#yeah i started writing out robin x frederick stuff and realized i had an entire slowburn fic planned in my head

[good-beanswrites]

Been making time in between assignments to jot down some sappy Awakening stuff -- in honor of the valentines banner, have some thoughts on my top 5 playthrough couples! It's mostly just me gushing about dynamics and details, and disregarding the support convos as how they fell in love lol

(No chrobin ones, sorry, but I’m so happy for you all 😭😭😭)

Robin and Frederick: (stay tuned because I'll be posting an extended collection of thoughts on them eventually) I love the slow burn of Frederick not trusting them, the gradual relationship building to love and trust, only for Frederick to be right all along, but they’ve gotten so close that he still loves and trusts them despite the facts. I think Robin would be so caught up in the memory loss and fast pace of the war, Frederick offers much-needed consistency and stability. Frederick would be so straight-laced, having a partner who brings him a little fun and relaxation while caring just as much about their duty would do wonders for him. He also loves the fact that they’re a predominantly fire-wielding mage... And come on, what’s a better aesthetic than a romance between a great knight and a dragon he was supposed to slay?

Cherche and Lon’qu: Cherche quickly figures out she has feelings for Lon’qu upon meeting him, and takes all the first actions in the relationship. They’re an extremely low key, private couple. They have as full and true a love as any, but rarely show public comments and displays. Because of this, they master the art of communicating by looks alone. They both are incredibly observant, and can read the other’s body language and tone instantly. They made a pact at the beginning of the relationship that they wouldn’t let emotion for the other make them sloppy on the battlefield (but they both slip up now and again). They strike me as a happy ace couple, but if they do end up having Gerome, he definitely gets his brooding drama from his father.

Henry and Olivia: I actually think this is a common one in fandom, I just love their dynamic. Both keep to themselves normally – whether from shyness or being the creepy outsider – so when they gravitate together they’re enamored with the other’s company. They both see a side that no one else gets to know. Olivia sees Henry’s softer, calmer side that no one takes the time to know. Henry sees Olivia’s true and vulnerable self that she never allows to show. Their relationship isn’t very obvious at first, they’re just excited to have found a friend and confidant for a while. It isn’t until Olivia gets seriously injured that Henry’s smile drops and he feels genuinely panicked for her safety, cueing them both in on their feelings. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief when they find out they’re a couple, because Henry will finally have a sweet influence. Instead, Henry’s mannerisms start to rub off on Olivia, and she develops some morbid interests and dark humor… (I also think that Inigo picks up on that, which is why he can genuinely connect to his fellow retainer Peri in fates!)

Lissa and Donnel: There’s something so sweet about young village boy on a hero’s journey falling in love with the princess ;-; There’s none of the cliche having-a-ton-of-trouble-adapting-to-farm life/courtly life, since they’re both so eager to learn about the world. Lissa easily gets her hands dirty and helps with the chores, which impresses Donnel. Meanwhile, she is surprised with how well he cleans up and speaks properly to other royals and diplomats. They don’t think about marriage for a long time after the war, but Lissa realizes she has feelings for him immediately. Donnel is totally awestruck by her, but chalks it up to meeting a beautiful, strong princess in person and doesn’t think much of it. It isn’t until his defending her on the battlefield feels a bit more than a sense of duty that he reevaluates himself. When they meet Owain for the first time, Donnel cries at being a father, even though his son is a grown man.

Cordelia and Gaius: I like the idea of a playful thief and a duty-focused knight finding balance in the other. They’ve got the enemies to lovers dynamic – they despised each other at first because of their opposites. Over so much time being stuck with one another, they turned their annoyance into aid. Cordelia coaxed Gaius out of some of his dirty/dangerous habits, and he may have helped her loosen up in some not-so-legal ways. While I hate her mother-ness in their support, there is something so beautiful and intimate about her cleaning him up and cutting his hair…