Chapter Text
After leaving the Prince’s tent Robin marched swiftly back to her own, hood pulled down tightly to prevent her loose hair from whipping around in the wind. Only a moment after turning down Chrom’s offer of warm bedding had she regretted it immensely. If she had given it a moment’s thought before automatically refusing out of polite habit… wrapped in blankets with his familiar, earthy scent seemed like a wonderful way to drift off. And she would have been sure to slip out early to avoid any unwanted gossip. After that moment with Chrom there was nothing she desired more than to stay with him longer-despite how firm she had been moons ago when they agreed that it was better for the army if their relationship remained professional. It had hurt her to say it but she knew it was the right thing to do. And then also... deep down she worried if she were really good enough for the Prince? She'd spent more hours than she cared to count tormenting herself with this. He was royalty, a leader, and in general a wonderful person. His looks certainly weren't a setback either. And what was she? Nothing. Some low-born woman picked up in a field. Nothing like the high-class ladies of the Ylissian court, who everyone not-so-secretly assumed Chrom would wed. Whilst he could have his slow-witted moments and was a bit of a klutz Chrom had this natural charisma and earnest attitude that made nobleman and commoner alike respect him. This indescribable quality that could unite and inspire people. It was no wonder he had so many admirers. Poor Cordelia could barely choke a word out in front of him! And sure enough, Robin had fallen hopelessly in love too. The tactician was well aware how she could come across at times-awkward, unsociable, cold... It had been no easy task fitting into the Shepherds. Despite their kindness and how they tried to welcome her it was difficult when they were already such close friends and she, an outsider. Years of inside jokes and childhood memories had been missed out on. How could she ever cope with a life among the educated polished people of the courts if they were to be together? Balls, committees, Galas, speeches... By choosing her he could be making a terrible mistake. But she let these thoughts pass for now. They were problems for another day, another night. For a few minutes earlier all of that had just melted away. No war, suffering, politics- just the two of them together. Bliss. Robin reached the end of the row of men’s tents when she came to a sudden halt. Oh blast it…. He did offer...It’s not like he would mind …. She spun on her heels and walked back the way she came.
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Chrom’s eyes fluttered awake to the diffused light of early sunrise. Why did his bedroll feel- His eyes snapped open. There was a distinct warm weight against his right that was definitely not normally there. He immediately rolled over, disturbing the body next to him.
“-Robin?!” He exclaimed, his voice cracking. With his mind still fogged by sleep he couldn’t quite remember their encounter in the night. She stayed to sleep in his bed!? It was a wonder he managed to sleep at all knowing the woman he loved was curled up mere inches from him.
“Mmmn. Morning,” Robin mumbled, reaching a hand up to push her hair out of her face. “I hope you don’t mind… I didn’t want to wake you so I…” The bed-covers were pulled up high on her, almost covering her face. It was- adorable...
“N-no, not at all, I just- er didn’t expect this.” Chrom cleared his throat. The way they were lying meant they were still close enough to be touching- a sensation that he was hyper-aware of. Since she was this close and was already in his bed, surely it couldn’t hurt to…. He wrapped his left arm around her shoulder and gently pulled her body closer. Robin leaned in with his movement, nestling her head into his chest. He was certain she’d be able to hear the sound of his heart hammering through his thin night-shirt. He wouldn't be surprised if the whole camp could hear it.
“Mmnnn, you’re warm” Robin mumbled.
“So are you,” The Prince replied quietly into her hair “I think I could get used to this. Not a bad way to wake up…” I love you, Robin, he added mentally. He hadn’t gotten the chance to reciprocate last night, but it was still scary to say it out loud. Before she leaves...
Chrom was just getting used to holding the smaller woman in his arms, and the gentle rise and fall of her breathing, when she suddenly stiffened and pulled herself upright. “Huh? What is it-” Chrom started.
“It’s light out!” She whispered frantically. “Oh Gods- I need to go! I didn’t mean to stay so long.” Robin quickly stood up and gathered her coat (discarded on the floor) into her arms. She looked back at Chrom, who had opened his mouth to speak and interrupted him, “I’ll see you later.” She twitched her mouth into a small smile and was gone. Chrom gaped, taking several seconds to process her departure. Damn! He’d missed his chance to say it again…. Next time he saw her he’d get it out one way or another, be it privately, in a stolen moment in the tactics meet, or even shouting it across the mess-hall for all the army to hear for Naga's sake!
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“So, Bubbles….. A little birdie told me you spent the night in Blue’s tent...” Gaius said it so casually that it took Robin a moment to process the meaning of his words. A smug smirk played across the ginger man’s face as her eyes grew wide.
“What??! Who told you that??” She retorted.
“Simmer down,” he chuckled, clearly enjoying winding the tactician up immensely- almost as much as he would a sugary treat. “Only me, I was on early duty today, remember? I happened to catch a peek of you-know-who making a quick getaway from our gallant Prince-Captain’s quarters. Moving with haste and looking guilty, might I add,” He grinned wildly, his eyes sparkling from amusement “Did he not live up to your expectations?... I know you’re very hard to please in the strategy room so I imagine your standards are just as high in-“
“Gaius!! That’s not- We ….” Robin spluttered, then sighed, not seeing the point in trying to explain further. ‘My tent was cold so Chrom let me in to recover” sounded a rather flimsy excuse. Instead she opted for: “Please say you didn’t tell anyone?...”
“I have not… I think this information is far more valuable if it’s kept secret. Why… it might even add a toffee swirl or honeyed pear to my pay at the end, no? Or perhaps an extra portion of pudding from my tactician friend’s plate. Favours for favours...”
Robin smiled and shook her head. “Fine then, just the once. Although I’m sure you’ll have pilfered enough from the kitchens by that time anyway to make your teeth fall out!” She teased in return, satisfied her secret was safe.
“Me, steal?! Why I never!” Gaius gasped, clutching his hand to his chest.
The pair’s chatter dissolved into friendly banter as they made their way to the storage tents.