Chapter 7

Mourning and Monk's Hood

Lissa shifted uncomfortably between both Chrom and Robin, hair sticking to her forehead and cheeks despite her efforts this morning to work it into something manageable. Honestly, she had hoped that by now they surely would have made up, but the suffocating silence stood as a testament to the contrary. The humidity and sucky weather were one thing, but she really didn't need a tantrum making her day worse than it already was.

A small cough came from her left, but the disturbance did little to break Chrom's attention on the road ahead. Lissa desperately hoped that Robin would at least say something in the way of conversation, to her or her brother she didn't care. Unfortunately, her silent pleas went unheard as the other woman's gaze remained stubbornly trained on the small rivulets of rainwater that ran down her window.

Ugh. She was supposed to be the youngest one here. So why was it that she was acting the least childish? The blonde adjusted the flower arrangement in her lap to lay better across her legs, attempting not to crumple the beautiful petals in the process. This job was the only thing keeping Lissa from suffocating herself with the crusty, gray cushions behind her head.

The screech of rusted breaks interrupted both her thoughts and the gentle hum of the engine as the van lurched to a stop beside the curb. Lissa cringed as Robin flung the door open, probably harder than necessary judging by the sharp groan of the hinges. Before she could even raise an objection, Robin was already halfway down the walkway, completely unfazed by the light drizzle falling overhead. Lissa huffed a bit, having already lost hope of getting the white haired woman to open up about what was on her mind. Instead, she chose to tackle the smaller obstacle at hand, and focused her attention on her older brother.

"What did you do?" she accused, eyes narrowing as she stared Chrom down. The both of them hopped out of the van, the elder going around back to pull more flowers out of the trunk.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he huffed. He jerked the trunk doors open, cursing a bit as one swung loose from its hinge and hung at an awkward angle.

"You big, fat LIAR! I don't know what happened two days ago, but ever since you two came home from your trip, you guys hardly even look at each other! I would've been able to tell something was up even if you HADN'T come home with that bruised gash on your face!" Lissa aimed an accusing finger towards the angry red mark just above Chrom's brow. He flinched away from her, not daring to meet her gaze.

"Just leave it be. Robin's a grown woman, she can handle herself without us having to worry over her all the time." The statement sounded more like a sad mockery than an actual argument.

"You're sulking," she deadpanned. He didn't even try to deny it. Rather, he focused on pulling pot after pot out from the back.

How exasperating…

"Okay, listen. I don't care about the funkthat you two are going through, but you need to get your act together. Our customers are already dealing with the unimaginable, they don't need a moody florist adding to their issues. Go home and help out Stahl with the store if you aren't up to today's job."

Chrom carefully pushed the door back into place, his eyes clouded over in thought. "You don't need to remind me. I'll do my best to not get in the way." He hoisted up two of the pots that rested by his feet, each one acting as a barrier to Lissa's questioning stares. "Come on, we should head inside before these get muddy."

The man set off at a brisk pace down the walkway, not bothering to look back at her. Lissa looked on in tired frustration. Whatever drama happened between Robin and her brother couldn't have come at a worse time.

She took a moment to collect herself before following suit, a small bouquet of xeranthemum and white carnations resting gently in her arms. Her black dress floated behind her as she hurried to catch up to Chrom, the latter already waiting patiently at the entrance. Lissa's eyes traveled up to the big letters that hung on the wall above.

Valla Funeral Home.

She took a deep breath. Chrom sent her one last look, just barely bobbing his head in a small nod to assure her that everything would be fine.

Side by side, they stepped through the door.

Robin tugged the midnight cardigan tighter across her chest again. Though they were almost the same size, Maribelle's shoulders were just a tad too small for her comfort, but the pull of slightly damp fabric was a welcome distraction. Anything to keep her attention occupied, away from the two strangers who lingered with their backs turned to her.

Gods, she may be in a bit of a sore spot with him at the moment, but she greatly regretted coming in here without Chrom. She wasn't exactly trained to deal with situations like these.

A young man and woman stood at the front of the room, heads bowed towards two adjacent caskets. She hadn't announced her arrival for fear of interrupting them during their mourning, so she stood silent as a statue waiting to be called upon.

Robin went back to pulling at her jacket to keep her gaze from wandering to the two coffins. One was much smaller than it should have been, obviously built for a child. She snapped her eyes shut once more.

Remain composed and professional. Assure the clients that they are in good hands.

Stahl's last bit of advice to her before she'd left echoed in her head, over and over. She shouldn't have come here, she wasn't prepared for this.

It wasn't until she felt a light squeeze on her shoulder that she noticed she was on the verge of hyperventilating. Lissa stood beside her, a hand resting lightly on her arm. Barely above a whisper, the blonde began counting up to ten, and with each number Robin found that her breath slowed, air finally returning to her lungs.

"Better?" Lissa sent her a small smile before returning her attention to the front of the room.

"Yes. Thank you." So much for being composed.

Chrom cleared his throat, ducking his head into his sleeve to muffle the noise. He set two arrangements down on the floor beside them. One stood tall, piled high with large white lilies and purple Gladioli blossoms. The other was a shorter piece, though not lacking in beauty. The stark white petals of the carnation contrasted with the vibrancy of the violet xeranthemum well. White and purple.

Robin shook her head to clear it of such thoughts. Chrom was only doing a splendid job, as usual.

"You guys wait here. I'll go talk to them," he said.

Lissa sent a slightly startled look after her brother, her mouth opened in what looked like concerned protest. "Wait, I can-"

He gazed over his shoulder, dull blue eyes ghosting over Robin before coming back to rest on his sister. She hated the way it made her feel empty. "No, stay here." His words were final.

Robin watched his back as he walked down the aisle, eventually coming to a stop behind the purple haired woman. Though he carried himself with confidence, she could tell by the set of his shoulders that it was a mere bluff. So there were things even he was scared of. Robin quickly diverted her attention from the man in question, not wanting to linger on him lest she invite back unpleasant feelings. Instead she studied their clients for the day.

The lady Chrom was talking to had to have been Camilla Krakenburg. She had been the one to first call in the order. She was lovely, even when her face was red and puffy. The boy standing beside her was probably her younger brother, Leo. He looked no older than seventeen, still too young to be going through such a loss. Robin's attention drifted to the coffins once more.

Xander and Elise Krakenburg. Both died four days ago in a car crash while crossing a busy intersection. Robin remembered hearing about it on the news, but never thought that she'd be working the funeral. Apparently, they had been on the way to drop Elise off at summer camp and were both broadsided by a driver who ran a red light.

She scratched at her elbow uncomfortably. The Krakenburgs had been a family of interest to her father, and on more than one occasion he'd brought up a possible marriage between Aversa and their eldest son. The fact that the other half of that "deal" now rested peacefully just a few feet from her left a metallic taste in her mouth. It was nauseating.

"Hey, Lissa, I'm-I'm just gonna go outside and get some fresh air, okay? I'll be right back."

Lissa looked up from the group of bouquets she'd been toying with, her head cocked to the side. "Hm? Okay. Do you want someone to come with you?"

"No," she said, shaking her head. "I'll be fine. Just feeling a bit dizzy. You get started on setting up the flowers, and I'll come back in a bit to help."

"…Alright. Let me know if you need anything," Lissa said tentatively. If it were any other time, she would have appreciated the concern. She wasn't used to having people worry after her so much, and to be honest it was refreshing. But she just needed to be left alone to collect her thoughts.

Though it was humid, the misty breeze felt cooling on her skin, offering a welcome distraction from the stifling thoughts that waited for her behind those doors. Her hair rustled in the forceful wind, white strands whipping around her face and threatening to pull free from her braided ponytail.

Robin took a deep breath in through her nose, and then another, and another. The air smelled of rain, wet leaves, and car exhaust. Far less pleasant than the scent of the Ylissean countryside. The Warren flashed into her mind; clear skies and orchards of pink and white. The memory tickled her nose with a kinder smell, one of flowers and fresh dirt, and her heart squeezed at the thought. That time felt so far away from her.

"Not the nicest weather, is it?"

Robin started. She'd been so absorbed in thought that she hadn't noticed the lilac-haired woman approach her from behind.

"Sorry, Darling. I didn't mean to frighten you. But you were giving quite a glare to those clouds." She nodded upwards, motioning to the apparent storm above. "Though I can't say I blame you. If it were up to me, the sky would be the purest blue imaginable and no one would be able to recall a brighter sun. That's how Elise would have liked it."

The certainty with which she spoke those words left Robin speechless. Her voice hadn't wavered once, a warm smile gracing her lips as she spoke of her deceased sister. She couldn't even fathom how much strength that took the woman.

She fiddled with her thumbs unsure of what to say or do. Condolences were the traditional response to such an interaction, and yet, Robin doubted that the words of some florist's assistant would be of any comfort to her.

"Would you like to take a walk with me? Not anywhere far. Just enough to enjoy the breeze," Camilla added.

A single magenta eye was lazily focused on Robin, encouraging a response.

"That sounds nice."

Camilla seemed to brighten slightly at her reply, her shoulders relaxing by a fraction of an inch. "Wonderful. Shall we?"

She held out an arm as though she were about to lead Robin onto a dance floor. It was only then that she realized just how tall Camilla was. If she had to guess, she was probably just an inch shorter than Chrom, and that wasn't including her four inches heels.

"Um, yes."

Smooth, Robin.

She took the offered arm and did her best to match strides with the woman besides her. She felt severely outclassed, despite their likely similar upbringings. Robin could barely keep up as she trudged along in her flats and slacks, whereas Camilla made working pumps and an evening gown look easy. It was hard to not be intimidated by that sort of natural grace.

"So," Camilla began. "What is the daughter of Validar, president of the multi-million dollar company Dohlr Insurance, doing handling fertilizer?"

The accusation almost made her trip over her own feet. That wasn't what she had been expecting. "Um-"

"Oh, don't worry about covering it up with some lie. I've been aware of the drama going on in your family for quite some time now. Imagine my surprise when the missing heiress to one of the most influential insurance corporations shows up with handfuls of lilies and carnations. It was quite a sight." She covered her mouth to mask her amusement.

"…If you don't mind, I'd like to keep my whereabouts a secret. I promise, if there is anything I could do for you in return, you will have it. Even company secrets wouldn't be-" Robin babbled.

"Now, now. No need for hastily made promises. I have a pretty good idea of why you made your decision." She cast Robin a knowing smile, sending a subtle wink in her direction.

"Huh?" Gods, she sounded dimwitted, but honestly the whole turn of events in the past few moments had sent her reeling.

"The way you were watching Mr. Altea back in the funeral home was quite telling. I've never seen someone's gaze so intently focused on another's back." The knowing smile that she shot Robin made her cheeks and ears redden. She'd been caught after all.

"That-That wasn't it! I swear… It isn't like that…" Robin let her sentence trail off, worrying at her lip in the process. There was no way it was like that. Not a chance. Thoughts of two nights ago came flooding back to her now, whether she wanted them to or not. Why was it that such a great day had to end like that?

"You hardly sound convinced. Did something happen?" The tone with which Camilla spoke almost reminded Robin of Aversa. Almost. It seemed that they both liked to press for information, but Camilla did it in a more familial way, whereas Aversa always seemed more concerned for the party's mutual interests rather than her sister's wellbeing.

"Well…I'm not sure if it's my place to say. I shouldn't burden you with my issues," she uttered.

Camilla let out a small chuckle, just barely a whisper of a breath easily lost in the late summer breeze. "My dear, please don't worry over me. Sometimes hearing out and helping others with their problems assists in distracting from your own conflicts at heart. It will be a good distraction."

She dared to look up at the woman next to her. Her expression was warm and inviting, but Robin caught the slightest glint of sorrow in her eyes. "Well, okay…"

Robin was starting to think that they had gotten lost. Here, the trees grew denser and overgrowth crowded the small dirt trail beneath her feet. She was glad that Chrom convinced her to wear jeans, or else her legs would probably be ridden with poison ivy and stinging nettle rash.

The florist plodded on ahead of her, only stopping to survey his surroundings every once in awhile before continuing onward. There were no visible trail markers or signs that Robin could see, so she was absolutely positive that Chrom was just being proud by pretending to know where the hell he was headed.

The two walked along like that for some time, silently dodging between foliage and branches. She would have appreciated the serenity that the deep woods offered if not for the fact that she was becoming increasingly concerned for their wellbeing. The sun had begun to set, orange-gold light breaking through the tree line, illuminating all manner of pollen and dust as it floated through the air. Paired with the ever growing shadows cast by the trunks of tall pines, the scene felt almost surreal. If not for the cracking twigs beneath her shoes, she'd have been convinced that she was walking through one of her novels.

"We're almost there, just a bit longer. I promise," Chrom assured her from over his shoulder.

"How is it that you even know where you're going?" she accused.

Chrom cast her a knowing glance and tilted his head toward a small shrub, dotted with small red berries, sitting just off of the path.
"It's called cotoneaster. They grow around here sporadically, but after exploring this place a few times as a kid, I learned to use them as way markers. Their berries stand out in all the green, so they're good landmarks to lead the way."

Robin shot him a look as though he'd just grown a second head. "How many times did you get lost in the forest as a child?"

Chrom chuckled a bit, the sound reverberating from deep in his chest. "Oh, only about four times. After that, my parents started getting tired of sending out the search parties for me so they forced me to learn my way as long as I insisted on wandering off." Teasing was evident in his voice, but Robin supposed she was content with that answer. For all she knew, he could be telling the truth.

"So do you feel like telling me where we're going yet?" she questioned. Chrom didn't even turn to address her.

"You know, you ask a lot of questions. We should be there any moment, just try to be patient." She could imagine the shit-eating grin on his face. He loved holding her in suspense apparently.

Robin settled back into comfortable silence, accepting that she may as well go along with him rather than give him anymore satisfaction over her growing curiosity. Instead she listened to the soft hum of insects high above her head in the boughs and branches. She should have brought one of the novels she left splayed open back on her bed.

"This is it." Chrom's voice rang with a hint of excitement, a warm glow apparent in his cheeks when he glanced back at her. He looked so boyish and innocent. The thought brought a smile to her face as she moved to stand beside him.

The towering trees fell back to reveal a large clearing, carpeted with a swaying blanket of green and gold. Large forms of rocks and toppled logs lay dormant beneath a heavy layer of moss, making Robin's mind see things that weren't really there. Hidden amongst the tall grass were bunches of purple and white, saxifrage and willowherb, littering the entire field. The evening sun cast everything in a radiant warmth, making the glade take on a white-yellow glow.

"I had intended to take you here for stargazing, but I suppose this isn't all that bad considering." Chrom settled himself at the base of a nearby stump, patting down the grass before motioning for her to follow. As she folded her legs under her, he began to pull dish after dish out from the small cooler. Chicken kabobs and pasta salad, paired with a white wine cooler and small mason jars filled with blueberry pie. Honestly it looked too good to be true.

"So how'd you manage to convince Frederick into making all this?" Robin queried, a single eyebrow arching upward. "I was under the impression that he didn't like me much."

"What? No. He was ecstatic to find out that I've been hiding my fiancée's existence from him. You see, ol' Freddy the Weary loves surprises." Chrom shot her a sarcastic grin before shaking his head, blue hair swaying gently like the wind-rustled flowers behind him. "But it probably didn't hurt that I threatened to give you food poisoning and possibly kill you with whatever I managed to cook. The only things that Frederick loves more than surprises are lawsuits, afterall," he chuckled.

"Ahhh, smart thinking. Though I'm a little hurt that he'd think I'd sue over something like that," she commented, sending him a sidelong glance.

Chrom simply shrugged. "Wouldn't be the first time it happened."

She rolled her eyes. "Somehow, that surprises me less than I thought it would," she said, grabbing her fork.

Robin let out a small sigh of relief, and plunged a bite of pasta salad into her mouth. The dressing paired wonderfully with the freshness of the olives and tomato, and the mozzarella melted in her mouth. She was in heaven. "Okay, maybe I chose to fake-marry the wrong guy. Why wasn't it Frederick who could have picked me up off the streets?" she pondered aloud.

Chrom seemed to take mild offense to that, eyes widening slightly while his mouth popped open in objection. The genuine hurt on his face almost made her regretful. Almost.

"Relax!" she giggled. "I'm kidding. I'm glad that we got to meet, even if you can't make me a proper waffle."

Chrom's bewilderment quickly morphed into an affronted scowl. Grabbing one of the kabobs, he tore into the meat with gusto. "It's not like he would have picked you up anyway…" he grumbled between bites.

The childish tantrum only served to delight Robin more. She reached forward and threaded her fingers into the hair at the top of his head, piecing through the obstinate strands. "There, there. No need to be jealous. I promise that you are the only guy for me."

Though she had only been joking, Chrom froze under her ministrations. He locked eyes with her, mouth hanging open in half chew and a violent blush danced across his cheeks. The rawness of the expression caught her unawares, and she quickly snatched back her hand as though it burned her. Maybe she had gone too far.

Chrom choked down the rest of his food, clearing his throat into his shoulder. "W-Well if you do end up running off with Frederick, at least promise that you'll have the decency to send cookies every once in awhile, okay?"

Robin clasped her fingers just a bit tighter in her lap, the feeling of surprisingly silky strands still prevalent on her skin. "Of course, I'm not a barbarian."

The rest of the evening went smoothly, though it had to be cut short by an onslaught of shivers that racked Chrom's body. His clothes were still hopelessly soaked, and the lack of sun in the sky drained all heat from his body. They desperately fought to find their way back to the main trail before they lost the last slivers of light that the fading horizon had to offer.

By the time they made it back to the parking lot, the night had long established its domain above them. Stars speckled the sky like a paint-flecked canvas, each one glimmering against the midnight blue backdrop. The image of Chrom sitting atop the motorcycle almost made her want to laugh. He looked like a soaked cat trying to maintain some sort of dignity after falling into the bathtub.

"Chrom, maybe we should stop somewhere to get you a change of clothes before we go back home. I don't think the ride would be very comfortable for you or me in your current state," she chuckled. She swung her legs over the back, careful to keep distance between her and Chrom's sopping jacket. "How about we just take a slow ride into town and look there?"

The florist let out a defeated sigh, shoulders visibly deflating. "Yeah, I suppose so. Sorry for this."

"I'm afraid I'm confused. Aside from the whole 'wet shirt' issue, nothing sounds particularly disastrous, at least not enough to put both of you in a mood," Camilla mused.

"No no no! That wasn't the issue. Everything up to then had been great! It was what happened afterwards that I feel conflicted on," Robin confessed.

"Did he pick out something atrocious to wear and embarrass you?"

Robin breathed a hollow chuckle. She wished it were that. She could have dealt with embarrassment. "No…He just…I- I don't know. I'm just so confused. What happened… honestly I probably shouldn't have acted like I did. But I'm not entirely okay with how he handled it either! So I just-!"

"Calm down there, Sweetie. It's okay. Just breathe and collect your thoughts." Camilla placed a steady hand on her elbow, gently guiding her around the corner and into the neighboring park. The air was slightly fresher here, though not by much. Still, she indulged herself with a few deep breaths.

"Are you sure it's okay that I continue? You really shouldn't be the one comforting me…" she mumbled.

"I am quite sure." Camilla nodded her head once, her voice taking on a surprising edge. The contrast to her normally soft lilt was jarring. "Robin. No matter who it is that you are talking to, no matter what they are going through at the moment, you have every right to feel sad for your own trials in life. Just because someone else is going through a tough time, that doesn't mean your own issues should be treated as insignificant. Because they aren't." The smile that the woman displayed was heart-wrenchingly sweet. It reminded her of her mother.

Before she could stop herself, Robin felt tears slide down her cheeks in thick rivulets, drops staining her cardigan. "I-I'm sorry," she muttered, hastily scrubbing at her face with the heel of her palm. "I don't know w-what's gotten into me. Just give me a minute and I'll-"

Robin's hasty mutterings were interrupted by the woman's unexpected embrace. "It's okay. It's okay," Camilla cooed, hugging the shorter woman close as though she were a child. Robin felt her breath shudder, and more tears began spilling down her face. She buried her head into lilac hair, muffling her choked sobs in Camilla's shawl. There were a few passerbys that looked on in curiosity, but they were quickly sent away with a sharp glare.

Robin was the first to pull away, wiping her nose on her arm.

"Do you still want to talk about it?" Camilla questioned softly.

After thinking about it, she gave a slow nod, and then another quicker one in self-assurance. "Yes." Robin hugged her arms a bit closer to her chest. "It's just that… and I know Chrom didn't mean anything by it, but for the first time since I've known him…he scared me. Really scared me. And I…I just don't know what to do anymore…"

Robin sipped happily from the champagne glass that sat on the lacquered wood bar in front of her. She didn't know what the hell this was, but it was chocolatey, nutty, and tasted like figs and it was the best damned cocktail she'd ever had.

Maybe I could coax the recipe out of the barkeep…

She hummed in thought but quickly trashed the idea, instead taking another drag on the straw. This was a 'sometimes' drink. If she had access to the recipe whenever she wanted it, she was bound to gain fifty pounds within the week.

The two had stopped at a small strip mall along the main street of Southtown. She had decided to check out a small pub called The Midmire, while Chrom picked out a new outfit in the second hand clothes shop next door. The place was definitely interesting. It had the atmosphere of an old tavern, but most of the stuff on the menu she'd never even heard of.

She stared on in mild awe as a waiter set down a wooden slab in front of the person seated two chairs over from her. Atop it was a piece of pecan-crusted Brie cheese served with a side of cranberry compote. The smell was heavenly. She wished that she'd known Chrom would take so long, she would have ordered something.

Instead she'd have to settle for another one of these cocktails.

"Umm… Excuse me…Bartender?"

The man, who had previously been working the ornately decorated taps at the end of the counter, turned to her. A knowing smile graced his lips when his scarlet eyes travelled down to the empty glass. "It's Joshua. You want another drink?"

Robin ducked her head sheepishly. "Please. If you don't mind my asking, what's in this?"

He walked over, red hair swishing behind him as he did, and leaned over the counter. "Well~ That's supposed to be a trade secret, but I suppose I wouldn't mind divulging that information for a bit of cash," he purred, eyes motioning to the tip jar. However, after seeing her hesitation, his smooth façade broke apart as he smiled wider. "Kidding. Actually, I'm not allowed to keep that information from you. You have every legal right to know what's in your drink, without charge," he chimed, winking in the process. "It's figcello and pecan bourbon, with walnut chocolate bitters. Pretty good huh?"

"A little too good," Robin chuckled, absentmindedly rummaging around in her bag in search of her wallet. Funny. She could have sworn she put it away after ordering the first drink. Her eyes scanned the bar counter and the surrounding area but still came up blank. Huffing in frustration, she went back to scouring the pockets of her bag, though this time with a bit more vigor.

"Looking for this?"

Two long, tawny fingers held a black leather wallet aloft, waving it slightly in the air. Behind the smarmy remark was a man with silvery hair that just barely brushed against his shoulders. One of his steel-blue eyes was obscured behind a sleek, black eyepatch, only managing to shield Robin from half of his arrogant gaze.

"Umm, yes. That's mine, and I would appreciate it if you'd kindly return it to me," she warned.

In response, the man flicked his hand and the wallet vanished seemingly into thin air. "Well that's no good. I can't have a lovely thing like yourself paying for another one of these overpriced chocolate milks. Please, allow me to cover it." He flashed a quick smile before eyeing the bartender.

Joshua simply shrugged and shook his head. "As long as I get paid, I don't really care who is doing it. Just make sure to not cause trouble for my bar." He took the piece of plastic that the thief extended to him, and returned to his place at the end of the counter. This left Robin stranded alone.

"Can I have my wallet back or are you intent on pulling off the most casual robbery in Ylissean history? I'll have you know that that won't end well for you. I have friends within the Y.P.D," she threatened.

"Calm down there, kitten. No need to get feisty just yet. I'll give it back after we both enjoy a drink, sound good?" he chimed, perching himself on the adjacent bar stool. Joshua returned with two drinks in hand, and placed them atop the counter. Robin snatched at her glass, while the intruder plucked up his martini and took a sip.

"I'm sorry, but I would really prefer to enjoy my drink alone. I don't entertain company with robbers." Robin gulped down her drink, hoping that the chocolate would smother all the curse words trying to claw their way out of her throat.

"Your words wound me," he cried, clutching his chest in mock pain. "How else was I to keep you from paying for your next drink? I am but a simple bar patron who only hopes to converse with a little snow bunny such as yourself. I really do find that white hair to be quite striking." He punctuated his point by leaning forward, face precariously close to her own, and bringing a strand of her hair up to his lips in a brief peck. "I'm quite harmless, I assure you," he whispered, the sound much too intimate in the closed space between them.

"Robin?"

Blue and brown eyes both snapped to the new arrival, both gazes landing on a thoroughly confused Chrom. He stood a good five feet away, clad in a blue plaid shirt and jeans, his half damp hair ruffled and frizzed. He shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other, hands clenched at his sides in restraint.

Robin quickly drew away, pulling her hair from the hands of the offender in the process. She received little resistance seeing as how the man's attentions were now trained on her blue haired companion. His mouth curved into a slow smirk, a low whistle escaping from his lips.

"Well, well, well. A handsome challenger approaches. Not that I mind the intrusion, of course. The more, the merrier as they say," he purred, eyebrows rising suggestively. Robin reddened at the insinuation behind his words. Chrom, however, didn't seem to notice as he drew closer, placing himself just behind her back.

"Do you want to head out? I'm all ready to leave when you are." Though he was talking to her, Chrom's eyes never left the other man. To Robin, he looked like a stubborn puppy glaring down a feral cat, his ruffled hair almost made him look like he was bristling.

"In a second. I just need to get my wallet back from him and then we can go." That got his attention. Chrom stared down at her incredulously.

"Why does he have your wallet?"

"He has a name, you know," the man chimed in, taking another sip of his drink.

Robin rolled her eyes, brushing off the comment. "Honestly, I don't really know." She turned back to the one-eyed ass hat sitting on the bar stool across from her. "And if you don't mind, I do believe we've both 'enjoyed' a drink together, so I'd like my stuff back."

"Hmmmm~ But the night is still young, and you haven't even introduced me to your friend here."

That seemed to be the last straw for Chrom. He placed himself between the two, snatching the white haired man up by the collar. "Listen, I don't really give a damn about who you are. Give her back her money and leave her alone," he growled out through clenched teeth.

In response, the stranger gripped Chrom's wrists, squeezing down firmly. Chrom winced a bit at the sudden pressure, almost loosening his grip. "The name is Niles. And make me," he breathed.

That was the last thing Robin was able to catch before Niles went flying across the room. Chrom was on top of him before she could even blink. Several bar patrons abandoned their seats, retreating to the perimeter of the room where they could watch the unfolding events from a safe distance. Chrom was quite a bit larger than Niles, but from what she saw earlier, the latter was much stronger than he liked to let on. Robin's eyes darted across the room in search of a solution. Joshua had mysteriously gone missing in the time it took for the two to get from the bar to the middle of the room, and she doubted that she could intervene on her own without injuring herself.

"You know, I don't usually start with foreplay before having dinner first, but I think I can make an exception for you, as long as you invite your tasty looking friend along," Niles sneered, eyeing a distraught Robin as he jumped to his feet. It was obviously a taunt. One that Chrom fell for with blind rage.

He snarled as he swung first, just barely missing as Niles ducked backwards. Robin watched as he tried to land hit after hit, only for the thief to narrowly dodge away, out of his reach. His movements were too fluid, too practiced. He was obviously much more accustomed to bar fights than the florist was. If she didn't do something, she couldn't imagine this ending well. She just needed something to give her an edge. Anything-

Her thoughts were broken by a sharp and sickening crack. Glass littered the wooden planks of the pub floor. Her eyes traveled up to the two fighters, one staggering on his feet while the other stood back wearily. Blood as red as wine poured from Chrom's forehead, dripping down his face and muddying his bangs. Niles looked just as shocked as Robin was, his hand still wide open from when he dropped the empty beer bottle that he'd just brandished.

Time slowed as her feet moved out from under her, pushing her forward just as Chrom did the same. He lunged forward, fist held high as he threw Niles to the ground. Robin couldn't move fast enough. She needed to stop him. Before he hurt someone. Before he hurt himself.

She dashed forward, putting herself between the man who laid vulnerable on the floor and Chrom's fist. A million memories flashed through her mind. The image of a raised palm. The familiar pain of a stinging cheek or a bruised wrist. The hazy sight of her mother strewn across the ground, slightly obscured by the leg of the kitchen table. It was all too much. Too familiar. Her eyes clamped shut.

"PLEASE STOP!" She lurched forward, burying herself into his chest. Her pleas came out muffled and choked. Tears streamed down her face as she pressed further into Chrom's shirt. He froze, staring down at her as though shocked by the sudden interruption.

Suddenly, all of his will to fight drained from his body, sucking away the last of his strength with it. Chrom slumped against her, making it hard for her to stay upright while bearing his full weight. Robin gently brought them both down to their knees, clutching at him and trying her best to keep him still his chest heaved.

She could get a clearer view of the damage now, his temple almost parallel to her eye as he rested his head on her shoulder. It was an ugly wound. The cuts were relatively deep and still spilling blood, the area around it already beginning to swell. This was bad. She was pretty sure that she wouldn't have to worry about any broken bones, but blood loss would be an issue. If Chrom passed out, she doubted that she could drag him to a clinic in time.

Her eyes landed on a few napkins that were bunched together on a nearby table. They had a few stains on them, but she didn't have any other alternatives. Picking out the cleanest one, she pressed the paper firmly into the wound. The napkin was quickly stained red, blood spreading outward like a blooming rose. She grabbed a few more to plaster over the first, pressing down with her palm to staunch the bleeding. Chrom's shoulders tensed from the sudden pressure, but he gave no vocal indication of dissent. Robin wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing.

A small bout of coughing interrupted her train of thought. Niles was leaning back on his elbow, swiping at some blood beside his mouth. "Now I remember why I don't like being a bottom," he chuckled. He dug into his hoodie and pulled out the small bundle of leather. "A gift for protecting my only good eye."

He pulled himself back onto his feet, dropping the wallet onto the floor in front of them. "Make sure to find me if you two are back in town, I'd like to get to know the both of you better," he hummed, backing away slightly.

Robin felt at least ten vile comebacks crowd into her mouth at once, but she only had time to shoot the offender a cold glare before her focus was drawn to the low growl that echoed in her ear.

"L-Let go of me."

Chrom stirred to life, weakly protesting the hold Robin had on his shoulders and head. His gaze was still trained on Niles' retreating figure, one eye shut against the blood that had cascaded down his face. "I can still…"

"You can 'still' what? Fight?" The words came out harsher than she intended, but she could hardly pay any mind to an apology right now. "I pray to Naga you weren't about to say fight, because if so, you're even stupider than I thought."

Chrom staggered to his feet, Robin bearing most of his weight as he steadied himself.

"You can barely stand. And I'm not sure if you actually noticed, but he wasn't even taking you seriously. Please, just drop it." Robin pressed Chrom's hand up to the spot where she'd been holding the napkins, making sure that he kept them in place. She quickly grabbed up her wallet, scanning the contents for anything missing.

"Did you see the way he looked at you?!" He was fully awake now, though still a bit wobbly. "He was eyeing you like you were a piece of meat! Even if he didn't steal your wallet, that guy still deserved a busted jaw!"

Robin looked around the room. Now that Niles had left, the two of them had become the main attraction of the night. So much for not causing a scene. After shoving her wallet back into her bag, she grabbed Chrom by the arm and turned him towards the door. The night air did it's best to cool her skin, but the emotions boiling inside of her burned relentlessly. The only thing she was glad for was the relative lack of activity outside. Other than a few stray cars on the road, they were alone.

Robin turned on him as quick as a viper.

"Listen. Even if he was, he was looking at you the exact same way, so I don't see how that should matter," she hissed.

"You deserve more respect than that, Robin! What was I supposed to do?! Stand there and watch as he degraded you?! I'm sorry, but that's not who I am."

"Trust me, I can handle it. I'm not some maiden in need of protection." Robin shed herself of her jacket, and propped herself up against the brick wall of the Midmire. The stone was cooling against her now bare shoulders, but did little to temper her attitude.

After rummaging around in her bag, she finally came up with a small sewing kit. Grabbing the pair of fabric scissors, she made quick work on the right sleeve of her hoodie.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

"I'll pay back Maribelle later," Robin said, not bothering to look up. "For now, we need to get you some better bandages to help manage the bleeding. I don't know how to drive a motorcycle, and we both don't have enough money for an ambulance, should you pass out from blood loss." She sheared the sleeve down the middle, cutting it into two strips. She tied both pieces around Chrom's forehead, careful to keep the napkins in place. He winced as she secured the bandages with a tight knot, but made no other movement to stop her. Satisfied with her work, she stepped back and tucked the remains of the jacket into her bag along with her sewing kit.

Chrom's eyes refused to meet hers out of frustration. His teeth worried at his lip as though he had something to say but didn't know how to.

"If that's all, we should get going. Are you well enough to drive or do you still need a few more minutes?" Her tone was flat now, and she was too tired to be concerned.

"…You didn't have to ruin your jacket." She knew he was trying to sound apologetic, but for some reason, she found the statement completely infuriating.

"Maybe if you'd have just thought things through for a change, I wouldn't have had to," she spat.

"I was just trying to help-" he argued.

"What would have happened if you'd gotten seriously injured Chrom?! What should I have done?!" The sudden accusation caught him off guard.

"Well-"

"You could have died if Niles had had better aim! GODS! How could you be so stupid?!" She was yelling now, she knew. But she didn't care anymore. She was dangerously close to watching someone she cared for die tonight, and it would have been her fault.

"I'm sorry, I just-"

"Apologies don't cut it if you're dead Chrom! What would have happened to Lissa if something happened to you?! You need to consider your actions better." She turned her back on him and started toward the motorcycle. She didn't want to think about this anymore. She knew what it was like to be abandoned, she couldn't imagine bright and cheery Lissa having to go through that.

Just before she made it to the seat, she felt that familiar hand on her wrist. The one that, just earlier today, she'd happily gripped without a care in the world.

Chrom held her there mid-step, feet planted firmly to the ground. "I don't regret what I did, and I would do it again and again if the situation calls for it," he stated. "I would never be able to forgive myself if something happened to you, and I just stood by and watched."

Robin jerked her arm out of his hold, cradling it to her chest. His words burned her. Of all the things he could have said, that was what she feared most hearing. "Then you are far more foolish than I gave you credit for."

"And after that, it sort of just became hard to talk about. We've said hardly a word to each other since," Robin finished.

The two had finished their lap around the park and were slowly making their way back, both reluctant to meet what was waiting for them when they returned.

"I can understand why you'd be upset. My brothers-" she paused, the slightest hesitation of the tongue. "…They could get so stubborn over the stupidest of things. It's funny, but your description of Mr. Altea reminds me much of Xander, albeit a bit more…passionate. My brother was also quite protective of us all, most of the time edging into self-sacrificing."

"A-Ah, I see. Your brother sounds nice," Robin trailed off awkwardly.

"He was. He had one of the kindest souls I'd ever known," she confided. "But because of that, he often got himself into situations like the one you just recounted. I can understand your frustration."

White strands of hair fell into her eyes as Robin bobbed her head in a single nod. "How do you deal with someone who is so willing to throw themselves at danger for even the slightest of reasons? I've… I once had someone in my life who did the same, and she ended up getting injured protecting me. I just…I don't want what happened to her to happen to Chrom." Robin paused to side step a rather large puddle, her reflection flashing in the water as she did. "He's been so kind. He housed me, gave me a job, gave me food, and befriended me, all with no questions asked. How can I possibly continue relying on him when I know that he may end up hurt?" she concluded.

Camilla brought her finger up to her mouth, her manicured nail tapping her lip in deep thought.

"Do you want to hear my opinion on the matter?" Robin remained noticeably quiet, but the energy that hung on her frame like the morning fog was one of anticipation. She was waiting with a thoughtful ear turned towards the taller woman. "I think, that when you find someone who is willing to go so far for you, that you should cling to them desperately, with all your might. Don't waste time hesitating over unforeseeable futures and possibilities. Yes. There may be a day that one of you ends up hurt, but that pain is only proof that you were strong enough to care and to love."

"…And you think that taking that chance is worth it?"

Camilla giggled a little, and suddenly Robin felt very childish. "I do, and I think Mr. Altea has realized the same. Perhaps he's had enough regrets and simply didn't want you to be one of them."

Robin let her words sink in. He was always smiling and looking forward. It hadn't even occurred to her that he'd regretted anything before. "I guess I can see what you mean."

"For what it's worth, I think you two have more in common than you think. After all, why else would you have run headlong into the middle of that fight, knowing full well that you could get hurt, if not to sacrifice your own wellbeing to protect his? Hm?" Her magenta eyes twinkled with mischief. Robin balked, blood violently rushing to her cheeks.

"I-I didn't-!" she rushed.

"No, I'm pretty sure that you did. Though I find it rather cute, that you are both so willing to recklessly disregard your own safety for each other. You two make a good couple," she sang.

Robin stumbled a bit, falling just enough behind in stride that she got whipped in the face by Camilla's windblown locks. "I assure you, it really isn't like that! Why would I fall in love with an idiot like him?" she defended.

At that, Camilla actually snorted. "Oh, I truly do pity Mr. Altea. Just make sure that you invite me to the wedding, once you two sort out your feelings."

Robin jogged to catch up to her. "What 'feelings'? I assure you, Chrom has the same propensity for romance as a brick wall. There's no way."

Camilla had to choke down a bout of laughter. If only the little bird had seen his face after she ran out of the funeral home. He'd practically lunged after her, worry clearly evident in his eyes. She released a long, drawn-out out sigh. "Oh dear. Seems like it may be a while until I receive an invite…"

Robin lightly shoved at the other's shoulder, doing little to unbalance the woman, despite her monstrous heels. She could feel the heat radiating from her face. Gods, she felt so silly.

"There you two are!"

The two women turned their attention towards the voice. Camilla held her hand over her mouth in playful surprise, her smile still clearly visible from behind her fingers. "Seems as though our presence has been missed."

Leo came running up the sidewalk, collar slightly out of place and sweat pouring from his temples. He came to a halt just a few feet in front of them, keeling over onto his knees to catch his breath. Camilla bent over him in motherly concern, gently rubbing circles into his back until the young man's breathing steadied. As soon as he was able, he lurched up, hazel eyes connecting with Robin's.

"I've-I've been looking for you," he heaved. "It's your friend. He's collapsed."

A/N: Ahahahaha...ahaha...aha..haaaaaaaaa... :'D

So I'm back from the dead with another chapter and this one was definitely a thing. A big thanks to Iturbide for beta reading this and giving me a ton of pointers, and another thanks to all my wonderful readers for the comments and support I've been receiving from you all! It was a really tough semester, and especially in the last month I struggled to find the energy to write, but it's cause of you guys that I was able to get this chapter out!

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, or at least didn't suffer too much in the process of reading it, and as always let me know what you think!