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One of the things Hopes liked best about summertime - besides the possibility of seeing Lightning in her bikini - was their annual trip to Bodhum. What had started out as something just between her and Serah had grown to a whole shebang that included the entire family. Snow and Serah's children had been here before, but this was the first time Hope and Lightning were able to bring their son. Hope was especially excited to see how their one-year-old would react to the fireworks festival.

But that wouldn't happen for another few days. For now, Serah and Snow had taken over kid duty - namely, getting them all down for naps - and Hope was sincerely enjoying the reprieve with his wife. The two of them wandered around town hand-in-hand, just taking in all the sights - especially the touristy ones that made Lightning huff in disdain.

"What, those aren't a year-round thing?" Hope teased, gesturing towards a shop sign that boasted about their T-shirts made specifically to commemorate the fireworks festival. It was more than a little grossly overpriced.

"No." She rolled her eyes. "Good thing Snow knows better by now, or I'm sure he'd rush out to get one."

"If they'd even fit him."

"That, too."

He shook his head in amusement, his attention drifting to the hubbub around them. There was so much going on that he barely noticed that Lightning was gradually leading them to a quieter part of town - it was only when the noise level plummeted that he realized it.

"No tourists here, I guess?"

Lightning shook her head. "Not really. They tend to stick to the main part of town, where all the celebrations happen. This part is more for the locals."

"I guess you can take the girl out of Bodhum…" Hope chuckled when she lightly smacked his arm. "I guess it's nice, though, to have this area. I'm sure the tourists got tiresome after awhile, especially when you were living here."

"Spoken as one yourself." She arched an eyebrow.

"Hey, I'm married to you. Doesn't that make me an honorary resident?"

She shook her head, but it was with a smile. "Something like that."

He squeezed her hand, falling into a comfortable silence as they continued to stroll down the sidewalk. He had to admit, it was nice when the crowds thinned out, though the scenery around them wasn't quite as impressive. Just a few roads that led to summer homes, a couple of touristy shops, a grocery store…

Hope was about to give one of the shops a mere passing glance when a huge yellow sign caught his eye:

ALL BODY JEWELRY 15% OFF.

"Hey, Light." Hope tugged on her hand. "C'mere."

"What is it?" Despite her question, she followed willingly as he pulled her into a nearby store. Their eyes were immediately assaulted by a ton of shiny things - jewelry that caught the light of the summer day and glared into everyone's face. She arched an eyebrow. "Why here?"

"Oh, you know." Hope wandered around with a quiet chuckle. "Shiny." At her eyeroll, he laughed. "I remember awhile back that you said you wanted a new navel ring. These are all on sale, so…" He trailed off with a shrug.

Lightning cocked her head, eyes immediately back on the display. It was true that she was indeed after a new navel ring - obviously, she'd had to take her preferred one out when she'd been pregnant with their son. As soon as she'd given any thought to the piercing after he'd been born (which had taken quite some time - so long, in fact, that she was shocked it hadn't healed or closed up), the nicer ring she'd always worn was long gone. Ever since then, she'd worn a much older one she didn't really care for.

Of course, it'd occurred to her more than once to just let the piercing close up, but she always rejected the idea. It may have been strange, but it was a reminder of her childhood, back when she'd been 'allowed' to be rebellious and had a parent who could punish her.

"Okay," she finally answered, eyes roaming over the rings. She gave Hope a smile. "I'll let you pick."

"Really?" He grinned, leaning down to peck her lips. "I'm honored."

"It'd better be a good one."

"What else?" He chuckled at her 'glare', turning to the display and humming in thought. The new navel ring would have to be sensible, of course…but he personally wanted something he liked, too, as selfish as the thought was. After all, usually he was one of the only ones privy to see the piercing in action.

There were tons of navel rings on display, most of the racks displaying the same 15% off ad. His eyes roamed over them. No, definitely not the one with the dangling charms…not that one…oh, that one would have been perfect, except it was a golden color and Lightning looked much better in silver…

Finally, he spotted one that seemed perfect. It looked like an ordinary ring, except for a design that looked like a small feather - or maybe a wing - curving out from the bottom. He couldn't help but think that it created the perfect space for a tongue to slip through…

"Hey, Light," he called, smiling when she appeared at his side. "What about this one?"

She quietly looked over his selection, humming in thought. If she had any similarly indecent thoughts, she hid them well, and eventually nodded in agreement. "I think I could handle that one."

"Oh, good." Hope grinned to himself, taking the selected item to the counter, paying for it before Lightning could protest. It wasn't until they were out of the store that she rolled her eyes at him, but still leaned up to press a swift kiss to his lips.

"Thanks," she murmured as she pulled away. Hope then watched in fascination as Lightning lifted up her top enough to reveal her piercing, quickly swapping out the older one for the new one. When she'd gotten it in properly, her eyes slid up to her husband's in a wordless question, still holding her shirt up. Like it?

He stared for a second, still mesmerized, but of course, the piercing wasn't the only thing to love. He stepped back so he could take in the whole picture, grinning in approval and chuckling at her eyeroll.

"I'll give you a pass for staring, since you're the one who bought it." She fixed her shirt and took his hand, starting back to the beach house.

"Yeah, it's not because I'm married to you or anything." Even after all of these years, it was still such a thrill to say that out loud. He kissed her temple when she made a noise of agreement.

His thoughts wandered as they walked through town, specifically on when he'd get to see if his indecent thoughts about her piercing were true, and when he could test them out.

Perhaps he could get Snow and Serah to take the kids out tonight…