Hey everyone! As promised I'm back with that story translated in english :) I hope you'll like it!

It's been three years now that I'm not a L'Cie. I joined my father in Palumpolum a couple of days after "saving the world" as Snow says. Speaking of Snow, he's now married to Serah and they live in New-Bodhum. You too live there, but not with them. Otherwise, I think Serah would be a widow by now. I used to visit you a lot, before. But you and my father made me go back to school, and I didn't have a lot of time in my hands after that. So now I can only see you during holidays or some week-ends. You took back your job in the Guardian Corp and Serah became a teacher. Vanille and Fang are still holding Cocoon inside the pillar. As for Sazh… Well Sazh is still Sazh. After reunited with his son, he bought a new ship and they visit us sometimes.

My 11th grade is almost finished and although I'll be seventeen in December, I don't have friends. I think the students of my school are still seeing me as a L'Cie. So I stay alone. But I don't mind, I never was the… Social type. My father is weird since a few weeks. He spent his time on the phone and he's always out. I can see he's not fine but he doesn't want to talk to me. I'm wondering what's going on… I'll ask him. Tonight.

~Saturday, April 23rd 3AF (18:52)~

~Palumpolum - Estheim Residence~

Arriving at home, Hope saw his father on the phone as usually.

"Who was that?" he asked when Bartholomew hung up. The latter refused to look at his son and didn't answer. Then Hope asked again, "Dad. Why won't you answer me? You spend your day hiding things and I don't like it."

The old man looked at his son and started, "Hope… I think you're big enough to hear the truth now. A year ago, I developed an illness. It's a very rare illness and it's… Incurable…"

The teen waited for his father to continue but he didn't. So he asked, "In- Incurable? What do you mean incurable? Are you- Are you going to die?"

Bartholomew lowered his eyes and said, "I'm sorry Hope. I only have got three days left. I should have told you before."

Hope was shocked. Of course, he didn't want his father to die, but he also didn't understand why his father had hid it from him. "Dad… Why didn't tell me sooner?" he asked.

Bartholomew paled. He waited a while and finally answered, "I couldn't… I tried to but I couldn't bring myself to tell you this."

"Dad, I'm here for you! We're a family, don't you trust me?" asked Hope. Didn't his father trust his own son? Family is supposed to be built on trust.

"I didn't want you worrying over me. Don't worry, I planned everything," his father announced before showing the phone to his son.

Hope watched him, silently, and then understood. "Oh! That's why you were always on the phone!"

The old man smiled at his son and looked at him sadly. "When the time will come, I don't want tears. Okay? You're going to continue your life normally as I planned and you will be fine. Promise me," he finally said.

Hope stared at him, completely shocked. How could he say that to him? He was his father after all! The teen couldn't go through his father's death without showing any emotions. But… It was his father's wish and he knew he couldn't argue with him. And also, it was his dead wish. Lowering his eyes, he said, "… I promise."

"Don't worry my son. When I will be gone, you will go live with someone I trust," said Bartholomew.

Hope's eyes widened. Who was it? Did he know this person? So many questions were on his mind at that moment. But he didn't want to bother his father so he just nodded and changed the subject, no longer wanting to talk about that.

~Wednesday, April 28th (14:24)~

~Palumpolum – Cemetery~

My father died yesterday. On Tuesday, April 27th at 19:46. He had had convulsions in the early morning and I had taken him to this hospital. He left this world during the evening without pain. I really wanted to cry, but I didn't. I remembered the promise I had made and I repressed my tears. Then, after giving him my good byes, I went to the reception desk to sign the papers needed and I went back home.

I am currently on my way to the burying ceremony. There, I'll meet with the person I'm supposed to live with until I'm 18. I didn't ask my father who was it, so I was wondering…

When he arrived to the cemetery, Hope looked at his surrounding and saw the guests. There were friends of his father only. There was no family. His parents were both only children. His grand-parents were already dead and Hope had no sibling. He was the only Estheim left. Away, he caught a glimpse of Sazh and his son. He walked toward them and they offered condolences to Hope.

"I know how much it can be hard. When Dajh was made L'Cie, I was blaming all Cocoon. I'm really sorry for you Hope. If you ever feel the need to talk you know I'm here for you right?" said Sazh, eyes filled with sympathy.

The chocobo chick flew his way toward Hope and sat on Hope's shoulder with a sad tweet. Hope stroked him and looked at Sazh. "I know Sazh. I promise I will come to you if I want to talk about it," he reassured the old man.

Sazh nodded and left, giving the place to Serah and Snow. They gave him condolences too, Serah was crying with a tissue in her hands.

"My father's last wish was to fight back the tears. I'm as sad as you Serah, if not more. But I won't cry, for him."

She looked at him with big blue eyes full of tears and sadness and answered, "Alright, I'm sorry. I'll try to stop crying."

Hope smiled at her and then the couple left him. At this moment, Hope saw the one and only person he wanted to see.

Claire Farron, also known as 'Lightning'.

She came to him and immediately took him in her arms. Hope was shocked, he hadn't expected that. Everybody knows Lightning don't do hugs. He wrapped his arms around her in return and she stroked his back gently to comfort him.

"Light…" his voice barely above a whisper.

She broke the hug, keeping him at arms-length. "Hope! Are you alright?" She asked. Hope could see the worriedness on her beautiful face.

He reassured her immediately, "I promised my father I won't cry and I will continue my life. I will keep that promise forever."

He looked at her in the eyes and she hugged him again. "I'll help you keeping it," she said nicely. "Did you bring your things with you?"

"Um… My things?" he asked, a little lost.

Lightning looked at him and finally added, "You are going to live with me now, remember?"

Wow, that was unexpected. He hadn't expected Lightning to be his new guardian. "You? You're my guardian?" he asked.

Lightning looked at him strangely and said, "Yes. Didn't your father tell you?"

"He just said I was going to live with a person he could trust until I'm legal. He didn't tell me who it was though. And since I didn't want to bother him asking…" he answered nicely.

"Well, now you know. When your father learned about his illness, he called me asking if could keep you when he'll be… Gone. .. I accepted of course."

After that, he and Lightning went to assist to the burying. There were a lot of people crying but Serah had nearly dried her tears, with Snow's arms comforting her. At the end of the ceremony, Serah, Snow, Sazh, Dajh, Lightning and Hope made their way to the airport. To go to New-Bodhum, they needed to take Sazh's ship.

After nearly 2 hours of travel, they finally arrived. Hope waved at Sazh and Dajh and followed Lightning, Serah and Snow. The two latters left Lightning and Hope a few minutes after leaving the airport. Their house was a very nice one. It was quite large and nice looking.

Barely ten minutes later, Lightning and Hope arrived to Lightning's house. Surely the Guardian Corp was paying their soldier very well considering the huge house Lightning was living in. The said woman unlocked her front door and started to guide Hope in the many rooms,

"There, the living room is right here when you enter," she said while showing the first room seen by Hope. "The kitchen is on the other side and the dining room is at the end of the corridor." She dragged Hope upstairs showing the doors one by one, "The first room in the right is the guestroom. The one in front is Serah's old bedroom. Next to Serah's room is the office room and next to it is the bathroom. My bedroom is just across the bathroom. And next to my room, is your new room," she said, opening the door. Hope's new bedroom was really big. The walls were painted in white and there was a big bay window that took the entire left wall. The room was only furnished with a big white closet, a white desk and a two place bed. "I let you unpack, I'm going to make diner. What would you like?" The woman asked Hope.

Hope turned his head to look at Lightning with a teasing grin on his face, "Since when do you cook Light?" he asked.

She glared weakly at him and answered, "Serah taught me how to cook when I learned you were going to live with me. I couldn't let you starve you know!"

Hope chuckled lightly and said, "I know how to cook you know! But I want to see you culinary skills. Go ahead, how about mashed potatoes?"

"As you wish! You won't be disappointed. I give you my word," she said before leaving, closing the door behind.

Hope put his luggage next to his bed and opened the bay window, stepping onto the balcony. He gasped at the breathtaking view. From his point, he could see the shore and the beautiful aqua sea of Bodhum. Added to this, the sun was slowing making his way down the sea, leaving the sky painted with yellow and rose colors. He put his forearms on the rails of the balcony, enjoying the view and the fresh, salty air. He stared at the infinite sea before him, thinking. He wondered what Lightning cooking will gives. Every time he came at Bodhum, Lightning and he ate either at the Villiers, or in the restaurant. Sometimes even at Sazh.

"Hope! Diner's ready!" Lightning shouted from downstairs.

He joined her in the dining room and saw her filling the plates with food. He sat down smiling at her, and took his fork, tasting the food. Gosh! That was good. His eyes widened a little which Lightning noticed.

"What? It's not good?" she asked, taking a bit of her own.

Hope answered directly, "No no, it's the exact opposite! I hadn't expected that. Of all the things you already know how to do, I hadn't thought cooking will be one of them. But, I guess nothing can resist you, right?"

She looked very proud of herself then flicked his shoulder. "You got it right! I'm good at everything," she answered proudly.

The young man laughed and they continued eating. After cleaning his plate, Lightning took the dishes away and came back with a dessert and two plates. She had made a lovely little chocolate cake with a strawberry icing. It was really nice looking and seemed really good. She cut a piece for him and one smaller for her.

"Wow you impress me Light! It's beautiful," he complimented her again, taking a bite. This cake was wonderfully good. "Light! This is SO good!" he said.

"I started to cook with cakes, so I guess I have a little more experience on these. And it's just a chocolate cake. It's no big deal," she justified herself, feigning boredom.

"With a strawberry icing. And it's not just an ordinary chocolate cake, this one is really good."

"Thanks," she said with a smile. "By the way, Serah asked the school when you'll be able to attend classes and they give you four days to settle down first. You'll start next Monday," she announced.

Hope's eyes lowered to his plate. "Okay… Are you sure I have to continue attending school? It's boring! Plus, I didn't have friends in Palumpolum so what will it be now, arriving in the middle of the second semester…"

"Oh no Hope! You are certainly not starting to argue again. I am not letting you throw up your future like this. You're going to school end of the story. Serah agree with me and even if I surrendered, which is not happening, she will obligate you to go. Don't worry, I'm sure you're going to make some friends. There are a lot a people your age in here and I'm sure they are really nice. They will welcome you nicely," she said to him gently. She seemed to be sure about what she was advancing and strangely enough, that comfort Hope.

I nodded then took away the dishes while Lightning was putting the rest of cake in the fridge. She sat down in the couch and turn on the TV. She looked at Hope and silently patted the place next to her. Hope understood and sat down next to her.

"Wanna watch a movie?" she asked. She showed him her enormous shelf filled with DVDs and Blu-ray.

"Yeah sure, what are you in the mood for?" he asked. He stood up and looked at the titles, searching for one. He then took out a Blu-ray and showed it to his friend, "What do you think of this one?"

"The ninth gate? Sure, why not. It's been a while," she said.

Hope put on the movie and sat back next to Lightning. They watched the movie passionately, and at the end, Hope noticed that Lightning was asleep. It wasn't her type, usually, she could go on for days barely sleeping and was still in good form.

The boy stroked lightly Lightning's upper-arm to wake up her. "Light… Wake up, the movie's over," he whispered nicely.

She opened her eyes slowly and, seeing him, smiled excusing herself, "I'm sorry, I fall asleep."

"Are you sure everything is fine? You're not one to fall asleep easily," he stated.

She nodded and said, "It's just that I didn't sleep well last night and today was a rude day. It's no big deal, don't worry about it."

Hope seemed dubitative but finally believed her. He stood up and extended his hand for her to take, "In that case, let's go to bed!"

Lightning nodded lightly and took his hand, letting him help her up. They went upstairs and, after wishing good nights, went their separate ways.

In his room, Hope put on a pair of clean boxers along with a blue Tee shirt. He got on his bed, under the covers and stared at the ceiling barely lighten by the moon glow. He closed his eyes and thought of nothing. Sensing the cool breeze of the night entering the room by the window barely opened. Cradled by the sound of the waves, he fell asleep…

~Thursday, April 29th (6:17)~

~New-Bodhum – Farron Residence~

Hope woke up in the early morning. Surely because of his inner clock. This morning, he didn't have to go to school so he woke up for nothing. He opened his eyes lightly to find that the walls of his new room were already lightened by the waking sun in the sky. He stood up and made his way toward the balcony, opening the window a little more. He stirred while watching the view. The beach was still empty at this hour, waves were crashing onto the golden sand. The turquoise water on which the sun was reflecting was lightly agitated. The sky was entirely blue except for a couple of fluffy clouds and for Cocoon, still held in the sky by the crystal pillar. The mountains could be seen far away behind the sea. Hope appreciated the landscape for a few minutes before heading downstairs. He went in the kitchen to pour himself a cup of black coffee. There, Lightning was already awake.

"Hi Light," said Hope, yawning a little.

The young woman looked at him and couldn't help but let out a chuckle, "Hi Hope."

"What is it?" he asked. "Why are you laughing?" He tried to read into Lightning but failed utterly. She had always had that stoic nature and never showed her feelings.

"You should see your face!" she said, laughing a little more openly now.

Hope had never seen Lightning like that. He had seen his friend wink a few times and had seen a genuine smile a couple of times, but never had he seen her laugh, let alone at him. He went in the corridor to see his face in the mirror. His hair was a complete mess. His locks were in all directions as if someone had just ruffled his hair. Well, to say the truth, Hope hadn't brushed is hair this morning yet. That was surely it. He looked in the kitchen to find a still laughing Lightning. He quickly fixed his hair and came back in the kitchen, laughing.

"Quit laughing! Is it better now?" he asked.

She looked at his hair and answered, "You could say that, yes."

Hope sat back and started to eat. After finishing, he went in the bathroom to take a shower. He came back in his room wearing just a towel around his waist. After dressing, he arrived in the living with a towel on his hair. He sat on the couch watching Lightning get ready. She was wearing her Captain uniform and had on her eternal combat boots. She glared at him.

"What?" asked Hope.

"Move," she said.

"Excuse me?" said Hope, obviously shocked.

"Leave the couch, your hair is wet," she explained, continuing to prepare her bag.

"What of it?" he asked, seating on the floor.

"You're going to ruin the leather. I just bought this couch."

"Oh. You seem well paid by the Guardian Corp," he teased her.

She gazed up at him, "What make you say that?"

"Seeing your house and the two velocycles in the garage. Besides, you just said you bought a new leather couch," explained Hope.

"Yeah. Well, I'm not THAT well-paid. Since we came on Gran Pulse, the Guardian Corp need soldiers outside New-Bodhum, so we're better paid than on Cocoon. But the difference is not that big," Lightning admitted.

Not wanting to ask how much she earned, he nodded. "You're working today?" he asked.

"Yes, but just until 13:00. You don't have to wait for me if you're hungry. We'll do something this afternoon if you want to," she proposed with a faint smile.

Hope thought for a little while and finally answered, "How about I come at the GC to pick you up and we go eat somewhere? My treat! Then, we could do some shopping."

She watched him with one of her gaze. One with curiosity and mockery at the same time. "Pick me up? Take me somewhere to eat?"

"Hey! I'm a big boy now! I won't get lost! And I have my own money you know, I worked hard this summer to earn it!" he protested.

The woman put her hand on the teen's shoulder and smiled weakly at him. Hey! Two smiles in less than fifteen minutes! Hope is a lucky man. "Alright, I'm counting on you. Thanks Hope."

Hope smiled back, stood up and went in his room while Lightning put her bag on her shoulder and made her way toward the door. Turning back, Hope said, "The pleasure is for me Light!"

She waved at him and left. Hope spent his morning alone, waiting for Lightning to finish her shift. First, he took another cup of coffee and watched the TV. At 10:00, he decided to do a little stroll around the town. He wanted to discover the city before starting school. Of course, he knew some places Lightning had showed him when he was holidays, but he didn't know all the ways. Every times, he just followed her without watching.

I had been here once. Do you remember? Just before the purge. Since I was a child, I wanted to go to Bodhum for the fireworks. I had bothered my mother for weeks and one day she took me there. I was so happy. But then… Destiny decided to take her from me… However, I don't regret it! To the contrary, without this journey, I would have never met you. Of course, this period of my life was horrible because of the loss of my mother, but you were there. And you always managed to cheer me up when I felt blue. Like… That one time in the Vallis Media. When I felt so useless. There, you found the way to comfort me. You explained me that Alexander was a gift because he came from me. That he was my hidden strength, the one that's on my heart. And it's all thanks to you if I controlled him. Thank you Light… My beloved Light... What could I do without you?

In the town, Hope went everywhere. From his new home, he went downtown. Then, he took a walk on the hot sand of Bodhum Beach. He passed in front of the Villiers' home and noticed some good shops. When he was in the center, he found a nice looking restaurant. The menus seemed good, the ambiance was welcoming and elegant, and it was in his means. A bit expensive, but he didn't mind. He entered the restaurant and ordered a table for two. After visiting all Bodhum from South to North, Hope went to the Guardian Corp to pick Lightning up.

~Thursday, April 29th (13:04)~

~Guardian Corp~

When he arrived, Lightning was walking his way. She was wearing baby blue jeans with a strawberry top and a beige jacket. However, she still had on her combat boots.

"Ready?" asked Hope.

"Sure," answered Lightning. They started to walk toward the restaurant. At one point, Lightning said, "It's weird…"

Hope looked at her and asked, "What do you mean?"

"In two years you've grown so much! Not only in your head but you're bigger than me now. I was a head taller than you when you were fourteen, and now you're half a head taller than me. It's strange enough having to look up at you and now you're taking me to the restaurant. I used to watch out for you, and now it seems that the roles are reversed," she admitted shyly.

Hope laughed and said, "Aw come on Light! We've seen each other during these two years. You saw me grow! And since when I am not allowed to take my best friend to the restaurant?" He gave her a slight punch of shoulder in hers.

Lightning chuckled lightly and asked, truthfully, "I'm your best friend?"

Hope's eyes widened and he answered, "Of course! After everything we've been through how couldn't you?"

To Hope's surprise, Lightning kissed him. Of course it was on the cheek, but it was still a kiss. Hope froze until Lightning said, "Thanks Hope, it really means a lot!" Then she dragged him to the restaurant by the arm. When they arrived, Lightning was surprised. "Oh Hope! I love this restaurant!" she said, smiling a little.

The teen smiled back and justified himself, "Well, I walked in front of it earlier and I thought it was your style." They entered and Hope presented himself to the front office, "Hello, I booked a table for two at Estheim, please."

The lady checked the reservation on her book and answered, "Yes, this way please."

The hostess guided them to their table. Hope pulled the chair for Lightning. She thanked him and he sat on his turn. They ordered some food and those arrived quickly. They ate while talking and laughing.

"This is perfect Hope. Thank you," said Lightning.

"Then I'm happy Light. I thought that if I had to take you to the restaurant, I might as well choose a nice one. I want to be in your memory forever Light!" said Hope, laughing.

"Thanks for being so nice. But believe me, even without doing all of this, I couldn't forget you. We've spent too much time for that," answered Lightning.

Then she flashed one of her rare smile. She knew it, she knew it too well that if she did that smile, Hope would melt. When she smiled like that, Hope lost all his way. He felt himself blushing, sensing his cheeks burn. Lightning noticed the blush and turned her eyes, embarrassed. Hope changed the subject to get out of this tensed ambiance.

"So… How was this morning?" he asked. She looked up, curious, with a noodle hanging out of her mouth. Hope let out a laugh while she swallowed.

"It was quite annoying," she sighed. He looked at her, silently begging her to continue. Lightning understood and added, "When I took back my job at the Guardian Corp, I wanted to have some time for Serah. To do so, I had to abandon my old grade and go in another branch. Now, I'm formatting new recruits. Problem is, some of them are… Pissing me off…" she emphasized the last words.

"How so?" asked Hope.

"Well first, there are the ones you think becoming soldier is easy and they look down on everyone even though they are just as bad as the others. Then, there are the ones who try once and give up right away. And at least but no last, the ones that put me on edge, the ones who disrespect me," she explained, talking low on the last sentence.

Hope wondered how they could disrespect Lightning. How? "What do they do?" he asked. Lightning flinched lightly at the question and that movement made Hope thinks she didn't want him to ask that.

She drank her Seven-Up and answered vaguely, "It would be too long to explain."

Knowing her too well, Hope knew Lightning wouldn't say more so he let go. At least for now. After eating, Lightning took Hope to the Commercial center, they talked while walking and doing some shopping. About half an hour later, Hope's phone rang.

"Hello?" Answered Hope.

"Hi Hope! I suppose you're with my sister? She finishes at 13:00 today." It was Serah.

"Hi Serah. Yes we're at the Commercial Center, why?" asked Hope. Lightning looked at him, asking him what her sister wanted. Hope shrugged to say he didn't know.

"I need you and Lightning to come eating at my place tonight! It will be just Snow and I! I have big news to announce you so try to convince my sister wearing something nice! Since you're shopping, make her buy something new! I know she'll listen to you so I'm counting on you! Well see you tonight!" said Serah before hanging up.

Hope was stupefied, never had he heard Serah talking so quickly. She was always so calm and sweet. Anyway, he needed to take care of something much more annoying. Convince Lightning to buy a feminine outfit for tonight. Serah was right, only Hope could convince Lightning to wear something nice AND to go at her sister's. Well to her sister and Snow's. Lightning snapped Hope back to reality,

"So? What did Serah want?" She asked.

"She's inviting us for dinner tonight over at her place. She said she had something importa—" Hope was interrupted by Lightning who was beginning to get on her nerves.

"It's always the same with her! I really appreciate that she's inviting me and all, but really, if Snow wasn't there it would be much nicer!"

"Wait Light! I'm not finished," said Hope. Lightning prepared for worse. "Serah is counting on me to find you something nice and feminine to wear tonight," announced the teen.

Lightning's eyes widened, "What? No!" she said.

Hope chuckled lightly and tried to convince her. After a couple of minutes, he said, "I'm not asking you to wear a dress, just something feminine. Your sister will be so happy! Come on Light, for me…" Lightning glared at him, but after all those years, Hope was immune to her glare. So he continued to watch her without even flinch.

Realizing that her glaze wasn't working, Lightning stopped and said, "Fine, but no dress okay?"

Hope took her hand and said, "Promised."

Then, they went off to find an outfit for Lightning. After finding a nice looking one, they wondered about twenty minutes on the beach. After that, they came back to Lightning's house.

~Thursday, April 29th (17:45)~

~New-Bodhum – Farron Residence~

Hope and Lightning were expected at Serah's in forty-five minutes. They got their separated ways to get ready. Hope took a quick shower and put on some dark gray jeans with a light blue shirt. He put on some perfume and exited his room and went downstairs. Two minutes later Lightning came off. She was wearing strawberry pink jeans that came over her ankles with white high hells shoes and a white shirt with pink and beige flowers on it. She had let her hair as usual and had put on perfume. She had on a bit of eyeliner with mascara along with gloss and a touch of blush. Hope was speechless, he couldn't utter a word at the sight.

"Light… You're… You're so beautiful!" he said.

"Thanks Hope. You're not bad yourself."

They went to Serah's. When they arrived, Serah seemed so happy to see her sister so pretty.

"Hi Sis! You're so pretty!" She said.

Snow came behind her wife and stared at Lightning with wide eyes. "Wow Sis! I hadn't thought you could be that beautiful!" he said truthfully.

Lightning rolled her eyes and ignored his comment. They went in the dining room where they sat and started to eat. Serah had prepared a chicken with potatoes and carrots.

"This is really good Serah," complimented Hope.

"Thanks Hope," said Serah with a smile.

"So um… Serah? You wanted to say something to us? " Lightning reminded.

Snow and Serah looked at each other with anticipation and Snow talked, "You know Sis, don't be mad okay?"

Lightning started to worry.

Serah cleared her throat and said, "Sis, I'm pregnant…"

There you go! Don't forget to tell me if you liked it! That really would make my day! :)

See ya next month for the update!