Journeying through Oerba, Hope's mind felt like it was being compressed in a vice and being pulled in 50 different directions all at the same time. Agonizing indecision was gnawing away at him, uncertainty clouding his judgement. No matter how hard he tried to focus, even on something as simple as walking, he just couldn't hold it together. Not least of all when the subject of his brooding was walking alongside him.

Before his trial with Alexander, Lightning seemed distraught when he suggested being left behind. Of course, she chose her words carefully to avoid arousing suspicion among the party, but Hope could tell that the very notion of continuing left her in a daze. Ironically, he's suggested it so he'd avoid causing trouble like that. But it was the look on her face that didn't sit well with him - pale, ashen. Almost vacant, like she was seeing through everything. That was a look he hadn't seen Lightning wear and it didn't suit her at all. That, combined with what she said back in Palumpolum, had forced Hope to question exactly how she viewed him. And right now answers were not revealing themselves. So, as much as he dreaded what the potential answer might be, Hope decided to ask the source.

"Hey Light?"

"Yeah Hope?"

"C-can I talk to you for a second?"

"Of course. What's up?"

"I-I…um..I meant in private…."

That earned him some funny looks, especially from Sazh and Fang. Lightning flashed them a quick glare and proceeded to head into an abandoned house with Hope in tow. Fortunately there were the remnants of a sofa in the corner of the room so Light took a seat and ushered Hope to join her.

Why am I shaking? Only because I'm terrified of what she'll say.

Looking at his brand, Hope resolved that if he didn't have much time left he'd at least find out what he needed to know. Fear be damned if you're going Cie'th.

"Lightning…what are we?"

"Huh?"

The question caught Lightning off-guard which was rare. It wasn't like Hope to be quite so deep.

"I've been thinking about everything that's happened between us and it feels like there's something…off. I mean, not in a bad way or anything. It's just that…"

Where's he going with this?

"…y-you seemed to, I dunno, look at me funny. I can't really describe how it feels, but every time we exchange glances it seems like you're looking past me, y'know?"

Was I staring that hard?

"Then there's these weird moments when we're together. It's like we keep…floating towards each other I guess."

I promised to keep you safe, remember?

"I remember what you said back in Palumpolum. Except, when you did, it reminded me of mom and dad. About how they promised to always stand by each other, no matter what came their way."

What's he trying to say?

"L-light…I-um..I…."

"What are you trying to tell me Hope?"

Hope was starting to struggle. Here he was, with the woman he cared for more than anyone else in Pulse of Cocoon, about to ask if she had feelings for him. No pressure there then. Just the thought of rejection made his stomach wretch. He'd be destroyed, crushed and utterly downtrodden. Never mind his brand accelerating - he'd probably run a mile in the opposite direction if he feared the worst coming.
But what was the alternative? Spend the rest of his time wondering about the chance he never took? Truth be told, that option sounded a damn sight more appealing right now. It was safer, he wouldn't get hurt and at least he's get to hang around Light a while longer enjoying her company without fear of emotional ruin.
Okay, plan B it was! But how to get out of this conversation?

It's not a question of can or can't. There are some things in life you just do.
Oh, son of a-

"Light. Do you love me?"