Author's notes: Hello again! I'm back to post another chapter. This one is a bit of a neat passover to the conclusion of the story, but its also the beginning of something else. I hope you enjoy it and please continue to be patient. I'm already done with this story, but what I have lined up need to be ready by the time I decide to post the final chapters. Thank you for the awesome reviews and tips, all is taken into consideration. I face palm when I find a grammatical error, but I get caught between fixing issues when I post a chapter. I see that if you correct a chapter the story gets posted as new content, and I'd hate to repost something that isn't new in content. I just need to be careful, and stop relying on auto correction. I caught a few 'corrections' that didn't help at all. I digress though, thanks for your support again and I'll keep in touch soon. Bye!
Hope: "Of course I'm scared Light. But its okay because I have you-and fang...and that guy."
Lightning and Fang:"Hmm..."
Snow:"...W-Hey! what do you mean 'this' guy!?"
- Final Fantasy XIII (Riding on the Lindblum)
It's not that he hated Snow. Hope just couldn't handle the way the brawny blonde said things. Like now for instance.
"Are you finished?"
Rubbing his chest Snow resided his final chuckle before sneering at the young man. Hope knew he should have just kept his mouth shut.
Shaking his head Snow finally answered, "All this time you two were essentially roommates? Jeez Hope Serah thought for sure you two arrived here to start a relationship."
Speaking of which, Hope looked around the corner as the yellow neon light of the creamery that was finally visible. Both men had been sent on a mission for ice cream for the younger Farron sister, evidently hearing that the French had some of the best dairy food available from the older sibling. Funny enough Claire wasn't dragged to a quarter of a mile to find said ice cream shop, however she did request some.
As Snow and Hope made their way across the street the younger researcher looped around puddles of water. They had rainfall for the last couple of days and the cracks of the old streets didn't bode well with the weather. As he watched Snow walk through the puddles Hope motioned to the carpet outside the shop they were about to enter.
"Cultural thing?" Snow asked dragging his feet a few times across the carpet. Hope shook his head in response.
"No. Just courtesy."
Hearing the doorbell the familiar clerk raised his head to one of the familiar customers. "Bonjour, messieurs du soir. M. Estheim fait que vous apprécierez mon recomendation?"
Hope smiled back warmly at the familiar man. "Soirée Ansel , je suis ici pour l'habituel ." The man walked to the stand inside the shop. Claire liked this place a lot, one time Hope asked her when her anti-sweet rule had changed? She always sidestepped that question. The small comfortable place may have been part of the reason why they would visit this place as well. There were five booths and a stand where you could watch the ice cream flavors while you ate ice cream. Genius idea really.
Looking around Hope saw a small family enjoying their treats as Snow already walked straight to the front to order. Before he could make his way beside the brawny man Hope heard the murmurs.
"Hope…there's like random flavors everywhere." Snow said scanning his eyes at the bins of flavors. The platinum haired man nodded as he made his way to his predetermined choice. Suggested by the older Farron sister of course.
"Raspberry coconut is very good," Hope suggested as Snow arched his eyebrows at him. Hope didn't bother saying anything after that. Some people just didn't appreciate diversity.
"Where's the regular vanilla?"
Hope began ordering the orders in French as Snow watched him quizzically. A characteristic that didn't belong to Snow, maybe it's true what they say about marriage.
"You sure do sound convincing Hope. Heck Light sounds more fluent still. Kinda creepy actually." Snow said putting his hands around his denim jacket. Hope chuckled back, "Its Claire now by the way."
"Really? I called her that the other day and she gave me the death glare. Might as well had called her sis, although technically we are-"
"Wait-what?" Hope asked raising his eyes at him. Snow puzzled look was followed by 'why are you so surprised' look.
Reading the glance Hope shook his head, "No…well not the glare, that's normal for you. I meant you calling her Claire. She got upset about that?"
Snow moved closer to the other end of the stand as Hope followed. Watching Ansel work behind the counter.
"Yeah she did, hey do they use eggs? Serah and I aren't allergic or anything, it's kinda just….hmm eggs in ice cream." Said Snow mostly to himself as Hope's impatience grew quietly.
"Yeah it's different here, but why did she get mad about you calling her name?" He asked again as a sudden grin grew from Snow. Cunning, like Serah.
Crossing his arms Snow looked to the side, "I see now, you're really hooked on that huh? I don't get it, but did you get in trouble too?"
Blinking at him Hope looked up at him. "No I didn't. But she's been converting me to call her Claire since almost the entire time we've moved here. Just curious why it doesn't apply with you."
There was a pause before Snow looked down as if pondering something. When Ansel called them for their ice cream pints Hope sidestepped the taller man to pay.
Catching on a bit late Snow made his way beside Hope. "Hey wait I got this one Hope, besides Serah practically ordered a pint for herself."
Laughing warmly at the thought Hope already handed his card to Ansel. "No I'm treating you all as guests."
Saying their goodbyes Hope walked outside the shop as he waited for Snow. "I tipped him," said Snow as Hope internally laughed at the norm. "That was nice of you," Hope said handing over one of the two bags. As he did so Hope motioned his eyes slowly.
"Although you could repay me if you answer my question."
Snow accepted one of the bags and sneered halfheartedly. "I can pay you back for talking? Lead the way."
Motioning forward Hope began listening to Snow's earlier hard learned lesson of Claire apparent exclusive rule. Serah being the only one to call her by her real name. A lie obviously, but it made Hope curious. He probably was never going to bring that up, he still has a list of things that needed to get answered in order of priority. This topic wasn't high on the list. However…
Hope pressed the walk light and signaled Snow to wait with him before crossing the street. They were about two blocks away from Hope's first apartment. Well technically Snow and Serah's place while they visited. The wed couple had been around for nearly two weeks. Hope wanted to bring up somethings with Snow in private, but up until now time wouldn't allow it. The light was still red.
"Hey Snow?" Hope started asking as the blonde man turned his attention from the heavy bag in his hand. Keeping his eyes focused the young researcher started looking for words. "I um…I saw the home video with Claire. You know the trip I missed."
"Yeah?" Grinned Snow as he lightly punched Hope's right shoulder. "You missed out on a lot of fun right?" Keeping his instinctive need to rub his shoulder Hope smiled slowly instead. "Yeah I did. I missed out on a lot. Not just here but…"
"There," Snow finished Hope's sentence before a moment of silence entered in between both men.
There. The old world.
"Ah, well it's all over now right?" Asked Snow bringing a hand to slide over his long blonde mane. It wasn't like Hope to be such a downer. Actually Hope had a raising suspicion that Claire had been bothered by this change. He didn't like it either.
Hope was well, hopeful as a kid. Raised by a supporting mother and a busy father who tried to dedicate his work for the boy's future. Sometime between coming back as a L'Cie free kid. Hope Estheim was back to being normal again. He remembered the day his father had taken him back to Palumpolum that night…
"You've changed Hope."
Keeping his hands wrapped around the scarf in his hand the boy looked up at the mention of his name. He wasn't paying much attention.
His dad, Bartholomew Estheim was sitting across from him in the transporting vehicle offered by the military coup. Looking at his father now from this angle, with the dim lighting and his glasses being held in one hand. Hope couldn't find much resemblance in him. People always said he looked more like his mother. Annoying perhaps. But his father was a no nonsense practical man. Both in business and in private life.
Moving his knees up a bit to rest his hands Bartholomew hunched over to his son. What looked like an inspection for injuries soon became a staring contest. Hope didn't blink, he couldn't even if wanted to.
After a while Hope started noticing his father's sad expression. Normally reserved man, but now here he was with more emotions running through his face than he'd ever see his dad show all his life.
"Control your emotions," whispered the voice of…well his…partner. Remaining still Hope didn't let even a breath out. Conditional reaction.
Feeling his father's hand grab Hope's shoulder the boy finally blinked. And then he saw it. Hope didn't cry when his mother died. He didn't cry when he told his father about mom back in their house as a fugitive. He didn't cry today like Serah did when he handed Lightning's birthday present back.
"Hope. Son…I need to know," was how Bartholomew started his question. Hope saw it coming a mile away.
"Are you alright?"
… … …
… … …
"Hope?"
"Hmm?" Snow nudged his shoulder to see the green light. "Are you alright? Kinda dazed off or something. Light's green we can go now."
Watching Snow lead the way Hope lifted his back carefully avoiding too much swaying of the ice cream in his bag. Following behind he noticed the apartment complex and smiled.
"We made it!" Announced Snow barging in the place with a welcoming empty living room. Closing the door behind him Hope walked straight to the kitchen and put his bag on the small table that once adorned the living room. Before a certain tall idiot managed to break one of its leg, he claimed was an accidental mishap.
Looking at the glued leg of the table Hope still didn't know how solid wood furniture could be so easily broken. His thoughts came to a halt as the man in question walked by him.
"So where are those two?"
Hope shrugged. Looking around he started looking for clues. There were two empty mugs by the kitchen table. A couple of pictures and a small keychain Hope had never seen. Falling back to the living room Hope saw the almost closed sliding door to the outside patio. Motioning to it Hope stayed behind inside to get there bowls and spoons.
Snow went outside and already he could hear the voices between the Farron sister's love hate relationships going on its regularly scheduled interaction.
It took a while for Hope to find the spoons. Reaching for the cupboards he quickly saw the bowls and plates, but the spoons all were missing. Hope remembered getting them a nice cutlery set before their arrival. So where could it…
"Hey, what's taking so long?" Asked Claire closing the sliding door. Hope gave her a quick smile before going back to his search.
"Nothing. Just can't find spoons."
Walking over to the cupboard he just checked she started to reach around. After meeting the same empty conclusion she opened one of the bottom drawers.
"I checked there too." He said as she motioned to the second drawer. A suspicious look from those cerulean eyes made Hope look up curiously at her glance.
Trash can by the kitchen sink filled with paper cups and a visible spoon. They were throwing away non plastic cutlery.
"Maybe I'll just-," offered Hope before she stormed outside.
Too late…
It also didn't help that as he heard Claire's raised voice Hope had casually looked at the bag of ice cream and saw six plastic wrapped spoons Ansel had provided.
Saving face Hope walked towards the door and before he could slide it open he saw the most scorned man being double teamed with no backup. Hope wanted to help. He really did. But he stood there looking through the glass sliding door as he watched Snow apologizing over and over again.
"Why on earth would you throw away those spoons? Snow Hope graciously bought those for us. I said put them in the dishwasher. I'll dry them later."
"I know babe I'm sorry. I didn't know Hope bought them. I thought they were provided by the-"
"This isn't a hotel where you can just barge in and throw things away. Hope took a lot of time making sure-"
Just double teaming on him. Hope watched silently before waiting for a moment to safely go outside. Finding a pause in Snow's scolding session Hope closed the door outside as he sat on an empty patio chair.
"It's all good, Ansel saved the day for us." Hope chimed in bringing the bowls in front of them. They were all in chairs sitting around a small table. It was past sunset now, but Hope noticed Serah's blue hoddie showing a growing baby bump. Catching him staring Serah raised her hand.
"Want to touch the baby again Hope?" She asked before the man in question smiled back quickly. "No its ok, probably wants to be left alone."
"Yeah? Well our baby is going to be awesome like its parents!" Snow pitched in already passed the previous endeavor. Serah's museful laugh made even Claire smile. It wasn't until Hope started sharing the bowls around and digging into their ice cream that Hope casually noticed someone else staring at Serah's baby bump.
It was natural for an older sister to feel worried about these things he assumed. But Claire didn't seem all too worried, not really. If he didn't know any better…
"Hey Hope? What is this stuff called again?" Snow said lifting his plastic spoon towards Serah. The latter eating the scoopful of red ice cream.
"Raspberry coconut, Li-Claire's favorite. Mint chocolate was my favorite," Hope said turning his attention to the rose haired older woman.
Although instead of greeting him with a smile Hope noticed a barely noticeable tug of her lips. Irritation, barely there…but still there.
Was it the name slip again? Hope noticed Serah's approval hum after tasting the flavor. "This is amazing Claire." Serah said watching the older sibling smile warmly.
There it was again. Hope stopped watching the sisters before resting back on his chair. It was nice outside, there was room for speculation another day.
Feeling a tap on his leg Hope turned to Claire's face. Watching her watch him was becoming more common after the last few days. He said he wouldn't bother speculating. But there was definitely something wrong here.
"I'm going wash the bowls, are you done with yours?" She asked finally as she extended her hand. Hope lifted his bowl and took her hand.
"Yeah I'll help you."
Claire walked with him inside as Snow started making hot beverages for the night. In hindsight this was a nice night out. When Hope suggested to spend some time together Claire thought maybe he meant going out somewhere. But thankfully staying with her sister and her unfortunate husband was more relaxing than she'd originally thought it be.
"Did you see it too?" She heard Hope ask as they walked inside the kitchen away from hearing distance of the couple outside. Looking back at him she burrowed her eyes. He gave her an expecting look before giving up finally.
"Serah is close. Maybe a month or so till the baby arrives," he said as he dipped the first bowl in the sink. Claire's eyes widened at the thought. "Seriously? How did you make that out?" She asked quietly looking back at the closed door to the patio for assurance.
Hope moved the first soaked bowl to the side before answering. He picked up on her curiosity but a part of him was more interested that his suspicion of her staring at Serah's baby bump wasn't about worrying of when to expect. Now things were starting to make sense…
"Who would have thought…"
Later that night Hope had left and offered his apologies about leaving. He had to wake up early for work and Claire at least had a few hours of the morning before heading to work too. Claire agreed and left with him and after saying their goodbyes the two walked outside the apartment complex. Keeping his eyes at the top floors to see the lights of the apartment of Serah's place Hope wondered if Gale and Roger had gotten to know them. The researchers were supposed to stay together, but what became a search for separate rooms was now a useless case. Hope and Claire were sharing the same room now, and a part of him wonders if what Snow said was true.
"Am I really that dense?"
"Hope?"
He didn't notice the light post in front of him until it made contact with his head. Cursing at it Hope turned to his side to a worried look. "I was warning you a second ago, you weren't paying attention obviously," she said scolding him while brushing his hair to the side to take a quick look. He was fine really, just a huge wave of embarrassment.
"I'm sorry for not listening. Mind was wandering around," he assured as Claire finished inspecting his forehead. Letting go she took a step back as Hope put on an assuring smile.
Or at least he thought he did. "Ok Hope what's wrong? She asked keeping a straight face which in truth made Hope more confused. All this time, he thought she was the one acting like weird today. He tried being…well Hope.
"Nothing is wrong, I'm just-"
Should have seen the flick coming a mile away, but like always he didn't. A cry of sudden pain made him realize she wasn't going to ask again. Then she surprised him.
"There used to be a time were you didn't keep things from me. You were the one that tried making me talk remember?" She asked as a warmth spread through her face. Hearing this Hope couldn't help but let out a smile. Claire was right.
Maybe the silent pause or the evident blush on her face made him sigh in defeat. "We'll I haven't changed that much. As always I'm worried about something," he admitted shuffling his feet. Hope noticed they had completely stopped walking and the way the night sky was illuminated by the street light, coincidentally on him; made him feel like he was on trial.
Her face softened before stubbornly putting her hands on the pockets of her grey jacket. It was late in August already, but the cool nights were starting to settle in. When Claire starting walking he followed track. Walking past the first stop light they began waiting for the next signal to cross.
"What were you worried about?" She brought up keeping her face nonchalantly. That was the problem though. Hope didn't really want to go this route. If he did there would be no turning back. Secretly there was nothing more he would like than to move forward. But with Claire, you had to be careful. Very careful.
Keeping his hands from sticking together he gambled on a crazy thought. "In a couple of months I'll officially, well technically officially be done with my work here." He started as he paused to turn to her. Claire still pressed on with a blank look. "I'm a director on a program that I didn't know would be such a committing project, so I was thinking…"
"You want to stay longer?" She asked naturally. Keeping his hands from moving too quick he reached for her shoulder. It had been a while since they talked about his work. But she always managed to read him so well.
"I want to quit."
Now she was staring at him. More than one range of emotions ran through her, surprised and concern being the major ones. "What? Why would you…"
Keeping each other's eyes Hope softened his voice, which always translated to 'this is my final decision' way of speaking.
"I'm done here. Alyssa has impressed me despite our initial greetings. I already asked her to take over here, and Gale and Roger they are already heading back home. They said they would take some of the people they met here with them, and that back at home something urgent happened." Hope explained keeping the fuzzy details in check. Truthfully Roger had said something about finding someone back home that he and Gale had been searching for. Hope knew what importance rekindling friendships was like, so he didn't protest when both men made their decisions.
"So does that mean we'll be leaving soon?" She asked before noticing the light turning green. They both quickly walked to the other side before they spoke again. After that they continued their walk to the next corner. "Yes, well actually we'll leave if you want to leave with me." He said suddenly before facing the most threatening look he'd face yet.
"What does that mean?"
"N-nothing! I just, I mean of course I want you to be with me, but you are always free to-"
Hearing a hum of laughter Hope looked at her quietly. That was something he wasn't used to yet. Claire enjoyed teasing him the only way she knew how. By scaring the crap out of him.
"Technically your right. I could just decide to walk away," Claire said looking up at the night sky in question. Hope suddenly hated being so damn articulate about words. Scientist problems right?
Hope kept his pace on par with hers, just in case. "But you know I think I'd be lost without you having my back," she said surprising him. When did he ever have her back? Well, sure they helped each other but if anybody depended on anyone it was the other way around. Right?
"If you say so," were the words that came out of his lips and in return got a side glance. "Watch the sass, Mr. Estheim."
When they finally made it to the final light and the appearance of their apartment complex came in sight Hope noticed something. Out of the corner of his left eye Hope spotted a young woman being chased by a black wearing figure. Its masculine shape was easy identifiable as a man and the woman turned frantically around the corner, "Quelqu'un s'il vous plaît aider! Je étant vole!"
She was being robbed and Hope surprisingly moved more quickly than his mind. No plan in motion Hope studied the man in black attire about his height and the mask around his face giving no further clues. There were no signs of weapons…yet.
Ready to step into action a strong force held him back and as Hope turned to face Claire, he was greeted with Lightning.
Keeping her upper body in a low profile stance she quickly sprinted to the robber. They were only a few yards away and as Hope ran after them he saw something nostalgic.
Keeping her graceful movements she caught up with the culprit and made quick work with him. The stunned look of the culprit went away as he made a move against Lightning. As if her strength and agility was always there she dodged his right hook and elbowed the man in the face. Without wasting anytime she swept her right foot behind the man and swung it forward in full motion. The man was down in the ground within seconds.
Hope keeping his mind in alert walked over to the two and stomped on the robber's right hand that made a move towards his partner.
"Descendez -moi salope!"
Hope startling looked at Claire who had the man pinned on the floor. He may not have been fluent in French but Hope definitely knew what that last word meant.
Responding with pulling the man's elbow back a howl of pain escaped the robber's mouth. Hope looked around quickly for the woman victim who seemed to have disappeared.
"Hope…"
He turned to Claire and saw a glint of her old self. A little taken back he gave his attention to the man on the floor.
"Call the police."
After twenty minutes of the police coming through and taking into custody the culprit the woman came back with an older man beside her. After answering the few questions the police had for Hope and Claire the woman stepped forward.
"Oh merci. Merci beaucoup. Je ai apporté mon mari pour aider, mais je suis heureux que vous étiez en mesure de gérer ce fluage!" She said mostly looking at Claire. The two women talked in French as Hope looked at the woman's husband. They didn't say much to each other, just nodded heads in appreciation.
Afterwards the police decided to wrap it up and left with the culprit. Hope and Claire continued on their way home. When they made it inside their apartment Hope walked quietly to their room. He wasn't sure how to approach this. One minute they were talking about leaving France, the next a robber tries fighting them, well Claire actually. He just stood there.
Brushing aside his shirt he reached for a blue long sleeve t shirt he wore to sleep. He didn't hear Claire's footsteps when she beat him to the bed. Already sitting on top away from him.
"Go ahead Hope say it. Tell me it was stupid of me to get involved."
Raising his eyes at her he walked beside her side of the bed. Sitting to the side he watched her carefully. Her face was still red, if it was out of the adrenaline rush or the sense of foolishness and embarrassment he couldn't tell.
Still Hope couldn't help but let a smirk escape his lips. Not paying attention Claire stiffened as he reached for her right arm.
"Didn't hurt yourself did you?
"….No."
Hope hummed in agreement before letting go gently. As he did so he pulled her back with him. "What are you doing Hope?"
"So you still got it huh?"
"I-w what do you mean-" she couldn't finish her sentence before Hope interrupted her lips with his. He knew better than this so he made it quick and in return Claire's face warmed up again.
Hope laughed at her reaction and for a moment he sees her smiling at him. It had been a while since he laughed like that. Keeping his face down Claire copied his movements.
"Thanks for having my back," she responded as he protested. "I didn't do anything." Hearing her copy his coyness Hope stopped laughing.
"You made sure he didn't go for something with his hand, or me for that matter." Hope mumbled in disagreement. "What is it with you Hope? I don't think you're the same Hope I knew, the younger you would dance around for a complement."
At this Hope blinked in response. It had been a while since his childhood had been brought up, but as she teased him Hope chuckled at the thought.
"Is that what you want? Me running around praising you when you do something cool?"
She scoffed at the thought, "Who wouldn't?"
"That's true I guess."
Keeping his posture relaxed he looked at the white ceiling. There was a height he could never reach when it came to measuring up to his expectations. Yet he was always glad he wasn't alone.
Feeling a hand tug his Hope looked beside him as Claire kept a serious face again. "I'm ready to go when you are. We're each other's partners right?"
Hope grinned back as he noticed her reasoning sounding much like his. "As long as you promise not to lock my elbow like that guy. Yes I'll gladly be your partner."
Rolling her eyes at him she let go of his hand before lifting herself from the bed. "Where are you going Claire?"
Pointing to the bathroom she walked of, "I'm going to take a quick shower, that guy smelled pretty badly of alcohol."
Hope got up in his sitting position, "need any help?"
"No. I think I can manage a bit of water," she said closing the door behind her. After a few minutes passed Hope got a text message from work.
Hope need you at the office downstairs to sign some paperwork tomorrow to make it official. Thank you.
Alyssa's message still in his mind Hope couldn't help but think of the new assistant. Truth be told the more he spent time with her the more he noticed Alyssa acted like….some guardian angel. If it wasn't running in late with no card key to enter the lab or getting stuck on an application through his work she was there to assist. Always carried answers and seemed to be very headstrong to boot. He knew she was going to do a fine job as his replacement. Although as time went on he couldn't help but feel like he knew her from some place.
After the door to the bathroom opened a gush of steam escaped along with a pink haired woman covered with a bath towel.
Putting his phone back to the drawer Claire walked passed him. "Somebody called you?"
"No, Alyssa texting me to be there tomorrow to fill the paperwork to replace me." He said shifting around to his side of the bed. Claire didn't say anything. Hope noticed she rarely did when Alyssa's name was brought up.
"Hope are you sure about this?" Claire asked reaching for her clothing on her drawer. Hope turned his back in response. "About Aylssa taking over? Yeah I'm positive about that."
Hearing her empty response Hope turned to her as Claire got dressed in her pink tank top and pajamas. He watched Claire get to her side of the dresser before Hope decided to ask her something.
"Hey Claire? If we do go back home, where will you go?"
Hearing a chuckle escape her lips Hope watched her turn off the lights by the switch near her side of the wall.
"Tch. Roommate problems Hope?" In the dark he could feel one of her toes brushing passed his. "I can sign you on a lease if you want," Hope said resting his head on his pillow.
"Oh yeah? How long?
"Forever."
"Non negotiable?"
"I'm afraid not."
Feeling one of her arms loop around his Hope closed his eyes. If this was how things would be for the rest of his life, no better bargain could tempt him.
"I'm going to hold you on that, forever part." She said breathing into his chest. Hope mumbled in agreement.
"Please do so."
