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Linhardt pried his face away from the spell book underneath him as he awoke from what seemed like hours of napping. He had fallen asleep in the library quickly after trying to read through a book of spells that Flayn had given him to review. While he knew that his focus should be on preparing for the looming battle with Edelgard, he couldn’t help but feel like each skirmish drained a little bit more of his energy away from him.
He checked the pages of the book for any possibly drool, but he was- thankfully- in the clear. Soon after Linhardt’s mind quickly became enveloped by thoughts of the upcoming battle. His mind was so busy that he didn’t even notice the green-haired girl that stared at him with a smile from the seat beside him.
After a moment of waiting, the girl reached over to touch Linhardt’s hand. With the slightest touch, he was jolted out of his thoughts. His eyes stared at the dainty hand that was placed on top of his before looking over to meet the girl’s eyes.
“Oh, Flayn. When did you get here?” Linhardt said with a yawn.
“I have been reading since before you awoke.”
“Ah, of course. Sorry, I was-”
“Lost in thought?”
“Indeed. While you are here, I actually wanted to ask you some questions.”
Flayn quickly removed her hand from atop Linhardt’s. “If this is about children again. I have already told you that I do not want to hear it-” Flayn was about to go on complaining, but Linhardt stopped her.
“No, no. My questions today are based on Saint Cethleann and the Nabateans.”
With a sigh, she closed the book on the table in front of her. “As I have told you before- I know little of her, just as you do.”
“Of course. Either way, maybe you could help me out. So, from my readings, even though Cethleann and the other saints were all formed by the progenitor god. The progenitor god made each of the saints distinct. As in each Nabatean represented a different… we’ll call them elements, but of course this does not stretch to humans, and when you think of the dragons said to have roamed during these times- that makes a lot more sense. Cethleann was rumoured to control light, which makes perfect sense as a healer. Also, from my understanding and rumours from the time- Nabateans were these dragons- rather than separate entities. To elaborate, Nabateans were said to have dragon-like features even when presenting as humans. What do you think of this?”
Flayn stared at Linhardt in bewilderment, before taking a moment to compose herself. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. “If this is- of your understanding- then why are you asking me? If you are going to prod me with your meaningless question, then I will be going.”
“Stay.” Linhardt’s voice was soft, almost if begging for her presence.
“If I must. Though I do not know much of the past, I will confirm that I have heard similar rumours to your own.” It was clear that Flayn couldn’t help but to give into Linhardt’s questions, though she is meant to be hiding the nature of her true identity. She trusted Linhardt- and it had been so long since the last time she was able to talk about these things with another human.
“Thank you.” Linhardt’s hand reached out and Flayn began to move away, but stopped, letting Linhardt rest his hand on her face. She closed her eyes, it was clear the comfort that Linhardt provided for her. Linhardt’s hand began to move again as she opened her eyes, his next motion was quick but gentle as he brushed the hair from the side of her face behind her ear. This small gesture revealed the trust of her origins- her Nabatean ears.
A terrified look was plastered on Flayn’s face as she moved to grab the hair, but it was too late. Linhardt’s finger moved from the base of her ear to the pointed tip. He smiled at her, and she stopped moving. His voice was deep, but gentle as he spoke. “Stunning.”
“I think you have the wrong idea.” Flayn’s voice trembled.
“Why would you say so?” Linhardt inquired, returning his hand to rest on the table.
“For one, nothing you have said is… confirmed. Also, because either way I am…” Flayn hesitated, “different.”
“I don’t think you understand that being different makes you even more interesting-” Linhardt paused, “no, I think the word I’m looking for is beautiful. You are beautiful, Flayn.”
Flayn’s voice shook as she spoke. “W-what do you mean?”
“It’s simple really. I look at you and I see beauty. Whether you’re a saint, a Nabatean-”
“I never confirmed I-”
Linhardt’s voice cut her off. “Or as you like to tell people- a human girl. No matter what you truly are, you are beautiful.” Linhardt’s hand- just like last time- gentle moved to rest on Flayn’s face and this time she moved to meet it.
Flayn took a moment to smile at Linhardt, and in that moment she thought that maybe, one day, she would be able to open up about the truth. For if she was to tell anybody, it would be the boy looking back at her now.
“I told you once that I liked you well enough to advance a field of study to previously unknown heights, but that has changed. Now, I love you well enough to stand beside you and respect your choices. I love you well enough that I will support you through this war and onward- if you would have me.”
Flayn’s face burned at the warm air lingering around them at Linhardt’s question, but she knew in her heart that no matter what reincarnation of Linhardt she is destined to meet in her extended lifetime, this was the man for her. That she would choose him again and again. So, without a word she leaned forward, doing something she never thought she would have the chance to do, and she pressed her lips to Linhardt’s.
His other hand came up, now cradling both sides of Flayn’s face, and he smiled as he reciprocated her intimate feeling- knowing that he would do anything for her, even if it meant one day leaving everything behind.