Confession

It's been a week since the unwelcome visitor named Seifer Almasy intruded the premises of Balamb Garden and luckily, nothing close to that unpleasant event ever happened. And anytime soon, the next SeeD exam will occur and Claire "Lightning" Farron together with her team are too much absorbed with the preparation needed for the said mission. Like today which is the first day of a fresh new week and the mighty sun is just about to rise at the horizon, but the older Farron is already up and waiting at the school's main gate. She is wearing her training uniform with the addition of her holster dangling on her back exactly like her old one.

What really excites her this past few days, though it really doesn't surface in her face is the fact that she successfully had the school's Weaponry Department to replicate her Blazefire Saber, of course after a long, heated debate about the possibility of creating it. But because the commander ordered them to provide weapons that will be comfortable enough to be used by the whole team, they really are left with no choice. Claire had made every effort to put her hands at the project while they were in the process of creating it since she perfectly knew what materials were needed and especially how it works. She even made sure that the inscription was engraved exactly where it should be. "White flash… Call upon my name." it reads. It took them until yesterday (which by the heavens is Sunday), to produce her beloved gunblade. And sure enough, she stayed inside the training center for the rest of the day to bond with her precious item as she owned every T-Rex she spotted lurking.

Six o'clock in the morning is just the perfect time for the dedicated L'cie for some monster extermination at Accauld plains to fire up the team.

Now where the hell are they? She wondered. Furiously tapping her left boot while leaning on one of the pillars of the gate, she looked at her wristwatch. She believed to have woken up in the right side of her bed and it will only take a split second for her to change that what she called as a good mood.

Hexa, a woman a year younger than her with dark brown shoulder length hair, emerged from the main entrance, speed walking while busy fixing the belt of her uniform. "I'm sorry I'm late! I came as soon as I got your message." She apologized.

She nodded once. "It's okay. Where are the others?"

"I saw them about to leave their rooms but I ran so I was the first to get here." The cadet replied. Just in time for the rest of the team to arrive. They immediately formed into a line in front of their team lead.

"Why you—" She irritably started. But she doesn't really want to spoil their day, and that would mean ruining hers too. And she also thought about the case they are still trying to figure out about the strange weakening of the students, which she had been also struggling from for weeks now so she decided to just let it go and sighed. "Never mind. Let's start."

The team saluted and started their morning jog towards their target location which is by the way not too far from the garden. With just a decent number of monsters crawling and flying on her chosen spot it should be a breeze. She only planned for this routine to last an hour since they still have a homeroom at 8 o'clock with Instructor Dagger, an old man who talks really slow it makes them feel sleepy faster than a sleeping pill.

An hour had passed and they have to made it to the main gate. The students didn't even mind to sprawl on the dirty ground since they are already covered in a mixture of sweat, monster blood and dirt caused by their skirmish with different creatures.

Claire sat at a decent spot while staring down at her exhausted teammates. "Better clean up before the homeroom starts. We still got forty-five minutes." She said.

"Hold up, man!" A guy named Ogden with black buzzed hair and huge build pleaded. He also specializes with his fists similar to Zell but he's way larger than the blond fighter. "Let us catch some breath first!"

The ex-sergeant sighed and looked up at the enormous structure of Balamb Garden. It's a sight to behold from where she's sitting. I guess this is what fate really brought me, right? To serve you until the end. She smiled humorlessly. I guess there's nothing much to complain now. This is much better than to lose a home and have nowhere else to go. She stood up as she thought about her friends who are far from her. Everyone, I hope you're all doing well. Wherever you are, I'll be seeing you soon. That's a promise.

Homeroom is over and everybody is done struggling to keep their eyes open during the gruesome lecture by the old instructor. Claire, now in her school uniform, was just exiting the automatic door when she saw a familiar figure wave at her with a big smile.

"Hope?' She recognized the young man approaching.

Hope scratched the back of his head. "Hi uh… Claire." He paused. "I'm sorry. I'm just…not really used to call you by that name." He said, embarrassed while laughing a bit.

"It's fine. Where have you been?" Still feeling the awkwardness of talking to an adult Hope, she tried to keep the conversation as casual as possible.

"I've got some research to do at Dollet so I've been away for few days." He cheerfully answered. "Why? Did you miss me?" He playfully asked, although he wished for it to be true but the pinkette just rolled her eyes and started walking to the elevator's direction. "C'mon! I'd die on the spot if I hear you scream my name in happiness when you see me." He joked as he followed the young woman. "Let me walk you!" He offered.

She narrowed her eyes at him for a second before looking upfront again. She already figured that he won't give up until she obeyed him, she sighed. "Do what you want."

Hope smiled, blushing a bit while staring lovingly at the beautiful woman who on the other hand, won't give him even a glimpse like she just doesn't give a care in the world. And it's fine by him rather than being caught. Lightning won't appreciate it if she happens to catch someone staring at her that way. She'll definitely throw a fit. He thought.

He cleared his throat before speaking. "Hey, I've heard about what happened last week. Seifer really came?" He volunteered to change the topic as being around his friend is just much for him. It's giving him butterflies in his stomach in the best way possible. He can't help but fall for the woman who used to be his big sister.

"It's true" She simply replied. They reached the elevator where several female students are also waiting.

"Hi Hope!" The girls greeted in unison before giggling. Needn't to ask, but he really grew up as a handsome man, and his grey colored hair only accentuated his manliness that most of the women finds very attractive.

"Hi." Hope replied and gave them a smile which made the young women to almost faint.

Claire smirked. "So, you're into younger girls, huh?' She dared to humor.

Hope hurriedly shook his head. "Them? No! I mean. I prefer a woman younger than me but not them. I like someone whose mature enough in her way of thinking. Someone tough. Can be my lover and best friend at the same time." He hinted as he looked at the ex-sergeant's expression, expecting whether she get the message which unfortunately she didn't. Or maybe just chose not to because her face didn't even change besides the glare she gave to a student who accidentally bumped her in the shoulder while inside the elevator.

He still pushed on. "Since we're already on this topic, would it be ok if I go out…y-you know…with someone." He stuttered, unsure if he'll continue his sentence or not.

Claire shrugged. "You're old enough to date anyone you want." She answered and looked up to him. "Why are you even asking my permission? I'm not your mother." She exited the elevator and went down the staircase. Hope slightly behind him.

"You're right. You're not my mother." He suddenly said. They are now in the hallway going to the dormitories and not much students are passing by currently since classes are ongoing and most students are either on their classes or in the cafeteria. The valkyrie stopped in her tracks and turned to look at him confusingly. "And I'm allowed to date whoever I want." He added and he took a deep breath.

"Yeah?" The pink haired woman furrowed her brows. "What are you actually implying?" She definitely got what he meant earlier but she just doesn't want to deal with topics such as this. She believed it to be another load to bother her mind and it won't really help her with her goals.

"I want to take you out sometime." He proposed without any thoughts.

Claire closed her eyes and sighed. "What?" She wanted to choke herself that moment. She tried her best to avoid such topics no matter whom she was talking to. And today, unfortunately, she was smack dab in the middle of it again.

"I want you…" The grey-haired young man also sighed. "I always think of you ever since we came here in this world." They both consciously looked around at the last words he said. He closed into her and now they're just inches away from each other. "And that time when I saw you again at the library I-I felt like my heart is going to explode. I'm overwhelmed with happiness and… I woke up one day realizing I wanted to see you, always. I wanted to be with you wherever you go. I…" He was suddenly cut by her. She slowly raised a hand and pushed him away on his chest gently.

"Don't." She said. She didn't sound angry when she delivered it though there was more of a plead on her voice. She turned her back on him. "Don't say it."

"Light…" Hope pleaded in return.

"You need to understand." She said as she looked at the floor. "I'm not ready to be involved with something like that and I wonder if I'll ever be. After what we all went through, I can only let few people inside me. Don't get me wrong, I always have you in my heart. You're my friend. Just like the others." She told him the truth why she was always evading such thing. She turned around to look at him. "It's okay. I understand. There are so many out there who deserves it more than me. You just have to look around."

"But I always had my eyes on you. I can't see any other besides you. And I don't want to be just your friend." He painfully replied. "I can understand, you're not ready. But I'm willing to wait for you until you are. Just don't shut me out."

"Hope…" She was lost for words. At this point she didn't know what she can possibly say that won't actually hurt him even more. "Let's just talk about this sometime."

Hope sighed. "Light…"

"Hope." She firmly said his name as if she was scolding him. "Not now. I have a field exam to worry about." She excused.

The young man sagged his shoulders in defeat. He nodded and smiled at her. "I'll be here. Just waiting for you." He promised.

Just as their stoic commander was walking their way towards the dormitories. He was preoccupied reading something on the folder he's holding with his hands. Claire saw him approaching and she thought of a way to finish the conversation. Though she thought for it to be harsh, she also thought that she already ran out of things she can say to Hope.

I'm sorry, Hope. She thought. She really felt sorry. "Commander." She saluted as he walks by them. Squall jolted and turned to look at them.

"Oh! Farron, Estheim." He nodded once.

"Commander." Hope saluted.

"Is your..." The young woman thought of an excuse and walked towards the brunet. She pointed at his waist, the one that she shot last week with a shotgun during their training though she intentionally misfired to avoid some severe damage. "Your waist. Is it okay?"

"It's okay. It's just a bruise." He answered while shifting looks at her and the guy behind her.

She leaned over to him and whispered as weak as possible "Mind if I have a word with you, commander?"

Squall mildly shook his head. "About what?"

"Let's just discuss it while we walk." The pinkette grabbed his arm and pulled him to walk with her. He hesitated but was forced to walk along caused by her force.

He looked back at the young man who was left alone dumbfounded and looked at the woman who is almost dragging him to the rooms. "Is there a problem?"

"Nothing." She let go of his arm once she was sure that they can no longer be seen by the poor guy. "Thanks anyway."

The brunet blinked once. "For what?"

As an idea hit her she replied. "For giving us the opportunity to take the field exam. I am thankful. Really."

He looked at her suspiciously. "Is that really what you mean?"

She mentally cursed him. She hates repeating herself especially when she's lying. She was never really good at lying. "Of course. What else?"

Squall stared at her as if assessing if she's telling the truth or not. She couldn't help but stare back at him. They engaged in an eye lock in what seemed to be a while. Satisfied enough, he nodded. "Whatever. I'll be heading now." He turned to the opposite side of the hallway and walked, looking at the doors as if he was searching for something.

"Tch." Claire unlocked the door of her own room and she entered, slowly closing it behind her as she lean on. Did I keep his hopes up? She wondered. But I'm not that rude to shut him out for good. He can't hope for something that is impossible for me to give. She wanted to punch herself.

What? He really said that to you?! Serah's voice can be heard from the other line.

"Yeah." Claire was resting on her bed, she lied on her belly talking to her sister while reading a book. She was only wearing a white shirt and cotton shorts that embraces her glorious behind perfectly and freely exposes her well sculpted thighs.

Isn't it about time for you to… you know, date and stuff? The young Farron giggled at the thought of her sister going out with a guy.

"Are you kidding me?" She laughed humorlessly at what she thought to be a joke.

C'mon sis! Hope is a good catch. I mean look at him. He's your workmate, you live in the same place, he's handsome, intelligent, he's nice. What can you ask for? She continued to sell their friend to her sister.

"Because I only see him as a brother, okay?" The ex sergeant sighed. She's only comfortable to talk about almost anything to her sister.

Gosh! You're so picky! Serah sighed from the other line. Tell me. Have you ever been kissed by a guy? Or even a hug? She mischievously asked.

"I can't believe I'm still talking to you right now." Claire rolled her eyes. Laguna had obviously made a minion through her sister.

Serah laughed. Just a piece of advice, my dear sister. Stop being so careful when it comes to love. Or else you might wake up one day realizing you already fell so hard there's even no way to get out. You might be even willing to sacrifice everything just for that guy. She warned her.

"I won't. Let's just talk some other time I need to wake up early tomorrow." She dismissed.

Fine. Her sister answered in defeat. Don't tire yourself too much, sis. I love you! Take care!

"Right. Good night, Serah." And she cut the line. She closed the book she's reading and put it above her bedside table along with her phone. She rolled over and stared at the white ceiling. Not gonna happen. She answered to herself. She looked at her holster containing her Blazefire Saber which is neatly hanging on the wall beside the study table. No point in thinking about it too much. I should stay focused. And then she closed her eyes to sleep.

Strike while the iron is hot!

For me it's Type while the idea is hot!

There you go guys! Three added chapter to my humble story and additional chapter is already in the process. I would like to apologize to all for the long break I did of updating because of work and stuff. Anyway, sincere apology also goes out to all the LightxHope shippers out there. This is really the flow that I originally planned since I started this story but didn't have enough time to write it so don't kill me.

Anyway, feel free to review my story so I can improve it more as the story progresses.

With much love,

DeusLiteratia