#rodrigue

Though to admit he was jealous of his father was simply out of the question. He would never do such an embarrassing thing. Rather he would seethe in the background, just as he was doing today.

The Archbishop was enjoying a rare moment of respite, taking a walk through the monastery gardens with her husband and father-in-law. It didn’t take long for the walk to become more of Felix following behind the two of you, glaring sharply and listening intently while you discussed the latest happenings of your pregnancy.

“I fear the swelling has already begun, Rodrigue.” You sounded so tired, which was somewhat upsetting to your husband. “It’s hard to keep focus in meetings when it feels as though my feet will burst from these slippers.”

“They’re not what you usually wear, are they?” His father replied, as gentle and introspective as always. “They seem to be a different pair than what I recall seeing the Archbishop in.”

“They are- Felix bought them for me recently to help with the discomfort.” You nodded back to your husband, flashing him a small smile. “But I fear I’ve outgrown them already; why must they be so uncomfortable?”

“I can assure you, though it may feel akin to your body growing exponentially, it’s simply the sensation that accompanies the mild swelling. Enclosed shoes tend to be restrictive, despite shoemakers’ best efforts to fashion comfortable slippers for those faced with your situation.”

“What would you recommend, then?” You asked, feeling Felix’s sharp glare somehow intensify on your back. He was embarrassed he made a mistake.

“I recall open-toed sandals were a favorite of Felix’s mother, aprticularly when she was carrying him. Glenn was a little gentler on her body, for whatever reason. But having some sturdy, open faced shoes like that should be a marked improvement.”

“Where do you think I can get-”

“I’ll take care of it,” Felix snapped, drawing both your attentions forward. He  flushed slightly, glancing away “I mean, you’re pregnant. You don’t need to go into town. I’ll get them for you, so just tell me what kind of shoes you want.”

“You know I’m not picky,” You started, until you recognized the angry glimmer all but begging you to help him out for a second.

You stifled a laugh. 

“I’ll think up some ideas for sandals, then.”

The rest of the walk was somewhat pleasant although you did share a knowing smile with your father-in-law, feeling Felix pouting behind you.

He was already overprotective, but he wasn’t sure what to think about his father jumping in and giving you some much needed advice.Mostly because he felt like it shouldn’t be coming from Rodrigue at all, but that it was knowledge he didn’t have any experience with at all. 

And he definitely hated that.

“If I may be candid, I’m afraid that’s not the only thing that’s been causing me discomfort.” You continued, earning Felix’s immediate attention.

“Of course, Byleth. I can assure you that there is nothing to be ashamed of, asking for assistance with your pregnancy. And I am certain it won’t be anything I haven’t dealt with, before.”

“All right, well…I have been dealing with some swelling and discomfort in my breasts, too.”

Felix nearly face planted into the path when you said that to his father.

Dear gods, you were telling his father that your breasts were-

“Not to worry. When she entered the second trimester with Glenn, we discovered that she had severe discomfort and pain for several days while we waited for the doctor to come to our home. Thankfully we were given plenty of helpful advice.”

“Father, please!” Felix cut in, all but throwing himself between his wife and guardian, his face alight with an agitated blush. “We can consult with a midwife- the last thing I want to hear is you giving my wife advice about her-”

“We don’t have to summon him and wait days for him to make it up the mountain, Felix.” You cut him off gently, not understanding what he was so upset about (because why would you?). “Please, Rodrigue, continue.”

“Very well,” He laughed, “There are a few surefire methods to easing your pain. I recall purchasing a number of braziers that did not have wiring or lace; the feel of them can cause discomfort at this stage of pregnancy. Something with cotton, or something more firm that can provide better support.”

“Excellent, that’s more than enough-”

“I would also recommend some more loose clothing; I’m certain Seteth would be glad to arrange for a new wardrobe for the expectant Archbishop. And if those things do not help enough, a cold compress rested on your chest will be quite effective- and, ironically, if the cold doesn’t help, a warm bath should be able to help instead!”

“That’s all excellent advice.” You beamed at him, looking far more relieved than before. Felix stared at you, in utter disbelief. “I wish I had written it down…but it shouldn’t be hard to remember.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Felix snapped, “But I think this conversation is over. Byleth, we should go.”

“Oh, but I wanted to ask him about my cervi-”

“We’re leaving!!”

He grabbed your wrist, tugging you away from Rodrigue and all but storming down the path, leaving the man in the dust.

Rodrigue watched after his flustered son with a fond smile; that boy could get so worked up over the smallest things, even all these years later.

-------------------------

You allowed him to pull you along for a few minutes, at least until you were halfway up the stairs and headed back to your bedroom.

“Felix?”

He didn’t answer, jaw clenched tight as he marched up the stairs.

“Felix, please slow down. My feet are…”

When you trailed off he paused, shoulders stiff as though he suddenly remembered the state of you. He turned around, checking you over and feeling a pang of guilt when he saw you were panting, clearly uncomfortable.

“Oh. Right. Sorry.” He stopped, kneeling in front of you. He took your foot in his hands, carefully slipping the shoe from your heel and tucking it into his pocket. You watched as he switched to the other foot, working methodically and very, very carefully so as not to press on your feet and hurt them further.

“Thank you,” Your whisper was met with a bashful nod.

“Let me carry you the rest of the way.” He lifted you to his chest, very gently so as not to risk harming you any further. The sigh of relief that escaped was quite involuntary, but it did make him feel a little better knowing he was helping.

He kicked the door shut behind him, lowering you onto the bed. He made sure you were comfortable before he relinquished his hold.

“Is there anything else you need? Are you feeling hungry, or tired?”

“A bit of both, but also…do you think you could get me a cold compress, like your father mentioned?””

Felix hesitated some, his lips drawn into a thin line. “You sure you want that?”

“It sounded promising. And my breasts are more uncomfortable after that walk…I must not have as supportive undergarments as I thought.”

“Y-yeah, well, it’s not like we can just take his word for it, I mean what does he know?”

“He raised two children, of which you are one.”

“That was over two decades ago! His information is outdated, at best. We can’t trust a thing he says! Just let me call a midwife in, and while we wait I can draw a warm bath for you.”

“Felix…what’s on your mind?” You leaned back into the pillows, eying your husband warily. He was clearly upset, as he had been since the garden walk.

His shoulders fell some, and he looked away, clearly indicating that he was indeed troubled.

“It’s nothing. I’m just…I’m just being stupid.”

“Well it’s not ‘nothing’ if you’re bothered by it.” You held out your hand, gesturing for him to come back to your side. “Tell me what you’re worried about.”

With a soft sigh, he returned to your side and took your hand, holding it awkwardly. He sank down onto the bedside, earning a squeeze of his fingers.

“Out with it.”

“I…didn’t like Father talking to you. A-about that stuff.”

“Why?” 

“Because it made me feel frustrated. Like I- like I should know those things! I’m the one who’s expecting a baby. I feel like it’s not his place to talk about things like that, especially not with you! If he really wanted to help, he could at least save us both embarrassment and just talk to me directly.”

You covered his hand with both of yours, smiling softly at your agitated little panther. “Felix…there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We are both  new to this. You’d think I would know how to remedy these things, since it’s happening in my body, you know?”

“That’s ridiculous- you’ve never been pregnant before, so how are you supposed to just know how to- …oh.”

He cut himself off when he caught your smile, just slightly more smug than usual. 

“You’re going to be a father for the first time. Nobody expects you to know everything, and I wouldn’t put that pressure on you, either. I don’t want you to get frustrated because you might be unsure. We’re learning together, Felix.”

“I…I suppose.” He huffed, “But…even you have to admit that asking my father about your breasts is incredibly odd.”

The laugh that escaped was bright, enhanced when he shot an embarrassed glare at you. “If it really bothers you, I can ask for a midwife’s help. But you’re going to have to let me consult with him when there isn’t one nearby.”

“Or you can just write down the questions and I’ll give them to him.”

“Or, you know…I can have a little time with my father-in-law and ask him questions directly.” You cupped his face in your hands when his frown deepened, drawing him into your sweet gaze. “But I will reserve more delicate questions for the midwife so you’re more comfortable. Is that reasonable?”

He tilted to kiss your palm, “That is reasonable.”

“Good. Now if you don’t mind, I could really use that cold compress because I’m incredibly sore.”

“Yeah.” He stood, planting a kiss on your forehead before letting you go. “I’ll be quick.”

“Thank you, my love.”

Felix would indeed make quick work to get the cold compress, which did wonders for your soreness. It did give Felix a reason to reach out to his father for a few more tips and tricks, and a bashful apology to his father for being so flustered when he was helpful.

At least, until you received the letter stating the midwife had been called to a sudden birth on the other side of the mountain and would likely be gone until right before your delivery…