Fire Emblem Awakening: A Starlit Holiday

Nagamas

Anna

"WAKE UP!!!!" 

Lissa slammed my door open and ran over to my bed. "Wake up, Anna! It's Nagamas!" she squealed.

I cracked open an eye and groaned. "Five more minutes..." I pulled the blanket over my eyes and curled into a ball.

"Fine. I didn't want it to come to this." Lissa made a shrill whistle, and four furry bodies piled on top of me.

I quickly kicked the blanket away and tried to sit up, only to be smothered by dogs. "Lissa...what did you do..." My voice came out muffled. 

Lissa gave me an innocent look. "Oh, I may have trained Chrom's dogs and Luna to smother you whenever I please." She winked.

I spat out some dog fur as Barin, Chrom's Duck Tolling Retriever, licked my face. "I can see that-oof!" The Springer Spaniel, Aasira, hopped onto my stomach and forced air out. She gave me a curious look and then laid down. Catori was preoccupied with chewing on my toes, and Luna crawled on top of my head; draping her tail over my face.

I brushed Luna's tail away and gasped for air. "I give! Call off your beasts!"

Lissa giggled. "Good! Get off of Anna, doggies!" The dogs obeyed and jumped off of me; running out of my room and into the Garrison.

I finally sat up and glared at my future sister-in-law. "Was that really necessary?"

"Yes!" She bounced off of my bed and threw some clothes at my feet. "Now get dressed! We have to open presents!" 

I rolled my eyes. "Alright! I'll be out in a few minutes!" 

"Yay!" Lissa ran out of my room, probably to terrorize everyone else.

"That girl..." I chuckled softly and began to dress. "Wait... It's Nagamas! I completely forgot!" I quickly got myself ready and exited my room. 

Everyone was already in the Garrison - save for a few stragglers - seated around the tree and quietly talking amongst themselves. 

Chrom was in our favorite loveseat, scratching Barin's head. He looked up to see me and smiled, silently gesturing for me to sit down next to him.

"Merry Nagamas, Anna," he said as I sat down.

"Merry Nagamas." I leaned against his side and sighed. "How are you feeling?"

He wrapped his arm around me and kissed my cheek. "I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Shhh...just forget about everything for a moment and enjoy the morning," he whispered. "We can talk about the future some other day. Now, we can just be Chrom and Anna. No titles. Just us."

I let out a breath and smiled. "Alright, if you say so..." 

Soon, Lissa had all of the presents passed out with rapid speed. The energy she normally has is still baffling to me, but the energy she has during the holiday season somehow multiplies. 

My heart began to race as Chrom opened my gift. Oh, gods... I really hope he likes it... He pulled the cape out of the box and studied it for a few moments. He hates it. I screwed up. How could I be so stupid!? He is nothing but thoughtful and I repay him by giving him a terrible gift! 

But, he began to laugh. "A new cape! Thank you, Anna!" He pulled me close and kissed me quickly. "I've been meaning to replace my old one. It's perfect."

I smiled shyly and tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear. "I-I'm glad to hear that! Just make sure you don't mess up this one!" I giggled.

Chrom pressed a small box into my hand and locked eyes with me. "Now it's time for you to open my gift."

I blushed and closed my fingers around the box. "O-ok..." I carefully opened it and inside was half of a golden, heart-shaped pendant. I looked at Chrom, confused. "What's this?"

He smiled and pulled out his pocket watch. Attached to it was the other half of the heart.

My own heart skipped a beat. Then, I rolled my eyes. "You are such a dork!" I laughed as I hugged his neck. "You know, apparently the others were taking bets on if we had these things."

Chrom silently chuckled and pulled me snuggly into his lap. "Well, now we do." He took the pendant out of the box and put it around my neck. "It looks beautiful on you. Then again, you're beautiful in everything."

I groaned and gently headbutted his chest. "Dooooork!"

"Hey, it's true!"

"DOOOOOOORK!!!"

...

I picked up my skirt as I treaded through the snow. I didn't really care if I ruined this dress or not, but I just didn't want to trip.

But of course, me being me: I tripped anyway and faceplanted into the freezing cold snow.

"That was quite the tumble there, love," Chrom chuckled as he helped me up, brushing off some of the snow. "What are you doing out here? The Ball is still going on!"

I sighed. "I needed some air. I felt like I was about to have a panic attack so I left." I pressed my forehead against his chest. "Will I always have to deal with that many people at once?"

Chrom ran his gloved fingers through my hair. "Unfortunately, yes. But I will be by your side. Always." He kissed my temple. "Everyone enjoyed your playing, though! I wouldn't be surprised if you're asked to perform at parties again!"

I smiled and looked up at him. "I'm glad everyone enjoyed it." I took his hands. "So, you promised me a talk about the future. Why don't we do that now?"

"I..." He shook his head and let out a breath. "I'm sorry, but not now. Please? I have so many thoughts going through my head and I can barely focus on what's happening right now. Please, can you wait a little longer? I am so very sorry, Anna."

"Oh, Chrom... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to put any pressure on you." I reached up and caressed his cheek. "I can wait. I'm really good at that!"

He gave me a small smile. "I can't tell if you're being passive aggressive or not."

I laughed and nuzzled my way under into his arms, savoring his warmth. We stood like this for a few minutes. Then, Chrom lifted his head. "What's that over there?" He pointed to a small, paper package in the snow.

We shared a look of confusion, then went to the package. There was a note that read: "To C & A. From L". Out of curiosity, I opened the package. Inside was a blue, intricately carved butterfly pendant. After examining it further, I noticed that there was an inscription on the back.

Here's to a better future...

I couldn't figure out why, but that message made my heart twinge. 

Silence passed through the courtyard.

I snuggled closer to Chrom and hid my tears. "Here's to a better future, then..."

He hugged me tight and let his own tears fall onto my hair. "Yeah... Here's to a better future..."

Out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw a figure darting through the trees, smiling.

_______________

Sorry to end this on an angsty note. I couldn't help myself. And thus, that is the end of A Starlit Holiday! I had so much fun writing it! If you're curious as to what my plan for the next prompt month, go to the next chapter and you'll find out! Once again, thank you so so so much for reading. It means a lot to me.

Merry Christmas, everyone! Happy holidays! Have a happy new year!