Chapter One
Author's Note:
Hello! Apologies in advanced for this super long author's note. The other ones will be so much shorter than this.
Here is my newest story. It's part of the FFXIII series. There are several stories in this series now, and I recommend you read them in order so check out my profile for the reading order. As always, these stories follow some basic rules:
1. There are no sequels to FFXIII. I try to keep things semi-canon (or at least plausible), but these stories are still quite AU.
2. Once the main characters are no longer l'Cie, they are completely human.
3. NORA is now an organization of law enforcers.
4. Everyone in Troth, a small town near the capital of New Cocoon, a settlement on Pulse.
5. A PMC is essentially a smart phone.
I wrote this story in an attempt to return to the light nature of some of the previous stories, so the ending of Crimes of Passion will be resolved in a future story. I expect to try to update this story every 1-2 weeks, but I'm working full time now and extremely busy so I apologize for any delays and will try to keep you posted if there's going to be a long break. I hope you enjoy the story!
Disclaimer: If I owned this franchise, Lightning Returns would've been called Fanille Returns, and the plot would have included a significant amount of lesbian love. OCs and plot are mine. Everything else belongs to Square Enix.
Warnings: You know the drill—adult situations, drama, and lesbians. You've been warned.
Snow glanced nervously over his shoulder before walking halfway down the basement stairs. "Hope, are you down here?"
"I'm here," Hope replied, slamming his laptop shut as Snow came around the corner. Uncomfortably, he asked, "Do you need something?"
"Serah called an emergency meeting in the kitchen." Snow raised his brow. "What are you doing down here by yourself?"
"I was just online," Hope replied hastily.
"Were you talking to the girl again?" Snow teased with a wide grin.
Hope's cheeks darkened, but he shrugged nonchalantly. "It's no big deal."
"Well, I'm happy for you, buddy," Snow exclaimed enthusiastically. "Anyway, Serah wants us all upstairs."
With a groan, Hope whined, "Do I have to? I'm in the middle of a conversation."
"Well, Serah seemed kind of upset..." Snow shifted on his heels.
"But I'm barely in the wedding," Hope protested. "All I have to do is stand there with you."
"Trust me, you should come upstairs," Snow insisted, smiling weakly.
"Okay, fine." Hope opened his laptop to say goodbye to his friend before standing up.
"Wow, you really grew!" Snow pointed out, grinning as he surveyed the slightly taller fifteen-year-old. "I didn't notice when you first came in."
"That's because I was carrying so much stuff," Hope joked. "So, what's the emergency now?"
Snow shrugged, replying with an awkward smile, "I really didn't want to ask. She's been kind of scary lately."
Hope nodded fervently. "Yeah, I know."
With another weak smile, Snow led Hope up the stairs into the kitchen, where the rest of the members of the household were hastily sitting down at the table. The only two who were not present were Fang and Vanille, but everyone else, including Sazh and Dajh, were crowding into the room.
"Serah, I don't have time for this," Lightning protested as she slumped into one of the chairs, gripping Ripper by the collar as he nudged his nose into her leg. She petted the top of his head as she added, "I was going to take the dogs for a walk before work."
"Claire, this is important," Serah replied sharply. "The wedding is only a week from Saturday. We barely have any time left to make sure we get everything right."
Lightning pursed her lips. "Nothing is going to go wrong."
"You're right, because we're going to go over everything very carefully," Serah replied firmly. She turned to Hope with a sweet smile. "Hope, will you go get Fang and Vanille? Then everyone will be here."
Hope nodded. "Where are they?"
"I think they're upstairs," Serah replied as she ushered Dajh into one of the seats at the table.
"In their bedroom?" Hope asked with a frown, his ears turning red.
"I think so. Why?" Serah raised her brows. "Is something wrong?"
"No. It's just..." Hope shifted uncomfortably. "What if they're...?"
Serah placed her hands on her hips, asking impatiently, "What?"
"You know," Hope crossed his arms, glancing at Snow for help. "What if they're busy?"
Serah flushed faintly. "Hope, we have to do this right now while everyone is home. I'm sure it'll be fine. Please just go get them."
"But—"
"Hope, please!" Serah snapped.
Snow squeezed Hope's shoulder and whispered, "Just take one for the team, buddy."
Shoulders falling, Hope grumbled, "If they're doing it, I'm not going in there."
"Walk up really loudly," Lightning suggested.
"Like they'll stop just 'cause they hear someone," Hope grumbled.
Everyone seemed to consider that before nodding their heads wryly.
"It's the middle of the day and we're all home," Serah protested with a frown. "I'm sure they're not doing anything like that."
Sazh, who was covering Dajh's ears, requested, "Let's not talk about this in front of the little man, please."
"Sorry." Hope turned toward the stairs. "Okay, I'm going up."
"Good luck," Snow mumbled with a sigh.
Hope walked quickly to the second floor. He stopped in front of the attic stairs and frowned, feeling completely uncomfortable. Though he was mostly over his feelings for Vanille and did have a new crush, sometimes it was still hard for him to see Fang and Vanille together. They had gone through so much that he felt like no other girl would ever know him the same way that Vanille did. No one would ever have so much in common. It was hard to forget that they had not made the connection that Hope had thought.
With another sigh, Hope forced himself to walk up the stairs. He tried to make as much noise as possible. A part of him hoped that Fang and Vanille would open the door to see what was going on, but when he reached the top the door was still closed.
Unable to hear any sound from within, Hope pushed forwards to knock, but he paused when he heard something.
Fang grumbled humorously, "Vanille, why do you keep making that face? Are you in some kind of hurry here?"
"You can go faster, Fang," Vanille insisted, sounding annoyed. "You don't have to be so gentle."
"Well, I don't wanna hurt you," Fang protested playfully.
"You're not gonna hurt me," Vanille replied firmly. "I can take it. Go faster. It'll help."
Hope gulped, trying to figure out what was going on.
"So, you're saying you want me to do it fast?" Fang asked, chuckling.
"Yes, faster is definitely better," Vanille replied with a giggle. "Can you do it?"
"I can go as fast as you want, but don't say I didn't warn you." Teasingly, Fang added, "I don't think you'll like it rough."
"Fang, come on," Vanille grumbled impatiently. "I'm waiting."
"Whatever you say."
There was a loud shuffling and then Vanille whimpered loudly, causing Hope's face to turn red.
"What was that?" Fang asked, her smirk clear in her voice.
"N-Nothing," Vanille replied hastily. "I'm fine."
Fang laughed. "That hurt, didn't it?"
"A little," Vanille admitted.
"I can handle it, she says. Go faster, she says," Fang grumbled. "That's what happens when you rush me. Now, how's about we do it my way? I'm the expert here."
"Are you saying you're better than me?" Vanille giggled.
"I'm not saying anything. I like to let the evidence speak for itself."
Hope still was not positive what was going on, but he wished more than anything that he could just race down the stairs. Unfortunately, Serah had become somewhat of a frightening bride during the last few weeks. When he thought about having to face her anger, he decided it was better to just interrupt what ever the Gran Pulsians were doing. With a gulp, he stepped forwards and knocked on the door.
"Come on in," Fang called through the door. "It's unlocked."
Hope furrowed his brows. "A-Are you sure? You sound, um, like you're in the middle of something."
"It's okay, Hope. You can come in," Vanille replied gently.
Hope pushed the door open and his eyes widened with surprise. The two women were standing to one side of the room, both completely dressed. When he realized they were wearing workout clothes and facing each other, he asked, "What are you doing? I heard noises, but I thought—er, what is this?"
"We're practicing," Vanille replied with a warm smile. "We both started taking martial arts classes, remember? Wanna see what we learned last night?"
At the same time, Fang asked with a grin, "What did you think we were doing, kiddo?"
Hope ignored Fang. "Maybe later, but right now you have to come downstairs. Serah called some kind of meeting in the kitchen. Everyone else is there."
Vanille glanced at the clock with wide eyes. "Oh, no! I completely forgot."
Fang shrugged, patting Vanille's shoulder. "She'll forgive you. You've done a lot helping her plan the wedding so far."
"I know, but she's really stressed," Vanille replied with a pout, lowering her voice.
"You don't have to whisper like it's some kind of secret," Fang assured her. "Everyone in the house noticed the way Serah's been acting."
Vanille nodded in agreement, and as the two of them followed Hope down the stairs, the younger Gran Pulsian rubbed her forearm and winced.
"I really hurt you, huh?" Fang asked apologetically, wrapping one arm around Vanille's shoulder.
"I'll be okay," Vanille assured her. "I'm the one who asked you not to be gentle."
"That's true." Fang nodded playfully, dropping her arm around her waist and squeezing gently as she whispered, "I'll still make it up to you later though."
"What're you gonna do?" Vanille giggled.
"I'm open to requests," Fang replied with a wink.
Hope unintentionally quickened his pace. "I'll meet you guys in the kitchen!"
"What's the hurry" Fang asked in amusement.
Hope ignored her, skipping two steps at a time and disappearing around the corner.
A few moments later, Fang and Vanille walked into the kitchen to find Serah pacing while everyone else stared at her. Everyone was seated at the kitchen table, and all but Lightning looked worried. Rather, the elder Farron sister looked annoyed. There was only one chair left at the table, but Serah did not seem to want it as she continued to move around in a small circle.
Serah suddenly looked up and smiled with relief. "There you are!"
"This is some party," Fang commented as she fell into the remaining chair and pulled Vanille onto her lap, wrapping her arms around her waist. "So, what'd we miss?"
"I wouldn't start without you!" Serah gasped before leaning back against the counter. She smiled cheerfully. "Now that everyone's here, I just want to go over your roles in the wedding again."
Vanille nodded attentively, leaning back against Fang.
"Claire, your role is the most important," Serah explained, tapping her finger against the counter. "As the first maid of honor, you have to give a speech at the wedding. Do you have it written yet? I want to read it."
"Why?" Lightning pursed her lips. "You don't trust me?"
Serah offered a reassuring smile. "I trust you. I just really need to know everything that's going to happen. I read Sazh's speech too."
Sazh raised his brows. "You did? How?"
"Oh, I found it on the dresser when I was cleaning in the basement," Serah replied with a warm look. "It was really beautiful, Sazh. Thanks for writing something so nice."
"It was in the dresser under my clothes," Sazh mumbled exasperatedly.
"That's what I said." Serah murmured dismissively before turning back to Lightning. "There are some other things you have to do during the wedding."
"Like what?" Lightning asked distractedly as she scratched behind Ripper's ears.
"Claire, we already talked about this," Serah gasped. "You have to make sure my train and veil are arranged during the ceremony and hold the flowers while we're exchanging. You also have to keep track of all the gifts and cards we receive at the reception."
Lightning furrowed her brows. "You mean I have to make a list?"
"Yes." Serah smiled faintly. "You can't forget or we might not know who gave us what. Then we won't be able to send thank you cards."
"Fine." Lightning pursed her lips. "Can I go now?"
Serah frowned, "Well..."
"You should stay for the whole meeting," Vanille interrupted, glaring at Lightning. "You're the maid of honor."
Lightning narrowed her eyes but remained silent.
"Vanille, you're the second maid of honor," Serah exclaimed as she turned to face her with a grateful smile. "You've really done way more than you had to. I know I say 'first' and 'second' like it matters, but you've really been the best co-maid of honor anyone could have asked for."
Vanille beamed. "I'm glad to help, Serah."
"Vanille's done basically everything Light was supposed to," Fang commented, grinning teasingly at the older Farron sister. However, beneath her amused demeanor, there was truth to her words. "When are you gonna start pitching in, Light?"
Lightning gritted her teeth. "I'm really busy."
"Anyway," Serah interrupted firmly. "I just wanted to recognize how much Vanille has really helped me through all this. She even delivered the invitations for the rehearsal dinner by hand."
"I'm just really happy to do anything to help," Vanille replied with a warm smile, though in truth she had delivered the invitations by hand because by the time she remembered it was too late to put them in the mail.
Serah nodded gratefully before turning back to her sister. "Since you're both maids of honor, you two will have to keep track of the other bridesmaids' duties during the ceremony. We can figure out where people should stand at the rehearsal, but during the reception you have to make sure that you're keeping track of guests—you know, directing them to bathrooms, telling them where to leave gifts—and making sure things go as smoothly as possible with the staff. If anyone does anything they're not supposed to, I want to know about it. Snow and I are paying a lot of money for this."
Lightning nodded, but she was still distracted by Ripper.
"Claire, are you listening?" Serah demanded, crossing her arms.
"I'll keep track of everything at the wedding," Lightning told her firmly, glancing at the clock, "But I really have to go."
Serah sighed. "If you understand your duties, you can go."
"What?" Vanille pouted at Serah. "But she has to know everyone else's duties too."
"Some of us have work," Lightning grumbled as she stood. "Fang, I don't have time to take the dogs out anymore."
"I'll take them." Fang nodded, frowning. She could feel the tension in her partner.
Lightning gave another nod before standing and walking toward the front door.
Vanille watched her go, narrowing her eyes, before she suddenly pulled away from Fang.
"Vanille, where are you—?"
"I'll be right back," Vanille huffed as she stomped out of the room, following Lightning outside onto the porch. "Lightning, stop!"
Lightning paused and turned to face Vanille, her eyes darkened. "I have to go."
"Why can't you take time off from work?" Vanille demanded angrily. "I've been doing everything for this wedding. You haven't done a single thing."
"I've been busy," Lightning repeated with a frown. "We're understaffed. They need me 24/7."
"What about when your sister needs you?" Vanille huffed. "I haven't had time to do anything for the last month because I've been working so hard."
"You didn't have to help so much," Lightning grumbled.
"Yes, I did! There was so much to do that Serah's head was gonna explode," Vanille protested, crossing her arms and pouting. "I need help now. There's not that much left to do, but Serah can't deal with it. She has other things she needs to take care of. When are you getting home from work tonight?"
"I don't know yet," Lightning replied stiffly.
"Lightning!" Vanille protested. "I need help."
"So, get Fang to help you," Lightning snapped, turning around swiftly. "I'm going to be late."
Vanille ran around her, blocking her path and pleading, "Please come home early to help. Fang is busy too."
"I can't." Lightning narrowed her eyes. "I said I'm going to be late. Get out of the way."
"You're gonna have to make me!" Vanille huffed, standing her ground.
Lightning merely stared at her, her look more cold than angry. "Vanille, move."
Vanille met her gaze with a look of challenge, but after a few moments her resolve began to break. Eventually, she could not take it any longer and had to move out of the way. As Lightning slid past her, Vanille lowered her eyes. She almost wanted to cry, because she was very tired and on top of all her duties she was the one who had to deal with all of Serah's stress. However, she had vowed not to be a crybaby anymore.
After the air car pulled out of the driveway, Vanille stomped back into the kitchen and sat down in the chair Lightning had vacated. Serah was still talking, but Vanille was barely listening to her.
"Don't worry, Serah, this isn't my first time being a best man," Sazh was telling her with a warm smile. "I got it all covered."
"Thanks, Sazh," Serah replied.
While the others were still talking, Fang slid her chair closer to Vanille's, placing her hand on her thigh. "Everything all right?"
Vanille nodded, whispering, "I just wish she would help. Why is she so busy?"
"I dunno, but don't you worry," Fang replied gently, running her fingers through her hair. "I'll get her to help. She and I are gonna have a nice long talk."
Offering a weak smile, Vanille replied, "I don't think that'll help."
"We'll see about that," Fang replied with a gleam in her eye.
"Snow, you know everything you have to do, right?" Serah asked quietly.
Snow nodded. "I read your checklist really carefully, Serah. I'll make sure everything gets done. All the groomsmen know what to do for the rehearsal dinner and the ceremony."
"Good." Serah giggled happily. "This is going to be the best day of our lives."
"It will," Snow agreed lovingly.
"Now, Fang, I know you're not technically in the wedding, but did Vanille talk to you about your really important duty?" Serah asked, noticing that the two of them were hardly paying attention.
Fang looked up with a faint smirk. "Well, I remember her trying to tell me something last night, but it was late and, well, she was a little distracted. She never really got to the point."
Vanille's cheeks turned red. "Fang, I told you! She understands completely, Serah."
Serah sighed with relief. "Good. I really don't want any pranks at this wedding, Fang. I know you like to have fun, but this is the most important day of my life."
"I haven't played a single prank since Christmas," Fang assured her, feigning innocence. "You're wedding's perfectly safe."
"Fang." Vanille gave her a sharp look.
"All right, I played one or two tiny pranks, but I swear I won't do anything at the wedding." Fang laughed at their skeptical looks. "After Vanille's been stressing so much about this, I wouldn't do anything to mess it up."
"Good." Serah clapped her hands together happily. "Okay, meeting adjourned. Vanille and Sazh, please make sure the other bridesmaids and groomsmen don't forget what to do. If anyone has any questions, please ask Vanille or Sazh, since I have a lot to do. You could ask Claire too, but..."
"Ask me," Vanille interrupted with a bright smile. "I'm the one who knows more."
"That's probably true." Serah pouted, looking sad.
"I've got a question," Fang told Vanille suddenly, grinning as she wrapped her arm around her shoulders. "How come I don't get to be a bridesmaid anyway?"
Vanille smiled apologetically. "Snow couldn't find another groomsmen. We would've had more bridesmaids than groomsmen if we included you. I'm really sorry, Fang."
"Everyone else is involved. I'm kind of jealous," Fang persisted, squeezing her gently.
Vanille giggled, wrapping her arms around Fang's neck. "I thought you didn't want anything to do with it since it's all so stressful."
Fang laughed, leaning forwards to kiss her cheek. "You're right. I'm glad I don't have to stand up there, especially in those dresses you've gotta wear."
Both Snow and Vanille developed looks of horror, but it was too late.
"You don't like the bridesmaids' dresses?!" Serah gasped, slapping her palms on the table and staring at Fang. "What's wrong with them? Are they ugly? Are they too short? Should I have picked something strapless?"
Fang's eyes widened with surprise. "It's nothing like that. I just don't like the color."
"Fang, no!" Vanille hissed.
"What's wrong with the color?" Serah demanded miserably. "Is it too bright? I knew they didn't look good. Vanille, you said they would look pretty because you and Lightning have pink hair, but I knew I shouldn't pick them. How could I let this happen? My wedding is ruined..."
"Fang!" Vanille elbowed her hard as Serah continued muttering to herself. "Fix this!"
"On me," Fang clarified, clearing her throat when Serah looked at her. "I don't really like that color on me. I'm tanner than Vanille and the others. That's all."
"Oh..." Serah relaxed slightly. "Oh, that's a relief."
Snow swooped out of his chair and hugged Serah tightly around the waist. "The bridesmaids' dresses are really beautiful, Serah."
"Okay." Serah smiled faintly. "It would've been really hard to find new ones before next week."
Vanille sighed and leaned back in her chair. "That was close."
Fang nodded, hugging Vanille and pressing her lips close to her ear. "We should go back upstairs. It's already getting stressful down here. We could watch that new movie I bought. I've been waiting so we can watch it together."
"That sounds really fun," Vanille replied happily, standing and taking her hands to tug her out of the chair. "I'm sorry we haven't been able to spend much time together lately."
"It's okay." Fang brushed her hair out of her face. "I just don't like seeing you so stressed."
"Let's spend the whole afternoon together," Vanille suggested excitedly. "We'll watch the movie, and then we can have a picnic outside."
Fang laughed, pulling the shorter woman into her arms. "We don't have food for a picnic."
"We'll make something," Vanille insisted with a grin. "We can make sandwiches and lemonade and I think there's some fudge in the fridge that we could take as dessert. Then after our picnic we can explore the forest. There's a really pretty lake not far from here. I bet we can hike there and make it back in time for dinner."
"You've got this all planned out," Fang teased, kissing the top of her head. "Been thinking about it for a while?"
Vanille nodded, burying her face in her shoulder. "I've just been too busy to actually go."
"I think it sounds fun," Fang replied. "Let's forget about the movie and just go exploring like when we were younger."
Vanille's eyes lit up and she nodded. "I'll look in the fridge for some food. You can get a blanket and some water."
"Vanille, are you going somewhere?" Serah asked suddenly, developing a slight pout. "I was hoping you could help me a little. I was going to ask Claire, but she went to work..."
Vanille's shoulders fell. "Well, Fang and I were gonna go somewhere..."
"Oh..." Serah bit her lip, hugging herself. "It wouldn't take that long, but I guess I can do it myself. It's just that I have to confirm with the caterer and make sure everything is all set with the cake, and Claire still hasn't had her final dress fitting, but I can't make her go and I'm completely overwhelmed..."
Vanille lowered her eyes. "Well..."
"It's okay, Vanille," Fang interrupted gently. "You help Serah for now and we'll go a little later. I'll get all the food ready. Then we can have a late lunch."
Vanille smiled, leaning up to kiss Fang's cheek. "Thanks, Fang. I don't think this'll take long."
"If it does, I'm gonna kidnap you, so you better hurry," Fang replied firmly, leaning down to kiss her lips. As she pulled back, she murmured, "See you later."
Vanille nodded gratefully before turning to Serah. "So, what d'you need?"
"I made another checklist," Serah replied guiltily. "I know I promised I'd stop, but I swear this is the last one."
"Only if you swear," Vanille told her firmly before taking her arm and tugging her toward the table. "Let's sit so I can read it."
Serah sat and sighed happily. "Thanks for all your help, Vanile. It really means a lot to me."
"You don't have to thank me," Vanille assured her. "I'm excited about the wedding too!"
A few hours later, Fang and Vanille met in the kitchen. As they walked out the back door together, Vanille carried a large blanket and Fang had a small backpack slung over her shoulder and her staff in her hand.
"You ready?" Fang asked with a grin.
"Yep!" Vanille nodded excitedly and did not waste a moment grabbing Fang's hand and tugging her through the backyard.
Fang chuckled. "What's the hurry? Don't you want me to put that blanket in the pack?"
"We've gotta get out of here before Serah finds something else for me to do," Vanille replied urgently, giggling as she hugged Fang's arm. "I feel like I haven't seen you in ages."
With a warm smile, Fang told her, "As soon as this wedding's over, you're all mine. Maybe we'll go on a trip together."
"Really?" Vanille grinned excitedly. "Where?"
"I dunno yet." Fang breathed in the warm summer air as they walked through the backyard toward the gate in the fence. "It's nice out today, not too hot."
Vanille nodded in agreement as she slipped through the gate. "How come we're not bringing the dogs?"
"Dajh and Hope took them for a walk," Fang explained, chuckling. "Between all of us, those dogs are getting more exercise than I do, and my job is basically to walk around the border of town over and over all day."
Fang paused once they were safely outside the gate and took the picnic blanket, stuffing it inside the pack and careful not to squish any of the food.
"Fang, you do more than just walk around," Vanille giggled, grabbing her hand and tugging her toward the trees. "Is the forest dangerous this close to town?"
Fang shook her head. "You'll wanna look out when we get out a ways, but it's no more dangerous than when we were in Oerba. It might be more dangerous for you, since you've gotten really used to our new life."
Vanille stuck out her tongue. "I still remember how to stay safe in the forest."
"Really?" Fang raised her brows skeptically and wrapped her arm around her waist, pulling her close. "You didn't even bring your binding rod. How're you gonna protect yourself?"
"I don't need to," Vanille replied with a giggle. "I've got you."
Fang laughed, tightening her arm around the shorter woman as the two of them took a familiar path through the trees.
The forest was absolutely breathtaking. Birds sang in the bright blue sky above, forest critters skittered along the dark forest floor, and the canopy of leaves overhead provided enough shade to protect them from the heat of the sun at its peak height. A light breeze moved through the trees, tussling their hair and bringing with it a feeling of tranquility.
"So, where're we gonna eat?" Vanille asked cheerfully.
"There's a clearing not far from here," Fang explained. "See those notches on the trees? We've been marking the area so people can find their way. The woods aren't that thick out here, but most people aren't used to any kind of outdoor travel."
Vanille suddenly gasped in delight and pulled away from Fang, shouting excitedly, "Look!"
Fang merely laughed and picked up her pace to follow her toward a gorgeous field of flowers.
"Fang, look at these!" Vanille giggled happily as she knelt beside the flowers.
"What about them?" Fang asked teasingly. "They look like all the other flowers."
"They do not!" Vanille insisted, plucking one of the flowers by the stem and holding it up to Fang. "See? It's purple, but the petals have white and blue stripes on the inside. Isn't that pretty?"
"It's gorgeous," Fang agreed. "Do you wanna have the picnic here?"
Vanille shook her head, tucking the flower behind her ear and grabbing Fang's hand. "Let's keep going. I wanna see the clearing you were talking about and after we have to hike to the lake. I wanna swim."
"All right. Let's keep going."
A while later, the two women reached a small, peaceful clearing and set up their picnic. They ate quickly together, cherishing the first time in a few very stressful weeks that they could just enjoy each other's company.
After they were finished eating, Fang tucked the leftovers and the trash into the pack that she had brought before pushing it aside and lying back against the blanket. With her hands behind her head, she looked up at the clouds drifting lazily overhead. Vanille joined her, curling up at her side and resting her head against her shoulders, which prompted the taller woman to wrap one arm around her shoulders and hold her close.
"It's really nice here," Vanille murmured happily, nuzzling against Fang.
Fang nodded in agreement, smiling. "Lying here looking at the clouds, it's like we're back home."
Vanille hugged Fang around the waist. "We are home."
"Don't you miss Oerba sometimes?" Fang asked with a small smile. "Remember all the fun we used to have? We never worried about anything."
"I worried about you all the time," Vanille argued, poking her in the stomach. "You were always gone."
"It wasn't always." Fang pouted, brushing her hair from her face.
"I miss Oerba, but I like it here too." Vanille leaned into Fang, pressing against her chest. "As long as we're together, I'm happy anywhere."
Fang smiled and threaded her fingers through Vanille's soft curls. "I like that we're finally safe here. There's no more war, no more fighting... We can finally live a peaceful life."
"Except for what happened in February," Vanille murmured uncomfortably.
"Let's not talk about that." Fang kissed Vanille's forehead. "That's over and you're finally not having nightmares."
Vanille nodded in agreement, closing her eyes. "Are we really going on a trip once the wedding's over?"
"Do you want to?" Fang asked, looking pleased.
"It sounds fun," Vanille replied excitedly, sitting up. "Let's go camping. We can go as long as we like."
"What about your jewelry stand? You never got to set it up," Fang pointed out as she sat up.
"I can do it when we get back. We won't be gone forever." Vanille grinned as she leaned forwards to play with Fang's hair. "I bet it'll be fun to just spend some time together. We've been living with everyone else for so long now."
"Well, if you wanna be alone with me, all you've gotta to do is say so," Fang replied teasingly as she grabbed Vanille by the shoulders and pulled her down onto the blanket.
Vanille squeaked in surprise as Fang rolled partially on top of her, hovering close with that loving smile on her face that still gave Vanille butterflies after all the years they had been together.
Fang pecked her lips and grinned. "I think a trip's a good idea. Maybe when we get back, we can even think about getting our own place."
With a warm smile, Vanille wrapped her arm around Fang's neck and tugged her into another kiss, their lips meshing together gently.
Fang pulled back and ran her fingers down the side of Vanille's face. "I like this picnic already."
"You didn't like it before?" Vanille asked with a pout.
"Sure I did," Fang teased, leaning down to capture her lips again. "But I like it more now."
Vanille giggled into another kiss, hugging Fang against her.
The two women remained close for a long time, lips brushing together slowly. Though their hands strayed occasionally, they simply enjoyed cuddling together as they basked in the warm sunlight and shared sweet, lingering kisses.
When they eventually pulled apart, Vanille grinned and tugged the flower out of her own hair, tucking it behind Fang's ear and pulling back to admire her.
"Is this a present?" Fang asked teasingly.
Vanille nodded, giggling. "Fang, it looks really pretty on you."
"Well, you know, I've been searching for the perfect flower to wear in my hair for a while now," Fang joked, laughing as she sat up and tugged Vanille into her arms. She kissed her cheek, lips lingering close to her ear. "D'you still wanna hike to the lake? We better leave now if we wanna be back before dinner."
"You're right." Vanile stood and smoothed down her skirt. "Serah said she was making something special to thank all of us for being so patient during the wedding planning so we can't miss dinner."
"Maybe it's a tonic to make us all feel less anxious that if something goes wrong Serah will kill everyone," Fang joked.
Vanille laughed lightly and they both began to clean up the picnic area.
"Fang, this place is so beautiful!" Vanille gasped happily as she raced into the flowery fields surrounding the lake, whose crystal clear water shimmered in the sunlight. The tall rock formations jutting out of the water created sections in the lake, which cordoned off the area like a beach. With an excited grin, Vanille ran to the edge of the water and crouched down to dip her fingers in. "It's really cold."
Fang perched beside Vanille, sticking her own fingers in the water. "You're right, but I bet we'd get used to it pretty quickly. D'you still wanna swim?"
Vanille glanced around to make sure it was a secluded area before affirming with a grin, "Definitely! We haven't swam together in a really long time."
"I can't remember the last time," Fang pointed out as she began to strip out of her sari. "We should've gone earlier in the summer."
"Serah invited me to swim with her once and brought me to this pool in the city, but it was indoors and the water smelled really weird," Vanille explained as she shimmied out of her skirt. "It tasted weird too. I didn't wanna get in."
"What kind of water was it?" Fang asked curiously.
"I dunno. Serah said there was a chemical to make it clean, but I prefer real water," Vanille explained with a giggle as she pulled off her shirt. "Should we swim in our underwear?"
"Do what you want. I'm not walking back in wet underwear," Fang replied with a teasing grin.
"Fang, what if someone catches us?" Vanille asked in amusement.
"Either they'll be embarrassed or try to join us." Fang shrugged, chuckling. "No sense worrying about it 'til it happens."
Vanille laughed lightly and began to unhook her bra. "Last one in the water makes breakfast tomorrow."
"You're on!" Fang exclaimed, kicking off her underwear. "I can undress faster than you."
"I had a head start!" Vanille slipped out of the last of her clothes and immediately waded into he freezing water. She shivered as she moved deeper into the lake, knowing that she would warm up more quickly if she was fully submerged.
"If you cheated, I don't think I lost," Fang replied as she followed her into the water and swam toward her.
"This is so much fun!" Vanille chirped happily, dunking her head under water and emerging with soaked hair. As she was treading water, she turned to Fang. "D'you think there're any finish down there? You could catch something for breakfast tomorrow."
Fang wrinkled her nose. "Well, there is one thing I could catch."
"With your bare hands?" Vanille glanced at the shore to make sure Fang did not have her spear.
"That's the best way to catch this particular species," Fang replied as she peeked into the water. "This is gonna be easy. She doesn't suspect a thing."
Vanille swam closer to Fang and peered into the water, turning her back as she searched. "Fang, I don't see any fish. All I see is rocks at the bottom."
"Well, she's there, but I never said she was a fish," Fang teased as she threw her arms around Vanille's waist from behind and tugged the smaller woman against her.
Vanille gasped in surprise and grinned over her shoulder, pressing back against Fang's warm, slippery body. "Oh, you meant me."
"Sure did." Fang tightened her hold around her waist, kissing her shoulder as her fingers slid across her abdomen. "Now you're all mine."
"You can't eat me for breakfast, Fang," Vanille giggled, wriggling in her grasp.
"Sure, I can." Fang grazed her lips up her neck. "And who says I'm gonna wait 'til breakfast?"
Vanille blushed, smiling playfully. "You did say you were gonna make up for hurting me."
"I remember." Fang turned Vanille around and hugged the smaller woman against her.
Vanille sighed as their slippery bodies pressed together and shivered when Fang's strong hands slid up her back. When she looked into Fang's eyes and saw the faint smirk crossing her lips, she felt her heart skip a beat. Leaning in without wasting a moment, she locked their lips together, pressing into her love as she wrapped her arms around her neck.
They moved backwards as their lips meshed together, drifting toward one of the large rock structures and pressing against it as they kissed each other more fiercely.
Fang pulled back to graze her lips along Vanille's jaw line and kiss her neck as the shorter woman's hands slid up her abdomen. Her breath grew short as Vanille's hands slid over her breasts. Returning to Vanille's lips, Fang kissed her even more deeply, resting her hands against Vanille's hip bones before sliding them down the back of her thighs and lifting her slightly so she could press their hips together.
Hands and lips began to roam and the world around them disappeared until there was nothing left but the two of them making love in peaceful bliss.
A while later, the two women lay in the grass near the lake, the towel spread beneath them. They wore nothing but their undergarments, hoping to dry in the hot sun before they dressed and returned to the house.
"That was just what we needed." Fang grinned, running her fingers up and down Vanille's back as the younger woman lay against her chest.
Vanille giggled close to her ear, kissing her cheek. "I'm glad we could get away."
"We can never go that long again," Fang insisted, peeking down at her.
"It hasn't been that long," Vanille replied with an amused smile, brushing her fingers through her girlfriend's wet hair.
"It was long enough," Fang assured her, but she was mostly kidding. "So, are you feeling a little less stressed?"
Vanille nodded and nuzzled against her. "Everything's perfect now, and we're gonna go on a trip soon. I'm really excited."
Fang laughed lightly. "If we go while Snow and Serah are on their honeymoon, Sazh and Dajh will have the house all to themselves."
"What about Lightning?" Vanille reminded her, frowning sourly at the mention of her.
"Light barely lives there anymore," Fang replied with a shrug. "Between work and the boyfriend, if they're even still dating, we never see her."
Vanille pursed her lips. "Well, I'm happy right now, so let's just lie here and not talk about anyone else."
Fang nodded in agreement, kissing her forehead. "We can lie here as long as you like."
"What if I wanna stay forever?" Vanille asked sweetly.
"It'll be real romantic 'til we get hungry," Fang replied humorously.
Laughing into her shoulder, Vanille snuggled against her.
Fang closed her eyes with a happy sigh and wrapped her other arm around Vanille, holding her close. "If I fall asleep, wake me when you wanna go."
"What if I fall asleep too?" Vanile murmured quietly.
"Then I guess we'll be out here a while."
Vanille smiled sleepily and hugged her close. "Mmkay."
Fang did not really want to fall asleep in the wilderness in her underwear, but she could tell that Vanille was exhausted, which was not surprising considering how many nights she and Serah stayed up planning what Fang figured better be the most spectacular wedding in history. Knowing her partner needed rest, Fang decided to let her nap for a while as she watched the clouds pass overhead.
The world was so peaceful and the feeling of Vanille resting in her arms was familiar and safe, leaving Fang happy and so utterly complete. As she stared up at the clouds drifting lazily overhead, Fang mused that there was nothing she wanted more than to spend the rest of her life with the woman in her arms. She cherished the thought of their bright future.
Serah walked into the kitchen and nearly jumped when she spotted her sister standing by the fridge. "Claire, will you spend some time with me tonight?"
Lightning looked up and frowned. "I have work tonight."
"Didn't you just come from work?" Serah pouted.
"I'm on my break," Lightning explained.
"Why are you working so much?" Serah demanded, crossing her arms. "It's not healthy, Claire."
"We're understaffed right now," Lightning replied with a sigh. "I need to work all the time."
"What about my wedding?" Serah asked, growing emotional.
Lightning furrowed her brows. "I won't miss the wedding."
"I know, but there's so much to do for next week. Can't you take time off?" Serah begged, taking a step toward her. "Vanille has been doing everything. She's really tired and almost as stressed as me."
"I'm sorry, but I've been really busy," Lightning told her firmly. "I'm not good at this kind of thing anyway. Vanille is better, so let her help."
"I know, but you're my sister," Serah protested. "I can wait up for you tonight if you'll be really late. Please?"
"I won't be back until three in the morning," Lightning replied, sighing apologetically. "I have to do this. My job is important."
"More important than my wedding?!" Serah nearly shrieked.
"Whoa. What's going on in here?" Snow interrupted, walking hastily to Serah's side and wrapping his arm around her. "Is everything okay?"
Serah sighed, trying to calm down. "I'm sorry, but the stress is really getting to me. I feel like I'm all alone without Claire here."
"You're never going to be alone again," Snow promised Serah with a gentle kiss to her brow. "I'm with you every step of the way. Everyone else is here for you too."
Serah gave Lightning a pointed look. "But I need my big sister. When will you be free to help?"
"I'm not sure. I get called in a lot," Lightning grumbled, lowering her eyes. "Maybe tomorrow. How is there even anything left to do?"
"Weddings are really detailed," Serah replied with an annoyed huff. "I really just want to spend some time together. Claire, I need your support—emotional support."
Lightning frowned uncomfortably. "Fine. We can talk tomorrow."
Serah looked relieved. "Thank you. I can't wait."
With a stiff nod, Lightning turned back to the fridge.
"How was work, Snow?" Serah asked him gently as she turned to face him.
"It was the same as usual," Snow answered, smiling warmly. "How was your day?"
The two of them chatted for a while until Hope walked into the room and asked, "Hey, Serah, where can Cassi stay when she gets here?"
"Who's Cassi?" Lightning asked with narrowed yes.
"She's my friend from school," Hope explained, flushing faintly. "She's staying for a while."
"Since when?" Lightning demanded.
"Since we hired her to play the harp at the wedding," Serah replied quickly. "She's coming so we can work out what songs she'll play at the ceremony."
"No one was going to ask me about this?" Lightning's eyebrow twitched.
"Claire, this is really important to me," Serah replied with puppy eyes. "Do you really mind?"
Lightning sighed. "Where is she going to stay?"
"Well, I didn't want her to feel uncomfortable having to share a bed with someone she didn't know..." Serah furrowed her brows. "Hope volunteered to give up the futon in the basement, but I'm sure she doesn't want to sleep down there with Sazh and Dajh and I didn't think I should put her with Fang and Vanille either."
"Why not?" Fang asked, walking into the kitchen with a grin. "We don't bite."
Serah laughed awkwardly. "Well, you know, you have a tendency to...well..."
"Yeah?" Fang prompted with a smirk.
"Flirt with people and make them uncomfortable," Lightning replied with a roll of her eyes.
"That so, Light?" Fang asked with a catlike grin. "I hadn't noticed, but I do like to tease. When you see how someone reacts to it, you can learn what they're really all about."
"Fang makes it sound philosophical, but she really just likes making people blush," Vanille argued as she walked into the kitchen. Jokingly, she added, "I think she wants everyone to think she's pretty."
"I like to think it works because I'm gorgeous," Fang huffed, wrapping her arms around Vanille's waist and pulling the shorter woman against her. "Don't you agree?"
Vanille nodded, giggling as she hugged her.
"Right...so where can my friend sleep?" Hope interrupted awkwardly.
"I guess she can take the bed upstairs. I could sleep in Claire's room and Snow could sleep downstairs," Serah suggested.
Lightning's eyebrow twitched, but she remained silent.
"Sounds like a plan." Snow pulled away from Serah and leaned in to kiss her cheek. "We better go. Hope, Sazh and I are meeting the other groomsmen to talk about the bachelor party."
Serah nodded pleasantly and waved. "I'll see you later. Have fun!"
They both waved and left.
Lightning stood up and headed out the door, mumbling, "I better go too."
Vanille furrowed her brows, glancing at Serah. "I thought you were gonna ask her to help tonight."
Serah merely lowered her eyes. "Are you busy tonight, Vanille? We don't have to do anything. I just need to talk."
"You mean about what we were talking about before?" Vanille asked with wide eyes.
Serah nodded, biting her lip. "Maybe we can talk upstairs?"
"Sure." Vanille smiled weakly at Fang. "Is it okay if I go? We spent the whole day together."
"Sure. Don't worry about me," Fang replied with a shrug, sightly suspicious. "Serah, did Light say she wouldn't help you tonight?"
"She's just too busy," Serah replied dismissively. "It's okay."
Fang nodded, pursing her lips before shaking her head and smiling. "Well, anyway, I'll see you two later. Try to get to bed on time, Vanille."
"I will," Vanille promised cheerfully.
As Fang was walking out the door, she heard Serah whisper, "I really need your help, Vanille. I was going to talk to Claire tonight, but I just don't know what to say."
"It'll be okay, Serah," Vanille assured her gently. "But you really have to tell her."
"She's going to be so mad," Serah whispered.
Fang shut the door behind her and frowned curiously.
Lightning awoke at four in the morning to a strange beeping sound. She sat up groggily, rubbing her eyes and trying to figure out what was going on. The covert agent had only been asleep for half an hour after working for the entire night. As her vision began to clear and her senses became sharper, she realized that an alarm had awoken her. At first, she thought the noise was coming from somewhere else in the house, but it was so loud and clear that she knew it had to be in her bedroom.
Slipping out of bed, Lightning pulled her PMC off the dresser and checked to make sure that she had not set her alarm for AM instead of PM, but her alarm was correct and was not expected to go off for several more hours. The sound persisted, so in a fit of frustration, Lightning began to look around her room. She was too exhausted to think clearly for a while, but after she still could not find the alarm for almost five minutes of irritating beeping, she realized that she had only ever had one alarm clock and it was sitting on her dresser. The only way that another alarm could be going off in her room would be if someone had put it there.
Growling, Lightning nearly exploded as she shouted, "FANG!"
A few moments later, there were heavy footsteps on the attic stairs and her door was thrown open. Fang appeared in the doorway, looking groggy but ready to fight. She wore nothing but a tank top and her underwear and was holding her staff in her hand.
"What's wrong?" Fang gasped, looking for an assailant.
"What's wrong?!" Lightning snapped angrily, taking a step toward her. "What is that noise?"
Fang raised her brow, relaxing. "You mean the alarm? Did you check your clock?"
"It's not the clock," Lightning told her angrily.
"Did you misplace your watch?" Fang asked with a grin, resting against her staff.
"This isn't funny, Fang," Lightning snapped, storming toward her and gripping the top of her tank top. "I've been awake for a very long time, so you better get that alarm out of wherever you hid it, turn it off, and let me sleep."
"Oh, you think I did this?" Fang inquired with an eager grin. "Sorry, Light, but it wasn't me. I'll help you look if you want, but I don't know where it's coming from either."
Lightning narrowed her eyes. "I'm not kidding, Fang."
"Neither am I," Fang insisted innocently. "Want some help or not? Don't take this offer lightly. There's a real cute girl waiting for me upstairs and I don't like to leave her for too long."
With a roll of her eyes, Lightning grumbled, "Just help me find it."
The two women looked for a while, but eventually the alarm went off. Neither was able to find it, so Lightning had no choice but to leave it until morning.
"Too bad we couldn't find it," Fang mused, placing her hands on her hips. "I guess we'll get another chance if it goes off again tomorrow."
Lightning glared. "If I find out you're behind this, I'll kill you."
Fang laughed lightly, shaking her head. "Oh, come on, Light. We both know I'm stronger."
With a growl, Lightning searched her room one last time before sitting on the bed, defeated.
"I'll help you look again when we're all awake," Fang promised before walking to the door. Waving over her shoulder, Fang mumbled, "See you later."
Fang walked quietly up the attic stairs and slipped into her bedroom. She placed her staff against the bedpost before she crawled back into bed, snuggling close to Vanille as slowly as she could.
Vanille suddenly awoke, yawning as she glanced over her shoulder. "What time is it?"
"It's not time to get up yet," Fang murmured, kissing her cheek as she wrapped her arms around her.
"Where were you?" Vanille whispered groggily. "Did something happen?"
"Nothing," Fang replied, grinning as she kissed Vanille's shoulder. "Go back to sleep."
With a sleepy nod, Vanille cuddled back against Fang and closed her eyes.