Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

”Meet me in the gardens, when the moon is highest in the night sky. I need to speak with you beloved.” Was all the paper had said, folded and sealed with none other than Chrom’s own royal blue wax. Robin stared down at the symbol tiredly, a feeling of unease and nausea fighting in her stomach. She hadn’t intended to read the note truly. Having seen the seal, she’d meant to just burn it, knowing whatever that infuriating man had written inside would only cause them both pain. Before she knew what was even happening however, her fingers had found the wrought iron letter opener that none other than Chrom had gifted her, feeling her insides twist painfully as she read the simple note.

‘...Hardly worth a letter and seal…’ she thought ruefully, before a soft sigh escaped her. Setting the letter down, Robin brought her hands up to her temples, rubbing in a futile attempt to chase away the headache she could already feel beginning to bloom behind her eyes. To say her feelings on the crowned King of Ylisse were complicated, was the understatement of the century, and was a constant source of grief for the both of them. Robin knew, no matter how often she’d tried again and again to deny her feelings, she was in love with the man, and had been for months. Truthfully, maybe ever since she’d first laid eyes on him, when her eyes had opened for the first time in who knows how long. A sad smile made its way to her face against her will as she remembered how she had felt, seeing that silly blue haired man trust her so openly, and take her under his wing as though he had known her forever.

“There are better places to take a nap than on the ground, you know. Give me your hand…”

Chrom, or perhaps it was Robin herself, had made a habit of holding the others hand after that. It wasn’t ever intentional, at least not on Robin’s behalf, but it seemed to happen more often than not. Lissa had found it absolutely precious, before demanding she get to hold their hands too. Frederick of course loathed the idea, having all but hated Robin and how trusting his wards had been of her. Robin never blamed him of course. Her story sounded little more than just that; a story. Suddenly remembering details at convenient moments? She wouldn’t have trusted her either. Slowly but surely though, Frederick came around to her, though still openly discouraged her from touching Chrom, though that did nothing to dissuade the future king from touching her, perhaps out of spite. 

Jolted from her thoughts as the bell began chiming, Robin folded up the note, sliding into one of the inner breast pockets of her coat that was nigh invisible to anyone who didn’t explicitly where to look. The last thing she needed was someone finding the note, feeling the words ‘beloved’ almost burn into her chest. Shame roiled inside her remembering that in just a few scant hours, Ylisse would have a new queen, and Chrom would be married to none other than Sumia, someone she truly considered a close friend. Sumia seemed to be one of the only people in the entire kingdom who was oblivious to Chrom’s feelings about Robin, though no one was quite sure how that was possible. The cobalt haired man had never once tried to hide his feelings, and frankly, Robin wasn’t sure he’d even know how to. He wore his emotions on his sleeve, that being one of the many... many , things Robin loved about him.

‘You could have said yes…’

A traitorous voice in her head whispered, causing a pang of regret and frustration to shoot through her as she remembered the night Chrom had proposed to her, and the night she’d had to, against every fibre of her being, turn him down. Robin wasn’t sure there was enough alcohol in all of Plegia to drown out the look of heartbreak that seemed to etch itself across his features when she’d told him she couldn’t marry him. She couldn’t bring herself to explain why to him, far too afraid of what he would do if he found out the truth about her. The truth that Lucina had revealed to her one night, the end of the Parallel Falchion pointed at Robin’s chest in not a warning, but a promise, of what would come to pass if Robin did not change the path she was walking.

“I lost him once…” Lucina’s voice shook with every word, tears streaming from her deep blue eyes that seemed to be filled with endless pain that Robin dare not even try to imagine. Robin didn’t comment on how her hand trembled around the hilt of the blade, knowing it would just take a few inches to end her life.

‘Perhaps it would be better that way…’

Rubbing her wrist against her nose, Lucina sniffled, choking down a sob, before she could speak again. “I’ll not lose him again...I...I ca-an’t...You understand?” She stated more than she asked, keeping her gaze level with Robins own as she revealed the mages tfuture, turning her world on its side.

“I...I am your daughter, and Chrom is my father...You…” She paused to clear her throat, trying to regain the stability in her voice, “In my time, you...you kill him-”

“Lucina I would nev-!”

“Don’t!” Lucina barked out, pressing forward just enough that Robin hissed, feeling the tip press into her skin, slicing right through the thin off-white shirt she wore. Had Robin been more focused, she’d have worried about cleaning the blood without drawing attention, but Lucina’s next words stole all her focus.

“I saw it happen! I saw you kill him! You...You weren’t yourself, sure, but that doesn’t change the fact it happened!” She hissed out, voice finally regaining the hardened edge she’d lost in the heat of the emotional moment.

“What...what do you mean? Wasn’t myself? Lucina, I don’t understand!” Robin felt as though the world had been ripped from beneath her, before a searing pain roared from behind her eyes. Lucina seemed to have anticipated that happening, or perhaps she’d just inherited her parents' intuition as she dropped the Parallel Falchion, mere moments before Robin collapsed forward to the ground, clutching the sides of her skull. A dream, no, a memory she’d long tried to forget replayed itself, leaving her to watch from outside her body while her hands crackled to life with energy. She couldn’t even scream, couldn’t move as she watched herself impale the love of her life with some sort of energy blade.

“This...is not your...fault.”

Robin gasped, swallowing down a scream as the world focused back in around her, seeing Lucina's face above her own, expression set in a grim line as tears kept pouring down her reddened cheeks.

“...I understand…” Robin had told her, determined then and there to do whatever it took to keep Chrom safe and at arms length, even if it cost them both their happiness. Chrom had, predictably, not taken her rejection well, not understanding why she could not tell him the truth behind her answer. Robin felt the weight between her shoulder blades seem to grow heavier every time she had to look at him, so much so that she moved out of the castle, instead living in one of the one-room houses in the slums of Ylisse. That didn’t stop Chrom from finding her of course, not that she truly expected it to. The fight they’d had then was monumental, both of them screaming, Robin with tears in her eyes as she seemed to scream herself hoarse. What she wouldn’t have given for Frederick to have been there, if for nothing else than to have ushered them inside or somewhere where the people of Ylisse couldn’t see their freshly crowned king so unstable. Robin knew that did nothing to help foster belief in the new kingdom, but couldn’t bring herself to care at that moment.

Staring at her front door, she warred with herself on whether or not she should go through with his request to meet in the gardens. Robin knew no good could come of this, no midnight meetings ever held good tidings, especially ones before royal weddings, but she found herself toeing her boots on anyway. Perhaps it was the overwhelming, near choking emotions she’d felt from recalling the past few months, or perhaps she was just a glutton for punishment, she didn’t know anymore. This would be the last time either way. Once Chrom and Sumia were married, he would have no time for her, wouldn’t be able to make any time, especially if he succeeded in sireing an heir. Robin felt a sharp spike of nausea shoot through her at that thought, realizing that would mean Lucina...truthfully she wasn’t sure what that would mean for Lucina. Would she even exist in this time anymore? Shaking her head to banish the thoughts that were far too painful to entertain right now, Robin kept her steps steady as she could while making her way to the palace gardens, a place she’d once thought of as a peaceful place she went to to reflect and calm her mind.

‘Not anymore.’

Seeing Chrom standing alone in the moonlight took any ability to mentally retort back to her thoughts as her steps halted. His eyes were closed as he stood, head tilted back just slightly, looking more serene than he had since before Emmeryn’s death, the thought alone breaking her heart all over again. Fearing that this was a foolish idea, Robin went to retreat, taking a step backwards, only to feel a twig crunch under her boots, bringing a grimace to her face.

“Robin?” Chrom called out, voice cautious, quiet, but so full of hope that she felt her stomach flip with an emotion she couldn’t quite name.

“...Hi Chrom.” She responded softly, trying and failing not to smile when he began closing the distance between them, just a hair shy of fast walking. It had been nearly two weeks since they’d seen each other, their last interaction while quiet, was no less painful than if they had fought again. Chrom had brought news of his engagement to Sumia, Robin having no doubt in her heart that the news was meant to try and sway her to changing her mind on her initial, and consistent rejection. He wasn’t smug however when he told her, though there was no joy in his voice either. The decision had been Frederick’s idea, to no one's surprise, having insisted that Chrom ‘settle down’ when everyone knew that he just meant to sire an heir for the kingdom. Losing Emmeryn so abruptly shook Ylisse to its core, and even though they had finally brought peace to the continent, they all knew that having the future rest on more than one shoulder would help ease the mounting tensions.

“I...I wasn’t sure if you would come.” He said softly, stopping as he came to stand before her, the moon haloing behind his hair, creating a beautiful silhouette that seemed to steal Robin’s breath from her chest. 

“I...well...y’know…” She finished lamely with a shrug, feeling her cheeks heat up dramatically as she stumbled over her words like a school girl. No matter how hard she tried to squash down her feelings, she was still hopelessly in love with the man before her, and it didn’t help that she knew he still felt the same about her. Chrom went to bring his arms up, as if on instinct to pull her against his chest, but stopped himself, settling instead to set his hands upon her shoulders in what could only be described as a bit awkward.

“Y...Yeah...either way, I’m,” He paused, flashing her a beautiful, soft smile, “I’m glad you did…” His voice dropped a bit, his hands following as he rubbed them over her upper arms idly. Robin could feel his fingers twitch through the material of her coat, causing her to snort.

“You can hug me, you big dope- oof! .” The words were rushed out of her as he pulled her close, nearly crushing her in a tight embrace that had her heart fluttering like a newborn rabbit. He was so warm , and it had been so long. Robin didn’t even try to stop herself from wrapping her arms around his waist just as tightly, pressing her cheek over his chest to where she could hear his heartbeat. A soft sigh escaped her when she felt his fingers thread through her long snow white hair, nails scratching just slightly against her scalp. Her eyes fluttered closed as they stayed like that for what could have been hours, but it was just a few moments before Chrom spoke again.

“I missed you.” He muttered against the shell of her ear, his voice low and breath warm, causing her to shiver for all the wrong reasons. Chrom, predictably, misread her movement, pulled back just enough for her to look him properly in the eyes. Shrugging her arms free from his waist, Chrom unfastened his cape, throwing it around her shoulders before she could sputter or correct him on what exactly had made her react that way.

“I suppose I didn’t realize how cold it had gotten. I often forget you are not used to this weather. I can’t imagine it gets too cold down in Plegia, even in winter.” He huffed out a laugh, moving his hand to cup her cheek. Without thinking, Robin felt herself lean into his touch, eyes almost closing again as she smiled lazily.

“Thank you.” Was all she said, before she felt her cheeks heat up as his thumb trailed down to her chin, his grip soft and tender. Robin felt her heart speed up when he leaned closer to her, able to feel his breath fan out against her lips, his free hand moving to grip her waist, still just as gentle. Knowing this was rapidly spiraling out of her control, Robin went to set a hand on his chest, but didn’t anticipate Chrom perceiving her movement positively. Stopping just before his lips met hers, he ran his thumb across her plump lower lip, almost as though he were asking her permission before he took them somewhere they wouldn’t be able to come back from.

“Tell me to stop Robin.” His voice dropped an octave, picking up a husky tone that went straight to her core. In a move she by all rights should have known would be a mistake, Robin licked her lip to prepare to speak, only for any words to die in her throat as he watched his eyes dilate and his breath hitch as her tongue ran across the tip of his thumb. Robin felt the grip on her waist tighten before Chrom crushed his lips against hers in a hungry, bruising kiss. Hearing a soft, high pitched moan Robin only distantly realized had come from her, Robin looped her arms around his shoulders, a fullbody tremor rocking through her when she felt rather than heard Chroms deep groan reverberate through her chest.

His kisses were not tender like they had been in weeks past, but desperate and filled with desire as Robin felt herself lose the will to try and stop him. Fisting a hand in his hair as she felt his tongue flick against the seam of her lips, Robin openly gasped when he pulled her lower body flush against his own, feeling his hardness press insistently against her core. Running her tongue along his own before pulling back, Robin threw caution to the wind as she tightened her grip in his hair, pulling just enough to expose his neck and drag a throaty groan from him, before sinking her teeth just deep enough to bruise into the juncture of his shoulder.

“Fuck! Robin!” He choked out, his grip on her hip tightening before he effortlessly lifted her up, pulling the hand not tangled in her hair to wrap her legs around his waist, grinding his clothed cock against her heated core. Had there been any blood going to his brain, Chrom would have been appalled at the urge of ripping her clothes from her body, and plunging himself over and over to her, right in the garden for all to see until he filled her to bursting with his seed. A primal demand reared its head, ceasing any and all coherent thought as he felt his hands move to do just that. He’d pursued her for so long, had taken himself in hand to the thought of her so many times, and now he would finally have her.

“Mine.” He snarled out lowly as he dropped to his knees, startling a shocked noise from her before pressing her gently into the ground below, having just enough cognizance to not slam her down and ravage her as he ground down against her, pleasure coursing through his body as his cock pulsed, leaking at the barest hint of her heat through their clothing. Fisting his hand in the grass by her head Chrom jerked his hips forward again, hissing as he felt her buck up to meet his thrusts. Pressing his chest into hers Chrom attacked any exposed skin he could, peppering her skin with bites that would surely bruise come the morning, though judging by Robins eager moans, and the hand still tangled in his hair, he didn’t figure she would mind.

“Oh God, Chrom!” She rasped out as he trailed his kisses to the valley between her breasts, pushing her coat apart while nipping the swell of her breasts. Chrom held her gaze as he pulled the fabric of her shirt aside slowly until he leaned closer, flicking his tongue along the exposed hardened bud. Mewling, Robin felt her underclothes get slicker as he took her nipple between his lips, before bringing his other hand to squeeze her other breast. Robin arched up into his touch, bringing her knuckles to her mouth to try and stifle her noises as he suckled and gently ran his teeth along her nipple, only to give a weak groan as he moved his attention to the other. Robin had to bite down hard to keep from screaming as he pinched the nipple not between his lips, twisting just enough to make her spasm, feeling her cunt ache desperately. 

“Ch...Chrom...please…” She whimpered, writhing beneath him as he repeated the action, his eyes never leaving her face, before he bit down hard on the skin around her areola, drawing a barely muffled scream from her as her orgasm ripped through her. Her breasts had always been incredibly sensitive, a fact they both knew all too well. Moving the hand not occupied with her breast, Chrom roughly cupped her sex, pressing the heel of his palm against her clit as she spasmed beneath him, her body both pressing desperately against him, but writhing from over stimulation. He didn’t stop there as he ran his teeth along her oversensitive nipple, only pausing to flatten and flick his tongue before she smacked her hand against his head, gasping for air and whimpering.

“ChromchromchrOM! Stop! I ca-AH!” She arched hard up into him, her vision whiting out as another orgasm pulsed through her to both their surprise. Chrom, whether in his amazement, or finally taking pity on her, pulled back from her breast with a wet pop, watching as she spasmed beneath him, whimpering moans escaping her as Chrom, gently this time, rubbed circles along her clothed sex. It was several moments before she was able to think again, weakly pushing at his arm, her own trembling from overstimulation. Chrom rubbed along her thigh as she came down, smiling just a bit wickedly as she seemed to refocus on him, looking rather pleased with what he had done. 

“You…” She panted out, moving to lean up on her elbows, somewhat shakily, “are a cruel, cruel man.” She watched Chrom snicker, feeling the not at all serious urge to smack him grow as his smirk intensified when a whimper escaped her, the movement of sitting up, pressing her small clothes against her clit.

“I, however, can be just as cruel.” She warned with a smirk of her own, pushing against his chest until he was prone like she had been before. Settling herself on her knees between his, she shivered with a residual tremor of pleasure, mentally resolving that for everyone she had to endure, he would have to deal with twice as many. Seeing his cock throb through his tented pants, Robin gingerly set a hand on his inner thigh, causing him to groan, thumping his head back into the grass.

“Something wrong?” She asked with faux concern, rubbing small circles along where his thigh met his groin, careful to not let her fingers touch his cock just yet. She heard him swear softly, leaning up to squint at her.

“You’re a damn tease is wha-ah!” His gripe was cut off when she wrapped a hand around his clothed member, slowly squeezing with just enough pressure to make spots dance behind his eyes. Not yet moving her hand, Robin tilted her head playfully to the side, batting her lashes as she hummed.

“What was that now?” Her voice coquettish and playful, squeezing and releasing his cock, only to let go completely when his hips bucked up desperately.

“Robin!” He groaned in frustration at the lack of stimulation, huffing when his noises were met with a giggle. He couldn’t stop the shiver that went through him as he felt Robin trail her fingers along the waist of his pants, gritting his teeth as she ran her palm over his cock, before deftly untying the strings. Chrom moaned weakly, relief flooding over him as some of the pressure on his cock lessened, shivering at the cool night air. 

Robin felt her eyes widen as she took in the size of his cock, now fully visible and erect before her. He was...much bigger than he felt in his breeches, not that he had felt small to begin with, but Robin felt the faintest unsure prickle at the back of her mind, wondering if he would even fit inside her. Before she could begin to talk herself out of what she planned to do, Robin wrapped a hand around his length, causing Chrom to give a strangled gasp, tensing beneath her. Giving his cock a soft squeeze, she slowly ran her hand up and down his length, feeling her core tense at the realization that her fingers almost didn’t touch as she stroked him, delighting in how he writhed and panted beneath her. Loving the feeling of being in so much control, Robin watched Chrom close his eyes with a deep groan when her thumb pressed beneath the head of his cock, before an idea sparked to life in her mind. 

Moving slowly to ensure Chrom kept his eyes closed, Robin adjusted until she nearly lay beneath his legs, keeping her hand moving slowly, with just enough squeezing pressure, before she leaned forward, running her tongue up along the underside of his cock, quickly moving her free hand to pin his hips down when he bucked up in surprise, a gasp of pleasure escaping him. Scrambling to push himself up to his elbows, Chrom went to speak, but the words died on his tongue as he watched Robin take the head between her lips, flicking her tongue along his glans with a pleased noise. Chrom spasmed beneath her, moaning lowly in his chest, watching enraptured as she took more of his cock in her mouth, struggling to focus on her when he wanted nothing more than to collapse back and lose himself to the pleasure. 

Hesitantly, Chrom brought a hand to her cheek, quashing down the urge to bury it in her soft hair and push his cock fully down her throat. Instead he stroked his thumb across her cheek bone, feeling his heart hammer in his chest as he watched her face flush, eyes darting away. 

“I love you.” He whispered, brushing her bangs free from her eyes, that now refused to look at him. Chrom couldn’t bring himself to regret saying it, even if it dampened the mood. He meant it, with everything he had. He opened his mouth to speak again, before crying out as Robin pushed forward, taking his cock fully down her throat in one move. Fisting her hair, Chrom groaned deeply, holding her there while pleasure wracked through his body, only to wrench her back and off his cock to keep from cumming far sooner than he wanted. Using the hand not in her hair to clamp around the base of his cock hard enough to see stars, Chrom panted hard, eyes squeezed shut. Only once he felt his impending orgasm fade did he open his eyes, cock pulsing in his hand at the disheveled state Robin was in. Hair askew and messy from where he’d grabbed her, her breasts still exposed to the night and shining from where his tongue had been, and her lips bruised from where they’d been wrapped around his cock just moments before.

Knowing if he opened his mouth again, he was likely to push her away for good, Chrom settled instead for pulling her into his lap, crushing his lips against hers once more. Swallowing down her surprised moan, Chrom flipped them over, more careful this time, but no less desperate in his movements. He could not wait any longer. He’d done more than enough of it in his life. He would have her. He would feel her delicious heat around him, hear her cry out his name, and plant his seed so deeply inside her, that he could only silently hope it would take. He loved her more than anything in the world, and wanted nothing more than for her to be at his side until they grew old and grey. Duty to the crown and kingdom be damned. He would throw it all away if he could have her.

Wasting no time, Chrom felt a seam tear as he tugged her pants down to her knees, groaning at the sight of her underclothes slick against her cunt, knowing just how eager and ready for him she was. Just barely controlling himself enough to hold off on plunging himself into her heat, Chrom leaned down to run his tongue along her lower lips up to the bud he was eager to taste. Holding her hips down as she cried out and spasmed beneath him, Chrom groaned against her sex as the taste and scent of her flooded his senses. Flicking his tongue over her clit, Chrom closed his mouth around the bundle, carefully grazing his teeth against it as Robin bucked hard in his hold, thrusting a hand into his hair. His cock throbbed at the pleasure laced pain when she tugged his hair, pressing her mound demanding against him, breathy moans escaping her as she lost herself to the pleasure. Chrom sucked hard around her clit groaning softly when her body snapped up hard, as her third orgasm shook her body, his name on her lips as she spasmed beneath him.

Chrom felt his cock twitch, leaking onto the ground beneath him as he watched her twitch and whimper, slowly coming down from her high, before his body seemed to kick into autopilot. Feeling that he would burst into flames if he had to wait one more moment without feeling her around him, Chrom roughly pulled at her small clothes, not at all sorry when they easily tore in his grip, before fully removing her breaches, leaving her bare before him. His eyes honed in on her cunt, dripping wet and pulsing from her throws of passion just moments prior. Distantly he made a mental note to taste her properly next time, eager to bring her to orgasm over and over with just his tongue, but for now he couldn’t wait. Pulling her by the waist to him, Chrom draped himself over her, resting his head on the ground beside hers, taking his cock in hand. Only by the grace of Naga herself did Chrom stop, just centimeters before her, close enough to feel the heat of her core across his length, when he rasped out,

“Tell me to stop…Say the word and we can go back to before. Say it, and I won’t bother you any further.” He whispered out, closing his eyes as he sent up prayers to every deity he knew that she wouldn’t tell him. He would never force himself on her, or lose himself at the expense of her pleasure, but he thought it might kill him if he had to stop now. He would do it though. He would walk into hell for her. A moment of silence dragged on, Chrom feeling his sanity rapidly slipping before Robin spoke up, voice heavy with lust. She leaned up, pressing her lips to the shell of his ear,

“Fuck me.”

Was all it took before Chrom surged forward, burying himself deep inside her with an unrestrained groan. Damn anyone who came across them, Chrom was beyond caring. He had never felt anything like this before. Her body was so hot, so wet, so tight around his cock, her walls clamping down around him that Chrom briefly wondered if this is what heaven was like. He understood why men lost themselves to this feeling, spending their lives chasing this high. Chrom hissed in pleasure as he felt her nails dig in deep into the meat of his shoulders, no doubt leaving more marks he would wear tomorrow without a care in the world.

“O-oh Gods... Chrom…! ” She whimpered, eyes pinched closed as her body adjusted to the intense fullness of his cock. Chrom felt a deep rush of pride he’d never experienced before, knowing that no one else had brought her to this state, that no one else would fill her like he did. Some dark part of him hoped that she would never be satisfied with anyone else she might bed after he was wed, forever craving the feeling of his cock alone inside her. Thrusting forward as he buried himself to the root inside her, he watched enraptured as her body bowed up to meet his, before sinking his teeth into her shoulder, drawing an unmuffled, loud cry of his name from her lips. ‘Again.’ Was all he could think, yearning to hear her desperate for him as he pulled back, just to thrust deep inside her once more, rewarding him with another sharp cry. 

Losing himself to his baser instincts, Chrom didn’t stop slamming his hips into hers, his breathy groans mingling with her own desperate moans as he buried his cock inside her over and over again. His name became a mantra on her lips, one he didn’t think he’d ever tire of hearing as he attacked her neck, leaving several deep bruises and bites, his own mantra of “Mine,” matching hers. Pressing closer against her, he watched as her eyes shot open, his cock slamming into a spot inside her that had her all but scream, arching up into him while her walls clamped down around him, stuttering his pace and pulling a chest deep groan from him. Watching her orgasm was enthralling, but feeling her body spasm around his cock was otherworldly. Chrom’s pace grew erratic, all but folding her in half  as he fucked her at a bruising pace. He could feel the heat in his gut grow higher and higher as he buried himself inside her, before he felt more pleasure than he ever had before, spilling his seed deep inside her. Her name a prayer on his lips as his orgasm hit him hard enough to have him see stars, and completely wipe his mind of any coherent thoughts.

It felt both like seconds and an eternity before the world faded back into reality around him, feeling Robin wriggle beneath him. His limbs feeling like lead, Chrom slowly pushed himself up, rubbing his cheek against hers affectionately. He wasn’t sure he could speak, but the least he could do was move off of her. In an uncoordinated roll of limbs, Chrom collapsed beside her, breathing hard as he tried to get some semblance of motor function back into his body. He noted that Robin seemed to be no better off, her eyes glazed and breasts rising and falling rapidly with gasping breaths. Only as the sheen of sweat on his body began to dry and cool, did he shiver, pushing himself up into a sitting position, swaying slightly. Robin had yet to move, though her eyes were closed, her breathing seeming to have finally evened out. Chrom felt his heart swell, feeling as though it would burst from his chest, taking in the sight of his beloved.

It took him a few more moments before he was able to fix his clothing, putting away his still sensitive cock with a quiet hiss, before moving to grab her pants that he had thrown a few feet away in his desperation to hilt himself inside her. Robin didn’t even stir, to his amusement as he gingerly redressed her, making a mental note to apologize for her utterly destroyed small clothes that he pressed into one of her pockets with an odd mix of pride and slight shame. Fixing her shirt and pulling her cloak closed to hide the stark marks he’d left against her pale skin, Chrom trailed a hand along his own neck, feeling the tender spots Robin had left in their love making. He knew he should feel some sort of regret or perhaps shame about them, knowing that it would be no small feat to try and hide them from Sumia and the world tomorrow, but tonight he banished the thought, unable to care about anything other than his sleeping love before him.

With hardly any effort, Chrom scooped up the sleeping mage, cradling her close to his chest, relishing the warmth of her body against his. Making his way out of the garden, he stopped abruptly as a figure caught his eye at the doors to the palace. Frederick stood at attention, guarding the doors, with no small amount of disdain on his face. Chrom set his own into as blank an expression as he could, knowing there was no way Frederick didn’t know what he had done. 

“My lord.” His voice was tense, with a forced air of calm that was easily seen through, “it is...late.” He stated, as though they were talking about the weather or something trivial. Chrom grunted in response and nodded, eyes briefly flicking down to Robin, who had yet to stir in his arms.

“...That it is. I was just...taking Robin back to her home.” He said, voice more than a bit stilted as he shifted his weight, feeling unease and shame creep up quickly. Frederick matched his gaze, eyes dropping down to Robin, before back up to Chrom, keeping his expression deceptively calm. Inclining his head, Frederick nodded, keeping his voice light,

“I see. I can assist you with that my lord. You need to rest. After all, it is your...Big Day tomorrow.” Chrom felt his eyes narrow at the emphasis on his wedding, as though Chrom could have forgotten. Though...considering what he knew Frederick had heard, he supposed it wasn’t an entirely far fetched notion. Clearing his throat, Chrom shook his head with a strained smile.

“I can assure you that will not be necessary. It is a simple trip, no more than thirty minutes.” He said with false cheer, trying and failing to come off as aloof if Fredericks slight frown was anything to go by. It was Fredericks turn to shift on his feet, straightening his back in a way that always made Chrom feel scrutinized, no matter how old he got.

“My lord…” Frederick started, voice dropping, “It would...not look good to the public if you were seen entering Robin’s home at such a time. The people would talk, and we all know how wild rumors can get. We would not want the kingdom to get the wrong idea, especially today of all days.” He finished, tone careful, watching Chrom’s expression shift from calm to tight, his jaw ticking as he clenched it.

“Frederick, I can assure you, I am simply taking her home. As for rumors...they will spread no matter what I do.” He said with a confidence he absolutely did not feel. Judging by his knight's raised eyebrow, he knew that Frederick didn’t buy it either.

“...Sir. Permission to speak freely?” He cautioned, still adjusting to the idea Chrom had all but demanded Frederick get used to after his coronation. Chrom nodded his head in response, watching with bated breath as Frederick took a deep inhale before speaking again.

“With...all, due respect sire...what, are you doing?” He asked warily, eyes flitting between Chrom and Robin a few times before he continued, “We, well, we all know about your and Robin’s...feelings, but, you are a King now. You are soon to be wed ,” He stressed, looking much older and tired, causing Chrom to feel smaller and smaller, before he sighed. “I simply...worry, if you are on the right path.” He finished, sounding exhausted.

“I…” Chrom started, mouth opening and closing a few times, struggling for anything really to excuse his actions, and predictably coming up empty handed. 

“Sire...let me take Robin home. You need to rest, please .” Frederick said softly, holding his arms out, not at all feeling victorious when Chrom sagged forward with defeat, handing over Robin to the knight.

“Just...make sure she gets home safe, and...and that if she needs anything-” Chrom started, before Frederick exhaled, adjusting the mage in his arms.

“ Chrom. ” was all it took for the younger man to snap to attention, eyes wide. There were few occasions and they were spread out over the course of his twenty some odd years when Frederick used Chrom’s actual name instead of an honorific, and it was only ever used when the man was at his absolute wits end.

“I...right. Right, I...I’m, going to go to bed. Th...Thank you Frederick. Good night.” The words all but rushed out, Chrom turning sharply on his heel and marching towards the other set of doors that led to the Royal tower at the center of the garden. Only once did he stop to turn back, the expression on his face wrenching Frederick’s heart as he gazed upon the woman in his arms, before disappearing inside the building.

“...Frederick.” Robin said softly, startling the man who was holding her, “You can put me down now.” Her voice was dulled, lacking emotion as she averted her eyes. Frederick simply nodded, setting her onto her feet, pointedly ignoring the wince when she took a steadying step.

“...You don’t need to walk me home. I won’t be back here again, don’t worry.” Before heading towards the doors opposite Chrom exited, with just a slight limp. Frederick felt as though he had grown twenty new grey hairs, looking between the dual sets of double doors, dragging a hand down his face. Waiting twenty seconds, he turned and followed along after Robin, for once with no motive other than ensuring her safety.

Unbeknownst to the tired trio, another soul had witnessed everything that had happened in the gardens. Wiping her eyes, Sumia stifled a sniffle into her handkerchief, rubbing her eyes on the sleeve of her nightgown. She of course knew how each of them felt about the other, and truthfully didn’t hold their passion against them. She knew that given the chance, she would throw herself at Chrom, no matter the circumstance too. Exhaling a shaky sigh, Sumia pushed away from the balcony, running her fingers over the engagement she knew was once promised to Robin as she made her way to her bed. Tonight would be her last night sleeping alone, and while the thought should have had her feeling elated, dread was the only thing she felt that night. She just hoped that perhaps, one day, she could be enough to warrant being worthy of Chrom’s full attention, that maybe, in the future, he would look at her the way he looked at Robin. Until then, she would just have to be the best wife she could be, and hope against hope, that it would be enough.

Goddess help them all come morning.

Chapter Text

Staggering home, Robin didn’t bother paying any attention to the man she knew was following her. Much more preoccupied with the ache not only between her thighs, but in her chest as well, Robin dragged a hand over her cheek. Heaving out a sigh, she fought against the tears she could feel welling up in her eyes. She both could not believe what she had done, and yet was honestly surprised it had taken her this long to crack. Whether her lapse in judgement  was from the looming nuptials or simply the way Chrom had looked, so handsome yet heartbroken in the moonlight, she didn't know. He made her feel things she had never felt before, at least not her knowledge, and it felt as though she were ripping both their hearts out as she walked away again.

A deafening boom of thunder exploded overhead, causing Robin to startle, eyes darting up. The sky was filled with ominous heavy clouds that seemed fit to burst, matching Robin's mood all too well. She had known a storm was coming, even hours prior, and had half hoped the weather would have forced her to disregard Chrom's summon.

'Not like that would have actually stopped you.' The petulant little voice in her mind claimed, Robin unable to find even the slightest will to try and fight the accusation. She would follow the man to hell and back, and she knew it. Hell, everyone knew it. She was pretty sure she had even said something along those lines at one point as well. Casting another tired look up to the sky, Robin wondered with a small amount of delight she'd not dare admit if the Gods would take pity on her tomorrow with an angry storm

"N...no...that isn't fair…" She muttered softly, her cheeks heating with shame as she thought back to Sumia. She didn't deserve anything less than a perfect, and wonderful wedding, and Robin knew she had done quite enough to muck that up already. She distantly wondered if Chrom would tell her. She knew Frederick would not, and she was sure if someone else had seen them the news would be all of Ylisse by now. Gossip spread like wildfire, especially where royalty and herself were involved. Shame burned deeper in her chest, recalling her actions just before she'd departed the castle. Briefly wondering if it should be she who caved and told the woman the truth, Robin's thoughts were brought to a swift halt when something small and round hit her in the forehead.

"You look any more in thought there Bubbles and you're gonna set fire to something."

Robin narrowly avoided screaming, though she did flail and make a noise that absolutely did not sound like it came from a human. Gaius snickered mischievously as Robin threw a hand over her chest, glaring daggers at the man who was leaning against the lamppost outside her home. She was too distracted contemplating setting him on fire to question why exactly he was here, instead rubbing the spot he'd hit on her forehead. Looking down to where the offending object had landed, Robin felt her eye twitch when she spotted a small black disk that sported two small indents.

"Did you -seriously- just throw candy at me!?" She squawks, kicking the disc back at him, drawing a full belly laugh from Gaius that even brought a small smile to her face.

"Licorice, Bubbles, is not candy. It is a travesty and an offense I take absolutely personal." He scoffed, trying to sound derisive, though the smile on his face ruined the attempt. Kicking off the lamp post, Gaius sauntered forward a few feet towards her, somehow managing to look bored and yet interested, no doubt in what exactly Robin was doing out and about at this hour. She felt her gut churn apprehensively, trying to mentally prepare herself for the onslaught of questions, but was instead met with the man tossing her a small muddy brown satchel. Barely managing to catch it, and fumbling at least twice, Robin looked at Gaius curiously, raising an eyebrow.

"What is this?" She questioned, rolling the bag between her hands, giving a few cursory squeezes, Robin tilted her head. Crossing his arms over his chest as though the answer should have been obvious, Gaius huffed out, 

“That, dear Bubbles, is the next installment of my payments in hopes you will stay mum about my little secret.” He explained, almost sounding conspiratory. Robin felt her eye twitch again, bringing a hand up to rub the space between her eyes with a noise of exasperation.

“Gaius, how many times have I told you, you don’t have anything to worry about! I’m not going to tell anyone!” She flailed her arm as though that would make her point more clear, though it was blatantly obvious Gaius either ignored what she had said, or just did not care. Either option was entirely plausible with the infuriating man.

“What’s that you say?” He asked, bringing a hand up to his ear dramatically, “You require even more demands?!” He exclaimed, unable to keep the grin off his face even through his theatrics, “You are a cruel mistress Bubbles.”

The word burned straight through, utterly quashing any happiness she had been feeling at the man's tomfoolery. Robin grimaced, her eyes cutting away from him as she wrapped her arms around herself in a way that had nothing to do with the biting wind picking up. Gaius’ laughter died down quickly, ending in a forced, weak chuckle. Bringing a hand up to the back of his head in what he knew was a nervous tick, Gaius blew out a puff of air, before jolting, looking up. A drop of rain that rapidly multiplied began falling down upon them, Robin seeming to not even notice at first. Gaius swore softly at his foolishness as a drop caught him right in the eye, that being what brought Robin back to the new issue at hand. She could deal with her feelings later, she did not want to be caught out in the rain that she knew would be terribly cold before long.

It was Robin’s turn to swear, jogging over to her door to fumble with her keys, patting multiple pockets before groaning loudly. Thunking her head on the door, Robin came to the only viable conclusion; her keys were in that damned garden. Humming behind her, Gaius peered over her shoulder,

“You good Bubbles? You seem a bit distressed...well...more than usual.” He added weakly, flashing an apologetic smile when she glared over her shoulder at him. Checking all of her pockets once more with futile hope that perhaps she’d somehow missed them, she fisted her hair with both hands, exclaiming a few swears in Plegian, before thunking her head against the door. Instead of the thick oak wood however, her hand met the skin of Gaius’ hand, who’d crowded up by her, no doubt to try and escape the rain that had quickly increased in volume. Seemed he’d anticipated her frustration, though that did nothing to keep him from wincing at the pressure.

“Ow...You got a pretty hard head y’know?” He lightly chided with a weak smile before pulling his hand back.

Feeling her cheeks heat up from both losing her keys and inadvertently harming, even if just slightly, her good friend, Robin sighed weakly. Glaring up at the sky with squinted eyes while the rain soaked her clothes to her body, chilling her almost immediately, she looked back over her shoulder,

“You can pick locks right?”

A smarmy retort died on Gaius’ tongue when another clap of thunder exploded above them, loud enough that their ears rang and just enough that Gaius felt the sound reverberate down through his teeth. Without another word the two switched places, Gaius dropping down to a knee in front of Robin’s door. Pulling a bobby pin from his hair, he began to fiddle with the lock, thankful that Robin seemed to try, however uselessly, to keep him dry by holding her robe up and over him. It took just a few seconds before he pushed the door open, standing up with a wince as his knees popped, and holding an arm forward for Robin.

“After you milady~” He jested, rolling with the shove that he easily predicted, before closing the door behind them. Robin felt both impressed and concerned at just how easily they had been able to break into her home, making a mental note to visit the locksmith in town at some point to rectify the issue. For now though, all that was on her mind was getting out of her cold, soaked clothes as quickly as possible. It seemed as though Gaius had similar thoughts, with the squelching, slightly gross sounds of wet cloth hitting the floor filling her walkway. Robin went to remove her pants that had soaked through completely, molding to her like a second skin, before she stopped abruptly, realizing there was only one layer to remove. 

Robin brought her hands to her face and groaned loudly, enough to startle Gaius who’d finished prying off his many layers, dropping them unceremoniously to the floor. While modesty hadn’t ever really been an issue for her, what with war leaving little room for it when soldiers were pushed into cramped quarters, she didn’t relish the idea of flashing Gaius her ass. However, she also didn’t like the idea of having to stay in soaking wet clothes that would trail water everywhere either. Thankfully she knew the layout of her home well enough to navigate through it in the pitch of night. Shrugging out of her pants with no small amount of struggle, Robin finally huffed in victory, before turning back towards her guest,

“Stay here while I go light the lamps alright? The less water we track everywhere the better.” She huffed out, not noticing the anxious look Gaius had given her. While it was true that he also was no stranger to cramped quarters, he’d never been in this situation with Robin . He’d be perfectly fine in the dark, pointedly not thinking about how a woman he had stripped down beside him, but it seemed fate was not as his side today. Shifting from foot to foot, he just silently hoped that Robin would dress first before coming down, but knowing her, she would be more focused on getting him a towel first. Gaius preemptively cast his gaze up to the ceiling when lanterns began illuminating the small area he was in, hearing Robin’s footsteps approach.

After quickly finding a pair of smalls, as well as suitable enough clothing and towels for the both of them, Robin made her way back into the main room of the house. Seeing Gaius still standing in the puddle of water and soaked clothes, Robin snorted, before launching a towel at his head. She watched as he sputtered and flailed, very nearly slipping in the puddle that had formed around him, drawing laughter from them both once Gaius regained his footing.

“That’s what you get for being distracted. What were you looking at anyway?” She questioned, before pulling her towel over her own head, shaking it furiously over her hair. Gaius wheezed, rapidly shoving his face into his towel to avoid staring at the still half naked and soaked woman just a scant few feet from him. Mentally cursing every deity he knew, Gaius busied himself with drying his hair while he came up with a lie.

“You have a leak in your roof Bubbles.” He pointed out nonchalantly, “You should probably get that checked out y’know? Especially with winter coming soon.” It was Robin’s turn to sputter beneath her towel, pulling it back to hang around the back of her neck, before marching to him, eyes cast up at her roof.

“A leak!? You have got to be-GAH!” Her tirade was cut short when Gaius tossed his towel at her head, successfully catching her off guard with a laugh as he made his way over to the pile of clothes she’d placed on the kitchen table, all too happy to give her his back to keep his gaze from straying. He respected her far too much to blatantly stare and oggle her, but he was just a man at the end of the day.

“That’s what you get for being distracted.” He snickered, throwing her words back at her while she pulled the towel off her head, sticking her tongue out at him petulantly, before handing it back to him. 

“You’re an ass.” She snorted, walking over to her stove to light it, eager for some warmth. Gaius suddenly found he was more than warm when the damnable woman put herself right back into his line of sight. Sparking forward a few flames, Robin shifted on her feet and rubbed her hands together, turning back to Gaius,

“I got you some clothes. Believe it or not, you’re not the first to get caught out in the rain and end up here.” She snickered, moving to towel off the rest of her body, utterly tired of feeling like a drowned rat. “Thanks by the way, for getting the door open. I wasn’t NOT looking forward to having to stay out there all night.” 

“Oh come on, I wouldn’t have let you drown Bubbles, we could have gone to my place.” He offered, looking through the clothes, keeping his eyes anywhere but on her. He found a rather large shirt and some shorts, pulling them on. Thanks to his many layers for hiding candy, his smalls had remained dry. He didn’t even have to look at Robin to know she’d rolled her eyes at his words, hearing her sarcasm when she spoke again, 

“Gaius you live across town! We’d have drowned trying to get there!” She exclaimed as she pulled on her own pair of shorts (thank the goddess), causing Gaius to scoff in mock offense. “Not everyone can live in the lap of luxury, you know.”

The two stared at each other at his words, before nearly doubling over in laughter at the incredulousness of it all. Few of the Shepherds had used any of their funds to upgrade their homes, save Virion of course, and while most lived in decent enough homes, the same could not be said for the newer members of the group. Donnel had nearly keeled over when Chrom had offered him a home that Robin had no doubt was bigger than anything the boy had ever seen, much preferring to live on the outskirts of the city where farm animals were more prevalent. Gaius himself had turned down anything fancy, stating that being a thief, the last thing he’d want was to end up a victim himself by going around like a fatcat. Drying her eyes from the tears that their laughter had caused, Robin straightened back up, finally looking as though her mood had improved, her smile reaching her eyes. Gaius felt warmth bloom slowly in his chest, offering her a soft smile of his own, before he noticed strange marks on her neck that the shirt she’d pulled over her head moments prior didn’t seem to cover.

“Bubbles? You got somethin’ on your neck there.” He pointed out, motioning to a quickly darkening bruise spanning a decent portion of her neck and shoulder. Robin’s hand quickly went up to hide the mark, looking away as though he’d kicked her puppy. Gaius felt tension draw tight in his chest, his mind automatically assuming the worst. Spending a good portion of his life in the seedy underbellies of cities, and with folk of ill repute, Robin’s reaction had his skin prickling.

“It’s nothing Gaius, don’t worry about it.” Her voice was soft, so unlike her usual self as Gaius took a step closer, unable to keep his gaze from straying when he noticed that was not her only mark. 

“Naga’s tits Robin, you look like you got mauled!” His voice raised, grabbing her wrist to get a better view of the biggest one. “Who did this?! Are you alright? I can get a doctor if you need one-” The words rushed out of him before any sense of rational thought could form. The mere notion of someone touching her made his blood boil, and he had no problem facing the storm again to get her help if she needed it. Robin sputtered, fumbling for words at his reaction. Gaius had always been a bit protective over her, for reasons she didn’t ever really grasp, or honestly think too hard on, but this was just silly.

“Gaius. Gaius ! Gaius it’s not what you think, will you just hold on a damn moment!” She hollered after him while he moved towards the door, finally grabbing his arm to jerk him back. The situation and his urgency would have almost been humorous had it not been for the look of horror that was then swallowed by rage when he saw the bruises. Gaius finally stilled, turning back to her, waiting for an explanation she was reluctant to give, but knew he needed to hear before he went further on the warpath that didn’t even have a direction yet.

“Gaius, it was consensual, I promise you.” She wheezed out, dragging the hand not around his wrist down her face, “No one took advantage of me, it was just...Chrom was-” She winced, realizing she’d just outed herself. Shit .

“Wait, Chrom ?” He asked, voice quiet with a hint of disbelief. “Isn’t...isn’t Chrom...y’know...tomorrow?” He asked, though there was no judgement in his voice, just sympathy and pity on his face that was almost worse. When Robin didn’t respond, instead looking away as her posture slouched, seeming to curl in on herself, Gaius sighed softly, before pulling her against his chest.

“S’alright Robin...it’s gonna be okay.” He muttered quietly into her hair when she began to tremble. Rubbing soothing circles on her back, Robin tried her hardest to keep it together, despite feeling as though the world was crumbling around her.

“G...Gaius...I...I don’t...think I’m okay.” Her voice was meek, not sounding at all like herself. Tears began welling up in her eyes, her breathing picking up, and her chest aching with barely contained sobs. She felt Gaius huff against her hair while she pressed her forehead to his chest.

“You don’t have to be Robin. I don’t expect you to be okay after something like that, and y’know what, it’s okay. Just let it out.” Robin's vision blurred as tears filled her eyes, before a quiet broken sound escaped her, one that tore Gaius’ heart right out of his chest. Gaius muttered quiet reassurances to her, all the while holding her close as her walls finally came crashing down with an intensity neither of them expected. Robin’s sobs were loud and heart wrenching, making Gaius’ own throat tense and burn. He had to be strong for her though. It wouldn’t do for them both to be inconsolable.

“I’ve got you Bubbles, I’ve got you. Let’s move to the couch okay? We’ll get you warmed up and I’ll tell you some silly stories from my time as a thief.” He hummed, running a hand through hair, pulling back just enough to catch her eyes, which were still red and puffy. She managed to choke out a quiet laugh, rubbing at her cheeks in a useless attempt at drying them.

“Y-you make it sound like you stopped being a thief.” Earning a pout from Gaius, with hands on his hips dramatically, 

“You wound me Bubbles.” He wailed, before grabbing their soaked towels, jerking his head towards the couch. “Go sit down, yeah? I’ll take care of this stuff. Ah!-” He squinted at her when she started to argue, “None of that. Sit. No arguing Bubbles or so help me Naga I will drown you in candy gifts.”

Robin held her hands up in surrender, a hiccup escaping her. While she wasn’t in shambles anymore, her tears had yet to stop, so Gaius double-timed it. Gathering up all of their wet clothing, he made his way to Robin’s bathroom, depositing them into one of the hampers used for laundry, before returning back. Finding Robin curled up on the couch, having lit the fireplace and swaddled herself in blankets broke Gaius’ heart all over again. 

“Ya hungry Bubbles? I’m not a bad cook if I do say so myself.” He hummed, heading over to her pantry to rummage through for an easy meal. Settling on a simple cake recipe, which drew a weak laugh from Robin, Gaius began regaling her with tales of his youth. He told her about the time he succeeded in conning a con man out of all of his money when he was about nine years old, and about the time he managed to steal candy from a man, only to find out he had been selling poisoned candy to people so he could push a miracle cure on them later.

“That guy,” Gaius paused to whistle in disbelief and amusement, “Gotta say, it was worth getting in trouble for stealing since I got to see him get taken down, and hard. He wailed and cried and it was the funniest fuckin thing I’d ever seen Bubbles. He was all ‘Myeh! You can’t do this! I’m Duke von Blergblerg!’, and I about pissed myself laughing. Didn’t even care that they caught me right after. Comedy, gold.” He snickered, moving the cake into the oven. He was elated to hear Robin wheezing with laughter, her tears having dried and her voice no longer wobbly.

“Gaius oh my GOD, that, gods,” She choked out between peals of laughter, nearly doubled over on the couch, as Gaius preened just a bit from the attention. 

“I know right? I have stories for days Bubbles. The cake shouldn’t be too much longer by the way. It’s a quick recipe I learned when I was younger. It might not taste as good as some that those froufrou chefs can with their big ass ovens and whatnot, but it’s damn good if I do say so myself, and I do.” He hummed, licking the whisk clean, not at all caring about how silly he looked doing so.

“Never one to let sugar go to waste huh?” Robin snickered, bundling deeper into the blankets, finally warm with exhaustion starting to seep in. She was nearly asleep by the time Gaius hummed, miming a timer ‘ding’ while he pulled the tin free, setting it on the stove top to cool. Grabbing plates and cutlery, Gaius paused to grab a glass of water for Robin. Taking it to her, he dropped down to a knee as he handed her the glass.

“Here. This’ll help with the headache you’ll have in the morning. Cake’ll be ready in just a sec.” He spoke softly, heart skipping a bit when she smiled softly at him, watching as the fire danced in her eyes. Rising back up to his feet, Gaius took the now empty glass from her, snorting at how quickly she all but inhaled the drink. She stuck her tongue out in response while he retreated back to the kitchen, coming back with cake in hand. His stomach clenched with anxiety as he watched her take the first bite. He’d never really cared what anyone thought of his cooking before, but Robin changed everything when she walked into his life. He felt his cheeks heat up when she made a pleased noise, her eyes lighting up, before she began to devour the slice. Gaius could only laugh, having long grown accustomed to Robin and her peculiar eating habits, chalking it up as just one of the many things that made her unique. Finally sitting down himself on the couch, he made sure to give her plenty of space, not wanting to crowd her, though it seemed she had other ideas as she grabbed his arm, dragging him closer.

“I know you’re cold too, now c’mere. This blanket is plenty big, and I’ll not have you getting sick.” She huffed out, adjusting herself to open the warm little cocoon she’d made for herself. When Gaius started to grumble, no doubt to argue, she squinted at him, sniffling, before averting her eyes.

“Please?”

With one simple word, she managed to break down all his defense, utterly destroying any chance he had of arguing against her. Sighing softly, Gaius pressed closer to her, rewrapping the blankets around them after setting their now empty plates on the table before them. She was so warm against him, Gaius feeling as though the gods were testing him when she leaned flush against him, resting her head against his shoulder.

“Thanks...for everything Gaius.” She whispered, feeling her eyes droop closed, the weight of the past few hours finally making themselves known through bone deep exhaustion. Gaius simply hummed his response, leaning his cheek against her hair, which had finally dried.

“Anytime Bubbles. Anytime.”

When Robin woke hours later, she was warmer and more content than she had been in a long time. While the fire had died down to embers some time in the night, she burrowed closer against the warm body beside her. At some point she seemed to have shifted positions, laying longways on her couch, feeling akin to a cat sleeping in the sun. There was an arm around her, and a chest slowly rising and falling beneath her cheek. Nestled between the person and the back of the couch, Robin yawned sleepily, mind not quite caught up with her mouth yet,

“Chrom…” 

“Not quite Bubbles.”

Robin nearly threw herself off the couch with a startled noise, though her position didn’t leave her much wiggle room. Her body kicked into fight or flight at the unknown, before strong arms looped around her.

“Woah woah woah, Bubbles, Robin , relax. It’s just me. You’re safe. We’re in your house. We fell asleep on the couch.” He spoke softly, hoping to reassure her, knowing all too well how frightening it was to wake up to the unknown.

“Nnn, Gaius? What?” She blearily questioned, moving to rub her eyes before her brain began to fill in the missing pieces.

“Oh...right, fuck.” She groaned, pushing herself up, only to meet Gaius’ wide eyed gaze at their positioning. She distantly noticed the flush in his cheeks, before realizing she was all but on top of him.

“GAH!”

She went to throw herself off of him again, this time in embarrassment and shame, only for his arms to tighten around her again.

“Naga’s tits Robin, you’re like a damn cat!” He snorted out, adjusting them both so his feet were on the floor, giving her the room to escape if she wanted, despite every muscle in his body screaming to hold her just a bit longer.

“I am, so sorry, oh my god, Gaius I am, gods,” she groaned, hiding her flushed face in her hands. Gaius frowned, gently grabbing her wrists, but not yet moving them,

“Hey, it’s fine. You have nothing to apologize for, alright?” His voice soft and kind when he spoke, smiling warmly when Robin finally lowered her hands from her face.

“You sure? I was kinda...all on top of you.” Her voice squeaked about near the end, as heat flooded her cheeks and even the tips of her ears. Gaius chuckled lowly but nodded, moving to stand with a slight groan as various parts of his body popped and creaked. Grabbing their plates from the night before Gaius nodded again to her,

“I promise Robin. It’s fine.” He assured, taking the dishes to the sink while he heard Robin extract herself from the couch. 

“What time is it anyway?” She asked, stretching with a loud yawn. Peering outside through her kitchen window, Gaius squinted at the shadows, trying to gauge the time.

“Pretty early. I’d wager around 8. We didn’t sleep for too terribly long, so if you wanna crash again, I’ll get out of your hair.” He offered, only for Robin to shake her head, walking to her bathroom.

“Don’t worry about it. I don’t sleep a whole lot anyway. Besides,” she paused to sigh, blowing a strand of hair out of her eyes, “Got a busy day today y’know?” She added, grabbing more towels to dry the water they’d neglected to soak up hours prior. Gaius frowned at that as he cleaned the dishes, casting a look over his shoulder when she came back into the room, dropping the towels onto the puddles.

“Y’know...we could just…not go?” He offered cautiously, gauging her reaction on whether she thought his offer was serious. Her scoff and rolled eyes indicated otherwise.

“You know I can’t do that, Gaius.” Robin sighed softly, running her fingers through her hair in hopes of working some of the knots and tangles out that had accumulated overnight. Gaius frowned, making a displeased noise quietly, before continuing,

“We could go on an adventure. I’ll take you around, show you some of my old haunts, and hell, maybe we could even get some sweets for the road. I know this new storefront that popped up that has these caramel apples covered in toppings that I would absolutely kill a man for..” He grinned, winking at her when she groaned, rolling her eyes. She was smiling though, so Gaius would take a win where he could. He felt his hopes go up when Robin looked in thought for a moment, before shaking her head once more.

“I think...it would just cause more problems if I didn’t go. Loathe as I am to admit it, I think the people would notice if I wasn’t there, and all of the attention should just be on the bride and groom. I don’t want any more drama than I know I’m already going to have to contend with.” She spoke, voice sounding defeated enough that Gaius wanted to punch Chrom more than he usually did.

Gaius hummed, deep in thought while he began to dry the dishes, before flashing Robin a devious grin that had her groaning all over again.

“Well…” He drawled out, turning to lean back against the edge of the sink, “What we could do, is go together. Piss off just the right people, aka, Chrom. Kinda feel like that prick has it coming-”

“ Gaius .”

“Yeah yeah, I know, but think about it. We wouldn’t actually be doing anything that would get you in trouble or draw attention towards you, outside of Chrom anyhow, and let’s be real, he’s gonna be focused on you anyway.” He huffed out, polishing the dish until it squeaked.

“Doesn’t that kinda defeat the whole purpose of, y’know, me keeping from drawing attention?” Robin asked, expression unamused. Gaius simply grinned wider in response.

“Be real Bubbles. Whether you’re there or not, his attention is going to be on you, or your absence. Since he can’t or won’t pay attention to his wife, make him suffer for it.” Gaius shrugged nonchalantly as he spoke, watching the gears turn as Robin seemed to contemplate it.

“...You sure you’ll be alright with this? I know it was your idea and all but-”

“But nothin’ Bubbles. You know how I feel about that smug prick, and I’m all too happy to stick it to him.” He grumbled, busying himself with dusting off a piece of his shorts, despite them being clean. Robin frowned, crossing her arms,

“I don’t actually...Know why you seem to hate him, I mean. You never really got along with him, so I just assumed it had something to be with him being royalty, or rich, I dunno.” She shrugged. Gaius scoffed, mimicking her pose,

“Oh come on Bubbles, I don’t hate royalty or rich folk. They’re my best targets.” He winked, drawing another groan from her,

“But no, that’s not why. I just...Robin, he’s in a position of power, and that shit corrupts, and quick. Plus, we all know how he feels about you and-”

Robin’s eyes narrowed as she stared at him in a mix of annoyance and a tinge of disbelief, “Gaius, I already told you, he did not force me! Besides, I’d like to think you have a bit more faith in me that I can defend myself,” She almost pouted, looking away before Gaius sighed, continuing,

“I do Robin, I know you would torch anyone who even looked like they would hurt you. That’s not the point though. I know how you feel about him too. He still should know better though. He knows he’s in a position of power, and what that entails. Plus, we’ve seen what he’s willing to do when he’s upset. He’s a good enough guy, I’m not disputing the good he’s done, but you have to see where I’m coming from Robin. It would be all too easy for him to throw his power around. Do I think he would? Not really, but no one could stop him if he wanted to. I don’t trust people in power, and you’re one of my closest friends. I don’t want that to happen to you…” He finished, voice much softer. His eyes were for once unguarded, Robin feeling as though she’d managed to break down several of his walls without even having done anything.

“I...I’ll be careful, Gaius. I...I should go get our clothes.” She muttered, fleeing to her bathroom, her head spinning with thoughts about what he had said.

Gaius sighed softly, watching her retreat, muttering under his breath, “That’s what worries me.”