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Lon’qu paced around the hall. He had been waiting for Robin to be done with her meeting for the last 20 minutes. Part of him wondered what was taking so long for them to have gone over schedule, but he was more irritated than curious at this point.
If it had been any other day, he wouldn’t have been so impatient. Today was different though- it was Robin’s birthday. Robin insisted that her birthday wasn’t a big deal and that they didn’t need to do anything for it, but he disagreed. She was special, and she deserved to be celebrated. He also had something in particular planned out that he kept secret from her for now.
He had overheard Robin talking with Lissa the other day about her birthday. Lissa had wanted to throw a big party for Robin’s birthday, and she immediately turned the idea down. Later that day, Lissa had cornered him to tell him that they were going to do a secret party for her with cake and gifts, so they had to be in the mess hall by sundown. He tried to bring up that Robin didn’t want that, but the princess didn’t listen and just reminded him of the plans.
So not only was his short time with her already being taken up by her meeting, but now they also were losing the evening to a party neither wanted to attend.
Behind him, he heard the opening of a door, and some chatter.
“I’ll get this back to you in the next few days, Chrom.” Robin looked down at a pile of papers in her hand.
“There’s no rush, Robin.” Chrom insisted.
Robin sighed, “It’s diplomatic affairs- there is a rush for policies that need to be passed and formal treaties to be signed.”
“Don’t work on it today. Promise me that.” Chrom pushed.
“Fine. I’ll leave it for tomorrow.” She organized the papers into a neat stack.
“Good, take the night off. It is your birthday, after all.”
“Don’t remind me.” She laughed. “Your sister tried to throw a whole party.”
Chrom was terrible at lying. His laugh did nothing to hide the fact that he was pretending that this party wasn’t happening.
Lon’qu sighed and began to walk towards them, sparing them both from this conversation. As Robin saw him approach, her face softened. Chrom seemed relieved.
“Good timing, Lon’qu.” Chrom nodded. “Sorry for running late. I’ll see you both around.” Chrom hurried off, barely saying goodbye in the process.
“That was weird.” Robin furrowed her brow as she watched him walk away. “I’m sorry for taking longer than promised. There was a lot to discuss.” She sighed as she looked at the papers in her hand once again.
Lon’qu approached her and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into an embrace.
“It’s alright. Let’s go drop off those papers in your office. Then we’re getting out of the castle.”
She melted into his arms, resting her head against his chest.
“Oh? Where are we going?” She asked.
“It’s a surprise.” He answered, trying not to give anything away.
She looked up at him with a smirk on her face as she studied his expression- searching for an answer.
“You’re not usually one for surprises.” She pointed out in a playful tone.
“D-Do you want the surprise or not.” He avoided her intense gaze.
“Alright, alright. Lead the way.”
The walk to her personal office was short, thankfully. Lon’qu was trying to figure out how he would use the time allotted tonight to spend with her before he was supposed to bring her back for the party.
Lon’qu waited at the door to Robin’s office. She made her way to her desk that had been covered in maps and books and various papers spread throughout. It was cluttered, as she had been spending much time here recently. Following Chrom and Sumia’s wedding, they had been hard at work on finalizing documents for border agreements with Plegia. Following the death of the Mad King Gangrel, someone new had taken the throne of Plegia. They had not visited since the war- only communicating through letters and messengers to establish the new policies and agreements. Many books about the history of Plegia were on Robin’s bookshelf, since she had to do much research to understand the country they had been communicating with so much recently.
Robin quickly started writing a note to leave with her stack of papers from today’s meeting.
“Just give me one moment. I need to write this down so I remember it when I get back to work tomorrow.” She didn’t look away from her note as she spoke. “...And done. Okay, we can go now. I’ll try not to think about work for a little while.”
“I’m holding you to that.”
After she locked her office for the day, she reached out for Lon’qu’s hand.
“Lead the way. I have to say, I’m very curious about this surprise of yours.”
Hearing her say it just made him feel more nervous about it. Thoughts swarmed his head about it as they walked out of the castle.
Will she like it?
Am I about to make a fool of myself?
I can do this.
I can’t do this- what am I doing?
No- you can do this.
“Uh, hello?”
Lon’qu snapped back to reality.
“Uh, hi! Welcome back to this dimension.” Robin laughed. “You were spacing out.”
“S-sorry.” He felt embarrassed.
“So, I’m guessing this is where your surprise will be?” She asked.
He had led her to a once familiar spot- the hill overlooking the city that they used to frequent when they were still keeping their relationship quiet.
“Y-Yes.” He answered.
“What’s this?” Robin let go of his hand to walk over to a basket that had been left on the ground.
She sat next to the basket and opened it up, revealing a bottle of her favorite wine, two glasses, and a loaf of bread.
“Mmm, a mysterious basket full of my favorite bread and wine? Could this be the surprise?” She looked back towards Lon’qu who had gone a bit red.
“P-Part of it.” He said, barely above a mumble.
“Only part of it? Wow, I’m impressed.” She giggled. “Come sit and enjoy this with me.”
He did as told and sat next to her. His hands threatened to tremble if he steadied them.
Just say something. Anything.
“Robin?” He finally asked.
“Yes?” She answered.
“I have… something else for you” He paused, fretting over his words.
“Oh? This is already plenty for me. You didn’t need to get me a gift.” She smiled.
Lon’qu was sure his heart would burst out his chest with how rapidly it beat.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small bag and handed it to her.
“What’s this?” She asked as she untied the ribbon keeping the bag closed. Once undone, she pulled out the contents of the bag: a silver ring with a small moonstone placed within it.
“Lon’qu… is this-”
“W-Will you marry me?” He spit out the words. Despite the heavy blush on his face, he still looked her in the eyes.
Robin’s face softened into a smile.
“Of course I’ll marry you.” She slid the ring on her finger, then threw her arms around him.
Thank the gods…
His heart was starting to slow back down as he held her tightly.
If there had been something he had been certain of for the last few months, it was that Robin had become his future. He no longer could see a world where he wasn’t by her side. She was his first thought in the morning, the final lingering sight at the end of the evening, and even mementos in his dreams. He felt so lucky to have been the one she had picked. She was special and daring and stubborn and they just worked. She understood him more than anyone. He understood her. He’d follow her anywhere and do anything to call himself her husband.
“Did you plan all of this yourself?” She asked.
“Yes.” He admitted, feeling a little bashful.
“Aw, you did such a good job. It was so special.”
She leaned in for a kiss, which he gladly met.
“Now, let’s enjoy some of this wine. I can’t promise I won’t drink more than normal since we have a reason to celebrate.” Robin laughed.
As she opened the bottle and poured their glasses, Lon’qu made note of the sunset that was just beginning
Right… that damned party.
Robin must’ve noticed his frown as she handed him a glass.
“What’s wrong?” She asked.
“I wasn’t supposed to tell, but when we go back, they wanted to surprise you with a party.” He confessed.
“Damn Lissa. I told her I didn’t want a party.” Robin scoffed. “I guess I can handle it for a night. Besides, it’ll make it easier to tell everyone the news of our engagement with everyone already there. I’ll definitely need to finish at least a glass before we have to go back, though.”
“You can always finish it after the party as well.” He pointed out.
“You’re actually encouraging me to drink tonight? Is this what happens when I get a night off?” She laughed.
“Normally you insist you’re too busy anyway.” He rolled his eyes. “You’re allowed time to relax, you know.”
“I think you just find me fun to be around when I drink more than normal. I know I get more flirty.” She smirked, taking a drink from her glass.
“Maybe this was a bad idea.” He laughed.
“You won’t be saying that later tonight.” Robin pointed out before finishing the contents of her glass. “Alright, let's head back and get this over with.”
“We still have time. I was told to bring you back by dark.” He sipped from his own glass.
“Fine by me. I don't mind waiting.” She tore off a piece of the bread to snack on. “You did good keeping all this a secret. I had no idea. I'm not quite sure how I'll do better when your birthday rolls around, now.”
“I don't need anything.” He shrugged off her comment.
“Now that's not fair.” She laughed. “I get a nice date and a proposal for my birthday and I'm just not supposed to do anything for you?”
“You really don't have to do anything.” He insisted.
“Too bad, you're going to get a surprise too. It's only fair.” She smirked. “But I won't throw you a party. Now that would be rude of me to do. But I'd like to imagine that I know you well enough to figure out something to do for your birthday.”
Knowing her, she's already planning something…
“Fine. I can't stop you.” He gave in.
“Good.” She smiled. “This is probably the best birthday I've had, considering I don't remember any previous ones I've had.”
Sometimes Lon’qu forgot that her past had been a forgotten memory for her. She carried herself so well, and had committed so deeply to her new life that it covered up her past.
“I never really celebrated mine.” Lon'qu admitted. The last time he had really celebrated it was when Ke’ri was still alive.
“Well, I'll make sure you celebrate it every year from now on.” She reached for his hand. “Why didn't you celebrate it before?”
He realized he hadn't opened up much about his past. It was never an easy thing to talk about, but she deserved to know at this point.
“I told you how I wasn't from Ferox, right?” Lon'qu paused. “I was born in Chon’sin. Quite far from Ylisse. I came from nothing, living on the streets for my childhood. But I had one friend, a girl named Ke’ri. She lived a very different life than me but she still wanted to be friends. Her parents disapproved, but Ke’ri never minded.”
He took a breath, and looked towards Robin. She was quietly listening, which prompted him to keep going.
“One day we were out and we witnessed bandits attacking a nearby village. We wanted to help… She… didn't survive. I tried to save her, but it was too late.”
Robin stayed silent, but her hand grasped his a little tighter.
“Her parents blamed me for her death. I felt ashamed and I left. I had nothing left for me in the world anymore so I wandered. At some point I ended up in Ferox, almost starving to death and needing some money and a place to rest from the snow. I picked up a sword, entered a tournament for money, and never left. I dedicated myself to the sword and pushed my past behind me. For years, every woman I saw just became Ke’ri in my mind. I had nightmares for so long because it was my fault that she was gone. I never really told anyone anything about my past. Basilio and Flavia know a little, but they thankfully never pushed me to explain more. I never had birthdays until Ke’ri planned them- but after that I just viewed it as another reminder.”
“Lon’qu… I'm so sorry you had to go through all that. It wasn't your fault.” Robin sighed. “I shouldn't have brought it up.”
“No, you deserved to know.” It felt a bit freeing to open up to her, but it still was hard. He had pushed those emotions away for so long, that talking about it had never become easier. He was tense and avoided her eye contact.
“And that's why you were so afraid of losing me in the war. I understand now.” Robin shook her head. “But we survived. We're here together.”
She moved closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder, keeping their hands- still entangled- in her lap.
Lon’qu had never thought he'd ever open up to someone again- let alone fall in love. Even if the wounds hurt when they resurfaced, she helped numb the pain.
“And you agreed to marry me.” He added.
“That's right.” She laughed. “You're stuck with me now.”
“That’s fine with me.” He smiled.
Robin sighed as she looked towards the sky. The sun was almost finished setting as it was getting dark around them.
“Do we have to go back?” Robin asked.
“The princess will find us and drag us to the party if we don't show.”
“You're not wrong.” Robin took a deep breath and let go of Lon'qu's hand and started packing away the basket.
Lon’qu stood up and held out a hand for her to pull her up to her feet once she was ready. After he pulled her up, she moved in for a quick kiss.
“Alright, let's go get this over with.” Robin turned and started walking towards the castle, leaving Lon’qu to follow behind her.
As they walked inside the castle, it was strangely silent- something that would be suspicious if they didn't already know the surprise waiting for them.
Before Robin could comment on the silence, they heard a door open and shut and were greeted by Donnel.
“Ah! Robin! Evening!” Donnel sounded quite caught off guard.
“Good evening Donnel. Is everything alright?” Robin asked, feigning ignorance.
“Uh, yup! Yes ma'am!” Donnel was a terrible liar. Lon'qu wondered who put him up to the task.
“Um, actually, could ya come with me, Robin? I think there's something for ya in, uh, this way.” Donnel pointed towards the door.
“Oh, sure. I wonder what it could be.” Robin smiled playfully, going along with the situation.
Donnel gave a quick knock on the door before opening it up.
As it opened and Robin stepped through, a loud “surprise!” was heard as their friends greeted them.
“Happy birthday Robin!” Lissa ran over with a gift box in hand.
“Lissa- you know I said I didn't need a party.” Robin teased, before grabbing the gift. “Thank you, though. This is really sweet of you all.”
“Is that a RING?!” Lissa’s focus shifted immediately to the ring on Robin's finger.
The room fell silent and all eyes were on the both of them. Lon’qu felt himself get warmer from the sudden attention.
“Oh yes, we're engaged now.” Robin smiled and brushed off the question like it was nothing.
They were met with loads of “congratulations” from the crowd now. Robin was swarmed by many of the girls who wanted to see the ring. Lon’qu pretty much froze in place as people surrounded them. Gaius, Chrom, and Gregor all walked over towards him to congratulate him, but he could barely form a “thank you” back.
The crowd finally died down once Stahl brought out a large cake for the celebration. Everyone gathered around the tables to eat a slice of cake, chatting away at various conversations.
Robin finally opened the present from Lissa, finding a book inside.
“Oh, I've been wanting to read this for ages! Thank you!” Robin flipped through the pages of the book.
“Sumia remembered you wanted to read it! So I had to go find a copy!” Lissa smiled.
Other gifts slowly accumulated around Robin from the rest of their friends. An assortment of high quality teas from Maribelle. Homemade cookies from Gaius. Candles from Tharja. A necklace from Chrom and Sumia. Wine from Gregor. A potted flower from Donnel’s village. A very shiny stone from Nowi. A book on healing magic from Libra. A collection of Taguel folk tales penned by Panne. A satchel from Cordelia. A good luck talisman from Ricken. Fresh herbs for an incense from Stahl. A new leather bound notebook from Frederick. A new sword from Sully. A book detailing scientific discoveries from Miriel. A wood carved bird from Kellam. A new sheath for a sword from Vaike. And a hair clip from Olivia.
It felt like so much, but Robin's smile showed how truly grateful she was for it all. Lon’qu couldn't help but smile over seeing how happy she was. It was undeniable that everyone in that room cared for her.
“Thank you all so much. I appreciate each and every one of you.” Robin looked around the room, trying to thank everyone who had attended.
Once the party ended, Robin and Lon’qu carried all the gifts back to their room.
“I didn't think I'd get so many...” Robin huffed as they walked through the halls, hands full. “Maybe we shouldn't have carried it all at once.”
“We're almost there.” Lon’qu encouraged.
Once inside, she dropped everything on her desk.
“My arms were getting tired.” Robin complained. “I'll actually organize everything tomorrow. For now, I just want to rest. And maybe finish that bottle of wine with you.”
“That can be arranged.” He smirked.
Robin walked over and wrapped her arms around Lon’qu.
“I suppose we can write to Basilio and Flavia tomorrow to tell them the news.”
“They may plan to visit immediately after that. Especially Flavia.” Lon'qu joked.
“She is quite the gossip. She loves being in the know.” Robin laughed. “So, since we're officially engaged that means we have to get married now. What are we going to do for a wedding?”
“What do you want for it?” He asked.
“Something small. Like tonight, just our friends gathered together.” Robin kissed him on the cheek, “It'll be easier and quicker to plan something that small.”
“How soon are you looking to be married?” He asked.
“Mmm, I'm not sure yet. Maybe the sooner, the better? Get it done with.” She sighed. “The boring answer is that it depends on work. There's a lot that needs to be done for a little while.”
“There's no rush.” He gave her a quick kiss.
“I know-” she laughed. “Can't I just be a little excited? It's not everyday that you get engaged.”
“Fair enough.” He conceded.
“I love you.” She smiled.
“I love you too, Robin.”