I do not own the "Final Fantasy" series or any of the characters in this story,
Nor do I own the title song.
"To Hear You Say You Love Me"
PROLOGUE
Unexpected Call
"C'mon, Light! The sun's already going down! We're gonna miss it!"
Lightning groaned. What did I ever see in him? she wondered. "Take it easy! I'll be down in a minute!" She returned her attention to the elongated mirror on the wall and double checked her hair. Even she had to admit that this girlish habit that was most unlike her, but she wanted to look her best for when she met with Lieutenant Amodar. He said on the phone that he had something important to talk to her about. Why he chose the Bodhum Fireworks Festival, when she would be on guard duty, was anybody's guess. She stepped back to get a better look at her outfit. Uniform, check. Gunblade, check. After all, a soldier could never be too careful during these types of public events.
And, of course, she wouldn't forget her ring; the one she had been wearing non-stop for the last eight months. A bittersweet reminder of a time in her life she would probably never forget. The memories that were attached to this ring made it too painful to look at. Yet, she could never bring herself to take it off…
Serah was the next one to call to her. "Please come down now, Lightning! It's getting late, and Snow's getting nervous."
"Alright, already! I'm coming!" After one more glance-over in the mirror, she scuttled downstairs and stepped casually into the kitchen where Snow and Serah were waiting.
Snow was more relaxed now that Lightning was finally ready. "Took you long enough," he mumbled under his breath.
Lightning's firm scowl made him take a few steps back. He smiled nervously as he held his hands up in defense. "Hey, I was just kidding, sis. You know that."
"Don't call me 'sis,'" she snapped. That was Serah's name for her, not his.
Serah scoffed. "Enough, you two. We don't have time for this."
Lightning smirked. That was something she might've said herself. It was nice to know that, in some ways, Serah was picking up a few of her traits. And she would need them now that she was with a guy like Snow Villiers!
Just as they were all about to head out, the phone rang.
The party froze mid-way out the door, and with a heavy sigh, Snow hung his head. "Oh, great…"
Lightning turned on her heel and headed toward the phone. "It might be the Lieutenant. I should take this… You guys go on the motorcycle. I'll meet you there."
"Fine by me," Snow said eagerly.
Serah linked her arm with his as they left the house, closing the door behind them.
Lightning pressed the talk button and put the phone to her ear. "Hello?"
"Um, hi… Is Claire Farron there?"
Lightning quietly caught her breath. It wasn't the Lieutenant, but this guy's voice sounded a bit too familiar. Yet, she wouldn't allow herself to falter. "Speaking," she replied with her usual manner of authority in her voice.
There other end of the line was quiet for a few seconds. Then, finally, he spoke again. "Hi, Light."
No doubt about it. It was really him.
At last, Lightning's pretence fell away. For an instant, she thought she might even cry. "Oh my God." The words escaped her lips in a whisper. Maybe they were prompted by the intense pounding of her heart. "How did you find me?"