As opposed to letting you run off unattended? [ it's said with a tone of melancholic mirth, complete with a small smile. she'd be dishonest if there isn't another reason why she'd like to stick together— she can't pinpoint what exactly, but perhaps it just reminds her of her adventures back home with people she never knew she could get close with, yet she did anyway.

it benefits her, having someone to keep her levelheaded. a perspective of someone who isn't bred through war and loss.

the stare lingers, and lightning notices that she has also kept her hand on her shoulder too long. she tears her gaze and hand away, clearing her throat before returning to the topic at hand. it's become... some of awkward, and lightning finds herself unable to find an appropriate place to put her hands. then, she folds them over her chest, avoiding eye-contact. ]

That's what I'm hoping. [ she huffs a small laugh this time, shaking her head. ] Hope is all we've got. And... eachother, I guess.