..
..

It later in the morning when at last the carts rumbled along the dirt paths. The creak of wheels, soft snorts from the horses and quiet chatter kept their tensions at bay, but the sense of unease still hung over the group. All reports from the scout Chrom or her had sent ahead had arrived back inconclusive, yet still both didn't quite relax.

As the day dragged on, an unconventional breakfast was brought out; the Shepherds now more willing to eat without sleep still clinging to them. Robin accepted her own portion served in one of the many containers they owned, marvelling how hot Plegian deserts were to have kept the dish warm even in early morning hours. "Have you noticed," she said after a moment, stirring what was supposedly some type of soup – it was hard to tell when Nowi and Ricken had been on cooking duty – and glanced up at her company, "That our comrades seem to be acting strangely recently?"

"How so?" Chrom responded. He too, was staring at the soup oddly, possibly at the strands that could easily be shredded vegetables as it could be grass.

Robin shifted on her seat. She was grateful to have even have some carts with benches at their forefront, never mind have said seat in her possession for the time, but gods was it uncomfortable. "Just the way they are acting around us. You can't tell me you didn't notice the looks we received early this morning?"

"Ah. You mean…"

She hummed softly, eyes darting away to scan the horizon as she had done so frequently for the last hour.

"Yeah," he said and rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't think the oddity is confined only to our morning intruders either."

"Intruders!" Robin said with a laugh. "You make it sound like it was their deliberate intention to seek us out." It wasn't rare for their comrades to barge into the command tent unannounced, baring ridiculous requests that as a slice of cake had been stolen or Vaike had lost his weapon, one of them should act as the peacemaker. Honestly, she felt like the parent; a feeling shared by Chrom when she had made mention of the extended roles. Still, it made her entirely glad her fantasies of suddenly straddling his lap and kissing him senselessly were always contained to her head.

And yet, with the recent divulgence from Gaius, perhaps they had been sought out with intent. She had noticed the sly looks from almost all the Shepherds if she had so much as sat close to Chrom at dinner, or he had left his hand on her shoulder for a moment longer than usual after giving her his thanks.

"I daresay it was incredibly intentional. Privacy is a rare luxury it seems."

"Perhaps certain luxuries are not meant to be afforded with war hanging over our heads," she said lowly, still stirring the dish in her hands.

Chrom turned his head to look at her .He'd heard her comments before, on the moment of discussing hypothetical children, that she rejected the idea any relationship over than platonic between them. She was his tactician, and that was what she wished to remain as until at last war was not a threat. Her mouth may have said the words, but neither her mind nor heart seemed to believe them.

He took her bowl then, setting it aside and reached for her hands. He only had the satisfaction of seeing the surprise in her eyes change to something more welcome before:

"Captain!"

Cordelia came rushing up, expertly angling her Pegasus so that she could speak to them both. "Plegians are mantling to the east of here; their camp overlooks the ravine we had set to pass through."

"Are there others to the west?" Robin asked. At Cordelia's no, she continued, "Then we shall divert our course. It means a longer route and less coverage though."

"Tell the others our plan, Cordelia. We are to follow the western path." Chrom turned and called for attention. A collection of an estimated ten by the Pegasus Knight's judgement and no reported flyers, a change of course would delay any advance they had intended to make. Still, the carts were drawn central, flanked by the mounted soldiers and the horses were given the spare armour. It would slow their progress further, but Robin would not compromise safety for time.

Chrom remained seating, as did Robin. Mages and those with long-ranged attacks were placed frontally, and around them, the rustle of tomes being prepared and the draw of weapons from sheathes filled the air. Robin could pray that one ambush been averted, but she held the suspicion that each route would hold its own dangers.

The western path followed the curve of a cliff face, and a drop to the right was supposedly a body of water. She had chosen against the route for the narrowness, rough terrain and limitation of escape routes. The ravine had at least granted a measure of protection with its nooks and crannies to take cover in. The western path, with a cliff on one side and water on the over, gave none.

The tension in the air mounted, and planned though she had, Robin couldn't escape the feeling of trekking on blind. There had been no sightings of Plegians, but there was no denying the fact that they may know secrets of the land that no book or scouting could have revealed.

"Keep on your guard," Chrom said, leaning slightly forward in his seat.

It was then that Panne raised onto her hind legs, head cocked and listening attentively. "Be silent, man spawn. There is sound to the right."

The right only being the drop to water, she came to the conclusion as Chrom did. "Wyverns."

No sooner had the word escaped their mouth did the screech of non-humans fill the air. Yet, though the cry of Wyverns did reverberate over them, so too, did the sickly groan of Risen. It was with nausea and horror that Robin watched as their forms crawled out from the earth, joints clicking and mouths pulled into screams as their heads locked onto their targets. She heard the call to arms, and shouted her own orders as she released her bolt of magic.

The yells of the Shepherds soon chorused the cacophony and the metallic tang of blood quickly permeated the air, intensified by the heat. The thick, gloopy soup splashed over them, staining their clothes a green that would contrast abhorrently with the oncoming blood. The reins long discarded, the cart shook with the force of the horses gallops. Their path was only orientated by an occasion tug on Chrom's or her part.

She had expected the Plegians would not allow easy access into their capitol, and the ambush had been anticipated, but the Risen were a surprise. It was a possibility warranting further thought that the Plegians could control the monsters. The cart jolted, its wheels trampling the dead body of a wyvern and throwing them both off balance. Controlling magic was a difficulty in itself, but managing a broadsword appeared infinitely harder. Their synchronicity lost to the impossibility of fighting whilst sitting, she swayed into Chrom and he too, bumped into her, displacing the accuracy of their hits. And it wasn't just them finding their abilities tested when so close together. The spear head of a lance incised the flank of Sumia's Pegasus, leaving the winged creature to fling her rider from her back. It was quick thinking that Sumia heaved onto the back of Sully's horse and letting Robin release her breath.

"Robin!"

She spun at Chrom's yell, finding herself face to face with the wyvern perched atop their cart. Dispatching the Risen at his side, Chrom made to follow her blast of wind with a thrust when their cart abruptly teetered to the side, their horse narrowly avoiding a collision with another rider. Robin grabbed Chrom's arm, yanking him sharply back and had the relieved smile on her face when she saw the colour drain from his.

It was then she realised just how far right they had veered, and the edge which was fast approaching. A glance at the wheels discarded the idea of jumping in fear of being trampled. She doubted her magic wasn't strong enough to elevate them both…

Without hesitation, she ripped the sword from her belt and slashed the ropes binding the horse to the cart. Free from its confines, the horse swung to the left, back hooves skittering over the edge.

The cart, even without its momentum lost, didn't have the same ability to change its course.

She felt Chrom grab her then, tugging her close. Wind rushed past her mouth, blocking her scream. Chrom's arms tightened.

The cart tipped, she felt herself fall and the last thing she saw was the blue of Chrom's hair before they plummeted down to the waters below.

..
..


..
..

Their heads broke the surface, lungs pulling in air as they gasped for breaths. Only when he felt his saturations were back to normal did Chrom take a look at their surroundings. And began to laugh. The spike of adrenaline had yet to wane, and the feeling was exacerbated by having felt like they'd cheated death.

In his entire vicinity lay the jagged remains of their cart; a few lighter object that had miraculously not sustained damage bobbed atop the water surface. Their heavier objects were likely lost to the bottom of the lake, and yet, Chrom couldn't care just then. He was alive, and so too, was Robin.

He looked at the woman still safely – thankfully – in his arms, her eyes wide and mouth hanging open. He was mildly aware of the death grip she had on him and how closely he held her tightly flushed against him, but his euphoria and seeing her alive and unhurt overruled it all.

"You okay?" he asked.

Slowly, Robin's head dipped in a slow nod, her hands never once leaving the firm grip they had across his shoulders. He had released his grip on her, only holding her hand when they had landed into the water and had been the one to yank her back to the surface. From the way she had not let him go since, he could venture a guess swimming was not in her repertoire.

For all the heat that was blazing above them from the harsh Plegian sun, the water was surprisingly cold. Robin shivered, no doubt worsened by the drenched heavy coat she wore. Her coldness was apparent as she replied meekly, "I think so." Tentatively, her head swivelled to survey the height from which they'd fallen and her eyes widened further as they absorbed the extent of the damage. "Oh, Gods. Chrom, I'm so sorry."

Chrom shook his head, steadily easing them best he could back to the bank he could see. Every move he made was met with a jolt from Robin, her hands rearranging to accommodate the shift to find purchase on his sodden clothes. "You're alive. That's all that matters."

"But…"

He interrupted her protests. "They're just material possessions, Robin. Easily replaced. You, however, are not."

She ducked her head as her cheeks flooded with colour. It was not the most welcome of reactions, given the position they were in and how Chrom would rather concentrate on getting to them safety than recognise that familiar feeling spreading through him.

"Perhaps not my greatest tactic," she lamented softly, her voice gaining more stability as they moved.

Chrom chuckled. "I'm sure the horse would disagree. I would wager the creature is as good a swimmer as you appear to be."

Her eyes shot to his, her indignation clear in the set of her mouth too. But any resolve she had set to give died on her tongue and she huffed softly. "Yeah well, I've got to let you play the role of valiant hero sometimes."

"Ah, that's what you're doing? Your acting skills are impressive. The fear in your hold could have had me fooled."

Robin raised her eyebrows at him. "You do realise most men would jump at the chance to be so close to woman like this?"

"Believe me, Robin. I am euphoric to have you as close as I do, but would you rather I got us to ashore, or ravished you as I want?" he quipped. He smirked when shock flitted across her features before a cunning smile took its place.

"Ravish me, huh? I see a convenient place none too far from here. Away from our comrades too, it grants the modicum of privacy you covet."

It was his face that betrayed his surprise then as he said, "Are all women truly as bold as you, or do you happen to be an exception?"

She smiled, eyes twinkling. "So says you. Is this you 'trying harder'?"

He hummed thoughtfully. "Perhaps. Your boldness is contagious."

His fingers hit the surface of the bank then and they both heaved themselves onto the dry ground, immediately soaking it through. Even without needing to longer rely on him for support, Robin remained close by him, eyes raking over him, her tongue tracing the line of her lips.

"And is my desire contagious too? Or is that all your own?"

"I am but a man, Robin. The desire is much my own as it is intensified by seeing your own."

She nodded, and only had time to say, "Thank the gods you feel the same," before she lunged at him just he tugged her close.

It was possibly a manifestation of relief at seeing the other alive and well, or just the need to confirm their aliveness with more than sight. But so too, was it likely the release of feelings having long mounted into desires tangible through words alone. The longing they had felt for one another since those bathing incidents, or perhaps, since that first time their bond had been established when hands had intertwined.

Either way, when at last his mouth met hers, Chrom let out a groan he felt had been building for much too long. She kissed him frantically, hands roaming over his chest, over the planes of his face before weaving into his hair and pulling him down on top of her.

His own hands sought out the curve of her waist, pushing aside her coat that with both their aid was quickly removed. His pauldron and cape were soon tossed aside and Falchion was unbelted so that he could rest his weight more snugly into her body.

Her gasp breezed across his ear as he dipped his head to explore her neck, sucking at the skin and tasting salt from the water. She breathed out airily, ending in a gasp as he grazed his teeth over the cleavage of her breasts and his own moan sounded out as her legs wrapped over his waist, drawing him closer and allowing her to feel every inch of him.

Close enough to feel her chest heaving against his and her soft noises of pleasure, Chrom felt drunk off Robin; a state far more pleasurable than what drink had granted. Though much as it too, clouded his sense, it was not quite enough to rob him of them entirely. The others would no doubt be embarking on the rescue or rendezvous mission and he didn't particularly feel like being surrounded by their smug smiles.

It was a thought shared by Robin as she pulled back, sighing lamentably as she voiced her similar thoughts, "The others will be here soon." Yet for all the connotations her words held of stopping and returning to some semblance of normality, her fingers never left him, continuing to thread through his hair or trace the collar of his tunic absently.

"How soon is soon?" Chrom asked, leaning down for a quick kiss. The astonished amazement that she would kiss him back still had him dazed. He'd long dismissed the idea that perhaps he'd concussed himself from the fall, but still, he planned to steal as many kisses as possible.

"How long is a piece of string?"

She smiled ruefully as he heaved out a sigh and moved to rest back on his knees before standing. When he offered his hand to her, Robin took it and with one quick pull, he had her back on her feet. What surprised him however was instead of releasing his hand, she threw her other arm around his neck and pressed her lips to his hard and fast.

"I'm not even sorry," she said with a grin when she stepped back. "I've wanted to do that for quite a while."

Chrom, once having regained a little clarity, nodded his head sagely. "Good. Then you'll understand why I want to do this," he said and pulling her back to him by her hand, he slipped the over behind her back and kissed her like he'd wanted to that first day he'd seen her.

As he drew away and took note of the limpid ebullience in her eyes and the parted lips, Chrom felt himself grin. It was a rarity to see Robin so unguarded and he took great pleasure in making her look as dazed as she made him feel.

..
..


..
..

Back on the cliff top, there was a great deal of dispute between the Shepherds. Those terrified of their uncertainty of their Lord's (and supposedly Robin's) condition – which really, the only ones showing any outward distress were Frederick and Cordelia – were adamant that a rescue mission was initiated and implemented immediately. Others – also known as almost the entirety of the Shepherds – had their own ideas.

"And how long do you propose to discuss these useless ideas? For all we know, they may be suffering from hypovolaemic shock! Have a sub-dural haematoma! Compound fractures! Exsanguination!" Maribelle proclaimed, pitching her voice to an even shriller soprano to be heard over the rambunctious chatter. She knew no such trauma had occurred given the blur of blue and purple in the distance, but she was terribly eager to view upon the scene herself.

Still, with the ridiculous waste of time, it was just as well no great incident had occurred from the fall. She'd be lucky to have a Golden Hour to utilise to her advantage at the rate they were going. And as for catching anything good between Lord and tactician! That hope was long dashed. She refused to resort to using a word so trite as spying, even if that was in truth what her very intention was.

Yet for all drama she was injecting into the situation, it was doing nothing but causing the steward of a knight and the infatuated Pegasus knight's pallor to alarmingly pale.

Their halt to action was by no means aided by Virion, whom was prancing around with his same asinine flair. "Ah, but my dear friends, we lest not forget that the duo are wise, yes? Were they in urgent need of our help, I daresay a method of alerting would have been deployed by now."

"They aint gonna light a fire, Ruffles, and alert those Plegian dastards of their position when it's just the two of them. I say we hitch up the carts and get our butts down there."

Beside the red-head, Stahl frowned. "Would it not be easier to pick them up and bring them back here? I don't think Robin would want us to divert any further off the course."

"A logical adjudication. But infeasible. Our aerial transport is at current indisposed."

"Oh! I'm not holding this all back, am I? I'll have Lovebirds back to her fighting self in no time!" Sumia quickly interjected, hastily slavering more salve onto the flank of her Pegasus.

Snapping out of her panic to aid Sumia with the bandages, Cordelia said, "My Pegasus is well equipped to transport our Captain and Robin back. It would be a sole mission and I'm afraid Caedea can only hold two on her back at most."

"Like ya would even be able to hack having Chrom that close to ya!" Vaike guffawed, sending the female into stutters as her face became scarlet.

"We can't leave one of them alone whilst the other comes flying back up here!" Lissa protested.

"Then what's the game plan, folks? I don't know about you lot, but if I stand here any longer, I'll be drinking chocolate and I'm not in the mood for melted goods."

"They are both warriors of high calibre. The climb should not be too great a feat for them to surmount."

"Did you get chucked at a wall at birth, Lon'qu? To hell is the Captain and Robin climbing this damn hill! Have you seen the height of it?"

"We could~"

"How about~"

"Enough!" Frederick finally roared, shutting their cacophony of voices up swiftly with a steely glare.

When it passed over Gaius, the thief leaned his head to the cavalier beside him. "What's the bet Blue got his trademark glare from Nanny here?"

Sully gave a quiet snort. "You haven't even got the winnings back from the other bet yet."

"Good to keep the doors open."

Frederick, choosing to ignore the muttered whisperings lest he grant himself an aneurysm, continued on, "Milord and Lady Robin's safe return is paramount. Recent events to be considered, camp will be mantled several yards from here and everyone will be on guard until we are sure of our comrades' return. Sumia-" The girl shot to attention, her near fall only escaped by the steadying hand Cordelia offered. "-Is your Pegasus able to carry passengers?"

"Oh, umm. The incision to her side is rather deep and she's got a few superficial lacerations to her legs. I don't really think she's up for me being on her back, let alone another." Her words were finished with a long stroke to the nose of the winged mare who nickered softly in response.

"It is unquestionable that only one return at a time, yet to travel would be~"

"Hey! I know you Ylisseans like your Pegasus, but heelllloooo. Pro flyer right here."

Every member of the Shepherds turned at the echoed voice of Nowi. She had yet to metamorphose from her Manakete form and was performing lazy somersaults in the air. At the sudden focus, she gave an extra powerful beat of her wings and gave what could be defined as a grin if one overlooked the gleam of sharp teeth. The collective "ah"'s and "duh"'s and accompanying looks of sheepishness really showcased the acclaimed greatness of the Shepherds.

"I'll fly down there super fast and have Robin back up here before you can even blink!"

And just like that, the girl was off, her wings sweeping up dust as she leapt into the air before nose-diving down to the banks.

"...If you would be so kind as to follow, Cordelia…"

The knight gave a quick nod to Frederick and swinging back up onto her Pegasus, lifted into the sky following the wake left behind an enthusiastic manakete. And all the while, as she fell into the easy rhythm of Cadea's pacing, how she hoped it was Robin she would be picking up. If Chrom sat behind her, it would undoubtedly be her who would need the next rescue.

..
..


..
..

Through the use of both Nowi and both the Pegasus once Sumia's had recovered well enough, most of the items from the now demolished cart had been rescued. Just not all of it had been salvageable.

The wooden furniture was soaked and had though having been left in front of fire, still retained a smell of dampness. Clothing and fabric possessions were drenched, maps had been reduced to torn pieces of parchment and all quills, pots and loose paper were nothing more than ruined items. Yet, despite the value of those items, it was the books and tomes and their wrecked pages that truly had Robin staring in horror. They could be replaced, of course, and many had offered to do so, but that didn't diminish how devastated she was to lose her beloved items.

The only blessing had been that the command tent had been stored in another wagon. All that belonged to her usual haunt had sustained no damage, and it was a small comfort to think all her tactical work was still intact.

That was where the tactician currently resided, having long declined bunking with other females in favour of solitude. The fact for it wasn't even that she was particularly down about her loss of material possessions. They were few and far between, those of practicality could be replaced and those of sentiment she had done her damned hardest to dry out. And it wasn't even so much her bafflement at the sudden tangent of discussing the males as she had been dried off and given spare clothes.

Oh no. It was the clothes. If they could even be called that.

Robin held up the silver dish in her hand, all kinds of disgruntled noises coming from her mouth as she inspected the items. Again.

She didn't think she was prudish; the camisole she usually wore could be quite revealing if she leaned a certain way forward and had a certain person stood behind her. Not that she'd ever taken liberty of that fact or enjoyed how captivated he'd been by having a downwards view of her breasts…

But gods, did she really need to have so much flesh on show? Pulled into Sumia's tent by the girl, Nowi and Anna, she hadn't been able to get a word in edgeways as they had quickly dried, dressed and dolled her up. She tugged at the pony-tail Nowi had created, wondering how the manakete had managed to make it look so full and glossier than usual. And she did have to admit that whatever cream Anna had given her really did give her a good complexion.

Still, she couldn't escape the fact that on her taller frame, Sumia's skirt was just covering her backside or just how tight-fitting the corseted top Anna had provided was. She'd drawn the line at all their boots however, having taken a single glance at the heels and vehemently protested. She would walk around just fine bare-footed, thank you.

Instinctively, her hand went to shove them deep in her pockets and at finding no warm reprieve, Robin jolted. She felt naked without her coat, and for how little she was wearing, she might as well be. If not for how truly soaked it was, she would say to hell with it all and wrap her coat around her again. It was a shame that she'd could fill eight baths with how much water was still pouring from it.

Resigning herself to the fact that she'd just have to grin and bear it for the night, Robin plonked herself down into a chair. She immediately recoiled as the cold wood touched the naked skin of her upper leg and desisted the urge to smack her head off the table.

Too early still to be considered an acceptable bed-time, she set on opening up a book and yet for all her trying, she found herself unable to concentrate. Slamming the book shut, she tilted her head back and sighed. There wasn't a chance in hell she was taking a walk dressed as she was and if she could help it, she wouldn't leave this tent until she absolutely needed to. Her bedroll was here, as was a decent supply of nuts, cured meat and bread she'd managed to grab before being molested by the three woman.

Robin frowned, leaning her elbows on the table and pressing her fingers to her mouth. Each of them had been a little too insistent on what had happened after the fall, and her linear recounting had only led to more questioning. Anna hadn't made none-too subtle suggestions about how better the time alone could have been spent, offering a few titbits advice for "future reference" and making a certain lord, "a VERY happy customer."

Sumia and Nowi, though not quite as bold nor as tenacious as the merchant, had still made their voices known. Honestly, Nowi just wanted a younger addition to the Shepherds so she'd stop being seen as the youngest: "Just think! If you and Chrom had a baby, then not only would she be like, totally awesome with your combined skills, but I'd be finally seen as a mature adult! See! Definite win-win!"

Sumia, on the overhand had spoken of the novels she had read; the daring females who's valour was only matched by their unrivalled passions. Would Robin not like to read it? Because it was definitely an inspiring tale. Robin had politely declined, forcing the politeness.

They knew. Of course they did. Chrom and her could be the greatest actors in the world (doubtful, considering the grins he had kept giving her afterwards and ones she had returned without thinking) and the Shepherds would still have assumed something. How could they not? They'd already been sniffing around them like a dog hungry for a bone, and the recent events which had left tactician and lord together had only spiked their eagerness.

Really, what did it matter if Chrom and her did engage in a relationship? She could argue until the cows came home that their roles were to the army, not to each other, but she didn't want to argue against it.

She was drawn to him as moth was to a flame, despite the lack of appeal that titled her as. But there was no denying that Chrom was like fire; as untameable and wild as it desired, but with a lull to soothe and comfort. And she couldn't deny the irrefutable warmth she felt when in his presence.

She needed him, and some of that was in the sense of sating her desire so she could get some work done. She had tried to reason that it was good that her temptation was barred by the need for professionalism. Already, she wanted to yank him close and kiss him senselessly, if she was to call him her own and vice versa, what would stop her from continuing to succumb to her wildest fantasies? What work would possibly get done?

But therein lay the reasons why it made so much sense. She wouldn't have to battle with the urges to pin him down or tear his clothes from him; she could be content in knowing that she could. Instead of putting her energy into fighting, she could give it to him and then return to work once that need was filled. Heck, everyone already seemed to believe they were having hot, wild sex atop the table, what would it matter if they actually did?

Robin bit her lip, eyes casting longing glances at the table and quickly shaking her head clear of them. The only thing she hated was the idea that the Shepherds were holding some kind of bet in regards to their relationship. They weren't pawns to be used for a thrill, nor was she welcome to the idea of gambling. And she hated to think her comrades and friends thought of her as nothing more than a woman wanting to jump their captain's bones. Okay, so that was true to some degree, but she hoped she was seen as so much more, and that if there was a relationship to be had, it was built on more than just sex.

Robin sighed, knowing she was allowing herself to consider far too much. They had only kissed for God's sake. She didn't even know what Chrom truly though about her. She could, of course, wager a guess if his drunken murmurs were to be taken as indication. Provided that those three little words had indeed been directed at her.

Standing up, she wandered around the tent, performing menial tasks of straightening up and the like to occupy both time and her mind. It was a dull couple of minutes however, and when the sound of footsteps rose from outside her tent, Robin immediately thanked the visit.

That was until she reminded herself of why she had barred leaving the tent; a fact easily recalled merely by looking down.

The flap to the tent's entrance opened then and the bundled collection of blankets entered before the body followed through. That was all the time Robin needed to quickly yank one of the blankets from her pallet up and wrap it around herself. The end result was something of a cloak put on backwards, held together only by her hand clasping the ends behind her neck.

It was really no surprise that the person entering the tent was Chrom, given he was the second person to spend the most time in the place. But given his expression of alarm, he hadn't expected Robin to be there too even though she took first place.

"Uh, Robin. Hello. There wasn't a strategic meeting that I wasn't made aware of, right?"

"No, not at all. I came in here for respite."

"Right," Chrom sounded out, seemingly then realising her choice of outfit and the missing of a blanket on her pallet. He chose to comment on the lesser of the two oddities. "Lissa told me you were bunking with her."

"I'd had the intention of doing so. But, well, she can be rather… opinionated on certain aspects of my personal life." It really was a wonder she hadn't resorted to violence. Lon'qu hadn't been spared with figs, Chrom had narrowly avoided a concussion after her rock-throwing. Her cuteness and delicacy was fast-making Lissa no longer exempt from repercussion if she continued to pester the notion of becoming an auntie.

"Oh, in what regard?"

Robin sighed and freeing an arm from her creation, gestured between the two of them. "Us."

"Ah." Chrom nodded before his face contorted with confusion. "And her comments were bad enough to warrant you choosing to sleep here instead?"

"Believe me, when every third sentence is when do I plan on giving her a niece or nephew, it's enough to drive me mad. Couple that with her lurid suggestions and the interjections made by Anna, Nowi and Sumia, I decided to escape from all human engagement for tonight."

"Does that extend to me too, then?"

Robin paused in speaking. She didn't mind Chrom being there, not exactly. He had seen more flesh than what was on show now, but that didn't welcome her to letting the blanket drop. His stumble into the bathing tent had been accidental (or so he'd claimed), there had been no time to feel embarrassment or shyness. Here, she was only too aware of how ridiculous she looked, sans the blanket. She shifted her grip, already feeling the weakness coming to her elevated arm. "No, of course not. Though I will ask: why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be in Gaius's tent?"

Chrom pulled a face. "I'm much in your predicament. That man has far too many ideas on how a woman's body can be… erm…"

She laughed. "Come on, Chrom. You're shy about that? Or are you thinking of trying out some of the suggestions?"

He opened his mouth and promptly shut it again, then took another glance at her fully. "Shy? Says you wearing a blanket as a dress."

"I'm cold," Robin said. She was positively sweltering, but she would chose overheating over embarrassment.

"It's over 30 degrees outside. Go stand in the sun; I'm sure you'll soon warm up."

"I'm comfortable here."

"Are you really?" Chrom shook his head, dumfounded.

"I am," Robin answered, dropping into one of the seats and re-arranging the blanket over herself to free her hand.

She watched as Chrom nodded, moving to place his own stuff adjacent to her pallet. Like her, he too, had been given clothes by his comrades for the time being, but his suited him. The white shirt and grey breeches fit well, offering a fine view of his lean figure, but remained loose enough for her to fill in what she couldn't see with memory.

For all the watching she was doing of him, it was a wonder she didn't see him move, but by the time she did, it was too late. Chrom had the corner of hrt blanket in his hand and snatched away from her before she could muster a retort. And had managed, in his haste, to send a pot of ink soaring and landing with a splash onto Robin.

The tactician, now exposed in the revealing clothes and covered in black ink, made a sound of protest. She jumped back from the table though the damage had already been done.

"Gods, Chrom. Does your ability to break all you come into contact with really have to extend to mundane objects such as ink pots?"

She lifted her head up away from the disaster of her top, expecting the flurry of apologies to be streaming from Chrom's mouth. What she was met with however, was said man staring open-mouthed at her.

How peculiar a sensation to be fully cognizant of the fact he had seen her entirely naked, yet him still viewing upon her as she was could recreate that same chagrin. Honestly though, every time he glimpsed her without androgynous garments concealing her figure, it was as if he realised she was a woman all over again.

"You'll catch flies should you continue to stand like that," Robin finally snapped unorthodoxly. She had made no move to cover herself nor correct the situation. She was practically granting him permission to gawp at her, and perhaps, even just a little, she enjoyed creating that look of pure captivation.

But she couldn't dispel the nervousness bubbling in her. She'd already kissed him with careless abandon, encouraged his hands to explore the curves of her body and still, she was nervous. Though that could be accredited to his look. Maybe if he'd just stop staring so hard, her anxiety would lessen. Surely there was nothing all that surprising. Was he judging her? Critically evaluating the unconsented choice of outfit and deeming it unfit?

"Do you not like it?" she found herself asking. She goddamn hated it, but if Chrom was interested, then she could learn to tolerate the getup.

"What? No, I like it. I definitely…" he gulped, trailing a hand across the back of his neck.

"Hmm," Robin said with a nod. "A shame then that I'll have to change it."

"Change," Chrom repeated, dazedly before at last some semblance of clarity returned. "I'll er, head out…"

The woman had already turned, her back to him. With the hem of her top between her fingers, she lifted it in one motion over her head and left herself bare from the waist above. Peeking over her shoulder, she gave him a smirk. "You've already seen me naked once, what's a little flesh going to do?"

Chrom, appearing too dumfounded to formulate a reply, only gawped at her. Robin sighed. Looked like she was going to have to take the reins. "Would you like me to turn around?" she asked coyly, rotating her shoulder back just slightly to tease.

She watched him blink and bite his lip, eyes dropping to stare at the floor and away from her for a moment as though gathering his bearings. When at last he met her gaze again, his firm resolve had a tingle of excitement coiling into her stomach. But she belied none of it when she cheekily remarked, "Took you long enough to decide."

"Yes, well. Hearing your open consent to act is still not yet a feeling I'm used to. But it certainly one I enjoy," Chrom replied before he strode over to her and slammed his mouth against hers.

Robin gasped as he pulled her to him by her waist. His guttural exhale blended with hers as she pushed into him, opening her mouth and revelling in the firmness of his abdomen and chest where her hands grabbed at his tunic. It wasn't long before belts and items were thrown aside to let her hands roam without cloth to bar her touch. Yet for all the exploring her hand did, his never strayed from their stationary position upon her waist. Not until she stepped back.

His eyes flicked up to hers, confusion morphing into surprise as she lifted his hand and deliberately placed them upon her breasts. It wasn't just her approval for him to touch her as he pleased. It was the nod to continue and let it lead where it might.

She nodded at the question of continuing his expression showed and confirmed her assuredness with a kiss. When one of his hands moved to trail past her ribs and into the band of her skirt, she let her other hand follow suite. Slowly their hands pushed the material down, leaving it to pool on the floor where it would remain for several hours to follow.

..
..


..
..

Good ole pheromones. They shall be my excuse for the behaviour. Now, I am giving my notes at the bottom as upon reading, I have a question to ask: Do you want sex scenes? The desire has been made apparent by one guest, but my plan had been to imply rather than create. Having said that, if you would like them, please do say, be it in review or PM format. I have my structure, but it is flexible and thus open to modification. You want? You say.

Thank you for reading!