Robin awoke the next morning unsure of what exactly was real from the last night. Was what happened last night a dream, or was he really that far gone? Then there was Lucina. He was fairly confident that did not happen even if just because of his own self-doubt, but it seemed real. He would just act like nothing happened and see what she did. If she did not say anything, then he would assume it nothing more than a wishful dream.
However, Robin did feel rather rested when he got out of bed. More so than he had since the incident happened. It was…nice. Perhaps Lucina had come by last night, but he still had trouble believing that she had confessed to loving him.
He went about his early morning routine with a pace unlike he had been displaying, but he also had a certain trepidation about meeting with Lucina. A feeling that followed him all throughout the morning until it was time for his report.
As he was about to knock on her door though, he was greeted by Maribelle of all people exiting the Exalt's office.
"Maribelle," Robin greeted in surprise, "I thought you were heading back home today?"
"I am, but her Majesty requested an audience."
"Interesting," Robin knew better than to question the noblewoman as to why, so he gave a polite farewell and proceeded to knock on the door.
"Come in," Lucina beckoned, and Robin entered. She looked stunning with the light from the window breaking off her face in a wonderful way, so all appeared normal. He cautiously took a seat across from her. He opened his files and awkwardly went through the contents. Fortunately, his substitute actually did a decent job of keeping the files in order. During the briefing, Robin would keep looking up and sneaking glances at Lucina who looked at the documents he provided, but she did not seem completely invested.
Once he was done, he asked if she had any questions, but she did not immediately answer, "Lucina?"
"Robin," She started, "You remember what we talked about last night, right?"
Robin froze. So she was there, "I…wasn't sure if I dreamt it or not."
Lucina smiled softly, "I assure you that it was very real."
"So," Robin idly shuffled his hands, "What do we do?"
"I've been thinking about that. I don't have an answer right now, but…perhaps if we are discreet, we could…court?"
Robin would have loved that, "But wouldn't that just cause problems later? You have certain obligations, and I don't meet the criteria."
"I know," Lucina stated with a soft look of determination with a hint of blush making for an oddly contradictory yet still appealing image, "But I am willing to try. Maybe we can find a way. If you want to."
"I…" He thought this was a terrible idea, but it was also a hard one to pass up, "I suppose we could try it."
"Wonderful!" Lucina smiled before a thought crossed her mind, "So what does this entail?"
"Not sure. I've never really done this," Robin scratched his neck awkwardly.
"Well," Lucina smiled, "I suppose it shall be a learning experience for the both of us."
"I suppose it shall."
Most of the day went on as normal though Robin had a noticeable spring in his step. He did not see Lucina again until dinner which they took in her waiting room as had become the norm. The dining room had too many memories, and it was a large room for two people.
All seemed normal besides for the fact Lucina outwardly seemed happier to him, and the evening continued as before until Lucina dismissed the servants as she was want to do. However, as soon as they were alone, Lucina picked up her tray, walked around the table, and sat down next to Robin on the couch.
Robin thought to say something, but the adorable expression on her face made him stop and admire her for a moment.
"W-what?" Lucina asked shyly after noticing his gaze.
"What are you doing?" Robin smiled.
"I thought it might be something that couples did. I can move back if you wish," Lucina was already rising when Robin stopped her.
"And miss out on this adorable sight?"
Lucina blushed and sat back down. They ate in silence for a while as Lucina relaxed. Eventually, however, Lucina voiced something that had been on her mind.
"It seems that now that things have settled down in Ylisstol, it has been recommended that I make a tour of the halidom."
"I see," Robin did not like the idea of being separated already after just revealing their feelings, "Just let me know what you need me to do to hold down the fort."
Lucina looked at him strangely for a moment, "I was hoping you would go with me."
Robin stared dumbfounded, "What?"
"You are an important member of my staff, and…I would like to spend some time together."
"Well, I suppose we could justify it," Robin considered the ramifications, "We'll also likely be in a group so that will help." Robin smiled at Lucina, "Alright, I'll go."
"Wonderful," Lucina felt relief that he had accepted. She was not looking forward to the trip, but having Robin around would make it so much more bearable. Of course, she hoped that their last stop would yield the answers on how to allow them to be together. Surely there was some way.
However, something else was also bothering her, "Robin," She started uncertain of how to go about this. She had been avoiding it all day, but it needed to be addressed, "Last night, when I found you, you were…disturbed."
Robin sighed, "Yeah, not my greatest moment," Lucina gave him a concerned look and he sighed again, "I guess I reached my limit."
"You are there for everyone, but you hardly let anyone know that you need some help. Please, know that you can rely on me."
"I suppose that might be part of the problem," Lucina looked confused so Robin continued, "You lost your family, it just doesn't feel right to voice my sorrows to you."
"They were your family too," Lucina replied somberly, "You have as much right to mourn as anyone. As unfortunate as it may be, I have experience losing others. Meanwhile, you went through multiple wars without losing anyone close to you yet moving on is still not easy for me, but you have helped me to do so. Please, allow me to do the same for you."
"I…" Robin stared down at his lap, "It still seems so hard to accept that they're actually gone. I suppose, I haven't quite let them go yet, and I still feel guilty about not being there myself."
"You dying with them would not have helped anything."
"Maybe it would have changed," Robin looked up with an air of desperation, "What if my being there delayed our departure or something?"
"You don't know that," Lucina countered firmly, "Believe me, dwelling on what-ifs will only cause you pain and will not change anything."
"I know, but it's hard not to. And letting go just seems so…final."
Lucina put a comforting hand on his shoulder, "They are gone, but grieving will not erase their time with us. I take strength from those memories. It helps drive me forward."
"Maybe…maybe it is time that I finally say goodbye."
"Are you sure?"
Robin took a deep breath, "Yes."
Twilight was beginning to set in as Robin approached the place he had not dared go since the ceremony.
"Hey," Robin said lamely as he looked down at the collection of stones that marked his family's graves, "I know I haven't been by. Truth be told, I was avoiding it, but now that just about everyone else has done their mourning, I guess it's my turn. The near emotional breakdown was a pretty good sign too.
"Then there was Lucina's encouragement. She's doing great by the way. Strong as ever. Stronger than me," Robin sighed, "I feel so sleazy pursuing her. With you around, Chrom could at least punch me or whatever. Now, I feel like I'm just moving in after a tragedy. I can only hope that you would approve, but never truly know. I'd like to think you would though.
"Look at me, still going on about my issues, but I guess it is relevant. It looks like she's determined to try to make…us work. Maybe we can have a future together. After all, Chrom did love to say how anything could change," Robin chuckled.
"I guess this is goodbye though. I'll still visit, but I have to accept what's happened. So no more working myself to exhaustion just so I don't think about it. Goodbye, my friends. You truly were like family to me, and I'll never forget you."
Robin gave the graves one last once over before turning back to the castle. As he came to the gates, he saw Lucina waiting for him, "How did it go?"
"Alright. I think I might finally be able to move on."
Lucina smiled and discreetly took his hand as they walked down the hall, "I'm glad."
"So am I," Robin gave her a smile in return, "Now, let's look to the future."