Written for 31_days over at livejournal.

Prompt: a clumsy ersatz angel

*

Gamma can't stop staring at the Princess for days after he's met her.

He can see the resemblance to his Boss, as the similarities are pretty hard to miss. The warmth of her hand when she hesitantly tugs on his arm to get his attention, although her fingers are slimmer (and her skin is powdery soft), fingertips lacking those familiar callouses. The curve of her smile (and the tiny dimples on her cheeks) without that usual, razor-sharp tilt accenting the edges. The sound of her laughter that carries over the gardens and bounces off the sturdy walls, finally free from bitter coughing fits. Those warm, knowing eyes staring back at Gamma without any remorse or guilt.

Gamma can't stop staring at the Princess, trying to catch a glimpse of his Boss in every familiar gesture and sound.

She's looking up at him from the ground, with arms wide open as she reaches for him. Gamma's body moves on autopilot and he leans down, pulls her up and helps her find a comfortable position in the protective shell of his half-embrace. She leans back against his chest, relaxed and completely at ease while he gently nudges the horse with his heels.

Gamma can't stop staring at the Princess, realizing how small she is under that pristine white dress, her tiny, birdlike shoulders pressing into the black leather of his uniform while they sway in a lulling rhythm with every step.

She's fragile, helpless, and utterly defenseless. The Famiglia shouldn't rely on him to keep her safe.

"I trust you," she speaks up suddenly, her voice calm and strong, knowing beyond her age. Her hands are resting on his, their fingers intertwined and holding loosely onto the rein.

The little half-smile that appears on Gamma's face faintly echoes lingering traces of bitterness.

"Maybe you shouldn't, Princess," he says quietly, failure and self-loathing leaving a sour taste in his mouth after he swallows morsels of his memories.

Her fingers twitch faintly and she turns her head to look at him, her eyes wide and honest, and Gamma thinks that deep, rich blue color peering into his soul is a slightly lighter shade than his Boss'.

"I trust you," she says again, still with confidence, but the syllables now also hide shy wonder and childlike adoration.

Gamma blinks, but the Princess's already turned back, her gaze locked on the road before them. He glances up at the clear, blue sky. There's no sign of clouds within a mile, and the sun's gentle warmth is a soothing caress on his face.

"Do as you wish," he sighs at last, closes his eyes, and swallows against the urge to gently kiss the top of his Boss' head.