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As soon as Dimitri met Rubinie, he was intrigued. She was a mysterious young woman who didn’t quite have a complete grasp on Fódlanese and seemed quiet - maybe even shy. She was beautiful, with flowing dark hair and shining gray eyes. He wanted to get to know her better.
Rubinie was always helping Dimitri and the others in the Blue Lions class with various tasks - usually studying and weapons training - and he wanted to find a way to do something kind for her in return. He decided to invite her to tea and try to figure out what she liked.
***
“Thank you for inviting me, Dimitri,” Rubinie said, adjusting the skirt to her uniform as she sat across from him. “You said you had something to tell me… What is it?”
Dimitri smiled warmly. “I wanted to let you know how thankful I am for everything you’ve done for me and the others,” he said. “Is there anything I can do I return? Maybe I could help you with some of your work…”
Rubinie shook her head, seeming flustered. “Th-that’s not necessary,” she said nervously. “I’m just glad to hear that I’m appreciated.”
“Could I at least get you something small? Some flowers or sweets or something…?” Dimitri asked.
“I’m not really a fan of flowers, and I haven’t finished the pastries that Mercedes baked me the other day. Still, thanks for the offer.”
Dimitri was disappointed. Still, he tried to smile and change the subject. Nevertheless, once teatime was done, he was even more determined to find a good gift for her.
As he was picking up the tea set and his other belongings, he noticed that Rubinie had left something behind - a book of various plants, by the looks of it. There was a page where the corner was folded in as if to mark it. He opened the book to that page and saw a beautiful image of a lily of the valley. This gave him the beginnings of an idea - one that he would spend the rest of the day refining.
***
The next day, after class, Dimitri walked to the desk where Rubinie had just stood from. He pulled the book she’d forgotten out of his book bag and held it out to her.
“You forgot this at the table we were drinking tea at,” he said. “I wanted to return it to you.”
She seemed surprised. “Oh, thank you… I was wondering where that went. I’m glad you found it.”
Dimitri smiled and nodded. “I am too. And that’s not all I have for you.”
He reached in his bag and pulled out a bouquet of lilies of the valley, which he had taken great efforts to keep from getting crushed by his books.
“I’m sorry for being invasive, but I couldn’t help but notice that you had a page marked in your book - one that depicted these flowers,” he said softly. “They seem significant to you in some way. I won’t pry or anything - I just want you to have these, as thanks for your help.”
Rubinie stared at Dimitri for a moment, wide-eyed and silent. But then, she relaxed into a gentle smile.
“Thank you, Dimitri,” she whispered, leaning forward and planting a gentle kiss on his cheek. “I appreciate it.”
Dimitri could feel himself blushing, but he was happy. His heart felt full for once, and it was a wonderful feeling. He wanted to continue learning more about Rubinie, about the things she liked - he wanted to make her happy and to let her know that there were people out there who cared.