A/N: Yay, more plot! Hope you like and review :)

Reviewers -

AdamthePyromancer – Sorry! Life likes to suck up all of my writing time, but I'll try to work harder on updating this. No promises, because I'm busy as hell.

Guest – Thanks, sorry for keeping you waiting!

Deflow – Thank you!

LightPhantom742 – Aww, yeah if only it could just stay simple with the slow build of Hope and Light's romance. It's nice getting to write them with a more relaxing atmosphere as opposed to my other stories. But, you know me, there's gotta be a few twists and turns before we can get to a happy ending.

time-and-relative-dimensions91 – I'm very glad. I know there really isn't a lot of lovesick, insecure Lightning and it's usually the other way around with puppy dog Hope, so I wanted to change that dynamic and I'm really happy it's appreciated. I have a general idea where this fic will go, but most of it kind of just comes as I write. Thank you!

GorillaComingATYA - Thank you and sorry for the wait.

gummy b3ars – Thank you!

The-Devil-Butterfly – Thank you for your review. I love writing this, not only because the two of them are adorable, but because it's really fun and different to write such a smitten Lightning. And, yes, Reina and Zael. Both of them will be playing their parts in the story soon enough.

Nevergonnafindme (3) – Thank you! Hope I don't disappoint.

Joel – Aw, I'm ecstatic to hear that you like this so much. There will be drama to come, not sure about all of that, but it will come.

The training room in the Corps branch headquarters at three o'clock in the morning was unsurprisingly quiet and largely unpopulated. This made their arranged times of meeting seem coincidental, if they were to ever be noticed at all, that is. Lightning stood in the entrance by the elevator, watching Zael work the punching bag into submission. It looked exhausted and well on its way to falling into a heap on the floor, much unlike Zael who only looked revved up for more.

"You better be straight with me, Sergeant. I'm in no mood. So make this quick."

A lopsided smirk twisted his face as he let his eyes slip to her form in the doorway. He kept up his training, but his attention was on her. "Where have I heard that before?" Clad in only a pair of loose basketball shorts, Zael seemed to take out all of his aggression, all of his pent up rage, out on the sad piece of equipment with remarkable speed and strength. His long hair was in its usual pony tail, wisps of untied bangs sticking to his forehead as a light sheen of sweat dripped along his body.

Lightning straightened herself, her arms coming up as she crossed them before her. "Why do I even put up with you," she murmered, beyond agitated.

One last heavy blow sent the bag back into the wall with a loud smack. Sand began to slip from a new hole in the side as Zael steadied it.

"Aren't you tired of getting written up for breaking the equipment?"

His smirk only increased in severity. "I can't help it if I'm just too much for them to handle."

Lightning couldn't resist rolling her eyes.

"As for the answer to your first question, it's because you need me and you know it."

Gritting her teeth, Lightning burned her gaze into Zael. She didn't need anyone. Most certainly not a scumbag like him. Before she could properly react, however, she was stopped by the man as he unwrapped his hands and came in close.

"Because having us on your side ups your Pulsian relations by a hundred percent." He liked seeing her flustered, even if the moments were brief and the tells minute, it always brought him enjoyment. "You would be in the middle of another goddamn war if we weren't a part of your unit. And this time, I doubt your population would survive." Finding a sufficient amount of entertainment from the fury boiling just under the surface of the usually composed Farron girl, Zael grabbed a towel from the rack beside Lightning's hip and snapped it back to him. He rubbed it against his forehead and face before resting it around his shoulders as he took up residence on a bench.

Lightning fumed, but couldn't quite argue. Despite the casualties to the Pulsian population caused by the War of Transgression, they had been resilient and the population had grown back into relatively normal levels over the past five-hundred years. The Cocoon populace had landed right into their territory and, not wanting to stir up trouble in their time of rebuilding, they needed to keep themselves on good terms with the Pulsian people. Allowing soldiers from the Pulsian army into their ranks had been a practice of trust and gave hope for harmony. As for Zael, his expertise and strength were necessary and a true advantage for their troop. She just had to put up with his personality, which was a challenge in itself. She wasn't sure if the benefits of having him in her unit outweighed the costs to her mental state.

As if reading the fellow soldier's mind, Zael spoke. "I'm the most dependable Pulsian you can trust."

Now, of that, she wasn't so sure. "I don't trust you."

"Yeah, well, you still trust me more than any other Pulsian here. Hell, probably any other soldier here. So suck it up."

Unfortunately for her, he knew her too well. It was one of the things she hated about him. He knew just how to get under her skin and stay there. A wart with no remover. "You said this was important." The triumphant gleam within his sage irises dulled as a look of seriousness overcame him. He opened his mouth to speak, but sighed instead. It was long and drawn out, heavy with frustration and resignation. He tried again only for nothing to come. How was it that the man that always knew what to say was speechless? "Spit it out."

"This really isn't the place." Zael's eyes surveyed the room, his ears open for any possible eavesdroppers. "It's not safe here…"

Lightning scoffed. "No way. We're having this talk here. I'm not going-"

"They're investigating the incident," he shouted, unamused and impatient. He needed her to understand his necessity for privacy. His gaze immediately swept around the room, suspicions high.

She stood there, startled, but unmoving. The incident…? He can't mean… There was no way. There had already been a thorough investigation. It had nearly torn her apart already. They couldn't just start it all up again. Shaking her head, Lightning refused to acknowledge his concern and turned to leave.

"Dammit, Lightning. You have to listen to me-"

"Why should I," she yelled, spinning back around to find him advancing on her. "They already probed into our lives, scrutinized every aspect about our work and found nothing. It's been closed. I don't know what game you're playing at, Zael, but I'm done with this conversation." Distraught with her partner's mind games, she continued on her way out only to be spun around and slammed back into a wall by a forceful hand on her shoulder.

"Shut up." She struggled, but Zael only pushed her back harder, attempting to restrain her from leaving. Lightning hit him hard against the cheek and then elbowed him in the stomach, successfully loosening his grip, but he came back at her and harshly pinned her wrists back against the wall of concrete. She sent a kick to his groin, unsurprised as he dodged her expertly. This was their usual dance. This was how they handled each other. It was always a fight. And they both knew how to end it.

Zael forced their lips together and kept himself there even as Lightning bit into his bottom lip. He continued kissing her until she finally gave in, allowing the kiss to deepen. When he felt her struggles end, the underlying rage shaking her limbs lessening, he broke away, though his hold remained. "Just shut up and listen to me," he spoke breathily, looking into her eyes that were filled with restrained hostility. There was hatred there, but something else completely opposite, too.

She spat in his face. "Fine, just say it." Truth was, she was deeply afraid of his coming words. If Zael was serious about this, she was going to be far from happy. Old wounds were about to reopen.

Giving a disgruntled growl, he let go, wiping the saliva off. "I talked with Akara," he continued quietly. "We were close when we were kids and we still see each other occasionally. Even though she works in the Inspection Division, old ties are hard to break."

The Inspection Division was in charge of keeping all soldiers in line and making sure that all of their work was carefully reviewed and cataloged. If a soldier ever did something dishonorable or questionable, it was their job to crack the whip and serve out an appropriate punishment. It was no surprise that the soldiers of the Corps and those of the Division didn't get along. They most certainly weren't very chummy.

"She said that there was some new evidence uncovered. She wouldn't tell me what it was, but she did say that it was enough to turn some heads."

Lightning's eyes flashed and she couldn't think straight. "Fuck. I thought this was over. They can't just dig everything up again." She couldn't go through it all again. She couldn't put her family through it again. She needed to know what was going on. But first, she needed to breathe.

Zael nodded, absently wiping at his now bleeding lip. He walked over to his clothes and snatched them up, collecting a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it up. "You get why we can't talk about this here, then?" He flicked his lighter closed and the metal clinked loudly, illuminating the silence surrounding them.

She had no choice, really.

The roseate clicked her tongue before swiping away his vice from his grip and taking a long drag. She began to walk away, the cigarette resting between her fingers. "Let's go."

It had been hours since he had been woken up by her call. Hope sat on his bed, his back to the wall as he listened to Reina speak about everything and anything she wished. He tried to focus on her words, but his mind kept wandering. It was always hard to merge his two worlds. When he was in Palumpolum, he kept himself there. When he was in Bodhum, his focus was there. It had only been a few days, but he was already in his Bodhum mindset. Speaking with Reina about his other life just seemed tiring.

"I miss you, you know?"

Hope snapped his thoughts back to their conversation just in time. "I miss you, too. It's only a month. I'll be back soon."

Reina hummed, but didn't seem satisfied. "As long as you're having fun. I know how much you love it there and how much you've missed your family out there. I just wish that it didn't take you so far away from me."

"So do I, but it's not so bad. We still get to talk constantly. And you'll be busy with your vacation, soon enough. You're still going with Trent and Breena and all them to the Canigan Highlands, right? Time will fly by." He added a few fake sniffs and a whine. "You'll forget all about your lonely boyfriend, in no time."

She let out a snort of amusement. "Yeah, right. You just want your girlfriend off your back so you can go skirt chasing. You're not getting rid of me that easily."

Hope gasped. "Why, I never! You basically just called me a man whore," he accused through his chuckles.

"Yup," she replied, unfazed. "Seriously, though… I really miss you. You think I could come out there with you, next time? I'd love to meet that little family of yours."

Hope let out a rough cough, oddly uncomfortable with the idea. "Uh, I don't see why not. They'd love to meet you too, I'm sure."

The brunette let out a squeal of delight. "Yes! I'm super excited already. Although, I won't know anyone else there."

"Eh. Alyssa moved here, apparently. So there's one more person."

"That blonde from the rival debate team? Sorry, hon, but she's your friend, not mine. We don't really get along."

"You said you wouldn't know anyone. It only had to be a person you knew, not a friend," he replied, grinning.

"Touché. Why is she out there, anyway?"

"She's, uh…" Hope hesitated, not wanting to get sucked into the same old talk again. "She's going to the Academy in the fall."

"…Oh."

Hope sighed. It had been a big subject for them when the two had decided that their relationship was serious. Reina had no want or desire to go to the Academy, nor did she want her boyfriend going to a college so far from her. So they had decided to go to the local university. It was still a top college considering how new their little civilization was, but it just seemed inadequate to Hope. He agreed with what Reina wanted. He'd even torn up his Academy application right in front of her to make her happy.

He just hadn't told her that he had sent in a new one the next day.

"Hope?"

"Huh?"

"You're mad, aren't you?"

Hope absently shook his head as a small smile came to his lips. "No, I'm not mad. Why would I be mad? I get to go to college with you. I get to be with you all the time soon."

"But… it was your dream to go there…"

He really didn't wish to talk about this. "Reina, it's fine."

"Okay." Her tone immediately brightened. "I've been looking at apartments, you know? I figured that since there's limited space in the dorms and they cost so much, anyway, we might as well just live off campus. It's a bit far to drive to and from home too, so it seems like the best option…"

Hope continued to listen to her words until telling signs of the approaching morning began to slip through the window. He fell asleep to her voice.

Zael carded a hand through her hair before it fell to her cheek, running along smooth skin until his fingers met the ridge of her scar. In his memory, he could see it stitched shut, his partner laid up in the hospital bed. He could see her cheek freshly split open, his hand covered in the blood of her wounds as he tried to radio in some assistance. He could see it completely clear, clean of any marks just before they'd landed. He regretted his choices, and he knew that Lightning regretted her own even more.

Lightning slapped his hand away as she retreated from his side, slipping out from under the covers. He watched her dress, frowning as she readied to leave. "We got a little distracted."

His comment halted her. She watched as he sat up against the headboard, black sheets pooled at his waist. Lightning hated waking up here, knowing that her basest desires and her own self-loathing led her into his bed every time. The room stank of ash and smoke and their previous activities. She hated it. Every time.

"Besides, where's my morning kiss?"

"Up yours," she replied before walking out of his bedroom and into the kitchen. She poured herself a cup of day old coffee, uncaring of the cold staleness and the way her hands nearly shook. Clad in his boxers, Zael came up beside her and fixed himself a cup as well. They sipped in silence for a few moments. "You still make awful coffee."

"Sorry if I don't like my hair standing on end." He chuckled before turning to her, finding the same usual sight of her glaring down into her mug. "How are we going to handle this?" He ran his hand gently down her arm before she stepped away.

"You think your little Division friend's going to give anything else up?"

"She said about all she could say. She loves her job too much to tell me anything more." His fingers tapped on the handle, restless. "Though she did say one other thing. That a person in one of the higher branches would be taking care of it. Garrison, I believe the name was."

Lightning's eyes narrowed as her hold on her cup tightened. The name was a bit too familiar for her liking.

Zael caught the action. He always did. "You know him?"

"In another life." She put her cup in the sink and walked to the door. "If it's the Garrison I remember, she won't be an easy one to shoo away."

Hope peeled his cell off of his face as he sat up, scratching at the new indentations on his cheek. He had been on the phone with Reina, but when had he hung up?

He hung his head as he realized that he'd fallen asleep on her. Shit, she hates it when I do that. Sending her a quick apology text, Hope got out of bed, the creaking of the mattress matching the creaking of his sore muscles. He really should have slept in a better position…

Glancing at the time, Hope recognized it to be late morning and went to check if his housemate was up. Lightning wasn't one to sleep in, she hardly slept much as it was, so he expected she'd be up and about anyway. What he didn't expect was an empty house. Lightning left already? But… where'd she go?

It wasn't any of his business, but he was almost insatiably curious. Before he had even fully processed his brain's request, his fingers were dialing her number on his cell. It went directly to voicemail and Hope found himself gaping at his phone. It wasn't a new thing, being directed to Lightning's automated voice lady before getting even one ring in. There had been a few times over the years that Lightning had had to shut off her phone. Important meetings and business were generally her go to words when she would eventually get back to him.

But she was off work… So what gives?

Hope's thoughts raced as he turned over the possibilities. He remembered her saying something about getting an update from that Zael guy. Maybe she was talking to him? Maybe there was something extremely important that called for her attention at G.C. Headquarters? Was everything alright? Was she going to be alright?

Settling himself down, Hope shook off his worry. He wasn't going to let himself do this again. He'd been through too many panic attacks over the past few years worrying over Lightning and the possible risks she could be facing on the job. It was one of the reasons he had turned to studying so hard and so frequently. That and his lingering depression that stemmed from his solitude from his l'Cie family.

Lightning was fine. She had her reasons for cutting herself off from her phone. And he respected them. While he didn't particularly like her job, he respected it, and knew that Lightning had grown to love her job as a soldier. She was okay. He knew she could handle herself, better than any other soldier he knew.

Although, he really wished that her responsibilities could have given her a break, at least over the rest of her vacation days. Hope wasn't naïve; He knew that he wasn't going to get to see her much over his stay in Bodhum, so he cherished the little time he was allowed.

Hope sat unhappily on the couch while he munched on one of his beloved strawberry Pop Tarts. The news droned on in front of him, bits and pieces of stories flashing by before the audience had time to really process them. Hope's knee bounced steadily, his eyes flitting from his cell that was perched on the arm of the couch, to the door, to the television, and then back to repeat the cycle. He was becoming increasingly wound up. No matter how much rationality he threw at his nerves, his body wouldn't listen.

The sudden shriek of the house phone had Hope jolting out of his seat, half falling over the couch as he tripped on the frayed edges of his well-worn pants. The obnoxious ringing continued as Hope flailed to get to it. He silently resolved to change Lightning's ringer to something a little more soothing later. Uncaring towards the flashing name on the caller ID, Hope answered, somewhat out of breath after his brief exercise in gymnastics.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Hope. Do you know where Lightning is?"

He found his shoulders slumping as he was met with Sazh's voice over the line. Of course it wasn't Lightning. He gave an unsteady laugh at himself.

"I tried callin' her cell, but she must have it off or somethin'. She around?"

"Nope. I don't know where she is, actually. She was gone when I got up."

Sazh chuckled. "No surprise. I'm sure a young'un like you is still in his PJs, watchin' cartoons and eatin' some sugary breakfast cereal that would give me diabetes."

Hope frowned, glancing down at his overly large long-sleeve shirt and flannel pajama pants. "I'm watching the news and eating a Pop Tart, thank you very much. We young'uns don't eat cereal anymore. Keep up, old man."

"Anyway," Sazh continued, the grin obvious in his voice. "I was gonna ask her somethin', so if- y'know what? I'm just gonna ask you. Do ya think you could watch Dajh for me tomorrow night?"

"Me?!"

"Don't sound so shocked. Despite my earlier comment, you're a grown man now. I'm sure ya could watch a nine year old jus' fine. And Dajh has always been fond of you."

"But-what-I-" Hope stopped sputtering and calmed down. He really needed to take up meditation or something. "I've, uh, never babysat before."

"He's hardly a baby. Dajh just needs someone to watch him, is all, really."

Then something clicked in Hope's head. "Wait, does this mean Lightning babysits for you? Like, on a regular basis?" That was nearly laughable. He knew Lightning really didn't care for kids much. At all. But he supposed that Dajh was different. In the same way she could handle Dimitri, she could handle Dajh. He was family.

"Yeah, I don't wanna bother Serah. That son o'there's enough of a handful. Plus, she's got another on the way and it just seems wrong. So on the times I need him watched, I generally see if Lightning's available. Although, it's been a while since I asked."

"Huh. Where are you going?"

"Just a meeting, no big deal."

Did Sazh sound a little too indifferent towards it? Yeah, he kind of did.

"I could just drop him off over there, so you don't gotta come here. And there would be gil involved. The kids are still into that these days, right?"

Hope rolled his eyes. "I don't need monetary compensation, Sazh. What time?"

"Seven."

"Little late for a meeting, huh? What kind of meeting would you even be going to then? You're a pilot." The teen let out a chuckle. "Is it like a group thing? Is it a club? Are you in a pilot's club, Sazh?" Hope was outright laughing now. "Is it like the Flyin' in your Forties Club and you all sit around and drink and talk about the good ol' days?" A sigh fell through the line and Hope smirked. "Or is it an appointment? I know specialists meet kind of late sometimes. You aren't dying or anything, are you?"

"When did you get so nosy?"

"Eh, I'm bored. I get especially curious and speculative when I'm bored."

"Well, speculate all ya want. I'll bring him over then. Thank you, Hope."

"Are you going on a da—" Hope laughed as he got a dead tone in response. Setting the phone down onto the receiver, Hope heard keys jingling against the door and the lock clicking open.

Lightning shuffled in, shutting and locking the door behind her. She remained there, her hand stuck to the door knob as she rested her forehead against the door. How was she supposed to receive this kind of news? She couldn't handle snoopy investigators nosing around her house and digging into her life again. Oh, Maker. Hope. How am I supposed to keep him out of this? The last thing she needed was them getting him involved.

He had been in Palumpolum during the initial investigation, safely tucked away from their prying eyes and vicious talons. She couldn't let him be dragged down with her. Not him. Not her family. Sarah's expression last time had nearly crushed her. She couldn't bear Hope's.

Lightning sunk down to her knees at the door, wondering if she could find the words, the memories, of that day's events and tell everyone the truth. The lies burned her like the scar on her cheek, but she had done nothing wrong. It was a mantra that ran through her mind to keep her intact. A mantra that Zael would whisper to her on the nights where she couldn't pull herself together, when she'd be curled up in his arms, her mistakes and regrets bleeding into every cry. She had done nothing wrong. Her sins were many, but of this, she was sure. This was necessary.

"Lightning…?"

Jolting away from the door, the roseate came to face Hope. He was visibly stunned stiff, and she could imagine why. She had shown too much of herself in such a brief amount of time with so little intention. Before she could bring herself to move, an uncertain understanding seemed to relax his limbs as he slowly made his way over to her. Cautious, as if he were approaching a startled animal.

Although, that was what she was, right? An animal that was being backed into a corner, soon to be exterminated for its crimes.

Hope crouched down, completely unsure as to how to handle the situation. "Light, are you alright?" He was startled by how accepting she was of his touch as he cupped her face, thumb wiping away a stray tear. Hope had never seen her cry, and while one tear was far from crying, there was a vacancy in her eyes and a resignation in her expression that broke him all the same. "You want to tell me what's up?" His eyes scanned her form, seeing no physical wounds. "Light?"

This brought realization back to her blue orbs, a sign of complete mortification as she shook him off. "It's noth-"

"I don't believe you."

Her gaze snapped back to his, his green eyes solid with determination.

"Please, don't shut me out anymore."

Lightning wanted to laugh at herself. Three days. It had only taken three days for Hope to come in and break through her iron resolve. He had help, she rationalized. But she was far from broken. She couldn't tell him everything, but she could give him something. She owed him that.

Lightning stood and made her way over to the couch, waited until he joined her. His weight sunk in next to her and Lightning could almost relish in the security, the acceptance, that she felt radiating off of him. He faced her as if he was ready to take in everything she said and embrace it, disregarding her failures, the horrors of her past, because he just cared that much. He was her best friend, after all. Her brilliant pupil and cherished family member. She really couldn't lose him in her life.

His gentle eyes on her almost made her want to scream; she didn't deserve him. But they also calmed her, held back the racing thoughts and pitiable nature that lied within the caverns of her mind. His silence drew her to turn more towards him. She would face him, like the strong Farron she was. Or claimed to be…

"Some months ago, there were attacks on the G.C. The details are complicated and classified, but it was a lot to deal with. We had an informant, a witness and former member of the group behind the attacks, who was supposed to lead us to them. It was going fine, until we messed up. I messed up…" Hope hummed as she paused, no judgement in his tone, only curiosity and concern. "Long story short, we were betrayed. My unit, Zael and I, we were all left and attacked and, well, I was left with this," she made a vague gesture to her face with a grimace, "and enough dead soldiers to cement the day into my mind."

She was withholding some major details, he could surmise that much, but he took it in, absorbed every word. At least he knew some of what had been haunting Lightning. Even though he had only been around for such a small amount of time, he could see that something was hidden beneath her hard shell. Hell, he knew something was off with her the moment he'd stepped off that train and saw the scar, the scorn that was written in her expression at his initial inquiry. But he should have known much sooner. "I'm sorry…" Hope turned to her, his expression a mess of guilt. "I should have been here for you, Lightning. I'm so sorry." Although her account gave him nothing but a rough sketch, a faint glimmer, of the actual events, he could feel the agony and grief it had caused her. He should have been there for her.

His hand cupped her cheek once more, fingers more firmly set over the marred skin. His touch gently, yet purposely lingered there and Lightning didn't feel the need to fight it off. The urge wasn't there. Lightning let him comfort her, let their foreheads rest together, even if it was only for a few moments.

She remembered this peace. It was a serenity they both shared when things got rough in the past. When Hope visited and his nightmares of the purge would get to him or when Lightning's past demons would eat at her, they would just sit together, forehead to forehead and chase it all away.

"I'm sorry."

Lightning shook her head, her eyes opening to gaze at him. His eyes were still closed, his hand still cradling her jaw. Her other major problem stirred deeply inside her as he murmured an apology once more. She didn't deserve him in her life, but she'd be damned if she was ever going to let him go.

Before he could whisper anymore of his remorse, Lightning pulled away, slipping his hand off of her cheek and into her own. "Enough apologies. You had school and having a little drama queen like you around would have only made my life more hectic." She smirked at his scoff. "I do apologize for earlier. We got some news today that just reminded me of the incident. It was overwhelming." To say the least.

"You don't need to apologize either. It's nice that I can still be here for you."

It wasn't often Lightning cursed her gut feelings, but she really despised the light fluttering that had responded to his words. "Don't get used to it." She flicked his forehead as she stood up, his startled chuckles following her out of the room.

It was nearly four in the afternoon when Hope got a call from Alyssa, hastily inviting him to a get to know the campus tour of the Academy on the following day. As a promising new student, she was allowed to bring a plus one. Most likely in hopes that it would convince another promising young student to join their ranks as well. Hope was touched to be considered, but extremely torn as to what to do.

Maybe it was wrong. Maybe it was a part of his tempered rebellious side. Maybe it was just his dangerous curiosity getting the better of him.

He said yes.