And it is time for another episode of Peaceful Moments, and we're going to go to another Nohrian retainer. I know it's been a while, but I'll try to make these as often as possible. Without further ado, let's go –ArcanaHermit

Chapter 12: Choice (Corrin x Selena)

"So…whatcha think? Am I not the most beautiful woman in the world?"

While Corrin would just brush it off at more of her usual playful boasting, he found it quite hard to deny Selena's statement when she looked at her. Her new yukata complimented her perfectly. The colors complimenting her skin and eye color, the fabric complimenting her skin. Normally Corrin didn't have an eye for fashion, but he didn't need it to know that Selena was absolutely stunning.

"Yeah, you definitely are right now."

That answer however, only led his wife to pout.

"What do you mean right now? I'm the best in beauty whether it's in a yukata or in plate mail, got it?"

Knowing that arguing or doing anything other than agreeing would probably lead him down a road with no end, he conceded the point to her, not wanting to ruin the moment. It was a special day for her; she finally finished sewing her yukata as replacement for the one she lost.

Once she was done admiring herself, she changed back and packed it in the closet and sat down next to Corrin, humming a tune which signifies that she is extremely happy. Corrin couldn't help but find the sight of her…cute.

"Man that felt amazing, almost as amazing as when I first got it back home."

"Wait, I don't think I recall Nohr ever selling yukatas. I mean, I've seen the fabric they used to make them, but only for other clothes."

Selena suddenly grew silent, her smile replaced by a worried frown. Corrin immediately got worried, thinking that she was about to throw another fit at him.

"Er…did I say something wrong?"

Selena continued to grow silent, worrying him even more. It wasn't like her to just be quite when she's sad. She would either be in tears or angrily deny such a thing. Now the look on her face tells him that she doesn't want to deal with whatever she's thinking about.

"Listen…Corrin, I need to tell you something, wife to husband. It's…about where I'm from."

Corrin was both intrigued and a bit scared. Selena has always left it vague about where she came from. At first Corrin thought that she was from a very obscure part of Nohr, but it didn't take him long to starting guessing that she wasn't from Nohr at all, or even this world.

"So as you may have guessed, I'm not from here. And after this war is done, I…need to go home."

"And you won't be returning?"

Corrin decided to get right into the heart of the matter, without distractions or delays. If he was going to make a decision as important as this, it's best to just be completely honest, something he hoped Selena would do.

"Y-yeah, it's sort of a one way trip. Once I go back, I won't be able to return here again."

They sat there in silence for a while, the obvious question looming over their minds: "What to do?" It would be easy to simply say that he'll go with her, but doing that requires leaving his siblings behind: Elise's smile, Xander's honest advice, even Leo's jabs. And it wasn't just his siblings, the others in the army have become dear to him, as they fought and bled over countless battles. Could he really say goodbye to them, even if it's for the woman he loves?

"I…understand if you don't want to come with me. Believe me; I know what it's like to be away from home for a long time."

"Selena, I'm not saying I'm leaving you…"

"I'm the one leaving you, dummy. And I'm…sorry for that."

She began to look at the ground, a look of guilt on her face. Corrin could tell that this was eating her up inside, perhaps even more than he knows. Of course, it wasn't as though he was faring any better either. This was a difficult choice, one that can't be taken back or overturned.

But for now, the decision can wait. Moving closer to her, he began to wrap an arm around her and pull her into a soft hug. With some tears forming on her eyes, she returned his embrace. They stayed there for a bit; just enjoy each other's presence, not worrying about the war, or what will happen after it.

And it was at that moment, hugging Selena, that he realized. He couldn't give her up. Her smile, her spirit, and her drive to be the best at everything she does. She was his wife because she loves him, and he loves her. And he's willing to do anything to keep that love, no matter what.

"Selena, I think I've decided."

"Y-you did, huh? Ok then, lay it on me."

"I'll be going with you."

Selena looked Corrin straight in the eye. She was obviously happy with his decision, but she also wanted him to be sure of his choice, to make sure that when the time comes, he'll have no regrets.

"Are you really sure about this? I don't want to hear any complaining when we go back."

Corrin nodded, trying to reassure her. She, however, was not convinced just yet.

"You know you'll be leaving your siblings right, and all your friends here. Are you sure you can handle that?"

Corrin pulled her close, leading to her face to blush a bright red. Calmly, he began his response.

"Selena, I know that leaving this world will probably be one of the hardest things that I'll do, and that leaving my siblings will be very tough, but rest assured I'm coming with you. I couldn't imagine you by my side as I wake up in the morning, or us shopping together, or you pouting whenever you don't want to admit I said something right."

"Y-you didn't have to put in the last one, jerk"

"I know, but what I'm saying is that I love you, and that no matter where you go, I'll follow. Besides, it'd be nice to see what your home looks like, maybe even introduce me to some of your friends."

Selena face brightened, and she began reminiscing about some old friends of hers. Corrin thought they were…interesting to say the least: A cowardly halfbeast, a quiet guy under a mask, a guy who only spoke in scientific terms. Selena definitely has a strange bunch of friends, not that the personalities in the army aren't that much stranger.

"Thanks for sticking with me. I love you, you know that, right?"

"Of course, even if you try your best to act otherwise."

Instead of pouting, Selena gave him a kiss on the lips, though it was accompanied by her usual line of "jerk". They continued talking about her world for a while before resting in each other's arms. Before Corrin let sleep claimed him, she took one last look at her face.

Her expression was a calm one; the only sound she made was a faint snore that sounded cute. Corrin gave a smile just before he lost consciousness. He knows he won't regret that choice, because it was worth anything to be by her side and watch her smile.

I'm done with this chapter at last. Next up, it's going to be another Hoshidan retainer, though which will it be? I'll leave it up to you to guess. Until then –ArcanaHermit