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Wintertime in Fodlan never seems to end. The nights are long, and the days are fleeting. The fire is lit, the flames hot, but Edelgard cannot rid herself of the chill inhabiting her body. It haunts her, makes her feel lonely. Especially during her long nights spent working tirelessly, locked away in her office to never see the light of day. Even as she kneels by the fire, the frigid feeling still won’t cease.
There's only one solution to this problem.
"I'm cold," Edelgard says. She hugs her wife from behind, clasping her hands together and holding her tight.
"Go sit by the fire. It's nice and warm," answers Dorothea. She brings her hands up to meet Edelgard's. Their fingers intertwine.
Edelgard nuzzles her face into her neck. Her words come out muffled. "But you're warmer. And nicer."
"Am I?"
"Yes."
Dorothea laughs to herself. "You've gone soft, Edie. Only a year ago you were overwhelmed by the thought of holding hands, now here you are clinging to me like a housecat."
"Are you complaining?"
"Not at all!" she says lovingly. She leans her head on top of Edelgard's. "I adore you and everything about you. I love touching you. I love when you're close to me. I love you."
"I love you too." It's still strange to admit aloud even after years, but she never tires of saying it. The words tingle on her lips, making her feel lightheaded.
"Should we take this to bed? I'm getting tired of standing, and it’s already late."
"Yes," Edelgard mumbles. She can hardly will herself to separate from Dorothea. She keeps an arm around her as they waltz to their bed. Dorothea falls onto the mattress, quickly followed by Edelgard. The plush pillows welcome them, and the mattress sinks underneath their combined weight. They bury themselves in the sheets, pulling a thick blanket over them. Now, they lie face to face. Edelgard feels warm beside her wife. The mere thought of Dorothea brings a blush to her cheeks.
But Dorothea is real and in front of her. She could reach out to kiss her at any moment.
So she does. Her eyes flutter shut, and she kisses the love of her life. And then she kisses her again. And again.
"What's gotten into you?" Dorothea asks between kisses. She brings her hand up to cup her cheek. Edelgard kisses her more.
"Nothing! I just love you so much," she says happily. She wraps her arms around her, reveling in the feeling of her skin against her own. "I never thought I would live a life like this. A life where I'm happy and with you." She lies her head on her wife’s chest, listening to her heartbeat. Her own heart aches. She lets out a shaky breath. “I’m so grateful you’re still with me. For years, I was so scared of losing you, and we’ve already lost so many.” She takes her hand and squeezes it tight. She whispers solemnly, “Sometimes I just need a reminder that you’re still with me. I hate feeling alone.”
“I’m still with you,” Dorothea comforts her, her voice soft. “And you better get used to it because I’m not going anywhere.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
She pets her hair. Then, after a while, she says, “I still need to ask, are you trying to get into my pants?”
Edelgard sits up, absolutely appalled that Dorothea would even suggest such a thing. “I’m being sentimental!”
“It’s a fair question!” Dorothea argues. She puts her hands up in surrender. “You’re not usually like this unless you’re…” She tilts her head to the side. “You know.”
“That’s a valid assumption,” Edelgard answers. She tries to ignore the heat in her face. “I know I’m not usually like this, but the winter is so cold.” She feels a chill run through her body. She clings tighter to her wife.
“The fire is still warmer.”
“Are you trying to get rid of me?”
“Not at all! In fact, I would prefer we stay in bed together. Even if the fire is warmer.”
“We could sit by the fire together.”
“Why didn’t I think of that?”
“You were distracted.” She nuzzles into her neck. Hair tickles her nose. “I can’t blame you.”
“Shall we?” Dorothea asks.
“Shall we what?” answers Edelgard.
“Go sit by the fire together.”
“That requires getting up.” She snuggles closer to the other woman. “I’m already so comfortable.”
“I’m fine staying here,” Dorothea hums. She settles back, resting her head in the pillows.
“Me too.” Edelgard chooses to use her wife as a pillow instead. She listens to her heartbeat as they lie together. It’s soothing; it reminds her she is not alone. As she listens, she finds her eyes drooping.
Dorothea takes her hand, rubbing her thumb in tiny circles over the other. She lets out a contented sigh. “I like this side of you.”
“I like it too. Even if it feels strange.”
“It’s not strange to show affection,” she reminds her gently.
“It’s not,” Edelgard replies, “but you have to admit, it is very unlike me. I’m still getting used to it-” Her voice drops. “Used to loving you so openly. It’s a nice feeling. I like loving you. I like how your lips feel against mine. But it’s still strange to think you love me.”
“We’re married.”
She turns a bright red and hides her face in Dorothea’s chest. “I know.”
Dorothea laughs. “You’re still the same old Edie you’ve always been.” She kisses the top of her head. “I love you.”
Edelgard shifts to gaze into her wife’s eyes. They’re a beautiful green, and Edelgard is only now noticing the freckles hidden in them. “I love you too,” she gushes. “I love you so much, and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you.”
“You’re secretly such a sap,” Dorothea teases. “I like that about you.”
“Please.” Edelgard buries her face in brown hair again to hide her smile.
“I’m your wife. I will tease you as I see fit.”
“And I will complain about it as much as I want,” she murmurs. “Also as your wife.”
She lets out a long yawn and closes her eyes.
“You’re tired.”
“I’m not tired.”
“You’re a bad liar,” Dorothea scolds her. “It’s late. Get some sleep.”
“You need sleep too.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“Good.” Edelgard picks up her head long enough to kiss her wife on the lips. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
Dorothea kisses her back. “Goodnight, my love.”
“Goodnight, Dorothea.”
They settle back into the bed. As she lies in her wife’s arms, Edelgard finally feels warm. In the cold of the night, she has never felt more comfortable. Together, they drift off to sleep.