A/N: Hello, everyone! First off I just want to say thank you for clicking on my story. You didn't have to and the fact that you did is very much appreciated. With that being said, I have plans to create a series of one shots that will primarily be Snow x Lightning in nature. Some are a little on the long side, and some are very short. I feel that the two characters have a lot of chemistry, and that their potential was not taken advantage of in the game.
If demand is high, I am willing to expand upon each short story and create a full blown fic. No promises that I'll update quickly as I do have a lot of other projects, but I'll try my best to provide quality material. Anyways, here's the first story. Enjoy! :)
Disclaimer: I do not own an ounce of the Final Fantasy franchise. The characters are all the property of Square Enix. So, no trying to sue me, please. Thanks bunches!
Summary: Lightning is the shining gem of North Bodhum High, and Snow is the school's permanent stain. For years they'd never gotten along, but what happens when the two are forced to work together?
North Bodhum High was buzzing with activity, but that didn't stop the turning of heads as she glided through the hallways. She commanded attention and admiration, even though majority of the time she didn't want it. Her legs were long, slender, and toned, boosting her to a slightly above average height. She wore a ruffled navy skirt cut short enough to give the male populace something to stare at, yet long enough to preserve her modesty. A basic white blouse served as her top; and to complete her uniform, a navy blazer was donned over narrow shoulders, the school insignia plastered across the left breast pocket. The uniform was standard for the highschool, but on everyone else it looked ordinary. But on her, it seemed remarkable.
Hair of a pinkish hue fluttered behind her. The color was unique, setting her apart from the rest of the student body. Electric blue irises and baby pink lips complimented smooth even toned pale skin. She was ethereal; a shapely lithe frame complimented the delicate angular features of her face. When she moved, it was like she was always dancing, each movement gracefully flowing into the next.
"Lightning's so amazing."
"I wish my skin was that flawless."
"She's, like, so cool!"
"Do you think she'd agree to go out with me?"
The comments were typical, and they never went unnoticed. If at all she were the arrogant type, a smirk would have spread wide across shapely lips. Instead, a soft hand would rise to brush a lock of hair behind her ear.
She stepped into her first class and was immediately met with stares. "Good morning, Ms. Farron," stated her teacher, his penetrating cerulean hues scanning her form.
"Morning, Mr. Raines," she took her seat in the front of the class, conveniently in the center row.
"Lightning! Hi!" Greeted a cheery girl with vibrant red hair, her sparkling green eyes were brimming with happiness, and her sparkling white smile alluded to a sweet, compassionate personality.
"Hi, Vanille. I'm surprised to see you here so early."
"Fang wasn't feeling well, so I didn't have to wake her up or anything." Lightning nodded; she knew first hand how difficult it was to persuade a sleeping Fang to get out of bed. That girl sure did sleep like a behemoth at times.
"I see. . ."
"Are we still on for our study session later today?"
"I believe so."
"Awesome!" The redhead squeaked out. Moments later, her face took on a more solemn appearance, "Too bad Fang will have to miss out. She could really use the extra help."
"Indeed she could. . . ," Lightning trailed off, seemingly contemplating something. "What if we study at your place? It'll allow us to help Fang catch up on today's lecture."
"That's a fabulous idea!"
Lightning gave a subtle smile, just as the bell rung.
Mr. Raines wasted no time beginning the day's activities. "Attention, class!" Everyone fell into swift silence. "Some of you may or may not be aware, but every year I make my students participate in the school science fair." Immediate groans filled the room, but Lightning simply rolled her eyes. To her it sounded like an easy grade seeing as how she made it a point to participate every year, having won each time. "I expect you all to–."
Right at that moment, the door swung open revealing a tall broad shouldered male with blonde hair and eyes a glistening ocean blue. His slacks hung below his waist, and the buttons of his white button-up were unaligned with one side of the shirt up higher than the other. Those sleeves of his were pushed up, and his collar was slightly crooked. The tie around his neck was improperly done, hanging haphazardly; and his jacket was slung over his shoulder, being held in his hand by the collar. "What's up?" His white teeth sparkled as he grinned.
"Mr. Villiers. . . I didn't think you were going to join us any more this year. You've been absent for three weeks." It was clear the teacher was struggling to hide his indifference.
"Yeah, sorry about that," the late teen sheepishly rubbed the back of his head as he made his way to the back of the classroom.
A frowning Lightning looked at Vanille who simply shrugged her shoulders, her lips pressed into a closed smile.
"As I was saying. I expect you all to really push yourselves for this year's science fair. I'll be assigning you each a partner, so do listen for your names." Mr. Raines picked up a clipboard and flipped through a few sheets of paper. All was silent in the room until he began to speak, "Lebreau and Yuj, Simon and Rydgea, Devin and Jordan, Vanille and Hope. . ."
The redhead looked behind her at a boy with silver-ish hair. He was younger than the rest of the class, having been skipped a couple grade levels ahead due to his high intelligence. Vanille made eye-contact and waved. A blush colored his cheeks and he looked down at his desk. Tilting her head, the bubbly girl turned back around.
". . .Susan and Karen, and finally Lightning and Snow."
The pink-haired perfectionist froze instantly. Her and Snow! Partners? "Why?"
"You say something Ms. Farron?" Mr. Raines looked up from his clipboard, his eyes focused on her.
"Yes, I did. Why him?"
"Is there a problem with the arrangement?"
"Yeah, what gives?" Snow loudly spoke up from the back. He seemed just as confused as Mr. Raines.
"With all do respect, sir. I can't help but question your decision. Mr. Villiers can barely dress himself, so do you really expect him to be competent enough to be of any assistance?" The class began snickering. "He'll only hold me back. I can do this project on my own."
Mr. Raines clasped his hands in front of him, resting them on his desk, "Perhaps you can do it on your own, Ms. Farron. But do keep in mind that some of the most successful men and women wouldn't be anything without a supportive team behind them."
"You got that right!" Snow thundered out, "Besides, I can so dress myself. I mean, look at me!" A cocky smirk formed on his lips as he placed his hands behind his head.
Without turning around, Lightning's eyes rolled. "Looking at you is the sole reason I expressed my concerns."
"Fuck you, Farron," the blonde plainly stated.
Lightning responded in a dead tone of her own, "I'm sorry. I was unaware I bore any resemblance to your right hand."
"ENOUGH!" The class went quiet instantly as Mr. Raines stood from his desk. "My decision is final," his voice was calmer in tone. "You two either find a way to make it work, or prepare to get closely acquainted with a failing grade. And trust me Ms. Farron, if you still value your perfect GPA you'll learn to set aside your distaste for Mr. Villiers."
A defeated sigh escaped from the girl's lips, "Right."
XXX
"Oh! Cheer up, Lightning! I'm sure being partnered up with Snow isn't the worse thing that can happen." Vanille was gifted with an icy glare, forcing her to wince. "I mean, sure he isn't the most punctual, or the humblest, or the brightest."
"YO, LIGHTNING!"
"Or the quietest. . . ," Lightning groaned as she slammed her locker shut. She and Vanille turned to face an approaching Snow whose hands were rooted firmly in his pockets.
"At least he's pretty attractive," Vanille tried to reason.
"Oh please! As if there's anything attractive about that serial killer grin and that apish gait," Snow finally stood before them prompting Lightning to fold her arms across her chest.
"Easy. No need for alarm. I don't bite."
"Actually, Odette Lawrence says otherwise," Vanille chimed in.
Slowly craning her neck, Lightning observed Vanille, a disgusted look firmly in place. Snow however simply chuckled.
"What?" Vanille asked her friend, "That's what she. . . told me. I'll shut up now."
"Well, I don't bite much," Snow corrected and he could've swore he saw Lightning cringe.
"Put your teeth anywhere near me and I'm knocking them the fuck out."
"Oh, lookie here," Snow taunted, "aren't we a little arrogant? Who says I even wanted to? No offense or anything, but I tend to like my girls a bit more. . . how do you say. . . girly. I mean, what with your masculine sense of aggression and all, I don't exactly picture you as being my type. So yeah, I think I'll be keeping my teeth to myself this time around."
The sound of cracking knuckles was heard and Snow backed away with his hands up. "What do you want?" Lightning gritted out.
"I just wanted to tell you that you were right in class earlier," Lightning perked a brow, "you can totally do this project on your own. So how's about you do the assignment and score both of us an A? I'll even be so generous enough as to treat you to a value meal at McChoco's."
"So what you're saying is that I should do all the work without any assistance, yet give you credit for sitting on your ass, getting high, and being sexually promiscuous? And in return, I just get a smelly bird loaded with preservatives, chopped up into convenient bite-sized pieces, sprinkled in flour, and dipped in artery clogging grease; and as a bonus, I get a side of fries made from artificial potatoes with a high sodium content, that are potentially left to sit under a heat-lamp for hours?"
"I'll even throw in a soda!"
Without saying a word, Lightning simply turned around and began walking, Vanille at her side.
"Oh, c'mon! Don't be that way!" Snow called out to the retreating figures.
"What nerve!"
"That value meal did sound rather tempting," Vanille stated.
"Wow, Vanille. You're certainly easy to bribe."
"Umm. . . yeah!" the shorter girl excitedly exclaimed, hopping up a bit as she punched the air.
Lightning grumbled.
XXX
Lightning's plan for a study session with Vanille and Fang was canceled that day. It turned out Hope wanted to get started on the assignment as soon as possible. Finding him to be utterly adorable, Vanille just wasn't able to say no. That meant that Lightning had no choice but to study on her own. Being that her assigned partner was totally unreliable, she'd be doing the project on her own as well.
Perched at her kitchen table, she scribbled away in a notebook in front of her with a vibrant blue pen. A multitude of ideas formed in her head, and she didn't want to risk forgetting a single one. Her script was neat and elegant, and her notes were organized; various skillfully drawn diagrams, arrows, and circles decorated the page.
A jingle cut through the home's silence, and her hand's movement came to a halt. There was someone at the door, "How unexpected." She delicately set the pen beside her notebook, and pushed her seat back from the table before rising. Graceful footsteps led her to the front door, and she carefully undid the locks before pulling it open.
"Heya, neighbor!" She was met with the grinning face of Snow Villiers. He held up a bag with "McChoco's" printed across the front and pointed to it with his free hand. A black short-sleeved shirt tightly clung to his skin, and veins visibly ran down the lengths of his developed biceps.
She attempted to push the door close, but Snow's massive foot blocked it. "Hey now. Behave. Just thought I'd venture next door to see how the project was going. I even brought you a little somethin' somethin' if you know what I mean." He extended the bag of food towards her.
"Get that out of my face, and go home."
"That's not any way to treat your guests, is it?"
"No, it isn't. But I suppose it's a good thing you aren't a guest, seeing as how you ventured over here uninvited."
"Oh c'mon, Light. We practically grew up together. I think I deserve to be treated a lot better than this."
"Don't call me 'Light'. That's a name reserved for friends only."
A mock-hurt expression colored Snow's features as he placed his hand over his heart. "Wait. . . so are you saying we aren't friends? Darn. . . ," he smirked at the look of irritation on Lightning's face. "All joking aside. Let me come in and see what you're up to. Can't complain about me not being involved if you're just gonna push me away."
"Fine," Lightning stepped aside, allowing the brutish blonde entry. "But don't touch anything. If you break it, you buy it with your blood."
"Yeah, yeah. I got it."
Lightning closed the door behind him, and immediately folded her arms across her chest. It was her default position whenever she was around someone who particularly upset her; someone like Snow. It was weird having him in her house. They'd lived next to each other for five years; they'd even gone to elementary school together, yet they were so distant. With her eyes still plastered to him, she locked the door and led the blonde to the kitchen.
Curious sky colored irises scanned the home, "Nice place you got here." Everything was remarkably clean. Not a spec of dust was present, and everything seemed to be neatly organized. It didn't surprise Snow that Lightning lived in such pristine conditions. The place was perfect. Just like her.
Looking forward, Snow was immediately entranced by the backs of long smooth legs. He also couldn't help but notice she had the shapeliest butt he'd ever seen. Reaching forward, he squinted his eyes a bit and squeezed the air in front of him. He pictured the feel of one of those round cheeks in the palm of his hand.
"Is there a problem with your eyes?"
Snow's head snapped up, "Huh?" He stared up at Lightning and she simply pointed. He craned his head and was able to see that there was a mirror situated off to the side. She'd seen everything. Snow rubbed the back of his head and grinned. "Couldn't help myself."
"Yeah, well try to. Try anything funny and it's your face and the floor." Spinning around she faced him. The way she looked at him indicated she was even more displeased than when he showed up unannounced.
'God, she's so fucking hot,' Snow thought to himself as his eyes scanned her physique. Lightning wore small jean shorts with frayed hems, and an oversized cream colored sweater. Below the neckline of her sweater was a thin white bow, and on her feet were pale pink socks. Her pink hair was swept over to one shoulder, and her bangs framed her face perfectly. There was even a small ribbon tied to the end of her hair to complete the look. 'Maybe I should help out with the project. Wouldn't mind seeing this every day. I can probably even talk little miss perfect into showing me her tits. She has a fucking awesome rack.'
"Are you going to sit, or stand there undressing me with your eyes? Perv."
"Meh, I guess I can do both," Snow took a seat at the table, and slid the bag of food her way.
Lightning took the bag and tossed it across the kitchen, letting it land perfectly in the trash bin. She ignored the frown on Snow's face and simply slid her notebook over to him. "These are just a few ideas."
Shaking his head slightly with a smirk firmly in place, he began to look over the notes in front of him. "These aren't bad. Not bad at all. Definitely 'A' material."
"And you thought they wouldn't be?" The book was taken away and she began to jot down even more stuff.
"Well, honestly I didn't expect anything less from the class president. You are the super amazing, intellectually superior Lightning Farron after all. Best of the best."
She glared at him. "Why are you here anyway?"
"Well, I initially was here to uphold my end of the bargain. You know, that you threw in the trash. But I dunno. I'm actually considering sticking this thing out. I think it'll be a pretty kick ass team, you and I."
"Oh, really?"
Snow nodded his head.
"For some reason I highly doubt that." She didn't make eye contact, instead she kept her vision glued to the paper in front of her. Scribbling away, she began to forget Snow was even in the room with her. That is until she felt a minor disturbance.
His hand was extended, and the back of his fingers stroked her cotton-candy colored locks gently. When she realized what was happening, she jumped up quickly, and stood to her feet. "What the hell are you doing?" she nearly yelled.
The offending hand was pulled back, and Snow rested his cheek against it. He placed his elbow atop the table, "Just admiring one of Etro's most beautiful creations."
Baffled blue hues blinked multiple times as the rigid female observed the giant blonde. "Are you high?"
"Slightly buzzed, but functioning."
"Keep your hands to yourself, Villiers! I mean it!"
"And what are you going to do if I don't? Kiss me?" Lightning glared, "I mean hit me! Yeah. . . hit me," he chuckled. "I don't mind if you do, y'know. I kinda like being hit in the face with a nice full set of tits."
Lightning's face turned the deepest shade of red imaginable. "Look! I don't have time for your bullshit. Either be productive, or get the hell out of my house!" she yelled.
His voice suddenly took on a deeper tone, "Oh, Farron. . . you're kinda sexy when you're mad," he smoothly stated. His gaze increased in intensity. Large hands met the flat surface of the table, and he pushed himself up from the chair. Cooly he approached her, fully noting the confused expression that greeted him. "Anyone ever tell you that?" He stood in front of her, looking down into her brilliant blues. He cupped her cheek in his large mitt and leaned forward.
XXX
Snow went flying out the front door, landing painfully on the sidewalk. The door was slammed loudly not long after. He released a sigh and smiled to himself, standing to his feet. The bruise forming around his eye was rubbed, "Oh well, at least I tried." Whistling a soft tune, he walked towards the right, heading over to his own home. Before entering the house, he looked towards the Farron residence. "Lightning Farron, you'll be riding my dick before you know it. Just you wait and see."
XXX
The air was pleasantly warm, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees littering the school campus. Wonderful weather; however, wasn't enough to remedy the scowling face of Lightning Farron. "That fucking ogre tried to kiss me! Can you believe that?" Vanille gasped, her lips rounding into an "O". Fang fell backwards on the grass, bursting into hysterics. Lightning glared at the raven haired girl clutching her stomach. "Yes, Fang. It's incredibly hilarious. Let's laugh some more."
"H-he. . . ," Fang tried to control herself, "actually bought you the food and expected you to take it?"
Vanille winced as she looked at her two friends. It looked like Lightning was two seconds away from murdering Fang. "I'm sure Snow isn't all bad. I mean sure you two haven't exactly been the best of friends growing up, but I'm pretty sure if you get to know him, you might end up liking him."
"'Isn't all bad'?" Lightning repeated in disbelief. She couldn't believe those words came out of Vanille's mouth. Her pale face reddened with anger as she cut into the meat in front of her. "The dumbass, smeared dog shit over my locker last year! Then, he and his friends got highly intoxicated, and Villiers vomited on my shoes right before my violin recital!"
"Oh!" Fang sat up, still chuckling a bit. "Don't forget the time he hocked a loogie and you were conveniently in the path as it smacked you in the face."
Lightning picked up a napkin and pressed it to her mouth. The contents of her meal were expelled from her mouth, and she neatly folded the napkin. "I really, really wanted to forget that. So, thank you, Fang. I wasn't hungry anyways." Pouting, she folded her arms. She'd been dying to eat that riceball all day, and right then she just didn't have the stomach for it. "Topic change. How about you and your partner, Vanille?"
"You mean Hope?" Vanille chuckled. "Things are going okay. He's a little shy though, so I'm working on breaking him out of his shell. Must be awfully intimidating being the youngest kid in school."
"Kid's some sort of genius, right?" Fang asked earning a nod from Vanille. "Looks like Light just may have some competition for this year's science fair."
"Won't be much of a competition with that delinquent dragging me down." Lightning didn't know what Raines was thinking. She was class president and was situated at the top of the student rankings. Even more so, she had a fantastic relationship with the faculty and was known for being a reliable student. What could she have done to deserve being tortured so? "But you're super lucky, Vanille. I mean really. Hope's a good kid. He has a bit of trouble in the realm of confidence, but he's definitely a hard worker."
A large shadow slowly crept over the three girls, and their chatter came to an abrupt halt. Vanille and Fang turned their heads and began chuckling. Lightning looked up to see what was funny and was greeted by the looming form of Snow Villiers. "'Sup, girls?"
"Nothing much," responded Fang.
Vanille giggled, "Just enjoying our lunch," she looked to a grumpy Lightning and smiled, "some of us anyways."
"Cool! Mind if I intrude?" Before he could receive an answer, Snow sat beside Lightning.
"Snow, what are you doing?"
The large teen tilted his head, "Joining some friends for lunch, what does it look like I'm doing?" Lightning wanted to tell the blonde that they were far from friends, but she refrained. It had to have been clear to Snow after all these years that she absolutely despised him. Then again, it couldn't have too apparent or else he wouldn't have parked himself right beside her. "So what you ladies talking about?"
"Just reminiscing," answered Vanille.
Fang grinned, "Oh and talking about this year's science fair." Fang chuckled as she saw Lightning look at her, no doubt planning all sorts of ways to murder the Pulsian girl. "Light tells me you two are partnered up."
"Oh, did she now?" Snow looked to the girl at his side who was doing her best to avoid eye contact. "It certainly seems that way. Must say I'm quite excited."
Lightning cut in harshly, "You excited about something scholastic? Please."
"What? I can't have an interest in science? It's one of my favorite subjects you know."
"Oh, really?"
Snow nodded, "Yeah. Take biology and chemistry for example. Nature provides us with autotrophs called marijuana plants, and a heterotroph such as myself, plucks it from the ground, grinds it up, rolls it, and smokes it. And as a result, I get totally fucked up. See? I love science."
"Uh. . . t-that's certainly an. . . uh. . . interesting way of putting it," Vanille replied.
Fang sniggered, "Looks like you have an enthusiastic partner on your hands, Light. I dunno, you two just may sweep the science fair after all."
"Nonsense!" Vanille exclaimed happily. "Hope and I are winning. Just you wait and see."
Snow's brow perked up, "You and the kid, huh?" He let loose a whistle, "I guess Lightning and me may just have some competition after all."
"That's what I said," Fang added, "But Sunshine here doesn't seem to think so."
"Yeah? I guess she's confident in our teamwork," Snow turned his head to Lightning and grinned.
"Yeah. . . confident we'll lose thanks to you," the agitated class president stated.
"Oh, Farron. Don't give up on me quite yet. We didn't even get started."
"If your poor attendance record and 'D'-average are of any indication, you gave up on yourself."
Snow laughed and shook his head, "Oh, Farron. You really are something, you know that? You're so cute when you're throwing insults at me."
Lightning stood to her feet, "You two enjoy the company of Mr. Villiers. I'm departing early."
She began walking and Snow called out to her, "Aww, Light! C'mon! Don't be that way!" The girl continued on her march towards the school building, and Snow simply shook his head. "What did I do?" he turned to Fang and Vanille.
Vanille answered with a chuckle, "Exist."
XXX
The sun was close to setting and Lightning walked the streets of Bodhum. She was heading home with her violin case clutched firmly in hand. Pink hair bounced as she walked.
"Heya, Lightning!" She turned her head to see an elderly man waving at her from his step.
"Hello, Mr. Lin! How are you today?" She responded with a smile in place. Lightning held the elderly in high regard. After all, she was enjoying the fruits of their labor. Or the Fal'Cie's technically, but that didn't matter.
"I'm doing absolutely fine. You just coming back from practice? I can't wait to hear you play sometime."
"Hm, I have a recital coming up in about a month. You're more than welcome to attend."
"Well, shucks! I'll be sure to." Lightning nodded and waved, earning a nod from the man.
She continued onward, her home was just a few blocks ahead. Various residents of her neighborhood acknowledged her, and she greeted them happily. Lightning was the child they all dreamed of having. She was exceptionally beautiful, highly intelligent, reliable, responsible, and participated in a multitude of activities. Not only did she have the respect of adults, but she had the admiration of her peers as well. If ever there was a role model for the youth, Lightning Farron was it.
Approaching her house, she quickly noticed something that didn't belong. Snow Villiers. He sat on her front steps, hunched over with his elbows resting on his thighs. To make matters worse, he was shirtless. Lightning could clearly make out the defined muscles of his arms and shoulders.
He looked up and saw her standing in the middle of her yard, observing him with complete disinterest. He smiled an award-winning smile, but that didn't seem to have any effect on the female before him. Sitting up, his defined chest and abdomen was revealed, and he waved.
Lightning increased the grip on her case. She was angry, incredibly angry, but Snow wouldn't be able to tell as her facial features alluded to her usual stoicism. As she approached, she was able to see sweat glistening on his skin.
"Hey, where were you? I've been waiting."
"I do have a life, Villiers."
"A life, huh? So is that what they call being a bitch these days?" He chuckled, but she was far from amused. If he didn't know what she was thinking or feeling before, her scowl certainly clued him in. "Don't get me wrong. You're the hottest girl I know, but you have the personality of a PMSing megistotherian. And well. . . that's not so hot. See where I'm going with this?"
Lightning didn't know how Snow always managed to ruin a gloriously perfect day, but it seemed to be the only talent he was in possession of. She stepped forward and began walking in Snow's direction. Thoughts of whacking the social failure with her instrument's case occurred to her, but she determined him to not be worth the potential damage that could be inflicted upon her precious violin. So she walked passed him. That's right, she ignored him, and that left Snow incredibly confused. He scratched his head before turning to observe her. He totally expected her to hit him or throw an insult his way, but nothing came.
His eyes went back to observing her shapely legs, as she unlocked her door and pushed it open. Standing to his feet, he followed after her. However, just before he made it through the doorway, she spun around swiftly, kicking him square in the chest. The blow was powerful, sending him careening through the air and landing roughly on his back. "Get the hell off my property, Villiers!" That door slammed shut.
Snow blinked a few times as he looked up at the sky, observing the city suspended overhead. "Holy shit. . ." Unbeknownst to Lightning, as she lifted her leg to kick him, Snow got the tiniest glimpse of panties he automatically deemed to be the whitest in existence. The front of his jeans swelled, and he immediately took off running for his house.
"Serah! I'm home!" Lightning called out. Moments later she was met with the sound of light footsteps descending the stairs. A girl very reminiscent to Lightning came into view, a bright smile on her face. It was evident by her short stature and round cheeks that she was younger.
"Sis!" The girl squeaked out happily.
"You finish all of your homework?" the elder sister asked as the two briefly embraced one another.
"Yuh-huh, got it done earlier today. How was practice?"
"It was pretty good. I have a recital coming up in a month." Lightning made her way towards the kitchen and noticed that there was a wrapped plate of food sitting on the counter. "Oh. . . you made dinner. . ."
"Yeah. I figured that since you're so busy and everything, that it was the least I could do," Serah explained.
Lightning was incredibly grateful. It was a bit much at times to go to school, handle the duties of class president, her various other activities, and come home to make dinner, too. "Thank you, Serah."
"Don't mention it. But I'm gonna head upstairs. I have a big test tomorrow and I need to finish studying for it."
Lightning nodded, "Okay. Don't stay up too late, and don't be afraid to take a break. Last thing you want is mental fatigue."
"I'll remember that," Serah spun on her heels and skipped up the stairs, leaving Lightning alone in the spotless kitchen. She walked over to the plate on the counter and carefully began to unwrap it. "Looks like Serah went all out." The food was slightly cold so she placed it in the microwave.
It was a few moments before it beeped, signaling her to remove the plate. Silently she ate at the kitchen table, being sure to wash her dishes immediately afterwards. There was homework to be done and of course a science fair project to work on, so she wasted no time heading upstairs to her bedroom. Pop music could be heard coming from Serah's room, and it brought a smile to the older Farron's face when she heard her sister singing along. Lightning much preferred classical, but anything that made Serah happy, made her happy.
Entering her room, she turned on the lamps positioned on either side of her queen sized bed. Her school blazer was shrugged off her narrow shoulders, but just as she was getting ready to place it on a hanger something caught something in her peripheral vision.
Looking out of her window, she managed to peer into Snow Villier's home. She gasped and clutched her jacket towards her chest, and her eyes widened. Lightning saw Snow laying down on his bed masturbating! To make matters even worse, he didn't even bother lowering his blinds, knowing fully well there was a chance Lightning would see him.
As much as it disgusted Lightning, she wasn't able to look away. Her cheeks felt warm, and she pressed her legs together tightly. Snow's eyes were closed, and his right hand was pumping up and down his thick erection at a moderate pace. Slowly his lids opened, and the two made eye contact. Startled, Lightning jumped after coming to the realization of what she'd been intensely staring at. Snow grinned at her, but didn't bother ceasing his self explorations. He placed his free hand behind his head and continued to pump away. Lightning quickly rushed towards the window and shut the blinds immediately.
With an abrupt turn, she placed her back against the wall, and felt her heart pulsing miles a minute. If she'd been thinking clearly, she would've pointed and laughed at him in an effort to embarrass him; that probably would've shrunk his enormous ego down to normal proportions. But it was too late for that. She reacted out of pure instinct and shock.
She should have been clawing her eyes out; she should have hung herself in her closet; she should have jumped head first out the window. But instead, there was an unfamiliar pulsing between her legs. And that's when it hit her. She was having a sexual reaction to Snow Villiers.
XXX
"You okay? You've been awfully quiet all day," Fang questioned out of concern.
"I'm. . . I'm fine. It's nothing."
"Doesn't look like 'nothing' to me," the taller girl pressed; her green eyes observed the gloomy face of her friend.
Lightning remained quiet, her eyes glued to the floor. How could she possibly tell Fang about what she saw? If she did, then the girl would probably ask Lightning how she felt about it. True, it was possible for her to lie, but something told the dazed girl she wouldn't be very convincing. And that could only lead to worse things. No doubt Fang would taunt and tease her until the end of time itself. Lightning was still trying to figure out her own thoughts and feelings regarding the subject; she didn't have time for Fang's crass jokes.
For the first time in history, Lightning just couldn't seem to get Snow off her mind. Whenever she closed her eyes, she saw him pleasuring himself and looking at her with those penetrating blue eyes, grinning. She imagined his rippling physique and his corn colored hair; the sound of his smooth deep voice. She'd never paid those details any attention before, and now they were all she thought about. "I don't want to talk about it."
Fang understood and gave a nod, "Well, I have to go meet up with Vanille. See you later?"
Lightning nodded, "Yeah, sure." She watched as Fang departed and sighed. If Fang noticed something was off, then there was definitely something wrong with her. The girl rarely had anything else on her mind besides sleeping, joking, and eating.
Closing her locker, the temperamental violist jumped as she saw her worse nightmare leaning against a set of lockers. He observed her predatorily, "Hey, Farron."
There was no response; she wasn't going to give him the dignity of one. Bending down, she grabbed her bag and began walking towards the library. Large arms suddenly wrapped themselves around her, and she felt herself being involuntarily pulled back against what seemed like a hard wall. She knew better than to mistake Snow Villiers for that; the wall was smarter.
"Did you enjoy the show? It was a special performance, just for you," he seductively spoke in her ear. She felt something hard pressing into her lower back, and as the seconds ticked by it seemed to get larger and larger.
Gasping, Lightning broke free of Snow's grasp and spun around quickly to face him. Sure enough, he was sporting a rather large erection that was tenting the front of his slacks. "Hands off!"
"So feisty. That's what I like about you, Farron. You never make it easy. Always making things more difficult for me, huh?" Snow placed his hand over his bulge and began to squeeze and knead it so that Lightning could perfectly see the outline of his massive girth.
"Wait. . . me make things more difficult for you? I could've sworn that was the other way around."
She tried to avoid glancing down at Snow's crotch, but she slipped, and he noticed. "It's cool though. I get it. It's more fun this way, and I must say I never shy away from a challenge."
"So this is all just one big game to you, huh?"
"Of course, babe. What else would it be?"
"A giant waste of time?"
Snow chuckled at the retort. "Oh, it's giant, alright. But it's only a waste of time if you don't give it the love and attention it needs." His erection was now sprawled down his pants' leg. "So what do you say, Farron? How's about you and me sneak on down to the basement, and you give me the best blow job to ever grace Cocoon?" Lightning was used to his vulgarity, but this time around she couldn't help but gasp; her face reddened. "Oh, c'mon, Light. They call you the North Bodhum Goddess, I'm sure that can't all possibly be due to your stunning looks, correct? Behind that perfect exterior the world sees, there has to be a horny little minx just waiting to be set free."
Lightning's mouth was slightly ajar as she stared at him, her face a mixture of emotions. Snow took one step forward, and she stood there unable to move. She felt his hand brush against her inner thigh, and he brought it up to his face.
"See? You know you want to. You're already wet for me," he said indicating the glistening fluids on his index and ring fingers. Lightning watched as he sucked the digits clean and let loose a deep groan. "Mmm, delicious. Just as I expected you to be."
Lightning turned her head away from the sight, unable to watch. She felt so incredibly ashamed to have let Snow Villiers of all people get so close to her.
"What do you say, my beautiful minx?" he then whispered, "let me release you." He placed both of his hands on her breasts, and something inside of her snapped. In one swift fluid motion, her knee rose up and made harsh contact with testicles.
The air seemed to have been knocked from Snow's lungs, and he doubled over as Lightning backed away. He tried to speak, but no words were produced. He lowered down to his knees and simply laid on his side, curling up.
"Take it like a man, Villiers," and with that, she walked off leaving the giant teen behind to gather himself.
XXX
Finally the weekend had arrived, and it provided Lightning a much needed break from her activities, and most especially Snow Villiers. Sure he was her neighbor, but avoiding him outside of school was easy enough.
"What do you think about this top?" Vanille asked as she exited the dressing room wearing a glittery cone brassiere.
Lightning blinked as she looked at her bubbly friend, "Are you serious, Vanille?"
"I guess that means you don't like it."
"You guessed correctly," came the honest reply, 'Jeez, no wonder half the school thinks she's easy.' "How about we try something a little more modest, like a camisole."
"Sure," agreed Vanille.
"And make sure it isn't one that's see-through, please. Remember what happened last time."
Vanille shuddered, "I'll never forget that."
Fang burst out laughing, "I'll never get over the look on your face when that guy offered you a job in porn."
"And I'll never get over the look on his face when he realized she was underage," Lightning added with her own chuckle. Poor oblivious Vanille. She was always doing something that made people think her to be more sexually explorative than she really was. It brought Lightning back to the time when they were in home economics; Vanille moaned and mewled as if she were in mid-coitus as she struggled to stir thick cake batter. The whole class was silent as they watched the redhead, and she had no idea why.
"So Lightning, how's the science project going?" Vanille's question earned her a groan in response. "Not too well I take it."
"I don't want to think about the science fair."
"Oh, but I thought you loved the science fair," Fang snickered.
"Once upon a time, perhaps that was the case. But these days I don't have much love for science in general," was Lightning's monotone response.
"And would a certain blonde have anything to do with that?"
"Blonde, what blonde?"
"Oh, don't play dumb with me, Ms. Farron. You know damn well what blonde I'm talking about. The tall oafish one that smells of petroleum jelly and sweat." Fang grinned at the leer she received. "Did I upset you? How's about I make it up to you with a McChoco's value meal?"
"Fang, I hate you," the statement only made the taller girl howl with laughter as she walked off to find a suitable top for Vanille.
Fang's teasing only brought up thoughts she was trying desperately to erase from her mind. Lightning understood exactly what Snow wanted from her, but what she didn't understand why? Throughout the years she'd punched, kicked, slapped, elbowed, and kneed him; but no matter how vicious her physical abuse, he always returned for more. Maybe Snow Villiers was touched in the head.
"Thinking about Snow?" Vanille asked, causing Lightning to snap out of her thoughts.
"Don't even."
"What? It's pretty obvious you know. Ever since this science fair project, you seem different."
Confusion set in on Lightning's face. "Different? Different how?"
A giggle escaped from Vanille, "Just different."
Lightning didn't know what Vanille was getting at, but it couldn't have been anything good. To be frank, she didn't want to know. "Whatever. Let's hurry up and get out of this store. I'm getting hungry."
"K," was the cheery response.
Vanille eventually made a purchase, and the trio of girls found themselves traversing the food court of the Central Bodhum Shopping Center. Various food stands greeted them, and Fang's stomach seemed to have grown ten times as large since Lightning last saw her as she was rambling on about ordering something from each establishment. Lightning wasn't really a fan of greasy processed foods; instead she had a taste for something a bit more fresh.
The three continued to walk, when a familiar head of golden locks caught Lightning's attention. "Oh fuck. . ." Vanille and Fang followed Lightning's gaze, and they saw Snow chatting up a girl who worked behind the counter of Ahriman King.
"What time do you get off? Maybe I can pick you up when your shift is over and you and I can get better acquainted."
The girl blushed visibly, "Today at 5," she answered.
"Okay then, 5 it is," Snow gave her a wink before leaving. As he turned, he saw the object of his lust. "If it isn't my favorite little science partner in the whole wide world. How's it going?"
"Perfectly fine until you made your presence known."
"You aren't still upset about that. . . incident in the hallway are you?" Vanille and Fang looked at each other, then back at Lightning and Snow. Snow noticed the look on the two girls' faces, "She didn't tell you?"
"Tell us, what?" Vanille inquired.
"Oh, just that she was totally w-."
"It's nothing important, Vanille. Just ignore him." Lightning was gnashing her teeth, her fists clenching.
"Wait a minute, now," Fang burst out, "I wanna hear this."
Snow shrugged. "Oh well, I guess it's nothing. Lightning doesn't wanna share, so I guess it'll be our little secret." He winked at the fuming girl, "Catch ya later, babe." With that he walked pass the girls, two of which turned to face a red Lightning.
"Is there something you aren't telling us?" Vanille asked a smile spreading across her lips.
"Yeah, what's up with the whole 'babe' thing?"
"It's just Snow being Snow. Don't think too much of it."
It was clear that Fang didn't quite believe her, "Yeah, right. Spill."
"It's nothing!" Lightning declared with exasperation. But was it nothing? Even she didn't believe that anymore.
XXX
Three loud knocks were delivered to the door, and Snow placed his hands in his pockets as he waited. He heard movement from within, and began to smile as he pictured the look on Lightning's face when she saw him standing there. Unfortunately for him, when the door opened, the one standing on the opposite side wasn't who he'd expected it to be. Instead, he was met with the smiling face of Serah.
"Hi, Snow!" She greeted sweetly.
"What's up, Little Farron. Uh. . . is your sis home?"
"Not at the moment, no. She had to stay after school today. Apparently they're planning some big dance."
"Oh, right. . . I forgot about that. The Spring Formal. Makes sense that she'd be. . . involved with that."
"Yeah," Serah said with a frown.
"Is something wrong?" Snow inquired, concern etched across his face.
Serah started to speak, but refrained. "I don't know if I should say."
"You can trust me. We're neighbors after all."
"I guess. . . ," it was clear to Snow that Serah was struggling on whether or not she should open up to him. "I mean. . . I don't know. I'm worried about Lightning."
Now Snow was even more concerned than before, "Why? Is something wrong with her?"
Serah sighed, "She's just so stressed out. She won't say it, but I can tell. She has to do so much. Gymnastics, fight club, violin recitals, she's head of the student council. . . I just don't know if she can handle it all."
"She does all that? Wow. . . I never would've guessed. That would explain why she's never around that much."
"Yeah, she pushes herself entirely too hard."
"It's a miracle she manages pull all that off. They don't call her the North Bodhum Goddess for nothing."
Serah smiled, "They really call her that?"
Snow nodded.
"That's so cool that people think of her that way."
"Yeah, she's pretty popular. The whole school practically fawns over her, like she's their idol or something. And I guess in a way she kind of is."
"So, then what do they call you, Snow?"
The blonde simply started laughing, "That's a conversation for a later date." Serah looked confused. "Hey, do you mind if I wait here for her? They lock up the school in about an hour, so she shouldn't be away too much longer. I'd really like to work on this science fair project a bit, but stubborn Lightning thought it'd be best if she held onto all the materials."
"Oooh! You're helping her with the science fair this year?" Serah stepped aside allowing Snow entry.
He entered, "Yeah. I know normally she's a one-woman show and all that, but our science teacher made participation mandatory this year and assigned us together."
"Well, her room is up the stairs, down the hall to your left," Serah informed. Snow wouldn't have any trouble finding the room. He didn't know if Serah was aware his and Lightning's bedroom windows faced each other. "I was actually on my way out before you came. Do you mind telling Lightning that I'll be over at Alyssa's when she gets home?"
"Alyssa's. Sure thing."
Serah headed out of the door, "Thanks, Snow."
"Yeah, don't mention it." He closed the door behind Serah and locked it. He couldn't believe he was in the Farron residence all by his lonesome. He didn't have to sneak in or anything. Not that he would. He couldn't possibly violate the trust of his favorite neighbor in such a manner, but that wouldn't stop him from snooping around her panty drawer. "Just what exactly does the class president like to sleep in at night," he said to himself as he walked up the stairs.
He entered her room and wasn't surprised to see it immaculately clean. What did surprise him however, was the wall of plaques, trophies, ribbons, medals, and various other awards. They were shiny and well taken care of, a sign that Lightning Farron certainly did take pride in her accomplishments. She really was perfect. It amazed him how she never once gloated.
Awards aside, as Snow browsed the room, he couldn't help but get a sense of dread and emptiness. The room itself was absolved of any and all personality. There wasn't a single poster on the wall or an ounce of color. There was almost a sort of sterile feel to the environment. 'Well, maybe this is a sign of her personality. I mean it wouldn't be a lie to say that she's as dry and dull as the four white walls surrounding me right now.' Snow shook his head and smiled. That wasn't true. Lightning Farron was anything but dull, their encounters were proof enough of that. It was one of the reasons he loved getting a reaction out of her. 'Maybe this room is a sign of not what she happens to be, but rather what she wants to be.' Perfect.
XXX
Lightning unlocked the door and stepped through with a relieved sigh. Finally she was home, and that meant she was able to get some much needed rest. She wouldn't be able to rest long of course, but a short little nap could only do her some good. "Serah! I'm home!" she called out as usual.
Heading up the stairs, she wasted no time heading towards her room. The door was open, just as she'd always left it. Standing in the hallway, she was able to see out of her window and all the way inside of Snow's room; his bed was in direct view. He wasn't home from the looks of things and the obvious lack of noise. Her mind instantly replayed the image of him lying half naked in bed stroking himself. Just as quickly as the image formed, she dismissed it. Snow annoyed her while he was actually present, now he was doing it without even being there.
Stepping further into her room, she turned her head to the left and gasped at what she saw.
"Hey, babe. What took you so long?" It was Snow! More specifically it was a naked Snow lying in her bed, her bed sheets hiding the lower half of his body.
"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING IN MY HOUSE!"
"Shh, calm down. I was just waiting for you."
"H-how? Why?" Lightning didn't even know where to begin. All she knew was that her fist desperately wanted to kiss his nose. "How did you get in here?"
"Little Farron let me in. I came looking for you."
"SERAH!" Lightning yelled out totally irritated.
"Don't bother. She can't hear you," he menacingly stated.
"What did you do to Serah!" Lightning stepped forward, death twinkling in her eyes.
"Calm down, will ya? I didn't do anything. I was just messin'. Jeez, Lightning. What kind of person do you take me for?"
"The disgusting kind."
"Aww, Lightning," he mocked, "That's such a thoughtful thing for you to say. Thanks."
"Cut the bullshit! Where's my sister?"
"Take it easy, babe. She told me to tell you she was heading over to Alyssa's for a bit." He watched as Lightning visibly calmed. "Why don't you come on over and sit on Daddy's lap, and tell him all about your day."
"Fuck you. Get your crusty ass out of my bed!"
"Um, maybe after I take a nap. I'm quite beat, and from the look on your face, I'd say you are too. Let's rest up a bit, and then get started on our science fair project. What do you say?"
"I say eat mule shit and die," she folded her arms across her chest.
"Light. . ."
"Don't call me that!"
"So I can call you 'babe', but I can't call you 'Light'? What sort of sense does that make?"
Lightning simply blinked. The bastard had actually caught her there. To make matters worse, she hadn't realized she'd been permitting his use of the nickname the entire time.
"Cock got your tongue?" She glared at him, "Cat! Cat! I meant cat. . . yeah," he chuckled.
"Stop it! Just stop it! Please!" Snow stopped laughing. "I just want to get some rest! I'm not in the mood to deal with your crap today, alright?" She let out a scream of frustration, her fingernails digging into the palms of her hands. "Just please, stop. . ."
Snow frowned, all amusement leaving his body. That had to have been the most defeated he'd heard her sound. Actually, that had to have been the first time he'd heard her sound defeated. The earlier conversation with Serah came back to him, and he remembered the younger girl expressing her concern in regards to Lightning. "I'm sorry," he stated. She was stressed out with juggling a multitude of assignments and activities, and here he was being an asshole making matters even worse. "I didn't mean to upset you. . ."
"WELL YOU DID!" She snapped. "Just. . . ," her voice was softer and barely audible. Her head lowered as she gazed at the floor, "Snow, get out of my house."
Snow didn't say anything. Instead he threw the covers off and stood up, revealing all of his manly glory to the pink-haired beauty. She blushed slightly and turned her head away. Normally he would've made a sexual comment, but from the looks of things, it wasn't the time. He dressed himself in silence before heading for the door. "See you at school tomorrow." A response never came, and he pressed onward.
Lightning heard his heavy footsteps as he descended the stairs, and the front door close as he made his exit. Walking towards her bed, she flopped forward and closed her eyes.
XXX
Two weeks passed since the incident in Lightning's bedroom, and she found herself quietly traversing the halls. The school day had yet to officially begin, and students were milling about and chattering before classes began.
"Light!" She looked up to see the smiling faces of Fang and Vanille approaching. "What's wrong? You haven't been okay for quite some time now?" a concerned Vanille asked.
"I'm okay. I just have a lot on my mind lately." Though it was the truth, it was one of the biggest understatements of the year.
"You're not usually a bouncing ball of perky, but this is sad even for you," Fang chimed in.
"Hey, Lightning," the sound of that familiar deep voice caused the three girls to stop. They looked up at Snow Villiers, who was for once missing his goofy grin. It was the first time they saw the young man look serious about anything. It had been two weeks since Lightning had the displeasure of being annoyed by him, and she wasn't ready to begin the routine anew.
"What do you want, Villiers?" her reply didn't mask her irritation.
"I. . . I just wanted to apologize for the incident two weeks ago."
Fang and Vanille's ears perked up. This was the first time they were hearing about any incident. "Incident? What incident?" Fang asked.
"It's. . . uh. . . ," Snow rubbed the back of his head and gave a nervous smile. "Lightning, just know that I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean to upset you."
While her two friends may have been intrigued about this newly discovered incident, Lightning was intrigued by the fact that Snow was actually apologizing to her. She didn't think the promiscuous teen capable of such levels of maturity. She kept quiet as the blonde continued to speak.
"I know I've been a real asshole as of late. But uh, if you want we can work on our project later today. I know you've probably been busy with it, but I really want to help you out with it. I haven't been doing a good job at being reliable, and I want to fix that. Maybe take a little of the load off your shoulders a bit?"
Lightning considered denying his offer of assistance, but he seemed sincere enough. "Fine. Today at seven. Don't be late."
"Gotcha. Don't you worry, I wont let you down. You'll see."
Lightning rolled her eyes, "Whatever." Snow smiled at her and gave a nod to Fang and Vanille before jogging off.
"What was that about?" Fang finally asked. "Blondie certainly did a complete one-eighty."
Vanille looked at Lightning and tilted her head, "Well, whatever it is he did, he certainly seemed to be awfully sorry about it. What was it that he did anyways?"
"He managed to weasel his way into my house before I got home, and was waiting in bed for me . . . naked."
Fang's eyes looked like they were going to pop out of her head. "Say what!"
"How did he even get in?" a shocked Vanille asked.
"Serah. He managed to talk her into letting him in. And being that Serah didn't know any better, she went along with it."
"So how big is his wang?" Fang let out.
Vanille's jaw dropped at their friend's sudden outburst, and Lightning groaned before walking off.
XXX
The doorbell rung, and Lightning sat her pen down. She padded over to answer, "Just one sec." She opened it to see Snow standing there.
"Hey," he greeted with a smile. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Lightning hadn't realized her face betrayed her. "I'm just shocked you're here. . . thirty minutes early."
"Yeah, about that. . . I figured the earlier the better. Thirty minutes wouldn't make too much of a difference after all, right?"
"Right. . . ," she stepped aside allowing him entry. "Have a seat, but please avoid flopping down on the furniture." Snow was a massive boy, and she didn't know if her sofa would be able to withstand such trauma.
Snow noticed a variety of papers and notebooks spread across the coffee table. He walked over to the sofa and slowly sat. He looked towards Lightning and smiled, letting her know that he was able to have a seat without flopping. "What are you working on?"
"The history report."
"Uh. . . there's a history report?" Snow asked.
Lightning simply rolled her eyes. His answer didn't come as a shock. "Maybe if you'd show up for class sometime, you would've known that." Rather than sit beside him on the couch, she sat down on the floor in front of the table. Picking up her pen, she began writing.
"And maybe if you learned to not take life so seriously and skip every once in a while, you wouldn't be so wound up."
"Well, forgive me for wanting a future that doesn't include scrubbing toilets and working the McChoco's drive-thru."
Snow chuckled, "That's where you see me working?"
"You can barely pass a reading test, let alone a drug test. So, no. I do not see you working there. Even fast-food has standards."
"Jeez, I get caught with a little stem on me, and all of sudden I'm the poster child for teen drug abuse. I'm a little offended."
"Why? You're responsible for your reputation, and you seem rather proud of it."
"That was sarcasm, Sergeant Serious. Reputation was never important to me. Think me a failure, a pervert, even an asshole. Makes me no difference."
"So what you're saying, is that you don't care what anyone thinks of you?"
"Pretty much," he affirmed.
"If you say so," disbelief was evident in Lightning's voice.
"You don't believe me?" Snow turned his head to observe her.
Lightning kept scribbling in her notebook. "No, I don't." She could feel Snow's eyes on her. "If you didn't care so much, you wouldn't care to live up to your reputation. Even if it is negative."
"I'm just being me, and I guess being me is what most would consider 'bad'," he gave a low laugh, "what about you? You seem awfully concerned with reputation."
"Is there something wrong with that?"
"No, I guess not. As long as it makes you happy living up to the expectations of others, I say go for it. But me? I'll stick to living up to my own standards."
"And how low those must be."
"You just love throwing in a jab at me whenever you get the chance, don't you?"
"Well, you do make it easy."
"Well, I'm thinking you might just have a thing for me."
Lightning's pen fell from her fingertips, "What was that?"
"You heard me, sir," Lightning glared, "I think you have the hots for me."
"Says the guy who tried to seduce me in the hallway, tried to kiss me in the kitchen, and was waiting naked in my bedroom for me. Yeah, I really like you, Snow. That's why I turned you down each and every time."
"Don't forget about my little tribute to you in the window that day."
Lightning wanted to stab him in the dick with her pen, but she refrained. "I'd rather not think about that actually."
"You know Farron, I won't lie. I'm incredibly attracted to you."
"So you do like me?"
"Wait just a minute. I never said I liked you, I just said I'm attracted to you."
"And the difference is. . . ?"
"The difference being I think you're a cunt and that I just wanna fuck." Snow noticed a change in Lightning's face. She looked almost sad and Snow immediately began to feel guilty. He was suppose to be making things easier for her, not making her upset. "Shit, Lightning. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."
There was silence in the room. A single tear slowly slid down her cheek.
Snow's eyes widened in shock. It was the first time he'd ever seen Lightning cry, especially because of something he'd said. He didn't think she was always emotionally fragile, but something told him her stress played a large part in lowering her emotional fortitude. He really began to feel bad then. Seeing a girl cry usually didn't elicit a response from his conscience, but with Lightning it was different somehow.
He lowered himself to the floor beside her, and reached forward wiping the saline liquid from her face. She sharply turned her head away from him. A head turn however wasn't enough to stop him; instead he wrapped his arms around her and simply held her. "W-what are you doing?"
"Trying to show you how sorry I am. I don't want you to think I'm a total jerk."
"Thought you didn't care about what others thought of you."
"Yeah, well. . . guess I lied."
XXX
A puff of smoke was blown from Snow's mouth as he sat in wait. He and Lightning had agreed to meet up every day at 7 to work on their science project. He tapped off the ashes of his cigarette and observed some of the neighbors as they walked along the street and pulled their vehicles into their driveways. It wasn't until he turned his head to the left, that he saw his science fair partner approaching from down the street.
As she got closer he frowned. There were dark circles under her eyes, and her once vibrant colored hair seemed incredibly dull. "Surprised to see you of all people late for something. If I didn't know any better, I'd say I was starting to rub off on you." It was a joke; one that she didn't seem to appreciate as she walked up the front steps passing him.
He put out the remainder of his cigarette and flicked it away before rising to his feet. "Snow, please. I don't want cigarette butts in my yard."
Snow stood to his feet and went to go retrieve the object. Picking it up, he simply flicked it over to his own yard before following after Lightning. He entered her home to see her already sitting down on the sofa and closed the door behind himself. "Farron, you don't look so hot. You okay?"
It was a moment before Snow received a response. Lightning simply began taking papers out of her bag and set them on the coffee table. "I'm fine."
"You don't look so fine to me. Have you seen yourself lately?"
"Snow, if you're just going to annoy me, you can go home."
Snow frowned, "Wasn't trying to crack jokes or anything. Just saying you don't look too well."
"I'm really tired. That's it. Subject change, please."
Quietly Snow walked over to the sofa and took a seat beside her. "I know you don't want to hear this, but don't you think you're pushing yourself a little too hard?" Lightning didn't say anything, so Snow continued. "You do so much. Don't you ever take a break?"
"I already told you I'm fine. I don't need your concern. I can take care of myself."
"Then why aren't you?"
Lightning stopped searching through the papers.
"Lightning, I don't get you. Why do you try so hard to be perfect?"
She snapped, "Because I have to be!"
Snow tilted his head, "You have to be, or do you want to be? Or are your parents forcing you?"
"My parents are dead Snow," she dully replied.
Her statement came as a shock to him. Initially, he didn't know if she was fooling around, but Lightning didn't seem the type to joke about stuff like that. And when he thought about it, he never saw any adults around the place. "I. . . I'm sorry. I didn't mean t–."
"It's alright. You didn't know."
Lightning wasn't looking at him, instead she focused on the papers on the table. Snow silently stared at her solemn profile. "So then why?"
The papers were set down and Lightning sighed. "To take care of Serah. I can't just tell her what to do and expect her to listen. I have to set an example. I'm the only one left who can raise her, and I don't want her to go down the wrong path."
Everything finally began to make sense. For the first time ever, Snow could finally say he understood Lightning's behaviors. He always thought her to merely be a pretentious bitch, but it was clear now that she was just trying to be an excellent role model for her younger sister; to give her the guidance that she herself didn't have. "Well, whatever you're doing it's working."
Lightning turned her head to look at him.
"It's just that your sister seems to think really highly of you."
She didn't respond.
"But she's worried about you, too."
"She is?"
Snow nodded, "So take it easy. Just a tad."
"Serah told you this?"
"Mhmm. That day you found me in your bed. Before she left, she told me about all the stuff you do."
The wheels began to turn in Lightning's head. Snow's modified behavior began to become a bit more understandable. He was genuinely worried about her, and didn't want to add to her stress.
"Man. . . ," he chuckled a bit and ran his hand through his hair.
"What?" questioned Lightning.
"It's just that. . . we've known each other all these years, and I never would've guessed how similar we had it."
Confusion. Lightning didn't understand what he was getting at. "Excuse me?"
"My parents are dead, too."
This was relatively new information to Lightning, but when she thought about it, she too didn't see any adults at his place. " How'd you manage to buy the house next door?" It wasn't like Snow had always lived there.
"The house is my uncle's place. Or at least it was. When my parents died five years ago, he let me move in."
Lightning remembered the man who use to live next door. Upon closer inspection, Snow did look like him in some aspects, and she hadn't seen the man in quite some time.
"But he died not long after, and left the house to me. It was already paid for so all I had to do was take care of the utilities."
"And just how exactly were you able to do that?"
"With a job, duh," Snow laughed at her and shook his head.
"You with a job?"
"Does that surprise you?"
"Yes, actually. It does." Lightning never thought Snow the type of person to actually work.
"I work down at a repair shop. A man named Sazh Katzroy owns the place. He was a friend of my uncle's, so he gave me a job knowing that it would help me out."
"So. . . ," Lightning began, "When you never show up to school, it's because you're at work?"
"Pretty much."
All this time, Lightning had always thought Snow was off doing drugs, or wasting his life away with endless sex, and other random bouts of delinquency. A part of her actually began to feel bad for prejudging Snow. Then again, his behavior did give her a legitimate reason to hate him. "So those rumors about you doing drugs, getting into fights, and. . ."
"Don't me wrong, all that stuff is true. It's a bit exaggerated, but I can own up to it. I mean, you know first hand how much of fucking asshole I can be." He laughed and surprisingly enough, Lightning laughed herself.
"What I don't get is why you decided to show up for class recently."
"Well, that day we were partnered up, I had the day off. I just slept in so I was late. I didn't intend to actually go through with this whole project bullshit. But I dunno, you made me reconsider."
Snow watched as Lightning tilted her head, "I made you reconsider?"
"That you did. I mean you're totally hot," he saw Lightning roll her eyes, "and you're pretty interesting, too." Snow was beginning to surprise himself with his words. He couldn't believe he and Lightning Fucking Farron were actually sitting in her living room having an actual conversation. Though he was sexually attracted to her, he disliked her just as much as she disliked him. Instead of yell at and punch her, like she enjoyed doing to him, he preferred to annoy and prank her as he'd been accustomed to doing for years.
"Interesting, how?"
"I mean you're this ultra hot, introverted, mysterious girl who doesn't take shit from anyone," most especially his shit. She never returned his sexual propositions, despite his lewd advances. "I'll admit, I didn't think of this partnership with the noblest of intentions. Like I told you before, I just wanted to fuck." Wait. Wanted? He still did, but that wasn't all that seemed to matter anymore.
"So what you're saying is that, the only reason why you've been showing up to school was just to try to get in my pants?"
He had to laugh at that. "Would you hate me if it was true?"
"I already do hate you."
"Yeah. . . right. You do, huh," he grinned at her. "That's not so much the case anymore though. I really want to help you with this."
"But why?"
"Look at a mirror sometimes, Farron. You need all the help you can get. Trust me."
Lightning glared at him.
Snow reached forward and started going through some of the papers with her. "So, how do you manage to keep this place afloat?" If she didn't have parents, there had to have been someone helping her out.
"Whatever I can. I sew, so I do alterations for people. I sell baked goods, play my violin on the streets, and of course I have summer jobs."
"Woah, Farron. I'm impressed. I didn't think you were such a hustler." Then again, before that day there weren't a lot of things he bothered to think about in regards to the female beside him.
"But enough chatting, can we get to work, please?"
"Yeah, sure."
XXX
A wide-eyed Vanille stood beside an equally shocked Fang whose mouth was gaping. "Is it me or are those two actually getting along?" the redhead asked.
"You see it, too, huh?" Fang responded. The pair watched as Lightning and Snow sat across from one another at one of the outdoor tables. A smile spread across Lightning's lips as Snow dramatically splayed his arms wide whilst practically shouting. This caused Lightning to chuckle softly as she shook her head.
"It was fucking awesome! I really wish you could've been there to see it!" Snow exclaimed.
Lightning softly responded, "I don't. It's not exactly my scene."
"Perhaps. But the look on your face would've been priceless."
Vanille and Fang cautiously approached the pair, Vanille being the first to speak up, "H-hey, guys. . . what's going on?"
Snow and Lightning simultaneously turned to the girls, "Hey," the greeted in unison.
"Alright, just what the hell is going on here?" Fang shouted. She pointed an accusatory finger at Snow, "Did you convince Ms. Perfect to get high!"
An appalled look formed on Snow's face, "What? No! Of course not!"
"Then you drugged her!" Fang swiped Lightning's water bottle from off the table, twisted off the cap, and began to guzzle it down.
"Fang!" Vanille squeaked out in shock.
"Uh. . . if you're accusing me of drugging her, then why exactly are you chugging that down?" Snow watched as Fang's eyes suddenly widened. She spit the contents out onto the grass.
"Will you two calm down, please?" Lightning spoke up, "It isn't like that at all. Snow and I are just simply talking."
"Simply talking? Simply talking!" Fang began, prompting Snow to warily look over towards Lightning.
"Is she okay?" the blonde asked quickly becoming freaked out.
"Since when did you and the man whore start simply talking? There's something you aren't telling us and we wanna know!" Fang sat at the table and suspiciously observed the two blue-eyed teens. "Vanille, sit." The perky redhead did as she was told, sitting beside the eccentric girl.
"I'm starting to think that maybe you're the one who's drugged," Lightning stated.
"Listen, I can assure you two that I didn't drug her or convince her to do drugs. We're just enjoying each other's company before the bell rings. That's it. I swear." Snow looked to Lighting for a bit of assistance; however, he didn't receive it. Instead he caught the blush haired girl trying to conceal her amusement by slowly sliding her hand in front of her mouth.
"That it?" Fang asked once more, earning a nod from Snow. "Well, I've got my eye on you, Blondie. And don't you think for one second I'm letting you out of my sight. Let's go, Vanille." Fang pushed herself up from the table and began to walk off. While her back was turned, Snow wasted no time throwing up his middle finger.
"Sorry about that," Vanille said rising, "Fang can be a little hyperactive at times."
"Vanille!"
Startled, the redhead jumped slightly. "Ciao!" She gave the sitting pair a small wave before running after Fang.
"That was. . . weird," Snow began.
"Well, that's Fang for you," Lightning commented with a smile.
"LIGHTNING! LIGHTNING!" Hearing her name called with such urgency, she turned to see a short girl with long brown hair running towards her. She appeared distressed as worry took residence in her eyes. "That gang of boys is picking on Hope again!"
That was all the class president needed to hear. In an instant, she was on her feet. "Lead the way." The girl took off and Lightning followed. Not wanting to feel left out of the action, Snow rose to his feet and pursued.
They jogged halfway across campus before they eventually saw Hope being pushed up against a tree, five boys on either side of him. Tears were welling up in the younger kid's eyes. He jumped slightly as a boy slapped his books from his hands. One yanked him forward by the collar and ripped his backpack off him. "Toughen up, you little bitch." The contents of his bag were released all over the ground, and they began stepping on various papers. Pencils and pens were snapped by their feet.
One kid lifted his hand up in preparation to strike, but just before the blow could land it was immediately captured in Lightning's strong grasp. She twisted his wrist and sharply placed his arm behind his back. "AAAH! SHIT! LET GO OF ME!"
The boy's friends began to move in, before a large fist suddenly collided with the face of one. Another was effortlessly swooped up by his collar and tossed aside like a helpless kitten. There was no way in hell Snow was just going to stand by while some jerk-offs tried to attack Lightning, even if the campus didn't consider him to be much different from them. Snow may have been an asshole, he may have been a fighter, and he may even have been a drug user, but one thing he was not was a man who picked on the helpless, especially if they were younger kids.
Lightning's leg swung around to kick another teen across the face, knocking him harshly to the ground. The teen currently in her grasp was backhanded violently and then pushed backwards until he, too, fell. "Come near him again and I'm castrating all of you."
The boys began groaned and clutched at their bruises as they slowly retreated. "Hey! Toughen up, you fucking pansies!" Snow yelled after them. He turned to face the crying kid and placed his hand on his shoulder, "You okay, kid?" The boy nodded.
Lightning stepped closer to and visually scanned him. "Hope, did they hurt you at all?" He shook his head, "Good. I'm glad you're alright."
"Looks like we got here just in time," Snow added.
"Yeah," Lightning bent down and began picking up Hope's belongings, and Snow assisted. Everything was placed neatly in his bag, which Lightning handed over to him; Snow gave him his books.
"Thanks Light," he regarded the blonde, "Snow."
"Yeah, no problem. Whenever you're in trouble, don't hesitate to look for me. Trust me, I'm not hard to miss," Snow joked.
"Tell me about it," Lightning stood to her feet. "Snow, I'm going to walk him to his class. See you later?"
"Yeah, sure." He watched as Lightning and Hope took off. 'She's so. . . caring. Never would've figured that,' Snow thought to himself. He wasn't able to take his eyes off Lightning, and he immediately began picturing her face, especially those rare times she smiled; he had to be quick in order to catch a glimpse of those. The thought itself forced his own smile to appear. Suddenly his eyes widened. He couldn't possibly be falling for Lightning Farron, could he?
XXX
Three weeks had gone by, and Lightning sat in front of her room's vanity preparing herself for bed. She wore a long-sleeved turquoise nightgown that hung down to the middle of her thighs, and nothing more except thin white ankle socks decorating her feet. She'd just finished putting her long pink hair into a single braid, which rested upon her left shoulder, bangs and tresses framing her face.
Getting up, she went over towards her lamp, but stopped as she stared out of her window. She didn't see Snow present, that is until he stepped into view wearing nothing more than a pair of navy blue boxer briefs. She could see his powerful upper body and a blush immediately colored her cheeks. Turning her head, she tried to gather herself.
Lightning didn't know why she looked at Snow in such a manner, but whenever she saw him in such a state, it was hard to turn her eyes away. Slowly she turned her head in his direction, and saw him looking back at her. She jumped slightly, and saw a grin form on his face. He gave a small wave, and she returned the gesture. Her blinds were closed immediately after that.
With her heart racing, she turned the lamp off and glided over to her bed. Pulling back the covers, she crawled inside and turned off the remaining light. 'Why can't I stop thinking about him?' she thought to herself as she stared up at the ceiling. The dark surroundings allowed her imagination to run wild, and she began to picture what his lips would have felt like upon hers that day in the kitchen.
Blue eyes widened. 'Why the hell am I thinking about that? I mean it's Villiers! Of all the people on the planet, he has to be the one I fantasize about?' And that's when it really hit her. 'Oh no. . . I can't possibly be falling in love with that dumbass.'
XXX
The final note was released from her instrument, and the audience stood to their feet. Loud applause filled the concert hall, and she took a bow smiling brightly. Her hair was pulled back into a slick bun, a few curled tresses hanging from the sides of her face. She wore a form fitting black dress that clung to every developed curve of her body, and a basic pair of open-toed heels. Around her neck sat her lightning bolt necklace, and glittering earrings dangled from her ears.
A loud-whistle pierced the noise, and she immediately shifted her eyes to the back row on the right. She couldn't believe it. Standing tall was a cheering Snow Villiers with Serah at his side.
"AWESOME! WAY TO GO, LIGHT!" Even from that distance she was able to hear him loud and clear.
Giving a final bow, she left the stage. She darted pass other instrumentalists and went over towards the water fountain, briefly taking a much needed drink.
"There she is!" she heard Serah happily exclaim as she ran over to her. Lightning turned and the two embraced. "Good job, sis!"
"Thanks." Lightning's eyes zeroed in on Snow. He was wearing loose hanging black khakis, a white half done button-up which was messily tucked in, and a black fleece blazer. Of course, his hair was still in its usual mess. "What are you doing here?"
"You didn't think I'd miss your big recital, did you? Serah told me about it, so I cleared out a little time from my busy schedule, just for you. I even got dressed up and everything."
"I see that. . . ," Lightning was still shocked that he came and even made an attempt to look presentable. All for her like he'd said.
"You were fucking badass out there! I had no idea you were that good."
"Thanks, Snow," she blushed. "It. . . means a lot that you came."
"Lightning!" The three looked over to see her instructor waving her over.
"Uh. . . be right back."
Serah smiled, "Okay."
Snow's eyes followed Lightning's rear. 'Black suits her perfectly,' he thought as he observed her modelesque physique. 'And that smile. . . so damn beautiful. Wish she showed it off more often.'
Serah looked up at Snow and then followed his gaze, then looked back at him, and then it clicked. "Oh my gosh! You like her!"
The sudden accusation caused Snow to snap out of his daze. "Do not!" he said.
"You do so! I can tell!" Serah squealed in excitement. "Are you going to tell her?"
There was no point in hiding it. Serah was smart just like her sister. "Well, I guess the jig is up. You got me. But no, I'm not going to tell her."
"Huh?" Serah hadn't been expecting that answer, but that didn't stop her excitement. "I think you should definitely tell her, Snow!"
"Nah. There's no point."
"Never know unless you try. You should tell Lightning tonight."
"Tell me what?"
Snow stiffened and looked up to see those electric blue eyes observing him. Her gaze was so intense. Usually he never found Lightning to be intimidating, but now he saw why others did. He observed how the straps of her black dress perfectly accentuated her narrow shoulders and, of course, the small hint of visible cleavage. Snow cleared his throat, "I was thinking of treating you and Little Farron to some ice cream. Think of it as my way of saying 'awesome job, tonight.'"
Lightning folded her arms under her breasts, her hands cupping her elbows. Given that her arms weren't higher up and she wasn't scowling at him, Snow took that to mean she wasn't angry. He didn't know if she realized it or not, but the action seemed to have pushed her cleavage closer together.
Lightning was looking away from, and he couldn't help but notice her face was a slight pink. Then that's when he realized it. Perhaps he wasn't the only one crushing. "Sure. Ice cream sounds good."
"Awesome!"
"Just let me go get my things," with that she walked off.
"Maybe next time, Snow," Serah stated.
He continued to watch Lightning maneuver through the crowd. "Yeah. Next time."
XXX
"Think I'm done with this one," Snow slid from underneath a car and stood to his feet.
"Cool. Why don't you take a break? You've been working hard all day," the darker man stated, a wrench sticking out of his afro.
"Sure thing, Sazh." Snow grabbed a towel from off a tool-laden table, and wiped at the oil and grease extending up to his elbows. He wore a black tank top with a flaming red skull imprinted on the front, black cargo pants, and construction boots. A dark bandana hid the top portion of his head, and sweat dripped from his body. "Man oh man, it's hot today."
"Tell me about it. I wonder what the Fal'Cie were thinking this morning," the older man stated.
Throwing the towel aside, Snow stepped out into the sunlight and took a seat on a stone ledge outside of the garage. He pulled his tank top up from over his head and used it wipe the sweat from his brow, neck, and face. "Wonder what I was thinking wearing all black today."
He hunched over and looked down at the ground, focusing on tiny ants that marched along the concrete. Snow had no idea how the little critters did it. The ground had to have been baking. 'And to think they don't have shoes. . . or do they? Maybe they're just so small I can't see them.'
"Snow?"
The blonde recognize that voice, it could only be one person. Lifting his head, an excited grin spread across his face. "Lightning?" Her pink locks were dark with sweat, and clung to her forehead and the sides of her face. Today her school blazer was absent, and her blouse practically clung to her skin. Snow was able to see a pink bra beneath the white material. "What are you doing out of school so early?"
"No activities after school today. What are you doing here?"
"I work here," he pointed a thumb behind him, "This is Katzroy's, the repair shop I work at."
"I see. . ."
"Yeah. . ."
The two stood in comfortable silence; not saying much of anything. Lightning noticed Snow's glistening bare upper body and turned her head away, prompting the young mechanic to tilt his own. A mischievous thought suddenly occurred to him, and he tried his best not to laugh.
"Yup. . . ," he reached his hands up towards the sky, stretching out before lowering them. "Whew! It's hot out here!" Snow uncapped his bottle of water and dumped the contents over his head. Water cascaded down his skin and dripped from the ends of his hair. "That feels so much better." He watched as Lightning became increasingly more flustered, and smiled at her. 'So, I was right. She does like me. Physically at least. But how am I going to figure out if she feels the same way I do?'
Lightning couldn't help but notice the extra glisten his skin thanks to his little gesture. "Um. . . well, I suppose I'll be going home now." She began to walk off.
Snow called out to her, "Wait!" She halted and turned to observe him, awaiting an explanation. "There's something I need to tell you."
"There is?" She was curious now.
"Yeah. There is." Lightning stared at him, but Snow didn't say anything else. He needed a moment to gather his thoughts so he could carefully choose his words. "Well, it's just that. . . Since this whole science fair nonsense, you and I have been hanging out quite a bit lately. And in that time I feel like I've gotten to know you. I know I wasn't the first person you wanted to pair up with for obvious reasons, and I hope I've made it all up to you somehow."
He stopped and Lightning just continued to stare, her face a blank canvas. It was impossible for him to read her, and he wandered what exactly was going through her mind. "You. . . weren't the person I thought you were," she began, "I completely misjudged you, Villiers."
"Not completely," he said with a grin, and she laughed lightly.
"Okay, not completely. But you managed to dispel some of my misconceptions about you. I'm willing to forget the past."
Snow wanted to jump for joy at that moment. His lips spread wide into a bright beaming smile, "You are?"
Lightning nodded.
"That's a relief." He looked down at the ground, "But, Lightning."
"Call me Light."
"Light," he corrected with a smirk, "There's something else I want to tell you."
"What is it?"
He swallowed nervous, but willed the courage to come. He looked up at her, "I like you. And I don't mean as a friend, but more than that." Snow didn't want to waste any time beating around the bush. It was important to him that she knew how he felt. It was the only way he could get the result he'd been hoping for.
Lightning frowned and looked to the ground, embarrassed. Snow's smile grew even larger, and he hoped off the ledge and walked over to her. He was standing over her now, and his frame shaded her ethereal form from the harsh artificial light being emitted from Phoenix. He grasped her smaller hands in his and kept his eyes focused on her. "B-but why?"
"Why? Are you kidding me? You're. . . I don't know where to begin," he admitted with a light laugh. "You're great looking and you're the only girl I know who can really throw a punch."
"That's all?"
He shook his head, "No, there's more than that. You're. . . smart, talented, driven, compassionate. . . forgiving," he emphasized indicating her decision to leave all the horrible things he's done to her lie in the past. "You're strong, motherly, and pretty darn funny, too, even if you don't realize it."
Lightning simply stared at him in complete disbelief that he was really saying all that to her. Her hands seemed to fit amongst his perfectly. Almost like they were a missing piece of a puzzle. It was a cliché way of putting it, but it seemed so true in that moment.
"Plus, I think that you and I look great together. You're just. . . amazing, Light. And there's nothing more that I want right now than to be your boyfriend, and I really hope you want to be my girlfriend. So what do you say? Go out with me?"
They were staring into each other's eyes, and Snow couldn't help but think about how incredibly kissable she looked with her mouth slightly rounded due to his audaciousness. He cupped her face, and stroked her cheek with his large thumb. "C'mon. . . I know you like me, too."
Lightning was without words, and Snow began to wonder if maybe the heat turned her brain to steam. Without waiting for a response, he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers with closed eyes. Her breath hitched, but her lids too fell shut, and she began returning the kiss.
His hand slid upwards, his fingers combing through her hair. Lightning's lips were incredibly soft against his own, and he was dying to take the kiss one step further but thought better of it. Pulling away, he opened his eyes to gaze at his infatuation's face. "So?"
"I can't. . ."
That hadn't at all been the answer he was expecting. His grin faded and his brows knitted together. "B-but. . . I thought. . ." Didn't she feel the same way? Just what was going on? "Lightning, I don't understand," and he didn't. He had noted her blushes and her nervous demeanor, so surely he wasn't off in his estimations of her feelings.
"You're a great friend, Snow. . . but. . . I just don't know if I can trust you being more than that."
"What do you mean you don't trust me being more than that?"
"Well. . . I just can't. . . be with someone who's sexually promiscuous."
Did he hear her correctly? Was his reputation seriously coming back to bite him in the ass? "But, Light. . ."
"I'm sorry!" She blurted out before pulling away. Before Snow could say anything more, she took off running. He stepped forward and reached for her, but didn't have the confidence for the pursuit. His hand dropped to his side, and he stared at her shrinking form as the distance increased between them; he sighed.
He had told her, he didn't care about reputation, and he didn't. But for the first time, he was beginning to reconsider. It wasn't so much that he cared about what others thought, but he did care about what she thought. And what she thought was that he was some womanizing, STD packing behemoth who had no control over his libido.
Thoughts of somehow traveling back in time and correcting all of his past mistakes occurred to him, but it was impossible. He'd screwed up. Big time.
XXX
Everywhere she went that day, she saw him. He showed up for every class they had together, and for each class they didn't share, he stood right outside the door waiting for her. To say the least, Lightning was getting incredibly annoyed with Snow Villiers. The guy just wouldn't give up. Earlier he had been spouting some nonsense about how he'd change for her and that she was the only girl he had eyes for, and to say the least she didn't believe him. It was bullshit. It just had to be. Lightning didn't understand what was so remarkable about her that he was miraculously willing to change for her sake. In response, she'd punched him and walked off.
"Is he going to follow us everywhere?" Vanille asked as she, Lightning, and Fang took their leave of school grounds.
Fang looked over her shoulder, "What's gotten into him? He's more dopey than usual."
Lightning didn't bother to turn around. She didn't want to look at his face. She wasn't mad at him, but she wasn't ready to face him. Snow's proclamation came as a total surprise, and though part of her was overjoyed that he'd felt the same, she knew they could never be. He was so different from her. He smoked, drank, skipped class, got into fights, partied, and other various things characteristic of the irresponsible. But despite their differences, they were remarkably similar, and it was those similarities that had captured her heart in the first place.
Snow may not have been the picture perfect role model Lightning was portrayed as, but he was a good person in his own way. He and Lightning had gotten closer, but she didn't trust him; not with her heart at least. She could give Snow Villiers her friendship, but she just couldn't give him that.
Vanille looked over her shoulder, "He's still following. Maybe we should talk to him and see what's up."
"No, do–."
Unfortunately, Fang liked Vanille's idea, "'EY! BIG BOY! WHY ARE YOU FOLLOWING US!"
Lightning groaned internally and stopped with her friends; she turned to face Snow who was walking up to them. He wasn't smiling, but he wasn't frowning either. His hands were situated in his pockets, and for once his school uniform actually fit him properly. "Lightning," he said lowly.
She remained silent. She wanted to say everything, but nothing at the same time. What could she have possibly said to him? The whole thing was incredibly weird. Sure, she was use to admirers; it was nothing out of the ordinary given her position as the most popular girl in school, but it was strange when that admirer was Snow. Her normal reaction would've been a polite "no thank you", but besides punching Snow in the face, she didn't know what to do. And it wasn't as if the later was bound to work in any case. The boy seemed built for taking hits.
"Will you just talk to me? Please?" Snow sounded desperate, and Lightning had never heard Snow sound desperate.
She looked down at the ground, but was still able to detect his intense observation of her.
"Just what the hell is going on between you two?" Fang was quickly becoming irritated. Lightning wasn't saying anything, and Snow looked as though he had ten minutes to live.
Snow was unable to tolerate Lightning's silence any longer, so he took it upon himself to speak, "Why are you being so stubborn? I know you feel the same!"
Lightning's head snapped up, "What do you want from me?" she shouted, her crystal blues locked onto his similar colored irises. The features of her face were twisted in anger, but that didn't deter the determined brute before her.
Snow shouted back at her with just as much passion, "To give me a chance to prove that I'm the right guy for you!"
Lightning felt her heart skip a beat and her livid expression faltered. She hadn't realized she'd been clenching her fists until she uncurled them.
"Umm. . . ," Vanille jumped her gaze from Snow to Lightning before finally looking at Fang, "Are we missing something here?"
Snow stepped forward and grabbed Lightning's hands, just like he'd done the day he confessed his feelings. "I won't let you down. I promise. You're not just some random girl, Light. No one else can compare. You're special. Please, just let me show you that."
Lightning's eyes watered, and Snow could tell she was doing her best to hold back the tears. Her eyes quivered, and she looked like she wanted to slap him. She opened her mouth to say something, but couldn't. Instead, she could only reveal the clenched white pearls lining her mouth as she struggled for the words to speak.
Snow released a sigh and pulled her into a tight embrace, his large frame encasing her in warmth and affection. His eyes closed and he buried his nose in her hair.
Fang and Vanille released simultaneous gasps as they watched with dazzled expressions.
"Snow. . ."
XXX
"Oh my! Oh my! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! WE WON! WE ACTUALLY WON!"
Lightning smiled at the sight of her redheaded friend spinning a startled Hope around as she basked in their victory. "Congrats, Hope and Vanille. You earned it," the North Bodhum Goddess said as she and everyone in the room applauded.
"Yeah! Awesome job, guys!" Snow gave the pair a thumbs-up as Vanille and Hope were handed large matching trophies. The principal and other members of faculty approached the victors and began to talk to them. Lightning stepped down, Snow at her heels. "Sorry I couldn't get that trophy for you."
Lightning shook her head, "It's okay. Third place isn't so bad. It's a lot better than I expected us to do. Besides, you weren't the only one responsible, and there's always next year."
"Well, I guess Red and the Kid had better look out then," Snow stated earning a smile from his partner.
"Yeah, they'd better."
Snow leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers, prompting Lightning to close her eyes. Her mouth parted slightly, inviting his tongue entry, and their two appendages began to twirl and dance with one another. Snow pulled away and thumbed the side of her face. "Love you."
Lightning's heart stopped. It was the first time Snow had ever told her he loved her. A light crimson stained her cheeks, and she cast her eyes to the side. "I. . . l-love you, too," she said, her embarrassment evident.
Snow beamed and pecked her lips briefly.
"Will you two stop with the lovey-dovey bullshit and hurry up!" Fang shouted across the room, standing next to a giggling Vanille and Hope. "I'm starving and you know the wait is excruciating on Fridays."
The couple laughed and began to approach their friends. "What's the matter, Fang? You jealous?" Snow began.
"Jealous? HA! If Sunshine here is happy to have your greasy lips all over her, then she can be my guest. I'll survive just fine thank you very much."
A month had passed since Snow and Lightning had officially become a couple, and in that time a lot had changed. Lightning stepped down from heading the student council, allowing her vice-president Lebreau to fill the role. Not only that, but she quit the fight club much to Fang's disappointment, and dropped a few extra activities as well. The adjusted schedule allowed her time to relax; and time to spend with Serah, her friends, and of course Snow. Smiles graced her face more often, and the overwhelming desire to be the best lessened considerably. She'd even learned to reward herself, and did so by getting her navel pierced much to everyone's astonishment.
As for Snow, he stuck to his ways more or less. Well, not all of them. He kept his promise to Lightning and hadn't let her down in the slightest. He was completely devoted and faithful to the former class president, and proved that he wasn't just talk. His drug usage slowed down considerably; he began to take reputation more seriously and didn't want to be a bad influence on the youth around him, especially after he gained the admiration of one of Serah's friends, Maqui. In addition, Snow had begun to attend school regularly and was desperately playing catch up, but he was managing with Lightning's help and a little assistance from Hope. Hell, he was even reading on grade level. The partially reformed blonde enrolled in night classes and was preparing for summer courses as well. With Sazh's approval, a new work schedule was devised and he was balancing employment and his studies accordingly.
He was a carefree asshole, and she was an uptight bitch, but despite their differences, their similarities united them. Snow wasn't the quietest, brightest, and certainly not the tidiest; and Lightning wasn't the perkiest, girliest, and sure as hell not the meekest. They were imperfect for each other. And that was just the way they liked it.
Well, that's the first story. Hope you liked it. It took me two days to write all of this, which I think is the fastest I've ever written so much material. This particular concept inspired me a great deal, and there were many ideas floating around in my head. All of them were not included, however, being that this is a one-shot and I didn't want to make it too long. So, if the ending seemed a bit rushed at all, it's just because I wanted to wrap it up. If you all like it, then I'll expand upon it some more with extra back story and what not. I tried to make the characters seem as lifelike as possible, so I hope my effort was shown.
Please, please, please, pleeeeease review! If you liked it or hated it, I want to know and know why. I am extremely open to criticism and if you see something that needs improvement, please tell me. I view anything that'll improve my skills as a writer to be beneficial. I do all my own editing, so hopefully there weren't too many mistakes if any.
