A Distracting Battle Ike x Reader

            “This is the second time this month we've been attacked without the slightest bit of warning. We're going to have to increase the number of lookouts after this fight or we might not be so lucky next time something like this happens.” With a look of pure anger and determination on his face, Ike stood tall, only feet away from you, powerfully swinging his large sword towards the approaching enemy. Ike usually kept his calm during battle, but there was something about having the Greil Stronghold attacked that really got to him. You couldn't blame him of course, all of the mercenaries had a strong attachment to this place. Still, at times that attachment got in the way of their thinking and caused rather dangerous problems.

“I agree.” Keeping close to Ike, more for protection than any other reason, you skillfully pushed through the hoard of enemies. They were no match for even a few of the Greil Mercenaries, so disposing of them was a relatively easy task, even when you were caught off guard. “I'm not sure why we've suddenly become so popular with the bandits in this area, but it is a bit of an inconvenience. In any case, I'll be sure to talk to Soren about coming up with a plan as soon as I have time. Right now, my hands, and my mind are a bit preoccupied.”

With the battles end already in sight, Ike had no trouble letting out a hearty laugh. “I can see that. Just keep your mind where it is for now. You falling during a surprise attack because you were trying to find a way to prevent future surprise attacks would be ironic.”

“I agree, again.” By the time the final wave of attackers reached you, the sun was already peeking over the hillside. The sudden brightness caused your eyes to water and your vision to blur. Knowing Ike truthfully didn't need your assistance with these mediocre bandits, you took a step back and allowed your eyes to adjust.

Immediately noticing your absence, Ike looked back at you from over his shoulder to insure you were alright. “You haven't decided to abandon me, have you?”

“Not at all.” Still doing your best to stay alert, you shook your head and tried to focus your watering eyes. “It's just that I'm not really much help when I'm unable to see what I'm doing. I'll be fighting again as soon as I can see where I'm swinging my sword.”

“Understood. But don't get in the habit of pulling back halfway through a fight.” He teased. “I need to know I can depend on you and your eyes.” Smiling just slightly, Ike nodded and returned to the rather pressing task at hand.

“Don't worry, this as a one time thing I'm sure.” As he continued to fight, you rubbed your eyes, squinting in the ever brightening sunlight. The sun was rising quickly over the grassy hill, illuminating everything it touched. The bright, warm light gleamed off of the clashing steel blades, causing harsh shadows to fall over the soldiers. You blinked back the last bit of haziness from your vision and readied to fight once more. When you lifted your eyes to the battlefield, however, you became frozen. What you saw wasn't the gruesomeness of battle, but Ike. Something about the strong, stern look on his face made it impossible for you to tear your eyes away from him. The way his muscles moved under his clothes wasn't exactly helping you either. Never one to dwell on this sort of thing, especially not in this situation, your face turned as red as the glowing morning sun. While you blamed your gawking on being rudely awoken before dawn, this wasn't the first time you'd found yourself staring like a fool.

Too busy staring up at Ike like a total airhead to pay attention to the very real danger that was all around you, you completely failed to notice the bandit creep up right behind you. While your attacker might have been able to elude you, he didn't go undetected by Ike. Catching your enemies raised sword out of the corner of his eye, Ike spun around and quickly raised his sword to block the blow. He threw his arm around you and pulled your face into his chest to protect you from harm. A second later, after there was no longer any chance of you being injured, Ike turned you around to face him and stared at you in disbelief. “What were you thinking? You can't stand around and daydream on the battlefield. You're going to get yourself killed doing that.”

“I know. I didn't mean to zone out like that.” It was very true, had Ike not been there you probably wouldn't have still been standing. Even worse than that was the fact that he really looked concerned for you right now. “I'm sorry, I don't know what I was thinking.”

Relieved that you were unharmed, Ike released your shoulders and let out a slightly disappointed sigh. “We're both safe, and the battle was won, so I guess there's no real harm done.” Confused by your strange, uncharacteristic behavior, he ran his fingers through his hair and turned to leave. Before he'd taken a single step, turned around and with a brow raised, asked you something you really didn't want to answer. “What were you looking at a moment ago?”

“W-what?” Turning every shade of red, you looked up at him with wide, shocked eyes. You couldn't just go off and tell him that you were too busy staring at him to pay attention. That would have been mortifying for you and terribly awkward for the both of you. “I'm not sure I know what you're talking about. I told you that the sun was in my eyes.”

“That's not what I'm talking about.” Unconvinced by your rather poor attempt to fool him, Ike took a step closer to you and pressed you for answers. “You were staring at something before I grabbed you. What was it? If you saw something, especially something that entrancing, you really should tell me. It could be worth looking into.”

“I swear it was nothing even remotely important. I didn't even see anything, really. I just spaced out and started staring at nothing.” At this point you weren't sure if he already knew and was just trying to torment you, or if he was really worried that you'd seen something potentially dangerous. Whatever the case may be, you could tell that he wasn't going to leave you alone until you fessed up.

“You must have forgotten this, but I do know you decently well.” His dark blue eyes narrowed at you, demanding an answer. “I can tell when you aren't being truthful with me. You're hiding something, and I want to know what it is.”

Growing annoyed and flustered, you raised your voice just enough to let him know you weren't happy with his persistence. “I don't know why this is such a big deal to you. It's not important and me telling you what I was looking at is just going to embarrass me, and probably you too. Since I don't feel like making our relationship awkward, I'm going to keep this little secret to myself.”

Without you admitting to anything, Ike suddenly understood perfectly what had so easily caught and held your attention only moments earlier. This unspoken information turned the tips of his ears red. “I see.” Unsure what to say, Ike cleared his throat and avoided making eye contact with you. “That does make things awkward doesn't it?” He chuckled nervously. “I should have listened to you and minded my own business.”

“You're right, you should have.” You nodded, trying to remain calm despite the now very uncomfortable situation. “You're not even sure that what you're thinking is correct and you're still blushing.” With a little snort, you crossed your arms firmly over your chest and forced yourself to look at him. “Imagine how much worse this would have been had I told you.”

Now eager to change the subject to anything other than what it currently was, Ike nodded in agreement. “I don't really want to imagine that, thank you. I'll just have to be sure to station you with someone less detracting next time we fight together.” Though he tried to hide it, there was a crooked smirk quickly taking over his mouth. “The last thing I want is to be responsible for your death.” He tapped his chin and thought. “I don't think Brom would distract you too much. I'll let him know that the two of you will be partnered together from now on.”

As he tried to step away from you, you quickly grabbed hold of his arm and stepped beside him. “Brom might not be as distracting as you are, but I honestly think I'd be safer sticking with you. At least then I know that you could keep me safe should I space out again.”

“That's very true.” He smiled down at you with a kind, yet playful expression. “I'll take that under advisement when I speak to Soren about this.”