A/N: So this is an idea I had about how Gladio met his girlfriend during the seven years of darkness. It will switch point of views but as of right now it will be one chapter at a time from one's perspective. As always, let me know what you think.
Rain…the Astrals sure had a funny way of setting the mood. As if the never ending darkness wasn't enough a storm had rolled in unexpectedly, down pouring on the young woman, soaking her long chestnut colored brown hair to its roots as she carried the last box to the waiting truck, away from Hunter HQ. With her calloused hands she tied the last string of the tarp covering the load before sighing as she turned her attention to the older man approaching her, the clack of his cane being heard through out Meldacio.
"Peri sweetheart are you sure you want to do this? With the increase in demons sightings since this blasted darkness came about I am sure they could use your help more than I can." he said placing his worn hand on her shoulder.
Peri sighed, shaking her head. At twenty one years old she had lived more life than most people her age in the span of three years.
"Daddy I made up my mind awhile ago, there is nothing left for me here anymore…I'm coming home to Lestallum. Besides, Dave understands you need my help now and…" she began to respond before the older man cut her off.
"Now Peri you know that's not true…I have your sister and…" the older man interjected before she stopped him.
"Sera is only sixteen dad…I can't have her taking care of you all alone like that…she's barely grown up herself and is still in school. You need someone to help with the bar. Besides, I heard the Power Plant is looking for people to help keep the lights on…" Peri tried to reason.
The older man sighed, realizing he wasn't going to win this battle "Alright hun, but we better get a move on before it gets too late. I don't like leaving your sister alone for too long in times like these."
Peri nodded, her crystal blue eyes shinning in the artificial light as she went to get into the passenger seat of the truck. Just as she was about to get in she heard a familiar voice call out to her.
"Hey, Lorenzi wait a second!" a male voice with a southern drawl yelled out to her.
Peri looked up to see Dave running towards her, a dog tag dangling in his grasp.
Out of breath Dave wiped his brow in the rain and nodded at both of them "Long time no see Frank…never thought I'd ever see you again 'round these parts."
The older man laughed "Well can't say I don't miss the place. Besides, every mans daughter needs her daddy sometime."
Dave nodded in agreement "Well good to see you either way. When Peri told me what happened she had my full support in whatever she decided to do."
"You've always been one of the good ones Dave. Now before my daughter and I catch cold, what you need to tell us before we head off." Frank said with a smirk.
Dave nodded before turning to Peri "Right…I, wanted to give you this…one of the boys found it mixed up with some supplies from that night. I, know Ollie would have wanted you to have it."
Peri gave a small sigh as she took the dog tag from Dave and fastened it around her neck with the other two that hung from her, a reminder of where she had been and what she had lost.
"Thanks…I appreciate it really." Peri said somberly.
Dave gave her a small smile before giving her shoulder a pat "If you ever change your mind, you're always welcome back. The hunters will welcome you with open arms."
Peri nodded "I know…thank you Dave, for everything…"
"And you will always have my thanks for taking care of her all this time…Felix too." Frank said clutching his cane.
"It was no trouble at all. Now if you'll excuse me I need to get some of the newbies up to speed on how we do things round here. Don't be a stranger now!" Dave said before walking back towards Hunter HQ.
Peri couldn't help but watch as Dave walked back towards headquarters. There, in the distance was a small group of young men, dressed in all black, lightly conversing under the over pass. As Peri looked closely she couldn't help but one of the men had deep scars running along his face, across his forehead and along one of his amber colored eyes.
I wonder how he got those scars…
Peri suddenly snapped out of her trance as she heard her father call for her from inside the truck.
"Come on now Peri girl we gotta get back to the city." he said signaling her.
Peri gave him a small smile as she turned towards him and hopped into the truck. As the truck pulled away Peri couldn't help but watch Hunter HQ, her home of the last three years, fade into the distance and soon to become all but a memory of a time before the world had gone to hell.