Author's Note: I'm so sorry for not updating the collection/stories in such a long time. My laptop, which I write these entries on, doesn't have any compatible programs with FanFiction's file uploader aside from Notes, and I absolutely refuse to use it, even as a last resort.
But enough about that – enjoy the entries!
21. Keep
She tried to ignore the fact that not having a certain Pulsian with her was bothering her. That the lift ride with Snow and Sazh didn't feel like it was going an inch a minute. Lightning drummed her fingers lightly against her arm, leaning back against the lift wall. Sazh was taking a look at his Altairs, making sure the weapons were still in tip-top shape. Snow just stood, one hand clenched around what was most likely Serah's tear. Probably 'talking' to the younger Farron sister.
Lightning suppressed the urge to sigh. The party had split up in to two groups, and were to meet up on the Apex. It was Hope's idea, and really, Light was glad that the teen was taking initiative, as he was just as much a part of this rag-tag l'Cie team as the others... but she shouldn't have let Vanille pick who was going with whom. The cheery little redhead had seemed to have wanted to take Sazh with her too, but when only given the option of two people, she'd pounced for Hope and Fang for... obvious reasons.
Finally, the lift jerked slightly, the jingling that sounded like wind chimes stopping, and the doors opened a moment later on either side. It twisted Farron's stomach to think that maybe Dahaka had somehow gotten around the watchful eye of the stone guardians, and the others had been forced to fight him on their own. She quietly took point, leading the way through the arch and in to a room with a few Chonchons fluttering around in the air. It didn't take long for the unlikely team to dispatch of the pesky little flying monsters, Snow exclaiming in triumph as he pumped his fist, a crooked smile on his face as Sazh sheathed his dual pistols.
Lightning allowed her gunblade to fold, sliding the weapon back in to its holster with the grace that only she could manage before she ordered,"Let's keep moving." She heard Sazh groan a little bit in protest, but it was Snow who spoke up.
"Hey, slow down Lightning!" he called, the two men having to jog to catch up with her sharp pace. How could he even say that? How could they slow down? Okay, so if Dahaka hadn't gotten to the other three, what if they were waiting up on the Apex already for them? Was it cold up there? Her expression didn't give way to any of the soldier's worries as they continued on through Taejin's tower. She froze, however, blinking slowly once as a low sound echoed through the tower, drifting to her sharp, trained ears.
Crouching a bit, her hand hovered back over Flamberge's handle, preparing to whip out the gunblade if needed. Snow and Sazh took up similar positions, sticking close to her as they neared what seemed to be an exit to a room full of vampires, and another lift.
"Yer gonna squirm!"
Snow relaxed right away at the accented battle cry, straightening up and cracking his knuckles, obviously ready to jump in without a second thought as he said,"Alright, let's do this!" Lightning remained frozen, her fingertips on the cold, reassuring grip as Sazh drew his pistols and stepped out after Snow, taking up position with the hectic scene. Three vampires, one staggered, Hope and Vanille scurrying to go between healing and throwing spells. Then, there was Fang.
The hem of her silken blue sari was tattered slightly, a small rip running up to her knee. There was a cut on her right arm, just below the tribal band, the beads of blood that gathered from the thin damage not having enough time to run down her toned flesh before dripping to the floor below instead with those powerful movements. Light swallowed hard, gritting her teeth and yanking her gunblade out, jumping in to join the fight.
The vampires were suddenly outnumbered six to three - pardon, two, as Sazh and Snow finished off the staggered cie'th. Farron glanced out of the corner of her eye at Hope. He was getting good, better every fight it seemed with his casting. Vanille sent a cure spell Sazh's way, Snow already taunting one of the vampires. Fang fell in to step beside Lightning as the two Commandos swung their weapons. Light would step in, and then back, and then Fang would be there, filling in where she had left off to keep the combination going, and so smoothly, too, they didn't even have to look at each other to know what the one was going to do next.
The third vampire wailed loudly, and so close, Lightning flinched, feeling like her eardrums were about to explode. Snow seemed a little dazed, faltering in his steps.
"Here!" she heard Hope call, casting to Snow, Sazh and Vanille stringing together a slew of Firagas that singed the edges of Lightning's cape as she gracefully flipped back out of the way, her free hand clutching at the side of her head, palm pressed tight to her ear. She must have been more effected than she thought, because for once, she didn't know where Fang was. Everyone else, yes. Hope with Snow, Sazh and Vanille near one another, two dead vampires - but where was the cocky Oerban? Azure eyes blinked in surprise as the vampire lumbered after her, or so it seemed. No, it as falling! Face down, it had to be dead, Fang standing on its back with a wide smirk on her face, one end of her lance jammed firmly in between the cie'th's shoulder blades.
"And I was just getting started..." she sighed over dramatically, even wiping sweat off her brow while lightly hopping down from the perch of the now deceased creature. Lightning felt her facial expression twitch slightly as that familiar thrum of annoyance pulsated through her veins. Returning her weapon to its usual spot when she wasn't using it, Farron began to charge a cure spell while staring at Fang in part silent and very secret admiration, and part disgust.
"How can you say that?" Hope asked, though there was amusement in his tone as he was bent over, hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath. Fang hummed slightly, running a hand back through her wild mane of raven hair, before laughing once.
"What's the matter Hope? Can't handle the nasties this place has ta offer?" she teased. Lightning turned away, letting the others banter while she made her way to the lift. There was something about this one, did she feel a breeze? Tipping her head back, she stared up, peering, trying to focus on what looked like a glimmer of light, a mere slit in the ceiling it was so high up. This had to be it, the way up.
"Here."
An accented voice nearly made the soldier jump before she lowered her gaze and turned to look at Fang, who was holding what looked a lot like Serah's crystalized tear to her. In the background, Vanille was giggling as Snow and Sazh teased Hope on the subject Fang had brought up. Lightning paused, a flicker of bewilderment as Fang handed her the tear of woe.
"What's this for?" Lightning questioned, holding up the synthesis material to get a better look. She'd only seen maybe two or three others like this during the course of ascending Taejin's Tower, it was a rare item to come across. Fang shook her head a bit, placing a hand on her hip and chuckling.
"Nothing, really. But it's yours - keep it. You can pay me back later," the dragoon said with a simper that made Lightning shudder as Fang turned away to get the others back on track. Farron watched her go for a second before looking down at the jewel in her grasp, holding it delicately at her fingertips. A ghost of a smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she closed her fingers around the tear, holding it to her chest momentarily before slipping it in to her leg pouch, hoping nobody saw her quietly cherishing the 'gift'.
The team of l'Cie, reunited, all loaded on to the lift. Lightning pulled the lever once everyone was inside, and the doors shut. The wind chime sound returned, the lift taking them upwards. She leaned back against the metal wall, Vanille sitting with Sazh and Hope, Snow looking all pumped as if they were going to face the fal'Cie of sugar and rainbows. Light allowed herself a slight sigh of relief, glancing at Fang, to which she was surprised to find her looking back at her, emerald eyes lit up with what looked like anticipation, as if she was expecting the soldier to say something.
No words came, their silent exchange meaningful as the lift came to a stop.
22. Under
She couldn't tell which way was up or down at this point, her body heavy, hand gripping desperately to her bladed lance as to not lose the only defense she had against whatever horrors swam beneath the surface of the water of the Sulyya Springs. What if that fal'Cie attacked her? She'd be ripped in half. Black was beginning to rim Fang's vision, and her chest felt tight, as if it was sucking in on itself from the lack of oxygen her lungs were screaming for. If only she could get herself orientated, and gather the strength to swim for air. She opened her mouth a bit, giving up some of her precious oxygen to watch the bubbles float downwards. She must have gone in head first, then!
Muscles straining, movements slow in the water, Fang fought to right herself, but the black was engulfing her sight. She turned her bleary gaze towards the light coming from the Springs' ceiling, before it was obstructed by a figure diving perfectly in to the water, swimming straight for the Oerban. Lightning reached out, hooking her arm around Fang's middle, pulling her close while kicking hard, swimming back up. Breaking the surface of the water, the two warriors soaked thoroughly, Snow held his hands out, kneeling down by the edge of one of the stone islands within the springs.
Lightning pushed Fang in to Snow's hold, before clambering out of the water. Hope, Sazh, and Vanille were just finishing off the monsters that had been the cause of this problem in the first place, the crackling sound of Thunder spells filling the air with electric energy. Light pushed her sopping wet strawberry blonde locks out of her face, kneeling down next to Fang with Snow. The too glanced at each other, and Snow's face said "not a chance". Fang would dismember the lout. Lightning froze for a moment, before bending down and listening for Fang's breathing.
No sound.
Panic rising within, Farron gripped Fang's chin, gently prying her mouth open. She decided now was not the time to gaze so appreciatively at the tribeswoman's luscious lips, taking in a gulp of air before pressing her open mouth to hers. This wasn't a kiss - this was an emergency.
"Vanille!" she vaguely heard Snow calling. The redhead joined them, and got to set on healing a wound in Fang's side, blood pooling slightly in the dirt and grass while Lightning continued issuing CPR. L'Cie were tougher than regular humans, of course, and as Light drew back for only the second time, Fang stirred, coughing slightly, the water that had filled her lungs coming up with it. She opened her jade eyes, groaning slightly.
"Ughh... what hit me..?" she muttered, trying to sit up as Vanille sighed in relief. Lightning remained impartial, sitting on her knees with her fists in her lap, trying to ignore the tingling sensation left on her lips. Hope looked rather jealous of a certain water-logged l'cie. Sazh explained to Fang she'd been jumped, struck pretty hard just as she was letting her guard down, apparently enough to toss her in to the water. Emerald eyes looked to Lightning as the explanation ended, she'd gone to stand near the edge, perched on a rock jutting out of the springs. While the four other l'Cie continued to scout ahead, Fang hung back, watching the soldier who was still just as dripping as she.
"Lightnin'?" Fang asked, hopping over on to the stone to join her, enough space between them, but not as much as usual. She pushed some of her wet raven hair out of her face, a bead sliding down the side of her face. Farron visibly tensed, her arms across her chest tightening a bit. Seeing this, Fang heaved a sigh, propping a hand on her hip and scratching the back of her head.
"Thanks fer comin' after me," she said, and wasn't all too surprised with the reaction she received.
"You can thank me by keeping yourself safe. Don't become a liability," the cold soldier said flatly, before turning around and jumping back over to the island to follow after the others. Fang chuckled, shaking her head a bit, unable to fight the smile. There was just something about that attitude that made her even more determined to topple the walls surrounding the ex-sergeant. Plus, she looked really good wet...
23. Compliment
"Y'know..." that accented voice drawled in Lightning's ear from behind, causing the soldier to freeze, feeling a strong, toned Pulsian arm slipping around her middle, as a warm figure pressed up against her back," if I'd had any idea you looked that good angry, I'd have pissed you off a lot more." Farron jabbed an elbow back in to Fang's stomach, huffing, annoyed with her at this point.
"Shut it, Fang. I wasn't angry," Light said evenly, turning around in Fang's loosened hold and placing her gloved hands on her shoulders, pushing her away,"you were just taking too long yourself to kill it." The slain Megistotherean lay on its side, the giant, silver-furred beast sliced to ribbons. The bronze Oerban chuckled a little breathlessly as she rubbed her abdomen where Lightning had struck her, holding up a finger which she waved back and forth in disapproval.
"That was a compliment, Light. Learn ta take one," she said, clicking her tongue before Lightning paused to glare fiercely at her, her fingertips brushing against her gunblade handle as she retaliated,"Was it really?"
She couldn't tell with Fang, that wild fearlessness of the dragoon making it difficult to take anything she said to heart. But there was always something about that guessing that intrigued the soldier to the point of frustration. Being persistent, and oddly honest, Fang easily recalled the relentless combination Lightning had dealt out, something she'd seen her do before. Farron herself had called it the "Army of One", and she might as well be. She didn't just swing that blade around, she danced with her weapon, those flips and spins and kicks just adding so much finesse that Fang herself lacked in her movements, but she got the job done anyway.
"It really was. Your fighting's fancy... and it's definitely nice to look at."
The Pulsian winked. Fang watched as Lightning turned away, though she could swear she saw a hint of pink tinging her fair skin.
24. Summer
"Not happening, Fang."
"Aw, come on Sunshine!"
The pinkette winced at the nickname. Fang snickered, Vanille adding in,"Come on Light! It'll be fun!"
The soldier, arms folded tightly across her chest as she stood wearing blue jeans tucked in to her boots and a Guardian Corps. training t-shirt, stared at the three culprits. There were the two Pulsians, and then the younger Farron sibling. Serah had that puppy dog look on her face, holding her hands together pleadingly.
"Come on Claire. Please? It'll be so much fun," she begged, her warm azure gaze enough to melt Lightning's icy glare. The soldier sighed, before running a hand slowly back through her strawberry blonde tresses, Serah's face lighting up at the gesture.
"... Fine," Lightning finally grumbled in defeat, to which Vanille and Serah cheered gleefully, before Serah stepped forward and grabbed Lightning's arm.
"Alrighty then! We have to get you ready," she quipped, Lightning glancing over her shoulder at a smirking Fang, Vanille waving and saying something along the lines of "Meet you there in ten minutes" in that constant uppity tone of hers. Being dragged off to her bedroom, Lightning sat down on her bed while Serah raided her closet, pulling out outfits she hadn't seen in forever, tossing them on the bed or at her older sister even, managing to turn Lightning's orderly, clean room in to a center of chaos within minutes. A new record.
"Change in to this," Serah then ordered, holding up a hangar with a pure white sundress with a spaghetti straps, just one article of clothing Serah had bought for Lightning, saying it would look so good on her. Lightning snorted, but stood up anyway, stripping the loose t-shirt from her frame. Serah groaned in annoyance when she saw the color of her bra, charcoal black.
"You can't wear a black bra with a white dress," she said with a scowl, as if blaming Lightning for temporary thwarting her plans of getting the sergeant in to a dress for a trip to the beach, to soak up the summer sun and have fun with their friends. "Change in to this," she then said, repeating herself, rifling through Light's underwear drawer for a moment before pulling out a white, ornately deigned bra, passing it to her sister and taking the sundress back, holding it while waiting. Lightning held one of the straps between her teeth to reach back, fingers fumbling for the hooks of her clasp, getting out of the evil undergarment. She shrugged the straps from her shoulders, allowing the material to slide down her arms and drop off on top of her bed with the other clothes, before pulling on the appropriate bra.
"Here. Change in to this when you're done, alright? We'll wait downstairs," Serah then said, causing Lightning to pause, as if Serah had kept telling her what to do, busy getting her boots undone. She watched her sister go to the door, leaving her be. Farron sighed, glad to finally be alone. She straightened up, slipping her thumbs in to her jeans, wiggling out of them with help from jerking her hips from side to side. They were extremely comfortable, but hard to get on and off. Just as she was pushing them down around her knees, the door swung open. The soldier straightened up almost instantly, surprised at the intrusion, and went to take a step back to grab something from her bed to cover up with, and only succeeding to trip on those jeans she loved so much.
"... Is it my birthday?" an accented voice asked in bewilderment, Fang fighting the urge to laugh, holding a pair of soft blue sandals in her grasp, the other hand on the doorknob. She was supposed to give the shoes to Lightning, but hadn't thought to knock. It was quite a sight, to watch Lightning fall over herself like that, pants around her knees, in lacy white lingerie.
She ducked out of the way as an alarm clock was chucked at her head.
25. Red
That cape fluttered in to view as Fang jumped back from the Vampire, Lightning leaping forward to take up where she had left off. She watched it swirl and flip as the one that wore it did. When she'd first seen the accessory, she'd thought about it a lot. Why did Lightning wear it? Was it part of her uniform? Or maybe she secretly had some sort of super hero complex, which was why she always got this annoyed look whenever Snow started to talk about heroes. The Pulsian had learned, however, to love it. It was a part of Lightning, after all. Whenever she saw a red cape in the very corners of her peripheral vision, she knew who was there. It was a reassurance. If that flash of red was gone in battle, then she would know something was wrong. Most of the time, Fang was right. Lightning would be hurt, and would fall back to quickly heal herself.
Fang had thought to ask at one point, during a dark and quiet night, if she'd ever gotten stuck in a door somewhere or if someone had ever grabbed her cape. For the first question, Lightning merely scowled, and said nothing; that meant yes. Fang had laughed at Lightning's second answer. The soldier had told her, her voice flat , though with a hint of joking,
"Whoever grabbed it didn't get their hand back."
26. Dance
"Quite the welcome home..." Fang said with what seemed to be honest astonishment dipping in to her accent. Lightning fought the urge to throw her a snide remark, but she had to agree... little sister Serah definitely knew how to organize a party. With Vanille's help, it had been a cinch to let everyone in Oerba know that the true saviors of Cocoon had returned. With Snow, and the help of the other NORA members, getting an actual party going had been as easy as walking out of your house and in to the street. The whole village was an explosion of sound and lights and fun and mostly music, traditional Oerban songs drifting throughout the rebuilt area. The two stood off to the side of a road that was occupied with people dancing and singing, one of the bands playing a tribal drum beat.
"Everyone's glad you two are back," Lightning reasoned with a shrug of her shoulders, eyes scanning the crowd for familiar faces. Hope was standing by Vanille, the two catching up together, chatting away. The subject of Hope finally overtaking the Pulsian in height seemed to be quite the conversation. She felt Fang nudge her in the side with her elbow, chuckling.
"What about you, Sunshine? Happy ta see me?" she asked the predictable question, causing Farron to sigh, and keep quiet. She took that as a yes, and moved to stand in front of her.
"Since you're so happy then, how about a dance, yeah? the Orban huntress proposed, gripping Lightning's hand. She immediately tensed up under Fang's hold, pulling back a bit. Even if they were no longer l'Cie, Fang still had that incredible strength, her grasp firm. "It won't kill you."
"I do NOT dance," Lightning growled, jerking her hand back, but to no avail. Fang merely pulled her along with her to join the throng of people in the street, effectively annoying the soldier.
"Well, now you're gonna learn. You have the best ta teach ya, after all."
27. Reflect
Fang's expression of shock was reflected on Lightning's face as they stared at each other, both of their mouths hanging open slightly, jade eyes as wide as cornflower blue ones. Lightning broke out of this momentary daze first, swinging her open hand to strike the Pulsian on the cheek, like a built-in reflex to the woman whenever she invaded her personal space or startled her. Fang was quick, bringing her hand up and catching Lightning's wrist.
"Whoa there Sunshine," she breathed, feeling the force behind the blow. She stepped back as Farron advanced on her, forcing her backwards, her free hand reaching for the gunblade that wasn't there. The pinkette was mad, though more furiously embarrassed than enraged - and who wouldn't be, after Fang had just walked in to the bathroom. Lightning had just gotten out of the shower when Fang came home, she and Vanille were staying here for the week. Having just been out all day, she'd wanted to wash up, and having heard no water, went to the bathroom to clean up, only for it to open to the sight of the gorgeous soldier in nothing but a towel that was the same color as her cape.
28. Nail
Fang leaped out of the way of the Behemoth's swipe, the rush of air feeling like it was about to burst her ear as the saw-blade sent a shockwave through the ground that trembled momentarily. She somersaulted over, before springing to her feet and leaping in to the air, drawing her bladed lance back before putting all her weight in to the downwards thrust, tearing a long gash through the monster's arm and stabbing in to its foot. She yanked the end of her lance out of its foot, blood staining her sari and droplets splashing on to her cheek as she jumped back for distance, a wild and feral grin on the huntress's face.
The behemoth let out a roar of annoyance and pain, still trying to dig his weapon out of the ground. Fang laughed, all too happy to taunt the injured beast, taking her leisurely time. She tossed her hair over her shoulder, stepping carefully, lance held up, ready to keep fighting. One would think that this great barbarian of a creature would be the predator, ready to snatch up its human prey and rip Fang in half - but no. She was the huntress. She was used to situations like these. Hell, she found them amusing, even. The poor behemoth (yeah right!) was then barraged with a slew of fire spells coming from Fang's fellow Pulse native, the redhead grunting slightly with the effort.
Fang fell back as Lightning jumped forward, slashing at the monstrosity's legs, it had been so foolish to attack them. No way it was going to make an evening snack out of these l'Cie, not today. There was something a little off, though. Fang blinked, hesitating, her grip tightening on her lance, before she quickly held up her guard, the Behemoth yanking its saw-blade out of the ground and spinning around. Her pupils dilated slightly, her eyes blinking at the sight as the weapon struck the side of the unknowing soldier. Then, that piercing, gurgled, wet-sounding scream as blood that wasn't the behemoth's was spilled.
"Lightning!" Vanille gasped, just as shocked as Fang that she'd taken such a hit. Was she alright? The pinkette rolled when she hit the ground, leaving a dark smear in the dirt, ending up face down, her grip on her gunblade slack, cape wrapped slightly around her waist. No movement for a moment, but an audible groan and a twitch of Light's figure assured the two Pulsian's she was alright, as far as being alright as a l'Cie went. Dammit. Why hadn't Fang taken this more seriously? Neither had time to sigh in relief.
Vanille watched as the woman crouched low, a growl rising from deep within her, a ferocious noise to begin with, laced with loathing for this particular monster.
"COME ON THEN!" Fang snarled, pushing off from the ground and charging the behemoth head on. No way she was going to let it get away with that! Vanille took this as a signal to get out of the way. She rushed over to Lightning, Cure spells already charging in her hand as she hurried to the fallen soldier. It wasn't long until Fang stood beside her, huffing for breath as she knelt by Lightning, laying her lance down and carefully lifting slipping an arm around Light's shoulders, the other gently around her waist. Vanille was just abut done with closing up the wound in her side, a bead of sweat sliding down the side of her face.
Farron had her teeth clenched hard. It must hurt. She looked even more pale than usual, turning her head to bury her forehead against Fang's shoulder.
"Just breath, Sunshine. Vanille's patchin' ya up as fast as she can," Fang said soothingly. Vanille glanced at her adopted sister, forcing herself to return her focus. On Fang's right shoulder as a slash that looked rather deep, and her forearm a few shallow cuts. Did she even notice them? Did Fang even care? Probably not. All that mattered was that the Behemoth was dead, and that Lightning was being healed.
"There," Vanille breathed, wiping sweat off her forehead with the back of her hand. Lightning was panting for breath still, her cheeks looking a little flushed. That was good though, the color coming back to her skin. Vanille then spent the next minute healing the injuries on Fang's arm, and Lightning didn't move. Her eyes were closed, though her brow twitched slightly here and there. She was still awake, probably just getting over the initial shock of being struck so suddenly, then that supposedly fatal wound - to a human, at least - being healed as if it was just a little scratch and Mommy kissed it better.
"Grab my lance."
Vanille looked up at the order. Yes, the order, from the bronze leader. Fang sat Lightning up carefully, leaving her weapon on the ground as she moved over in front of the solider, before sliding her hands back underneath the strawberry blonde's thighs. She lifted Farron on to her back, before getting to her feet. Lightning seemed too exhausted to protest, it seemed. Her breathing was less labored, but certainly heavy against Fang's neck as her chin rested on her recently healed shoulder.
"Uh... right," Vanille said with a nod of her head, understanding. That was enough hunting for one day. She picked up the bladed lance after clipping her wand back in to place, slinging the staff over her shoulder, the blades sheathing themselves. Fang lead the way.
"I can... walk..." Lightning grumbled, though she barely had the strength left to lift her head up. Fang just laughed bitterly. She wasn't all that amused. Normally, she could handle Lightning's stubbornness, as it rivaled her own, but now was not the time for arguing. She carried Lightning on her back the whole way to return to their camp. She laid the half-asleep Lightning down by the fire that Sazh had started. He was dozing off anyway. Snow and Hope must be getting more firewood, Gorgonsopid meat already being cooked shishkabob style. Vanille whimpered sadly, of course upset by the events.
Fang could only sigh, Light's head in her lap, her jade gaze on the dancing flames that cooked their dinner. When Hope and Snow returned, they were of course wondering about all the blood, and what had happened. Sazh woke up to listen as Vanille explained, assuring everyone Lightning was OK, she was just resting for the time being. Fang stayed with the soldier, watching over her, staying up even as night came. The fire had died down to a pile of hot coals, the only source of light the moon and Cocoon floating overhead. The others had gone to sleep, Sazh staying up to keep watch though, at the edge of their camp.
Fang startled, having begun to fall asleep when she felt Lightning stir. The brunette used one hand to rub the tiredness from her eyes, looking down at cornflower blue orbs that stared up at her in bewilderment. Lightning then began to push herself up in to a sitting position carefully after realizing where her head was, and Fang could tell she was biting back a groan or sound of some sort. She'd probably be sore for a few more hours, at least.
"Good thing yer up..." Fang chuckled, pulling her knees to her chest while rubbing one shin,"my legs were fallin' asleep."
"Haha," Lightning said bitterly, though paused. A silence fell between the two women, until azure met emerald. "... Fang..." she started slowly, holding the Pulsian's gaze,"... thank you."
"What do ya mean? Vanille's the one that healed ya," Fang pointed out. Besides, she felt like it was her fault that Lightning had gotten hurt. She'd been playing around with the behemoth instead of focusing, the very thing, the ONLY thing Lightning had told them to do when the monster ran at them. Concentrate. But no, Fang had to just goof off...
"For carrying me," Lightning clarified. Fang thought about pointing out the flaw. Thought about going on about how she was to blame for the injury in the first place, but time seemed to stop as her heart rate skyrocketed. Lightning Farron was smiling at her. Just a little bit, but just enough for her to register the curving of the corners of her lips, the simple smile breathtaking on her alabaster features before it was gone.
"Ah... no problem, Light," Fang breathed, and Lightning nodded her head.
"Goodnight then. We head out tomorrow morning, so get some rest," Farron said, nodding her head once before moving over to an open spot close to the heat of the coals, curling up with her back to the tanned Oerban.
"Yeah... goodnight..." Fang mumbled, a slightly dazed look on her face. She smiled to herself before laying back, clasping her hands behind her head and looking up at the stars, feeling incredibly blissful. Her dreams were sweet, replaying that smile.
29. Remove
It never took much to get access to the body of the luscious Pulsian. She was a beautiful sight, that Oerba Yun Fang. She was toned, from her shoulders to her calves, yet her skin was surprisingly soft, and her warmth was so comforting. She let her teeth close around the silk of Fang's sari, sliding the shoulder cover off before she grazed her lips against her arm, kissing her tattoo once, she heard Fang sigh happily at the contact. Her ungloved hands tugged at the Pulsian's belt, her skin brushing against the fur pelt as she did this, unbuckling the belt soon enough before tossing it aside, eager to remove the teasing blue garb. She'd built up enough tension during the trip through Teajin's tower. More than once, Fang had been the one to push the lever to the lifts. Sure, she rode side saddle on a chocobo, with one leg crossed over the other, like she was trying to be a lady or something, but on the lifts, she'd place her hands on her hips, lift one leg up, and push the stick back with her foot, giving a generous view of the stretch of supple thigh and defined calf.
Lightning's earlier guess had been correct. Black. They were black panties that her fingers curled around, Fang removing her sandals as the silk sari fell from her body, ending up in a heap around her now bare feet. Lightning paused, reaching around with one hand to the faded yellow curtain, yanking the partition shut before she pushed Fang back down on the bed. They'd volunteered, after arriving in Oerba, to check the place out while the other four l'Cie cleaned up one of the homes to rest in for the night, under the watchful eye of Vanille. Really though, it was just an excuse for the two of them to sneak off together. They'd been doing this together for quite some time now, saying they were going scouting, or were going to take up guard-duty together.
A lot of the times, that's what they actually did, but others were like this. Abusing their precious to give way to the pulsing lust within their veins, to temporarily forget about their troubles and become a mess of tongue and teeth, of heat and desire. It was intoxicating, that feeling. Fang made her feel things she'd never felt before, brought her to the edge, and made sure she was satisfied, or at least completely exhausted. A lot of the times, they went together, but Farron wasn't complaining. She climbed over on top of Fang, shrugging her jacket back off her shoulders, tan hands going to unzip her half turtleneck as Light slid her touch along Fang's sides, fingers feeling every contour of each delicious curve that she was so familiar with, yet never got tired of.
Lightning pressed a knee between the Oerban's legs, kissing the gorgeous tribeswoman fully, tongues wrestling while the two of them fought to remove their clothing, the heat building. It was a passion they shared for one another, Fang tugging the turtleneck off and tossing it aside carelessly, heated palms pressing against ample breasts that remained covered by a dark green bra. She squeezed, earning a gentle groan from her strawberry blonde lover. Lightning pressed her greedy hands up underneath Fang's tank top, who sat up just enough to get it, along with the black bra underneath, off in a few quick motions. Her pale, eager lips closed around one of the woman's nipples, softly sucking until the peak had hardened before she did the same with the other.
She kissed down along that defined abdomen, her pink tresses tickling though Fang didn't laugh. It felt like Lightning was leaving a trail fire wherever that beautiful mouth touched, the descent obvious as Lightning snatched the last of Fang's clothing off the woman. She inwardly smiled, that addictive taste and scent filling her senses as the soldier trailed her tongue over Fang's core. The Pulsian bit back a whimper, the feel of Lightning working her tongue over her sweet mound making her heart palpitate wildly within her bosom. Her breathe became heavy, hands gripping on to coral colored hair, head spinning.
"Lightnin'," she groaned out, tipping her head back as she arched her back off the bed a bit, earning an amused hum from the woman between her thighs. "Right there - ah! Hell!"
Fang was fighting to keep her voice down. It was difficult to do so with Lightning thrusting her first two fingers in and out of the huntress, teeth and tongue working over that sensitive bud. She couldn't get enough of Fang's taste on her tongue, and those moans coming from her were like a personal symphony; it was for her, and her only. And this? Fang panting for breath, her wild raven hair stuck to her forehead with sweat, and the flush of her cheeks, neck, and chest that was just enough to differentiate between the redness and her tan skin. Wonderful. She was close, Light could tell. Fang got always got really sweary, hissing,"Fuck," and other words between gasps for air when she was nearing that intense explosion of pleasure.
When she hit it was totally different though. Lightning had to hold her hips down, nails digging in to her skin as she whimpered and moaned, back arching once more and hands tugging on Lightning's hair. Then, it was over, and she was an extravagant mess. Lightning carefully drew back, licking her fingers clean before kissing up the woman's front. She purred a few sweet nothings in to her ear, allowing Fang enough time to calm down, shuddering beneath the soldier. Fang then carefully disentangled her grip from her hair, trailing her fingernails lazily down Lightning's back.
"No no... it's alright," Light whispered, moving to lay down beside her, wrapping an arm around her middle, hooking a leg over her hip. She was just glad Fang had enjoyed it so much. She gently bit Fang's earlobe, lips brushing the tribal earring. "Just relax."
30. Hands
Lightning turned over where she slept, or at least, was trying to sleep, using her folded up jacket as a pillow, wrapping it in her cape so the numerous belts and buckles wouldn't bother her. Yet still, it was impossible for her to drift to sleep. Too much tension in the makeshift tent that the three female l'Cie all shared together. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that Fang and Vanille were huddled together, leaving poor little Farron all by her lonesome.
The ex-sergeant refused to acknowledge any feelings of jealousy. Vanille was like Fang's sister - the tan Oerban had said it herself at one point or another, while so cheerily messing up the redhead's hair, grinning that sly smile...
Lightning squeezed her eyes shut tight, her back to the two Gran Pulse natives as she drew in a slow, deep breath. The air was fresh from the rain, a light drizzle falling outside the tent. She could just imagine that, in the second tent, the other three l'Cie not having any problems at the moment. It pissed her off a little bit, really... How could everyone else be so comfortable, anyway? No one was on guard duty, not a soul was keeping an eye out for Gran Pulse nasties, as Fang would call them.
She adjusted herself a bit, sighing quietly in the night, her mind wandering to the events of the long day. They'd followed Fang and Vanille along an underground maze today, eventually ending up riding in a fal'Cie named Atomos, if you could believe it, and going through the Sulyya Springs which had been filled with a very annoying amount of enemies. Forget the Ark... Gran Pulse was the real training ground, you had to fight and be on your toes almost 24/7!
She got to thinking about how, despite the large number of enemies, Fang would taunt and provoke the beasts, guarding against their attacks with stances that were magically charged, saying things like "Is that all ya've got?" and "Aww, come on, are ya even tryin'?" Sometimes, this bravado bothered Lightning. It caused work for Hope and Vanille to heal whatever wounds had accumulated on the bronze tribeswoman's body after battle, and sometimes even Lightning had to toss in a few Cure spells of her own.
Still though... there was something so feral and fascinating with that charisma, that enthusiasm and confidence. Dare she even think it, Lightning thought that Fang could be downright attractive, especially in battle. EVen covered with small cuts and marks that would surely evolve in to bruises, she would sigh so dramatically in disappointment at the defeat of their enemies, or laugh and say she wasn't finished yet, or something along those lines.
Lightning froze, suddenly, her eyes snapping open as she felt a hand against her inner thigh, access easy with her short skirt. Her face flushed, and she had to take a moment to calm down and simply realize that it was her own hand, and there was a warmth in the pit of her stomach that seemed to be growing the more she thought about the things she admired about... about Fang!
Get it together, soldier! You are NOT being turned on by... by recklessness!
Her body went frigid, her stomach doing a flip as she heard stirring from the two other occupants of the tent. Silence, then, a groan. A simple little still-asleep sort of sound, laced with a husky accent. How could sounds even sound like that anyway? More shameful the question, how come Farron recognized it as Fang without having to guess twice? The hand on her leg inched up slightly. Etro, why did she have to be attracted to such a person? Someone who didn't seem to care at all about plans or rules or her own safety until after she was sure that all the baddies were gone and her friends were safe, and would smile even with a slice on her cheek.
Because it was just that. Maybe it was the defiance. Maybe it was that cocky smirk that made her heart flutter. How about the way she'd practically purred at Lightning "Don't be shy" while moving her hands away from covering her chest to get a look at her l'Cie brand.
Fingers caressed herself through her underwear, Lightning slowly closing hr eyes, letting her imagination run free and the memories flood her mind.
When that giant monster had come and ripped half their airship apart. Snow yelling for Fang to go after Vanille and Hope, who'd just been yanked out of the flying vehicle by the sucking air. She may not have appreciated it at the time, but Fang leaping out so fearlessly in to the open expanse in to a wild free fall, she'd been so beautiful. No, gorgeous! A huntress in her element. Brimming with certainty and determination. Lightning had blamed Hope for her reason of leaping out after her the second those open-toe sandals had left the ship.
Farron wiggled her hips slightly to make pushing her panties aside easier, her pale and slender fingers, ungloved and strong, helping her relax this tension within her center, each brush of her fingertips along her slit urging her on to simply continue.
Fang suddenly spinning herself in mid air, tossing Bahamut's crystal and yelling out,"Here!" How natural, and on-cue it had been for her to then turn herself around as well, taking aim and pulling the trigger to shatter the Eidolith. Only moments after Bahamut appearing, Fang suddenly rushing back up towards the pinkette. Then that strong hand gripping hers, pulling Farron close enough to feel the Pulsian's warmth while being seated on the back of the dragon.
The first night on Gran Pulse, when Lightning had volunteered for guard duty after they'd spent te day setting up a base camp to merely get situated in this wild place. Funny how they'd thrown it together, a lot like this one. She twitched slightly, her nimble touch sliding along her slick sex. Thinking was starting to become a challenge as she had to focus on her breathing to at least try and keep it calm, but knowing that the one she was thinking about was right behind her made the soldier shudder. She began to concentrate a little more on the physical side of things, her middle finger teasing her entrance, before she slowly curled the appendage inside of herself, breathing out softly in delight.
Keeping her eyes closed, sliding her other hand up to unzip her half turtleneck, she started to fantasize. She thought of how exciting it would be to have Fang whispering in her ear, she didn't know what, but anything would sound amazing coming from that accented voice. She wondered how it would feel to run her fingers back through that raven hairstyle, to have that warm body pressed against hers again, this time in a much more sensual and intimate way, of course.
She froze immediately as she somehow got her wish.
Fang had heard something. She'd woken up from the noise, and even though her senses had been dulled with sleep, they quickly snapped to attention at the sound of a whimper that certainly wasn't coming from her surrogate sibling. She'd lifted her head, looking over her shoulder, startled. Was she still asleep, and merely dreaming, or was Lightning... was Lightning...
Fang sat up, incredulous to the situation before her. She MUST still be dreaming... in that case, she could do whatever she wanted. Crawling away from Vanille, she found the sight more and more sensuous as she then slid in behind Lightning, fitting her toned body against the soldier's back. Lightning tensed up, suddenly stopping, though Fang reached a hand down around the strawberry blonde's front with a warm purr in her ear,"Don't stop 'cause of me, Sunshine."