Chapter 4

"Hello?"

Lightning was shocked at the difference Hope's voice had taken in just the few years since they'd last spoken. It was deeper, more refined. It sounded almost like his father's, but still had that boyish tint that she remembered.

"Helllllooo?"

"Hope? It's Lightning."

"Light?" He asked, more excitement in his voice than she felt she deserved. "How have you been? It's been so long!"

"Yeah, a couple years at least," she said, and suddenly she felt sad. They'd come out of the mess five years ago as close friends. But a few years ago, his father had passed away from a heart attack, and ever since then, Hope never seemed to want to talk. She figured he was depressed, but being how she was, she didn't exactly know what to say. "Well, I've been good, Hope. What about you?"

"Better, I guess," he replied. "It's been a little tough with Dad gone, but it's alright now. You know what I mean," he added. And she did. That was the great thing about the two of them – neither had to say much, but the other always understood.

"I'm happy for you," she answered sincerely. "The reason I'm calling is because we're having a sort of… reunion, I guess."

"A reunion?" he asked. She could tell the idea sounded as absurd as she thought it did.

"According to Snow, our fifth anniversary of not dying is coming up, and we thought it'd be a good idea to celebrate. For old time's sake." She didn't feel the need to add the reason of Serah's situation. Hope would understand, but Lightning knew Serah wouldn't want her business being spread.

"Snow would do something like that," Hope said, mirroring Lightning's exact thoughts. They both laughed. "Well, count me in. Do we know the date yet?"

"Not exactly, but we're working on it," Lightning replied. "Apparently the actual anniversary is in two weeks, so probably around then."

"Hm. Well maybe I'll come up early, just for the hell of it. There's nothing in Palumpolum anyways."

Lightning flinched at his use of the word "hell" – Hope might technically be an adult now, but it would take a little longer for Lightning to see him that way.

Suddenly, there was a scrambled knock on Lightning's door. "Claire? Are you home?" Serah's muffled voice came through the doorway. "I need to talk to you."

"Hope, I'm really sorry, but I have to go," Lightning said, sighing. "It was nice talking to you. I'm sorry it was so short, but you definitely should come up early. Everyone would love to see you."

"It's okay Light," he answered. "We'll have time to catch up. And sounds great. See ya soon."

"Oh! And Hope?"

"Yes?"

"Don't mention this to Serah. It's sorta a surprise for her."

Hope chuckled. "Deal." CLICK.

Lightning threw the phone on the counter and rushed to the door, where Serah's frantic knocking continued. A feeling of fear and protectiveness came over her, something that always happened when Serah seemed upset. She flung open the door to find her younger sister there with watering eyes.

"Serah!" Lightning exclaimed. "What's wrong?"

"L-last night, I made him his favorite dinner, got all dressed up, and everything, waited an h-hour for him, then I get this text about 'going out with the guys.' And he doesn't come home till t-three in the morning! He never does this, Claire! Never."

Lightning said softly, "Come on, let's get you inside." She put her arm on her sister's back, who didn't seem to notice the touch that was meant to be comforting. Serah flopped down onto Lightning's couch and sobbed into her hands.

"I know I must be overreacting," she said, between sobs. "But I know that I'm losing him, Claire, I know it. This is how it starts – first a few skipped meals, a few more nights out with friends, then bam! I'll come home to the apartment being locked and all my clothes on the ground."

"Serah, Serah," Lightning said, shaking her head. "Think about what you're saying. This is Snow we're talking about, the same man who travelled across planets for you and risked his own life in the process."

Serah nodded and sighed. "I know that, I do. But… can you blame me for being scared? I don't want to fall into that lull that married couples do. I just don't want to lose the perfect thing we have."

"Trust me, that won't happen," Lightning said assuredly. If anyone in the world was a hopeless romantic, it was Snow. Even though it sickened her sometimes, she had secretly felt that she wouldn't mind if a guy risked his life for hers. What woman would?

"Maybe it wouldn't, but now that we're having other problems…" Serah looked at the wall awkwardly. "Well, you know what I mean. It's just putting pressure on both of us, and I don't want it to ruin things. Even more than it has already, anyways…"

"Come here," Lightning said. Serah reluctantly stood up and walked to her sister's outstretched arms. "I know it's hard, but don't give up. Everything will work out in the end. Keep up that upbeat attitude that you never seem to lose. Your husband married you for a reason, you know."

Serah laughed slightly and squeezed her sister. "Thanks, Claire. Do you mind if I hang around for a little? I just need some company. Snow and I got into it a bit and I just don't want to face him."

Lightning nodded and Serah turned back to the couch. As the older sister went to the kitchen to whip up some (hopefully) appetizing food for younger, she couldn't help feeling anxious. She knew that the relationship Serah and Snow had could withstand anything. Hell, it had withstood her turning into a rock and him nearly dying to save her! But for some reason she couldn't understand, she had to keep reminding herself not to be worried. Was it her normal sisterly instincts? Or something else?

Peering around the corner at her sister, who was busy watching TV, Lightning whispered, "Please don't get hurt."