"And you shouldn't have to," is Gai's answer to that, even as he tilts his head slightly to give her more room to nuzzle up against him. He's keenly aware of the fact that he's the one who came second... ironic that he's second even now, even here.

It does hurt a little. Buried deep within him is that sense of insecurity that there will always be someone better than him, and that he'll always be the second choice. "You shouldn't have to sacrifice one thing in order to have another."