To my fan fiction nation I present to you my first ever Final Fantasy XIII story. Though it may be an oneshot, I did a lot of hard work editing this… well no I didn't it was actually my beta reader. So anyway this follows Hope after the climax of the game so I hope you enjoy. And remember, my fanfiction nation, review. Everyone counts!

Still Yearning

I stared at the glowing orb, cascaded by the beautiful crystal tower. I looked with a contempt emotion. Why did it have to end this way? Was there no other way than to sacrifice one of your own, not one, but two of our closes friends? Those that grew to become a new part of my family within the last few weeks and yet… I couldn't accept the fact. I couldn't accept that she was gone.

Her bright smile; shining so brightly like the sun.

"Don't worry. Everything's going to be alright, you'll see."

I smiled slightly at the words, her sweet scent engulfing my thoughts. Though she was gone, her touched seemed to encumber the depths of my mind. I could feel her slender fingers intertwining with one another as she laid her head against my back. Her pink hair getting lost in the wind as we fly up through the debree ridden skies in search for our goals. I smiled slightly.

Not at remembrance of the happy memories we shared, but in pain. In vain, a regret that I couldn't let pass. Was there no other way to save her? Was there no other way to protect her from the grim fate of an L'Cie?

I wish I knew; I really wish I did. I would have given Pulse for her. I would have let all those people die for her. But she wouldn't have wanted that. If that were the way it was... I promise the compromise with Orphan would have been different.

It was just a childish teenage love that drives me to say these things; to shed these tears for this girl. Was it just impulse? Or were my feelings real for her. Every time she smiled I feel so warm inside, so protected from the world. I love her... now I'm not afraid to say it. Now I'm not afraid to declare my feelings for her... now that she's gone.

And this is why I stand here. My head pressed against the cold crystal, watching the swirling wisps, hearing the whispers of fallen L'Cie around me. This is why I bang my fist against the crystal hoping to catch the slightest glance, the slightest sight of you, Vanille; my tears mixing with the moist dew of the morning.

But no more... even if you are gone. I will tell you. You'll come back to me...

"Vanille I..." I choked, my fingers slipping on the icy cool crystal. "The day we were in Pulse, and we were looking off in the distance remember. I... I told you that you have a nice smile. I... I wasn't joking, and when you blushed I was so happy because... because I did feel that way. I just wish that you were here... so I could tell you that in person!"

I punched the hard crystal one final time before slipping onto my knees. "Damnit..."

Warm hands touch my shoulder. For some reason it felt like a grip of reassurance. "Hope." Lightning's concerned face landed on him. "Don't worry. Vanille and Fang will come back to us... someday. Let's head back to camp, alright?"

Hope nodded and walked off with Lightning, but as he trailed back, he felt as if he heard the slightest giggle; one full of embarrassment and warmth. He gave a small smile, giving the crystal one final look before he set off.

FIN