010 AF
After what seemed like a few days traveling, Noel and Serah got to Yascha Massif. Noel and Serah got to know each other much better. He told her more about his mysterious past, while she told him all about being a l'Cie. Noel was very protective of her. Any time they came in contact with danger, he'd protect her even though she could hold her own.
Serah saw someone in the distance. It was a guy and he looked all too familiar. Hope. It was Hope Estheim. She hadn't seen him since Cocoon fell. It'd been ten years. He had to be about 24 now. Serah, herself, would be 28 in this time. She was so excited. She started running toward him, but some guards cut her off.
"It's okay. I know them," Hope said, coming toward her and Noel. The guards let up and Serah ran to hug Hope. Her hug startled him, but he returned the friendly embrace. She let him go and then introduced Noel to him. They shook hands. Noel seemed intimidated, for whatever reason.
A blonde girl showed up at Hope's side. "I'm Alyssa, Mr. Estheim's assistant," she said, shaking both her and Noel's hands.
"Alyssa, why don't you show Noel around some?" The blonde nodded and pulled Noel away into the building. Hope led Serah into a different part of the building.
"So how are you, Hope?" Serah asked as they walked through a hallway.
"I'm fine. I run this place. I'm a scientist. I run the Academy. It's a big research project. What about you? How have you been?" He led them into a sitting room and motioned for her to have a seat. She sat in the loveseat.
"I'm a teacher. I live in New Bodhum. Me and Noel are traveling through time to find Lightning."
"I hope you find her," Hope said and smiled.
"Have you seen any of the others? Sazh? Snow? "
"Unfortunately, no. I haven't heard from anyone in a long time. I'm glad you're here, Serah. At least I have someone I can talk to." Serah blushed a little.
"You've changed a lot, Hope. I'm proud of you," Serah said.
"Yeah. I'm much braver and more responsible than I was before. No longer whiny and scared all of the time," Hope said. "I think you're sister had a huge influence on me, Light."
"Same here. The kids I teach sometimes call me 'Meanie Miss Farron.'"
"I never would've thought sweet Serah could ever be mean." Serah smiled when he called her sweet. Hope was so kind. He was everything that Snow wasn't. Hope was gentle. Snow was rough. Hope was so much different.
"You and Noel can stay here until you're ready to go."
"Really? Thanks Hope. That means a lot." Only Serah wasn't sure she wanted to leave. She felt so comfortable around Hope. It seems like just yesterday that Hope was a small and innocent teenager. He'd gotten very attractive. She could tell why that Alyssa girl was so helpful earlier. Was she starting to fall for him?
"Goodnight, Serah," Noel said, before closing the door to the guest room. "Maybe we could find the artefact tomorrow." Right. The artefact… She kind of hoped that they wouldn't find it. It'd give them a reason to stay longer.
When Noel closed the door, she felt overcome with sadness. She missed Snow, she had to admit. She never wanted to leave him, but she had to. Tears started falling down her cheeks again. She found herself walking to Hope's room. She knocked on the door softly. Hope came to the door and opened it. He frowned when he saw Serah. "Come in. What's wrong?" he asked. Serah sat at the foot of his bed and crossed her legs.
"Snow and I broke up," she said. She wiped her tears and Hope sat down next to her.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Hope said sincerely. "Is there anything I can do?" Serah shook her head no. Hope didn't say anything for a long time, but she could feel him looking at her. "Do you want to stay with me tonight?"
Serah smiled and nodded. Hope motioned for her to make herself comfortable, while he went in the bathroom to change into his pajamas. He returned to the bedroom, turned out the light and climbed into bed. He carefully set enough space between them and closed his eyes.
"Hope?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks," she said. She turned over to face him. His grey eyes were open now. "I really didn't want to be alone tonight."
"You're welcome," Hope said and leaned in to kiss her cheek. Then Serah held his face and kissed him. He kissed back. His mouth was warm and inviting. The kiss felt right. When they pulled apart, Hope smiled. "I always liked you, you know?"
"Really?"
"Yeah. Since I was fourteen. And I spent ten years wondering if I'd ever see you again. Ten years wondering if when I did, you'd still be with Snow… Ten years wondering if you and I could be together… Ten years wondering if you'd like me back."
"I do like you."
"How old are you?"
"Twenty one. Well, in this time, I'd be twenty eight."
"I guess that makes you a cougar, huh?"
"I guess so," Serah said and kissed him again. There was hunger in the kiss. A want for more. Serah unbuttoned his pajama shirt and kissed him on his chest. He ran his fingers through her hair and kissed her some more.
"I don't think we should go too far," Hope said, breaking the kiss.
"You're right. At least, not yet," Serah winked.
