Milestones - Chapter 3

Robin moved silently, trying to keep a straight and emotionless face. If there was anything her father hated it was seeing her weak. He said he didn't raise her to be weak, but she always mentally argued he didn't raise her at all. He always left her to the care of one of the resident housekeepers, not that Robin minded. She was never left wanting for love and affection when she was with them.

Robin sucked in air, filling her chest with as much warmth as she could before she stepped into his office. She didn't see her father much, with him running one of the biggest corporations from early morning well into the night. The few times she did see him at home, there was always a different woman. Robin heard that her parents had an arranged marriage, their short-lived union a loveless one. "At least she didn't have to stay long with this insufferable man," she muttered, exhaling before she knocked.

"Enter." His tone was always curt with her, as if she were one of his expendable employees instead of his daughter. Seated in an armchair, puffs of smoke curling outwards from his lips, Validar's eyes gleaming as he watched her move forward slowly, carefully.

"You called?"

"I saw this in the foyer." Validar waved an envelope idly, Robin barely managing to make out the symbol on the upper right hand corner. It was the emblem for the university she had wanted to go to, to escape this life. She made the mistake of leaving it behind instead of bringing it to her room. "This is not the school I said you would go to."

"I didn't even take the entrance exam," Robin replied blandly, trying to hold her gaze.

"You didn't need to, with all the donations I've made." Robin fought to keep her face from twitching, struggling as Validar kept his intense gaze on her.

"I'm going where I want and you can't stop me."

"Oh? What makes you say that, stupid girl." Robin took slow, deep, and deliberate breaths. She practiced what she was going to say and her mind was made up.

"I renounce all my rights to whatever inheritance I am entitled to from you. Whatever deal you struck with Mother's family, you can keep their business and merge it with yours, I don't care." Validar raised his eyebrow but didn't interrupt, wondering how she even knew. It must have been one of his late wife's pesky friends, who insisted on at least partially representing her interests somehow in the negotiations. "I have no affection for you, your family, or even Mother's family, only for the housekeepers who have taken care of me until now."

"Do you understand what you're saying? You'll be penniless before long and I doubt you can live on the streets for long." Validar held no affection for his legal daughter, only for the resources she brought with her. He married her mother because they were in desperate need of money to stay afloat. Flush with cash and seeing endless possibilities for growth, he accepted her family's terms of their eldest child in the marriage running the business. He had hoped to groom Robin to be endlessly loyal to him so he could eventually merge their business empires and rule in the shadows.

"I've spoken with the lawyers. My only conditions are that the housekeepers be taken care of in their old age and whatever inheritance I have from Mother's personal finances. As soon as I've graduated, I'll move out, send for my things, and go to college where I please. In return, I will send a signed contract detailing everything I relinquish to you." Robin's eyes finally found their edge.

Robin's mother had always been a sickly woman. It was a miracle she was even able to safely carry and give birth to a child, though unfortunate she died soon after. The housekeepers had always told Robin that her mother was so excited to meet her, spending most of her days trying to set up her nursery just so. Her mother, her dear sweet mother had been unlucky to never escape her fate as a pretty bird in a gilded cage, but Robin was not going to let that happen. She felt she owed it not just to her mother, but to herself, to live as she pleased, unshackled by families born and bred in old money.

Validar considered her offer. Her mother actually left her quite a sizeable nest egg, having the good head to set up a trust for Robin. Still, the amount he would lose by allowing her to take it was a drop in the bucket compared to the billions he was set to make with everything else she offered in its stead. He let out a long puff of smoke, the bitterness lingering in the air as he spoke, "Very well."

Robin bolted upright, her skin clammy as she shivered uncontrollably. It had been almost ten years since she last saw the man but there he was in her dreams. Occasionally, she'd hear about his company in the news. There was a young man by his side, the one who was undoubtedly going to take over when he died, one of his bastard sons turned legitimate when he married again, barely even a week after she had sent him the contract she promised. She cared very little about Validar, except when nightmares came.

"Love?" Chrom shrugged his sleepiness away as he pulled her close, rubbing her back soothingly as her shoulders heaved, body wracked with heavy sobbing. Chrom whispered encouragingly in her ear, tightening his hold to assure her she wasn't alone. Over the years, he learned that physical displays of affection reassured her the most, especially when she was too distraught to hear anything. "It's okay love, breathe. I'm right here, there's nothing to worry about."

Robin continued to cry but her body slowed, her movements less jerky as she continued to inhale and exhale deeply. She breathed in Chrom, a mix of spice and musk. He picked her up and settled her down in his lap, gently guiding her cheek to rest on his chest as he put his chin on the crown of her head, the pressure comforting as her breathing finally normalized.

"Better?" He never once stopped soothing her, this time kissing her tears away as he held her close, his free hand spread out and resting on her stomach. She was about six months along now, the swell of her stomach and the glow of her skin growing each day. He smiled into her white blond hair, their daughter kicking as though wanting to comfort her mother as well. At first they wanted the baby's gender to be a surprise, but curiosity got the better of them. The warmth of his touch comforted both his girls, Robin able to breathe better, the baby's movements slowing as well. "What's wrong? D'you want to talk about it?"

"I… I dreamt about him…" She finally settled down, closing her eyes as she put both her hands on top of the one he had on her stomach. "When I said I was leaving and striking out on my own."

Chrom frowned but said nothing. There was only one man in the world Robin was terrified of, one that took her years of dating before she was finally able to confide in. Validar had never made moves to contact her but years of emotional abuse and neglect took its toll on her. She turned out fairly well, unlike other children, but there were times when childhood fears and nightmares reared their ugly heads to gnaw at her.

"I don't regret the decision I've made. If I didn't, I wouldn't be where I am now. I wouldn't have you." Robin leaned deeper into his embrace, pulling his hand and resting it on her chest, her heart beat fast but steady. "But I'm afraid. What if I turn out like him…"

Robin was terrified of becoming like her father, that deep down she was just as selfish as he was. It took her years to be comfortable with just the idea of having children. She didn't want anything to change. She was perfectly happy and fulfilled with her idyllic life with Chrom and having children meant nothing was ever going to be the same.

"I don't believe for a minute you'll ever be like him," Chrom lightly scolded, pulling her hand and bringing it to his lips. Robin looked at him through tears, slowly rolling down her cheek.

"How are you so sure?" She sounded small and afraid. He hated it when she was like that. It belied her strong, proud, and independent personality. "I didn't even know if I wanted kids. What if… what if I hate my own daughter because… because she's a burden?"

Robin clutched his shirt, tears threatening to spill as she started on her downward spiral. Ever since her pregnancy started to show, she had terrible thoughts of how she might turn out as a mother. She had known love as a child but she had never known the love of a parent. She saw it, the way the housekeepers lit up when their own children came home, different when they were with her. It's not that they were being disingenuous but she just knew that the love of a parent was different. Their children would be their legacy and it had always gnashed at her that all Validar ever saw her as was a tool.

"How do you know?" Robin pressed on, dipping her head, her long hair covering her slightly throbbing eyes, tears starting to form again, and her reddening cheeks. "What makes you so confident?"

Chrom's heart broke. What could he do to allay her fears? First time parents were always afraid. Bringing a child into the world was such a big responsibility. It hurt to see her like this, thinking that she amounted to little else than a reflection of the man who was supposed to raise her. He started to grind his teeth, a long-forgotten habit he formed when he was angry but could do very little. He knew it was her battle to face but she needed to know that she wasn't going to be alone. Ever since they met, she was never going to be alone again.

"Because you know love, from the ones who took care of you, from your friends, from my parents, Emm, and Lissa, from me…" Chrom kissed her hand each time he mentioned someone who loved her. "Most importantly, you, love, are the heart of my heart. No one has given so much meaning to my life, who has given me so much love and all I want to do is somehow manage to show her even a fraction of everything she's given me."

Robin looked up at him, confused. Her eyes were wide, as if she could scarcely believe what she was hearing.

"Almost nine years we've been together love. I know that doesn't take away the hurt of eighteen insufferable years but I hope it can at least dull the pain." Chrom smiled wistfully, tracing her jaw in an attempt to stop it from shaking. "Love, your misfortune in parents given you doesn't define the kind of mother you'll be. My parents are far from perfect. There are things they've done I would never think to do to any child. Don't be afraid, I'm right here with you. We'll raise our little girl together. One day, when she decides to venture out on her own and maybe have her own family, though I loathe to think that day will ever come, she'll think of how we raised her, try to be like us but learn from our mistakes."

"Lucina…" Robin whispered breathlessly, her lips curving gently as she rest her head against his chest. Chrom's gentle words rung in her ears, pushing away her nightmare.

"What's that?" He rocked her gently, hoping sleep would come soon for her.

"I want to name her Lucina. More than our princess, I think she'll be the light of our lives."

"Lucina it is love," he murmured. He brushed her hair away, hoping to see her tears dry. He smiled when he found her comfortably asleep, her fingers loosening their grasp on his shirt.

-x-

"Hey Chrom?" Robin walked up to Chrom, or more appropriately she started to waddle. Her back ached, the strain of six months starting to wear down on her. She tired easily, mostly due to physical exhaustion than anything else, much preferring to lounge around but forcing herself to do some sort of physical activity anyway. The doctor said moving around was good for her and the baby, for Lucina.

"Mm?" He turned around, setting his knife down on the cutting board.

"Thank you," she whispered softly, standing on her tiptoes and kissed him softly on the lips. She was a little bit taller than most women, but Chrom was also a little bit taller than most men, the crown of her head just managing to cover his line of sight when they both stood straight. Right now, he seemed taller than ever, like he could easily smother her in his arms and protect her from the world.

"For last night."

"More than happy to be of service, love." Chrom smiled warmly, reaching up and patting her soft silver-blonde hair.

"For everything really, for brushing away my insecurities, for telling me how much you love me." Robin's cheeks reddened as she said that, slightly embarrassed but happy just the same.

"Of course! Anything for you my love." With a grin and practiced bravado, he shooed her away. "And now, go and rest while I slave in the kitchen to feed my hungry girls!"

Robin crinkled her nose as she watched Chrom cook. Or attempt to cook anyway. As strangely and naturally talented he was at knifework, it seemed he was completely and utterly useless in actually cooking anything.

"Let me," Robin laughed, putting a hand on Chrom's arms as she surveyed the counter. There were eggs off to one side, beautifully chopped mushrooms and bacon in their own bowls. She knew there was fresh cream in the fridge and there were always lemons in their dining table's centerpiece. "You know, I've always wondered why the man I love is so skilled at using the knife but can't seem to piece together a halfway decent meal."

"I always just helped Emmeryn. I chopped, she cooked," he offered lamely, cheeks slightly reddening at her rather open affection. He was glad she was feeling better, no traces of her nightmare left. They woke up in time for lunch, their stomachs grumbling loudly in protest, pulling out laughter from them both when they finally climbed out of the black hole known as their mattress. The weekends were always lazy, though their middle-of-the-night-scare did do quite a number on them, adding to the fatigue of a busy workweek.

"Go get some flour, let's make some pasta." Robin loved to cook. Growing up, when she wasn't busy with school or being forced to go around with her father to keep up any pretenses he insisted on, she was always in the kitchen, either sampling food or helping make it herself.

"Frederick said he'd be coming over, some forms you need to sign. They arrived after we left." Chrom pulled out measuring cups, unfurling the paper bag as he started piling on flour on their counter.

"Just him?" Robin started to render the bacon fat, a smoky and salty aroma starting to fill the room. She filled up a pot with water, salt, and some oil, setting it on the flames and waiting for it to bubble.

"With Cherche I think." Chrom made a little crater in the center of the flour, cracking some eggs and tipping them out slowly into the flour.

"Did he propose yet?" Out went the bacon and in went the mushrooms for a quick saute. Robin sauntered over to the fridge to take out the butter and the cream, pecking Chrom's cheek lightly as she examined his handiwork. The pasta dough was coming together nicely. While he couldn't handle actually finishing any dish, he was at least very adept in the prep work.

"I think so? I remember him asking me about if he could take some time off soon but he never mentioned when." Chrom furrowed his brow thoughtfully, picking up a rolling pin and quickly flattening the dough.

"You'd think he needed your permission to get married." Robin laughed, pushing the mushrooms around in the pan. Chrom smiled, content to hear her laugh. Picking up a knife, Chrom cut medium-sized strips of dough, dusting more flour on them before bunching them up in a corner near Robin's reach.

"Well, I guess he does…? Leaves and all that." Frederick was a man with a profound sense of responsibility. He wasn't suddenly going to be gone for a week or two when there were projects abound.

He had already graduated when they met, working for a family friend, but gave a guest lecture in class. Their professor invited a couple of his best former students to give his current ones real life examples of how the concepts they learned in class worked in an actual business. Chrom and Robin were fascinated by his stories and struck a fast friendship with the man, eventually discussing with him their plans to start their own company and invited him to join them.

"I suppose… but it's not like we can't survive without him for two weeks. He worries too much. We're not children." Robin smiled, the gurgling of hot water humming in the background. Without skipping a beat, she quickly slipped in the pasta in the water then turned her attention back into the mushrooms. They were slightly shrunken now.

"That's true," Chrom picked up a piece of bacon and popped in his mouth, deftly managing to avoid a swat of Robin's hand. He grinned cheekily, picking up another piece and pushing it past her lips. "Should I get some lemons?"

Robin half-frowned at him but there was laughter in her eyes.

"I take your silence as a yes." He slipped out to the dining room, picking up a large lemon from the bowl.

All this talk about Frederick and Cherche got him to start wondering about their relationship. It's not like it was in any trouble but they weren't married and they were about to have a child in three months. He already knew long ago that he couldn't imagine spending his life with anyone else but that hadn't spurred him into the idea of proposing. Before, he thought it might scare her away and he was perfectly content as long as they were together. Now that they were about to be joined by a little girl of their own, it seemed as right a time as any to ask. If she was ready to bear his child, maybe she was finally ready to bear his name as well.

"I should probably find some time to sneak away, maybe ask Olivia for some help," he mumbled to himself, palming his phone in his pocket. Olivia was ever the romantic and one of Robin's closest friends. He was sure she'd know what Robin would like, though there was one detail he knew he would have to insist on. The band would be rose gold, to match the jewelry Robin's mother had made especially for her: a delicate rose gold chain necklace with a pendant of a bird in flight and a pair of diamond earrings set in the same metal.

-x-

For anyone who's wondering (I most definitely am myself, haha), this version of Robin is the tall build with her hair pulled back into a ponytail (or otherwise let down) and the default white-blonde hair you see in the official, promotional pictures.

Also, when did Chrom become this motivational and inspirational romantic? The Chrom I imagined for this story is confident, charismatic, and forthright, a little bit more than cheeky when it's just him and Robin. Romantic too but not one for grand gestures, mostly just affectionate in most everything that he does. But then again, I also always imagined him to somehow find the right words to say to inspire and motivate. Since it's Robin we're talking about, it's not such a stretch to imagine that it sometimes includes grand gestures. /justifying-to-self

I searched to see the history of the name Lucina, and what I found is both wonderfully surprising and heartwarming. says it is Juno's title as the goddess of childbirth and also literally means "she that brings to the light." This is endearing given the game's story, especially if you pair Chrom with Robin IMHO, and given the rather dark past of Robin in this story.

After such a dark first half, I figured I'd lighten the atmosphere again with some slice-of-life sort of scene. I don't think I'll have Validar actually show up in this story, probably just contained to flashbacks since he's gotten everything he wanted from Robin anyway. This is more a slice of life sort of story anyway, not something dramatic where Robin has to face her childhood demons in order to move on.

Hope everyone likes it! As always, reviews are very much appreciated and if you have any suggestions as to where you hope this story will go, by all means send them to me. I only have very broad strokes of where I want the story to go. Nothing is set in stone.