Last Christmas- Hope And Lightning

Author's Note: Hello fanfic readers! I know it's been a long time since I've actually posted something up here but college and the evil writer's block has kept my fingers away from the keyboard for a while. I know this one is a bit late but I finally got it done and here it is! I got inspired after hearing the song "Last Christmas" by Darren Hayes from Savage Garden. I'll try to update the rest of my fics in due time but for now, let's get this one on the road! Happy reading!

"Hey sis! Open your present already!"

"Shut up Snow, can't you see I'm opening it?"

Snow chuckled in unison with Serah. Lightning ripped the wrapping paper to find two boxes on top of one another. She looked at Snow and saw his goofy smile before she opened the first box. It was a picture of her, Serah and Snow in a medium sized picture frame. In it was also a pendant laying on what looked to be a light blue dress. She lifted the dress and examined it. It was rather form fitting, almost as if they had guessed the size that would perfectly fit her. She smiled slightly.

"That's from me sis,"

"Thanks,"

He smiled before she opened the second box, revealing some clothes with a book on the inside. The book was about the history of The Guardian Corps.

"That's from me Claire,"

Lightning hugged Serah, triggering a sad expression from Snow.

"Aww how come she gets a hug?"

"Thank you Serah and because she's my sister,"

Snow opened his mouth to talk but one of her death glares silenced him.

"So when are the others coming?" asked Serah.

"Anytime now, I can't believe its been three years since we last saw them," said Snow.

Three years passed by quickly since the Cocoon Crisis. The rest of the group went their separate ways. One year ago, Fang and Vanille came out of crystalstasis and moved back to Oerba. Hope decided to finish high school and was now in college at the age of 19. Sazh was the only person who kept in touch with them, informing them of everyone else. Lightning wasn't particularly excited in seeing any of them but figured it would be great to speak to everyone again after all this time. Soon, there was a knock on the door. Serah opened the door only to get almost tackled by Vanille.

"Serah! Oh my gosh its so good to see you again!"

Serah hugged Vanille and Fang followed her in, smiling.

"Long time no see Princess," said Fang to Lightning.

"You too," she replied simply.

Fang hugged Serah before shaking Snows hand. Vanille ran to Lightning and gave her a bone crushing hug. Lightning wrapped a single arm around her as her own way of showing her affection.

"Is everyone else coming?"

"Yeah, they'll be here soon, Hope's coming too Vanille,"

Vanille smiled but Serah noticed her facial expression change when she turned away, almost as if she were regretting something major. Fang put down the bag of presents she brought with her before sitting down with Vanille A second knock was heard and Lightning answered the door.

"Long time no see soldier,"

Sazh shook Lightning's hand and Vanille nearly tackled him as well. He was quite happy to see her when he hugged her back. Dajh moved from behind Sazh and it was Vanille's turn to stay balanced.

"He still remembers you I see, let's not forget our little friend here,"

As if on cue, Chocobo flew from behind him. He grew bigger over the three years and was almost three times his previous size. They noticed that instead of his hair, he rested on Sazh's shoulder. He walked in and took his seat on the couch after putting down the presents he brought with him, noticing Fang sitting across from him.

"Well now, how've you been?"

"Been better I guess, can't tell you how much of a walk it was from Pulse to Taejin to hitch the shuttle over here,"

Sazh chuckled.

"At least we're all here right?"

"Everyone except the kid,"

Vanille again looked away before Serah spoke.

"Vanille, can you come with me for a second? I need some help in the kitchen,"

Vanille put on a smile and followed her into the kitchen.

"What do you need help with Serah?"

"Can you pull out the ham out of the oven? I left it to warm and I think we're going to start soon,"

Vanille took a mit and did as she asked.

"It smells so good!"

"Claire made it,"

Vanille had forgotten that was Lightning's real name and she smiled. Serah took out a large pot of rice, a large casserole dish with homemade mac and cheese and a plate containing a large cut of roast beef. All of them were hot and the aroma began to circulate through the room. Serah then looked at Vanille.

"Did something happen between you and Hope?"

Vanille froze and her face became sad.

"Tell me Vanille,"

Serah pulled the now sobbing girl to the counter island stools and sat with her. She didn't let go of her hands.

"Hope and I met last Christmas, I went to visit him and he was so nice to me,"

Serah nodded in comprehension.

"He talked to me about everything but he was also very confused and he said something..."

"What did he say?"

"He said he loved me..."

Serah's eyes widened.

"How is that a bad thing?"

"Its bad because he doesn't love me, he loves your sister,"

"Then why would he tell you-"

"Because he doesn't think she will accept him, he's so much younger than her and because of the way she treated him before; he doesn't think that she'll see him as anything more than a little brother,"

Serah smiled.

"So he told you he loved you because he wanted to be loved?"

"No he said that he really did like me during the time we spent together, I don't think he would lie about really liking me but I know for a fact that what he feels for your sister is way more than he could ever feel for me,"

Serah nodded.

"Does Lightning even remember him?"

"She speaks to him frequently, she checks up on him,"

"Any signs?"

"Reading my sister isn't easy...you know that but...I think she just might, I'm not too sure,"

Vanille sighed.

"I just don't want him to get hurt, he's like a brother to me,"

"I know..I know..."

Vanille hugged Serah before the doorbell went off. Serah shouted for Snow and he went to answer the door with her. She couldn't believe what she saw. Hope was now a full head taller than her sister. He was still as slim as ever but she could see he was working out a little. His hair remained the same except longer and he wore a black dress pants with a white long sleeve button up. He looked quite handsome and even Serah had to admit that it would be hard for her sister to ignore him. She quickly filled in Snow before she turned to him.

"Hi Serah, long time no see,"

"Hi Hope!"

She gave him a hug and he smiled before he returned it. Snow gave him a noogie.

"Its been a while buddy, how've you been?"

"Good so far, sorry I'm late, I had to stop home for this,"

He held up a bag of presents in one hand but also raised his other which has a bottle of wine.

"Thought I could contribute to the dinner,"

"That's so sweet Hope,"

Serah took the bottle and the bag from him before nudging Snow. She walked away and Snow spoke.

"Got a minute? I wanna talk to you about something,"

"Sure,"

Snow led him into the guest bedroom before he locked the door.

"How's college life been?"

"Pretty good, I'm working on a degree in forensics,"

"Acing all your classes and stuff?"

He nodded with a smile.

"Good stuff, how're the ladies treatin ya?"

Hope was about to say something but immediately turned quiet. Snow raised an eyebrow.

"You kidding me? Good kid like you doesn't have one girl all over you?"

"They're not my type and they're kid of...special,"

"How so?"

"They get passed around like a bottle of wine if you catch my drift,"

Snow chuckled.

"So what're you lookin for?"

"Hmm?"

"Come on Hope, you know what I mean,"

"Well...I don't really pay attention to the looks so much, I mean yeah they gotta be attractive...but I like personality more than anything,"

"Well, at least I know he doesn't like sis for just her looks,"

"Its pretty much what the average guy looks for,"

"Really?"

Snow sat down beside him.

"So I guess my sister falls under that category?"

Hope immediately looked shocked.

"How did you-"

"Face it buddy, it's plain and obvious, I saw the way you looked at her before," he lied.

Snow had to admit that if Serah didn't fill him in, he would never have guessed that Hope liked Lightning this much.

"It's crazy isn't it..."

Hope had a very discouraged look on his face. Snow playfully smacked him on the back.

"Hey, the worst she can do is tell you no, besides, she's way nicer than she looks you know and judging from the number of times she's called you, she definitely doesn't dislike you,"

"What're you saying?"

"I'm saying that you probably have the best shot at it above every other man alive right now,"

He nodded slowly.

"Alright enough depressing talk, you came here to have a great time with everybody and eat some of Serah and sis's awesome home cookin' let's get this party started!"

Hope couldn't help but smile at Snow's ability to cheer him up and they walked outside. Sazh greeted Hope in a similar fashion. Hope reluctantly looked at Lightning, who to his surprise walked up to him.

"You've gotten so tall,"

"Y-Y-Yeah I guess..."

Everyone except Serah was surprised when Lightning gave Hope an affectionate hug. Hope's face turned as red as the Christmas stocking hanging over the fireplace. He very slowly but surely returned the gesture and he could see Fang and Sazh teasing him with quiet wolf whistles and cheering. Lightning let him go.

"Dinner time?"

Snow shouted for joy before Serah elbowed him in the stomach. Hope silently walked and sat down at the table. His face was hidden behind the veil of silver hair. Snow knew how he must've felt after getting hugged by Lightning like that.

Dinner went by quickly. Everyone caught up with each other. Lightning decided to quit the Guardian Corps last month in order to help support Serah. She instead got a job at a pharmacy nearby the house. She made more than her last job and she had the added luxury of not being on call all the time. Hope went to college to study engineering and was in his sophomore year. Sazh retired from his work in order to better raise Dajh and began seeing a woman named Gillian, who Dajh introduced as his English teacher. Fang and Vanille moved back in Oerba and were living together. Fang decided to work at the Pulse Wildlife Preservation Effort and contributed well towards research. Vanille stayed at home, taking care of the house. Snow continued his work with NORA and Serah worked as a nurse. Dinner soon ended and they went into the living room to open presents.

Sazh got the entire family an air filter. He also Fang and Vanille two velocycles.

"What? Sazh this must've cost you a fortune!"

"Nope, I got these from my workplace, I have my own so you two could put it to better use than me, merry christmas you two,"

Fang and Vanille both hugged him, especially Vanille because she was so close to him. Hope opened his to find a pair of running shoes.

"Figured you'd be athletic kid so merry christmas,"

Ironically, Hope needed a pair.

"Thanks Sazh,"

Fang and Vanille made clothes for everyone. Lightning got a sweater which she immediately put on; she hated cold weather and Christmas in Bodhum was pretty as cold as it comes. Hope's eyes widened. The sweater collar was too big for her and it revealed more of her collarbone and nearly fell over her shoulder. No one seemed to notice this detail except him. He put on the coat that Vanille knitted herself for him and she gave him a warm hug. The coat looked to be like a trench coat except it felt soft to the touch and was as thick as a fur coat.

"Thanks Vanille,"

"You're welcome! Merry Christmas!"

Snow put on the cap that Fang made for him.

"Fits like a charm, thanks a million,"

"No problem, merry christmas you big oaf,"

Fang smiled and hugged him when he had a pout on his face. Serah put her sweater away, deciding to wear it another time. Hope's bag was next and Serah noticed the nervous stare he gave Lightning. She read the gaze and whispered something to her. Lightning took the small present he gave her and put it in her pocket. Everyone else got books from him as he couldn't think of much else.

"Thanks kid, how'd you know I was into wildlife?"

"Lucky guess Fang, merry christmas,"

Fang nuzzled his hair and Vanille again hugged him for the book on cooking he got her. He remembered that she liked cooking from the last time she met him. Snow cleared his throat.

"Sazh. I need you outside for a minute,"

"Alright,"

Snow and Sazh walked outside and Dajh stayed. Serah called Fang and Vanille away into the kitchen to start cleaning up. Lightning tried to go in too but Serah gave her a glare and she sighed. Hope could've almost sworn he saw a blush on her face. She picked up Hope's present from the tree and sat beside him on the couch. She then pulled out his gift to her.

"Open them at the same time?"

Hope nervously nodded. Lightning finished hers first and turned her face away when she saw the small bundle. A small book rested in the box and on top of it was a heart shaped pendant. She could tell that it was no ordinary pendant due to the ridiculously bright sheen it had in the light. With it was also an envelope with a red ribbon wrapped around it. She looked at Hope and saw his red face.

"I made that pendant...in class,"

She took it out and handed it to him.

"Put it on," she asked.

She turned her back and he swallowed hard. She was blushing just as hard as he was. He fastened the delicate wire around her neck and she raised her hair over it. She then turned to him, still with a blush on her face. She slowly inched forward and kissed Hope's cheek.

"Thank you...its beautiful,"

Hope's senses went haywire and he was sure his heart was going to break his ribs. He then opened the present she gave him to find a scarf. He took it out and saw an envelope with a small piece of paper attached to it. He took off the paper and opened the envelope after Lightning snatched the paper from him.

"Read the card first,"

He did as she asked.

You have much more of an impact on my life as you think you do. You're always there for me and it's time for me to return the favor. Have a merry christmas and a happy new year!

Light.

He then asked her to open hers.

You're very important to me. You taught me how to survive in this hard world and you were even there beyond the call of duty. I appreciate everything you've done and this is a little something to show how much you mean to me. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Hope

She then put the paper in front of his lowered face on the wrong side. He didn't raise his head and flipped it.

"Look up and you'll get your final present,"

As he did, her lips met his. She was blushing madly. He knew it must've taken her a while to prepare herself for this because she never was that good with emotions. He pictured Serah must've helped her. He returned the kiss, pulling her close to him and wrapping his arms around her waist. Soon, she stopped kissing him.

"Does this mean-"

Lightning pressed a finger to his lips.

"Last christmas, you told Vanille you liked her right?"

Hope sighed.

"I'm not mad, but the very next day she gave it away, and this year, you're giving it to?"

"Do you really want me to answer that?"

Lightning smiled at him.

"Someone special..."

He pulled her in again and she returned it with a few tears coming down her face. She never imagined he would wait for her for so long and even love her more than someone else who was willing to be with him, someone who was far more likely to say yes than her. He still loved her and she cursed herself for being so close-minded to the possibility that they could very well be. She only saw him as a little brother or son before but now, she casted her doubts aside and accepted what has always been theree: Hope's love.

"WOO! YOU GO KID!"

Snow cheered from outside the soundproof window as he saw Hope kissing her.

"I never would've thought Light would take him,"

"Why? Cause he's a kid?"

"Yeah,"

"He's not a kid anymore old man, he's grown up and I'm pretty sure sis is gonna stay with him no matter what,"

"You sure?"

"Sazh, NO man has ever gotten this close to her, Hope's the only guy on the face of this Earth who she's ever even thought of that way,"

Sazh smiled and looked at the new couple.

"Looks like his Christmas is gonna be merry,"

Fang peered around the corner to see what was going on. Luckily for her, both their eyes were closed. She smiled and the other two looked as well. Serah was especially happy; she finally saw her sister find the happiness she was lacking for all these years in which "the right guy hasn't come around yet".

Eventually, everyone returned inside. Neither of the couple knew that they were seen in action and comically tried to hide their newfound relationship.

"So Hope, where are you staying? You're going back to Palompolum?" asked Serah.

Hope's eyes widened and he slapped his forehead hard.

"I completely forgot to make reservations at the hotel!"

An evil yet brilliant idea struck Serah's brain. She knew that the guest bedroom was wide open but after what happened between the two, there's no way Lightning would let him sleep alone.

"We have a guest bedroom, you could stay here if you want,"

Lightning's face turned red and she turned away. Hope luckily didn't notice.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to intrude, I just-"

"Its ok bro it's no problem at all," said Snow immediately catching onto Serah's plan.

It was Hope's turn to blush. He was in for it now!