Moments

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the FFXIII characters, and if I did, Serah would not be Snow's fiancée! Also, since I know very little of the actual story, I apologize for any inaccuracies that exist, but it's fanfiction, so it's ok, right?


Embrace

Serah was gone. She was really gone. They couldn't save her in time, and now, Lightning didn't know what she was fighting for anymore.

It was obvious that her death affected Lightning the most. She would keep drifting off into her own thoughts. She had been eating and sleeping very little and the effects were beginning to show. She had been like this for the past few days ever since Serah's death. She was so consumed in her thoughts that she didn't even notice when Snow came and sat down right next to her.

He understood how she felt, but this was unhealthy. He had to snap her out of it, to force her to move on.

"Hey, Light? It's late. I know you're tired so you should really try and get some sleep." It was more of a desperate plea than a suggestion.

She didn't respond.

Snow bit his lower lip. Damn, I know she's gonna get pissed when I say this, but she's really gotta snap out of it.

"I know you're sad about her, I am too. I couldn't save her in time and I'm sorry…but don't let her death go to waste. She may be gone, but there's still a world for us to save."

At this statement, Lightning returned to reality and turned to scowl at him. "Why should I give a shit about the world? Let those ungrateful bastards save themselves."

"You know that's not what Serah would want you to say. She believed in you, she knew you could make a difference. You were her hero."

"…" She knew everything he said was true, but it just hurt so much. She wanted to blame the world for all that had happened: her parents' death, becoming an orphan, becoming l'Cie, and now her baby sister's death.

"We have to keep fighting, please? Do it for her, Light." He pleaded, almost sounding like a whimpering puppy.

She continued to stare at the ground as she nodded slightly. "I know all that. It just…hurts so fucking much!" She brought her hand over her eyes as she let out a painful sigh.

He couldn't take it anymore. He couldn't continue seeing his companion in so much agony. Before he could think he had stretched out his long arms and had enveloped her petite frame.

She tried struggling against him, but she was so exhausted that it proved futile. And strangely, she felt comfortable being held by him. After a few moments, her tense muscles started to relax wrapped under his warm embrace, but soon, she felt vulnerable and sadness began to overtake her again. She held back the tears this time as she bit her lower lip, but she burrowed her face into his chest as if seeking protection. He held her tighter in his arms, gently placing his chin on top of her head.

She listened to the slow, rhythmic beating of his heart. It calmed her down, but at the same time she felt that every single beat she heard was screaming out to her in anguish. She had been feeling so sorry for herself that she didn't realize he had been mourning just as much as her.

She finally circled her arms around his broad back, and she leaned in closer to hold him tight. As the two continued to hold each other, their eyes slowly started to close as they both drifted off into a state of warm slumber.


Note: Angst sandwich with a touch of fluff, mmmmm…my favorite. Hope you enjoyed it!