1. Radiant Dawn, specifically the base conversation where Ike tells Ranulf he’ll be there for him anytime - I also headcanon this as the moment Ranulf fell for him
2. I’ve already written a huge post as to why Ranulf is my favourite character in the Tellius duology. As for Ike, I love how he’s a simple guy who is who he is, yet still sticks to his ideals and wants to make the world a better place. He cares for his friends and family deeply, even if he isn’t the mushy type.
3. I love how Ranulf’s more extroverted and jokey persona contrasts Ike’s straightforwardness, yet Ranulf’s presence also encourages Ike to be more relaxed. I also like how Ike sees right through Ranulf’s carefree facade and wants to be there for him emotionally.
4. Ranulf loves Ike’s kind heart and strong convictions. Ike loves Ranulf’s enthusiasm for helping other people and his energy.
5. Ike coming to Gallia post-Radiant Dawn to ask for Ranulf’s companionship on his journey. He struggles between his hearts true desire to join him and his duty to Skrimir, but after Skrimir helps him figure things out, he decides to join Ike. They become travelling mercenaries before settling down years later.
6. They travel a lot, so they often either rent a place or camp out in the open. I do like the idea of them settling in a wood cabin somewhere. A forest maybe.
7. Most household tasks they either do together or rotate responsibilities. I like the idea of Ranulf trying to learn to cook to suit Ike’s appetite, but I think that’s also something they’d collaborate on - they both suck at it, so they learn together. Shopping for supplies is more Ranulf’s thing though because Ike isn’t a fan of big crowds… or shopkeepers.
8. Teasing, protectiveness, and gentler intimacy in private
9. They wouldn’t have a fancy wedding, but they’re practically married. Mist keeps bugging Ike about it, but neither he or Ranulf think it’s necessary.
10. They seem to get along well with woodland critters they meet on their travels, but they never get a pet. I could see them raising a kid together once they retire.
11. Both can read each other like a book even though they have a tendency to hide their own issues. Ike would comfort Ranulf through gentle hugs in private, but in public he’d invite him to train. If Ranulf senses Ike is upset, he’d pretend he wants a hug for himself and transform into his laguz form for Ike to pet.
12. Not the ship itself, but the fact that if you don’t pair them together, it’s implied in his solo ending that Ranulf is still kind of unhappy in his position (lucky for him, I don’t let that happen.)
13. Though he usually loves him for it, Ranulf thinks Ike’s straightforwardness and lack of filter can sometimes get in the way of their goals. Ike dislikes Ranulf’s politeness to the worst of their mercenary clients (an old habit of diplomacy from his time as a Gallian ambassador.)
14. I could see Ike getting a bit sulky in having to deal with people and Ranulf getting a bit annoyed of having to take on the social load. I think they’d also argue over finances, considering they’d have different views of budgeting based on their battle needs, Ike prioritising weapons and Ranulf prioritising items.
15. Aside from the obvious canon-typical racism, I could see some of Ike’s friends being unfortunately a bit hesitant towards their relationship, despite ‘good’ intentions (“hey man, we support you and all, but we think you’d just find things easier if you were with a beorc. You know how cruel people can be.”) But Mist and Titania make it clear they’d fight anyone who argued against their relationship.
17. Ranulf likes Ike’s muscles. Ike likes Ranulf’s eyes.
18. If they do, it’s on the training grounds when they’re exhausted and want to relax. Lethe tells them to get a room.
19. I like to think Ranulf has soft spots behind his ears, and he enjoys being pet without his headband on.
20. That’s no one’s business but theirs.
