perfectteatime | Amani Inbox

[True to his word, Ashe does arrive in a few hours holding a tray of cookies but also lemon squares. Because really he just can't help himself.

Lightly, he knocks on the door.]

Professor? Is now a good time?

[YOU GOT SOME INSIGHT YET?]

[ The door opens and Byleth almost immediately ushers him inside. The smell of tea and cooking filing the air here. ]

Yes, please. Make yourself at home. I'll get the kettle on.

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[The Byleth of Yharnam did not have such a cozy home. It was a fine house as any, but the inside was dusty and unloved, so focused was he on the hunt and those involved.

This, however... this is a home that feels like one. Life, color, and many footsteps have been here. Many people.

It's nice, Ashe thinks as he places the cookies onto the nearest table.]

[ Byleth is quick to prepare a nice pot of tea and some of the snacks he knows Ashe enjoys, setting it all out for them, he sits down and takes a long sip from his own cup. ]

Now then... get comfortable. Enjoy. We can talk when you are certain you are ready.

[It is a little strange how this Byleth just seems to know all the things he enjoys to eat. Life truly was different for him, wasn't it? It's a bit hard to not be envious of this other Ashe, but that's okay. There is no changing what was.]

Mm, I can talk about it. I'm more concerned about you, truthfully.

Are you ready?

[ He nods, trying to remain even and focused, to be stable and present. No less for Ashe, and especially if he is worried for Byleth himself. ]

I am, fear not for me.

Don't ask for the impossible.

[For a moment, Ashe is quiet as he gathers his thoughts, hands folded together. He closes his eyes, thinking of what he can remember. Much of it is muddled before he arrived to Yharnam, and after that final battle.]

There isn't a good, detailed explanation for what a hunter is. You hunt beasts, that's all I was told. I didn't have much context for what that meant until I understood: Yharnam was afflicted with a plague, one that would transform people. The more you fall to bloodlust and lose control, then all the more likely you become one.

You were a hunter where I'm from, and one that did his best to mentor me. You worked with many others, and so many of them fell that night. Including Dimitri.

I told you once that you were always someone who chose love. And that's still true. You and Dedue both dedicated yourselves to him. Dedue let beasthood claim him so that he might protect Dimitri. You remained enough of a man to try to protect Dimitri, too.

...Unfortunately, that also meant you decided I was a threat. I tried every which way to talk you out of it, but each time I couldn't do anything. I died many times, trying to convince you, but... you were too far gone, and Dimitri was no longer a man either.

So I did what a hunter does.

[ He takes the whole of it in and turns it over in his head. Carefully thinking before he responds. His tone remains even and calm as ever. ]

I see.

I am so sorry you were forced to do that, Ashe. I apologize on... on I suppose my own behalf. I have seen a few of my own alternate fates, some quite unpleasant. While it does not surprise me to hear it, I do not wish such things on you or anyone.

It must have been a terribly lonely task.

[ He pauses, and some emotion creeps into his voice. Softness. ]

Would you like a hug?

It... it could have been worse. Despite how it sounds... I realize it could be that much worse, if I didn't have a single person to rely upon. I wasn't entirely alone for all of it, at least.

Even if my allies were few, they are precious to me. I'm lucky that the Doll is here.

[The invitation for an embrace sincerely surprises him. This certainly is a very different Byleth, and physical comfort is such a rarity. He remembers having asked the Doll once for that comfort during an especially difficult part of the hunt.

There's a slow nod.] Yes, if that's okay.

The Doll... so you are from the same world. She once mentioned an "important person" to me, one that she was glad was here. She must have meant you.

[ He draws Ashe into a gentle embrace, stroking his back softly. ]

You can count me as your friend and ally, Ashe. I'm certain many of the others who hail from my world would no doubt say the same. You were well-loved where I am from. Hm. Even Felix couldn't deny your indomitable spirit.

You deserve your rest here.

I'm glad you've met her. She's important to me too, and I wouldn't have lived without her.

[Oh. The last time he'd been held, it'd been because he asked the Doll to do that for him, and... it's honestly nice that Byleth did it himself. Ashe closest his eyes and leans a bit against him.]

...I'm not that Ashe, you know. But I also realize that there are plenty of similarities despite how different our worlds are. Still, I'd be happy to call you my friend, Professor.

[His rest. It's a lovely idea. To truly sleep, to truly dream, to open his eyes and find a new dawn.]

Then I will have to thank her for looking after you.

[ He rubs the man's back comfortingly. ]

As would I. Regardless of where you come from, you are my friend now, and that is all that matters.

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