"Instinct is a marvelous thing. It can neither be explained nor ignored."

Agatha Christie

It wasn't easy explaining to his lab partners how Light was actually a close friend to him without a hint of betrayal. So when Gale finished a rather lengthy speech about friendship and trust he settled down on his rolling chair and remained quiet for a while. Roger didn't say anything about the matter and focused his attention on a ceramic ring he had eagerly dismissed an hour ago.

Despite everything though Hope couldn't help but smile as he worked. Perhaps they were upset maybe even hurt that Hope didn't tell them their self-esteems were about to get destroyed with the lovely café manager. Still they didn't leave him, and even after while Gale reluctantly rolled on his chair towards Hope and began working.

Overall they managed to get a few things hashed out, increasing the strengths of their lifters by running the device reactor a few rpms faster. Sure Roger and Gale suggested that perhaps 17,500 rpms was overkill, but this was science. Hope remaining as still as possible when his pulse reader detected he achieved a new record for gravity field of expansion.

"A new gravitational wave, an old method of space continuum," thought Hope. As memories of time traveling ushered through him like an unwelcomed guest. Maybe about a few hours ago he would have celebrated; cheered by going home early. After reuniting with Light tonight however he couldn't help, but feel a strange sense of torn guilt.

"I'm messing with things I have no business touching," insisted his head. Double meaning for a thought that he struggled to control. He of all people should know the illusion of control. No matter how hard you try things work out in its own course in time.

"What's the point of time if you can't even appreciate it?," echoed his voice inside his head. Hope could feel his face getting twisted as a wry look overcame him.

"Hey Hope what's a matter?" Asked Gale interrupting his thoughts. Hope's green eyes meeting Gale's concerned blue ones. Roger looking up from recording the results on his notebook gave a look of equal concern.

As quickly it arrived the unwanted expression left his face and Hope smiled softly at his new friends. Perhaps tonight was meant to happen for a reason, maybe a link in time doesn't need to be measured by distance. Maybe…

"I'm thinking how long it's going to take explain all of this in a simple report," lied Hope. His polite remark didn't leave them satisfied enough.

Roger who was sitting across a table let out a hesitant chuckle as he flipped his notebook towards Hope. A white screen with a long drafted report already outlined.

"That's why we're here man, you're not the only genius in town," reminded Roger as he faced Hope with glee.

Gale scoffed as he punched Hope's right shoulder lightly.

"Yeah. You're just a pretty boy here Einstein, not as much as me of course." Insisted Gale as he put his hands into his lab pocket, a look of satisfaction written on his face.

Nothing stopped Hope from smiling at that. Genuinely enough this time he scratched a sudden tick on the back of his head.

"Right, I'll make sure to remember that." Replied Hope as his friends gave in seemingly satisfied enough to finishing their work.

"Perhaps holding down something isn't so bad. Maybe a bond is stronger when you link your elements instead of spreading them," said his internal self. And for once tonight he learned to agree with his stubborn self.

After another hour or so of marking up their report they closed their station and left together. As Hope twirled his keys in one hand and his messenger bag in the other; he waved goodbye to his established friends and walked to the parking garage across the street from the building. Not looking anywhere in particular he watched to quiet city streets illuminated by lights and skyscrapers. Hope looked down at his watch reading 1:12 A.M.

Quickly making his way inside the parking garage he climbed the stairs to the second floor and walked over his singled out silver BMW. As he settled in his car and turned on the engine he looked at the dashboard clock blinking 1:15 A.M. Sliding into gear he drove out the parking garage and made his way towards Café Rosella.

Pulling over the street sideway of the business he watched from his car for Light. He quickly noticed the sign on the door saying its closed with all the lights off except the street lamps.

For a second Hope wondered if he had just missed Light since no cars were parked anywhere near Café Rosella.

"Great. Just great," sighed Hope as he kept his eyes narrowed at the door for a silhouette casually leaning by it. He didn't see anybody.

Before he could react his body jerked in reaction to a thud tap on his side window. Hope's sudden reaction made him turn to his left to notice a lean figure responsible for the noise. Even in dim lighting he could see her smirk of satisfaction.

"Of course you'd scare the crap out of me," murmured Hope as he pressed the lock button on his arm rest along with the window switch. As the window automatically glided down he saw Lightning's features go back to its original blank expression.

"Don't you know it's dangerous to be walking up to someone's car like that at this hour?" Asked Hope hiding his previous surprised demeanor. She nonchalantly raised one of her fingers to his forehead and flicked it in response.

When was he going to learn?

To his surprise she told him that she usually called a cab since Serah took their shared car after moving in with Snow. Hope nodded his head towards the passenger side prompting her to get in.

Lightning paused at the thought for a while then walked around and got in.

"Thanks, I didn't mind calling a cab though." Assured Lightning as she got her small purse and placed it over her legs.

Hope shook his head and looked back at the road as he shifted gears.

"No trouble. So where to?" Asked Hope adjusting the perfectly fine front mirror.

Lightning told him her address to her home, a complete opposite direction to his place.

Just outside the city limits about a ten minute drive thanks to the slow traffic. It was a nearly silent drive from start to finish. Well that was until Hope asked her about her late shift.

At first she paused her eyes at him, then began diverging her attention towards the little lightning bolt pendant dangling from her neck.

"It was fine. Serah wanted the night to herself, so I volunteered." Lightning found it easier to look down than up.

Hope nodded as he kept his attention to the second to last exit sign to her place.

"So you had nothing to do huh? I get you, I'm on the same boat," said Hope giving her a sideway smile.

Lightning shifted herself and rested back some more on her seat.

"Is that why you were working this late? A little extreme for a simple researcher no?" She asked closing her eyes trying to remain still.

A small laugh escaped from Hope as he shrugged in response.

"You are a simple researcher right? Not doing anything, supernatural?" She asked again in the same manner as before.

This time Hope didn't move. His eyes narrowed slightly at her suggested tone.

"The only thing abnormal I'm doing is staying up late as a workaholic Light."

This time a small laugh escaped Lightning as she gave him a soft smile.

"That makes us two peas in a pod."

In silent agreement Hope kept his attention to the upcoming exit towards his destination.

"On Mayland street up ahead make a right after the second stop sign." Instructed Lightning as she slowly got her posture up on her seat.

"Roger that," said Hope turning down the first street.

As she kept her eyes ahead she rested one of her hands on the window arm rest.

"Hope, where do you live?" Her question surprised him for some reason.

He looked towards her and smiled back. "I own a place by my job actually. About a few blocks away."

Lightning gave him a thoughtful look that made him look up.

"Why do you drive your car to work then?"

Hope kept quiet at this. The truth was that he could have easily walked to his home, but he usually never went home after work. He would always drive around town looking for some new excuse to not go asleep. Probably the worst possible way to live, but it kept him from being a ghost in his place.

"I love luxury," lied Hope as he remained smiling at her.

She watched him closely then shook her head.

After arriving at her home Hope parked into the small driveway to her home. It was a modest place maybe too big for one person. One story home with its own garage and yard, better suited for a family.

"Nice place, you live by yourself?" Asked Hope unlocking the door to her side.

" Yeah- well no actually," Lightning said tucking a strand of her strawberry colored hair behind her ear.

"I got a roommate. She's actually a real estate worker so she's usually never around." The door opened and she got out with her purse in hand. She closed the door and walked over by Hope's side. Once again he pulled down the window and watched as she wiggled something out of her purse.

"Thanks for the trouble Hope, and here this is for your help," said Lightning with her hand outreached with a ten dollar bill in hand.

"Put it back in your purse, your moneys no good to me. I honestly didn't mind the small trip." Said Hope lifting his hands in protest. Looking in from the outside Lightning didn't say anything.

She quickly looked back at her purse than proceeded to pull something out again. Hope had to admit it was funny looking at the former savior struggling with a tiny purse. And after what seemed like strangling the insides of her purse she pulled out a small card.

Hope leaned in as his head went through the window side feeling the light breeze from the outside. He skimmed at the card Lightning held and read it out-loud.

"Café Rosella Rewards Card?" Asked Hope as he looked up at her.

There was a small tint of color to her face as she quickly rolled her eyes and put the card in his hands.

"Yeah just take it. You get discounts and one free drink. Stop by more often and you get points that you can use to get free stuff." Said a rather huffed Lightning staring at the card.

Hope looked down at the card one last time and wordlessly put it his pocket.

"Thanks, I'll make sure to use it next time." Said Hope as he looked back at her with a grin.

There was a bit of silence before either of them said anything.

"Friday Serah will be there covering for me, maybe you could stop by and say hello. I'm sure she'd like that." Suggested Lightning as she placed her hands in a self-embrace.

Hope looked up at her in question.

"Day off Friday? He asked his eyes analyzing her face.

She kept her expression more neutral this time, although he could tell she was alert.

"Yeah, I'll be around making errands for the café all day probably." Lightning nodded as she found her eyes panned down at the floor.

Hope quickly looked down for a moment before bringing it up with a sudden idea in mind.

"I have that day off too, maybe we could hang out. See Serah together afterwards?" Proposed Hope surprising himself.

"Where did that come from?" Asked his conscience. Suddenly aware at his comment he quickly corrected himself.

"I-you know if you're not busy or anything, just a thought." Hope kept his eyes up towards her with a hesitant look.

Lightning looking at him seemed pondered. Then she gave him an appreciative nod.

"Sounds great, but I really have to make those errands around the city. I got to get a taxi first-"

"So I'll drive you then," interrupted Hope his eyes wide briefly out of shock of his words.

"Seriously where did you…" his interrogative self seemed surprise.

Not paying attention to Hope's involuntary awkwardness she looked down in thought. After what felt like an eternity she looked back at him and her lips formed a closed smile.

"You got it then. Friday morning at 9 A.M sharp." Replied Lightning as she moved slightly towards Hope.

Hope was ready to tell her ok when a sudden movement caught him by surprise.

She flicked his forehead again with the same taunting finger which won her a bemused Hope.

"Wha-what was that-"

"That's for lying to me back in the car. Don't try that again." Lighting said her face forming a smirk.

In truth Hope didn't protest any further, he didn't understand when or how she figured out about the driving his car to work excuse. But he sure as hell was annoyed for falling for her repetitive trick again.

"One day..." he thought.

As she said goodbye she gave him an approving look.

"By the way, nice car Hope."

Hope's face hid inside the car and remained the same shade of red till she left his vision and was safely inside her home.

On his way back to his place his hot face looked at the card in his hand he reached for. The caramel colored card with the words, "come back soon" gave him a good feeling.

All the trip to his place he thought about all the possible breaks he could get from work.

"Oh and I have to figure out how to get Friday off." He reminded himself.

Author's Notes: Well that's part 3 taken care of. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and although I haven't really received feedback I'll continue to post. I got a few followers so it gives me the idea that I don't suck yet lol. Anyways I'll make sure to keep posting and looking forward to any feedback. Take care you guys till next time….