A/N: This idea came rather spontaneously and doesn't really have a set course. I have a beginning (this) a middle and an end, but everything in between will come as it comes. Updates will be sporadic because I have yet to complete Henry and Tharja's supports with everyone (i think I've done half of Henry's and a third of Tharja's supports). Also, this is just to get the writing juices flowing, so it's as inspiration comes. And it'll also be pretty short.
You know when you write something that's solely for yourself? That's this. I'm not expecting much, if any, feedback. But of course, reviews and constructive criticism are always wecome. I hope this is one of those stories that you guys read every now and then when you see the random update. Just something small to pass the time.
Sticks and Stones
Summary: The twisted courtship of Henry and Tharja as witnessed by Chrom's merry little band.
Chapter 1
It's no secret that the young Plegian male that has just joined their little army makes everyone uncomfortable.
It's not that they aren't used to questionable dark mages, Lon'qu thinks. After all, Tharja is with them and has been for about two years now. She is as creepy as they come, talking about death and stalking Robin like it's her personal business to know who he's with and what he's doing. And she's a woman.
Tharja is the representation of everything Lon'qu dislikes about women, actually, and the way she'd eyed him as she talked about ridding him of his fear hadn't helped her case.
Not that the offer isn't tempting.
However, for all her faults, Tharja's loyalty to their cause has never come into question. Her obsessive devotion to Robin keeps her from doing the truly twisted things everyone knew she is capable of performing.
Henry has no such limiters.
The boy kills with a smile, tears through enemies like paper, laughing and cracking jokes the whole time, bathing in their blood and collecting body parts afterward. It is impressive in a perverse sort of way. Even though he wields tomes rather than a melee weapon, Lon'qu knows that he'd be popular in the arenas of Ferox.
It is because of this that Lon'qu is not surprised that even Tharja eyes Henry with wariness. He doubts that she fears him, but he's sure that she fears his intentions. Plus, seeing as how Henry is supposedly a famous figure in Plegia, chances are that she's heard more of him than the others have.
It is with mild trepidation that Lon'qu and the rest of the camp watch as Tharja approaches the white-haired boy and pulls him to the side to speak with him. She's glaring at him, the same malicious glare she shoots at all of her enemies and all people who attempt to get close to Robin. Though no one can hear what they're actually saying, Lon'qu watches as Tharja's face goes through a multitude of emotions while Henry keeps that same sickening grin on his face, waving a finger around as he speaks in that sing-song voice of his. At some point Lon'qu hears the world 'curse' and sees the interest in Tharja's face. However, the conversation seems to rapidly deteriorate from that point.
In the sudden lull in conversation around them, Tharja and Henry's argument suddenly becomes easy for the entire camp to hear.
"Ugh...Hale? Hearty? Have you no respect for our ancient profession?" Tharja hisses, aura dark, eyes sharp and fingers twitching on her tome. "We're supposed to be harbingers of pestilence and famine and doom!"
In return, Henry takes one hand and rubs his stomach. "Mm...I love doom."
Lon'qu hears Gaius choke on a laugh from next to him as Tharja snarls and storms past everyone, entering her tent while muttering darkly to herself.
As one, the camp's eyes turn to Henry, who is standing there, smiling. "Guys, you think I made her mad? Maybe I should apologize!"
"I think you did an excellent job, Smiley," Gaius says, amusement dripping from his every word.
"Really? Awww, thanks Gaius!"
The next morning, Lon'qu watches with the rest of the camp as Henry deposits a Risen head with a flower in its ear and a note saying 'Sorry' taped to its forehead on top of Tharja's breakfast plate.
As Gaius laughs, Lon'qu notices that Henry has elicited an entirely new response from Tharja. After all, the look she sends him is pure venom.
A/N: A slow start, since this is just their initial meeting. Most of the rest will be original. Thoughts?
Thank you for reading.
