Shanzira and Chrom: S Support.

Written from Chrom's point of view.

This... is hard. I think I understand why Shanzira freezes up every now and then. She's... terrified... Of what, I'm not sure.

What am I scared of? Failure? The worst that can happen is she says no. ... That would be... horrifying. R-right. All the more reason not to hesitate. I'll just find her and talk!

There! Just exiting her tent, with a canvas panel under one arm. Perhaps I should be more formal and use her full name. "Shanzira." That came out as a pant. I'm... out of breath? Gods, why am I so nervous?

"Oh, Chrom!" She's surprised. Did I sneak up on her? "What can I do for yo– wait. Nothing happened to that painting, did it?"

Wh– no! "It's as safe as it can be." She relaxes somewhat. I haven't let anything happen to it. It's... Well, I find it... special. "I have had to keep it out of Frederick's hands," I don't even want to imagine what would happen if he saw it, "but it's otherwise fine."

It's not exactly fine-art quality, but it has a unique style. Perhaps that's her way of perceiving the world, in bright colors and large eyes. it definitely suits her– a woman of such bright colors would see the world in the same.

Wait, she's... Hesitating. She's nervous, more so than I am. Her eyes point at the ground and her shoulders are raising up in apprehension, the way Donny's do just before battle. Perhaps I shou– "I... I hope you have room in your tent for another one, because I did another painting." Oh. So she can still speak... I suppose I don't need to help her. Wait, what? ... Another pai– that canvas panel is for me?

It's only been a few days. "This quickly? I have to commend your haste." I can't help myself, I stare at the back of it. What can it be, another painting of me?

"I'd... I'd say it's even better, but..." The painting shakes– Shanzira shivered. "Oh, gods, it's embarrassing..."

What can I do to calm her down?

I carefully put my hands on her shoulders and look her straight in the eyes. "None of your paintings are an embarrassment, Shanzira." Quick, what next? "I know how you don't trust anyone with your artwork, but I'd be honored to see it."

Her eyebrows raise up like a tent. "B... but... Oh, gods, let this be over quickly!" I look back down, she's turned it ar–

Oh my...

U-um...

I'm not sure I can speak.

"Look, it's been stuck in my head for such a long time and I had to put paint to canvas. I fell in love with you, and all I can daydream about is making that come true. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I– I couldn't help myself– You're just handsome, sweet, strong, and so so CUTE when you're embarrassed! What woman would not succumb to your charms?!"

I need a moment to register all that, she said it fast. "I would ask you a similar question," wait. What? The words are just coming right out of my mouth! "What man would not want the love of such a beautiful, selfless, and honest lady as yourself?"

Well, Shanz's frozen for a moment, not scared, but confused. That gives me time to think. I... I think I know what to say now. I sneak a hand into my pocket. "Wuh... wait." She raises her head back up to look at me. "You're... saying you..."

She doesn't seem confident saying it herself. I'll do it for her. "I had meant to be the one to ask first, but you've beaten me to it." In one smooth, fluid motion, I lower myself to one knee and offer up the hand previously in my pocket, now holding a box in it. "I want to give this to you."

Again, Shanz freezes... "That..." Well, not quite. She's shaking. "You..." A lot. This... Is this not what she wants? "I..." Why is she... How can she still be nervous? "You want... to marry me? You're offering me that ring to... to... to show that you love me..." Her eyes slide off of me and focus on some point in the distance. "... More than anyone..."

She may not see it, but I nod. "I am. My parents had this ring made on the occasion of my birth, and told me to give it to the woman I would spend my life with. This," I pause for effect, "is what it was meant for, Shanzira. It was meant to belong to the woman I love. You."

I've put it as plainly as I can, I've made everything clear and simple for her. There's nothing to misunderstand, right? She should be okay.

She falls to her knees– Is she all right? Shanzira, are you– "Yes," she breathes. "That's the only word I have. Yes. You're a prince, I'm a dreamer who knows far too much, I thought it unfair if I dared pursue you, but you love me back, so... Yes. There's no reason to say no." She giggles a little, looks back up, and repeats. "There's no reason to say no. I'm honored... and so, so, so relieved..."

I brace her shoulders again. "Thank you... my love. I still can't believe you confessed to me first... You may have trembled all the while, but you're still bolder than most women to have done such a thing. This kind of courage you have, along with your cheerfulness and your wit, is why I want you by my side." I hold her tight. "It's why I–"

"Chrom–"

"–want you to–"

"HEY!" MY EARS!

Oh. Uh. I got carried away. Shanzira speaks up too quickly for me to apologize, but I can at least look apologetic. "No need to pick up my habit of rambling, Chrom. I talk enough for the both of us, two blabbermouths is overkill. But... I can't say I ever get tired of hearing your voice. Perhaps I should speak less..."

"But then, I would not hear you speak so often... and your voice to my ears is as honey to my tongue. At any rate... We'll hear a lot of each other's voices as we live together happily, right?" Smile, Chrom!

Shanz's face softens into a grin, and she falls against me without a word.

Author's notes: Well this one was sort of weird to write. Hrm. I just threw out my plans for the timeskip arc, or, well, all the ones involving the nosy heroine here. The best person I know to ask for writing advice is my mother, of all people. Fanfic writing runs in the family or something.

I can't tell if I need more sleep or this caffeine is getting to me, but either way my head feels weird!