give up; what should totally be the lightning returns universe

Though Serah had teased her in the past for being oblivious to the matters of the heart, Lightning was sure she wasn't being so dense now. It'd been easy to imagine that she was overthinking things every time Hope's voice caught while they were speaking through the communicators, or whenever he took a moment to compliment her on something. He was just being his usually, friendly self, she told herself.

Being friendly wasn't a luxury she could afford. She needed to keep her distance and focus on the task at hand. Though she addressed him rather formally - by 'Mr. Hope Estheim', of all things - he pretty much ignored it and was completely insistent on rekindling their old friendship.

She wasn't so sure if she could.

That had shattered when they finally reunited. Twelve days had gone by since she'd woken up, which meant twelve days to wonder in the back of her mind how this would go.

She hadn't expected him to practically leap forward and pull her into a tight hug - one completely reminiscent of when she'd done the same centuries ago.

Whether it was because she'd returned the embrace or something else, to her displeasure, he'd soon backed away and laughed awkwardly, his hands remaining on her shoulders for a second too long.

Not that she minded.

But now he was talking, and while it was extremely nice to hear his voice without it being skewed by technology, she realized she felt…impatient. His tone and the topic were so formal - like now it was his turn to keep his distance. He talked about Bhunivelze, the way humanity had become stagnant, even the weather.

The weather. They hadn't seen each other in person in centuries and Hope was prattling on and on about the weather.

Had she read him completely wrong? She wasn't really sure. But she supposed there was one way to find out.

Lightning had completely lost track of the conversation. Hope was still talking in his usual calm, even - albeit now extremely formal - voice, but he finally shut up when she moved closer in a flash to thread her fingers his hair, bringing their lips together.

For the briefest of moments, Hope remained stock-still. Though her own eyes were closed, she could tell his were wide with surprise. Fortunately, it wasn't long before he returned the gesture, his arms slowly moving to wrap around her waist, pulling her close.

It was an oddly sweet kiss. Hesitant, like they were testing their boundaries…which she supposed wasn't all too surprising, given the situation.

They didn't have time to waste on this. There was one more day before everything would end. One more day before everything she'd done was in vain.

…So why couldn't she bring herself to pull away?

When they eventually did part, it was only with their lips. Hope continued to hold her like he was afraid to let her go. If she was completely honest with herself, she felt the same.

And yet…

"I have to fight," she whispered. "We can't give up."

Silence. Finally, Hope nodded, resolute as he brushed his lips against hers in a semblance of a kiss that still sent a shiver down her spine.

"Just remember…you have to come back. You promised you wouldn't abandon me."

Lightning met his eyes, more surprised than anything that he actually remembered that. But it was just what she needed.

Now if she had any reason to not give up, that was it.