Corrin climbed the top rung of the ladder leading to her tree house, only to be startled by Xander's voice. "There you are." He seemed laughably out of place here, to her, sitting at the tea table in her room "I was waiting for you. Forgive me for intruding, but I wanted to ask you something."
Claiming a seat opposite Xander, Corrin noticed there was no tea - but a bottle of wine. He always had enjoyed his spirits. "Go ahead, ask me anything."
He didn't ask if she wanted any before pouring her a glass. "What do you think of me? As a man?"
A blush spread across her cheeks. "Wh-what do you mean?"
"I know this seems sudden, but please give me an answer."
Corrin sipped at her glass, eyeing him. "Why?"
Intently focused on the contents of his glass, Xander was direct and somewhat abrupt, but not exactly rude. "I need an answer."
Corrin paused and tried to think of what he meant to her. The answer, she knew, was quite a lot, but how did she convey that to him? What if she had misinterpreted the entire scenario and said something that she couldn't take back? Something that drove a wedge between them forever? "You're the one who taught me courage and swordplay. You made me want to be strong. I know we aren't really related, but...I'd be proud to call you my brother."
"Is that it?" he asked, visibly displeased. "I'm actually glad that isn't the case."
Corrin frowned. "What?" Was he saying what she thought he was? "Why?"
"I don't mean it as an insult." he stated casually. "You say I taught you courage and swordplay, and that may be the case. But I've learned a lot from you, as well. I think it would be best if we continued to guide each other like this... I love you, and I want you by my side forever." He placed an ornate ring on the table and slid it towards Corrin.
"This means...?"
"Yes. Corrin, I'd like you to be my wife. Would you?"
Corrin buried her face in her hands, certain her cheeks had taken on the same reddish hue as the wine by this point - they certainly felt like they were on fire. "Th-this is so sudden...! Marriage!? But...!"
"I'm serious. I want you by my side as long as I live. I'll be your shield and your strength, whenever you need me."
A long period of silence past, and Corrin resented it - but she needed the moment to fully take in everything that had happened - everything that Xander had said, and he did not seem phased by the wait. Finally, Corrin uttered, "Thank you. This...makes me very happy." She took the ring, grasping it tightly in her hands, as though it was the most precious thing in the world. Maybe it was - to her.
"So...?"
"Yes! Of course, yes!" Her smile momentarily faded. "But this will definitely come as a surprise to everyone. What if...they don't approve of us?"
"I'm sure everyone will give us their blessings." he insisted, reaching his hand across the table and placing it atop hers - atop her hand that clutched the ring so dearly. His hands were much larger than hers and calloused, but his grip was gentle and kind.
A/N: All right, this is it. If you'd be interested in me covering any other supports, feel free to notify me. Reviews are appreciated.