Lissa came out of Robin's room after half an hour. Frederick was lucky enough that the princess had decided to wake up early since she was a little hungry, and now she was caught up in this turmoil.
Frederick turned to see her, and before he could ask anything. A stave was pointed at his face.
"Robin is good now, but listen to me…" Lissa locked her eyes into his "She is very sensitive right now…so I hope…for your own good…that you don't bother her. She is very delicate, like a rose." Lissa would hit her stave against Frederick's armor, making his ears ring. "but her thorns will come out if you pesky her…and if those thorns come out…she might lose it."
Lissa finally gave him a smile, with a little sheepish sigh "Oh how wonderful…in such dire times…maybe is what is needed."Lissa hummed slightly, as she passed Frederick "She must eat five times a day now. You're an expert of forcing food on people, so good luck"
Frederick hesitated to enter Robin's room. He had a slight idea of what Lissa actually meant, but he needed to hear it from Robin's own lips. But he also understood that Robin might need a few minutes to herself, so he found it wise to go prepare some tea for her.
He would look at the kettle slowly shaking, as the water inside began to boil.
"For today…I believe I can rest in my Shepherd duties" Frederick thought. He still didn't know how to relax, or what resting means. But perhaps his relationship with Robin could be recovered once he sees that when he rests, his beloved does also.
"My beloved…I still wish for Robin to be my beloved" He thought, closing his eyes slowly.
xxx
His chest felt warm as she observed Robin on her chair, wrapped around the blanket he once knitted for her; back when they were in the cold lands of Ferox. When he entered Robin's room, he almost dropped the kettle: he thought that blanket had been lost when their camp was once stunk by some unknown fish burning.
The blanket was purple, and it had golden threads to decorate the edges. He stopped looking at the blanket, and made his way beside Robin, her nose was slightly red, and a little runny. Meaning that she had been crying lightly.
Frederick placed his hand on Robin's face, and he was thankful that his tactician didn't move them away; on the contrary, she sunk further into it. Frederick cleaned Robin's cheek with his thumb, to remove the new tears that were coming out.
"I brought you some tea…"
Frederick looked at Robin's desk. As flowers were displayed there.
Now they were from Basilio.
He doesn't understand where do these men get flowers, but mostly, that they don't care Robin isn't single. Perhaps not officially, but now everyone knew about their feelings. Of his feelings.
He swears that if another bouquet appears tomorrow, he will be making people pick a god and pray.
Frederick sighed when Robin didn't give him a response. He left the kettle over a cloth he brought, letting it rest on the table "Allow me to lie you down on the bed…"
"No…I…I can do that…that. Thanks…" Robin's voice sounded a little broken, but she would clear it as she tried to regain her composure.
"I…I would appreciate more if you take your armor off…and just…rest a bit with me."
Frederick only answered with a nod.
Before long, the knight's armor rested on the corner of the room. Dusting himself lightly, he returned to Robin's side. Who would only cuddle against the knitted blanket; before she could protest, she felt Frederick's arms around her, picking her up like if she were a mere rag doll.
"I…I told you I can get on the bed by my own…"
"Perhaps, but I need to take you there."
Robin sighed softly as Frederick placed her down, moving the covers away for her so she could cuddle on her bed. When she was all set, Frederick went for a cup a tea and offer it to her, he took the chair to sit beside her, and observe her.
Frederick missed Robin's pinky cheeks when she drinks warm tea, or how her hair would curl at the ends.
"Robin…are you better now? Apologies…I have…failed you tremendously. I only wish for us to be able to start again…like we used to be…"
Robin sighed as she finished her cup of tea. Cleaning the last droplets that stayed on her eyelashes, she turned to see Frederick. But she was having a hard time keeping her eyes open.
Frederick blinked slowly when Robin gave him a little smile.
"You want to start eating bear meat again?"
"G…Gods,No…I meant…" Frederick sighed when he heard Robin's giggle, but his heart sunk when Robin sighed again. The way she would not glance into his face hurt him: it felt tragic to him. As he remembered that from the start, Robin always stood against him. Always fighting.
There is a small line between love and hate, they say.
Robin left the tea cup aside, as she was ready to finally speak seriously with Frederick. Her eyes met with his, who looked eager to find out what was going on.
"Frederick…I just haven't slept well…and I have lacked in my normal eating habits…so for a few days I won't be able to attend my own tasks."
"I see." Frederick sounded disappointed, and his small smile had faded away completely. "For a moment I thought…you were…"
"Pregnant? No. I'm not…and it's for the best" Robin rested more on her pillow, closing her eyes to let them rest "Our relationship is not in the greatest terms right now…a pregnancy would have only made things forceful."
"But…is still a relationship, is it not?"
"Listen, Frederick…I believe we both rushed into this…gave too much barely being together. But…" Robin her face to see him "I do love you…we just need time to adjust some things."
"I understand, and…I love you too milady…" Frederick reached his hand to hold Robin's, caressing it gently with a thumb.
xxx
"Robin…"
Robin opened her eyes slowly, looking around: with a puzzled look in her eyes. She tried to sit up, but was stopped by two strong hands pushing her back.
Those hands were not Frederick's.
"Hey, relax…you know, you have a bad habit of falling asleep in inconvenient places."
Those hands belonged to Chrom.
"Where…Where is…"
"Frederick? He went to order the chef to prepare you a highly energized chicken soup." Chrom had cut off Robin, and then continued by giving her a worried look "He told me you fell unconscious again as soon as you were laid on the bed. He had to change your blankets due that you spilled a bit of tea on them."
So, the conversation with Frederick never happened. It was all in her imagination.
In what she truly wanted.
But it was for the best.
They are both such prideful dicks.
"I spoke with my daughter…gosh…I'm so sorry for what occurred. She was here a few minutes ago, but decided to leave us alone so we could talk."
Robin managed to get out a chuckle "I hope that teaches you a lesson, Mr. Friend. Your daughter is dangerous, but I don't wish for one day to be attacked by your wife."
Chrom just gave her a warm smile, those smiles that drove girls mad.
"Won't happen. I swear."
Robin glanced around the room, seeing Frederick's armor in the corner.
She responded Chrom's smile with her own.
"Good"
xxx
The supposed months that they would spend on sea were cut short, as the gods had been kind to gift them with many days of wind and fast currents. Robin was very pleased with this, as she had hopes that Naga would gift her a little extra: that little extra being that her pregnancy wouldn't be discovered.
She begged Lissa to not tell anyone, not even to her brother.
Robin was planning to hide her pregnancy, to not worry the fleet or her friends.
But mostly, she wished not to worry Frederick.
"Frederick has enough in his head…and I do too." Robin thought, as she walked around camp, looking for the herb tent.
They had arrived to Valm's harbour, only to be greeted by a fierce battle. Her expectations weren't wrong though, as everyone watched how Frederick smashed into battle with no hesitation.
Frederick had a lot of energy, as he had witnessed a big fire a few weeks back. He had been reserving such joy and energy for that battle.
Their relationship was still in standby mode, as both of them had their duties to attend, and their own pride still being in the middle. They would reunite only to discuss war matters, being always respectful and professional about it.
Her heart still raced when he saw him, and she could see Frederick's iris grow thinner as their eyes would meet.
Their love was still there, but the time was not appropriate.
Their pride was very inappropriate
xxx
"Chrom, my feet are freezing! How much longer do we need to walk?" Lissa protested as she walked beside her brother.
The fleet was preparing to meet Lady Tiki, but on the way they had heard about some hot springs that could cure any wound and make the driest skin the softest in a matter of minutes.
The next battle was to be harsh, and so, Robin and Chrom admitted that the fleet would need a small break before heading further.
"Aye, milady…we are not too far now. I assure you, the sore feeling of your feet will go away with the miracle waters." Say'ri walked beside Lissa. Say'ri was the newest addition to the team, and her customs and knowledge had caught Robin's attention and respect.
She still wondered how Say'ri's undergarments wouldn't fall though.
"As long as it does not happen when she's doing Astra" Robin concluded.
"But Say'ri, I…Oh look,Chrom!Look!" Lissa laughed as she ran ahead, making Chrom only sigh a little but still a smile would cross his face.
Chrom stopped though, as he waited for Robin. Robin only gave him a funny stare as they were finally by eachother's side: the fleet moving ahead of them.
"It has been long since I have seen the fleet so eager…we made a good decision here."
"I cannot agree more. " Robin crossed her arms, and chuckled lightly "Still, I know that look…what is it,Chrom?"
"Oh…is nothing…I just wonder how much will this peace last." Chrom shook his head softly "I'm just glad there's still places like this, untouched by evil."
"Chrom, look at me."
Chrom looked slowly at Robin, meeting with those shiny and proud eyes everyone would talk about.
"I don't know what lies ahead…or how much time we can keep our fleet like this. But I promise, I will find a way to end this war quickly. I have told Lucina, and now I will tell you : I will change our future,no matter the cost… you just wait and see."
Chrom finally laughed lightly,as he always found amusing Robin's furrowed eyebrows "I suppose you will do so with the invisible bonds that keep us together…yes?"
Robin snickered "I guess, and a few Silver swords here and there. Maybe a touch of Thoron as well."
Chrom nodded lightly "I look forward to it,then."
Their little moment was cut short, as Lissa returned to them, calling for help.
Seems evil did manage to corrupt these lands
xxx
The chilly winds and deep snow surrounding the area was not making the task easy. Risen could easily move around the snow, as they were already dead, and they were immune to coldness and other weather examples.
Cold joints, swollen feet, wet clothes and little visibility were breaking the Shepherds.
But not Frederick the Wary.
"Die you wretched beast!" The knight had slashed one of corpses, making it fade into nothing but smoke. He held Robin tightly with his hand, while with the other one he would stir Thoron towards the next direction.
Robin the sword, as deadly as the original mastermind tactician.
His skin was paler than usual, as the armor he was wearing wouldn't help to keep his temperature at the right warmth. He expelled hot breath, watching it fade within the cold air around him.
His eyes moved upwards, as he could see fire being expelled to the air, then ending into small little explosions.
The risen were defeated. That was the signal he was waiting for.
"Finally…is over." He thought, as he lowered his sword lightly. Perhaps he was the one who defeated the last risen.
He was very away from camp, and it would take him almost an hour to return, perhaps even more how the snowstorm is coming up. It was amusing, as from afar he could see the hot springs being completely normal.
Frederick snapped out of his thoughts, as he watched a dim green aura pass the ground his horse was stepping on, followed by small symbols. The spell was up and going, the final signal to go home.
"They have grown so much…I still remember when it would take them at least an hour to get that spell up…" The knight smiled, feeling proud of Ricken's and Miriel's growth.
"Come on, girl." With a small tap on the side of the mare's neck, she began to move.
His thoughts were wandering now, like they always wander every time he finishes a fight. Always going to that certain tactician.
Thinking of her deep brown eyes, with those seductive eyelashes and well cared eyebrows: followed by that cute little nose and thin pink lips, that could mouth the sweetest words as well as the sharpest.
How he misses that foul mouth of hers. Hearing it, but mostly feeling it. Her voice ringed on his mind, and the sweet embrace she would give only to him.
But perhaps, now she was giving it to someone else; or will give it to someone else.
"Bubbles, come on!"
Frederick lifted his head, trying to find the direction of where that scream came from. His horse would trout slowly, slowly stopping as his master commanded it to do so. Stern eyes locked into two figures that were below the hill he was. He quickly made his horse turn back.
"Gaius, stop whining or I will kick your ass back to camp. I told you I did not need your assistance to look for him." Robin sighed, as she rubbed her hands "Is freezing out here…and he's the only one missing from camp."
Gaius laughed, as he got out a small piece of chocolate from his pocket "Yeah right, you just wanted to find him here and have a smooch marathon. No need to lie." He smirked as he bit into the piece of chocolate, but then held his cheek as the chocolate was frozen solid.
"Ooooow"
Robin laughed lightly, turning to see him "Serves you right."
Gaius sighed lightly, giving a small smile to his friend "I'm sure that he is back in camp already, he wouldn't miss the little competition that is going on right now."
Frederick would hide behind bushes as he followed the tactician and the sweetooth, following them on foot as it was easier to eavesdrop them.
"If they wish to buy those expensive kimonos or yukatas, they need to earn it. I thought a proper match would be a correct way to do it." Robin smiled "A snow fight is very proper."
"Riiight. Your ass is going to get whooped. I don't enter 'cuz I hate cold."
"True, considering your wife." Robin smirked and stopped, keeping her smirk "Shots fiiiiired!" She laughed at Gaius face, who was blushing lightly.
"H...Hey,shut up! Only I get to speak so caddish about my wife" Gaius decided to stick a lollipop in his mouth,and he let out a grunt when an arm was wrapped around his neck.
"I still can't believe Cordelia even looked at you: with those flabby abs I mean" Robin wiggled her eyebrows, making Gaius meek and get away from her.
"You and your bad habit of seeing men naked! And I was in truly bad shape that time, now, now even Kellam or Frederick could compete against me."
Robin snorted.
"Pffft. You couldn't beat me at arm wrestle…"
"Shut up…"
Robin snickered but then let out a small sigh. Gaius raised an eyebrow lightly, and moved his hand to his best friend's shoulder.
"Don't worry so much, pumpkin…you'll get wrinkles if you keep frowning like that." Gaius shrugged lightly "I'm sure Frederick is fine, it would take more than a sword storm to stop from bringing some hot towels to Blue."
Robin sniffed lightly, covering her face lightly "You're not helping!"
Frederick raised his head from the bushes lightly, to watch more carefully their interaction. Throughout the years, he had seen how Gaius and Robin became really close friends, other people could say they were like siblings: something Frederick has learned to accept and respect, seeing that Robin had no family whatsoever.
That is, besides a crazy-Grimleal father.
The point remains the same.
Frederick began to walk stealthy, though his heavy armor was making the situation quite difficult. He desired to keep hearing, though he knew eavesdropping was a not a very knight thing to do: less if he is the topic of the whispering.
"You two are big dorks: you are both free and crazy for each other. Instead of being in this cold, you two should be in a tent making out "Gaius sighed as he hugged Robin slightly, patting her back "There, there. You been sensitive as it is, you sound like a pregnant woman."
Frederick's cheeks became a little flustered, and he let out a small huff. How did that thief dare to embrace Robin in such matter, the only shoulder that Robin should cry on, should be his.
But he's the reason of the tears, so that cannot work now.
"It…it isn't that easy…and don't repeat that!" Robin parted ways with Gaius, and got out her Elwind to give him a good smack with it. "Pregnant woman?Ha! Next time that I fight with someone, are you going to say I'm in my period?"
Gaius rubbed his head lightly, trying to sooth the area where he was smacked. He still had a little grin though "Are you in your period then?"
Robin let out a scream, followed by Gaius laughter as he ran.
"You're finished, Gaius! I'm going to kick your ass so hard, people will think you got fucked!" Robin ran after him, though it was hard to keep up with the thief.
"Not if you can't beat me to the camp!"
"Bitch, you don't know who you are dealing with!"
Frederick stood there, slowly sliding the hill covered in snow to watch the two figures disappear, seeing them picking up snow and throwing at eachtoher as they kept going. Frederick's cheeks were still red, as the only woman he knew that spoke such way was Sully.
All this time that they were together, he never heard Robin's foul mouth truly. Not that freely. He felt a little emptiness in his stomach, as he witnessed a side that Gaius knew well, but he did not. He thought he knew everything about Robin's personality, but he did not.
The knight let out a deep sigh, and whistled softly to his mare so it would come down to his level, slowly getting on it, making the horse go.
A little bit of firewood recollecting would do him good.
"Why would I want to hear such a very foul mouth anyway? That's…stupid. Only savages speak that way." Frederick concluded, raising his face proudly as he tried to convince himself that Gaius didn't have something special with Robin.
"Still…could those words have a special code after all? Perhaps they don't mean what everyone thinks they mean…why would Robin call Gaius a female dog?" Frederick's mind was going wild, as he found a nice trail of broken tree branches.
xxx
"Excuse me!...Pardon me…Agh! Sorry,sorry!" Ricken would walk between the crowd, his eyes searching for the second in command of the Shepherds, his eyes looked eager, as well as a little pleading. The little mage let out a huff as his hat would move off his head constantly, having to hold on it for dear life.
The mage smiled when he heard Thoron's neighs, and also the knight coming back with big packages of high quality wood. He felt a sweat drop fall though, when he saw the little smile Frederick had.
Seems he looked eager to make a big fire tonight.
-Captain!Captain!- Ricken ran to Frederick, but he shortly fell to the ground when he stumbled with his mage cloak. Frederick tried not to laugh, since it would be disrespectful, and he liked the image he represented to his comrades: the hard-cold steel knight.
Frederick jumped off his horse nonetheless,rushing to be by Ricken's side. "Are you alright,Ricken?"
"Mhm!" Ricken took Frederick's hand, since the knight was polite enough to offer it. The young mage would only dust himself to take off the snow from his chest and hat "Thank you: but I'm glad to see you. We were worried for you."
"Ah…that's so nice of yo.." Frederick's words were cut off.
"We need you,Frederick!You and Chrom are our only hope!"
Frederick raised his eyebrow, his eyes filling with concern as Ricken's voice sounded quite broken.
"What's wrong?Did something from the abyss came to claim our lifes?"
"We need to defeat Robin!We all want to wear yukatas!"
Frederick couldn't believe what he was hearing. As hard as he tried to escape, soon other Shepherds found Ricken, and began giving points of why they needed the yukatas. Frederick couldn't find reason in this, as kimonos or yukatas were not the best suit to wear in a war.
Robin and him thought alike most of the time.
Inigo let out a big sigh, and then held Frederick's arm, making the knight become frozen solid and look at the men with wide eyes "Please Frederick, I want to see all the ladies in kimonos!Can you not imagine how ravishing they will look?"
"Yeah! With all this fighting and stuff, Teach here would be delighted to see the ladies on kimonos!" Vaike laughed, though his laughter was cut when Frederick punched him on the head,sending him to the ground.
"You are a married man, and Lady Maribelle would give you something worse if she heard you!" Frederick cleared his throat, and gave dagger eyes to Inigo so he would let go. His eyes soon met with Morgan's, who was part of the group plead.
"Father, please…in our time we never got to see our family and friends wear such beautiful clothes…" Frederick felt sweat escape his forehead, as Morgan was giving him pleading eyes.
"This in unfair…" Frederick thought.
"I mean, COME ON: What's the point of all those bullions we get from the corpses if we can't use that money!" Severa huffed, crossing her arms "Is not like we will visit this place ever again!"
"ENOUGH!" The shepherds flinched and blushed lightly when Frederick screamed, some hunching a little as they were ready for the punishment.
"I still believe the kimonos are truly unnecessary…and that this is highly childish for soldiers of your rank…" Frederick let out a small grin, as he enjoyed seeing the disappointment in their eyes "Nevertheless…I'm pleased of this rare training you will have, being a small match with Robin: one of the strongest units and our master tactician."
"So…that means…" Morgan raised his head lightly, and a smile grew on his face when he understood his father's eyes.
"It will be a high honor to help you on this…but I will only act if there is a plan in this."
The shepherds cheered, and Morgan laughed lightly as he got out a large piece of paper.
"Oh, we got a plan alright!" Morgan smirked.
xxx
Chrom took a seat on one of the crates the Shepherds placed, as the little game that the tactician had in store had caught a lot of attention from his fellow comrades and friends. Sumia sat beside Chrom, holding a fresh baked pie that they could enjoy for the evening play.
Yes, this looked more like a play.
Chrom glued his eyes at his little sister, who was with Lon'qu: the swordmaster had a slight blush since the princess was fixing his clothes. Chrom could only smile when Lissa pecked the flustered man's lips, before running to his side. He gave a funny look to his little sister.
"Wishing him good luck?" Chrom asked, Lissa only responded with a little grin.
"No, making him nervous. " Lissa turned around to see Lon'qu, who was now standing with Robin. Lissa snorted "I'm sure he won't be able to concentrate with his adorable cute little wife watching him"
Sumia giggled "Lissa, that's a little unfair…" She closed her eyes, keeping her smile "but very smart…"
"I know,right!" Lissa laughed, and then sighed softly "Besides, Robin is cheating by simply being Robin. Chrom, aren't you going to join the little fight?"
Chrom shook his head softly "No, I prefer to watch like the others." He pointed at other crates, where Stahl and Panne were eating carrots together; Sully and Kellam drinking some rum; Donnel and Nowi holding a big sign showing the team they supported; and so on.
Tharja and Libra were the one ones who supported Robin's team, but it was understood, it was Tharja.
"Hey, look!" Chrom moved his eyes to where Lissa pointed, and then let out a small laugh.
"Frederick is in this too?They managed to convince him?" Chrom shook his head "I can't believe this…Sumia,dear, do you have the film tome ready?"
Sumia nodded, and got it out from her small bag, though Lissa quickly took it.
"I'll need this to then bother Frederick! YOU GO FREDERICK!"
Robin broke her strategic plan with Lon'qu and Henry when he heard Lissa's shout. Her eyes wandered around the other team, finally seeing that in fact,Frederick was there, talking with Morgan nonetheless.
"That little boy is going to hear me…" Robin thought. She smiled lightly, seeing father and son talking to each other.
She still hasn't thought how and when she will break the news of her pregnancy. She still had months to go, before she can't even budge from camp.
"Robin." Robin kept her eyes on Frederick, even when Lon'qu spoke to her "Frederick's presence will surely make things…shifty. Should we change plan?"
Robin smiled softly, and kept it when Frederick's eyes caught her own. She motioned her hand to Lon'qu, giving the swordmaster the idea to relax.
"Yes…this has made things easier." She broke her gaze with Frederick, and turned to see Henry and Lon'qu "You can sit this one out."
Lon'qu and Henry looked at the tactician confused, mouthing one word at the same time
"What?"
xxx
Morgan looked at his mother wsuspiciously. Robin had changed the little fencing with a simple snow fight.
Just against her.
His team was made by 10 people.
Swords, lances and armor were put away; only to be replaced for more winter appropriate clothes and those who were mages, could use wind magic
.Chrom and Lissa would laugh since they were all wearing what Frederick had knitted for them when they first stumbled on Feroxi lands, so they did look like a real team.
Robin had gave them 15 minutes to regroup and re-plan their strategy.
"Is everything clear?" Morgan asked, looking at his teammates "Remember, the game ends when mother has been hit with snow on the chest, back or head: also, if the borders are crossed. Same goes to our units."
"The shop will close in an hour, you know!" Robin shouted, making Morgan look at her and grin.
"We will end this in less than 5 minutes!"
Robin played with an Elwind, tossing it up and down. Morgan huffed.
"The fact that you're playing alone is insulting to us, we won't allow you to win...but I love you, mother!"
"I love you too, darling! I will enjoy making a snowman out of you!"
"Ha! We will see who the showman in the end is!"
Gaius sighed, taking a swirl roll from his mouth "Start already, my ass is freezing here!" Gaius met with Severa's eyes, and grinned "Quick her ass, baby! Your papa will buy you a lot of things if you beat her down!"
Severa grinned and waved "Will do so, father! You're the best!" Severa looked at her mother, who was holding a sign that said:I love you,Severa.
Severa blushed and huffed, looking away.
xxx
Chrom and Lissa would flinch and say at the same time:ooooh. As they saw their comrades just flying of the area of the match. Snow forts had been crafted quickly with magic by both sides, but Robin was just devastating.
She was known to throw things at long range: Chrom and Lon'qu knew it very well.
She had accuracy of a Sniper.
Robin would laugh as she moved out of harm's way by simply spinning around or floating herself away, she had already dealt with most of her bigger threats: the fight was now amusing, as only Frederick, Inigo and Morgan remained on the other side.
Severa had gone back sniffing lightly to her parents, but her sniffing stopped when Gaius and Cordelia told her they would go shopping for her anyway.
"Let us dance, beautiful dove!Hyah!" Inigo threw a small snowball to Robin, only to be caught by her hand and thrown back at him. He easily evaded it, he huffed a little "This isn't fair at all!"
"Come on pretty boy, let's dance!" Inigo screamed lightly as Robin made him spin around with her magic, only to be thrown out of snow arena and into another big pile of snow.
Morgan sighed deeply, peeking his eyes out of his fort.
Inigo's assault had failed.
Morgan lowered himself again, looking at his father who was beside him. Frederick had an amused face, making Morgan chuckle.
"Seems my strategy wasn't that good…"
Frederick shook his head, and gave a small pat to Morgan's head "This match is not over yet, son. Even if she doesn't show it, your mother is quite tired already…we still have a chance if we strike correctly."
Morgan's eyes had hope again.
"Oh father, do you have an idea?"
"I do…now…we will…" Frederick began to whisper in Morgan's ear, getting only nods from his son.
Robin sighed deeply while rubbed her head "Hey!Are you guys going to attack or are you already giving up!?" She was soon responded by Frederick, who threw a very strong and fast snowball. She yelped as she felt the ball pass near her face.
"Focus,Robin!" Frederick shouted, still throwing snow at her since in one hand he had piled up a few, he managed to hit Robin's tome, leaving Robin without magic.
Robin huffed as she hid behind a little fort, but then she had jump away as her son was already there, throwing a snowball at her.
She was laughing, as she was enjoying her time.
She grinned though, when she managed to be sneaky enough on Morgan. She formed a little snowball, and when she was about to hit him, she was surprised by Frederick; who stood in front of Morgan, receiving the hit for him.
It hit right in the chest.
Both males stumbled nonetheless, Morgan holding on Frederick as they fell. "Dad!"
Robin stared at the scene, seeing Morgan shaking his dad lightly, being responded with a chuckle from Frederick. Her head started to hurt, as painful vibrations would make her ears ring and her sight blurry.
In a moment she was seeing Frederick chuckling with Morgan.
In another moment, she was seeing Frederick dead; blood instead of snow on his chest, while a pleading Morgan would cry out for him.
Her eyes filled with tears, as the flashing image would appear and reappear.
It stopped though, when she felt snow hit her face.
The game was over.
xxx
The camp was soon filled with laughter and cheers, as evening had finally come. Some were at camp, while others were outside enjoying what the village had to offer or take a bath in the hot springs.
Most of them were wearing yukatas, since the kimono's held a more special meaning and they were more elaborated and expensive: the group was content just with the yukatas, after all the challenge was passed.
Frederick could only smile, seeing how the children were teasing eachother and showing off their kimonos, or how Ricken would stumble with his since he was a little too short. Maribelle was trying her best to convince Vaike to close more his, since the Teach wanted to keep showing off his chest.
Wooden slippers would make little sounds, as he walked around the temple's grounds to look for a certain woman, the only woman that he was interested in seeing.
Everyone was having a great time, except his milady: who had disappeared after she gave the funds so the camp could go shopping. The knight got out his pocket watch, and looked at it: it was already past 8.
The knight huffed as he straighten his clothes, which was a soft green yukata, with small little golden markings that looked like tiny bears, a brown belt keeping everything together.
Morgan had chosen it for him, and he couldn't say no to his pride and joy.
He had seen how Robin's eyes changed, and how her body froze when he fell on the snow. He hadn't guard Morgan as he planned, their strike failed.
Yet, Robin did not take the chance. Robin lives by chances.
His search stopped when he heard wood crackling, a sound he so much enjoyed. He walked to one of the doors, sliding it open. He smiled a little, as he could see Robin in the distance, sitting on a log beside a zen garden, as well as a small campfire.
Frederick raised an eyebrow as he walked to Robin "Your hair…is long again."
Robin jumped lightly, but calmed herself when she saw it was only the Great Knight. A soft sigh escaped her lips , looking at the fire instead of staring at the stoic man, who looked very gallant, even in that oddly cute yukata.
"Oh…yes…The merchant from this place gave me an elixir that makes your hair grow…I thought it was a lie, but seems it was not."
Frederick would stare at her, how her hair was uniformly falling on her back, smaller bangs on her face would shine a little red as the fire would illuminate her face. Robin's yukata was lovely, as it was a soft violet, with small red patterns of books and it was held all together with a darker purple belt.
"Can I accompany you?"
"Go ahead." Robin pat the log lightly,the space just beside her.
Frederick took it immediately, still looking at the tactician.
They both sat there, quietly. One of them staring at the fire, while the other would stare at the other person.
It felt odd, as Frederick was not staring at the fire. He could notice Robin had her hair damp, so he decided to break the silence.
"You went into the springs?"
"Oh…yes…I went with Lissa and Maribelle, but we both left quickly after we felt watched by Vaike. He had a nice time with our magic…" Robin smiled a little "Even married, that man doesn't listen. Perhaps he needs to be bitten by Sully's horse again…"
Frederick sighed "Then he wonders why no lady respects him…" Frederick turned his head to see the fire, as he found vexing feelings while staring at Robin for so long.
"Why aren't you with the others, Fred? Morgan is being treated as a hero tonight…" Robin smiled lightly, looking at Frederick finally. "I'm sure his knight in shining armor would be praised too."
"You know I don't do things for praise…" He quickly responded, feeling a little offended.
"Ah, but praise is good time to time…" Robin chuckled, she stopped though when she felt a chilly air between them, she held to her yukata a little tigther.
"Are you cold? Let me throw more wood at the fire."
"No no, is not necessary…I was actually going to head to my room and rest." She smiled "Feels odd saying that…but the people of here were nice enough to lend us their homes and business to lay low…tents are nice, but not in this weather."
"Indeed…I already took my time to show our gratitude to them."
"Couldn't expect less from you."
There was silence again, but this time Robin broke it.
"So…why are you here?"
"I didn't see you, so I became worried."
Robin's cheeks became a little pink "O-Oh…that's…nice of you. But I'm doing alright, you could go with the others now."
"Robin." Frederick turned to see her again, making Robin clear her throat lightly as her blush re appeared.
"If milady doesn't mind, I wish to stay with you…and just talk…campfires don't feel the same without you, even when I sit beside Lady Lissa and Lord Chrom…"
Robin moved her gaze away from Frederick, and gave him a light nod as she drank from the bitter tea she had in her hands. The kettle was over the fire, looking inviting for anyone who wished to drink some tea. Frederick didn't resist much, and served himself a cup of tea as well.
Silence was rather fragile between them, as it would break often, this time it broke when Robin felt Frederick's hand caressing her hair, she quickly looked at him, with a small gesture for him to stop.
"Frederick, please…"
"Apologies…you just…look very troubled." Frederick was concerned, Robin knew that.
She hated how well the knight could still read her.
As their stare grew longer, the image of Frederick being dead would re appear in her mind; with Morgan begging his father to open his eyes.
Frederick was taken aback as Robin lowered her gaze, closing her eyes softly before letting out some tears and throwing her cup of tea away. He didn't hesitate to take Robin into his arms, as the young woman would cry in his chest.
"My love…please tell me… what's wrong? I can't stand to see you in tears…" His hand would rub her back, trying to soothe her wounded soul as best as he could. He wanted to break mountains, cross rivers made of lave and fight whatever that had caused such grief on his Robin.
But what if this pain is caused by him?
"No…that can't be…she wouldn't be crying in my chest…" He thought.
Long minutes passed, both adults just embracing eachother. Both of them were terribly hurt, but one of them had a wound the other did not know about.
Robin's shaking and tears soon ended, as her mind finally allowed her to forget such image; being replaced with the knowledge of Frederick's presence there.
"Gaius is correct, you have been rather sensitive…" He whispered, but his whisper was loud enough to be heard by Robin.
"Wha…What?" Robin broke from the embrace immediately, cleaning her eyes as quickly as possible. Frederick soon met with eye daggers.
Robin soon changed from being a whimpering pup wolf to a howling angry mother wolf, as she stood from the log, attacking Frederick about the comment.
"You were eavesdropping us! Gods…Oh my god, then you…" Robin held her face lightly, and a big blush grew on her face "Oh dear god! Frederick, you aren't supposed to hear those things…oh my god!"
Robin turned away from him, shaking her head softly "Ah fuck!"
Frederick would blink a lot, but he let out a small snicker as he stood up too.
"Milady…You had no idea I was there…and believe me, I didn't mean to…to be there…I blame my jealous heart to stay in that area." He placed his hands on Robin's arms, motioning her to turn around "Besides…I found it amusing, and…oddly refreshing."
Robin moved her hands away from her eyes, still a little puffy from the tears that ran on his cheeks a few moments ago, her nose was still runny, so she sniffed. "You're just being nice…you hate foul mouths…"
"Not yours, milady…not yours…" Frederick placed his hands on Robin's face, cleaning the tears that would still linger on her cheeks. He could see how her breathing was still uneven, and that would keep his eyes in a worrying stare.
Robin cleared her throat, making Frederick let go of her and giving him the back. Finally letting go of her weak moment. "Well…thanks…and I would appreciate if you stop calling me milady…or love…or darling…"
"But, that's what you are to me." Frederick huffed, grabbing Robin by her arm and jerking her to turn around again. "Robin, we are making a fool out of ourselves, everyone can see it, we long for eachother!"
Robin blinked a lot, and laughed lightly "Oh, is that what they have told you? Well go tell them they are wrong! I do not long for you!"
Robin would try to escape his grip, but it only got stronger. "Hey, that hurts!"
"Your denial also hurts. The wall you have between us also hurts. Robin, I'm tired of this hurting! I would prefer for you to kill me once and for all that you healing the cut only to open it again!"
"D..Don't say that!" Robin tried to keep some distance, but Frederick held her closer to him, leaving a few inches between their faces.
"Oh but is the truth, Robin. Sleeping alone, eating alone…gosh, even going to pick up firewood is so harsh. I did such things alone for years…but now…I can't stand not seeing you beside me, Robin… forgive me for my distrust. Remove this heavy weight from my heart and come back to my side."
Robin would just stare at him, as Frederick would force her to keep her eyes on his. She bit her lip lightly, and shook her head "No…No…" Her eyes stared to water, just remembering the insults Frederick had given her weeks ago.
I never been the one to cry.
But you got tears rolling down my face.
Won't you put your pride aside?
Instead you'd rather turn and walk away.
"Yes…Yes Robin…" He kissed her, breaking the kiss shortly only to keep looking at her "I need you by my side, Robin. The sword is not enough. I need the real Robin" Their lips reunited, but Robin would break the kiss, only to be kissed again by Frederick.
I know I know I know I know, that you want me.
I know I know I know you know, that I want you too.
What are we fighting for, only going to lose the war.
Come on come on come on come on, calling mayday.
Robin manage to push away the large man, and gifted him a slap across the face. "I said no!W..What has gotten into you!? This isn't…ah!" Frederick brought her close again, and kept kissing her. His kissing becoming more aggressive and possessive, while Robin's hands clenched to his arms.
Robin managed to break the kiss, slightly gasping since she needed air, badly. "Frederick, this isn't you…what…" Her words were cut from another kiss, but this time Frederick broke it.
"I'm not letting you go, until you admit you need me as well."
"Why…you caddish fuck…" Robin was surprised when Frederick kicked her leg lightly, making her fall to the ground. Her eyes went wide and her blush grew in great lengths as the knight got on top of her, only to reunite their lips again.
I bet you thought I would flame out
Bet you thought I'd let you walk away
See I put my pride aside
But I won't beg you to say
Robin tried to move a little higher, finding the log in which she was sitting, her head rested there, as Frederick would keep kissing her. Her lips finally escaped a soft moan, as he felt Frederick's cold hand sliding under her yukata, caressing her long and well-toned leg.
"Fre…Frederick…we can't…" She stopped mouthing words, as he tongue was caught by another. Their kissing finally ended, when both units were panting and Frederick finally giving them a break.
If I could pick, a single moment
To tell you how I felt right into the blue
Then I would tell, the time my heart felt
And I would probably say that it was a quarter to two
"Why not?" Frederick asked, trying to fight the inner wolves that wanted to devour the poor maiden under him. Such a poor maiden, with powers beyond imagination and a cold head to get through dire times.
Yet that mind would melt, by his kisses and touches.
He understood her, as his mind and heart would melt: metaphorically, of course.
"You…You are Chrom's knight…I'm…I'm the daughter of Validar." Robin sighed shakily "You…you can't trust me."
"You are yourself, Robin…I can't believe I have been this blind…such a big oaf I am…unable to see the sincerity in your beautiful eyes…"
"You…you aren't helping!"
"Stop lying…" Frederick fought against his caveman instincts, and instead began to pet Robin's cheek. "You don't need to face this alone, Robin…we both don't need to…you once told Chrom this, and now I will tell it back to you…if you fall…then we both fall."
Robin closed her eyes "What…What if I'm the one who makes you fall?"
Frederick chuckled softly "I already fell in love with you…I can't go deeper than that...milady."
Robin used one hand to cover her face, letting out a deep sigh against it.
"You can't keep taking damage for everyone…for me…" She opened her eyes when he heard Frederick chuckle, and then seeing him rise up, holding her so she would stand up again.
She could swear she still felt his touch on her leg.
"That's not for you to decide, my darling…" He grabbed Robin's hand, and began to kiss each finger, looking at his beloved "Unless…you were to become my wife and the mother of my child."
Robin huffed.
"Are you…are you blackmailing me?"
Frederick smiled. "Why yes…" He let his face rest on Robin's hands.
"You just kissed me rather caddishly, and touched me like if we were together."
"Are we not? You never truly stopped me."
Frederick felt another slap across his face, as Robin's hands had escaped his looked at Robin confused.
"That's for making out with me here; and for hurting me; and for making me jealous; and for doubting me; for those horrible hours of your fitness schedule…and…" She took a large breathe, that soon became a big exhale"…and for…making me love you."
Robin placed her hands on her hips, trying to remain in control of the situation. Frederick lowered his eyelids slightly, and then moved his hand close to Robin's face.
He flicked her between the eyes.
Robin whined lightly, as she furrowed her eyebrows and gave a weird look to Frederick.
"That's for the three slaps you have given me, the pranks with bear meat; for making me jealous beyond boundaries; for getting drunk with Gaius and Lon'qu; for seeing Chrom and Gaius naked;forgoing to Plegia without me; for the nickname; for keeping me away and…for making me love such a mad, irrational but highly attractive and sweet maiden." A small grin appeared in his face, as his hands rested behind them.
"Are we clear and even?" He asked.
Robin lifted her chin, and walked closer to him. Her foot soon found new ground, such ground being Frederick's own foot.
She grinned lightly, as the knight would his face steady, trying to hide the pain the stomp just gave him. His face soon changed when Robin held his face, and made him lower himself so they could be at the same height.
Her breathe tickled his ear, and made his mouth water lightly as Robin would whisper in his ear, her hands holding tightly to his yukata.
"No…but I'll be waiting for you in my bedroom to receive my full compensation." She conclude, as her hand passed on his chest while walking away. The tactician enjoyed how his chest got firmer with the soft touch of her fingers, knowing how unattended his body was.
But her body was unattended too.
Her hair struck on Frederick's nostrils, with a sweet scent that could make roses feel jealousy.
"I'll be placing the chess game...don't think you're in the safe zone yet." Robin warned him,before vanishing into the building.
Lissa was right,as beautiful as a rose is, the thorns are dangerous.
Frederick watched Robin go into back into the temple where her room resided, his body moving quickly to extinguish the campfire, as another fire was now growing in his chest.
But for him, those thorns would be rather delicate, once again.
xxx
Like always,thank you so much for your support. The lyrics belong to the artist Estelle, songs being: Fight for it; All that matters. :3 kudos to you guys!