Beloved You

The warm sun overhead shined down as Byleth took a long swig of his water bottle. Summer had enveloped Fodlan for a while now, but goddess, was the heat eager to go out with a bang. He wiped away beads of never-ending sweat as he looked around. He wasn’t sure how long he’d been on this trail, but there was something so gorgeous about these woods that made his skin tingle. It had only been a few days into this trip, but the sights of Leicster were absolutely stunning. Nothing like Farghus, if he was being entirely honest.

“Byleth,” Dimitri's sweet voice called to him a few feet ahead. “Is my pace too quick for you?”

“No, no,” Byleth said as he quickly capped his bottle. “I’m just enjoying the sights. This area is so peaceful.”

“It is,” Dimitri said with a hum, glancing around, seemingly captivated by the terrain as well. “I don't think I’ve seen so many trees - well, none like these, of course.”

“Have to admit,” Byleth replied as he walked up to Dimitri. “The trees in Fhridiad pale in comparison.”

Dimitri laughed at the comment. “Oh, if only you were wrong. The trees aren’t nearly as lush as they are here. Leicester is full of wonders like this, or so Claude tells me. Though, I’m not sure if he says that as a sort of jab at me, or if his words are genuine.”

“The latter, probably,” Byleth replied with a smile. “You said he was the one who suggested this stop?”

“Correct,” Dimitri replied as he proceeded on the trial. “He said Derdriu was the ‘must see destination,’ or something along those lines. Honestly Byleth, I’m not sure when and when not to take his words at face value. How do you do it so well?”

Byleth laughed, “It’s honestly not hard. He’s not all tricks and mischief, you know?”

“Of course, I do,” Dimitri sighed. “It’s just…I feel that you’re one of the few who doesn’t fall for his words so easily. Even Sylvain trips up every now and then.”

“Might be because you two are always looking for a trick.” Byleth said with a smirk. “Might just be psyching yourself out.”

“Perhaps,” Dimitri said with another sigh.

“Come on, Dima,” Byleth replied as he lightly smacked Dimitri's arm. “Claude’s a good guy, and a good friend, if you let him be.”

“Compared to your friendship with him, I fear I may mirror that of the trees in Fhridiad.”

Byleth gave a quick laugh as he replied, “What’s that supposed to mean? You’re a great friend, Dimitri.”

“I…” Dimitri started, but remained silent, keeping his eyes now on the trail ahead.

Byleth stared at him, awaiting a reply. But when none came, something that felt much like a pit fell in his stomach as they walked in that sudden silence. Perhaps it wasn’t really his place to try pushing Dimitri to be Claude’s friend. Dimitri had been so hesitant about the guy, initially, so maybe Byleth was overstepping. Not that that should be the case since he’s known Dimitri for so many years now, so the silence was probably nothing more than a minor discomfort of the unknown. Or maybe it was something, and Byleth was reading the situation wrong, and maybe he did make some sort of mistake that he couldn’t find a solution to.

“Do you hear that?” Dimitri’s voice snapped Byleth from his thoughts.

“What?”

“Running water,” Dimtiri replied with a smile. “I bet there’s a creek nearby. Want to search for it?”

“Think it’s on the trail?” Byleth replied, trying not to smile back.

“Probably not. Only one way to find out.”

Byleth rolled his eyes as he held out his hand. “Lead the way.”

Dimitri beamed as he grabbed Byleth’s hand, and pulled the both of them just a bit off trail. They pushed past a few bushes as they proceeded further. A few twigs snapped below them as Dimitri pressed on. His skin was so warm in Byleth’s hand, his grip locked tight. Dimitri always did this for as long as Byleth could remember. Any time he’d want to venture off to some new, “uncharted” area, he’d always grab for Byleth’s hand. Always wanted him right there, and the joy that Byleth felt each time this happened only made his heart pound louder.

What used to be nothing more than a childhood crush only grew with each new year. Byleth found just how enamored he was with his best friend by the time they were in high school, and now in college, that feeling only blossomed in his chest. The only issue now though was that their endeavors were no longer so frequent - even now, on this sudden trip, Byleth thought Dimitri planned it out due to the fact that they can hardly see each other nowadays. They both had been so busy with coursework that their weekly meals together just wasn't enough to satisfy Byleth anymore. It pained him to not see those gorgeous blue eyes everyday, or feel how wonderfully well their hands fit together.

It was a cruel reality that Byleth didn't want to accept, so of course he jumped at this opportunity to spend even a few more hours with him. Though, once their trip was over, that's when the butterflies would be confined once more, and how Byleth wished this trip wouldn't ever end.

As the pair pressed through the forest, the sound of rolling water flooded Byleth's ear. Dimitri tugged Byleth, and the pair moved a little quicker than before, until they reached a clearing where there was, in fact, a breathing creek. It was massive, stretching out wide and pressed deep into the forest.. The water was perfectly clear, with a plethora of rocks and pebbles decorating the bed below. A few dragonflies zoomed above the surface, bolting over Byleth’s dark boots.

“My,” Dimtri said after a deep inhale. “What a wonderful find!”

“Always know how to pick them out,” Byleth says with a laugh.

“Oh, I wouldn't say always,” Dimitri replied with a grin, glancing across the water.

Byleth smiled as he noticed a few rocks protruding from within the water further down the way. Their surfaces looked smooth and flat as they stretched out across the rushing water, up to the other edge of earth across from him. He followed the water, down to the rocks without hesitation, curious to know how different the view would be upon the other side. Having approached the rocks, he placed on foot upon the first, then his other upon the next, seeing the rushing water slosh quickly, often spilling over the rest of the rocky path. He pressed onward, halfway across the creek, soon stopping on a much larger rock when he noticed the next being a bit farther than the ones prior. While it didn’t need too much effort to jump towards, it was damp and darkened by the water that rushed over it.

He almost turned back, but he was so close to the other side already. So, he pushed on, taking a quick leap to the next stepping stone. However, once his boot hit the slick surface, he lost his footing, and slipped, approaching the seemingly cold water below. He braced for impact, knowing well that he’d be walking around with soggy jeans and probably a bruised bottom for the rest of the hike. But instead of cool water seeping through his clothes, he was tugged backward, a pair of massive arms wrapped around him tightly, spinning him slightly, and pinning him against what felt much more like a brick wall than a man’s torso.

The heat rose to Byleth’s cheeks as he looked up, staring into Dimitri’s worried eyes.

“Are you alright?” Dimitri said, looking Byleth over a few times.

“I’m fine,” Byleth replied, now noticing how cold his left foot was then. “My sock’s wet.”

“Oh, no,” Dimitri said with a pout. “We should probably head back then. Wouldn't want you developing blisters if we press on any further.”

“I’ll be alright,” Byleth said, trying not to stare too obviously at Dimitri’s protruding collar bones.

Dimitri shook his head, “Come on. Let’s head back. Want me to carry you?”

_____________

The sun beamed high overhead, heating up the golden sand below Byleth’s feet. It was a gorgeous day: the salty breeze pushed at his bangs, and the seagulls sang above as they scavenged for some poor souls' unsupervised container of fries. Surprisingly, the beach wasn’t as packed as Byleth was expecting - sure, there were quite a few families with their very pleasant children kicking up sand and screeching at the top of their lungs, but even then, just sitting under the shade of Dimitri’s massive beach umbrella made him feel as though it was just the two of them.

And really, it was just the two of them, and Byleth both loved and worried about the feeling. He missed Dimitri so much, but it was so hard to just tell him that without coming off too strongly.

“Do you need me to reapply your sunscreen?” Dimitri said, breaking Byleth from his thoughts.

“I’ll be alright,” Byleth replied with a quick headshake. “Sand’s burning my feet a bit.”

“I’m sure it is,” Dimitri said with a laugh. “If you’d like, I can grab you a snack, so you can stay here and keep cool.”

“No, I’m–” Byleth started, nulling over the offer. A snack at least wouldn't feel as…awkward as Dimitri’s massive hands running down his back in public. “Actually, a can of soda would be nice.”

Dimitri grinned at his reply, “Then I’ll be right back.”

He slipped his sandals on, before making his way behind them to the snack shack not too far away. Byleth had to tear his eyes away to avoid staring at Dimitri’s back for too long. His heartbeat thumped in his chest as he ran his hand through his bangs. This trip truly had been wonderful, but goddess, it was getting so difficult to not accidentally slip up.

Dimitri was always so sweet and kind, and the more he behaved like his wonderful self, the more that Byleth felt his mind spiraling. They were just friends and yet, Byleth wasn't sure if he was picking up subtle clues about something else. Not that that was beneficial for either of them, something Byleth had to remind himself of more times than one since the beginning of this trip.

"I'm back," Dimitri said as he approached.

Byleth turned as Dimtiri handed him his soda. "Thank you."

"Of course," Dimtiri replied as he sat in his beach chair, a dripping cup of ice cream pooling over the rim. "I hope your drink is still cold enough. I saw kids enjoying this and thought ice cream would have been a great idea. However, it would seem that the sun got it before I could. I hope it didn't get on your can."

"It's fine," Byleth smiled as he cracked open the can, taking a quick swig before continuing. "It melted that fast?"

"It did," Dimitri said with a sigh, licking the side of his hand. "Almost immediately as it was handed to me. Incredible how hot it is today. Eating this quickly will at least prevent me from getting any more sticky."

Byleth laughed as he reached for his bag, pulling out a few napkins and handing them to Dimitri, who thanked him a few times.

"Remind me not to get soft serve in the middle of a hot day again, please."

Byleth chuckled as he replied, "bet it tastes good though."

"Oh, it does," Dimtiri smiled as he spooned at the mostly solid center of the goopy blob. "Won't be long until it's cream soup. Care to try a taste?"

Without hesitation, Byleth nodded and regretted his decision. Dimitri drew the spoon closer, the very one he'd been using, the only one he seemed to have. Sure, it wasn't like the two of them hadn't shared things before, but this single spoon inching closer made the heat burn across his already hot face.

Byleth swallowed hard as he opened his mouth, letting the spoon float between his teeth, before closing his lips. The sweet taste of vanilla covered his tongue as he pulled his portion from the spoon. The cream was rich and smooth, and while it was a bit melted, it was the perfect amount of chill on such a hot day. He tried to ignore Dimitri spooning another scoop right into his own mouth.

"It's good," Byleth said.

"Care for more?"

Byleth shook his head. "That was plenty. It's been a while since I've had a soft serve like that. Last time might have been with my dad before university started up."

"I've been meaning to ask: how has your dad been? I feel like you've not talked about him for a while."

"He's been fine," Byleth said as he finished up his soda. "He's convinced he can open up a tackle shop now."

"Oh no," Dimitri said with a chuckle. "I thought he'd forgotten about that."

"Not in the slightest," Byleth sighed. "Not even mom can stop him. He's set on the tackle shop."

Dimitri laughed again, his bright smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. “Well, I guess if he follows through with it, I might as well take a look around. Not that I can fish, of course. But I’m sure he’ll appreciate my stopping by. Can’t actually recall the last time I saw your parents in-person.”

“Has it really been a long time?” Byleth said with a head tilt, trying to also recall their last meeting.

“I believe it has. I should probably change that soon.”

_____________

Byleth takes a deep breath as he stares off into the horizon. The setting sun burning between shades of reds and purples as it glistens over the waves of the ocean below. This trip, this wonderful, incredible trip, was at its end, and Byleth felt a heaviness in his chest as he folded his hands between his knees. He stares down at the ocean below - the bench he sits upon just a few feet away from the cliff’s edge. A light breeze pulls at his hair and he sighs. The fun he’d had this trip was unlike anything he’d felt in a long while, and realizing now that these days will be but a memory constricts his chest once more. He didn’t want it to end, and yet, it was inevitable. Soon, the pair would go back to school, and it was up to fate on whether they’d see each other much again.

“Byleth?” Dimtri speaks cautiously, as he stops next to the bench. “Are you alright?”

“Hm?” Byleth replies as he looks up, meeting Dimitri’s sparkling eyes. “Oh, yeah. I’m just…thinking.”

“About…?”

Byleth rubbing at the back of his neck as he gazes out to the water again. “This trip went by much quicker than I’d hoped.”

Dimitri hummed before taking a seat on the bench. “It did. Can’t believe we’ll have to return back to civilization again soon.”

Byleth weakly smiled at the comment, interlacing his fingers once more. “It’s a shame it can’t last a bit longer.”

“It is, but I fear that if that were to happen, parting ways would be even harder.”

Byleth turned to him then, seeing that warm smile of his. It was a bit reassuring that Dimitri felt the same in that regard - perhaps he too realized how little they’d see each other once classes started up again.

“Hey,” Dimtiri said, standing up suddenly. “Take a walk with me?”

He held out his hand and without hesitation, Byleth took it and let Dimitri guide him down the narrow path that soon led down to the beach. The walk was silent, aside from the singing breeze and the crashing of waves. Byleth stared at their interlocked hands - Dimitri’s hands had always been large, but sometimes, noticing that detail made Byleth feel so small. Once they reached the white sand, Dimtiri’s continued his stride with Byleth beside the shore. Dimitri’s hand was so warm, and Byleth dared not let go. Letting go wasn’t what he wanted - wasn’t something he could bring himself to do.

The sea-salt breeze pushed through their hair as they continued their walk. Byleth casually glanced at Dimitri every so often, the tightness growing. What was it about today that felt so different? Something was in the air, and it wasn’t just the salt. It was almost like words unspoken hung around them - Byleth had felt them, had them. Perhaps that was it. Perhaps it was just him feeling that way, and now Dimitri knows something is wrong but doesn’t know what. The uncertainty hung over them like a heavy curtain, and it was eating at Byleth. Maybe he should say something - maybe he shouldn’t. Dimtiri’s silence was worrisome. Why did it bother so much?

“B-Byleth?” Dimitri spoke suddenly, still staring ahead.

“Yes?” Byleth said as he turned.

“I…” Dimitri glanced over quickly, before shooting his gaze forward again. “You…this trip has been…exciting. I hope you’ve had a good time.”

“I have,” Byleth replied, still staring at Dimitri.

“That’s a relief,” Dimitri replied with a strange…giggle? Byleth wasn’t really sure how to place whatever that was, really. “I’m realizing now I never actually asked if you were having a good time or not. Though, I suppose if you weren’t, you might have told me. Or maybe you wouldn’t have?”

“Dima…?”

“Yes?” Dimitri replied a little louder as he looked at Byleth. “Why am I yelling? Yes?”

Byleth snorted as he replied, “Are… you okay?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean…you’re rambling?”

“Am I?” Dimitri said as Byleth nodded. “Ahh, I’d… not realized. I must be…tired. Anyways, you have enjoyed yourself?”

“I have,” Byleth repeated, squeezing Dimitri’s hand. “Spending time with you like this has been nice. I’m honestly not sure how I’m going to feel once we…depart after all of this time together. It’s going to feel strange.”

“I agree,” Dimitri said with a sigh. “We hardly have any time for each other nowadays. I miss seeing you so often like I would when we were kids. Growing pains were one thing, but this is another altogether.”

“Yeah, “ Byleth replied with a sigh of his own. “I miss you. A lot. I miss spending time with you.”

“So do I,” Dimiri said as he slowed his pace, soon coming to a halt. “Byleth? Can I…be honest with you for a moment?”

“...Yes?”

“I just…” Dimitri spoke, turning his full attention to Byleth. “I don’t…ooh, this is actually much harder than I thought it would be.”

“What is?” Byleth replied with a small chuckle. The knots in his chest pulling harder. “It’s not like you to get so tongue tied.

“I know…” Dimitri started, his eyes locked on Byleth as he grabbed for his other hand. “I just… I can’t keep quiet about this anymore. Byleth, I’ve missed you so much, and I don’t want us going on anymore without seeing each other like this. I know we’ve both been so caught up with course work, but spending time with you like this fills me with such unimaginable joy that I just can't contain myself anymore.”

“What…do you mean?” Byleth said as his heart pounded.

“I don’t want us going our separate ways after this. I want to see you whenever I can, however I can. I want to be able to take you wherever you wanted to go - I want to be able to hold your hands like this wherever you wanted me to. I want to be by your side for however long as you’ll have me. If…you’ll have me. I adore you, Byleth. I always have, I’ve just been too much of a fool to say it. If you asked me to kiss you right here, right now, by the goddess, I would do so in a heartbeat. Just say the word.”

Byleth watched as Dimitri’s face burned a soft pink, and watched as his breathing picked up, and felt the tightens of his hands in his. Byleth’s heart thrashed in his chest. He wasn’t making it up - he wasn’t the only one feeling like this - Dimitri was too! And it was exhilarating but terrifying to know the truth because now, no matter what Byleth said, their lives would change.

“Dima…?”

“Yes?” Dimitri replied, taking a small step closer, his eyes never breaking contact.

“Will you…kiss me?”

The twinkle in Dimitri’s eyes returned as that beautiful smile spread across his face. He said nothing, just pulled Byleth closer. He freed one of his hands to place it gently against Byleth’s jaw, tilting Byleth up just a bit. And when their lips met, Byleth felt like he’d been set ablaze. With his free hand, he pulled at Dimitri’s shirt, just to get a little bit closer than they already were.

In truth, Byleth wasn’t sure which was louder: the crashing of waves, or the pounding of his own heartbeat.