A/N: A really short drabble that focuses on Noel and Serah's hands as a theme from the game. Dedicated to a wonderful person for her birthday.

Hands

Summary: He needs them nearby, as much as she needs his…

They're small. They're fragile. A little tainted, a bit of dirt underneath the fingertips. Certain fingernails are broken, the perfect oval shape ruined. The knuckles are soft, the skin tender. The gloves protect them. When he takes them in his, they're gentle but insecure. They're unsure. Hesitant. He needs to help them move, encouraging, and eventually they come to him.

Tentative, little by little, they grow strong and confident. They take his and lead the way. The pads of the fingertips briskly rush over, they explore and they caress.

They are needy, they search and they grasp, all for him. When they do connect, they hold on tightly, squeezing. Never letting go.

His always feel so inadequate.

Large, calloused and covered in blood that never seems to wash away. They ache and the knuckles are bruised and roughened. The fingernails are short but filthy. When they touch, he is ashamed and wonders if they hurt. He notices how ugly his are compared to hers. He notices how they engulf hers.

But when he has to, he grabs hold of her with them and his grip is strong and tight, reassuring.

Always strong. He finds she doesn't mind them when they save her from falling. Small fingers wrap around his and the smile says she is unfazed.

He hides them from her sometimes. But she reaches out anyways and they remind him he isn't alone. They intertwine with his fingers and stay there.

They aren't the same from when they started. They are bold now. They are confident now. They have earned the hardened lines of battle.

He realizes that he needs them nearby, as much as she needs his. If they are out of reach, they panic. They search, they seek, they long. They are incomplete, a missing half.

Soft, calloused, dirty or clean.

Their hands would always find a way back to each other.

Of that, both were sure.

A/N: Thanks for reading. Any feedback is welcome. :)