Author's Note: So I have a billion small drabble things that aren't long enough to be put in their own story. Here's where I'm going to put them instead! There will be many different pairings, genres, AU's, etc. Some will be longish, some short. Feel free to request a specific pairing or situation.

To Love

CordeliaxGaius

The Shepherds' day at the beach turns into a bonding experience for a newly engaged couple.

"Gaius, I've changed my mind."

The thief scoffed at his fiancee's deadpan refusal and reached a hand into the changing room.

"It's too late for that, red."

Earlier, Robin had suggested they all take time to relax after their beach battle with the Risen, and Gaius had jumped on the opportunity to take a break from fighting and replace his usual, now-sweaty outfit for the (largely immodest) swimsuit Anna had loaned him, even if all his sweets had made him a little chubby. He'd persuaded Cordelia to join him, but it seemed she was having second thoughts.

"Gaius! I really can't!"

She stuck her head out through the curtain. Her long red hair swept the sandy ground, and her face twisted with desperation and pain. They had only been engaged for a few weeks, but was she really afraid for him to see her?

"Alright, spill it. What's the deal? I know a girl like you can't be ashamed of her looks."

Cordelia scowled and pulled her head back inside, becoming suddenly quiet. Gaius pulled the curtain aside. His grey eyes fell on her hunched up figure and he sighed. Her knees were pulled up to her chest, as if she were trying to visibly reassert the facade he was so used to. As expected, she was dressed in her swimwear, leading his eyes to the curve of her thigh.

"Anna fixed the size, but..."

The rims of her eyes matched the color of her hair. It was an almost pitiful sight: the famed pegasus knight reduced to a weepy, insecure girl. But Gaius loved it. He was glad she allowed him even these small glances into her real emotions.

"I can't let them see. They'll know that I'm..."

Gaius picked up her almost silent whisper and realized her problem. Bending down on his knees, he smoothed a piece of her candy-colored locks behind her ear.

"Is this about why Anna had to fix your swimsuit?"

Cordelia sniffed and nodded. "I'm pathetic."

Angered, he hooked a finger under her chin and pulled her head up sharply. Teary scarlet eyes held his gaze, and her lips trembled.

"I didn't ask to marry you for your lady bits, love. Though they are a nice bonus."

She pressed her lips together, trying to give him a reprimanding look.

"Seriously. I don't want to hear anything like that again. You aren't inferior to anyone, and no one would here would say any different, not even sunshine."

Grinning, he stood and took her hand in his. She reluctantly obeyed, pulling herself up but then jerking away and crossing her arms over her chest. Gaius rolled his eyes and let her out onto the beach.

The sun pierced their eyes. Blinded, Cordelia was forced to uncross her arms as she stumbled into him. A chucked escaped him and he joked, "I didn't know I married Sumia."

After punishing Gaius for his jibe, she raised her hand to block the sun. "Where is everyone else?"

"Don't worry, they're pretty far away," he told her.

Finally her eyes adjusted, and she took in the swoon-worthy sight that was her fiance. His swim clothes hung low on his hips, revealing a little more of his muscled body than he likely cared to show.

I'm no Chrom, he had once told her. Then, perhaps, she would have agreed. Now, staring up at him, she realized that he was more than Chrom could ever be, because he loved her.

An odd boost of confidence filled her. She lay her palm against his arm, smiling.

"Gaius-"

Before she could speak, the sound of girlish laughter hit her ears. Down the shore a little ways was Frederick, the sleeves of his white shirt rolled up to his elbows. He held out his arms in protest and laughing as Sumia, clad in a swimsuit similar to Cordelia's, jumped through the waves and splashed him. Cordelia had always been jealous of her fellow Pegasus knight, but had never hated her. Still, there was no denying the emotion that locked her limbs and jaw tight as she watched her friend unknowingly flaunt her womanhood to every male on the beach.

"Why are you so quiet, baby? If you're not enjoying this beach thing, then I'm not, and by the way our tactician is sending you worried glances, I'd say neither is she," Gaius commented as he nimbly unwrapped yet another candy.

"I'm sorry," Cordelia apologized, wrapping her arms around herself. "I never meant to ruin anyone's vacation." She really hadn't, but her mind was so wrapped in self-pity that she had forgotten to even attempt to enjoy this break.

Suddenly, Gaius pulled her arms away from her, and wrapped them around himself. Her eyes opened wide and she breathed in his not-surprisingly sugary scent, feeling the exhaustion from battle creeping up on her. He leaned over a little toward her. His breath was cool compared to the humid air.

"We're going to be married, aren't we? The way I understand it, that means you're supposed to tell me what bothers you, and I'm supposed to fix it."

"I-know. I have been acting abnormal, and I'm sorry."

He pulled away to slide his thumb along her cheek. "It's fine, baby. Now, can I take my lady for a romantic stroll down the beach?"

Giggling, she slid her hand into his, and tried her best to shove away unhappy thoughts. After all, she realized, she needed to prove nothing to Gaius. He loved her as unconditionally as she loved him.

Down the beach a ways, a redheaded merchant laughed evilly and flipped through a tome. "Now this is juicy."