A/N: So...I'm still not done with the "Eternity" prompt, so I'm moving right along...
Also, please be aware, I don't think this is a "M"rated work, but it might be pushing the "T" rating...If there are problems/complaints, let me know, and I'll revise the chapter.
(I do not own Fire Emblem Awakening, the stories, characters, or anything related in the franchise.)
Modern Day AU.
"Please, Frederick. Just this once."
He shook his head. "I don't see her that way, Sumia. Anyway, you know how the conversation will turn."
"Please! You're the only one I can ask!"
"Everyone already knows that she has a crush on Chrom, Sumia. Ask someone else."
A pout formed on the girl's lips. "Besides myself, you're the only one she knows that knows about her crush. She wouldn't trust talking about this to anyone else, and she needs an outlet at least once a month."
"Just re-schedule with her, then." The brunet leaned back, taking a sip from his black coffee.
"I'm busy all month…" The girl's curly locks fall around her face, her own hands encircling her own takeout coffee cup. "I'm rushing to take care of my reports before my vacation with Henry, then there's the vacation itself. After, I have one day to recuperate before traveling three weeks for work. There's no time…"
"Just meet with Cordelia after work."
"This whole week is going to be work, sleep, and commuting. I'm doing two hours of overtime until my vacation, and you know it takes me an hour to commute, from home to work, and that's assuming there's no traffic."
The brunet sighed. "Alright, Sumia. Just this once, but please don't make it a habit…"
"Oh gods, thank you Frederick! I won't, just once! I promise! Really, it won't be that bad!" The young woman beamed.
The man nodded. "Yes, yes. Just remember, you're setting everything up, just let me know the place and time."
"Of course!"
xxx
"That bad" was the understatement of a lifetime. The Chon'sin restaurant Sumia chose was nice enough, and the conversation with Cordelia started normally, but once the topic turned to Chrom… Gods, he didn't even want to think about it! It started with her fawning over his friend, but slowly, as time, and the drinking, went by, she started crying…no sobbing, over the man.
"Why doesn't he see look at me, Frederick?"…"Why can't I talk to him, Frederick?"…"Why does he have to be so dazzling, Frederick?"…Why, why, why, why why? He knew that most of the restaurant was staring at them, although, at least the wait staff, for the most part, seemed to be ignoring them. Luckily, they were in the far corner of the restaurant, or maybe Sumia and Cordelia came here so often they knew where to place the red head.
The food, for what he had eaten, was fairly good, of course, it didn't help that his "date" ate almost everything. Even the dishes he had ordered, he only had a small serving of both before Cordelia took it.
By the end of the meal, she was a total wreck; mascara running, sobs every other breath, shaking, and why or Chrom leaving her mouth every once and an again. Before the bill had come, she had dashed out of the restaurant sobbing, leaving him with five demolished dishes, an empty stomach, and an equally empty wallet.
"You her date tonight?" The brunet looked up, seeing their waiter with the bill.
"Sadly, yes." The man took the holder, looking at the prices, wincing. …It probably didn't help that Cordelia drank four bottles of sake on her own. He took out his wallet, using the money he had planned to use through the whole week. They were SUPPOSED to split the bill, but…well… He would be paying on his credit card until he could get to the bank during Monday's lunch. "No change."
The waiter looked at the payment, then nodded, taking the bill. "Where's the brunette? The girl with the curls?"
"Busy. I was pushed into taking her place tonight." The man stood, taking his brown blazer hanging off the seat. "Do they come here often?"
The raven haired man shivered. "…Enough."
"…Is it usually this bad?"
The waiter started to the register. "The brunette only lets her have two bottles max."
xxx
He didn't live far, so he didn't bother bring his car; another misjudgment on his part. The establishments on the way home smelled heavenly, being he had accidentally skipped lunch to complete an upcoming project. Of course, he didn't have the excess money to spend. He wasn't poor, living paycheck to paycheck, but he had a mortgage on his townhouse, his car loan, life insurance, his 401K, the bills he needed to pay and his almost completed school loans, which left very little in savings. He kept a fairly strict food stipend, and a small "rainy day" savings, but it would seem he would need to dip into it this month.
Most of these restaurants on his way home were reasonably priced, but since he was reaching his credit limit for the month, thanks to the holiday shopping he had done, he really didn't want to charge another $15-20 purchase for one meal. He had very little at home currently, since he was planning a shopping trip tomorrow. Even if he went as soon as he got home, the stock would be measly, and it would mean he would have to cook and maybe eat around midnight, which wasn't worth the trip.
Loathe as he was to do this, since he held a strict, well-balanced diet, maybe he should just eat at one of those fast food restaurants, where the "food" was 50% oil, and you never get full out of a meal. With a sigh, he entered one of the back alley ways, a shortcut to one of the slightly better eateries, which currently had a 5 for $5 deal.
Honestly, he didn't like going this path, but starvation, with the hope of eating before ten, guided him forward.
It had only been by these strange coincidences that he ran into her in the alley. A young woman, dressed reasonably, a dark purple dress shirt, with a black vest and pencil skirt. She had platinum blonde hair, but what really got to him was the fear in her eyes, small purse clutched in her hand. Looking up, behind her, it wasn't hard to figure out the reason for her worry, and without second thought (as Lissa would call it, his goody-two shoes knight act), he pushed the girl behind him standing before the two men with knives.
"Com' now gent. Just let us pass. You ain't got nuthing to do with 'er." The brunet shook his head, feeling the girl clinging to his jacket. His eyes wander briefly, noticing the piping leaning against the nearest garbage bin. "Really, playin' the 'ero are you? The girl ain' worth your time." His partner nodded, flicking his butterfly knife.
"I do not believe you are worth hers either." He slowly started to maneuver towards his makeshift weapon, keeping girl and thugs away from each other.
The talkative one tsked. "You asked for it!" With that they charged, leading the girl behind him to scream. It was over in seconds. As the men charged, Frederick used his left arm to push the girl to the wall, keeping her out of harm's way, while he reached for the piping with his right. He swung, hitting the silent man's side; he could almost hear the crack of a rib. Following the hit, he glanced the pipe against the same man, until he blocked the lead's knife. He kicked the man away, and followed up with another hit, no doubt smashing, possibly breaking, the attacker's shoulder. By now, both men had dropped their weapons, scared shitless by the brunet glaring down at them.
"We-we'll get you next time!" The leader shouting, following his lackey, who had long since turned tail.
The brunet sighed, dropping the make-shift sword.
"Th-that was amazing!" Frederick turned, seeing the now bright eyed woman staring at him. "How did you do that?"
"Swordplay as a child, and I don't mean play sword-fighting. I took lessons as a kid. Something to do with an ancestor, or something." The man sighed, "Are you alright though? What was that about?"
"I'm fine thanks." The platinum exhaled. "You're going think me crazy, but I have this estranged, occultist dad who things I'm 'Grima, the Dragon of Destruction,' or something." Another sigh escapes her. "This happens from time to time."
"How…troublesome…" He wasn't really believing her, but she didn't seem insane; she, at least, believed it.
"Yah, thanks for your help though…mister…"
"Frederick," He offered his hand before he could stop himself, business Frederick coming into play.
"Robin." She smiled, taking her savior's hand. "I'm grateful, really."
"We should get out-" Before he could finish, his stomach growled loudly, making his face burn.
The girl giggled, passing the man, returning to the main street. "Hungry, aren't you, Freddy-bear?"
"Wh-what did you call me?"
"Freddy-bear!" The girl flashed a blinding smile. "Your stomach sounds like a bear growling."
"…How…lovely." That was a new one. Once leaving the alley, he nodded. "You're safe now. I'll be-"
"Wait just a moment," She caught his arm before he could turn. "Please. Let me thank you properly. It sounds like you could do with a nice meal, and I know this pretty good pasta restaurant. My treat."
He stared at her briefly, debating. She didn't seem completely crazy, and it was only one meal. It wasn't really his policy to let a woman pay for his meals (he usually paid completely, or they would split it), but being low on cash, and hungry, he couldn't really say no. And, if he was thinking the place she was, the food there was one of the better eateries in the neighborhood. He could handle Robin's company for a meal if it meant a full stomach. "Very well, lead the way."
xxx
The brunet sat in front of his usual café, waiting for Sumia and Cordelia. Coffee was already sitting on the table, black for him, a latte for Cordelia, and a hot white peppermint mocha, double-shot with whipped cream for Sumia. The air, although a little nippy, was warming up, telling spring's approach. Waiting for his friends, he continued with his texting.
The clipping of heels was his first clue that one, or both of them, finally got there. Raising his head, he started, "Good-"
"Gods, Frederick, I'm so sorry!" His eyes widen. Before he could even finish his greeting, Cordelia was before him, bowing, her hair falling over her shoulders. "I barely remember that night," Still in that same position, her voice was raised, leading others to stare. He could see her shaking shoulders, and hear the tremble in her voice. "And I rambled on for hours! I ate everything and ran off without even paying! I'm sorry I haven't apologized sooner! …I…I was too embarrassed to even try… I'm sorry! You were being such a kind, compassionate friend, and I completely used you!" Finally, she lifted her head, starting to rummage through her purse. "I understand if you don't want to talk to me again, but please, let me-"
With the shock finally wearing off, he raised his hand, cutting off the woman. "Peace, Cordelia. Please, take a seat and calm yourself." He motioned to one of the seats, which she hesitantly sat in, although she couldn't lift her eyes to meet his. He took the woman's coffee cup, pushing it towards her. She looked up briefly to see the brunet's calm, non-angered face, before she gave a slight nod, taking the drink with both hands. "Now-"
"Oh gods, Frederick!" Once again, he was stopped. Turning, he saw Sumia running forward. "I'm sorry! Sorry! Sor-!" Suddenly, as per usual when in a hectic state, she tripped, falling face first. Like the whole coffee shop, watching the scene unfold, there lay the other of his party, sprawled on the ground, slowly trying to get up.
"Su-Sumia!"
"Sumia! Are you alright?" He and Cordelia rushed to the girl, finally on her knees.
"Stupid shoes…" Were the first mumbles she made. A few stray tears had fallen thanks to the pain of skin on cement, but other than a few scratches, she seemed fine. Looking up, she saw her two friends, and the tears start flowing again. "Oh, Frederick! I'm so sorry! I-I should have warned you about Cordy! And, by what Lon'qu told me, you had to suffer so much that night! And I'm late to boot! I'm sorry, real-!"
"Please, Sumia. Calm yourself." He put a gentle hand on the brunette's shoulders, leading his party back to their table. "Please, both of you," He gave a slight look to Cordelia, as he deposited the tripper into her seat. "Collect yourselves, and when you're ready," He pushed Sumia's coffee forward. "We can talk." With a sigh, he sat down, leaning against the cold steel backing of his chair. Both girls took a few minutes to collect themselves, leaving him to his texting again, before finally pocketing his phone, and just watching them until they seemed a little more at ease.
Cordelia took less time. Although she couldn't look at Frederick, other than in quick glances, her focus was either on her coffee, or her friend, who was trying to still her tears and clean up the mess on her face. When both the girls were relaxed, or at least not overly tense, and the café stopped gawking at them, Frederick finally spoke.
"Are you two better now?" The both nodded, finally looking at him. "Very well, before we begin, please explain, who is Lon'qu? That's the only piece I need clarification on."
"Oh! He's the waiter at the restaurant! I think he's assigned to us when Cordelia and I go in for dinner."
The man nodded. "I see. Well, let me get straight to the point. I will not go through that experience again." Both girls shirked, expecting an explosion, which never came. "However, please know that I am not angry with the two of you. I might have been…peeved at the time…but, I don't think this should ruin our friendship."
"Fr-Frederick!"
"Frederick!"
Sumia, once again, was on the verge of tears, while Cordelia had somehow gotten a hold of his hands.
"I am sorry, again, for my behavior Frederick! How can I make it up to you? Anything! Just name it!"
"…Anything?" The brunet cocked an eyebrow, staring intently at the woman.
A blush burst across the woman's face, turning her skin the color of her hair. "W-within limits, of course…"
The man chuckled, slipping his hand out. "I jest, Cordelia. You, nor Sumia, owe me anything."
"At least let me pay for half the meal!" Once again, the red head had her hand clutched on her purse. "I owe you that much at least. We were going 50-50."
"I can pay your half as well, Frederick!" Sumia jumped in, rummaging through purse for her wallet. "It's the least I can do."
"It's fine, really." Frederick leaned back, quickly checking his phone after feeling a text vibration. "There…there was actually a silver lining to the whole incident…"
The two girls glance at each other before Sumia spoke. "What happened?"
Opening his mouth briefly, he closed it, a bit of pink gracing his cheeks. The two women leaned forward, patiently waiting for the man's response. "…I…met someone…"
The brunette squealed, while Cordelia covered her mouth in surprise.
"What's her name?"
"It's not a guy is it?"
He laughed a bit. "No, no. She's a woman. I've never been attracted to men."
"Well, you've never been a relation since I've known you."
"Neither have I! It's been work, work, work for you."
"Congratulations!"
"Yes, congratulations!"
"It's only been two months, you two. Wait until we at least hit six."
"Still, Frederick in a relation! Have you told Chrom, or anyone yet?"
"No, not yet." He waved his hand a bit, dismissively. "We're still…feeling things out."
"Have you kissed?"
"What about sex?"
"Sumia!" Cordelia once again was blushing, while Frederick could only chuckle, albeit with his own cheeks a bit red.
"It naturally occurs in a relationship, Cordy! Don't overreact!"
"Yes, and…" The man thought it over a bit. "Not quite. We're at third base, but we haven't, yet. And that's all I'm going to say on that topic matter."
"What's her name?"
"Right! You still haven't told us, Frederick!"
"Her name is-"
"Freddy-bear!" The brunet's face flushed, turning quickly around. Both women stood to see the platinum haired woman, wearing a white dress shirt, and a purple pinstripe tie, vest, and slacks. "There you are! Sorry I'm late. The meeting ran a bit over schedule."
Standing, the man met his girlfriend, taking her hand when she came closer. "I've asked you not to call me that in public…"
"I can't help it, Freddy-bear! Your flustered look, it's adorable!" She tapped his nose, drawing closer. Although he coughed a bit, he leaned in to give a peck on her lips.
"Anyway…I've asked you here to meet two of my friends. You know, the two who unintentionally got us together."
"Oh?" She hummed, looking over at Sumia and Cordelia, who were just as curiously staring back at her.
"The one with the curly hair is Sumia." The woman waved, giving a sweet smile, which the platinum reciprocated with a smile and nod. "The red head is Cordelia."
"It's a pleasure." Cordelia took a step around the table, offering her hand with a smile.
"The pleasure is mine." A sincere smile gracing her lips, as she firmly shook the woman's hand. Cordelia couldn't help but note that it was a business handshake, meaning, based on her clothing as well, that she was a professional, of some sort.
"Sumia, Cordelia." The brunet stepped out of the way a bit. "This is Robin."
A/N: So, for these stories, I'm going Henry x Sumia. I do like Chrom x Sumia, but that's out...Since Sumia is so limited, Henry is probably my second choice...although, I do like Fred x Sumia's convos...but I'm not a fan of the pairing...
Henry...he's cute with alot of the female characters. I don't think I have a favorite pairing for him...although, I kind of like his conversations with Miriel and Cordelia, but I pair him depending my goal for the playthrough...
So, is anyone playing FE:Heroes? I'm addicted...It took FOREVER to get Freddy-bear...I spent nothing for Pokemon Go...but WAY too much money for this game (...don't ask how much...)...If anyone wants to add me, feel free to, I accept all invites. 9420731573