Author's Notes: Thank you for reading and keeping up with the story and sending in reviews! I appreciate all the 'cute' comments that were sent!

Before reading, I wanted to explain about this chapter and the next few chapters just in case any confusion comes up. As I explained in the first chapter about the story, I also wanted to show how Hope's and Lightning's relationship grew. That's why this story came out longer than planned and the last chapter was short. So this chapter is the start of how the relationship began. Sort of like an intermission in the story. After the next few chapters, it'll lead right back to the time travel and saving the future stuff.

I hope that you will like this chapter!

Chapter 6: The Beginning: Let's Take A Chance:

"If we take this eastern route over here, we should be able to avoid the most dangerous wildlife that's there. There will still be some on our path, but it won't be as bad." As Lightning sat beside Hope on the couch inside of his office, she pointed toward the map that they were both looking over and explained more about the route that he wanted to know about. In the year 502 AF, things had settled down from their previous adventure of saving time and the world. The new Cocoon was up in the sky, but most of the people remained down on Pulse to live. Lightning had returned to Pulse from Valhalla in 500AF. For several months, she had stayed with Serah and Snow who had decided to build a new home in New Bodhum. There she had gotten some time to recover from her experience as a great warrior, but things had began to get boring quick. Soon she had gotten an answer of what she could do when Hope offered her a position back into the military. After she accepted the offer, she was able to get her rank back as sergeant where she was before. Since then, she was able to travel around Pulse, defending different areas and going on missions. The times that she was in Academia, she spent it with Hope and helped him with different missions that involved his scientists. He valued her opinion and help ever since they were L'Cie and still did. It wasn't long before he instated her as his personal advisor as far as military matters.

Hope placed his finger over the map nearby where her hand was. "All right. So with your squad and the other squads, you'll lead us here." He slid his finger back across the map. "To be clear, are we starting here first?"

Lightning placed her hand on top of his and moved his hand to where she pointed before. "Here."

He let out a smile. "All right. Got it."

Afterwards, Lightning breathed out and stood up. She raised her arms into the air as she stretched her body. When she gazed out of his huge window, she saw night casted over the city of Academia. It was lit up with lights. She had gotten used to seeing the sights while working with Hope in his office. Sometimes when they would plan out missions, they would stay late nights in order to get the plan straight and as early as possible.

A hopeful smile appeared on his lips. "I think we'll be ready to go soon." When he lifted his eyes to Lightning, he saw her with her back turned. His eyes took a second to notice the shape of her body, the visible curves that he could see. In his mind he thought that he should look away, but he found his eyes staying. Over time, the more they had been working together especially alone, the more he was starting to feel closer to her.

Lightning glanced back, noticing that Hope was staring at her. "What?"

He replaced his contemplative look with a smile. "I was just thinking that since it's getting late and we'll be here for a little longer that maybe I should order something."

She walked over and sat down beside him. "All right, as long as you get my order right this time."

Silently he grinned. "And when have I ever got it wrong?"

A faint smile came on her lips. "I guess you haven't… so far."

Hope took his phone out of his pocket and proceeded to call the restaurant that could deliver their food. Afterwards he went back to focusing on their next assignment. He placed his finger on the map. "So? What would happen if we took this route?"

Her finger slid ahead of his and followed the path up on the map. "Then you're asking for trouble." She moved back to the beginning where his finger was. "But if we went further up this way…"

He placed his hand on top of hers and slid her hand upwards. "Let me guess. It's better this way."

"Yes," she replied. "Smoother path, less trouble."

He smiled not willing to debate her any further. "All right. Fine. You know best. I guess now I'll have something to show the officers tomorrow. Hopefully they will agree. Thanks Light."

Lightning nodded. "No problem. I'm sure you'll be fine."

"Do you know if you'll be on this mission with us?" he asked curiously.

"I'm not really sure yet. Maybe... I'll find out soon." Afterwards, things turned silent between them. She slipped her hand away from his that he was still holding onto. Nervously he placed his hand back at his side, thinking that he was holding onto her hand for too long. Over time, the two had grown closer even more than when they were L'Cie. Even close contact had become almost natural for them. It didn't bother her or him as much when their hands touched. Lightning stood up and went over to a cooler nearby to get some water. While Hope was sitting alone, he began to get lost in his own thoughts. Lightning walked back and sat down beside him. When she looked over at him, she noticed him distracted. "Something on your mind?"

"Hm?" He lifted his eyes up to her. "Oh! I was just thinking…"

More, she became curious. "Thinking about what?"

Hope wasn't sure if he should tell her. For a while now, he wondered about the feelings that were dwelling inside of him. Every time he wanted to say something, he felt that maybe he shouldn't because he didn't want to lose her or because he was unsure about his feelings himself. Lightning leaned forward. "Hope?"

He blinked. As much as he wanted to say something, the words didn't come out. Lightning sighed. She wondered what he was thinking, but thought it was best to let it go. "I won't push it, but if there's anything you want to say..."

Hope wondered if he should take a chance. He thought about the interaction between them. Ever since she moved to Academia, he felt that they were really comfortable with each other. Whenever he was standing or sitting next to her alone, he would stay close to her almost with no distance between them. Whenever he touched her hand, it would linger there as long as it could hoping that she wouldn't get suspicious or feel uneasy about him doing so. Whenever she would touch his hand or shoulder, he didn't take her hand away. He would let her stay there until she decided to move. Maybe now was the time to do something about it; to confront this head on despite the risks. "Well… Do you mind if I ask you something? I'm not sure what I should do."

Lightning gave a nod. She wanted to be there to help. "Sure."

"Um?" His nervousness began to set in. Now that he got through the first step, it was going to be hard to take the next one and the many more he felt was after that. "Well…"

She placed her hand on his shoulder. He could feel her hand tightening against it. "Just spit it out. It can't be that bad."

He stared toward the ground unsure of how to explain things. "Okay… I was thinking... There's this person that I know and…he's not sure whether or not he can say something that he's been…holding in."

Lightning grew confused by his words. "What do you mean? What is this person holding in?"

His eyes shifted between her and his hands on his knees. "Well… He's not sure about… how to tell this person about how he feels..."

Lightning thought about what he could mean by that. If it was the feelings that she thought he meant, then she wasn't sure how she could help. She had to ask to be sure. "Oh… Are these feelings…something personal?"

"Yeah…" he answered quietly.

Lightning turned silent for a moment to think about what advice she could give him. There was one other thing she had to wonder. "Well… Is this person you?"

Hope froze for a moment. He was hoping to get through the conversation without revealing that it was him that he was talking about nor did he want her to figure out his feelings toward her and drive her away. Since she asked, he thought that it was best for him to be honest. "Y-Yes. The person I was talking about…was myself."

She became a little more interested. "And this person that you want to say something to, have you known them for a long time?"

He looked up at her. A little of his fear went away. "Yeah."

"Is this person a…girl or…?"

His eyes drifted toward the ground. "Yes. She is."

Inside, Lightning was surprised to hear so. She hadn't been around him all of the time, but she hadn't notice him take an interest in anyone. She became even more curious. "Really?" Her eyes traveled along the ground as she tried to narrow down possible suspects. "Is it one of the scientists here?"

Hope didn't answer. His words became caught in his throat and he felt as if his throat was closing in on him. His eyes lowered to the ground. He wasn't ready to admit who it was just yet. Since he was silent, Lightning decided to back down and let him keep it personal. "Well whoever it is, if there's something on your mind, then you should just tell them."

"It's hard because if I make this decision and she rejects me, then I could risk losing our friendship," he sounded concerned as he continued to stare down.

Lightning looked curious. "Do you think that she might like you back?"

"I'm not sure… " Hope scratched the back of his head. "It's really hard to tell with her."

Lightning breathed out. More she was starting to understand about the predicament that he was in. "Well… It's up to you as to whether you want to take that chance or not."

"I don't know if I can." The possibility in his head grew more that she would reject him. He couldn't stand it if he had lost her over something like this.

"Like I said before, it's not a question of can or can't. There are just some things that you do. If you think you have a chance, then just go for it." Hope was surprised by her words. It actually inspired him a little more to try. He just hoped that it wouldn't ruin things. Lightning was still surprised. It was strange hearing his interest in a woman since they hadn't really talked about something like that before. She didn't even know that he was looking at a particular woman. All she could hope was that her advice helped. A part of her was curious as to whom it was and if she knew them. Deep inside she wondered how this would affect things with them as far as interaction. Would they start talking less and he would end up spending more time with his new girlfriend? Would it get to the point that they would barely talk or see each other at all? She wasn't completely sure how she felt about the situation. It made her a little uneasy, but she wasn't exactly sure why. Either way, whatever change there was to come, she would be happy for him.

After settling things, she stood up from where she was sitting. As Hope snapped out of his thoughts, he noticed and became surprised. "Where are you going?"

"I'll go downstairs to get the food." Lightning was about to walk away, but suddenly felt her arm being grabbed. On the inside, she was a little surprised that he stopped her. Her eyes read over his face. There was something serious about his expression. She followed the pull of his hand and sat back down. She wasn't sure what he was doing. "What?"

This had to be his chance while he still had the courage to do what was on his mind. He moved his body in closer to hers, still keeping some space in between them. He leaned forward toward her. Once she realized what he was doing, she quickly placed her hands to his chest holding him back. "What are you doing?"

Her reaction gave him a little worry about what he was doing, but figured it might also be a reaction because it was just unexpected. "I…" Hope placed his hands on top of hers and took them away from his chest. He placed them down near his knees still holding onto her hands. No words were spoken between either of them. He decided to try again. He leaned in closer to her as he still held onto her hands. Soon there were only a few inches between their faces. Her eyes lowered more as his did. She became torn. Her mind told her that she should stop him, but her body remained still. She didn't lift her hands to stop him like she did before. Instead they tensed underneath his anxious. Was this her body's way of telling her that she wanted this to happen? The same worry that he had came to her as well. She didn't want for something like this to ruin their friendship nor was she sure if she wanted to go down a relationship path with him.

Before she knew it, his lips had met with hers. At first stunned, she snapped out of that state and closed her eyes. Things began to heat up between them quickly. She kissed him faster with anxiousness and desire and he answered back with the same amount of desire. Her hand slip from his and ran upward through his silver hair that was hanging straight at the back of his head. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her in closer to him. She lifted her other hand to wrap around his neck.

A few minutes later, the two split inches apart with their foreheads pressed together. Breath had escaped from their bodies as their minds were in a haze. He slipped his hand under the pink strands of her hair to the back of her neck. He pulled her toward him, letting their lips met again. More, they kissed each other with much feeling. It took some time, but when they felt out of breath, they separated. Breath escaped heavily from their bodies, loud enough for the other to hear. Slowly the expression on her face changed to stunned. Her lips parted more as her eyes widened a little. As she stared in his eyes, more it began to sink into her mind that, just like that, things had changed between them and just with one kiss. She wasn't sure if she was ready for that. She breathed out and quickly stood up from the couch.

Hope started to get concerned by her reaction. "Light?" Soon she turned with her fingers to her lips. Her legs walked faster than usual and left from his office. Once he seen so, his eyes widened. "Light!" Things became silent. She didn't come back at his call. He tilted his head down as he placed his hand to his forehead holding it. Mentally he began to beat himself up for making the first move like that. Now he was afraid that he was going to lose her.

After that night, three days had passed since the incident. He tried to call her, but there was no answer. One of those days when he went to the military rooms down in the Academy, he asked if she was there that day, but she wasn't. After a while, he figured it was best to give her some time so he stopped. As night came around, he was working in his office alone. His mind was slightly distracted over what happened, but he was still able to work.

Sometime later while he was still working, he heard a familiar sound. Instantly he realized that someone had opened his door. He was surprised because he didn't think that anyone was around this late. When he lifted his head, he was really met with surprise. No words came to him, but simply one that he could only speak in his mind. "Light?" In the doorway, he saw her standing. She stepped forward toward his desk. He stood up and met her in front of his desk. He stared at her still unable to speak. He urged himself to say one thing whether it was an apology or an explanation. For a few seconds, her eyes only focused on his eyes until she moved in closer and pressed her lips against his. Her arms wrapped around his neck. He was surprised by the kiss nevertheless he kissed her back. Her body pressed against his as she stepped forward. His body became pressed on the side of his desk. He wrapped his arms around her. One slid upwards as the other slid to her lower back.

Minutes after, the two sat on the couch beside each other with a little distance between them. Lightning was leaning forward with her arms pressed against her legs. "I'm sorry." Hope was confused as to what she meant. Whether she meant about leaving three days ago or what she did just now. Either way, he remained quiet. "After you kissed me, I didn't know what to think or do so I left to clear my head. It took some time for me to think about things like whether or not I thought it was a good idea for us to become…" She looked over at him. Through her expression, she still seemed somewhat unsure. "…more than just friends. I was thinking the same thing too. I didn't want something like this to come between us."

"You mean us not being friends anymore?" She nodded. His eyes drifted down as he sighed. "I thought about the same thing too. I don't want to lose my friendship with you Light so…if you don't think that this is the best approach, then we can just stay as we are."

Surprisingly, a smirk came to her lips. He wasn't sure why. "It's kind of late for that don't you think? The damage is already done. You really think if we go back to just being friends, that in the back of our minds, we won't be thinking the same thing? That you kissed me and I kissed you?" Hope wasn't sure what he could say. Lightning looked off in the distance. "I didn't answer any of your messages. I wasn't sure what to do about this myself and I wasn't ready to see you yet. It got to the point that had to talk to Serah about it."

"So? What did you decide?" he asked a little nervous.

Her eyes traveled over to him as she looked serious. "Well I came in and kissed you myself didn't I?"

Hope was still kind of unsure what that meant, but assumed that it was a yes. "I guess if it doesn't work out then we could go back to being friends."

Again a smirk came on her face. "You really think it's going to be that easy to do so?"

Hope stared into her eyes sincerely. "It might not be, but all I know is… I don't want to lose you in any way."

Lightning was a little touched to hear him say so. "Okay."

A smile appeared on his lips. "I wasn't sure whether or not to tell you that I had feelings for you, but then you told me to take a chance and I did."

She gave a faint smirk. "If I knew the woman was me, I probably wouldn't have told you to do that." Hope gave a silent chuckle as he closed his eyes. "I guess…I should say…" Once he heard her speak, he lifted his eyes curious. A little nervous, Lightning turned her head to him. "I have these… certain feelings for you too…Different from anyone else I know."

The words brought a smile to his face. "That's good to hear."

Her expression turned serious. "Well don't expect me to say that often."

Hope's smile changed into a grin. "I can live with that as long as you can with me."

It was strange to hear him say things like that since she wasn't used to getting or giving that kind of affection, but over time she figured it might be something that she would get used to. Happy, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. In response, she kissed him back. When they parted, she opened her eyes to him. "You know that you still owe me dinner from the other night."

Hope looked surprised. It sounded as if she was blaming him for her leaving her food behind. "What? You were the one that left."

Lightning shook her head. "Doesn't matter. You still owe me one."

A smile came on his face. "I saved your food from the other night so you can have that."

A frown crossed over her lips. "No." If she was going to get anything, then it was going to be fresh.

Thank you for reading! I hope the change was okay. As I said before, the next few chapters will ease right back into the time travel and this part was before any of the family and time travel stuff happened. As always, let me know what you think and I'll be back to update!