It's Chromplicated (Chrom x Reader)

Warm chatter cut through the crisp night air, filling the area with a sense of mirth and energy. The frigid Ylissean night wouldn't stop the camp from celebrating their victory over Plegia; over the successful defeat of the Mad King Gangrel, which would bring an end to his reign of terror once and for all. Stars twinkled in the sky; moonlight reflected off the faces of the army crowded around the campfire, sharing drinks and stories well into the night. Sully guffawed loudly, red tinted face illuminated by the fire- Panne watched the drunken members' antics with mild amusement- Lon'qu cracked a miniscule smile, unseen by others engrossed in the stories being told. In a lone tent a little ways from the gathering, a tactician was still hard at work. The defeat of Gangrel would allow for a bit of peace, but the war was far from over. Without Emmeryn's guidance, the newly ordained exalt would turn to his trusted tactician on what to do next. Their victories were only the result of careful planning. And, maybe, a bit of luck.

She swept her hair behind her ear, bent over the work sprawled across the makeshift desk in her tent. Possible solutions and strategies raced through her mind, though a particularly loud snort from a certain drunk redhead startled her. Her eyes crinkling in a smile, she wished she could join them as well- but the weight of the war on her shoulders kept her glued to her seat, her focus back on the work in front of her.

The flaps of the tent parted, making way for a figure who frequented himself in her presence; she was, after all, his most trusted tactician.

"Can't let up for even a second?" His question remained in the air, and the continual scratching of her quill answered it; he couldn't miss the small smile that graced her lips. He took this as an acceptance of his company, venturing further inside.

"That's the tactician I've come to know and trust. Determined, diligent, sharp- all characteristics that make you one of the few I would follow without any qualms." She finally looked at him, (e/c) eyes locking with blue, amusement dancing in her pupils.

"It's also how I know this war is as good as won. With you by my side, nothing could stand in our way. You contribute much to our army and the war effort, and I hope you know how appreciated you are within our ranks." The woman stood up, thick coat swishing with her movements.

"Chrom." She spoke his name with a bit of mirth, shoulders twitching with the ghost of a laugh. "Why the romantic speech? Is there something you need?"

Of course she saw right through him. Though his words were true, he did indeed turn up the charm and passionate mannerisms that he usually employed when he needed something. Though her reaction was less than ideal, he supposed nothing could prepare her for what he was going to do next. Dropping down on one knee, his eyes steeled themselves onto hers, palm extending out to offer her a single shining ring.

Silence. It seemed even the voices from outside had stilled.

"Wow, Chrom. I didn't think the victory would leave you this elated. How much have you had to drink? Three? Four?" The (h/c)-haired woman joked, failing to see the sincerity in the prince's eyes. Chrom let her have her moment before continuing.

"(Y/n). I will have to take a wife soon." His gaze never wavered, though his confidence did a bit, as she was laughing in the face of his serious inquiry.

He had to consider things from her perspective as well. They were good friends, sure, and they had seen each other in the nude, even if by complete accident- which bonded them in a way no one else could reciprocate. Even so, that wasn't nearly enough grounds for him to suddenly propose like this. His feelings for her weren't romantic- yet- and he knew she felt the same, but she was the woman he knew he wouldn't mind spending the rest of his life with, even if it was platonic. The morale of the people would be greatly uplifted if they saw their exalt join in a happy marriage; he had to make this happen.

"You're to take a wife? And what, I was your first choice?" (Y/n) wiped a tear from her eye, only to see the the blue-haired man's deadpan expression.

"Yes, actually." The playful grin left her face.

"Oh Gods, you're serious." Feeling ill, she sat back down in her chair, holding her head lightly. The war was still ongoing, Gangrel's defeat left his position open for a possibly more malevolent leader, and Chrom decides to propose to her?!

"Chrom... I.. I don't know what to say." She spoke truthfully, hand uncovering her eyes so that she could face the prince. "I can't deny that we do work well together, and I have forged a strong bond with you... Hell, the earliest thing I remember is you pulling me to my feet." The tactician smiled fondly at the memory.
"But is this enough to forge a lifelong relationship upon? And even if I did agree, would I be queen material? There are so many other women suited for the job, that would serve you well as your wife. I can't imagine the possible outcomes that would ensue if I were to be at the helm."

"I'd have to disagree." He interjected so firmly that the woman looked up to him in shock.

"(Y/n), don't you think there was a reason you were my first choice? I've been known to make rash decisions, but at this moment, the answer has never been clearer." He placed the velvet box carefully on her desk and stood, taking her hands in his.

"All these months of fighting alongside you, one thought has remained true- I trust you with my life. I trust you to get us through this war, I trust you to make the right decisions in everything. And if you don't, I'd like to be the one to support you. Your wit, drive, and unbreakable resolve have drawn me to you. You have all the characteristics of a good leader, and you are someone important to me- my heart tells me that that is enough."

He gave her a sincere smile, causing her mesmerized expression to erupt in a blush.
"With your character, I can't imagine I won't fall deeply in love with you within the first month."

Her eyes became watery, clearly moved by his words. Chrom's smile turned teasing, and he leaned in close to her ear.
"It's not like I haven't seen you naked before, anyway."

This earned him a punch on his shoulder, the exalt laughing to himself while the woman remained unamused. She looked up at him, which urged him to settle down in anticipation for her response.

"Chrom..." Her demeanor was bashful, shy even, something he had never seen from her before. It was cute. He'd definitely try to get this reaction again.

"I guess I wouldn't mind spending the rest of my life with you either." She finally uttered, and a smile so wide appeared on Chrom's face that she couldn't help but feel happy too. He gathered her in his arms, which the tactician seemed hesitant in reciprocating- but eventually did, her head snug against his chest. It felt nice.

"I'm glad." Chrom sighed into her hair. "I don't know how I'd last without you."

_________

"Our eventual engagement was fated to happen, you know."

Removing her head from his chest, she quirked an eyebrow in confusion, eyeing the exalt with interest.
"Do tell?"

"Lucina told me she is my daughter from the future. It is proof enough that she has Falchion, and even the exalt's brand in her left eye as well. She seemed reluctant to tell me who her mother was, though. Once, I caught her reading your signature lightning tome, which you were holding when I had talked to you a few minutes before, far from where she was sitting." Chrom chuckled a bit. "She was abysmal at crafting an excuse, and it was easy enough to connect the dots after that suspicious exchange and what I had known of our twin Falchions. Now that I'm up close, I see she has your eyes and nose as well." Blushing from his gaze, the tactician turned her head away.

"That does explain why she called me mother once. I was convinced it was a slip up, and thought nothing of it- but it was nice to know Lucina thought of me as a mother to her." (Y/n) couldn't help but laugh as well. "But now I know I'm actually her mother! What a turn of events."
She closed her eyes in thought, a comfortable silence enveloping the two of them.
"I wonder if we have any other children? Lucina did say there were others..."

A young boy woke up in a field, rubbing his eyes groggily.
"Huh...? Where's.." He looked to see his mother's- and his favorite- lightning tome in his hand, only to find it gone. He groaned in frustration.
"Lucina!"