Title: Making Memories
Description: Robin promised he and Lucina would try to make some happy memories during their time at the Bathrealm hotsprings. So when an opportunity presents itself, he will do everything he can to make her smile.
Notes: Takes place during the Hotspring Scramble DLC, after the their marriage conversation in the map and before the events of chapter 34 of Love Across Time
Robin lunged right, avoiding a horizontal slash of the Risen's sword. He thrust out a hand, launching a burst of fire into edge of the hot spring his dodge had maneuvered between them. Hot steam burst in a sizzling plume, blinding the animated swordsman just as he launched another attack. His weapon sliced nothing but empty space, and the undead stumbled a step. It began to turn, only to jerk suddenly, the tip of a long, elegant blade inlaid with gold sprouted from the thing's chest.
"You know, I could have handled it," Robin joked, his wife appearing from behind the risen as it dissolved into foul, black smoke.
"I have no doubt, but I think we are all eager to see the day won so we can all have the well deserved rest we'd intended for this trip," Lucina answered.
"No doubt." Robin nodded, a smile pulling at his lips.
He couldn't say he disagreed with her assessment: the sooner they were done the sooner the two of them could have spent together in leisure, something he was greatly looking forward to. The fact that much of the trip had already been spent in combat was quite a bitter one to say the least, so they had a lot of lost time to make up. The good news was their progress in clearing out the Risen that had invaded the Bathrealm resort was coming along well. At this rate they would easily be done by supper, as Lucina had predicted an hour before.
Not that the fighting had been the heaviest they've seen. If it wasn their little mid battle makeout session would have been a decidedly poor idea. Speaking of which, he did owe his wife a repeat performance on that one later. Preferably when there wasn't a risk of Risen coming upon them. Or worse, Chrom.
Together the two set out through the steamy walkways that wound between hissing pools. As they walked Robin was taken by the smile on Lucina's face, which lingered even when they came upon and dispatched a trio of Risen. Even her steps seems lighter, and with far more spring in them.
"You look cheerful about something," Robin noted, smiling back at her. Even as he said this his eyes continued to wander all around them, watching the rolling mists. They were still in a battlefield and one could not be too careful.
"Well, on my way back from defeating the Risen running amok through the shops, Anna's sister approached me with the offer to try on a yukata she had in her shop," Lucina explained. "She said something about winning a contest, I quite honestly did not entirely understand what she was talking about. But she insisted and I will admit the garments were quite breathtaking so I had some interest of trying one myself."
"Oh? And did you find one you liked?" Robin asked, smiling at the joy displayed on his wife's face. Her smiles were a sight he never got tired of, not only because of how truly beautiful she seemed in those rare moments but also because of how much she deserved more reasons to smile.
"Sadly I did not have the time to try on more than one. Still it was quite lovely: blue and patterned with brands of the exalt," Lucina said practically beaming as she described the garment. She blushed, the color only serving to bring out the joyous sheen that had taken hold of her every feature. "I hoped to return once we are done with these vile Risen, but…" Her smile faltered then, fading away as she glanced back of her shoulder.
"But?" Robin repeated, arching an eyebrow.
"They were all so expensive, I fear I cannot in good conscience allow myself to indulge in something that holds no value other than to myself alone. As much as I wish it were otherwise, the time would be better spent on matters of greater importance," Lucina answered, looking away sadly.
It took but a instant and a single glance at Lucina's almost dejected expression for Robin to make up his mind. He lunged forward a step, grabbing hold of his wife's hand. A look of surprise seized upon her face and a sound somewhere between a gasp and surprised yelp fell from her throat as Robin pulled her along at a brisk pace
"Robin, what is the meaning of this?" Lucina asked, bewilderment flooding her voice. She staggered along for several steps, nearly losing her balance in the fight to get up to the sudden run Robin had taken her on.
"We're going to Anna's shop so you can try on yukatas like you wanted, of course," Robin answered.
"But what about the remaining Risen, should they not take priority?" Lucina argued, her eyes widening even further in fresh surprise at the answer he'd given.
"We are almost finished up as it is. The others can without a doubt deal with the few left shambling about," Robin replied, continuing along at a breakneck pace. "Besides, weren't you the one who suggested we ought to something together here and make some pleasant memories? Well this is what I've decided on."
"Yes, but…" The two reached the front of the hut that from the sign must have been the shop Lucina spoke of. Robin slowed, coming to a stop before the wooden steps that led up inside, turning to look at Lucina as she continued. "I understand what you are trying to do and appreciate the thought, but you do not need to do this for my sake. Besides, it is as I said, the price is quite high. It would be a shame to spend time trying on garments that I will not be able to purchase."
"Oh, that's not a problem, Lucina. I fully intend to pay for your yukata," Robin said, smiling gently. "As your husband I owe you a gift on this trip, so what better one than something you have already shown interest?"
"But…" Lucina started to argue. Even as she protested, Robin could see the hesitance in her. She wanted to accept his offer, only to be stopped by whatever feelings of guilt came with but the thought of putting her own wants above others.
"Lucina," Robin said, taking hold of her other hand. "I would not be doing this if I didn't want to. So don't even think that this is because I believe I have to do this. I want to give you something nice. And do not fret about it being money spent on something that is only of value to you, because if it makes you happy then it's more valuable to me then you could believe."
For a moment Lucina said nothing. Then, slowly, she nodded her head. "If you are sure it's not too much trouble… then I accept your gracious offer, my love. Only under one condition."
"Oh? And that would be?" Robin asked.
"That you buy a yukata for you to wear as well. I would feel terribly guilty were you to spend your hard earned coin without getting something for yourself," Lucina replied. The corners of her lips tugged a little, a hint of a smile returning.
"Of course, I'm sure we will look quite the pair wearing them together."
This seemed to satisfy Lucina's concerns, for a smile did return to her face. Her cheeks flushed ever so slightly, are her eyes seemed to sparkle. "Wonderful. I am glad." She clasped her hands together.
"Ready to go in then?" Robin asked, sticking out his elbow to her.
"Let's." Lucina hooked her arm around his and together they climbed the steps into the hut. Passing through the strips of cloth hanging in the doorway they found themselves in a small shop with hangers filled to the brim with yukata of many colors and designs. Behind the counter was the midnight blue haired Anna who had met them when they first arrived in Bathrealm. At least Robin thought it was the same one. Every one of the extended Anna family looked identical to one another, so it was very hard to tell if he were to be completely honest.
Anna looked up as they entered. "Welcome back, Lucina. Are you ready to try on some of the other designs I picked out for you?" Anna's eyes fell on Robin then, a smile that was more akin to a smirk spreading her lips. "Oh, I see that you brought your husband with you? Got him to pay for your little shopping trip, I assume. Having a man wrapped around your finger does have it's benefits, am I right," she said, her smile turning to a full blown grin. If Robin didn't know better, he would have sworn he could see stacks of gold flashing in her gaze. But that would be silly: Anna certainty would fantasize about far greater sums of coin than that.
"Well, actually he offered to. I would never impose in such a-" Lucina started to argue, her face flushed in embarrassment at Anna's insinuation.
"Say no more. No need to justify yourself before a fellow woman. I'll go get the yukatas I selected for you." Still grinning Anna ducked into the back room, returning with a stack of folded robes of many colors and patterns. The choices were certainly… bold, with lots of multi-hued garments that did not air on the side of subtlety. Anna certainty had Lucina's preferences down.
The next half an hour was a flurry of activity as Lucina changed from one yukata to the next. Each time Lucina would ask Robin for his input and each time he strived to answer is a… diplomatic manner. The last thing he wanted was to ruin her time by making mention of the positively bombastic color choices. She looked so happy: smiling and laughing as she twirled in front of the mirror each time she existed the curtained off changing area: he wouldn't take that away from her for the world.
Still, despite the less than flattering hues and patterned, Robin could not help but notice how nonetheless stunning Lucina looked in the garments. The robes perfectly accentuated Lucina's lithe build, wrapping her a look both elegant and regal without any of the daintiness of more elaborate dresses.
"So, what do you think, Robin?" Lucina asked, turning before him in an orange and blue yukata set with crimson stars. "Which one do you like the best?"
"Well I…" Robin started biting his tongue before he said something he might regret. "I am not sure, they all look great. I have an idea why don't you try on the one you mentioned you wore before. The blue one patterned with the brand of the Exalt. I'd like to see it on you before I give my final opinion."
"Of course! I will be right back," Lucina beamed. Stepping into the changing area. There was a rustle of fabric as Anna helped her into the yukata. A minute passed. Then another. Then as last Lucina stepped out from behind the curtain.
In took everything Robin had not to let his jaw drop open. The dress was a stunning sapphire blue, a shade lighter than Lucina's hair and eyes. A obi of pale golden-orange wrapped her waistline and stomach, contrasting the garment's primary hue while remaining subtle enough not to clash. So too did the patterned brand of the exalt seem understated and tasteful, so unlike the more garish examples he'd seen that day. She looked stunning. Absolutely stunning.
"Well?" Lucina asked.
"I…" Robin swallowed, his throat suddenly bone dry. "You look amazing, Lucina. I think this one suits you best."
Lucina smiled ever deeper, her cheeks darkening. "If that is so, we shall take it" Lucina said, turning to Anna as she finished, then back to Robin. "But first, now it is your turn to pick out one."
"Oh, right, I almost forgot. Let's see…" Robin said, turning to scan the display thoughtfully.
"How about that one?" Lucina offered, indicating a yellow and violet zebra patterned yukata.
"I, well… I certainly like how colorful it is, but I don't quite think it suits me," Robin said, shooting a pleading glance to Anna. "Perhaps you can give your expert opinion on what I would look good in?"
Lucina's expression brightened at this suggestion. "Oh, of course, that is a wonderful idea. You would know far more in this regard, being it is your shop." She tilted her head to regard the merchant as she finished.
"I will see what I can do," Anna said, smiling.
Robin did everything he could not to sigh in relief. If given no other choice he would gladly wear anything Lucina picked out for him, his own pride being nowhere near as important as his wife's happiness. That just didn't mean he wasn't relieved whenever he could avoid having to resort to that.
Turning to the racks, the merchant began to peruse through her selection, humming as she went. "Let me see, let me see… oh, I know… should be right around… here it is"
The merchant returned to the front of the shop, yukata in hand. "Here we go, this should be about your style."
Robin looked the garment up and down. The yukata Anna selected was of the same color scheme as his coat: it's primary hue almost the exact same charcoal gray. It's inside was purple, as was the obi, the hem and collar gold. A vine pattern set in the same gold ran around the sleeves and lower part of the robe, which seemed to practically glow against the smoky cloth surrounding them.
"I like it," Robin said after a moment, nodding his head.
"In that case come right back here with me so you can try it on," Anna chimed. Before Robin could even reply she seized upon the sleeve on his coat, pulling him behind the curtain that sectioned off the changing area.
"Alright, strip," Anna said, closing the curtain behind them.
For a single heartbeat Robin could only stare dumbfoundedly, his brain stalling as it attempted to process the merchant's command.
"E-Excuse me?"
"You heard me. You need to get undressed before you can try it on," Anna told him, a smirk on her lips. "and don't even think of asking to put it on yourself. Do you know how difficult it is to wear these properly? If you ended up looking like a fool in one of my products it would be bad for business."
"I-I… alright. Just make i-it quick," Robin stammered. His face burned and he was sure it had turned a bright red
Doing as he was told he removed his clothes quickly, all the while very conscious of Anna's eyes on him. He dared not look to confirm: if he saw her ogling him even for a moment he may very well die of embarrassment on the spot.
Thankfully Anna worked quickly, helping him into the yukata in a manner of minutes, until at last he stood in the complete garment.
"Now, let's go see what your wife thinks of it," Anna said, opening the curtain for them.
Sucking in a breath, Robin stepped outside. "Well Lucina, how do I look?"
The princess eyes moved up and down over her, a smile broadening on her lips. "I must admit, you look quite dashing, Robin," she said, blushing.
"Glad to hear it. If I even look half as handsome in this as you do beautiful in yours, then I am satisfied," he said, taking his wife's hand in his.
"So, you will take them?" Anna asked.
"Of course," Robin said, before leading in and adding in a whisper "so about the cost…"
Anna whispered the price in his ear.
Robin's eyes widened. "Really?" he hissed under his breath.
Anna nodded, grinning way too cheerfully for his taste.
Groaning inwardly, Robin dug out her coin pouch, handing over the gold she required. Despite the feeling of being robbed, he supposed it was still worth it. He could part with far more if it were for Lucina's sake.
"Thank you for your business and feel free to come back any time," Anna said, stowing away the coin. "Would you like to change back into your things, or wear the yukatas? If do I can have what you don't wear delivered to your rooms," she asked.
Robin thought about it for a moment. The Risen must surely be dealt with by now, so why not. "We can stick to the yukata," he told her.
Giving another round of thanks, Robin and Lucina exited the shop hand in hand. Lucina leaned her head against his shoulder are they walked, a smile are her lips.
"So, glad I convinced you to go back?" Robin asked.
"Yes." Lucina dipped her head in a nod. "It was quite wonderful, being able to try on so many wonderful yukata. I am in your debt Robin."
"No, in that regard you are not," Robin said. Turning to face her he cupped her hands in his. "You do not owe me anything for today: seeing you smile is all the reason I needed." Leaning in close Robin pressed his lips against her's drawing out a long, passionate kiss.
Then suddenly Robin jerked back, eyes wide is fear. "Wait, your father isn't nearby, is he?!"
"Robin, I do not think-"
"I know he approved of our relationship, but I don't want to test my luck if he caught us kissing and-"
"Robin…"
"-And I am scared that he might-
"Robin!" Lucina interrupted, louder this time. She reached out, cupping the side of his face. "It's alright, nobody saw." Leaning in she kissed him on the cheek. "Come on, we still have plenty of time to make memories of this place before nightfall."
"Right, after you," Robin managed, blushing. Hand in hand once more they set out, yukata rippling in the gentle breeze. They'd already made the first memory to hold of their time together at the hotsprings, and it would surely not be the last.
Author's Note: Hey guys, long time so see on this particular story. As I mentioned last chapter I would not be abandoning Love Across Time, even if it is no longer my focus right now. Thus I figured it would be a good idea to make good on that promise and post a little oneshot here. I would also like to give a shout out to ajani's apprentice, who helped me beta this.
In other news, my new ongoing Fire Emblem story, A Future Broken, is reaching its halfway point, which in turn is going to lead into an even larger story with let's just say… direct inclusion of a certain recent entry to the franchise. If you have not checked it out, you totally should, as it takes place in the same continuity as my other stories A Future Disowned and Love Across Time.
Until the next time, please let me know what you thought of this chapter, and I wish all of you a wonderful day.