Hello readers! My school is finally over! Thanks god! Now, I'll have four months of free time before to start again. Means I'll have lot of time to write. But I had a review concerning my last chapter comment. So, to Amazing anonymous reader, you must know that I wasn't mad at all. You're not the first saying that the idea of Noctis having a child with Stella bugs you. I'm submitting this story on deviantart too and one of my known readers told me the very same thing than you. Since two of you said it, I guess that there's more people out there, shipping Lightis couple and not really loving the idea of Noctis having a child with someone else than Lightning. I realized how touchy the subject was and the ethic I was breaking with this twist of the plot. But nevertheless, things should get better in time. I even had an idea that should make all of you really happy. After all, Storm isn't Noctis' first child.

As for the Lightis couple, well, what I'm gonna say could make you all mad. Please, don't throw me things. I've been writing on this couple for over a year now. We still don't know who Noctis is and how he act and this starts to bug me. I started writing over them on a wimp, that's just how I am, and slowly, I'm starting to get bored of it. It's not clear in my writing, right? Well, I'm kinda having a bipolar disorder about this pairing. One day, I suddenly hate it, the next, I'm back with more ideas for Black Faction. What I want to say by all that is that it's getting a little harder with each new chapter to write over Noctis and Lightning. I'm trying to test their love in another way, trying to picture them differently, to keep me attracted to their romance. The other thing is that the very few reviews I'm getting to this –I can't help but compare this fic with what happened with Associates till death do us part, and I had way more review in it- doesn't give me all that much desire to write more in it. I mean, each chapter took me loads of time, but because it's not entirely over Lightis means the other parts are unworthy of most readers' interest. It gets me down. I'm trying to make a super crossover fic with this, mixing most of my favourite FF. Versus shouldn't even be there, since I haven't play it, since it's not out already.

I don't mean you have to read the entire chapter if you don't know the characters involved or if you don't like them. Just don't tell me if you skip some part, don't tell me that you hate Stella –I already know- because it won't help me writing. I've already plan on killing her, but telling it to my readers to keep them reading feels kinda cheap. Usually, my stories are good enough to keep everyone reading without me spoiling the punches. I'm not mad at anyone in particular. I'm only angry because we don't share the same vision over all this. What is love if it can't face hardship? What's loyalty if it's never tested? What's this fic supposed to serve as a purpose? I've consider giving up on this fic many times. Now, I plan on doing four complete episodes over this. It's already been half a year I'm writing over this. Half a year during which I sacrificed time to write what you read. I'm not trying to complain over my sorry self. It's just that, if you like the story, anything in it, let me know. I don't like writing to ghosts. has always been a way to practice my writing and getting feedback. At this rate, I'd rather get back to my novels and complete them instead of desperately expecting reviews for any new chapters that I post. If you've ever write something, you should know how I feel. I hope I made myself clear. I'm not angry at anyone in particular. I answer to my anonymous reviewers here since I can't send them a private message. It's not a reproach. It's just how things are. My chest feels a little lighter now. Well then, enjoy the new chapter!

Episode 2 –Song of Storm – Part VIII

Date: 19 027 A.D. December 22th

Location: Boston, American States –Squall's apartment-

Mission: Protecting the ancient Aeris Gainsborough at all cost

Agents: Squall Leonheart

Warning: It seems that agent Squall is slightly unstable...

Message from G.I. 7. End of transmission.

…

The phone rang. Since Aeris was still sleeping, Squall hurriedly picked it up, to prevent her from waking up. But as he answered, he was pretty unsure of being able to talk to anyone. Especially to the person calling.

"Squall speaking."

"You're always so formal, Squall..."

"Rufus? What do you want with me?"

"I've got a mission for you, Squall. A big one."

"..."

"It involves your protégée, the Cetra."

"What?"

"We saw you recently with her. You're taking the protection role to a very personal level, don't you?"

"That's... That's a misunderstanding."

"That looked more like a kiss to me and the others, but hey, you can call it as you want. Anyway, you'll like this mission. You'll be able to kiss her even more. We're sending you two to a ball. Under Count Leon's name... There will be big aristocrats around. And Sephiroth should be there. I want you to check on him. And check his interest in the Cetra. If she seems valuable to him, then she'll be for us."

"Sephiroth?"

"Yeah, the one and only. Feds' pet dog. You're feeling up to it?"

"I don't know... Aeris is still..."

"Don't forget what she is, Squall. Don't go acting casual with her. She's an Ancient. She's the biggest source of intel we could get our hands on. She has the knowledge for all kind of things. Like weapons... She's met Sephiroth once in her life. He'll recognize her. Maybe that he'll let some info slip out if they meet again. Maybe that some other aristocrat will know her, of her capabilities. We need to know who's chasing her."

"Why?"

"You don't have to think about it, Squall. Just get the intel for us. Protect the Cetra from other people. Keep playing her friend. Win her affection if you can. We'll need her soon."

"Rufus...!"

Squall wanted to get angry at him, but that would give him away. He forced himself to stay calm, but the very idea of bringing Aeris into such an operation... She was so shy around people, so scared of being recognized and tracked down at new. She had helped him in the last few days and he wanted to repay her for that. Why couldn't he? Rufus was asking him to take her to the lions' den!

"Your mission will take place tomorrow night. If she doesn't have one already, get her a fancy dress so that she fits in the Winter Ball of Rosch Society."

"Rosch? You mean Yaag Rosch?"

"Who else? Anyway, this discussion is over. You'll get further instruction later tonight."

With that, Rufus hung up. Squall glared at the phone, as if it could change anything. Then he started walking back and forth in the living room, trying to understand why he was so mad. Because Rufus was referring to Aeris as a thing? Because he was really starting to like her? Because this darn Sephiroth and other Feds' goons would be there and that those creeps had indirectly caused Rinoa's death?

"She's my friend." He told himself. "And now, they're forcing her to join the Faction's missions just to get the intel they want. They don't care about people. They doesn't even ask for our opinion."

"Hey, Squall! Good morn... What... what's wrong?" Aeris asked as she walked out of her room.

"Why should anything be wrong?" he retorted.

"I don't know. But you're pacing."

He stopped instantly, sighing to himself. He was still so vulnerable, he couldn't fool her or hide her anything.

"I just got a call from my boss. They want to send us on a mission."

"Us?"

"You and me."

"Oh. I didn't think they would ask me to do a mission this soon. But then again, why would they take the trouble of having me guarded by you if I wasn't going to be of some use to them... I should have seen it coming."

"Aeris, don't talk like that..."

"Why shouldn't I? I'm just stating the truth. I'm not sad or anything. I was getting a little bored anyway of not doing anything. No stress at all during so many days..." she whined, pretending to be eager to get to this mission.

She's lying, he realized.

And that made him sad. Though he had thought nothing could hurt him after Rinoa's death, he realized it was the contrary. He wanted to protect Aeris even more. He couldn't lose anyone else.

"I sure was boring lately," he admitted.

"Oh no, I didn't mean it like that!"

"I know," he smiled at her.

"Well then... What's that mission about?"

"It's a ball that we're supposed to attend to. So that we meet a certain Sephiroth."

"What?"

Her yell was so strong and filled with panic, Squall could almost see her fear coming out from her. Maybe was he able to see it, since he could sense spiritual energy and all... She certainly knew Sephiroth. But not in a good way.

"Aeris..."

"I can't! They can't ask me to meet him. I don't ever wanna see him again!" she cried before to turn around and lock herself up in her room.

That startled Squall. What kind of reaction was that? He'd never expect something like this coming from Aeris! It was the first time she wasn't honest and straightforward to him. Alright, it was quite honest to yell that she wasn't planning to see Sephiroth ever again. But what could be her connection to this Jenova's freak? Why would she look so scared just as his mention?

He remembered that time in the hospital, when he had seen parts of her memories by mistake, when he had touched her arm. She had asked him if any silver haired man was there. And Sephiroth was silver haired after all. There were only a few men amongst the universe with this particularity.

As he called her name and knocked on the door, he heard her crying and felt mortified. What has this man done to her to put her in this state? What was he supposed to do to calm her down?

After staying on the other side of the door, listening to her sobs, he decided he had enough of this. This was his room after all! He unlocked the door using his own keys and opened it slightly. Aeris was all curled up on herself, sitting on the bed and crying to her heart's content. He felt his heart skipping a bit at this sight. This was so wrong. Aeris was always smiling and playful. How could so much pain hide beneath her tender smile?

He walked up to the bed, sat next to her, and clumsily brought her in a friendly embrace.

"We don't have to go if you don't want to. Rufus' reasons are stupid anyway."

"But I..."

"Whatever happened in the past, I'm here to protect you now, Aeris. And I won't let Sephiroth or anyone else lay even a finger on you."

"I don't need protection," she managed to say between two sobs, trying to swallow down her tears. "I just... If I meet him, it will all come back."

"What are you talking about?"

"The nightmare." She replied.

As she grabbed on to him and he secured his grip on her shoulders, as if she could fall or something, he saw in a sudden flash what she meant.

He could hear all the voices mixing in her head. All the orders barked around her as she was pushed around. The taste of blood in her mouth as they were forcing all the knowledge out. Of the world's making. From the planet's strength. From her unlimited powers that could be unlock only by... Aqua eyes, staring at her in the darkness, as she tried to make herself as small as possible in her cage. The strong hands forcing her up and out of her prison. Sitting her in that torture chair, where they would force her to let every Ancients' secrets out. The spiritual energy rushing into her, sapping her strength. And the pain. The tremendous pain, it was a mystery she was still alive and able to smile now.

"Let go," she asked him, bringing him back to reality. "Let go, get away from me!"

She slapped him in the face, which made him let go of her instantly. As they parted, they stared into each other eyes, Aeris still crying and unable to believe that he could see everything so easily, even when she was awake, Squall trying to understand why she was mad at him.

"I was just trying to..."

"To help... I know." She whispered, looking down, wrapping her arms around herself to get some comfort. "Maybe was I too exposed just now... Since they did all their experiments on me, I had trouble controlling the pouring out of my memories."

He just kept staring at her, trying to find something to say. But the more he thought, the less he knew what to do. Aeris dried her tears with the back of her hand, breathing strongly.

"I... I overreacted," she tried to apologize.

"I don't think so."

"Sephiroth is some kind of an ancient too, you know. That's why... He seems to have some kind of... attraction to me. And if I was to see him now. I wouldn't have the strength."

"Of course you'd have it. You were able to keep me on the right track during the last few days."

She slightly smiled at that. Maybe was he right. Maybe was she really overreacting. But Sephiroth meant so many bad memories. So much pain.

"If we go to this... ball. You won't leave me, won't you?"

"I'll be by your side for the entire ball."

"I don't have any flashy dress."

"We'll get you one." He said. He was reassured to see she was calming down.

"Alright then. I'll consider it."

They exchanged another smile. And Squall's stomach grumbled, reminding them this was still the early morning and that none of them had eaten anything. They got up and went to the kitchen. As if nothing had happened, they made breakfast together, somehow, as an old couple would. And even if she had cried and even if Squall wasn't sure that he had understood every flashbacks he had just seen from her, it felt alright. Simply alright.

...

Date: 19 027 A.D. December 22th

Location: Boston, Black Faction's HQ

Mission: completed, next mission pending

Agents: Lightning, Raven

Warning: Raven is still dangerous and doesn't control his power. Proceed with care when meeting with him...

Message from G.I. 6. End of transmission.

...

"I must insist. You can't be allowed to see these files!" Elena declared.

Noctis glared at her, which would have normally worked, if the question hadn't been so delicate.

"Lightning has doubts over the fact I could have been in a coma for the last two years. As he always does, Rufus must have gotten the whole thing on tape. Just let her see it. Not everything, but enough for her to trust me on this. I've lost two years of my life, Elena. They've stolen me the birth of my first kid, and most everything that made my decency and dignity. I can't lose Lightning again."

"I don't understand why she suddenly needs to see it."

"I myself have no proof. All we got is what the scientists and Rufus said. And I don't trust them that much anymore."

"But...!"

"She's done her best to stand up by my side so far, but she doubts everything. And she has every right to doubt. All of this is pure madness!"

"You're right, I understand... But Rufus will kill me if I let any of you..."

"Noctis, it's alright, let it go..." Lightning tried to convince him.

She wasn't that sure if she really wanted to see. But she had whispered something under her breath a moment ago. About this whole thing being a nightmare. About this being way too easy for him to walk back into her life. She had accepted everything so far, because they were stuck together. Because she wanted to believe. But as her feet got back on earth, suddenly, she started to doubt. Could Noctis have lie? Where was the proof of this so called coma? Why couldn't Storm really be the result of a hidden love with Stella back in the past? This whole story was too big to be a lie, she knew it, but some pieces of it weren't fitting at all in the picture.

This was all way too suspicious. And she needed proof. Even if she didn't really want to need it.

"I've got nothing to hide. I said the truth about everything. I'm not falling for Stella and I haven't known her for more than a few weeks. And before that this is clear in your mind, I won't have you going anywhere else than in this room, where we can find all the truth of what happened to me during the last two years."

"Alright, go on in."Elena whispered. "Just stop arguing in the hallway."

Lightning followed Noctis in the archive room. It took him a few seconds to find the numerous discs covering his two years long coma and to put them in the disc reader. The first video started with his panicked arrival, right back from the explosion he got involved in, two years ago. He was covered with burns and cuts and Lightning had to sit down, to accept that this was real. It had all been filmed. She took control of the media player and forwarded through the different videos. The hour indicated in a corner and the date were always reminding her of the time he'd lost. And as she advanced in time and started seeing Stella working around Noctis, she felt her stomach churning in protest. She wasn't sure what to expect.

Just seeing Noctis' sleeping form standing still on the mat, his naked body covered with cables and sophisticated machinery, under this transparent cage... it was almost unbearable. And after a few minutes of watching, a group of scientists joined the small group of people looking after him. They surrounded him. And she already knew what they were going to do. This couldn't all be faked. Noctis had really gone through a two years coma. And while he was out and unaware... She looked over her shoulder and saw his face growing really pale. He was white as a ghost. On the screen, the scientists were getting down to business. And to think that something like this could have been done, that he'd been invaded in his privacy and life like this by all those unknown people. It was horrible.

Lightning stopped the disc, her heart pounding in her chest, her stomach twisting from the very thought of what Noctis had lived. And she was mortified to think he had had to see it again. Suddenly, she felt ready to forgive anything. It wasn't his fault. He would never have gotten himself in something like that willingly. And right now, as he was leaning his shoulders against the nearest wall, he seemed so desperate.

"You didn't have to let me see it..."

"At least, we know..." he whispered.

His voice was trembling. The sickening pictures were still moving under his eyes. Even if he kept them wide open, he could see those men around him and... He shivered, bringing one hand to his face.

"I know my memories were right and not just playing tricks on me." He bitterly laughed.

"Noctis...

"I didn't have you watching this to pity me, Light."

"But Noct..."

"Don't talk like that, okay? I'm still... I'm stronger than I was then! I won't ever be that vulnerable again. I won't let anyone manipulate me, ever."

"My vision of you won't change Noctis. You're still you, even after that." She tried to reassure him, reaching out her hands to grab his shoulders.

He pushed her away with a yell of anger and she jumped a little.

"I'm not just me, Light. I'm...! I'm still a man, right?" he asked her, his voice dying slowly in his throat.

She felt the urge to cry at his question. She could understand what he was feeling. She had been through the exact same thing when the scientists from the Feds had killed her child and done experiments on her while she was unconscious.

"Of course you are!" she replied, walking up to him, opening her arms to hug him.

But he kept her away.

"You have no idea... how used I feel. And how dirty..."

He looked down to his feet and she snapped.

"I don't care how unworthy you think you are! Let me help you, Noctis! We'll erase this. We'll fix everything. Together."

Her arms hugged him in a warm embrace and for the nth time in such a short amount of time, he felt ready to break down. Was he really worth it? He hadn't been able to protect her in the past. Hadn't been able to save their child. He was imposing another child –which had been imposed on him too, but which wasn't her child-. It was all so unfair to her. To both of them. He held her close.

"Lightning..."

"I trust you, Noctis. I won't doubt anymore. Let's just try to... get back to the couple we were."

He was mad at himself for always being the one needing to be comforted. Had he always been this soft, or was it all because of what had happened to them in the last two years?

He swallowed back his pain. He had to be strong for her too.

"I think we need some vacation." He whispered.

"And you'll have them, Raven, Lightning." A gentle voice whispered.

Looking up, surprised not to have notice the other presence in the room, they saw Tseng, looking at them with half a smile. Tseng was notorious in the Faction for being the head agent of the American branch, before that he had accepted to become a G.I. He was the seventh one. And he had once been one of Noctis' best friends, among Prompto and Ignis, two other agents that had been lost while on duty.

"I heard you've been through a lot. And it's almost Christmas. So I thought you'd needed a little peace for once, after this crazy mission with Seymour. What do you think about three weeks to clear up your mind and get back to your ancient life, Lucis?"

Tseng was also the only person that could call Noctis by his second name and get away with it in Lightning's knowledge.

"Sounds good to me." Noctis replied, a shy smile perking up on his lips. "As long as Lightning gets some vacation too."

"Of course, you're both on vacation. You're not our only agents you know."

Tseng didn't say that to sound unkind and Lightning laughed.

"Sometimes, it feels as if we're the only one you have to send out."

"Oh, Squall should do the next few missions. And Reno will spend Christmas' day working."

"Sounds good, I can't wait to congratulate him on that." Lightning's smile grew bigger.

It felt good to see a friendly face which had good news for once. The idea of spending the three next weeks of her life with Noctis cheered her up even more. She would make sure Stella wouldn't keep him away from her and that he settled back to his ancient life. They would slowly relearn to be together, as a couple. Not just because they were faking to be together on a mission. Not just because she was in distress mentally or emotionally. But because she wanted to be with him. Even after everything she had seen and learned. It would have taken much more than that to stop her.

"Are we free to go right now?" Lightning asked.

"Well, as long as you two keep at least one of your cells around so we can call you." Tseng replied.

"Don't worry."

They walked out of the room. They both needed a lot of time alone, to think. Alone together. Without any mic or camera around to spy on them. They borrowed one of the Faction's car and Lightning drove it all the way back to her apartment. She called her brother, Cloud, to warn him about their coming, but he didn't answer. At this moment, Cloud was still at the army HQ, trying to teach Yuna how to use a gun.

"Guess we'll have my apartment only for us."

"That's good. I'm not sure if I feel ready to meet with your brother."

"I'm sure he would be happy to see you."

"He'll be, only if he thinks you're happy with having me around."

"Well, I'm happy."

Saying that, she parked in the back alley next to her block and they exchanged a smile. It had been sometimes since Noctis had been out in the real world. He looked even paler under the burning sun. But as they got out of the car, he hurried himself and held the door to her block opened for her. And that reminded her of his gallantry for the time when they had started dating each other. And though he hadn't, she had forgotten everything seen about the men taking his cells to create Storm. All she knew was that she was back in her home and that Noctis was with her. The Noctis she had been longing for all this time. As they entered the apartment, she almost threw herself in his arms, pinning him to the door. This could have ended up with love making in the middle of the living room if a certain knight in shining armour hadn't cleared his throat at this very moment.

They parted from each other instantly, taken by surprise, to look up and see...

"Odin? You're still here?" Lightning choked.

"I must follow my master wherever she goes! I can only remain in this world if I stand in a 10 meter radius around my master!" he explained himself.

"But... You shouldn't remain this long after that I summoned you."

"We didn't take the time to set any rule about me being around or not, milady. I'm sorry to interrupt, really, but I'd like to be properly acquainted to this young sir."

"Hmmm. If I do as you ask, will you give us some space?"

"As long as I know this good lord hasn't any ill pretention towards you, milady."

Noctis frowned, forcing himself not to let his mouth drop open from the shock. This summon spirit was something else.

"Okay, well, Odin, this is Noctis Lucis Caelum. My boyfriend."

"Boy what?" Odin repeated, sounding dumbfounded.

"He's my lover." She added.

"Oh, I had asserted that much, milady." Odin replied, looking away from under his silver and golden helmet.

"I trust him and I love him a great deal Odin. As for this crazy knight, well, it seems that I'm stuck with him around for the rest of my life, or so." Lightning said, turning back to Noctis.

Her comment made him smile.

"Alright, alright, I'm going back to the spiritual world for now. Yggdrasil must be getting lonely and I'm a little nervous without my mount. But don't think that I'm trying to embarrass you or something. I just want to be useful. If you need any help, just call me, master. I shall always heed your call!"

With that said, he vanished, which made Lightning sighed with relief.

"I like his style, but he's a little overdramatic for me." She whispered.

"He sounds pretty possessive of his master."

"You're not jealous from a summon spirit, now, Noctis?"

"Well, having a real knight in shining armour could get to your head."

"Silly!" she retorted, giving him a light punch on the head. "All I want is you, you should know it!"

That set back their previous mood. Not the punch, but her last comment. He resumed kissing her. A little more passionately than usual, as if he was running away from something. And she knew what it was. But she was ready to run with him, and to let his fear burn her all from head to toes. He started undoing her clothes and as they fought together to find their way to her room - or at least, the sofa! - they stumbled on something, making the phone fall from the kitchen counter to the floor. Thus, it never rang. They wouldn't have answered anyway...

...

Date: 19 027 A.D. December 24th

Location: Boston, Serah's and Snow's apartment

Mission: Attending a Christmas supper with Yuna around

Soldier's involved: Colonel Cloud Strife, back-up soldier, Yuna Albhed

Warning: Cloud is worried of what Serah could think of this whole situation...

Message from Cloud's self. End of transmission.

...

"Here we are," Cloud whispered as he parked his bike next to Snow's block.

Yuna got down, feeling a little unsure now that she was facing the block. What was she doing? Did she really want to meet with his sister and step brother? This was certainly going to be awkward. Then again, she didn't want to be alone or to leave Cloud's side. Following him in the stair way, trying to replace her hair that had been all tangled by the wind, she realized she wasn't even bringing a gift. Cloud had his gift under his left arm, wrapped in a small package. She wondered what he could get to his little sister. As he ringed the door bell, she was shifting uneasily from one feet to the other.

"Hey, Yuna, don't get too nervous. It could be contagious. Serah's pregnant and I wouldn't want her to overexert herself or to get anxious over this."

"What? She's..."

"She'll be happy to see you, just smile and relax. You're a guest. She invited you here."

"Right."

The door swung open and Cloud's sister appeared in the doorway, beaming them with a wide smile.

"Cloud, I'm so glad you were able to come. It's so rare to have you around here."

She gave him a hug before to drag him inside. Yuna awkwardly followed. She observed the light pink brown hair of the young woman, and her blue eyes, reminding her of Cloud's mako eyes. Unlike her brother, Serah had wavy hair and smiled easily. She took Yuna hands in hers and showed her around the place. Yuna was surprised when she met Snow, Serah's fiancé, who was even more built and tall than Cloud. Next to him, Serah looked like a little girl, but it was easy to see that this giant was a big teddy bear, like Brother and Tidus. For once, Snow had removed his black bandana. His hair looked longer that way and were slightly spiky on the back of his head.

"Wow, Cloud, you brought such a cutie... Is she really in the army?"

"I'm... I'm just a backup soldier in fact." Yuna whispered, blushing and looking away.

"Don't embarrass her like that, Snow! You could say hello to her first." Serah reprimanded him, frowning her brows.

"I'm sorry babe, you're right. I have no manners... Well, welcome to our place, Yuna! We don't have anything fancy, but suit yourself!"

She blushed even more and Cloud rolled his eyes. Snow was such a moron sometimes. Luckily, Serah was there and she dragged Yuna with her in the kitchen, to have a talk and get acquainted. Snow and Cloud remained together in the entrance, sharing an awkward silence.

Cloud had never been too friendly with the guys stealing his sisters from him. Serah being like a daughter to him, he had eyed Snow like an enemy for a long time. Exchanging one look, the taller man wondering if his future brother-in-law was mad or not, they realized they should try to talk a little. At least, for appearances.

"Well, Serah told me the good news. Congratulation." Cloud mumbled.

Snow smiled at that. This sounded like approbation.

"Thank you, bro. I don't know if I'm ready, but she sure is. You know how much she loves kids."

"Yeah."

Cloud felt a little bad for bringing the subject. This reminded him so much of Lightning. How she had wanted her baby and grieved for losing it. He was scared of what it could make in the family if Serah was to learn about it. How would his sisters get along now? He wanted to punch Snow just for making his baby sister a woman. But at the same time, he was happy for Serah. She was living with a man who loved and protected her while letting her being free and happy. He would be the father of her children. He would share all of her life, as long as he had the strength to.

"Take good care of her, alright?"

"You don't have to ask Cloud."

"Of course I have."

They fell back in silence. Their relationship as brothers-in-law had never been easy. Cloud had always feared that Snow would hurt Serah. They had caught into fights together, back in the days she had just started going out with him. Cloud remembered a few dirty tricks the big guy had pulled on him in those few fights. He had needed a whole session of treatment with Tifa afterwards. Snow had gotten in the hospital and Serah had sworn she would never forget any of them. But both man had been able to understand after some more quarrel and fights. Lightning had had another way of protesting, less direct than Cloud. They had played Serah's parents for too long and they were still her brother and sister at the same time. It had been really hard for Snow to enter this family. Their bonds were so tight and strong, as if there wasn't any place for anyone new.

"I heard you were on Pluto the other day..."

"Yeah, we went there."

"You're sure you wanna keep working for the army? Serah is really worried and..."

"I know... I could have chosen any job, but in the end... Rescuing people is what I do best."

"You should have been a firefighter. You would have made an awesome firefighter."

If some people are wondering, Snow's job was to be a firefighter...

"Well, playing with fire isn't my thing."

This time, Snow didn't let silence linger between them and find something new to say.

"Hey, thinking about playing. I've got this new video game. You've gotta tell me if it's any more realistic than the last one."

"Sounds good."

If Snow and Cloud had trouble at getting along on most things, gaming was the total opposite. Snow collected all kind of consoles and games. He was especially used to shooters. And Cloud was almost unbeatable at those. Professional deformation obliged...

Yuna was happy to be with Serah. They were sitting at the counter of the kitchen, while the turkey was still roasting in the oven and chitchatting like two teenage girls.

"I'm really happy that Cloud could make a new friend. Lately, he sounded pretty depressed. You know, he's still living with our sister, Lightning, his twin. Those two were like a father and a mother to me. It wasn't easy for them..."

"He didn't tell me much about it. We're just friends you know. Though I was Tifa's friends and she told me lots of things about him."

"Oh, Tifa? How is she doing?"

"Pretty good. She's in Canada right now."

"I heard there's still snow back there."

"You mean real snow, right?"

"Huh?"

"It's just, really confusing, with your boyfriend's name and..." Yuna blushed saying that.

Now that the boys were out of the picture, she was talking a little too freely and felt ashamed for saying something so stupid... But Serah started to laugh.

"That's right! With a brother named Cloud and a sister named Lightning, I'm just getting so used to these kinds of names. But it must be confusing. The fact is... I don't really know what to talk about. I don't have many friends of my age. How are you Yuna? You're around your twenties, but Cloud kept saying you were so younger than him..."

"Well, I'm turning twenty four in February."

"Really? Wow, you're older than me then!"

"What? But you look so mature!"

"Is this a way of saying I'm looking old?"

"Of course not. Anyway, next to Snow, you look like a school girl."

"My students often think I'm one of their classmate at the start of school year."

"So, you're a teacher?"

"Yup! I graduated two years ago and got myself a job in a highschool. It's so much fun, you couldn't begin to imagine."

"What do you teach?"

"History and geography are my favourites. But enough about me; tell me more about you!"

They were soon laughing as two friends and smiling, when a sudden yell of frustration made them both jump.

"Damn, I'm death! Again!" Snow complained.

Cloud's chuckles made them understand, though Yuna was surprised to think the two men were fighting against each other in a video game.

"Those two will never change. Cloud's always doing all he can to beat Snow at everything..." Serah sighed.

"Well, all guys are like that."

"I'm sure that if it was anyone else, Cloud wouldn't have to prove himself in everything."

For an instant, there was the hint of grieving in Serah's eyes. It fate away as soon as Yuna saw it. The young teacher stroked her belly, falling silent.

"I heard from Cloud you were pregnant." Yuna observed.

"He told you?"

"Yes. He sounded pretty nervous about it."

Serah smiled at that.

"There's still a few months left for him to prepare. He'll only be an uncle, for heaven sake, why does he take this so seriously? Oh, I'm sorry Yuna, I didn't mean to start talking about all our family's problems."

"I don't call this family's problems. Cloud cares about you and the baby. I think it's lovely."

"Cloud always was like that. Though he tries to hide it. He's just like Snow beneath all his cold looks."

Yuna blushed as she thought that Cloud was hotter and cuter than Snow in her opinion. He wasn't as imposant and had just the shape that pleased her. She liked leaning over him on his bike, or being hugged in his arms. But she felt bad, somehow, to think about something like that in front of the sister of the guy!

"Beep!"

"Oh, the dinner's ready. Stop shooting each other, guys, come and give us a hand to set the table."

"Argh, he killed me again. You're bro's a cheater, Serah!"

"You're hard to miss as a target, Snow, get over it."

Yuna couldn't help but smile. This was a real family. Cloud's family. She felt so lucky to discover it like that. But as they settle the table and Serah got them sitting side by side, Yuna felt her face flushing again. It seemed she couldn't do anything but blush around here. Snow wasn't mad anymore about his numerous losses in the video games. He was looking after Serah and preventing her from lifting any plate or anything around the kitchen or the table. Cloud had suggested to help, but Serah said he was a guest, just as Yuna. Her pregnancy gave her the right to exploit her boyfriend and Snow sure seemed happy to be exploited. They exchanged a few kisses between each new plate he was bringing to the table.

This made Yuna nervous. She was sitting next to Cloud. The table was so small, their chairs had to be really close and their naked arms were brushing together at each of their move. Cloud didn't seem to mind the contact. But somehow, this made her even more anxious, though she was happy about it too. What did Serah thought they were to each other Cloud and herself? Did Snow and Serah thought they were together?

Oh my gosh, Yuna thought as she started eating. In what have I gotten myself?

To be continued...

So well, next chapter should complete the dinner, we'll have a little more over Squall and Aeris, and more over Noctis and Lightning. Hope you liked this one. ^^