"This is an outrage!" The thin, bookish man in fancy clothes shouted, slamming his fist into the armrest of his chair.

I cringed as the council chamber descended into yelling and chaos. I really hoped the meeting would end because I'd been standing in full armor for a good two hours, let alone because of the constant shouts.

To my right sat Robin, watching with a visibly clenched jaw and wide eyes as some of the shouting was aimed at him, and a few at me, but that wasn't important.

The chamber itself was spacious, being able to hold the Lords, all fifty of them, and the Hierarchs of the major territories, of which there were only five. Ylissean politics had three levels, as far as I could gather: The Lords, which governed areas in a territory, the Hierarchs, which governed a specific territory and ruled from the main city thereof, and the last was the Exalt. Well, Chrom still wasn't taking up that title, but he was essentially Exalt.

That's all that I could make out, at least. Beyond that, the Hierarchs and Lords sat on one side of the chamber, and Chrom with all of his advisors sat on the other. Me and Robin were to his right, while Frederick and Phila sat on either side of him. Several people I didn't know were alongside him as well. They'd been completely silent.

Apparently, it was customary for a knight to attend a council meeting with his Lord should the Lord ask, so there I was. Personally, I just thought Robin didn't want to be alone in a room full of people he didn't know, and since a good portion of the Lords were shouting and glaring at him, I couldn't blame him; I'd want someone by my side if things got ugly too.

"Everyone, silence!" Chrom yelled, quieting the room. He took a deep breath and looked at the Lord who'd basically started the whole thing. "Lord Octavian, would you please explain to me what seems so outrageous about my tactician's proposal?"

"Y-yes, Your Majesty," The man stuttered out once all the attention was focused on him. He quickly regained his cool, though, and glared in our direction. "This ups- This man has proposed we lend our men, our peasants, to train and fight in a standing army. Have we not just rid ourselves of war not long ago? I may not have agreed with many of Emmeryn's policies, but she was always committed to peace, a concept all of us surely believe in. And after how the last war left us, when we have finally been granted that peace, you want to prepare for another!? Frankly, Your Majesty, I propose we throw this conman and his one-handed foreign dog out the door!"

I tried not to let the comments get to my head. It wouldn't be any help whatsoever if I lost my shit in the middle of the meeting.

"My tactician may have a point, Lord Octavian," Chrom began, looking down on the man. His face was schooled into a neutral expression. "And as much as I would like to live up to Emmeryn's ideals, I am afraid that war, while not an inevitability, must be prepared for."

"Your Majesty!" Another noble spoke up, this one a woman wearing a blue dress. "Please, think about this! Following this foolish plan will only prompt other countries to attack! They will believe that we are planning invasions of our own!"

"Regna Ferox is our ally," Robin pointed out, folding his gloved hands in front of him. I was sure no one else noticed, but I could see the small trembling in his limbs. "And Plegia will be recovering from the power vacuum created by Gangrel's death. Peace is possible, but only if we ensure it."

"Oh, so the tactician claims," A mocking voice came. One of the Hierarchs, it appeared. They all had funny hats. "I may be the Hierarch of the north, but I have seen enough of the Feroxi to know that they value friendship as much as a bandit values a shower. Once they see our mounting forces, they will invade with naught a warning. Did you account for that in your proposal, Grandmaster Tactician?"

I could see Robin grinding his teeth together. "I have, Noble Hierarch. Perhaps you should read it."

"Ah yes, you mean this piece of parchment laid out in front of me?" The Hierarch picked the paper up, holding it like a dead rat. "I do not have much hope in this plan, especially from someone such as you. Tell me, did you concoct it with your foreign friend there? The one who looks about ready to let loose, as it were?"

Keep your expression level, boy scout.

"Hierarch, that is enough," Chrom said, his voice dangerous as it rose in volume. "Hurl one more thinly-veiled insult, and I will excuse you from the rest of these proceedings. Am I clear?"

The Hierarch looked like he'd eaten something sour as he stood up and bowed. "My apologies, Your Highness. I am merely concerned for the wellbeing of my people. To send them out such as your Tactician suggests would-"

"I shall take that under advisement," Chrom replied, waving him off and turning to Frederick. "Frederick, tell me, is Robin's plan possible?"

"Milord," Frederick said. "It would be an undertaking. It is possible, however. In several months we could have a force to be reckoned with, although I do question what use we would need it for. As Robin has said, Ylisse does not know of a nation that could pose a threat for the immediate future."

Chrom nodded, turning to Phila. "Phila, what of the pegasus knights? Could we have sufficient numbers soon?"

"I have been working with a subordinate of mine in that regard, milord," Phila explained. "With luck, our decimated numbers will make a resurgence."

Even though I barely know you, I'm glad you're still around, Phila.

Chrom appeared to think for a moment. Robin looked on, barely even breathing.

"Robin's plan is one that I believe Ylisse needs," Chrom finally said, resolutely. Much to the dismay of several lords and the Hierarch that spoke out earlier. "I will give a trial run of sorts. If it proves to be effective and worth the effort, we will discuss it then. I will go over the specifics with my advisors and send you the orders within the month. That is all. This meeting is adjourned."

Never had I been more eager to get out of a room.

"So, I think that could've gone better," I remarked, running a hand through my hair.

Robin stared at me like I'd grown a second head. "Your propensity for understatement amazes me."

I chuckled nervously as the nobles walked out of the chamber, a few of them glaring at us as they walked by. Trying to keep myself from glaring back was difficult. Personally, I was just glad the meeting was over with. There was only so many times I could be called names before I snapped, and I was getting dangerously close to my limit.

I rubbed the back of my neck. "I mean, Robin, only a few of those assh- nobles were really going after you. Everyone else was actually kinda quiet. Even if they don't outright support you, I don't think they're against you."

Robin took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I know, I know. I am just- I do not think I was made for politics. I am more comfortable out in the field, planning battle strategies. Not whatever on Naga's green earth that whole affair was." Robin looked up at me. "I am grateful to Chrom for granting me this position, but if I knew political meetings were going to be like that, I may have mulled it over for longer."

"At least Chrom approved your plan," I pointed out optimistically. "The meeting could've gone a whole helluva lot worse. You know that."

"Of course I do," Robin said. "I am just not very good with people, especially in large groups. Look, I am still shaking!"

He held his arm up, and I could see the trembling even beneath his coat.

"If all political meetings are as exhausting as that, then I may die in just a few short years from the stress." Robin mumbled.

Before I could say anything, a certain blue-haired Lord barged into the conversation. "Robin! Gods, I hope you're doing alright." Chrom walked up to us, his arms folded and face awash with concern. "I apologize for the nobility's attitude. A lot of what they said was uncalled for."

Despite his earlier moaning, Robin was still able to muster up a smile. I raised a brow as he seemed to stand up straighter than just a moment before. "I am fine, Chrom. Just a little exhausted. It was a lot more than I was expecting."

Chrom smiled and put a hand on his shoulder. "Heh, I'm glad, my friend. I should've known that your proposal would upset them a great deal. We were just in a war, after all, and a standing army is an undertaking, as Frederick said."

I stayed silent as I saw Robin visibly brighten at Chrom's words. "Maybe we should have waited a while longer. If we'd suggested it at the next meeting, then maybe they would not have been as, er, vitriolic in their disapproval."

Chrom released Robin. "I'm not so sure about that. Either way, they don't understand that we need to be prepared. Gods know I want to uphold Emm's ideals, but after the last war, I want to be prepared should another power invade us. We were caught off guard and had to ask the Feroxi for help, all because we didn't have an army to speak of. Not that I'm against asking for help if I need it, but it would be good to rely on ourselves for the most part."

I stepped in. "I'm surprised you approved it, considering those bast- I mean, those nobles who were shouting the entire fucking time."

Chrom chuckled. "Well, those nobles, and that Hierarch who spoke way more than he should've, hail from the North and East. From what I've gathered, the South, West, and Center all support the plan Robin developed. With their support, we can at least begin a trial run, as I said. Once the naysayers see the results of it, I'm sure they'll fall in line."

"God willing," I said, adjusting a few fingers on my iron hand. "I'm no political expert or some crap like that, but a political deadlock over this would be very bad."

"And to think you were trying to be optimistic just a few moments ago," Robin said, giving me the eye.

I shrugged. "Expect the worst but hope for the best. Words to live by. Besides, I was trying to get you to calm down. You still shaking, by the way?"

"I am fine," Robin repeated once he saw Chrom's frown. "I just needed a few moments to recover. Besides, now that that meeting is over, we have another event to prepare for."

I raised a brow. "What event?" I turned to Chrom as he laughed nervously and looked away. "Oh. Oh shit."

"My wedding, you mean?" Chrom asked, his smile a bit strained. "Is it… Is it bad that I'm more nervous about that than creating an army?"

"I've seen you face down an entire army of Plegians, cut through dozens of Risen, and run to the aid of burning villages with no fear at all, and you're getting nervous about this?" I asked incredulously.

Chrom groaned, covering his face with his hands. "Yes, I know! But I can't help it! I've never seen myself as a married man, but when I proposed to Sumia, I- Gods, this is ridiculous! I'm marrying the woman I love, and my heart refuses to calm down at the thought of it!"

I couldn't help but let out a laugh. I liked to think I'd be a bit more cool-headed if I ever got married, although considering the unlikelihood of that, I probably would never know.

I know of someone who would want nothing more than to meet you, one last time.

Lucina's words echoed through my mind, making the smile on my face drop. I hadn't thought about it in a while, but, well, her words were telling. For some reason, when I thought of marriage, my thoughts immediately went to a certain red-haired pegasus knight.

I shook my head, shuffling those thoughts away for later. Besides, Robin's blank and far away expression was starting to make me worried.

"Robin, you okay?" I asked, waving my left hand in front of his face. "Hey, come back down to Earth, spaceman."

Robin blinked, looking from me to Chrom. "My apologies. I think I will take my leave now. Alex, come by my study later. I'll be giving a once over on the plans when you do," He bowed stiffly. "I will see you later, Chrom."

Just like that, he left. Chrom watched him leave, a confused expression on his face. "Is he really okay, Alex?" Chrom asked me. "I'm concerned. He's been like this since the end of the war, whenever I see him."

I had an inkling, but I wouldn't tell Chrom. It wasn't my right to. So I shrugged. "Meh, he's got a lot on his mind, I think. He'll be fine."

I made a mental note to talk to him later.

Chrom's wedding was to be held later in the month. June 29th, to be exact. Most of the preparations were to be made by servants, but as one of the groomsmen, I was going to help out.

Robin, though, was made Best Man. Considering what I suspected, it was probably a double-edged sword.

I'd moved; I used to live in the barracks, but since becoming Robin's personal knight, I was allowed a room in the castle. Right next to Robin's.

It was really nice. Unfortunately, it opened the door for something I didn't expect.

I glared down at my boots. I'd just woken up, put on all my clothes, and just when I put my boots on, I felt something squish.

"No," I murmured, voice steadily rising. I took the boot off and rummaged my hand around in it. I pulled out a frog. "No. No fucking way."

The frog stared gormlessly at me. Little fucker was lucky I didn't take a step on it, otherwise he'd've been a goddamn pancake. There was only one person I knew who could've done it. If I was wrong, well, may God help me.

"Hello, Lissa," I said through clenched teeth, forcing a smile. "You wouldn't happen to know anything about frogs inside of boots, would you?"

If Lissa was unnerved by my Cenobite-looking expression, she didn't show it. Instead, she looked coyly at me, batting her eyelashes like she was the picture-perfect image of innocence. "Why, no. Why would a princess like me know anything about that?"

Jesus Christ, she's the spawn of Satan.

"Oh, I dunno. It's just that I found a frog in my boot when I was getting ready today." I looked her in the eye. "I was just wondering if the Princess who's known for putting frogs in people's crap would know about something like that. Like, say, if they were the one that did it."

"My, accusing a Princess of such a thing! Have you no shame, Sir Alexander?" Lissa huffed, putting on a haughty expression. "Perhaps you shouldn't put your boots out where frogs can so easily jump in!"

I just stared at her for a few seconds, completely dumbfounded. "Yes, a frog, which lives in swamps and small ponds, jumped all the way into the city to land in my boot. Why didn't I think of that?"

"Well, maybe you should- Snrk," The next thing I knew, she was laughing so hard I fully expected her to start rolling on the floor. "Oh man! T-the look on your face! I can see it now!"

"Be careful about laughing too hard, Princess," I said, unamused, crossing my arms. "I've heard people can die if they do it too much. Suffocation and all that good stuff."

"I-I don't care! T-this is too much!" Another round of giggling echoed through the hallway we were in.

"How in the everloving fuck did you get a frog in here!?" I asked loudly. "The only place I know that can have them are the sewers and that small bog outside the city! How!?"

"Oh, oh, I-I, gimme a minute!" She said breathlessly.

I stood there, my arms crossed angrily as Lissa regained her composure. Once she did, I finally got my answer.

"It was actually really easy!" Lissa began. "All I had to do was get one yesterday, keep him in some water, and just slip him in your boot. If only I could see your face! Oh, that would've been awesome!"

"Yeah. For you. I've gotta clean the slime outta my shoes after I'm done with this. Why the hell would you do that beyond making me mad, though?" I questioned.

At this, Lissa began fidgeting. "Er, well, we haven't talked in a long time, y'know? Not since, eh, since you got injured."

My anger evaporated. I trailed my left hand along the scars on my face, and looked at my iron hand. "Well, you got a funny way of asking for conversation." I rubbed the back of my neck. "I never got to thank you for that, did I?"

"Well, Mari did most of the work," Lissa claimed, "All I did was keep your wounds from reopening. I know you probably don't like to hear about it, but I've never really had so much trouble healing someone before."

"I'm here now," I said, leaning against the wall. "That's what matters." I looked at her. "This is probably a bit stupid of me, but do you feel bad about all of this?" I motioned to the scars across my face, and the ones below my tunic.

Lissa paused, frowning, before nodding. "I, I know there's no reason for me to feel that way. Just kinda wished we could've done something about that. I mean, now you're all-"

"I like to think my scars make me more attractive, don't you think?" I said quickly, attempting to lighten the mood.

After a few seconds, Lissa was smiling and giggling again. "Heh, maybe. I'm sure Cordelia likes them."

My expression broke. "H-how the fu- Wait, do you think she would- You know what, nevermind. Don't even know why I went this long anyway. I'll see ya later, alright?"

"Hehe, yeah, see you later! Say hi to Cordelia for me!" She waved.

I may have left that conversation more flustered than when it began.

The preparations were going well. The wedding was going to take place in the grand hall of the castle, apparently, and it was already looking good. In my opinion, at least. True to my word, I helped out where I could. Propping some of the decorations up, moving around tables, shit like that. I only stopped when I got- well, it was actually hard to describe. I got a letter from Gaius telling me to meet him in some tavern.

I was reluctant to leave, but in the end, I decided to go. Gaius could be a little much at times, but he was fun to be around. Most of the time.

Entering the tavern, I was immediately hit with the smell of alcohol and the sound of a crowd. It was busy that day. Luckily for me, a familiar thief made his way through the crowd easily, smiling when he spotted me. When he waved me over, I reluctantly walked towards him.

"Sailor! Knew you'd come. Get a seat; I've already ordered a couple drinks."

Looking warily at the patrons, we took a seat at one of the corner tables. A few moments later, a mug was placed in front of me.

I took a deep breath and looked at Gaius. "Alright, Gaius, I'll bite. Why'd you ask me to come here?"

"'Cause you're running yourself ragged working on that wedding," He answered straightly for once, sipping at his mug. He grimaced. "Gods, this stuff is horrible. Wonder if sugar'd make it taste better. Anyway, thought you could use some downtime. Y'know, something to take the edge off. Maybe give you a little advice too."

I looked at the mug on the table. Normally, I'd balk at the idea of drinking anything with alcohol in it, but considering I'd already had some before, and nothing horrible happened, I was a little more pliable. I shrugged, grabbing the mug by the handle and taking a swig. It burned going down my throat, and I grunted when I put it down. "The fuck is that?"

"Hell if I know, I just asked for the special," Gaius nonchalantly explained. "It ain't like that Altean Red, but it'll get you shit-faced in no time if you drink too much, that's for sure. Good thing I only ordered one round. 'Sides, if we got all drunk my advice wouldn't really stick."

I stared at the crowd for a few seconds before turning back to Gaius. "Advice? Advice for what?"

Gaius smiled. "All this talk of marriage got me thinking. Most of the Shepherds ain't got someone special. Yet, at least. Thought I'd start with you since you're my friend."

My mouth opened slightly. "You… You're gonna-"

"I'm gonna teach you how to get yourself a woman!" Gaius proclaimed proudly. "Or a man, if that's your preference. Got experience with both."

"Fucking hell, man! Too much information!"

"I'm just saying, I can tell you whatever you wanna know," Gaius said placatingly. "Now for you… Hmm," He looked at me, up and down. "Yeah, you definitely got this whole 'weary soldier' look about you."

I leaned back in my chair and looked annoyingly back at the other patrons for a moment. "It's my fuckin' scars, isn't it?" I asked, waving my iron hand over my face. "Gives off that vibe, right? And the hand?"

"That look has its own charms, for sure," Gaius said, rubbing his chin. "You could play it up. Act all broke-like. Girls love that kinda stuff. And guys, well, maybe not so much. Not in my experience."

"Okay, look," I said, holding my hand up. "I don't know why I'm even doing this right now, but lemme just say, I'm into women, alright? I'll keep going because maybe you do have something that's useful to say. Just keep that in mind."

It's also because you think it's funny.

Maybe it was because my thoughts drifted to a certain redhead when Gaius started talking. I didn't know. It was a bit late to stop him, anyway.

Gaius pursed his lips. "Well, we got that down then. Anyway, like I said, you got that look. Now, I dunno if it's because women like to build a husband or lover up, but if you got that whole broken look, they'll wanna fix you. Make you whole. Crap like that. Then the love'll blossom."

"Hold up," I interrupted, holding my iron hand up. "You're saying all I gotta do to get a girl to like me is act like a damaged sponge?"

"I mean, I wouldn't put it quite that way." He shrugged. "What I mean to say is that you gotta act like you've got problems, yeah? And then they come along and 'fix' your problems. It's all very complicated, y'know, lots a thought goes into all this."

"I'm not sure if any thought goes into this."

"I've been around, Sailor," Gaius said, leaning back in his chair and taking another sip. "Been all across Archanea. Gotten to know men and women like the back of my hand. Sometimes that helps with thieving, y'know, get into a person's head while you're stealing their kid's candy right from under them. Sometimes it helps on lonely nights when you just want some company. What I'm saying is, I know my stuff when it comes to this. At least I hope I do."

I nodded, frowning. I took another swig from my mug, my head already starting to feel a little foggy. I'd never gotten drunk before, and I wasn't going to get absolutely plastered in that tavern, so I put it down. "Listen, Gaius, not that I don't appreciate the advice. It's just that I don't think that'll work with me."

"Why not?" Gaius asked. "Beyond that whole soldier look to you, you gotta lot of masculine charm. Hell, if you grew a beard, I'm sure some women'd be all over you. Like flies to sweets. Damn flies."

Shrugging, I sighed. "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say. I'm just-" I didn't think that kind of strategy would work on Cordelia. I widened my eyes. "Oh. Oh, so that's what that is…"

"What?"

"I-I think I've just figured something out about myself," I mumbled.

I didn't know why it took so long for me to figure out. Nor did I know why I figured it out when I did. All I knew was that it was there. Every time she walked by my heart skipped a goddamn beat. Her eyes, her lips, the way her smile lit up the room, I loved it.

"Hmm," Gaius hummed, looking at me suspiciously. "Huh, would you look at that. Already got someone on your mind, don't you Sailor? Someone who won't fall for what I just told you. Lemme guess, it's Red, isn't it? The pegasus knight?"

My jaw dropped. How in the fuck-

A knowing smile crossed Gaius' face. "How'd I know? You two used to talk all the time during the war. And that look you just had now, didn't I tell you that I know men and women like the back of my hand? Ain't like you're very hard to read, anyway."

I looked away from Gaius.

"I'm not gonna tell anyone. Don't worry, Sailor," Gaius waved off. "Hell, I wish you luck. Kinda starting to think this whole thing was pointless, cause they're ain't a way in hell you're gonna woo her with that whole shtick I just told you. For her? Gotta keep acting like you have. Let nature take its course and all that."

I abruptly stood up. "I think I'll keep preparing for the wedding, Gaius. Thanks for, well, whatever the hell this was."

"Ah, guess I went a little far, huh?" Gaius waved as I began walking away. "Don't worry, Sailor! I'm rooting for you!"

I left the tavern flustered. That was happening a lot.

Working in the middle of a royal hall was physically taxing, and maybe a bit boring, but it was better than having to keep a certain someone away from Robin.

"You're stalking Robin."

"Impressive. One wonders how you could find that out all on your own."

Well, it wasn't technically one of my duties. I kind of labelled it under 'keeping Robin safe', and as far as I could tell, he knew Tharja was stalking him. He didn't like it, to say the least. He also not-too-subtlety hinted that I should try to do something about it. So, there I was, talking with an anti-social dark mage next to a pillar in the middle of the royal hall. The conversation was going nowhere fast.

I groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Okay, lemme just get straight to the fucking point, then. Stop stalking him. He doesn't like it."

Tharja hugged a massive tome close to her barely covered chest. That outfit made it hard to look at her. "So you say. And yet I haven't heard it from his mouth. I'd take his words over those of another boring, shell-shocked soldier."

My lip twitched. "I'm his knight, dipshit. He told me to tell you because that's how uncomfortable you make him."

"Knight? More like personal lap-dog," She replied, scowling. "What kind of knight fights with only one hand?"

By God, I'm going to fucking murder you-!

I stomped on the rage building in me and took a deep breath instead of indulging my instincts. "I just- Goddamnit, why are you even doing this? Why stalk him? He doesn't deserve your bullshit!"

"Ah, so the lap-dog is curious? I'm almost scared to tell you; I don't think you can comprehend the answer." She sneered like a mustache-twirling villain. "But if you must know, the moment I saw him, I felt and saw something only I could. Deep within him. Waiting to be released. He's different from every other man I have ever seen." She snapped out of her reverie to glare at me. "Someone like you could not possibly understand such a thing. Leave me be."

"No," I said simply, crossing my arms. "In fact, what you just said makes me want to keep an eye on you. You need a therapist and a shit ton of pills, lady."

"Hmph," Tharja huffed. "Usually people leave after the first round of insults. Yet here you are, still standing before me. Perhaps you enjoy it?"

I'd enjoy slamming my iron hand into your stupid face, but I think that's looked down upon around here.

"No. No, I don't fucking enjoy it. Right now, I'd rather talk to literally anyone else. In the entire universe," I sighed, rubbing one of my temples. "Just please stop stalking Robin. If I don't stop you, he might resort to more drastic measures."

"Like what?" Tharja asked, leaning against the pillar. "Would he bother to talk to me himself instead of sending his lap-dog to deal with me? I would prefer that. It'd give me a chance to get closer to him. Ehehehe..."

"Seriously, what the fuck is so special about him?" I snarled, frustrated. "Besides being one of the smartest guys I know, he doesn't really have much!"

That wasn't entirely true. I knew Robin was the Vessel of Grima, but beyond that he was basically just a guy, and my friend.

"I wouldn't expect someone like you to understand," Tharja reiterated painfully. "Your darkness is just like everyone else's; just a lonely, weary soldier. You're not special, you know that?"

I looked beyond Tharja at the pillar behind her. "Yeah. I do. Had to learn that the hard way. How about you?"

Tharja looked surprised for a moment before her familiar scowl returned. "Whatever. You can't tell me what I can and cannot do."

"By God, I hope Ylisse has restraining orders," I mumbled, adjusting a few fingers on my iron hand. "Don't make me ask you this again, Tharja. Leave him alone. I don't wanna take this up with Chrom or Frederick."

"They won't do anything. I haven't done anything that warrants their attention," Tharja waved off, turning around and sauntering down the hallway. "Anyways, I have better things to do than entertain Robin's one-handed lap-dog. Don't bother speaking with me again."

Once she was gone, I had to resist the urge to slam my fist into a wall. Never before had a person infuriated me so much that I wanted to clobber their stupid face in. I took several deep breaths, trying to get myself under control. There were better things to get pissed off over.

The conversation with Tharja spoiled whatever plans I had to help out more. I spent the rest of that day training.

"Okay, this tea is finally done." I placed two teacups on the small table. "Careful; still hot."

Cordelia nodded, smiling. "Thank you, Alex. This is very kind of you."

"Eh, I've heard that drinking tea is just something you do here. Should probably thank Maribelle, she gave me the leaves."

The wedding was going to take place soon. Before that, there was going to be a sort of Bachelor Party, and before that, I had some time off. Something of a rarity considering all the running around I was doing like I was a headless chicken. Nonetheless, I took that time to unwind, and what better way to unwind than spend time with a friend?

You know you want to be more. But not yet, boy scout.

One step at a time.

As was often the case, Cordelia was the instigator of our little meetup. Not that I minded. It was just a little on short notice. I decided to brew some tea out of the leftover stuff I had. My room in the castle came with a tea set, so doing it all was actually pretty simple.

Cordelia wasn't even wearing her armor; she wore the stuff under it. She, well, she looked really good in it. As if that was any surprise.

So," I began, sitting down. "What can I help you with today?"

Cordelia took a sip from her cup. "Er, well, I had a small amount of free time, and I wanted to see how you were doing. I've heard a lot about what what's happened since we came back."

I nodded. "Yep. Made a goddamn knight. Even if it was just so Robin could have a little bit more legitimacy, I'm still kinda daunted by it, I think. Haven't even done much except help with the wedding and crap."

I'd helped Robin with his military proposal, but beyond that he hadn't asked me to do much outside of helping the wedding where I could, and also shooing Tharja away like a rabid raccoon.

Cordelia winced at the mention of Chrom and Sumia's wedding, and I cursed myself for mentioning it. Seeing her do that made me want to punch myself in the face.

I held my hand up. "Actually, now that you mention it, I kinda wanna know what you've been doing since we last talked. Sounds like you already know all about what I've been doing but I haven't really heard a lot about you."

Cordelia sighed and leaned forward in her chair. "I do have a lot on my plate, so to speak. You know how the Ylissean Pegasus Knights were… Well, Commander Phila has been bringing in new recruits to help restore our order's numbers. Only, with Commander Phila being busy with her position, the instruction of new recruits has fallen to me."

Ain't that interesting…

"So basically, you gotta teach a bunch of greenhorns how to fly and fight on a pegasus?" I summarized, leaning forward.

"That is the gist of it, yes." Cordelia sighed again. "It has been frustrating. Half of them have not even seen a pegasus before they arrived, and every time I look at them I feel like- Gah, it's hard to explain. It feels like they're-!"

"…You think of your old comrades, don't you?"

Cordelia looked surprised, her eyes wide, before her expression turned quizzical. "I… Gods, maybe I do. They were- they were the closest thing I had to friends, I think. Despite all the hazing, they really did care. I don't know. Maybe they remind me of them. I can't- I don't want the same thing to happen to them."

"And it won't," I reassured her, taking a sip. "You're a good teacher, Cordy. You got a good head on your shoulders. Hell, you had the patience to put up with my bullshit back on Whiteford, so I know their, er, inexperience won't get to you too badly. Beyond that? Well, fuck it, I believe in you. You got this, alright?"

For a second, it looked like she was about to cry. Before she did, though, she took a deep breath to calm herself. "No. No, I won't go crying into your arms here. But, thank you, Alex. That means a lot."

Hell, I wouldn't mind if you did.

I shook my head. "Don't mention it, Cordy. You've done a lot more for me anyway. So, uh, anything else interesting happen?"

Before I asked that, Cordelia had managed a smile. A smile that made my heart skip a beat looking at it. The minute I asked that, though, her mood became sad.

"Well, there is one more thing, if you are willing to listen," She said stiffly.

I was concerned to say the least. Reaching my arm over the table, I put my hand on her shoulder. "Only if you really wanna, if it makes you so sad I can actually feel it."

"No. No, I want to say it," Cordelia whispered. "It's, it's about Sumia's wedding. She's made me the Maid Of Honor."

It took me a second to realize what that meant, and I cringed. First, Chrom made Robin his Best Man, and then Sumia makes Cordelia the Maid of Honor. It was like the two of them were blind and deaf to the things going on around them. Honestly, for a moment, I felt angry.

It vanished as quickly as it came. Still, I was a little annoyed. Cordelia didn't deserve it. Neither did Robin.

"Well, fuck," I said bluntly, rubbing the back of my head before adjusting a few fingers on my iron hand. "That's… damn, Cordy, I'm not gonna lie to you, that actually really sucks."

What I really wanted to do was hug her right then and there.

Cordelia shook her head vehemently. "It's an honor. I really am happy for them. Sumia deserves to be happy, and Prince Chrom, I'm not sure if he could have chosen anyone more perfect. I just- Sometimes I just wish I could have…"

"I know, Cordy," I interrupted. "Just give it some time. I'm not saying you'll get over him completely. Hell, maybe you never will. But if there's one thing that's been hammered into my head the past year, it's that you shouldn't focus on what could be. You gotta focus on the here and now. Maybe make sure the world's a better place than you left it. That's just what I think, at least."

Cordelia was silent.

Honestly, I wish I could've done more. I wish I could've been more. I wanted to walk over and wipe the tears off her face and embrace her, as she did to me, but it wasn't the right time. Hell, maybe I wasn't even the right person for it. Still, I was going to try my damnedest to get Cordelia and Robin through Chrom's wedding.

Even if it killed me.

I doubted it would, but it was the thought that counted.

"…and here's to my ol' buddy Chrom! Hopefully his marriage don't crash an' burn!" Vaike declared from the head of the table, as Chrom looked on with a bemused expression.

All the groomsmen had come to the bachelor party, even some people I didn't recognize. They stood out a lot, though, what with their fancy clothes. However, I doubt they'd stick around for long; the Shepherds were pushing them out slowly but surely.

There was an assortment of food and drinks on the table, and in a moment, I was going to join Vaike in taking as much as I could get.

Funny. Just a few months ago you would've vomited at the mere mention of alcohol, and now you're planning on drinking.

The whole thing was being held in the barracks, away from the decadence of the Castle. Had to say, I missed the old place. Nothing could compare to its dingy and spartan rooms. The castle may've been fancy, but sometimes I just wanted something simpler.

"Alex, do not get too inebriated," Robin said beside me, looking at me accusingly. "I realize that in this environment it is almost guaranteed, but restrain yourself."

I waved my left hand lazily. "Heh, don't worry about me, Robin. I'll be fine. Really, I think it's Vaike you should worry about. Bastard's drank, what, four cups of wine? Jesus Christ."

It didn't take long for the party to get loud, with all the drinks around. Only Stahl was quiet, and he just sort of sat in the corner drinking by himself.

"I wish Vaike was the only thing I had to worry about," Robin mumbled. "Just exercise caution, okay?"

I smiled assuredly. "Seriously, stop worrying. I'm just gonna have a couple drinks and maybe head off to bed." I paused. "How bad can that be?"

"Chrom."

"Alex?" Chrom said, surprised. "What're you-!"

I placed a hand on the handsome man's shoulder, staring him in the eye. "Listen to me, Chrom. We need- fuck, man, we need to do something, but I can't remember what. I can't… fuckity fuck, something something Constantinople."

Chrom raised a brow, his jaw slowly falling open. "Constanti-what? Alex, how many drinks have you had?"

I couldn't stop giggling after he said that. I didn't even know why, it was just that funny. "Right! Right, you have-" I burped. "You have no fuckin' clue what the hell I'm talkin' 'bout, huh?"

"Listen, Alex," Chrom said, pushing my hand off his shoulder rudely. "You're clearly drunk. Maybe you should go-"

"Fuck, you wanna talk 'bout drunk? Just talk to my dad. Before I left he was a fuckin' master at that shit," I replied. "A-anyway, have ya seen Pelican anywhere? Coulda sworn he told me something important. Something really important. Ya could see it in his eyes. Jus' can't remember what. Can't remember a lotta things right now actually. Fuck, Dove! Where are you!?"

I left a confused Chrom. I had a bird to find.

"Fuck, Vaike man, I can't tell my ass from my face."

I knew Vaike said something, but with his face stuck to the table I couldn't tell what. I kept talking anyway.

"It's kinda making it hard to tell where he is, though. Fuck, I know his name, goddamnit!" I half-shouted. "I know it! He… it was a bird, yeah, a bird! Fucking what, though. Was it a Tit?"

Vaike muttered something on the table.

"Vaike, the fuck you just say 'bout Cordy!?" I nearly screamed, glaring down at the muscle man accusingly. "Ya know, I could stare into those eyes all day, man. Those fucking eyes. Red gemstones. Can't stop myself."

Another grumble from Vaike. I leaned over the table in my best intimidation pose.

"Ya listen to me, Vaike. I'mma find Canary. And when I do, I'mma tell him what I think of him. He's gotta know. He's been quiet all day, hasn't he? Gotta keep him and Cordy from collapsing. Fuckin' love, man. Never get involved with that shit. It'll fuck you up. Kinda like this wine. Holy shit, Vaike, you're fucking multiplying-!"

"Blackbird! It's you!" I giggled, hugging Dove from behind.

The white-haired tactician sputtered, turning around and calming down when he saw me. "Gods! You gave me a heart attack, Alex. By Naga, you are drunk, aren't you? How many drinks have you had?"

"Pssh!" I waved my iron hand around, and Robin avoided it. Did he think I was going to hit him? Sparrow was silly. "I dunno. Maybe a couple? Wait, maybe more than a few. A lot of 'em were red. The drinks, I mean. Kinda like Cordy's eyes. Ya ever look into 'em? She's always kinda sad. And then that makes me sad. Crow, why the fuck am I crying right now?"

Through the tears I could see Robin frown at me. "I am not sure what I am concerned for more: the fact you keep calling me something else or how you went from happy to sad in less than a second."

"Aww, who cares about that, man!" I said, my mood changing instantly. It was easy, once you got used to it. "What matters is you, ya know? You're, like, the one thing keeping us from fallin' apart, ya know? Without you, where the fuck would we be?"

Raven furrowed his brow. "I appreciate that, Alex, but you are clearly too drunk to be up and about. We need to get you to-"

"No, no, no!" I replied forcefully, grabbing his shoulders. "You're goddamn important, y'know that, right? I'm not, but you are. And I don't care about your lil' crush on Chrom."

"How did you-!"

"Dude, it's fuckin' obvious. You and Cordy both. But you know what? I won't let ya be all sad and shit. Look at me with those goddamn eyes! You're amazing, and anyone who doesn't see that's a fuckin' moron. There's plenty of other fish 'n the see, man. Sure you'll find a nice guy or girl. I ain't fuckin' judging about that; you're my fucking friend, hear me? And I'd be very sad to see ya in the same place as me just a few- fuck, was it weeks or months? Fuck it, this stupid wine is giving me Alzheimers!"

Robin looked down, like he was about to cry. "A-Alex, I really do not think you-!"

"You're awesome!" I repeated, shaking him for emphasis. "I mean, look at your coat! It's fuckin' awesome! Fuck, what was your name. Dove? No, not that. Pelican? Maybe. Hey, Raven, fuckin'…"

Suddenly, I felt woozy, nearly falling to my knees. If Robin was there to hoist me up, I probably would have collapsed completely.

"F-fuckin' hell, there's, like, five of you, Robin…" I mumbled out, before blackness overtook my vision.

I woke up to a world of pain.

"Jesus, what the hell?" I mumbled. Light pierced through a window, directly into my eyes. I hissed at the accursed burning sensation and rolled over.

Unfortunately for me, that's where the bed I was on ended, and I toppled onto the floor. The pounding in my head wouldn't stop.

The last thing I remembered was me drinking-

Oh… Oh God.

The door clicked open, and I winced at the creaking sound it made.

"Ah, you are awake. Good," Robin said, smiling. "I was beginning to wonder whether you would wake up at all."

I stared at him blankly for several moments, my brain not comprehending anything. In the end, all I managed to do was sigh. "Okay. Okay, I know I got drunk last night. What happened?"

Robin entered completely, and I cringed at the sound of the door closing. Why did everything seem to make my headache worse?

"If you must know," He began, "You drank quite a bit, although I suppose that is obvious to you. All I know from the scattered reports I have is that you babbled incessantly about eyes, specifically Cordelia's, and that you ran around the hall looking for birds. All in all, it was entertaining." Robin laughed at my dour expression. "Please, I am sure it could have been much worse."

My lips thinned and I nodded, conceding his point. I groaned, rubbing my temples. "God, fucking- Do you have any headache medication, or something?"

"I do believe that there is something to help you with your hangover, yes," Robin confirmed. "Unfortunately, they are back in the castle." He gave me a somewhat pitying look. "A shame. If only you had listened to me, you would not be in this state."

I shook my head before realizing how bad of an idea doing that was. It felt like rocks had been dumped in my skull and I just shook them around because it was funny.

"Fine, whatever. I think I'll be able to make it. J-just don't tell anyone I'm-" Robing chuckled. "What?"

"I do not think anyone is even conscious enough to understand me except you, so you are safe for the time being," He helpfully informed me. "However, you will want to make haste to the castle. It is only a matter of time before they all awaken and are in the same position as you."

"F-fuck!" I stuttered out, clambering to my feet.

There was one thing Robin said to me that stuck in my brain, even as I made my way to the castle with the world's worst headache; I had been talking about Cordelia. That wasn't that bad, depending on what I said. I didn't know why I'd be talking about her eyes specifically although; like the rest of her, I found them to be gorgeous.

I just really hoped I didn't say something stupid.

Now this is the longest thing I've ever continuously published. I doubt this fic will reach 1M by the time it's done, but it'll be long. Long enough, I think.

Anyway, a longer chapter for you all. Hope you enjoyed the Chaotic Good that is Drunk!Alex. We probably won't see him again for a long time.

Here's a link to our Discord: discord .gg/9XG3U7a

Guess that's it, see ya guys later!

Edited on 2/26/21. This was a funny chapter. Alex is great lol.