Chupi's FE3H One Shots

[Claudue] Final Encounter

Summary:

The last battle with the Adrestian Empire has finally ended. Emperor Edelgard is dead, and the resistance has won. Claude and Dedue say their final farewells.

——

"Your Highness..."

A windy night, and a somber one. The moonrise was a relief from the long, dreadful day that dragged along while the sun was up above. A battle that should have never happened, but it had to be done. The emperor's bloody conquest had to be put to an end somehow. Through strength, planning, and perhaps even a streak of luck, the rebelling forces managed to triumph over the so-called undefeated Adrestians. Even though the battle was won, there was still a hollowness in the victory. A cold, dark feeling remained. One could hardly call it satisfaction.

"You have been avenged."

Dedue closed his eyes. The air felt slightly chilly; and the wind was gentle. This would be the night — the night he once again went on his own to find his own way. Though, he was admittedly feeling lost. His future was uncertain. Dedue sighed. He was going to leave. At least he was until a voice suddenly broke the silence.

"I was wondering where you went off to."

Dedue quickly turned his head around. His expression remained the same. "Lord von Riegan."

"Please, I already told you that there was never a need for the formalities. It's just Claude."

Dedue ignored the statement. "Why are you not with the others? I figured that you enjoyed hosting feasts."

"Hosting? I like attending them more than that, thank you very much. Less work and more food. I say that's a win." Claude smirked and nodded his head. "Besides. I noticed that you were gone. I just wondered where you went off to. You've been kind of distant ever since the end of today's battle as well."

"You are very observant."

"Yeah, I notice a thing or two. There's so much food in there: meats and stews, fruits and cakes — don't you want to have a well deserved reward for all of your hard work? A celebration is much better when everyone is present. We would like you back."

Dedue did not reply as quickly as Claude had expected. The tall man of Duscur exhaled through his nose and moved his eyes away from his former classmate. He focused them on the nightfallen horizon. "I apologize. I cannot attend."

Claude's smile fell. He looked more disappointed than anything. "You cannot? Why? Don't be silly. You're one of us."

"I am afraid that I cannot agree with you."

"That is a really foolhardy thing to say. Is this another one of those 'oh, I just don't fit in' kind of excuses? We've known each other for years now, Dedue. You know for a fact that fitting in is nothing to lose sleep over. We're all misfits one way or another."

"I would not say that is entirely the reason..."

"It was a good guess then?"

"You could say that."

A silence rose between them. Claude could not help but grow slightly perturbed upon dwelling within it. He had to say something; anything just to try and figure out what was going on.

"Is this about the battle today?"

Dedue said nothing at first, but he did soon reply curtly. "Yes."

"How are you still bothered, Dedue? We triumphed over the Empire. That was our same goal, was it not?"

"For everyone else, I presume."