Confections of Affection

"Why do you risk your life for this kingdom? Heh, don't look so grim at receiving such a question. I simply wish to hear your true answer."

That had been such an out-of-the-blue question from Marth, Chione hadn't known how to respond. The only answer she could think of on the spot was, "Because I have to," but that just didn't seem right. She couldn't say that.

Fortunately, Marth seemed to realize his question had taken her off-guard, so he told her just to think about it.

Thus, there the Summoner was, heading to Alfonse's chambers – her arms full of possible strategies for their next mission – pondering her reasons for fighting in this war. She'd been here for over a year now, so, surely, she could come up with something, right?

Chione sighed to herself, as she repositioned the papers in her arms to knock on the door. Alfonse invited her in, so she turned the knob and stepped inside, doing her best not to drop anything. The Prince of Askr glanced up from where he sat. And, upon seeing Chione, he immediately stood and went over to her, relieving her of the hefty stack.

Smiling a little, the Summoner closed the door quietly, then followed him over to the table he'd been sitting at before. "Sorry, if I'm a bit late," she apologized. "I was stopped a couple times on my way here."

Alfonse shook his head, offering a smile of his own. "There's nothing to be sorry about. I'm simply glad you're here." He set down the large pile of papers, giving his head another small shake. "Don't be afraid to ask me to help carry some of this next time. I'd feel terrible if you ended up dropping it on your way here."

Chione let out a tiny laugh, earning a wider smile from him. "I guess I might've almost dropped them once or twice." She sat down next to him, pulling her hood back. "I just… you know… You're always so busy with your own duties. I don't want to bother you."

Alfonse placed a hand on her shoulder. "You're never a bother, Chione. I'm happy to do anything I can for you."

That statement warmed her heart. Ever since the night that he'd come to her and allowed her to confide in him, the two of them had grown so much closer. While there were plenty of other Heroes she'd opened up to recently, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Alfonse was probably her greatest friend here. He was the only person she had managed to become completely comfortable around, after all.

"I know," she said. "But I… I want to be able to do the same for you, too."

Alfonse quirked a brow in question. "You already do more than your fair share of work around here. I noticed you've even begun training and studying with Ares. I'm glad to see you're putting in so much effort. And I'd be equally glad to spar with you myself sometime."

Chione couldn't help grinning. Several other Heroes had already offered the same thing, but hearing it from him was a nice feeling. "I… I'd really like that," she told him. "B-but… I'm still not very good. So don't expect much."

Her navy-haired companion laughed softly, shaking his head yet again. "I only expect you to do your best. I'm honestly happy just being able to have the chance."

"A-and I'm glad you offered," Chione admitted, averting her gaze ever-so-slightly. "I'm sure I'll be able to learn a lot from you. I'll be looking forward to it."

"So will I," Alfonse said. "Now, then. It looks like you've been busy strategizing. Shall we get started?"

The Summoner nodded, quickly moving to separate her papers into specific stacks. Alfonse already knew the drill, so, once she finished, he selected the left-most pile and looked through it carefully. The two of them spoke at length on each separate battle plan, narrowing down to the best of them, as they went. About an hour into their work, though, a light knock sounded at the door.

"You may enter," Alfonse called. And then the door opened, Jakob stepping inside, a tray balanced expertly on his hand. "Ah, thank you for coming," the Askran Prince greeted.

Jakob nodded, placing the tray down on a clear spot on the table. "Fresh tea and confections, as you requested." Without another word, he turned on his heel and left, closing the door behind himself.

Chione blinked, glancing between the tray and Alfonse. "What's this…?"

Her companion smiled kindly, setting aside the plans they'd been going through. "I figured you hadn't eaten yet today. So, I asked Jakob if he'd be willing to prepare us a little something."

She felt her eyes widen a tad. "R-really…? But… but you didn't have to. I—"

Alfonse placed a hand on her shoulder once more, effectively cutting her off. "I wanted to, Chione. Just… consider it a little thank-you for all of your hard work. We're fortunate to have you with us – I can't imagine a better Summoner."

Chione was at a momentary loss for words, her mouth falling agape. "B-but… I… I-I…"

Alfonse spoke again. "If it's alright with you, I'd like to treat you more often." He looked away briefly, then returned his gaze to her, locking eyes. "You've become very important to me. I care about your health and well-being… So, I hope you'll allow me to do so."

Suddenly overwhelmed with emotion, tears stung Chione's eyes. She blinked them back, making an effort not to cry. "A-Alfonse, I…"

The prince grimaced, clearly seeing the tears she was trying to hold back. "H-hey… It's alright."

"I-I know," she said, wiping at her eyes and sniffling. "I… I just…"

"Oh, Chione…" Alfonse smiled, pulling her into a warm embrace. "I know. You're still not used to relying on others like this." He tightened the embrace. "But you've been making so much progress lately. And it's inspired me to want to be here for you even more."

The Summoner hugged him back, burying her face in his neck. With another sniffle, she managed to say, "Th-thank you. You… y-you mean a lot to me, too. I-I just wish there w-was something else I could do for y-you."

Alfonse hushed her gently. "I already told you that you do more than your fair share of work. There isn't anything more you need to do. Please… if nothing else, just allow me to treat you more often."

Chione nodded. "I… I'd like that."

He gave her one more comforting squeeze, then separated a bit to look her in the eyes again. His smile was genuine and sweet, as he said, "Thank you." Turning his attention to the tray of confections next to them, he selected a raspberry strudel. Then, holding it up to Chione's mouth, his smile changed to a grin. "Say 'ah'."

His companion instantly felt heat rise to her face, but opened her mouth with a soft, "Ah," regardless.

Alfonse gave an equally soft laugh, feeding the pastry to her carefully, his expression decidedly pleased. Once the strudel was gone, he turned back toward the table and poured them both out some tea. He offered Chione a cup, and she accepted it, sipping shyly.

In truth, she was beside herself with Alfonse's sudden display of affection. He, too, had been doing his best to open up to the Heroes in the order. But she'd never seen him act like this toward anyone. All the same, though, she'd be lying if she said she didn't appreciate it – being able to become so close to the Prince of Askr was something she never dreamed could happen, when she'd first arrived here.

Smiling a little to herself, Chione selected a second strudel and turned toward Alfonse, holding it up to his mouth. "Say 'ah'," she mimicked.

She nearly giggled, seeing his face redden this time, as he parted his lips with a squeaky, "Ah," and she fed him. When he was finished with it, however, he flashed Chione a challenging look and grabbed another pastry.

And, thus, their back-and-forth feeding of sweets began, not ending until the tray was empty. By the time that came around, they were laughing, blushing messes. But they didn't care. It was the first time in a long time that either of them had had a chance to just be silly and have fun.

Chione did her best to quiet her giggles, as she wiped her face off with a cloth. Setting the cloth on her lap, she tilted her head, gazing at Alfonse for a short, silent beat. "… I really like your smile," she eventually said.

He paused, clearly surprised by her comment. But then he lifted a hand, placing it carefully on the side of her face. "I like yours, too. I'm glad to be able to see it more often these days."

Chione blinked a few times, realizing she probably hadn't smiled much at all during her first year here – or shown her face, for that matter. With that thought, however, she also realized, "I could say the same for you… You usually look so serious all the time." She gave her head a small shake, smiling once more. "But that's alright. You're always under a lot of stress, so it's understandable."

It was Alfonse's turn to blink, as he took a moment to process her words. But then his expression mirrored Chione's again, filled with a happiness she'd never seen from him before. "You really are thoughtful, you know that? I meant it before, when I said we're fortunate to have you with us. Truly. You're one of a kind, Chione."

"B-but… I… I, uh…" The Summoner fiddled with the hem of her cloak, heat rushing to her face once more. "Y-you're one of a kind, too, Alfonse." She looked down at her gloved hands. "I… I probably would've given up a long time ago, if it wasn't for you. And then I wouldn't be any use to anyone."

Alfonse lifted her chin with a hand, gazing at her wistfully. Chione could only gaze back, wondering just what he could be thinking. And then he finally said, "Would you be willing to make an agreement with me?"

Chione nodded. "O-of course. What is it…?"

He smiled gently. "Why don't we work on supporting one another more, so we can run the order as best we can? I can't do this without you, Chione."

As if on instinct, she replied, "I can't do this without you, either, Alfonse. I… I'll keep doing the best I can. B-but there's still a lot I need to learn."

"And we can keep on learning together," Alfonse told her. "I promise. I'll always be here for you."

An unexpected giddiness sprang up in Chione's gut, and she suddenly felt too warm to be wearing gloves. In fact, she felt entirely too warm in general. The Summoner couldn't remember a time when something Alfonse said had made her feel such a way. But it did now, and she could only, flusteredly return, "A-and I'll be for you, t-too."

The Prince of Askr nodded, gazing at her a moment longer. "Thank you, Chione. You can't know how much that means to me."

It was true she couldn't know exactly how he felt, but Chione was pretty sure she had a good idea. The two of them finished their tea, and then returned to their work, the air between them full of pleasant happiness.

When the Summoner eventually left to head back to her own room, Marth's question from earlier popped into her mind. She smiled to herself, as she opened her door, finally thinking of an answer.

I risk my life for this kingdom, because I care. I care for its people. I care for its Order of Heroes. And I care for its future king. Whatever happens, I want to do everything in my power to protect what I've come to care for. I may not be a Hero, but I know there are so many people here that are, who are willing to support me.

Chione nodded, closing her door behind herself. She'd be sure to tell Marth exactly that tomorrow.