Chapter Text
Verdant Rain Moon 1186
Prime Minister von Aegir was a man of many friends. Dorothea Arnault, Caspar von Bergliez, Marianne von Edmund, to name a few. But his closest friend by a long margin was none other than Lorenz Hellman Gloucester. The two became close at first due to their love for what it meant to be nobility, but their friendship evolved much past it. Lorenz was there for Ferdinand through his hardest moments during the war and likewise. Amidst the chaos, they found solace in sharing hand-written poetry and tea.
So why was Ferdinand struggling to tell him, of all people, that he had entered a romantic relationship. That was of course a rhetorical question, he knew exactly why he feared telling Lorenz, it was because the source of his affection was not a fair maiden of noble background, although neither no longer cared about that. No, Ferdinand’s lover had haunting features, a cold gaze and a deep voice. And to make matters worse, he was someone Lorenz despised.
Back during their Academy days, hating on Hubert von Vestra was easy. He deeply annoyed Ferdinand and was, by all means, a disgrace to nobility. The man lacked proper etiquette, spoke with venom lacing his words and lived in favor of Edelgard. Lorenz disliked him by extension and because he made talking to Edelgard extremely difficult. When it came to finding a suiting wife, who better than the heir to the Adrestian Empire’s throne? Lorenz’s idea was soon discarded, but his disdain for Hubert for how he treated his friend remained.
Now, five years later, and after having won the war, things were different. Ferdinand and Hubert finally saw eye to eye, more than that honestly. It began with the exchange of gifts, tea and coffee, and it evolved into something more as they spent countless nights going over battle plans, went for morning rides together and shared cups of their preferred beverages. The night before their final battle, Hubert had admitted to his feelings towards him in a heartfelt confession, in fear that that night might be their last. But, thankfully, it wasn’t. They found their way into each other's arms at the night of their celebration and thus began their courtship. It had been a little short of five months since. The Empire was undergoing thorough changes so both were extremely busy. Ferdinand as Prime Minister and Hubert as the main prosecutor of Those Who Slighter In The Dark, They barely saw each other and were not able to send letters due to safety, but when they did they made sure to make every second count. Ferdinand felt sad he couldn’t see his beloved as frequently but he understood that his mission was an important one.
Despite being busy, Ferdinand still made time to send letters to his friend Lorenz, however, with each one he sent, the guilt of not telling him about his relationship grew, especially since all former Black Eagles’ members knew about it. He had been trying to muster the courage to say the words but it seemed like all his efforts were in vain, as he still couldn’t even write Hubert’s name. He had long stopped talking badly about the man to his friend but he knew Lorenz still held a grudge against him.
And the fact Hubert was no fair maiden certainly didn’t help. Many of his friends diverted from what would be considered a traditional relationship, Edelgard had their professor, Dorothea had Petra, Caspar had Linhardt. But he didn’t know how Lorenz would react to him, someone he saw as the pinnacle of nobility, being involved with a man. Lorenz had never spoken ill of them, or any of their other friends for whom they chose to courtship, although he did once question the reason for choosing a partner that could not provide you with offspring, which Ferdinand quickly lectured him on.
So, he had to tackle two beasts: telling Lorenz the fact, he, Ferdinand von Aegir, the face of nobility, preferred men and that the particular man he favored was no other than Hubert von Vestra.
He had many sleepless nights thinking about how to do it, but it was only with the help of his former professor, Byleth, that he came to a conclusion. He had been invited over for tea, as of custom, by her. Their table was located at the Imperial Palace’s gardens, just by the fountain and the roses. He arrived right on time, as being punctual was one of a true noble’s many qualities. Byleth brought a cart with her, in which laid the teacups, the teapot and the sweets, as well as Ferdinand’s favorite blend, Southern Fruit Blend.
-Ah, professor! Good to see you so well, please, have a seat!
-I already told you Ferdinand, no need to call me professor any longer. Byleth will do just fine.
-My apologies, I suppose old habits are hard to break.
Both took their seats. Byleth began preparing their tea as Ferdinand snacked on some pastries. His gaze drifted over to the flowers, being reminded of Lorenz once again, which caused him to sigh, drawing attention from Byleth.
-What’s the matter, Ferdinand?
-Oh, Byleth, it is Lorenz.
-Did you two get in a fight?
-Nothing like that. You know how Hubert and I began our courtship shortly after the war ended? Well, I have yet to tell him. I am terrified of what he might think and cannot muster the courage to be honest with him.
Byleth simply stared, deep in thought, her expression unreadable as always.
-I see. What exactly do you find difficult about talking to him?
-I fear he might judge me and not take it well.
-Hm. Have you tried dropping hints? Perhaps you could write it to him in poetry, that way he’d understand it better.
-Poetry? Professor, you are a genius!
How hadn’t he thought of that before! He could tell Lorenz through poetry! That way it would soften the blow! A wonderful idea! He would start working right away!