Hi everyone! Thanks so much for the reviews for the last chapter! I'm really glad you guys liked it! :D

Now, i owe everyone who reads this an apology! I'm really really sorry it took me so long to update this!

School had been piling up my door with so much work and projects i could hardly even find time to read fanfics, let alone write them.

I'm really sorry! :x

In any case, holidays are finally here for me, so writing shouldn't be a problem unless my brain decides to run out on me again.

But it should be fine! I've a leash attached to it now! XD

Well then, as always,

Disclaimer: FFXIII does not belong to me. As much as i want it. -sobs-

Let the chapter begin!

Chapter 10

Sazh watch warily as the atmosphere turned strange. The soldier wasn't supposed to be here. Right? Serah said she'd be at work. So what was she doing here now? And what was all that jazz about earlier with Hope?

And most importantly, why in the chocobos was Serah looking like she'd just seen a ghost?

He shook his head and hugged Dahj. '...just a precaution...cause i have a bad bad feeling about this...'

Fang kept a perfectly neutral look on her face, despite expecting a whole drama scene to unfold. Vanille too was pretending to be oblivious to all that was happening around them.

She allowed herself a small smirk, '...sunshine's not happy alright... i wonder... caught Snow on her sister maybe? Hah! That'll be a laugh...No... something in her eyes tells me things ain't that simple...hmm..."

"Lightning."

Snow felt himself freeze in fear as sky blue eyes fixed their gaze on him. Serah was trembling next to him. He squeezed her hand tight and gulped nervously.

Lightning just stared at him. Waiting for him to say something perhaps?

Snow gulped, drawing strength from...within...somewhere...

"...Can we talk in private? The others don't need to hear this."

Lightning didn't react. But Hope glared at him and made to stand up. '...probably to shout at me...' Snow braced himself, but Lightning had stopped Hope with a hand on his shoulder.

"...fine."

Snow startled at the sound of Lightning's voice. It was the same as always. Calm and controlled.

Hope didn't stop glaring as he settled back. He looked at Lightning then went back to glaring at Snow. The others exchanged glances but, thankfully, kept silent. Even Fang knew to keep silent, casually observing the soldier.

Lightning didn't take her gaze off him. Then she stood and made her way to a corner of the room.

Snow squared his shoulders and led Serah over. His wife was still trembling, he noted. He squeezed her hand again, trying offering what comfort he could.

Lightning stood calmly, leaning her back against the wall. Her unwavering gaze showed no emotion, her face arranged in her controlled soldier mask.

Snow placed himself in front of her, between her and Serah. Not that he thought Lightning would hurt Serah though. He forced himself to look at Lightning's eyes and instantly regretted. It brought his mind to a utter stop and he found himself imitating a fish out of water, opening and closing his mouth, the words lost.

Lightning didn't appear to notice. She just kept her eyes on his, waiting.

Snow sucked in a deep breath and blurted out, "We're sorry!"

He cowered quickly, expecting a fist to collide with his head. Then raised his head in surprise when nothing came. He straightened in confusion, looking back at the equally surprised Serah.

Lightning hadn't moved. There wasn't even a trace of anger on her face. Snow blinked and raised an eyebrow. Serah had stopped trembling in surprise and was now openly staring at her sister.

"...uhh...Sis? Did you hear-"

"...I'm not your sister." Lightning's sharp voice cut across his words, making him grin despite himself.

Snow rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, "...Right. Of course. just...Lightning...we're really sorry..."

"What for?"

'...What?' Snow frowned in confusion, Serah mirroring his expression. '...Is she...pretending not to know?'

Serah walked around him and stood in front of her sister, staring at her in concern.

"...Sis...?"

"...I'm not your sister." Serah blinked. "...uhh...sis...i called you. Not Snow." Serah pointed at herself for emphasis.

Lightning's eyes flashed dangerously and she looked at Serah straight in the eyes.

"...i know. And i said, I. Am. Not. Your. Sister."

Uh oh. What's Serah to do now? Light's pretty harsh, isn't she?

Well, i hope everyone enjoyed this chapter! And that my writing skills haven't deteriorated too badly. :x

Anyway, to reply your reviews:

Andre Ye - Thanks. :D

Fefisgbf13 - Thank you! :) Hope you liked this chapter then. XD

gagboy - I'm sorry about that! But too much would have made the story weird. :x -bows- please forgive me!

puppyfriend - Thanks! :D i hope you liked this chapter then! -fingers crossed-

lunavixen - Thank you! I do like tension...helps make stories far more interesting, don't you think? :P

authorgal282 - Thank you very much for your kind compliments! i hope this chapter was to your liking? :x

Allie-grrl4 - Thanks! I really like the way hope is too! He's such a nice boy ain't he? Don't hate them too much! Haha. XD

Thanks to all those above for your wonderful reviews! They really do help me a lot! Thanks! :D

So...please review again! XD

Thanks! :D