Note: Of course, I own none of the characters. Just borrowing them from Square Enix. This is my first time to complete a story, short as it is. Please do review so I have an idea on how to do better next time!

Reservations

They forgot to discuss it before the wedding.

"You don't want to have children?"

Lightning could not wrap her head around it. She thought it was a given-they get hitched, make lots of babies, and live happily ever after. There she was, happily nestled on the couch with her new husband, her head perched on his shoulder as her hand ran lazily along his arm. She told Hope that she planned to resign from the Guardian Corps in a few months. She realized that after all the fighting-and there was so much, too much of it throughout their journey as l'Cie-all she wanted now was to lead a quiet life. Besides, she preferred to be hands-on as a parent. A stressful army job will only get in the way.

What she did not expect was for her husband to tense up and struggle for words to say. At this, her head shot up, and immediately sensed that perhaps they were not on the same page.

"It's not that, Light. It's just-"

"I'm just scared that I won't be a good dad, you know?"

Lightning sighed. So that was it. He was scared of turning out like Bartholomew Estheim, the dad who was too busy to care. Hope and his dad reached an understanding during that unforgettable stop at Palompolum, yes, but their relationship remained cool and distant. There are some things that are just too late to mend.

"Don't get ahead of yourself. It doesn't have to be that way," Lightning said firmly as she sat up and looked intently at Hope's face. He looked back, gave a little smile, and nodded.

"Because you're with me, right?"

Hope closed his eyes and leaned for their foreheads to touch. Lightning sighed contentedly, knowing that her words brought him comfort.

"But you know," he started.

"Mmm?"

Lightning felt him grin as his lips touched her cheek.

"Before we raise them, we kind of have to make them first."

- End -

P.S. Even so, Lightning realized later on as they lay in bed together, even if you really didn't want to, my mind wouldn't have changed. I still would've chosen you.