A/N: Yet another 'small' present for ET. Apologies this one's late; hope you've managed to find this before your move! Good luck in your new, language school :)
Theme 34: Overture
Pairing: Lightning Farron/Squall Leonhart, hints of Tifa Lockhart/Squall Leonhart
Technology, Squall conceded, was a double-edged sword.
Despite the tremendous miles that separated his girlfriend of several months and himself, technology has managed to connect Squall Leonhart and Lightning Farron together. For two such individuals each lugging emotional baggage filled with separation anxiety that cumulatively weighed less than the sum of its parts- don't ask-, the marvel that was video-chat was an embarrassing skill to master but one that bestowed great rewards to the couple.
Well, most of the time.
"Run that by me again, schoolboy." Squall inwardly winced at the coldness of Lightning's voice that contrasted against the inferno smoldering in her blue-eyed glare. Technology was so advanced now that these little things that made Lightning Farron fearsome were easily transmitted across vast distances, perfectly, even against a display five inches diagonally- though to be fair, Squall paid for super high definition…
If Squall Leonhart was any lesser man, he would have shat himself by now. Instead, the resigned SeeD cleared his throat and repeated, "This operation's going to stretch a bit longer than expected. I'll be arriving a week from now."
Honestly, what was the problem?
"Squall, here's a riddle for you, genius." Lightning called his attention tightly. "There is an event happening three days from now, when you said you'd make it 'for sure'. You've never missed this event in the past two years. While I normally wouldn't care about this event, we are together now. So, what is it?"
Three days from now? That would make a lot of things including-
-Oh Chocobo poo on his shoe!
"It's your birthday."
"Correct." Her tone made it clear she still wasn't finished. "Academia has stationed my brigade in Midgar while they conduct their techno work. I am here- by myself- with no other family around."
"Tifa's there-"
"By. My. Self." Lightning drawled with a glare for his interruption. Squall's mouth immediately shut. "It is stuffy here, and the past week has been atrocious. I'm sure you well know that the only reason I accepted this post was because you would be nearby, otherwise we'd have to celebrate another time. And now you tell me that your work is going to overrun, and you'll be here more than a minute late."
Squall felt that Lightning was blowing things out of proportion, but he wisely stayed his tongue. Judging by her tone, Lightning clearly wasn't finished yet.
"I don't mind your work affecting your life, Squall. I'm sure you know that. However, just because your work dictates your life does not mean your work should affect mine." A sound that very much was akin to a growl left her throat. "So, tell me Squall, is your work more important than me?"
It was his cue to speak, he knew, but he didn't know how to answer such an ultimatum.
Unfortunately for him, someone decided to take the task off his hands.
"Whaddid zoo fink, zoo soopid bint?" A gargled grunt cut in.
Silence descended on the pair as Lightning processed the mangled words. Her jaw visibly locking was not a good sign to the SeeD Commander. "…Squall, are you torturing someone while we're talking?"
"…you called me." He replied lamely, a bit embarrassed at the turn of events.
Ah, Lightning's eyes now matched her cold tone.
"We'll talk again later."
The video feed stopped and Squall pocketed the device before turning to glare at his bound captive. Squall's blue eyes reflected a cool promise.
"For that, I'm gonna stop being nice."
Knowing he was dead either way, the man lifted the stump of his middle finger at the ominous SeeD Commander.
As the hitman began his final screams, Squall affirmed that yes, technology was a double-edged sword.
-00-
Tifa eyed her companion as she downed yet another shot of the old courage- or spirit, the crimson-eyed Lockhart mused, given Lightning's predisposition.
"Problems in paradise?" Tifa started as she took a sip of her own.
Lightning spared her a blank stare- or, as blank as a woman whose face was as pink as her hair could- and poured herself another glass and scoffed. "Pssch. Paradise. It's overrated."
"Well, no matter what the case," A mediating smile tugged at her lips as she slowly moved Lightning's bottle away from the Brigadier General's reach. "It's a girl's night out now, Light, so the only boy-talk allowed is to reiterate how stupid they really are. And, happy twenty-third birthday!"
The crimson-eyed Lockart was met with an equally red-eyed Lightning, whose ophthalmic blood vessels had dilated somewhat due to the spirit she had consumed. "Screw that. Twenty-three! I'm twenty-three now. Why am I so hung over a kid that hasn't even broken two decades?"
"Mhmm, I hear you, Light." Tifa nodded her head before a mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes. "That guy can really be insensitive, can't he? Tell you what, why don't you give him to me and I'll break him."
"Only if you promise to return him in one piece." Lightning grunted and threw her head back, downing her drink. "Just so I can break him some more."
Though Tifa knew better than to think that Lightning was actually serious, she still couldn't help but entertain the fanciful thought. "It's a deal then." She nodded her head in agreement.
"And goddamn, where's the entertainment? !" Lightning grunted in irritation, throwing a glare at the darkened room.
The pub they were in, while small, was packed. When Tifa had learned that Squall would not be able to make it, the young woman promptly shepherded Lightning away from the clubs and into one of the more homely pubs she knew. After all, it wouldn't do for an irritated Farron to stay in a crowded place filled with writhing bodies; Lightning had already shown once just how her namesake struck when one poor idiot had decided to chance his luck- and hand- on the Brigadier General.
That really didn't end well.
Still, knowing the soldier needed to vent- and what better way than with a bottle of truth in hand?- Tifa had brought her to one of the more popular pubs, where bands both amateur and pro were known to frequent. That they had drinks that even she with all her experience could appreciate only served to spice the night.
"Barkeep!" Lightning suddenly barked.
"There appears to be some minor delays, miss." The man replied calmly, already used to inebriated customers and their aggressiveness. "One of the blokes fell ill, apparently. Not to worry, we're calling the next in line to get their gig started. They should be here in a few."
"Great." Suddenly tired, Lightning sank back down on her seat and glared at her half-empty glass.
"There, there, Light." Tifa cooed at her friend. "It's gonna be alright."
"You go keep on wishing that." Lightning snapped half-heartedly. "Etro, why is it that the men of my life are always busy with work? First my dad, and now Squall…" She slammed a fist on the table. "Etro damn that schoolboy."
Tifa could sense there was more to this than Lightning was letting on, and so she did her best to comfort her friend. "Care to talk about it?"
"Urk." Lightning seemed to burp. Or cough; Tifa wasn't really sure. "No."
The martial artist nodded her head cordially, not wishing to pursue an obviously personal matter. Besides, she already had some inkling of an idea as to what it was that really bothered the strawberry-haired woman, especially after having been told that Lightning's father departed when she was still young.
"Well, care to talk about Squall then?" Tifa scooted her seat closer to the despondent woman. "What was the last thing you two talked about?"
"How he was still doing his job, early this morning." Lightning seethed at the memory. "Then I heard some woman start begging him loudly."
"Oh?" Tifa wagged her eyes suggestively. "An affair? I didn't know Squall had it in him."
Lightning tilted her head towards the woman and shot her a look. "She was begging for her life."
Tifa blinked. "…oh."
The crimson-eyed Lockhart was no stranger to the grittier side of conflict and so, she could admit, that she actually didn't feel anything but pity for the poor wench Squall Leonhart was, ahem, driving his weapon through. She trusted that Squall knew what he was doing, and decided to leave it at that instead of dwelling upon his job further.
An awkward silence fell on the pair as Tifa sipped her drink. A large man caught her eye and she grinned at the sulking Lightning. "Hey, looks like the entertainment is here."
"Well, at least it isn't a no-show." Lightning grumbled as she sat up, propping her cheek with her elbow as she stared deadly at the stage. "Unlike some people…"
"Oh hush, Light. Forget about that for now and enjoy this. You'll love this, I'm sure." Tifa cheered her friend.
The Screaming Siren was reputed for their taste in musicians, after all. It was why many an up-and-coming band and/or singer appealed for a slot at this pub despite its size.
"Apologies for the delay, ladies and gents!" The host began, holding the mic with one hand as he bowed theatrically, extending his free hand to the side. "Hope y'all are ready, especially all you single ladies, 'cause up next is one tasty behemoth steak! And I can say that despite bein' an upright hunk a' manliness that I truly am. Cats and dawgs, please give it up for my man all the way from the siren's land, Monleon!"
Lightning's hand tensed around her glass at the small reminder of Squall just as the crowd erupted in cheers, while the host stepped down from the stage. The lights began to dim while the red curtains simultaneously began to part, revealing the shadowy silhouette of the entertainer.
"Woohoo! Show us what you've got!" Tifa shouted enthusiastically. Lightning shot her companion a dry look, to which Tifa sheepishly returned. "Oh, come on, Light. Give the guy a cheer."
Lightning rolled her eyes before staring straight at the lone singer. Spotlights flashed into existence to illuminate the man.
He wore a white suit with black stripes running towards the ground. An equally white and striped bowler hat topped his skull while dark, wire-framed shades hid his eyes. A black scarf was tucked into his suit. He would have made for a very formal figure, if it weren't for the black fingerless gloves to complete his ensemble, easily visible from the way he held that rather small guitar against his seated body.
The Brigadier General squinted to get a better look.
"…a ukulele?" Lightning blinked incredulously amidst the swooning women. "We waited here 'til this late for a guy and his ukulele?"
"Give him a chance, Light." Tifa cajoled.
"Check, check. Mic test. Mic test…"The crowd heard the man tap on the mic in front of him. "Mic test. One, two, three, test… … …test."
Lightning's brow twitched and she erupted. "It firggin' works, alright? ! It was just used a minute ago!"
Tifa's face lit up in embarrassment at the stares they suddenly received, and she immediately tried to bring Lightning back down to her seat. "Easy, all. My friend just had quite a bit to drink." She turned her gaze to the staring entertainer. "Sorry, pal. Go on. We're all cool, right?"
"Right." The man nodded and coughed against his fist before addressing the crowd. "Well, this is my first time performing…"
"What was that about, Light?" Tifa whispered towards her companion, ignoring the man's introduction.
"Dunno. Something about him just ticked me off." Lightning shrugged. "And if he doesn't start singing soon, I'm gonna sue."
As if hearing her words, the man's speech came to an end.
"…out there driving us insane. Lighten up; we're trying our best too."
A displeased grunt reflexively left Lightning's throat at the bits her ears caught, but before she could vocalize her complaint, the man began strumming.
A tranquil melody that reminded Lightning of gentle waves caressing a sunset beach began to bathe the room as the man begun his song. Lightning wondered how the heck this man was playing such music on a friggin' ukulele.
"I see trees of green…red roses, too.
I see them bloom…for me, and for you.
And I think to myself…
What a wonderful world."
Lightning shook her head in surprise before turning to her companion. "…I'd like whatever he's having."
"Don't you think his voice is sweet though, Light?" Tifa batted her eyes playfully at the birthday celebrant.
"Oh sure. I can already feel my teeth rotting." Seemingly unimpressed, Lightning folded her arms. There was just something about the song that irked her, and she made a face. "I'm sick of hearing this. I'm calling it in."
Lightning pushed her chair back to leave, but before Tifa could move to stop her, the singer continued in a lower, huskier voice.
"I see lightning flee but... the storm didn't pass…
It's pouring still… take a seat; fill your glass.
And just think to yourself…
What a wonderful world."
Suspicious blue eyes snapped towards the singer and she felt her hackles rise in agitation.
"Light?" Tifa called out softly.
Lightning slowly stalked forwards, picking up her half-full glass as she approached.
The singer's strumming transitioned to a playful syncope, beating lightly against the wooden frame at each off-beat.
"I'm sorry I forgot… the days- they flew me by…
But don't take that to say… I stopped caring for your sighs.
Can we put it in the past? Found a 'porter; here at last...
What I mean to say is…
I'm always here for you."
The crowd looked on in wonderment as the pinkette stepped on the stage.
Lightning's eyes remained locked at the man's hidden irises; she spied the telltale scar peeking just underneath his shades. The singer continued his strumming, not once facing away from the interrupting woman, nor did he make any protest when Lightning grabbed the microphone with her free hand before taking a deep, shaky breath.
"I hear your words yet… I'm still mad.
But you already know… I'm sorry too; so be glad.
And just think to yourself…
What a wonderful world."
"Oh I will think to myself…" A small smile formed on his face as Lightning sat herself on his lap, the arm holding her glass wrapped around his shoulder. "It's a wonderful world…"
"Mhmm… Yeah…" Lightning agreed just as their lips met. "Silly schoolboy... you're off-key."
"It's my first time…" Squall grumbled softly, mindful of the microphone in her other hand. Their foreheads rested upon one another.
"How did you get here so fast?" She nuzzled her nose against his.
"Classified, though it did involve a lack of discretion. And a 'porter." He mumbled back before pecking her moist lips. Lightning would see the news of the not-so discreet bombing in the morning, anyways. For now... "Happy birthday, Claire."
"No, not yet." Lightning drew her head back to make her displeasure known to him. "You can't call me that, yet. At least… not until you've worked for it."
Though still hidden beneath his shades, Lightning could see his surprise at her reprimand. "What do you have in mind?"
"Mhmm…we'll think of something." She exhaled hotly against his lips with a sultry smirk. "You might have to get changed first, though. Your suit will stain."
And with those words, Lightning promptly emptied her glass on his shoulder, and they ignored the crowd's gasp of surprise.
The couple also ignored the encore of stolen breaths when Squall carelessly discarded his ukulele and tackled a deliriously happy Lightning onto the stage, their lips crashing hungrily against each other's.
A mixture of groans of disappointment and yelps and catcalls filled their ears but never registered; Squall and Lightning were just too lost in their wonderful world...
They were vaguely aware of a set of shoes stopping beside them on the stage floor.
"A-ahem…" The host from before cut in, and wilted slightly under the combined glares he received. "Er, I doubt I'll be able to separate you two, eh?" He received a matching pair of blank stares. "Figures. I'm gonna have to ask you two to leave. House policy, cats."
"Look, Squall." A flushed Lightning pointed out to her disheveled lover above her. "You just got us kicked out of such a fine establishment."
"That's the idea." Squall muttered back with a sly smirk. Lightning's body heated up even more with anticipation. "I got us a place nearby. Five-star. Penthouse."
"Perfect. I'll have you screaming my name tonight."
Lightning wrapped her arms around her man's neck, drawing both his attention and his body closer.
"Ahem." The host coughed, louder this time, when he realized the pair were about to resume where they left off. "I'm really gonna have to ask you two to leave." Lightning spotted an amused barkeep shaking his head in their direction, standing beside the host. "Here, let us help."
"Damn, girl." The barkeep whistled as he helped the two up.
As Squall helped Lightning to her feet, the pinkette's eyes trailed over to his discarded musical instrument. A thoughtful look crossed her face before she commanded her lover. "Squall, bring the ukulele. We might be able to use it."
A wry smirk formed on Squall's lips. Lightning and her plans... "Roger."
Tifa looked on with a bittersweet smile as the couple was escorted out of the pub. She was honestly happy that all had worked out well for both her friends, but...
The red-eyed Lockhart wiped the lonely tear that escaped her eyes before letting out a deep sigh, absently drawing slow circles around the rim of her glass as she hummed softly.
"Yeah, I'll just think to myself… what a wonderful… world…"
A/N: …I don't know how this evolved into a story of its own. I really have no clue o_o Anyways, consider this a treat, I guess. Damn, this one's more than the standard 1000 words plus/minus 10 percent… how the heck?
Anyways, need I say what tune Squall was singing to?
The 'porter Squall was referring to is a 'teleporter', mages specialised in transportation spells ie Teleport-Midgar.