Chapter Text
He was down bad for him. From the moment the professor spoke, Robin was wrapped around his finger. Robin had been asking small questions about the veil just to hear the man speak. Just like now as he watched his compatriot as he was flipping through a book. Leaning against the railing on the second level, Robin was watching Emmrich’s hands. Fuck, the things Robin was imagining what those hands could do. And while he was daydreaming, Emmrich looked up to see his friend's expression.
“Is there something on your mind, Rook?” Emmrich asked, snapping the book shut, and thus breaking Robin’s train of thought.
“What?” Robin snapped to attention, “O-oh, no. I’m fine,” he said, waving his hands in front of his face. He was trying to hide his blush, but even Bellara would notice how deep pink his cheeks were.
Emmrich chuckled, knowing exactly what kind of thoughts were in Robin’s head. He had seen the younger dwarf staring at his hands, and by the state his cheeks were in, Emmrich put the two together. It wasn’t the first time Robin had been that flustered around him, his attraction was obvious. The professor found it incredibly endearing, and honesty is attractive.
“Really?” Emmrich teased, “your face is flushed. Are you sure you’re alright?” The man knelt in front of Robin, extending his hand and placing his hand on the younger’s forehead.
Robin immediately tried to back up, but hit the railing with his back. Nowhere to run and the most suave and charming man he has ever met before him. Having very little experience in romance, Robin began to panic.
“I-I’m f-fine, p-promise,” the dwarf stuttered with a nervous chuckle.
“Hmmm,” Emmrich’s eyes narrowed. Seeming to go back to his normal demeanor, Emmrich hummed. “I think you need a…,” Looking at Robin, he smiled coyly and with a mischievous glint in his eye he said, “personal examination.”
Robin’s eyes flew wide at the implication that he wasn’t too naive to pick up on. Was Emmrich implying they…? The flashes of the multitude of possibilities flew through Robin’s head. He couldn’t remove his gaze from the deep brown orbs. His breathing became heavy and he gripped his pants leg, trying to ground himself.
Emmrich reached out and grazed Robin’s flushed cheeks. “Don’t worry darling,” he said in almost a whisper.
Sucking in air, Robin clenched his teeth at the feeling of Emmrich’s glove. Was this really happening? Or was this a dream? It kind of gets confusing when you’re a dwarf in the fade.
Placing his hand on Robin's cheek and giving his most charming smile, “I’m a professional.”
It’s at this point that Robin blacked out. Emmrich thankfully caught him and took him to his room. When Robin awoke, he had to take a few moments to re-orientate himself. The last thought he had was
if what had happened was a dream, and he was starting to believe it until he saw a letter on a side table. Picking it up, he got the answer to his question.
‘Rook, I apologize if I overstepped. You haven’t been very secretive about your emotions as of late. As such I decided to take a step forward and it seems I may have pushed too far. Please, forgive me for my offense. And do tell me if you need anything.
My offer still stands, if you are so inclined.
Prof. Emmrich Volkarin’