#ever be

Dedue shook his head as he retired to the Archbishop’s chambers, displeased to find it empty. You likely wouldn’t be back for another hour or so, and by then he’d nearly be asleep.

He sighed to himself. There had to be something he could do to fix this. Perhaps he could help with the meetings, at least so he’d be there with you. Or better yet, he could join Sylvain on those missions and be done with long nights, altogether. 

THough truthfully any time he could spend with you would be better than without. 

His face was washed and he readied himself for bed, finding a troubled respite without you asleep beside him. However, his eyes did close, and he started down the path to sleep.

It would be a long while before you eventually did appear at his side, slipping beneath the covers and circling your arms around him.

He felt your head pressed to his back, and heard a tired huff when he stirred.

“Byleth…”

“Go back to sleep.”

“It’s...late.”

“The Adrestians aren’t making it easy.”

“I don’t doubt that.” Dedue turned to face you, finding you half asleep and positively spent. He cupped your cheek, brushing his thumb over the heavy eyebags that had manifested.  “You are not resting enough.”

“I don’t have an opportunity to.”

“I understand. But I am frustrated.” He admitted quietly, which you found interesting. 

“In what way?”

“I am frustrated for you. They should not make you work so hard. Rest is important for someone in a position like yours. You should be allowed to relax, and spend time with people who care for you and wish to see you far more often than they do, right now.”

You nodded in agreement, drawing closer to him so you might be able to cuddle into him even more. 

“Had I known you felt so strongly I would’ve fought Seteth harder on this endless workload nonsense.” 

“Setth’s work is unceasing, himself...I am doubtful there is much to convince him otherwise. Though if I approach him instead, with the right argument, perhaps…”

You quirked an eyebrow, watching the gears turn in his head. “What argument could you present?”

“That your health is deteriorating and you need a recovery period, or that I require your presence for tasks that you currently aren’t unavailable for. Or...if I were to truly push the boundaries, perhaps that there are unscrupulous rumors spreading about you and Sylvain, and they are exacerbated by the fact I am seen headed alone to our room each night...in itself, it is unjust.”

You bit your tongue to keep from laughing, instead gently patting his chest. “I don’t think Seteth would even acknowledge the last one. He knows how deeply I care for you, and many others do, too. Such rumors would never stand.”

‘Even so, we should consider all our options if we wage this war for our- that is, for your- health.”

“We can iron out the details tomorrow. These ideas should be slept on.” You welcomed his strong embrace, the warmth of your dear Dedue a great comfort.

He hummed in agreement while the sleepiness returned. A smile curled your lips.

“I feel you may reconsider your jealous little rumor plot by morning…”

“Mm?”

“Nothing, dear. I’ll see you in the morning.” You kissed his collarbone, fighting the urge to giggle.

Even though you hated having to stay away from him so long, it did present you the opportunity to speak with sleepy Dedue...someone far more honest with his silly emotions than the other.

Jealous or not, Dedue did indeed rethink the rumor plot.