Takumi's hair shone silver in the moonlight as Robyn lay in his arms, the warmth of his skin seeping into her's. He was stroking her hair in long, gentle strokes as her head rested on his bare chest, listening to his heartbeat.
"..I wish that we could stay like this forever.." she whispered.
"Yeah.." Takumi murmured back.
Just the sound of his voice was intoxicating, her skin tingling as she recalled the feeling of his hand in her's as he whispered sweet nothings in her ears with each movement.
"With you.. I feel safe. Like the nightmares don't matter anymore." He shifted in the bed as he pressed closer to her under the soft blanket that covered them. "They.. aren't always about Mother." he admitted quietly.
"Sometimes.. I have this dream where I'm standing on the Great Wall of Suzanoh.. and for some reason, I can't stop crying.. and my chest feels like it's splitting in half.."
Robyn drew him closer as he talked, her hand shifting from his shoulder to his back as she rubbed slow, soothing circles, smiling when Takumi relaxed against her, nestling his face into her hair as he murmured
"..It always ended the same. I was shouting at someone through my tears and then I.. I threw myself off the wall. Those dreams used to scare me so much.. I love you.. Robyn. If there were another world in which I raised a hand against you.. In the past I would have told you to kill me to stop me. I would have asked you to promise me that you'd definitely do that. But now.."
"It's okay.." Robyn whispered, kissing his forehead tenderly. "You don't ever have to be afraid of that again. That will never, ever happen. Because I'm going to protect you, just like I know you'll protect me."
"If you were aiming for my heart, you've struck true." Takumi whispered. "This was meant to be."
His hazel eyes opened to meet her's, burning with intensity.
"Robyn.. I know we aren't married yet. But I don't regret what we did. Not for one second."
"I don't either." Robyn confessed. "I feel.. closer to you after it. We already had a strong connection before, but now.. I feel like it's evolved into something new. Like.. you were my missing puzzle piece. And now, I'll never leave your side. I love you, Takumi."
As the last words left her lips, she pressed them gently to his neck, trailing gentle kisses down the prince's neck to his collarbone, whispering "I love you" over and over in between. Takumi's breathing turned ragged as the passionate kisses continued, until he was breathless.
"You.. really feel that way?" he panted, and she nodded.
In one smooth movement, Takumi rolled on top of her, and Robyn gasped softly, her eyes fluttering closed in bliss as she felt their bodies slowly starting to join as one again, his hand slipping into her own.
"..Am I hurting you?" Takumi asked gently, his hazel eyes searching her gaze, his lips inches from her own as he softly rubbed his nose against her's.
"No.." she breathed, and that was all he needed to hear as they became lost in each other's touch again.
They stayed like that for a long while.
"You're so beautiful.." Takumi whispered as he ran a brush through her hair.
He'd insisted on doing it himself. The thought that he wanted to look after her warmed her heart. The fabric of the kimono Robyn wore was soft against her skin, and she had to stifle a laugh at the flustered expression that had been on Felicia's face when she had handed it to Takumi at his door before hurrying off. Robyn suspected the maid knew something was going on between them, but neither of them cared.
"I wouldn't care if the whole castle knew." Robyn had told him. "I want everyone to know that you're mine."
"You look like a Hoshidan princess now." Takumi observed, setting down the brush as he rested his hands on her shoulders.
Without the need to hide her face, she was free to dress how she wished, and now the Summoner wore a floor length, black Hoshidan style kimono with dark green flowers. Per Takumi's request, another more suitable for battle kimono was being sewn by Flora.
"After we marry, I will be a true Hoshidan princess." Robyn murmured with a glance at the ring that rested upon her finger.
"Yeah.."
There was a look of longing in his eyes as she stood up and accepted his outstretched hand.
"Come.." Robyn said. "Let's go talk to Alfonse."
"Y-you wish to marry?" Alfonse repeated back in shock, Commanfer Anna and Sharena both wearing identical stunned expressions, Sharena's swiftly morphing into delight.
"Oh my gosh, I knew you were in love but I had no idea you were finally together! Congrats!" she squealed, grabbing both of Robyn's hands.
"It was kind of obvious something was going on actually." Anna coughed awkwardly. "They spend almost all their time together. It was bound to happen eventually."
"Well no one told me!" Sharena huffed, and the Commander fired back with
"Because you'd have told the whole castle!"
Meanwhile, Alfonse was looking deeply thoughtful as he looked between the two.
"I knew it was extremely hard for Robyn when she was summoned unexpectedly to Askr. While she hid it well, I could tell how homesick she was." His gaze turned to Takumi. "It pleases me to know that she has at last found happiness, and I trust that you will look after her well."
"I will." Takumi promised fervently, and the Askrian prince gave a quick nod of approval.
"Then we'll begin wedding preparations at once."
"There's.. something else." Robyn spoke up hesitantly.
"..Yes?"
Now that the moment had come, the Summoner was lost for words. Until she felt Takumi's hand in her's and could feel his calm hazel gaze on her as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. He had her back as always.
Takumi believes in me.. I can do this!
"I.. I am.. not human." The trio's eyes widened, but she pressed on determinedly. "I've discovered this recently."
"N-not human..? Robyn, what do you mean? Of course you're human!" Alfonse stammered, while Anna and Sharena seemed stunned into silence.
"..I am the Goddess of Fate. Just before I was summoned here, I bargained with an unknown spirit. In exchange for my sister coming back to life, I accepted the burden of fate. I am bound to protect the other realms from harm, starting with Askr. When Takumi and I marry, he too will become a god."
"I.. I never realized.." Alfonse stammered, then quickly tried to compose himself. "I have heard of many gods and goddesses. But never one who controls fate, nor could I have predicted one would live among us."
"I couldn't believe it either when I found out." Takumi admitted. "But I've seen it for myself. When Loki stabbed me I.. I died. But Robyn saved me with her magic. Just her song was enough to heal my wound like it was never there at all."
"That.. that makes sense.. there was so much blood after all." Sharena murmured with a shudder.
"We'll need to keep this a secret.." Anna mused. "If Embla finds out we have a goddess on our side, I wouldn't put it past them to resort to drastic measures to force Robyn to side with them."
The rest of the group nodded in agreement, then Takumi spoke up.
"About that.. Robyn still hasn't gotten the hang of her powers yet, and I'll need time to adjust after the wedding as well. That's why.. we wanted to request two weeks off."
"We were hoping you'd let us borrow the cabin in the woods." Robyn asked hesitantly, and having gotten over her initial shock, Sharena's eyes lit up.
"Aw.. Like a mini honeymoon!" she gasped, and Robyn had to stifle a laugh at the blush that sprung onto Takumi's cheeks. Alfonse grinned as well.
"Let's get planning then!"
"Merry Christmas!" Caledori and Ricken yelled, embracing Robyn tightly.
"I can't believe you're getting married soon!" Caledori exclaimed as laughing, the trio started to walk to the Mess Hall.
"Hey now, wait up!" a familiar voice called, making Robyn's heart skip a beat as Takumi fell in beside her, carrying a wrapped gift box.
"Oh look Robyn, it's your fiaaaaaaaaance." Ricken teased, causing the goddess to blush as Takumi, looking a little shy, took her hand.
Just being near him drove her crazy.. in a good way. And when her violet eyes orbs met his sparking hazel, she knew he felt exactly the same as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
"Who's the box for?" Gaius asked, hopping down from where he was perched as he gave the Hoshidan a playful nudge.
"Oh please, we already know who it's for." Caledori chuckled.
Robyn smiled to herself as they entered the Mess Hall. She too had a box to give, and one she'd put much thought into, her mind buzzing with anticipation as the group settled together at a table. The maids and butlers were bustling around excitedly, dropping off food while the heroes exchanged gifts. As soon as they were seated, Takumi eagerly placed the gift in her lap.
"Go on, open it!" he encouraged, grinning ear to ear.
"Okay okay!" Robyn chuckled, giving him an affectionate nudge before opening the box.
Inside was a lavender purple container, and the Summoner lifted it to inspect it curiously.
"It's lovely.. but what is it?"
"Here, I'll show you."
Still grinning, he plucked it from her hand and took off the cap.
"I need you to close your eyes for a second."
"Ah.. okay."
Robyn did so, feeling something light fluttering over her.
What is he doing?
Caledori and Ricken gasped in admiration, and she heard Caledori hiss
"Quick!! Use that reflection spell you've got!"
"You've got it! One awesome reflection spell coming up!"
There was a whooshing sound, then Takumi said
"Okay! You can open them now."
Robyn slowly opened her eyes, and at once her hand flew to her mouth in surprise. The edges of the petals of her azalea flowers were now decorated in red and green glitter that shimmered when she moved.
"It's beautiful.. What is it, Takumi?"
"It's enchanted glitter." the prince explained, seeming rather proud of himself. "It'll disappear after awhile, and it won't fall off and make a mess either. Your dress at the ball was really glittery so.. I thought you might like it- ah!"
The prince yelped in surprise as the goddess threw her arms around him, catching her with a quiet chuckle.
"Takumi, this is such a thoughtful gift.. you know me too well. Thank you!"
Takumi laughed softly again, cheeks dusted that adorable crimson that she loved. She presented him her box excitedly, and as usual, he opened it gently, taking great care not to damage the ribbon. He lifted the necklace carefully, the silver chain glimmering in the light. A small kinshi charm dangled from the chain, a little vial built into the design on the middle.
"Smell it." Robyn encouraged, and when he did, his hazel eyes widened in wonder.
"It smells like lavender.. is this an aromatherapy necklace? And so intricate too.."
"Yes. I had it custom made, just for you. To help with the nightmares. And stress. I know the war's taken a lot out of you. I want to do what I can to ease that stress." Robyn replied as she fastened the chain around his neck. "You're a strong warrior Takumi.. and this necklace represents that."
"Thank you.." Takumi murmured, a tremor in his voice.
Robyn gave his hand a quick squeeze, then noticed Felicia staring at them with longing in her eyes.
"..Do you mind if I use a little on her?" Robyn whispered, and Takumi shrugged as he handed her the vial.
"Go for it. It's your gift."
"Feliciaaaaaa!" Robyn sang, skipping over to the maid. "Close your eyes!"
"Uh.. okay!"
Obediently, the pinkish auburn haired maid complied, and Robyn smiled as she took a small pinch, and scattered it all over her hair. Ricken grinned as he brought up the reflective spell.
"Okay, you can open them now."
"Oh my gods! Thank you! Thank you!" Felicia gasped in delight as she moved from side to side to admire her shimmering green and red decorated hair.
"We made her day!" Ricken chucked as she skipped off to show off her sparkles.
"Yep." Takumi chuckled as Niles sidled up to him, box in hand, grinning widely.
"A lovely Christmas gift for the soon to be wedded!"
Takumi raised an eyebrow suspiciously.
"Uh.. thanks?"
The prince opened it slowly, as if he expected something to crawl out and attack him, lifting out a pair of handcuffs. Niles smiled pleasantly.
"Just thought you two might have a bit of fun with those, if y'know what I mean-"
Click!
"Huh, like this?" Takumi remarked, having handcuffed himself to Robyn, who smiled blushingly.
"Now we'll never be apart!" she exclaimed.
"Yeah!!"
"Wh-what the hell?!" Niles spluttered out in disbelief.
"Nice one pirate man! Looks like your plan backfired big time!" Gaius snickered as Ricken and Caledori clutched their stomachs.
"Yeah! Now they're even more lovey-dovey!" Ricken cackled.
"Unbelievable." the thief groaned, face palming.
He'd have to try another scheme later. And later he did. As the couple made their way down the hall, happily chatting about Christmas plans, out came the impish thief into their path, determined to make a particular silver haired prince flustered.
"You two look ready to spend the night together." he purred. "Traditional Hoshidan couple style too."
"Traditional Hoshidan couple style?" Takumi echoed, tilting his head with a frown.
"Ah.. I see big brother Ryoma hasn't taught you about that lovely tradition yet. Allow me to enlighten.."
Robyn exchanged glances with Takumi, as if to say "What is he plotting now?!" and decided to humor him. Seeing he now had their full attention, Niles's smirk deepened.
"You see.. Christmas for Hoshidan couples.. in other words, the two of you, things are a little.. different. They celebrate it a bit more like the Day of Devotion, so they get extra.. intimate on the holidays." Niles said, hissing the last part in Takumi's ear, who just blinked.
"..Oh is that all?" Takumi inquired, rendering the thief speechless with how casual he sounded. "We've done that already."
"W-what?!"
"Yep!" Takumi replied as he slung his arm around Robyn's shoulders as she struggled desperately to stifle her laughter and they continued down the hall, Takumi calling loud enough for Niles to hear. "Come on, let's go play with the handcuffs!"
Niles's eyebrow twitched violently in humiliation and disbelief as they disappeared down the hall.
How the hell is he so confident all of a sudden?!
"Oh my gods!" Robyn's body shook with laughter as Takumi's door closed behind them. "I can't believe you said that to him!"
"I can't believe it either!" Takumi exclaimed. "Normally he's the one getting under my skin, not the other way around!"
"I see you've taken my advice to believe in yourself seriously."
Takumi nodded, his expression becoming solemn.
"I know I have a long way to go before I can fully accept myself. But.. I'll try my hardest. For my sake.. and yours."
Robyn rested her forehead against Takumi's.
"I know you will. I believe in you. And I'll be by your side every step of the way."
She paused for a moment, then spoke up hesitantly.
"I.. spoke to the spirit more in dreams. She.. requested that I warn you what you're truly committing to before we marry."
"..Go on."
Takumi took her hand gently as they sat down in the chairs at the small table in his room, the prince giving her hand a reassuring squeeze as they sat facing each other.
"As you know.. if we marry, we're bound for life. You'll be a god too. Immortal like me. You won't age, tire, feel hunger, fall sick, or die. That means.. we'll have to watch the others age and pass around us, and we won't ever be able to join them in the afterlife. Only in dreams will we see those that are gone from this world."
Takumi took in everything she said with calm eyes, then he slowly stood and embraced her tightly, drawing her face into his chest.
"It's.. it's alright.." he murmured, his voice shaking with conviction. "I know this is no easy sacrifice.. and I would have liked to eventually join Mother in the afterlife. But.."
He pulled back to stare deeply into her eyes, the intensity in his gaze shaking her to her very core.
"You don't get that choice. But I do. And I'm choosing you. I could not bear to live in the afterlife without you. And.. I know Mother would want the same."
Takumi pressed his lips to her's in a long, passionate kiss that left Robyn feeling weak.
"Like it or not, we're stuck together now!" he said with a grin.
"And I wouldn't have it any other way."
He caressed her cheek with such tenderness as he rested his forehead against her's.
"I would do anything for you.. I'd ask if you'd do anything for me.. but I already know that answer-"
Takumi's chuckle was cut off abruptly as Robyn captured his lips in another kiss, earning a hum of contentment.
"Takumi.. for you I'd take on the whole world."
This is it.. Robyn thought as Caledori finished fixing the lovely azalea laden veil on top of her head.
She was wearing the same dress she'd worn to the ball, and knew Takumi was doing the same. They could have had outfits custom made, but they were both far too attached to the memories these outfits carried.
I didn't realize I enjoyed dancing so much. Takumi had admitted last night as he hovered over her in bed, the sparkle in his eyes contagious. I want to spin you across that dance floor in that silver dress again.
I want the same. Robyn had responded with such eagerness, his whole face seeming to light up at her words.
Just like the very fabric of the dress that adorned her figure. The necklace that he'd given her hovered over her heart. Right where it belonged. She could still smell his scent in her hair, and could still feel his touch on her skin. Takumi was connected to her, and she felt closer to him than ever.
And today.. we'll be bound to each other for eternity. Takumi and I.. we'll protect Askr and the realms forever.
"Ready?" Caledori asked, grinning. "I'll admit, I'm a little envious. I hope I can look as pretty as you when I get married."
"I'm sure you will. Any man would be lucky to have someone like you."
Alfonse was waiting for her as she made her way downstairs. With her parents' fate unknown, he was taking over the role her father would have.
"I never thought I'd be the one walking you down the aisle." the prince chuckled. "I'll admit, I'm honored. I shall do my best."
Niles waited patiently at the altar. For some reason it was he who insisted on marrying them. Takumi was there as well, looking breathtaking as always, and it wasn't nerves they filled her, but excitement. The music started, and time seemed to slow as Robyn took Alfonse's arm and they began their slow walk down the aisle that Elise had decorated in white azalea petals. While her heart soared, the moment was bittersweet as well.
Leafa.. Kiyoshi.. I wish you were here to share this moment. Please be safe, and happy, wherever you are.
A long, loving look passed between the Hoshidan prince and the Summoner as they reached the altar and stood facing each other, and with a grateful nod from Robyn, Alfonse stepped back and signaled to Niles to officiate the ceremony. The thief pulled out a scroll with flourish, letting it unravel. Stifled groans sounded though the room as the parchment rolled well passed Niles's feet as he made exaggerated throat clearing noises.
"AHEM! Dearly beloved.. we have gathered you here to witness the marriage of Takumi, second prince of Hoshido and Robyn, Summoner of Heroes." he began formally, then his eyes skimmed the rest of the words with a frown.
"Let's see here.. Yada yada, bunch of sappy stuff no one cares about.. Gods, who reads these anyways?! Meh.."
Niles promptly tossed the scroll over his shoulder with a look of distain and announced
"Congrats, you're married. Just kiss already."
Out of the corner of her eye, Robyn could see Henry snickering loudly, and Caledori and Ricken quickly hissed "shh!" When Robyn glanced at Takumi, she could see his shoulders shaking with barely suppressed laughter as he tried to remain composed. Then, in a moment of boldness, Takumi dipped Robyn and kissed her, the ballroom erupting in cheers.
"That's right, show them how it's done." Takumi heard Niles snicker. As soon as his lips met Robyn's, sealing their fate, Takumi could feel something cool flowing through his veins, making his skin tingle and his muscles tense up. His body suddenly felt lighter, his hair rippling briefly with a faint, airy feel. As the strange sensations grew, he was vaguely aware of Niles stepping away as the ballroom prepared for their first dance. Sharena had told them it was Askrian tradition for newlyweds to share a dance as part of the ceremony as a display of their unity.
"Are you okay?" Robyn whispered as she studied him with worry in her eyes.
"Robyn.. I can feel the wind!" he breathed in awe. "It's like.. I'm connected with it!"
His new wife's eyes widened in amazement.
"So you're not a fate god like me but.."
"A wind god! Incredible.."
He felt as if he could move at speeds that weren't possible previously, as if his body could move and float through the air.
"..Still up for our dance?" Robyn whispered as the musicians took their places on the stage.
"Are you kidding? I feel amazing!" he responded with enthusiasm as the piano began to play. "I could do anything!"
"That's good.. I stayed up all night writing-"
"..This song for me?"
"You know me too well." Robyn chuckled as she stepped into his arms.
Takumi's mind was in a pleasant daze as they spun round and round the dance floor, his heart soaring.
"I see the shadows long, beneath the mountain top
I'm not afraid when the rain won't stop,
'Cause you light the way,
You light the way,
You light the way!
I've got all I need when I got you and I.."
Takumi sent Robyn spinning across the dance floor.
"I look around me, and see a sweet life!"
He caught her from behind as they spun in perfect sync.
"I'm stuck in the dark, but you're my flashlight!
You're getting me, getting me though the night!"
Memories of their shared journey flooded his mind. Robyn's song in the garden, their bonding over miso soup. His flustered heart when he'd hovered over her in the forest on the beach trip. The way her hands ghosted over his back as she dried his tears and nestled him against her after a nightmare. The sweet scent of her hair when he consoled her in the gardens, then spent the evening cocooned in his bed dreaming of flower fields. The way they danced at the fall festival and the ball, and the soft feeling of her skin as she lay in his arms that night.
"Kick start my heart when you shine it in my eyes
Can't lie.. it's a sweet life!
I'm stuck in the dark, but you're my flashlight.
You're getting me, getting me though the night!"
It is indeed a sweet life.. the prince thought dreamily as the song eventually came to an end.
Takumi was on cloud nine. The song and his new power made his blood sing in anticipation at the thought of using his new powers. The closing ceremony passed by in a pleasant blur, and before long they were standing outside, having been seen off by Alfonse. Standing outside, Takumi felt free to let his guard down as he closed his eyes to focus on the wind surging around them. He could feel every individual current, and they were now his to command.
"Ready to go?" Robyn asked.
"..I am. But.. I don't want to use the pegasus to fly there's I.. I want to try something. Will you trust me?"
"With my life." Robyn vowed without a trace of hesitation.
Turning his attention to the wind, Takumi concentrated hard. To his delight, the winds heeded his commands, whipping around him. As they grew stronger, he motioned for Robyn to get on his back. She did so, looking intrigued, then Takumi pushed his foot gently off the ground, his wife gasping as they floated into the air.
"Are.. are we flying?!" she gasped as they took off into the skies.
"Yep!" Takumi answered triumphantly. "I can ride the wind currents!"
"This is amazing! Even I can't do that!" she exclaimed, holding onto him tighter.
The wind was in their hair, the feeling of exhilaration growing.
"This is what our life will be like now." Takumi declared. "And this is just the beginning."
"I wanna fly.. with you in the sky! Come take it easy baby!"
Takumi chuckled as Robyn suddenly burst into song.
"We're here tonight, just you and I
Oh baby feel it.. the music is power!"
The cabin was in sight now, and Takumi knew a new chapter of their lives was about to begin.
And he couldn't wait to start.
Note from the Authoress:
And alas.. our beautiful couple is married! (December 30 is their official wedding date if anyone wanted to know ;3 ) But their story is no where near done. Oh no.. we're just getting started! I wanted to do their New Years chapter with this chapter but was just too exhausted, so next chapter will be a New Years chapter. This song cover posted here was made by Robyn for Takumi, inspired by the dreams he mentioned to her earlier (aka his fate in conquest. Which broke my heart btw) Feel free to give it a listen. See you next chapter ;3
/t/ZPRcPU3th/
~Robyn