She pulled him along with a firm grip, her pace steady and sure. Unlike him, who wobbled after her on unsteady feet. It was taking a bit of concentration on his part just not to stumble and collapse, he was more afraid of falling on top of her than actually being embarrassed about it. And even if it was so, he doubted she would laugh.

Now that he thought about it, could she laugh? She could smile, sure, but laugh? He narrowed his hazy gaze at her back, as he always does when she's leading (and it was still a very nice back too). Was it possible for Lightning Farron to laugh? Did she ever laugh before? He made a mental note to ask Serah when he got the chance. He'd ask Snow, but he was sure it was the same for the big man. He wouldn't know. He'd probably be just as mystified as Zack on the matter.

He almost considered asking her, right then and there. Her broad back to him, her lightly tanned hand clasping his in a firm but reassuring grip. Like she was never going to let go. He was already starting to feel a little bolder. But he lost it when he ran into her when she stopped suddenly. If he was normal, he would have scolded himself for such idiocy, but it didn't cross his mind currently.

All that he saw was that she was falling forward.

Driving on instinct, he reached out for her, grabbing her securely and pulling her into him, pressing her against his chest and wrapping his arms in a secure hold. She went stiff against him as he light rested his chin on her head, unconsciously breathing her scent. She didn't smell like Aerith. Aerith smelled like flowers and earth. Lightning smelled like a soldier, sweat, earth, leather, and all the other stuff that soldiers here work with. Not that that was a bad smell. He was use to that smell, she certainly smelt better than all the other SOLDEIRS at home.

And she still had yet to relax in his embrace.

"Zack?" she spoke, shifting slightly in his hold. If his chin wasn't on her head, she'd probably look at him with one of her you-are-being-stupid-and-weird-and-its-baffling looks. He really didn't feel like looking at that look.

He realized she was still waiting for a reply. He quickly hummed to her, feeling her jerk slightly in his hold.

"What are you doing?"

"Getting my reward."

"..."

He grinned slightly at her hushed reply. And her hair was soft. Very nice on the jaw. Maybe she smelled a little different, a little fruity...

Lightning finally got tired of this, for she pushed herself of his hold, making him wobble. Throwing him a mild glare, she shoved the door of her house open, shouting, "Serah! Snow!"

No one answered her and she scoffed, grumbling under her breathe. He almost followed her inside, but his slow, fuzzy mind thought better of it. She's already done a lot for him, he couldn't impose more than he should.

She turned around and glared at him before he could take the chance and slip away. Grounded under her intense gaze, he grinned sheepishly at her. "What is it this time, Zack?" Oh God, he could hear the growl in her voice. It sent a buzz through him.

"You know what," he said, distantly hearing a slight slur in his tone. "I'm fine! I'm alright," he patted the wound at his side, wincing slightly, "I'm perfectly fi-INE!"

He had forgotten how strong she could be. She had grabbed his wrist and dragged him into the house. Again, he found himself watching her back till he was dragged into the den and practically shoved onto the couch. He blinked a couple of times at the fast movement. Just as it finally clicked that he was on her couch and she was looming over him, he felt her hands on him.

One on his forehead, the other on his neck. They were bare, her gloves were on a near table.

He watched her expression from under her hands. She was frowning as she concentrating on him, a small cute wrinkle between her brows. While she was focused on him, he was conscious of the warmth coming off her hands. He felt his eyes grow heavy at the simple touch, especially when they brushed against his hair. His mother used to do something like that. Comb her fingers through his hair. It always lulled him to sleep. And her warmth and calm breath that washed over him wasn't helping.

"Stick with me Zack," her soft, but stern voice roused him.

Blinking, he drew up suddenly, awake enough to realize that he was leaning a little too much into her touch. A bit more and he would have hit her... his blushed at the thought, but that did little to stop the twitch of his lips. Arieth wasn't body shy. Lightning was, despite how scary she could be. She always kept up her guard, only relaxing with her sister.

A random thought popped in his head.

Did she ever wear anything else?

He's only seen her in GC get up.

Now that he thought about it, this was probably the first time she took off her gloves around him. She looked weird with naked hands. And for rough, sturdy hands, they felt nice...

Those hands left him as she stepped back. They moved to her hips and he looked up to see her scowling at him softly. He grinned up at her.

"Zack," she said, catching his attention.

He flopped on to her couch, like Snow, his feet hung off the side. He winced when his wound was moved the wrong way, but eased it away as soon as he was comfortable. Lacing his fingers, and mindful of the cut, he smirked at her.

"Yes nurse?" he asked.

She arced her brow at him, her mouth dipping down in a coming frown. She shook her head and said, "You got a small dose of venom in you when you took that bite, so take it easy. Luckily for you, it's the kind that just makes you a little weak, and delusional. It'll pass after a day of rest. Or two." She seemed to add that one after a second thought.

"So I could stay here for two days?" he asked.

"...don't push your luck."

"Aw."

She lightly knocked her knuckles against his forehead, a small affection jester he's seen her do with Serah every now and then; blinking, he watched her as she drifted away. She called over her shoulder, "Get comfortable, Zack, I'll bring some water for you to help flush it out. And a blanket and pillow... do you want Serah's old stuffed moogle?"

"That would be nice," he joked.

She merely hummed before disappearing.

Once she was gone, he allowed himself to fall limp against her couch, breathing in the air. His head was aching now and his body felt sore. He opened his eyes a little and quickly closed them as the world started to spin.

He was snapped out of his revere when a soft yellow object hit his face. Blinking, he held it up to see it was a choboco plush. He felt his lips rise as he stared at it. Why didn't they have these in Midgar?

"I couldn't find her moogle, but you can the choboco instead."

He looked up at Lightning, blinking when he saw her. It was the first time he's seen Lightning Farron not in uniform. The white and blue vest jacket was off, replaced by a dark gray tank top. Her brown skirt was exchanged for some baggy shorts and her feet were bare. Her hair was still tied up in a pony tail, but with everything else, it was still a wild sight.

"Wow," he breathed.

Lightning merely hummed absently. Putting the glass of water down, she flung the thin sheet in her arms over him, covering him completely. Grumbling slightly, he pulled his head out, just as she slipped a pillow behind his head.

"Do you do this with all your guest?" he asked as he leaned into the pillow.

"Only Serah and the sick. Drink up."

"I might get poisoned more often," he warned, taking the glass and downing it.

"If this happens again, I'm going to let you suffer."

"Ouch," he winced.

"I slipped some pills in the water. They should help with sleeping."

"Alright."

"I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything."

"Got it."

"But since you should be asleep, I'm not expecting anything. Think we can keep it that way?"

"Maybe..."

Lightning sighed, "What do you want Zack?"

"Could I get a hug?"

Why, even he didn't know. He just wanted one.

Lightning stared at him, and he merely grinned back at her. Her eyes narrowed. "And?"

"Just a hug."

"Goodnight Zack."