Author's Note: Okay after such a LONG time, I'm finally up to another chapter. Sorry for being lack of updates. And forgive me if this chapter is short. =.= My ideas are lacking and I'm trying my best to somehow make this story not so confusing. I need brain storming for this. gah! idk, But i hope you just enjoy this story and forgive me for its lameness. I hope someday everything will be clear. I already have plans for this story, but I'm really kind of weak when it comes to how I'll get there. It's hard to explain. TTATT . Whatever, I'll stop explaining. Please leave a review guys, I really need it. But I don't want a destructive criticism. And idk, if I may be able to continue longer. I hope I can. Please bear with me. And also my grammar. English is NOT my native language, so you're expected to see grammatical errors here.
Anyway, I'd like to thank all who read [even if you haven't reviewed], especially who reviewed, ^^ It's very much appreciated.
THANKS VERY MUCH FOR THE REVEIW: The Clawed Butterfly , relear , sunflowerspot, long
~2~
Lightning rests her chin on her right palm, looking out the window, not minding her professor speaking in front. Her mind is still on the stranger she met yesterday, named Noctis.
'That guy's crazy.' she thought to herself. 'Why did I even bothered to help him? Does he think I believe him that I'm the reason he's-' her thoughts were distracted as she remembered...
...the KISS.
She felt her face heat up just by thinking about it. She almost face palmed and groaned inwardly.
'Forget about that damn kiss, Light. But I'll really make sure he'll pay for it.'
But her thoughts went on...
Last night, as Serah and Snow camae back after their dinner outside, she asked Snow a favor. And she really can't believe a day will come that she will ever ask this blondie a favor. Since in the first place she's not in favor about his relationship with her beloved sister. But she can't do anything about it. Since her favor to him will very much helpful for her, but not to him. She was sure of it. She just asked Snow to keep Noctis for a while in his house. Of course she could see in his eyes the words 'Seriously?' But Snow must make himself pleasing to her once, atleast. So like what she's wanting to expect, Snow agrees to her. And she could still remember his words: "Of course sis, anything you want." with a bright smile, of course.
She smiled to herself. 'Good actor.'
Lightning is good at reading people, she can tell whether that person is telling the truth or not. But it isn't the same with Noctis, because he's totally crazy. And is Noctis even his true name? She doubt it. Well, she really doubt his entire presence. Maybe he should go see a psychiatrist or better go to an asylum, as well.
But last night, Noctis just surprised her even more. After he learned that he's going to sleep at Snow's place, his jaw stiffened and his fists balled. "No!" and his eyes were just fixed at her sharply but she could see a worried, but also a scary stranger. But no, scary was not enough, she saw a monster on that brief moment. And the three of them were stunned at him and tense filled the room. It took her few moments before she could utter a word. But she told him and assured him that he need not to worry, because Snow is a trustworthy guy. And Snow also reassured him and even saying that they can even be friends. But Noctis won't easily listen, but his eyes were still fixed on her. He's a very impossible guy, and he seems acting like a five year old kid that don't want to be left by his mom. And she's the said 'mom' of all people. So she took the urge to reassured him that everything will be fine and after some of his questions, he finally went with Snow.
And that's where the story about last night ended...
"Ms. Farron, for the nth time raise your hand please."
She turned her head away from the window to her professor in front. And she found that they have a newcomer, and it's a he. Oblivious of what was happening, she hesitantly raises her hand. Her eyes met those bright green orbs of the newcomer. And they're full of life. Never did she saw something like it. It enlightened every bit of her nerves and even the guy smiled at her as he slowly approaches her, and she found herself smiling back.
"So...you're Claire Farron." the guy mused as he went to sit down beside her, distracting her thoughts and finally bringing her back to reality. She blinked a few times, before she recovered.
"Y-yeah." she mumbled and she looks away at once and moved her head back to the window.
She heard the guy sighed and she knows he's still wearing a smile.
"I'm Hope Estheim, in case you didn't know."
She just hummed in response but she's still on her position. Her chin resting on the palm of her hand.
"I would like it more, if you would face me, at least."
Still, Lightning didn't move and she heard another sigh from the lad. But hearing that from him, it seems that she have the 'must' to do it. More of that she can't resist it. How did he do that?' But she forced herself to still stay on her position.
'He isn't my boss.' she thought
And silence.
After few minutes, she decided to face the front and still their professor is talking non-stop about the history of something she didn't know what. Her mind's just clouded for now that she really can't bring herself to listen to what their professor is saying. Not that she doesn't like the subject, but still the stranger yesterday, keeps coming back to her mind.
And these questions really bugged her: 'Who is he? Why was he there, unconscious on the seashore? Is he harmful? Is Serah safe? Or I'm in danger? How's Snow? He's still alive and well, right?'
And those questions came running back to her mind again and she gave up. She glanced at her new seat mate at the corner of her eye and she muttered.
"But I prefer you calling me, Light."
After she uttered those words, the bell rang exactly.
"Okay, saved by the bell but be ready for a quiz tomorrow." Their prof said and groaned filled the air. Then the students started to pack up and exited the room to take a break.
"Mind accompanying me?" Hope hooked his backpack on his left shoulder, still smiling.
Lightning is not used at company. She have friends but she seldom joins them because she preferred being alone. But just seeing his smile and light aura, brings all positive vibes into her that she can't say no to him. 'Why is that?' she wondered to herself.
She gave him another smile. "Sure."
Then a group of girls appeared beside Hope. "Hi Hope, want to join us?" the girls giggled, especially when Hope shot them another smile.
"I'm sorry girls, but I already have a company." He turned his head to Lightning, ignoring the girls completely. "So shall we?"
Lightning didn't utter any word, and she just hooked her bag on her right shoulder and made her way passed him, and he followed her. The corridor is chaotic as students passed, and walked in different directions and some even running.
"Hey! Give it back!"
Some will even shout as he chased after his bag, that his mates stole.
'Tch!'
Lightning grumbled to herself and rolled her eyes. 'Bunch of idiots! Acting like high schoolers'
She never liked this school. Ever! But this is only the college school in town which price is not high. And the school's full of delinquents. She can't do anything about it. This is the only school she can afford. She promised herself that once she finished her college and got a decent job, she'll take Serah to a decent university.
Then some girls chattering with drinks in their hands, happen to come towards their direction and not looking in front. Lightning just looks at them, blankly and even the one who cared to walk aside so she won't hit them. But Hope who's looking around accidentally hit those girls and unfortunately, their drinks spilled his perfectly white polo. Lightning turned and stopped and witnessed what happened. And she felt rage at those girls, not because of hitting Hope but because of spilling into his perfectly white polo. She loves clean things and she's also neat to herself, so everytime she sees neat and tidy things or person, she don't have anything against them.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" one of the girls coo-ed as she saw a cute guy. Then some girl took some tissue and started to wipe the spill on his shirt.
"Oh, woah! It's alright ladies." Hope said, smiling reassuringly. Then the girls were swooned by it and blushes.
Seeing that unfading smile from him once again, Lightning frowned more at the ladies. Then she found her feet stomping towards them.
"Excuse me." Lightning butt in. Then the attention turned to her. "Look, we're in a hurry. Hope, let me take care of that." Then she, unconsciously, held Hope's wrist just to be able to drag him away from the crowds.
And the girls bid their 'See you' to Hope with a flirty giggle and even some says.
"He's cute huh?"
O o O
An exasperated sigh was let out as Lightning finally released the guy's wrist as they got into the cafeteria. She sat at the corner where there are only few students. Then she sat down and Hope slowly did too.
"So...lucky day isn't it?" Hope smirked as he looked down his now messy polo, then he smiled to Lightning.
She rubbed her temples and blew a sigh. "Say, why did you transferred here? Why this school?" She said as she took a tissue out of her bag.
"Well..." Hope only answered. "...because, I finally met you." and he smiled. Lightning paused at her doing, and just stared at him for a few moments.
"Really?"
She suddenly became hesitant to wipe the stain on his polo, but she still did it.
"Yep." Hope answered. He just simply sat there and watched her clean his polo, and he was glad by it.
"I-I've heard that before." She already heard that phrase from the stranger yesterday and she's not ready to meet another one. Yet.
"What?...Whatever, so why are you doing this?" Hope asked.
Lightning snapped her head at him. "What?"
"Volunteering to clean up my shirt instead of letting those lovely girls alone?" Hope leaned his face closer to her, unfading smile still there but it's more of a confident one. And he just fixed his eyes at her.
"Lovely?" Lightning retorted with a smirk, she glanced away but his eyes are calling her.
Then they stared at each other, quite intense in a brief moment."You're...not jealous, right?"
With that, she leaned her face away and sat back down straightly on her chair. "Hell, no!"
She noticed Hope cringed a bit, but never in one bit did his smile fade. And he just chuckled, coolly.
"I don't have a crush on you, okay?" Lightning cleared herself. But she find doubt in her words especially as Hope just looks at her doubtfully after she said that. She looks away, afraid that he can read her thoughts. 'No, I don't have. A. Crush. On. This. guy. We only met.'
"Whatever. But still I don't believe you." he said.
"I won't force you. Let's just eat. Since that's what we came here for."
"My treat." he stood. Then off he went to buy food. Lightning, face palmed and sighed. Then she felt her phone vibrated. She, at once, took it and found Snow's name. She wondered why Snow suddenly called, and it's unusual, because he won't call her unless necessary or about Serah. 'Maybe it's about Noctis.' So she answered it at once.
"Hello?"
No answer.
She tried once again. "Snow?"
"C-Claire?" came a deep voice, deeper than Snow's. And she knows this isn't Snow. She cringed at the mention of her true name.
"You're not...Snow." she said slowly. And the person to the opposite line chuckled. She raised a brow.
"Cool! I'm actually talking to you. I mean, hearing you." The guy said, and she could feel him smiling.
She clicked her tongue and tried. "N-Noctis?"
"Yeah.?"
She knew it's him. But his voice is kind of nice she'll admit. Deep.
"Where's Snow?" and now he knows my name.
"That idiot?" he smirked. "He left. Why? By the way, where are you, Claire?"
"Who told you to call me Claire? Call me Light."
"Well, I realized I just know you, your face I mean but I didn't know your name. So I asked Snow. So where are you?"
Snow trusted you that fast that he spill out my name to you so simply?! That dumb idiot? And I have to agree for calling him idiot, because he really are.
"Why didn't you asked Snow?"
"I don't trust the guy. And I want to hear it from you? So where are you?"
"At my house, of course." she lied.
"Really? Well, I'm here inside your house, with your kind sister and...you're not here. So, where are you?"
"What?" she almost gritted her teeth. "You're-" she huffed. Why did Snow let him alone with my sister? And she forgot, Serah have no classes today.
"I just...want to see you. That's all."
"I want to speak with Snow."
"He's not here."
"Then find him."
No answer.
"Then I won't tell where I am." She continued.
Still no answer. She gritted her teeth more.
"Noct-"
"Hey Light!" Snow suddenly butt in on the other line.
"Damn you! Why did you just let that stranger alone with Serah?" she almost shouted, not noticing that Hope is already back with their tray of food.
"What are you saying? I brought him here with me, I can't leave him alone at my house. And Light-"
Lightning cuts him mid-sentence. "Why did you gave my true name to him?"
So Noctis lied to me, by saying that he's alone with my sister.
"Well he asked me for it. Damn, the guy's scary. He almost pinned me on the wall last night just to get your name. Is he some of your stalker?"
Lightning felt her hand went cold by hearing that.
"N-no. I doubt that." but her voice, doubtful.
"Just be sure, because honestly I thought I'll be dead last night. Since this morning he kept throwing dark glances at me. And to be honest, I don't trust him enough to lend my phone to him just to call you, but again, he continued giving me death glares."
"Is Serah fine? Have you told her?"
"No, o-of course not. I'm her hero, and her hero should not be scared of anything."
"But you are just now." she sighed. Then she turned and she noticed Hope finally, just sitting there, staring at her. Then...
...he smiled again.
"So, later. And please don't tell him where I am, and don't ever let him call me again." then she hangs up and she shivered inwardly.
"Who's that?" Hope asked.
"Nothing." She shook her head with a shrug. "So...let's eat." she then took her food and started to have her snack.
O o O
She spent the rest of her hours at school by thinking about Noctis. She suddenly felt herself shivered just by thinking about him. Snow's words at her were still ringing back in her mind.
'...I thought I'll be dead last night...'
He's not going that far, right? She felt so worried about her sister. How she wished that Noctis already left their house. Then the loud ringing of the bell sounded in her ears which brought her back to reality. She slightly gasps, and looks around. She almost forgot that she's still in school. And she found the students starting to exit the room.
"Hey!" someone called. She turned and saw Hope smiling at her. "I'm glad you're still alive, because you haven't moved an inch in your place since."
"Oh." she muttered and stood and took her bag, absentmindedly. And started to exit the room.
"Are you alright?" she heard Hope behind her back.
She just huffed and sighed and still continued to walk, until the schoolgates. And she could still feel that Hope is following her. She frowned and turned at him.
"Will you stop following me?"
"Er...well," he shrugged coolly. "Just want to ask if you wanna have a ride home?"
She suddenly felt guilty for frowning at him. "No, thank you. I can walk myself home,"
Then as she turned, a silver Mercedes stopped in front of her.
"So?" Hope shrugs, coolly.
"Claire!" someone shouted from behind.
Lightning cringed again at the sudden mention of her true name. 'Whoever called me that, will be dead.' Then she slowly turned and her eyes widened as she saw the spiky black haired guy, approaching her.
"Noct-" she hadn't finished yet when Noctis suddenly embraced her just like that.
"Excuse me?" Hope pushed Noctis away from Lightning's. "Get away from her!"
It's the first time Lightning saw Hope frowned and he's kinda scary. But Noctis looks scarier, as he shot Hope a deathly glare and she saw his jaw stiffened and his fists balled hardly. And the two men just shot death glares at each other. Lightning felt alarmed.
"Noctis, l-let's go." She held Noctis's shoulder. Noctis turns at her, still the curve on his brows are visible.
"Who the hell is this guy?" Noctis said in a deep dangerous voice. His eyes only focused on her.
"Heh, who are you?" Hope said, annoy is visible in his face. But he kept a smirk. "Let's go, Light."
"Don't worry about me, Hope. Thanks for the offer. But...like I said, I can go home on my own." But not today. Then she held Noctis' wrist and pulls him away. Noctis took a last deathly glance at Hope before he was completely dragged by Lightning.
O o O
The sun's rays hit her white skin as she continued to drag Noctis all the way home, and the guy was surprisingly silent. She hadn't noticed that she's been holding his wrist and her grip is a bit hard and her steps are heavy.
"Who's he?" Noctis mumbled.
"You haven't answered my questions yet. How did you got in my school and what are you doing there?"
"...I came for you?" he shrugs.
She felt herself shivered again, then her pace got slower and she released his wrist. Then she turned at him.
"Who are you really? Y-you're not here to kill, are you? I'll be honest, you s-scare me. Especially at what I'm hearing from Snow. You send him death glares. What have we done to you? Just spit it out, please, just leave us alone, peacefully. And I'm sorry if I ever done something to you." her eyes were pleading now. And Noctis just looks at her, confusedly.
"I-Is that so?" he raised a brow. He's about to held her face when Lightning moves her face away a bit. Then he just sighed and placed his hands down. "I-I don't know that I look scary to you." He felt something within him. It's sickens him yet it felt nice, especially at what she said. Her voice resounded in his head. "...And I'm sorry..."
That word. He just continued to look down, and Lightning just stared at him, more cautious and worried now. He frowned and grunts a bit, he held his head, gently. He felt something. Then his hand gripped his bangs more. And he grunts once more. Then he stayed like that for a moment.
"Are you...alright?" Lightning hesitantly asked.
Noctis looks back to her and the frowning of his brows, calmed a bit. But she could see in his eyes that he seems troubled.
His hand slowly moved down his chest and he gripped his clothing there. She just noticed that he's wearing one of Snow's black sweatshirts and old jeans. And it fitted to him, she wondered how old was Snow that time. And it suited Noctis, she could see his muscular chest against the shirt, and in between his pants- she flushed and looks away, awkwardly.
"J-just go back at Snow's place." she started to leave.
"N-no. I-I mean, I'm not here to scare you or anything, t-the guy just really annoys me. Snow, I mean. And also the white haired guy, earlier." He followed her. His hands on the side pockets of his shirt.
"What does Snow did to you? He even helped you and lend you his shirt. You should be thanking him instead." Now she seems backing up Snow.
"T-thank him?"
She can't believe Noctis will ask her such ridiculous question. "Yeah!" she said as a matter of fact.
Noctis frowned once more, he feels filthy at the thought of doing those things. He continued to grip on his chest and he felt a sudden urge to say it.
"S...sorry", he mumbled. Almost a whisper. His head lowered and he just glances at Lightning.
Lightning stopped a bit and still continued to walk. And she felt a tinge of relief as she heard those words from him.
"Again, I-I'm not here to scare you. I-I just want to be with you."
Lightning felt her heart stopped beating and a slight fright filled her at what he said '...Want to be with you.'. And is that something she have to be happy about? She slightly shivered, inwardly. But she just stayed quiet and listened to him. 'Ugh! You're thinking too much again.' Maybe there's nothing to fighten about since he's just explaining to her. Wow, she can't believe this guy knows how to explain himself, she thinks, he's all but a bug-brain guy who only knows arrogance and ignorance as well. But despite her doubt towards him, her worriedness and her fright towards him lessened.
"I-I'm sorry." he said once again, but louder this time but she could hear that he seems struggling just to say the word, because of his breathings.
Well, it's really hard to say that small simple word yet the effect is big. It gives you freedom, happiness and enlightenment. Unless, you're not sincere.
"It's fine. At least, things are clear between us now."
They finally made it to her house. And she didn't heard a response from the guy. She hesitated but she still lead him inside.
"Hi, sis!" Serah welcomed her home and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Hi, Noctis."
Noctis just stared at Serah and followed Lightning to her room. And as he was going in, Lightning's hand stopped him.
"Whoops, you don't need to be my tail." She sighed and she hesitantly added. "Feel at home. Just don't do anything reckless."
Noctis nodded slowly. "...alright." then he started to turn around.
"Wait!" Lightning stopped him and Noctis stopped and turned at her. "Say, who lead you to my school? How'd you got there?"
Noctis lips crawled into a small smile. "Secret. I think I'll be a good friend to him." The he left.
Lightning smirked and eyes narrowed. "Snow." she mumbled. He didn't know how to keep secrets. She smirked once more. Then she closes the door, and she found herself so much relieved now. She felt completely safe now after hearing Noctis' explanation. He meant no harm. Maybe he's telling the truth.
Should I trust him? No. I should not let my guard down towards him, yet.
Sooo, I'm sorry if it still confused you guys. But like I said, Noctis got an amnesia and I'm still thinking on how to deal with it yet. And yep, Hope Estheim [ffxiii-2] will be present in this story.
Anyway thanks for having the time to read this, and for leaving a review.
I hope I can work for another chapter soon.
