and full of large trees, hiding a hammock perfect for napping in.
He forgets all about what day it is when he wakes up to a distant knocking sound and on heavy feet, stumbles back to his front yard - with no one to be found. Instead, a letter sits in his mailbox, its corners dusted with golden glitter that make a mess in his fur.
Hey Mr. Whiskers,
I never actually caught your name! You didn’t leave a card or a nametag with your gift, after all… But by process of elimination, I’m pretty sure the bread was from you, yeah? Hope you enjoy this express thank you card! You’re the first one to get one, and the first one to be glitter bombed ;)
Hope I matched your fur well enough. Why don’t you come over and show me tomorrow morning? This is a big loaf for a little deer to eat all on his own.
See ya!
Claude
Dimitri looks up from the card and turns to the house beside his, startled to find the curtains coyly drawn shut… as if the owner knew the Lion would try taking a look. Wait…
“Claude…” Dimitri says, resisting the urge to lean in and sniff it, knowing the glitter would get all over his nose.
He wonders if Claude has enough tea for two, and goes to his kitchen to check.
Just in case.