Robin was a busy man. Overseeing the reconstruction of an entire nation's military was no small feat. There were walls to be rebuilt and forts to be replenished. Fortunately, his tactical training also allowed him impressive analytical skills and the country's defenses were well on their way to being restored and more.

However, he was still just one man, but there were some highlights that he could look forward to each week. That's not to say he only got a break during these times, but these were the consistent ones that he could rely on.

First was breakfast with Chrom and Sumia usually joined by Lissa which he attended twice a week. They had offered for him to eat with them more, but he insisted on giving them their space. Even still, they seemed to be increasing their efforts to make him feel like family; probably due to what he found on his trip. The married couple also seemed to be getting better at making those around them less uncomfortable and Lissa did make it more bearable by not leaving him alone with them. Despite all of that, he enjoyed spending time with them.

The other benchmark of his week was his lunch with Cordelia. It had become a bit of a tradition for the two, and judging by their dinner yesterday, it was a tradition that was destined to continue after his return. They had already set a date for next week.

While his feelings for the wing commander were a bit complicated, he knew that he enjoyed her company as a friend. When she actually took the time to talk, she was quite a good conversationalist if she just calmed down.

He was currently en route to what he hoped might become another regular event for him. He had managed to clear his schedule to make time for an evening with the mysterious stranger. Frederick would probably give him a long winded speech about security risks if he knew about this meeting, but Robin did not feel threatened by her.

She helped them for one, but that was not the only reason. Despite her rather cold exterior, she did not seem to hold him any ill contempt. Of course, he had no proof, but that was a risk that he was strangely willing to take.

He met her at the appointed spot where she was waiting on him dutifully. Though he noticed that she was still dressed for combat underneath her unassuming cloak. It was not the most inconspicuous of attire, not that he could talk, his only form of disguise was a new cloak himself.

"Robin, I was afraid that you had decided not to come," she greeted him, but it seemed like a strange thing to lead with. He looked up, was he really that late? He was held up for a few minutes at his office, but it was not much.

"Sorry, I was held up."

"It is fine. So, what do you wish to do?"

"Well, I guess we should probably just get to know each other first."

"R-right," was she always this nervous and just really good at hiding it?

Lucina wanted to slap herself. She let herself get concerned that he had backed out, but that was not the worst part. No, the worst part was how she was acting. She was nervous talking to him again trying to make sure that she made a good impression.

She had such high hopes for this meeting. She had tried to keep them within the realm of possibility, but she was hopeful nonetheless. A good impression here could pave the way for new relations. Now she just felt like she was coming off as a stammering idiot and ruining her chances.

"Caeda," he stopped her shortly after they started to talk, "Am I making you nervous?"

"A little," She commented, "I'm sorry, but I just wanted to make a good impression."

The tactician smiled, "Well, you don't have to stress out over it. Let's just…talk. No need to feel so nervous."

"Thank you, I…am sorry. I do not usually stutter so much."

"It's fine. Nerves can really throw people off. Let's try this again. Any hobbies?"

"I like to whittle."

"Whittle? You mean like carving?"

"Yes, though I have not been practicing much as of late." She could make the time, but it simply brought back too many memories.

"I'd love to see what you've made."

"Perhaps I can make something."

"I look forward to it."

The rest of their evening went much smoother as Lucina calmed down and simply enjoyed this opportunity. It was amazing how similar and, yet, how different he was from the Robin she knew. He was still kind and incredibly smart, but at the same time he was more reserved and his curiosity had been tempered by experience. He had matured, and she thought he wore the extra experience well.

All in all, the evening could be classified as a success. So much so, that Robin offered to make these visits a weekly affair. This time her decision was a much easier one to make. Spending time with Robin had worn down her inhibitions, and she was eager to continue these meetings. She tried to keep her hopes in check, but her imagination still ran wild with thoughts of happy endings at times-something which seemed so unlikely for most of her life, yet now, now it did not seem so impossible again.