Chapter Nine: Planting Yellow Hyacinths
Focused Characters/Pairings: Cordelia, Sumia, (Chrom x Sumia), (Robin x Cordelia)
Summary: Were we ever really friends?
Wait up Cordy, you're going too fast again!"
"No I'm not! It's because you trip over everything Sumia, geez!" Every time they needed to get anywhere, Sumia always stumbled behind her. And Cordelia always tried to slow her pace… But seriously how could someone be so clumsy? At this rate they would miss the Exalt's return from Ferox. Which also meant they would miss seeing her personal pegasus knights in their battle regalia.
"I can't help it!"
"Yes you can! You just have to try hard enough." As usual Cordelia put her hand out. Yet Sumia rejected the offer, deciding to sit on the ground-despite the dirt stains on her dress.
"That's not fair coming from you."
"Sumia, please. We're going to miss the Exalt… And the Knights!" Cordelia began feeling the attention they were garnering. "Just try to not trip anymore."
"I do try! You know I do." She still sat on the ground, arms folded.
"Please… Sumiaaa. People are looking."
"No! It's not fair for you to say that when you're good at everything Ms. Smartypants!" Cordelia hated hearing that stupid nickname. Every time her classmates called her that, she felt a dull pain in her stomach. However that was manageable, that she was used to. To hear it from her best friend, a new tearing pain occupied her heart and even as she walked away, the pain didn't stop.
"Wait! I'm sorry Cordy… Wait for me! Please! Uf. Ow…" As quickly as she got back up, Sumia fell forward from momentum. Her palms were raw from the sliding impact and her stockings were torn. The most pain came from her exposed knee as she tried to brush out the bits of rock sticking to the reddened area. Though the pain was nothing compared to hurting her friend.
"… I don't get how you can trip over thin air." Cordelia sighed. The instant she heard Sumia she found herself running back. Who else would take care of her? Reaching into her bag she pulled out her canteen with water and handkerchief. With a little dabble of water, she took the cloth and started to clean Sumia's wound gently.
"I-It's not air…" Sumia sniffled. "There was a big rock, I'm sure of it!"
"Oh don't cry Sumia I only have one hanky you know… There." Cordelia said as she tied the handkerchief as a dressing, "I'm sorry I made you trip."
"I'm sorry I called you that name. I know you don't like it."
Was it really that bad of a nickname, to be called smart?
"I'm sorry I said you didn't try."
Was it so hard not to fall down every other second?
For now their apologies were enough so that when Cordelia held her hand out Sumia took it. They held hands the entire way to keep a constant pace. Cordelia led the way and Sumia made sure to keep up, but still their pace was slower than before. By the time they arrived at the main square, the front area was all occupied. They couldn't even squeeze through the legs of the adults. Everyone wanted to greet the Exalt back from her diplomatic trip. Although lucky for them a kind stall owner further in the back allowed them to stand on some boxes. However it was too far back for the Exalt to see their waves or see the intricate designs on the Knights' armor. With disappointment welling in their stomachs, it only left them time to think about what would've happened if they traveled alone.
"Thanks Cordelia, you're the best-maid of honor a girl could ask for." Cordelia could care less for the compliment. She was tired of smiling all day as she helped prepare Sumia's wedding. In the morning it was the dress fitting (it fit Sumia beautifully). In the afternoon they chose the table placements with carefully picked flower arrangements. Being there was mostly for support (and technically part of her duties for protecting the royal family), not for decision-making. Chrom showed up here and there, but only when he managed to sneak out of meetings. He could never stay for long though, as Frederick always found him to take him back to the stuffy old officials. And every time Frederick dragged him off Sumia gave her fiancée a hug and a kiss on the cheek as a farewell. Every time Cordelia looked away.
"It's nothing. There's not much for me to do anyways. After all you're marrying royalty. This kind of event isn't something you or I can plan out ourselves."
"But you are planning the bachelorette party and co-hosting the reception. That at least deserves a toast." The two women raised their champagne glasses to clink with each other. Sumia took a sip and Cordelia drank the entire glass. The bubbly alcohol was what she needed-albeit something stronger wouldn't have hurt.
"Could I get a refill?"
"Of course." Sumia personally filled her friends glass, filling it almost to the brim (as if she expected the amount to be necessary). "Actually another drink sounds great. I think it's numbing the butterflies in my stomach. I still can't believe the wedding is next week!"
Seeing Sumia smile and laugh all day, it pained Cordelia that she couldn't genuinely reciprocate that happiness. It was hard enough faking it.
"Well it was to be expected once the war ended, Prince Chrom is now Exalt… And you do know there were rumors of you two in camp. I'm only surprised it's taken this long for you two to wed."
"It feels like forever… And we've already had plenty of weddings to attend already. Remember dancing all night at Donnel and Nowi's wedding? And who would've thought Henry and Maribelle would tie the knot? It was funny watching Henry greet all those aristocrats during the reception… Oh and-"
"I think the champagne's done its job." Cordelia said, taking the glass from her friend's hand. If she knew anything about her best friend, it was when Sumia started talking fast it was time to get rid of the glass.
"Isn't it ironic?" Sumia giggled. She was rather restless, shifting in her seat. "I mean Chrom and I are getting married, and our best friends are dating each other. The best man and maid of honor, dating!"
"You're not supposed to laugh at that part Sumia." Cordelia sighed.
"But I can't stop laughing!" Sumia was now on her side lying on the couch, "Why can't I stop?"
Cordelia let out a long sigh; "I think it's time to sleep Sumia, before you say anything else that breaks my heart."
She got up to open the door, revealing a handmaiden waiting outside. From the way she was standing, the young lady may or may not have been leaning her ear against the door.
"Could you go get Prince… Lord Chrom? I'm sure you're well aware of the situation."
"O-of course Captain Cordelia!" Trying to escape the embarrassment, the maid ran away.
She shut the door and went to sit by Sumia's side. Making sure the future queen didn't fall on the floor was surely part of her duty to protect the royal family. Sensing her friend's presence, Sumia lifted her head to use Cordelia's lap as a pillow.
"Sumia! Could you please…?"
"I used to do this when we were kids, why can't I now?" She mumbled, "As future queen, I command you to be my head pillow!" Perhaps as a small act of defiance Cordelia reached out to grab a pillow to make the switch but at the last moment decided against it. Chrom would arrive soon to be he replacement anyways. At least now Cordelia could stop pretending. As she relaxed her body, her face naturally formed a frown. She also grabbed the half empty bottle, opting to forgo the glass completely. The silence encouraged the drink and her mind to go to darker depths. And upon thinking about the one thing she ever wanted taken by her best friend… Cordelia chuckled. Sumia was right; this was pretty damn funny.
After a few close falls there was a knock at the door to announce an entrance.
"Milord!" Cordelia almost stood up, forgetting her current role.
"No need for formalities Cordelia." Chrom half-whispered, eying the situation. Carefully they switched places, careful not to wake Sumia. "Thank you for accompanying Sumia today."
"There's no need for that as well milord."
"I've always said you could just call me Chrom, Cordelia. We're friends right? It doesn't matter that I got crowned."
"Ch… Milord. Sorry, it's just easier for me." Saying his name was hard… Looking at him was just the same. With the two of them with such intimacy, Cordelia just wanted to leave now.
"Even still, thank you. You're going back home to Robin now correct? Tell him I said hello alright?"
"He'll be happy to hear from you… Even if you'll see each other in the morning." She bowed and started for the door, but something nagged at her. As much as she wanted to leave she turned back around, "… Milord, may I ask one thing?"
"Of course. Speak your mind."
"Oh, well I'm not sure if you'd wish for that…" Cordelia laughed bitterly, "I was only curious as to what you… love about Sumia the most."
"Oh." Chrom blushed, taken aback by the personal question. Although once the initial embarrassment passed, a few thoughts passed his mind that made him smile, "I suppose it's because she makes me feel full."
"Pardon?"
"I mean her pies are wonderful and I'm sure to have gained weight as proof-but its more than that. With her I feel complete. As her best friend I'm sure you know Sumia is good at taking care of others… and after experiencing that, I want to do the same for her. Gods I hope I don't sound like a character from Lissa's romance novels.
"No it's not as cheesy at that, but it is sweet. Thank you for telling me... Chrom. Good night." Cordelia looked back at the two. Sumia unconsciously adjusted herself to use Chrom's whole lap. Her hands gripped his legs as if they were truly pillows. Chrom didn't mind however as he gently stroked a few stray hairs out of his face. He removed his cape to cover Sumia, carefully tucking in the sides to retain as much heat as possible.
"So that's what you wanted…" She took one last look back and wish she hadn't. After gently stroking a few stray hairs out of her face, Chrom gently kissed Sumia's temple. Staying any longer felt like she was intruding, this moment was clearly did not involve her.
It was nice to return to an actual home rather than her personal quarters at the castle. As the Pegasus Knight Captain she had quite the nice room (inherited from Phila), but the space and furniture wouldn't be any comfort to her now. And even if it was only a five-minute walk away, just being outside of the castle was refreshing. The house itself was rather small compared to their neighbors but for the occupants' busy schedule, the size was just right. Using her key to open the door, Cordelia was greeted with the wonderful scent of dinner.
"There you are! So you managed to get out of the wedding preparations." Robin appeared from the kitchen, with plates and silverware in hand and a smile on his face, "You're just in time."
The dining room perfectly set. On top of their green tablecloth was a well-cooked meal of quail and salad. After setting the plates Robin lit the candles with a little ember radiating from his cupped hands.
"Oh you shouldn't have gone through all this effort for me Robin."
"For you? I'm quite hungry as well you know." Cordelia tried to smile as she reached out to grab Robin's hand but her facial muscles failed her, "I'm sorry Robin… I can't even manage a smile for you."
"Nonsense… I'm actually quite happy. Not about your frown though we should fix that. Instead, I'm happy for your honesty with me." He sat her down at the table and served her the leg (her favorite part) and water, "Here, I'm sure it's not as good as the tastings you've had today-but at least forgo the wine. I feel like that's been a staple of your diet for the past few days."
"I suppose I could manage that." She looked up to see Robin eating away, muttering about what spices to use for the next attempt. Although whatever he was planning on changing would be wrong. Everything tasted delicious. It was way better then anything she had at the castle. For the first time in weeks she found herself with an appetite. It was also the first time the food she ate made her feel full. However the home cooked meal, the happy welcome home… All his kindness pained her, "Robin, are you really fine with this? With me, a mess of jealousy?"
Robin put his silverware down, "We talked about this remember? You're sorting things out and that takes time."
"But… What about you? Surely I'm causing you pain."
"By saying yes to me, you've already taken the first step. I'm happy as can be." Cordelia searched his face for any hint of doubt or regret. Recognizing the challenge he stared directly back, hoping she could see sincerity in his eyes. She could see the candlelight flicker in his dark brown eyes and after a few moments of searching Cordelia sighed.
"You really deserve someone better."
"I only settle for the best… See! We fixed that smile problem of yours," He reached to grab Cordelia's hand across the table. She surprised herself when she reached to receive him. She squeezed back softly and gently, barely recognizable by touch, but an effort all the same.
A/N: Hello. It's been a while. I'm sorry. Putting that aside, a Cordelia x MU was requested by Swordmaster75 a long time ago and I combined it into another idea that dealt with Sumia and Cordelia's friendship. I mean, Sumia should've known Cordelia liked Chrom because it was so obvious... But it was never addressed, especially if you paired Sumia x Chrom. There's gotta be tension there.
Also this isn't really complete, I just ended it here because it seemed like a good spot (if I kept writing this would be too long!) and I really wanted to post something since its been such a long time. I could easily do a second part, but that may be posted after some other chapters/stories depending if anyone wants to see the conclusion sooner. Thanks for reading (if there's any spelling/grammar errors please be kind, it's really late) :D