[Claude's not offended, but it does make him pause. He draws Byleth to one side of the crowds, next to a stall. This is once again another sign of the gulf between their experiences with one another, so he has to stop to explain himself, he thinks. This is something Byleth needs to hear, without the interruptions of the throngs of people around them.]
Listen... Back home, I consider you as more than just an ally. You're my dearest friend. Things may be different here, but I hope you can come to think of me as a friend, too.
[The same thing Dimitri told him - "you're my dearest friend" - yet Byleth had done nothing to achieve it from his own efforts. There was no way to describe the complex tangle of emotions this evoked in him, though. He lacked the words.]
You and Dimitri are quick... to claim friendship with me. [his words were slow, clearly trying to organise his thoughts as he spoke.] While a part of me is happy to so easily gain friends, I... don't feel deserving of it. It was the Other Byleth who put in the effort to befriend you, and who succeeded. I'm still learning how to speak to my peers, and how to smile. I haven't yet made a friend from my own efforts.
[He only knew how to interact with people who were either clients, fellow mercenaries, or enemies to neutralise on the battlefield. In those scenarios, the flowchart of conversation was very simple and easy to follow. This had no flowchart.]
The whole situation... [he paused for a moment, then decided to be blunt:] It makes me feel like I'm an imposter. A poor one.
You're no more than I'm an imposter compared to whatever Claude you know. We may be slightly different people, but the stuff that makes us who we are... I'm sure a lot of it is the same.
[And if that's the case, how can any of them be just an imitation? Difference doesn't make them worse.]
I'm not always proud of how I treated you when we first met. I even did plenty of things that would earn your distrust, even anger. But we still stuck by each other through thick and thin... How about we take a chance at putting our faith in each other this time, too?
[A lot to ask, to be sure, and he's aware Byleth will have no way of telling if any of that is the truth, so--] You don't have to answer right away. Just think about what you want to do, without any pressure from me or Dimitri or anyone else.
[There was a considerable pause as Byleth thought it over. It wasn't as if he didn't want to make friends with Claude, after all - he did - but he'd been worried that Claude's friendliness had been misplaced, that there was an unspoken assumption that Byleth would have to meet the expectations the Other Byleth had set. Expectations he would inevitably fall short of.
That worry still remained, but maybe...]
Very well. So long as you promise to befriend me based on the person I am now, rather than who you wish me to be, I'll put my faith in you, Claude.
[And, since even he knew friendship was a two-way street:] I promise I'll see you for who you are currently, as well.
You sure you're up to that challenge? I have a reputation for being hard to see at all.
[He laughs, but he's just teasing. If Byleth means what he says, he'll make the effort to try. He might find that an older and mellower Claude isn't quite as slippery as he used to be.]
Thanks for giving me a chance. No matter where you go, you always seem to get stuck with other peoples' expectations of you, huh? [Being the Ashen Demon, then Rhea's machinations and the church... It's some poor luck. Claude shakes his head.] I promise I won't burden you with that. But if I ever slip up, you have permission to... I dunno, cast some exotic spell from that book on me?
I wouldn't do that. You're my ally. It would be wrong to cast a spell on you, exotic or otherwise.
[Even if the spell was 'harmless', Byleth wouldn't do such a thing. However, he understood that Claude would require correction if he ever did begin to project Other Byleth onto him, so...]
I'll simply tell you that you've upset me. Will that suffice?
[Easier said than done. Byleth had only ever truly confided in Jeralt, because his father could normally intuit his feelings when Byleth struggled to put them into words. Jeralt did most of the work for him, and did so with boundless patience. Byleth had no idea how it would work with Claude.
But he knew that friendship was not an instantaneous thing. It had to be built, carefully, brick by brick, and that meant enduring potential misunderstandings as Claude grew accustomed to Byleth's various quirks. It may, in fact, help Byleth grow, become closer to this Other Byleth who succeeded where he had failed.]
Very well. I'll try my best to be honest with you, Claude.
[Beat.]
In any case, we should continue to our destination. You still seem under the weather, and I hear tea is good for one's health. Is it alright that we shelve our current discussion for now?
Yeah. We seem to be on the same page, so I won't talk your ear off about it.
[And just telling Byleth to trust and confide in him, when Claude had built up a solid reputation of being untrustworthy and deceptive... Well. That definitely wasn't going to happen overnight. But a friendship can't be built if he doesn't extend a hand at all, and Byleth certainly could use it right now.
He draws his cloak closer around his shoulders, and leads the way once more. By the time he takes them to a winding side alley and a gate leading into a shaded, leafy courtyard, he's trying not to make it obvious that he's shivering. But once they're inside, it becomes more obvious why he brought Byleth here, of all places: closing the gate behind them, the noise of the city seems to melt away. There's a star-shaped fountain in the middle of the courtyard with flowers scattered across the surface for decoration, and warm lamps to light the way into the teahouse.]
Here's the place, just through the doors ahead. I found it a few weeks ago.
[Byleth kept an eye on Claude, observing his sickly pallor and shivering. He said nothing, however, as Claude had already shifted the topic from his own health once before, and Byleth wasn't going to pester him unnecessarily. He did walk slightly closer to him though, just in case.
They arrived at the tea house, and Byleth automatically took stock of his surroundings: ambush points, defensive points, before actually absorbing what said surroundings looked like. It was muted and warm, peaceful, a serene bubble away from the chaotic hubbub of Springstar. Tentatively, Byleth decided he liked it.]
I thought you might. Give a place a chance before you write it off, and you might find a hidden gem or two.
[Claude smiles at him before leading the way inside. The teahouse itself isn't overly busy, with just a few patrons. Colourful but softly lit lamps light the interior, and the seating around painted lacquer tables is covered with bright cushions and throws, with mosaics, artwork and even intricate stone carvings covering the walls, in an eclectic mix of styles from various worlds.
It's the exact kind of hideaway Claude might smuggle himself away to for hours on end with a good book -- and it seems he's gotten in the habit of doing just that, because he greets one of the staff who recognises him as he enters. He takes a table for them both with a view looking out on the courtyard, but still tucked away in a corner for some privacy, and sits down with a relieved sigh. He's trying to be good company, but he can't totally disguise the excursion taking a toll.]
Oh -- yeah, they do food here too, if you're hungry. Just cakes and snacks and stuff, but it's still good.
[Byleth was quiet as they got themselves situated at the tea house, and he sat across from Claude on the edge of his seat, straight-backed and poised, as if he expected to leap to his feet a moment's notice. He set the book on the table as well, and clasped his hands together atop of it.]
I'll eat if you eat. [Claude looked like he needed carbs and sugar in him, truth be told.] Is that fine?
[Is Byleth trying to coax him to eat something? That's actually pretty sly for a Byleth who hasn't spent much time around him at all to pick up his habits, and the amused glint in Claude's eye seems to indicate his approval.]
Deal. [He passes Byleth a menu and glances down to scan through his own.] And-- thanks.
Hmm? I should be thanking you for this outing. Think nothing of it.
[But he was pleased that his cunning ploy had worked. Jeralt pulled it on him enough times that Byleth could comfortably mimic it. He scanned the menu, but didn't really absorb much of what was on there. As Claude said, there were cakes and the like there, and a cake was a cake at the end of the day. Byleth would eat anything.]
What would you recommend? This is my first time at a tea house. I don't know what will... [What was the term nobles used?] ...pair? With tea.
Hmm... What tea do you like? Or we could do it the other way around, and you could choose a cake or a pastry you like, and pick a tea based on that. Or you can throw convention to the wind and pick two totally random things that pique your interest, pairings be damned.
[Claude laughs. He's not really one to do things the proper noble way, himself.]
[Byleth looked at the menu again, a little overwhelmed at the choice laid out to him. It was easy eating meals at the camp, because either you had stew or roasted meat, or Shez decided to make something for you. As a mercenary, the meal of the day was whatever they bought from the village they passed through, or what animals they caught in their traps. This was the first time Byleth had held a menu in his hands.]
I don't have a favourite tea. I'll drink and eat anything. So, I'll pick at random. [he set the menu on the table and quickly settled his finger on the list of teas, frowning as he read:] Cinnamon tea and... [Another random point at the cake list.] ...bas-bou-sa?
[Claude leans over a little to see what he's pointing at, and he grins.] Hey, good choice! It's sweet, so it'd go well with cinnamon. You don't get stuff like that in Fódlan, but I promise it's worth a try.
[He opts for a pistachio and rose cake and a mint tea, himself. By the time their orders are taken, just the thought of good food and drink with good company already has him perking up.]
[If there was one thing Jeralt (and his tavern tab skipping ways) have taught Byleth, it was to never refuse free food.]
Thank you, Claude, that's kind of you. In which case, would you mind if I order a few other things from this menu? Jeralt always said to take advantage of a man's open offer for food.
[Ah, Jeralt. How very... mercenary of him. Claude laughs at just how brazen that is, and he has to respect it, in a way.] Well, if your dad said it, I can't say no to that. Order as much as you want.
[Their first orders arrive shortly thereafter, and Claude leaves his tea to steep as he looks to Byleth.]
So, what else are you gonna go for? [Jeralt aside... Okay, maybe he just wants to spoil Byleth a bit.]
[Byleth visibly perked up at being given the go ahead to order more food, and he perused the menu as their first orders arrived. At Claude's question, he lowered the menu and pointed:]
These ones: brunsviger, kuih lapis and cotton cheesecake.
[Perhaps he's being a little too greedy, but Byleth was rarely given a chance to indulge in sweet things like this, due to the fact they were normally something only the nobility enjoyed. Most treats for commoners were unsweetened, as sugar was so expensive, and jam got rather samey after a while.]
They sound sweet, and novel. I'm curious to try them.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[Claude's not offended, but it does make him pause. He draws Byleth to one side of the crowds, next to a stall. This is once again another sign of the gulf between their experiences with one another, so he has to stop to explain himself, he thinks. This is something Byleth needs to hear, without the interruptions of the throngs of people around them.]
Listen... Back home, I consider you as more than just an ally. You're my dearest friend. Things may be different here, but I hope you can come to think of me as a friend, too.
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You and Dimitri are quick... to claim friendship with me. [his words were slow, clearly trying to organise his thoughts as he spoke.] While a part of me is happy to so easily gain friends, I... don't feel deserving of it. It was the Other Byleth who put in the effort to befriend you, and who succeeded. I'm still learning how to speak to my peers, and how to smile. I haven't yet made a friend from my own efforts.
[He only knew how to interact with people who were either clients, fellow mercenaries, or enemies to neutralise on the battlefield. In those scenarios, the flowchart of conversation was very simple and easy to follow. This had no flowchart.]
The whole situation... [he paused for a moment, then decided to be blunt:] It makes me feel like I'm an imposter. A poor one.
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[And if that's the case, how can any of them be just an imitation? Difference doesn't make them worse.]
I'm not always proud of how I treated you when we first met. I even did plenty of things that would earn your distrust, even anger. But we still stuck by each other through thick and thin... How about we take a chance at putting our faith in each other this time, too?
[A lot to ask, to be sure, and he's aware Byleth will have no way of telling if any of that is the truth, so--] You don't have to answer right away. Just think about what you want to do, without any pressure from me or Dimitri or anyone else.
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That worry still remained, but maybe...]
Very well. So long as you promise to befriend me based on the person I am now, rather than who you wish me to be, I'll put my faith in you, Claude.
[And, since even he knew friendship was a two-way street:] I promise I'll see you for who you are currently, as well.
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[He laughs, but he's just teasing. If Byleth means what he says, he'll make the effort to try. He might find that an older and mellower Claude isn't quite as slippery as he used to be.]
Thanks for giving me a chance. No matter where you go, you always seem to get stuck with other peoples' expectations of you, huh? [Being the Ashen Demon, then Rhea's machinations and the church... It's some poor luck. Claude shakes his head.] I promise I won't burden you with that. But if I ever slip up, you have permission to... I dunno, cast some exotic spell from that book on me?
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[Even if the spell was 'harmless', Byleth wouldn't do such a thing. However, he understood that Claude would require correction if he ever did begin to project Other Byleth onto him, so...]
I'll simply tell you that you've upset me. Will that suffice?
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In fact, you can be honest with me in general. If anyone or anything is ever bothering you, you can confide in me any time.
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But he knew that friendship was not an instantaneous thing. It had to be built, carefully, brick by brick, and that meant enduring potential misunderstandings as Claude grew accustomed to Byleth's various quirks. It may, in fact, help Byleth grow, become closer to this Other Byleth who succeeded where he had failed.]
Very well. I'll try my best to be honest with you, Claude.
[Beat.]
In any case, we should continue to our destination. You still seem under the weather, and I hear tea is good for one's health. Is it alright that we shelve our current discussion for now?
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[And just telling Byleth to trust and confide in him, when Claude had built up a solid reputation of being untrustworthy and deceptive... Well. That definitely wasn't going to happen overnight. But a friendship can't be built if he doesn't extend a hand at all, and Byleth certainly could use it right now.
He draws his cloak closer around his shoulders, and leads the way once more. By the time he takes them to a winding side alley and a gate leading into a shaded, leafy courtyard, he's trying not to make it obvious that he's shivering. But once they're inside, it becomes more obvious why he brought Byleth here, of all places: closing the gate behind them, the noise of the city seems to melt away. There's a star-shaped fountain in the middle of the courtyard with flowers scattered across the surface for decoration, and warm lamps to light the way into the teahouse.]
Here's the place, just through the doors ahead. I found it a few weeks ago.
no subject
They arrived at the tea house, and Byleth automatically took stock of his surroundings: ambush points, defensive points, before actually absorbing what said surroundings looked like. It was muted and warm, peaceful, a serene bubble away from the chaotic hubbub of Springstar. Tentatively, Byleth decided he liked it.]
It's quiet. I like it.
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[Claude smiles at him before leading the way inside. The teahouse itself isn't overly busy, with just a few patrons. Colourful but softly lit lamps light the interior, and the seating around painted lacquer tables is covered with bright cushions and throws, with mosaics, artwork and even intricate stone carvings covering the walls, in an eclectic mix of styles from various worlds.
It's the exact kind of hideaway Claude might smuggle himself away to for hours on end with a good book -- and it seems he's gotten in the habit of doing just that, because he greets one of the staff who recognises him as he enters. He takes a table for them both with a view looking out on the courtyard, but still tucked away in a corner for some privacy, and sits down with a relieved sigh. He's trying to be good company, but he can't totally disguise the excursion taking a toll.]
Oh -- yeah, they do food here too, if you're hungry. Just cakes and snacks and stuff, but it's still good.
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I'll eat if you eat. [Claude looked like he needed carbs and sugar in him, truth be told.] Is that fine?
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Deal. [He passes Byleth a menu and glances down to scan through his own.] And-- thanks.
[For worrying about him, he supposes.]
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[But he was pleased that his cunning ploy had worked. Jeralt pulled it on him enough times that Byleth could comfortably mimic it. He scanned the menu, but didn't really absorb much of what was on there. As Claude said, there were cakes and the like there, and a cake was a cake at the end of the day. Byleth would eat anything.]
What would you recommend? This is my first time at a tea house. I don't know what will... [What was the term nobles used?] ...pair? With tea.
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[Claude laughs. He's not really one to do things the proper noble way, himself.]
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I don't have a favourite tea. I'll drink and eat anything. So, I'll pick at random. [he set the menu on the table and quickly settled his finger on the list of teas, frowning as he read:] Cinnamon tea and... [Another random point at the cake list.] ...bas-bou-sa?
[Is that a cake? He's never heard of it before.]
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[He opts for a pistachio and rose cake and a mint tea, himself. By the time their orders are taken, just the thought of good food and drink with good company already has him perking up.]
We should do stuff like this more often.
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[A pause, and then, almost tentatively, Byleth attempted to joke:]
Also... I enjoy anything that involves food. Moreso, if it is free.
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[He quirks a smile and relents.] Nah, I'm joking. I was already planning to pay for yours.
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Thank you, Claude, that's kind of you. In which case, would you mind if I order a few other things from this menu? Jeralt always said to take advantage of a man's open offer for food.
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[Their first orders arrive shortly thereafter, and Claude leaves his tea to steep as he looks to Byleth.]
So, what else are you gonna go for? [Jeralt aside... Okay, maybe he just wants to spoil Byleth a bit.]
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These ones: brunsviger, kuih lapis and cotton cheesecake.
[Perhaps he's being a little too greedy, but Byleth was rarely given a chance to indulge in sweet things like this, due to the fact they were normally something only the nobility enjoyed. Most treats for commoners were unsweetened, as sugar was so expensive, and jam got rather samey after a while.]
They sound sweet, and novel. I'm curious to try them.