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To say Robin ever expected Virion to become his best friend (confident?) was an understatement. He didn't expect it at all! Though it turns out that the gaydar drew them close to each other. One minute they were practicing tactics, the next they were discussing the beauty of men. And they've been meeting up to talk about men since. Robin knew he was gay the moment he laid eyes on Chrom. And Virion had his Bi awakening after interacting with Libra. Now here they were, in Virion's tent. Drinking wine, mostly at Virion's insistence, as they discuss the men they found attractive. The first one being Libra.
"Oh, Libra is such a beaut! And so strong too! I'd have loved to remain in his strong arms for the rest of my days..." Virion said wistfully. Robin smiled and nodded in agreement. "And incredibly artistic. My heart swooned when he handed over that painting of me." Robin sighed as he took another sip of wine. "If only I didn't make it so obvious that I was super into him. Then he'd feel less awkward around me. Especially after I took him to that teahouse to thank him for the portrait...as a poorly concealed date." Robin said as his cheeks flush. Though whether it's from the wine or embarrassment he couldn't say.
Virion couldn't help but chuckle, swirling the wine in his glass. "Indeed, you've much to learn about romance. Though I cannot fault you, as I too have much to learn about true love." He says as he takes another swig. "Then there's Frederick, the tough but soft grizzly bear." That got a laugh out of Robin. "That's quite the comparison, but I don't disagree. He's all tough and stoic on the outside, but inside, he's soft and caring. Have you seen the way he looks at Miriel?" Robin agrees as he finishes his wine. Letting out a hiccup as he sets the glass down. "And have you seen the muscles on Lon'qu? So strong yet limber." Robin says dreamily.
"Quite so! I would love to caress those muscles of his... His phobia of women just adds to his charm. And I have to respect his willingness to push through his fear to marry Cherche. Though it pains me to admit, they're quite the duo." Virion says with a bittersweet smirk as he sets his glass aside. "Speaking of Cherche, her son has quite the charm as well. Not that I would ever pursue the young man, both Minervas would eat me alive! But even I can admire his looks and mysteriousness." Robin nods in agreement. "That makes me feel better about my current crush on Laurent." Robin hums with a dreamy gaze.
"He's intelligent, cute, and makes me laugh like no other. His dark brown hair looks so soft. And those glasses are charming, I wonder what he'd look like without them." Robin sighs with a grin that Virion finds cute. "I can't deny that either. There's something so attractive about a man with a thirst for knowledge." Virion comments. "I'm sure we don't need to talk about how charming Chrom is. Everyone in Ylisse loves the man!" Robin exclaimed as Virion poured him another glass. "You speak the truth. But he only has eyes for his beloved, leaving poor souls pinning for a man they cannot have." Virion says as he sets the empty bottle down. "Then there's Gaius..."
Robin hummed as he sipped the wine. "I bet his mouth tastes like candy, not to mention how...sticky he must be~" Virion's cheeks flush at Robin's words. "I can't deny that I've had similar thoughts. Mmm~ Though Lady Maribelle would have our heads if she heard us talking about her husband like that." Robin shuddered at the thought. "That's a fate I wouldn't wish on anyone." Robin muttered as they both chug down the rest of their wine. Both a bit tipsy, they gaze into each other's eyes. "You know, people have been spreading rumors that we're dating~" Robin mentions with mirth in his eyes.
Virion smirked in response, his flushed cheeks turning a bright pink. "So I've heard. Alas, I only have my eyes on a certain priest. Though that's not to say that you aren't without your charms. You're cute, wise, and strong. I'm proud to call you my friend." Robin smiles at Virion's words. "You're quite handsome yourself Virion. You're a skilled archer, have such luscious hair, and you have a kind heart. Despite what others may say, I can tell you're a great person." Robin's words made Virion's smirk widen. "Why thank you my fine lad. Were I not so infatuated with another, I would kiss you right now." Virion says.
"There's a thought. I wonder what the kiss of a man tastes like?" Virion hums at Robin's inquiry. Looking just as curious. "A question for another time my dear, for the hour grows late. Until we meet again." Virion says with a smile and a wink. "Until we meet again." Robin returns the wink as he stood up and left Virion's tent. Feeling a bit sluggish and light headed, Robin stumbled a bit as he walked back to his tent. Causing him to bump into a particular mage. "Oh, I'm sorry Laurent. Are you alright?" Robin asks as he steadies himself. Laurent stared at him with narrow eyes, looking displeased.
"I'm quite alright. Were you mingling with Virion by chance?" He questioned. To which Robin nodded, causing Laurent to sigh. "Here, lean against me. I wouldn't want you stumbling your way through camp." Robin's cheeks turned a bit more red as he leaned against Laurent. "Sorry for the trouble." He apologized as they started walking. Laurent didn't make any response besides nodding. During the walk back to his tent, Robin couldn't help but glance at Laurent. Admiring how he looked beneath the moonlight. Before he could stop himself, he spoke up. "You look beautiful tonight."
Laurent glanced over in surprise. Was it Robin's imagination, or were Laurent's cheeks pink? He didn't get the chance to analyze his face as Laurent glanced away. "I...appreciate the compliment Robin." Laurent's voice was so quiet, Robin couldn't help but chuckle. Finding him adorable in this moment. Upon reaching his tent, Laurent led him inside. Helping him to his cot. "I appreciate the help Laurent, and I once again apologize for the trouble." Robin apologized once more. "As your lieutenant, I'm always happy to assist you. So please, no need to apologize." Laurent responds with a small smile.
Yet, Robin's heart ached at Laurent's words.* 'Right...we're just a chief tactician and lieutenant. At most, he sees me as a friend.' Robin thinks as he forces a smile. "Get some rest Laurent." Laurent nods as he leaves Robin's tent. Once he was sure he was gone, Robin lays down with a sigh. 'He's an adult, yet I feel guilty for feeling this way about him. He's a close friend and reliable lieutenant, yet the future son of my close comrades. I can't imagine how they'd react, much less Laurent himself. Perhaps I'm doomed to never find true love.' Robin sighs once more as he covers his eyes with his wrist.
Robin doubled checked his list, making sure that he bought everything. 'Ok, 3 silver swords, 3 arcwind, arcfire, and arcthunder tomes, and finally two mend and rescue staffs. I even got some items while they were on sale! So I still have 500 gold left over.' Robin smiles in self satisfaction. "Ah, Robin my fine lad." Robin perked up to see Virion walking towards him. "Hello Virion. Are you alright? You seem...down somehow." Virion sighs as a frown forms on his face. "Well, I may have attempted to hint at my feelings to Libra. Needless to say, I don't think they're reciprocated." He explains. Robin winced at his explanation.
"I'm sorry to hear that. What happened?" He asked with soft concern. "Well, we were having a simple chat, when I mentioned that I was shocked that a handsome man like him was still single. He was quiet for a moment before saying he had no interest in romance." Virion says as he sighs once more. And Robin could see the pain in his eyes. "That's a big shame." Robin says before shaking his head. A bittersweet smile rising to his lips. "Look at us, two hopeless romantics pinning for another from afar." Virion let out a tiny laugh at that. "Too true my fine lad. Perhaps we were made for each other. Why don't we drown our bittersweet feelings with chamomile tea?" He offered.
"That sounds lovely." Robin replies as he intertwined his hand with Virion's. As they walked and talked, they got a few stares from the townsfolk, but neither minded. They got even more stares when they got back to camp. Their intertwined hands only fueling the rumor that they were dating. Once the items Robin purchased were put away, they retreated to Virion's tent for the chamomile tea. As they sip their tea, they continued their discussion about men and their beauty. That was until Libra walked in. "Pardon my interruption, but may I request your assistance Virion?" He asked with a slight tilt of his head.
"But of course my dear Libra." Virion says before turning to Robin. "Please forgive me for cutting our conversation short. We'll have to continue this another time." Robin shook his head with a smile. "It's alright, I should probably return to my duties." He replies, giving Virion's hand a gentle squeeze in support. Though, out of the corner of his eye, Robin saw Libra's eyes narrow for a reason he couldn't decipher. Letting go of Virion's hand, they both stood up as they all left his tent. Robin waved the two farewell before heading to the armory. Wanting to organize it to ensure everyone could easily find what they were looking for.
As he organized the tomes, Laurent walked in. Looking a bit tense. "Robin, I must speak with you." Putting a Ruin tome down, Robin gave Laurent his full attention. "Is everything alright Laurent?" Robin asked in concern. Laurent remained silent, but his stare put Robin on edge. "I heard that you returned to camp holding Virion's hand, is this true?" Laurent's question caught Robin off guard. "Yes, but why are you asking? If this is about the rumor, I can confirm that Virion and I are just friends." Robin explained, though Laurent's gaze didn't soften.
"That may be so, yet I've noticed that you've both been spending a lot of time together. As your lieutenant, I'd advise spending less time with Virion and focusing on your duties." Laurent suggested, mumbling something else under his breath that Robin couldn't hear. He couldn't tell what it was, perhaps it was the way Laurent crossed his arms, or how Laurent avoided his gaze, but Robin had a feeling that Laurent wasn't telling the full truth. "Laurent...are you jealous of Virion?" The way Laurent's eyes widened was all Robin needed to know that his suspicion was right.
After hesitating, Laurent let out a quiet sigh. "I confess that I am indeed jealous. At first I thought it was because I feared losing your companionship, but that was soon proven false when the rumor started. When I first heard the rumor, I felt this possessive urge to keep you for myself. That was when I could no longer deny my feelings for you." Laurent's confession simultaneously brought joy and fear into Robin's heart. "Laurent...I feel the same way. But I'm afraid. What will the others say? Your parents?" Robin whispered as he voiced his worries. Laurent responded by intertwining their hands together.
"I'm no longer a child, I'm a grown man capable of making my own decisions. I care little about the others opinions. Because in my heart...I love you more than anyone. And I won't let hypothetical scrutiny prevent us from following our hearts. As for my parents...I believe they would wish for my happiness above all else." Laurent says passionately. Robin couldn't help but feel touched and overwhelmed by Laurent's words. He couldn't help but tear up, with Laurent gently brushing them away with his gloved thumb. "If that's how you truly feel, then I won't let my fear control me. I love you with all my heart Laurent. Let us build a brighter future together."
Laurent beams as he wraps his arms around Robin, burying his face into his chest. "Together..." He whispers as he feels Robin's arms wrap around him. Basking in each other's love and warmth.
Meanwhile, in the nearby woods...
Virion felt slightly anxious as Libra led him into the woods, shuddering at the memory of chopping so much firewood. Even if it ended in him seeing his beautiful Libra up close. Finally, they stopped in a clearing. Surrounded by lovely wildflowers, and warm sunlight filtering through the leaves. "So, my dear Libra, what am I assisting you with today? Chopping more firewood?" He questioned with both curiosity and a hint of fear. Libra shook his head as he turned to face Virion. "No, I merely wish to talk in private." Libra starts before quietly sighing.
"I must be honest, though envy and jealousy are sins, I confess that I am jealous of how close you are with Robin." Virion's eyes widened as he blinked in surprise. Trying to ignore the hope rising in his chest. "You are, but why?" He questioned. "I'm envious of your easy camaraderie, how you're both so comfortable with each other. As for the jealousy, I first must apologize for lying to you earlier today. I do have an interest in romance, but my fear held me back." Virion shook his head. "You need not apologize, matters of the heart can be terrifying." He said softly.
Libra shook his head, an embarrassed flush rising to his cheeks. "Thank you, but what I was truly afraid of was who I was in love with." Virion's heart skipped a beat. Hope and trepidation swirling in his chest. "Oh, and who's the lucky person? If you don't mind sharing that is." Virion asked quietly. Libra seemed hesitant, his cheeks turning an adorable shade of pink. "It's you Virion, you're the one I love. That is why I was jealous of Robin." Virion felt elated upon hearing Libra's confession. His earlier sadness vanishing like mist. "I...I'm glad to hear that. But may I ask why you were hesitant?" Virion asked.
Libra nods as he avoids eye contact. "Although shameful, I was afraid of entering a relationship with another man. Though I'm not the first, past same-sex relationships were frowned upon among the clergy. At first, I feared facing that same ridicule, but when I saw you and Robin walking hand and hand, I realized I feared losing you more." Pausing, Libra turned back to Virion. Reaching out to brush Virion's bangs out of his face, causing said man to blush when he pulled Virion into his arms. "I truly love you Virion, and I'm not afraid to say so anymore. Just like how I don't fear your touch, that it feels right having you in my arms." Libra whispers softly.
Virion sighs as he relaxed in Libra's embrace, listening to his soothing hearbeat. "It probably goes without saying, but I love you too Libra. Your handsomeness, your strength, and your beautiful heart. Though I'm far from a perfect man, I vow to build us a happy life together."