A/N: well, I think it was about time I updated. Haha, lol. Great to see you guys~! I'll reply to reviews at the bottom and give you any info you might need.

It was a pitiful morning for me. I was feeling dreadful, worse than the day before. I needed to leave soon. I had too. For my sake, and theirs. I stood up from my spot leaning out the window and made my way back to the bed in the infirmary. Ricken had been insistent on me staying until I explained some things. But, I just never felt like it.

One more day. I coaxed myself, trying to relax. It worked. Well, somewhat. Just one more day until I could leave. I pondered this thought as I stood up slowly. Scanning the room, my eyes landed on Ricken. He was on the other side of the room. I made my way over to him, feeling a little light headed. I gently grabbed his arm to balance myself and he jumped slightly surprised. His hat fell off as he turned around quickly, grabbing my forearms with his hands. He wasn't rough though, he was kind and gentle. In a… quick, rushed, way.

I offered a slight and wary smile which he accepted with a sigh. He was actually pretty much holding me up. I needed to be on my feet more if I planned on going to the ball tomorrow night. I shook my head to clear it and looked up at the (now taller than me) mage. He made his way to guide me back towards the bed. "Why are you out of bed?"

I resisted weakly, but it really had no affect. I had practically lost all of my arm strength since I had only been using tomes. Ricken had only been using tomes as well but, he did start exercising. "I have a few things I need to do. I would like to get my dress for tomorrow night, teach Chrom to dance, and I need to talk to someone."

"Hm? Really? Who?" he finally stopped and turned his head to face me. I sighed as I was sat down on the bed. Damn it, now that's just not fair. He caught me when I was distracted. The mage gave me his undivided attention, but he remained standing. "And teach Chrom to dance?"

"I want to talk to Marth. She hasn't had anything to do lately and I wanted to see if she could do me a favor…" I trailed off uneasily, biting my cheek. My eyes traced his features as they softened, giving me a look of sympathy. "He doesn't know how to dance."

"All right fine, I'll go with you to find Marth though and I can have Lissa or Maribelle go with you to get your dress." I began to protest and he gave me a stern look. Well, before he pointed out the obvious that is. "You could barely walk to me on your own. So, what if someone saw you and you collapsed randomly because you were to weak to stand on your own two feet?"

I sighed and relented. My shoulders sagged and I let my head drop slightly. Running a hand through my hair, I finally look up at him. "I don't have a choice here… But, why don't you just take me to get my dress? That way I can lean against you without it looking odd. And I can teach Chrom to dance. If I fall over, he'll just catch me and bring me back here."

Ricken nodded and walked over to the desk he had been working at not too far away. "That's fine. And I suppose you can go teach Chrom to dance, but I'm not sure that's the best idea." I couldn't see what he was doing and I started to get puzzled. "Have you eaten yet?"

I frowned. So, that's what this was about. My eyes traced the bricks on the walls, slowly noticing the uniqueness in each one and the slight color difference as well. You could only see it if you had a trained eye though because it was so faint. A thick silence settled into the air and I could hear him sigh.

"That's what I thought." I finally looked back at him when I heard his footsteps pad over to me. I was helped up and he offered me his arm. "We'll get breakfast first. You'll need the energy."

I looped my arm through his and shifted my weight so he carried some of it. I couldn't carry all of my weight without falling over. Plus, it wouldn't look weird because we had a sibling-like relationship. A flash of green caught my eye and I noticed that Ricken's hat was still on the floor. "What about your hat?"

The sage waved his free hand in a dismissive motion and his eyes gleamed with a smile. "Just leave it. Maribelle will get it."

"Speaking of Mari…" I trailed off, grinning up at him. His smile sunk off his face, he knew I was up to something. "How is your relationship with her?"

Heat rushed to his cheeks and the copper haired boy fumbled words. "Wh-What do you mean? We don't like each other like that. She's interested in someone else. So am I."

"Oh?" I cocked an eyebrow, mischievously and we stopped walking in the middle of the hallway -when had we even left the infirmary? Damn, I really needed to start paying attention. "Who?"

"Well, Mari's interested in Stahl." I blinked at his sheepish response. I didn't see that one coming. Rubbing the back of his neck, he continued and a love struck look came across his face as he spoke. "I… I'm kind of falling for Nowi."

"Aw~! Ricken's got a crush." my voice was singsong and chipper and I pinched his cheek playfully. "My little man's growing up."

The said young man's cheeks turned an even brighter shade and I laughed as we walked to breakfast. We always had fun together. But, it was starting to seem like he was my older brother instead of my younger brother. I gave a soft sigh of contentment at the thought. Some years sure have passed by while we've been in the war. Gangrel was killed, yes, but most of the gang decided to stay for a bit because of the wedding. I didn't mind at all. It was nice having the company of the Shepherds. I loved them all. They were family.

I reached out and pushed the doors to the dining hall open. It was crowded, as usual, might I add. A few sets of eyes drifted to the door and Nowi jumped up from her seat, throwing her arms up. "Robin!"

Before I knew it, I was plummeted to the ground by Nowi hugging me too hard and too quick. I laughed and gently pushed her off. After standing with some help, I ruffled her soft hair. "Good to see you too, Nowi."

I looked around the room to see everyone's eyes me. I balanced myself on my escort's arm and playfully called out to all of my friends, "I've been sick for about two weeks, and this is the welcome back I get?" laughter filled the room as I was greeted warmly and welcomed back into the family. Everyone came and hugged me (or a handshake, or something), giving me a greeting of their own.

Taking in the big room, I smiled. I loved it here. Ricken smiled at me and led me to one of the large tables in the room. It was nice to be back on my feet again. I enjoyed the company of all of my friends at breakfast. Even the lady-fearing one. I would laugh inwardly at the thought of our mismatching group. But, I couldn't resist these people. They were family to me. Family is always family, no matter what you do.

At that thought, a pang of regret hit me. I was leaving the people I called my family. But… I could make a new family and come back to visit once I was better. I bit my lip and let Ricken lead me out when I was finished with breakfast. First things first, to get my dress.

Guiding me into the tailor, Ricken was gentle and kind, he would stop whenever I needed to, and at one point, he even picked me up (I made him put me back down). We had idle conversation as I looked around. My dress should have been made already. I just shook off the thought of worrying about it and smiled. This time, it was my turn to lead the mage who was with me. I guided him through the tailor's all the way to the back. I scanned the displays with dresses on them and found my own hanging over the back of a chair with a note on it.

I grabbed the note and took my time reading it, whilst running my fingers over the soft silk of the pale orange dress.

'Robin, your dress is finished and I was working on a shawl to go around it, for if you wanted it. I figured it would look great! Especially on you. I have the shawl with me at the moment, but I will give it to you before tomorrow night.

And your necklace is in the small chest on my desk.

Hope you have fun and get better soon. Lots of love, from me to you,

Levia'

Smiling at the note, I tucked it in my pocket and picked up the dress. Levia knew me too well. She figured I would have come for the dress today whilst she was out. I loved the sweet young girl. I found myself often reminded of Anna when I looked at her. Shrugging off the thought, I turned to Ricken. "I'm ready to go."

His teeth sparkled when he smiled and in that moment, I realized just how much he had grown in these past two years. I loved how caring and kind he was, and the fact that, even though he was in the middle of a war, he managed to keep his head about it. The young boy who used to stand in front of me, has truly grown up. He's now a young man.

We walked through the hallways looking for Marth, she didn't come by often, but I needed to talk to her. She was a marvelous warrior and would make an even better escort. There wasn't much to say between Ricken and I, at the moment, so we just stayed quiet.

After a few moments, I spotted the bluenette girl on the training grounds and called out to her. "Marth!" Before I could take off running towards her, Ricken swept me off of my feet and I was over his shoulder. "Ricken!" I groaned in frustration at the boy carrying me. "Put me down!"

"Sorry, I'm the medic here and the medic says, no can do." I could feel the grin plastered on his face as he picked up his pace a little. I watched his feet moved and sighed. Figures. I should've guess he wouldn't let up that easily.

I continued to protest, but before I could say anything, I was set back on the ground in front of Marth, whom had planted her sword in the ground and was leaning on it. But, first, I turned to Ricken. "What it is with you people and picking me up? Am I fun to carry or something?"

It was actually rhetorical, so I wasn't expecting a response. Turning back to the swordswomen, I sighed. "Anyways, I did come to see you for a reason, not just to waste your time."

I watched her nod and started to feel dizzy. Leaning against Ricken, I began to explain why I came to see her and asked her my request. "I've been ill as of late, that much news ought to have passed your ears by now, and I have that it is no normal illness. So, I was wondering if you could escort me to Plegia, so I can get proper treatment. I'm obviously too weak to go on my own, and Chrom wouldn't approve…"

A small smile came across her features and she nodded. "I would be honored, milady. When shall we leave?"

"I was thinking tomorrow night." I exhaled loudly. "I didn't want to get caught up in anything whilst leaving, so I figured we could attend the ball for a little while and then leave towards the end of the ball, using the excuse that I went off to bed."

The blue haired woman's face looked thoughtful before she nodded. "I will gather my things."

"Thank you." I smiled before I was swept off my feet and a startled gasp elicited between my lips. Tipping my head up to look at the sage carrying me, I took a deep breath. "Where are we going?"

"You said you had dance lessons to give. Did you not?" the copper haired teen grinned down at me and I pushed his hair from his face with a smile. I could hear the soft laughter of Marth in the distance and took a deep breath of contentment.

"I believe I did." Nodding, my face was happy. Genuinely happy. I felt good about it. Ricken was one of the few people who could continuously give me that feeling. I closed my eyes and breathed in deep, my mind sorting through things.

One day, Ricken would have a family and they would be so very lucky to have him to take care of them. Oh, if him and Nowi get married, I pray to Naga that they would both live their lives to the fullest that they can and love with all they have.

Something I was having a pretty damn hard time doing.

Looking at the sky, I sighed softly as I was carried through several different courtyards and to the private gardens. My bare feet landed on the grass which was still damp from the morning dew. I wiggled my toes in the grass and held onto Ricken's arm as I tried to gain my balance.

After a moment, I let go and smiled. "Thanks. I'll have Chrom help me back inside when we're through."

"Alright, have fun. Be sure to eat lunch as well." Ricken added before heading inside with a smile. I took a deep breath and waited for Chrom, talking to myself quietly.

"One more day… and then away from the heartbreak…" I whispered into the cool morning air.

"You're just a coward. You can't even say goodbye to your friends' faces." a voice from the back of my mind spoke and I frowned.

"That's not true… It's just easier this way."

"Riiiight. So that's what you're going to say?"

I started to get fed up and irritation crept into my voice. "Enough. I've made my decision."

"Your decision about what?" That silken voice snapped me out of my thoughts, jumping and I turned to face him with a smile.

I shook my head, my face softening with a sweet look glowing in my eyes. "It's nothing. Just, talking to myself."

Chrom nodded slowly, looking as though he didn't truly believe me. But, luckily, he left it alone. "Right…"

Walking the short distance to grab his hands, I couldn't help but notice the way the wind gently whipped at his hair. "Ready to get started?"

A smile appeared on his face and he took my hands. "I'm ready when you are."

I leaned against Chrom as he escorted me inside, I had almost collapsed from exhaustion. I was surprised that we even danced that long. We had been outside for about three hours, just dancing. It was really nice actually. And at one point, it started raining and Chrom scooped me off my feet and carried me out from under the rain.

This morning had been really fun. I enjoyed it greatly. It was the most fun I'd had in a while. I can't remember ever laughing as hard as we had this afternoon. It was nice. A smile fluttered across my face and I looked over at Chrom.

He looked over at me and I discreetly looked away, fighting a blush. I'd been caught staring… that's just great…

All of a sudden, we came to a stop and I stumbled forward into the arms of someone else. All I can register in my mind is that they're warm and dry (Chrom and I did end up getting a little wet). I closed my eyes and the person helped me stand. After a moment, I opened my eyes to look up into the startled face of Gaius. "You okay, Bubbles?"

Smiling at the nickname, I nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks."

I tried to stand up correctly, but couldn't so, I balanced myself out. I leaned partly on Gaius and then put the rest of my weight on my own two feet. "Hey, Gaius, would you mind helping me back to my chambers? And then could you tell Ricken where I went? I wouldn't want him to worry about me."

"Sure thing, Bubbles." a smile appeared on his face and the walk to my room was slow, painful, tiring, and long. I won't go over the whole walk to my room. It took a while. And I really don't want to think about that again.

At the moment, I hated my life. Well, not exactly hate, per say… More like… Dread. That's a better word for it.

It was unbelievable how much pain I was in. At one point, I collapsed and my sweet-crazed friend had to carry me the rest of the way to my room. Oh, how I couldn't wait to leave and get a proper healer.

I stared up at the ceiling dully as I tried to find a way to tell Chrom. But, after thinking about it, I quickly dismissed the thought. That was a really bad idea. He wouldn't understand. I could try though…

Playing with the pale sheets pooled around me, I sat up and stared at the doorway. I wanted this to be over. No more life of luxury. I wanted to go to Plegia. I wanted to get healed.

And most of all…

I wanted everyone to be okay without me.

A/N: Hey~! I'm glad to be back. I'm sorry it took so long. I really love all of you guys and I want you to know that. And, also, I think I'll only be able to squeeze in maybe four chapters more at most. I don't really know yet. (that is... before the SEQUEL)

AND OH MY NAGA YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING! OVER 500 VIEWS! I LOVE YOU ALL~!

(note: Okay, so I started playing Awakening on Hard and just let me say... DAMNIT. IF I WERE ON NORMAL I'D HAVE BEATEN IT BY NOW)

Review Replies~ (it's about time I did this again)

pikachu777: Don't worry~ I still have some more planned. I do have a sequel to write after all~

Lolage: thanks for your help~ It's greatly appreciated

LittleMissMidnight: okay, first, just let me say that I LOVE your username. It's adorable~! And thanks a bunch. I ship them a little bit. But, I ship Sumia and Gaius more. I just had made them get together when I started this story.

Angel-chan: I believe your nose is correct. Heehee. Nah, but seriously, thanks for the review. I love it when I get a lot. And you'll just have to see.

Fictionisthebest754: Thank you so much for the review it makes me feel special! And chapter 6 should be up soon.

CherryBlossom1233: I will make the next chapter. I will make the next chapter. I WILL MAKE THE NEXT CHAPTER AND LET YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!

KawaiiOtakuChick: Thanks for the help, and if you haven't noticed yet, I'm purposely being mean to my readers by completely avoiding mentioning what the sickness is. Haha *evil laughs*

Total Nerd Girl: Thanks so much for your help~ (on my game and the story~!) haha, thanks again.

Guest: thanks so much for your help~!

Guest: I can't tell you that yet~ *singsong*

Shadowplayer: Thank you so much for your help. It helped me improve. A LOT. That's appreciated. And the thing with Marth is, that this story is roughly set in Chapter 11. Before Chrom gets married. So, I'm having 'Marth' around because she's a really good help here and I couldn't think of anyone else

haha.

Well, I may not update for a little while because I'm dragging my feet in the mud. But... I'm working on it...

Peace out~

Sage