Title : Dancing
Description: Neither Robin nor Lucina knew how to dance. Nor did they anticipate how hard difficult it would be to learn. However, they'd certainly figure it out together. After all, they'd faced far worse challenges together.
Notes: Written for Day 1 of Robcina Week 2020
"Ow." Robin winced, his footwork faltering in time with the sudden, sharp sting of pain.
"Gods, I am so sorry, Robin," Lucina hopped back, jerking her foot away as swiftly and abruptly as though she'd stepped into a hornet's nest. Certainly, at least, quite an animated display after having merely stepped on her husband's toes.
"No, it's quite alright, Lucina," Robin managed, his jaw working tightly as he tried his best to resist the urge to massage his bruised and battered toes. "Occupational hazard while we're still new at this."
His assurances did nothing to assuage the apologetic looks Lucina was giving him. If anything she looked even more sorry than before. Damn those puppy-dog eyes. "But this is the third time I've trodden on you. I fear I won't ever be able to get this right. Certainly not before tomorrow."
Robin nodded, reaching out to take her hand in his. Tomorrow was a big day after all. It was the anniversary of Grima's defeat three years ago and a massive celebration was to be held in Ylisstol to mark the occasion. Due to his position as the royal tactician, not to mention Lucina's, even if the public didn't exactly know of her origins, they were expected to take part in the more formal festivities to be held within the palace alongside the royal family and the nobility. Which, of course, would involve ballroom dancing…
...something neither he nor Lucina had any experience with.
"I know, I'm nervous too," Robin assured her. He laughed nervously, adding,"Enough to be afraid all our practice will be for naught. But if anyone is at fault, it is as much mine as it is your's. It takes two to end up stepping on each other's toes. Stil, there is nothing for it but keep practicing until tomorrow."
"I… I know," Lucina admitted. "I fear I am being too harsh on myself. Perhaps my own habit of fearing the worst with every occasion is the real culprit here."
"It's part of who you are, and why we make such a good pair. Your pessimism keeps me grounded, while my hopeless optimism keeps you smiling," Robin said. He slipped the other hand around hers, intertwining their fingers as he guided her back into position to resume their dance. Then he froze, a sudden idea occurring to him, an inspiration that transformed into a big, goofy grin on his face.
"What?" Lucina asked, her expression showing she knew all too well what the expression meant.
"It's like a dance. The two of us are, one way or another. We push and pull each other, guiding each of our steps. For all our differences, we complement each other perfectly as we journey through life as surely as dancer-duo do on a ballroom floor." Robin explained, his grin undiminished.
"An amusing thought, but I don't see how that helps us now," Lucina said. Even so, he couldn't help but notice the hint of a smile tugging at her lips now, nor could he ignore the faintest of giggles punctuating her words.
"But that's just it. We found our rhythm in life, how we can perfectly balance each other without stepping on anyone's toes. All we need to do now is find that same harmony on the dance floor together!" Robin exclaimed.
This got a genuine laugh out of Lucina, so sincere was his earnestness with that statement. Was it perhaps corny? Yes, certainly. But sincere? More so than anything. "That sounds easier said than done, Robin." Yet even as Lucina said this, Robin felt her fingers curl down around the back of his hands, her posture shifting as she moved into the more elegant, light-footed stance necessitated for their waltz. "But perhaps you are right that a change in our outlooks make help. After all, this seems to be a time where your 'hopeless optimism' will serve us better."
"Only so long as you keep me from getting too ahead of myself," Robin told her, feeling warmth spreading through his chest at the sight of the truly radiant smile his wife now wore.
"So, let us take it from the top?" Lucina asked, leaning in close and stretching out one arm.
"After you," Robin answered, allowing her to guide him this time in the first step of their dance.
Maybe this time they'd make it through the whole thing without any more bruised toes. Or perhaps not. After all, everything took practice. Even their relationship had had its ups and downs before they'd found their harmony with each other. So it was only to be expected that it would be a bit of work before they could be just as perfect dance partners as they were husband and wife.