Note: this is a pseudo-medieval Europe AU like how Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy are pseudo-medieval Europe in their settings most of the time as well. So there will there will be inaccuracies...to the annoyance of the part of me that's a bit of a history geek.

ShuAnn Week 2021

Day 1: Proposal/Wedding/Happily Ever After

Ann had always thought that when she was older, she would marry for love, like the fairy tales she always read, the ones with a dashing and kind prince sweeping the maiden off of her feet, no matter her station. She had thought that she would get to choose whom she would spend the rest of her life with, epsecially since, despite her father being a noble, her parents encouraged her to do so, as they had married each other out of love and not duty, their own life a real fairy tale. Ann had wanted that same love, tenderness and chemistry her parents had with each other with her own would-be husband.

But that dream slowly left her as her family kept gaining marriage offers but lost money in their coffers. Despite her mother being the best seamstress Ann had ever seen across the land, few would actually ask for her talents for being not only being an outsider, but being a former peasant. And because of that, few also wished to do business with her father, who was a noble merchant of cloths and such. At the rate it had been going, there would be little reason to refuse any of the demands for her hand, especially from a Suguru Kamoshida who was more than willing to not only pay for her parents, but also offer knighthood for her squire best friend, Shiho, who had been aspiring to be a knight for all her life.

It was tempting to accept, very tempting. It would solve so many problems and yet...she didn't have the heart to do it. She didn't want to give up that dream, but she also didn't want to miss the chance of fixing things with her own choice. With indecision warring in her heart, she had decided to go to her favorite place to relax, a secluded area in a public garden near her family's estate, with few people ever going there even though it was filled with some of the most beautiful roses she's ever seen. She had hoped to come to a decision or maybe even another solution...when someone said,

"Is something troubling you, milady?"

And she was startled to see a young man with black curls, grey eyes and a concerned aura beside her.

"Oh, well..."

She trailed off and turned away, unsure as to how she could reply. She was troubled, yes, but she couldn't exactly tell him why.

Yet still, the young man said, with a sympathetic tone, "Ah, my apologies... I see I am not the only one who wished for peaceful surroundings. I shall take my leave if that is the case."

He made to do just that, but Ann managed to break past her surprise and said,

"Wait!"

He stopped and, for a moment, Ann was embarrassed of her action. But that moment passed and she patted the spot beside her on the bench and said,

"You may stay."

It was his turn to be surprised before he smiled and said,

"Thank you."

And he sat by her side, saying nothing, doing nothing but observe the plants blooming, the creatures moving and the sun shining. She had thought the silence would be awkward, and yet it wasn't. If anything, it was relaxing. His presence, neither intruding nor invisible, comforted her, a simple reminder of his words, that he was willing to listen but would not press for it. That gave her an impulse of courage and she said,

"Someone asked for my hand in marriage."

The young man turned to her, attentive and curious, as he said, "Marriage?"

Then she told him everything, her parents losing money, what the marriage offer was, and her hesitancy on accepting one, wishing to help her family yet not willing to make such a promise in matrimony over anything other than love. By the end, she wasn't entirely sure why she told him, but when he gave her an understanding smile and gaze, she was surprised he said,

"I see we have similar problems then."

And she said, "How so?"

And then he told his story. That his grandfather was pressuring him to marry soon, to cover up any rumors revolving around him after an altercation with the king, or he wouldn't allow him, his parents and his sister to stay at the estate or allow him to inherit it. His family would be thrown into the streets, where his sister would especially be in danger with her unstable heath. But he didn't wish to marry someone who wouldn't offer her heart, not when so many merely wished for his hand to gain his name, his possessions or his heirs.

Ann's heart resonated with that. He was right. They were similar. Neither wanted to ruin what marriage meant to them, but neither wanted a silly, selfish and childish wish to ruin their families. That made her decision.

So, partially on impulse, she said,

"Then...perhaps we should marry then?"

The black curled man stared with wide grey eyes.

"Pardon?" he said.

Ann couldn't help but look away and fidget. "I-I understand your surprise. But..." She took a breath and said, "You did compare our situations. I had thought, perhaps, we could both solve it if we got married."

The young man stared for a moment.

Then, with worry in his eyes, he said, "Are you sure? I appreciate the offer, I truly do, but..."

"I'm sure," she said, and she hoped her tone made him realize she meant it. "I...wish to help you as well, if you would be willing to help me."

It took another moment, but then the man nodded and said,

"Very well. I accept your proposal."

And so, here she was, getting dressed for a wedding she had arranged with her fiancé, who has since introduced himself as Ren Amamiya, so that both of their troubles would be solved. True, it was better than the worse case nightmare scenario of marrying an abusive husband or just a horrible person in general, but still...Ann wished the circumstances were different as she walked down aisle, her father giving her away to the groom, only slightly reluctant to do so. Ren gave an understanding smile towards her father as he offered his hand to her. That, thankfully, was enough for him to let go without a fuss.

Not that she blamed her father, of course. He was just worried for her. It was rather sudden and it wasn't as if she had mentioned Ren before she announced their marriage.

The ceremony itself passed by like a blur, the words of the priest fading away, until he pronounced them husband and wife and then Ren had given her a tender yet brief kiss and somehow, it was only then did reality truly hit her. She was married. She was actually married. And she had given her first kiss to Ren. And not only that... Ann blushed. ...she would give her first time to him in consummation.

"Ann? Is something wrong?" Ren had said as they walked out of the chapel and into the nearby building where the feast would be held, quiet and concerned as he squeezed her hand.

"I-It's nothing," she said, looking away.

The grey eyed man frowned. "Are you sure?" he said. "I...know we did not marry for love, but I...I still wish to do my best as a husband to you."

Ann turned and stared at him. Perhaps she shouldn't have been surprised considering his demeanor and values and how they met and yet...hearing the words from him reminded her that, yes, even if her marriage wasn't all that she dreamed of, Ren was still a good man.

So she said, slowly gatheirng her courage, "Well..."

"Well...?"

"I...I'm nervous."

"Hmm? Nervous?" he said, holding her hand a little tighter.

She met his eyes. "Of tonight."

His brows furrowed. "Why would you fear tonight?"

Ann blushed and turned away yet again. "Our consummation..."

When Ren sounded like choking, she looked to see that he, too, was blushing and scrambling to speak.

"O-Oh, that... I see... Well, uh..." he said, looking this way and that.

Ann couldn't help but giggle at his adorable response, even if her own face was still as red as his.

For whatever reason, that composed him enough that he said, quiet and concerned despite his burning cheeks, "We do not have to, Ann. I meant what I said about being a husband. If you do not wish to, then we won't. We may even have seperate beds if you so wish."

This time, she wasn't surprised at his kind chivalry, and instead smiled at his words and squeezed his hand in gratitude.

"Then may we simply share a bed?" she said.

And he reciprocated both her smile and gesture.

"As my wife wishes," he said.

"I still can't believe you're married, Big Brother," Aki said as she trailed beside him, glaring with the utmost suspicion. "Are you sure you weren't tricked by Grandfather or something similar?"

Ren sighed. How many times had it been at this point? Sixty-six? He had lost track.

Still, he said, "I shall say it once and I shall keep saying this, Aki, but I was not tricked by Grandfather or anyone, even if the reason I did marry is because of him."

"My point exactly! I will not stand for you marrying for that reason!"

"And I have told you already, that is exactly why I married her. It is not the ideal outcome, but it is the best I could ask for," he said, tired.

"But—"

Fortunately for him, they had arrived at the landing near the foyer and a familiar voice said,

"Ah, Master Amamiya. I see you are doing well."

And he and Aki saw the crown prince, Goro Shido, in said foyer with an entourage, exactly on time.

Ren gave a polite smile and said,

"To you as well, Prince Goro. I shall be down in a moment." He briefly turned to Aki to tell her, "We shall discuss this later."

Then, to her annoyance, he left her to converse with the prince and his entourage, though more with the prince himself by virtue of the topics they discussed. Despite the interesting conversation and important matters to settle, when it was time for Prince Goro to leave, Ren excused himself, opting to forego seeing him off. Once by himself, he sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose in exhaustion, his state compounded from having finished that and dealing with his step-sister's antics that morning. Not that he blamed her, as he had made it clear before that he wished to marry for love like their respective parents did with each other, but he couldn't endure her endless questioning forever as his answer would remain the same. So he decided to put an end to it today. He could only hope that he would be able to do so.

That, however, was put on hold as he heard the distinct sound of a cacophony of voices. He sped his steps and just before he turned a corner, he heard it.

"—just die, you bastard," one male voice said, one he didn't recognize.

Ren could only guess he was a man from Prince Goro's entourage, for he knew all the servant's voices by heart. But that begged the the question of what he was doing in this part of the estate. Before he could figure that out however, the same man continued and said,

"The nobility is no place for a sickly girl such as you or your whore of a mother."

Ren's jaw clenched. He knew who the man was speaking to.

"And yet here I am, with a station equal to yours," his little sister said, just as he thought, no doubt giving the speaker quite the glare. "Now may you please step aside? Unlike you dawdlers, I actually have some business to attend to."

"Why you..!" another male voice said.

And just then another familiar voice spoke.

"What is the matter here?" Ann said.

"Oh, Lady Amamiya," a third man said. "Nothing is wrong. We are merely having a chat with the miss."

There was the clap of shoes before they stopped and Ann said, hostility veiled in pleasantry, "Oh? Pardon my intrusion then. I must have been mistaken in hearing insults to Miss Amamiya. It would've been a shame if that were the case. I'm sure Prince Goro would hate to hear insults towards a close ally to the throne."

Ren was close enough to hear the choked gasps from the men. He couldn't help but take a peek to see that, just as he had imagined, the men were barely holding themselves in check thanks to their pride, the very thing that started it all, and Ann, though ever the picture of beauty with her posture and smile, had a fire blazing in her eyes as she stared at them. It was only a moment, but that moment felt stretched as the two parties held gazes, willing the other to back down. And back down one did, but not without hidden grievances as one of the three men said with barely concealed anger,

"Oh it's no trouble at all. We were just about done."

And with that, they were gone, but none of them relaxed until several moments passed without their presence. As soon as that came, before Ren could make his move once again, Ann turned to Aki with concern and said,

"Are you all right, Akira?"

"Um, yes..." his little sister said.

Ann sighed with relief and smiled. "That is good," she said. "I was worried that it might have affected your heart."

For the first time since Ann had arrived, Aki outright glared at her, suspicion rife in her body language.

"Trying to gain my favor?" she said, subtlety out of the window.

Why did it drop then when it hadn't before? Ren wasn't sure. All he was sure of was that he was about to interfere for the nth time...until Ann had a look of realization before she smiled sympathetically.

"In a way, it is true, I am trying to do as you say," she said. "But it's because you're precious to Ren, as well as my little sister now." Her smile turned warm. "So you can hate me all you want. I'll always help you when you need it, even if you don't want it."

Aki stared, stunned into silence.

Not that Ren could blame her. Few people actually liked the fact that not only did a disgraced noble had married his father, but had accepted her bastard daughter as his own. Even fewer treated Aki well because of that, even if they acted as such in front of his father. For Ann to say that...

It was no surprise that that was the tipping point that made Aki accept her as she said,

"Perhaps you are not as bad as I thought you were..."

And he couldn't help but smile in relief as his wife and his sister finally chatted over various things as if they had always been the best of friends.

It was just another day in the Amamiya house as the wife of its heir, whom she was currently accompanying as he was checking in on the knights under the house's employ. Of course, there were stares at seeing her here with Ren. After all, not only did the ladies of the house had little reason to talk to the knights, her natural physique was still quite unusual in this land. But that was exactly the reason she was here, to get to know them alongside Ren and have them become accustomed to her presence. Though, she would admit, she was feeling a bit of regret coming here as she watched some of the squires that ran around doing their duties, being reminded that it had been some time since she had seen Shiho. The last time she had seen her was at her wedding.

Of course, Ren noticed her mood as when there was a lull in their duty, he pulled her aside and said with concern,

"Is something wrong?"

Her strained smile turned more genuine with that and she said, knowing he wouldn't stop until he knew the problem, "I miss Shiho, that is all. Nothing to be worried over."

Yet that did nothing to calm his worries, his grey eyes still stormy as he said, "I see..."

Ann heart warmed at his care but still she said, "It's fine, Ren. Don't make such a face. Come. Let's return to our business, shall we?"

Thankfully Ren did acquiesce, but she, admittedly, was melancholic by the time they finished and returned to the estate.

That incident had been forgotten by the time Ren suddenly told her they were going on some business trip...without telling her where they were going. To say the least, she was annoyed as Ren wouldn't even let her open the curtains of their carriage to see their route for herself.

Ann grumbled from the seat across him. "Where are we going?" she said for the nth time.

And Ren still kept up his amused smile and said, "It's a surprise."

Ann groaned, uncaring if she was not lady-like in the privacy of the carriage. Thankfully, it wasn't too long before they arrived and stopped at their destination, but just as Ann was about to step out, she squealed as hands covered her eyes.

"Ren!" she said.

She reached out to remove them but Ren then said,

"I told you, it's a surprise." He chuckled. "Don't worry. I will guide you."

Ann grumbled once again, but allowed Ren to do as he pleased, easily following his lead over cobblestone, the clack of other people's steps the only other sound around them. Once she heard it be louder than before, they stopped and Ren said,

"Okay. We're here."

And then he uncovered her eyes.

Her breath caught.

Shiho smiled. "Good to see you well, Ann," she said.

"What...?" Ann said, looking to Ren.

He smiled warmly at her, eyes shining, and said, "Surprise."

She choked on a sob, happiness bursting within her. She gave Ren a quick hug before going to give Shiho the biggest hug she could ever give. Her best friend laughed and returned it and then they went on and on, talking about so many things that have happened since they last met, from how Ann was doing at the Amamiya estate to Shiho's knight training. Time passed like grains of sand and, before Ann knew it, it was already late into the afternoon and she had to leave. They once again hugged each other, this time in good-bye, before Ann returned into the carriage on the way home.

This time, Ann sat beside her husband, which surprised him, just as much as she said, with all her heart,

"Thank you."

His surprise was replaced warmth as he said,

"Of course."

Ren blinked his eyes as he tried to get his bearings. When he had retained consciousness, he realized that he had been awoken by the sounds of his wife complaining about her hair, something along the lines of cursing fate for her terrible bed head. Ren couldn't help but chuckle at her predicament, to which she noticed and took great offense.

"I see my husband finds my suffering amusing," she said, pouting and glaring...

...though that was ineffectual with the disastrous state of her hair, tangled like vines in a jungle.

He ignored her pointed look as he stood and made his way to her.

"My apologies," he said. "I was merely surprised to see you up so early, especially in such a state."

He wrapped his arms around her, resting them atop her shoulders and his head atop her own. With that, all her animosity left her as she relaxed and placed a hand on his arm, humming her content.

"Neither did I," she said, the heat in her tone extinguished. "But I was very much excited for today and I had hoped my hair wouldn't be too bad but..."

"Ah, I see..." he said as his memories clicked.

He forgot that she and Aki had planned to go out horseriding today. It took quite some convincing from both of them to have Morgana, the house's head knight, not come along to keep an eye on them, especially since they would be within the territory of the estate while they rode. If that was the case...

"Then may I assist with your hair?"

A moment passed.

"What?"

Ren laughed. "If you are worried I will make it worse, I assure you I won't."

He imgained her pout again below him. "And how are you so sure?"

"Because I take care of my own hair. I had also previously done Aki's as well when we were younger and shared our rooms."

His wife shifted in his grip and he accommodated to allow her to stare at him in astonishment.

"You do it yourself?" she said.

Ren smirked. "Surprised?"

Ann blushed and looked away. "W-Well...it's not as if I knew."

"Well now you do," he said. "So, will you allow me the honor of fixing your hair? You said yourself that you wished to accompany my sister as soon as possible, did you not?"

Ann was quiet for a moment, her beffudlement lasting a while longer, before she smiled and said,

"Okay."

And he smiled back.

Never had Ann thought she would be annoyed at being at a ball, a place where everything she loved in the world was in full display and completely availble, and yet here she was.

They specifically had been invited by the son of one of the friends of Ren's grandfather to his ball. Why, she and her husband had a few guesses, but he was an ally and their schedule was free on the day he wished for them to arrive at. And, in truth, she had been enjoying the ball, with all the clothes of all the nobles present, the many sweets on the buffet table and, most importantly, another chance to dance with her husband since their wedding day. Unsurprisingly for her, Ren was very good at it, his moves swift yet smooth and all the usual steps memorized. She was almost jealous.

It was when they stopped and Ann decided to fetch water for herself did she begin to wish she were elsewhere.

As soon as she left her husband's side, ladies came to ask her many questions about him and how her life has been. Many were excited over any and all details she was willing to share, just as many were pitying her for marrying a "violent rebel" and "womanizer" as the rumors went. She ignored them all as she truly needed the water and she wasn't going to have gossiping girls stop her. She only truly regretted coming to the ball when she was returning to the table her husband had picked...and saw a bunch of men asking him questions.

"So? How's she like?" one said.

"She has quite the physique," another said. "I'm sure she's quite a pleasure to hold and more."

Her eye twitched and she frowned.

Ren, however, kept up a blank face as he said, sarcasm dripping, "I would say she's a wonderful person, but I feel that is not what you were asking of me, is it?"

"Come on, don't be so closed off," yet another said. Then he smirked. "Unless you hadn't bedded her yet, have you?"

"And why would I tell you?"

"Dear lord, he hasn't bed her yet!" a fourth man said.

All of them laughed, with one saying,

"Some womanizer you are. You cannot even bed your own wife!"

"Then I guess you are even more pathetic than everyone thought you would be."

"No he is not," she said.

All of them startled while Ren stared at her. Before the men bothering her husband could reply, she said,

"Yes, it is true, he has not bed me yet. But he is certainly a better lover than any of you could ever be, for he respects my wishes, and I love him for it." She gave each and every one of them an individual glare and, to her delight, each and every one withered under it. "Now, if you will excuse us, me and my love will be going now."

With that, she took her husband's wrist and pulled him away from the table he had been seated at, fully intending to look for another, or even taking them out to one of the balconies so they wouldn't be bothered. However, as she pulled and Ren followed, he said, voice completely vulnerable and soft,

"Did you mean it?"

Ann nearly didn't catch it if it weren't for the tone. When she did, she stopped and turned to him, looking at him in confusion.

"I mean what I say most of the time, Ren, you will have to be more specific," she said.

And he said, "That you love me."

Ann froze.

Oh dear lord she had just said that. Out loud. In front of him. And others. But most importantly him. Ann knew her face flushed as she could feel it burn. She couldn't believe she had just let that slip. Not that it wasn't true but...but...she had wanted to tell him more privately! Not like... Not like that. But she had done exactly that and her husband was asking about it. So, as best as she could with her hot face, she said with feigned annoyance,

"O-Of course I do! I-I have loved you for quite some time. You are truly everything I could ask for from a husband and a person." She tried to glare at him. "D-Do you have a p-problem with that?"

And her answer was suddenly being wrapped by his strong arms, nuzzled by his face, and feeling his racing heart in his chest as he said,

"I love you too."

Many roses? Check. Delicious food? Check. Appropriate lighting? Check. And Ren kept on checking and double checking that the dance hall was completely prepared and utterly empty save for himself and the lone table he set up, even though there was not a thing out of place. So all he could do was repeat the action, as well as practicing the speech he was to give within his head, as he paced in waiting. And chuckle at himself for his behavior. There was nothing to be nervous about and yet he was.

Perhaps he shouldn't have teased Goro for being in the same state before he proposed.

All his previous thoughts left him when the sound of the door opening echoed and he smiled when he saw Ann come through, dressed in red as always, this time a simple and elegant dress that he cared little of the actual details, for all that mattered was that she looked beautiful in it. And that she was, as he hoped, surprised to see the table filled with a variety of her favorite foods and the room lit enough for her to see, but dim enough that it felt like an intimate shroud.

"What...?"

Ren walked up and hugged her, which she reciprocated.

"Hello my love," he said.

"Hello to you as well, my love," she said before she leaned back to look at his face. "But what is this? What is going on?"

Well. That was it.

"Well, there's...something I wished to tell you," he began.

Ann raised a brow. "Something to tell me?"

His heart sped faster. "Y-Yes... I..." He swallowed. "I know we're married already but..."

"But...?"

Ren took a deep breath. "But I thought I would do this since I hadn't had the chance to do it properly."

And he bent on one knee, holding her hand in one of his. Ann, of course, gasped and stared as she said,

"Ren...?"

But before she could interrupt him and he lost his nerve, he said,

"Ann. When we first met, I was in a dilenma and you offered to solve it, as well as your own. I had accepted as I felt I had met a kindred spirit and thus, at the very least, I was sure I would be friends with the one I would call my wife. Yes, it is true, you are that. But also so much more.

"You are kind and empathetic. You are strong and passionate. You are sweet and beautiful. But, most of all, you are my light and my love. You have stolen my heart right under my nose and you have made me the happiest man alive. And so, if you will have me, I wish to do the same for you and be yours forever more."

With each word he spoke, her tears flowed more freely, but also with each word, her smile and eyes shone brighter and brighter. And in the end, she could barely contain herself as she tackled him straight to the ground, making him grunt from the impact. He only truly lost his breath when she said,

"Of course, you sweet dunce... Of course I accept...for I feel the same. I am yours as much as you are mine, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

Author's Notes: And that's my first entry for ShuAnn Week 2021! And also my first entry ever for an event like this. I hope you liked it. I really enjoyed making this...because I'm a sucker for happily arranged marriages and medieval stuff. And I'm also pretty proud at using all three prompts (Ann proposes to Ren, a wedding happened, Ren properly proposes to Ann, and they lived happily ever after), even if that was unintentional.

When I saw the error prompt of "marriage", my first thought was, funnily enough, actually "wedding" but then I thought actually thinking more on what happens after a wedding and thus...I thought it'd be interesting to see an "arranged marriage" between Ann and Ren and, not only that, but them "dealing" with marriage. Which, admittedly, as much as I liked how it turned out, I don't think I really did too well?

I mean I wanted to add a legitimate argument somewhere in there because no relationship is perfect, and one relating to both of them dealing with their preconceived notions of each other from both their biases and rumors (kinda like what I know of Pride and Prejudice now that I think about it) but I couldn't think of where to put it in a way that flowed with the other scenes that I already envisioned.

But again, I'm happy how I wrote this, especially the scene where Ann is defending Ren against insults because I realized I kinda paralleled Rank 9 of her Confidant where she blurts out she loves Ren by also having her blurt it out when she was mad.

Oh, and for those wondering, yes, Akira is seperate from Ren and is his little step-sister (and thus this is technically an AU of my sibling AU of P5R). Think Minato and Minako as siblings but in this case it's Ren (canon male Joker) and Akira (non-canon female "Joker"). I couldn't help it. I like the thought of having both my favorite ships for "Joker" (ShuAnn and Akechi/Fem!Akira) possible in the same universe, okay? So I'm gonna insert her in as many places as I can without it being forced (hopefully)! This won't be the last time she'll make a cameo (or Akechi), even if the focus is on ShuAnn.