*Holy crows, it's been almost a month since I've updated on this! I apologize!
As you have noticed, I have bumped the rating up to M as a precaution. I was advised that even the slightest fluff in a T rating is in danger of elimination, and I don't want that. So, um… now that it's M, we'll see what I can do. Never really have written lemon other than F!Robin X Stahl "The Beauty of Scars". So… yeah!*
Lucina's Apprehension
She stood in her tent, gazing into the mirror at her nerve-wracked face. In mere moments, she would be walking to her wedding, flowers in her hair as the entire Shepherds' eyes would be on her. Heart beating fast, she wondered if she was ready for this. Yet, when Morgan's face entered her mind, those doubts disappeared, as she was ready. She took a deep breath and turned around- she jumped to see her brother there.
"Brady, good gods," she gasped. "You scared me!"
Brady gave her a happy smirk. "Heh, well, can't help it with this ugly mug o' mine." He nudged his chin toward her mirror, empathy in his eyes. "What, are ya nervous?"
Lucina sighed. "Maybe just a little."
"Ah, I'm sure ev'ryone is on their weddin' day," Brady stated. "I don't reckon Ma 'n Pa were, 'cause they were ready. Uncle Henry told me Aunt Lissa was as nervous as a jitter bug!" He walked up to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Don't sweat it. You love Morgan, and Morgan loves ya- ain't that what matters?"
For a moment, she could only stare at her brother, his words ringing in her ears. He could not have been more right. A smile spread on her face, and she abruptly embraced Brady. "Yes… thank you, Brady."
Brady's cheeks turned red, as he was unused to gratification and uncertain on how to take it. "Yeah, yeah. Let's get this show on the road. I ain't one fer fancy parties."
Lucina stepped back and giggled. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe you'll get a dance in with Noire before the event is over."
"Eh?" His blush was so intense, it reached his ears. His eyes widened, and he turned his back to her to try to hide his embarrassment. "C-can it, would ya?!"
Laughter erupted from her lips. She then hooked her arm around her brother's arm and pulled him around. It occurred to her then just how fortunate she was to have Brady for a brother, and while she could never be able to tell him how much she appreciated and loved him, he knew all along. "All right. Let's go."
A Father's Advice
Morgan paced around his tent, the butterflies in his stomach starting to fly up to his throat, which was dry and felt as though he was being choked due to its tightness. He had done the right thing… right? Surely, she knew that he wasn't trying to replace the Morgan she had lost in her timeline. No, of course she did; otherwise, she wouldn't be marrying him. Was he good enough? Was he everything the other him was, or would he let her down? Did she love him, truly? Or was she hoping for his counterpart to be in there somewhere? With a small growl, he kicked a pebble on the ground, knocking it out of the tent.
"You all right?"
He turned around to see his father there, a concerned look on his face. Blush crept along Morgan's cheeks as he diverted his eyes from his father's gaze. "Y-yeah. Sorry about that."
Ricken titled his head to the side. "Oh, I don't know. I think maybe you should be apologizing to that pebble you just showed what for."
This made Morgan laugh. His parents knew just what to say to make someone smile or laugh. "Sorry, pebble."
Ricken made his way up to his son and stood before him. It occurred to Morgan that the little memories he had of his father were always when he was so much more mature. Ricken had grown considerably over the span of two years, but in Morgan's faint memories, he was considerably older and with a chinstrap beard, with his red hair graying a bit due to stress. As far as he knew, his parents were dead in his timeline, so to have them here was a blessing. He never expected to meet them while they were so young, and was even more impressed that they took on the role of parenthood at the tender age of seventeen. Despite their inexperience and age, they were amazing parents, and he knew that when they had children of their own that they would do just fine.
Ricken read his son's eyes and gave him a loving smile. "It's okay to be nervous, you know. I was when your mother and I married."
"Yeah…"
Morgan popped his knuckles, which were sore now due to the excessive popping he had done. Ricken clicked his tongue, realizing something.
"There is something else, isn't there?" he asked.
"Yeah, there is…" Morgan sighed.
"Care to tell me about it?" Ricken suggested. "It may make you feel better." Morgan shook his head, but even without speaking, Ricken understood. "She loves you, Morgan." Morgan's eyes darted up to his, shock in them. How did he…? His father laughed. "Take it from someone who married at fifteen. Love is very easy to see. She knows that you and the Morgan she lost are different people. While she'll always miss him, she loves you and wants to spend the rest of her life with you." He placed his hand on the top of his son's head in a tender expression. "Isn't that enough?"
Morgan stared at Ricken, speechless as his words ran through his mind. He smiled warmly in realization, reaching up to his father's hand and giving it a pat. "Thanks, Dad. I… I think I'm ready now." Ricken gave him a nod, and the two started out the tent. "So, you think Mother will cry?"
"She better," Ricken grinned mischievously. "Henry and I took a bet on which one of our wives would cry first. I bet on Robin, of course."
"Uh-oh, Dad," Morgan gave a tense smile. "I think you've lost that bet."
When they neared the area where the wedding was held, Ricken looked forward and nudged Morgan with his elbow, a smirk on his face. The very moment Robin had seen them nearing, tears started to trickle down her cheeks. Lissa, whom stood beside her along with Henry, was choking back her tears, much to her husband's misfortune. After they reached them, Ricken held an open palm out to his best friend.
"Cough it up, Henry."
"Cough? I don't have money in my stomach, you weirdo!" Henry chimed. "Besides, um, I think my crows ate it all! You know how they get when they're hungry. They'll eat just about anything! Why, one time, they ate the remains of a Risen!"
"Gross!" Lissa shuddered.
"Wait a minute, why are you asking Henry for money?" Robin sniffed as she wiped away her tears. At this, Henry and Ricken froze, awkward smiles on their faces.
"Busted," Morgan chuckled.
"Well, would you look at the time!" Henry beamed, glancing up at the sun. "I'd say it's about the time to start this shindig!"
"Absolutely!" Ricken agreed, his throat dry. "Let's head on inside!"
He and Henry turned around, ready to run when both their wives grabbed them by their ears.
"Owwie!" Henry cried out.
"Ow! Robiiiiin, don't pull it offfff!" Ricken whined.
Blessing
Her arm still hooked around Brady's arm, they walked toward the tent. Most of the Shepherds were already inside, except for Maribelle, Chrom, and Noire. Noire seemed to have been waiting on Brady, for the moment she saw him, she gave off an anxious smile. Brady gave Lucina's arm a pat, and she unhooked her arm so that he could join with Noire. After Brady and Noire entered the tent, Lucina looked at her parents, who had unconditional love in their eyes for her.
"Mother… Father…" she nearly whispered. "I…"
Maribelle shook her head, a warm smile on her face. "This day is one you shall never forget, my darling." Her hand placed itself around Chrom's elbow. "The day I married was only the start to the happiest moments of my life."
"He is a good man, Lucina," Chrom spoke. "I know that he will take good care of you." Lucina brought her hand up to her chest, where the piece of cloth still was hidden. Chrom and Maribelle both knew she kept it there. Chrom raised his hand and gently placed it on Lucina's cheek, his eyes tender. "Do not allow the past to hold you back, sweetheart. Keep his memory alive, but do not let it cloud your vision of true happiness."
"As we are certain you will find it with him," Maribelle added, taking her hand and wrapping it around Lucina's hand that was up to her chest, but only for a small instance.
For a moment, nothing else was said. She then reached down in her shirt and brought out the cloth, which she stared at with sadness in her eyes. Then, she smiled and gave it a soft rub. "You are right." She lifted her eyes, which were bright. "I'll never forget him, but this is my life now. I'm not afraid anymore. The past does not define me." She held the cloth up and allowed the wind to carry it away. However, she did not watch it or even give it a passing glance. "He's my second chance at a new life. Not even the gods will stop me from being with him." Her arms threw themselves around her parents, and she held them tightly. "Thank you… so much."
She released them, and Maribelle slipped on inside. Chrom and Lucina stood at the entrance, and he crooked his arm so she could hold onto it. It was surreal, having him walk her down the aisle. Despite it being a makeshift wedding, it was more than she could ever have hoped for.
"This is your day, sweetheart," Chrom told her. "…Your mother and I are proud of you."
He opened the tent flap, and the first eyes she saw…
Were Morgan's.
And she knew everything was going to be all right.
The Night the Fireflies Glowed
During the reception, Gaius and Stahl ate like men possessed. Sumia and Cherche, used to their husbands' hefty appetites and liking for sweets, chose to mingle. Yet, the two men did not miss out any chances to dance with their loves, proving them above food any day. Lucina had been right about Noire and Brady getting to dance together, and when she winked at him, he gave off an intense blush and looked away. During one of the dances, Ricken and Robin found Lucina and Morgan. Ricken held his hand out to Lucina, while Robin curtsied to her son, whom smiled widely and accepted her dance. Lucina took Ricken's hand, and they also began to dance.
Lucina looked up into Ricken's eyes, noticing just how much Morgan shared of his father. She used to think he predominately had his mother's features, but now that she was this close to him, it dawned on her that he had both of his parents in him.
He must have noticed her staring at him. "What is it, Lucina?"
"Oh, nothing," she smiled. "It's just… Morgan favors you greatly."
Ricken laughed. "Nah, he looks too much like his mother."
"Yes and no," she countered. "Trust me, it's a good thing he took after both his parents."
"Speaking of genes, where did Brady get his accent?"
"Well, to be honest, from Donnel," she replied. "Nowi was one of the caretakers over me and Brady, and Donnel was there quite often, too. It's strange, but for some reason, he just picked up on Donnel's speech patterns instead of everyone else's."
The red-haired Sage laughed yet again. "Well, I'll be! Does Donny know?"
"I haven't thought to tell him. He would probably like to know. I say he will get a good laugh from it!"
She and her father-in-law shared a good laugh together. His smile did not fade, and she knew then why Robin loved him so much.
"Lucina," he spoke, "you'll take good care of him, won't you?"
A low hum vibrated in her throat. "I will."
She heard a slight chuckle come from him. "I don't doubt it. Not for a moment." He glanced over at Robin dancing with Morgan. "This is going to be an awesome adventure, wouldn't you say?"
She leaned her head on his shoulder, a smile on her face. If he was unaware that he had brought grace again to his family name, she would be sure to have Chrom tell him so.
When the reception was over, Morgan and Lucina pitched a tent slightly farther away from the camp. Honeymoons during wartime were just not possible, but they would make do with this small fortune. While they pitched it, some fireflies got in, much to Morgan's happiness. Lucina could not help but to smile, thankful for the little things. They lit a kerosene lamp, and Morgan unrolled the bedroll. Lucina felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach as her eyes fixated on the bedroll. They would be sharing it. Perhaps doing other things, too. She blushed, immediately thinking of other things to calm her palpitating heart.
"What's wrong?" she heard her newly-wed husband ask, breaking her out of her thoughts.
"Oh, nothing," she tensely giggled. "It's been quite a day, hasn't it?"
"I'll say! I'm just glad to see Vaike's dancing has improved," he joked, making Lucina giggle. "Even Panne was impressed. He should thank Virion for the lessons!"
"You're so mean."
"Maybe a little," he winked. "I think Brady was on cloud nine while he was dancing with Noire. Perhaps they'll be the ones to wed next."
"It wouldn't surprise me," Lucina beamed.
Morgan sat down on the bedroll and stretched his legs out in front of him with a sigh, giving his shins a massage. "Don't ever get shin splints, Lucy."
She raised an eyebrow. "Do you not stretch?"
"I do," he nodded. "…Sometimes."
A sigh came from her as she sat down in front of him, taking one of his legs into her lap and rubbing her fingers along his shinbone. "Ah, I feel them. Those have to be painful." She massaged his leg, surprised to hear a pleasured sigh coming from him.
"I sometimes forget that your mother and brother are healers," he spoke. "You probably learned some techniques from them."
"I help out when I can," she smiled.
He smiled as well. "I'm glad."
"Huh? For what?"
"To see you smiling and laughing more," he answered.
Her cheeks turned red again. "In no small part because of you." She stopped massaging his leg. "All right, now the other one."
"You don't have to do that, Lucy."
"You're right," she nodded, "I don't. But I want to."
He did as she asked, and she massaged it as well. In moments, the pain was a dull ache. "Thanks."
"Mm-hm!"
"Now let me repay you."
She shook her head. "You don't have to do that."
He leaned in close to her, his eyes soft. "You're right, I don't." He leaned in more, and they were so close, their lips were barely touching. "But I want to." His lips pressed against hers then pulled away. Her cheeks burned hot as she watched him take off his Plegian robe and place it over the bedroll. "I guess we should get some rest."
"M-Morgan," she stammered.
"Hmm?"
"Could… could I have another?" she timidly asked. He smiled and gave her another kiss, but as he pulled away, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him back to her. The kiss deepened, and she felt his hands on her sides of her face, tender as they pulled her even deeper into the kiss. His tongue skimmed along her bottom lip, as if asking… and she opened her mouth, allowing his tongue entrance, which danced with hers. She let out a low moan, her hands lowering from his neck, down his chest, and to the hem of his shirt.
It was all new, but it wasn't as though it was the hardest task in the world. Basic, primal knowledge that was innate to every person alive. Her hands gave a small tug on his shirt, but she stopped when his lips trailed from her lips and down her neck, barely skimming along her skin. Tiny chill bumps formed on her arms, and her breath hitched in her lungs. Picking up on this, he gave her neck soft kisses, which made her head tilt back, allowing him better access. He put a hand on the back of her head, lacing his fingers through her hair. She was his, and he was hers. Together, they would do this- make each other happy in ways only they could.
He felt her tug on his shirt again, so he raised his arms, permitting her to remove his shirt. She raised her arms next, and he returned the gesture, removing her bra shortly after. His shade of blush turned brighter, and even she covered herself with her arms. She had always thought herself too small, and now that she was exposed, she was nervous as to how he would react. He reached and took her hands into his, pulling them away from herself.
"Don't hide yourself from me," he nearly whispered. "You're too beautiful not to see."
She wasn't sure as to why, but something about his comment flipped a switch inside of her, and she threw herself at him, resuming passionate kisses that made him fall back onto the bedroll. He was warm, and she found herself trailing kisses from his mouth, down his neck, and around the muscles on his torso. She glanced up at him to see his eyes closed, biting his lip in pleasure and anticipation. Her hands went down to his belt, starting to undo its fastening.
And for whatever reason, while the doubts he had earlier were long gone, despite the overwhelming joy he was feeling right now new doubts surfaced. Frustrated, he couldn't help but to be distracted. Just as she started to remove his pants, she noticed something was wrong and stopped.
"Morgan?" she called. She rose up and looked down at him. "What's the matter?"
He could have kicked himself. Rising up on his elbows, he shook his head once. "Nothing. I'm sorry."
"Something is troubling you," she pressed. "I can see it in your eyes."
"Dammit…" he sighed. She was taken aback, as she had rarely heard him swear. "I'm sorry, Lucina. I just… Why me?"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
How could he even begin to explain? "I'm… I'm not the person you loved in your time, but you still…" He clenched his robe tightly. "I don't know… am I even worthy of you? You're the princess. You came solely just to prevent an apocalypse. You're a hero, and people look up to you." He looked to the side, his eyes full of doubt. "I think I came here by accident. I'm no hero, no one special. So, why me? You deserve better."
She expected herself to be angry with his self-loathing, but she wasn't. Instead, she reached up and started running her fingers through his hair.
"You don't think you're worthy of me?" she questioned. "You're wrong. Morgan, you had no memories, yet you chose to help us. You've saved and changed lives… including mine." She leaned down, her forehead on his forehead. "So what I'm a princess? So what I came to this time? So did you and everyone else, and that means I'm no better or different. It doesn't matter if you don't remember why you came here, or how. What matters is that you stayed." She closed her eyes. "You gave me a reason to smile. You gave me another chance." Her lips connected to his for a second. "If that doesn't make you worthy, I don't know what would."
"Lucina…" he breathed.
"Now, no more doubting yourself, okay?" she beamed. "I- mmph!"
What followed was a night of passion. Each sigh, each moan, each 'I love you' that was shared was only for the two of them to know. They felt each others' bodies in ways that would make the gods blush, and they were thankful they were somewhat far from the camp. He loathed hurting her when they first started, but that soon wore off as they worked through it together. He made certain that she knew just how beautiful she truly was, as she assured he would know how handsome he was. With each release she was granted, her moans and calling of his name was perhaps the best music he had ever heard, and he did his best to get her to where he could hear it over and over again. When she was spent, it was his turn, and with his release, she smiled when she heard him sigh her name in her ear.
Sleep came quickly for her, her head on his chest and his arm around her. He watched the lightning bugs as they flew around, their lights reminding him of a dance in the darkness of the night.
Her eyes opened the next morning, greeted with his sleeping face. His robe was draped over them, and she leaned up slowly so as not to wake him. She grabbed the first thing she felt, which was his shirt, and put it on, astonished at how sore her body felt. Surely it wasn't because of… A slight smirk spread on her face. Perhaps in time, she would not be sore after anymore. Silently, she watched him a moment as he slept, thankful to the gods for him. And when his eyes opened, they focused on her. A sleepy smile took form as he reached up, taking a strand of her hair in his fingers.
She smiled.
*Hoo, boy, this was a long chapter! Sorry about that! Anyway, um… yeah, I hope you enjoy! ^_^*
