A Promise

[—-]

How long has it been since he had last set foot on Fódlan?

How long had it been since he walked the land his lover once ruled and his friend's new family grew on?

"800 years," Flayn said as she and her father, Seteth, walked beside Byleth down the ancient road of the Oghma Mountains. "It's been 800 years since we last saw you. It's good to have you back." She smiled sadly as Byleth nodded.

"Indeed it has," Byleth said. "I can sense there has been a great shift here," he said and a few hours later they arrived at the bottom of the mountain.

"You be surprised how much has changed," Seteth said. "Honestly, it took us all by surprise when you sent a letter saying you were coming back. We thought..." he paused, "we thought you would never return."

Byleth smiled sadly at his words.

"I have traveled the Outrealms long enough. I'm sure over the years you received all my gifts," Byleth said as they stopped in front of a car. "Huh. I did not think I would see one of these again."

"You know what it is?" Flayn looked at him, puzzled.

"Of course I do. I went to a place called the World of Steel for a while. An interesting place, I must say. This car was a lifesaver traveling from place to place," Byleth said as Seteth went around to go the driver's seat while Flayn went to sit on the front passenger seat and Byleth in the back.

"The Dragon Stones you sent us have been so helpful!" Flayn said she pulled out hers from under her coat.

A light yellow one with the Crest of Cethleann engraved in it. "I wish these existed here in Fódlan. They would have been so helpful back in the day..." she whispered.

"Worry not, I know how to make them. Azura, whom I met during my journey, showed me how," Byleth said as the car was turned on and Seteth drove off.

During the drive, Flayn chatted away excitedly as Byleth listened and answered any questions she had. During the drive, he could see the changes the 800 years that had gone by made. Places that were once villages were now towns filled with beautiful buildings and life. Fódlan had become another version of the World of Steel. Magic was still a big thing in Fódlan and unlike in the past, Rhea, Seteth, Flayn, and the rest of his family did not have to hide their origins anymore. After all, there are now other non-humans that lived in Fódlan since the discovery of the Outrealm Gate. Flayn had grown into a lovely woman and she told him that she was a news reporter. Seteth was a children's story writer. Indech was traveling around the world and Macuil still lived in Sreng but had finally chosen to settle down.

Yet even if it had been so long, Byleth looked at Garreg Mach with a lonely gaze as he stepped out of the car. The place had not changed much. It did have a slightly modern look compared to the past. He should visit his mother’s and father’s graves after he put his things away.

"Home sweet home!" Flayn chirped as she jumped out of the car. "All the dorms have been renovated and are much bigger! Do you still want your old room in the Archbishop Quarters or do you want your original room when you were a professor?" Flayn said and Byleth smiled a bit.

"I'll just stay in the Archbishop Quarters. We'll talk in the morning," Byleth said and they nodded.

[—-]

Byleth set down his things on the floor. There wasn't much. Just a backpack filled with basic necessities, money, trinkets, and food. He looked around. The old Archbishop's room was renovated to a more modern design yet it still had that old feeling from back in the day.

Byleth let out a sigh as he removed his cloak and stopped when an old portrait came into his sight. He walked to it and gently picked it up. There he was, back in 1187, on his wedding day. He was dressed in a white tuxedo with a cloak with gray fur with the biggest smile on his face as he held his husband's hands. Dimitri...his beloved Dimitri, was crying tears of joy yet smiling. He wore his dark blue royal coat, black and white fur cape, and black pants. On Byleth's left was Claude laughing with Edelgard beside him and Yuri was on Dimitri's right with his arm over Shez's shoulder. The purple-haired woman was laughing beside him. A memory so distant, yet fresh in his mind.

His heart quivered. Even though it had been 800 years, he missed those times. And… the memories he made of meeting other versions of his lover. Meeting those other versions of Dimitri in different worlds made him wonder about the possible lives his husband could have lived. Byleth pondered...

"800 years..." Byleth whispered and the first tear fell as he brought up the portrait and gently kissed it, "I'm home...Dimitri..." his lip quivered, and finally the first sob left his lips, "I'm home, my love...I'm...home."

— The Next Day -

"Hey, mom. Hey dad."

Byleth had always been an early riser but today felt a little sorrowful as he put flowers on the graves of his parents. The man smiled bitterly as he cleaned their graves and knelt.

"I'm sorry I took so long. I'm back and here to stay," Byleth muttered as he closed his eyes and listened to the wind.

The cool gentle breeze of winter brought a sense of comfort. It reminded him of his days in Faerghus. He opened his eyes and looked back to the graves.

"I have a lot to tell."

[—-]

"Good morning!" Flayn chirped. "Father wanted me to let you know that the studio across the academy is ready for you to move in. Also...what did you think about the offer of being a professor again?" she asked.

"I gave it some thought." Byleth sighed. "I like to wait two years at least before I take such a job. I...wish to get adjusted to Fódlan once again," he said as Flayn smiled sadly and nodded.

"I understand."

[—-]

"Here are the keys."

Before Byleth returned to Fódlan, he had sent a letter through Anna that he would be returning soon. He sent it with a letter and a pouch of gold to pay for the construction of a place he could live and work in as well as some presents for his family. Now that he had returned, his home at the top floor and a glassblowing studio at the bottom, it felt good. During his travels, he picked up learning art history and doing a variety of arts. Glassblowing was his favorite. That was because...he learned it from a different version of his lover.

"Everything thing you need is here. It's… good to see you again, Byleth." Seteth smiled sadly as Byleth nodded.

"To you as well," Byleth said.

"Will you be alright?" Seteth asked and Byleth nodded.

"I will."

Deep down, he was not.

- 2 years later -

Two years.

Two years have passed and there were still many surprises in Fódlan. Seeing the class of 1180 reincarnated in modern times brought a bitter feeling yet a sense of warmth. Claude was the Science professor of Garreg Mach while Edelgard was the Criminology professor. He found out Shez was alive as well as the coach of the Fencing Club. Seeing his Blue Lions again brought him joy but even so, they do not know him in modern times. Byleth let go of a sigh as the bell rang and the students either ran or walked out of his studio. The man stretched, it had been so long since he taught a class.

"Dammit, I'm rusty," he muttered and stopped hearing a knock on his door, "Hmm?"

He walked to the door and opened it. At that moment, Byleth froze. Standing in front of him was...

"Hello, I am Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd! I am the new history professor here along with Mrs. Hersvelg and Doctor Riegan. I was walking around introducing myself." Dimitri smiled, yet all Byleth did was remain silent before he closed his eyes and nodded in acknowledgment.

He stared at Dimitri's extended hand. There was a part of him that wanted to shake it but he refrained. He didn't need to remember his old lover's touch. He didn't need to remember his rough yet warm hands. He d—

"It is good to meet you, Mr. Blaiddyd," Byleth said and did a polite bow, "I am Byleth. The Art teacher." He introduced himself.

He didn't notice how Dimitri's lips twitched. Dimitri put his hand down and nodded. The silence between them was awkward till the two heard a crash and a groan.

"Stupid barrel..." Annette grumbled and looked up, chuckling nervously. "A-Apologies! Um, Byleth! Principal Seteth said he wanted to see you!" she said and Byleth nodded as the woman waved and left.

"How long have you been a professor here?" Dimitri suddenly asked as he looked around Byleth's studio. "The glasswork here is amazing as well as the oil paintings..." the man marveled as he looked around.

A small smile formed on Byleth's lips as he crossed his arms and went to stand beside the man. Dimitri stood in front of a huge stained glass work that showed the image of the Savior King being crowned by the Enlightened One. Byleth smiled bitterly looking up at the old work. It was made fifty years after his lover's death. Over the years of traveling through the Outrealms, in the World of Awakening, he picked the hobby of glassblowing.

He still remembered when the Dimitri of that world showed him the basics of glassblowing and eventually he got the hang of it. Working with glass and paint helped him a lot.

"Thank you," Byleth muttered, "I made this piece a few years ago. Now–" He turned his back on the man. "I must be going now," he said and began to walk, but stopped for a moment.

"If..." Dimitri looked at him puzzled. "You wish to talk more, we can speak in the teacher's lounge," he said.

"I would like that." Dimitri smiled yet Byleth felt a pang in his heart.

[—-]

"I think Byleth doesn't like me..."

Claude couldn't help bursting out laughing as Edelgard pinched her nose. Yuri, the professor of the Magic Department, raised an eyebrow as Shez just rolled her eyes.

"No matter the reincarnation, Dimitri is always like this," Shez thought. "Dimitri, talk to the man. You may have a chance," she said as the man turned crimson.

"W-What?! It's only been six months since I met him!" Dimitri stuttered.

"And I have been alive for 800 years,” the woman thought. “Go ask the man out for a coffee or something," she said.

“Shez hates it when people stall on things. I wonder what got her so worked up?” Yuri muttered as he looked out the window to see the woman storming over to Byleth’s studio.

Dimitri saw some sort of longing in Yuri’s eyes as he watched the purple-haired woman start scolding Byleth.

[—-]

“How long are you going to stall?!” Shez placed her hands on her hips as she scolded Byleth, who just continued to work on a new stained glass piece that Edelgard had recently commissioned. “I’ve been alive for 800 years to know damn well that no matter how many times Dimitri is reborn, he subconsciously searches for you!” she said and Byleth just kept working.

“That is impossible,” Byleth said and then paused for a moment, turning to look her way, puzzled. “Wait, you have been alive for 800 years?” Shez just smacked her forehead and dragged her hand down her face.

“That’s not the point! And yes, I have been alive since you left! I too became one with Arval’s power after I defeated him.” Shez huffed. “My point is, Dimitri never marries.” Byleth looked at her in shock. “EVER!”

Was it true….?

He could almost hear Sothis scolding him if she were present. He could only imagine the face she was making. Byleth let out a sigh and looked at Shez.

“When is the next meet-up?”

Shez beamed. “Tomorrow!”

[—-]

It was a late-night meet-up at a restaurant called Duscur Dawn, run by Dedue and Ashe. It brought Byleth joy to see that the old restaurant from long ago was still open after all these years. The scent of spices and herbs filled the air as he and Shez entered. The place was decorated with colors of sun-red and yellow, as well as a variety of Duscur furniture with patterns. But at the far end, near a jukebox, were all his former students. The Black Eagles, Golden Deer, Ashen Wolves, and Blue Lions, along with Monica.

"Hey, you two made it!" Claude called out as Ashe, Dedue, and Mercedes were helping put food on the tables, "We thought you wouldn't come!"

"Had to drag him over here," Shez said as she pointed at Byleth behind her, who looked like he was trying to avoid eye contact with everyone.

“Welcome, Professor!” Edelgard said with a grin, “The food Dedue, Ashe, and Mercedes prepared is delicious! Come join us!” she said and Byleth smiled a bit and nodded as he and Shez made their way to the table.

There were two seats open, the one next to Yuri and the one next to Dimitri. Shez was quick to take the seat next to Yuri, which only left the spot next to Dimitri open. Byleth went to take his seat to eat. It wasn’t long before small talk became full-blown and joyful conversations throughout the meal. It had been a while since Byleth had spoken so much, let alone a good laugh. Even though it had been 800 years, no matter the time and world his students and friends were the same as ever. Loud, rowdy, obnoxious, clumsy, kind, rash, but most of all, loving.

The hours went by and soon it was time to go home. Byleth waved goodbye and then Shez told him she was going to stay with Yuri tonight. Byleth understood and was about to leave when he noticed Dimitri walking the same way he was.

“Oh! Professor!” Dimitri looked at him surprised as they stood under a street light, “Are you walking home as well?”

“I am,” Byleth said, “You heading in the same direction?” he asked and Dimitri nodded.

“I live across from the academy. Would you…” Dimitri rubbed the back of his neck with a nervous smile, “Would you like to walk back together?”

“...Sure,” Byleth said and they walked together.

The silence between them was a bit awkward but somehow it felt…a bit comforting. It reminded Byleth of the times he would sit in silence with his beloved as they walked. Byleth looked at Dimitri and was a bit surprised to see he was looking at him.

“Apologies.” Dimitri coughed, shyly looking away. “It’s just…today was the first time I saw you smile and laugh so much. It was…Um…” Dimitri chuckled softly. “Perhaps I am overstepping my boundaries but I thought your smile was mesmerizing.”

Byleth’s eyes widened and quickly looked away, a rush of heat came to his face, as Dimitri noticed how his ears turned red.

“Maybe I overdid it…” Dimitri thought as the professor let out a cough.

“Smooth words,” Byleth said. “I had…” he paused for a moment, “I had fun today. I have not laughed and spoken like that for so long. Maybe I should join more events.” He pondered and Dimitri gulped.

“Um…Well.” Dimitri turned to him fully, his cheeks turning a bit pink as he was struggling to speak. “There is going to be a winter festival next week at the academy. I was wondering if you would like to go with me?” he said as Byleth looked at him with surprise.

“How long are you going to stall?!”

Shez’s words repeated in his mind. No matter how many worlds he traveled, the Dimitri of those worlds… always somehow ended up being part of his life. Now, it was happening again.

“Fate is a mysterious force,” Corrin, a dragon prince he met, said, “Even though it has been many years, fate has a way of bringing us back to those we love. Whether it is watching them from afar or being part of their lives again. So, I’m sure one day you will be reunited with your love. Only time will tell…”

“Hmm…” Byleth smiled softly to himself and looked up to Dimitri. “I apologize if I looked like I did not like you. I was going through some things. I still am,” he said as Dimitri listened to him patiently. “I…would like to continue speaking with you, if that is alright?” he said.

Dimitri was shocked, his mouth opening and closing like a fish before his expression turned into the brightest grin Byleth had ever seen.

“Of course!”

“Say, Dimitri, what do you think the future will be like?” Byleth said one day as they laid on their bed. “I will outlive you and everyone…I…don’t know how to feel.” He sighed as Dimitri smiled sadly and gently took him into his arms.

“Even so, no matter how much time passes, I will return to you,” Dimitri whispered and kissed his forehead.

“That’s a promise?”

Dimitri chuckled and nodded. “Always. I promise, no matter how much time passes, I will always return to you, my love,” he said and Byleth smiled softly.

“You kept your promise…” Byleth thought as he and Dimitri continued to talk on their way home, “And I’ll keep mine.”

“And I will always love and wait for you…till the end of time.”

–FIN–