The first thing I noticed was how quiet it was. Shouldn't my little sister be up and causing trouble by now? Then pain tore through my side, and I remembered where I was. I opened my eyes and saw the canvas of a tent above me. Unable to really move, I merely let out a small groan of annoyance and pain.

"You're up!" A familiar voice came from somewhere in the same tent, making me look around to see who it was. I managed to spot her getting up from a chair, book nearby and worried look on her face. "How are you feeling?" I forced myself to sit up slightly, grinding my teeth against the pain, and attempted a smile.

"Not too great." My voice was quieter than even I expected, making both of our expressions sour slightly. "This really hurts."

"It has to." A small silence followed, neither of us sure what to say. "I'm so sorry." Her apology somewhat startled me; what did she have to be sorry for? Then, without much warning, she came over and hugged me hard, which I would have enjoyed were it not for the fact that she hugged my injury.

"Owowowowowowow!"

"Oh! Sorry!" She quickly backed off, though not too far.

"It's okay; I appreciate the concern." I sat up a bit more, the pain slightly lessening. "But why are you sorry?"

"Well, because I hugged where it hurts."

"No, I mean before that."

"Oh. It was my fault that you got hurt like this. If I had been paying attention, I could have moved."

"No! If anything, it's my fault for not calling to you sooner. If I had been a bit faster, you might have noticed in time."

"That's… ridiculous."

"Well, so's yours." We managed a small laugh. "Ow. That hurts."

"I guess we're both just blame-takers, huh?"

"Guess so." At that moment, I felt myself starting to fade away. "I think I'm going to black out again."

"Oh! I'll go get Maribelle and Lissa!" I was about to say something, but darkness once again took over my vision.

I woke up again awhile later, this time remembering where I was. The pain was significantly less, and I managed to prop myself up on my elbows right away. I looked around the medical tent, searching for any signs of life. I found it in Sumia, half-asleep in the same chair that Robin had been in, also reading a book. It seemed to be a good one, as she was still very deep into it, not really sensing anything else going on. I gave a small cough, startling her out of the trance. She looked up and smiled at me.

"Well, good morning sleepyhead!"

"Hi, Sumia. How long was I out?"

"Well, when you woke up with Robin around, it was about two days. Since your second nap, it's been a few hours."

"Two days? Really? Wow."

"Yep. From what I understand, it's because you aren't used to so much pain and stuff."

"Huh. Interesting. Oh, and speaking of Robin, where is she?"

"I gave her a break from you watch, so she's off having tea with Maribelle and Lissa. She didn't leave your side for a second, you know."

"I kinda figured." Sumia stood up and walked over to me, tripping slightly as she did so. After regaining her composure, she started to do something with the bandages. "What are you doing?"

"Oh, right, you weren't awake then. I'm changing your bandages so you don't get an infection."

"Are you qualified to do that?"

"Yes; I'm training to do some healing myself, and I've been changing your bandages for the past few hours, thank you."

"Well, alright then." It felt a bit strange as she did it, but I didn't mind. When all the bandages were off and she was gathering up more, I got a chance to look at the wound. It was much better than I thought it would be, but it was still a mess. It wasn't bleeding, but the spot had exposed flesh, and I could have sworn I saw a rib. I was quite thankful when Sumia put the bandages back on.

"Aaaannndd done. Now you should be good for… an hour, I'd say."

"Thanks, Sumia." I turned my body and flung my legs off the side, then cringed with pain when my feet hit the floor.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"Getting up."

"No, you're not. That thing is still too big; you need to lie back down and rest a bit longer."

"But my feet are already on the floor…" I wiggled my toes to emphasize my point.

"So?!"

"So I'm going to power through this. Look, you said my body wasn't tough enough for this, right?" She nodded. "Then this is the perfect time to toughen it up. I won't do much; just walk around camp for a little while. I'm sure people are worried, and I don't want them to be that way for long."

"I guess you have a point… but, still! You're not fit to go around by yourself!"

"I'll take an escort."

"I guess that works…"

"Then, if you wouldn't mind, could you show me around camp?"

"M-me?!"

"That's what I said."

"T-that's not such a good idea. I'm a clumsy mess, and wouldn't be able to help you much."

"But you're the perfect choice! You're obviously not busy, you have healing skills; not to mention that you're my friend."

"I don't know…"

"Please?" I tried my best puppy-dog face, which I hoped was made even better by the fact that I was hurt.

"Well… if you're sure."

"Yes! Um… I may need help standing."

"Oh! Right; here." She helped pull me up, slowly, by the arms, making sure that I didn't feel too hurt when moving. We smiled at each other, Sumia grabbed me a shirt, then we slowly hobbled out of the tent, all the while Sumia propping me up on her shoulder. We walked around camp like this for a time, seeing all the Shepherds and telling them that I was fine. I was surprised to discover how many of them were actually quite worried for me, and how many more tried to take over for Robin but were turned down. Eventually, we made a circle around the entire camp, excluding five people. We didn't want to disturb the tea party, so we lost three there, and we were just coming up on Chrom when the other missing one, Frederick, barred our way.

"Oh, hi, Frederick. We were just going around camp, telling everyone that I'm up. You and Chrom are the only ones left on our list, so... I'm awake!"

"Indeed, and I am glad to hear it, but I am here concerning another matter."

"Uh-oh."

"This is actually concerning your attire."

"My attire?" Sumia and I exchanged glances before turning back to the knight. "What's wrong with my clothes?"

"Quite the contrary, actually. That red sweater, as you call it, has been fixed, but not by any of our hands. I had intended to sew it back together for you as thanks for saving our tactician, but when I went to do it, the tear it had was already fixed." Frederick took his hands out from behind his back, revealing my sweater, looking as new as the day I got it. It wasn't even dirty. "I wish to inquire as to how this came to be."

"I don't know. That's really, really strange. Back home, nothing was able to instantly repair torn clothing, and I haven't seen stuff like that here." I reached out and took it, carefully inspecting the red material for any signs of tampering, but found none.

"Are you sure someone didn't fix it before you got to it?" Sumia seemed just as confused as me.

"Certain. When I first came and fetched it, it still had a large hole and was covered in blood. I left it in my tent for no less than five minutes, and when I came back it was clean and repaired."

"That's… incredible." I put it back on, now seriously appreciating the garment. I rolled the sleeves up to just behind my elbows, a position that feels surprisingly comfortable. "Thanks for telling me, Frederick. Oh, and thanks for trying to fix it in the first place."

"Not a problem." He gave me a smile before his expression returned to its usual serious state. "I do recommend you keep an eye on the things you brought with you; I suspect this discovery has something to do with that. Now, if you two will excuse me, I have some posters to put up. Miss Lissa helped me design them, and I am certain that they will please Lord Chrom." He turned on his heel and strode off in the direction of some of the tents.

"That's amazing; I wish I had clothes like that."

"I don't think red suits you all that well."

"You know what I mean!"

"Still, I'm very curious as to how this happened."

"You're not the only one."

"Ah, Zack! You're up!" Chrom came walking over, immediately flustering Sumia. I smiled at both her reaction and Chrom's greeting.

"Hi, Chrom. We were just coming to see you, actually."

"How are you feeling, then? Much better, I assume."

"Yeah, I'm doing better; mostly thanks to Sumia, actually. She's been helping me out all day, and I couldn't be more grateful." She blushed slightly, giving me a very subtle look of anger.

"Is that so? Well, Sumia, we're all glad that you could be of such help."

"Th-thank you, captain."

"Oh! That's right; Sumia, I heard that something was up with your pegasus. I'm afraid that she's gone wild again."

"Oh, no! I have to go help her!" She took one step, then abruptly stopped and turned back to look at me.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine. Besides, if I need it, I'm sure Chrom will be willing to give me a hand."

"I'll look after him for you, Sumia. Don't worry." She nodded and ran off to stop her rampaging steed. Chrom then turned to me, still smiling. "I really am glad that you're on your feet again."

"Thanks."

"That being said, I have a favour to ask."

"Wow, already? What is it?"

"I need to gather everyone for a meeting, but I can't cover the whole camp by myself. I would ask Frederick, but for once I can't find him."

"Don't know how much help I can be with that, but I'll try."

"All I need you to do is go to Maribelle's tent and fetch those three. Last time I tried, I ended up with parasol bruises and tea on my favourite shirt."

"Um…"

"Great, thank you." He walked off as quickly as he could; I sighed.

"Thanks for listening to my answer. May as well do it. Which way was her tent again?" I took off at a leisurely pace, not wanting to strain myself. I had to hold my injury the whole way because of the pain, but I still managed to make it. As I approached the tent, I heard the unmistakable sound of Maribelle's 'noble' voice.

"...Well, that's your choice, dear. You have freedom to decide that, just like my dear Lissa."

"Really, Maribelle?! You're finally going to let me choose?!"

"Dearest, I have always allowed you to choose."

"No, you've just interrogated a bunch of men and made them run away before I even got to meet them! I have a say in the matter, you know!"

"Sounds like you have someone in mind. Care to tell?"

"Robin!"

"What? I just poured my heart out to you guys, so I'd like to at least know your crush."

"Well…"

"Yeah, Lissa," I made all three of them jump, sending tea and Lissa's teacup flying around the tent, "who is your crush?"

"Zack?!" She went very red-faced, which vanished almost instantly when she realized I was up. "Hey, you're not supposed to be up!"

"Astute observation, darling. What are you doing out of the infirmary?"

"Getting you three. Chrom's calling a meeting, and he wants everyone there."

"So my brother woke you just to get us?"

"No, I was walking around camp with Sumia when he asked me."

"Well, why were you up in the first place?!"

"Because I wanted to be."

"Are you kidding me?!"

"...None of us have time for this. Chrom's waiting, but he probably won't be patient much longer."

"Unfortunately, dear, he's right. I've never known your brother to be a patient man."

"Ugh. Fine. But you'd better get straight to bed after this!"

"Don't worry, I will." I moved aside to let Lissa and Maribelle walk past, and was about to follow suit when Robin finally spoke up.

"Zack?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Sure." Oh, no. 'Can I talk to you' is never good.

"So…" She put her teacup on the table in the middle of Maribelle's tent, and proceeded to uncomfortably stare at me. "...You've been avoiding me."

"Um…"

"Care to explain?"

"I've… Uh…" I know it's not your style, but just lie. "I've been a bit preoccupied."

"With what?"

"Mostly trying to learn more about the 'Outrealm Gate' Miriel told me about." Eh. Half-truth works. "Besides, you've been avoiding me, too!"

"I have my reasons."

"Oh, yeah? Would you care to explain?"

"Well…" her cheeks became flushed, making me become very suspicious. "Sumia told me what you said." I was certain the same tint started peppering my face, and I gave a loud sigh.

"Of course she did."

"So… you like me?"

"W-well…"

"Because I've been thinking, and… I might feel the same way."

"Been thinking?"

"Y-yeah. When you took that axe for me, I realized just how scared I was of losing you."

"Uh… wow." Hey, wait! "Hang on, I thought you liked me before that!"

"What?"

"Yeah; when you kissed me on the cheek! I thought you liked me then!"

"No, that was just the best thank-you I could think of."

"R...really?"

"Yeah, sorry."

"Well, now I feel like an idiot."

"No, don't!" She quickly got up and walked over to me. "There's no need. I… I guess I did like you at that point… a little."

"You don't need to try and make me feel better, you know."

"But I want to, especially if…" The tint deepened, "if we're going to try this." I was stunned.

"Did… did Sumia not tell you everything?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that I can't try a relationship with anyone because I could be going home at literally any point. I don't want to just up and leave someone like that!"

"Oh, that part. I don't really care."

"Y… you what?"

"I don't care about that. I feel relaxed whenever I'm around you, and I don't want to have to give that up. So, even if you go back someday, I still want to try it."

"But-"

"We'll talk more about it later." She opened the tent flap and gave me a mischievous smile. "There's a meeting we have to get to." She left, leaving me in quite the confused state. Did she just… strongarm me? I sighed.

"Oh, well. Like they say, better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all, right? May as well attempt something new while I'm here. Who knows; could work out for the best." At that point, I started feeling woozy again, and decided to get to the meeting in an attempt to get through it faster. Things had gotten a bit more complicated.

A/N: Told you it was coming! This chapter was a bit difficult to write towards the end, having never been in a situation even remotely similar to that myself. Have I mentioned that that's part of the reason why I decided to write this? Anyway, if you have any questions, concerns or comments, feel free to review or PM. Until the next chapter!