Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem: Awakening
"Is there a reason you and Chrom are so awkward around each other?"
Robin looked down at Nowi, who peered up with an innocent smile. Nowi was a new recruit, and a valuable one. She was a manakete, dragonkin. Powerful, and would no doubt be useful in the coming battles. She was over a thousand years old, however, her kind grew at a much slower rate than humans. As a result, she had the appearance, and often the actions, of a child.
Nowi had wandered in while Robin checked up on the supplies. The shade of the supply tent was a welcome reprieve from the heat of the Plegian dessert.
Robin sighed, "It's because of an incident before you joined up. He hasn't really been acting the same around me since."
"Oh!" Nowi's eyes lit up, "Are you two in love?"
"Hah?" Robin stared at Nowi as she continued,
"That must be why you two are so fidgety around each other! Because you love each other!"
Suppressing her frustration, Robin kept her voice calm and even, "First of all, only Chrom is, as you say, 'fidgety' around me. And it's understandable given what happened. Give him some time and he'll get it over it."
"He won't get over it if he's in love with you," Nowi pointed out. She cradled her cheeks, "Oh, it's so romantic..."
"You never struck me as the romantic type..."
The dragon stuck out her tongue, "Can't go a thousand years without seeing some of it! And I like to think I've learned to see some of signs!"
"I think you're reading too much into it," Robin deadpanned, "Me and Chrom do not have any sort of romantic feelings for each other."
"That's what they all say!" Nowi singsonged, "Anyway, I'm going to go out and play. See you at dinner!"
"Nowi, wait!" But the manakete had already darted out of the tent. Robin placed a hand over her face. This was never going to end, was it? At least not until something substantial happened between Chrom and Cordelia. Perhaps she needed to be a bit more overt after all?
She finished up her inventory of the supplies. Leaving the tent, she muttered to herself,
"Let's see, the axes and lances are kept around here somewhere. I'll just take a quick inventory and see if any need repairs or replacing," she poked about the nearby tents, until she found one that looked promising, "Ah, here, the arms storage tent I presume? I'll just-AGHHHHH!"
Cordelia sat on the other end of the mess hall table, watching the tactician and lord. Robin discussed something with Chrom. The two had regained their former level of comfort around each other. Whatever caused the embarrassment between them had been cleared up.
Stahl sat across from Cordelia, rubbing his neck, "Ow, I'm going to be feeling today's workout later."
Cordelia took a bite of her meal, "You need to push yourself if you want to get better," she said, "This will only make you stronger."
"Oh, I know that," Stahl said with a smile, "Trust me, what Sully's putting me through is nothing compared to the training I did when I was studying under Frederick. Now THAT was scary," he shivered, then leaned, "But, hey, Cordelia, can I confess something to you?"
"What is it?"
He inhaled, "I like Sully. I mean, really like her. I've been using these sessions as an excuse to get close to her."
"Oh," She smiled, "I wish you the best of luck with her."
"I think I'm going to need it," He confessed, "She projects this...aura and it's enough to leave any guy quivering. But I love it, I really do."
Stahl and Sully will be a good match. Romance seemed to be blossoming among many of the Shepherds. At one table, Ricken took tea with Maribelle, the two of them engaged in casual talk. Gregor, a new recruit, sat across from Panne, the latter refusing to meet his eyes, but the subtle twitch of her ears indicated she listened despite herself. Lissa sat near Lon'qu. Or to be more accurate, she tried to, but every time she got close, he flinched to the other end of the table, causing the princess to withdraw with a frustrated but amused smile. Nowi pestered Gauis, trying to claim one of his treats.
The sound of laughter turned Cordelia's head. Robin giggled, a hand over her mouth. Chrom leaned back in his seat, his cheeks red. The redhead's chest tightened. Was something between them after all? She turned away. It wouldn't surprise her, if Robin did develop feelings for Chrom. Cordelia always knew she was never good enough for him, while Robin would be perfect.
She missed the glimmer of concern in the tactician's eye, as she noticed her companion's blush.
"Cordelia?"
Cordelia, thinking to herself at the edge of camp, stiffened at Chrom's voice. Her heart pounded, but she forced herself to turn around and smile.
"Good day, Chrom," Cordelia said, "Did you need something?"
"Actually-" he started.
A powerful wind interrupted him. Cordelia felt an ominous chill, as it picked up in speed. Then, the desert itself swirled in the air. The sand stung her skin and eyes. She shut them and brought up her arm against the swirling sand.
"It's a sandstorm!" Chrom exclaimed, "We need to get inside!"
Cordelia didn't respond. The wind and sand lashed her face, making it hard to speak. Chrom took her arm and led her to the tents. They entered one. She relaxed, no longer feeling the harsh wind buffering at her. She opened her eyes, blinking out the sand. Which tent was this? One of the supply...?
Oh gods, she knew which tent this was. She turned red as Chrom released her.
"We can wait out the storm here," he said. He shook his head, "Though I have to wonder how it was able to catch us off guard like that."
"Th-the dust storm here in Plegia can be very sudden, I've heard," Cordelia said, trying to keep herself calm.
"Yes, well..." An awkward silence fell. She stood, unsure what to do. After a few moments, Chrom said, "Why don't you take a seat, you can relax in here."
She did what she was told, as he took a seat nearby. Another silence fell. The wind battered at the tent. She hoped everyone else was alright. This seemed like a powerful storm. The camp would need repairs later.
Chrom spoke again, "Can I talk to you about something?"
"Wh-what is it?" She asked, her nerves seizing.
"First of all, I've told you, there's no need to be nervous. Take a couple of breaths," he said.
"I-I'm sorry!" She said, "It's just that we're here...in your tent...alone..."
His cheeks pinked, and he rubbed the back of his head "Yes...well...In hindsight, perhaps I should have taken us to the mess tent instead...I apologize, I wasn't really thinking straight."
"It's fine!" She said, "No, really, it's fine! That storm caught us off guard, it's only natural not to think completely straight under such circumstances."
"Still, I have to apologize anyway," he sighed, "If anyone catches us, they'll probably get the wrong idea..."
"I wouldn't mind that..." she whispered, low enough that he wouldn't hear. She would welcome it, in fact. It would also make Robin happy.
"Huh? Did you say something?"
"N-nothing," she took a deep breath, soothing her nerves, and telling herself to be calm. No need to be nervous, like he said., "You said you wanted to talk to me about something?"
"Yes," His eyes became distant, "It's just that...lately it's been...well, difficult for me, I guess."
"I can imagine," she said, "Leading this army in the face of a situation so personal for you...Many of us deeply sympathize with you situation. Including me. I know what it's like...to have to live up to great expectations."
"Cordelia..." Chrom whispered.
She shook her head, ashamed of herself, "I'm sorry. That's my own issue. Please, go on."
"No, please," he gazed at her and her heart fluttered, "I want to hear what it is you want to say."
"What's there to say?" She sighed, "From day one, people have called me 'genius,' 'amazing,' 'one of the finest,' and other such things. I do everything I can to live up to that praise...but I won't deny that it's difficult, and I often feel short of those words."
"You don't give yourself enough credit," he said, "You are an amazing pegasus knight, but you truly don't realize that."
The words sang in her ears, "Th-thank you..." she whispered, "Hearing those words from an amazing man like you..." Wait, what was she saying? Her hands flew to her mouth, "ACK! Was that out loud!?" She turned bright red and groaned, leaning back in her chair "Oh gods, just strike me down now..." How humiliating!
"Um," Chrom looked uncertain, "I'm not completely sure what you're going on about..."
"I-I'm sorry!" She managed to get out, "Please, continue on!"
"Alright...but there's not much for me to say," he looked away, and not for the first time, she saw the heavy weight on his shoulders, "Like you said, leading this army when Emm...This army needs me to put on a brave front, but in truth, I'm terrified. If, gods forbid, something happens...I'm not my sister, not in the least. Nowhere near the person she is..."
"You underestimate yourself, Chrom," Cordelia said, "You're an incredible leader. We all wouldn't follow you otherwise. Whatever happens, whatever comes, we are lucky to have you at the helm."
He smiled at her, "Thank you, I shall keep those words in mind."
She returned the smile, and they fell into a comfortable silence. After a while, he spoke again, "There is one more thing..."
"Hm? What is it?" She asked. What else was bothering him?
"Lately I've been...confused, I guess. My feelings have been all mixed up and I am not certain how to handle it..."
"I can relate, to a degree. With everything that's been going on, and whatever other personal troubles you may have...I'm afraid that I have no easy advice to give," she made her smile as reassuring as she could, "Just...keep in mind that we are all here for you, Chrom."
He seemed thoughtful at those words, "Yes, you all have been here for me..." He smiled and nodded at her, "Thank you again, I'm glad we got the chance to talk."
Her heart throbbed, "I'm happy I was able to help!"
When the winds died down, the two of them emerged from the tent. Soldiers scrambled around, regrouping after the storm. Voices and shouts came from every part of the camp.
"I need to go and assess the situation," Chrom said. She nodded in understanding,
"I'm going to see if anything needs repairing," she said, "Good luck."
Before they parted, a voice came, "You two are alright! Thank goodness!"
Robin reached them, her cloak covered in dust. No one else probably looked any better. A bath was going to be in the cards for many of them.
"How's everything looking?" Chrom asked.
"There was some damage to the north, and northeast part of camp," the tactician reported, "Frederick is currently rounding up volunteers to conduct repairs."
"I'll have to report in with him them," Cordelia said. It didn't surprise her to hear Frederick was already organizing the repair effort.
Robin continued, "I'm currently doing a role check. Most everyone immediately got inside a tent to wait out the storm, but there were a few incidents." Oh no, no, that meant someone had gotten injured because of the storm, "Most notably, Sumia remained outside to ensure that the horses and pegasi all got inside the paddock tent we sent up for this purpose. She wasn't covering her face with anything for most of it, and is currently being treated infirmary."
"She what!?" Cordelia couldn't believe what she had just heard, "She did something so foolish? I can't believe it!"
"But she did manage to make sure that we didn't lose any animals," Robin said, "I doubt anyone other than her could even handle them once the storm hit. She should have taken the needed precautions, but to be fair, the sandstorm caught all of us off guard."
"I'm going to go check on her," Cordelia declared, "Can you tell Frederick that I will be along soon?"
"No need. Just pass on the message to Sumia that he's worried about her. He would be there by her side now, but he told me that he needed to make sure that we got the camp back in order, as painful as it is. If you were to visit Sumia in his place and report back, I'm certain that he'll be very grateful."
"I'll do just that," Cordelia said, turning to leave, "I will see both of you later."
She departed, anxious for her friend. It took her just a few moments to find the infirmary tent. Sumia rested on a cot inside.
"Sumia!" Cordelia ran to her companion and kneeled by the side of the bed, "Are you alright? I heard that you got caught out in the storm!"
Sumai coughed, her voice scratchy, "I'm fine...they just said that I inhaled a bit too much dust. This was worth it to make sure that everyone was safe..."
"You mean the animals? Gods Sumia," Cordelia turned her tone scolding, "I understand how you feel, but next time, please, make sure that you are going to be okay as well! You have Frederick worried, you know!"
"Ah, I do?" The other pegasus knight lowered her gaze, "I really didn't mean to make him worry."
"Tell that to him when he inevitably comes in to check on you later," Cordelia placed a gentle hand on her friend, "For now, just focus on recovering. What did the healers say?"
"To not talk too much," Sumia croaked, "And to rest. They say I'll be fine, I just need to not push it..."
The redhead patted the other's arm, standing up, "Then I'll leave you to your rest. Get better soon."
Cordelia exited the tent, intent on assisting with the repairs of the camp. She mulled over what had just happened between her and Chrom. She felt closer to him now. Perhaps...he would even return her feelings? She smiled to herself. For the first time, one of her dearest dreams seemed to be within reach.
/
The next day, Cordelia bumped into Chrom while going to check on the supply tent. He brightened upon seeing her.
"Cordelia! Good, I...needed to talk to you."
She blinked, "What about?"
"Care to walk with me?" He asked, glancing away for a moment, "Its...important..."
She nodded and walked side by side with the lord through the camp. She gave him time as he worked out what he wanted to say. He blew out a breath,
"Remember how I told you how I had been...confused recently?"
"Yes, you mentioned that," she said, "Did you figure it out?"
"I'm not completely sure, but I think I did," he scratched the back of his head, "You and Robin...you spend a lot of time together, right? You two seem like very close friends."
"Not as close as you are to her," she said, "I've seen you two. That's a bond many would envy." Including herself, to a degree.
"Yes, well," he began, "You're both...women...so I would assume that you would talk about things that she isn't comfortable confiding in me, a man..."
That was true, to an extent. A couple of things came to the forefront of her mind. "Perhaps," she said, "Was there something you wanted to ask me about her for that reason?"
"Yes. I'm still a bit mixed up here, but I'm planning to take a leap of faith and see what happens."
"Then what do you need to know?"
Chrom took a deep breath before speaking,
"Do you know...how Robin feels about me...?"