Of Dawn and Mercenaries

Description: Just fluff, but a pairing you definitely don't see every day - Leonardo/Laura.

Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem, Intelligent Systems or Nintendo. Sorry, no witty quotes this time.

ab -The Sea Breeze and Sunset- ba

The soft sounds of ocean breezes were heard. Though this town was quiet, he loved the place because it was the best place to go to look at the ocean.

"...Leonardo?"

He glanced back briefly, a smile on his face. She liked this town as well; she liked listening to the sounds of the sea and the wind. She stepped closer, standing beside him.

"Hello, Laura."

She smiled as well. Ever since she had found out that he, too, loved the ocean, she had been wanting to take him to all of the coastal towns. This one, however, was suggested to her by him.

"...Leonardo, it's so peaceful out here. So beautiful and peaceful. I'm... so glad that the war's over."

"Yes... me too."

She looked at him for a moment, embarrassed by his presence. He had grown a little taller, and his hair had grown out a little... she thought he was so handsome, with that golden-blond hair and those stormy gray-blue eyes. The way he stood regally overlooking the ocean made him look truly magnificent. It was no wonder women were so drawn to him.

"Leonardo?"

"...Yes? What is it?"

So polite and... beautiful! She smiled, a little excited to be speaking with him one-on-one for the first time in a long while. "Leonardo, I... I have a little something to tell you."

He nodded. "Please, do tell."

"...I really like you," she whispered, leaning close to his ear. "I know a lot of girls go after you, but... I think I should be yours."

"...Hah... Laura, please don't flatter me," he said. "But, I'll be honest... you're not a bad person either. Have you thought of... settling down someday? I mean, perhaps it isn't right for a priestess like you, but..."

She smiled. "...No, that's fine. If you truly wish to take it that far... I wouldn't mind..."

"Hm... I'll be honest, Laura," he said. "Of all the girls chasing after me, you were by far my favorite. Sweet, kind and delicate... yet you still were not afraid to fight when you had to."

"Then... will you really...?" A blush had crossed her face; she was happy and embarrassed at the same time. "...Oh, thank you so much, Leonardo...!"

A brilliant sparkle was in his eyes as he looked back at her, only slightly turning his head. She couldn't help but admire him... he was gorgeous, simply stunning. And to think... he had basically proposed to her! His next words made her overflow with joy...

"...Laura, I'll live with you. I'd be willing to marry you... if it's alright by your laws."

"Please, Leonardo, don't worry about that. I'll be just fine." She took his hand, holding it tightly. "...You know, I've always admired you. I always thought you were a splendid man. And... I don't think I'm the only one."

"...I knew you admired me," he said. "We've been friends ever since you first joined the Dawn Brigade... Edward and I, we truly thought you were a great companion. Had the Dawn Brigade stayed together, you surely would've made a splendid teammate."

"Yes, I still remember the first time I spoke with you two," she said, smiling. "...Edward may be a tad rough and rowdy, but I really don't mind. You're the one I'm really after..." she remarked with a wink.

"...Mm..." He looked back to the fading sun on the horizon. "Sunset over the ocean has always been one of my favorite things... would you like to watch it with me?"

"Yes... Leonardo... of course. It would be... my pleasure."

He was her idol. Everything about him was beyond beautiful. His hair seemed to meld with the wind as it blew; the sunset was reflected in his eyes like a mirror. She wondered, deep inside, why he liked the water so much. She felt almost as if he was one with nature.

"...Leonardo, I love you."

His hand strayed once again to hers, grasping it gently. "...I love you too, Laura."

abcba

Author's Note: Yes, I know, I know... I took it too fast. Way too fast. But I'm no good at developing relationships... and this was a oneshot, what do you expect? Geez. ;;

Anyway, yeah. This fic was inspired by Leonardo's Water affinity, Laura's Wind affinity and the Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles song "Overlooking the Great Ocean". Peachy, huh? And yes, all the girls do find Leonardo attractive - check out his ending. I honestly can't blame him for having so many fans!