First off I'd like to apologize for a couple of things. Firstly, for the crap editing job I did on the previous chapter. I promise I will never, ever edit anything after midnight ever again. And secondly, for for the unusual length between chapters this week. I happen to be sick, as is my son, and well, caring for two ill people is bloody tiring. This is a long chapter just for you all.

This chapter may not be as lemony as the cough drop I'm sucking on right now, but damn, it's trying. I spent quite a few hours with Jeff Buckley crooning in my ears while writing this. His voice reduces me to a quivering mass of organic squidgy bits (listen to the way he says "I love you" in the song, So Real, and you'll see what I mean). And I've done this all for you. Read on, and enjoy, heh.

Lover, You Should've Come Over

The morning light from outside filtered through Lightning's bedroom curtains, illuminating in shades of grey. Hope's mind slowly drifted back to the surface of consciousness, experiencing a blissful sense of disorientation as his eyes slowly blinked open, idly wondering where he was. Beneath the covers, his body stretched its muscles and he rolled, pressing his face into the pillow. As he breathed in, its scent made him recall the events of last night.

I'm in Light's apartment...in her bed.

He tasted the pillow with his grin as he became aware of the warmth and weight of the body lying next to him. It had been a long time since he had slept so soundly. Last night, Lightning had been there for him, like she always had been, holding him until he felt safe once more. He turned himself to face the woman still slumbering beside him. Her back was to him, side gently rising and falling with every breath. The blankets had partially fallen away from her body, revealing her smooth porcelain shoulders and the back of her white tank top. Hope sighed at the sight of her, feeling overwhelmed by his sense of love. He inched closer to her, until his body spooned hers, the ribbing of her tank pressing against his bare chest, her backside cupped against his loins. He wrapped an arm around her midriff, fingertips gently strumming the texture of her top as he nuzzled the exposed nape of her neck, dropping soft kisses on the skin there.

At first, Lightning mumbled incoherently in her sleep, shifting back into the warmth of his body and sighing. Then as she began to awaken, her body stiffened and went still, willing the cobwebs in her mind to clear faster.

"Hope…?"

She felt rather than heard the soft chuckle he made against the flesh of her neck. Hope kissed her once more, his arm squeezing her body slightly.

"Good morning," his breath caressed her ear. "Who'd you think it was?" Hope's voice held a hint of laughter, and Lightning stiffened slightly once more. Realizing he might be waiting for her to answer, she sighed, releasing a breath she didn't realize she held.

"A ghost," she muttered, a yawn stealing from her lips. She stretched, and then paused sharply.

"Hope, I thought you said you would wait."

A confused frown crossed his face. "Yes, I did, and I am waiting." The hand that was stroking her stomach stilled.

"Then I guess the rest of you didn't get the memo." Lightning's tone sounded more irritated than she really was.

Hope's eyes flew open wide when he realized what she meant, his face scarlet. He rolled away from her, mortified and groaning, burying his face once more into the pillow, hands in his hair.

"Just because I say it," he replied in muffled, grumbling tones, "doesn't mean the rest of me will listen."

"Well that's what you get for having two heads." Lightning countered, rolling onto her back and propping herself up on her elbows, looking down at his contrite form.

Hope turned his head slightly, casting an apologetic eye up at her through messy hair. He studied the fullness of her lower lip, how it twitched slightly in an effort to not smile. She snorted, a sound of repressed laughter, and it caused Hope to laugh too. Shyly, he reached for her hand, lacing his fingers with hers. He shifted his position to his side for a better look at her. A sleepy smile spread over his lips as his eyes caressed her face. Then his gaze faltered as he summoned up the courage to speak what he was thinking.

"You know," he murmured, studying their joined hands, "I could get used to waking up like this, next to you. You're beautiful in the morning." Hope hesitantly looked back up at her through silvery bangs.

Feeling her heartbeat flutter, Lightning opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Instead, her lips creased into a smile, and she squeezed his hand slightly. A slight shadow crossed her eyes, one that didn't go unnoticed by Hope, and she leaned over, placing a lean arm around his bare torso and kissed him softly. She raised her head, and sweeping the covers aside, she got out of bed. Hope watched as she stood and stretched, muscles snapping sinuously. Hope rolled onto his back, watching her.

"Light…" he called to her, choosing his words carefully. "When I asked you who I thought it was, and you said a ghost… what did you mean by that?"

Lightning paused, looking down at her feet. She sighed and straightened. "It's nothing, Hope. Don't worry about it."

There was disappointment in his eyes as he pulled back the covers and swung his legs over the side of the bed. Hope sighed as he bent down to reach for his jeans. He stood up and donned them before speaking again.

"You know, you don't have to hide anything from me, Light. I mean, I kind of figured you've… been with someone else… by now… It's not like I expected you to wait for me or anything-"

"Hope," Lightning stood before him, looking up into his downcast eyes. She reached out tentatively and traced the scars on his waist. "It's like I told you. Give me time. What's in the past is in the past."

Sighing, Hope nodded in agreement. Lightning stepped closer, and he enveloped her in his arms. She raised her hands to stroke his chest, feeling the hard muscle there. His skin was smoother, softer than she imagined. Beneath her hand, she could feel his heartbeat, strong and sure. She breathed him in, all warm and inviting, and she sighed. Then she began to pull away, and Hope reluctantly let her go.

"I'm going to take a shower," she said, turning away and walking to the door.

"I'll make breakfast," Hope offered, eyes lighting up. Lightning turned back to him, and with a slight upturn of her lips, nodded.

Lightning showered and changed into her uniform. She had planned to go to the base and check on things before going to see Serah. She entered the kitchen where Hope was cooking in his jeans and undershirt, the smells of food cooking reaching her nose and stomach. As she tightened the belt of her coat, Hope turned and looked at her, his proud smile at his own cooking abilities turning into a frown as he saw her uniform. Lightning caught his expression, and sighed.

"I just need to see to a few things before going to visit Serah. Since my staff sergeant will be out for a while," she eyed his cast beneath his pant leg, "I'll have to tend to his duties as well."

"Then let me make it up to you," he offered, handing her a plate of food.

"You've already done that."

"No, I mean," Hope sighed and shook his head. "Since I'm not going to be on duty until my leg is healed, let me take care of things here. Cook for you…"

"Like Serah?" Lightning laughed, arching a brow as she sat at the table.

"I did say I wanted to show you what it feels like to be in love. Please, let me…" he blushed and looked down, unable to finish.

"Alright," she murmured. They began to eat in silence.

When Lightning finished, she made to clear her plate, but Hope stopped her, gently resting his hand on her arm.

"I'll take care of it," he said with a smile. Lightning's brow twitched, but she said nothing and gave in to his wishes.

As she was about to leave, she turned and asked him, "Would you like to come to Serah's with me later on? I'm sure she'd love to see you again, and she'll likely be more calm than she was yesterday."

Hope's face lit up and he nodded. "Sure, sounds like it'd be fun."

"Then I'll come by here to pick you up after I leave the base," confirmed Lightning. "You can let yourself out," she added. She was about to leave when Hope held the door, keeping her from closing it.

"I love you," he said, bending his head and kissing her lips softly. Lightning tried and failed to repress the shiver she felt at his touch. She caressed his cheek with a gloved hand before turning away to leave, feeling crimson warmth creeping into her face.

~x*x~

Later that day found them at the home of Serah and Snow. Situated on the outer edges of the Colony like most single-family homes, it was a pleasant bungalow, one that Lightning was sure they'd be outgrowing sooner rather than later. As she predicted, Serah was delighted that Hope had come along. The twins were too, and after they fawned over the gifts that their aunt had promised to get them, quickly dragged Hope off to show this new person their treasures. The sisters chuckled as the young man awkwardly followed the two kids who were half leading, half dragging him by the hands.

"Looks like they found a new playmate," Serah chuckled.

"This can only go well," agreed Lightning, as she took a seat next to her sister out on the patio.

"You know, I think Vivi's developed a bit of a crush on him."

Lightning laughed at her sister's observation, reaching for her glass.

"Speaking of crushes," her sister continued in sly tones, "I saw that rose in your apartment. Did Hope give that to you?"

The older Farron sister sputtered on her lemonade. Coughing, she saw that her reaction gave her away, as Serah had a look of delightful triumph on her face. She sighed, looking down at the table.

"Yes," she replied softly.

"So he finally got up the nerve to tell you, huh?"

"Something like that, yeah."

"Have you told him you feel the same?"

Lightning exhaled noisily. "Not yet."

"Claire! Why not?" Serah demanded.

"Keep your voice down!" Lightning hissed. "And I don't know why… I want to, but…" she hung her head, unable to find the words.

Serah looked at her sympathetically. "You do love him though, right?"

Lightning closed her eyes and nodded.

"Well then," Serah began in slow, measured tones, "perhaps you should start off with something small. Like let him call you by your real name."

Lightning arched a brow at her sister, looking at her as if she were mad.

"I'm serious. The only person who can get away with calling you Claire and live to tell the tale is me. If you love Hope, you should let him do the same thing."

Lightning sighed. "We'll see," wanting to put the conversation to rest. They drank in silence for a moment.

"So have you slept together yet?" Serah suddenly blurted out, making her sister choke once more. Lightning glared at her menacingly. Serah laughed, delighted at how easily she could get under her sister's skin.

"What, can't a bored, married pregnant woman live vicariously through her sister?"

"No," Lightning said flatly. Just then, Hope emerged from the house, looking bit overwhelmed.

"Everything all right?" Serah asked, still amused by her sister's reactions.

"Yeah," Hope said as he eased himself into the chair beside Lightning. "They're grabbing some toys to come out here and play. I figured I'd come out here and catch my breath before round two begins. They're uh, quite a busy pair," he chuckled. Serah poured and handed him a glass of refreshment, which he gladly took, drinking in long gulps. Serah used the moment to discreetly study the pair. Even as casually dressed as he was, Hope still looked quite handsome, the sun glinting off his hair, turning it to a gleaming white. And he looked good sitting next to her sister, who appeared to be more relaxed around him than any person Serah could think of, including herself. She noticed how Lightning would casually sneak glances his way, only noticeable to her because she knew her sister well enough to know she never looked at anyone in such a manner. Picking up her glass, Serah took a drink to hide her smile. Her sister was finding happiness at last.

~x*x~

Lightning and Hope had stayed for dinner, as Snow came home and insisted they do so. The two men caught up on the past five and a half years while Lightning let herself be entertained by her niece and nephew. Occasionally, she would look up, sensing Hope's eyes on her, and he'd give the smallest of smiles, green eyes sparkling. She would look away, in an effort to quell the blush she'd feel coming on every time she caught his glances.

It was late when they returned to the apartment building. Hope felt anxious. Truth be told, he didn't really want to go back to his place, not alone anyways. He'd much rather wake up in the same manner as he did this morning, with the smell and feel of Light's body next to his. When they stopped at his door, he nervously bit the inside of his cheek, trying to think of a way for this to happen.

"Light, I…" Hope began, his voice growing husky. "I uh, just wanted to say thank you. For last night, I mean. I ah," his face was flushing red, he could feel it, "wouldn't mind… doing it again… u-under different circumstances, of course." He finished with an attempt at laughter.

Lightning looked up at him, amused at his embarrassment. She cupped one of his hands in hers, pressing something into his palm. Hope looked down into his hand and saw she had given him what could only be the key to her apartment. His jaw went slack and he looked at her. She shrugged, feigning indifference.

"You did say you wanted to take care of things for me," she explained.

Hope quickly pocketed the key in order to hold Lightning, his hands gently resting on her waist. The familiar warmth started to awake within her core at his touch, and her breath caught in her throat. She found herself focusing on the shape of his mouth, as his lips parted and drew closer to hers. Sighing, she readily accepted his kiss with her own, committing the shape and feel of his mouth to memory. He gently pressed her body against his, pressing the kiss deeper into her willing mouth. Lightning's hands drifted up to rest on his arms, feeling the lean muscle there. Lightning shuddered as his tongue made its gentle intrusion known. Hope's fingers gently kneaded the small of her back in light circles as he savoured the taste of her mouth. He wanted her, needed to feel her lying next to him. Breaking the kiss, he rested his forehead against hers, panting softly. She sighed, her own breath coming in short gasps.

"Maybe," he breathed, "you should stay here tonight."

"Hope," Lightning sighed, pulling away slightly and shaking her head. Hope's hands resisted her retreat, holding her close.

"I need you."

Lightning shivered at his words. "I know, but I'm not ready… not yet."

"Could you at least tell me you love me?" Hope pleaded. "It's not like I can't tell you do, but… I'd like to hear you say it. Please, Light..."

Lightning sighed, a soft smile on her lips. "You don't have to call me that anymore." She answered his confused look with a quick kiss and a knowing gaze. A smile of realization slowly started to spread over his features. He leaned in and kissed her once more.

"Claire," Hope murmured, treasuring the sound of Lightning's real name, cupping the side of her face with his palm. "I love you."

She leaned into his hand and closed her eyes. When she opened them once again, she looked straight into his eyes, her lips parted slightly.

"I… I love you too, Hope." Lightning gasped a bit as the words left her mouth.

Hope closed his eyes and released the breath he had been holding, shuddering. He felt her lips caress his, and he tried drawing her in once more, but she backed away before he could.

"I'll see you tomorrow, get some sleep. Goodnight Hope," Lightning whispered, stroking his cheek.

Hope's face looked pained with disappointment. He nodded mutely with his eyes closed. He didn't open them until he heard the click of her door closing. Releasing a sigh, he entered his own apartment. Inside, it was quiet and dark. Feels as empty as I do when she's not near, he thought to himself. He wandered around, almost as if he was looking for her in the shadows, and soon found himself in the bathroom, staring at his reflection.

"She's told you she loves you," he told his image. "And you told her you'd wait. Don't rush her or you'll lose her again." But inside, he could feel himself burning.

That night, he lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, missing the warmth and presence if the woman he loved beside him. Hope wondered if Lightning was in her bed, thinking and feeling the same things. He stretched out his arm to the vacant space beside him, and sighed at its emptiness. Just one night in her arms, and already I feel lonely without her, he mused. Sleep did not come until sheer exhaustion overwhelmed him.

~x*x~

Over the ensuing days, Hope kept his word. He would let himself into Lightning's apartment about a half hour before she was due home and start cooking. His skills weren't stellar, but he did remember a few things from watching his mother, and having the time during the day to do any online research for a recipe didn't hurt either. He would always greet her at the door with a kiss and an embrace. Then she would go clean up and change whilst he put the finishing touches on their meal. After dinner, they'd curl up on the couch together, much to Hope's delight. He had once suggested they go out for a stroll, but Lightning reasoned that it wouldn't be a good idea for him to put any undue strain on his still healing leg. Hope suspected there was something more to it than that, but he didn't press the issue. Oftentimes, he would give her shoulders a massage, which invariably would lead into another long kissing session.

He quickly learned where she enjoyed being kissed - a spot just behind and below her earlobe, the soft hollow area above her collarbone, the inside of her wrist. A caress across her stomach would elicit a soft gasp from her full lips. Never once though did he press further unless she indicated it. Ever the attentive lover, Hope was eager to accommodate her need. However, she hadn't let him stay the night since that first and only time, usually citing the need to report to base the next day. Hope would go to bed alone, feeling the fire inside growing steadily, and didn't know how much longer he could last.

It was when he noticed the rose he gave her was starting to fade that gave him an idea. The following evening when Lightning got home, she immediately noticed something was up. The first clue was the soft music in the background and the dimmer than normal lighting. Hope had greeted her at the door in the usual manner, all smiles and kisses and hugs. His eyes though, they had something different about them that she couldn't quite place.

"I've got a surprise for you," he murmured. "C'mon, I'll show you." Hope escorted her to the bathroom.

"Close your eyes." Lightning hesitated at the request, then sighed, giving in.

Hope opened the door, and gently escorted her in.

"Okay, you can open them now."

Lightning opened her eyes and gasped. Hope had placed candles along the sink, and the garden tub that she rarely ever used was filled, the water's surface covered in red rose petals. Steam curled up and wafted above the petals, dancing in the candlelight. She stood there, thunderstruck, when Hope whispered in her ear.

"Go ahead and take your time. I'll be back to scrub your back, if you want," he punctuated his words with a kiss.

She still couldn't believe her eyes after he had left. Shaking her head in wonderment, she began to disrobe. What compelled him to do this, she wondered. Hesitantly, she dipped a toe in, and finding the water to be a perfect temperature, she allowed herself an indulgent smile, stepping fully into the water and settling down. The rose petals provided a heady perfume, cleansing her mind of the day's stresses. She leaned back, letting the water soak her hair before piling it atop her head, some of the petals stuck to the wet pink tendrils. She grabbed the nearby sponge and soap, noting that this must've been part of Hope's setup too. The soaps she typically purchased were basic, while this looked much more expensive. Its lather felt luxurious against her skin as she massaged it over her body, sighing at its fragrance. Lightning was in the process of rinsing off when she heard the soft knock at the door.

"Come in," she called, placing an arm over her breasts and turning away from the door slightly. She looked over her shoulder hesitantly at Hope as he slipped inside.

"Would you like me to scrub your back?" He asked, just to make sure.

"If you think you can get down here."

Hope chuckled and lifted his left pant leg, revealing a cast-free limb. Lightning's eyebrows rose in surprise.

"They took it off today when I went for my checkup. I'm back to a hundred percent," he beamed as he knelt, reaching for the soap and sponge.

"Mh, just in time to enjoy the week's leave the rest of us in the platoon are getting," muttered Lightning.

"Well that's good then, isn't it? That means we can go out somewhere together," Hope offered. Lightning frowned slightly. "Oh come on, Claire," he cajoled, cringing inside when her eyebrow twitched at his use of her name. He still wasn't sure if she fully accepted him using it. "There are so many things I want to go and see with you. I know… Why don't I take you to that beach I told you about? You remember, don't you?"

Lightning chuckled softly. "How can I forget? I thought I was going to lose you then…" her voice faltered, and Hope wrapped an arm over her shoulders.

"You didn't lose me. I'm right here," he whispered in her ear. She nodded and sighed, eyes closed.

Silently, Hope began his ministrations on her back. He worked the lather in slow, small circles, noting the supple muscles of her shoulder blades and back. Lightning leaned forward to allow him better access, her breath measured and relaxed. He gently rinsed her back, and as he did so, traced small kisses along the freshly cleaned skin. Beneath his lips, he could feel her shoulders and ribcage rise with her swift intake of breath at his touch. Hope smiled slightly, gently nipping along her spine, enjoying the way she shivered. His lips traveled back up to her neck as his hands wandered to her shoulders, revelling in their softness. The arm Lightning was using to cover her breasts twitched as his fingertips traced a path down its damp flesh, his mouth finding that special spot by her ear that made her gasp every time he kissed it.

Gently, he pulled at the arm she was using to cover herself with, and she limply complied. Long, lean fingers grazed her left breast, and Lightning bit her lip, inhaling sharply. Hope nuzzled her ear, laying eyes upon her bare skin below the water, as his hand cupped her breast, feeling the shape of it, the smooth firmness of it skin, the faint, quickened pulse beneath it. He let his thumb graze her nipple and she hummed deep within her throat. Hope let his free hand reach down into the water to trace circles across her bare stomach, enjoying how her abdominal muscles would undulate at his touch. Lightning's lips parted to exhale shakily as his lips traveled down her neck once more, bending up one knee out of the water.

"Claire," he whispered into her skin, "please, let me make love to you." The hand Hope was using to stroke her stomach moved to graze the flesh of her thigh teasingly. Lightning had leaned her head against his, her breath quickening.

"You better have not have dinner still cooking," she mumbled in a daze.

Hope laughed softly at her thought processes. "It's been off for a while now. Come," he coaxed, "unless you want me in there with you?"

Lightning looked at Hope, all six-foot-plus of him. "Somehow, I don't think you'd fit."

He chuckled again and helped her rise, offering her a towel to dry and cover her herself with. After she had done so, Hope unceremoniously lifted her up in his arms. Lightning, taken aback by this, looked at him sharply as she clutched his shoulders. He smiled at her, shyly and full of love and more carnal emotions.

"Please, let me do this. I'll be so good to you, Claire. I promise." Hope gently captured her lips with his.

Lightning sighed as the kiss broke. Leaning her head against his, she nodded. "Okay," she murmured.

Hope carefully carried her into her bedroom, where he had placed more candles. Reverently, he laid her on the bed, and straightened, pausing to admire her towel-clad body. A few rose petals still stuck in places on her damp skin. Her pale blue eyes were watching him, her gaze a mixture of hesitation and anticipation. He quickly shed his shirt before proceeding to undo the towel, slowly revealing the flesh of the woman lying beneath its folds. A sigh escaped his lips as he looked down upon her with awe.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered, leaning down to kiss her lips. Lightning shivered, a mix of his kiss and the cooling effect of the moisture drying on her skin. Her hands reached up and clasped under his arms around his back, pulling Hope closer, wanting to feel the warmth of his flesh against her own. Her reservations overcome by her need to feel his lips, his caresses, everywhere on her body. He was only too happy to oblige, his lips moving down from her mouth to her neck, one hand tracing along her side while he braced himself over her. As his lips reached the valley between her breasts, Lightning exhaled and let her own hands glide down the muscles of his back, pulling at the waistband of his trousers. Hope smiled into her chest, playfully caressing a breast with his lips before pulling away, pulling a disappointed moan from her lips. He looked down at her porcelain perfection; his pulse skipping as a faint flush could be seen spreading over her chest and face. His hands hurried with the business of removing his pants, and Lightning felt herself stop breathing, the realization this was actually happening settling in. She made to pull back to covers of the bed, when Hope stopped her.

"Don't. I want to be able to see all of you."

"I'm getting cold."

"Don't worry," he replied, leaning forward on the bed and kicking away the last of his clothes. "I'll keep you warm."

Hope knelt upon the edge of the bed, one knee gently wedging itself between hers. Lightning's eyes never left his until he bent his head to resume his lips' worship of her body, where they rolled into the back of her head as his mouth covered her breast. Her teeth bit into her lip as his tongue caressed her nipple, flicking it gently, as he suckled upon her. He was right, he certainly was keeping her warm, she thought as she arched against the hand that swept down her side, stroked her thigh and moved back upward. She felt his shaft pulsing against her thigh, hot and urgent, and gasped as the sensation. Hope raised his head to look at her, and smiled. His eyes were darkened with desire, and Lightning wondered if hers looked the same way as his lips caressed her jaw. He rested his head on her chest, listening to her heart pounding in her chest, as he cupped her breast, teasing her nipple with his thumb. Lightning squirmed, hips shifting restlessly as his mouth took over for his hand. Her fingers wound themselves into his hair, breathing his name out soundlessly as his teeth grazed her sensitive flesh, his hand roaming downward over her body, stroking her abdomen, before going lower, fingertips teasing her womanhood.

Hope propped himself on his elbow and raised his head, watching the expressions of shock and ecstasy cross Lightning's face. He grew bolder, gently parting the folds of her with his finger, tracing its softness up and down, painting her flesh with her own wetness. She breathed a soft moan and she opened her eyes, locking gazes with him. Just inches from her face, his lips were turned up in a sensuous smile as his finger pressed deeper inside her, entering her heated core. Her body trembled as the singular intrusion was joined by another finger, his thumb brushed over the nub of flesh above her entrance. Lightning's hips instinctively raised in response, her arms wrapping around Hope once more in an effort to bring his lips to hers. He obeyed her wish, feeling her moan into his mouth as he alternately curled and extended his fingers inside her, stroking her moist inner walls as his thumb continued teasing her clitoris. Her body throbbed at his touch, her pulse increasing rapidly. It was then his turn to shudder as one of her hands glided down his chest, down his lean stomach and wrapped itself around his manhood. She explored the length of him, fingers tracing his hard flesh up and down, smoothing the bead of moisture she found on its tip all over the head of his shaft. Hope half moaned, half growled, and the corner of Lightning's mouth curled into a smile. He pushed his fingers inside her deeper in response, swirling them, and her thighs parted wider. He withdrew his hand between her legs, and she sighed, not wanting him to stop.

"I want you," Hope murmured huskily into her ear, feeling more than hearing her response. He nudged her thighs wider apart, and lay down between them. He reached down and placed himself at her moist entrance and using his hips, pressed inside. Lightning felt her breath hitch as her body adjusted to him, and he gasped as he steadily sheathed himself inside her fully. He looked down into her eyes, sweeping away the damp pink tendrils from her face, his heart thrilled at seeing the love he saw there. Lacing his fingers with hers, he began to thrust inside her, never once taking his gaze from hers. It wasn't long before she was answering him with her own thrusts, her back arching and matching his rhythm. Breaths panting, they picked up their pace, hips grinding into each other, skin making slapping noises each time they connected. Hope could feel sweat beginning to bead and trickle between his shoulder blades as he pressed deep into her body. A cry escaped Lightning's lips as she felt him reach deep into her core, her hands scrambling up his arms to grip tightly at his shoulders. Taking a cue from her response, he intensified his thrusts within her. She groaned, but seemed to enjoy the harder, rougher intrusion of her body, lifting her hips off the bed to meet him. Hope increased his speed to match this new intensity, and he squeezed his eyes shut, seeing stars behind his lids. It was enough to set Lightning on her journey over the edge. Her breathing came in sharp pants, punctuated with a soft grunt each time he bottomed out within her. Then with little warning, the first wave of her climax crashed down on her, causing a wailing cry to slip from her lips, her head tilting back and tossing. She dug her nails deep into Hope's arms, leveraging her hips up against his body. He assisted her by cupping her bottom with a hand, rocking his hips urgently against hers. Lightning tried calling out his name, but it was drowned out by a keening moan. She shuddered as yet another wave washed over her. It was soon too much for Hope and he soon joined her with a climax of his own, groaning and forcefully pressing her body down against the bed. He thrust deeply into her, joining their bodies together fully as he spilt himself inside her, filling her with his essence. His body twitched violently against hers, and he buried his sweaty face in her hair, groaning hot breaths against her neck. With one last shudder, they collapsed together in a tangle of limbs. Lightning's arms draped feather-light around Hope's back, and the young man sighed, body spent. She could feel his heartbeat pressing against her chest as it returned to a more normal pace.

"I love you, Hope," she murmured dreamily, staring into nothingness as she mindlessly stroked his sweat-slicked skin.

He raised his head to look down at her blissful features. "I love you too, Claire," he replied, and they shared a smile between them as their lips met. Hope slipped out of her and rolled off to curl up by her side, his arm encircling her body. The music in the sitting room and their breathing were the only sounds audible while they recovered.

"Maybe next time, we'll have dinner before dessert, hm?" Lightning quipped when she regained part of her senses.

Hope laughed and kissed her shoulder. "What makes you think," he began between kisses, "that this was dessert?" His tone grew more suggestive. "I prefer to think of this as… an appetizer." He punctuated his comment with a playful nip of her shoulder, eliciting a small yelp from her. Lightning slapped his arm, and they dissolved in soft laughter, basking in the afterglow and candlelight.