Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem: Awakening

Robin later admitted she believed her thoughts that night had jinxed them. Cordelia didn't blame her.

In Regna Ferox, the khans' spies had reported Ylisstol had fallen. Exalt Emmeryn had been captured by the Plegians, and taken across their borders. She was scheduled to be executed within the moon.

Chrom had, upon hearing the news, ordered they were to go to Plegia to rescue the exalt. Robin had taken responsibility for forming the plan to get them into Plegia and conduct the rescue mission. The Shepherds now marched towards Plegia.

All of this was on top of Cordelia's own personal situation. The evening the army began its march towards Plegia, Chrom had approached her.

"Cordelia?" She had been tending to some weapons, and had jumped out of her skin at his voice. She twirled.

"Y-y-yes Chrom?" She asked, already feeling the heat rise. What did he want to talk to her about?

Chrom frowned, "Are you feeling alright? You seem awfully flushed..."

"I-I'm fine!" She assured him, "Was there something you needed?"

"Well, for one, Sumia informed me that you passed out the other night. I wanted to make sure that you were doing alright."

She had mixed feelings about his concern, "I'm doing fine," she assured him, "It was just..." she grasped for the words, "It was nothing. Really! I'm fine!"

He still seemed skeptical, but he let it go. "The other thing I wanted to say is, thank you."

She blinked, "Huh? For what?"

"For your words the other night," he explained, taking on a determined look, "After what's happened, I've realized...I cannot give up so easily. It is like you said, my sister is still alive. And I need to do everything in my power to keep it that way. I cannot let myself bear the guilt for something that had not yet happened."

"Chrom..." Cordelia whispered. He was trying to assure himself that he would be able to rescue the exalt.

"All I can do is have faith, in Robin, in myself, and in everyone who is willing to help us. That and do my best," he smiled at her, and her insides melted, "Your words the other night helped me realize this. So, again, thank you."

"I-It was nothing!" She stammered out.

He chuckled, "Well then, I'll leave you to your work." He turned, and left the tent.

She had collapsed, sinking against the wall of the tent, her heart pounding. The conversation had echoed in her head, making her dizzy. Thank the gods she didn't pass out. Once she sunk back down to earth, she had sighed, stood up, and continued working.

Cordelia now tended to her mount in the paddock. She replayed the memory in her mind and sighed. She and Chrom kept getting paired together by Robin, just like the tactician promised. Slowly, but surely, she was getting used to Chrom's presence. Or at least she was becoming less flustered around him. Perhaps she had a chance of getting somewhere with Chrom after all?

"Oh, there you are!"

She turned her head. Sumia approached her with a smile on her face, a bag in one hand. What did she want?

"I've been looking for you," Sumia exclaimed, "Can you deliver this to Frederick for me?" She handed her bag to her fellow pegasus knight.

Cordelia took the bag, even as she studied the other pegasus knight, "Can't you deliver it yourself?"

"I would," Sumia admitted, "But Robin wants me out there. Right now, actually."

A voice, which Cordelia recognized as Vaike, echoed from a short distance away, "Sumia! Robin says we need to leave!"

"Coming!" Sumia called over her shoulder. She turned shimmering eyes to her companion, "Please?"

Cordelia chuckled at her friend's desperation, "Alright," She peeked into the bag. Fresh, prepared food rested inside.

"Oh, thank you!" Another call came for Sumia. She said goodbye to Cordelia and set off. Cordelia winced as her friend tripped, righted herself, and continued on.

Sumia was such a sweet thing, and she tried her absolute hardest. Cordelia looked inside the bag again. She could at least do her friend this favor. Giving her mount an affectionate pat, she set off through the camp to search for Frederick.

She found the knight at the training grounds, observing a spar between Sully and Stahl. Cordelia heard Frederick make a few comments towards Sully. He said nothing to Stahl, odd given how he was equally strict with everyone. When Cordelia got close enough to listen, she found out why.

"Put some damn force behind it!" Sully yelled, "I know you can come at me harder than this, so do it!"

"I'm trying!" Stahl yelped, as he parried a blow from the red cavalier. His movements were more timid than usual, and he winced as Sully glared at him.

"Well, try harder!" She barked.

Cordelia allowed herself an amused smile at the antics as she reached Frederick.

"I see the two of them are working hard," she commented.

Frederick turned to her and beamed, "Ah, Cordelia!" He spared a glance at the cavaliers, "Stahl requested that I observe their duel in case I notice anything he can work on. Apparently Sully is working him very hard."

"I believe it," Cordelia held out the bag, "Sumia wanted me to give you this."

"Hm?" He took the bag and peered inside. "Ah, I see. I'm going to need to thank her for this when she returns. But she really doesn't need to worry."

"Worry?" She asked.

"Yes, apparently she's been quite concerned that I have been working myself too hard recently," he retrieved an apple from the bag, "But I can demand no less of myself with recent occurrences. Oh, what's this?" He pulled out a folded paper.

"It looks like she left you a message," She said. Knowing Sumia, it was something like 'enjoy the meal'. It seemed Robin's observation that something was occurring between Frederick and Sumia had been correct.

"Actually, it's addressed to you."

"Hah?" Cordelia took the paper out of Frederick's hand. Written on the front of it was 'Cordelia.' She unfolded it. A cooking recipe for a meal was written on it, and, right above it, a message.

'Cordelia,

Chrom loved this recipe I used! It took me awhile to get it right, but it was worth it. Try it out for yourself. Good luck!

Sumia'

Sumia was sometimes far more clever than people gave her credit for. Cordelia blushed as she realized what the other pegasus knight was trying to do.

"What did it say?" Frederick asked, then shook his head, "Ah, my apologies, I don't mean to pry."

"It's fine," Cordelia assured him, "But I'd still rather not say..." She looked at the message again and her blush deepened. "I-I better go."

"Very well, I will see you later." Frederick returned to observing the spar. Cordelia watched long enough to see Stahl get knocked flat on the ground before leaving.

She wondered if she should show Robin the message. It seemed the tactician was no longer the only one who wanted Cordelia and Chrom together. Sumia could be helpful, and useful in squashing the rumors that gave Robin so much grief.

Cordelia's mind made up, she searched for the tactician. She found Robin talking with Lissa near a storage tent.

"Me and a few other girls heard you screaming this morning," Lissa said, "What happened?"

Robin turned a light shade of red, "I'd rather not say."

"...Does it have anything to do with how Chrom all but volunteered to help with the Risen spotted?"

"Lissa, I'm serious, drop it."

Cordelia coughed. Both of the other girls turned. Lissa smiled, "Oh, hi Cordelia! Did you need something?"

"I actually wish to speak with Robin," Cordelia replied, then added, "In private." Lissa narrowed her eyes. Cordelia stood her ground, "I'm serious. This is a matter I do not wish others to overhear."

Lissa eyed her. After a moment, she shrugged, "Alright, you two have a nice chat!" She walked away.

Cordelia watched the cleric leave, "That was...surprisingly easy..."

"You do know that she currently hiding behind that tent," Robin said. Cordelia cocked her head,

"How do you know that?"

"Because I know Lissa," Robin said, sounding both fond and tired, "But come on, there's someplace a little more private where we can speak. And moving will keep Lissa from listening in, she won't be able to follow us without giving herself away."

Cordelia followed Robin as she began to lead them away. Cordelia glimpsed Lissa peeking out from behind a nearby tent. The princess's shoulders slouched in disappointment as they passed.

"So, what's going on?" Robin asked.

Cordelia didn't say anything, instead handing the tactician the letter. The blonde skimmed over it. She smiled,

"Perfect, this is exactly what I needed," she looked at Cordelia, "Are you going to make this recipe?"

Cordelia choked, "Are you certain that's a good idea?"

"I think it's an excellent idea," Robin handed the paper back to Cordelia, "It'll be a good next step. I have a few other ideas, but this is one we can use in the meantime."

"If you're sure..." Cordelia mumbled, "But maybe you would be willing to help me...?"

"I would, but..." Robin twirled the end of one of her pigtails, "None of my cooking really turns out too well."

"Oh, certainly it can't be that bad."

"The last time I cooked, the men said that mud tasted better. And I was following a recipe."

"Wait, that was you?"

Cordelia prepared the food in one of the camp kitchens. Robin sat nearby, reading a book.

"Anna's been very good at helping us secure supplies," Robin said, paging through her book, "She's not a bad lockpick either. I'll probably have her accompany Gauis on a few missions."

"Is putting someone like Anna with Gauis a smart thing to do?" Cordelia asked, as she checked the recipe. Sumia's note said Chrom enjoyed this, but Cordelia also added her own touches here and there.

"Why would it not be?"

"Well," the redhead said, "Anna is a shopkeeper, right? And obsessed with gold from what I've seen of her. And Gauis is a thief. Is a merchant and a thief going to be a good combination?"

Robin grimaced, "I see your point."

After a few more minutes, the conversation shifted to another topic.

"I saw Sully and Stahl sparring earlier," Cordelia commented.

"Oh, that," Robin flipped another page, "Those two, Sully's determined to shape them into another 'Bull and Panther.' She's not showing Stahl much mercy in the process."

Cordelia chuckled, "It sounds like those two are becoming quite the pair."

"That's one way to put it. Though I think Sumia and Frederick are much more of a pair at this point."

A silence fell. Cordelia paused in her cooking. Sumia was indeed becoming close with Frederick. She had made him lunch, and the knight admitted she fretted over him. Perhaps they were even...?

"Are they...?" Cordelia started, unable to finish.

Robin flipped another page, "Perhaps, perhaps not. But Frederick recently put in a request to be paired with Sumia whenever possible. Nothing solid yet, but there's something there, I think."

The redhead sighed, "They'll be good together, I think. Frederick will treat her well, and I hope she'll be happy with him." She was happy for Sumia, that she was having such a successful courtship. Cordelia just wished her own romantic life was going anywhere as close to as smooth as Sumia's. But then, that why was Robin was helping.

Cordelia put the finishing touches on the meal. She hoped that she had done everything correctly. "It's ready."

Robin closed her book, coming over appraise the food, "It looks good. I'm sure Chrom will enjoy it. Now, let's get it over to him."

Cordelia flinched, "N-now?"

"He hasn't had much to eat today," Robin explained, "I think he'll enjoy the meal, and it will mean a lot more if you deliver this to him personally."

"P-personally?"

Robin gave the other woman a look, "Of course. Oh, don't look at me like that Cordelia, you can't be afraid of personal contact with him forever if you want to get anywhere."

Cordelia sighed, "I know that...Still doesn't make it any harder."

"But you're getting better," Robin said, "I've noticed you're a bit less nervous around him after a battle. It seems that being paired-up with him is certainly helping."

"I won't argue that," A wistful feeling struck Cordelia as she packed the meal into a bag, "But...It's still hard not to believe...that what I truly want is out of reach..."

"Don't be like that," Robin scolded, "You just need confidence. And perhaps just a little more self-esteem. That's another thing we might have to work on."

"Breathe Cordelia!"

Cordelia released her breath at Robin's words. She looked over at the tactician, who stood nearby. "Are you sure that this is a good time?" She asked. Cordelia held the bag of food, positioned at the entrance to Chrom's tent.

Robin nodded, "He's inside, he's not all that busy, it's fine. Just go on in."

Cordelia hesitated, "Aren't you coming in with me?"

The blonde pinked and shook her head, "I'm afraid not. It will be...very awkward between us..."

Now Cordelia was curious, "Does it have to do with what Lissa was talking about earlier?"

"Don't ask, please." Robin coughed, "There are some things that others are not meant to know."

"I see. I'm sorry for prying." Cordelia wondered what happened. Something embarrassing, likely. She could relate. Shrugging it off, she turned back to the tent . Steeling her nerves, she went inside.

Just as Robin said, Chrom was inside, by himself, looking over something. Cordelia summoned her courage and cleared her throat.

Chrom looked up, and she blushed at his smile, "Ah, Cordelia. Was there something you needed?"

For once, the words didn't catch in her throat. She held out the bag, "I heard you haven't eaten much today, so I made you something."

"Really?" Her flush deepened as he stood and moved towards her. He took the bag from her, sending a jolt through her arm. He opened it and looked inside. He smiled at her. "Thank you, this was very thoughtful."

She backed up, bowing her head, "You're very welcome! I hope you like it!" Unable think of anything else to say, she pivoted and fled.

She stopped a short distance from the tent, panting. Once her pulse slowed, she covered her face with an arm, "Argh, I can't believe I just ran away like that..."

"At least you went through with it," Robin commented, coming up to her from her position, "It's progress, at least."

Cordelia said nothing. She stood there for a few minutes, her thoughts jumbled.

A cheerful voice broke in, "Cordelia!"

She lowered her arm. Sumia neared them. Robin intercepted the other pegasus knight.

"You're back I see," Robin said, "How did it go?"

Sumia pointed, "Miriel has the full report. Or she did. No one could understand it, so Anna wrote it up instead. She's waiting for you that way."

Robin nodded, "Thank you, Sumia." She gave Cordelia a nod, headed in the direction Sumia had pointed.

Sumia grinned at the redhead, "So, how did it go?"

"How did what go?" Cordelia asked.

"You did get my message, didn't you?"

Cordelia nodded, "I did..."

"And...?"

She bowed her head, "I...went ahead and made it. I gave it to him...but I didn't stick around for long..." She clenched a fist, "I'm such an embarrassment, Sumia! I fled like a coward!"

Sumia shook her head, placing a hand on her friend, "You're not cowardly. Just easily embarrassed. Especially around Chrom. You don't need to be ashamed of that." Sumia squeezed Cordelia's shoulder, causing her to lift her head, "But I was so glad to see you finally start trying! You've been in love with Chrom for so long...That was the best way I could think of to help."

Cordelia placed a hand over her friend's, "Thank you, Sumia. I appreciate it, truly."

Sumia chuckled, "I would help more but..." She looked away, "I tend to screw a lot of things up, if you haven't noticed."

"It's alright," Cordelia assured her, "What you did today was extremely helpful, thank you again."

Sumia's smile grew smaller, as a touch of sympathy entered her eyes, "You're going to have your work cut out for you. You have really tough competition."

Cordelia blinked, "What do you mean?"

"Well, isn't Robin also after Chrom? While I'm sure you'll be able to eventually do it, it's still going to be tough to beat out someone like her!"

"I knew it," Robin groaned, burying herself in her papers on her desk, "I saw this coming, but it doesn't make it any better."

So, the activities the other night had, like sh predicted, sparked rumors of a love triangle. She didn't know whether to be impressed with her foresight, or depressed. What was it going to take to remove herself from this romantic equation?

She and Cordelia were back in Robin's tent. Robin still had her head on her desk when she heard Cordelia speak,

"Are we going to tell Sumia about what we are doing?"

Robin lifted her head, "I've thought it over, and no, we are not."

Cordelia blinked, "But why not?"

Robin sighed, grabbing a nearby paper. She skimmed over it as she spoke, "I did, initially, strongly consider telling Sumia. She is well-connected to the rumors. But that is a double edged sword. No, Cordelia, don't look at me like that. Something tells me she won't be able to keep her mouth shut on this, one way or another. In any case, her eventual reveal of our doings could initially squash the rumors of me and Chrom potentially being an item, but I doubt it will for long."

"Why not?" Cordelia asked.

Robin pinched her nose, "Have you heard of something called a 'matchmaker crush?'"

"Oh."

"Exactly," Robin said, "Knowledge of our plans has just as much potential to fan the flames as it does to douse it. Not to mention the, however slim, chance of Chrom finding out."

Cordelia blushed, and Robin knew she was thinking about what would happen if he found out Robin had been trying to get him and Cordelia together. It would be awkward and embarrassing, for sure.

"No, we have to keep our plans under wraps. It's for the best," Robin glanced at nearby book, "I'll talk to you more tomorrow. I need make some tweaks for our plans going into Plegia."

Cordelia nodded, "I understand." She stood up from her seat, and left the tent.

After she left, Robin grabbed the book, flipping it open. She cross-referenced it against some maps. So much depended on her having a successful plan. It wouldn't be easy. Part of it depended on the fact it was a blatant trap to ease their going in. Getting out with the exalt, on the other hand, would be far trickier.

...And this was on top of her plans to get Chrom together with Cordelia for various personal reasons. The plan was going well, but the rumors had only slowed, not stopped. The persistent whispers filled Robin with dread.

She rubbed the center of her forehead, "When did my life get so complicated?"

A/N: What happened to Robin earlier in this chapter? Her B Support with Chrom happened. I actually like FeMU's Support conversations with Chrom. A lot of people boil it down to 'saw each other naked' but I like to think it's more than that. It's implied in their C support that Chrom views FeMU as simply 'one of the guys' hence why he never really thought of her as a lady. The B and A conversations are basically about him being forced to realize, in one of the most jarring ways possible, that his best friend is, indeed, a girl.

A sincere thanks to all my reviewers!