A/N: requested by random guest (I think? I may be confused. well, you know who you are). Thank you very much for requesting! I've never written this pairing, and had to go back and read their supports. But that's okay, I like the challenge.I really hope this is what you wanted! I looked back at it and thought that maybe it didn't have enough, you know, relationship difficulties. Maybe I'm just self conscious..okay, I'll shut up now. But thank you all ever so much for reviewing! I feel so welcomed.

right by your side

NoirexGerome, hints of LibraxTharja

Gerome receives a blessing, and a curse.

The aura in the tent was darker than any battle Gerome had ever seen. He was more nervous now than he was when fighting, that's for sure.

The source of this brooding darkness was his fiancee's mother. Tharja leaned over him, a deepening scowl on her face. In this moment, he was glad to have retained some memory of his upstanding, chivalrous father, as it helped in keeping his eyes either on hers, or focus on Noire's frightened face.

"What makes him think he's worthy to..." the dark mage trailed off. Her eyes flicked briefly over to her husband. Gerome wondered if Libra was currently praying of his future son-in-law's soul.

"Noire, darling, just one hex. I know the perfect one. It binds you forever, and if he so much as thinks an unfaithful thought, this nasty-"

"M-mother!" the timid girl yelped. Gerome tightened his grip on the arms of his chair, but allowed no fear to show on his face. He had something to prove, for Noire. For her, he would stand up to even Tharja.

Libra seemed to think this a fitting moment to step in. He smiled widely at Gerome and Noire. "You have my blessing. It's clear that the two of you have been in love for quite some time. I believe Tharja is just...concerned. Protect our daughter with your life."

Tharja huffed, stopping her perusal of Gerome and backing away. "I will...consent, I suppose. If she comes back hurt in any way, expect death. So give her your life, or lose it anyway."

After that, things went smoothly, if a bit awkward. They finished dinner, Libra waved goodbye, and Tharja sulked behind him. The newly engaged couple set off to their beds.

As they walked along, Gerome took her arm and slipped it under his. Noire blushed but said nothing, though she looked as if she wanted to.

"Something on your mind?"

"I...um...I'm sorry. You know, for my mother."

"Oh. It was nothing. My own mother can be as frightening when she wants to be."

Things became quiet again, until she suddenly smacked his hands away. Her face flushed red, and her fingers twitched, as if longing for a bow to pull on him. "INSOLENT FOOL. I AM MY MOTHER'S OFFSPRING! A MARRIAGE TO ME SHALL BE BLOODY AND FILLED WITH PAIN!"

As soon as it had come, her scream faded. She dropped to the ground, clutching her head.

"I'm so sorry! F-forgive me! ah, I can't..."

Her body shook with sobs. Gerome knelt beside her, and pulled her arms away from her face. The red, teary eyes that stared back at him twisted his insides with the need to hold her, to make her feel loved.

He kissed her forehead, and pulled her into his arms. Noire lay against his chest and cried, until finally she quieted.

"Are you ready to tell me what that was about?" he asked gently.

"I...I was so embarrassed. I s-snapped at you. It gets worse when I'm around Mother sometimes. But I don't want to! I'm afraid that someday you'll get tired of me yelling at you and you'll tell me to leave and then I'll have no one and then if I-"

He hushed her by kissing her lips. "I asked you to marry me. I think that's a firm indication that I never want you to leave me. And didn't I say I would always stay right by your side?"

"Gerome...marrying me won't be easy."

"I don't suppose marriage ever is."

"I'll snap at you, everyday," she whispered.

"I'll argue when you want to do social things," he replied.

"My Mother will be a constant presence in our lives."

"So will my parents. And every one else. How is Tharja any different than say, Inigo?"

"What if I hurt you?"

"I would let you."

Noire gasped, and threw her arms around him. Their faces pressed together, cheek to cheek. "Would you really put up with me for that long?"

"Forever. You are worth it, love."

She smiled happily, and once more they set out for home.