Title : Robcina Week Day 6- Picture Book

Description: This would be the most dangerous thing Robin ever did. He probably wouldn't survive. No, he knew he wouldn't survive it. Afterall he wasn't remotely prepared. Not prepared in the slightest to visit that mixed bath with his wife.

Notes: Written for Day 6 of Robcina Week 2020. Inspired by this art knightingaleforce DOT tumblr DOT com /post/170965888809/for-crispytp-d

"Come on, Robin! This way!" Lucina urged, tugging on his arm.

"S-slow down, I…" Robin gulped, trying not to pay head to the burning heat that had overtaken his face. "I'm still n-not sure we're... N-no, I… I don't think I'm ready for this."

"Nonsense! We have already made the reservations, have we not? It would be a shame to let them go to waste," Lucina smiled, continuing to tug him towards the curtained off doorway set into the bamboo walled complex. "You agreed it would be fine so long as it's only the two of us. Now come, it's time to make more happy memories."

"I- I don't… I'm just having second thoughts and-" Robin felt his face burn even brighter. He could already see the steam rising from over the wall, as well as the subtle scent of minerals and salt wafting from within.

He was going to die. And of utter and complete embarrassment, of all things. This would be the biggest challenge of his life, that was certain.

Going to a mixed bath.

With his wife.

He was doomed.

Robin tried his best not to stare at Lucina as she practically dragged him through the curtains. He certainly didn't want to find his eyes wandering to her chest and note how, despite the towel wrapped around her, her shapely figure could be made out. Or focus on how her slim yet toned shoulders and arms, forged through years of swordsmanship, were particularly stunning as they glistened wet from the steam. Or her legs, equally toned, which drew the eye up to her-

No! Bad Robin! Don't stare, don't stare! He squeezed his eyes, too embarrassed to keep looking. Sure, he'd seem more of her several times before, including what was currently covered. But this was different! That had been in private. This was still a public place, reserved bath or no. It wasn't proper.

"Come on, Robin!" Lucina exclaimed. His arm was released an instant before there was a loud splash, followed by a wave of hot water washing over him. He sputtered and coughed, having inhaled some of the water, burning on the way down his throat. He tried to open his eyes and blink, only to be met with stinging pain.

A hand seized his wrist, dragging him into the bath. Robin could manage only a half yelp in surprise as he, still half blind, splashed ungracefully into the water. An instant later he emerged, flailing as he tried to regain his footing.

He was wrong. This was how he was going to die. Drowning in water no more than waist deep.

Truly, a dignified and respectful end.

"I'm so sorry, Robin," Lucina told him, rushing to his side and patting him hard on the back to aid him in expelling the water from his lungs. "I must have gotten so excited that I am afraid I got ahead of myself. Please, I must ask for forgiveness."

"No, it's alright. I'm fine now, just need a moment to… a moment to…" Robin trailed off, staring slack jawed at Lucina. At some point before jumping in, she'd removed her towel. "I… I…" he tried his best not to stare, try as he might it was like his brain had shut down completely.

"Oh, that is good then. I was worried you'd be upset with me," Lucina smiled, seemingly oblivious to his gaze. Taking a step back, she lowered herself down into the water, letting out a long, drawn out sigh as she submerged herself up to her shoulders.

Like a spell being broken, Robin's faculties returned the instant most of her body was hidden beneath the smokey, steaming liquid. "Uhhh, right… I am just going to...right…" He lowered himself down into the bath as well, feeling the soothing warmth wash over him. Once he too was covered up to his shoulders, Robin unwrapped his now thoroughly soaked towel from his waist, wadding it up and tossing it over to the side of the bath. In hindsight he should have taken it off before getting in, but… well, he hadn't exactly had time to at any rate.

"This is rather nice, isn't it?" Lucina askered. Turning his head to look her way, Robin found himself staring yet again. Only this time it was at his wife's expression: so relaxed, her eyes closed and a blissful smile on her face. The smile he'd wanted to protect the first time he'd seen her wear it. A smile free of all the hardship and pain she'd suffered.

"I… yes, it is… and…" Robin shook his head. "Gods, it's just the two of us here and I'm still so embarrassed I can hardly think straight. It's just so different, the two of us being here like this and-" Robin's words were cut short as Lucina floated over to him, kissing him on the neck and sending a shiver running through him despite the heat of the bath. His face burned again, which only seemed to delight Lucina even more.

"Yet you came all the same, even if it is something outside both our areas of comfort," Lucina told him, settling up alongside him and resting her head against his shoulders. "I'll admit, I'm nervous too, even if I don't show it. But knowing it's you here with me… that is enough to make it alright."

Robin blushed even more. There was truth to what she was saying, he knew that. He sighed deeply, letting go of his apprehension, albeit with some effort. To be fair, now that they were here… this was rather nice.

"I suppose it does. Heh, look at me, embarrassed by a bit of intimacy with the woman I love. Gods, I am as awkward as they come."

"Indeed you are. But I love you all the same for it," Lucina told him. She kissed him again, this time upon the cheek. "Come on, Robin. One we're done here, there are certainly more happy memories we can make in this place. Perhaps we can pick out matching yukata for the two of us, or maybe see if there are any souvenirs at the stalls that take our fancy."

Robin smiled, pressing his hand against the spot she'd kissed him. Yeah, might as well while they're here. Somehow, the thought didn't seem to scare him as much as before. Afterall, he'd survived the mixed bath so far. After that, everything else seemed like a walk in the park in comparison.