Just a little something I cooked up the other day. I hope you like it! It could be taken as friendship, but maybe if squint a lot, a tiny, tiny bit of romance. It depends on how you interpret it. Disclaimers apply, as always!

…

Nights on Gran Pulse were surprisingly calm. There were the pleasant sounds of insects; the rustling of trees and their leaves, and the wind would give a calm breeze. But this peace could easily be a mask, hiding the true and vicious nature of the wild world. And so the cautious l-cie would take shifts keeping watch.

Lightning was supposed to be keeping watch at this very moment, and while she had not yet woken, her body was in the process. Slowly her mind was drug back to the surface, susceptible to the world's noises that surrounded them. Whether it was the subtle movements of the tree branches or the distant roar of a King Behemoth, her body and mind became more and more aware. And her first thought…

Why am I still asleep?

She almost shot up right then and there, thinking something terrible had happened to her companions, but froze when she heard the familiar sounds of a fire being tended. Lightning opened one eye, barely a slit to see through, and saw Hope's figure bending over the fire. She closed her eye and let out a internal sigh. Why hadn't he woken her?

Deciding to settle the matter, Lighting sat up, making Hope jump. She blinked what sleep was left in her eyes away and set a hard gaze on Hope. His eyes snapped from hers to the fire, a blush burning across his face. Lightning scanned him, noting that he had no injuries. But the effects of his extended watch were obviously taking their toll. His movements were a tad more sluggish, and dark circles had begun to form around his eyes. From his condition, she could judge that her shift was well over half done.

"Hope, why didn't you wake me?" She had meant to sound sharper but her voice just wouldn't do it. He gave her a sheepish glance and his face turned redder. Lighting could feel even more of her previous annoyance evaporate.

"Well…you've been taking double shifts lately and- and I don't know. You-" He paused to bite his lip and Lightning began to wonder how red a person's face could get. "You-You looked so…peaceful…" Hope muttered the last part and lightning almost missed it. Hope refused to look as her, clearly embarrassed beyond belief and wishing the ground would swallow him whole.

A small smile flitted on Lightning's face before she stood and joined him by the fire. Neither spoke for a few moments, only listening to the crackling and occasional pop from the flames. But soon, Hope broke the silence.

"Sorry."

Lightning nodded and looked at him, "You should get some sleep…tomorrow will be a long day."

"But-"

Before Lightning could think or before Hope could react, Lightning reached her hand over and forced Hope on the ground, placing his head on her lap. Hope let out a small gasp, but Lighting was too busy fighting her own blush to notice.

"Light."

"Sleep." She said firmly. Then she hesitantly placed her hand on his head, patting the platinum blond locks down. Hope still fought sleep, but in such a comfortable position, and a rare sign of affection, he could feel his eyelids begin to drop. Who could fight sleep…when it was so comfortable? This warmth…when was the last time he felt it?

Sleep was just about to claim him, but as his mind slipped into unconsciousness, he could have sworn he had heard Lightning speak. The words sounded strangely like…

"Thank you."