[Fanfic] To Learn Something New (ch 9)

Title: To Learn Something New

Author: Vianna Orchidia / Annasthacy Chashyme
Fandom: Final Fantasy XIII Series
Character: Lightning Farron, Hope Estheim
Rating: K+
Genre: General
Disclaimer: I do not own the series and the characters, and I do not gain any profit from this fanfiction

Warning: AU; Hope and Claire are married.

smile /smile/ n an expression on your face that makes the corners of your mouth turn up and that shows happiness, amusement, pleasure, affection, etc.

"There's nothing wrong with her. Nerves, muscles, everything is normal. I can only assume her current disorder is caused by psychological reasons." The grey-haired doctor gave him a look of sympathy. "I suggest you take her to psychiatrist. He will know what to do, more than me for that matter."

Hope Estheim sighed before nodding in gratitude to the elderly doctor. "I understand. Thank you, doctor."

"Oh, Mr. Estheim?" He called out, halting the young man from gathering his things.

"Yes?"

"I know I don't specialize in this field, but I can tell this much: take it slow with her. Many of psychological disorders stem from stress and depression. And don't forget to take care of your health too. Your wife won't like you exhausting yourself because of her, will she?"

A tired smile tugged at Hope's lips as he bowed before leaving the room. "Thank you, Doctor."

It had been barely a week, and just as the doctor said, he was starting to get exhausted. Claire's illness made her prone to sleepiness, her appetite diminished, and most of all, it made her weak. She hated being weak, so she got a little frustrated at herself too. Taking care of her was quite a hassle.

"Hope," a thin woman called him from the waiting room when he stepped out of the doctor's room. "How was it?"

Unable to tell her the truth, not to mention she was not even aware of her own condition, Hope merely smiled and put his arm on her waist. "Just a little stress. You need to rest more."

"I have rested enough," she refused quickly, her tone irritated but her face remained blank.

"Well, apparently the doctor doesn't think so," he chuckled as he led her outside, to their car. With her unchanging blank face he couldn't guess what her current mood was, but he decided to play safe and appeal on her good side. "There's still time before dinner; do you want to go to that park and grab a quick ice cream?"

Claire let out a sound that was almost like a laugh. "You know how to please your wife, Hope Estheim."

The teasing edge in her voice calmed him and he exhaled through his mouth. He could even picture the small smile, or cunning smirk if she felt being playful, that would certainly be on her face under normal circumstances. Hope tried to keep sorrow from showing on his features. "Alright, ice cream then."

Dealing with this disorder might be harder than he initially thought.

A/N:

The disorder mentioned above is modeled from Miho Obana's Kodomo no Omocha (Child's Play). If you know the series, then you know how Sana stopped making facial expressions. By the way, I call her Claire here, to emphasize the normal life of this AU.