The Bird and The Dragon


Day 209, Morning


Chrom made himself scarce for the week following Kana's arrival, his excuse being that 'every body part was in pain' or 'we should not overexert our strength.'

Ironic, seeing as Robin was the one that got impaled on his own son's horns, while all Chrom suffered was a few scrapes on his bare arm due to said tactician tackling him out of the way of said son.

Never one to admit defeat, Chrom gave up on reasoning his way out of things, instead resorting to sleeping the troubles away, at least until the Commanders recovered from their quite severe injuries. A moment of stillness was fleeting, the Shepherds knew, due to the war ever changing around them. With the camp stagnant amidst such tranquility, the Shepherds quietly followed the Exalt's example and caught up on much needed rest.

Robin and Corrin wouldn't be complaining.

The tactician was bedridden with multiple stab wounds in his stomach along with a shattered collarbone, no thanks to Kana's charging body. How Robin wasn't eviscerated entirely at the angle he had deflected Chrom was a miracle in itself. Guilty as the perpetrator of that incident, Kana made certain that he attended to his father's every need, if only to expedite the recovery process. Of course, he wanted to know his father better too.

Corrin had things a little easier, only suffering from a few broken ribs and a few cuts on her forehead. Mysteriously, any injuries that Corrin suffered in her dragon form translated onto her human body, despite the obvious changes in anatomy. When they had first encountered each other in their dragon forms, Kana had thrown his mother into a stone wall like an egg, and she splattered against it like such. The fading abrasions on Corrin's forehead reminded her constantly of that strange duel, leaving her pondering many things on how she could better master the dragon within. While Kana babysat his father, Morgan would help Corrin out, excited to spend time with her friend-turned-mother.

When she wasn't busy with her parents, Morgan would observe as Leo and Takumi took over for the two commanders, getting to witness first hand the duties her father and mother held. The two young princes handled the management of the Shepherds well, and Robin made an effort to personally commend the two on keeping things in a functional and productive environment.

"It certainly makes me feel better, knowing that the camp is in good hands," he sighed one day, Kana snoring next to him on his bedside. "Those two handle the pressure quite naturally."


With the aid of the primary healers and their two children, Corrin's broken ribs were healed in a matter of days, while Robin found himself able to walk despite the multiple puncture wounds in his stomach. A couple days later, Corrin was as lithe as could be and Robin was to be found practicing battle drills with whoever he could pull aside.

When day 209 came, the army wondered if today was the day that things would be getting back to normal. Robin wasn't one for sitting around, and Corrin was feeling even more spry than usual. It took a little to admit, but the Shepherds were getting anxious for some action too. Looking to Chrom and the other leaders for guidance, the Shepherds made extra certain that their weapons and armor were ready to deploy, just in case.


"A lovely day to get back into things," Corrin greeted, instinctively taking Robin's cloak off the wall as she woke up the tactician. "You ready for this, sleepyhead?"

"...Good morning to you too," Robin muttered, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and greeting Corrin as brightly as he could despite just waking up. "Where're you going with that?" he questioned, gesturing to his favored garment. "That is mine. You always take my stuff."

"It's cold," Corrin lied, her arms already in the sleeves. She snorted a stifled laugh as she fastened the knot near her neck to secure it, mimicking Robin's habit of leaving the fastenings undone.

"Uh-huh..." droned the tactician, eyeing the princess with a bit of a pleased expression. "Why don't you just wear Morgan's?"

"'Cause it's Morgan's," Corrin replied, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"..."

"..."

"It's too early for this. You know what? Forget it," Robin grumbled, getting out of bed as Corrin turned back to the camp. "See you later?"

"Of course! I'll see you out there, Robin," Corrin giggled on the way out. "Thanks."


"Good morning everyone," Robin began, enjoying being on his own two feet for once. He was in full tactician garb minus his trademark coat, striking a very odd appearance indeed to most of the Shepherds who had never seen him topless.

"I'll wait a few minutes for everyone else to join us, so feel free to relax."

Taking a seat on his impromptu podium (it was just a wooden pallet), the tactician smiled slightly as he observed the Shepherds mingle under his watchful gaze. Corrin tapped his back, still wearing his cloak as she took a seat next to him. Gesturing to the Shepherds, both the Commanders sat in silence, taking in the sight of their faithful army. No one was worse for wear, all thanks to their planning and probably a huge amount of luck.

Waving to her siblings, Corrin made a note to brag about the coat she was wearing to the Nohrian and Hoshidan family she treasured.

Robin merely maintained eye-contact, the reality setting in that those were to be his siblings too.


"He looks... empty," Sakura noted. "I-it's like he's missing part of his body. And Big Sister looks much bigger than she is. As if she's growing in some spots, but shrinking in others."

"I've only seen him without his cloak several times," Elise added. "It's such a big part of him that seeing him without it is... wrong! Then again, it makes Big Sis look so floofy! I bet I could fit in the cloak too!"

Elise fluffed out her dress for emphasis, causing Sakura to giggle. Hinoka turned her eyes from the two, gazing back at her Nohrian sister curiously.

"Why do you think Kamui wears it so much?" the Hoshidan wondered aloud. "She loves her armor, that's for sure, but lately she's been wearing Robin's cloak over it. It can't be the weather, can it? Do you think she gets cold easily?"

"It must be a comfy thing indeed," Camilla sighed. "She looks so cute with that baggy thing. A shame it's tattered after seeing so many battles. Robin seems very insistent that no one else touch it but her."

"Heh," Leo chuckled. "It's like Takumi and his ropy hair. You only let your retainers comb it, right? What if Niles were to apply his..."

"W-what?" Takumi scowled, "That's not like it at all! And that's nothing compared to Kamui wearing Robin's clothes! What you are suggesting is a whole different level of... weird!"

While the two young princes bickered, Xander sighed and looked to Ryoma, though his eyes were in a different place entirely.

"I would wear Father's fur capes when no one was around, once upon a time," Xander reflected. "It reminded me that even though Garon was a harsh and cold ruler on that throne, I knew that there still beat the heart of a loving father who wanted nothing but the preservation of Nohr. Perhaps Little Corrin feels the same security as I did once, wearing Robin's cloak."

"I know that feeling," Ryoma replied, "I grew my hair like my father did, and his father before him. It's not comfortable by any means, come to admit, but it does remind me of the burden and the honor of the crown of Hoshido. It taught me to trust my people and myself. Robin and Kamui have overcome quite a few trials on this quest together. They trust each other, perhaps even more than we know."

"I can hear you, you know," Corrin called down, laughing along with Robin. "His cloak is super comfy, and I trust him, and it makes me feel warm! Happy?"

All she got were 8 scowls.


"So as you can probably tell, Commander Corrin and I are quite about ready to get back into the rhythm of things. That being said," Robin explained, pacing around his podium slowly, "I can tell that one more day of rest won't hurt. I'm suggesting you have the day off, but know that we're on the move tomorrow, at the break of dawn. Enjoy this moment, Shepherds, as it will be a long time indeed till the next stretch of paradise comes amidst our storm. Dismissed."

"Have a good day, everyone!" Corrin added quickly, waving everyone off as the crowd dispersed. When they did, Corrin grabbed Robin's arm eagerly and turned him towards the chow hall.

"Clever metaphor. But now it's time for our date!" she exclaimed, setting out on a fairly brisk stride. Robin noticed this, struggling for a second to match his co-commander's pace.

"We're just having breakfast, Corrin. I think you're overselling this..."

"Nonsense! A lot of fun dates happen in simple environments. There was this one time in... nevermind! But trust me!"

"I suppose I will," Robin mused with a wry smile, taking Corrin's hand hesitantly. "But what exactly did you plan out?"

Upon being asked, Corrin lit up like a star, her strides reinforced with vigor.

"This is gonna be great! I asked the cooks on duty to make all our favorite things for breakfast!"

"You mean your favorite things," Robin corrected, knowing how Corrin was a picky eater.

"Er, well... Yeah! What, you don't like the potatoes they make?"

"Morgan does more than me, surprisingly. I've always preferred toast instead."

"Oh, quit being so picky! Let's go!"

"Alright, alright. You know, I've seen plenty of 'dates' in my tenure here. I don't think-"


As soon as Robin gave the word, Chrom quickly made himself scarce, shuffling back to his tent and lying on his cot.

"One more day then? Fine, Robin, have it your way. I was really hoping we would get out of the woods soon. I'm starting to miss Ylisse."

He was the Exalt. It took a while to remind himself of that title, but Chrom smiled at the thought.

"Here I am, defending my people from a thousand miles away. I hope everything's alright back there."

Frederick walked in, tilting his head at the sight of a tired Chrom.

"Are you feeling well, milord? S-Shall I fetch a healer?"

"Not necessary, Frederick. What is it? You seem out of it just like me."

Not used to seeing the knight hesitate, Chrom immediately suspected ill.

"Milord, if I may, Lady Lissa and Lady Maribelle have summoned you."

Chrom looked at the knight disdainfully, already rising despite his initial reaction. Rubbing his arms, Chrom grimaced at how sore they still were.

"'Summoned' me? What am I, an Einherjar? What could they even want from me?"

"I cannot ascertain their motives, milord. Only that it involves Commander Robin and Commander Corrin." Chrom raised his eyebrows, still not bothering to get out of his bed.

"So? Unless their kids are stabbing them again, I don't really think it's necessary for me to-"

A ladle flew past Frederick and into Chrom's face, causing him to immediately curse and weep in agony. Frederick drew his sword in a panic, but sheathed it when he saw who the culprit was.

"Gods damn it all, why?" Chrom thrashed in pain, crying out pathetically. Lissa would have none of it though, ducking under Frederick's arm and dragging Chrom off his bed with surprising strength.

"Milady, I must insist that you do not throw objects at my King. Sister or not, I interpreted that action as a threat-"

"C'mon! We're gonna miss it!"

Chrom picked himself up and shook off Lissa's grip, glaring at the sprightly princess before wincing at her eagerness.

"What? Miss what?"

"Robin and Corrin's first date!"

Of all the things to worry about.

Chrom almost snorted, instead trapping his face somewhere between apathy and disbelief.

"Is there a good reason to be concerned with my best friend's ventures into the romantic unknown?"

"Yes!" Lissa screamed, pulling out another ladle before Chrom got the message.

"Alright, alright. We'll see what he can do. Still not sure what the big deal is about."


"You do realize people are ignoring their food just to stare at us," Robin observed under his breath. Corrin would laugh, despite the fact that she was digging their own mortification-pit even lower than it already was.

"It's like they've never seen a couple before! Shepherds! There's like a thousand couples here!" Corrin pouted. "This is not how the books I read as a kid portrayed a totally-platonic date! They should be laughing... or something. Or... I dunno, eating breakfast LIKE NORMAL PEOPLE," she added, quite loudly.

"I would focus more on the bystanders, were your butler not right behind me using my silhouette to conceal himself from you. Oh, and now he's pressing a knife to my back," Robin added, feeling the now-revealed Jakob stir just an inch to better hide himself from his lady's view. Corrin leaned to her left and laughed at the sight, gesturing Jakob off.

"It's quite alright, Jakob. He's been stabbed enough times already." Corrin laughed at her own joke, but seeing how Robin merely fumed, quickly put a halt to her giggles. "What?"

"I do appreciate the help," Robin added, smiling at Jakob nervously. Seeing him walk off, he breathed a sigh of relief.

"I can finally focus on eavesdropping on Gaius and Hinata's conversation about us. Something about 'Me not having a plan?' Ouch. Accurate though. I couldn't really anticipate this."

"That makes two of us," Corrin groaned. "I thought it would just happen, you know..."

"What?"

"N-nothing..."


"It's like I'm reliving watching you two gossiping in class," Chrom sighed, settling into the bench across Lissa and Maribelle. Both girls were just getting into their breakfast so Chrom had not missed on much of their gossip.

"This is much more important," Lissa insisted."

"Why am I here again?"

"To watch our dear tactician's silver tongue! This is Robin we're talking about! Strategies and tactics for any occasion! Including romance! I would very much like to record for posterity the vernacular a man of planning uses for the subtle art of wooing. Or do you think he'll be bold? Like in Ferox? Charging head-strong, confident in his own ability to secure victory?" Maribelle exclaimed, clearly more invested in the scene than Chrom.

"How about he met his future kids. Kids'll do that to ya," Chrom snorted, turning away to sip from his glass.

"He hasn't even taken a bite," the princess grumbled, watching her subject eat with apparent dissatisfaction. Maribelle giggled slightly and sipped her water under her breath.

"Perhaps they know we are watching them? Shall we maintain a more conspicuous profile?" the duchess asked, much too loud for her own good. Lissa quickly hushed her.

"What? We are allowed to watch our commander's engage in this dance of wit and romance, can't we?" Lissa bopped her friend under the table, and Maribelle got the hint.

"It's like I'm watching cadets on their lunch break," Chrom mumbled, rolling his eyes and digging into his food.

"That's the spirit of it!" Lissa whispered happily, a smile on her face as her subject attempted to ignore her.


"So... yeah," Robin blurted, brown eyes interlocking with maroon eyes calmly, not exactly nervous but definitely clueless. "We could just pretend to talk and finish our breakfast and try this again some other time."

Corrin looked past Robin to find a set of Nohrians and Hoshidans eavesdropping as well, Chrom and company no different.

"That makes Felicia, Azura... and the entire Nohrian and Hoshidan nobility," Corrin sighed, naming her stalkers. "Traitors."

"Chrom, Maribelle, Lissa." Robin added to the list, sighing as he rested his elbows on the table, idly playing with his food. "Let's defect. No one will suspect a thing."

Here I am, joking with the woman whose kids I rescued from the future. This is all very strange. How do I even approach this?

"Is something wrong?" Corrin asked, mirroring the tactician's progress on food but more curious than worried.

"It's just awkward. And frustrating. This was supposed to be a straightforward campaign, you know? Save the not-so-helpless-princess-from-another-world from certain peril, ask her for help, save our homelands from a conqueror and a dragon... you know. The usual things tacticians do during wartime. None of this future travel time pegasus dung..."

"Uh...huh."

"And here we are, face to face with children that, for all I know, are the product of, well, us!"

"Not quite what you planned?"

"You could call it an unexpected complication."

"You seem fine with it."

"Being prepared and being fine are two different things."

"What's so bad about it? I think we did things the best we could. And look? We're all settled in now. Things are looking good, and... yeah."

Robin wasn't quite convinced with Corrin's winning smile, shaking his head while stirring his fork idly.

"Kana and Morgan, they're... I can't describe it. I just feel like a stranger, you know? Other Shepherds, they got along with their children instantly. But here I am, I don't know how to look at them. And then there's you- Some father I am... Some husband I'm not."

"One step at a time, mister."

"Y'know, for someone who prides himself in knowing each member of the Shepherds personally, I am at a loss right now," Robin mused, twirling his fork and dropping it out of mishap. Corrin didn't notice and kept her focus on her plate.

"As much as I agree on the unnatural nature of it, we have to let it pan out naturally, if not for Morgan and Kana's sake, than our own. Nothing could have prepared us for this, even with the future kids and all. Just let things happen as they do, and we'll figure it out together, right? I've stuck with you this far through thick and... well, it's always been rather thick. But we're together. That's all that matters. Right? We tackle this like every other problem we've run into. Enough sweat and tears and hopefully not that much blood and we come out the decided winners! It's only natural."

"Fighting a war together isn't very natural."

"To me it is."

"This war is not very natural," Robin clarified.

"Neither is finding two future kids."

"I've never asked. What do you think of all of this?" Robin asked, looking to Corrin for insight.

"Be specific. That's a lot of ground to cover with what you just asked."

"Okay. Let's start with Morgan and Kana."

"I think they're wonderful. So do you."

"I wasn't going to say anything otherwise..."

"They're our children, Robin."

"...I wasn't going to say anything otherwise?"

"I take it in stride, I guess. C'mon, weird things happen all the time in my life. Like a certain dashing tactician that just warps in to save me from two armies. C'mon, I basically jumped into your waiting arms. You think I can afford to be a skeptic at this point?"

"You... do have a point," Robin replied with a smirk. "I admire that sort of free-spirited carelessness."

"That is certainly not careless. I was just playing the hand I was dealt."

"Hardly the analogy, but I agree. I suppose I should be more flexible. You're right," Robin concluded, lowering his shoulders with a content sigh.

"Ha! You smiled!" Corrin japed, pointing at the upward arc at her partner's lips.

"Don't I always?"

"You always make some weird scowl when you're invested in your work. It's kinda cute, actually."

"Oh?"

"Mhm."

"You tend to bite your lip when you write. It's also quite uh... cute." A slight giggle rang off, but the two didn't pay it any immediate heed.

"Do I really?"

"...Yeah."

"..."

"..."

"They're like piglets," Robin whispered, referring to the two blonde Ylisseans in the far corner. "Why are they squealing?"

"Perhaps you ought to charm them sometime? Young princesses like them would like that."

"Oh please."

"It was an honest suggestion... perhaps you could practice battle-drills on them before trying your winning maneuvers with me. Hypothetically, of course."

"So maybe," Robin tried to explain, rapidly changing the subject, "We just operate as always- Commanders! At least for now! We just act naturally around each other, without trying to... you know, try."

"You're the one suggested we spend time together as a couple."

Robin quickly raised his hands in surrender as he rephrased.

"I apologize. Well, as someone who in whatever world that comes next, manages to captivate you, I am very unsure in how I handle our relationship. As awkward as that sounds. We made a great team as commanders, then friends, but as much as I want to be someone close to you... I don't know how."

Another groan from Corrin.

"You're thinking about this too hard. C'mon genius. We trust each other, right? Don't worry what you might do. Just do what you've always done best, and it'll work," Corrin replied with a smile, causing Robin to do so as well.

"Princess, I hope so. I truly hope this will work out..." Robin stared blankly at Corrin's eyes again, at loss for words as his own tongue failed him. Corrin frowned, waiting for the rest of the statement.

Robin just held his gaze-

"It's not polite to stare," Maribelle called out, impatient with the lack of development. Robin frowned, turning to face his friends.

"Do you mind? I'm trying very hard to... Okay, so maybe I'm not the best at this, but at least help me out! Don't just be giggling on the sideline laughing to yourself- Actually, go away. Your help won't be necessary."

Maribelle scoffed, rising to walk over to the tactician with a boiling expression on her face. Both Corrin and Robin gulped.

"How do you expect to conjure any gentlemanly poise to a lady with your elbows on the table as such? Ah, you brutish knave, don't cross your legs! And look at these crumbs all over your filthy undershirt! Princess Corrin, I must apologize that our tactician is such a barbarian. Genius that he is, surely he is lacking in social graces."

Corrin placed a palm to her face and noticed Azura getting up as well, frowning deeply.

"Commander Robin, don't take this pomp witch so seriously. Clearly this - For lack of more generous words - Lady... intends on making you treat Commander Corrin like a snob. From experience and from the ethics of etiquette themselves, a man that presents himself humbly but with dignity and finesse is a much finer suitor than one with such a falsely composed behavior of artificial merit," the blue-haired dancer explained, very much out of character.

"That's literally word by word from that Nohrian etiquette book-" Corrin attempted.

The vernacular flew over Robin's head, leaving him staring at the songstress in blank dumbfounded nothingness.

"And what would a mere stage prop know of etiquette!?" Maribelle huffed, turning to the dancer again.

"Enough."

"While I know more than enough! I know everything!"

Both women growled at each other, until Corrin tried to separate them.

"Guys! It's fine! Robin and I are just going to have to work it out as it comes. Really! I may be a Princess, but we are-" Maribelle shushed her instantly.

"Milady, I'm ashamed! As a Princess, you have options! Don't settle for rabble when-"

"Corrin, I apologize for this... uh, prude. It's as if I'm not a Princess anymore. I guess I got voted out of Hoshido then? Hinoka and Sakura were good enough?" Azura half-joked, still scowling.

"Why you, what manner of fool do you think I am?"

"One of the highest order," Azura hissed back. "You can keep your faux mannerisms to yourself. You have no idea how to act like a dignified woman, let alone know how a man should treat one."

"You..."

"Guys..." Robin warned, already fearing a fight.

"Chrom!"