#ashededue

By this rate, he’s going to miss him.

Ashe’s eyes open, rolling out of bed and stumbling onto the ground. Putting on his undergarments along with his binder, his clothes, and his boots, he rushes out of the door. He’s not entirely sure if everything is backwards or inside-out, but he doesn’t care right now. He can’t miss him.

Rushing out, he dashes through the camp to the main gate. Thankfully, no one is calling his name, intending to stop him.Reaching to the front of the camp, he catches his breath, leaning on the post.

Dedue’s not here. 

“You should practice running more often.”

Turning to see Dedue, he’s in his heavy armor and fully armed with his ax. Though he looks very handsome, Ashe frowns at the reminder why Dedue’s heading out. If it weren’t for the capital’s near collapse, this separation would have never happened. 

“I know, I just didn’t warm up.” Ashe admits, his face falling before sighing. “I am relieved I caught up to you. I thought you were going to wake me before you left.”

“You looked peaceful. It would have been rude for me to awaken you from your dream.”

“Well, I don’t mind.” Ashe sighs, crossing his arms. “I know you’re busy, but I would have been heartbroken if you left and I didn’t have the chance to say goodbye.”

Dedue’s stoic face falls. “I apologize. It won’t happen again.”

Ashe smiles. “Thanks. Uhm, well, when do you head out?”

“Rodrigue has to speak to Felix about some of the extra duties so he can run the army successfully. After that, we will be off.”

Ashe and Dedue hear chatter in the background. Their focus lingers on the father and son, who are not too far away. For once, their -mainly Felix’s- voices aren’t raised, which is a relief. He just has his arms crossed, occasionally huffing at his father’s advice.

“It seems he’s even realized how serious this is…” Ashe frowns. “You promise me you will be okay?”

“I will certainly do my best.”

Ashe tries not to say anything. As much as he wants to push him to take care of himself,he knows why Dedue is going with His Majesty. To be his shield so he can complete his mission. He knows it’s crucial, but the real possibility of losing Dedue is so much on his consciousness right now…

Ashe rushes over and tries to wrap his arms around Dedue’s frame as tight as he can. He knows Dedue isn’t much for words, so when he reciprocates and holds him close, Ashe feels at home.

Ever since the loss of his father, he’s been struggling to feel some normalcy, but this is perfect. It’s a promise that if fate is kind to them, they will reunite again. After a moment, the two pull away. Before Ashe says his goodbyes and joins the other troops, Dedue cups his face.

“What is it?” Ashe whispers. 

Dedue leans down, and Ashe immediately catches on to what is happening. Getting on his own toes, he meets Dedue’s own lips. It’s a sweet herb taste, one tea they’ve shared together so many times. It only lasts a moment, but Ashe is on cloud nine when Dedue pulls away.

As Rodrigue comes over, Ashe pulls away from the embrace. “It’s time, then?”

“I’m afraid so. Take care of the plants for me.”

“I will.” Ashe promises, “Good luck out there, Dedue.”

“Thank you. Take care, Ashe.”

Ashe nods, starting his trek back to camp to start his morning duties. He waves as passes his Majesty, gracing him with a quick bow and wishing him well too. As he tries to get through the day to try to not worry about the small army that had to split, the taste of that sweet herb still lingers, and Ashe has a little comfort that though that kiss had been a departing one, it’s a promise he will be back soon.

**