Her patience for Hope was far greater than anyone else in her life, thus her ability to forgive and calm her frustrations after he genuinely apologized for his actions, was almost effortless. Lashes fluttered to a close and with parted lips Lightning released a soft yet audible sigh before peaking up at him once more.
As she gazed into pleading eyes, Lights expression changed from anger to a calmness only he could bring upon her. Hope was admirable, the way he handled his emotions and feelings despite everything he had gone through in his life – Despite how many times she made an attempt to pull away. He continued to try. He wouldn’t give up. He spoke of love so freely, so why wasn’t she able ? Lightning was everything; A soldier, a monster, a saviour. She killed God. She fought for the entire future they were now free to live and yet, she struggled to embrace the idea of being loved. Why was that so frightening– ?
Clenched fist loosened at her side and as she listened to the man pour his heart out – Place every bit of his own vulnerability on a platter without an ounce of fear, she weakened. That tenseness in her muscles began to relax, and her lips even curled into a subtle smile. The idea of Hope truly waiting since they fought together as partners, to tell her how he felt – only for her to walk away. She’d be turning her back on him at his most vulnerable state, and as distant as Light could be, she was not heartless. She couldn’t leave now. Even if she was not able to accept her own feelings, and pour them out as he was doing in this very moment, she’d do her best not to shut him down.
❛ You’re hopeless. ❜
Stretching a single hand, Light poked his forehead with the tip of her index finger in a playful manner, then crossed both arms at the front of her chest. ❛ The truth is, I’ve always been proud of how you grew. You’re braver, and even stronger than I am, Hope. But – It’s hard sometimes, the thought of ‘us’, I mean. ❜ After all, before now ? He was just a kid. A kid dragged into a mess he didn’t need to be in because of her actions. Even as a grown man, to drag him through her insecurities and even the possibility of waiting for her when he deserves so much more – She had trouble baring that thought. ❛ Wrapping my head around you being – Well, different now. ❜It still felt odd to point out his age. ❛ Well – I don’t know what I want. Seeing Serah happy with Snow was something I didn’t understand and when I finally did, I was happy for her – But I still never thought about that kind of thing for me. ❜ Admitting this, was extremely embarrassing, which was made evident by the faint shade of pink painting across her porcelain cheeks. She quickly turned her attention elsewhere then cleared her throat.
❛ I lost my parents. My sister, twice. That pain and guilt I felt, … Imagining losing you – I … ❜ She struggled to finish her sentence, as the thought was unimaginable. Light wanted only to see her friends and family happy, and devote herself to what she was best at – Working. That’s all she pictured for herself, as it was the safest route. ❛ The truth is, I never thought of you like this. I never thought of anyone like this. It’s all so new – and I don’t know what to do. ❜ Unwinding her arms slightly, Lightning placed a palm over her heart then lowered her attention to the floor; Her feelings for him since they were reunited, they were growing. Still, she was too fearful to face them, and too ashamed in this moment, to look him in the eye. ❛ I’m sorry. ❜
❝ I’m not asking for it right now if you aren’t ready. ❞ Hope wouldn’t dare force her into anything she wasn’t ready for. He knew how touchy the subject was and the fact that she was evening beginning to open up to him meant a lot. She had lost so many people close to her, but what Lightning failed to realize was that Hope had already lost her. Once whenever she was stolen away into the unseen realm of Valhalla, and again whenever she locked herself away in crystal. He almost lost her a third time. Lightning really was selfless.
❝ I know Light. I know. But don’t forget that I’ve already felt that with you. It’s not easy if I’m honest. Loss is never easy. ❞ He’d never forget about the void he spent DECADES trying to fill. ❝ We can take it slow, as slow as you need. I won’t do something unless you’re comfortable with it. ❞ Her comfort was his top priority, because he wasn’t just seeking some random affection from someone. He wanted HER. ❝ I’m sorry for my outburst earlier but I’m serious when I mean that if you need to just be friends for awhile, I can wait. ❞
❝ Don’t push yourself so hard Lightning, I get it. Affection is something you didn’t grow up with. Yet a relationship isn’t always going to be hand holding and kind words. It’s about trusting someone with everything no matter what. It’s about hard times and fights and not being able to decide on what to eat for dinner. ❞ She couldn’t have grown up with that, not when her parents were gone at such a young age. Compared to Hope’s sheltered life, Lightning had it pretty rough. ❝ You don’t have anything to be sorry for. ❞
He took a step backwards to give her some space as turned his attention to her things she had left by the door. Would she still go home? A big part of him hoped not, or that should would at least stay a little longer to let things cool down. ❝ You’re still free to leave if you want. Or. ❞ He flashed her a smile. ❝ You could stay for dinner? ❞