Maribelle had fully expected to catch up with Robin and Stahl on the road, but the two must have shared a horse because she didn't see them anywhere on the road that led towards town. Riding in, Maribelle was greeted by the sight of a few dozen young couples milling around in happiness, some walking along happily with each other, and others moving quickly towards the town square. Figuring that was where she was most likely to find Robin, Maribelle quickly tied down her horse and began moving with purpose, scanning the crowd for the white hair that belonged to the tactician. She didn't have much luck for what felt like the longest time, but as she got closer to the square she noticed a familiar mop of brown hair atop a green set of armor.
Not even considering the social impropriety of the action, Maribelle rushed up to the knight. "Stahl!" She exclaimed, uncaring that others looked on at the sound.
Stahl was shocked to see Maribelle rush up to him. "L-Lady Maribelle!? What are you-"
"Robin." Maribelle said, ignoring Stahl completely. "Where is he?"
Stahl blinked in confusion. "Uhhh, last I saw him he was heading off that way." Stahl pointed down the other end of the street, and with barely a thanks Maribelle continued her search, leaving Stahl standing quite confused.
Maribelle glided through the crowd as effortlessly as though she were in a ballroom, eyes searching continuously for messy white hair. As she walked, she found her mind catching up with her, and she began to wonder what exactly her plan was when she found Robin. Would she confess? Make clear her desire for him to be hers and her his? But if Robin truly did love another, what would her own confession do except for make things awkward between them? Also, what if Robin hadn't come to town to purchase a ring? It wouldn't be the first time Lissa's gossip had been wrong. Should she-
Maribelle shook her head. No, she had already come this far. Turning back now would earn her nothing, and she would rather live her life having tried than wondering what if.
With conviction in her heart, Maribelle resumed her search. Than, as if she had passed a test and her reward was the sight of white hair, she saw some exiting a tent. A closer inspection revealed that the white hair belonged to a man wearing a very familiar purple coat. After a moment's hesitation, Maribelle resolved herself and marched towards Robin, her unique outfit quickly catching the tactician's attention.
"M-Maribelle!?" He exclaimed in shock, his hands hiding something behind him.
Maribelle walked up to Robin and gave him the most serious stare she could. She had to for fear she would just spill out everything on the spot.
"Robin, may we find somewhere private. I have business I wish to discuss with you." She said. If she was to be rejected, she'd rather it not be a public affair for either of their sakes.
Robin blinked in confusion before giving a shaky nod. "Y-Yeah...sure."
Nodding to herself, Maribelle turned around and coughed, motioning for Robin to join her side and escort her, her normal self beginning to resume control. Enjoying the feeling in her chest as Robin did so, Maribelle began walking towards a plaza she had passed through earlier that had been devoid of people, trying to calm down the frantic beating of her heart.
"Maribelle...why are you here?" Robin asked after a moment of walking.
Maribelle gulped, unsurprised at the question but wishing it hadn't come all the same. "Like I said, I have business I wish to discuss." She answered.
"Uh, okay but...what kind?" He asked.
Maribelle pursed her lips before looking at Robin. "Personal. Is that a problem?"
Maybe it was wishful thinking, but Maribelle could have sworn his cheeks turned the ever so slightest of reds. "Oh." He muttered before looking forward.
The two continued to walk on in silence for the space of a few minutes, leaving Maribelle plenty of time to wonder what Robin must have been thinking. Was she being to forward? It certainly wasn't like her to search him out normally in camp, so it must have looked weird to have her search him out when he had taken a trip into town. Maybe he was wishing he could have whatever strumpet was on his mind hanging off his arm instead of her. That last thought caused her to subconsciously tighten her grip on his arm, causing Robin to voice a complaint.
"Maribelle, that kind of hurts." Robin grumbled, causing Maribelle's eyes to widen in alarm as she loosened her grip.
"S-Sorry." She muttered, trying to hide her blush.
Pursing his lips, Robin stopped and looked at Maribelle. "Maribelle, what's wrong?"
Maribelle looked around, pleased to see they were for the most part alone. Looking over, she saw a table and motioned for Robin to take them there. Once the two sat down, Maribelle took a few breathes to steady her nerves before looking at Robin.
"Robin." She said.
Robin blinked before giving a slow nod. "Maribelle." He said.
"Your...business here in town." Maribelle started before looking directly into Robin's eyes. "Be honest. Were you acquiring a ring?"
Robin's eyes went wide. "W-What!? Why would-" Robin began.
"This town is being visited by a renowned jeweller." Maribelle answered. "Was that what you were doing here Robin?"
Robin was silent for a moment before nodding, pulling out a small box and putting it on the table in front of him. Wordlessly, Maribelle slowly reached for the box, looking at Robin to see if he would signify whether or not she could. As if reading her mind, Robin gave a small nod, allowing Maribelle to pull the box towards her without hesitation. Opening the box, Maribelle gasped at the sight of a simple, gold band, without engraving or stone. She had seen many ornate, fancy rings in her time, some with gems the size of her fingernails, and yet the utter simplicity of this one ring seemed so very beautiful to her.
"This...this is..." She muttered.
She heard Robin shuffle, looking up to see him rubbing the back of his neck. "I-I know it's not much, but it's what I could afford."
Maribelle shook her head. "No, no it's...it's beautiful." Maribelle smiled even as she fought back tears. "Th-The woman you give this to...will be very lucky indeed."
Robin pursed his lips. "You really think she'd say yes, even if the ring is a little..."
"Simple?" Maribelle asked, looking at Robin. "Robin, look at me." When Robin's eyes were on her she continued. "Robin, any woman who would reject you simply because the ring wasn't as ornate as others is a fool and unworthy of you."
Robin blinked in amazement. "You really mean that?" He asked, a hopeful tone in his voice.
Maribelle smiled. "I do. Still though, I wish you'd told me of this lady in your life. Have you known her long?" She asked.
Robin gave a small smile. "For a while now, yes."
Maribelle's heart hurt at the smile on Robin's face, but she couldn't help but be happy at the sight. It was obvious that whoever this woman was, Robin truly loved her. Still, she didn't want Robin to worry or feel bad, so she put on a face.
"And no word of it to your dear friend!?" Maribelle exclaimed, feigning offense. "For shame Robin."
Robin coughed slightly. "I-It didn't feel like something to bring up..."
Maribelle gave a tut before looking at Robin. "So...I suppose you're planning on proposing soon than?"
Robin's cheeks grew red as he gave a nod. "I was...thinking on it. I had...umm...actually wanted to ask you how one proposes to a lady?"
Was this her chance? Her opportunity to tell Robin she wanted him to propose to her? That was why she had come out after all. But now that she was here, with him, seeing how happy he was at the mere thought this girl...Maribelle knew she stood no chance. It hurt, and she was going to cry to herself over it later, but right now she'd hold it all in. Right now, she'd help the man she loved propose to the woman he loved.
"There..." Maribelle began before smiling at Robin. "There is no "proper" way to propose. Such things should be from the heart. When you propose to this girl, just be honest about how you feel."
Robin gave a relieved sigh. "Oh thank the gods..."
Maribelle blinked in confusion. "Pardon?" She asked.
Robin gave a smile before reaching out for Maribelle's hand. "Let me see your hand real quick."
"Wh-What are you-begentle!" Maribelle exclaimed, more out of shock from Robin taking her hand in his than any rough treatment he gave. He was actually being ever so gentle, taking out her finger and sliding the gold band onto her-
What.
Maribelle could only stare wide eyed as Robin smiled at the ring now on her ring finger. "Good. A perfect fit." He said.
"I...I...I..." Maribelle tried to stutter, her mind still trying to to make sense of the fact that the ring Robin had purchased for the express purpose of proposing to the woman he loved was currently resting on her finger.
Her RING finger.
Robin went wide eyed at Maribelle's reaction. "Uh, Maribelle? Can you say something?...Please?"
Maribelle looked up at Robin. "This ring...the one you purchased...for the woman you l-l-love..."
Robin's cheeks grew red as he nodded. "Is currently on her hand."
Maribelle blinked, only for her face to explode into levels of red that not even Olivia had reached. Robin was actually worried for her, and quickly went over to check on her.
"M-Maribelle? Maribelle!?" He exclaimed, checking on her.
"Y-Y-You want me t-to m-m-marry y-you?" Maribelle stuttered out.
Oh gods, I've broken Maribelle, Robin thought. "Oh gods, Maribelle, I'm sorry, I d-didn't really think. Here, just let me take the ring and-"
Maribelle's hand retracted so fast Robin momentarily wondered if it went back into Maribelle's body. "NO!" She exclaimed.
Robin blinked in confusion. "P-Pardon?" He asked.
Maribelle took the hand Robin's ring was on and rubbed it tenderly. "Forgive me, I'm just...just...just so happy right now."
Robin's eyes widened. "Happy? Than does that mean you...?"
Maribelle smiled. "Oh yes Robin, yes. I would gladly be your wife."
Robin blinked, registering what she said before giving a happy laugh. "Y-You...you mean it!?" Robin smiled wide and pulled Maribelle in, giving her a tight hug which she gladly returned.
"Of course I do Robin." Maribelle said, happily placing her head into Robin's chest. "I've been in love with you for some time. I actually came out here because I was worried you were planning on proposing to another."
Robin scoffed in amusement, pulling himself away and looking at Maribelle. "Someone else? Who?"
Maribelle smiled and shook her head. "It doesn't matter dearie. Just wasted worries now."
Robin blinked before smiling. "Right, I've had my fair share of those."
That got Maribelle's attention. "Oh? And what do you mean by that?"
Robin's smile turned sheepish. "Well...the truth is I've wanted to propose for a few months now, but I didn't feel...worthy to do so. I mean, I was just a nobody after all."
Maribelle felt anger rise within her at that. "You are NOT nobody Robin." She said.
Robin chuckled. "I know, I know. Chrom said the same thing to me, but still. I mean, you ARE a noble, and I...wasn't."
Maribelle raised an eyebrow. "Wasn't?"
"Chrom will announce it when we return, but I've been officially appointed to the position of Grandmaster." Robin said with a smile.
Maribelle's eyes widened. The title of Grandmaster was very prestigious, rarely given out and only to those who had proved themselves vital to the safety and prosperity of Ylisse, regardless of lineage. There were only a very few in Ylisse's history, and the appointment brought with it also a bestowal of nobility status to the recipient.
Which meant Robin was now a noble of Ylisse.
"R-Robin..." Maribelle muttered, pride swelling within at her friend's...her fiance's accomplishment.
"That's why I now feel comfortable...asking you for your hand. Though I was hoping to ask your Father first." Robin said.
Maribelle smiled. "Well, I do wish you had asked sooner dear. I would have gladly said yes, regardless of your status. And don't worry about my Father," Maribelle said. "He has always encouraged me to follow my own desires. And you are what I desire."
Robin laughed. "Well that certainly takes a load off."
"That being said, he will hold certain...expectations." Maribelle continued. "He will expect you to have the bearing of a noble, and you certainly do not."
Robin's eyes widened. "I-I don't?"
Maribelle shook her head. "Oh heavens no. Why, that proposal there was the perfect example. So ungainly."
Robin blinked in confusion. "But...I thought you said to go with my heart?"
Maribelle nodded, giving a small smile. "yes, but you must still have the air of a gentleman. But worry not my love, we now have all of eternity to make you the perfect gentleman."
Robin only stared before smiling. "You know, for some reason that doesn't sound to terrible when you say it."
"It shouldn't love. Now, shall we begin the first lesson?" Maribelle asked, her cheeks glowing red.
Robin blinked in confusion. "O-Our first lesson?"
Maribelle nodded, smiling at Robin. "Yes. How to show proper affection. Let me tell you now, I will not rest until I am properly satisfied."
Robin's cheeks flared red before he smiled. "Well if you insist." He said.
That first kiss was far from perfect, but Maribele felt it was close enough. Not that she told Robin that.
...
A day later than planned, but that's life. Pretty happy with how this turned out here, just a nice fluffy piece. Anyways, off to work on either Chiyo things. Later.
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