Work Text:
The greenhouse was as nice as ever. Dedue could smell the luscious beds of carnations, lilies, forget-me-nots, and just about every other plant one could find in Fodlan. Despite the bland stone flooring, the windows surely made up for it. The warm sun shone down on the flowerbeds, and provided a snug warmth for all inside. It has been many years since Dedue was able to truly come back and appreciate it. Luckily enough, the greenhouse had not been damaged throughout all these years of war. Even in the initial assault on Garreg Mach Monastery, the greenhouse was one of the few untouched structures, and Dedue was very thankful for that. One of the main reasons for that was because planting brought him peace. After witnessing the horrors of Duscur, Dedue has done everything in his power to restore whatever semblance of his home he could. As he initially promised to his professor, he wanted to plant an entire field of Duscurian flowers after the war. However, big ambitions have small beginnings. And that small beginning would start in the greenhouse of Garreg Mach Monastery.
Dedue slowly trotted over to the furthest-right corner, running his large, calloused hand along the stone walls keeping the soil in place. He began to plot a partition in the soil to plant his seeds. He carefully marked off a section no larger than 2 cubic feet, and began to work a hoe through the caked soil. After a few minutes, the soil was soft again, and ready to take in the seeds that Dedue had brought with him. As he walked back to the entrance to grab a hand shovel, he thought of the tragedy once more. That day was truly horrifying, and would remain engraved in his memories until his final hours. Dedue grabbed the shovel, and headed back to the partition he made. Despite the death and destruction that had occured on that day, it had also given him a reason to live. One man had become his light for many years to come. On that day, the prince of Faerghus, Dmitiri, had reached his hand out to a young Dedue. On that day, Dedue had sworn to protect the prince with his life; so long as his prince was content, Dedue was as well. Over the years, they had become close, despite the separation due to his role as a bodyguard. They had spent many years together, and their bond was one of complete trust between one another. Thinking of their past, Dedue had recalled a particular conversation with his prince, where they had promised to become friends after the war.
"Friends", Dedue paused. "I would like that".
"Dedue!", a familiar voice called out.
Dedue had not realized he was so drowned in thought. He turned around to find the King in front of him.
"Your Majesty, forgive me, I had not noticed your presence".
Dimitri returned a smile, "Oh, do not worry! I was simply walking by, and wanted to check up on your well-being".
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I was planting the seeds of my homeland. I had promised to the professor that I would plant an entire field of them".
Dedue began to dig holes in the soil of the partition he had made, gently placing the dirt aside.
Dimitri's expression had changed to that of a solemn one, "That is a wonderful dream you have. Do not give up on it, Dedue".
Dedue grabbed the pouch resting on his waist, and grabbed four seeds.
"I do not plan on it", Dedue declared, "Failing to succeed in this task will mean the memory of my people will be lost".
Dedue had grasped the seeds, and dropped them gently in their respective holes. He wanted to ask Dimitri of their promise they had made so badly, yet could not bring himself to do it.
"Is something on your mind?", Dimitri asked.
Dedue flinched. He was still not accustomed to the compassion that some had given him. "No, Your Majesty. Besides, are there not more concerning tasks on your hands?", he replied.
"Well the war efforts certainly have my hands full, Dedue. Even if the war is over, that does not mean the fighting is".
"What do you mean, Your Majesty?", Dedue asked.
"There are still many houses sworn under the Adrestian Empire that wish to keep on fighting. As King, it is my duty to ensure that these houses do not disrupt the peace of Fodlan.", Dimitri replied.
Dedue felt very uneasy about that fact. "Should I not be out there on the front lines with you? I do not want you risking your life while I am not there to give mine for you."
Dedue tried his best to release some built up emotions, covering the holes of the seeds with the dirt he had dug up.
Dimitri stepped closer to Dedue and rested his hand on Dedue's shoulder . "I understand your concern, but I am fine on ny own. I do not want you casting your life away, as you had five years ago. I do not not want you fighting anymore, you mean... You mean too much to me, Dedue."
Upon hearing that, Dedue's heart felt heavy. "I... I am not sure how to respond to that."
"You do not have to. I had made a promise with you that I intend to keep. The war is over, Dedue. I want you to stay safe", Dimitri said, as he gripped tighter on Dedue's shoulder.
Dedue stared into Dimitri's eye. He stared back with intense worry, as the sun reflected off his icy-blue iris. "Dimitri. That promise—"
"Is what was on your mind. I have wanted to talk to you about it for a long time. I am more than delighted to say that we can be friends now. So as a friend, please do me a favor. Do not fight anymore. I want to come back to a Dedue that is in one piece. I want to come back to my friend."
Dedue could not speak. He felt as if a knot in his stomach had been untwisted, his mind free of guilt. He had felt truly warm inside for the first time in a very long while.
Dimitri broke the silence, speaking up in a softer voice than before, "Well, my friend, I have matters to attend to. I wish to see the field of flowers you dream of, so please do not risk your life anymore. I promise I will come back, no matter what, Dedue."
Dimitri took his hand off Dedue's shoulder, and wrapped his arms around Dedue for an embrace. After a few seconds, Dimitri says his goodbyes and walks out of the greenhouse.
Dedue walked over to the entrance once more to grab a pitcher of water and some pegasus "blessings". He walked back over to the partition, with a slight smile on his face. Dedue began to spread the blessings evenly over the newly planted seeds. He still felt a little uneasy about his friend's departure, but was certain Dimitri would return.
"Friends...", Dedue said softly to himself, watering the seeds. Dedue smiled once more, and started to make his way towards his quarters.