Guard Corps Transportation Hangar (Early Morning):

Lightning's PoV:

After our stroll along the beach, we returned to Vanille's apartment to retrieve our travel cases. Before departing to New Sunleth, Amodar met us at the Guard Corps Base. We were now in the transportation hangar with various sorts of flying vessels. A good distance away, Vanille sat idly on our space-pod as Amador barked orders at me.

I paid little attention to Amodar's rambling.

I glanced past him to study Vanille's face as she sat poised off the side of the pod seat. Her radiant dress was a pastel yellow color at the neck, gradiating through shades of pink and orange and resolving into lilac at the hem by her ankles. The elegant fabric was gathered up at the waist with clasps made of tassels and pearl. It draped over her arms, where it was hemmed with a wide ribbon. The dress was held up by five layered pieces of metal resembling shells— the top one reached partially around her neck, tied off with a piece of ribbon. Similar pieces of metal adorned her upper arms. Her back and shoulders were bewitchingly exposed.

I couldn't take my eyes off her.

My thoughts wandered back to the sunset when I caught her in my arms. For a moment, just a moment . . . I could've sworn she didn't want me to ever let go. These were thoughts I knew I shouldn't've had.

She's a councilor. I'm her guard. And she's engaged!

Yet, if I said I succeeded in pushing away these thoughts about her since that morning, I would've been lying.

Vanille's PoV:

Lightning's being yelled at, and it was entirely my fault.

I shouldn't've suggested staying another night, but she wanted to acquiesce to my wishes.

Lightning remained stoic as she faced her commanding officer. She's wearing a cream-colored tunic with matching tabbard, tied at the waist with an obi, and trousers that tucked into mahogany boots. The soft fabric contoured her strong arms, and her hands were clasped perfectly still behind her. A noble, red velvet cape adorned her back, and a formidable gun-blade slung from her hip. Lightning would appear quite intimidating, if not for her serenely handsome face.

Finally, the commanding officer stopped yelling.

Lightning strode purposefully over to me across the glimmering, silver concrete. Her expression was unreadable, as usual. Anxiously, I dismounted the pod and ran to meet her.

"I'm so sorry! I—I," I lowered my head and clasped my hands in front of my stomach.

She placed her strong hands on my shoulders, "Don't worry about it."

"Why aren't you upse—"

"I've been promoted to Captain." Lightning looked at me with a rare smile.

Mouth agape, I replied, "I thought you were being reprimanded?"

"Well that too . . . ," Lightning chuckled lightly, "but he said he was pleased with the way I was able to keep you safe regardless."

She let her hands fall to her sides. The warmth instantly left my shoulders.

I peered into her ocean blue eyes, "I'm pleased to know everything's okay," I murmured.

"Things might not be so okay unless I get you to the Villa. Let's go," she responded in a light-hearted tease. I nodded in approval.

Lightning and I meandered to the space-pod where our luggage was firmly tied to the back. Lightning mounted the seat before courteously extending her hand to me.

The gesture was charming. I blushed at the unexpectedness.

Despite her attempts to appear emotionless, Lightning was quite chivalrous and caring. The more time I spent with her, the more I knew it to be true.

Accepting her hand, she helped me sit side-saddle on the craft. She gave me as much space as she could while still managing an arm around my waist. We'd never been this close before—other than the brief moment at the dock that morning. Her protective limb wrapped around me invited a flurry of sensations.

On the one hand, I was betrothed to a senator, soon to become one myself. I'd no longer be the carefree little girl I once was. On the other hand, the barest of touches from the soldier would send sparks all over my body.

I shouldn't be having these 'sensations'.

The more I tried to convince myself, the more my body betrayed me.

New Sunleth (Morning):

Lightning PoV:

After the long ride, Vanille and I landed in a modest, woodsy clearing positioned next to a tumultuous river. Our destination, the hidden Villa estate, could only be accessed by water. A spacecraft force field had been activated as a protective measure.

Rowing was markedly tedious. I hadn't rowed since basic training.

Fortunately, my thoughts were distracted by the vision of Vanille resting her head peacefully against the side of the boat. She'd fallen into a quiet slumber. Poor girl. Even after the fal'Cie, she still carried the weight of the people on her shoulders. Such a small frame—where did she find the strength?

My eyes were hopelessly bound to each curve and each feature of her graceful figure. She was magnetic, and I felt powerless— enslaved even.

Villa, New Sunleth (Late Afternoon):

Vanille's PoV:

I woke up on an intricate couch in the middle of a foreign yet lavish room. A classical fire-place decorated the wall in front of me. The floors were marble, as were the walls and pillars. I sat up to better observe my surroundings—an abundance of French windows channeled the midday sunlight. My hand covered my mouth to stifle an unexpected yawn, and then Lightning entered the room.

"Finally awake?" she greeted.

I smiled, "Yes."

She knelt on the floor beside my couch. "Can I get you anything, Vanille?"

It hasn't ceased to feel strange for Lightning to be so attentive—to me.

"No, Captain," I replied, taking in the surrounding again. "This is an enchanting place."

"Yes," agreed Lightning, also turning to admire the room.

"I'm sorry, I must've passed out earlier on the boat. Everything was so calm and peaceful . . ."

And safe.

"It was much needed rest. I hope it did you good."

"Yes. But then you had to carry all our belongings off the boat yourself—including me, by the looks of it!"

"Not all at once," Lightning laughed.

"Hm? With your powerful physique, it should've been no trouble for you," I teased.

"You were too heavy, Milady," Lightning countered, earning her a smack on the arm. Then, Lightning held out her hand. "I want to show you something."

Lightning's PoV:

I led her to the stone balcony outside—escorting her to its edge. It was pleasantly shaded with lush greenery, while providing a breathtaking view of the white sand and crystal ocean. Leaning against the balcony ledge, my eyes wandered to her cascading dress that exquisitely revealed her lithe back and delicate shoulders.

A breathtaking view is standing right before me.

"This is lovely. . ." Vanille murmured, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Isn't it?" I smiled. "This place reminds me of the beach at Bodhum. I used to spend my summers swimming and playing."

Vanille looked at me, amused. "I never imagined a staunch soldier like you to be swimming and playing."

"—Used to."

"You were carefree then," Vanille smiled knowingly and gazed out at the glimmering expanse. "The beaches at Oerba were like this too. I would swim until they had to drag me out," Vanille giggled as she reminisced.

I looked at her, losing myself in her laughter.

She's angelic and innocent.

She caught my gaze. "Perhaps we can make a beautiful beach like this one at New Bodhum."

She's . . . thoughtful.

"Perhaps." I stepped closer.

We could hold each other with the waves at our feet, and never let go.

"Light?" whispered Vanille.

I reached out and lightly caressed the small of her back, lingering at the touch.

Warm. Soft. Tender.

My hand tentatively trailed up her spine.

I'd forgotten these feelings.

Vanille's PoV:

In the moment, I felt immobilized by her boldness. I sensed a surge of overwhelming warmth. Her fingers floated like butterfly wings, yet each touch was speaking to me. I peered into her captivating eyes, which remained silent and deep in thought. My breath hitched in my throat when I realized her stomach was brushed up against my side. She was so close.

Lightning hesitated, searching my countenance for permission to advance. My gaze didn't waver.

Lightning leaned in.

I closed my eyes.

Her lips met mine.

I melted into the kiss.

I wish I wasn't a senator.

I wish I wasn't betrothed.

I wish I was still just a simple girl.

An image flashed across my mind— Fang!

"—Stop." I pulled away.

Lightning swallowed hard, eyeing me curiously.

"I—I shouldn't have done that . . ." I confessed.

Lightning merely looked at me. There was confusion and disappointment in her eyes, but she didn't question me.

We both turned away, quietly gazing back at the vast ocean.

"I'm sorry, Milady."


Author's Endnote: The description for Vanille's dress is the exact description of Padme's dress on the Balcony with Anakin. Revisions for this chapter courtesy of 'mooncanvas'.