Storm and Cordelia: S Support.
Written from Storm's point of view.
I... The next battle's the last. I have to say something now, or I'll regret it for years. And yet, I can hardly stomach the thought of talking to her. I think I might vomit from nerves alone... No. Just... Find her and talk. Don't bother wetting your feet, just cannonball into the pool.
She'd be attending her pegasus about this time. I've already asked Panne... Who was, coincidentally, with Welsh at the time. I feel like shit, I think I might have walked in on a date.
Well, if I don't act now, I'll never have one!
The stable doors swing open dramatically when I burst in, kicking about mud and possibly feces. A handful of pegasus knights stare like deer in headlights, but I ignore them, looking for her...
"Cordelia!"
That's definitely her. That striking red hair, those beautiful locks of scarlet gold... Her magenta tunic, tall frame, and graceful stride... Even the way she turns to face me is exquisite.
Upon seeing me, she seems to go into panic. "Storm? Are you all right? You look like you might be ill..."
I shudder out a deep breath. "I'll be fine. At least, I hope so. I need to talk to you, it's really important." So important that the lunch I ate half an hour ago feels like it's running miles in my stomach. I think I'm sweating, too. This isn't good.
She moves to brace me and– I swear to Naga, the moment she touched me, I nearly swooned. That's how attracted I am to her. I don't understand why, I just know I want to make her happy for the rest of her life. That's love, it's crazy and makes no sense whatsoever, and it does strange things to a man's head. I missed whatever she said.
"I'm afraid you'll have to repeat that." And my vision's gone blurry, too. What the hell is my body doing? I feel like I'm about to explode.
"You're hotter than flame, Storm! You need to see a healer!" Ah, that's what she said. Okay. I think I have a response.
"No, no," I wave her off, but she picks me up and starts hauling me along anyways. ... All right, then, I'm being carried bridal-style by the love of my life and it's not helping me. What was I going to say? Damn it, I'll just wing it. "I need to tell you something, Cordelia. A healer won't help, because I did it to myself."
She starts to run, still carrying me. A vivid mental image shimmers into existence of what we must look like, and my heart skips a beat. It's a very romantic image. "Storm, did you take a potion to kill yourself or something?!"
"No! No no no! I didn't do anything! I just fell in love with you and that's what I needed to say!"
She stops.
"You... You're just in love with me?" She seems mildly surprised, like she hadn't thought I would have fallen for her. Is she disappointed? Please Naga no. I can feel my heart beating more quickly than a dog kicks its leg while having its belly scratched, and I think if she rejects me I might have a heart attack and die.
Oh gods, don't let that happen. I beg of you. I'll do whatever you ask if you just let this work. Please, please, please...
"Yes," I pant. Tears start streaming down my face, and I can't summon the willpower to wipe them. "I loved you the moment I saw you, I think you're beautiful beyond reckoning, you're sweet and thoughtful, skilled in all you do, and I thought, 'I'm in love with this woman but I'll never have a chance with her.'" Did I miss anything? Personality; appearance; skills; okay, good! Wait, I forgot about how she treats others! DAMN! If I fail, oh please don't let this fuck up!
"Oh, Storm..." What? What's she sighing for? Oh gods, I fucked it up! I failed! I'll never– "That's... very kind of you to say. I... What with all we've been through, I... I've fallen for you myself."
Oh.
Oh my gods.
She loves me.
"Ruh-really?" Why was that like a sob? I look to her face. If this is some sort of cruel joke, I'm marching straight to the Outrealm Gate to wail on Old Hubba.
She's smiling, and oh gods, she's crying just like I am. No, no, please don't stain such a fair face with tears. Actually, it sort of looks better. I don't know; I'm not an art guy. "Of course I do. You've watched my back carefully and been such a gentleman... I think I know why you've always seemed so frail, though."
"Y-yeah," I gasp. "Nerves make me sick. Sicker than I've ever been. So, Cordelia," I pull out, with some effort because the way she's holding me makes it a bitch to reach, a little box from my pocket. "Will you marry me?" I pop it open.
Her face just got as red as her hair. "Storm... You've been sick because you're in love, and... Of course I'll marry you! I don't think anyone could make me happier... You brave man..." She kisses me she just kissed me she just kissed me!
SHE SAID YES AND SHE KISSED ME!
Oh, there go the tears, I'm weeping like hell, but I'm too happy to care. I'm an engaged man to the most beautiful woman in the world, my twin sister be damned. Praise ye gods! Oh sweet Naga, I'm drinking tonight!
We're to be married when we get home to Ylisse. We'll be together, happy, and... I'm so happy... Thank you... my love...
What am I doing in my bed and why is it so dark out? It's four in the mor– ... Ah. I swooned.
... Entirely worth it.
This support occurred in Chapter Thirty: Final Preparations.