#cute fluff stuff

“This is a waste of time and you know it, Corrin. Why did you volunteer?”

“Because someone has to, and I knew you’d tag along.” You said, earning a flick to the forehead.

“You abuse my devotion. Wasting our time and resources like this is too much. Maybe I should let you go by yourself while I make myself useful at camp.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? You’d really leave your defenseless, beautiful wife to the whims of strangers in enemy territory?”

“Stop acting foolish.” He flicked your forehead again, “Otherwise I really will abandon you.”

“All right, all right. I’m sorry,” You laughed, before you linked arms and rested your head on his bicep. “Why don’t you be my date tonight? If you’re with me it’ll keep trouble away.”

“Feh. It’ll be a waste of time no matter how we go in, but I’d rather keep an eye on you from a distance. I need to be able to identify as many threats as possible.”

It wasn’t your first foray into the world of greasy food and overflowing mead, but this place was on a whole other level. The place was stuffed with rowdy people clamoring for food and drink, shouting slurred profanities at each other.

It was loud, but at least it was jovial. Nobody would be fazed by a woman with pricked ears in Valla, so your sense for potential danger was low.

“Do you wish for me to stay close?” Saizo murmured in your ear, close enough to hear despite the pub’s intensity. 

“No, I’ll be fine. Go see what you can find- I’ll stay at the bar and do some recon.”

“Be safe.” He squeezed your hand, and faded into the crowd. Reassured that your red shadow wouldn’t be far, you took your place at the counter, placed your order, and got to work.

Within thirty minutes, you were sure it was a failure. After having your shoulders bumped and being startled by boisterous laughter right next to you, it was about time to call it. But as you readied to leave, a large figure entered your peripheral.

“You’re not leaving already, are you?”

Your ears twitched at the unfamiliar voice, finding a man who was definitely too drunk  teetering in front of you. His smile was broad, but his eyes gleamed with mal intent.

“I’m afraid I have some urgent business to attend to, sir.”

“It can’t be that serious if you’re here, of all places- but if you insist, why not leave this shithole and have some fun with me somewhere else?”

“I’m flattered, but I’m not interested.”

“C’mon, don’t be like that! Maybe you just need some more time to loosen up.” The man grinned, gesturing for the bartender. “Bring this pretty little lady another round!”

“Er…well, I suppose, if you insist.” You twisted a lock of hair behind your ear, inviting more intrigue from the heavily inebriated man. He plunked down onto the seat next to you, emboldened by your accepting his invitation.

“Of course! You’ve only just got here, and it’s always exciting to meet new people! Especially a fella as manly as me, buying a drink for a beautiful stranger like yourself.”

“You’re too kind.” You took a swig of the drink, “You’re a local, aren’t you?”

“As local as they come! Want me to show you around?”

“Actually, I don’t suppose you’d know anything about a small town called ‘Lumme’, would you? I was hoping to visit with some family who moved there, but Valla is difficult to navigate.”

“They moved all the way out there? I wouldn’t bother even trying to reach it.” He said with a dismissive wave of his hand. Curiosity piqued, you pressed.

“Oh? And why is that?”

“I heard the royal army’s setting up near there. If they haven’t cleared out the village, they’ve certainly blocked it off. You’re better off staying here rather than going that way.”

“But surely if it’s a Vallite citizen, they can make an exception, right? I mean, it is for family, and I haven’t been able to see them in so-”

“And who is this pretty little thing?” A new voice interrupted, this time a rather elegant woman. “You’re way out of this bastard’s league. Why don’t you let me buy you a drink, instead?”

“Shut up, you crusty old witch.” The man laughed, throwing a heavy arm around your shoulders. You fought the urge to toss him. “You’re just jealous you didn’t spot her first!”

“Doesn’t mean I can’t steal her away…besides, I’m not the only one interested.” 

It wouldn’t take long for it to become a group of three, then four, then five. The man wouldn’t release you from his hold. The noise and the heat was overwhelming.

While some information you pulled from the conversations was worthwhile, it wasn’t enough. You moved to get out from under the brute’s arm, pushing the pint away.

“Thank you for your hospitality, everyone, but I must be going. It’s past-”

“C’mon now!! We’re just starting to have fun!!” The arm you managed to slip from reached out again, this time grabbing your wrist. You took a deep breath, readying your fist to crack the drunkard’s nose. But before you could even turn around, a shadow cut in front of you.

“Let her go.” Saizo’s growl commanded attention, forcing his body between you and the man, and pulling you to his side in a single movement.

“What the hell is this, huh? We were just having a good time with my new lady friend!”

“She isn’t interested. Leave her alone.” He snapped, “I will not repeat myself.”

Saizo did not speak another word to anyone in that tavern. To be fair, he didn’t need to- when they tried to protest, a fierce glare was enough to silence them.

Your husband strode from the town, silently brooding until you were halfway home.

“Saizo, dear- you’re holding me too tight. Can you ease up a bit?”

“Why did you stay so long? It was obvious you weren’t going to get any new information an hour into the night. It was a waste of time, just like I said!”

“Not completely! The village we’re heading to is overrun with Vallites, and there was mention of an alternate route we might be able to take from that suave woman who was talking me up. She didn’t get far into explaining it, but-”

“‘Suave’.” He clicked his tongue, his pace quickening. “Those people were vultures, nothing more. Especially that bastard who wouldn’t keep his hands off you.”

“I mean, we got a lead out of it! And I’m sure you got good surveillance intel, right?”

“I didn’t bother,” He huffed, his gaze forward. “I was watching the crowd for potential threats. It was too dangerous for you to go at all, and to let those varlots close by was-”

“Time out, Saizo.” You tugged your wrist from his grasp, forcing him to stop. “I can handle myself. It’s not like you to intervene.”

“Because you were about to start a fight. I wasn’t going to let you get hurt by acting foolish.”

“Please, I would never lose a fight like that. But now I know why you’re upset.” You hummed, “I can hear your heartbeat is faster, and your body language is more rigid than usual. Your temper flares every time I mention my new friends-”

“-Obnoxious bastards-”

“-Who I was sitting with. You were jealous, weren’t you?”

“Jealous? Of them?!” He was aghast at the thought. “Why would I be jealous of a bunch of drunkards? They simply should not touch a Hoshidan princess with their filthy hands!”

“You didn’t want their filthy hands to touch your wife.” You corrected him, teasing.

“You’re ridiculous.” He grumbled, earning a laugh from his far less serious wife.

“Saizo, c’mon!! I was just kidding!” You hurried after him, closing the distance easily and catching his hand. You threaded your fingers together. “I was teasing, my love, honestly! I know you were looking out for me, like always. You wanted to keep me safe.”

“Of course I do.” He rolled his eyes, trying (and failing) to conceal his reddening cheeks. “I care about you too much to let something bad happen to you. Seeing those insufferable morons get so close was right at my limit.”

“I understand. Thank you for looking out for me. I’m so lucky to have you by my side.” 

You stood on your tippy toes, kissing him over the mask. With a growl, his arms wrapped around your waist, the mask disappeared and you were caught in a searing kiss from your dearest one.

You gasped into the kiss, your hands flush against his chest, feeling his heart thunder beneath your fingertips. He all but lifted you off the ground to hold you as close as he possibly could. 

It was dizzying when he finally released you, both of you trying to catch your breath. His hand fell to your waist, steadying you from his aggressive display. You laughed softly, leaning into his chest.

“So you’re definitely not jealous, huh?”

“I cannot be sure until we’ve returned home.”

“That’s fair. You need to be thorough in making sure they didn’t do anything untowards.”

“You will not be leaving our room for at least 12 hours. I hope you’re aware of that.” He said before he turned, resuming his march to camp with much more vigor.

Of course you happily trailed along, giddy at the thought that you had a very jealous husband to assuage. Saizo was always the cutest when he was jealous. It was rare to see him so riled up, but knowing it was because he was enamored with you made it adorable.

Your smile was longed for, and everyone around you would work hard to make sure it was maintained.

You were not naïve, but you did put faith in people more often than they deserved. 

All of your siblings had chastised you for this on multiple occasions; but even their words would fall on your cute, pricked ears with a trusting dismissal that surely mankind could not be so awful.

That was what Kaze’s duty was mainly regulated to; protecting you from the darker realities of the world. Your smile was something he wished to safeguard for reasons far beyond his obligations.

You were someone dearly precious to him, even if you did not know it yet. 

So his duties throughout the day typically revolved around keeping your beauty a very safe distance from the more questionable eyes that tended to follow you around.

The only issue with this, for Kaze, was that it was a near constant battle between himself and the worst of the army and civilians alike.

The citizenry was easier to manage, even if there were more of them. Kaze would not be terribly flustered whenever you went into the city with him, making sure to shield you from prying eyes and keeping the rabble away. 

But whenever you went to eat or take a break somewhere, there would always be one or two who would push their luck.

“Afternoon, milady.” 

Kaze, who’d been standing dutifully behind you while you munched on a bit of street food, turned his attention to the stranger speaking to you.

He had guts, he’d give him that.

“Good afternoon,” You dipped your head respectfully, “Is there something I can help you with?”

“Oh, not much. I was just worried you might be lost.”

“How’s that?” Your eyebrows raise. 

“A pretty noble like you shouldn’t be wandering the streets like this- it’s an odd place for someone like you to be. Let alone not the safest. What say I give you a proper escort around town? I can show you what this town has to offer.”

“I appreciate the gesture, but I already have a retainer,” 

You gestured to the silent ninja, who was polite enough to give him a small smile and a short bow (though that was more for the princess than anyone else).

“And he has me more than taken care of.”

“He’s never been here either, has he? What does he know that I don’t? Besides, he’s hardly fit to be a retainer- boy’s got hardly any meat on his bones!”

“One might argue that you’ve got too much.” 

Kaze murmured, low enough only for you to hear with those delicate, pinpricked ears. 

You nearly spat your foot, but held a straight face.

“We are quite grateful for your offer, sir, but I must decline. We are here only briefly and will not need your assistance.”

“All right then- how about instead of a tour, we get some dinner instead? On me?” 

He grins, reaching a hand out as an open, if not slimy, offer. 

“I’ll show you a right good time.”

“I’m sorry, sir. We really should be going. Kaze?” You nodded up to your retainer, who gladly followed your lead. 

He walked behind you, the two of you coolly exiting and leaving the man behind.

“Feh… Just another pretty face, thinks she’s too good for anyone else. Bitch.”

The skewer of your snack was politely retrieved to be thrown away by Kaze- it ricocheted off a wall as you turned the corner and struck him squarely between the eyes. 

He smiled to himself as he heard the brute swear to himself, finally leaving you alone. 

Another swine’s advances are thwarted by the green ninja.

—----------------------

“Cheers for another victory well-earned!!”

The tavern erupted with cheers, the soldiers raucous after a fantastic battle against the Vallites. 

The Hoshidans and Nohrians fought tooth and nail to break through, and figured a celebration was well earned.

The lot of them had crowded into a tavern together in a handsome city Laslow discovered a few Outrealms away. 

The people seemed kind and peaceful, and the food and drink were excellent. Exactly what they needed after what they endured.

The only issue was that the locals were rather interested in them…and not just Corrin, as usual.

“You’re sure your parents are both humans?” 

A rather busty brunette had all but pressed up on him, her doe eyes inquisitive and dangerous. 

“Surely you’re an angel.”

“I am fully human,” Kaze confirms, his attention elsewhere, “And I’m not interested.”

He was a bit of a wallflower, like his twin brother. However he wasn’t one to turn down a nice gathering, if it’s within reason. 

The only issue with this place is that it’s already crowded with the army.

Civilians pushing their way in just makes his job harder.

“Come now, darling! You haven’t even taken the time to get to know me. There’s a lot more than meets the eye, you know. You just have to take the time to peel back the layers, hm?”

“I have absolutely no interest in doing so. I cannot state it firmer.” He said, knowing full well she was beyond inebriated. 

His eyes narrow, trying to spot you in the crowd. 

The people kept shifting around you, and you were also moving more than he liked.

One moment he saw you with Prince Xander, and another with Lord Takumi and Princess Elise. But as the night continued, you were getting harder and harder to keep track of. Another sweep of the room allowed Kaze to sort-of get his eyes on you. Rather, a glimpse of your hair caught the edge of his eye.

Now you were on the other side of the room entirely, and the table you were at was…surrounded by strangers.

Worst case scenario, Kaze thought to himself. He moved to extract himself from the drunken maiden, but she would not let him flee so easily.

“Where do you think you’re going? We’ve only just started to talk!” She grabs his wrist, trying to yank him back. Kaze gently pulls his arm away, giving her a sharp glare.

“Please do not touch me, miss. I am on duty.” 

With that, he disappeared into the crowd, far from being detectable by someone who was sober, let alone as far gone as she was. 

You didn’t seem to be faring much better; it seemed the crowd had caught up to you, rather than voluntarily heading in that direction.

As Kaze came closer, he realized they were almost heckling you. 

Lots of compliments, lots of alcohol being pushed at you, invitations to drink, dance, go upstairs…he bristled when he heard the first of those.

It was clear you weren’t comfortable. 

It seemed like you were looking for a way out- and he was more than ready to provide one.

“My lady,” He whispered, gently touching your forearm, “Please come with me.”

“Kaze!” You nodded to him and let him slip you back, taking you into his arms and pulling you away from the mess of people to higher ground.

In one moment you were on the ground floor, and the next, you had been whisked up to the rooftop, far away from grabbing hands and obnoxious voices.

“Is this preferable, milady?”

“Yes, very much.” You sighed, breathless, “I’m sorry, I meant to be more cognizant of all the people in there. But before I knew it I was surrounded! There’s only so much you can do, I suppose.” 

“That is why I am here. You do not need to worry about such things.”

“Even so, I ought to be more careful- my brothers will scold me if I let you do all the hard work.”

“Even if you are unable, please do not fret. I will happily bear the burden. After all, there is only so much you can do when so many people vie for your attention all the time. It is my great pleasure to protect you from such prying eyes.” 

Kaze could see the little dusting of pink on your cheeks, ignoring how it made his own heart skip a beat. 

It would be rather inappropriate for him to address it. 

“Thank you, Kaze. I’m so glad you’re here. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Saizo would comment on how light Kaze’s steps were on their way home, that night.

Perhaps it was harder to ignore a beautiful princess’s gratitude than he first thought.

—--—--—--—--—--

His days easily protecting you from unworthy eyes became more difficult when the training sessions began at the Castle. 

It was easy to pull off some of the more timid ones, like Hayato and Odin (the bravado only goes so far when faced with such beauty as Lady Corrin’s). 

Hearing even the most stalwart of knights stumble over their words or evade their gaze from you like a young maiden would be off-putting, if not a little entertaining at times.

Flora and Benny were his favorite of the bunch when it came to stumbling over himself in front of you; with that thief Shura a close third.

Warming up was easier when you were working with your female comrades, but every now and then there was one or two who seemed to be particularly interested in spending more time with you.

In this case, Rhajat. 

“Princess…you’re blinding me today.” 

“I’m not using any light magic,” You tilted your head, confused. Rhajat was quite good at hiding her emotions, her intentions typically shrouded in mystery.

Considering how sloppy their sparring had been today, though, Kaze could suspect something was going on.

“It is not your spells I’m referring to. You, yourself, are blinding. Didn’t you know that?” She snapped, eyes narrowed at you as though annoyed. Kaze crouched lower on the tree branch, regarding the conversation warily.

“My, I’m not used to such compliments from you, Rhajat. Are you feeling all right?”

“I’m fine.” She grumbled, “Better since I get to spend more time with you. It seems difficult holding your attention, seeing how many people always want it.”

“Well, I suppose my position requires a lot of attention with others, doesn’t it? I hope you realize I’m not ignoring you on purpose. It seems like I’m being pulled every which way, these days.”

“I can take care of that…” Rhajat mumbled, glowering at her tome. Kaze did not like the menacing way she spoke. “I can get rid of anyone who would steal away your time. They are not worthy to even look at you, let alone try to speak…!”

“What was that, Rhajat?”

“Lady Corrin, I was looking for you. It appears Lord Ryoma and Prince Xander have summoned you for a council session.” Kaze was unable to stand by and watch any longer, so he decided to intervene. He came to your side and bowed respectfully, looking at the mage. She did not appear to be thrilled he was standing beside you now.

“Did I forget another meeting?” You asked in a huff, “I really am too busy, aren’t I?”

“We should make haste.” 

Kaze knew that there was no meeting. 

You did not. 

Instead he would make a plan to explain away the sudden cancellation of it, and hope that you wouldn’t question it any further. 

With Rhajat, there were only so many ways she could be convinced not to  interfere or bother you any longer- setting a wall of royal princes and princesses between herself and his mistress was the most effective method.

Naturally, this meeting would also be a bit unnecessary and nonexistent, as the princes and princesses were not summoned.

You didn’t seem to question it when he suggested that they cancel for the time being. He promised to speak with the royals about what caused their absence this time, though you had a feeling his bluff would only go so much further. 

All you had to do was ask Takumi why he wasn’t there, and he’d tell you that he’d never been summoned.

That’s what happened the last two times, after all.

Kaze had attempted to cover his tracks well, but it could only continue for so long. You had your suspicions about why he was going so far for you. 

Could you not defend yourself from the onslaught of affections? You did enjoy your comrades, and you did not mind the shy confessions you would sometimes receive when they believed Kaze was not close enough to hear them.

But you had never had trouble setting the boundary with them. For Kaze to go to such lengths on your behalf…it surely meant something, didn’t it?

Unbeknownst to your green ninja, you decided to set a plan in motion to address his particular overprotectiveness.

That evening he would be arriving to your quarters for a lovely tea, to catch up about the day with one another in the privacy of your bedroom.

Jakob was not thrilled to leave you alone with the ninja. He had a better idea why Kaze behaved the way he did around his master.

But you would find your answer, or die trying. You doubted Kaze would let the latter happen, though.

-------------------------

Kaze was right on time to enjoy a tea time with you that evening, tossing out any and all plans for training or studying independently in his humble quarters to come and enjoy some free time with you. 

It was hard enough to find time for himself, but when it was strictly ordered by the one person he enjoyed spending his time with more than anyone else, who was he to disagree?

He greeted you with a low bow and a gentle smile. 

“Good evening, milady.”

“Please, come in! It’s nice to have this time with you, Kaze. I hope you don’t mind spending it with me. I’m sure you’re tired of constantly being around me, but…I do enjoy having you to myself.” He laughed softly, “Not at all, milady. You are one of the more pleasant fixtures in my life. I would gladly cast aside anything if you order it.”

“That’s a very dangerous thing for you to tell me, you know.” 

You gesture for him to sit, taking your place at the tea table. He was swift to comply, coming to your side and happily taking his spot beside you.

“It is only because you are my liege that I would divulge such information. That, and I trust you will not abuse that knowledge like others may.”

“That’s true- I’d feel terrible if I did use it to my advantage. You’ve never done anything to deserve rampant teasing. Though I must say, the idea of seeing you flustered is awfully amusing.”

“I hope it is not too amusing,” He adds with a nervous smile. It’s bad enough when you just exist beautifully, but the thought of you being playful? With him??

He would surely not be able to handle such a thing.

The conversation continued innocuously, checking in on Kaze’s personal life and asking how he was handling his tasks from day to day.

Eventually, though, you were able to make your way to the core reason for your summoning him.

With a hum and a bite of cake, you looked over at the kind man, bringing up the faux council meeting that Kaze had orchestrated during your training attempt with the slightly frightening but well-meaning sorceress.

“You know, I seem to have a lot of council meetings whenever I have to do a bit of training with our dear friend, Rhajat.” 

You act as though you are thinking aloud, glancing back at him with eyebrows raised. 

“It is certainly a very strange coincidence, is it not?”

He only shrugged and looked away when you smiled, enjoying his cup of tea that had been carefully poured by his master (he nearly died when you insisted you serve him, rather than the other way around. Saizo would’ve had his head for such blasphemy).

“Perhaps they are also unsettled by how attached she is to milady.” 

“You think so? She only ever seems friendly when she speaks to me.” 

You watch him behind your teacup, only to find his poker face as unyielding as always. 

“As a matter of fact, I don’t think I’ve ever heard her say something that would suggest foul play or strange behavior. Maybe she’s a little too affectionate now and then, but otherwise she has behaved perfectly with me.”

“Likely because she wishes to keep you to herself.”

“And do you want to do that with me, Kaze?”

He stumbled just slightly, his heart lodged in his throat. You smiled to yourself; a pointed comment that had enough evidence behind it made the ninja stumble, after all. 

It did entertain you to tease him now and then, but this was a little more serious than a mere teasing of your dear retainer.

“I- well, my duty is to make sure you are not taken advantage of by anyone, milady. Even if their intentions seem kind, they may be after something else.”

“Like what?” You asked as he shut the door behind him, leaving the two of you alone in the conference room. 

You turned to look at him, his expression kind and gentle, though revealing little else as usual.

“Your affections, or something less tender. Your knowledge, your powers, or something more benign; like your beauty or attention.”

“Some of those I understand, but…is it not a sweet thing for them to pursue my affection?”

“I believe there are many who would be more interested in your affection if only to have the validation and attention of a beautiful young woman, who is also a powerful member of the royal family.”

“I suppose that is a good point.” 

You tap your chin thoughtfully, peeking up at Kaze. He was starting to look a little more tense than he meant to appear. 

“But what will you do if I return those affections?”

“If you are consenting to a relationship with another person, I am in no place to disagree or forbid it, milady. Your siblings - namely your brothers and Lady Camilla - may be inclined to disagree, but even then, they are not my masters. If it is what you wish, I will not overstep my duties and stand in the way.”

“Really?” You stepped closer to him; much too close. Your dragon-tipped ears could hear the slight quickening of Kaze’s heartbeat. “You would not try to fight for me?”

“I will always fight beside you, milady.”

“That is not what I asked.”

Kaze could not meet your eyes in that moment. 

He could feel how close you were now, and the lack of space was starting to make his body react in ways a trained ninja never should. 

It wasn’t until your hands closed around his that he realized he was well and truly trapped.

“Kaze?”

“I…do not believe it is my place to fight for you.”

“I did not ask if it was your place; I asked if you would fight for me, because you care for me.” You pressed him gently, your eyes wide and sparkling with an emotion he dare not assume was meant for him.

Yet as you asked him such a question…would it be so wrong to think that maybe…perhaps…you were being sincere?

He turned his hands so that they were linked with yours, his heart skipping a beat when you squeezed them. 

What was he to think when you were so tender with him, all alone?

“I care for you, Lady Corrin. I would fight to the ends of the earth if it meant keeping you by my side, and none others. Is it…selfish to want that?”

You beamed at him. It was as if he was blinded by the very sight. 

How could one person be so breathtaking?

“I feel the same way, Kaze. I would like to keep you all to myself, if you’ll have me.”

“M-milady…would it not be inappropriate for a retainer to be with their lord?” His anxiety was clear, but the desire to throw it all away was glimmering in his eyes. 

There was some selfishness inside him, and you wished to access it more than anything. Surely…surely you could try and grab ahold of it for a little while, couldn’t you?

“It doesn’t matter to me. So long as we love each other, does station matter?”

“Will your siblings approve?”

“I don’t care.” 

You laughed when his expression dropped; perhaps you were teasing him a bit too much, already. Fortunately for Kaze, you were being totally genuine. 

“I will protect you if they try and say anything against it! You have protected me from everything, whether it’s a Vallite swinging their sword at me, or a drunk stranger making a pass- why wouldn’t I want to keep you as close to me as possible? You’re more than worthy of me, Kaze. I only hope you feel the same.”

“Of course I do! You’re…far above anything I could consider worthy. If you truly feel that I am the one you wish to be with, I will dedicate my entire life to ensuring your love is deserved.”

“I hoped you would say that,” You smile up at him, releasing his hands only so you could wrap your arms around him. 

You hugged him tightly, an embrace Kaze would never dared to even dream of…but here you were, so precious and dear, holding him as though you thought the very same of him.

He engulfed you in his embrace, squeezing you tightly. 

“I love you, Kaze.”

“I…I love you too, Lady Corrin!”

“One thing,” You drew back, eyes narrowed at him, “You’ll have to start calling me just “Corrin’, if we are to become lovers. Is that something you can do?”

His face was alight with a bashful blush, but he nodded all the same. 

“Y-yes, ah…Corrin.”

“That’s better.” You pressed into his chest once again, the two of you igniting a wonderful new passion that had only existed in stranded hopes at the furthest reaches of your imaginations.

It was real, now. 

Of course, that just meant his job would be a lot harder. 

All that agitation of the beautiful princess’ affections solely given to one ninja, he would likely become a target of their frustrations. 

Well, them and of course the siblings who would likely object immediately, followed by his own brother who would try and kill him