Note: I had originally intended for this to be a pair of one-shots, but it grew into an actual story some how, so, uh...expect more soon?

Aching Blood, Trembling Heart

A Fire Emblem Fates Story

Chapter Two

Her Story

Corrin's quill jotted across the page as she copied the next name on the list. She smiled, her eyes on her work, as Odin sat across from her at the table in her room, regaling her with the story of how he had chased after a legendary weapon. She liked Odin's stories. They made her feel calmer, and the sound of his voice, rich with passion, made her heart beat contentedly. For all his talk about being a living incarnation of darkness, Odin always lit up the room.

"And then at last, my eyes laid upon it: that legendary blade, the mate for my blighted sword hand was finally in my grasp!" Odin said, his voice rising with the apex of his story.

"'Blighted sword hand,' huh?" Corrin said, pausing her work to take a sip of her tea. "How exactly is it blighted?"

He hesitated, looking up at her, his face reddening in embarrassment. "Er, well, it...it craves the blood of unscrupulous foes! Its bloodlust knows no ending! It hungers for battle, twitching to strike down enemies!"

"Wow, that sounds really awful," Corrin said, replacing her tea cup in her saucer. She folded her arms on the table and leaned toward him a little. "I can see why you made the switch to magic instead."

"Of course, it was an obvious—wait, what?" He dropped character, his face falling. "That's not wh...Why would you think that?"

She laughed, her whole body shaking with her mirth. He was always so adorable when he got flustered, and it was so easy to do. Lately she had taken to asking him probing questions during his stories for this exact purpose, because seeing him flounder to regain himself was so cute she just couldn't resist.

She loved Odin. His oddball behavior, his grandiose stories, his penchant for posing—all the things she had at first found annoying about him, she now adored with her whole heart. Odin, she had come to realize, was the sort of man that grew on you, a man that seeped into your heart and claimed it without your noticing. That more or less described how she had fallen for him, realizing one day after an interaction with him how light and warm she felt. Since then, she had tried to get him to notice, at least a little bit: smiling at him in a way she hoped conveyed how much she cared for him, finding every excuse she could to take hold of his hand, trying to purposely run into him as he went about his day...She wasn't quite sure if any of these plans were working. She had noticed an increase in how embarrassed he seemed to be around her; it seemed like she saw him blushing more frequently of late. His handsome face, flushed red, with an abashed expression was enough to drive her heart wild.

Corrin savored the frazzled, almost hurt look on his face and quieted her laughter. "I'm just teasing you, Odin," she said, reaching across the table and patting his hand. She left her hand atop his as long as she dared before retracting it. "Now then, what happened next?"

He eyed her suspiciously, only retaking his storytelling when she smiled encouragingly at him. Corrin returned to her copying, her new schedule for the mess hall almost complete. Someone had accidentally thrown away the previous version, necessitating her copying from her master schedule. Odin had agreed to keep her company while she worked, which of course meant a session of his unique storytelling. She was somewhat interested in his tale, and it had been entertaining thus far, but to be completely honest, she was more interested in another topic of discussion.

Prior to retiring to her room, the two of them had been in the armory, working on inventory. Odin had been acting a little off, and Corrin was anxious to know what was bothering him. Just as he was finally going to tell her, Selena had interrupted them with news about the missing schedule, so their conversation had been postponed. Odin had promised her he would continue his thought, but when they had arrived at her room, he had launched straightway into his sword story. Despite her enjoyment of his company, Corrin still felt a lingering unease in her stomach. Just what had he been about to say before they were interrupted?

"And so it was, with the bandits vanquished and the mythical blade calming the aching blood in my veins, I, Odin Dark, did part ways with the hero-king's army, in search of another conquest," he concluded, holding a hand in front of his face.

Corrin applauded lightly; she was never quite sure how to react at the end of Odin's stories, but she always felt like applause was necessary. "Wow, that certainly was some story, Odin," she said, grinning.

He sat up in his chair, beaming. "Did you enjoy it?" he asked, his voice eager for praise.

Corrin smiled. "I did, actually. Though I do have to wonder how much of it is actually true," she added, raising a sly eyebrow at him.

"Lady Corrin!" he exclaimed indignantly. "To think that you would accuse me of fabrication! I am insulted at the mere implication! Odin Dark only conveys the truest of tales!"

"Uh-huh," Corrin said, her grin widening. "Even the part where you cut down six bandits with one sword swing?"

He faltered, and she knew she was flustering him again. "Er, well...okay, so it was ninety-nine percent accurate," he admitted, taking a sip of his own tea, which he had been neglecting.

"And the part where the hero-king offered you half his kingdom for rescuing him?" she continued, winking at him.

"Okay, okay, it was seventy-five percent accurate, but that's all you're getting," he said, closing an eye and sticking his tongue out at her.

She laughed again; Odin had a knack for making her laugh. Being with him always brought her so much joy. "In any case, didn't you say the sword wasn't really all that special?"

"Ehh, it did turn out to be a pretty common weapon," he confessed, sipping at his tea. "However!" he said, holding up an explanatory finger. "With a proper name and maintenance by yours truly, Missiletainn went on to become a trusted partner in my fight against evil. I actually still have it with me back in my room."

"Really?" Corrin asked, intrigued. "Would you show it to me?"

"Why, of course, milady!" Odin said, beaming. "Remind me after dinner, and I'll bring it over."

"Sounds great!" she said. With a final stroke of her quill, she completed her copying. "And, done! Now to wait for the ink to dry, and then I can take it to the mess hall."

"It would seem my timing is excellent, as usual," Odin said, placing his tea cup on the table. "To complete my tale at the same time as your task is surely a work of fate itself."

Corrin smiled at him, running a finger along her quill a few times to calm her nerves. It was now or never. "So, Odin...Now that you've finished your story, did you want to...tell me what's been bothering you?" She noticed he tensed, but only slightly. "After all, you did promise you would."

"R-Right, so I did," Odin said, nodding. He held a finger to his forehead, his other arm crossing over his chest to hold his elbow in the thoughtful position. "How best to explain…"

Corrin fidgeted in her chair, her heartbeat increasing steadily. Subconsciously, she leaned closer across the table, eager to hear his answer.

Odin sighed. "To be completely honest, Lady Corrin, I'm not all that certain you can help me with this," he said, scratching his head.

She deflated a little. "O-Oh? Why not?" she asked.

He blushed and looked away from her. "Because the issue is very serious. You see...I'm suffering from...an ailment of the heart."

"'Ailment of the…' Oh!" she gasped, translating his wording. "You...You mean you're in love with someone?"

Odin's blush intensified, and he still refused to meet her eye, but he nodded. "I'm terribly afflicted, I'm afraid," he said.

Corrin sank further into her folded arms. "R-Really? Whoever it is, they're really lucky to have your attention," she said, her expression and voice both failing to hide the disappointment she felt.

He looked up at her, surprised. "Really? You think so?"

"Well of course!" Corrin said, eyebrows furrowing crossly at him. "You're a wonderful person, Odin. You're brave and charming, you're always willing to help others. On top of that, you're fun to talk to and always good for a laugh when it's most needed." She smiled sadly at him. "Anyone would be lucky to have you."

He stared at her, his jaw slackened. A slight shake of his head indicated he had been in a daze and snapped back to reality. "I...I'm flattered that you think so, milady. Truly I am not worthy of such praise."

"And there we have your biggest flaw, Odin," she said, frowning at him.

"Huh?"

"People think that because you're always telling stories about yourself that you must be self-absorbed. But any time someone gives you a genuine compliment, you always dismiss it and self-deprecate," she said, pointing accusingly at him. She looked him in the eye. "You should have more confidence in yourself, Odin. Real confidence, not the kind you pretend you have."

"Lady Corrin…" he said, his eyebrows raised.

"I'm sure if you do that, everything will work out fine," she said, eyeing the table again, her voice breaking at the end. No good. She was starting to get emotional. She inhaled to calm her nerves. "So, tell me, this person you love, what are they like?"

Odin shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "In all my wanderings, I've never met a more incredible woman," he said, his voice quiet. He smiled to himself. "She is an unstoppable force in battle, yet her heart is the kindest I've ever known. Others look to her as a pillar of strength, but I know that the base of that pillar bears the cracks of her uncertainties." He furrowed his eyebrows, his half-lidded eyes focused on the table. "I wish only that I could be the glue that cements those doubts, to ease her burdened heart in some way, so that she can be the beacon that lights the very night, as she is destined to be." He sighed wistfully. "My love, she...she is a goddess of beauty in human form, both in body and heart."

Corrin sank further into her sulk. Why did she ask him this question? Hearing him talk so tenderly about another woman, a fond, adorable expression on his face, was too much for her. She could feel her eyes watering, and her chest felt so tight and achy that she found it difficult to breathe. She inhaled through her mouth, her breath coming in choppy and ragged, a sure sign that she was losing control of her emotions.

"Lady Corrin, are you all right?" Odin asked suddenly, his face shifting with worry.

"Ah, forgive me, I have something in my eye," Corrin said, rubbing her tears away before they had a chance to escape. Her quaking voice betrayed her heartbreak.

"What's wrong?" he asked more urgently.

His face, filled with concern, made the anguish she felt building in her chest intensify. She stood and turned away from him, feeling her shoulders tremble as hot tears streamed down her cheeks. Scrubbing her face clean, she took a deep breath and turned. She was surprised to find Odin had stood as well, and he was walking toward her. "I think I got it, no worries," she assured him, forcing a smile. "Y...You were saying?"

Odin stared at her silently, as if he were trying to solve a puzzle written on her face. Closing his eyes, he continued. "I'm afraid, however, though my experience is quite varied, this is one area in which I am lacking," he admitted, shuffling his feet. "I've never felt this way about someone before, and I'm certain she only sees me as a stalwart friend, not a lover."

"That must be difficult," Corrin said, refusing to meet his eye. She rubbed her arm. "Have you...tried just telling her how you feel?"

"I am endeavoring to, but I'm afraid my inexperience is affecting the reception," he said, wringing his hands. "She's clearly missing every indication I've made of my affections."

Corrin paused, her eyebrows furrowing. What did he mean by that? The verbiage he was using...he couldn't mean...could he? Her heart leapt, and she looked up at him. "Maybe you're just not being direct enough," she said, her face serious.

Odin avoided her gaze, his blush intensifying. "That's not exactly an easy thing for me," he said, fidgeting with the ring on his right hand to keep his hands steady. "To come right out and say it would be…"

"That's exactly what you have to do," Corrin said, her heartbeat steadily increasing. "If you're subtle about it, how is she supposed to know what you mean?"

Odin sighed. "You're right, I know," he agreed, rubbing his neck. "I just worry that someone like me...isn't good enough for her."

"Stop that," she said, scowling at him. "I've told you already that you need to have confidence in yourself."

"But it's true," he argued, staring into her glower. "After all, no matter what impressive feats I may accomplish, I'm still just a retainer. I could never be worthy of you, so I—"

He froze, realizing his slip before she did. He looked away as she gasped, his face flushing so quickly that he looked dizzy.

"Odin..."

"D-Did I say 'you?' H-H-How silly of me," he said in a much louder voice than was natural. "Surely I must be experiencing some sort of delirium." He glanced at her, noticed she was still staring at him, and looked up at the ceiling instead. "A-And small wonder! It seems that the temperature in this room has increased suddenly! C-Clearly I need to step outside for some air—"

"Don't you dare."

Odin made an attempt to flee, but Corrin caught him by the wrist. He turned to her, and the two of them stared wide-eyed at one another, both of them red-faced.

Corrin swallowed. She wasn't going to let him get away. Inhaling, she pulled his arm and pressed her lips to his.

They stood together, neither wishing to move, to break apart, to breathe. Eventually, they both needed air, and they separated, hovering close together, panting. Their eyes met, and within seconds, they were upon each other again, Corrin encircling his neck with her arms and Odin pulling her body into his, curling his hands around her back.

Corrin felt like she was floating. The feel of his muscular arms around her, the taste of his lips as he kissed her over and over, the scent of his body, so close to hers...every one of her senses erupted in a firestorm of emotions. She weaved her fingers into his hair, pressing gently against the back of his head to keep him pinned to her, and Odin moaned softly in her mouth, tightening his grip on her body. She had craved this release for so long, and it just made her want more. She ran her other arm down his back, digging her fingers into his shoulder blades. She felt as if she couldn't have him close enough, and she desperately, desperately needed him to be.

After several minutes had passed, they pulled apart, both breathless, their foreheads resting together, and they clung to each other, neither relaxing their grip. They gazed into one another's eyes, Odin lifting a hand to hold her cheek in his palm. Catching her breath, Corrin spoke first.

"How dare you try to run away."

"I wasn't…!" he began, but when she furrowed her eyebrows, he relented. "Okay, yes, I was trying to run away."

"And what sort of confession was that?" she said, smiling teasingly at him, tracing her finger along his ear. "How was I supposed to know you were talking about me?"

"I was merely building dramatic tension for the big reveal," Odin said, frowning. His eyebrows shifted. "Though I ended up screwing everything up. I upset you, didn't I?"

"You did," she admitted, half-lidding her eyes reflectively before looking back at him. She slid her hand across his cheek and held it. "I couldn't bear hearing you say all those things if it was about someone else."

He smiled sadly at her, kissing the heel of her palm. "Oh my beloved," Odin said, leaning into her hand, "how could the goddess of my heart be anyone else but you?"

Stroking her finger along his temple, she beamed at him, so filled with joy that she could barely contain it. Her face fell, however, as a thought occurred to her, and she pulled on his cheek, causing him to yelp. "You said I couldn't help you with your problem," she said, leering at him.

"Ih wash for drahmatick effec," he reasoned, his mouth stretched from her fingertips. He whined in his throat and rubbed at his face when she let go.

"Well, no more dramatic effect when it comes to our relationship." She smiled at him, winking. "Deal?"

Odin sighed, looking a bit disappointed, before the corners of his mouth twitched into a small smile. "Deal."

Corrin cupped his cheek and kissed the red mark where she had tugged on him. When Odin turned his head to reclaim her lips, she was more than happy to oblige.

Bonus Ending:

"You're sure you won't get in trouble with Leo for helping me with the rest of the convoy shipment?" Corrin asked as they strolled across the lawn, the new kitchen schedule in her hand.

"Lord Leo has already released me for the afternoon, so there's nothing to worry about," Odin said. He smiled at her. "Besides, I'm not quite ready to part with you yet."

Corrin blushed, and she intentionally bumped shoulders with him as they walked, grinning. "Then I guess I won't feel selfish for keeping you all to myself."

The mess hall was empty when they entered. "Selena said she'd be here," Corrin said, looking around. "After all, she's on pantry duty today." She called the woman's name; maybe she was in the back?

A loud crashing sound came from the back room, and within a few seconds, Selena emerged, red-faced. She smoothed at her clothes as she walked toward them. "Ah, good, you've got the list, Corrin?" she said, sounding breathless.

Odin raised an eyebrow at the redhead's behavior as she and Corrin exchanged words. Movement in his periphery caught his eye, and he glanced over at the entrance to the kitchen, where someone was peeking out the doorway.

Not just someone. Laslow.

Odin folded his arms, his eyebrows rising and a grin spreading across his face. Laslow met eyes with him, his face flushing scarlet. Odin had to resist a laugh when the other man flipped him off before disappearing back into the kitchen.