Feral
Chapter Seven
"You realize you just ran a stop sign."
Yun blinked, slightly jarred by her partner's voice. "Huh? Wassat?"
"You ran a stop sign." Sazh repeated from the passenger's seat. "Something wrong?"
"What? No, there's nothin' wrong," She shook her head, her brow now furrowed as she focused more closely on the road. "Just got a lot on my mind is all."
"Everything all right at home?"
"Sure,"
"Little sister okay?"
"Yeah,"
"Then what is it?"
"Lot's of little things, really. No big deal. Just got a little lost in it." Though there was much more to it than she was letting on, as I'm sure most of you have considered. Yun had a feeling she should tell Sazh what was going on, tell him about what had happened that rainy night after she had dropped him off. It wasn't an issue of trust, Yun knew she could trust him, maybe it was just a lack of being able to explain it. In reality, she didn't know much about what was happening either. It could be nothing, or something too big to handle. She figured just to give it a little more time in the dark, just a little more time for her to figure it out.
"All right, if you say so. Oh, I called Forensics about that stuff you found at the harbor."
"Did ya, now? How much of it did they lose this time?"
"They told me they never got it."
Yun laughed out loud, one bursting "HA!". "And here I thought they couldn't get any more worthless. Ah well, guess we'll have to do it by ourselves again."
"Fun." he grumbled. "At least it can wait 'til Monday. And today should be a fairly easy day."
"Oh sure, what with the press and everythin'. Should be smooth sailin'." Yun rolled her eyes. She hated the press, journalists in general. They were pricks of the highest order. All of a sudden she just didn't feel like being out of bed today. She felt the nagging whine of her conscience just telling her to call it a day and go home.
"At least it's a free meal, right? I mean, you wouldn't turn down some of the best barbeque in the city, would you?"
"Well, when you put it that way...but I can't exactly beat those vultures with a side of beef, can I?"
"No," Sazh smirked, "but I would imagine the food would make puttin' up with them easier."
"Good point." she nodded vacantly, leaning her jaw against her knuckles as she propped her elbow on the door. "Did ya hear Mr. Raines is actually going to be there?"
"Yeah, I heard. Shame what's happened to him. I always thought he was a pretty stand up fellow myself."
"I suppose,"
"Been trying to get the recipe for his dry rub for years, though. That's all I'd ever hold against him."
Yun chuckled. "I guess that's not so bad for a white guy,"
"Yeah, well, nobody's perfect."
The remainder of the drive was fairly quiet save for their nigh on expected jabs at one another. But that was almost ritual now. The day just wouldn't be complete without them.
Eden City's Lindblum Park was a five square mile stretch of sequestered greenery, filled with woodlands, a large lake at its heart, and littered with hiking trails from one end to the other. It was in the northwest corner of the property, near the dog park and play ground, where the annual benefit was being held. When Yun put the car in park one could see other vehicles, blue and white police cruisers in the other nearby spaces. There was a large pavilion within a stone's throw of the parking lot, and already there was a big banner raised to advertise the event. Yun could pick out the familiar faces of other task force members.
Yun shrugged, her hands still on the steering wheel. "Why do we do this again?"
"Because it's our duty?"
"Oh yeah."
Sazh made an inquisitive expression. "You haven't had a drink yet today, have you?"
Yun cringed. "Gods, you're right. Too late now though."
"You'll make it. Come on, the sooner we get started, the sooner we can go home."
The two disembarked from the vehicle, their steps seeming heavy as they made their way to the pavilion.
The smell of charcoal wafted through the air, caught on a gentle Spring breeze that tilted the tufts of smoke that were coming out from under the pavilion roof. There was a massive grill set up there, something you'd be more likely to see at a competition, and it was loaded down with all sorts of carnivorous delicacies. Beef, pork, chicken...I think I need to be alone for a moment.
That amazing aroma was almost as good as caffeine to Yun, the first big whiff of it waking her right up. It was enough to make her smile and put a bit of a spring in her step. With that being said it should come as no surprise to know that she made a b-line for the cooker. If for no other reason than just to have a closer look at the treasures it cradled in its fiery gut. Although the first thing she could see from where she was at the moment was the one tending the grill, a tall and stout fellow she recognized almost immediately.
"I'd know that hippie hair anywhere," Yun smiled as she teased, the grass beneath her feet becoming concrete when she stepped into the shadow of the pavilion. "You're old lady ain't made ya cut it yet?"
The man laughed, turning, wiping his forehead with his arm. "Yun, it's good to see you. I'd heard you might be coming."
Jeremy Han was Yun's most recent ex, a man of noticeable size with long brown hair tucked back into a ponytail and a goatee of matching color. The two had met through Snow, who was still a gym partner with Jeremy, but they had also both been working for Raines Communications at the time, Jeremy being the manager of the animal services division. Their time had been over for more than two years now. It was Yun's longest lasting and most serious relationship. Still the separation had been surprisingly peaceable and the two were good friends even now. Though they didn't talk nearly as often.
The two of them hugged briefly.
"You seem very well," Jeremy was still smiling as they parted.
"Well, I'm outta bed and dressed, so I suppose it's a start." she crossed her arms, shifting on her feet. "How's the wife and youngin'?"
"Wonderful, thanks. Naya and the baby are visiting her parents for the day."
"Nice to know. So what are you doin' here?" the see-sawing of her eyebrows affirmed her curiosity.
"Mr. Raines called me and asked that I get things going until he arrived. I heard what happened." and Jeremy's expression darkened. "Talk about crazy, huh?"
"I know, but hey, gotta love the big city, yeah?"
"I suppose." he shook his head, his big hand to the back of his thick neck. "So you're apart of this task force I've been hearing so much about? I'll admit I'm surprised."
"How so?"
"I expected you back in K-9 by now."
"Can't blame a girl for tryin', to be sure." she nodded. "Just never panned out."
"That's a shame. You and Wedge were a good team." and he would know. He had bred the litter Wedge came from (a hobby Cid had turned him on to), and though he hadn't known Yun at the time, he could see the connection between her and that pup instantly.
Yun didn't answer verbally, only nodded once again, though more curtly and with a seemingly weary smirk.
"You ever thought about getting another dog? Not for service, I mean,"
"I did for a time, but...you know...just be too much like tryin' to replace him, ya know?"
"I understand."
"Besides, got enough on my plate as it stands."
"So I've heard." he saw the curious look on her face and explained, "It's been in the paper. Have you had any luck so far?"
"Not enough to put in a hat, to be honest. Seems like no matter what we find we're always a step or two behind the big break."
"I bet it's frustrating."
"You'd win that one." Frustrating as your period on Valentine's Day. "Got lots of theories, but nothin' adds up."
"Talk about a pain in the ass. Still, you know you can call me anytime if you need something, right?"
"Sure."
Jeremy smiled again. "I gotta get back to this or something's bound to burn. You feel like chewing the fat a while after all this is over?"
"As long as I don't have anythin' better to do, I'd love to."
"Great. 'Til then, try and enjoy yourself."
"I make no promises." she cautioned, meaning every word though she wore a half-hearted smirk.
"You still have a thing for him, don't you?"
Yun jerked her head to one side, hearing her partner's voice over her shoulder. "Wha? Nah, not really. Not to say I don't dwell on it from time to time, but I'm over it."
"Uh-huh. Are you tryin' to bullshit me, or just yourself?"
"Don't ya have somethin' better to do than harass me, like tease your fro a little more?"
"My fro is perfect, as always. I was just asking an honest question is all." Sazh was grinning, some of his teeth showing. "No need to get your shorts in a twist, Fang."
"Christ," she rolled her eyes. "For the last time, stop callin' me that. It isn't professional."
"Neither is how you earned it."
Yun narrowed her gaze on him. "It's a damn good thing there are people watchin' else I'd slap the black off of ya 'til you're whiter than Michael Jackson."
Sazh just laughed, hard, his face scrunched as he covered his mouth with one hand. That was a new one. "If you can get me his money, too, I just might let you! Man, you can be a bitch when you're sober." he said after he caught his breath, tears threatening in his eyes.
"All the more reason to keep drinkin'." Yun grumbled as the two wandered to find a place to sit at one of the many still vacant tables.
The festivities didn't really begin until the much anticipated arrival of Cid Raines, which was sometime around noon. Most didn't notice the black sedan pulling into the parking lot, that bit of excitement only seemed to serve the press who had been laying in wait for the better part of two hours. No one was really aware of the mogul's presence until he'd come into the pavilion. He had a black eye that was somewhere between purple and green, a split upper lip, and his left arm in a sling due to his collar bone being fractured in three places. Under his navy button down shirt he was wearing a soft brace about his ribs, many of them bruised and still very sensitive. The knuckles on both of his hands were scabbed over. All of the important people, such as Chief Moors and the mayor, were sure to greet Cid once they saw him. It wasn't until all that to do was over that the ritual of the opening address was observed.
Everything went quiet in preparation for Cid to speak. Which was quite the feat as the pavilion was now more than full.
"I would like to start off by welcoming all of you to the Twenty-fifth Annual Benefit for the Eden City Police Department. It's always a pleasure to see so many turn out to support our men and women in uniform. Let's give them a hand,"
Applause erupted and then quieted after a seemingly brief moment.
"Raines Communications has always made it a personal mission to do what we can to make Eden a better, safer city, and I can say with great honesty that no effort has gone to waste. Eden has some of the finest citizens in its service, including these outstanding officers that have been appointed to the mayor's newest task force. And under the capable direction of Police Chief Moors, they're the best to better serve and protect you."
More applause. Funny how folks are more prone to kiss ass or show due appreciation when the object of said praise is right in front of them.
"And let's not forget the man of the hour, Mr. Han, as he's gone to great lengths to feed us this afternoon. Be sure to show him thanks as you load down your plates, okay?" there was a resounding, unanimous chuckle. "But I won't keep you folks any longer, so please enjoy yourselves and thank you again for your support."
And for the next half hour or so, the pavilion transformed into a teeming mass of people trying to work their way towards the food. Somehow the throngs managed themselves into an orderly line, which made everything go much smoother.
Most of the officers sat together while the others sat with their families. Sazh and Yun sat across from each other.
"Vultures at three o'clock." He said in passing, referring to the press who were already working their way through, interviewing people. Taking pictures.
"I know, I know. At least we get a few minutes to stuff our faces before we gotta start spewin' bullshit."
Sazh nodded, his mouth full.
"So why didn't Dahj come with ya?"
"I asked if he wanted to, but the family next door offered to take him along on their trip to the aquarium in Bodhum. He seemed really excited so,"
"I see. Well, that's cool too I suppose. Don't suppose the little fellow would have too much fun hangin' around here with us."
"Agreed."
Yun took a big gulp of soda before speaking again, changing the subject. "Looks like Cid had real number done on him, huh?"
"We've seen a lot worse," Sazh noted, not looking at his partner but at his plate.
"Oh sure," and her mind dwelled back once more to that stormy evening last week. "Still, it seems a little much for just a home invasion."
"Looks like he fought back. Perps tend to overdue it when a victim don't lay down and take it like a victim should."
"True, true," she nodded.
"Can't think of a reason for him to lie about it."
She nodded again.
"What, you've got your own theory?"
"Nah, I'm just a cynical twat sometimes." she chuckled at herself.
"Truer words were never spoken." he smirked.
"Go play in traffic."
"Excuse me,"
Both officers turned their heads at the same time with the same disenchanted look on their faces to see a young lady reporter with a blouse too tight and a skirt too short.
"You two are with the task force, right?"
"Nope, we're just the janitors and we like to sneak out of our hole and dress nice every once in a while."
"What she means is that we are, and we would be happy to answer any of your questions." Sazh corrected, chancing a small smile to try and dispel the sudden discomfort. They shared a laugh and allowed the news crew to rearrange them for a short interview, having them sit closer together so they and the reporter could fit in frame.
The questions were of no surprise, almost ritualistic in nature. Yun had heard them several times before throughout her career; "what's it like on the force", "how long have you been in service", "do you think you're on the verge of a big break", all of these were very typical. As she spouted the mentally rehearsed lines Yun could almost picture her inner-self limp and slack-jawed, foaming at the mouth from the sheer duh of it all. All she wanted to do was get back to her barbeque and then go home. There was no way this interview could be over soon enough.
From that moment on the day just seemed to lull along, the few hours stretching into an eternity. It wouldn't die down until early evening, as the sky was beginning to burn a bright orange. People started leaving, some officers having done so long ago as their shifts began. Some lingered still to help clean up, Sazh and Yun being among them. They were helping Jeremy load up the massive grill onto a trailer hitched up to his truck.
"I appreciate the extra hands, folks," Jeremy said as he tightened one of the trailer straps.
"Think nothin' of it." Sazh wiped his brow with his forearm.
"Likewise," Yun added. "Sazh, ya mind startin' up the car? I need to tug Jeremy's ear a bit."
Her partner grinned, catching the car keys as she tossed them to him. "Sure, sure. Don't take all evening, now,"
"What are ya, my dad?" she glared at him as he started walking towards the parking lot.
"Seems like the two of you work well together." Jeremy stood beside her now, arms crossed.
"Oh yeah, wouldn't want it any other way."
"It was really good to see you, today, Yun. Really."
She dipped her chin, a small chuckle escaping. "Nice to see you too. Been too long I think. Though I know you're busy."
"True, but so are you. Especially now with all these goings on."
She nodded. "Which reminds me, there's somethin' I wanna ask ya about, but ya gotta be sure to keep it quiet, yeah?"
"Oh? Does it have to do with your case?"
"I don't know yet, but I don't really want it floatin' about until I'm sure."
"I see. So what is it?"
Yun fished her cellphone out of her pocket, pounding some of the buttons in order to pull up the photo album menu. She flipped through several pictures before she found what she wanted, pushing yet another button to zoom in on the image. "Have ya ever seen somethin' like this before?"
Jeremy blinked at first, squinting a moment as he took the phone and gave a cursory glance. "Is that a collar?"
"Yeah."
"Well...let me think," and he pulled at the hair on his chin with his free hand. "That looks a little familiar."
"I thought to ask you seein' as you're the authority on this sort of thing."
"Good thinking. It looks like an older design I was working on some years back, but I dumped the project after the research file was hacked."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, a big, company wide net black out. Never found who did it though."
"That so? You wouldn't still happen to have any of the files left, would you?"
"I do, back at the office. If you don't mind waiting, I could set up an appointment for you on Monday."
"So you take appointments now?" Yun smirked at him, teasing. "Aren't we just big in our trousers?"
Jeremy's face reddened as he chuckled. "Give me a break. Still, if you're interested, just call me and let me know. My number hasn't changed."
"Assuming I still have it?"
"You wouldn't forget it."
And he was right. Yun had always been fairly keen on phone numbers, but she figured it was skill she picked up on the job.
"Touche`."
"Still, just in case, I'll go ahead and get you penciled in, how about it?"
"That'd be just fine, just try and get it in the afternoon, yeah? I'm usually stuck at the station in the early mornin'."
"Of course. If all else fails you can come by after hours and I'll give you what you need."
"Many thanks, big fella."
The two were about to part ways when Cid Raines was seen strolling down the lawn towards them, calling to Jeremy.
"Mr. Raines, glad you could make it today." He reached out and shook Cid's good hand.
"Couldn't miss it. I can't thank you enough for your help."
"It's my pleasure, sir, anytime."
"Glad I can always count on you. Care introduce me to your friend?" and Cid lifted his brow as his icy blue eyes slid to Yun.
"Of course, this is a good friend of mine Officer Yun Oerba."
"Oh yes, I remember you mentioning her before. Pleasure to meet you, ma'am." and Cid offered his hand.
"My mother is ma'am, but thanks all the same." she shook his hand, though gently.
"If you'll excuse me, I need to be getting on my way."
"Of course, Jeremy, don't let us stop you. Be sure to say hello to the family for me."
"Yes, of course, sir. Goodnight."
Yun and Cid watched him drive away, the trailer rattling as it dropped onto pavement from the grass and managed onto the main road.
"Jeremy's a fine man, one of my best employees." Cid nodded as he said in passing. "He's told me quite a lot about you."
"Believe every word you hear." she smirked a little. "But I'll admit I have to get along myself."
"Allow me to walk you to your car?"
"Whatever makes ya happy."
The two began to walk. "You know, I'm very appreciative of all the hard work you and the other officers are doing."
"Nice to know."
"I mean that." Cid affirmed, sounding so genuine. "Eden city is safer with people like you."
"And what would you know about people like me?"
"Not much, I'll be honest." he laughed a little, maybe surprised to have his bluff called like that. He was so accustomed to people trying to kiss his ass. "But I understand what you do to make this city a better place."
"I'm actually somewhat surprised to hear you say that, all things considered."
"Well, you're only human after all. Besides, I can't exactly blame the police when my security system should have gone off."
"Any idea who did it?"
"Afraid not," he sighed, forlorn. "I took some nasty blows to the head, so the memory is a little fuzzy."
"That's a shame." when they reached the parking lot, the engine of her car purring beside them, Yun found herself relieved. "Well, this is me. It was nice talking to you, Mr. Raines."
"Please, call me Cid." he put up a dismissive hand. "Here, allow me,"
Cid stepped around her and opened the car door.
"Thanks,"
"My pleasure. Listen, is there a chance, perhaps, that you and I could go have coffee some time?"
Yun felt her stomach lurch. Jesus Christ, really? "Can't say there is. I'm either at the station or in bed when most folks are havin' coffee. Not much of a mornin' person."
"I see," he laughed. "Well, here's my number anyhow, just in case you have some extra time on your hands." and Cid handed her what looked to be one of his business cards, but it had his personal number penned onto the back.
"Yeah, thanks. I appreciate it. You have a nice night, Mr. Raines."
"You do the same."
Yun yanked the door shut and ripped the seat belt across her chest to shove into place. "For fuck's sake." she hissed as she put the car in gear and started backing out.
Sazh watched her expression steadily harden as they drove, his brow climbing towards his hair line.
"Somethin' wrong?"
"Am I the only one that thinks that guy's a little creepy?" Yun asked, her eyes narrow as she focused on the road, blinking as street lamps began to flicker to life. "I mean, did ya see the way he smiled at me? There's a word for guys who smile like that,"
"Bachelor?"
"Stalker!" her brow knitted firmly in the middle. "And he must be pretty thick not to see how many fucks I wasn't givin'. For gods' sake, he reminds me of that guy from that movie, ya know the one with the guy with a chainsaw runnin' around naked?"
"Not everyone is as sensitive to your bitch-aura as I am, Fang."
"Call me that again, I dare ya," she snarled, "see if I don't take the long way home down Jones Road."
"You wouldn't," what had been a smirk had fallen into a dismayed crease of his mouth. "You wouldn't."
"Don't be so sure." and she was dead serious.
"All right, all right, I'm sorry. Damn, you need a drink."
"Don't remind me."
A sip of something stiff was on her mind from that moment on, doubly so and like a nagging child once she'd dropped her partner off.
Just wanna get home, just wanna get home and get into my pajamas. The rest will come.
At least that's what she told herself, when in reality all her head was screaming for was liquor. But she isn't an alcoholic. No. She's just a drinker.
Yun let out a heavy sign when she shut off the engine and unbuckled the seat belt, so damn happy to look over and see home only a few yards away. Though it felt like a few miles by the time she reached the door and pushed her way through it.
"Evenin' family,"
"Hey, Yun, dinner's almost ready." came Serah from the kitchen. Snow's greeting echoed from the hall just passed the stairs. She heard Vanille upstairs, most likely in her room.
Yun made for the staircase, eager to get to her room and change. Maybe even a quick jump in the shower, she was starting to feel the funk of the day all over. She opted for the latter idea, snatching her pajamas from her room and disappearing into the bathroom. She emerged some five minutes later, feeling ten times better. She went back downstairs, light on her feet and feeling easy, and went for that one last thing she needed to make the night complete. Citrus accented vodka sounded good. That seemed to perk her right up.
"Saw you on the news this afternoon," Serah said as she saw Yun walk into the dinning room. "I don't think I've ever seen anyone so unhappy to be alive."
"I really didn't want to be there," Yun said, shaking her head as she took a seat. "Just felt crappy."
"Any particular reason?"
"Just one of those funky days, I think." Yun propped her jaw on her hand, her elbow against the table. "Jeremy was there."
"You mean your ex? How's he doing?"
"Just fine." she shrugged. "Nice to talk to him again."
Serah stood at the stove, stirring a pot full of bubbling chili, her expression a curious one. She was interpreting Yun's voice as one of mild longing. It was something very uncommon for her.
"He's married now, isn't he?"
"Yup. Got a kid too."
"You okay?" Serah craned her neck to look over at the table, to the back of Yun's head.
"Yeah, just tired."
And Serah left it at that, knowing she couldn't push. Yun wasn't the sort to talk about her feelings. She drank them down instead. At least that was how it appeared.
Within the next few minutes the rest of the household gathered at the table for dinner, with the exception of the extra chair that still lay vacant.
Lightning was in her usual place beneath Yun's bed, Baha tucked against her chest and purring contently. She could hear bits and pieces of the idle conversation coming from downstairs, her curiosity only just teased. Then her stomach growled and she had to accept the fact that she needed to eat. Much to Baha's indignation, Lightning began to shift and move, pulling herself out of the comfortable darkness to stand up. She didn't feel like waiting for Yun to come and talk too her, bringing her something to eat. She was just too hungry.
Quiet as a spirit she descended the stairs, eyes fixed on the light coming from the dinning room, ears keen to the voices. She reached the landing, suddenly pausing as she felt the floor creak a little beneath her. Then she proceeded. She made it all the way to the threshold of the two rooms before stopping again, just inside the light.
For the first few minutes Lightning went unnoticed, the family deeply engaged in conversation. Vanille was the first to become aware of her, noticing from the corner of her eye. Everything grew quiet, all eyes turning to Lightning, who suddenly tensed.
"Evenin', sunshine. We saved ya a spot." and Yun gestured towards the empty chair with her hand, smiling gently.
Lightning wasn't too sure what to do at first. It was kind of hard to think with all of them watching her like they were. After a moment of exchanging her gaze from them and the empty chair, she quickly realized that she would need to sit if she wanted to eat. Lightning swallowed and took cautious steps forward, eventually settling into her place between Serah and Vanille.
Vanille picked up the empty bowl and spooned a heaping helping of chili into it before setting it back down in front of her. Serah grabbed a fluffy square of still warm cornbread and put it on the saucer just beside the bowl.
"It's hot, so be careful." Snow cautioned, smirking as if he had been there just moments ago. Which he had been. Snow was a very eager eater, often to his own harm.
Seeing that their guest was taken care of, the rest of them saw fit to continue with their conversation. Lightning didn't seem to mind as now their wasn't the pressure of their gazes to make her so nervous. But she watched them, make no mistake. She watched and listened closely, as always, watched for hints and clues. She watched Snow grab his spoon and gather it full of chili, a gesture she copied after clutching her own spoon into her uncertain fist.
Ouch. It really was hot, and her lips burned as she flinched. But no one seemed to notice her little faux pas. Still watching them she tried again after a few moments, finding the food cool enough now to eat. Oh dear god, was it good. She wanted to shovel it down, but knew it wasn't worth burning her mouth over again. So she took it slowly, she savored it. Somewhere along the line she spotted one of them dipping the cornbread into it and then taking a bite. Again she mimicked the action, pleasantly surprised at the new taste and the spongy sweetness of the bread.
"So how did the benefit go?" Vanille asked her sister.
"Fantastic aside from havin' to deal with air headed reporters and seein' Mahoney's bitch tits through a sweaty cotton t-shirt."
"Oh god," Serah cringed. "Can we not talk about him while we're eating?"
"She asked,"
"You didn't need to go into detail." Serah shook her head. "Please, change the subject."
"Well...I passed my final," Vanille said quietly. She had taken the test more than a week ago, but only recently got the scores back.
"That's great, I knew you could do it," Yun reached an arm around her sister and hugged her tight. "How many more have ya got left now?"
"Just two. The next one is Friday."
"You'll do fine, as always." Yun sounded very confident. But she also knew that her faith was well placed. Her sister wasn't a slacker.
"On another note, I programed the printer at work to make a sexy groan whenever you put more paper in it." Snow added seemingly out of nowhere. Way out of nowhere.
Yun started laughing and couldn't stop, while Serah covered her face with her hands and Vanille shook her head. Lightning, clearly too busy with eating, let it fly right over her head.
"Why did you marry him again?" Vanille asked quietly.
"Because I love him. That's what I tell myself." Serah half groaned. "That and the body heat."
"Huh?" Yun managed to compose herself enough to inquire.
"Seriously, have you ever laid in front of a space heater?"
"Maybe," although it was clear that Yun wasn't all too sure.
"It's like that. He's warm."
"I'll just take your word for it."
And the late night banter continued on in this frivolous fashion until everyone had eaten their fill. The soiled dishes were gathered up and deposited in the sink. Lightning remained at the table, watching them as they left the room one by one until the only ones left were herself and Yun. Snow and Serah went to bed, and it could only be assumed that Vanille did the same. Yun remained, padding about the kitchen mixing herself a screwdriver.
"You really seemed to enjoy the chili," Yun chuckled from where she stood beside the sink. "Did ya get enough to eat?"
When it was still quiet, Yun only assumed that she still wouldn't speak.
Then...
"Yes."
Yun snapped her head up and to one side, her surprised gaze falling on Lightning whose eyes were fixed on the table. "What's that?"
"Yes." Lightning said again, her heart fluttering. Dogs weren't supposed to talk, ever. But...but she wanted to. "I am...full."
Yun smiled, laughed softly. "That's good to hear. So, can I ask ya a question?"
She thought a moment, and then nodded. Just once, almost testing.
"What's your name?"
She still wouldn't look up, not having the strength to meet the Beta's eyes. "Lightning."
"Yeah? Well it's nice to finally meet ya, Lightning. Now how's about you and I go slouch on the couch a while and watch some cartoons?"
Now she did look up, curious. "Cartoons?"
Author's Note: I feel like this chapter and the last were a little hit and miss, I don't know. In any case, here it is. I'm on a bit of a roll right now, so I'm gonna grab a nap and then get back to work on the next chapter. Hope you're all enjoying this so far. Also, be sure to check out "GSchreiber" on DA, she's being a total doll and doing some artwork for this fic. I'm living a dream through her, really. So show her some love. And just for a heads up, other characters from Blood Tithe will be making cameos in this fic, 'cause I love them. Though not all of them will be so obvious. See you guys next chapter.
