For Glaceon Mage on the "Create Something for the Person Above!" topic on PokeWrite! Obviously, I don't own Fire Emblem.

Childhood Relived

when I'm with you, our childhood lasts forever.

Rolf ran down the hallway excitedly, his shoes making soft thumps with every step that hit the ground. He was gripping a small wooden bow that he'd made all by himself, out of the scrap wood that Shinon had let him use to "make whatever crap he wanted." The bow turned out to be rather flimsy and poorly made, but Rolf didn't care. He had to show everyone what he did, that he could make something without anyone's help.

As soon as Rolf burst into the kitchen, he saw that the mercenaries were all gathered around the table, speaking in low, serious tones. Soren's head was bent over the papers scattered in front of him. Everyone turned to look at him as he entered.

Boyd was the first one to recover. He let out an annoyed sigh and slammed his palms down on the table. "Rolf, what are you doing here?"

Rolf held up his bow. "Look at this! I made it myself!" But no one seemed to notice, and Boyd groaned.

"We're discussing battle plans—can't you see that?"

"Can I join?" Rolf asked hopefully.

"You're just a kid; you wouldn't understand anything. Go away."

Titania shot Boyd a look before speaking in a more gentle, although still firm, tone. "Rolf, we're in the middle of something important. Can you wait for a while?"

Rolf's heart sank, but he nodded anyway to show that he understood.

"You can show us your bow another time," Oscar added, almost as an afterthought. But Rolf was already trudging away in low spirits, feeling dejected. Of course they wouldn't want to see anything he made. He was just a little kid, and nothing was going to change that. No one ever took him seriously.

Back in the silence of the hallway, anger surged through him at being spurned once again, and he began to sprint down the hall. He ran faster and faster, desperately seeking the comfort of his own room.

"Oof!" Rolf let out a grunt as he tripped over something in his hurry. He ended up sprawling, his bow escaping from his hands and skittering across the floor. His knee began throbbing where he'd scraped it on the ground. Sure that the others had heard the commotion, he banged his fist on the floor, tears springing to his eyes. He was so clumsy and useless! He'd never be a real warrior!

"Rolf?"

The voice was soft and sympathetic. After a moment's hesitation, Rolf looked up and saw Mist standing in front of him, hand outstretched to help him up. He silently groaned. He didn't want Mist here to witness his humiliation! But he took her hand anyway, and she pulled him to his feet.

"What's the matter?" she asked, noticing his tearful expression.

"Well…" Rolf sighed. "It's just that, no one actually takes me seriously. They all think I'm just a little kid!"

To his surprise, Mist's eyes glimmered with anger. When she spoke, her voice was indignant. "They should know better, then! You're much more than that! And besides, you're my friend."

"Really?"

"Of course!" Mist leaned forward and kissed his cheek, making him blush furiously. He put a hand to his face as she pulled away and smiled at him. "We'll show the others! They won't ever talk about you like that again."

"You got it!" Feeling much better now, Rolf grinned. "Thanks, Mist."

"No problem! Hey, do you wanna go play hide-and-seek?"

How did she know? "Yeah!" Rolf exclaimed at once. He picked up his bow lying on the ground and closely scrutinized it to make sure it was unharmed. He'd show it to Shinon later, he decided. Right now, he was going to go play with Mist. She always knew how to cheer him up.

A/N: More friendshippy fluff than romance. Oh well (sighs). I haven't wrote FE in a long time, so I hope the characterizations are vaguely accurate... :P