restless rendezvous

✧ PROFILE

— AFFILIATIONS

✦ Nationality -> The Leicester Alliance ✦ House -> Golden Deer… ✗ -> Blue Lions ✦ War -> Against the Adrestian Empire

— BIOGRAPHY

[ Early Life ]

You are born and raised in the Leicester Alliance—a temperate land of sprawling plains, winding rivers, and gorgeous mountains. It is practically idyllic compared to the cold, harsh lands of Faerghus or the often uncomfortably warm humidity of the Adrestian Empire. Though not among the nobility that govern the Alliance, you do hail from a noble family nonetheless. Your family is influential, but not overly wealthy nor thoroughly intertwined in the politics of the land.

Your family’s home is situated near the border between the Alliance and the Adrestian Empire; it allows for you to encounter both people from your homeland and those of a different culture. While you do not hear much of political tensions as a child, the topic is something you start processing more and more as you get older. The Leicester Alliance and the Adrestian Empire have a bit of history, with the Alliance striking out on their own and trying to gain their independence from the Empire (and subsequently having similar issues with Faerghus, though you hear much more regarding the Empire given the proximity of your family’s estate to the border)… and while that event was many years ago and the situation has smoothed over like an old scar, history never truly forgets.

The Crest of Timotheos runs in your bloodline, securing its noble status; as for social standing, your family helps oversee and protect merchant trade routes between the Alliance and the Empire, which generates a decent amount of wealth. Some in your family manage the finances, taxes, and contracts; others are on the road to protect merchants who are traveling to more dangerous places around the continent. The Alliance is known for having quite the robust economy, so many upper class families are involved in trade some way or another.

Compared to those raised in more prominent families within the Alliance, your upbringing is just a little more humble, a little closer to the common folk. Your family’s estate is not extremely lavish, but you still get to enjoy plenty of open land on which to ride horses, large gardens to admire and cultivate, and many opportunities to become learned and well-read. Dancing is also among your more physically active hobbies, and you have the privilege of being able to work under various dance instructors in one-on-one and small group settings. Sometimes your schedule feels overfull, but a small vacation is often within sight.

Thankfully, your upbringing is relatively peaceful as a whole—though darkness seems to loom on the peripherals. As much as people like to focus on their day to day life and pretend that nothing is going on, the political situation of Fódlan as a whole seems to be deteriorating little by little.

By default, given the way noble families very often tend to pass on their wealth and duties from one generation to the next, your parents hold expectations of you taking over the family business once they’re ready to step down and retire. That said, they do not wish to force you into a role you have no interest in, so they encourage you to explore your own passions. If there’s something else you want to do with your life, they would not stop you from pursuing it. But, in the meantime, they’ll make sure you get plenty of knowledge and experience in the event that you do eventually take over the business.

As for yourself, you find it difficult to decide what to do. Overseeing trade routes and merchants isn’t something that interests you. You would love to work with and care for animals, but you would also hate to potentially let your parents down. As much as they insist that you can do what you want with your own life, you can’t help but feel that you might put them in a tough spot. Perhaps a good middle ground would be to help your parents out for now, and then you can eventually transfer the business to new owners (you do have some cousins that may be interested) while you set out to accomplish your own goals. Yeah, that sounds like an okay plan! In any case, you can always adjust your plans if something comes up. You throw yourself into your studies, making sure to learn as much as you can about the landscape of Fódlan and its economics.

The Officers Academy is not something you consider until you’re chatting with one of your friends (a certain Ignatz Victor). He explains that he is planning on enrolling to be a knight-in-training since his older brother is inheriting his family’s merchant business, and you remember that some of your older relatives have taken that route as well. Being a knight in and of itself may not be the most in-line with your interests, but you can see the utility of it, especially if you can hone your budding abilities in magic. Your parents are supportive of your idea, though they definitely worry about your safety! Still, they procure the money to secure your enrollment, and send you off with warm hugs and well wishes.

[ Academy Phase ]

“The Black Eagles, the Blue Lions, and the Golden Deer… All so different.”

Upon your enrollment to Garreg Mach, you were placed in the Golden Deer House since you reside in the Leicester Alliance. Given that you are part of an upper class family, you recognize a few faces and names! Though you have not had the chance to meet any of the children of the Five Great Lords prior, the names are familiar: Riegan, Goneril, Gloucester, Ordelia, Edmund. It’s a bit surprising that so many of them have enrolled in the Academy this year! As for those you are more personally familiar with—Ignatz’s family works with yours, and you’ve met him a few times on the occasions that he accompanied his parents for discussions (he would often find some time to chat with you about your horses and gardens). Raphael’s family once worked with yours, too, before his parents passed away; that said, you never met Raphael since he did not accompany his parents during their work.

“Welcome to the Golden Deer! Oh, your last name… I think I’ve met your parents once or twice. If I remember right, you guys live near the Adrestian border, right? I’m Claude von Riegan—it’s nice to meet you!” Claude’s greeting is friendly and casual, not quite what you would expect from an heir to an important noble house, but you also have no complaints about the head of the House being warm and welcoming… That said, you also can’t help but feel like his gaze is almost calculating, like he’s trying to suss out exactly what type of person you are.

Unlike the Blue Lions or Black Eagles, the social hierarchy within the Golden Deer doesn’t play a huge role in how your peers interact with each other. Yes, there are those who hail from noble families and those that are commoners, and the difference in backgrounds can be very clear at times—however, spurred on by Claude’s lead, most of the Golden Deer treat each other as equals. There are some exceptions of course (considering Lorenz’s insistence on acting in ways that would exemplify his noble status, for example) but for the most part, the Golden Deer feel like a ragtag little family. It helps some of your homesickness; after that feeling sets in, you start viewing the Officers Academy as a home away from home.

The idea of transferring classes doesn’t cross your mind for quite a while. Actually, it never would have crossed your mind if you hadn’t become friends with Mercedes and Annette.

Your friendship with the two Blue Lions girls begins when you keep running into them around the classrooms and courtyard in the early evenings. It turns out all three of you have been staying late to work on spellcasting. The training grounds tend to be frequented by those who prefer to use weapons as their primary mode of offense and defense; for those who lean into spells, much of your practice can be easily done in empty classrooms (especially since the spells you work on tend to be non-offensive and easily contained). The quiet is nice for examining magical theory and practicing incantations. At first, the three of you exchange nods and pleasantries as you cross paths. Not long after, you start discussing what each of you is working on, and then that turns into planned meet-ups to study together. The friendship between the three of you blossoms quickly, and soon enough you’re hanging out with them in your free time.

Through them, you start getting to know about the Blue Lions from the stories they tell. The members of their House seem very close-knit and loyal to each other, though as a whole they carry themselves a little more seriously than the Golden Deer. But Mercedes and Annette are so sweet and friendly, and you feel like your magical abilities have grown leaps and bounds since you started practicing with them; the idea of being able to actually share classes with them is very appealing. Besides, you haven’t had the chance to make bonds with many people from outside the Leicester Alliance—you’ve visited a few villages within the Adrestian Empire on occasion, but you’ve never come close to Faerghus. It would be nice to get to know the land and its culture a bit more, and that would be far easier if you were classmates with people who were raised there. It won’t be difficult to keep in touch with your Golden Deer friends, either, especially since you’re all from the same land.

You request your transfer from the Golden Deer to the Blue Lions about halfway through the year. Claude is quite surprised, but takes the news well.

“So you got sick of us, huh? Hey, don’t make that face—I’m just joking! It sounds like you’ve made some good friends from there, so it makes sense. We’ll miss you, so make sure to come by and visit here and there. Maybe we should make plans to meet up after we graduate?”

It takes a bit of time for you to settle into the Blue Lions. From a lesson standpoint, there isn’t much difference in the actual curriculum—though Byleth is now your primary instructor and his teaching methods are rather different from Hanneman’s. (You haven’t decided if that’s a good thing or not; Byleth is certainly… unique). Meshing with your classmates is the thing that takes time.

Already knowing Mercedes and Annette is helpful, though, especially since they’re willing to help introduce you to everyone. Your new House leader Dimitri certainly lives up to his title of crown prince, welcoming your transfer graciously and expressing his hopes that everyone is kind to you. Considering how sweet you are, he can’t imagine it would be hard for you to get along with most, if not all, of your new classmates! Ingrid, Ashe, and Sylvain are also friendly, though Sylvain’s immediate, heavy-handed flirting makes you keep him at arm’s length for a good while… Dedue is polite but a little distant, so it’s hard to get a solid read on him. Felix is definitely the hardest to approach, given his prickly demeanor and clear distaste for making friends, but it’s not impossible to chat with him on occasion.

Nonetheless, at the start of your transfer you are more eager than nervous to see what the future holds. You are hopeful that the second half of your year is just as pleasant as the first!

And yet, tides can change terribly fast.

As the year continues on, you feel like it’s one mess after the other, each occurrence more dire than the last. The death of Sylvain’s brother, Ashe losing his adoptive brother and Lord Lonato rebelling against the Church, the lingering resentment of those in Duscur, the cracks in Dimitri’s mental state, Edelgard’s declaration of war, the Church of Seiros falling apart with Rhea’s transformation into a dragon and subsequent disappearance… Even then, all of that is only a portion of what happens.

Your time at the Officers Academy ends on a much more somber note than you expect. Still, it wasn’t all bad—you made many good friends, both from your home territory of the Leicester Alliance and abroad. There were moments of lighthearted fun between grief and unease. When it comes time for you to return back home, you make promises to keep in touch with everyone. It’s hard to predict where the war will go, but you’ll be damned if you don’t try and keep your friends and loved ones close.

[ War Phase ]

“What’s the difference between killing someone and calling for their death instead? In both situations, their blood is on your hands, so isn’t it all the same?”

“Like all things, it’s about context and perspective.”

With the war, your parents are busier than ever—and it is certainly not because trade and the economy are flourishing. The stability of the Leicester Alliance is weakening, and some areas are too dangerous for merchants to comfortably travel. Trade is no longer possible with the Adrestian Empire, which means that some goods can no longer be imported. Your family’s business involves overseeing what items are in demand, what there are shortages of, where merchants can and can’t travel… Your parents quickly become overwhelmed with all of these drastic changes, so you step up and start helping them out. In some ways, it’s not too different from chess; moving pieces from one spot to the next, all while needing to be aware of the greater situation so as to protect as many as possible.

However, it has certainly solidified the fact that you most definitely do not want to do this type of work for the rest of your life. Maybe you’ll create an animal sanctuary—there are always animals in need of healing or simply just a quiet place to live, and that will especially be the case during and after the war. Plus, you could see yourself with a florist business on the side… (Ah, enough daydreaming).

Family business aside, your estate is near the Adrestian border. With the primary aggressor in this conflict being so close to where you live, most days feel… tense, dreary. It isn’t inherently unsafe at this point, with most of the conquest happening elsewhere in more critical locations, but things could change in the future. That said, Claude has been very good at stepping up into his new role and tries his best to make sure the Alliance and those who call it come are as stable as possible. He comes by on occasion to check in on you and your folks, making sure that things along the border are safe—he insists that you all relocate to the capital if things are getting too precarious, though.

Helping your parents out with their work keeps you busy most days, but you grasp at any distraction you can in your free time. Tending to your beloved animals is your go-to escape, your furry and feathered companions being a very welcome solace. You find yourself spending more and more time in the gardens, the greenery serving to keep you grounded. Writing letters to your friends helps your mind process things as well, though you don’t always have the time to send them out. Sometimes it’s difficult to know if your letters ever make it to their recipients, especially those who live outside of the Leicester Alliance. News from your old Blue Lions friends is hard to come by, and most of what you learn about what goes on there is relayed to you by Claude.

(Your heart aches terribly when you hear about Dimitri’s imprisonment and the political unrest within the Kingdom. You’re thankful that the Alliance has managed to hold onto some semblance of stability; you can’t imagine what your old friends are going through in Faerghus as they try to navigate a situation where they have enemies both inside and outside their borders, but you desperately wish you could do something to help all the same.)

One day, Claude comes to you with an interesting proposal: “Would you be willing to help us out in Derdriu? Although, honestly, we might not be in Derdriu all that often. I’d hate to drag you closer to danger, but our forces are in dire need of healers.”

Surprisingly, it doesn’t take you long to make a decision. While you are somewhat reluctant to leave your parents without your help, knowing they’re swamped with their own responsibilities, you also prefer to put your efforts into something that feels more in line with your skills and personal goals. All of your old friends and classmates from the Officers Academy are involved in this conflict some way or another—ideally, you want to see an end to this conflict sooner than later, and you want as many of your friends alive and well. That’s enough reason for you to agree to Claude’s request, even if it means jumping from the frying pan and into the fire. If you can help contribute to bringing an end to the conflict currently plagueing Fódlan, then you are going to grasp at that opportunity.

That said, if you thought helping your family was busy, then helping the Leicester Alliance’s forces is downright hectic.

You’re on the road more often than you thought you’d be, traveling between villages that simply require some extra hands to rebuild, to the front lines where a battle is actively being fought so you can patch up your wounded allies. The plus side is that you get to encounter some of your Golden Deer friends from time to time! It’s nice to catch up with them and make sure that they’re doing well (as well as they can be, anyways). You actually end up encountering Raphael pretty often, since he tends to be helping out a lot in war-torn villages and battles. Though he clearly worries about his sister and grandfather, his optimism and enthusiasm is warm and ever-present; your conversations always leave your heart feeling a little lighter. You almost forgot how much you enjoyed talking with him.

Eventually, somehow, you become used to the war… in a way. Your days accumulate into months, months blend into years. There is a sort of routine that you settle into, moving from task to task and stealing moments for yourself in between. You are able to find moments of peace and relaxation amidst the dreariness, which are very necessary to keep you sane and moving forward. Over time, you find yourself reminiscing more often, thinking back on your days at the Officers Academy. When you realize what year it is, you’re flabbergasted. The last time you stepped foot on Monastery grounds was already five years ago. How time flies…

Five years… How come that sounds so significant? Oh! The promise you made to Byleth and your classmates back then—to meet back up at the Monastery after five years, regardless of what happens. Though the Millennium Festival likely won’t be properly celebrated, the day it should be is coming up. Perhaps you can find the time and opportunity to make your way over there. However, it won’t be easy. Garreg Mach Monastery technically fell into the Empire’s control back when the war first started, but the Empire’s presence isn’t as strong there these days with their armies focused elsewhere. At the very least, perhaps you can go to one of the villages near the Monastery to scope the situation out; it wouldn’t be far for you to travel from where you’re currently staying. Maybe you’ll get lucky and encounter one of your old classmates?

Within a few days’ time, you reach a small village that sits not far at all from Garreg Mach. It’s actually the one that you and the others in the Officers Academy would frequent back in the day to do some shopping or eat out at a tavern. The village is much less lively now compared to back then, its residents opting for terse smiles rather than welcoming grins. Without the flow of visitors and merchants, the streets are emptier than you’ve ever seen them. As you stroll down the main street, you hear a commotion break out on the outskirts of the village. Screaming, shouting, the shing! of blades being drawn—your heart leaps into your throat, pounding hard, but you refuse to let fear prevent you from seeing what’s going on and potentially lending a hand.

As you rush to where you hear the disturbance, you catch the sight of a group of bandits terrorizing a couple of the village residents. Unfortunately, it is all too common to encounter bandits stealing anything from basic necessities like food to items such as weapons and valuables. You’re about to create a distraction when their attention is suddenly drawn towards…

You almost don’t believe your eyes when your gaze lands on two figures who have just joined the fray. Is that your missing professor and Dimitri?

— ABILITIES

✦ Class progression

Noble -> Dancer -> Priestess -> Bishop -> Gremory

Your combat classes reflect your strong preference for Faith magic, though your skills in riding and flying are not showcased here as well as they could be. (Valkyrie is one such class, magic wielder on a pegasus—you do sometimes use horses, pegasuses, or wyverns to better transport people if they are injured). Something that not a lot of people can boast about mastering is the Dancer class! Of course, this stems from your fondness of learning various styles of dance. Who knew that your hobby would benefit you in the Officers Academy?

✦ Skills

Strengths:

Faith Magic -> Your best skill. This is a type of magic that encompasses light and healing, which very much aligns with your philosophy of helping and protecting others whenever you can. These abilities come very naturally to you; even if you don’t adhere to any particular religion, you have a certain strength of spirit and willingness to devote yourself to the wellbeing of others, which makes your connection to Faith Magic very strong.

Reason Magic -> You rarely use offensive spells as the idea of harming others doesn’t sit right with you, but you still learn them alongside your primary healing spells. The knowledge is helpful, especially since you can’t ever be sure what kinds of situations you might find yourself in. You want to prioritize healing as much as possible, staying to the edges of the battlefield unless you need to rescue someone, but you also don’t want to be a sitting duck in enemy territory. Besides, in terms of magical theory, learning Reason helps bolster your understanding of Faith.

Riding -> You grew up riding horses, so you have plenty of experience on horseback. You have an innate ability to understand and empathize with animals, which is incredibly important when interacting with animals such as horses (who are often wary and nervous creatures) in the setting of a battlefield or long distance travel.

Flying -> Your budding talent. You actually hadn’t had the chance to interact much with wyverns or pegasuses before coming to Garreg Mach, but you quickly fell in love with them after your first few shifts managing the stables and wyvern grounds. It takes some time to get used to flying in the air with them, with soaring in the sky being a bit daunting, but all in all it isn’t too different from riding horses. You only need a bit of practice before you successfully gain your footing, and you actually find flying to be very useful when scanning a battlefield for any injured comrades.

Weaknesses:

Heavy armor

Brawling

Axes

Given your limited physical strength and your distaste for being in the thick of battle, you simply have no interest in using heavy, unwieldy weapons and armor. It seems far too exhausting and dangerous!

✦ Crest -> Major Crest of Timotheos

According to legend, Crests are a symbol of power that the goddess bestowed to mankind long ago. They are passed down by bloodline, typically through the descendants of the old heroes and saints, who are now nobility. The Crests themselves are divided into “Major Crests” that grant immense power, and “Minor Crests” which are a weaker variant. Not all nobles inherit a Crest and it is not understood when a major or minor Crest is passed down.

You inherited a major Crest of Timotheos, a Crest tied to one of the Four Saints and now considered largely lost to history. After the Rite of Rising failed to revive the Goddess, Timotheos left Garreg Mach and eventually vanished into a hidden forest. The Crest seems to present itself pretty consistently within every generation of your family, so your parents are not at all surprised when you start showing enhanced abilities tied to your bloodline. Notably, Timotheos had a unique affinity with the animal kingdom, being able to summon and converse with birds and other animals, and has been rumored to ride on deer and having a pack of wolves encircle him during battle. Your Crest allows you to befriend animals (and monsters) with ease, and it’s clear that your own affinity for animals definitely echoes that of your ancestor. Connecting with animals has always felt easier than connecting with people, possibly because animals simply expect different things from you. Interacting with them is simpler, more genuine; you often find yourself overwhelmed navigating complex social interactions with other people.

Hapi also bears this Crest, though the two of you are not closely related. You two share a common ancestor in Timotheos, yes, but one of his early descendants set out on their own and settled in Leicester Alliance territory… eventually establishing your family line.

YOUR MATCH IS…

✧ DIMITRI ALEXANDRE BLAIDDYD

✦ REASONING ->

Dimitri fits the type that you tend to gravitate towards romantically. He is kind, chivalrous, protective of his loved ones, and deeply emotional (though he tries to keep this under wraps whenever possible). To add to this, he has his endearing quirks that draw your interest! The awkwardness that sometimes arises when he tries to connect with his peers, his monstrous strength that makes small tasks like sewing difficult, his bashfulness when situations become unexpectedly romantic… You adore the gap between his princely exterior and cuter interior.

Dimitri would do best with someone who is willing to read between the lines and hear what is left unsaid. Full vulnerability and raw honesty terrify him—he keeps his worries buried because he needs to be the capable, dependable leader. He doesn’t believe that he has the right to be weak, lest he bring about more suffering and troubles for his loved ones.

As for you, you seem to do well with those who can provide you some degree of stability. Someone on the mature side who can understand your emotions and help keep you grounded when you’re feeling overwhelmed, someone who is protective and willing to defend you (whether it’s a physical threat or simply a troublesome, annoying situation). You are plenty capable of being independent and self-sufficient, but it can also be nice to have someone capable to rely on when needed, a partner who is willing to stand by you when times are tough.

When Dimitri breaks, brittle with sharp edges, you succeed in piecing him together again. Perhaps you have a bit of a savior complex, a deep-seated desire to make even the “monsters” aware that they can be loved, to be the one to love them when no one else will. No one is inherently undeserving of love, and you have plenty of it to give; your heart just goes out to those who feel like they don’t truly fit in. Still, it works out for the best in this situation. Not everyone is willing or able to support someone like Dimitri when he is struggling with his survivor’s guilt and Edelgard’s actions… but you’re determined to put in the effort to bring him back to the present and keep him grounded. He doesn’t need to make himself suffer.

— FIRST MEETING -> Ever since starting your training at the Officers Academy, you have seen him in passing—he can be hard to miss, with his tall stature and the distinct blue cape that designates him as the head of the Blue Lions. (Plus, he is quite handsome… You wouldn’t consider yourself to be easily smitten by others on appearance alone, but you would be lying if you didn’t find him to be attractive.) At most, you’ve gotten a polite nod and greeting from him, but no proper conversations. Nevertheless, the first time you formally meet Dimitri is when you transfer to his House.

Given the fact that you’re transferring halfway through the year, Byleth has you introduce yourself to everyone on your first day with the Blue Lions. It feels a bit silly, but it makes sense. Dimitri greets you with a warm smile: “Welcome to the Blue Lions. I wasn’t expecting someone to transfer into our class! I hope it isn’t hard for you to settle in and find a place here. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to let me know.”

As the House leader, Dimitri feels responsible for making sure you feel welcomed. He imagines it might be a bit daunting switching Houses part way through the year, especially since one’s House at the Officers Academy typically denotes their residency. But it appears his worries are unnecessary—you get along with everyone quite easily, and it really doesn’t take that long for you to find your place among your new classmates! Dimitri’s early impressions of you are that you’re intelligent, elegant, friendly, and compassionate. You have a very warm, comforting aura that he can’t help but be drawn towards. Plus, you abide by his wishes to not treat him formally just because he’s royalty, which he deeply appreciates! Dimitri prefers to have casual, friendly bonds with his classmates when possible, but sometimes it seems hard for others to drop the formalities around him. He understands why that is the case, but that doesn’t stop him from being happy whenever someone approaches him as a friend instead.

— BONDING -> It does not take long at all before the two of you are good friends, which should not come as a surprise. Generally speaking, both of you are the type that gets along quite well with others, and you both have interest in connecting with others—to add to that, your personalities are very compatible. Similarities that you two share include being calm and level-headed, courteous and kind. Your lighthearted teasing pairs well with Dimitri’s tendency to get bashfully embarrassed without actually taking any ribbing to heart. When not preoccupied with his own concerns, Dimitri is quite steady, emotionally, which helps keep you grounded in moments where you feel overwhelmed. He has a very pragmatic way of looking at things, as well, which helps you keep things in perspective. Dimitri can see the softer parts of himself in you, and you can see the bolder parts of yourself in him.

One beloved pastime of those attending the Officers Academy is tea time! Of course, this is something you and Dimitri partake in quite often together. Typically, he lets you decide on the tea and snacks—with his ageusia, he doesn’t have much of an opinion either way (this is something you notice after a while, as he seems to avoid making any specific comments on the taste of whatever tea you’ve picked out). Still, indulging in your company and sipping on warm tea is very enjoyable in his eyes. Other things the two of you enjoy doing together is reading, horseback riding, and gardening. He feels that he has much to learn from you when it comes to caring for plants, so he is always very studiously asking questions and dutifully following your advice.

— PINING -> Dimitri’s growing bond with you makes him realize that he really craves comfort and closeness with someone, which is a bit embarrassing to admit to himself. Honestly speaking, he’s a bit of a hopeless romantic deep down. There are many times where he imagines the two of you holding hands and taking a stroll in picturesque gardens, or snuggling in front of a crackling fire with a thick blanket wrapped around both your shoulders. He imagines cupping your face in his hands and bestowing the sweetest of kisses upon your lips… Ah, he really needs to stop getting ahead of himself! But all of that is a lengthy way to show that he is the lovesick, hopelessly pining type when he has feelings for you.

While he holds his tongue when it comes to his feelings, they are (unfortunately, for him) a bit obvious. Dimitri flusters a little more easily, cheeks and ears pink whenever you affectionately tease him or when you get a little too close while you two are busy with assigned tasks. As much as he wants to confess, it doesn’t quite feel like the right time. There are a few times he almost confesses, but for now, he is content being in your presence as your friend.

Things are put on hold after the war starts, with both of you returning to your respective hometowns. Neither of you have much time to dwell on your feelings, as there are more pressing matters at hand. Then, after you meet him again, he’s a shell of who he used to be: haunted, guarded, cold, with a deep-seated desire for revenge. It is clear that he isn’t in the right state of mind to give or accept affection.

But gradually, as your old Blue Lions classmates lead the resistance against the imperial forces, as Dimitri is faced with the possible consequences if he lets revenge consume him completely, as you refuse to leave his side until he stops his self-destructive warpath… gradually, Dimitri softens again. He focuses on the present rather than the past, he lets himself actually see you and his friends. Much of his time is spent apologizing and making sure that everyone has the best chances of coming out of this feud alive, and he starts gravitating towards you again. His pining for you now is softer, almost hesitant; he isn’t sure if you would still be interested in him after everything. He isn’t sure if he knows how to love gently in a way that you deserve. But, oh, he just can’t seem to stay away from you. Let him bask in your warmth and compassion for a while longer, please.

— CONFESSION AND FIRST KISS -> With the way that everything unfolds—your late transfer to the Blue Lions, Dimitri’s deteriorating mental state, the war—Dimitri does not confess to you until the war is nearly over. He is back in his right mind, with a clarity he hasn’t had in a long time. But there are still battles that must be waged; the idea of potentially losing any of his friends is deeply unsettling, but he knows he would be especially devastated if he lost you. But such is his dilemma: does he wait until everything is done before confessing to you, so a potentially happy moment between you two isn’t colored by the threat of danger? Or does he go ahead and confess in case he doesn’t have the chance afterwards?

It’s a question he agonizes over for a while. Too much has slipped through his fingers too early, so he wants to try and keep hold of all the good left in his life. But he doesn’t want to potentially distract you, or (in a manner that is a bit superstitious) to bring some misfortune upon you two. Eventually, he comes to a very decisive conclusion: it is better to confess now before he loses the chance.

Preparations for the final battle against Edelgard in Enbarr take a fair amount of time. This will be the decisive battle, the potential end to imperial conquest. Days are spent organizing supplies, training, ensuring the journey to Enbarr is as smooth as possible. Evenings are for rest and healing, for quiet moments between allies. Dimitri’s army is currently occupying a fort you’ve all claimed, making use of the building to stay protected from the elements and potential sieges.

One particular evening, you’re by yourself in a small parlor. There’s an open book on your lap, though your eyes keep leaving the inked words and drifting to gaze out of the window beside you. A lantern sits on a small table, casting a flickering glow over you and this corner of the room; your cup of tea has long gone cold. As nice as it is to have a moment of respite, your thoughts can’t help but latch onto the upcoming battle.

A soft knock sounds on the door, and it opens after a beat. Dimitri pokes his head in, and his expression softens when he sees you sitting there.

“Are you alright?” His question is soft, befitting of the subdued atmosphere within the room. He softly closes the door behind him, creating a little space just for the two of you.

You give him a tired but agreeable smile. “I’m okay, just a bit tired.”

Dimitri nods with a short hum, glad that you aren’t hiding yourself away out of distress. He steps up beside you, taking the only other seat in the small parlor. In comfortable silence, he takes in the scenery for a while, the room’s furnishings half-bathed in the shadow of night. Perhaps now would be a good time…

Gently, he slides his hand over and covers yours; his palm is warm against the back of your hand. When you look up at him, his gaze is on you, intense with an undeniable affection.

“There is something I have been meaning to tell you for a long time, and I feel I should get this off of my chest before we set out in the next couple days. Time and again, you have been by my side, even when I didn’t deserve it. My heart has been fond of you ever since our days in the Academy… and those feelings have only grown stronger now that we have reunited, and after everything we have been through. You are dearly important to me, and I have a hard time fathoming not being by your side. I’ll put it simply: I love you.”

The words surprise you, and yet you have to admit that they’re ones that you’ve been wanting to hear deep down. You accept his confession and bashfully return it with one of your own, revealing the feelings you have had for him all this time. The almost-shy smile that appears on Dimitri’s face is enough to melt you further, your heart squeezing with happiness in your chest. Dimitri clasps his hand around yours, pulling you towards him as he leans in; his lips meet yours, a chaste kiss that deepens after a moment. It’s a kiss full of yet-to-be spoken promises, a kiss of apologies and gratitude for all the days, good and bad, that you have spent by each other’s sides.

You each now have one more thing to fight for and protect in the coming days. For better or worse, the final battle of Enbarr will be a defining moment for your future.

✦ ADDITIONAL HEADCANONS ->

When it comes to relocating to Faerghus after the war… Ah, poor you! Much of this nation is cold and wintery, and you find yourself missing warmer weather quite often. Still, if it’s to be close to your partner and friends, you are willing to tough it out. At least the hearth is warm, and you have ample access to cozy blankets.

Dimitri has a huge soft spot for you, and can never tell you no. Thankfully, you’re not the type to make unreasonable requests… though his home is filled with far more plants and animals than he ever expected. But they make you happy and they’re all well taken care of, so Dimitri would let you have as many as you want.

Oh, the two of you absolutely dote on each other. Acts of service seems to be the go-to love language for you two. You help him get ready for his day, making sure he has all he needs whenever he is busy with political meetings and re-establishing the foundation of Fódlan—likewise, Dimitri makes sure that you’re able to unwind and relax in the evenings, practically waiting on you hand and foot. You are his beloved, and he insists that he takes care of you. To those that happen to oversee, it’s pure devotion.

✦ SHIP TROPES ->

-> “You shouldn’t love me” x “I want to love you” -> Physical protector x Emotional support -> Elegant, noble couple

✦ ENDING CARD ->

Not long after celebrating the end of the war, you get to celebrate your engagement to Dimitri. The news of your engagement creates an excited buzz amongst your peers, sentiments ranging from “it’s about time they got engaged” to “wait, since when were they together?” Regardless, it is something that is welcomed by both your friends and the people of Fódlan. The newly-crowned king of Faerghus and his betrothed are as devoted to improving life for the people as much as they are devoted to each other. Positions of leadership can be a burden, but the bond between you and Dimitri keeps each of you feeling light and hopeful.

✦ OTHER MATCH CONSIDERATIONS -> Ferdinand von Aegir, Yuri Leclerc.

✧ RELATIONSHIP WITH…

— FERDINAND VON AEGIR -> The first time you meet Ferdinand is when you both end up on stable duty at the same time. He really catches your eye! As you’re walking up to the stables, you spot the regal young man speaking softly to the horses while carefully grooming their manes, and he offers you the brightest smile when he notices you at the entrance. It does not take long at all for a friendship to develop between you two! Ferdinand is courteous, kind, and a solid conversationalist—he is very easy to talk to (even if he can be a little vain and oblivious at times), and your personalities pair together quite well. Even outside of assigned stable duty, the two of you often care for the animals in the stables together in your free time.

You bond over your love of animals, horseback riding, and tea. More often than not, the time you two spend together consists of horseback rides or quiet tea parties. Ferdinand often remarks that it is a shame that you’re not in the Black Eagles House, but he also sees that you fit quite well within the Golden Deer (and later the Blue Lions). As proud as he can be of his noble status and the fact that he is part of the Black Eagles, he can admit that the dynamics within the House can be a little… tense and difficult to navigate. While in your Officers Academy days, he insists that you two find time to meet up once you graduate! He would love to see where you grew up, and he would love to host you at House Aegir. (But then, of course, everything with the war prevents that from coming to fruition).

In regards to the war, Ferdinand chooses not to side with the Empire. Some time after the forces from Faerghus start coming together after taking back Garreg Mach, Ferdinand shows up offering his assistance. Edelgard had stripped House Aegir of everything following Ludwig's house arrest, and he doesn’t fully agree with her methods—he feels that he must do something, so he joins your group. Ferdinand is absolutely delighted to see that you are alive and well, though, and is happy that he can once again spend time with you! He’s a bit more mellow than he used to be while he was a knight-in-training, a little more serious, but the core of him is still the same.

Over time, Ferdinand becomes a very dear friend to you. Honestly, for a long time, he can’t quite figure out if he has a crush on you or not. Perhaps if he was able to spend a bit more time with you without your affections being captured by another, his feelings would have bloomed in full.

— YURI LECLERC -> You encounter Yuri when Byleth and a few of your classmates end up getting involved with everything that is happening with Aelfric and the Abyss. While he appears charming at first glance, it’s obvious that his guardedness and sharp way of speaking is meant to keep others at arm’s length. As curious as you are about him, you hesitate to try bonding with him too much too quickly—especially when it isn’t clear where exactly his loyalties lie at first. This hesitance is quick to melt away once the matter is settled and Yuri plus his little group are allowed the opportunity to be students if they wish.

Because he still tends to spend a decent amount of time in the Abyss making sure the people there are well taken care of, you don’t see him too often. Still, whenever he’s around, you make it a point to greet him and see how he’s doing. However, it does take a while for a proper bond to develop; he is cautious to a fault, and you sometimes have a hard time pinning down how genuine he’s being. Yuri is pretty sure your kindness and empathy are sincere, but he feels like he can’t be too sure… you’re almost too nice. But, over time, you manage to get him to soften up to you. You genuinely care about the well-being of the Abyssians, and you have a humble heart despite your upper class background.

(Oh, Yuri falls hard once he’s comfortable, and it happens towards the end of your time at the Officers Academy. However, he keeps his crush under wraps. “Perhaps I’ll tell her later on,” is what he always tells himself, knowing you’d be returning home after leaving the Monastery. But then, once you all meet again years later to try and end the Empire’s conquest of Fódlan, he is quick to realize that you and a certain fallen prince have feelings for each other.)

Yuri has no strong opinions on your eventual relationship with Dimitri. He’s a fine option, and you are definitely good for him. The Savage Mockingbird knows well that not everything will work out in his favor, so he doesn’t dwell on the sting of unrequited love for very long. He still has to take care of his people, after all, so he’ll remain plenty occupied.

— INGRID BRANDL GALATEA -> Ingrid becomes one of your closest friends within the Blue Lions, and is actually one of your closest friends from the Officers Academy as a whole. Your friendship develops as you end up spending a lot of time with her while caring for the horses, pegasuses, and wyverns; though you’re both busy with your respective tasks, chit-chat seems to naturally happen. Ingrid finds herself deeply appreciating your presence, in part because she hasn’t had the chance to make very many female friends! She gets along well with both Mercedes and Annette, but those two have been close friends since before coming to Garreg Mach, so Ingrid didn’t want to intrude between them too much. On the other hand, you’re eager to make new friends since you came to Garreg Mach without any prior friendships besides Ignatz, and now you’re properly meeting most of the Blue Lions for the first time halfway through the year.

Ingrid admires your compassion and patience, while you admire her strength of spirit and humility. Both of you are very down-to-earth, so it’s easy to see eye to eye on things. Since you share a few interests, you two always have something to do together. Ingrid loves animals, and she is honored if she ever gets the chance to meet your pets back home! Horseback riding is a common pastime for you both, and it’s always nice to get out in nature for a while. The two of you also often recommend books to each other, keeping your reading lists full.

Despite the distance between your hometowns, Ingrid keeps in touch with you the best during the war. Not that you two are constantly in touch, of course, but you hear from her fairly regularly. It makes you miss her terribly for those five years; you know that her family isn’t in a good financial position, but Ingrid isn’t the type to talk about it. You hope that she is managing to stay safe and sound during the war. When you two meet again later at Garreg Mach, the two of you share a tight hug and are nearly inseparable!

Ingrid is very happy for both you and Dimitri when the two of you start a relationship—she cares a lot about both of you, and she thinks you’re perfect for the future king of Faerghus!

— FELIX HUGO FRALDARIUS -> Felix is sharp edges and harsh words personified. He is not here to make friends; there are things he must do, skills he has to hone, and anything else is just a waste of his time. And yet, you meet him with a patience and understanding that few do. While Felix tends to be a little gentler with those he considers sweet and endearing, getting to know him is still not the easiest task. When you first join the Blue Lions, you do not go out of your way to interact with him as you don’t want to create too many waves. You keep things polite, but you both keep each other at arm’s length for a while. Nevertheless, you don’t immediately discredit his guarded attitude that tends to keep most people away. Surely there is a reason for it!

The way he speaks about Dimitri catches your attention, though. His childhood friendship with Dimitri, Ingrid, and Sylvain is something that you learn about fairly early on (thanks to discussions with Ingrid and Dimitri), but you aren’t privy to all the nuances of their individual dynamics. What’s the reason for his hostility? Why does he act like the crown prince of Faerghus is just a ticking time bomb? But as time goes on, you start seeing what he’s wary about when it comes to Dimitri, with the crown prince being plagued by survivor’s guilt and betrayal that has slowly been driving him to madness. Clearly, Felix had seen something that took everyone else that much longer to realize—perhaps it’s due to his long history with Dimitri, or maybe he’s just perceptive and intuitive enough to pick up the subtle signs.

It takes some time for you to truly bond with Felix, but he becomes a protective older brother figure in your eyes! This is especially the case anywhere near a battlefield, as he knows you’re not a fighter—but in less dire situations, his protectiveness shows in the way that he is quick to step in if anyone seems even slightly rude to you, and he helps with any task that is a little too physically strenuous (such as toting heavy crates of supplies or weapons into the Monastery or the royal castle in Fhirdiad). For Felix, you are a place of solace. You’re sweet and understanding, and as much as he resists being seen as vulnerable, he can’t help but let his guard down around you. You’re his go-to person if he has any of his own troubles.

Once you get together with Dimtri, Felix insists that you let him know if he isn’t treating you well (and says he’ll keep a close eye on you two anyways).

— SYLVAIN JOSE GAUTIER -> Oh, Sylvain. You have a distaste for incessant, bothersome flirting—and this particular redhead tends to flirt with any woman who catches his eye. However, Annette and Mercedes are good at blocking his advances from you; they feel it’s their responsibility to help you, their dear friend, avoid the hassle of dealing with the bad habits of one of your new classmates. (Sylvain is not saved from a few side-eyes from you when he pesters you, though). However, it actually isn’t long before he starts treating you like a normal classmate. You never took his bait, and you don’t seem at all interested in being with him romantically; he figures he doesn’t need to prove a point around you, especially after he sees that you are probably one of the most genuine, compassionate people that he has met in a while.

Something you appreciate about Sylvain is that he’s actually much more thoughtful and intelligent than he initially appears. Once the two of you are friends, he is happy to lend an ear and offer advice if you need it. He is the type of person who doesn’t worry much about things, so his perspective can be very grounding and helpful if you happen to be worrying about something a little more nebulous and unsure. Sylvain isn’t as overtly protective over you as Felix is, but he still tends to keep an eye on you whenever you’re out and about in town together or on the battlefield; he just doesn’t hover, allowing you to handle things yourself and only stepping in when necessary.

When you and Dimitri get together, Sylvain jokingly laments that he “missed his chance” to win your heart—but really, he is truly happy for you both! He thinks that you’re both good fits for each other, especially after Dimitri starts processing his trauma and pulls himself back together during the war.

— DEDUE MOLINARO -> Dedue is very protective of his liege, and after everything that has happened he wants the best for Dimitri. He may have mixed feelings about Faerghus as a whole, he believes that Dimitri deserves some good in his life. Thankfully, he is a reasonable judge of character. You are very true to yourself, especially with your desire to welcome and support as many people as you can—Dedue hopes this kindness of yours can somehow, someway, help Dimitri with everything that weighs on the crown prince’s shoulders. Dedue often tries to decline kindness that you extend to him, as he worries that others might look down on you for associating with him. You can be a bit stubborn, though! You see no reason why he should not be welcomed and included in things just as everyone else.

Dedue is someone that is very reciprocal when it comes to goodwill or favors. So, any time you are kind to him, you can expect him to try and repay that. Dedue often extends his assistance to you in case you ever need it. It doesn’t matter if it’s something big or small—need some help moving heavy equipment? He can handle it. Looking for someone? He should be able to track them down shortly. Want some extra hands in the kitchen when you (unfortunately) end up on cooking duty for everyone? He’s quite adept at that! This continues after you and Dimitri get together; he may be the prince’s retainer, but he should take care of Dimitri’s partner as well.

Over time, Dedue ends up viewing you as a younger sister. He tries not to dwell on them too much, but he misses his mother and sister a lot. The two of you often tend to the greenhouse and gardens together, and he enjoys cooking for you if you’ll let him.

✧ PROFILE

— STORY

How fitting it would be that a young woman with a passion for fashion, acting, and pageants (among many other things) hails from Maquillaville within the Shaftlands!

Or rather, perhaps it’s because you were raised in Maquillaville that you’re so interested in those things? The town is renowned as the heart of the couture fashion world and the film industry. The youth clamor to participate in the many pageants hosted there, making sure they look their best and hone their skills as much as possible; it’s commonplace to catch glimpses of famous actors and witnessing film crews in the middle of capturing a scene. These sights and sounds are normal for you, and you’ve grown to really enjoy this part of your life.

In any case, the town has definitely shaped your passions, goals, and way of living. From a young age, you’ve always been on the go. There’s a lot resting on your shoulders, heavy with your own expectations and those of your parents. There always seems to be something going on, exciting or dreary, and that makes it incredibly difficult to just stay still. You need to do well in your studies, you have to excel in your hobbies and competitions, you have to dedicate some of your little free time to helping your aging parents… Then, once your magical abilities start emerging (an expected occurrence, given that both of your parents can utilize magic), you start practicing whenever you can. Not everyone could manage such a lifestyle, that’s for sure.

That said, you do get a brief reprieve of sorts. At least… you get to focus more on yourself rather than your family.

The most-discussed magic schools on Sage’s Island are Night Raven College and Royal Sword Academy; there is no doubt about that, given their history and influence. However, it would be incorrect to believe that those are the only magic schools on the island! You start attending Crystal Tower Academy, an all-girls school on Sage’s island that is very often considered an equivalent to RSA, distinguished and elegant with a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Whereas NRC is located towards the north and RSA towards the south, CTA is located along the eastern half.

While NRC has historically been an all-boys school, the headmaster and professors decide to trial exchange programs with other schools—regardless of the exchange students’ genders—to see what the impacts of this would be on their overall school performance and culture. Nonetheless, the school population is still primarily boys. When your school offers you the chance to do a year-long exchange at NRC for your third year, believing you would be a very good representative for CTA, you agree. In your eyes, this should be a very good experience and a way to further broaden your horizons. You’ll miss your classes and friends at CTA, but you’re looking forward to seeing how other magic academies operate.

(Besides, you’re looking forward to perhaps seeing your old friend again! It’s been so long since you’ve last seen him, but you know he attends NRC. You’re sure he’s still plenty busy with his courses and extracurriculars, but surely it won’t be so hard arranging time to see each other if you’re on the same campus.)

Just like NRC’s own students, you are brought to the school via a magical black carriage. In order to properly welcome their exchange students, the school makes sure that they are part of the entrance ceremony that they hold every year, complete with a dorm sorting by the Dark Mirror. It’s a much gloomier, atmospheric entrance ceremony than you experienced at Crystal Tower Academy, but it sure sets the mood for your days to come.

It seems this next year is going to be an interesting one!

— DORM

The Dark Mirror peers into your soul and observes the essence of your being, declaring that you would be suited for…

✦ Pomefiore

A dorm based on the Fairest Queen’s spirit of tenacity. Pomefiore is the oldest of the dorms and houses students who excel at potionology and curses, as well as cultivating a unique sense of style.

Perhaps the all-too-obvious choice, but some people just suit certain dorms incredibly well—from the dorm’s spirit to the type of students typically placed here. Pomefiore happens to be the one for you!

(If not Pomefiore’s spirit of tenacity, then perhaps you might fit right in with Octavinelle’s spirit of benevolence. Octavinelle is a dorm full of intelligent, capable students who seem to work well together despite their differences. As for how the concept of benevolence applies to you, it can be seen in the way that you are so willing to help and care for your loved ones, supporting them and comforting them in whatever way they need. Even your eventual career goals involve helping others.)

Most Pomefiore students tend to be high achievers, tirelessly working towards their goals. For better or worse, they have high standards for themselves and others. After all, one can achieve anything they put their mind to so long as they put in consistent effort, right? You are very much of the same beliefs. Competition, expanding the breadth of your skillsets, attempting to perform well in any area that you explore… All of these form an integral part of your mindset. However, something people in this dorm tend to struggle with is placing too much of their worth on their achievements and external validation. It’s only natural, when one strives tirelessly forward in an attempt to establish themself as a capable individual—and especially when competition is involved in any capacity, because comparing oneself to others is a core part of competition.

Through the bad and the good, you are in very good company amongst Pomefiore students. Tensions and emotions may run high at times, and sideways glances and judgments may be cast on occasion, but students in Pomefiore tend to be very supportive of each other more often than not. You’re all in this together, but most of your dorm mates do quite well with a bit of healthy competition too. It’s all about finding the right balance!

Most new students find Vil to be quite intimidating. Tall, drop-dead gorgeous, his expressions frequently appearing as if he is appraising or judging you. Perhaps you would be vaguely intimidated, too, if you weren’t already friends with him! You keep things formal during the entrance ceremony and while Vil officially welcomes all the new Pomefiore students to the dorm, but once you have a chance you grab him into a tight hug. He is happy to see you again, of course, and is looking forward to having you around for the next year.

Not long after, you have the pleasure of meeting Rook who is your very enthusiastic vice-housewarden. He’s… a lot! But in a really fun way the majority of the time. You’re usually receptive to a pretty wide range of personalities so long as the person is generally respectful or kind, so you take him in stride. Honestly, you find it quite funny seeing him interact with Vil. It’s clear that they get along well, but Rook definitely exasperates the housewarden here and there (and understandably so). Still, he certainly brightens your days at Pomefiore! If you have any questions about Pomefiore or NRC campus as a whole, he is happy to answer them thoroughly!

You don’t have a ton of personal interactions with Epel given that he’s in his first year and your schedules are pretty different (and you often keep yourself busier than you should), but he seems to be Vil’s little pet project for the time being so you cross paths every so often. The poor kid… You tease him sometimes, and hear out his grievances other times. Over your exchange year, he becomes almost like a cute younger brother. A new experience for you, since you’re the youngest in your own family!

— CLUB

✦ Science Club

Considering your wide range of interests and your desire to dabble and succeed in as many areas as possible, you likely have difficulty narrowing your options down. You can only officially join one club, after all… Perhaps you can help out with others, but you’re not sure how busy you’ll end up being.

Besides that, there’s the logistics of the fact that you’ll only be around for one year… Which makes one of your top choices, the NRC School Newspaper, perhaps not the best fit for you. You’d have to integrate yourself within the rest of the club, and you wouldn’t know NRC as well as some of them would. Plus, considering how involved you are in the school paper at CTA, it might be nice to take a bit of a break and explore other clubs.

Ultimately, Rook manages to convince you to join the Science Club! You might not have known him for long, but you trust your vice-housewarden. Besides, he made quite a few very strong arguments for it. First, it allows you to continue focusing on your beloved STEM fields. Research and science competitions are commonplace. Second, the Science Club is a bit unique in that it ends up covering a wide variety of activities. Trey is using it as a makeshift cooking club of sorts, and the others in the club tend to have a wide variety of outside interests as well. Third, and most importantly, Rook divulged the information that he uses the Science Club as a springboard to help Vil with special effects for the Film Studies Club (a club you very nearly joined instead, and still want to join if you’re being honest).

So, it goes without saying that you spend quite a bit of time helping out with the Film Studies Club as well! Vil is happy to have you around, knowing your proficiency with scriptwriting.

— UNIQUE MAGIC

✦ Bitter Awakening -> “A single drop of clarity in a sea of fatigue. May the sharpness of the mind cut through the fog of exhaustion—Bitter Awakening!”

This spell allows you to create an energy- and focus-boosting pill to help in moments of fatigue and burnout. It is a very helpful spell given how busy you tend to keep yourself! The pills are bitter and coffee-like in taste. Creating two pills a day is usually your limit—if you make more than that, you risk both blot accumulation and exhaustion. They can be stored for several months if kept in adequate conditions, so you tend to make a handful over the course of a few days and save them for when you’re especially busy. Of course, you can share these with friends! However, just like any type of energy booster, you’ll face crashing and burning if you consume too many in one day. Since it’s your own spell, you have a higher tolerance and can have up to two a day—others seem to only be able to handle one.

— NIGHT RAVEN COLLEGE STUDENT ID

A prestigious four-year arcane academy. Its doors are only open to students deemed to possess magical aptitude as determined by a magical artifact called the Dark Mirror.

Welcome to Night Raven College!

✦ Grade: Junior (3rd year) ✦ Class: 3-B (Seat No. 6) ✦ Club: Science Club ✦ Best Subject: Alchemy

Notes: You are in class 3-B, which means Cater and Idia are among your usual classmates for the year. Cater has Seat No. 5, so you two sit next to each other in most classes, depending on the desk set-up. In line with your interest in the sciences as well as your hopes for working in the medical field one day, your best subject is alchemy (something you share in common with Azul and Trey). Alchemy is one of those subjects that is intertwined with chemistry, which is a core for many careers within the medical field.

YOUR MATCH IS…

✧ CATER DIAMOND

— FIRST MEETING -> Not surprisingly, your first meeting with the seemingly peppy, friendly, social media obsessed Heartslabyul student occurs during your first class of the day. Your assigned seat is right next to his, after all, and you are definitely not among the third years he recognizes. Cater was aware of the fact that there would be some exchange students at NRC, considering it was announced at the entrance ceremony, but it’s a pleasant surprise to be sitting right next to one of them! In the handful of minutes before class officially starts, Cater turns to you to introduce himself, not really daunted by the stoic, icy expression on your face (especially considering your face softens into a polite smile once he starts chatting with you). He—of course—asks for your Magicam handle, because it’d be cool to see what the exchange student gets up to, and maybe you two can keep up with each other after the year is over.

Cater’s first few impressions of you are that the two of you definitely have some similarities! The friendliness and rather bright way of interacting with others (though you aren’t as social as you sometimes let on), for starters. Were it not for the fact that Trein stepped up to the lecture podium to start class, the two of you probably could have chatted for the next hour. He thinks your curls are pretty, and you hold yourself in a very proper way… which he feels definitely makes sense, considering you ended up being sorted into Pomefiore!

From your perspective, Cater’s enthusiasm about getting to know you isn’t unwelcome. It’s preferable to others shying away from you and avoiding you because you’re unfamiliar. So long as the two of you continue getting along, classes should be pretty enjoyable with a pleasant classmate (and potential friend) at your side. You’re looking forward to getting to know him more over the course of the year!

— BONDING -> Even though you’re more on the introverted side, and Cater often plays up how social he is, it doesn’t actually take very long for the two of you to become close. Both of you are social chameleons, subtly adjusting the ways you interact with others to make them feel more at ease—and you both end up settling into a lighthearted yet fairly relaxed style of communication. Your conversations are low pressure, shifting leisurely between comfortable silences to animated conversation whenever one (or both) of you is feeling chatty. You two start hanging out more often after class and club activities, or whenever you happen to have a free weekend.

Cater can act fairly lackadaisical sometimes, but he is emotionally intelligent under the façade. He’s intuitive, good at reading a room and navigating a wide range of social situations, and more emotionally mature than most initially expect. Teasing as he can be at times, he really is quite considerate and kind to people. This is something you really appreciate, and probably one of the main reasons that you start being drawn to him. The two of you may not have too much in common when it comes to hobbies, but Cater is very interested in everything that you end up getting up to. He’s the type that enjoys participating in fun, interesting things with his friends—so if you ever need a partner for something, he’s happy to fill that role.

Your ambition draws Cater’s attention and admiration. He’s not especially driven, but he can appreciate when others have a goal and know how to achieve it (though he is quick to click his tongue and affectionately scold you whenever you happen to overwork yourself—it can be enjoyable to take life leisurely, you know!) He also thinks it’s very endearing how sweet you often are towards your friends and family. On the other hand, not everyone can tolerate your flavor of humor once you’re well and truly comfortable, but Cater is one that really enjoys it! He doesn’t lean into the ragebaiting as easily as some, which you consider a direct challenge to push his buttons. Sometimes he plays up his reactions to see you laugh, and he always makes sure to dish out plenty of teasing in return.

— PINING -> Even though Cater isn’t one to think that he gets attached to others very easily, romantic feelings towards you develop within a couple months. He is quick to realize that his chest starts feeling warm and fuzzy whenever you’re around. It’s a new, foreign feeling to him; so he lets it sit for quite some time before he allows himself to put any more thought towards it. While he may be good at faking the cool, fun upperclassman persona, he isn’t able to hide his infatuation with you quite as easily. His smile and gaze is a bit too soft around you, his cheeks turn pink if you do something particularly cute or get a little too close when teasing him—he stutters over compliments that he gives you, which he never struggled with before. These changes make him toss and turn in his bed as he’s trying to sleep; Cater isn’t sure if he hates or loves this lovesick feeling.

You’re not much better off, considering how easy it often is to read your expressions. In your eyes, Cater is fashionable and honestly quite pretty; you can’t help but internally swoon over how cute his smile is. He’s emotionally complex, kind even when he struggles with being vulnerable. He’s funny, matches your energy well, and seems like the type of partner you would really enjoy having in your life. It’s hard not to develop feelings for him.

— CONFESSION -> For both of you, there is the question of if entering a relationship would be worth it. You’ll only be at NRC for the year before returning to your original school. It’s certainly doable, since you’ll still be on the same island and you can always keep in touch through calls and texts. But fourth year is sure to be very busy for both of you, and it might be hard to find time to actually stay in contact. A new relationship may not make it. Cater is used to temporary connections. He hasn’t bothered to keep in close contact with many of his old friends as he moved from one place to the next, but he really doesn’t want to let you go.

That reluctance to just let you fade out of his life is what prompts him to take a chance. Given your reactions whenever he says something a little too flirty to be purely platonic or slings an arm over your shoulder in a friendly hug, Cater is pretty sure that you feel something towards him; he’s also pretty sure that you’re not completely oblivious to his own affection for you, because he is a little hopeless hiding his feelings.

His confession isn’t exactly planned. Cater decides that he’ll share his feelings with you once the time is right, but doesn’t bother to set up a dedicated encounter for it; he doesn’t want it to feel too scripted and unnatural. The moment arises one weekend when the two of you are hanging out at a relatively quiet but colorfully decorated café. On the table between you is a dessert (your pick, of course), some sort of half-fancy avocado toast for Cater, your respective drinks; the espresso machines are whirring behind the counter, and other customers are idly chatting. You’re leaning over to show him some funny video you recently came across on Magicam and that’s when it hits Cater—this feels like a date.

Cater waits until the video is over and you lean back into your seat fully before he speaks up. “Hey, it’s totally fine if you’re not interested… But do you think we could consider this a first date?” His phrasing is a bit subtle and roundabout, leaving you an easy out if you really aren’t interested in going steady with him. He’d hate for things to end up awkward, but he’s pretty hopeful!

— FIRST KISS -> It’s the week leading up to exams. Stress is high all around campus with students studying and attempting to finish term papers and projects; of course, you have also been throwing yourself hard into your studies. Your high standards simply will not allow you to slack off and risk getting poor grades! Although… perhaps you’ve been pushing yourself a little too hard, because your lovable boyfriend insists that you absolutely need to take a break and spend a little time (with him) in the fresh air instead of cooped up indoors with your nose to your textbooks.

That’s how you find yourself beneath the shade of a large tree on a quieter end of campus. Currently, Cater’s head is resting in your lap as you card your fingers through his hair. His eyes are closed, face relaxed, breathing slow and even. You’d almost believe he’s asleep, if it isn’t for the way his lips curve into a smile every time you massage your fingertips against his scalp. The peaceful moment is paused by a quiet timer ringing on Cater’s phone, the volume turned down low enough that it isn’t completely jarring.

With a drowsy hum, he opens eyes as he swipes the timer off, then pushes himself into a sitting position. “Hmm, okay, time to switch.”

Before you two can swap spots with each other, you still when Cater reaches out to brush a loose curl away from your face. The expression on his face is thoughtful, contemplative; you’re so distracted staring at the way the mottled sun dances across the green of his eyes that you don’t register his hand cupping your cheek until he leans in close enough for you to feel his breath fanning across your skin. Then, his soft lips press against the corner of your mouth. They linger there for one long beat, two, before you turn your head to almost shyly catch his lips with yours.

— DATES -> Cater makes going on dates so fun. It also helps that you’re rather adventurous yourself! There’s a lot you’d be open to doing, especially if it’s a respite from your often busy schedule. Plus, you both are also pretty relaxed when it comes to the other’s preferences. The two of you end up having quite a wide variety of dates—classic and romantic, high-energy and fun, cozy and relaxing. Spontaneity tends to be a huge factor in your dates! You’re busy all morning? Dinner works! Not much energy? Cater will run out and grab some snacks, then you two can settle in for the night and watch some movies. One of you is feeling a bit stir-crazy on campus? Sounds like it’s time for a trip to Foothill Town!

Hopefully you’re not too bothered by the amount of photos your boyfriend takes, because he really likes being able to capture little mementos. Some make it onto social media, others are just for himself so he can reminisce later (maybe he should start printing them and putting them in a dedicated little photo album). That said, if you’re ever wanting a photographer to snap some pics of your very adorable date outfit.

— LOVE LANGUAGES -> Cater is respectful when his loved ones want a bit of space to himself. However, if they’re okay with it… he can definitely be a bit clingy, in the sense that he wants to maximize his time with them as much as possible. Due to how often his family has moved around throughout the years, he hasn’t had the chance to build super strong connections with many people. So now that he has a very cute, sweet partner who he adores to bits… of course he wants to spend as much time with you as he can! You tend to keep yourself awfully busy as well, and he loves that for you—but that makes it all the more important that you guys delegate time for one another when you can.

Cater is perhaps one of the few in your circle who doesn’t gleefully devour any of the baked treats you give them… A shame in a sense, but you don’t fault him for personal preference. You already knew that he isn’t the biggest fan of sweets before you two got together. Still, you’re happy to make or buy him snacks that are to his palette. Whenever you give him a gift (whether it’s a food item or a trinket of some sort), Cater always repays it with plenty of hugs and cuddles.

Initially, your fondness for play fighting catches him off guard. It’s just not something he really expected from you? But honestly, he loves it. It’s a fun, lighthearted way to show affection—and best of all, it often ends with a tight hug and some kisses. He does usually let you “win” though, since he’s a good sport and just loves seeing you have a good time.

✦ ADDITIONAL HEADCANONS -> Cater… is not the smartest or most hardworking, academically. You do inspire him to put a little more effort in, though. He doesn’t want you to see him as inadequate.

You quite enjoy clipping Cater’s bangs out of his face with one of your many flower hairclips. Cater side-eyes you sometimes because it reminds him of when his sisters would dress him up, but he doesn’t take any genuine offense to it. He’ll even be nice and leave it in his hair for a while.

Cater has quite the keen eye for aesthetic detail, but he’s not super bossy about his preferences or picks. It’d be really fun decorating a shared living space together, or putting together coordinating outfits for dates.

The two of you are definitely the “it” couple on campus. Popular, generally well-liked, very well connected with peers. As fun as it can be, it’s honestly a bit exhausting for you both at times!

Cater takes your sensitive, emotional, insecure side in stride. He’s good at figuring out just how you want to be comforted, and he’s neither too overbearing nor too distant with it. His intuitiveness is a great strength here, and he seems to know whenever you’re struggling with self-doubt, even if you feel you’re hiding it rather well.

✧ RELATIONSHIP WITH…

— VIL SCHOENHEIT -> Your beloved childhood friend! However, the two of you didn’t actually get particularly close until you ended up attending NRC. The two of you always got along quite well ever since you first met at a pageant, but your busy schedules kept you from creating a close bond. There are a lot of similarities between you two, especially in the way that both of you lean hard into your respective ambitions and always aim for perfection. You two are very much kindred spirits! Vil easily becomes one of your closest and most likeminded friends, and you each have the other’s back in pretty much any situation. He can very much relate to the way you always seem to keep adding to your responsibilities, yet you handle it so gracefully—just like him! If you ever need to vent, he is always there with his brand of blunt advice (and a bit of distraction, too, in the form of some self-pampering).

He is one of your more mature friends, so you end up not leaning quite as heavily into your childish, annoying flavor of humor… but he has enough patience to put up with some of it, so you still get to happily push his buttons here and there.

— TREY CLOVER -> You meet Trey through the Science Club. He caught your attention because he basically treats the club as a cooking club, growing ingredients meant for food rather than potions or salves. It’s a bit funny, really. But the two of you get along quite well! You find that he is very easy to talk to; his maturity and level-headedness is truly a breath of fresh air, considering how intense (and sometimes downright rude) many of the other NRC students can be. You have definitely gotten into your fair share of arguments with a handful of students… Thankfully, you have no issues with Trey. You can even joke around with him quite a bit; he has a solid sense of humor despite his serious exterior! Despite being the same age, he tends to treat you like a younger sibling; you tend to see him as an older brother figure, too.

Once you find out about his Unique Magic, you almost beg him to alter the taste of some of your energy pills. You can deal with the extreme bitterness when you need to, but it’d be so nice to have some that are actually tasty. Of course, you let him have a few as compensation! You’re not the type to leave debts unpaid, after all.

— KALIM AL-ASIM -> You meet Kalim when you stop by the Pop Music Club meetup to deliver a limited-edition drink you snagged from Sam’s Shop to Cater. Kalim is always happy to make new friends, so the two of you enthusiastically introduce yourselves to each other and the rest is history! Numbers are exchanged, and he stops to chat with you whenever you cross paths on campus. Of course, you get invites to any of the parties he throws as well. You’re vaguely familiar with the Al-Asim family given their wealth and influence, but you never expected to meet the eldest child of the family at NRC—and he’s very different than you’d expect the child of such an influential family to be, but not in a bad way. Kalim is very kind, with a warm presence; somehow, you always feel a bit refreshed after chatting with him.

— LILIA VANROUGE -> You meet Lilia the same time you meet Kalim. You are incredibly intrigued by him! You’ve met a couple diurnal fae at Crystal Tower Academy, but none of the nocturnal types. Plus, as youthful as he seems to act, you know he is at least several decades older than you. After learning of your ambitions and goals, he says something along the lines of, “the youths always seem to push themselves too hard. There’s no shame in taking things more leisurely here and there.” Clearly, you are simply a youngin’ to him. In any case, you do get along quite well. He is among your most playful and mischievous of friends! He tolerates your brand of humor very well, even though he doesn’t seem to really fall for any of your ragebaiting.

— AZUL ASHENGROTTO -> Upon discovering that one of the exchange students is actually quite well-known (on at NRC, at their original school, and back in the Shaftlands due to all the pageants and competitions), Azul decides it would be quite beneficial to make your acquaintance. Perhaps if a few items off the Mostro Lounge menu impress you, perhaps you might recommend them to your friends, which should in turn boost business… Free advertising, baby! That said, how should he approach you?

The plan Azul settles on results in him bumping into you on campus and presenting himself as being interested in getting to know one of the handful of exchange students who are here for the year, and he explains that he wants to welcome you to campus with a free item from the Mostro Lounge! You accept, of course, not seeing anything amiss with his offer (not that there is anything amiss in and of itself, as it is genuine). You are quite impressed with the quality of the food and drink at the lounge, though, and end up becoming a regular customer yourself—even better than Azul had initially hoped! The two of you get to know each other a bit better over time; you’re pretty good friends, though the more time you spend with him the more you pick up that he seems to be rather… shady. Oh well, as long as he doesn’t try to pull one over on you, you can remain cordial!