Pardon the way that I stare.
There's nothing else to compare.
The sight of you leaves me weak.
There are no words left to speak.
But if you feel like I feel.
Please let me know that it's real.
You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off of you.

Chapter 2: Robin's Disadvantage

Robin was busy reading a book, while he ponders things like how he doesn't remember much about himself, but when he picks up a book, it was a natural thing for him. He felt at ease, he's been trying to find out what kind of guy he was when time would permit. He had developed friendships with each of the Shepherds, most especially Chrom. But Virion, Vaike and Gaius had visited him frequently enough that he had figured their personality, and he determined they all had their "thing".

Virion was apparently the savior of maidens, no longer will they sleep with the heavy feeling of loneliness. He was sweet with his words, even though they were words used frequently, they still had their effects on maidens, Robin observed. Vaike was a competitive guy, he wasn't a thinker, he was pure animalistic when it came to fighting, and he wanted to be acknowledge. Gaius was something else in Robin's eyes, he knew the guy had a sweet tooth, and his personality was a bit cheek, giving away nicknames as a way to "endear" them to him.

He on the other hand, was blank. Pure blank. He has no personality! He was just good at helping others, that's all he could think of to do. He felt like he should be a nice guy?

Which was ok, but what else?

"The best way to discover what kind of man you are is to know your taste in women," Virion said, as he fixed his hair and clothes. Robin envied him for a moment, because Virion held himself in such confidence. "So do you like your women more endowed? Or are you leg type of guy? Slender and long…"

"Ugh," Robin was appalled at the suggestion and blushed at what Virion was trying to implant in his mind. It was just like that a few days ago. The women in camp weren't happy at all. The only good out come out of all that was Henry enjoying the torture the women gave out to them.

"No, it's his strength! Trust the TEACH!" Vaike argued.

"You learn a lot about yourself when you fall in love…" Gaius said as he sighed and pilled away the wrappings of his candy, which earned him some looks. "Not that…I'm telling you to do so, Bubbles. But you know, when you hear the ladies speak of such things..." Gaius shrugged. He really needed to stop hanging out with Sumia and Cordelia. "Nevermind, just try things and see if you like them or not."

"Come now, I hardly think Robin is a virgin. Look at him, he's a good looking guy. He got that blonde silvery hair, that's unkempt but still has it's allure. He isn't short, he's a perfect height for most of the ladies here. He's easy on the eyes, trust me. He must have some experience, perhaps if we awaken-" Gaius gave Virion the look because that wasn't what he was trying to say. Virion chuckled innocently and didn't continue further.

"No," Robin would have none of that. He doesn't care if he was a virgin or not, but he wasn't going to sleep with random women in nearby towns just for the sake of "awakening" something inside of him. Hell, he knows fully well what wakes up, but he knew deep down he wasn't the type to sleep around. "We will not discuss if my virginity is still in tact!"

It was ridiculous. They were in midst of war and all they can do is…not talk about war. It was the usual thing in camp though. Everyone was quite aware there was a chance of not having another day to live, so instead of living their life of dread, they tried to enjoy it. It was like an unspoken promise the guys have. Chrom used to venture out on mini adventure with him in the past, but ever since he got hitched he was inseparable from Sumia. Robin didn't want to hang around with the couple. They were fine when separated, but when together, they were like some hormonal teenagers. Robin rather not walk in on anything.

But Robin did wonder at what Gaius was saying. Gaius has been getting trapped at places he couldn't get down from just to seek some sweets, but Panne has been saving his ass. Robin concluded that Gaius did it on purpose, just so he can have some time with Panne, since he can't seem to formulate words to ask her on a date or some sort. Gaius has a sweeth tooth for Panne. Just like how Vaike kept challenging Sully as his way of courting the woman, by proving he was much stronger than her. Perhaps Sully will lower her walls down, by meeting her match, she will know she has someone she can depend on.

Virion was another thing…

Robin wasn't sure who Virion got a thing for at first. He thought it was Cordelia, but then he walked in on Virion giving some flattering words to Cherche, who nonchalantly told him they were just friends. Maybe it was Olivia, since Olivia seems to have enchanted a few guys especially the younger ones. But then recently Cordelia beat the crap out of Virion, for hitting on other women. So it must be Cordelia.

He sighed as he diverted back his attention to the book he held. There's so many spells, but none that can give back his memories, and he still wonders if he wants them back after his recent discovery.

Tharja couldn't look away as Robin recklessly went to the front lines, even though it was unnecessary. He was their tactician; they needed him to survive far more than others. He was not indispensible, especially to her. Tharja followed him, too angry at Robin, but can't bare to see him hurt. Before she could follow him further, Gaius grabbed her arm.

"What are you doing, Sunshine?" The thief carried two iron swords with him, he reeked of blood and sweat, and he was breathing heavily.

Tharja frowned and tried her best to push him away, but Gaius would have none of it.

"Easy, Sunshine. You need to be alive to conquer his heart, ya know. He's like a walking target right now, you might—". He tried to joke but she wasn't in the mood.

"He's my target," She hissed angrily, giving Gaius the deadliest stare.

Everyone be damn if they get him first. He's mine.

It began as an endless casting of Nosferatu, rumors began circulating that there was a Plegian Mage killing people without hesitation, one who'd seen her and survived were haunted by her eyes and shortly died after.

The mini battle victory was shortly celebrated as the close knit Shepherds were exposed to an event. Everyone stared, maybe it was uncharacteristic of Tharja to stormed in front of Robin and company and slap him really hard.

"Whoa," Vaike expressed his surprise and stared like everyone, except his mouth hung open.

"You…!" Robin's eyes widened in surprised as his eyes connected with Tharja's piercing eyes that seems to hold some pain and anger in it. He didn't know the reason, and he wasn't quite sure what to do about it as Tharja continued on. She had pulled onto his cloak bringing him closer to her height level, Robin was a lot stronger than her in strength, but she had the advantage of surprise.

"Do you have a death wish!?" She hissed at him, Robin thought for a moment that Tharja's eyes were glazed, as she started blinking and then pulled away from him. Her bangs covering her eyes as she lowered her head a bit and Robin lost all windows into her emotions.

"I am a dark mage that hails from Plegia, if it's death you seek, I will show you, Tactician." There seem to be a menacing aura that started to surround Tharja, and Robin backed away slowly.

Tharja left quite an impression with everyone. Hell, everyone noticed that Tharja hadn't even said My love to Robin, rather she sounded so detached from the man, she didn't even call him by his name. No, rather, he was just a tactician.

"Tha-Tharja…?" Was all Robin could manage. He was so lost, he didn't know what he did for her to slap him and even give him some sort of death sentence.

"Welp, you finally got Tharja to hate you," Gaius patted his friend on his back. "Congrats, Bubbles."

For the past two weeks Tharja had avoided Robin like the plague, she wasn't even in sight during another battle, usually Robin would know her position. He kept track of everybody, and he always knew Tharja wasn't too far from him. He asked Nowi what was going on, but Nowi just shrugged and said a woman's heart wasn't something to mess around with.

How can I do such a thing!? I barely talk to the woman.

Reading books wasn't helping him reach some clarity, so to clear up or rather distract his mind he's been helping Cordelia sort out the weapons, and he was amazed at how organized everything was. Compared to Cordelia, he wasn't organized at all. He was great at creating strategy but his mind doesn't work as properly when it comes to anything else.

"Robin, you ever considered putting some armor on yourself?" Cordelia began, as she glanced at Robin. "You'd been charging into the front line when you're so ill equip for it, I mean just yesterday you got a cut." Robin winced at the words spoken. He didn't think anyone noticed what he's been doing. He just laughed it off but Cordelia was having none of it.

"I know I'm not like Chrom or Lon'qu, I'm not as skilled with swords, let alone Lances. But I can handle myself…Really." He assured Cordelia.

"If you don't equip yourself properly, stop going in the front line," Cordelia gave Robin an icy stare and he just chuckled nervously. He was starting to understand Lon'qu's fear of women.

"Come, let's get you some armor. Might as well, all of you are reckless beast." Cordelia had dragged him without his agreement.

So within those two weeks he acquired himself some armor, which Frederick was quite happy with. He mentioned training Robin some more, which Robin dreaded. He was sure he wasn't a bronze dude, but heck, what if he got caught somewhere where he needed strength and skills he apparently lack? He'll die because he didn't practice? It was ridiculous, he needed to work hard just like everyone and hone his skills, beside for making strategy. But he rather avoid Frederick, since everyone seem to be on the verge of death after his training.

The very next day, he had goaded Vaike into fighting him with bare arms. It was actually foolish of him to do so, knowing how the shirtless man who wanders around was incredibly strong. His bulging muscles were proof enough. But Robin found himself a prideful man as they had gathered some viewers for their fight, like his fellow guys and some women like Sully and Cordelia. He wasn't going to back down, he was determined to put a fight.

Vaike wasn't holding back, he had connected a lot of punches against Robin's face, to his dismay, he couldn't think clearly. He was beginning to lose control over his legs due to the body blows inflicted. His left eye was shut already, as Chrom walked in wanting to know the commotion.

"Vaike! Robin! You need to stop!"

Vaike chuckled; as he exhaled a deep breathe as if to say FINALLY.

"Pretty boy, is kinda tough. Teach gotta hand it to you pal. I thought you were some scrawny magician guy, who can slice a thing or two."

Robin got irked, but he calmed himself down. "I will knock you out one day."

"It's not very smart to beat up our tactician since we don't want his mind scrambled up." Chrom said to Vaike, as he turned his attention to his best friend and quickly reflected the pain Robin was feeling. He patted his friend's back while smiling with concerned eyes. Robin already informed Chrom of his plan to reform himself. He had seen how weak mages were when it comes to physical attacks. They were always one of the last to be sent out, even if they can cast heavy damages, they lacked skills to easily evade and even counter some attack. But Robin needed to be different than the norm, just because dying meant losing the war.

He walked towards the river they had camped out nearby and washed his face, washing away the blood away, the water felt good against his aching face. He probably shouldn't have over done it. What's worse was calling Vaike some ridiculous name while Sully was around. It was clearly his mistake.

"Robin…" The familiar voice hit Robin weirdly. He was unable to formulate what it was.

"Tharja," Robin acknowledged her presence without turning to face her, his body ached too much to move in actuality. He didn't want to appear rude but he couldn't help it anymore. He remembered their last encounter...pain was their company it seems.

He heard the light footstep come towards him, and her heavy sigh as she had sat down next to him, as he felt her body heat. They sat in silence for a while until Robin finally wanted to know if Tharja needed something. Robin realized that Tharja was quite close to him, as he slowly turned his head to face her, he blushed immediately.

"Ahm…" Robin started but then stopped as he was taken aback at what he'd seen. Before he could properly take in the imagery that was bestowed upon him, Tharja had made a move as she was close enough for him to feel her breathe against his face. But she wasn't looking straight into his eyes, no, she was looking at his face, probably were his cuts and bruises were. She reached out much to Robin's amazement, as she lightly ran her thumb on the cut of his lower lip.

"Tharja…?"

"Here," She reached for Robin's hand and left immediately after. The short encounter with her left Robin confused and lost once again.

Robin looked at what she had given him. She had given him some Salve.

"Man…" Once again the tactician was at a disadvantage.

Author's Note:

Pardon me as I skip around battle scene, I just want to create a story that highlights and backs up some support conversation. Since majority of them…seem to talk for only a little bit and then bam, they're in love.

Just a peak into our Shepherds' daily things~~

Thank you for the review & follows 3