A/N: Thank you so much for the reviews! I present, chapter two... Please enjoy!
It was the night before Lightning's surprise birthday trip to the Wildlands, and Vanille and Fang were cosied up on the sofa bed in the guest room of Serah and Snow's house. The two Oerbans had sat for hours brainstorming idea after idea on just how Fang was going to wiggle her way into Lightning Farron's heart.
"Honestly Fang, I think it's like trying to break into a rock with your bare hands," Vanille conceded.
"Well, good thing I can break a rock with my bare hands," the brunette chuckled.
"Not my point exactly, but let's see…" the redhead paused. "I still think it's best if you go the slow, romantic route," Vanille said.
"For the last time Vanille, that is not how I do things. My method of getting any woman to fall for me is to walk straight up to her and charm her with my romantic prowess," Fang stated.
"What romantic prowess?" the shorter woman asked innocently.
"Fuck you, Vanille," the brunette responded. "My confidence and overtness have always turned a lady from 'stranger' to putty in my hands," Fang said. "I can get any woman I want."
"Then why are you still single?" the redhead pointed out, receiving a playful slap from the taller woman.
"That is purely by choice," Fang said defensively. "At any rate, I will break Lightning the same way."
Vanille looked unconvinced. "I think you will have to take a different approach with Lightning," she began. "After all, she's not like any other woman out there. She's your friend, and I really don't think outwardly flirting with her will work. Do you really want to risk ruining your friendship with her?"
Fang pondered for a moment. "When you put it that way... You're right. If I tried that she'd probably just punch the hell out of me."
"Exactly my point," Vanille responded. "I propose... you write her an anonymous love letter".
"WHAT?" the brunette blurted at her friend. "You've got to be fucking kidding me Vanille."
The redhead looked surprised. "No, I'm really not Fang. Trust me, you can get to Lightning, slowly but steadily. You just have to convince her about how you feel." Vanille waited for the brunette's response.
It was the complete opposite of Fang's style but Vanille did have a point. She just couldn't see Lightning responding positively to her own flirtatious advances. "Alright then," the brunette said at last. Vanille handed her a piece of paper, a pen and a crimson envelope.
xxXxx
The following morning Lightning awoke to the sunlight filtering through the curtains of her bedroom window. Today was her birthday, she thought. I wonder what Serah has planned for me. It wasn't as though Lightning was expecting anything from her younger sister, but judging from the events of the past few years, Serah had always managed to stage a surprise party for her older sister which, she noted, voided the meaning of the word 'surprise' in 'surprise party'.
Lightning reached for the phone on her bedside table and speed-dialled her sister.
"Morning Light," Serah yawned.
"Where will my surprise party be this year?" She asked the younger Farron, emphasising the word surprise.
"Actually Light, you're to come to my place at 10 a.m.," Serah responded.
"I'd say that's a bit too early for a party," the older sister replied.
"I completely agree, which is why, there is no party for you this year," Serah explained.
"You do know that this is exactly what you said last year?" Lightning reminded her.
"Just be at my house at 10 a.m. sharp, and bring your gunblade," Serah hastily said before hanging up.
Lightning looked curiously at her phone. Party at Serah's at 10 a.m. At least the time is a surprise, she thought.
By the time Lightning arrived at Serah's house it was two minutes to ten, and Hope's car was in the driveway. She had walked from her house as it wasn't too far from Serah's. She knew it had been years, but the fact that Hope was now practically an adult who had a driving license still sort of amused her. She would never forget that little boy she had trained to fight for himself.
The older Farron rang the doorbell to the resounding "Happy Birthday!" greetings of her five friends in unison.
Lightning looked at the expectant faces of her friends awaiting her reaction.
"Oh, wow, I am sosurprised," she feinted in a flat tone, some two seconds later.
"Oh don't even try, Light," spoke Fang, leaning against the wall of the hallway. "We all know the only time you would react that slow is if someone cast 'slow' on you," the darker-haired said, smirking.
"It was a pretty delayed response," Hope laughed.
"Hey, let the birthday girl through!" Snow announced, pushing through his friends to reach Lightning. "Happy twenty-fourth, sis," he said, grasping her hand in congratulations.
They got seated in the lounge, as if about to begin a briefing for a mission. Serah stood at the front of the room. "Okay guys, as you know, we need to be prepared for the next three days. I hope you've all got your weapons and supplies with you." She glanced around the room. "Lightning, I've packed all the things you need, so don't worry," she smiled. "It's about a five-hour drive, but Hope says we'll make it by the evening," the pink-haired woman informed everyone. "Meet out front in five guys."
"Just where are we going?" Lightning asked Vanille who was seated beside her.
"You'll see," the redhead sing-songed evasively, not wanting to spoil the surprise.
xxXxx
About fifteen minutes later the six friends had packed into Hope's tiny car, four of them squashed into the back seat, plus a giant black suitcase which hadn't made it into the boot of the car.
"Who the hell's suitcase is this?" Snow asked, sardined against said item and Vanille.
"Guilty," Vanille raised her hand.
"What did you bring, your entire wardrobe?" the large man grumbled.
Serah turned around in her spot from the front passenger seat and poked her head back. "Don't worry guys, five hours will pass in no time," she reassured.
"And so that's five hours to go," Snow replied into Vanille's suitcase, which had found a comfortable resting place against his face.
As the houses and trees whizzed past, Lightning admitted spending half the day holed up in a tight car was not her ideal way of spending her birthday. But this year Serah had in fact managed to surprise her with a three-day trip to an unknown destination, something she was intent on enjoying for its entire duration.
Fang sat between Vanille and Lightning. The latter was gazing out the window at the passing scenery, a peaceful expression on her face. Fang squirmed slightly at the heat coming from the pink-haired woman's body beside her. It took all her control not to slip an arm around the former soldier and gaze into those aqua-green eyes. The brunette shook her head. No! She scolded in her head. Just be patient, Fang, she told herself, patting her sari where the red envelope containing the love letter was hidden.
As they neared the Wildlands, Hope steered the car onto the dirt track leading to Aryas Village. He hoped with all his heart that the Angel of Valhalla would make an appearance when they arrived, like it always had back in the days when Lightning was carrying out saviour duties. Perhaps it had been a bad idea to make the white chocobo's appearance his present for Lightning. Because if it didn't appear, well, he didn't have anything else to give her.
xxXxx
They pulled up into Aryas Village and everyone hopped out of the car faster than Hope could say "We're here". The six friends were positively exhausted from being cramped up in the tiny car and thanked the heavens that it would be another three days before they would have to endure it again.
Serah bounded up to her sister. "Well, what do you think?" she asked the older woman, glowing in anticipation.
Lightning smiled, "Best birthday so far," she said warmly to her little sister. Serah beamed.
As they retrieved their suitcases and bags from the car, Hope looked around. No sign of the Angel of Valhalla. He sighed, cursing his lack of foresight.
"Serah?" He walked up to the younger Farron who was lifting a bag out of the trunk. Serah turned to him. "I don't think he's here," he whispered to her.
"Are you sure he won't turn up later?" She said in a hushed tone. Lightning was a few metres away, gazing into the distance, apparently soaking in the surrounding nature.
"I don't think so, he always appears as soon as Light arrives," the silver-haired teenager replied.
"Don't worry, I'll have a word with her," the younger Farron assured him. "She won't be mad, I promise".
The young man sighed in relief. "Thanks, Serah," he said, helping her lift the last bag.
xxXxx
They entered the inn where they would be staying for the trip, and to Serah and Hope's surprise the innkeeper informed them it was no longer required to help round up the sheep despite their earlier agreement. They had a whole bunch of tourists who were willing to do it for free as a sort of tourist attraction-activity. They received their keys and climbed the stairs to their rooms.
Lightning put her bag down before helping Serah with hers. Serah closed the room door behind them. She had chosen to share a room with her sister rather than Snow as it was Lightning's birthday, and wanted to make the most of her time with her. The younger Farron decided on how best to tell Lightning about Hope's failed present.
"Hey Light?" the younger girl began. The older Farron was mid-way through examining the contents of the bag that Serah had packed for her for the trip.
"Yes?" she replied, looking at her sister.
"It's about Hope," she glanced at Lightning. "He's… a bit worried about you getting mad at him later," the younger Farron explained.
Lightning was confused. "Why in the world would I be mad at him?" She queried.
"You'll see later," Serah responded, not really knowing what to say. "Just remember that this birthday surprise trip to the Wildlands was actually his idea," she said, trying unsuccessfully not to sound so cryptic.
"Uh huh," Lightning responded, not having a clue about what Serah was implying.
xxXxx
At six o'clock the six friends had seated themselves around a large table at the inn's restaurant, where Chef Aryas was to serve his famous Legendary Recipe, a delicious concoction of Rocky Crag mole and Aryas apples. Fang glanced at the corner of the room where they had piled their birthday presents for Lightning. Her red envelope sat atop two other parcels; she couldn't wait to see Lightning's reaction when she read the contents of her letter. She had signed it anonymously, but was certain her pink-haired love interest would be able to work out it was from her.
As the waiter placed their plates of Legendary Recipe in front of them, Serah raised her wine glass. "A toast!" She announced to the table. "To the greatest sister ever!"
"Happy birthday Light!" the others cheered in response, raising their own glasses.
They heartily downed their meals, and Snow burped loudly.
"Sorry," he said, as his wife nudged him under the table. He turned to Lightning, "So how goes the job hunt sis? Found anything yet?" he asked.
The pink haired woman shook her head. "Not yet," she responded.
This interested Vanille and the redhead perked up. "Hey Lightning, my company is looking for someone at the moment," she said before frowning. "Although I'm not sure if you would want it."
Vanille worked for a world renowned fashion company that specialised in women's garments and accessories.
"What sort of job is it?" Lightning asked her.
"They're going to shoot a new commercial in a few weeks and they're trying to find someone to model in it," the redhead explained.
Snow snorted. "Ha! Can you imagine Lightning wearing some sort of fancy pink shirt with a small glittery handbag hanging off her arm?" he asked the group, incredulous. "No offense, sis," he winked at the older Farron, who had narrowed her eyes.
"Hey!" Fang interjected. "I bet Lightning could pull off whatever look she wanted, unlike you, ya massive, uncoordinated bulk," she shot at him, causing him to feint a flinch.
"Ouch Fang, I may be big, but I have very sensitive feelings," he said, rubbing the spot over his heart.
"Like hell you do," the soft-spoken Lightning said sarcastically. "Snow thinks he's sensitive, but his skull is as impenetrable as steel," she asserted.
"As is your heart!" Snow retorted at the pink-haired woman.
"You want to take this outside Snow?" the older Farron threatened, although she said this half-heartedly.
"I know deep down you actually love me sis," he said, pretending to cower behind Serah.
Fang couldn't tear her eyes from Lightning. That woman was the fucking sexiest when she was pissed off. Vanille noticed Fang staring at Lightning and rolled her eyes.
Lightning turned back to Vanille, "Sorry, but I decline. The day I take up a job parading glamorous outfits will be the day I've completely lost my mind, or my free will," she added.
xxXxx
After the birthday cake, which was in the shape of Odin, Serah announced 'presents time'. The younger Farron sister brought over the three items sitting in the corner of the room and placed them on the table in front of Lightning. The red envelope caught Fang's attention yet again and the brunette noticed her hands were sweating slightly. What the hell's wrong with you, Fang? She asked herself. Was she actually fucking nervous? About the stupid letter? About Lightning?
The former soldier proceeded to open a small, round parcel. It was a fancy compass from Serah and Snow. "Thanks," she directed at the pair. The next item was larger, from Vanille and Fang. She unwrapped it to find a book all about weaponry throughout history. She nodded her appreciation to the two Pulsians.
The final item was a red envelope. Assuming it was a birthday card, she picked it up, and was surprised that it wasn't hard like a card would be. She tore open the envelope and unfolded the piece of paper inside. Fang stared at her in anticipation, as Lightning began reading in her head.
To the most beautiful woman in the world,
I know we have known each other a very long time, but I think it's about time I confess. Ever since I met you, I have been blown away by your beauty, your finesse and your quick ability to smash a person's face in. Seriously, the last one is a massive turn on. I know I may be the last person you would ever want to be with, but I want you to know that I have always harboured romantic feelings for you. Would you do me the honour of giving me a chance to be your partner, in life, love and all other things?
Wishing with all my heart,
Anonymous.
Lightning finished reading and stared blankly at the piece of paper in her hand. She felt her face growing hot as she scanned the contents a second time, not sure if she had read it correctly on the first. The others stared at her expression curiously.
"Um Light? Are you alright?" Serah's voice seemed to reach Lightning's ears from far away.
Lightning absently raised a hand to her mouth. So this was Hope's present that Serah had warned her about, she realised, with an uncomfortable jolt in her gut. Even though it was signed anonymous she knew it had to be from him since his was the only present she hadn't opened yet. She looked at the silver-haired teenager in a mixture of shock and rage.
Hope recoiled at the offending glare the former soldier was now giving him, raising his hands in surrender. "I'm sorry Light, I didn't get you anyth-" he began.
"Don't. Say. Any. More." She warned him in a deadly tone. "Excuse me," she told the table, before standing up and making a beeline for her room.
The table stared after her. "That was- odd," Snow commented, as Lightning disappeared out of sight.
"Something's wrong, I'd better go after her," Serah swiftly gathered up Lightning's presents and sprinted up the stairs after her sister.
"She's got it in for you buddy," Snow placed a firm hand on Hope's shoulder. "Who knew she'd be that pissed at you for not getting her a present," He looked around at the two Pulsians left at the table.
"Um…" Vanille cocked her head, completely bewildered as to what had just happened.
Fang chuckled darkly. This was not how she imagined things to unfold. Lightning was supposed to look uncomfortable, perhaps display a shy smile, act all flattered at the confession letter. Then, she would look around the table to her friends and Fang would catch her eye and wink at her, confirming Light's suspicions that it was Fang who wrote her that beautiful message.
"Fang," Vanille snapped the brunette out of her thoughts. "Let's call it a night," she told Snow and Hope, before dragging the taller woman to her feet and up the stairs.
"I'm sorry Fang, I don't think it worked," the redhead said as soon as she shut their room door. Fang was still trying to gather her thoughts.
"Hold up, Vanille," the brunette interrupted. "What do you mean?" she asked.
The redhead shook her head. "The letter – I don't think your message got through to Lightning," she informed Fang.
The brunette gave her a look of agreement. "I figured as much," she muttered.
"She didn't even look at you after reading the letter," Vanille said. "As soon as she read it she looked straight at Hope and shut him up when he was just about to apologise for not having given her a birthday gift," the redhead recalled.
No, something was amiss, Fang thought silently. Replaying the order of events in her mind, Lightning had looked up from the letter, directly at…
"Ah FUCK NO!" She yelled, making Vanille jump.
"What? What?" the redhead shook the darker woman's arm.
"Fucking idiot," she swore at herself, and to an extent, at Lightning. She clenched her teeth. "She thinks the letter's from Hope," she said and Vanille gaped at her, speechless. The brunette walked back to the door and turned the knob.
"Where are you going?" the redhead asked, still in a state of shock.
"To tell Lightning I like her to her face," the brunette said, before striding out the door.
xxXxx
A few minutes earlier…
Lightning lay sprawled on her bed, staring straight up at the ceiling. She still hadn't absorbed the fact that her student, the boy who had once called him 'Mom', had 'harboured romantic feelings for her' ever since they had met. He had to have been around fourteen at the time. Stupid kid, she thought to herself.
Someone knocked on the door. "Light? Can I come in?" said Serah's voice through the solid wood. Lightning didn't reply and the door opened.
"Are you alright, Light?" the younger Farron asked her sister.
"Never been better," Lightning replied absentmindedly.
"I did warn you earlier," her sister began, "About Hope… You know he really thought that the Angel of Valhalla would show up. That was going to be his present for you, Light," she stopped and noticed that Lightning wasn't even paying attention to her.
"I see…" the older Farron said, clearly not having heard a word the younger was saying. Serah stomped her foot. "Light!"
Just then a giant pounding came from the door.
"Open up Lightning Farron! I need to talk to you!" It was Fang's voice, yelling rather loudly, Lightning realised in the back of her mind.
Serah opened the door. "She's in here," the younger Farron said to the brunette who had frozen mid-knock and mid-yell as the door opened.
The brunette rushed up to Lightning and slapped the older Farron across the face.
"Hey! Fang!" Serah exclaimed, alarmed.
"You idiot, Lightning!" the brunette began shaking the pink haired woman by the shoulders and Lightning regained her senses.
What the hell's going on? Lightning thought, feeling two firm hands grasping and shaking her. She lashed out and punched whoever was shaking her square in the nose.
"Ow!" Fang recoiled, her hands jumping to her face. "Fuck you Claire Farron! I just came here to profess my love to you and this is how you repay me?" She staggered, her head spinning wildly.
"What?" Lightning and Serah said at the same time.
"Fucking hell, you hitting me really does turn me on," the brunette blurted out, her vision going blurry.
"You wrote me that stupid letter?" Lightning asked her.
"Sure did, sweetheart," Fang managed between breaths as the room quickly revolved around her and her mind blacked out.
A/N: I hope you got the reference about our pink haired heroine in recent news events. Sorry, I couldn't resist. Anyway, hope you enjoyed this chapter, it took a bit of tweaking but I got there eventually. Kindly leave a review if you liked it! And any improvements, feedback is highly appreciated.