A series of prompts, some interconnected, some long and short, range of genres and ratings, all Noel/Serah. Currently editing every chapter.

Scene I. Fever

–

((Serah))

–

Panic raced through her, arms flailing – looking for stable reality to get her out, out of this nightmare where nothing existed but the blackened skies, a frozen era, Lightning gone, alone – screams erupting, echoing in the cavern until hands drifted down her arms, pulling her against a warm – alive – body. Noel's deep voice rumbled in his chest, his heartbeat soothing her.

Serah buried herself deeper in his embrace. She clutched him, whimpers making speech impossible as she breathed heavily.

Her tears drenched him. Blindly, her hands reached out, gripping him, never resting. Nails dug in.

Noel didn't flinch.

He gathered her to him. He brushed a tear away and took her face in his hands. He leaned close, murmuring comfort to her hazy thoughts as she tried focusing on his blue eyes.

He was real.

Scene II. Dreamer

–

((Serah)) & ((Noel))

–

Serah saw his tears.

They disappeared one by one. Caius had left them. His despair of losing Yeul. The only human left walking in a dark world. The remnants of the young seeress dissolving from his arms and the agony in his voice as he shouted, she watched it all. He was lonely, head down as he walked the quiet earth. It wasn't something Serah recognized; the slumped shoulders, the listless walk that didn't define the Noel she knew.

Noel had come barging in, giving her a choice to live through her own power. Each time she'd taken a step back, his hand rested on her back, his presence giving strength. Venturing through the unknown with Noel had given her more in life.

It was different now, seeing him so defeated. He shouldered the burden of the world alone. There was no one he could turn to and her heart broke for him. When she tried to comfort him the first time, he distanced himself, unable to recognize the gesture he always practiced. Etro's light enveloped him and he didn't fight back.

Serah ran.

"Noel!"

She latched onto him.

He awoke, blue eyes seeking her voice, finding her eyes and taking both her hands. The turmoil in her quieted immediately and let her body lax against the force lifting them. She wasn't used to his lost expression. She held him tight. She apologized for taking him away and those brilliant blue eyes warmed, his lips curving as he pledged to be by her side.

He thought he was never needed.

Maybe that was why he stuck so close to her, keen to help in this adventure to fix the mistakes of the past. On the first night, Noel isolated himself from her friends, sensing their hostility. Their skepticism didn't bother him; if anything he shrugged it off and focused solely on her. He didn't know how to handle that many strangers. Serah had to turn away, compassion choking her.

"Serah."

She looked at him. "I need you to stay with me, Noel. I can't do this without you."

Noel scrutinized her, seemingly lost in thought. When he didn't say anything, Serah began to fret at his intense concentration, as if trying to decipher the very core of her. He seemed to reach a conclusion because his lips curved, foot shifting as he held out a hand. "Didn't I already say that? We're doing this together."

Scene III. Unforgivable.

–

((Serah))

–

She was selfish. She knew.

Perhaps because she was neglected by Snow, spoiled by Lightning to the point where she could never live without them, that until she was forcefully pulled into Noel's world that she finally felt in control. She broke free from the restraints Snow wrapped her in and did what she wanted. Another was her attraction to her younger partner; the fact that she wanted to do something.

Noel stood by her. His fury over Snow's recklessness was the first time Serah saw him lose his composure. Those blue eyes darkened, his motions swift and cutting, jaw tense in restrained vehemence. He turned away as if he didn't want Serah to see him like this. She saw his fists clench and wondered idly if Snow could take him. Noel shouted, finally seeing him shed that cool front, hating Snow down to everything he lived against.

And she was intrigued. There was more to Noel then she thought.

When she tried to reach for fruit, her feet would leave the ground and air displaced her hair. She quickly grabbed the fruits before Noel placed her back down who grinned at her. She knew that side of him, easily pleased. Serah always saw it. So when they had landed in a stream, drenching them, she saw his incredulous look as brown locks fell messily over his eyes. It made her laugh and he directed that look to her.

His frown when something bothered him, identical to the distant look in his eyes that told her Noel wasn't with her. There was a blank look on his face when Noel was around her friends. He often removed himself from unfamiliar territory that didn't welcome him. It reminded her of an awkward teenager growing up and she realized how much Noel missed in his childhood.

Noel hid his jealousy well. When they wound up too close, she'd tease him and brush against him purposely and when she looked away, that one time she caught the craftiness of his eyes. And when she bent to poke him the forehead, Noel kept his eyes politely on her face but she saw his gaze flicker down to the pendant and his smile would tighten. For once, she wondered the slyness of his response.

Back at Academia, Serah put herself in front of him. There were curious eyes darting over her partner. If he caught on her actions, Noel never showed it. He'd merely raise a brow with a half-smile and let her be. Serah knew him though; the second she was removed from the promise, Noel would embrace her in a heartbeat.

She looked over her shoulder and smiled invitingly at Noel.

Duty ruled Noel's life and she wanted to see more expressions light his face. Serah veered off the path to the gate. He sprinted after her, not the least surprised and she laughed when he easily caught up to her. Even as the timeline was in danger, knowing Snow was fighting his own battles, Lightning in Valhalla and Caius –

She didn't care for the moment, dragging Noel with her.

–

((Noel))

–

He didn't mind. He was too.

"Serah."

She turned to him, heard the pleading tone in his plaintive call as the sun set.

Noel walked over, running the back of his hand down her cheek to her chest where he removed the pendant and tossed it behind him.

He couldn't stand the stillness of the night.

So when the night sky shadowed the earth, Noel would take her hand and she'd follow. They lowered to the ground. Serah held him as his breathing slowed and smoothed his brow from tense lines. She thumbed his cheek and he leaned into her touch, almost burrowing himself in her lap.

Sun kissed skin beckoned to her touch, begging for a reprieve in this unfortunate life where there was no softness and in the dark night where there was none to see, her hands moved forward to rest on calloused ones. Fingertips traced and lingered on old scars before loosely intertwining on the underside of the motionless palm.

A brown lock messily fell onto his cheek and she brushed it away. Noel muttered something incoherently, arching his back to adjust his position before resting still again.

Serah smiled.

Scene IV. Seek.

–

((Out of the Historia Crux))

–

"Noel, a little help."

"Here, take my hand."

"I'm glad that was a soft landing."

"I suppose. I want to see what's beyond that – Serah. What're you doing?"

"Your hair's a mess. There are leaves in it,"

"Hmm. Thanks. Let's go see what's in that clearing."

Much later...

"I can't believe you let go!"

"Hey, I needed help! Something you couldn't even bother to do."

"Did you see that thing chasing me? I tried to free you! Okay, maybe my aiming was a little off but it was because that thing was chasing me!"

"Kupo kupo kupo-"

"Why not kill the monster first before helping me?"

"Oh, please. You were doing fine right until you let go –"

"I couldn't hold on forever! It was too close this time and you would've gotten hurt."

"You could've just tackled me instead. Saves us a lot of trouble. You did that last time."

–

((Late Afternoon))

–

"Eek! Noel!"

"Oof. I can't carry you like this, Serah. Come on, I can't see. Oh, it's just a baby monster, Serah. Hey, little guy, you're pretty cute."

"Cute? Did you just call that thing cute?"

"You have to admit, it's – argh"

"It bit you. Noel, let me see your hand."

"Damn, that hurt. It has fangs. Sorry if I scared you."

"Uh, Noel?"

"Loosen your grip a bit, will you? It's getting tight - hmm? You seem pale, Serah. Let's take a break by the –"

"...I think that its horrific mother wants its cute baby back!"

–

((Dusk))

–

"EYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

"Serah! What's going on? I'm coming –"

"Don't!"

"Tell me what's wrong right now or I'm going down there."

"I-It's nothing, really."

"That's it –"

"I was just surprised when Mog popped out of the trees! I'm done bathing and it's getting dark soon so I'm feeling jumpy. I'll be back up soon."

"Let me help."

"No!"

"You might hurt yourself, Serah."

"I'm naked."

"Ah."

Scene V. Mirror Image.

–

((Serah))

–

She often forgets Noel was with her now.

When Snow was disappearing, she cried out and clutched at him as he reassured her they'd meet again. Noel turned his head away. Serah still tried, futilely holding him. The remainder of her comfortable life slipped away and she had to move on.

Noel was there, holding her up. When he prodded her to raise her head, she refused. To her surprise, his firm grip tugged her to face him and barked at her. She regained her resolved, sniffing and righting herself. They moved on. But as the day passed over, Serah noticed something. It was the little things that bothered her. Noel always made sure to take note of her. When she walked towards him, his eyes would take in all of her, as if in reverence before he smiled.

Recently, he took quick glances to assess her condition.

His touch was distant. His arm would still wrap around her as she stumbled but it fell away as soon as she was upright. Before, his arm would still remain around her shoulder to assure himself that she was safe, that her mind was clear. No longer did his hands linger and the heat of him left her cold as he pulled away abruptly as soon as she gained her balance. Noel continued to walk on while Mog hovered worriedly.

If Serah wasn't used to his attentions, she wouldn't have noticed at all.

As they talked, she breathed in deep each time blue eyes rested on hers. No matter the risk or uncertainty, he grounded her to reality. She found comfort in him. Noel was determined, a hard expression as he surveyed their new surroundings. He fleetingly peeked at her and that strange feeling rose again. He rubbed the back of his neck. "You tired, Serah?"

One foot was cramped and she had an ache in her side when she fell to the ground to avoid a monster's fangs. She was fine. He used to massage her pains away. "Just a bit."

Noel exhaled and scuffed his foot into the ground. "Let's make camp here."

Then came the night.

Serah saw he was resting against the log, about to nod off. She made her away over to him and hesitantly lowered herself to his side when he didn't open his eyes. When he didn't acknowledge her, she reached for his hand but it fell away when he moved.

Noel raised himself, one arm serving as leverage on the ground and looked down at her, asking if she was cold. She could only nod. Noel stood up, "I'll get more wood for the fire." When he held her eyes, she smiled and he grinned. Then a quick glance down and he broke the connection.

She clutched the pendant, understanding. Noel was hurting too.

Scene VI. Glass.

–

((Noel))

She walked in beauty.

–

When he was pulled to another era, it took him time to adjust to the mass of people, the noise. There was so many alive around him. Noel kept his distance, minding his own as people walked their lives with zealous. It was strange to him. There was so much energy. He took quick notes of their daily interactions and tried to learn social contact as he jumped through time.

Noel was on a mission.

He found her lying on the ground, crying out for Lightning. Like Yeul, she needed someone to protect her. He needed her cooperation. They shared a mutual agreement.

As soon as they were alone, he was met with weariness but he could tell she was interested. She didn't walk away. A little more persuading and she went with him. Serah was fiercely determined, eager to discover more. When she rested her chin on her hand, Noel knew she was clueless. At the slight stiffening of her body, Noel knew to choose another route.

As they traveled, he began to become aware.

Noel didn't know what was different from his previous relationships with females but he only figured it out when Serah skimmed her hand down to his to call his attention and he took a moment to recover from her familiarity. The only female closest to his age was Yeul, a young girl he was trained to protect.

Serah was a woman.

His hand fitted on the deep bend of her waist where it rounded to full hips as he hoisted her up to places she couldn't reach. There were more curves to her body that he took care not to wander. He discovered how soft her skin was in an accidental brush, rosy pink in her excitement as she grinned up at him after a hard day's work. She placed her gloved hand on his arm, always trusting.

Noel wondered how her hands felt. He dismissed the thought quickly.

–

Maybe he bumped his head hard one time because he was not thinking right.

Noel's curiosity to explore her demanded his full attention as he glanced at her by the fire. These urges were especially strong when Serah gave a full smile, when she was exhausted and wiped the sweat off her forehead, when she looked at him with warmth. They were familiar with touches in the heat of battle and those were times Noel could banish her from his thoughts.

They communicated silently, something that developed unconsciously and eventually through physical contact. A look he remembered that told him she didn't regret her decision. The fire lighted her features, showing her contentment.

He flexed his hands.

–

He made sure to collect enough wood for the night.

The cold chilled her. The past nights, Noel had woken to Serah curling by his side. In her sleep, Serah had thrown her leg over his, twining their limbs. Even as she invaded his personal space, Noel tried not to disturb her. Her weight didn't bother him even if he was sure the blood circulation slowed in his legs.

Noel sighed.

This time, he found himself in a similar position. He thought her conservative due to her relationship with Snow but now in the wilderness, she didn't seem to care. Noel observed her sleeping face in the dying flames. There was no tension lining her eyes, no exhaustion furrowing her brows, her lips parted in relaxation replacing the forced smile she'd put on from disappointment. She was a brave woman, he thought.

Before she slept, she loosened the tie constraining her hair and he was struck speechless the first time when it waved down to her back, framing the delicateness of her face. She moved around a lot in sleep, he noticed. Serah's hair was a tangled mess, falling over the side. He uncurled one arm to sweep it away. A strand caught between his fingers and he gently unwound it, noting of how silken her hair was.

Serah moved, her shapely leg hooking around his waist. He looked up at the heavens, stifling the urge to exhale. His shirt was pulled up a little from the friction of her movements, felt the softness of her and he suffered with knowledge. She used him like a pillow.

He ran a hand over his mouth and closed his eyes.

–

There were times when Serah knew his moods. It was the danger that nearly threw off his concentration. Serah eventually adapted to battle, honing her impressive skills to perfection and he trusted her to watch his blindside. It was only when it came to Caius that Noel stood in front her. The threat to her life shook his calm and she wanted to quiet his unrest.

Serah would assure him with, "I'm alright, Noel."

"Are you hurt anywhere?"

"No. It was a close one though, I could've asked Etro up close where was Lightning," she joked.

He frowned. "We'd better rest for a while then."

"I'm fine," she insisted.

He looked down, tightening his hold on his frustration by bringing her closer. Tiredness lined her eyes and pale lips were bloodied. Even so, her eyes were shining brightly.

Right then and there, he wanted to crush his lips against hers madly, to feel the breathe of her body.

Scene VII. Shadows

((Serah))

–

For some strange reason, Noel always knew what she was feeling. The times when he was oblivious, she took advantage.

He was from the future, an era where he knew nothing of intimacy. When they first began their liaisons, he was quick to learn and she was breathless when he took over, his touch curious as he roved over her body, his mouth passionate as he placed kisses on tender skin. And when Noel discovered more, he was ruthless when he found her sensitive areas that made her cry out his name again and again.

Now as they walked the crowded streets of Academia, Serah began to shift her legs. Noel was busy observing the area to pay attention. He chatted with Hope. She tuned them out.

Serah took glances at him.

Noel gestured with one hand while the other rested on his hip. The same hand that traced a path to her chest, to her hips that he pulled against him as the other-

"I see," Noel said. He listened carefully, eyes distant to analyze possibilities and she remembered how he held her eyes as he lowered his mouth down. Serah swallowed.

"That's logical," Hope replied. "But seeing as how the timeline –"

Noel furrowed his brows. He watched nothing but with her, he was always watching, trying to learn what she liked, what to do. "That's not it," he muttered. He looked up to the clear sky, as if it could give an answer. He returned his attention to Hope as he rotated his shoulder to shrug off the stiffness. "It didn't work-"

He brought up his hands to indicate his point and she was reminded how it skimmed past her breasts, down to a leg to angle it on his hip. Serah shifted. When she couldn't take it anymore, she stepped closer to brush her fingers against his. Noel didn't look, instead he twined his hand around hers and they adjusted their position to hide the view from Hope. He rubbed his thumb on her wrist absently. She moved again, this time her arm brushing against his back as she fixed her hair. She looked up at him. He glanced at her quick then froze. Whatever he saw on her face, he understood.

Her pulse increased. She bit her lip, innocently turning this way and that. Noel disengaged their hold, going towards Hope to clap him on the shoulder. "We'll talk about this later, Hope."

The man nodded. "That's fine. I can imagine you two are fatigue from your recent journey."

Noel smiled, almost roguishly and something in her melted. "Something like that."

Serah embraced Hope and quickly walked away. Noel followed, pacing behind and she could feel his piercing gaze as she led. In her haste, she dropped one of her pins from her storage pack.

Hope picked it up, intent on returning it.

–

She turned to him, arms wrapping around him as their lips met. Noel gently pushed her closer to the wall as he crowded her, broad shoulders blocking out the busy streets.

Serah pressed closer, freeing one hand to run it down his firm body.

Noel grunted. He broke away and gazed down at her. She tried to follow, but he kept her still with a firm grip on her chin.

"You couldn't wait?"

...

Right beyond the deserted alleyway, a pin lay on the ground.

TBC