Kai: Hey guys! MWHAHA evilness! Evil Cao and Evil Ruby! FEAR FEAR! XD

Ruby: I can't help it if I love Hope :D He is soooo adorable, like I mean uber adorable!

Cao and Kai: o.o.... why are you talking like that?

Ruby: Cause like I am so awesome and you aren't. Like isn't it obvious? Especially I am waaaaaaaaay better then Lightning like she is sooo last rated.

Kai: O.O

Lightning: ......... *takes out sword*

Ruby: Oh gawed no! *runs away*

Kai: *stares* uhhhh O.O Anyways... some more fluffy stuff

Chapter 8: Library

It had been a few weeks since Hope's stay at the Beast's Castle. Since then, he had gotten closer to the beast. They had taken walks together, Hope talked to her in the garden, he had read her his favorite stories that he knew at the top of his head, they now even ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner together. Hope had wondered how she was able to eat so proper when eating without eating like a animal. Especially soup but she had mangaged gracefully. She still was pretty cold but Hope could tell that she listened to him. A few times he had asked her about how the animals talked but she simply replied with a 'Enchanted Castle' and moved on. It seemed no one would answer that or anything else that had to do with magic but Hope didn't mind.

Hope had told her about how he grew up, about his father, and about the village people. All his memories and how his mother died from a sickness. She listened patiently throughout it all, looking uninterested but she actually might be. He asked things about her. Like about how her and Serah were sisters and why she avoided Snow like the plague. She answered with a 'Snow is a idiot. He stole Serah away.' and Hope couldn't help but laugh at that. He asked what she was good at and he had found out she was a expert fighter and great at combat. Once she had demonstrated and he was amazed at her sword skill. She made it look easy.

When he had tried it.... well... he had tripped and slid down and onto the ice. Crashing into a pile of snow. Hope had pretty much given up but Lightning was a bit more persistant. She taught him some moves and taught him how revenge isn't always the answer. Some other teachings also of how pity will only drag you down and will end up with your death. Of course he had made her mad quite a few times, especially when he accidently smashed a pie in her face. Though, she got him back when she smashed a cake in his face.

Today, he was walking around the palace while stretching his arms. He looked around then saw Lightning walking down the hall towards him. He smiled brightly then swiftly walked over to her.

"Hey Lightning! What are you up to?" He asked as he tilted his head curiously.

Lightning flicked her wolf like ear and looked at him. "I have something to show you." she answered.

Hope blinked curiously at her, wondering what exactly she had in store for him. She doesn't usually have anything planned for him, mostly he was the one who asked to do something with her and she would simply agree. It must be interesting. Before he could ask what, she silenced him by speaking first.

"Close your eyes." she ordered calmly and he blinked dumbly at her.

She waited patiently till he finally realized the command and he swiftly closed his eyes and held out his hands. She gently took his hands and started leading him somewhere. Hope walked as he tilted his head curiously. He felt her stop and he stopped to, still letting her large furry hands hold his smaller ones then he felt her let go of him. He heard a large door open with slight creaks and she took his hands again and led him again. Soon stopping and letting go of him once again.

"Wait here." Hope heard Lightning order as she walked around.

Hope saw sudden sunlight go into his eyes and he heard the rustle of curtains being moved. Curious, he asked, "Can I open them now?" he asked.

"Now." Lightning answered and Hope opened his eyes and his jaw practically hit the floor at what he saw.

It was books. A whole library that had so many books, it would be impossible to read all of them in a lifetime. Hope smiled brightly as he looked around at the books.

"Like it?" asked Lightning as she looked down at the young boy.

Hope smiled happily and looked at her. "Yes!" he said and he saw her slightly smile at his excitement.

"Good, then it's all yours." Lightning said and Hope smiled at that.

"Really? Oh thank you thank you thank you!" Hope said really fast, feeling like he should jump up and down excitedly but he resisted the urge to do such a immature act. So he just hugged Lightning around the waist who blinked slowly in surprise at the sudden act of affection.

Just at the door, the animals were watching. Grinning like maniacs. Serah and Vanille awed at the cute scene while Fang, Snow and Sazh just smirked.

"Well I'll be, that I have to say is a cute sight." said Sazh with a grin.

"You got that right." grinned Snow.

Fang smirked then stood. "Come on! Lets go get the dinner ready for them." she said and they nodded in agreement.

"This is very special!" said Vanille happily.

"Well what are we waiting for?" said Sazh then flew up and flew down the hall. Heading to the kitchen, followed by the others. Getting ready for this special night.