Raina may not think it was sexual abuse, and Lightning agreed with her to some extent after last night's investigation, but Lightning was still suspicious. Raina had said she felt like there was something a little more to it too, but she couldn't peg what, exactly. She said she'd keep alert for anything out of the ordinary as well, even as Lightning was.
Lightning made her way to Fang's bedroom door with Serah on her heels. She knocked. "Just a minute!" Lightning rested back on her heels, leaning against the opposite wall. Just a few seconds later, the door opened to reveal Fang, who smiled at her on sight. Lightning blinked, feeling a little shiver run through her. Decked out in a white Armani zip up, accented with red fringes that matched the colored tips of his hair, Fang was in his usual loose-fitting jeans, hair unkempt and scruffy. Lightning was taken aback by how affected she was at his appearance.
"H-Hey," Lightning greeted, coming back to herself after a long moment. She gave herself an inward shake.
"Hey, Light." Fang greeted genuinely. "You caught me- I slept in today by accident."
"You look good for it." Lightning told him, still a little surprised with herself.
Fang arched an eyebrow at her, and for a moment, Lightning thought he'd caught her staring. "Did you wake up late, too?"
Serah snickered; Lightning cast her a dark look and discreetly elbowed her in the side when Fang turned to look down the hallway. "Is Vanille here yet?"
"She's on her way," Serah announced, pulling her cell phone out. She tilted it sideways and started texting away with her thumbs. Lightning shook her head.
"You guys eat already then?" Fang asked, stepping into the hallway with them.
"Claire insisted we wait for you." Serah blabbed, still texting intently.
Lightning was ready to kill her.
Fang smiled, his eyes gleaming. "I won't keep us waiting then. Serah, can you tell Van to meet us in the dining hall?"
"Mhmm." Serah giggled. Lightning made a mental note to steal Serah's phone later. "I can't wait to see Lebreau later."
Lightning grunted. The three made their way to the dining hall. Vanille showed up halfway through breakfast and promptly started giggling with Serah, exchanging not-so-discreet whispers. Lightning stuck with Fang and ate, settled by his presence as Fang told her about the town life of Gran Pulse, and the shops and the people who dwelt there. He asked of hers and listened in turn as they both compared the differences of their everyday living.
They took off for Lebreau's a little after nine. Lightning got a text along the way- Claire likes a boyy, Claire likes a boyyy- and added Serah's books onto the list of things to steal.
Lebreau's bar was discovered to be on the beach, providing an open-front view from her establishment out to the waters. Laced with neon that lit up the tables and fringe of the walls, a permeating blue glow cast upon the liquor bottles behind the bar, which stayed bright by the sun of the day and another, lighter set of luminescents during the night.
Serah was the first to spot Lebreau, catering to a group of adolescents in a much skimpier outfit than the Farrons had ever seen her in. Rocking a short skirt and a split top, she was practically wearing seashells tied back over her breasts. Serah glanced back over at Lightning, who's eyebrows had lifted at their oldtime friend's dress. Giggling, she poked Lightning in the stomach and took off, calling out loudly, "Lebreau!" seconds before launching herself at the surprised bartender.
Lebreau nearly fell over with the assault and only just managed to catch herself as Serah wrapped around her. "We missed you!"
Soft, slightly curly champagne hair registered to Lebreau's eyes as small arms encircled her. "Serah?" Lebreau blinked, bringing her hands up to the little one's shoulders before she held Serah back away from her to take a good look. Her eyes widened as full recognition dawned, and she grabbed Serah right back up and hugged her. "Serah!"
"Lebreau, it's so good to see you!" Serah gushed, squeezing her tight. "It's been so long!"
"Too long," Lebreau agreed, releasing the happy little child to step back and take another look at Serah. "You've grown so much, Serah, look at you. What is it, fourteen now? But your face is the same."
"Heyy," Serah grumbled. "What'cha trying to say, 'brue?"
Lebreau chuckled and ruffled Serah's hair, making the younger girl protest and swat at her hands. Lebreau's gaze lifted with her hits until she spotted Lightning further behind Serah. "Light!" Serah stepped aside to let Lebreau break out into a childish run at Lightning this time. Lightning startled as Lebreau hugged her, but relented after a moment and gave her childhood savior and best friend returned affections.
"Hey, 'brue." Lightning greeted in turn, releasing her longtime friend.
A loud whistling cut through the bar, joined by a boisterous catcall and drunken roar of approval. "Women! Embracin' women! Snow, look man!"
"Blondes!" 'Snow' agreed enthusiastically. "Raspberry blondes!"
"And brunettes!" The other drunk clinked his beer mug to his friend's and started chugging.
Serah's head swiveled to the catcallers, and time froze.
Fluffy yellow locks peeped out beneath a capped skull, with a face so divine under it, Serah could have sworn she died. Gleaming blue eyes stared out glossily from a handsome, shapely face. Serah's eyes riveted to his chiseled, fine-cut jaw that held a lazy grin as he stared back at her happily. And below that heart-melting, jovial, easy grin of his, a drizzle of blond hairs speckled the broad man's crafted chin, broadcasting irresistible scruff upon his jaw.
Serah swooned.
Lightning made to look over at the drunks, but Lebreau stepped back, waving her off. "Ignore them." Lebreau shook her head at Lightning as she looked her up and down. "Man, you grew up beautiful, Light. I feel like I've missed half a lifetime. Is this the little scrawny thrill-seeker I fished out of the ocean?"
The first drunk slammed down an empty glass and shook his head like a dog before noticing Serah too. He nudged Snow, whispering none-too-quietly. "Dude. Dude! She's checking 'oo out!" He gave Snow a little push in his chair. "Go ge'er!"
Snow tripped at the gentle push, and only managed to straighten and save himself with the nearby wall, which he then leaned against and crossed his arms, looking cool. "Raspberry," Serah's heart jumped at the nickname this gorgeous, rugged, scruffy-cute man he'd deigned to give her. Snow tilted his head at her and winked. Serah melted.
Lightning shook her head. "Talk about growing up, 'brue - you bartend now?"
"Ahh," Lebreau grinned sheepishly. "I actually own it."
"Own it?" Lightning gawked. "You're sixteen! What happened to the poor little orphan girl who saved me?"
"Well, I guess you could say my family owns it too," Lebreau admitted. "But I run the place and all. When I came into Pulse, I was adopted up by another family, and they owned a business. I took to it well."
"I can see that,"
Lebreau glanced down at herself and blushed. "Probably wondering about the attire, huh?" She bunched her shoulders, giving Lightning a helpless, half-guilty look. "It helps bring in customers- and it really is hot down here y'know?" Lebreau chuckled. "I guess we have a lot to talk about, huh? What about you?"
"Hey 'ere, boutiful." Snow greeted drunkenly, successfully having guided his way over to the cutie along the wall.
Serah was practically glowing, and blushing, and suddenly so very, very shy. "Hii," she smiled nervously, heart pounding away in a schoolgirl's first true crush. Oh. My. God! He's gorgeous! Serah gushed to herself. Her insides felt like mush, she was squirming inside so much. Don't screw this up, Serah. Serah silently willed herself, admiring him still. Flawless.
Snow reached down a hand to cup her cheek. "So pritty."
Lightning glanced back at Fang, who was distractedly speaking to Vanille. She beckoned them both over. "I'm here with Fang," Lightning nodded to Fang, who came up beside her. "Lebreau, Fang is- "
"Serah!" Vanille squeaked, eyes bulging at the sight of Serah Farron and Snow Villiers, the village drunk, caressing Serah's cheek and leaning over. Lightning's attention snapped over to her little sister. Lightning was gone in a flash and Serah cried out, protesting as her older sister dragged her away by the back of her collar, sending a dangerous, threatening glare back to the drunkard, which Snow completely missed as he blinked to figure out where Serah had gone.
"Claire!" Serah squeaked, reaching back for Lightning's arm. "Stop it, Claire! He was just being friendly!"
"Yeah, real friendly." Lightning growled. "About to make drooling friends with his tongue down your throat."
"It wasn't like that, Claire!"
Lightning shook her head, pulling Serah back to Lebreau and the gang. Vanille rushed over to Serah's side and took her arm. "Serah, are you alright? Do you feel dizzy? Did he give you something?"
"I'm fine, Vanille." Serah sighed forlornly, glancing over her shoulder back at that heart-melting hunk.
Lebreau noticed her expression. "There are a lot others, Serah, you don't want a drunkard." She rubbed her shoulder reassuringly. "You'll be okay."
"Hey, Light, I've gotta go." Lightning's attention diverted back to Fang again, though she kept a mental note to tell Serah off later.
"Your doctor's appointment?" Lightning asked, remembering what Fang had mentioned over breakfast.
Fang nodded, a little jittery. "Sorry. It's one of my routine checkups. Father insists on it." Warning bells went off in Lightning's head at return mention of Fang's father. "With all the fighting and traveling across Gran Pulse I do, I go in weekly for them, just to make sure everything's all right and such."
"Do you want me to come with you?" Lightning asked, quick both on her feet and by mind.
"No, no," Fang shook his head. "That's not necessary. It's just going to be a boring little checkup anyway." Lightning's suspicions spiked. "Besides," Fang gestured to Lebreau. "You guys need to catch up and all, I don't wanna pull you away from that. Stay," he insisted. "And order whatever you want, too. Put whatever she has- all of them- on a tab for me, Lebreau."
Lebreau tilted her head sideways. "As your majesty wishes."
"It's just Fang," Fang told her. He smiled at Lightning directly, a select, exuberant, special smile just for her, then nodded to the rest of them. "I'll be back in a little bit."
"You know Fang?" Lightning asked, watching him leave.
"Everyone knows Fang. He's Chief Asael's son, soon to be Chief himself when he claims the position." Lebreau looked over at Lightning suddenly. "Is he who you're engaged to, Light?"
Fang ran up the sandbar side, making haste away. As if late. As if the person waiting, the 'doctor' would be upset if he showed up late, as if... "Mhmm."
Lebreau grinned and nudged Lightning's side. "He's a pretty one, Light."
"Hmm." Fang hit the street and disappeared momentarily. Lightning shook herself from her thoughts. "What, 'Brue?"
Lebreau chuckled and nudged Lightning again. "Go on then, follow him. I can watch Serah while you're gone and her friend." Lightning looked at her, asking. "Really, Light," Lebreau laughed. "I can see you want to follow him. We can talk when you get back, Light- go."
Lightning bit her tongue, but took off. "I'll be back shortly."
Vanille looked on after the fleeing Lightning, pausing in her attempt to warn Serah away from Snow. Watching Lightning go, she crossed her fingers into a small triangle, and prayed.
XXX
Fang was up ahead. Lightning had followed his tracks and almost missed him, but caught a glimpse of that familiar red-peaked hair disappearing down the way. Lightning took off after him and slowed when he became moderately visible, cutting off into an alley. She waited a moment, then followed, aware of how distinguishable her champagne locks would be if he glanced back.
Fang hurried on ahead. As they went, the population thinned more and more until Fang jutted off the mainland of the city entirely, back into the village county of Pradda. He wasn't headed home, as Lightning feared he might be, but this was equally perplexing. Lightning followed him for a little ways longer. Fang stopped at one point and Lightning crouched behind a dumpster as he glanced around, perhaps feeling eyes on him, but when no one in the immediate vicinity presented themselves, he took off again.
They made it to a moderately busy office building that Fang slipped into without further hesitation. Lightning stopped to read the sign out front, determining that it was indeed a doctor's facility. She sighed, looking back over at the building. She debated going in, but her hair was too recognizable and she didn't want Fang to know that she'd followed him. As it was, it seemed that Fang had been telling the truth about the doctor's as well.
Lightning sighed. It was actually a good thing that Fang hadn't been lying to her, she would have hated to follow him elsewhere and find something horrible, but this put her back to square one with the guesses, though she was sure something was up. Trekking back, Lightning followed the way she came back to the beach, silently memorizing the path, just in case. She knew something was still missing here, and Lightning was determined to find out what.
XXX
Fang headed on back to the beach in high spirits. With the operation so close, and Lightning's changed attitude to him, he was on top of the world and nobody was going to be able to take him down. It was only a matter of days now, instead of endless months and years of waiting, and Fang couldn't wait to perfect himself- especially for Lightning. If she liked him this much now and they were getting along so well, he couldn't imagine how much better it'd be when he truly looked the man's part as well. Maybe even Lightning would find him attractive then, not like the awkward, half-sleepy comment she'd made this morning. Fang was thrilled with the possibilities.
Head high, heart jumping, Fang made his way back to the beach, easily finding Lebreau, Serah, and Vanille at a small table outside the bar. Lebreau pointed him out in the way Lightning had gone, saying that the girl had left them a little bit ago to explore the beach. Knowing Lightning and the way she interacted, she'd probably gone off looking for a quieter space.
Fang didn't know the beach well, having never particularly hung out here very much, but he'd visited a few times if for nothing but the view, and he knew a few of the quieter, nearby spaces. Tramping over to the rockier section of the beach, Fang started over to the first secluded section nearest the bar, crossing a little rougher terrain that wasn't preferred to the fine, sandy grains of the mainland beach.
Effortlessly climbing the very slight steep to the rocks, Fang made his way through, looking around for a familiar face. It wasn't long before the wisp of a soft pink lock in the air caught Fang's attention, and he paused.
A good twenty feet away, and up a little, standing in front of a tree that'd broken free through the slabs of rock, Lightning stood with her face to the sea, gazing out, perhaps lost in thought. The breeze uplifted her hair, casting it out behind her like a cloak, while she stood tall and strong against the wind. Her long, muscled legs were pale and smooth in the dimming sunset, like her arms and face, so that she almost seemed illumined in the rising night.
Fang was most caught on her face, however, on that curve in her jaw that twitched when she smiled, on the unique locks Fang had never seen on any other before her arrival, which specifically seemed to belong to her blood. If we ever have kids, Fang thought. I want them to have her hair- all of her features, really. Vanille was right; she really is something more than pretty. Stunning, even. Light's stunning.
And those eyes. Fang was taken in by Lightning's eyes, how she could smile at him without using her lips, or show her deeper thought, the intelligence in those azure crystals. Fang had once heard that eyes were the windows to one's soul. In Lightning's case, they were the windows to everything about her, and they complimented her perfectly. He could tell most how she was feeling by those eyes; Lightning did smile at him, and he cherished it when she did, when he made her happy, but the real acceptance was in those gems. Lightning looked at him, and he felt warm, and good, and happy- content, even. Lightning looked at him with such kindness and affection that sought from Asael, and she gave it to him without price. She cared for him, as he did for her, and it was gentle and soft, without demand. She made Fang want to be better for her, out of his own innate desire.
When Fang started forward again, he realized with a start a small problem between his legs. Fang paused and rested back against the rock again. Such an issue had never plagued him, not from simply seeing a fair maiden before, certainly, and he waited a few moments to settle his heart he hadn't realized was racing.
When presentable again, Fang looked back up at Lightning, and smiled at the sight of her. Coming out of his little alcove, Fang started for her, wishing that he could simply walk up behind her and wrap his arms around her warmly, holding her to his breast. Soon. Fang reminded himself, determined not to be disheartened.
As he came closer, Lightning's warm presence washed over him, cloaking Fang in security and affection to the point of forgetting his troubles, or waiting, or any of it. Lightning turned her head at his presence, and those eyes welcomed him. "Hey," Fang greeted, forgetting even to deepen his voice, he felt so content.
"Fang," Just the way she said his name alone was enough. Fang relaxed, soothed in her company. Lightning reached out, then, and took his hand, twining their fingers together. Her hand fit his perfectly. Fang gazed at their joined fingers, then looked back up to Lightning, who'd returned to staring out at the sea. Fang joined her, and felt her press against his shoulder. She squeezed his hand. "I'm glad you're here."
"Me too."
Together, they watched the sun set over the sea.
XXX
"Claire?" Serah's voice was softspoken as she peered into Lightning's room, biting her bottom lip. Lightning made some unintelligible noise. "Are you sleeping?" Serah asked quietly. Thunder crackled outside and Serah jumped at the roar of it, clinging to the door frame in fright as an electric bolt lit up the sky, again followed moments later by a giant cackle of electricity.
"Serah." Lightning shifted on the bed.
Serah detached herself from the door frame and quickly made her to Lightning's bed, which she crawled into and slipped under the covers. Another brilliant flash alighted the night sky and Serah squeaked, reaching out and grabbing Lightning, where she buried her face in her sister's shoulder and squeezed her eyes shut tight. She yelped when another booming thunder rocked through the sky.
"Shh, Serah." Lightning soothed, rubbing Serah's back gently as her little sister curled against her. "It's okay." Lightning whispered. "It's outside, Serah. You're safe in here." Lightning could still feel Serah trembling. "Shhh," Lightning squeezed her. Serah jolted as another loud crack filled the air.
Serah bit her bottom lip, holding fast to Lightning around the middle. "...thanks, Claire." she whispered, still shaking in her sister's arms.
Lightning held her. "How was the beach today? Did you have fun with Vanille and Lebreau while I was away?"
"Yeah," Serah murmured, still steel-locked around Lightning. "Lebreau brought us some drinks." Lightning lifted an eyebrow at her sister that Serah felt, rather than saw. "Non-alcoholic ones." Serah assured her. "We talked about a lotta stuff. What we've been doing, Lebreau made friend's with Vanille, our visit here, you..."
"Me?"
Serah peeked an eye open to check Lightning's expression, then deemed it okay to go on, and ducked her head under Lightning's chin once more. "She asked about what we're doing here, and I told her 'bout you and Fang..."
"We seem to be your favorite subject of late." Serah peeked again, relieved to see Lightning wasn't angry. "What'd Lebreau say?"
"She was surprised, knowing your... preferences." Lightning's eyes shone. "But she was telling us about Fang, then. He's well-liked by the kingdom. Apparently, he's fought in some High tournament thing before, too, and he beat everyone in that, earned a lotta respect. And they say his dad is generous and fair to the people, if a bit reserved..." Serah trailed off, gazing up at her sister now. "You really like him, don't you, Claire?"
"He's sweet." Lightning admitted. "And kind, if a bit gentlemanly."
Serah smiled. "Only you would have something to complain about it that department, Claire."
Lightning's mouth twitched and Serah giggled. "He's a nice guy," Lightning confessed. "And... I'm not completely opposed to the pretty boy look, I suppose. He wears it well."
Serah giggled again. "Very pretty, yes." She looked hopeful. "So... you do like him, right? Even though he's a... well, admittably a beautiful one, but a guy nonetheless."
"Are you calling my fiancee beautiful?" Lightning accused, mouth quirking again down at Serah. Serah buried her head in Lightning's shoulder again and giggled. "But yes," Lightning continued after a moment. "I'm comfortable with him. He makes me feel good."
"Don't tell me about that," Serah chuckled, hugging Lightning.
Lightning stroked a hand through Serah's hair, smiling softly as she thought about Fang. The thoughts were joined by Asael, then, and Lightning frowned. "I wish I could figure out why he changes around his dad, though." Lightning admitted. "And what's going on that's not talked about."
"Do you mean the jackets?" Serah asked, showing surprising perceptivity. "And the flinching thing?" Lightning was quiet, wondering how much her little sister had grabbed onto as well. "Maybe he's just thixophobic." Serah suggested. "You know, afraid of being touched."
"That's usually associated with rape, Serah."
Serah stiffened. "You think he's been raped, Claire?"
LIghtning shook her head. "I don't know. Something's going on, that's for sure."
"Is that why you followed after him this afternoon?" Serah asked, again surprising Lightning a little.
"Yeah."
"Did you find anything?" Lightning shook her head once more. "Well," Serah started. "You guys are getting pretty close. Maybe he'll tell you about it."
"I hope so." Lightning admitted. "I just... I get this bad feeling whenever his dad's around, and the way Fang always seeks to fill Asael's every expectation... I suppose I'll feel better about it when we're married, I just... it feels like he's always about to snatch Fang away, and Fang would go willingly with him."
Serah bit her lower lip. "Maybe he'll tell you... I'll help if you need me. His dad kinda... he's kinda creepy, just a little. Attractive, but creepy..."
Lightning snorted. "What is with you and oversized, older men?"
"Hey, we all have our preferences." Serah objected. "Youuu like the slender brunettes... and I like the big bears!"
Lightning rolled her eyes. "Gross, Serah." Serah hit her lightly. "I rather prefer you with someone like Vanille."
"Of course you would. Vanille's a girl."
"And not a bar drunkard." Lightning added.
Serah spoke after another moment. "I think Vanille has a crush on me."
Lightning snorted again. "Wasn't that why we're talking about her?" Serah pouted at her. "Okay, okay, settle down. I agree. Vanille likes you."
"But I'm not gay."
"Sadly." Serah gave her a prude look. Lightning smiled a little, and patted Serah's back. "Go to sleep, Serah."
"You just don't know what good tastes are." Serah grumbled, settling against her sister and closing her eyes.
"Good night, Serah."
"Night, lesbian." Lightning jabbed her in the stomach. "Oomphf!"
"Don't make me throw you outside."
Serah's grip on Lightning tightened. "Don't be mean." Lightning hugged her, and bent her head to kiss the top of Serah's. "Sweet dreams, Claire."