A/N: Continuation of the plot :) As usual, thank you kind reviewers, for keeping up with the story. I think encouraging reviews always make an author happy, and I see that some of you have been hard at work, making many happy people indeed!
I apologize for the lack of quality in this chapter. I wasn't personally pleased with it and thought it through quite a couple of times. This is the final result, and I hope to hear from you on how you think the story goes.
Special thank yous to:
Technyx - who took the time from your busy schedule to review previous chapters
Ethereal Cosmos - You must be kidding me, but your review is funny!
Tear of Light - Your consistent reviews warm my heart
Sasukez - Wow, you really stick to the story even though its not your approved "pairing"!
lala - Again, for taking time to review almost all chapters, and being creative and constructive in your reviews
Whiskered - No worries! As long as you're still reading, I'm happy :)
tjemd4 - I don't know how you do it, you review for almost all Fang/Light in this fandom. A lot of people are greatful
To the others like hoboruler, surfacememory, Inuzaka, DelusionalReality - thank you. Appreciate every one of your wonderful comments. Really do.
XIV. Not about you
Balance…
Balance of power, balance of self.
Expect not, and you will see it's about give and take.
Silence…
Protection of truth, guardian of lies.
Ask not, and you shall not hear falsities.
Such is the beauty of relationships, no?
No one is truly altruistic. I don't believe in sacrifice.
No, nay… N.A.Y… it's Not About You
Why would it be, eh?
Denial is my game.
Atonement is my name.
The enthusiastic applause from the audience rang hollow in her ears. Unaware, she stood up, desire to spring into action apparent in her tense muscles. She could feel curious eyes on her, feel the heated stares burning a trail down her spine. She could sense his disapproval, his stance shifted so that he was half facing her.
None of it mattered as her senses were trained on the one person in the audience. She had glimpsed the first signs of trouble when, after her piece was done, she had looked up to see an unfamiliar dark blonde making her way down the aisle to Vanille's vacated seat. Her brows knitted. The blonde woman in the dark pant suit was actually not a complete stranger. Where had she seen her before?
Her throat went dry as she watched the tall woman sat down sideways, facing Fang. Fang, who had transformed overnight into a stunning white vision of a goddess. Fang, who seemed oblivious to the veiled threat coiling serenely to her right, waiting for a perfect moment to strike. Fang, whose emerald gaze was still shimmering with child-like delight, her ever-present grin – the one that Light had come to adore and crave – still beaming at her.
The dark blonde glanced towards Light, the corner of her lips curved up. Subsequently dismissing her presence, the stranger focused her attention back to Fang. One hand supported her chin, long nails tapping contemplatively at her soft lips. The other hand slid down Fang's bare forearm seductively, before clamping down on her wrist. Light's brows shot upwards in alarm as the stranger leaned across to whisper something in Fang's ears. The flitting expression across Fang's face was a mix of terror and revulsion, before she forcefully rearranged her features to one of calm.
For a moment, the emerald pools locked unto hers.
What's going on?
She tried to convey silently, the message in her eyes. The raven hair beauty gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head and pursed her lips. Her green eyes gave her an indecipherable pleading look, then flickered back to the dark blonde. She saw Fang exchange hushed, urgent whispers with the woman. The blonde stretched indifferently and answered Fang with a nod towards Light's direction. Fang's gaze shifted uneasily towards her, before she placed her hand under the blonde's elbow and ushered her up.
That was when Light stood up recklessly, slight moments before the audience's applause masked her out of the ordinary action. Her eyes followed the pair as they made their exit down the hall, with Fang turning her head back to give her an apologetic look before slipping out of the door. Light turned her bewildered gaze to her sister. Serah shrugged her shoulders helplessly.
Huh.
Ignoring Cid's inquiring look and the rest of the orchestra, Light sank back down in her seat, perplexed but determined to find out what was troubling her friend.
Polite laughter and the tinkling of glasses echoed in the small confines of the lavish ballroom. Crystal chandeliers hung overhead, casting warm glows to the room below. All eyes seemed to concentrate on the pair as they entered. Cid strode in confidently, a natural air of regality around him. Light trailed a little ways behind him, her hand placed in the crook of his arm.
"Maestro Cid! What a fabulous concert it was! Absolutely charming! Congratulations are in order!" A tall man with his platinum hair combed back detached himself from his circle of friends and came forward to clap Cid on his shoulders.
Cid nodded his head and shook the man's hand firmly. "Thank you Mayor Crambell for the compliment. I trust you had a pleasant evening?"
The mayor placed a hand on his chest and gave a brash laugh. "My heart hasn't felt so alive since its bypass surgery. I think you gave it a new lease of life that my doctor never could!"
"I beg to differ, Mayor, since it was I who suggested you should take it easy and attend such concerts if you could." A bespectacled man with greying brown hair stepped forwards.
"Ah. Never speak of the devil. Well Cid, let me introduce to you, Doctor Estheim. One of the city's finest surgeons." The mayor gestured proudly.
Dr. Estheim gave a mock bow and shook Cid's hand. Cid quirked an eyebrow. "Estheim as in Estheim Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals?"
"The one and the same. You have fine, steady hands Maestro. Anytime you want to switch careers to medicine, let me know. Perhaps surgery and conducting music are not so very different." Estheim joked.
"Interesting theory, my friend!" The mayor exclaimed. "And while we are on the topic of talented hands, might I say, you have found yourself an exceptional talent, Maestro."
Cid glanced backwards fondly, transferring Light's hand from his arm to his left palm. With his right hand around her waist, he gently ushered her forwards. "Mayor, may I have the honour to introduce you to Light Farron. My principal cellist."
Light gave a small smile as she shook hands with the men.
"Light – a most peculiar name. Yet so fitting for one who delves into music." The mayor remarked. "Poetry makes life what lights and music do the stage. Wasn't there a saying that went something like that?"
"Indeed there is. And Light here, though I hate to sound cliché, is pure poetry in motion." Cid smiled.
"I wouldn't object to that. She is quite a gem. Pray tell, my lady, how did you hide in the curtains of obscurity for so long?"
Light gave a sheepish smile. "I'm afraid I'm lacking in ambitions, Mayor. I only know how to enjoy the music as they deserve to be played. Maestro Cid has the uncanny ability to make his orchestra sound heavenly." Light snagged a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. "You'll have to excuse me, gentlemen. I have to leave your company to look for someone. It's been a pleasure."
Light gave a polite nod before gliding away. The three men watched as she weaved her way through the crowd.
"A free-spirited young lady you've got there, Cid. Quite the looker too." The mayor commented as he turned back to look at Cid. "I do hope you're not trying to tame her. So tell me, why are you here with this orchestra?"
"Business, Mayor." Cid murmured. "It has always been about business."
"Claire!" Serah sighed with relief when she spotted her sister. Linking her arm through hers, Serah looked up at her sister. "I thought you got abducted by aliens too."
"Too? What's that supposed to mean?" Light almost laughed out loud. "Where are the others?"
"Snow had to leave early." Serah gave a small pout. "Vanille should be around here somewhere. She was looking for Fang. The one who got abducted by an alien, apparently."
Light frowned as she scanned the crowd. "I know what you mean, Serah. She left in the middle of my concert. Some alien. She's got some explainin' to do." Even as she attempted to make light of the situation, her blue eyes were intently searching for her friend.
"Say, Claire, is it just me, or was the lady kind of familiar? Even Vanille thought so. We must have met her somewhere before." Serah wondered, as she fell into pace next to her sister. They had strolled aimlessly from the buffet table towards a corner of the ballroom where music was playing and dancers were swaying. Light stopped and gave her full attention to Serah.
"I was thinking the exact same thing." Light said, only now having the time to search her memory for that elusive face. The knowledge that both Serah and Vanille found her familiar made it easier to narrow down the possibilities.
"Nautilus Dreams." She concluded, as she resumed her walk.
"What?" Serah queried.
"We met her at Nautilus Dreams. Fang's concert." Light explained. "She was at a corner of the bar, and we talked, briefly. It struck me then that she didn't quite look like your typical fan of rock concerts. She was in working attire."
"Oh." Was all Serah said, as she too remembered the quiet woman at the bar, observing but not quite joining in. "What business does she have with Fang then?"
Light halted and Serah bumped into her.
"Let's find out then, shall we?" She muttered. The subjects of their conversation had come into view. The dark blonde woman had her arm linked with Fang's, just as Serah's did with Light. Her other hand was patting Fang's arm in a soothing manner, all the while talking to her in a conspiratorial way. Fang on the other hand, looked extremely disgruntled, like a reluctant pet dog being dragged on by a leash.
That particular image did not sit well with Light. She felt an alien, uncomfortable burning, from the pits of her stomach, up to her neck and face. She wouldn't be surprised if the tips of her ears were red or that her eyes were shooting blue flames. Fang was no one's pet.
Keep your hands off her, woman!
Surprised by the first thought that came to her mind, she hesitated. Fang was no one's pet. Neither was she a damsel that required saving. If she didn't like the company, she could very well leave by herself, right?
She must have her reasons…
Serah watched her sister curiously. Did her face just turn red?
An internal war seemed to wage on in that mind of hers, before a look of steely determination came over, and her sister narrowed her eyes, marching directly into the path of the pair. Serah hurried to catch up.
The dark blonde paused in mid-conversation, looking up at Light with interest. On the other hand, Fang looked like she was going to bolt and drag her companion with her, unease written across her face.
"Well, well, if it isn't the talented Farron sisters." The blonde woman drawled, light green eyes shifting between the two pink haired girls. "We meet again."
"Quite so." Light replied in her deep, melodious voice. "Didn't quite catch your name the last time." The entire time she was addressing the blonde, she was actually looking at Fang intently, trying to read her friend's body language. Fang was equally intent in avoiding Light's penetrating gaze, studiously fixing her sight on the wavy ends of Light's pink hair instead.
Amused, the blonde held out a hand directly in front of Light, forcing her attention away while keeping her arm firmly locked around Fang's.
"My apologies then. How rude of me. Jihl Nabaat." Light returned the handshake, keeping the contact brief. "President of the Sanctum Entertainment Group." She continued, holding on to Light's hand for a second longer than necessary.
Light's brow went up as her gaze went back to Fang. "I see. Sorry to pry, you have business with Fang?" Our Fang. My Fang. The undertone of possessiveness was hard to ignore. Fang finally looked up at Light, puzzled.
"As a matter of fact, I do." Jihl continued. "I am trying my hardest to convince Fang to join my company. Perhaps you can help me?"
Fang frowned and placed a cautionary hand on Jihl's shoulder. "Jihl, leave 'er out of this. You promised."
Light's mouth hung open slightly. She stared blatantly at Fang's hand on the blonde's shoulder, which Fang quickly retracted.
Jihl? On first names basis already? And what's that about promises? Did I just overstep my boundaries and my interjection was unwarranted?
Swallowing down a bitter knot of pride, Light nodded. "I'm sure Fang can arrive at her own decisions." She looked at Fang one last time, watching the play of emotions in the emerald orbs. Uncertainty, helplessness, apology, guilt. Why, Fang?
Slipping her hand into Serah's, she made to go.
"What about you, Claire?" The dark blonde woman drawled out.
Both Farron sisters froze, surprise and heightened vigilance written on their faces.
"Excuse me?" Light spoke slowly, suspicion heavy in her husky voice. Her gaze flickered over to Fang, wondering if her roommate had already confided so much in her new-found friend. Fang had a panicked look on her face, subtly shaking her head to indicate she had nothing to do with this.
Jihl played with the curls on her shoulder innocently. "Forgive me, my tongue slipped. Am I not supposed to be calling you as such? Serah seems to think so, from the kind of looks she's giving me." She smiled. Serah glared.
"Such a fierce, protective side. She takes after you this way, does she not? Right, where was I?" Jihl paused. "Yes, making up your own mind. You've certainly come a long way from that."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Light replied stiffly, deciding she was right in feeling animosity towards this woman.
Jihl smiled. "You used to be a child prodigy, Light. You walked away from all that. I wish to help you, if you'll let me."
Serah stepped in front of Light, her light blue eyes shining fiercely. "Ms Nabaat, with all due respect, we don't need help. We are fine as we are. My sister didn't walk away from anything. I don't know where you've heard things from, it's obviously not true. Please excuse us."
Ignoring Fang's bewildered stare, Serah pulled her sister away.
"Is that why you refused to touch the piano since that day, Light?" Jihl taunted.
Light whirled around, stormy blue eyes unreadable. She squeezed Serah's hand to reassure her. "Go look for Vanille, and we'll go." She whispered to her sister.
Serah nodded weakly. "Be careful," she whispered back before leaving.
Light took in deep breaths before turning around, advancing on Jihl and Fang ever so slowly, ever so dangerously. Blue eyes flashing and narrowing in annoyance, she sauntered closer and closer, until she was just a breath away from the pale green eyes. Jihl remained calm and indifferent, patiently waiting for Light's next move, as the deep pools of sapphire continued their path of rampage, attempting to divulge the layers of secrets within.
Light tilted her head closer to Jihl's ear, on the side away from Fang. For the outsider, her lips seemed to graze the older woman's cheek as she whispered.
"I've got nothing to hide. Your taunts are weak. Try harder."
She stepped back and glanced at Fang.
"Dance with me." She commanded.
"W-What?" Fang looked so cornered by the two women, Light would have laughed if they were in another situation.
"You heard me. I won't ask twice." She scoffed as she brushed past Fang, pulling at her other arm as she did so.
Jihl grinned as she voluntarily released Fang from her hold, allowing the pair to leave. She had to give it to Light. The woman was fearless when it came to protecting the ones she loved. And her circle of protection seemed to have grown wider, she mused.
"You have no idea how similar the three of us are, do you? Spending the rest of our lives trying to protect what's left. Atonement?" She pondered.
"Talking to yourself again, Jihl?"
Jihl harrumphed at the newcomer.
"You know who I usually talk to, Cid. And that's certainly not you."
Cid stood next to Jihl, watching Fang and Light twirl elegantly on the dance floor as the string quartet played.
"You always manage to make everyone detest you Jihl. Why do you do that?"
"Stop getting inside my psyche, pretty boy." Jihl complained as she turned to face him. "You like to play the angel cards. I play the devil cos that's just how it is." Her sight trained on a bespectacled man a distance away. "So long as we both complete what we set out to do. Great job with the concert, by the way."
Cid turned his head to see where she was looking. "I see, you still have work to do with the Estheims."
"Hmm."
Fang took Light's lead as they stepped onto the dance floor. The string quartet was playing something lively, and couples were laughing gaily and enjoying themselves. Not knowing much about dancing, Fang just let the tune wash over her, as she stepped boldly with Light in her arms.
The younger woman said nothing after they were alone. The slight tremulous shake of her shoulders was the only indication that she felt any emotion at all. Unable to see Light's face, Fang hesitantly moved her hand across Light's shoulder, letting her thumb rest casually over the pulse point of her neck. She felt the blood course through Light in strong, rhythmic waves, only then feeling relieved that her friend wasn't as upset as she imagined her to be. Light exhaled a long sigh, her warm breath tickling Fang's collarbone. Instinctively, Fang pulled her closer still, reveling in the comforting heat and familiar scent of her embrace.
"I'm sorry –" The muffled voice trembled against her shoulder.
"What for, Sunshine? You didn't do anything wrong." Fang's fingers moved upwards to the head of pink curls, ruffling it gently.
"For depriving you a chance to dance with other handsome partners." Fang could feel the curve of a smile from the soft lips against her neck. Her chest rumbled with suppressed laughter.
"Nah, I think I got quite a good bargain. Escape from a madwoman, and a dance with my favourite, gorgeous cellist."
"Why do you put up with her Fang? Does she have something on you?" Light angled her face away to look up at the emerald eyes. Fang gave her a goofy grin.
"I think in her own twisted way, she is tryna recruit me. I just don't respond very well to threats and invasion of privacy, like any other normal human bein'."
"Invasion of privacy? What did she do?"
Fang looked away. "Let's not talk 'bout it now."
Light continued to search her friend's gaze for more. Finally, she sighed again. "I'm actually apologizing for many things really. Stepping out of line and interfering in your business. Not really talking about my past even though you're practically family to me, to us, after all this time." Light shifted her hands to Fang's shoulders and squeezed gently. "Jihl was right. I don't know how she got the information, but I –"
"Hush." Fang whispered softly, a finger pressed against Light's lips. The pair of them had given up the pretense of dancing, standing still as other couples spun gracefully around them.
"Ya don't hafta tell me everything just cos you are pressurized by the situation now to do so. I know I haven't been completely upfront with ya where I came from either."
Humming to herself, it was Fang's turn to lead as she propelled them closer to the exits. Light chuckled and let her prance and skip with her in tow.
"'Sides, Light. The person whom I enjoy being with now is the Farron I see before me. Does it really matter where she came from? She's alright now." Fang shrugged.
Light laughed, feeling the weight of the earlier confrontation lighten and dissipate. "Just alright only? Really?"
"Hmm, yeah. Finer than others, not perfect by half. S'alright." Fang nodded firmly, her grin giving her away.
"By the way, Light? Thank you."
"What for?"
"For being who you are, where you are, when you are able to. Ya don't hafta be there all the time, and I'm still thankful." Fang said as they made it to the doors and ran out to look for Vanille and Serah. Glancing at Light's shocked expression, she gave a wink and pulled her along.
"And thank you for a damn fine performance onstage. That was really somethin' to remember, though I couldn't understand half of it."