#xanderin

“When have you learned...how to do all this?” You asked him warily. Xander smiled to himself, only briefly, before placing the cloth over your forehead.

“When Leo was little, if he was unwell he didn’t want anyone to take care of him except for me, or Camilla. Not even the healers could persuade him into changing his mind. And so I picked up a few tricks along the way.”

“You’ve always been sweet.” You mused sleepily. Xander turned to the tray of tea that had been waiting for the last few minutes, taking the small capsule that Azama had instructed he give you.

“I aim to please. Although I doubt you’ll be with me when you take this.” He said grimly, taking the saucer and cup and placing it in your hands. You eyed the little pill in his hands, which appeared to be a rather bitter-looking ball of medicine.

“I’m already against it.” You said so bluntly, he couldn’t help chuckling.

“Come now, Little Princess. You’re not going to improve if you don’t take this. It’s an herbal medicine, common in Hoshido. You’re not endangering your life.”

“I’m endangering my taste buds. Look at this thing; it’s dangerous!” You protested, voice hoarse despite yourself. Xander smiled softly, sitting on the side of the bed and nudging it towards you.

“You’d rather be miserable instead of doing as I ask?” He tilted his head, blonde curls falling to the side. You stared at him in disinterest, lips pursed.

“I’d rather die.”

“What if I promised a shortcake from Jakob?” He quirked an eyebrow. You remained unconvinced.

“Not good enough. It’ll have to be way sweeter if it’ll counter this ball of...I don’t even want to think about it.” “I’ve heard you couldn’t handle bitter food well; but it can’t be that bad, can it?” He questioned, but you nodded solemnly.

“Once, Jakob tried to get me to eat this demonic plant...called kale.”

“Kale is very good for you.”

“It tasted so bad it ended up on the floor within a second.” You groaned, remembering the nasty event with distaste. Xander’s lip curled.

“Remind me never to give you kale.”

“And also bitter medicine.”

“Corrin…” He sighed, pressing the ball into your hand, “If you don’t take it, you’ll only get worse. I’d be beside myself if you regressed under my care. So, please, just try to ingest it.”

“What if I can’t handle it?”

“You will.” He assured you, giving your hand a squeeze. “I’ll be rewarding you handsomely if you do. I’ll give you the sweetest thing you could possibly imagine.”

“I can think of a few things, you know.” You smiled weakly, before glaring at the bitter medicine. “And you’re...sure this will do the trick?”

“I guarantee it, my love.” Xander stated. It didn’t take much more convincing than that, before the medicine was popped (reluctantly) into your mouth. Your lips immediately twisted, and hastily you washed down the tea he thankfully provided.

“Bleah!” You choked, mouth hanging open as you coughed. “T-that was- that was-”

“Not as bad as you thought?” He offered unhelpfully, smiling to himself. You glared at him.

“W-worse.”

“Nonsense.” He leaned forward, “You’ve earned yourself a reward, haven’t you? It couldn’t have been that bad.”

“Depends on the reward. I was told it’d be something sweet.” You said, unconvinced, though you noticed how close his handsome face had come to yours.

“The sweetest.” He remarked, pressing his lips to yours. You hummed in content, the soft, gentle sensation washing over your whole body. Xander’s expression relaxed as he held you, caressing your cheek as your lips moved in sync.

The quiet pop when you separated was enough to make you blush. Xander looked quite pleased.

“...I can still taste the medicine.” You pouted, looking away in an attempt to hide the bright color of your cheeks. Xander stared at you, before a laugh escaped him. He shook his head. 

“I’ll...have Jakob prepare something for you.”

“Or maybe you could just...g-give me another?” You glanced at him. And what should you find but a brilliant grin on your husband’s lips.

“I don’t think I said anything about seconds, but…” He trailed off, slowly easing onto the bed and capturing you between his arms, “I suppose I could make arrangements.”

“I can’t go to bed unless you come with me.”

“That’s ridiculous.” Xander responds, but you were adamant when you stopped him from continuing the polishing.

“You stay up very late.” You told him in a serious tone. “Besides, I get lonely when you make me sleep alone.”

“I don’t leave you alone,” He corrects you, returning to polishing the blade in his hands, “I join you later.”

“But I’m already asleep when you do,” You protest, stopping him again, “And then you leave in the morning before I even wake up! Honestly, you’re as bad as Jakob, sometimes.”

“That’s not very fair.”

“It’s not fair that you leave me all alone.” You countered, and Xander sighed. The tip of the blade rested on the ground.

“Does it really bother you that much?”

“Would I bring it up if it didn’t?”

“Must you answer my question with a question?”

“Must you keep asking silly questions?” You laughed at the annoyed twitch of his eyebrow, “Come, let’s go to bed. I want to go to sleep with you, for once.”

“When you say it like that, it’s embarrassing.” Xander muttered, but sheathed his sword all the same.

You grinned victoriously, and let him help you up before heading out of the room.

“Come, then. If you’re so exhausted, we may as well retire now.”

“That’s the spirit.” You chuckled, slipping your hand in his. Xander’s finger intertwined with yours, a move you normally initiated.

You glanced up at him curiously, but he didn't look back. Instead he escorted you to the bedroom, even going so far as to let you in first like the gentleman prince he was. You smiled widely as he did, which he met with a questioning glance as he shut the door.

“What are you looking at?”

“The most loving and chivalrous husband I’ve ever had the pleasure of marrying.” “I hope I’m the only one.” Xander responded seriously, making you giggle yet again. He took off his armor, you doing the same as you prepared for the end of the night.

“Trust me, I’ll stick with you to the end of time.” You traded your daily clothes for a much simpler, comfortable nightdress that was quite becoming on you. You could feel his eyes on you when the silken fabric slipped over your body, leaving little to the imagination.

The prince ran a hand through his hair, following you to the bed and a touch awkwardly joining you.

“I hope you’re not planning on going to bed dressed like that.” He mumbled, glancing away from the rather exposed skin you shamelessly bore in front of him.

“Why not? It’s really comfortable, and I thought you'd like it. If you don’t, I could always change, but…” “It's not that I don’t like it, I think it’s...nice. It’s just a little revealing, considering you just want to sleep with me. ...Not like that, though!”

“I know.” You laugh yet again, and he was sure you were enjoying the bright red blush. “I just wanted to spend the night with you is all. If it really bothers you, I’ll go and change. I wouldn't want you to overexert yourself when you're already tired.”

He didn’t need to have pricked ears to hear the disappointment in your voice, and he shook his head.

His hand closed around your wrist when you moved to change, and he pulled you to rest against his chest.

“You can dress however you like, if it’s what you feel comfortable in.” He insisted sweetly, which made you hum happily against him.

You nuzzled into his tunic, which gave you the pounding heart you could hear beneath the fabric.

“If you can bear it, then I think I’d like to stay just like this.”

“We’ll be fine as it is.” He whispers, his head rested atop yours. You slowly drifted off to sleep, unaware of Xander’s protective gaze.

His fingers ran through your hair gently, soothing your whole body with the simple, sweet touches.

It was little moments like these he relished, only because they were so few and far between.

While he also enjoyed the more intimate nights, he looked forward to these, too.

It didn’t help you were wearing such sheer fabric. He couldn’t deny you looked beautiful in it, though. Almost...too beautiful.

“A present for Xander?! That’s so sweet of you, Corrin! You’re the best wife ever!” She gushed, taking your hands and leaping up from her seat to jump around with you.

You couldn’t help the peals of laughter falling from your lips; Elise was just too good for this world.

“Thank you very much, dearest. But I’m not as good a wife as you might think.” Your statement made the princess pause, tilting her head curiously. “I have no idea what to give him!”

She mouthed an “oh” at your explanation, settling back down with a relieved huff.

“I thought it was something way more serious the way you said that! But don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll come up with something nice.” She assured you, and returned to her work.

“That’s the problem, though! I don’t even know if I should get him something nice in the first place!” You say with a hint of exasperation, “I mean, he’s the first heir to the throne; Which translates to ‘Owner of All the Nice Things, Ever’!”

“That’s very true.” Elise giggled, her fingers fiddling with the flower necklace in her hands once again. “I guess you’ll have to think outside the box, then. Maybe something off the beach? Oh! I bet he’d love it if you found him a shell like a conch or a unicorn horn, or--” “Rrgh, that’s going to take too long to find.” You groaned, sinking onto the sand next to her. “Especially one that’s not broken.”

“You’re stuck!” Elise giggled. You fell silent, gaze dropping from the sea to the trees to the flower necklace in the girl’s hands. The flower...necklace…

“That’s it!” You suddenly cried, making her jump and stare at you. “Elise, you can help me make a flower necklace for Xander! He’ll love it!”

“Really? Xander’s never really been one for jewelry or that kind of stuff. Flowers don’t fit in with his ‘style’ either, you know?”

“Sure, sure. But I know he’ll like it if I make it! Besides, when’s the last time you saw Xander with a flower necklace?”

“Never!”

“Exactly, and that’s what makes it unique! Trust me, Elise.” You took her hands in yours, confidence and excitement stirring in your heart. “So long as it comes from the heart, I know he’ll love it.”

“You two are so cheesy!” Elise laughed happily, but helped you all the same.

You carefully selected the flowers you wanted to use, and hoped for the best as Elise instructed you on how to make it. You could hardly wait to give it to Xander.

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

The prince had dozed off unintentionally, reveling in the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze easing across the shore.

You’d initially been sitting with him, but when his eyes opened nearly an hour later you were gone.

Xander’s brow furrowed, the frown automatically plastered to his face. You’d only been married a month, today. He couldn’t go losing you this early in the relationship.

“Corrin…?” He mumbled sleepily, pushing himself up on his elbows to scan the horizon.

His eyes landed on you sitting by Elise, the two of you chattering about something with an awful lot of excitement.

He allowed his curiosity to get the better of him, and he rose from the shade of the umbrella to investigate whatever mischief the two of you were planning.

Elise noticed him approaching first, and poked your shoulder, muttering rapidly about something.

You turned and locked eyes with him, the shocked, excited expression making him all the more suspicious.

“Xander! I didn’t expect to see you over here!” You say in a rushed tone, and he quirked an eyebrow.

Sculpted arms folded over his chest, looking at the pair of you with an extremely no-nonsense expression.

“What are you two scheming, over here?” He asked with a natural hint of demand that made his wife and sister share a look.

“We’re not scheming anything!” You were quick to defend yourself, “We’re just having a little sister bonding time!” You added, but Xander didn’t buy it, stepping closer to you both.

If you didn’t know any better, it would’ve been easy to miss the amused twinkle in his eye.

“I don’t believe it for a second.” He said gruffly, and you giggled this time. He tried to glance at whatever you had behind your back, but for some reason you were bent on keeping it hidden. “What are you trying to keep from me?”

“Nothing of major importance.” You replied with tact, but Xander near rivaled Ryoma when it came to sheer willpower.

“You know you can’t hide anything from me, my love.” His voice was low, and he leaned in close enough that your skin nearly touched his. “Show me what you’re keeping from me.”

“What happens if I don’t?” You question evenly, leaning back on the balls of your feet.

His eyes narrowed, and a hand ghosted up your neck, the two of you completely oblivious to the young lady watching the scene unfold.

“I’ll make a mess of you.” He murmured dangerously close to your ear.

You laughed sweetly, moving away from him with a darkening blush on your cheeks.

“Xander, don’t joke about that sort of thing!”

“Who said I was joking?” His even response was Elise’s cue to escape, scurrying away in a fit of snickers and a flower necklace in hand.

You didn’t notice her leave, though; You were more focused on the man you called your husband, who stood before you with a relaxed, mesmerizing gaze.

“You really want to know that badly?”

“Without a doubt.”

“Well, then. I suppose I don’t have a choice.” You chuckled to yourself. You stood on your tiptoes, gently covering his eyes. “Here, close them. I want to give you a surprise.”

“A surprise, hm?” He figured with a cautious tone. “You know I’m not avertly a fan of those.” He mumbled, but you shook your head, the mystery present rustling.

“It’s not too horrible, I promise. Just hold still for one second…” Xander stood perfectly frozen, not budging even after he felt you drape something over his neck.

It felt a little bit like--

“Flowers?” He opened his eyes to reveal a necklace of beautiful beach flowers hanging about his neck.

A flurry of bright reds and vibrant hues of pink colored the summer blossoms, and he almost found himself taken aback by your present.

“Elise helped me make a necklace for you. It’s sort of a thank-you gift for, er, sticking with me the last month.” You explained with a sheepish smile, making him quirk an eyebrow again.

You bit your lip, wondering what in the world you were nervous about. It probably had something to do with the fact he wasn’t speaking. Until, finally...

“If anything, I should be giving this to you, in that respect.” Xander mused. The necklace was gently transferred to you, his hands ghosting across your face. “I was...uncertain whether you’d accept any proposal.”

“How could I say no to you?” You laughed again, playing with the flowers. “I couldn’t have been happier when you asked me.” Your eyes shone as you confessed, your words making Xander smile wider.

“Then I must say thank you, for choosing to stand by me. And I’m gathering you don’t regret it, since you went to all this trouble.” He laughed softly, a sound that brought a small blush to your face. Hearing Xander laugh was the social equivalent to finding a unicorn; near impossible.

“But this gift is supposed to be a thank-you for you. I can’t take it!”

His brow furrowed once more, “I feel it is much more becoming on you.”

“O-oh, please! But...thank you all the same.” You added, glancing at the necklace. That’s when you got the idea. “Hey, Xander. What if we-- what if we shared it?”

“Shared it?” He repeated looking dumbfounded.

You nodded in excitement, holding the edge of the necklace out with a twinkle in your eye.

“Yeah! We just share it, like this…” You trailed off, and lifted the other end over Xander’s head, which he ducked down to give you easier access. “Perfect.”

“The moment may not be so picturesque if someone sees us, but...it is not unpleasant.” Xander agreed softly, looking down at you with warm eyes and a small smile.

“I love you, Xander. Happy One-Month-Anniversary.” You say in a quiet tone, leaning up so your lips nearly touched.

“Happy Anniversary, Corrin.”

And with that, your lips connected.

Both of you were on Cloud Nine, moving in sync with each other. The necklace fluttered gently between you, his arms resting on your waist, and yours around his neck.

You couldn’t have been happier in that moment.

At least, until Elise came running back shrieking about how cute you were with Camilla in tow, a teasing grin on her lips.