Hi :)

Guess what all you die hard XIII players *maybe really slight spoiler alert for those who haven't finished* I had the game finished a long time ago, but I was going around trying to get 5-star ratings on all the missions and oh yeah, that really super duper bummerific hard mission at the end with Vercingetorix (or whatever his name is)? I FINALLY beat it! Seriously, I had to try so many times and I'd always get real close to defeating him, but then I'd mess up somewhere, like maybe I didn't change paradigms fast enough and they all got toast, or I freaked because Hope died and who carries around phoenix downs when you can just change Light to medic because it totally won't waste any time, right? I got him though...after 30 minutes or so and I was so stoked because this whole time I've been playing since the game 'ended' and there's no narration anymore, they're all so quiet, running along without ever saying a word-and when you beat this bad boy, Light runs up and shouts, "It's over!" before striking him in half and I get so excited 'cuz I'm like, OMFG, she talked! I got the gold watch and me and my little arrogant self marched to Orphan, thinking I'd easily get a 5 rating so I could unlock the superstar trophy-yeah, it didn't happen. I mean it's not like I died...I just never seem to get all those shiny stars. I even tried using weak weapons like the guide suggested. So I'm stuck there for a bit.

Hehe, sorry for rambling...I just missed you guys. ^-^ Enjoy this chapter! It was a watermelon to write. I don't remember the questions that I said might get answered in this one, but I'm pretty sure they didn't *cringe* Read along :D

"Move aside! People, move aside!" Paramedics covered in warm protective gear raced down into the water, tugging along a bright orange raft.

"There's no fal'cie to help them put out the fire!"

"But they're on water—shouldn't that put it out?"

"No, use your brain idiot, there's too much gasoline!"

"It's gonna blow!"

She had, she just had to. But Lynn couldn't go very far; as much as she wanted to, she knew it was stupid to endanger her own life, especially since there was exceedingly little she could do to help. The glacial water sloshed around her thighs as she continued to wade back and forth, waving her arms. "Swim! Give it all you got—just get the fuck outta there!"

Fear held her captive as her dazed blues eyes darted around wildly. Bright orange flames licked the surface of the oily water greedily and instinct screamed at her to swim, flail, anything to get away from that, but she couldn't. Where's everyone? Snow, Claire, Hope, Sazh! A strong arm grabbed her hand, pulling her from the floating wreckage. Snow, is that you?

"Ma'am, everything's going to be alright—"

Why's he screaming at me? And since when…does Snow address me as ma'am?

"We're gonna get you to safety, just hang in there."

Eyes closed, her brain barely registered the commotion going on around her; the strange hissing of growing fire, the numbness of her body being dragged through water, the urgent calling of voices. Are they…are they ok?

"Swim! Give it all you got—just get the fuck outta there!"

Swim…why…would I be swimming?

Something terrible was going on, that much Serah was still aware to realize. But she was so tired; every bit of adrenaline exhausted. Claire…you wouldn't mind…if I slept for a bit, right? Don't tell mom…she'll get so mad.

Everything was throbbing in time to her heartbeat as she gingerly tried to go down the steps, her hand clutching the wooden banister. She ignored the waking pain, her ears picking up the voice of her sister's quiet, understanding, but dismayed tone. Her hand reached up to grasp her necklace, before remembering it wasn't there. Just hold on!

"Yes…yes, I understand. No, that won't be necessary—we'll be there. …As soon as possible?" Her voice shook with the question; a hand raking back messy pink hair. "No don't…we have to do this for him… Thank you—goodbye." The phone was cast onto the counter, sliding into a neatly folded teal scarf.

She froze at the foot of the stairs as her sister's cries became audible. Serah turned around; her face lit up with surprise. "Claire! What're you doing up? The doctor said you shouldn't be up for a week and here you are…after only two days." She blinked, rubbing her eyes, her mouth turning into a small frown.

Two days? "No need to hold it in," Lightning murmured, stepping forward, favoring her left leg. She winced, standing still, waiting for the pain to ebb away.

"I just…wanted to stay strong like you. But everything…it all makes me cry. I didn't wanna go through it alone," Serah sobbed, stumbling into her sister's embrace. "I'm so glad you're ok—I was so worried I'd lose you. It was terrible!"

"Tell me. The phone call."

Serah nodded, pulling away, helping her sister to sit down. "I was going to come and check on you…see, I even had the tea ready…when the call came. Hope…" She didn't know if she could tell her; Light was already slipping away. Her eyes were dead as they focused intensely on the object behind the phone. She grabbed Claire's hand, squeezing it.

"They found…well, he had a lot of toxins in his blood. The doctors tried cleaning it out with dialysis, but it didn't really work. So then they tried these solutions that they thought would counter whatever was in his blood, but it all did was give him seizures. It was so scary," Serah covered her face, "for awhile, the machines had to do everything for him… And for awhile," she wrapped her arms around Claire's neck, "the machines had to do everything for you too."

Lightning closed her eyes, holding Serah tightly. "It's ok," she whispered. I don't remember any of it… "Remember…I said I'd take care of you." She stroked her small back. We're losing her! "How could I do that if I'm not here?"

"Claire… We need to talk; there's so much I want to tell you and really, it's just about how scared I was and how much I love you, but…" Serah pulled back, wiping a few tears away. A weak giggle made itself known.

"You're not the only one who miraculously only needed two days before they thought they were ready to take on the world. The doctor called to give us updates, but also to let us know Hope's up and causing a scene, wanting a certain someone by his side." More tears ran down her face as she started laughing. "Oh this is all too much to take right now," Serah sniffed. "Let's go get ready, shall we? I'll go wake up Snow—he was so worried about you too, you know?"

"Can you make it up by yourself?" Lightning asked, watching her sister struggle up the stairs.

"…I'm just slow is all. Claire, hurry up and eat—we really have to go, the doctor said Hope might hurt himself—he's hysterical…he should be sleeping…we all should be sleeping…together."

Lightning calmly laid her head on the counter, listening to the strange laughter-like sobs Serah was emitting. We're all alive…but I…

The house was suddenly disconcertingly silent and Light rubbed her eyes, aggravated. She forced herself to slid off the stool, sucking in her breath as pins and needles shot up her leg. And yet, she found herself staring into her reflection in her room. Unconsciously her arms wrapped around her waist, trying to cover up the bruises that littered her stomach. Her eyes locked onto the monster contusion that had devoured her left knee; they traveled up to focus on a yellow and green patch on her thigh. Maybe I shouldn't wear… But she decided against it, pulling a fresh uniform from the closet.

The door opened slowly, revealing a sleeping Serah curled up on the bed with Snow acting as her blanket.

Lightning locked the front door, making her way alone in the cold light of morning.

The monotone beeping of the monitor was painstakingly slow, though steady enough that the doctor felt the boy's condition would only continue to stabilize. If his numbers rose, then it would cause for concern, but alarms would ring well before it happened. Satisfied, the man set down the clipboard, glancing at the young patient before leaving through the automated door.

Running through the house, into the living room—why was everything so dark? Why didn't Mommy turn on a lamp—

"There you are, sweetheart! I've been looking all over for you," cooed a silver-haired woman. "Don't you go running off again, ok?"

Running off? He didn't run off—he was looking for her! But no matter, there she was and she was picking him up; everything would be ok now. He placed his tiny palms on her chest, straining to look over her shoulder—was there something moving back there? Something didn't feel right, why weren't the lights on? But he was so high up now, nothing could get him.

"Mommy—"

"Shhh, we have to be quiet Hope." She placed a comforting hand on his back; he looked into her calming green eyes, instantly feeling warm and happy on the inside. She smiled, leaning closer to nuzzle him. "Mommy loves you so much. More than anything."

He wrapped his arms around her neck, staring at the couch which was starting to fade away. Everything was dissipating; all the furniture, the living room itself—slipping into velvety darkness. Was Mommy taking him outside? He looked down at his little socked feet; he wasn't wearing any shoes! "Mom—"

"Shhh, just trust Mommy—don't be scared, none of it's real."

She had tightened her grip on him and he did the same, turning his head to see where they were going. There was pale light as if from a moon swallowed by merciless clouds; it was getting colder; the pebbly ground made no sound underfoot, steel blue trees emerged into view. He buried his face in the warmth of her neck; something was watching him from the tree line.

She shifted her small son in her arms, feeling his shivers. "You're being such a good boy, so quiet…" She closed her eyes as each step began to get harder to take.

It was so cold, Mommy wasn't warm anymore. A tiny gasp and he jerked up, rubbing his eyes. "What's the matter?" He frowned and squirmed as she realized she was trying to set him down. "No," he whined, wrapping his legs around her. "Don't."

Footsteps. He could actually hear footsteps now. His mother took the opportunity to pry him off and put him down, holding onto his shoulders. She caressed his cheek.

She was tall, a red cape swaying behind her; her hair shone with the paleness of a rose. It was her footsteps he was hearing; slow, careful and precise. A black sleeve covered part of her left arm, blue finger-less gloves, a beige vest—realization hit him, she was a soldier! But she looked different; he hadn't seen many female soldiers before. He tilted his head back to look at her face, but a slight shove from behind quickly absorbed his attention.

The soldier had stopped a couple feet in front of them as if respecting a border. "Mom?" Her hands were on his cheeks, making him stare at the strong woman in front of him. "Do you see her, Hope? Go with her. Make sure you go straight to her—no more running off…this isn't the place for that."

How he wanted to tell her that he hadn't run off before, but there was something else in her words that agitated him even more. "Aren't you coming with me?" She leaned down, her mouth turned up in the softest smile. He clutched her face and she closed her eyes, gently pushing his hands away. She turned him around, her lips ghosting past his ear.

"Mommy loves you so much, Hope. She'll never stop." She let out a sad breath, lifting his head, so he wasn't looking at the ground anymore, but at the soldier before them. "And neither will she."

As if on cue, the mysterious woman extended her hand.

Once again, he was pushed forward. "You have to go Hope and hurry!"

The push had him stumbling; along with his first step came rounds of gunfire and tumultuous crashing of metal structures collapsing. The soldier stretched out her arms and his eyes widened at the familiarity in which she scooped him up with. His first inclination was to wrap his legs around her waist, which he did quickly, looking over her shoulder. But there was nothing. The terrible noises were gone and so was his mother.

He swallowed, bunching fistfuls of her hair in his hands. "Where'd Mommy go?" She didn't answer. Sniffing quietly, he turned around, his hand grasping the buckle on her vest. "Where are we going?" he tried, rubbing his eyes with free hand. The scenery hadn't changed; the trees looked exactly the same, the clouds weren't moving.

Instinct told him he was safe within the warmth her arms even if she didn't answer. He laid his head on her shoulder, catching the glint of a necklace around her neck. He closed his eyes, listening to quiet footsteps and the rhythmic thud of the weapon's case hitting the back of her legs.

"Sir? Everything's regular." The nurse dabbed the alcohol pad on the boy's arm.

"Excellent. You can unhook him from the I.V now."

"One step ahead of you."

"Let's see if we can't stop these convulsions though."

"Professor William said they'd stop on their own…are you sure you want to try giving him something again?"

"It can't harm him; if it doesn't work, it'll just wake him up."

She pulled her arm back, baring her teeth wolfishly. "Stay away from him!"

He clutched the pendant on her necklace. "Lightning!" It had made her smile when he had whispered it, absentmindedly playing with the bolt. Now he shrieked it with fright.

A fiery vortex had erupted from the ground, pulling everything into its spinning center; instead of pebbles flying in, the whole ground was being sucked in, the line of trees moving across the horizon like string.

"He's just a boy!"

Demonic laughter exploded from the inferno, dissipating the clouds, turning the hollow moon blood red; it brought tears to the little child's eyes. "Will you stop this nightmare from tormenting the young Hope you hold so protectively in your arms? Or will you continue you walking on with the hopes of raising a child who was never yours to raise?"

"I promised," she whispered, cradling the boy against her. "I promised I would."

"Light?" He stared at her with wide green eyes.

She smiled, tears glistening down her cheeks. "I promised you…that I'd take care of you."

He felt that pressure on his waist; it meant he was going to be set down. "Noooo," he whined. "Don't put me down Light." His lip quivered. "Mommy said you wouldn't stop."

"Wouldn't stop what?" she asked, unhooking the necklace around her neck.

He looked down, twisting his hands together.

"I won't Hope. Believe that. It's why I'm doing this—so you don't have to. I'll be back." She hugged him. "In the meantime, hold onto this for me." Her lips were against his for the briefest seconds before—

"NOOOO!" He jolted up. She jumped! His hands flew up to his neck, eyes bulging when they felt a chain—automatically they slid down until they grasped the pendant. "LIGHTNING!" She's… Maker, she's…

"So really, what's to fear about them? Ex-l'cie or not, none of them chose their fate and their society turned against them when they wanted to do nothing more than just help… Think what you want, but as for me…I hope they all make it out ok…"

The door slid open and a blonde-haired nurse hurried in. "Hmm, I thought that scream came from you—oh let's turn this off." She swiped the remote control from the cart and turned off the TV. "I think that's a bit too soon."

"Where're the others?" Hope asked, his voice cracking. She eyed his troubled appearance; she reached out her hand, but he jerked back. She sighed.

"I'm not quite sure; I wasn't the one who tended to them." She straightened out his blankets. "All I know is that a few them were able to go home early…but one…one didn't make it," she hesitated, "I saw the uniform—a soldier from the Guardian Corps." She gave a compassionate sigh, lightly touching his shoulder. "Are you well enough to receive a visitor, Hope? The doctor's talking to them, but if you're not ready…"

He quickly wiped his eyes, though it was a futile attempt. He couldn't bear this alone. "I'm ok," he lied. You promised…you promised.

"Dr. Wright, I understand the importance of all these precautions; I won't touch him, I got that, but…I just really need to see him."

"I don't doubt the fact that you do, it's just part of the procedure that I go through all this with you. Now I do believe I spoke to your sister on the phone; I gave the order to let her and her husband take you home under the restriction that you stay on bed-rest." He acknowledged the glare from her. "But uh, some situations can't be helped," he added quickly, checking something off on his clipboard. "If you'd sign right here, I can take you up to see Hope."

"Fortunately, the wound on his neck won't leave a scar as long as it doesn't get infected again; he has a bit of a sore throat and fever from it, but it's nothing to worry too much about. His arms, however, were under a great deal of stress—"

"Has he woken up?" she interrupted quietly. A green arrow lit up and the elevator doors opened; they both walked out.

"In intervals yes." He glanced at her, observing her limp. "You are extraordinary, you know that? Two days ago you were in dire condition…and now you're set on ruining your leg."

The soldier gave him a dry look, which he coolly returned.

"Dr. Wright, please report to Level Two, I repeat, Dr. Wright please report to Level Two. Thank you."

The bronze-haired man sighed. "We're so understaffed, sometimes it feels like I'm the only doctor. Half of our people were re-located to New Palum… Well Farron, it's number 18; there's a nurse in with him at the moment. You may send her out." He turned around, his white coat billowing out. "I would like to speak with you sometime before the day is gone. That is if you are feeling up to it. It concerns Hope."

What happened after that? Angeal came and I—I tried to stop him, but…Light, she… He slumped down. In the meanwhile, hold onto this for me… He fingered the pendant, closing his eyes. Was that my nightmare trying to prepare me? Or just throwing it in my face. "Could you go?" he asked quietly. "I need to be alone."

"Um, of course… Just press the button if you need anything."

The room was quiet; the white translucent curtains drawn shut, diffusing the harsh glare of sunlight reflecting off snow.

It's ok…to let it out.

But…aren't I supposed to push aside all emotions and focus on my goal?

Hmm, no…I was wrong about that. You have to know when it's appropriate.

And I don't know that, right?

It's ok. Apparently I don't either…according to Serah.

With as much force as he could muster, he slapped his hands against his face, leaning back against the pillow, sobbing heavily. Etro, I want to die. Sweet Goddess, I want to die…I can't…I can't live without her…she knows that. She has to. "Please…let me die."

The door slid open and Hope gritted his teeth. Can't they all just leave me alone? He tried to wipe the tears from his face, but it was pointless. He directed his gaze at the door, feeling his heart skip a couple beats. The monitor picked up the change.

Leaning heavily against the door frame, battered and bruised; there she was. Her pale pink hair tangled loosely over one shoulder as if she'd raked her hands through it innumerable times. She pushed herself away from the frame, taking an awkward step forward; blue eyes a concoction of swirling dull anger, flushed relief and the darkest of all, the most tempestuous—raw and unrefined love.

Every aching muscle was tense in his body, prepared to leap out of bed, but Lightning had beat him to it. Leaning over, hovering above him, half-way on the bed; her forehead pressed against his.

"Light," he whimpered pitifully with a wavering voice.

The soldier gave a small cry herself, feverishly wiping away his burning tears. "I'm here," she whispered, cradling his face, stroking his cheeks with her thumbs. "I'm here. It's all over now. It's all over." She didn't give it a second thought, disregarding the doctor's precautions and climbing onto the bed, an arm wrapped around Hope's waist, pulling him onto her lap. She helped him turn around, his face burying into her shoulder. His heartbeat was erratic; she could feel it against her chest.

Obeying the passionate urge to comfort, Lightning held Hope closer, caressing the back of his neck, smoothing down silver hair; however, tears continued to slide down her collar bone. "I'm here now," she murmured, acknowledging the weak grip on her side. He needs me. And the sudden realization had her smiling sadly.

Shifting back against the pillow, she ignored the predictable twinges and stitches of aching pain that pulsed through her body at the slightest movement, but prowling exhaustion won out in the end. Sighing quietly, she rested her cheek atop his head and let her weary eyes droop closed.

A light draft made snuggling that much more enjoyable and she couldn't help scooting back until she met her source of warmth. A content smile grew slowly on her sleeping features, but a gentle flurry against the window caused her eyes to flutter open. She took in the scene quietly, for awhile just watching the shadows of snowflakes twirl across the carpet.

A warm breath tickled her ear and she let out a sleepy, muffled giggle as kisses were planted on her bare shoulder—the stubbly chin turned the romantic gesture into something innocently sweet. "Snow," she murmured, gazing at the shadows. "It's snowing…"

"…I'm the only noun you can turn into a verb," came the deep, quiet reply.

She pulled his fingers from her hair, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. "Hmm no…there's Hope…and hoping." She blinked. Hope… The gentle cozy aftereffect of sleeping evaporated. "Oh shoot, we have to get up. I told Claire we'd visit him, it's why I came up." Pushing her bangs from her face, Serah sat up. "And now it's nightfall. I wonder if she's back or if they both… Come on, Snow."

Why does it always have to be colder when you get out of bed? "Brrr," she chattered, turning around. A window of faint light spilled onto the bed, illuminating Snow's broad shoulders. Serah tiptoed closer, running her fingertips dotingly along his toned arm. She circled a purpling bruise. The abuse of the hail had left his face peppered with thin cuts. Blinking back tears, she ruffled his messy blond hair, leaning lower to kiss his cheek. "Stay in bed, I'll be right back." He hasn't complained once about being in pain…always asking about the others. "I love you."

Her sister's room was empty.

Downstairs was silently unnerving. It's like no one's been here for years. The cup of tea still stood, untouched, on the counter; the phone hadn't been put back on its cradle, though the scarf was missing. She couldn't be sure, but it looked like a thin layer of dust had settled on the TV—it was too dark to really tell.

"Hey babe, you were gonna wait for me, right?"

Serah gave a despaired sigh, watching Snow slowly thud his way down the stairs. "No, I was going to let you sleep," she said honestly, tying the laces on her boots. She straightened up, offering an encouraging smile which Snow gladly took.

"Not only would it sit wrong with me, but Light wouldn't waste any time divorcing me if she knew I let you go out in the middle of the night just after we got back from rescuing Hope from his kidnappers."

Serah giggled, rubbing his stomach as he yawned, stretching his arms back. "Ok then boo, let's go."

Snow snorted. Boo, huh? He guided her out the door, shivering from the present breeze. He sucked in his breath, feeling his face tingle. Oh that doesn't feel good. "Sazh and Dajh still asleep?"

Serah's eyes widened as her butt promptly came into contact with the cold ground. "No, they aren't here," she said quietly; big hands slid under her arms and hauled her to her feet.

"Maybe you should hang on to me," Snow suggested, brushing her off.

Had it been any other time, Lightning would've been severely self-conscious at being caught in bed with Hope, but the attentive part of her mind was still under the heavy weight of sleep and the little attention she did have to offer was preoccupied with lulling a fevered Hope. It didn't seem awkward or clumsy anymore; it felt peculiar, nevertheless almost reassuringly natural. She rubbed small circles on his arm where the nurse was giving him another injection.

"It's just the morphine wearing off. He'll calm down again when this dose sets in." The brunette set the hypodermic syringe away and inserted a butterfly needle. "I'll need to take another sample of his blood…"

He jerked away, arching his back, giving the quietest distressed moans. "Shhh…" His face glistened with perspiration; she brushed away locks of hair. His eyes opened, dazed green focusing on her face. "Hey baby," she murmured shyly, her voice barely a warm whisper. Oh Maker, I just didn't…

Hope responded with a ghost of a smile, wincing at the quick prick of pain in his arm. He struggled to keep his eyes open; he didn't want to sleep anymore. "…L-Light," he stammered. "I wanna go home." She leaned closer, nuzzling him.

"I know you do."

"Been wondering when you two'd show up." Sazh got up, hearing his back pop into alignment as he straightened up. "Well I guess that's a sign those seats aren't too comfortable."

"Sure sign you're getting old, huh?" Serah teased playfully, stepping carefully over the puddle of ice water, taking the seat Sazh had vacated. As soon as she sat down, her eyes doubled in size as she realized Snow would follow her.

"So how long have you been—"

"Snow!"

He froze, staring at his doe-eyed wife. "What's wrong?"

The younger Farron pulled at her cheeks in exasperation and groaned. "Babe, you're stepping on water—please don't slip, ok?"

Curiously he looked down, immediately sloshing his foot in the puddle as an attempt to mop it up. Can't have anyone slipping… Serah giggled and cooed at his thoughtfulness.

The white automatic door slid open and the doctor with the eye-catching hair stepped through, shaking his head; a green light flashed from the device in his ear. "No no and no, I specifically told him not to give him any more shots—we don't know what's causing those abnormal reactions… Uh-huh, yeah that's the problem, he thinks four years in a medical school is enough to call himself a," the doctor finally looked up, his face lighting up with recognition, "Mr. Katzroy!" His face fell. "Serah? My goodness, don't you girls ever listen? Next time, I won't—oh sorry Selfina, I was scolding my patients, hey listen, I'll call you back."

"Dr. Wright, good news?" Sazh asked. He noted the man's pristine, white coat. Well that's always a good sign.

"Snow, why don't you take a seat? I've got a lot of talking to do and you really shouldn't be on your feet. If I'd known you'd all be parading through the cold to visit one another, I would've required that you all stay here."

Serah made room for Sazh and Snow. "But we were quiet—"

"Yes for two days, which is nowhere near two weeks." Not wanting to be impolite and stare down at them, the physician looked around for a chair to pull up; he ended up dragging the little decorative table from the corner. "Don't worry, it won't break," he said, looking at their skeptical faces. "And I'm sorry for interrupting you, that was quite rude of me. My point is that Sazh has practically been here since yesterday and I had Ms. Farron waltz up here today—she came as a visitor, but I had to have her re-admitted…which needless to say, didn't bode well with her. And of course it only upset Hope that we had to take her away, but she was starting lose consciousness, which would've only alarmed him more," Dr. Wright heaved a sigh, hanging his head. "Lives just aren't supposed to be lost in a hospital—oh excuse me, that was an awkward ending; Hope and Lightning are fine, they aren't dead. What I meant was that I want people to get better and I don't mean to sound pompous now, but it usually doesn't happen if they don't heed even a little of my advice."

"Claire," Serah said slowly, closing her eyes. Not again. "Is she alright?"

"She's stable; we've done as much as we could. The rest is up to how you take care of her. Try getting her to stay off her feet and watch her side." He raked a hand through his hair, readjusting the earpiece. "Hope's doing ok too. He's talking, shakily walking—which I don't recommend; he needs fluids, he can't handle a lot of heavy foods, but his weight does need to go up."

Snow looked at the pink head that was resting against his shoulder; he patted her hand, holding onto her fingers, using his other arm to wrap it around her shoulders. He gave Sazh a reassuring nudge with his fist.

"The right side of his ribcage suffered severe blunt force trauma, six ribs were broken—consequently, his lung was punctured. At this stage, occasional labored breathing is normal for him; call me immediately if it persists past next week." He leaned back, clicking a pen in his pocket out of habit. "Be careful around his arms, don't be alarmed by the amount of bruising surrounding his shoulders; the lacerations on his wrists require daily attention." He pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to hold back a migraine. "Unfortunately, he'll have scars. Sleeping might be a problem—nightmares and such and he tends to have convulsions in relaxed states…I…we haven't quite figured out what causes the muscle contractions, but we're working with one of the professors from..erm, Asnida—"

"WHAT? You don't know what's wrong so you go to them for help? They're the ones who put him there!" Snow shouted angrily.

"Hope can't see him—he'd be so scared. What if the guy tries to hurt him?" Serah's eyes watered. "We'll just bring him home, ok? He'll get better…" She sniffed. "He's just so young…" There'll be so much emotional scarring…

Dr. Wright nodded to Sazh. "If you want to add your two cents, go ahead. I'll wait."

"TWO CENTS?" Serah winced and ducked away as her husband stomped the ground and stood up. "WE'RE HIS FAMILY," his fist smashed into the wall behind them; Serah's arms were instantly flung around his neck.

"Calm down, calm down Snow—it's ok, I'm…I'm sure they know what they're doing."

"We're his family Serah," he gritted. "We'll protect him—and that means keeping him away from that ass wipe!"

"Right. I can't get into details at the moment, time is running out; I have another patient to attend to shortly. We can schedule another appointment, preferably tomorrow." He stood up, glancing through his clipboard. "Oh…Mr. Katzroy, you were asking about the pilots?" he asked with a tinge of regret.

"Sazh'll do fine. And yes, I wanted to see how they're doing…"

He took his seat on the end table again and released a heavy, burdened sigh. Serah buried her face into her husband's shoulder. "That night…every one of you required urgent medical care…it was, a life or death situation, particularly with Hope, Lightning and Lt. Amodar. Understaffed as we are, we…had to make decisions based on who had the best chance of surviving and…Lightning, we just couldn't bypass the fact that her chances of pulling through were too slim. However, before we started the operation…the Lieutenant requested that we do everything in our power to save the sergeant and her last…Hope," he furrowed his brow, "it was also an odd time to give a promotion, but Lightning is now Lt. Farron…and he said it with a laugh too." He stood up, avoiding their eyes. "He knew the implications of this. Serah, I'd advise against telling your sister exactly how it happened. It would crush her."

The automatic door slid open. "I really must be going—will you come back tomorrow, or should I pay a house visit?"

Serah nodded shakily, standing up. "A h-house visit would be better…Claire!"

Dr. Wright chuckled as Lightning evaded the helpful grasp of her assigned nurse and embraced her sister. "Good to see you up Farron, feeling better?" He noted her slight nod. "Alright then, take care."

"Claire, I'm sorry, I fell asleep," Serah went cross-eyed as her sister's hand covered her mouth.

"Don't worry about it. I…fell asleep too," she admitted quietly, tucking back pink layers of her sister's hair. A hand landed on her shoulder; Serah stepped aside, looking up at Sazh.

"Hey soldier girl."

"Hey old man." Battered and bruised like the rest of us, but he's ok… Lightning couldn't keep the relieved half-smile off her face and allowed herself to be hugged. Receiving affection in terms of physical contact was still something the soldier was getting used to and a fleeting frown crossed her face when Sazh loosely wrapped his arms around her; she was even less used to it from men. Hope was different since he was quite a bit younger and having had made a point of staying close to her—physically and emotionally—Light's first instinctual reaction wasn't to pull away from him.

She patted his back and Sazh let go, rubbing the back of his neck. Now that leaves…

"Hey Sis," Snow said lamely, looking down. It was as if he knew better than to hug her and it made Lightning cringe, especially since he looked so pitiful with his cut-up face. She rolled her eyes.

"Are you really going to make me limp all the way over there?"

Snow's head shot up, his light blue eyes sparkling with disbelief and joy.

Her eyes widened at the intensity in which she was suddenly enveloped; pain shot through her chest and she winced, trying to disengage herself from his arms. "Snow," she gasped. She pulled back, catching a glimpse of a smiling, teary-eyed Serah. Seriously Serah? She sighed and swallowed her pain, resting her cheek halfheartedly against Snow's shoulder—almost immediately he started rubbing her back. Idiot. She tried to ignore the fact she was smaller and he was overpowering.

"We made it Lightning—we found him and we're all safe now." He chuckled. "Nothing can stop us."

Always so determined. She carefully pushed him away and following an impulse, she reached out and touched his cheek. "…Thank you."

"Hope!"

Everyone whipped around. Serah inhaled sharply at the strange marking of a yellow and purple bruise that traced his right cheek bone. Visibly shaking, his eyes roved from one person to the next, becoming more panic-stricken by the second. It was as if he couldn't see them and what he did see was something inexplicably gruesome. Vulnerable green eyes welled up, big tears spilling over slowly.

Lightning cautiously stepped forward, unfathomably worried. "Hope?" Her voice was tenderly quiet and questioning. She slowly reached into the maroon pack strapped to her thigh and pulled out the teal scarf; Hope's eyes zeroed in on it. She smiled, taking the risk of approaching him. As she neared, he seemed to calm down, the fright and shock draining from his eyes. He must be having flashbacks. "See, we're ready to go home now." He looked up as she gently tied it around his neck, covering up the white bandage. "You're getting taller," she mused out of the blue. She was gifted with a quivering smile.

Snow couldn't hold it in anymore. "Buddy!" He ran forward, slowing down as he remembered the doctor's warning and very carefully slipped his hands under Hope's arms, hoisting the boy up with gentle strength into his arms. He closed his eyes, his heart swelling up with pride and warmth as Hope laid his head on his shoulder. "There we go—Snow's got you," he comforted, holding the young teenager as he would a small child.

Shaking her head, but undeniably touched, Lightning wrapped her arm around her sister and followed them out. Sazh shook his head at the hole in the wall and moved to catch up.

Serah smiled serenely, leaning against Claire's side. Everything can only get better.

The house was dark and uninviting until Sazh lit the fireplace, warmth suddenly enveloping the living room; orange light banning shadows of night for the briefest seconds before the flames settled down and the shadows came back to dance harmlessly on the furniture.

Hope was wide awake and alert, feeling a slight sense of déjà vu, seeing everything from a different height. Even the pressure at his waist was same as he being carefully set down. He looked up only to have his hair ruffled. Except that Snow's not my mom. Thoughts of Light entered his head and he found himself looking for her.

"Heads up," Serah warned, throwing her arms around him. "Better get used to it—these hugs won't stop anytime soon." She giggled, stroking his shoulders. "Especially the ones from Claire!"

"Serah, go to bed," Lightning muttered, turning around. And why are my cheeks heating up? She groaned, falling silent. She stared at the red ominous flashing dot on the answering machine.

Serah padded over to Snow, tugging on his hand. "I know you're really tired and all, but Hope said he wants to take a shower and I don't think it's a good idea that he…"

That he goes alone. Snow rubbed his face, fighting away exhaustion. "Yeah ok, did he already go upstairs?"

She nodded, swinging his hand as they both headed to the stairs. "Unless…no never mind."

"Hm?"

"No I wasn't in my right mind—I almost suggested that Claire go."

Snow snorted, shrugging off his coat. "Hold on there love, give Sis some time and Hope a few years. They'll come around."

"Snow!" She batted his arm. "Now go before he faints."

Sazh opened the door to his room, chuckling as a yellow ball zipped out and attacked his hair. "I missed you too. How about we call Lebreau and get little man back?" The chick peeped in agreement.

Lightning was standing in the dark kitchen, facing the window next to the sink. She should be getting ready for bed too. Serah weaned the hair tie from her hair, sighing at how good it felt to have her hair loose. Massaging her head, she flipped on the kitchen light. "See something…" She spotted the phone next to her ear. "Oh sorry." Yawning, she hopped on the counter.

So many discolorations. He quickly covered the naked teenager in towels, placing him on his lap. "Hope, you alright?" Fuck, Light's gonna kill me. Everything had been going fine; Hope was nonchalant about the fact that Snow had to stay with him, they were even able to joke around—that was until Hope collapsed. Snow pushed the boy's wet, dark silver hair back, rubbing his chest, hoping to stir some kind of movement in him. Maker, I can feel every single rib.

He looked up at the light; steam circled the fixture and he hung his head in relief. Of course, you're tired, disorientated, dizzy and undoubtedly in pain—a prime candidate to faint from heat. Feeling much better, he cradled Hope securely and stood up. "Let's get you to bed."

With Dajh safe and sound in bed, Sazh trudged up the stairs, also needing to see Hope peacefully asleep before he could let his guard down enough to get some shuteye. Serah tagged along, nearly stubbing her toe on the first stair.

The only light in the upstairs hallway was the one coming from under Hope's door. Serah clucked her tongue. "Either they just finished, or Snow forgot to turn the light off on his way out."

Sazh slowly pushed the door open, eyebrows raising. He crossed his arms in front of his chest. Serah's mouth dropped open.

Hope was asleep, drenched dark hair letting water drip down the side of his face; his collar bone was bare as were his shoulders, the rest was covered by a multitude of blankets. On top of the covers laid a snoring Snow, his arm draped over the boy. The man still had his shoes on.

A sixth sense alerted Serah of a presence behind her and she looked up to find Lightning. The expression on her face was indescribable. Uh-oh, is she angry now? Oh Snow, I know you're tired, but you should've waited… Worried, Serah looked back at her husband. "Well, I think it's cute," she confessed.

"Bartholomew called. He left a message."

Serah didn't want to say anything, she really didn't, knowing it would just drag their spirits down, but she felt almost compelled to. "What did he say?"

"He…was very angry."

Angry he was... So, did ya like it? Please say yes! :D I honestly haven't a clue what'll be in the next chapter, but we'll see when we get there I suppose, right? Oh wait, I lied..something about red-haired Will and Hope will probably cry about Kirill...and some other stuff. Oh and did you guys like 'Just a little sudden'? :D I'm working on two others...but only because they won't stop bugging me. Review? Ciao ^^