Robin strolled through camp on his way to town to get some lunch when he saw what had become a common sight. Tiki was sitting alone seeming to simply enjoy the good weather. The Shepherds tended to stay away from her for one reason or another. Still, Robin did not like leaving her to sit out by her lonesome.

"Tiki?" Robin approached, but at first she did not move, "Tiki? Uh, you awake?"

"Hmm?" She opened her eyes and looked at the tactician, "Oh, Robin. Apologies, I must have drifted off. What can I do for you?"

"I just thought you might want some company," Robin looked around, "I mean, unless you would prefer to be left alone."

"No," Tiki stood, "I would very much like some. So many seem to be afraid to so much as talk to me. It is nice to have someone to talk to."

"I was actually on my way to town to treat myself to something other than dried pork and stale bread. Want to come along?"

"If it's no bother."

"I could use the company actually."

"Very well," Tiki smiled, "Lead the way."


Lucina left the shop with a little success. After her conversation with her mother after her stunt with the baby garment, Lucina had decided to actually try to find something her mother would like herself again. She was getting better, but she was not confident enough to present anything yet.

She had exhausted the only clothing shop in town, and so she was about to head back to camp when she noticed a familiar cloak in the distance. Lucina smiled until she realized that he was not alone. Lady Tiki was with him for some reason.

Lucina hid herself upon their approach without thinking. Lucina was afraid that the two may have been on some sort of date, and if that was the case, the last thing she wanted was to be seen by them because Robin would undoubtedly greet her which was something she really wanted to avoid at that time.

Over the months since she had joined the Shepherds, she had become increasingly close to the tactician, and, well, she felt that she may have become too close. She tried to banish any delusions that pursuing those feelings could end with anything other than heartbreak, but the idea that he was on a date still hurt her.

Lucina knew she should just go back to camp, but…she had an urge to know. She did not want to sit around in uncertainty. So, in an act of impulsiveness, Lucina followed them.


"Well, here we are," Robin stopped in front of the only restaurant in town, "It may not look like much, but I'm hoping it's at least a step above rations. Though, it may not be what you're used to."

Tiki giggled softly, "It is quite alright. I could use a little variety."

"Well then," Robin bowed slightly and gestured for her to go first, "After you."

The two sat outside and Robin proceeded to order for them. He soon found that Tiki was actually kind of fun to talk to. She had a childish streak to her that she tended to bottle up much like another woman he knew.

He found that he enjoyed her company more than he thought he would and once he got more comfortable, he even began to laugh with her.

All in all, he enjoyed himself. If only he knew that by doing so he had crushed a young woman's heart.


Lucina left town with a heavy heart. To her, it seemed obvious that Robin was interested in lady Tiki, and her own inadequacies became much more apparent to her as she watched them. She had never considered herself especially attractive especially compared to some of the Shepherds, and she felt that she could not compete with Tiki.

Lucina may have appeared very confident outwardly, but she was often highly self-critical within the confines of her own mind. Usually, it was about her performance as a leader or her duty to save the future, but lately it had been more about how little she had to offer Robin and not just in her appearance.

What reason was there for Robin to love her? She was socially inept. She was apparently quite a "stick in the mud" as she had heard. And she was still tormented by what she had lived through in her own world. She still woke in the night drenched in cold sweat. She did not feel that she was fit for a relationship. Why should she condemn him to a life with her?

So, she did what she usually did. She put on a strong face, stood up tall, and did her best to bury the pain of another crack in the mural of fractures that was her heart. If only it was just another crack.


"Alright," Robin leaned over the table, "I think we're good. We should be ready to disembark by the end of week."

"Sounds good," Chrom nodded, "Dismissed."

As the others flooded out of the room, Robin noticed Lucina and flashed her a smile only for her to turn and quicken her pace. She had been doing stuff like that for nearly a week and it was really bothering him. More than he thought it should.

"Something troubling you?"

"Ah!" Robin jumped when Sumia spoke, "Don't sneak up on me like that!"

"I think that's the first time I've been accused of sneaking up on someone. You must be really out of it."

"Yeah, sorry."

"My offer still stands."

"Uh, thanks," Robin looked to where Lucina had headed, "But I think I'll handle this myself."

Robin took off in search of Lucina who proved fairly elusive when she wanted to be, but he was not a master tactician for nothing. Eventually he found her some ways from camp practicing her sword technique.

"Very nice," Robin approached after she finished a set.

"Robin," She went rigid, "What brings you out here?"

"Well, I was hoping you might share why you've been avoiding me."

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Don't give me that. You see me coming, you avert your gaze and change direction. Did I offend you or something?"

"Please, do not bother yourself with me. Would you not rather be with Tiki?"

"Tiki? Why do you say that?"

"Do you not have feelings for her?"

"Feelings for–what? No! Why would you think that?"

"I-I saw you together in town the other day. I thought that–"

"You thought–Lucina, I was taking her to lunch because I thought she looked lonely."

"So…you are not in love with her?"

"No, I–wait, you've been avoiding me because you thought I was in love with Tiki?" Lucina suddenly blushed at the implication, "Lucina?"

"N-nevermind," Lucina refused to meet his gaze, "I apologize for avoiding you. Please forgive me and forget this ever happened."

Lucina did not wait for his response and dashed off leaving Robin standing there confused. Did she…Robin shook his head in disbelief. Could he really be that lucky?

A/N: I have as of posting this 462 orbs. I think it's a new record. Anyone else hording orbs, and, if so, who are you waiting for?