Fire in Your Eyes

Chapter 2

What happens when the spark fades?

"Hey Sam, wanna go to the bar tonight?" Angeal asked his long-term girlfriend and lover. They were lying on the bed together after a round of early morning lovemaking because Angeal had to go to work shortly.

"Sure sounds good. I wonder if everything is okay with Lauren and Sephiroth though. I mean I've tried calling back but I'm still not getting any answer. I am really worried about her Angeal, what if something happened?" Samantha said starting to get upset; she really was worried about her best friend.

"I honestly wouldn't worry about it. From the sounds of it they are having some personal time, you know what I mean? So there really is no need to worry about her." Angeal said tousling Samantha's hair playfully.

No sooner had the words left Angeal's mouth that they both heard the ringing of the doorbell. "I'll go get it seeing as I'm at least somewhat presentable." Samantha said getting up and going downstairs to the main floor to answer the early morning caller.

"Hold your horses I'm coming!" Samantha yelled as the person started pushing the doorbell in a musical way. Had she been more awake she would have recognized the rhythm and known exactly who her caller was, however in her half asleep state she didn't even seem to notice.

"Shesh it took you long enough to get the damn door open. Oh and by the way Angeal is late for work they were supposed to be there about 2 hours early today. Though apparently he has his reasons, you should really stop letting him destroy your hair Sammy." Lauren said coming in on a rush of cool morning air. Sam had to blink her eyes several times before it hit her that Lauren was unusually perky for it only being 7 am.

"And what the hell happened to you? You are never this energetic in the morning, and how did you know about Angeal needing to be at work early, I didn't even know that?" Samantha asked eyeing her friend carefully. She was trying to gauge what was so different about this Lauren then from the one who usually came to her door at this time of the morning.

"Oh Seph told me this morning as he was getting dressed for work. So your boy-toy might wanna get his buns in gear and get to work before he gets shit. Though I'm sure that Seph will cover for him if he has to." Lauren said matter of factly, walking into the living room.

"I see, and what the hell was that last night! Why the hell did you hang up the phone and I assume pull the plug on the damn thing for?" Samantha raged glaring daggers of flaming death at her best friend who at least had the decency to look embarrassed.

"Well…..uh…you see Sephiroth and I were kinda…..busy before we left the Forbidden Lake in the Forbidden Forest and he was taking too long on the phone with you. And I uh kinda wanted to get on with things, you know me my patience only has its moments for the most part. I am sorry that I worried you Sammy." Lauren said looking down at the floor; the guilt and remorse were clearly evident in her voice and body language.

"Oh don't worry about it. I'm just overreacting cause it's so early. Though I take it you enjoyed yourself last night?" Samantha said sitting down beside her best friend and taking her hand. Sam knew that Lauren's feelings were easily hurt and if you didn't react quickly enough she took things and turned them into an internal blame that was a bitch to remove.

"I'm still sorry to have worried you Sammy. And yes I actually quite thoroughly enjoyed myself last night. And i think I've found my reason to smile finally." Lauren replied with a smile that reached her eyes. It was the first time in years that Samantha had seen a smile that truly reached Lauren's eyes.

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, and don't worry about it your long forgiven. And I think that it is really good that you've found your reason to smile." Samantha said giggling at the look on her best friend's face.

"Uhh….. Did I miss something?" Angeal asked as he came down the stairs to stand beside where Samantha sat. It was obvious that he worried over Samantha and Lauren though each was for a different reason.

"Other than the fact that you're like 2 hours late for work this morning no I don't think that you've missed anything Angeal." Lauren said with a smug look on her face. Angeal paled apparently he had forgotten about having to go into work 2 hours early today.

"Shit, I totally forgot about that. Wonder how much shit I'm gonna end up being in?" Angeal said wincing as he remembered the last time he had been hours late for work. The poor guy really was a good, hard worker but sometimes he forgot things.

"Most likely none, Seph said he'd cover for you. So you're probably not going to be in that much trouble I think." Lauren answered leaning back against the pillows. The smirk on her face and the smugness in her voice gave Angeal a moment's pause but then as he took a proper look at her he noticed that she was truly in what he hoped would become a normal mood.

"I see, well I'll be sure to tell him thank you. You gonna be here all day or should I tell him that you're gonna be someplace else?" Angeal asked putting on his boots and grabbing his sword so that he could leave for work.

"If he wants me he knows how to effectively get ahold of me." Lauren said tapping a finger to the space between her eyebrows. It was a commonly known fact that Lauren was a telepath and she could find anyone that she desired so long as she had touched their skin at least once even if just for a second. And in special cases if a deep bond was made between a telepath and someone without the gift the person had only to think of the telepath and an instant link would be made between the two.

"I see, it appears you were both…..busy, last night. Well as long as it aids you I guess it's not a bad thing." Angeal said with a wink as he ran out the door. He was finally able to understand what was so different about Lauren. And why she was behaving the way that she was, he would definitely have to thank Sephiroth for whatever he did last night.

"So just what exactly did you do with Sephiroth last night? Or do I even wanna know?" Samantha asked eyeing her best friend carefully. She had a feeling that she didn't really wanna know what had happened between the two last night.

"You do not want to know Sammy trust me on that one. But yes a very deep bond has been created between Sephiroth and I so he can get in contact with me anytime he wants. And we will both know if the other is lying as a side effect of the bond. Not that I'm worried about him lying to me about anything, I mean he hasn't so far not even once in the 14 years that I've known him. To think that he has been waiting since I was just about 7 to tell me that he loved me…." Lauren said trailing off at the end as tears began to build in the corner of her eyes.

'Lauren! What's wrong are you okay?' Sephiroth's voice came into her mind. He had obviously been keeping a mental ear open for her emotions, and had picked up on the feeling she had at that exact moment.

'I'm fine Sephiroth, just thinking that you have been waiting 14 years, since I was almost 7. Just so that you could tell me that you love me. That's all my love.' Lauren said through the mental link between her and Sephiroth.

"You're talking to him aren't you?" Samantha asked noticing the look on Lauren's face. "Wow that must be one strong bond that you guys have if he picked up on your feelings like that." Samantha was truly awed at the connection between Lauren and Sephiroth as she had never seen anything like it before.

"Uh-huh. To be honest before there was already a bond between us but it was rather weak. Basically I could get a hold of him at any time and open the connection between us mentally but now that it is more solid and deeper it works both ways. Amusing isn't it Sammy?" Lauren replied with a small smile on her face. Lauren was so use to the abilities that her being a telepath entailed that she often forgot that others were awed by this.

"Yeah, amusing and interestingly creepy. But hey at least you know that he is a good guy, right?" Samantha asked looking at Lauren. Sam had to admit that there were times when she wished that she could read Angeal's mind, or at least tell him something without having to make sure no one would overhear.

"Yeah I know that it seems creepy but to be honest Sam I would never abuse it. If I really need him then I can get a hold of him and vice versa, but I do not and never will delve into his mind to see what he is thinking but not saying. This is a gift not a power to be abused, and I have never abused anything that I'm able to do, ever." Lauren said with determination burning brightly in her eyes.

"I never said that you would abuse it Lauren, I just think that it's kinda creepy that you can carry on a conversation with him no matter the distance between him and you is all. Anyways you busy today? Cause I could really use your help to find an outfit for the bar tonight with Angeal." Samantha said knowing that Lauren was like a force of nature when it came to finding the perfect outfit for any occasion.

"Yeah sure, no problem. Let get up to your closet so that we can have you all ready and set to go for when Angeal gets home. Do you need a hand with your make-up as well or do you have that covered?" Lauren asked, she knew Samantha had never been one for make-up though she did buy some ever since she had started dating Angeal. Though she rarely wore it and if Lauren was around she would do it for Samantha, hence she knew better than even Sam what colours worked best on her.

"Lauren you know I'm hopeless when it comes to make-up. Why do you think I hardly wear it unless you do it?" Samantha replied smiling warmly at Lauren.

"This is true but I thought that maybe you were getting better with doing your own make-up. Oh well I have nothing better to do so I'll do your make-up and hair for you also." Lauren smiled back. The smile she wore was both happy and longing, as she remembered the time when she had worked as a make-up artist.

From the age of 16 to 19 Lauren had worked as a make-up artist but she quit suddenly and other than doing up Samantha hadn't touched a make-up kit since. She had never told anyone but Sephiroth the reason that she had quit working for the only company that would hire someone as cold as her. And he had made the promise that he would never tell anyone especially Samantha about her reason for quitting, and he had kept it.

"You still miss it don't you? Even though you have avoided anything to do with make outside of helping me. You still haven't told me the real reason why you quit. You know that I'd never judge you Lauren, you can tell me." Samantha said, still feeling like Lauren didn't trust her simply because she never told the real reason for quitting being a make-up artist.

"Yeah I miss it a lot right now, it was fun work and easy since I am so good at it. And I know that you would never judge me for the reason that I left I just don't need you going on the warpath and killing anyone. Much as I'd like to see it happen to the bastards I do not want you going to jail for murder." Lauren replied opening up more than she had the last time Samantha had asked her about why she left a job that she absolutely loved.

"I promise you on Angeal's life and my own that I will not go out and kill anybody if you tell me. I may however egg somebody and there house and cars, but I will not murder anyone, I swear." Samantha said holding her hand to her heart and looking Lauren in the eyes. She never looked away from Lauren's eyes allowing Lauren to read every emotion that showed in them even though she really didn't need to.

"Sammy you know as well as I do that you don't have to let me see the emotions and truth of your words in your eyes. Because I can feel them and hear them in your voice and mind. After 15 years it comes as no surprise to me that I can know when you are lying or upset. Like the night Angeal got hurt badly and I was off helping the Turks as a favour to Sephiroth and I immediately opened a connection to you to find out what was upsetting you and what was going on. I was almost on the other side of Gaia working undercover for them and I still knew that you were in need of me." Lauren said bringing the memory back to the forefront of Samantha's mind.

"This is true but I wanted you to know that I am not even trying to hide anything from you, that what I am saying is the truth and not a lie. Please Lauren do not stop trusting me! Please do not shut down again and go to a place where I cannot reach you!" Samantha begged falling to her knees and wrapping her arms around Lauren's waist. She was remembering the time when Lauren shut down and no one not even Samantha was able to reach her, after Lauren had to watch the little girl that was her adopted daughter die from Geostigma and not be able to do anything more then hold onto the girl's hand and hold her in the safety of Lauren's arms.

"Sammy I am not ever going to stop trusting you and I hopefully will never have to shut down like that again. I am not shutting you out though, I am simply trying to spare you pain. Please stop crying I am never going to leave you like that because it would be cruel even for the likes of me!" Lauren exclaimed hugging Samantha's shoulders as she herself started crying. Lauren remembered all too well what she had been like during that horrible time.

"Then why does it feel like your slipping away again? Why am I no longer good enough to share what's going on in your life?" Samantha asked still crying. She was showing everything that Lauren had seen in her eyes and had felt before Samantha had even said a thing about it. Lauren knew that Samantha feared losing her again to the vast abyss that she usually became when she shut down.

"I'm not going anywhere Sammy, please believe me when I say that I am not slipping away again. And also believe me when I say that you are always going to be good enough to know what's going on in my life. I just didn't want you to know that I was abused by my boss because he thought he saw some flaw in my work even when the customers said that it was perfect!" Lauren cried dropping to her knees herself and sitting back with her head hung down in shame and guilt. Samantha just stared at Lauren at a complete loss for words. She had never heard about this and Lauren had never even shown the slightest sign that anything was wrong at her workplace.

"You mean all that time you were being assaulted by him and you never told any of us? How could you be so strong about that and yet smile so carefree as you did when we were hanging out?" Samantha finally asked when she had recovered. She could not believe just how strong Lauren really was both emotionally and physically.

"No, the first year he didn't ever do anything but compliment my work but after that he became abusive if he thought that there was even the slightest flaw in my work. And Sephiroth found out one night when I came home from work really late and was having a hard time standing. He lifted the back of my shirt up and when he saw the fresh scabs running from my shoulders to my waist he just pulled me into a very gentle hug and told me that it was gonna be okay. I begged him not to tell anyone and to not hurt anyone either, the second one he was less willing to do but he gave in because he saw that it was upsetting me. That was the night that the bond between him and I truly began to deepen and strengthen." Lauren said voice totally devoid of emotion while her head still hung down. She was so vulnerable right now, so open to hurt that Samantha could almost feel the coldness that Lauren had used as a protective mask since she was young.

"Oh Lauren that all explains so much, why you would flinch when we hugged you, why you would make a face when Angeal would slap you on the back. But why didn't you tell us? Why didn't you want us to know?" Samantha asked as she carefully wrapped her arms around Lauren hugging her tightly and telling her that she would always be there for her no matter what happened.

"I never wanted any of you to know because then I feared that you would treat me differently and in your case go on a murder spree. And even if you had of known it wouldn't change things. Now let's go get you ready for your date." Lauren said closing off from her hurt like she often did. It was the way that she protected herself from falling apart.

"Hmmmmmm…. How about we try this and this oh and these will look good on you and they are something that you can still dance in. While you put that on I'll go grab the make-up case and what I'll need for your hair." Lauren said all business like she usually was when dolling Samantha up.

Lauren still had that professional air about her when she was being a make-up artist and hair stylist for people that she considered friends. But when she was done the person always looked like they could do a runway photo-shoot, she was that good.

"Okay, when you get back maybe we can figure out something for you to wear too." Samantha said self-inviting Lauren to go to the bar tonight with her and Angeal. As she usually did whenever Angeal was taking her someplace that she really didn't wanna go to.

"Actually Sammy I have plans tonight with Sephiroth. But thanks for inviting me anyways. Maybe another time the group of us can go and just party it up all night." Lauren replied as she set to work on Samantha's make-up her eyes cold as ice even while her voice was full of warmth.

"Oh okay then, sounds good. Hey Lauren I've never asked but why are your eyes so cold when you're doing someone's make-up?" Samantha questioned gently, wondering if it had to do with the abuse from her boss for any and all failures that he seemed to see.

"Because I am not looking at the person as whoever they might be or are but rather as a blank canvas that I am applying my paint to. If I had warmth then I would not be focusing on what I have to do as well and the end result would be less than perfection." Lauren said matter-of-factly, as she was already halfway done with the make-up.

"I guess that makes sense. Hey can we do ringlets this time?" Samantha asked in a silly little kid voice that she knew Lauren could not resist. Might as well use what you know will work had been what she said once before about it.

"Of course we can Sammy, you know I love you in ringlets makes me think of a princess or a queen. Besides I was gonna do curls anyways but ringlets aren't much more work than that so it's really no big deal." Lauren replied as she started using the curling iron on Samantha's hair quickly getting the desired effect. For Lauren this was like second nature something that she could do in her sleep and still have turn out looking like it belonged in a magazine.

"Wow, Lauren you are so good at doing this. Why I'm surprised that you haven't started up your own business doing this for people at a reasonable rate. You'd probably make a killing doing it and you wouldn't have any asshole bosses on you about your work." Samantha said staring in awe at herself in the mirror. She looked like a supermodel that belonged in only the best magazine cover ad for any number of things.

"I have thought about it once or twice but I just don't think that it's something that I'd really wanna do anymore. One day I hope to have a family and being a make-up artist just somehow doesn't seem to fit in with that to me. But I will think more about it and might even talk with Sephiroth about it." Lauren replied smiling at Samantha's reflection, this time the warmth of the smile reached her eyes and made her already pretty face look absolutely stunning.

"Thank you so much Lauren. And you know you really should smile like that more often, it makes you look even more beautiful than you do already. Oh shit I gotta go or else I'm gonna be late, see ya, thanks again." Samantha called running out of the room as Lauren cleaned up the mess that she had made.

"There you are, I almost thought that you weren't coming and I was gonna….. Wow I see Lauren worked her magic on you again, you look very beautiful Sam." Angeal said as he took in the outfit Samantha had on and her hair and make-up.

"Yeah Lauren thought that this would be the best look for me, and I agree." Samantha laughed as she twirled so that Angeal could see the back of her outfit. She had on skin tight dark blue jeans that rested on her hips with a bright red tank top that stopped just above her belly button and that showed her one and only tattoo. And her hair was in ringlets that stopped at the middle of her back and that bounced every time she moved her head.

"I agree as well, you look delicious enough to eat….. I plan to enjoy you all night once we get home." Angeal winked with his silly little smile on his face.

"Behave yourself or I'll turn around right now. And we both know that I'd do it too." Samantha warned glaring at the love of her life.

"Okay, I'm sorry Samantha. But you do look very nice." Angeal said holding open the door for Lauren.

As they walked into the bar all the heads of the guys turned to stare at Samantha who was walking in holding Angeal's hand smiling happily. She always liked when guys noticed that yeah she was good looking, usually thanks to Lauren, but that she was taken and they couldn't have her. It also gave Angeal pride that he had a good looking woman as his love and that she wasn't going anywhere.

"Look there are two seats over at the counter let's go take them and have a couple of drinks." Angeal whispered in her ear making her smile and nod her head. No matter what happened Samantha was glad that she had Angeal by her side, and that she was loved by him.

"What can I get ya?" The bartender asked as they sat down. The man gave Samantha a quick appraising look, nodded his head at her and then looked at Angeal waiting for the order.

"Can we get two Crown Royal one on the rocks the other straight please." Samantha spoke up before Angeal had a chance to say anything.

"Sure thing ma'am. Be just one minute though, okay?' The bartender replied politely.

"No problem." Samantha said with a smile taking her seat and resting an elbow on the bar top.

"Since when do you drink anything above a fruity drink or a beer?" Angeal asked eyeing Samantha carefully.

"I always have just not very often, I haven't had any in a long time so I figure its ok to have a bit tonight. So how was work?" She asked smiling at Angeal.

"It was okay, Lauren was right Sephiroth had covered for me, thank god. He had said that you were not feeling good this morning so I was waiting until Lauren got there to keep an eye on you for me." Angeal said shaking his head with a smile.

"She probably told him to say that, did you know just how strong that bond is between them? Makes me wonder if he hasn't always loved her since he first laid eyes on her." Samantha said smiling because she had a feeling that she was right.

"To be honest Sam, Sephiroth has always loved Lauren but it was something that until now he felt awkward about. I have no idea what changed but something has and now it's like he's a totally different person but in a good way." Angeal said with just a little bit of awe in his voice. He just could not imagine waiting 14 years to tell someone that he loved them and to do anything with them.

"Well whatever the reason I am glad because Lauren hasn't been this happy in a really long time. And it's good to see her happy again. She really does deserve this you know." Samantha said being careful not to tell Angeal about the abuse Lauren had suffered at the hands of her boss.

"Maybe but I don't know if this is for the good of Sephiroth. He has never been an overly emotionally person and never really been one to give his heart freely or without cost. If she hurts him he will never again be able to smile or make jokes like he does." Angeal said the smile completely erased form his face.

"I think that you have had a few too many drinks there mister. Bartender no more for him1" Samantha called to the bar tender, she only now noticed that Angeal had an empty bottle beside him. Apparently at some point the bartender had just brought the bottle over for Angeal.

"I have not had enough to drink because your bitching is still annoying as hell." Angeal said his voice just a little slow and slurred. He was absolutely drunk and Samantha hated when he did this because he became a right asshole. If you wanted an instant asshole out of Angeal you need only add alcohol.

"You know what Angeal? I've had enough of your verbal abuse all the time and the lack of respect that you have for Lauren! At least she's trying to move on with her life and she's honest sometimes to a fault! And if my bitching annoys you so much then have a good night sleeping at home alone because I'm not going home with you!" Samantha yelled and then stormed out of the bar practically running into Zack Fair.

"Whoa Samantha where's the fire?" Zack asked as he steadied Samantha on her feet. As soon as he saw her face he knew that something was up.

"Oh sorry Zack, I didn't see you there. Sorry to run into you, bye." Samantha said and went to walk away when she suddenly felt Zack's fingers close around her wrist.

"Sam something is really upsetting you do you honestly think that I'm going to just let you leave when you're like this?" Zack asked as he gently pulled her hand deciding that he was going to take her back to his place at least till he knew what was going on.

"Zack you really don't have to do this. I'll be fine so don't worry about it." Samantha said trying to get away and get to Lauren.

"I don't believe you and you are going to stay with me until I know for sure that you're alright." Zack said something deep and honest shining in his eyes.

"Zack the Puppy, they tagged you right. Your loyal and honest just like a puppy. Well that and you're kinda cute too." Samantha said as Zack gently pushed down on her shoulder to get her to sit on his couch as they were already at his place.

"Yeah I never asked to be Zack the puppy but somehow it happened. But yes I'm loyal to my friends and family. And thanks, you've never been hard on the eyes either Sam." Zack said sitting down beside her.

"Thanks Zack. You always have been a very kind person." Sam replied looking at her hands with tears brimming in her eyes again.

"What happened Samantha? Why are you in tears?" Zack asked wrapping an arms around her shoulders so that her head rested on his shoulder.

"Angeal and I are fighting and at the moment we are not together but he's being such an ass that I really don't care. He was being so cruel about Lauren and Sephiroth's relationship, like she was a bad thing for Sephiroth!" Samantha yelled as she cried into Zack's shoulder.

"I have to completely disagree with Angeal on that point. I think Lauren is probably the best thing that has ever happened to Sephiroth, I mean I haven't ever seen him this happy and content. And Angeal has no right to be cruel to Lauren, when if not for her he never would have met you. But if you want you can always stay here until things cool." Zack said anger glinting in his eyes even though they looked softly down at Samantha.

"Thanks Zack I really appreciate it. And I do not want to go back to Angeal, not this time. The spark in our relationship has gone out and I'm ready to just leave it." Samantha said resting her hand on Zack's chest.

"I see, well this may not be a very good time but I have something I'd like to say to you Samantha." Zack said looking her directly in the eyes.

"What is it Zack?" Sam asked confused by the look of sadness and guilt mixed in his eyes.

"I have loved you for a really long time, but cause you were with Angeal I've never done anything about it, but right now I'd really like to kiss and hold you and…" Zack began but was cut off when Samantha kissed him gently.

"It's ok Zack. I understand. And if it is okay with you, I'd like to give you a 'gift'." Samantha said with a wink.

"Yeah I'd like that, as long as it's what you really want." Zack said blushing as Samantha grabbed his hand and led him to his own bedroom.

"Trust it's something that I want Zack. I need to know that somebody loves me tonight." She said as she pulled his shirt over his head and then began placing soft kisses against his neck.

"Ummmmmmm….. Sam don't do that." Zack grunted out pulling her body tightly against his own.

"Why Zack? I can tell that you really like that, and there are so many more things that I plan to show you tonight that you'll love." Samantha purred in his ear giving it a little nip that had Zack pulling her even tighter against himself.

"Mmmmmmmmmm….. But I already know what I want and this isn't it." Zack groaned as Sam's hands found the button on his jeans and undid them.

"Ohhh, and just what do you want Zack?" Sam asked standing back for a minute waiting for his answer.

"This is what I want." Zack said as he removed both Samantha's top and pants before pushing her back unto the bed.

"Oh so you do know what you want. Btu do you know how to take it forcefully?" She teased removed her panties, baring herself to a hungry looking Zack.

"Oh yeah baby, I know how to take what I want by force when I have to." Zack said as he removed his boxers and pushed Samantha back until she was laying on her back and he was positioned between her legs.

"Then show me Zack the Puppy. Show me that you know what you want and that you are willing to take it by force." Samantha purred running a fingernail down Zack's chest.

"Then hold on tight and get ready to enjoy the ride." Zack said just before he slammed into Samantha, entering her and filling her. Both of them groaned when he entered and began to build a steady pace. He held her hands above her head with one of his hands while the other tangled in her hair.

"Mmmmmm….. Zack go harder and faster, make me moan myself hoarse." Samantha groaned.

Zack picked up the pace and began driving into Samantha with such force that the headboard of his bed banged against the wall rather loudly as he went harder and faster. It wasn't long before they both reached climax and then lay with their arms wrapped around each other.

"Goodnight baby." Zack said placing a gently kiss on Samantha's lips.

"Goodnight Puppy." She replied, closing her eyes and falling asleep feeling guilty but content.

~ This is the end of chapter 2. I know it seems kinda fast but please remember that sometimes things do turn out like this. Anyways please review so that I can know what you think. Thank you. ~