Chapter Text
Manuela was venting about her personal life to Byleth.
"Why aren’t there any men around here who understand what a catch I am? Come to think of it... You’ve always been nice to me. Ha! If only you were a man. I mean, you listen to all my problems... I feel like I can really trust you. I don’t have that kind of thing with a lot of people."
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Yes, of course." smiled Manuela.
"Is the fact that I’m not a man really matters for you?"
Manuela was surprised by Byleth’s question.
"I don’t understand. What do you mean?"
"If I told you I was ready to take care of you, listen to your problems and be there for you when you need it, would you reject me because I’m not a man?"
"I think I can see what you are trying to say. As a friend, you are helping me a lot. But at some point, you will find someone you love and marry him. And at that point, you will leave me to make your life with him."
"You don’t really understand."
Manuela was taken aback. She thought she had said something wrong and offended Byleth.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. Of course, even if you leave, you will still be a friend to me."
"I guess you don’t really understand what I mean." smiled Byleth.
"Again? I’m really sorry. I’m not good enough to be your friend."
"Then, I guess I need to explain things clearly."
Manuela was listening carefully.
"Manuela. What I mean is that I love you. And I want to be with you."
Manuela took some time to understand. When she did, she blushed suddenly.
"Wait…. Me?" she shouted.
"Yes. You are the one I want to spend my life with."
"Wait, wait, wait. You really mean it?"
"Of course. I would have never lied about something like that."
Manuela found herself lost. She had difficulties to believe it.
"But, but… What do you like in me? I mean, I’m a mess who can’t even have a clean room and have a date. I’m sure you can find better."
"That is the point."
"What?"
"Before coming here, I didn’t really have any friends. Apart from the band, I was always alone. But when I met you and the others, everything changed. You all accepted me. In a way, I can see in you how I was back then. And like you helped me, I want to do the same for you."
Manuela felt embarrassed and also some warmth upon hearing this.
"But… I can’t force you to accept my feelings. If you are only interested in men, then I will not insist. I just wanted to tell you how I feel."
After hearing that, Manuela was lost in her thoughts. The idea of being interested in other women never crossed her mind. She tried to think of many women she had met, but she quickly realised that she had no interest in them. However, when she looked at Byleth, something was different.
Manuela was always the one making the first move, but not this time. This time, someone else declared their love to her. She felt she couldn’t ignore it.
"I’m sorry. It seems that I made you uncomfortable. Forget I said anything. I will be happy if we can still be friend." smiled Byleth.
Manuela had a choice to make. She could decline Byleth’s feeling and continue searching for the man of her life. But feared she might not find anyone else and be alone the rest of her life. But if she accepted Byleth’s feelings, even if she would probably not be physically attracted to her, she would at least have someone to be with.
"I need to leave now. See you later," said Byleth.
Byleth turned, ready to leave. At that point, Manuela felt she would not have any other chance and took a decision. She went to Byleth and caught her hand.
"Wait."
"Yes?"
"To be honest, I’m scared. I was never interested in other women and I don’t think I ever will be. But… when you took your courage and declared your feelings for me, I felt happy. That is the first time someone it happened to me. So, I don’t know where it will goes but I want to try at least. So, my dear, I accept your feelings." she smiled, with tears in her eyes.
Byleth was happy to hear that.
"Thank you, Manuela. I promise I will do my best to make you happy."
"You know it already, but I prefer to warn you again. I can be a mess." she smiled.
"The, I’ll be here to clean everything up." smiled Byleth.