For the first time in a long time, Takumi held happiness in his hands.

Corrin laid sprawled out on her bed, her eyelids shut as she drank in his words whilst Takumi leaned against the wall as he spoke.

His thumbs idly twiddled and shifted as he searched for the right word, the right phrases to tell his story, that had until now, remained untold.

"I'm scared." He conceded with a sigh, looking to Corrin to see how she would respond.

She knew that. It was incredibly dark times, and to not feel scared would almost be malign at this point. You had to feel in someway or another. She sat up, combing her fingers through her still damp hair.

"Everyone gets scared sometimes. Even me." She acceded as she brought her legs to her chest.

She understood, but at the same time, she didn't. His entire life, success rode on his shoulders, as he walked a balancing act to attempt to achieve perfection. But with her around, what chance did he ever have?

"No...it's far more than a fear of death..." He attempted to explicate. "It's...a fear of failure, in all senses."

Corrin nodded her head understandably as her sympathy for him grew.

Takumi raised the tea cup to his mouth. In the time they had spent talking, the drink had grown cold and bitter. He chuckled at the irony.

He was the pot and the tea that it withheld.

Easy to over boil, and expected to serve excellency. In time though, the contents steeping within grew hiemal and acrid, unpleasant to everyone who came into contact with it.

"I just wish, for one moment, you weren't so perfect." He harbored.

Corrin audibly scoffed.

"I'm far from perfect Takumi." She laughed. He rejected that sentiment.

"You are though. I've never seen you fail." He muttered rancorously as envy inaugurated within him.

"Oh Takumi..."A smirk grew on her face as her dark red orbs nervously darted around the room to see if someone was hiding, just waiting to expose her. She shuffled on her knees close to him, placing her hands on his.

"I'm going to divulge to you some things I've never told anyone before." She whispered, eyes once again seeking for someone before settling on him."You must never speak a word of it though."

He nodded his head as curiosity begun to take control. She was so far removed from everyone else in that fortress, of course secrets were kept.

"When I was practicing sword play in the castle, I nearly sliced off my fingers."A grin grew on her face as confusion washed over his face.

"How?"

She managed to stifle a giggle.

"I grabbed the sword by the edge of the blade." Corrin confided.

"You were just a child though."Takumi moped. He was expecting something good.

"N-no...I wasn't."She professed, nervously tucking some hair behind her ears.

She made mistakes. But what was that supposed to tell Takumi? She did something stupid once, was that supposed to make him laugh?

He wanted to ask her about the scar. But everything within him reminded him just how incredibly wrong that was, as when he thought of the scar, he thought of the entire picture, which only intensified the shame of his thoughts that he had used so many times in the dark of night now.

Corrin wearily yawned, lowering herself under the blankets of her bed.

"I'm not perfect Takumi. You'll find that more and more as you get to know me."She said softly as he sat at the edge of the bed, preparing to leave so they could both get a night's worth of rest.

"I know you think I have a plan, but really I don't."She admitted as her eyes began to close.

"But I prefer it that way."She managed out before dozing off just like that.

Takumi stopped to look at her. He had never seen her so still or peaceful before, it was strange.

"Goodnight Corrin..."He whispered before closing the door.

Cheers ran out late into the night as glasses and mugs clinked against each other.

There wasn't really a particular cause for celebration except to raise morale, which was starting grow dangerously low.

Cases of ale and sake had been saved up for an occasion such as this, in which Corrin would allow everyone to totally and completely let loose.

She was never one for drinking, but she enjoyed the party and fun of it, and would nurse a fruity ale as she floated from person to person, laughing and talking. Watching everyone carefully and feeling the same expression of unease that someone was watching her.

She met Xander's leer from across the room as she spoke to Saizo and subconsciously held her drink to her chest as an attempt to cool herself down. She always felt so unsettled by his eyes, they were so strong and deliberate. She attempted to focus on the conversation on hand instead.

"How do you intend to drink with your mask on like that?"She enjoined, studying him. He was attractive, perhaps just a bit too mature looking for her tastes.

"Hmph." He glowered at her. "I must stay sober. We never know when there could be an enemy attack. I can't reach my full potential unless I maintain sobriety." He explained in that usual impatient tone. She was used to a cool disposition such as Saizo's especially after all the time she had spent with Takumi, and yet, she couldn't help but feel like a senseless girl around Saizo. His patience for her was even shorter than Takumi's.

"Ah."She nodded, fairly uncaring. He scoffed and crossed his arms.

"I really should be...um...checking on the stock. Excuse me." She said in an attempt to delude him. He was unbelieving and really she couldn't care. He had her back on the battle field and that was all that mattered.

Corrin turned away to walk off to find a new conversational partner, quite tired after the boring conversation she had been forced to endure.

Her head felt light and dreamy, and for once she struggled to think about something of importance as the small amount of booze began to take effect.

"Oh Gods!"Silas cried out in mortification as his mouth gaped open. His cheeks burned as he had realized what he had done.

Stupidly, while approaching her for a dance, he actually walked into her, spilling not only her ale but his.

Both their mugs clinked to the ground, the last drops of their contents leaking out while the rest dripped off Corrin's breastplate. He was a complete idiot.

"I am so so sorry." He apologized desperately as she inspected the wetness that had for the most part been deflected. She smiled up at him, nonchalantly waving her hand.

"It's fine. Accidents happen."She assured, reassuringly squeezing his arm.

"I-I'll go get you a new drink!" He jabbered before making quick work to retrieve a new beverage.

"Wait I don't-"Her voice died out among the crowd. She didn't want a new drink, in fact she was having more fun sober.

Corrin crouched down to pick up the mugs before clumsily falling to her bum, the alcohol rushing to her head all too fast.

How embarrassing.

Corrin looked around, hoping no one had seen her fall in such an odd manner, the alcohol still making her feel light headed and dizzy.

She began to push herself off the ground when a voice startled her, allowing her to fall back onto the ground, allowing her to feel the embarrassment flood back to her once again.

"Little Princess." Xander cooed, extending his large hand to her in order to help her up.

Graciously, she took his hand, and nearly found herself falling he was able to pull her up with such force, it was almost like flying.

Once on her feet, her balance began to fail her, and in a moment, her face was buried in his chest as she tipped forward, his arms carefully embracing her with a snicker.

They stood in each other's arms, her heart pounding as all the memories were brought back, she raised her face to look up at him hoping he would release her.

"How's that scar healing?"He whispered. Her flushed cheeks reddened even deeper, totally stupefied. He moved in close to her ear, his hot breath hitting it and sending chills down her spine.

"We need to talk."He soughed. She immediately jumped back. No. She wouldn't talk to him about that, not yet.

His eyes saddened. He had expected this.

They would talk. Eventually.

"Ah! Corrin!"Silas chimed, carrying a ceramic ochoko over.

Corrin gratuitously smiled at him as she took the warm cup in her hands, smelling what seemed to be pure alcohol.

She was thankful for Silas. He was a kind boy, so sweet and willing, and providing her with an opportunity to forget what had just happened. If only she could forget the problem that got her there in the first place.

Corrin extended the small glass out, allowing Silas to clink his with hers. Xander watched unmoved and irritated. He had all night, and could wait as long as needed.

Her eyes found their way to Xander's as she cautiously sipped, knowing very well he could corner her if he pleased. He always had a talent for that.

The sake was strong.

Way too strong for the likes of her.

Her cheeks became more ablaze than ever as the alcohol immediately went to her head and cheeks.

Even Xander was amazed. He hadn't seen her face that pink in a long time, and he knew exactly what button to push to make her that turn that shade.

"Corrin, are you ok?" Silas inquired, fairly unaffected by his own drink. He had grabbed a warm one and cold one, giving Corrin the temperate one to raise her calidity on such a cold night.

She seemed to not like it though, which was odd considering how sweet and tasty his own sake was.

Xander shot Silas a dangerous look as he laid his hand on her shoulder, giving her a squeeze for support.

"I knew this would be too much for you sister...we hardly drank in that fortress."He sighed, watching her awkwardly space out. His usual look of seriousness returned as he realized that he would have to withdraw his efforts for the night. There was no point in speaking with her while she was inebriated.

He couldn't let her stay at the party like this, but he also couldn't let her walk alone.

He gave one final firm look, deciding to respect her boundaries.

"Why don't you go and stand outside for awhile and sober up and then we can head back to your room?" Xander suggested, tilting her face up to look at him just as he always used to do. She wouldn't fall for it.

"S'okay."She slurred, taking a few unsteady steps wanted to be as far off as possible in that moment. She was sick of the pushiness and false concern. She wanted Takumi's under bearing touch. Not to be smothered. "I can get home just fine."

"I can walk her home!"Silas offered, concerned for her well being. He never intended for this to happen.

Culpability gnawed at him as he knew she was his responsibility. Besides, if she were to get hurt, he would never be able to forgive himself.

"It's ok Silas, enjoy your night." Xander smiled, just wanting to be rid of him.

Silas gave one final look before sulking off, ashamed of his inability to take action for the one person he was supposed to be taking care of.

Xander looked at Corrin with final chuckle before lovingly caressing her curly white tress.

"Go outside Corrin, I'll meet with you in a moment."He said before making his exit. She wondered what he could possibly be off attempting to peculiar...he was up to something.

With a table for support, she began to make her way outside, yearning for the cold wind on her face in hopes of being able to subdue the effects of the sake.

Takumi had been speaking to Oboro when he saw her. She was pathetically funny, the way she attempted to leave the mess hall, completely hammered.

He wanted to laugh. It should have been funny, but he couldn't possibly find it funny when he knew she could injure herself.

His focus kept on switching between Oboro and Corrin as his mind swam.

She was so engaging, so fun, so interesting, what would a drunk Corrin have to offer except booze filled breath?

"Lord Takumi?" Oboro cautiously murmured, noticing his attention was else where. He didn't acknowledge her and continued to look off into the distance. He was going to regret this, he knew it.

"I...I'll be back later! I promise!" He guaranteed, brushing past her in order to tend to Corrin. He hated himself for this. He was talking to presumably the girl of his dreams, and he had chosen to go to Corrin.

With ease, he was able to scoop his arm underneath her armpit in order to support her weight.

Instantly, she flashed him a smile. Something was up. Was she just a happy drunk? She reeked of ale, yet in reality didn't seem that drunk as he presumed, but he never knew with Corrin how she exactly felt.

He did know though, that like always, she had a plan, and she was putting it to work.

"You owe me."He groaned, realizing she would have in fact been OK without his intervention.

The cold crisp air was exactly what she had been hoping for, sobering her up majorly almost instantly.

The sake did play a number on her yes, but not nearly as badly as she made it seem. She just simply couldn't deal with another minute in there, and she knew Xander wouldn't have let her leave without a word had she not seemed completely tipsy.

Corrin let the snow crunch under her feet in which she reluctantly wore boots, walking to behind the mess hall with Takumi in tow.

She could tell he was upset.

"Are you kidding me Corrin?"He barked the minute they stood behind the building. He had half a mind to slap her and see if that would sober her up. Poor Oboro must have been in the mess hall at that very minute feeling so dejected, and he did this so he could help his only slightly tipsy sister.

"Takumi, hear me out..."She urged, still soaking in the sweet cool air that was ruffling her hair. Had she made the request a couple months ago, he would have denied it, but not now.

Not after all that happened between them.

He crossed his arms, waiting expectantly for an answer.

"I really was drunk, I promise! I had this one cup of sake, and it was so strong and-"

"Wait."He held up his hand to prevent her from speaking. "You got drunk off one cup of sake?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, it was this warm sake. It was awful, Silas gave it to me." She concluded before continuing her story.

Takumi began to zone out, completely amused by the situation.

It all made sense.

Her darling knight unwillingly gave her a very very potent cup of sake, and she drank it. He would have rather gone to the infirmary and drank the bottle of rubbing alcohol they kept on the night table.

"And then I fell backwards" He tuned in only to hear that and then once again to tune out. He was surprised there wasn't an earthquake when her comically large backside made contact with the ground like that.

It really was a funny situation in his mind, but he still didn't understand why she needed him.

"Corrin?" A deep recognizable baritone cried out. Panic came over Corrin at once.

"Please. Just go with it."She beckoned him before burying her face in the nape of his neck, making her body return to the same limp state that she had been exhibiting inside.

Xander came around the corner, disdain instantly felt and seen by Takumi as soon as he absorbed what he was seeing.

He knew that Takumi was her brother, and any help from him was innocent, but he couldn't help wanting to be the only one to hold her.

Worry for her well being meant far more to Xander than jealousy though.

"How is she?"Xander breathed, tenderly stroking her hair out of her face in order to view the reflection of the moonlight off her face. He had missed that.

How Takumi felt, he couldn't put his finger on. This was far past brotherly concern that Xander felt for Corrin, he knew that for certain, but how did Xander feel about her? Whatever the feeling was, it was intense.

"She's alright. You really shouldn't have warm sake out there like that."Takumi replied, shifting Corrin's weight to comfortably hold her.

Xander chuckled.

"Perhaps so." He murmured dreamily, still fixating on Corrin.

"May I take her?" Xander requested, looking at Takumi in the eyes now with that all so serious stoic look.

Takumi considered it for a second. He really hated to keep Oboro waiting inside like that, it really wasn't fair to her, and quite frankly, Takumi was becoming quite anxious to get back in there.

Just as he was about to agree to Xander's offer, Corrin stirred.

"Takumi..."She groaned, clenching tighter and tighter onto way in hell would he let her take her like that if she truly didn't want it.

Xander's lips made a thin line as he heard the name come out of Corrin's mouth. She didn't want him anymore, or the way things used to be. He had to make her change her mind, she needed to find her home. Back in his arms.

"I see she prefers you..."Xander admitted darkly as he took a step back. "I'm not putting a damper on your night leaving her with you, am I?" He asked.

This was his last chance. He could go inside and see Oboro, charm her, enthrall her.

"No." Takumi lied. "I was feeling tired anyway." He sighed, cradling Corrin's head to his shoulder.

Xander looked as if he had a million things to say, but bit his tongue before making his leave, failing to say goodbye or thank Takumi for his sacrifice.

Corrin slowly removed her head from his shoulder as soon as she heard the door shut, looking to see if he was gone for good.

"I owe you."She said, unsure of how she could possibly show just how grateful she was.

"Yeah." Takumi agreed ineptly. He didn't regret his decision, but he would be lying if he said he wasn't upset about how his night would end.

Together they repeated their all familiar and continuous pattern of comfortably walking in silence, this time, Corrin clenching onto his arm for support as they waded through the snow to her room in which only took a short amount of time to reach.

Takumi forced out a smile before playfully ruffling her hair and then weakly raising his hand as a goodbye.

He was in mid step when he was pulled back in and felt the sensation of arms tightly wrapped around his waist.

Her face fit perfectly back in the nook of his neck where she had buried it previously a couple minutes ago, and she continued increasing the hold she had upon him.

He didn't know what to do. Hugs weren't really his thing. Anything affectionate wasn't really his thing for that matter, he didn't need the weakness of emotions weighing him down more than they already had.

But Corrin had become a second nature to him at this point.

Weakly, a strong forearm wrapped around her shoulders as well, as he held her as close as she'd allow.

And so the snow fell gently, dusting them and the world around them as they found a new admiration and respect for each other, a love only siblings could have.

He rested his chin on her head as he realized he was exactly where he wanted to be.

And he wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.