Title: Robcina Week Day 5 - Free Day

Description: His year in Akanea would soon come to a close. Soon he would have to leave town and his ability to spend time with his girlfriend Lucina would become far less frequent. So it was that he needed to make today special

Notes: Takes place after all of the other Persona Au chapters, those being chapters 41, 47, 61, 64, 68, and 74

Words: 3172

Robin absently tapped a finger against the edge of his desk, only half paying attention to the lesson unfolding before him.

He normally would be more attentive, but after acing the past few exams he could probably afford to not have to focus just this once. Besides, he was too nervous about today, to the point of distraction.

He realized he was fidgeting in his seat as well, another nervous tick born of his anxieties. He forced himself to breathe, trying to sit still. It's just another date with Lucina. You've been on several, so no need to worry. Relax, he tried to tell himself.

He blew out a breath, feeling his shoulders slump. Oh who was he kidding. Today was different, today was Valentine's Day. The day where couples were supposed to do something extra special with their loved ones. So this was different from those past dates, as it had to go well.

Besides, in only a few weeks his year in Akanea would be up. He'd be moving again, back with his parents in a new city, and who knows how soon he'd be able to spend time with Lucina again after that. So even more of a reason to make today special.

Finally, blissfully, his torment was ended with the ringing of the final bell. Robin slumped forward in his desk, almost collapsing face first into it. Finally, he exhaled, trying to savor the moment of peace before his apprehension returned with a vengeance as he made his way to the chosen date spot.

"Greetings on this fine morning, dear leader!" Owain greeted with his usual pep. No, today he seemed even more peppy. "Are you prepared for this sacred day? The joyous solstice where the hearts of man are open to desire and envy, of which only the expressive care of their greater half shall fill the void with hope upon receiving their sugary-"

"Oh no you don't," interrupted another familiar voice. "Quit pestering our dear leader here and focus on what you are supposed to be doing today. You owe me chocolate, and you are not getting out of that!"

"Severa? I was just- Ow!" Owain yelped in pain and surprise as Severa grabbed him by the ear, hauling him away from Robin's desk towards the door. "And wait, aren't the girls the ones who're supposed to buy the- ow, ow!"

As she pulled the hapless Owain out of view, Severa shot Robin look that screamed 'You owe me. Again'.

Not that he could argue with that, he supposed. She'd been strangely proactive in covering for all the time he and Lucina were spending together. More than he'd have expected from her even in her most charitable moods. Though perhaps that was probably more for Lucina's behalf than his. She was Lucina's best friend, after all.

Then again, now that he thought about it, every time it was Owain who she was preventing from interfering with his and Lucina's dates, Severa always seemed to drag him off to do something with herself instead. Something she never did with Cynthia, Inigo, or Gerome. And the two of them were spending an awful lot of time together besides…

Wait, are Owain and Severa dating as well?! When did that happen?! Robin wondered, the pieces suddenly clicking into place. How had he not picked up on that before now?

Now he couldn't help but wonder what his other friends were up to today, and whether or not they also had dates planned. Looking around he saw that Inigo had already dipped out of the classroom. Knowing him, he was already attempting, futilely, to ask out every single girl in the school. But he knows, maybe today would prove difficult. Unlikely, but still, maybe.

Can't see Gerome being willing to do anything, despite how many girls fawn over him, Robin mused. Though, Cynthia has gotten him to open up to people outside our group. Hmmm, I wonder if there's something there.

As for the others, Cynthia herself wouldn't have been able to shut up about it if she had a date today. And as to Morgan, well, she was a shadow. He wasn't actually sure if she even knew what romance was on anything more than the most simple of understandings.

How did I of all people end up the one with the most relationship experience? Robin mused, sighing wearily as he stood. Enough putting it off as long as he could, right now he needed to get ready for his date or else he would be late.

Don't mess this up, Robin, he told himself. No pressure or anything.

. . . . .

Grabbing his things from his locker, Robin swung by the gym changing room to swap to the clothes he'd picked out for the date. Normally he'd have not bothered bringing his change in outfit to school, instead going home first to change. But since Lucina may end up there to get ready…

Yeah, best to handle it this way to keep their relationship on the down-low.

He emerged moments later ready, having changed into dress pants, a purple collared shirt, and a charcoal sports jacket. Over that he had his light-gray winter coat and the scarf Lucina had bought him those months before. He paused by a mirror, trying to comb his messy white hair with his hands into some semblance of order. He frowned deeply as this proved futile, wishing he'd brought an actual comb.

It's fine, it's fine. Lucina won't mind. It's fine, don't worry it's fine.

Shaking his head, he made his way to the train station. He pulled out his phone while he waited. After a few moment's it buzzed in his hands, a text notification popping up on the screen an instant later.

"R U ON YR WAY?", came the text from Lucina.

Oh, it looks like she's finally learning abbreviations. Robin smiled despite his anxiety. He typed out his response. "Waiting for the train now. Be there soon". Send.

A moment passed. The response flashed on the screen. "C U THERE". A second message, consisting of just a smiley face emoji, appeared seconds later.

Woah there, emoji's now? Careful, Lucina, we're in uncharted waters now, Robin thought, almost typing out that very response. However he resisted the urge, deciding there would be better times and places to tease his girlfriend about her evolving texting abilities. Maybe someday we can get her to use lower-case letters.

The faint rumble of the platform signaled the approaching train. Glancing up, Robin waited for the train to come to a stop. He slipped his phone back into his pocket and stepped across the gap. He was lucky, having waited around at the school long enough to have missed the initial afternoon rush, so the train was empty enough to find a seat. Soon it was rumbling away along the track towards town.

He checked his bag nervously as he went, making sure his gift was still properly wrapped in its box. Stop worrying, Robin. It's fine. Everything is fine. Relax. He re-zipped his bag, forcing himself to sit still. Just a bit longer now. Just stop being nervous for a bit longer, he told himself.

After several more minutes the train finally came to a stop. Standing, he made his way out with a handful of other people, mostly student's, who were likewise exiting at the residential stop. Stepping down onto the platform, instead of heading home, he made his way down the stairs and tunnel that led to the other platform for the other line that stopped at the station. He took a seat on a bench, nothing else to be done but wait for Lucina to get here as well. Despite his best efforts he again found himself fidgeting, each moment that passed on exasperating his frayed nerves.

"Robin?"

Robin jolted to his feet at the sound of the voice, turning just in time to see Lucina hurtling over to him.

His breath caught in his throat at the sight of her. Today Lucina wore his head down, the blue locks falling like a waterfall down her shoulders and back from beneath the blue and white knit hat she wore. The buttons on her azure coat glinted golden-brass in the warm lights that illuminate the platform. She was wearing a dress, a rarity, the white skirt of which extending just above her knees over the dark navy leggings and fur-trimmed winter boots the same color as her coat. The same dress she'd worn on their first official date together, Robin realized. Along with it, of course, she still wore her scarf as she always did. He noticed then that she had reached up to touch as her eyes fell on the matching pair he himself wore.

"You look… beautiful, Lucina," he stammered, trying to regain his composure.

"T-Thank you," he replied, stuttering a bit as she blushed at the complement. "You look, dashing, as well."

"Thanks," Robin replied awkwardly, blushing too. "So, um, how was your day?" Smooth, Robin, smooth.

"Um, it was… fine," Lucina replied, just as lamely. Silence rolled between them, then Lucina cleared her throat. "Not that I'm complaining or anything, but the day was rather typical. For school, I mean. Not that today is typical or unexciting, just school was and-" she said, babbling a bit now as she tried to regain her composure.

Robin fought the urge to note how cute it was, but he bit his tongue. Not only for the sake of not embarrassing her further, but also because it had been the rumble and hiss of the approaching train that had cut Lucina off then. Lucina quickly turned away to watch as it ground to a stop before them. "W-We should hurry and find seats," she said quickly, dodging the subject further with the opportunity of its arrival.

"Of course," Robin agreed, thankful too for the tension to be dispelled somewhat. Stepped forward, he motioned to Lucina to go first, falling behind her now as they got on board for the short train ride that would take them both to the true spot for their date. Finding seats near the middle of the car, they sat down and soon enough were on their way, the train accelerating away from the station with a gentle, rhythmic rumble.

Once it had been a few moments, Lucina reached down and opened her messenger bag, retrieving a small white box wrapped in a white bow. She extended it to her, blushing. "Here! I made these- for you- us, I mean." The redness of her face darkened further, embarrassed at her own fluster.

Accepting it, Robin undid the bow, opening it to find an arrangement of heart shaped chocolates nestled inside.

"I made them myself. I hope they turned out alright. I followed the recipe the best I could, I'm not sure that…" she stiffened, catching herself in her ramblings.

So that's what she was up last night doing. Robin smiled reassuringly, dipping his head in thanks. "I'm sure you did an excellent job. Far better than I could at any rate." He reached down, taking his first one from the box before offering it back to her so she could take one as well.

Sure enough, there had been nothing for Lucina to have worried about. The chocolates proved to be as good as any she could have bought from a store, while possessing the charm that came from being homemade. They mostly sat in silence as they ate together, enjoying the chocolates and each other's company as the train rattled along. By the time they reached their destination, they'd emptied the entire box, which Lucina took back to stow away in her bag for now.

"Right then," Robin said, getting to his feet when the train came to a complete stop, offering his hand to her. "Shall we?"

Nodding, Lucina took his hand as he helped her to his feet, and hand-in-hand the two made their way out into the chill winter beyond. The scent of salt reached their noses, the distant sound a lapping waves already to be heard.

It was the same spot as their first date, the waterfront not too far outside of town. Only this time the boarded walkway that ran alongside the beach had been decorated for the day, red and pink paper lanterns hanging from the poles that flanked the path, with white streamers gently waving from their strings that criss-crossed from pole to pole.

Lucina squeezed his hand a bit tighter, Robin feeling the warmth of her touch even through their gloves. "It's lovely," she said. "Now then, let us go." She smiled happily, and almost pulling him forward with how suddenly she started moving, they started off on their date properly.

Hand in hand, they made their way along the boardwalk together, occasionally speaking but mostly just enjoying the peace and quiet together. Several other couples walked further ahead or behind them, a fact that Robin (as well, he was sure, Lucina) tried to pay no mind. What was important right now was simply the two of them being here together. That's all that he needed to matter here and now.

So the date went, their stroll broken only by a stop at a sea-side cafe for food and coffee. Only when the sun began to set did they turn back, making sure to stop by the same spot their very first date had ended. The setting sun glinted on the water just as it had that day, its light gold tinged in pink as it scattered across the gently tossed waves. The only difference now was the patches of white snow that dotted the breach, appearing the rosy pink in the fading light. Again the two of them sat on the concrete steps that led down to the beachfront, listening to the sound of the ocean lapping against the shore.

"I wish we had more time," Lucina said, leaning so her shoulder rested against his. "Here, together, I mean. So much of the past year was spent fighting, with the vanishings, the Outrealms. So much has happened, and yet only in the past few weeks have we gotten to know true peace and quiet…"

"And then I'll be gone in the spring. I wish I could stay but…" Robin trailed off.

"I know that. But that is life, I think. We don't always get what we want." Lucina chuckled, the sound tinged with sadness. "It's funny, before I faced my shadow, I always considered any desires for myself and my own happiness a selfish distraction. It's only with your help, and that of the others, that I allowed myself to be happy. Not just for myself, but for everyone who cared about me as well. That, because of them, I allowed myself to feel these things I always considered selfish, allowed myself to fall in love…"

Another sad laugh. "Yet part of that means also accepting that we must be apart soon. Because wishing for you to stay when you can't would be selfish. I know that now." She turned her head, smiling at him, even as her eyes were tinged with tears. "I wouldn't change any of this, even if I could go back. Today, the past, everything that came before, all of it was worth it."

"I… I should be the one thanking you, Lucina. For being there for me, for being here today, for, well, all of it," Robin told her, doing his best to smile even as he felt his own eyes water. The reality of today had started to truly sink in for them both it seemed; knowing deep down that this may be the last chance for them to spend time together like with for a long, long while.

Reaching into his bag, Robin pulled out his present, wrapped carefully in a silver ribbon. "Here, I made this for you.

"Robin, you didn't need to," Lucina said with a gasp, shocked by the gift. She extended a hand, only to hesitate, her fingers hovering over it.

"No, I didn't. But I wanted to. So please, accept it," Robin answered, still trying his best to smile gently.

Nodding slightly, Lucina accepted the gift. Opening it, she gasped again, realizing what it was.

It was Robin's own notebook, the one he'd used to chronicle and transcribe every detail of their investigations over the past year. Every battle and search into the Outrealms, every rescue, every struggle. All of his notes, all of his thoughts, everything he'd felt useful to record for the future.

"This is…"

"Look inside," Robin said.

She opened it, another gasp.

On every page pictures had been pinned, each capturing moments of everyday life throughout that past year. All the times they and their friends had spent together, every little misadventure, every little moment of joy and sorrow. Snapshots of their everyday lives as highschoolers.

"It wasn't easy getting hold of those pictures. I didn't exactly keep the best visual record of everything myself," Robin explained as Lucina flipped through the pages. "Thankfully both Severa and your sister took a lot of pictures throughout the year, so most of these are theirs. I did my best to match things up."

"Robin, I can't accept this," she told him, looking up with fresh tears.

"Please, like I said, I want you to have it, Lucina. To remember everything in this past year," Robin told her. He tapped the book with a finger. "Because this is mine, my memories, my thoughts, my feelings. This is my way of leaving them here with you, so for as long as I am not here, you'll still have a part of me."

Lucina nodded, crying opening now. A sound somewhere between a sob and a laugh falling from her lips. "You always were a romantic. Okay, I'll accept it, but only if you promise me one thing," she poked a finger into his chest, pressing right to where his heart was. "That you'll never forget any of this. That even while I hold onto these memories, you'll keep them within your heart as well. And that you'll never stop loving me. Promise me that."

"Of course I will. I promise," Robin told her, choking up at these words. Tears streaming down his face, he acted without thinking, leaning close. They kissed, Lucina's own surprise vanishing as quickly as it came, returning the kiss with equal passion. It only lasted a moment before they pulled away, but the tears were already drying.

"I love you. Always," Robin told her with all his heart.

"I love you also. Always," Lucina repeated in kind.

So they sat together, Lucina returning her head to lean against his shoulder, the two of them watching the sunset, wishing the moment could last forever. Knowing, in truth, the moment just as the setting sun, would be fleeting, to become a time lost to all but memory. Another moment, another time, another memory to hold in their hearts.