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Parties at Chrom’s house were always packed. Between the number of residents of the affectionately labeled Shepherd Stable, and the rest of their friends, even a simple hangout got crowded rather quickly. They had an open door policy so no one was offended if anyone showed up late or had to leave early.
Lon’qu was not overly fond of the large crowds that would gather so he tended to be among those who would show up late and leave early. That wasn’t to say that he didn’t enjoy seeing everyone, but there was only so much of the loud voices that he could take. The back porch and backyard were his favorite places to retreat and watch from afar.
When Vaike announced a keg stand competition, he found himself slipping outside rather than be stuck inside watching his friends get drunk, and walked to the lone swing underneath the large tree. He could make out most of what was happening from his spot but he got the peace and quiet that he craved. Gaius was getting into position when Robin slipped out the sliding door.
His heart sped at the sight of the familiar form and he tried to convince himself it was just because she was his friend.
She walked over where he was sitting in the swing, “Hey, mind some company?”
He shrugged and she smiled, eyes lighting up. He looked away, trying not to take note.
Robin looked upward and crossed her arms, “It’s a pretty night.”
He looked up at the sky. He supposed it was rather nice, but small talk was usually not their thing. He looked back at her and noticed the way that she rubbed her arms. He shrugged off his jacket and held it out to her, “Here.”
She looked at him, startled, “What, you don’t have to. I’m fine.”
He snorted, “You’re shivering. You clearly need it more than me.”
She hesitated but gave in and took it from him. She sighed contentedly as she put it on, “Thank you, I appreciate it.”
He nodded, suddenly finding it difficult to look away from her. She looked nice in his jacket. Desperate to think of anything else he blurted out, “What are you doing out here?”
She blinked at him, “What?”
He felt his ears redden in embarrassment at his sudden question. He wanted to ask her why she was out here with him. Instead, he asked, “Why aren’t you inside with everyone else?”
She stares at him a moment in consideration and he panics. It was a look that seemed to cut right through him and figure out what he was trying to say, or rather what he was not willing to admit. He looks away, not so proud to fight this losing battle.
Robin sighs, “I wanted to talk to you.” He raises his eyebrows and she takes that as a sign to continue, “I also just wanted to see you. I feel like you’ve been avoiding me.” Lon’qu grimaces and she steps closer, her eyes gazing questioningly into his own, “Have I done something to bother you?”
Leave it to Robin to be direct, cutting right to the point. He appreciated that about her, but this time he felt like he was going to be sick.
“You haven’t done anything.”
“Then why are you running away from me? I thought we were friends. “In fact, I thought that,” Her voice drops, unsure, “...there might be something more between us.”
He forgets how to breathe. There’s no way he heard her correctly. There must be some other reason why she is pink-faced, unable to look him in the eyes.
She continues, “I didn’t want to tell you because I didn’t want to scare you away, but then you practically ran from me and I figured that if I was losing you, I may as well come clean. I understand if you don’t want to hang out with me anymore, but I just couldn’t hold it in any longer.”
Shakily, he pulls her into a hug and squeezes his eyes shut. He feels her body jump in surprise but then wraps her arms around him and rests her head against his chest. He swears his heart is going to burst.
“I feel the same.”