Chapter Text
Ashe was a curious knight.
Which really, is stating the obvious, but he was getting to meet someone who worked closely with Claude for who knows how long.
Claude seemed excited for him to meet Nardel, so he must have been pretty entertaining for Claude to like him. Goddess knows Claude wouldn't be excited for him to meet anyone strict, dull, or plain.
Okay, so maybe he was more excited than curious now. He can't really tell. The only thing he's sure of is that he's never been happier to be by Claude's side than he is now.
Claude was like his freedom. He could let loose, smile and joke around with him without worrying about what Claude may think of him.
By now he realizes Claude finds just about anything he does to be cute or charming.
That's.. Fortunate? He's not really sure if he should be flattered or not.
However Claude was disappointed when he rode on his own horse instead of sharing with him. To quote, "That’s a missed opportunity for you to be giving me the world's longest hug."
Ashe tried not to laugh at that pout he received and he had to bite his tongue when Byleth gave him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder.
Again, he still can't believe Claude's officially a leader now.
Now that they were here Ashe had to stand guard outside the room, and frankly it was a little boring while Claude, Byleth and Nardel were discussing who knows what. At least a part of him felt honored by fulfilling a knightly duty.
After spending so many years on guard duty you'd think he was tired of it, but this time he.. He actually wasn't. He got to keep watch over the Alliance leader, who was also the one he loved most.
A knight probably shouldn't be getting butterflies on the job but he was going to start embracing that feeling. Now was the time to start looking on the bright side.
When the doors opened Ashe immediately moved out of the way and noticed Byleth had a strange expression on his face.
Okay, so that's pretty odd to witness.. Usually it was hard to read Byleth in general.
"How was your meeting?"
"It was.. Interesting." Byleth rubbed the back of his neck, face full of uncertainty. "Claude wants you to join them now."
Ashe watched Byleth excuse himself and he stared at the door with a tinge of nervousness; confidence forgotten.
Was.. Was Nardel a force to be reckoned with? They must be to make Byleth look so lost.
Ashe's hand hovered above the door knob and he hesitated upon hearing hushed whispers, and not so quiet ones.
"Just.. Play nice with him, okay? He's been through a lot and for the love of the Goddess do not ask him if he wants to hear any embarrassing stories."
Loud, roaring laughter followed and Ashe took that opportunity to enter—
And when he finally saw Nardel he looked nothing like he had imagined or expected him to be. Not that he was judging, but Nardel didn't exactly look like the typical retainer. After he and his siblings lived with Lonato their retainer they lived with was much more formal compared to Nardel's laid back posture.
"So you're Ashe," Nardel grinned, for some reason looking absolutely delighted to meet him. Actually, that was pretty flattering. "Cla— Master Claude has told me all about ya!"
"Did he?" Ashe smiled softly at Claude who was looking pretty flustered for once. "Claude's never mentioned you before, so I'm happy to get to know you better."
"Master Claude that wounds me," Nardel sighed, a hand over his heart. "Were you by chance embarrassed by your favorite retainer?"
Claude doesn't answer and simply gave him a pointed look that spoke volumes.
"My deeply hurt feelings aside, I'm oh so very glad to match the face with all the stories I've heard about you, Sir Ashe!"
"Oh?"
"Oh yes, I've known Master Claude since he was a br— such a small, mischievous child," Claude could be heard groaning in the background. "Judith told me all about the freckled boy who had Master Claude positively enamoured. I even believe your Master Claude's first love too! Isn't that precious?"
At first Ashe was trying not to laugh and now he was trying to cool his face down. That was a lot to take in, but the fluttering in his chest refused to still.
"I could tell you so many stories kid." Nardel laughed, resting a hand on Ashe's shoulder. As flustered as he was he wouldn't mind hearing more about Claude's past.
Now that he thinks about it there's not a lot he knows regarding that area. And well, it's probably the same for Claude too. Perhaps when they got back he'd open up more..
"But he's not, " Claude intervened; his rosy red face matching Ashe's. "That's enough chit chat for today, Nardel. Actually that's enough for the rest of my lifetime."
"Guess we'll put a bookmark here for today," Nardel sighed sounding oddly disappointed. Then again he looked like he was having the time of his life embarrassing Claude. "Stop by before you leave and I'll make sure to tell you some very interesting stories from Master Claude's childhood!"
Ashe let Claude take him by the hand and guided him out the door without another word. It was apparent he was in a hurry to get away from Nardel as fast as he could.
..There was a part of him that would have loved to hear those stories though. Perhaps another time.
"So we most definitely won't be doing that," Claude made a face and swayed their hands. "But it could have gone worse for me, I suppose."
"He's interesting for a retainer," Ashe chuckled. "You sure we can't stick around for a few more minutes?"
"Nope sorry, I have.. Important leader stuff that needs to be tended to."
Ashe wasn't convinced, but for Claude's sake he'd let it slide. They walked in comfortable silence down the hall; something that felt familiar and fond back in their days at the monastery.
"First love, huh?" Ashe asks, breaking the silence. As many people as Claude knows he was quite surprised to learn he was the first one.
In fact he felt
honored.
Claude squeezed their hands together, a fond expression on him as he slowed down their steps and turned to Ashe.
Everytime he received such an affectionate look Ashe couldn't help but melt a little.
"I wouldn't have it any other way."