"I'm happy for you."
Those were the words that started it all. The mistakes, the misery, the heartbreak and oh, so much more. Why I said them? I don't know. I didn't mean them, so why, why, was I stupid enough to actually say them?
I loved him, I didn't want him to love her. Why didn't I say something? I'm just an idiot. A heartbroken, bumbling, nervous idiot.
I cannot be-lieve I did that. I let him go on about how perfect she was and didn't cut in and say that I loved him. I let him continue on with his life because I wanted him to be happy, but instead, I should have cut him off with a kiss when he was ranting. I'm just a fool for falling for someone I can't have.
Unrequited love. The worst kind.
My name is Robin and this is the tale of how those four stupid, stupid, stupid, words ruined my whole life.
It had been a particularly happy day, full of sunshine and birds. It was a really good day, actually. The Virion had been constantly flirting with Sully all day and the teasing between Chrom and I had been normal, like always, but that day… it was almost misleading.
I stretched my arms above my head as I walked through the courtyard of the palace. It was a beautiful day that would best be spent outside, it did look like it might rain though. But, I decided to find Chrom and see if he would spar with me. I mean, I wasn't the best with a sword at the time, I was far better with magic than a sword.
I walked back in towards the palace, my silver-ish teal hair swinging behind me. I had made sure to pull it up, but in the last year it had grow a decent length (except for one little piece that would never fit in the ponytail no matter what I did!). A soft tune rang throughout the air and I recognized it as a common love song heard in town. It took me a moment to realize I was the one humming.
The corridor looked strange when I first entered it, but that was because I had been in the sun so long. Finally, the strangeness went away as I continued down the hallway. I looked around and a question popped into my mind. Did I forget about a meeting?
I broke into a run, concerned that I was late and wove through the corridors to see Chrom. The last thing I wanted was to be late for a meeting. I cringed at the thought. That would look really bad on my part and I would never hear the end of it. Yikes. I really don't want that.
As I was running something very unexpected happened, I ran into something and I gasped surprised as I fell onto my bottom. "My apologies!"
We both had happened to say that at the same time when, we pulled confused expressions. "Chrom?" "Robin?"
Chrom extended his hand to help me up and I took it gratefully, cherishing the warmth of his hand. I looked up at him and he looked down at me. We both kind of just stood in silence for a moment, until he said, "I'm glad we ran into each other, I was looking for you anyways. Would you like to go on a walk so we can talk?"
I smiled at the way his head quirked slightly when he asked the question, he was really just too perfect. I nodded briefly, the smile remaining on my face. "Sure. I'd love to. It's a beautiful day, why waste it inside?"
It was his turn to smile. "Exactly."
As we walked down the corridor and back outside, he seemed very cheerful. I couldn't help but wonder where he was leading me. Then I realized where we were going. We were going to walk by the small creek behind the palace. It really was a pleasant place.
"You know, before we ran into each other, I had thought I was late for a meeting." I stated, causing him to laugh. "It's true! It was far too quiet and I was certain I was late for something!"
Chrom smiled with a shake of his head. "Well, maybe next time you can actually remember when the meetings are." he teased.
"Hey!" I hit his arm playfully and he stuck out his tongue childishly. I grinned before going back onto the reason why he had brought me out here. I stopped in my tracks and when he noticed, he did as well. "Why did you bring me out here anyways?"
I just couldn't figure it out. He would normally never pull me aside to talk to me like this. He normally just did it in front of everyone, unless it was really important. But… but what did he want to tell me? Could… could he want to- I cut myself off. He probably wouldn't tell me he loved me. He loved Sumia. Not me…
"Well, I have excited news." His eyes lit up just thinking about it. A broad smile struck him across the face. He looked so perfect like this. I couldn't believe how amazing he was.
But he didn't even see how I looked at him. My face lit up with curiosity and I leaned forward, waiting eagerly. "Yeah? What is it?"
"I'm-" I practically bounced, damn, was I curious! "Getting married!"
My heart fell into my stomach. No. Did… Did I hear him correctly? He was… Getting married!? No, no, no, no! This can't be happening! But I… I love him. No! Tears filled my eyes at the thought and I looked away so he couldn't see.
"W-wow…" I didn't know what to say. He.. He really was getting married… "C-Congratulations."
"Isn't great? Sumia and I are really excited." I didn't let him see my face, it was so hard to hold in the tears. It couldn't be true… well, it had to be…
I worked to keep my voice from breaking. "F-Fantastic.. Wow. I-it's amazing, Chrom…"
I could practically feel his beaming face. "The wedding is in three weeks."
I nodded. "I should.. Um… go get planning then…"
"Alright. Don't push yourself too hard, Robin." Before he could say anything else, I started to walk away. I had to get out of sight. And fast. I picked up my pace to a jog, just so I didn't look suspicious. Soon enough, I had gotten out of his line of vision and broke into a full out run, tears falling down my cheeks silently.
"I'm getting married!" The words echoed through my mind. Married… It was really true then… I bit my lip to keep a full out sob from coming out. I collapsed to my knees, unaware of my surroundings. I didn't really care anymore. I hurt too much… I started to sob. I should have told him sooner. Before he started courting Sumia.
I couldn't hate myself more at the moment. I was heartbroken and it's all my fault. There had been so many times when I pictured myself marrying Chrom. What I saw was perfect… But… Not anymore.
Maybe I should leave, go away to somewhere he wouldn't suspect me of going. Maybe… Plegia.
I buried my head in my hands and sobbed full heartedly. It hurt… thinking about them being happy together and I'm nothing more than a tactician (and now a wedding planner) to him.
"Robin?" A startled voice comes from above me and I looked up, not really caring who it was. I realized only then, that it was raining. "What happened?"
Ricken knelt by me and placed his hand on my shoulder. I closed my eyes and shook my head. "H-He.. H-He's-" I choke, breaking off into sobs. "G-Getting… Married!"
His eyes softened, more concern growing in them. He knew who I meant. The others all knew I was in love with Chrom, but the commander himself, did not. Well, except for Sumia. She didn't know either, but she had her suspicions.
Ricken took off his cloak and wrapped it around me. "We should get you inside and dried off. Otherwise, you'll get sick."
I nodded, but didn't make to move as my cries quieted into hiccups. Ricken reached behind me and pulled out the small band holding my hair in. He scooped me up, 'princess style' as Mirabelle put it, he had really gotten big and strong in the time he had been in our group. It made me happy to be part of his life, but this time, instead of me taking care of him, he was taking care of me.
I wrapped my arms around his neck and allowed myself to curl into him, my hair falling delicately behind my shoulder blades. I'll let him take care of me this once…. Just this once. I thought to myself as I was carried back inside. He ran a hand through my wet hair and said softly, "I'll have Mira come up and help you change. I know you probably wouldn't if I left you to."
He knew me too well, that is exactly what I would have done. I would have let myself get sick. I really didn't care. I closed my eyes, from looking up at his grown features. He used to look like the little boy who joined us. But, now he was sixteen and he still had more growing to do.
A voice rang throughout my ears and I didn't open my eyes to look up at the owner. I already knew who it was. "Ricken? What happened to Robin?"
I felt a hand move a stray strand of hair from my face. It belonged to none other than the prince. I could tell just by the feel of his hand. Ricken cleared his throat before he spoke. "I found her outside under an old oak tree. Must have fallen asleep, I was surprised that she didn't wake up from the rain."
"Just make sure she's tended to and doesn't get sick. Her Mirabelle check up on her for the next few days. The last thing we need is her waking up with a fever."
"Yes, sir." I could feel Ricken nod. It was nice to know Chrom was concerned for me. "I'll do just that."
The warm lingering hand on my damp forehead left and I heard retreating footsteps. I opened my eyes as Ricken started to walk again. Wait. We had stopped? I didn't realize… Oh well…
We came to my room and I was laid on my bed. My voice was soft and weak from crying when I talked. "Thank you, Ricken…"
He ran a hand over my forehead and grabbed some clean pajamas that were folded on my desk. I guess I hadn't put them away yet. He set them on the other side of the bed so they wouldn't get wet. "You're welcome. You took care me when I was hurt or sick, didn't you? Now, it's my turn to help you."
He kissed my forehead and hugged me, before saying, "Let me go see if I can find Mira."
And on that note, he left and I was alone in my thoughts. I took a deep breath and stare at the ceiling. I had to go to the wedding. Just to see Chrom be happy. I… Well… Maybe I would just go to the reception before I left…
I don't know how much time passed before the door opened again, nor did I care. I heard footsteps approaching and I looked over to see Mirabelle. She helped me stand up. "Come on now, Robin, dear, let's dry you off."
She was never normally this kind to me, but Ricken must have told her what happened. I appreciated her help. Luckily, she had brought some towel. Mira helped me out of my soaking wet robes and grabbed the pants and top that I wore to bed. "Goodness, you wear things like this to bed?"
I smiled halfheartedly and shrugged. The old Mirabelle was making an appearance. "No one else sees it."
"I suppose, but still!" She finished helping me dry off and I changed half mindedly into my pajamas. I giggled quietly at the comment. I don't know how, but I was an emotional mess, so it didn't really matter.
She guided me to my bed and had me lay down. "I'll be back later, all right? Now, get some sleep."
She blew out the candles that Ricken had lit and I closed my eyes. The last thing I heard that night was my bedroom door closing.