"How could you possibly like me anyway? I'm always being rude and sarcastic!"

Setsuna stood before him with a silly grin on her reddening face. She had just revealed that she was in love with him, Azama, the aloof and witty monk. Azama was surprised to say the least, for he would have never thought a woman of any type would find him charming.

"That's very sweat of you to say." Azama looked at her in disbelief. Of course she didn't understand what he meant. Her absentmindedness and innocent kindness made her immune to the majority of his negative comments. Yet it is that very kindness and positivity that caused him to enjoy her company. He had secretly liked her for a long time, but like a child he teased her to keep anyone from finding out; especially her. Azama never cared about how people felt about him, yet for some reason when it came to Setsuna, he felt uneasy at the idea of her rejecting him. Looking at the situation now, though, he probably shouldn't have worried in the first place!

After philosophizing about how it must be some humorous fate that they met, admitted his feelings to her. He was quite embarrassed, however seeing the archer's face shine with happiness made him completely sound again.

"Oh, Azama, you always say the sweetest things to me. I'm overwhelmed…"

"You and me both, Setsuna. Say, why don't we go for a walk?" Azama started. "I think we've got a lot to discuss."

During their walk, they talked about many things, but mostly about how they came to liking each other. After a short silence, Azama felt the girl's fingers intertwine with his, giving him an odd sensation of both nervousness and comfort. "You're a good person Azama."

"Huh?" He looked down at her.

"You asked how I could ever like you, "She said simply. "Well, I know you more than other people do. And I can see who you really are: a good person."

The monk looked at her amazed. Was this truly coming from her? "For a daydreaming trap magnet, you actually say some pretty smart things." He teased.

Setsuna giggled. "Thank you Azama!" The monk sighed. Of course, it's still the same old Setsuna.

The day they both revealed how they felt for each other was about a week ago. In between battles and his daily meditation sessions, he would find himself spending time with her. Most if not all of the camp didn't know about their relationship (not even their liege Hinoka), yet that wasn't what was bothering him. The thing on his mind was what Setsuna said about him; he was a good person? Was it her just not seeing his negativity, or did she see something that he couldn't?

As much as it pained him to do so, he needed to ask for help. He decided to go to Hinoka, considering she knew Setsuna more than anyone else he could think of. It doesn't hurt either that the Pegasus rider was one of his more, how should he say, closer connections. Naturally, he found her in the gardens training like she usually does in the late mornings.

"Ah, Lady Hinoka! Good morning to you!" he stated in his cheerful tone.

"Morning Azama," she said in between swings. She stopped, wiped her face, and looked at him. "I hope you didn't come here to annoy me, cause I'm really not in the mood for your antics right now."

"Oh ho! No need to worry my lady, I have no time to mock your messy appearance today!" She began glaring at him. "Ha ha! Anyway, I actually came because I request your help." Her glare was replaced with a look of confusion.

"You need…help? From me?!" Her expression was quite priceless. It took every fiber in Azama's body not to make fun of it. Speaking of mocking, he forgot that he would have to tell his liege of his current relationship status. The monk can only imagine what teasing could come of that.

"Yes, well…this might take a little explaining first. How 'bout we go make ourselves comfortable." Looking around, he saw a comfortable bench under a tree. Making themselves comfortable, he explained the situation after a very awkward pause. "Well, I should probably begin by telling you that Setsuna and I are in a relationship. You know, like, a couple." Here it comes, he thought.

He looked at her, and she appeared not to believe him. However, seeing how serious he was acting, her face slowly converted into a surprising amount of sensitivity. "You- you're serious?" He nodded. "Well, Azama I…I'm actually real proud of you, as well as happy for you two. Congratulations, truly. I mean that."

Wow, well that's not what I expected at all. Makes things easier at least, he thought to himself. "Well thank you. But that's not what I came here to talk about actually. It's about something she said." The princess looked at him, as focused as ever. "You see, you understand her more than most, so I wanted your opinion. She says that I'm…a good person."

Out of nowhere, Hinoka began to laugh rather hard, leaving Azama the one confused this time. "Ha ha ha, really?! That's what's got you bent out of shape? Where's all that confidence you're so well known for? Ha ha ha ha!" He sat waiting for her to calm down, not really minding her criticism. Like she said, he didn't care how people viewed him (well, minus the one exception).

"I'm amazed you haven't been able to see it yet," she continued. "I think your own beliefs are clouding how you truly see yourself. Azama, you aren't as cold as you think. You claim that death comes for everyone, and you don't get upset at the idea of people dying. I used to believe you when you said that. But after watching how you act in battle, I don't think you fully believe that."

He didn't truly believe what he preached? That's a preposterous notion. But he continued to listen. "I've seen how you get worked up when people you're close to get hurt. You say you don't care, but you're just as human as the rest of us."

"What? T-that's ridiculous!" He stated. Trying to laugh it off as a joke, he saw how her expression was far from comical anymore.

"Now don't tell me you don't remember all those times you've protected me from harm in battle. You step in and take the blows yourself if you have to! Now that isn't really a quality of a disobedient, uncaring retainer, is it?"

"No but," she had his attention now. For once, the monk's quick wit failed him, and he had nothing to say.

"Let's not forget the reprimand you gave me that one time. I could see the worry in your face. And let's not forget the bear trap incident." How could he possibly forget that? Setsuna's unnatural unluckiness with traps took a huge negative turn, and her leg was in critical shape. If Hinoka and Azama didn't come when they did, she could have been gone from this world. She kept going, "I don't think I've ever seen you so upset. The worry and anger on your face, I was amazed at how devoted you were to fixing her up. You stayed in that room day and night so she would be able to walk again." She laughed softly. "I remember how she would keep apologizing to you, but you would tell her to forget about it."

He couldn't believe it. Has he been lying to himself this whole time? Now that I think about it, I guess I have gotten worried quite a lot. Thinking to himself, he remembered all the countless times he helped someone, and was actually worried about their safety. Such as the fearless knight Effie, who actually called him a "friend". He remembered hearing about how she was in critical condition, and would always rush over to heal her. Did he do it because he was actually worried about his, dare he say, friend?

Seeing Azama sitting there with a dumb face, Hinoka got irritated. With a shaking fist, she bopped him on the back of the head to bring him back to reality. He looked at her amazed she would do something so unnecessary, but then she spoke yet again.

"Do you still doubt yourself? Listen here Azama, you might be annoying, sarcastic, and outright cruel sometimes; but you aren't heartless. I've known you as long as Setsuna, and I bet that's what she meant by what she said! She sees you as a good person, despite your many flaws. Kind of like how you constantly point out everyone else's flaws, yet make an effort to care, admittedly in your own weird way. As quircky as you are, I have always been glad to be your friend."

"You…you think of me as a friend?" Azama asked. She sincerely nodded. This was the second time someone called him a friend, and he was truly touched. "Well, I can't believe I'm saying this, but thank you my lady." After a few seconds, however, that classic smirk appeared back on the healer's face. "But what am I still doing here? Unlike you, I have someone I need to go see! Thanks for the spirited discussion, but I have somewhere better to be. See you later my lady!"

And just like that, he got up and began to leave. Before fully exiting, he turned to face Hinoka with a thankful look. She returned an amused smile, and told him to just get out of here. And gladly, he did

Setsuna was waiting at a small pond in the town they last came across on their group's travels. She agreed with her sweetheart that they would spend the afternoon together, and this is where they would meet. Azama was running a little late, but she wasn't worried. After a few more minutes, she heard footsteps behind her, and turned to look what it was. She smiled brightly.

"Azama! You're here!" She ran up to him and hugged him, burying her face into his chest. The monk, not ready for this, took a few seconds to finally rap her in his arm to return the embrace.

"W-well of course I am! I would never lie to you my dear." He began to feel that nerve-racking peace he found so anomalous. "Setsuna, I just want you to know that, though I might not always show it, I truly care for you a lot."

She looked up confused, but then smiled lazily again. "What are you talking about? You show it all the time!"

"Heh! I suppose your right…" he looked down to her. "Setsuna?"

"Hmm?"

Azama began to open his eyes, and looked directly into her blue sapphires. She was in awe at the sight of his beautiful eyes, which had amazing, star shaped pupils. Truly a rare sight indeed. He spoke softly-"I…I love you. Truly."

Lost in his gaze, she began to draw her face closer to his. "I love you too." She gently closed her eyes, and kissed him. Azama was stunned, but relaxed into it, closing his eyes once more. When they separated, Setsuna began to giggle. "Wow," she whispered.

Azama couldn't even manage to say that much. He simply grabbed her hands and led her to a nice spot close to the lake. They sat there side by side, her head on his shoulder until the sun set.

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Notes: I don't think anyone really gives Azama any credit. In quite a few of his supports you can actually see his good side (like Efffie's or Subaki's for example). Or in Conquest chapter 24 (Kind of but not really spoiler here***) he actually protects Hinoka from harm and stands up for her. He even says in the Beach Brawl DLC how he thinks Hinoka deserves a vacation and wishes her to have a good time! Little things like that. (End of "spoilers") Anyway, this is my first story, and I saw that Azama had no good stories or pairings on this sight, so I changed that. Please review, if you guys want this to continue, I might if you convince me.

I own nothing, Nintendo has all rights. Some dialogue was used from his supports (if you haven't noticed)