Hey all! Thanks again for the wonderful reviews! you guys make me so happy... -sniffs-
Special Thanks to:
forceling - Thank you and here's your next chapter! XD
zenbonzakura - yes he did. :D
LupeFarron- I like this Hope too! I wanted to show that he grew up through the game, not so whiny anymore. XD
cthulu clone - Thanks! :)
authorgal282 - Somehow, i feel kinda bad for putting you and Lightning through all of this... -gives you tissue- Please keep reading despite the sadness!
lunavixen - Thank you very much! :D
Scarlet Sorrow - Thanks! I loved your review! XD
E Muja EN - Haha, it might become a HopeXLight since so many people are asking for it. Hope you enjoy this chapter! :)
Johan07 - And here's your order. One Angry Hope! XD
Naoto07 - Haha. Yep, scolding time! :P
HopexLight4Ever - Love your name! Lol. Well, enjoy this chap!
In Light There's Hope - Ah! Read a story with that title before! XD Hope defending Lightning is cool! Makes him so sweet...
gagboy - Well, i really hope you do! :)
Sarroush - Here's your next chappie! :D
Anyway, Sorry for the long wait! -bows-
Had one heck of a writer's block going on for awhile. D:
Now, without further ado, Presenting....Chapter 9!
"speaking"
'thinking'
Chapter 9:
Hope couldn't keep the glare off his face, reveling in twisted satisfaction at the stupid looks on their faces.
"...stunned? Well, you shouldn't be, Snow. Things you do will always come back biting you in the ass. I warned you about that before."
"...What's going on here?" Sazh was frowning, looking at the three of them.
"...N-nothing. Everything's fine." Serah had plastered a fake smile on her face. She nodded at Hope and told Sazh, "We said something tactless that's all."
"...yea...yea...something tactless..." Snow nodded dumbly along, still taking in Hope's little jab.
Sazh watched as Hope's eyes narrowed.
"...you don't even have the courage to admit it...some sister you are." Hope said loudly, his eyes cold.
"...Hope...Calm down kid...just what is going on?" Sazh tried, but Hope ignored him, glaring hatefully at Serah.
Serah frowned. "...Hope...please...let's not ruin this for everyone. Alright?"
Hope felt a surge of rage at those words.
"...ooh...not ruin it for everyone huh? Funny you asked if it's alright...BECAUSE IT'S OBVIOUSLY NOT ALRIGHT! HOW IN THE NAME OF FAL'CIE COULD YOU THINK THIS IS ALRIGHT?"
Serah cringed, startled by the sudden shouting issuing from the younger boy.
"YOU HURT LIGHT, DON'T HAVE THE GUTS TO ADMIT TO WHAT YOU DID AND NOW YOU'RE ASKING ME TO NOT RUIN THIS FOR EVERYONE?
Hope snarled at them, fighting to gain back control. And failing miserably.
"...you're disgusting..."
With that parting shot, he spun on his heel and walked briskly out of the room.
Once he was out of the door, Hope broke into a run, heading straight for his room.
Once within the safe confines of his room, Hope used all his strength to bring himself back under control. He was so preoccupied that he didn't realise that Light had entered.
Lightning watched the boy silently. She had heard everything. She had been in the room right beside them after all. Lightning walked up to him and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.
Hope's head snapped up at the contact, startled, then tensed when his eyes settled on hers.
"I-i'm so sorry Light! I couldn't keep myself in control! I-i'm really really sor-"
Lightning cut him off with a gentle squeeze on the shoulder. He looked up at her sadly, his eyes begging for forgiveness. She gave him a half-smile and a small nod. "...It's alright. You did well."
Hope sighed in relief and gave her a shy smile in return. She grabbed his arm and steered him towards the door and back to the room of confrontation. She was ready.
Lightning stopped before the door. '...They are here...right behind this door...' She reached to opened the door but Hope grabbed the handle first.
He looked up at her and tilted his head as if asking if she was ready. Lightning took a minute to reinforce her stoic mask before nodding firmly.
Hope took a deep breath and opened the door.
Serah's eyes followed Hope as he entered. He didn't seem to realise, his eyes elsewhere behind him. Then her mind was thrown into chaos when the second person stepped in. '...S-sis! Why is she here? oh no...oh no no no no....'
She grabbed Snow's jacket in fright and attempted to hide behind his huge stature but her sky blue eyes met their twin. Their cold frightening twin.
"...Hey!" Vanille had bounced up and hugged her in welcome. Lightning made a small sound of acknowledgment, giving a brisk nod in the others' direction. Vanille giggled, releasing her and flounced back to Fang.
Lightning eased herself into the seat on the couch. Fang immediately greeted her with a "Hey there, sunshine." to which she gave a small glare. Hope had silently settled himself next to her, no doubt he want to be there when she needed him.
Serah trembled violently, still holding on to Snow. Her sister didn't looked at her after that. But once was enough. Those eyes were terrifying. She tightened her hold on Snow's jacket.
Snow placed his hand comfortingly on hers, his eyes showing a clear message.
'We have to talk to her.'
Did you all enjoy that chap?
Hope it was up to standard...
Oh, reviews are appreciated!
And thank you very much for reading! -bows-
