'Eclipse' scenes

A Talk

A/N Sorry for the short chapter, didn't know what to write today.

The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the camp. Stripes and Ash sat near the fire, the flames dancing in their eyes as they relaxed after a long day of exploring. Stripes adjusted his denim jacket, glancing over at Ash, who was staring into the fire, lost in thought, while Eclipse was asleep sitting against a nearby tree.

"Hey, Ash," Stripes started, breaking the comfortable silence. "What do you think of Eclipse?"

Ash looked up, her dark blue eyes meeting Stripes' hazel ones. "Eclipse? He's... interesting, in a good way" she said with a slight smirk. "Why do you ask?"

Stripes shrugged, leaning back on his hands. "Just curious. He's different, you know? Kind, but with that dark sense of humour. It's like he has this whole other side to him."

Ash nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, he's definitely unique. I've noticed he's been more anxious lately, though. Do you think he's okay?"

Stripes sighed, running a hand through his blonde hair. "I think so. Eclipse has always been a bit anxious, especially with everything that's happened to him. Losing his Mom, moving across the country... It's a lot for anyone."

Ash's smile faded a bit as she considered this. "Yeah, he's been through a lot. But he's strong. I think he just needs time to adjust to everything."

"Agreed," Stripes said, nodding. "He's got a good heart. Always looking out for everyone else. Sometimes I think he forgets to take care of himself."

Ash chuckled softly. "Sounds like someone else I know," she teased, nudging Stripes with her elbow.

Stripes laughed, the sound blending with the crackling of the fire. "Alright, point taken. But seriously, Eclipse is one of the best people I know. I just hope he realises that."

Ash looked thoughtful for a moment. "You know, I've seen the way he looks at you. He really values your friendship."

Stripes smiled warmly. "I value his too. He's like a brother to me. I just wish he would open up more. Maybe then he wouldn't be so hard on himself."

Ash nodded in agreement. "Maybe we can help him with that. Show him that he's not alone."

"Yeah, I like that idea," Stripes said, his expression turning serious. "He's got a lot of potential. We just need to be there for him, like he's been there for us."

Ash smiled, her eyes softening. "You're a good friend, Stripes. Eclipse is lucky to have you."

Stripes shrugged modestly. "We're all lucky to have each other. This little group we've got... It's special. And Eclipse is a big part of that."

Ash's smile widened. "You're right. Here's to sticking together, no matter what."

"To sticking together," Stripes echoed, raising an imaginary glass.

They sat in companionable silence for a while longer, the fire casting a warm glow on their faces as they watched the stars begin to twinkle in the night sky.