Layer upon layer of scars, old and new, crossed over his skin. From knicks on his fingers to jagged white lines that spanned his back, Gaius felt lucky that his face had escaped any lasting injury. Hardened, calloused, there was little that could throw him off. And if something proved to be a surprise, he just as easily put up a front to brush it off. Physically, it seemed like he'd been through enough to say that he'd experienced about everything under the sun. However, this feeling was new.

A tightening in his chest, a catch in his breath, and unexplainable increase in the tempo of his pulse. A flittering in his stomach that had only ever occurred when he laid eyes on the choicest sweets.

Everyone in the Shepherds were good company, but it was hers that he enjoyed the most. Clumsy as she was, Sumia's knack for trouble was almost endearing. And it certainly wasn't any trouble on his part when he managed to sweep Sumia back to her feet mid fall. He also never grew tired of marveling at her grace on the battlefield, always so collected, dauntless, fierce.

But as much as he wanted to confess to her, that like had possibly turned to love, he knew that there was someone else always on her mind. Obvious to everyone but the prince, Sumia had pined for Chrom for so long. And who was he, a simple thief, to swoop in to steal her and lead her away from the path the she so desired.

And even in his boldest attempts to make a pass, she'd simply laughed and taken it as one of his regular flirtatious remarks. It almost pained him that she would never take her seriously.

Even though no physical injury had been dealt, it hurt. This pain was new. He'd yet to experience that pangs of heartbreak. Much like a physical injury, the first cut was always the most painful, and this one ran deep.

But he was here to support her. To be the shoulder she'd cried on, the ear that she'd confide her woes to. Each confession of her love for the prince had drawn another dagger through his already raw heart, but he cared for her too much to turn against her. Squeezing her hand, reassuring her, Gaius did his best to encourage her. "Of course he notices you. Anyone would be thrilled to be courting you Sugar." And he wiped away the tears, both hers and his.

AN: Hello! Thank you for reading, and requests and suggestions for pairings and situations are always open!