…I'll just leave this here.
This marks the first time I've done a major rewrite on a chapter. I redid the confession, because S-Support dialogue is better than the bullshit I came up with. You don't want to know.
You may notice I've also changed the summary. I think it's much better. Feel free to tell me otherwise. (On a related note, why is the word limit for summaries 384? Stupid number.)
Warning for implied sex that I would've written but I know I'd fuck it up.
Disclaimed.
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Chapter VI: Foreseer
Ylisstol
Chrom sighs, running a hand through his hair. He's tired, he realises, especially after all the nonsense Reflet put them through on the way back to Ylisstol. He's glad they helped people, but even so…
"My liege?" Reflet asks, appearing at his side. "What are you doing out so late?"
Chrom jumps. "What- Oh, hi, Reflet. Just… dueling with some unpleasant thoughts…" He feels himself flushing as the tactician raises a disbelieving eyebrow. He coughs, trying to force the heat from his cheeks. "Tomorrow we leave again; we march to Regna Ferox to request additional soldiers. But… there's something I want to talk to you about first."
"Is this about what Gangrel said?" Reflet asks knowingly.
"Well, yes." Chrom runs a hand through his hair. "My father waged war on Plegia for many years. The violence… It was a brutal campaign, ending only with his death last year."
"Chrom, I know all this. I lived in Plegia at the time, remember?" There's no judgement in the Plegian's eyes, just warm concern.
The prince sighs. "I know, I know. It's just… Plegia rightfully remembers their suffering, but his war was no kinder to his own people. As the fighting dragged on, our army became more and more diminished. Farmers who could barely wield a pitchfork were conscripted and sent to their deaths. Soon there was no food at all, and the kingdom began to collapse." He sighs. "I remember those dark times. …I know how they affected Emmeryn."
"Such an experience would change anyone," Reflet murmurs understandingly. "Gods… I was so focused on my own people's suffering, I never imagined how hard it must have been for yours…"
Chrom nods. "Indeed. When our father died, he left her quite the legacy… Plegia's desire for vengeance… Our own people's unbridled rage… My sister became a target for blame from all sides. Her own subjects began to hurl insults- and stones. She still bears the scar from one…" He shakes his head. "But she never let them see her pain. Only Lissa and I understood."
"It must have been so hard…" the tactician whispers, almost to himself.
"I cannot claim to know how she does it, Reflet," Chrom sighs. "I could never greet such hostility with warmth and patience. While our people mocked and vilified her, she reached out and healed them. She brought soldiers home to their families. She ended the war. And when Ylisse's spirit was mended and the people 'forgave' her? …She never resented them for it. She represents the best of the halidom; the part most worth protecting. She is peace. But some men would take advantage of that. Men like Gangrel. The day he understands peace will be the day death gives it to him. …So perhaps I must be death's agent. Emmeryn would never order him killed, nor would I wish her to."
"No…" Reflet whispers. He bites his lip, then suddenly lurches forward and buries his face against Chrom's chest. "I'm sorry," he murmurs. "I- I blamed your sister too; the war, I thought- I don't know what I thought, but-"
Chrom hesitantly wraps his arms around the younger man's shoulders. "Hey," he murmurs. "It's not your fault. In Plegia, I'm sure it did look like it was her fault… You don't need to apologise for following the views of your people."
"I- Well, maybe so, but still, I- I should've thought through all the possibilities, I should've considered-" He cuts himself off, hands rising to tangle in Chrom's shirt.
"It's not your fault," the prince repeats. "All you did was side with your people; loyalty is hardly a crime."
"Well spoken, sir," comes a familiar voice. The two men jump apart, blushing furiously.
"Marth…" Chrom sighs.
The young man steps into view, one hand resting on his hip. "Good evening to you," he says calmly.
"How did you get in here?" the prince asks, ignoring pleasantries in favour of getting down to business.
Marth shrugs. "That cleft in the castle wall, behind the maple grove."
"There? But how would you…?" Chrom groans, running a hand through his hair.
"You know the place, Chrom?" Reflet asks, apparently having gotten over his embarrassment.
"Yes," the prince admits. "I bashed in part of the wall while training the Shepherds. It's only a small hole, and I'd thought it well concealed, but…"
Marth smiles reassuringly. "Your secret is safe with me. I come here only to warn you."
"Warn us?" Chrom asks.
The swordsman nods. "The exalt's life is in danger."
"What, Emmeryn?" the lord dismisses. "That's absurd. She's guarded at all hours."
The other hesitates. "What if… What if I told you I have seen the future? Would you believe me? A future where Emmeryn is killed. Here. Tonight."
"Seen the future?" Chrom scoffs. "Have you lost your-"
"Chrom," Reflet murmurs warningly, resting a hand on his arm. "Go on," he adds, nodding to Marth.
"Yes, I expected you wouldn't believe me," the swordsman sighs. "So allow me to prove it!"
He draws his sword from its sheath. The two older men tense, reaching for their own weapons.
"I'm about to save your life," Marth informs the prince, glancing at the bushes beside him. "From him."
It's at that moment that an assassin leaps from the bushes. Marth is already prepared. He tosses his sword into the air and jumps after it, his legs carrying him gracefully above the assassin's swing. He catches his sword in midair and slashes it through the assassin's side. As the man falls, he turns back to the other two. "I trust this proof will suffice?" he asks calmly.
Chrom nods slowly. "Yeah."
A second assassin leaps from the tree behind the swordsman. Marth moves to counter his strike, but fails to check the surrounding area; he trips on the first assassin's sword, and the man's attack cuts neatly through his mask.
Or her mask.
As the metal snaps, long blue hair falls loose around her face. Chrom leaps forward, striking the man down before turning and hissing in surprise. "Wait, you're- you're a woman?"
She smiles, turning to face him. "And quite the actress, too. Honestly I'm surprised you didn't figure it out until just now."
"I knew," Reflet volunteers. Two sets of eyes turn towards him and he blushes. "…Figured I'm hardly one to be outing people's secrets."
Just then there's a rumbling boom. The three warriors glance at each other, then sprint into the castle.
...
"Captain!" Sumia calls as they enter the halls surrounding Emmeryn's quarters. "What do we do?"
Chrom turns wordlessly to Reflet. The tactician nods several times. "Chrom, Lissa, Frederick, Ricken, Maribelle, Miriel, Kellam, Sumia, Lon'qu, you're with me. We'll deal with any enemies who've made it this far. The rest of you-"
"Perimeter," several Shepherds chorus.
"Good. You know me so well. Go!"
"Remember," the assassins' leader is saying when Reflet focuses on her, "I want the Emblem in my hand and Emmeryn dead on the floor. Let nothing distract you from either purpose." His heart sinks; it's Aversa, which means he only has two options. Kill her, or-
"As you will it," one of the assassins agrees.
"Whoa, whoa, did I just hear that right?" one of the nearby thieves asks of no one in particular. "We're to kill the exalt? I'm just here for the plunder. You know, line my pockets with some royal goods. The exalt's such a sweet lady… Sure, I'll rob her blind, but I'd never harm her!" The voice is strangely familiar, and Reflet frowns, trying to recall where he's heard it before.
"Emm!" Chrom yells, startling the tactician from his thoughts.
"Chrom!" Emmeryn calls back. "Take Lissa and flee while you still have time!"
"No! We're not leaving you! Just stay where it's safe!"
Reflet sighs. "The assassins should scatter if we can defeat Aversa," he murmurs unwillingly.
The Plegian woman sighs as well. "Two assassins and the little princeling was not even wounded?" she asks herself. "…Wait. Some of these actors do not belong on this stage…" Even though they can't see each other, Reflet knows she's aware of his presence. "Well, well, well. Here we are again… Tonight, fate truly piles the gifts at my feet!"
Marth hisses in shock. "Falchion is gleaming…" she murmurs.
"What's wrong?" Chrom asks.
"It's not your concern," she replies.
"Seems like nothing ever is with you."
"My apologies," the young woman sighs, bowing her head.
"Just stay by Emmeryn's door," the prince tells her. "We'll handle the killers."
"Chrom, please!" Emmeryn implores him. "Flee while you still can! You each have but one life, and I do not wish it weighed against mine!"
No one answers her. Reflet frowns in concentration. "Chrom, go with Frederick. There's a thief just around the corner you can probably convince to surrender. Lissa, you're with me. We'll be going with them in case something goes wrong. The rest of you, stick close to Marth, help her keep the assassins away from Emmeryn's room. Our top priority is keeping her safe."
They all nod their assent. The assassins aren't really prepared for a real fight, and fall easily; before Chrom even reaches the thief, however, Reflet senses movement from behind.
"I knew there was wisdom in slipping in with those rogues," a female voice sighs. "Look how these man-spawn claw at each other like savages! I will repay my warren's debt and then wash my hands of their race."
"Another assassin?" Chrom asks uncertainly.
"Hold!" Marth calls. "Panne is not your enemy."
"You know her?"
"I know… of her," the woman replies carefully. "And I knew she would come here tonight."
"Quite the prophet, aren't you?" Chrom asks irritably.
"As you say," Marth agrees. "And I swear to you, Panne is an ally."
"…Good enough for me," the prince decides. "All right, Shepherds! For now we leave this Panne character be."
"Is that wise, milord?" Frederick asks.
"Marth has earned our trust," Chrom tells him. "She enjoys her secrets, I know. …Like her gender, for one. But she's also saved our lives. Twice. And that's enough for me."
"Chrom…" the young woman murmurs. "Thank you."
"Now," Chrom continues, "to the matter at hand: driving these scoundrels from our castle!"
Reflet nods. "Er, Panne? If you don't mind, would you kindly go help the others by the door? I'm sure they're fine, but I like making sure…"
The woman nods. "Very well." She moves to join the others. Chrom smiles, turning his attention towards the thief Reflet pointed out.
He glares at the redhead. "Drop your weapon, or die where you stand!"
"Easy there, blue blood," the other replies. "I'm not here to hurt anyone."
"…Yet you run with a band of assassins?" Chrom asks disbelievingly.
The thief shrugs. "Believe it or not, just trying to make a living. I'm a thief, see? Bust open doors, crack into chests… that kind of thing. This lot said they wanted to break into some type of vault. Nobody said anything about murder. I'd just as soon sit this one out."
Chrom considers this for a moment. "Then perhaps you'd be willing to prove your good intentions?"
"Beg pardon?" the other asks.
The prince shrugs. "We need all the help we can get to save the exalt's life. You appear capable, and we could use any information you have about our foes."
"Oh, right," the thief realises, "those good intentions. Fine then, I'll prove my sincerity… if you sweeten the deal."
"You want gold?" Chrom asks. "…Fine, you scoundrel." He digs around in his pockets. "Let me just- oops."
A bag falls from his pocket and lands with a thud. The thief eyes it curiously. "Looks like you dropped something. What's in the satchel, mmm?"
"Nothing," Chrom tells him, "candies from my little sister. I'm sure you-"
"'Candies'?" the other asks. "As in, suger candies?"
"Well… yes, I assume they'd be sweet?" Chrom replies. "But-"
"It's a deal!" the thief yelps.
The prince considers this. "…You'll risk your life for us if I give you… a bag of candy?"
The redhead shrugs. "I said 'sweeten the deal,' didn't I? Don't get me wrong, I'll take the gold too. Later. Unless you've got more of these," he adds. "…Have you got more of these?!"
Chrom blinks. "Um… I'll ask Lissa."
"Oh, now I remember!" Reflet exclaims. He grins wickedly. "Hello, Gaius!"
"Bubbles?" Gaius asks. "Damn, you look good! Obviously life's been treating you well."
"And you're still a scrawny thief," Reflet teases.
"Bubbles?" Chrom asks.
"Hey, I'm more muscular than you are!"
"Just because I'm not a muscle-bound freak-"
"…Bubbles?"
The tactician scowls at the thief. "Now look what you've done," he scolds. "You broke him!"
Gaius just shrugs.
Chrom shakes himself. "Alright, then," he manages. "Gaius, um… Go help the others. Reflet, with me."
The other two nod; Reflet moves to lean against the wall as they wait for the next few assassins to appear.
"…Bubbles?" Chrom asks.
"Oh, shut up," his tactician mutters.
The assassins aren't that tough to fight off. All it takes is a couple sword swings and they're crumbling to the floor. And then Aversa appears.
"Chrom, wait!" Reflet hisses. The prince ignores him, leaping towards the dark flier. Aversa merely chuckles, aiming a spell.
Clang!
Falchion clashes against one of Reflet's swords, the other knocking Aversa's spell harmlessly into the wall. "Stop it, both of you!" the tactician snaps.
Chrom frowns, lowering Falchion uneasily. "Reflet, what-?"
But the younger man ignores him, turning to Aversa. "Sister, please?"
"Sister?!"
Aversa sighs, replacing her tome in whatever pocket she drew it from. "Oh, very well. Since it's you."
Chrom coughs, drawing their attention. "Sister?!" he asks again.
Reflet flushes. "Oh, did I not mention that bit?"
"Aw," Aversa hums, "are you ashamed to be related to me?"
"No!" He glances at Chrom. "Well, maybe? I don't even know anymore!" He sighs.
"Milord?" Frederick asks. "What's going on here?"
The prince shakes his head. "I have absolutely no idea. Reflet? Can we trust her?"
The two Plegians talk quietly for a few seconds in their own language. "…Yes," Reflet decides eventually. "We can."
Chrom nods. "That's enough for me. I wish I could say it's nice to see you, Lady Aversa, but…"
"Oh, that's fine," the woman assures him. "Really, all I care about is baby brother, here."
"I'm not that much younger than you!" Reflet pouts.
It's then that Emmeryn steps forward to join them, Phila at her side. Aversa and Frederick step back, arguing quietly. Chrom sighs. "Thank the gods you're safe!"
The exalt smiles. "It is you I have to thank, Chrom."
Phila bows deeply. "I beg your forgiveness, milord! I failed in my duty; they should have never made it into the castle in the first place."
"Peace, Phila," the prince assures her. "You couldn't have known what was coming. Only Marth could…"
"…Marth?" Emmeryn asks.
Chrom glances around. "Yes, I would speak more with… Um… Reflet, where's Marth?"
"Hmm…" the tactician muses. "An excellent question. She was here a moment ago…"
"…Not again!" the lord sighs. He runs off to find the young woman.
...
She's in one of the courtyards when he finds her. He steps out to speak. "Going somewhere?" he asks. "You have a bad habit of leaving without saying goodbye, you know."
Marth sighs. "Yes, I'm afraid I have a few bad habits."
"Good ones as well," Chrom reminds her. "You saved my life, as well as my sister's, and Reflet's. Is there a way I can repay you? Some favour I can grant?"
She chuckles. "Hearing you offer is reward enough."
"But there must be something…" he begins.
Marth shakes her head. "I already have what I came for: history has been rewritten."
"And what future averted?" Chrom asks cautiously.
Marth lowers her head. "After the exalt's untimely assassination, the Fire Emblem would be stolen. This, in turn, would lead to a great war, and soon to the end of mankind itself. …But I'm sure that sounds like madness to you," she adds.
"…Strangely, no," he tells her. "It doesn't. Somehow I know I can trust you. And I hope someday to repay your favours."
The young woman smiles. "Perhaps one day you shall. Until then…" She nods in farewell, and then leaves.
Chrom frowns after her for a moment before turning to go back inside.
...
Meanwhile, Panne stands before Emmeryn, Reflet and Phila at her side. "Brave taguel, there are not words to express my gratitude," the exalt begins earnestly.
"So you know our true name?" the other woman asks.
"You're a taguel, then?" Reflet asks knowingly. "I knew you were a shapeshifter, but I didn't know what kind."
Panne nods. "I am a taguel. The… The last taguel. Most of your kind called us 'beast' or 'coney' in the midst of their hunt. I only helped you because my warren owes Ylisse a debt. Do not think us friends, you and I!"
The tactician frowns. "I don't think I quite understand…"
The taguel snorts. "Yes, it's precious little your kind seem to understand. It was man-spawn like you that invaded our warren and slaughtered my people."
"What?!" Emmeryn gasps. "Is this true? Who would do such a thing?"
Panne sighs. "Ha! Do not act so shocked. You are all the same. Right down to your base desire to ruin and destroy all you touch; even each other."
"…There is truth to your words, perhaps," the exalt admits. "I'm told that, in taguel society, everyone is treated as an equal. Mankind could have learned much from your warren. The words may come too late and mean too little, but I am deeply sorry. We have stolen your friends and family and made the world a lesser place."
"Your Grace," Phila interjects, "you had no fault in this!"
Panne snorts. "You claim to be blameless, and yet you would apologise? Pah! Your words are but wind."
"I know…" Emmeryn sighs. "But they are all I have."
"…You seem sincere, man-spawn," the taguel admits. "You feel my pain as your own. …I've never felt that before. Look at me. …See what I am. I will never trust mankind. But you… Perhaps you truly are not like the others."
The exalt smiles. "All I ask is a chance to earn your trust."
Reflet winces, a sharp pain running through his head. Emmeryn turns to look at him. "Reflet? Are you alright?"
"Ah… Yes, Your Grace," he manages. "If you'd excuse me, for a minute?"
"Of course," she allows, her concerned gaze following him around the corner.
Once he's certain he's out of sight, Reflet closes his eyes and allows his mind to take him where it will.
Validar stands in a realm of darkness. He growls. "How?! How could she betray me for him?! Kin or no, our purpose is too significant to be abandoned here!"
Footsteps sound, and a figure cloaked in darkness steps forth. "Validar," he begins. It's just one word, but Reflet can feel evil flowing off it in waves.
"What?" Validar snaps. "Who are you… Where did you come from?"
The man chuckles lowly. "I am the power that compels you," he explains simply. "You no longer require Aversa's aid. It is not written. You must go on to author a destiny greater than you know."
"I-impossible!" the Plegian hisses. "It can't be you! It can't be…"
The man laughs cruelly. "I am the wings of despair. I am the breath of ruin." There's a long pause, and then: "I am the fell dragon, Grima…"
Reflet's eyes snap open. "No…" he whispers. "Oh gods, no…"
He runs to return to the others and warn them, only to pause. "They'll want to know how I know this… and I can't tell them. Not yet. I'm… sure it'll be fine…" He's not convinced, but he settles down to listen to their conversation.
"It will take time to investigate how the assassination plot got so far," Phila is saying. "We have no leads at present."
"It was Gangrel!" Chrom snaps. "I'm sure of it. He'd do anything for the Emblem. Emm, you can't stay here. Come to Ferox where it's safe."
Emmeryn shakes her head. "And leave the people undefended? War is at our borders, Chrom. Do you expect Ylisse to stand against Gangrel without a leader? They must know their exalt stands with them."
"But if something happens to you?" the prince asks. "What then?"
"Your Grace, perhaps you might relocate to the eastern palace for the time being?" Frederick suggests. "The other kingdoms know nothing of it. You would be safer."
"Yes, please," Chrom agrees. "At least that. I can't leave for Ferox with you right in harm's way."
Emmeryn sighs. "Very well."
"Thanks, Emm," the lord sighs. "I mean it. We'll escort you to the palace before we head north to the border."
"Of course," the exalt accepts. "But for tonight… let the Shepherds celebrate. They've done well."
...
Later that night, Chrom finds himself thinking, about what they're doing and where they're going. And above all else, he's thinking about Reflet; strange, loyal Reflet, his past a mystery and his sister a noble in King Validar's court. Frederick, he knows, still doesn't trust the Plegian, not really, not truly, but that doesn't matter-
Because Reflet is his friend. And Chrom knows with every fibre of his being that he can be trusted.
"My liege?" the young man in question asks, settling down beside the prince. "Are you dueling with unpleasant thoughts again?"
"Reflet…" Chrom acknowledges. "No, not really. Just thinking."
"About?"
He shrugs. "Nothing in particular." You is what he wants to say, but he doesn't know what the response will be.
"Alright." Reflet sighs, shifting to bring his legs up beside him on the sofa they're seated on. "I spoke to Emmeryn and my sister," he comments. "She says as long as you agree, Aversa is free to do as she likes, considering she didn't actually kill anyone, and I vouched for her."
Chrom glances over. "You vouched for her? Are you sure that's a good idea?"
The tactician shrugs helplessly, absently tugging his hood up to shade his face. "No… But she's my sister. If I don't stick up for her, nobody will." He glances over at the older man. "…I was thinking she could join the Shepherds."
"What?!" the prince snaps. "Sister or no, you seem to forget she came here to kill Emmeryn!"
"She came here looking for me!" Reflet fires back sharply. "Chrom, she came here because she was worried about me, and it was her best chance!" He scowls irritably. "I'm not just going to send her on her way!"
"Well, then maybe you should-" He cuts himself off, glancing around the room. The Shepherds are all staring at them, attention drawn by the raised voices. "Reflet, can we talk privately?"
"Fine," the Plegian hisses, annoyance crackling through his voice like sparks about to start a fire.
The pair of them stalk through the darkened halls of the castle, not speaking to each other or anyone else, until they arrive in Chrom's room. By some unspoken agreement, Chrom flops down in his desk chair, spinning it around to face the bed, while Reflet perches delicately on the edge of said bed like a bird about to take flight.
"Talk," Chrom commands.
"You're not giving her a chance," Reflet informs him. "You allowed Panne to join the Shepherds based on Marth's recommendation; hell, you allowed Gaius to join because I told you to! What's so different about Aversa?"
"She worked for Validar, and Gangrel!" the prince snaps.
"So did I!" the tactician fires back. "If that's your reason then I should leave, too!" His hands curl into shaking fists, and Chrom knows he's glaring under his mask. "You never judged anyone based on past employers before; why should that change now?" He shakes his head. "Dammit, Chrom, she's my sister! What would you do?!"
Chrom knows that were he in Reflet's position he would fight tooth and nail to help his sisters, but- "That's not the point, Reflet! She's an assassin! She tried to kill Emm! I can't trust her!"
"Then trust me!" the younger man begs. "I know we can trust her, you just need to let her prove it!" He leans forward, something intense flickering in his hidden gaze that makes Chrom flush and look away. "Please, Chrom. Please. Just… trust that I know what I'm doing one more time. If I'm wrong, I'll accept any punishment you like; just give her a chance." The anger has faded from his voice now, leaving just a raw desperation to get Chrom's approval, to have his sister be part of the Shepherds.
Chrom sighs. "How is it you always know exactly how to get me to agree?" he asks. "I do trust you, Reflet. In fact, I think I trust you more than anyone else I've ever known. If you're certain Aversa can be trusted… I see no reason to disagree."
Reflet lets out a clearly audible sigh of relief, launching himself off the bed to press himself against Chrom's chest. "Thank you, thank you, thank you," he whispers under his breath in a steady stream.
"Any time," Chrom murmurs back, absently running a hand through his friend's hair.
Reflet pulls away after a moment. "…Chrom?"
"Yes?"
The tactician fidgets awkwardly. "I can't help but notice that I haven't been seeing much of you outside of battles. Are you… hiding something from me?"
The prince tenses. "H-hide? You mean, hide hide? Oh, gosh, no! N-nothing at all… Nope."
Reflet raises a disbelieving eyebrow. "Well, if you're telling the truth, then why are you fidgeting like you've got a squirrel in your pantaloons?"
Chrom flushes. "I-I'm not fidgeting! I'm perfectly relaxed." It's at this moment he notices how far from relaxed he must appear. "…And, er, normal." He looks away.
"And refusing to meet my eye?" Reflet asks. He settles on top of Chrom's desk. "Listen, Chrom. Haven't you always said that we're close friends, with no secrets between us? Didn't you mean that?"
It takes a moment for Chrom to consider his answer. Sadly, he doesn't stay quiet while he does. "N-no! I mean, yes! I mean… I swear, it's not like that!"
Reflet sighs. "As I said, I've noticed that you've been avoiding me recently. And I'd like to know why, Chrom. I think I deserve an explanation. Please. I can't go on pretending there's nothing wrong." He hesitates. "…Do you… dislike my company now?"
Chrom shakes his head quickly. "D-dislike you?! Egads, Reflet, of course I don't dislike you! Nothing could be further from the truth."
"Then why are you avoiding me?" his tactician asks sadly.
The prince hesitates. "Er…"
"Chrom?"
"D-don't look at me like that…" Chrom begs. "It's just that… we've been fighting a lot together. We're always side by side. At first, I thought of you as an ally, then a comrade, and finally a friend. I've felt the bonds of trust grow between us, stronger and stronger. And then I realised… you were more than just a friend."
"…What do you mean?" Reflet asks cautiously.
"I mean I care about you, Reflet," Chrom says, exasperated. "And you're no fool, so don't pretend you don't know what I mean."
Reflet blushes furiously. "Chrom, we can't possibly-"
"Wait, please!" the prince yelps. "You've made me come this far, and now I'm going to say my piece."
"…But when you're worked up like this, you might say something you regret," the other warns.
"I don't care!" Chrom snaps. "I've tried to keep this bottled up, and I can't do it anymore. I'm going to tell you how I feel, even if your head explodes in embarrassment." Which is starting to look like a real possibility; Reflet's cheeks are bright red.
"O-kay?"
Chrom closes his eyes. "All right, deep breath… FHOOOOO! …Hold… and out… HAAAAAAH. Once more… FHOOOOOO! Holding… holding… and out… HAAAAAAAAH. Right, I'm set now. Here goes. Prepare yourself, because I'm going to say it!"
"…Then say it already!" Reflet snaps, irritation and vague amusement colouring his voice.
Chrom coughs. "Reflet… I'm in love with you." Just saying the words makes him feel lighter.
The tactician opens his mouth. Then closes it again. "…Oh."
The prince smiles hesitantly. "I have been from the very first moment I laid eyes on you. I just didn't realise it until the last little while."
Reflet doesn't speak. Chrom sighs. "Look, I know this is sudden and I'm coming onto you like a wyvern on heat. But I'm not trying to force you into a decision, believe me. Whatever your answer, I shall abide by it—no matter how painful. And come what may, we'll always be friends. That I promise."
Reflet stares at his feet. "This is… I'm sorry, Chrom, but this is impossible. The general and his chief tactician? It just… It wouldn't be right. To say nothing of the fact that we're both men… It doesn't seem like Lady Emmeryn has any intention of marrying, and you'll be expected to carry on the royal line…" He trails off and falls silent for a long moment. "Our first responsibility must be to the soldiers we lead and the kingdom we protect, not to each other. You understand that, don't you?"
Chrom nods sadly. "Yes, I do."
Reflet smiles, then. "But someday this war will end. We'll emerge victorious and bring peace back to the world. And when that happens…" He hesitates for a moment. "…When that happens, we'll be free to follow our hearts."
Chrom stares at him, hope stirring. "…Our hearts?"
Reflet smiles shyly. "Yes… because… I love you as well."
"You do?" Chrom asks. The other nods silently. "But that's… but that's… wonderful!" He laughs. "This is the best day of my life! I could kiss you!" He freezes. "…I could."
Reflet laughs softly, leaning forward and pecking him on the cheek. "What's stopping you?"
So Chrom kisses him until they're both gasping for air. Reflet purrs, shifting himself just slightly forward. "And, Chrom?"
"Mm?"
"Whatever happens… the mask stays on."
...
Later, Reflet hums sleepily, curling up beside the prince with the blankets pulled up just high enough to preserve decency. "That was good," he admits quietly.
"Just good?" Chrom asks with feigned anger. "See if I ever- Ah, you know…"
"Have sex with me again?" Once again, the prince is taken aback by his friend's forthrightness. "Oh, don't be so prudish. We're both lying in your bed. And we are naked."
Chrom chuckles. "Yes, I suppose…" He shifts slightly, allowing his arm to drape across Reflet's hips. "I'm still not entirely sure how we got this far, to be honest," he admits.
Reflet just shrugs. "All I know is that I've been in love with you pretty much since we met. I'm just glad you finally figured it out. I believe it's referred to as being strangled by the red string," he adds contemplatively.
The prince thinks it over. "As I said, I've been in love with you since we met, too; I just didn't realise it until just now."
His tactician laughs lightly. "It was a good day. You saved my life, remember?"
"And you saved mine," Chrom recalls. "And the Shepherds got a wonderful new tactician out of it."
"Careful, my liege, you're going to make me think you only want me for my skills."
They both laugh at that, and Reflet nuzzles into Chrom's chest. "Mm… Love you," he murmurs, half asleep.
"Love you too," Chrom whispers back, absently running fingers through messy white hair and tracing the outlines of his mask. Reflet purrs like a cat and curls up a little more.
"Goodnight," he mutters. Just like that, he drifts off to sleep.
Chrom stays awake a while longer, stroking the younger man's hair as he thinks. "Listen to me, Reflet…" he says eventually, careful not to wake him. "You are the wind at my back and the sword at my side. Together, my love, we will build a peaceful world… Just you and me."
With his face hidden from Chrom's sight, Reflet smiles at the words.
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Hey there, S-Support.
So, yeah, that's that. They're kinda spontaneously together. I think they might've been a little drunk? I don't know. We shall see.
Reflet was mildly bipolar here. Well, he's a little odd at the best of times.
Also! Before anyone comments on me posting this rather than 104 Tales, which was supposed to be out yesterday, as I said, I have a lot of chapters of this written already. I'm working on 21 at the moment. Whereas I haven't had time to work on 104 Tales. So.
This is 17 pages, and over 5,000 words. Good lord.
See ya~!
-Bird