A/N: So, this is my first fanfic in a long time, and its my first ever in FFXIII.

This takes place somewhere after they make it to Palumpolum, Hopes house, but sometime before they leave. At first I had it in my mind that this took place at an Inn, but I dotn remember them once staying in an Inn so I guess this is at Hope's house.

Also, For now, this is complete, because I havnt finished the game yet, but I think I might add another chapter when I do finish, depending on how it ends. Anyway Enjoy~!

EDIT: So thanks to all the reviews and I'm so sorry about the punctuation error!! It turns out its been so long since I've actually posted something on here, that I had forgoten how to, and uploaded the wrong format! Its better now, I think!

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The slightest sound wakes her and instantly, Lightning is as awake as can be. She grabs her blade and holds it out inches from Hopes face as he gasps and look strait into her eyes. She takes a deep breath and scoffs slightly under her breath, holding back her annoyance at this late hour. She glances at the clock on the wall, realizing its not late at all, its actually extraordinarily early.

"What are you doing?" She asked, sitting up and shifting her bare legs over the bed, she leans over and rests her elbows on her knees, trying to wake up enough to deal with the teenager. She ran her fingers though her hair waiting for Hope to speak. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a flash of red, she looked up, surprised, "What is...?"

"For you." Hope whispered, avoiding eye contact at all costs, "I thought... you might... uhm..." Lightning looked from his dodging eyes to the rose in his hand. She could hear them both breathing with the utmost clarity, the room seemed so small. Hope squeezed his eyes shut and thrust the rose towards her, "Please! Just..." Lightning snatched the rose out of his hand; Hope snapped his arm to his side and kept his eyes shut. She watched him close in on himself, slowly moving to inspect the rose in her hand. She ran the pad of her finger over the out side of the petals, her calluses so contrasting to the soft half shells. She lifted the elegant flower and gently inhaled, then slightly parted the petals on the inside to view its anther heart.

"Its... beautiful, Hope." She held the stem between her thumb and index finger.

"I, I thought you might... I mean, I wanted to..." Hope looked up at her desperately, licking his lips, near hyperventilation, "I needed, I thought... I wanted, I-"

"Hope, Hope..." Lightning put her free hand on his shoulder, then gently ran her fingers though his hair, "Hope, please, calm down and tell me what's going on." Again, Hopes eyes began to dart around.

"I just... I just..." He took a deep, shaky breath, "I guess, there's a little something left..." He looked straight down, then sharply up at her, "From Operation Nora."

Lightning gawked and looked at the rose, and slowly asked, "What do you mean?"

"I, still meant what I said, about toughening up!" He said, "Or, at least, becoming more confident." Hope winced, "Or at least talking about.. and being open... and..."

"Hope, Hope!" Lightning smiled slightly at him, "Calm down." Hope looked up at her and reached to her, gently laying his fingers on her cheek softly. He looked at her, long lashes heavy in the low light. Lightning suddenly understood.

"I..." Hope whispered, leaning forward slowly, "I..." Gingerly, oh so gingerly Hope pressed his soft lips against Lightning's. Lightning sighed and closed her eyes, waiting out the meek kiss until he pulled away, "Uhm... I just..."

"Hope." Lightning said his name strongly, pulling up a fallen strap of her night shirt, "I'm seven years older then you. Its... I'm sorry." She looked away from Hope's pained expression down to her leg, "You should go back to your room." Hope breathed in deep and bit his lip.

"But I-"

"Please Hope." Lightning looked slowly up at him, he looked so hurt. Lightning took in a shaky breath and placed one hand on his shoulder, "Hope... If I've said something, or done something that made you think..."

"You didn't." Hope said quickly, "I mean, you didn't lead me on or anything. This is my fault." Hope stood up and looked at his shoes, "I'll see you in the morning." He murmured then left the room. Lightning sat for a long time thinking to herself, lightly touching her lips. She knew the kiss was wrong, but that didn't stop it from feeling good, the softness of Hopes lips, the tingle of contact, and the shiver down her back. Lightning took a deep breath and reminded herself, Hope was fourteen, she was twenty-one. She knew they're destinies were not intertwined for long.

So she'd let him think she rejected him, rather then him know she wanted to give in.

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Hope you liked it, R&R. Please be gentle, but also tell me if I've messed up.