Some parts of this were based off of a suggestion I got in a review.

"Laurent," Robin said to the mage across from him. "How well do you take criticism?"

"I have been told that I take it remarkably well." Laurent replied.

"That's good, because you're fired from the Shepherds, and I'm going to tell you why." Robin stated.

"...Do you even have that authority?" Laurent asked.

"...Look, this is, like, the last one." Robin said. "Or, at least, I think it is. I've said that a few times now. It's out of canon, and things got out of hand last time we did this."

"Very well." Laurent said, sounding confused.

"So what do we got here? Are you just going to be really curious about everything?" Robin asked. "From what I've gathered, you seem to be a more effective Miriel. You put all that prattling into practice."

"Thank you...I think." Laurent said.

"That doesn't change the fact that people still find it creepy that you follow them around." Robin replied.

Laurent inhaled sharply. "I understand." He said.

"...Right." Robin said, noting Laurent's reaction. "Also, to put it bluntly, you intimidate me."

"I'm sorry?" Laurent asked, confused.

"I know you were the tactician of the Shepherds in the failed timeline." Robin said.

"I wouldn't call it 'failed' so much as 'bad.'" Laurent corrected.

"Whatever." Robin said. "Point of the matter is, odds are, if something were to happen to me, you would probably be called to take my place."

"What about Morgan?"

"I haven't been able to compare you and Morgan, but the fact of the matter is that you actually have experience in these things." Robin said. "Now, I don't know how power-hungry you actually might be, but I'll have you know that the position of Royal Tactician is very influential. I'm pretty sure I have the power to make at least one random person disappear, no questions asked. Believe me, I looked into it. I would understand if you actually wanted any of that power, but I also realize that, if you did, the only thing standing between you and it would be me."

"What are you implying?" Laurent asked.

"What I'm implying is that you're a smart kid, Laurent." Robin replied.

"We're around the same age." Laurent said.

"Whatever." Robin continued. "You're smart, and you're also one of the few people I would be generally worried about if they started to oppose me. I mean, I'm sure I could outsmart you because 'Master Tactician' and all, but-"

"Don't you mean 'Grandmaster Tactician?'" Laurent asked.

"I took the perks, not the title." Robin replied. "Too bulky. Anyway, what I'm saying is I don't want to have to deal with you."

"Wait, you're firing me because of your own superstitions?" Laurent asked.

"...I suppose so." Robin replied.

"Are you sure you...can't tell me off about anything? Something I'm bad at? Anything?"

"Umm..."

"Could you please insult me? As I have heard you do to others?" Laurent asked, desperation in his voice.

"Laurent, you're being kinda creepy…" Robin said, nervously.

Laurent bit his lip and groaned. "Yes! Creepy!"

"Oh, Naga! Are you getting off on this?" Robin exclaimed, horrified.

Laurent's eyes widened, as he realized what he was doing. "M-My apologies." He said. "I lost control there for a second."

"Obviously." Robin said. "Care to explain?"

"I...I had a run in with Noire earlier today…and I realized how much I liked to...to be verbally abused." Laurent explained, shying under his hat in embarrassment.

"...The weirdest part of this whole thing is finding out about all the Shepherds weird fetishes." Robin commented. "Look, that's...fine and all, but maybe you shouldn't use others to get your...sexual urges off of. That the definition of creepy- Don't." He added, noticing Laurent tensing as he spoke down on him.

"I suppose you're right." Laurent replied. "I should get going. I've embarrassed myself enough as it is."

"Wait." Robin said, as Laurent began to walk out of the room. "The fact that you were trying to get me to verbally abuse you...Does that mean you're…?" Robin made a couple of hand gestures.

"...I've found appeal in both genders." Laurent admitted.

"Right." Robin said. "Just wanted to put that out there. The fans love their yaoi and whatnot."

"...Very well." Laurent said, as he left the office.

"...Now we just wait for the disappointed reviews about the lack of out-of-continuity hook-ups." Robin said. "It's not that kind of story, folks."

Take that however you will.

Up next: Me.