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Byleth had a plan for the 20th of the Ethereal Moon. In other words, a date that was most important to her. One that required all of her focus to pull off. She had been looking forward to this day for a very long time, after all.
For many, the 20th of the Ethereal Moon was indeed seen as a very special day. And for one Byleth Eisner, it was the most important date of the year. Why, you may ask? Because it was the day someone very special to her was born. Hair the color of spun gold alongside a blue so clear filled her mind. Truly, she could not help the warm smile and wave of affection that overwhelmed her at the thought. And so she had planned something just for this beautiful day.
All with one specific purpose dating to the one who deserved all the happiness in the world in her eyes. Her most precious heart.
Dimitri had once confided to her back at the Academy shortly after he turned 18 that he could barely remember the last time he had enjoyed his own birthday. The casual way with which he said it – albeit with a hint of a sad smile – had made her heart feel like someone had taken her dagger and stabbed her with it. The blade had twisted itself further when she recalled that memory as the date approached once more, this time with the two of them happily married.
So now she was determined to bring back those happy memories on his birthday. And if there's one thing she was good at, it was making sure she completed a mission to the letter.
It took quite a bit of scheduling, but Byleth was absolutely determined to have all of the Blue Lions present at Dimitri’s birthday. Felix agreed to help keep whatever paperwork was sent to their king at a minimum while Ingrid and Sylvain focused on the decorations. Mercedes and Annette would take care of the cake while Ashe helped gather the presents. Dedue had vowed to keep everything a secret from the king in order to pull this off, tailing after the man for about a week just to make sure he didn’t discover what they were planning.
It would have to be something small. Her husband wasn’t one for grandiose parties and always preferred to be among those that he cherished. She knew well enough that some of the nobility had wanted their king to agree to a feast in his honor, only backing down when it was clear he didn’t want one. Of course, there were a couple that thought they could get the queen and archbishop to convince him but they too were soundly rejected.
There were other things that were taken into consideration. She wasn't a fool, by any means. Byleth knew Dimitri would take note of any change in their friend's behavior around him, even if he didn't figure out the reason behind it. It was for that reason utmost discretion was taken into every step of the way. Nothing would stand in the way of such a wondrous ocassion.
On the awaited day, the plan was set into motion. Their morning began with breakfast as usual and a moment of respite as they rode their horses together. There was a special tenderness to it all, both from her as well as Dimitri. Try as she might, she could not keep her eyes or the loving smile she felt off her face whenever she was near him. Likewise, the same expression couod be found on him, making her unbeating heart skip a beat. Peace surrounded them like a blanket all the while. Throughout everything she made sure to keep any hint of the party off her face or tongue.
Oh, but he was clever. Byleth hadn’t even noticed her eagerness had sent her fidgeting until Dimitri pointed it out during their tea time. Though in hindsight, it shouldn’t have surprised her as he always enjoyed looking at her whenever she ate, telling her that he loved how happy she would get when eating tasty food. But that was beside the point, she would have to keep a tighter lid on her emotions if only to keep the surprise a secret just a little longer. It wouldn't be much longer, adter all.
The rest of the day went by without incident. The closer the hour drew the more excited she felt at the prospect of his surprise. Thankfully, he remained none the wiser as their steps echoed through the near empty halls. The setting sun bathed everything in warm, orange hues like a path to a promise.
And when they finally reached his office to surprise him...The emotion, the sheer unadulterated joy that shone in his eye made everything worth it. If she could bottle that smile and keep it close to her heart forever, she would. For now, she would treasure his happiness and let him know he is loved dearly by all of them.
Though small in scale, the celebration was merry and full of warmth. It made her realize they hadn’t really gotten together like this since the war’s end. That was something that needed to be rectified going forward. With all hope, these moments would grow more common, even if they only took place every now and again due to their respective duties. Time seemed to fly as they all caught up with one another, and especially when close to the love of her life.
What could be better than his joy, radiant as it was? Knowing where his heart lay was worth every second of meticulous planning. His happiness was more precious than anything the world had to offer.
By the end of the day, the two had retreated to their bedroom, Dimitri’s arms spooning her into a cuddle session while his cloak covered them both. Byleth pressed a tender kiss to his lips, feeling him smile against her own.
“Thank you for being born.”