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[persecutetioncomplex]

« bernie » TEXT ✧ AUDIO ✧ VIDEO ✧ ACTION Bernadetta von Varley ✦ FE3H
RESIDENCE ✦ Residency
GEMBOND✦ Amethyst

"Um, I... I don't know why you need me, s-so... um... no, well, if you do need me, that's, w-well... just... just leave a message! I might, I might get... no, I will—"

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[shootyourshot]

[The feeling is just so wonderful. His emotions in conjunction with hers, and it makes something so... beautiful. Byleth is a bit like a sponge, but with Bernadetta it's a bit more like a warm spring afternoon. He isn't sure how else to describe it.]

Of course. Seeing your reaction was enough, but... feeling it is beautiful.

[persecutetioncomplex]

A-Ah.

[Bashfulness ripples through her, a frission of self-doubt here and there, is it too much, does he really mean that, but then it settles back to that steady warmth, albeit now gilded with a shy, flattered, uncertain awareness.]

I, um, I just... it... i-it means a lot, that you, um, that you thought to share it with me.

[shootyourshot]

[Those kinds of feelings are all too familiar. The self-doubt and the shyness. He's glad she still has that warm feeling, but he does let his intent come through: assuring and sincerity.

He pauses, then brings up one of her hands in order to kiss the back of it.]

I know you wanted to see if there was a chance to find plants like our home. You're the first person I thought of.

[persecutetioncomplex]

Oh.

[Her voice is a little wobbly, and her cheeks are now very red, and her hand is being kissed like this is something courtly instead of kind courtesy and she doesn’t know what—

...actually, wait, there are tons of stories that tell her what to do, here. She digs up a quote, as she scrambles not to embarrass either of them.]

“W... well met, my knight of gracious heart and kindly deed.”

[shootyourshot]

[It isn't embarrassing, but for a moment he's adequately flustered as well as certainly excited to hear the familiar quote.]

"Fair maiden, the pleasure is all mine. To know you is a true marvel."

[persecutetioncomplex]

“Kind sir, the pleasure is entirely mine; to know a good man is good fortune; to know a kind one, a treasure.”

[...it gets easier, falling back into familiar lines, though she’s never actually said them out loud before.]

[shootyourshot]

[This is the kind of thing that makes his heart flutter. To quote favored books, to share an interest like this. It's tender and sweet; who could not adore Bernadetta?]

"If I am to be treasure, then let my noble days go on to enrich you, my lady. I know no other honor than this."

[persecutetioncomplex]

“How wicked I should be, to hoard away such riches. Kind sir, you tempt me too much.”

[Her own heart flutters in turn, for much the same reason. He’s so nice, every time. If she had lingered at the archery field, even just once...]

[shootyourshot]

[Though he loathes to do so, Ashe can't help but break the trend of their shared quotes and memory with a joyful giggle, his forehead gently brushing against Bernadetta's. He smiles warmly, delighted. It's better late than never, to befriend and know her now.]

You're really something special, Bernadetta.

[And he knows he's not the only one to see it.]

[persecutetioncomplex]

[She squeaks, going totally red.

But she doesn’t pull away.]

I, I-I’ve always b-been like this, s-so...

[shootyourshot]

Then it's my fault for not approaching you sooner to know that.

I know I've said it before, but thank you again for giving me a chance.

[persecutetioncomplex]

It’s not like I, uh, gave many people chances, back then.

she peeks at him, point blank, and her soft voice goes softer.]

I’m... really glad you took the chance I was too scared to.

[shootyourshot]

It's been absolutely worth it. I've had nothing but a wonderful time getting to know you.

[Their outing together before had been so fun, and right now he's watched her face light up from the sapling he'd grown, as well as he recounting a mutually loved book. He's lucky to be befriending her.]

Would you be in the mood to have tea with me as well right now?

[persecutetioncomplex]

I... I can't promise you always will. I, uh, I can... I know sometimes I-I'm rather... draining to be around.

[No one says it, but she knows it all the same.]

Oh! Of course. I... I did promise to share my blends with you, didn't I?

[shootyourshot]

When we're in a harder spot, that can be difficult for anyone, but I don't consider that bad. If... I'm around when you really need me, I would consider that an honor before anything else.

[He smiles at her, nodding.]

I'd love that. And on the bright side, I can grow some more for us.

[persecutetioncomplex]

...What's your favorite, Ashe?

[It's easier to focus on that than the tight warmth in her chest.]

[shootyourshot]

Mint, or angelica tea. I have some more of the latter, but I'm less worried now that I can actually grow it myself.

You liked the fruit blends, didn't you?

[persecutetioncomplex]

I do, but mint is calming. I have some, if you'd like it. And, uh, s-some chocolate cookies, maybe?

[shootyourshot]

I certainly wouldn't mind having both mint and cookies.

Thank you, Bernadetta. Is there anything I can do?

[persecutetioncomplex]

You've done plenty already. Just, um, get comfortable while I set things up.

[She gestures to the couch, with its handmade blankets and pillows, and ducks into the kitchen area to start plating and brewing.]

[shootyourshot]

All right, but call for me if change your mind.

[Not that Bernadetta can't manage on her own, but Ashe can't help but be eager to assist. Picking himself up, Ashe goes to sit on the couch, but he does pause to look at the blankets and pillows.

They don't look like they're from around here. Really, the work makes him think that maybe they really are handmade. Did she make these too?

She really is so talented. Does Bernadetta not see that? How is that possible?]

[persecutetioncomplex]

[She sees it, certainly, but it's all too easy for the doubts and second thoughts to creep in, along old channels cut by harsh words, years ago. Surely she's being too full of herself. Surely she's getting ahead of herself. Surely they're just treating her gently, sparing her feelings. Surely, surely, surely.

She manages to brew the tea and plate up the cookies without any of that, though, and ferries them out so she can settle down next to him.]

There we go: tea for two. Not, uh, not quite the Professor's usual spread, from what I remember, but... still pretty good, right?

[shootyourshot]

[Ashe smiles at her fondly.] Of course it is.

[He can't help but feel warm about it, inside and out. Bernadetta is so sweet and kind, so skilled, and he's glad to even just have this: tea for two with delicious looking cookies. As for said cookie, he takes a bite.]

Oh, these cookies are great! Did you make them?

[persecutetioncomplex]

I did, yes.

[She takes a bite of cookie and sips her tea, letting the flavors mingle for a moment.]

I'm, I'm glad you like them. The cocoa here is... it's just so rich, don't you think?

[shootyourshot]

I really do think so. Cocoa was a bit expensive no matter where you went in Fodlan, but here it's so affordable and so good.

You're a really talented person, Bernadetta. [He will tell her! Surely nothing will go wrong with that.]