A/N: Some big developments in this chapter, but the story's still moving slowly, so I apologize for the pace ^^" Big thank you to ATK1734 (your review was soooo helpful! I went back to chapter 23 and understood what you meant, especially the wordiness in some places. I tried to do better with the dialogue in this chapter, thank you for taking time to even provide examples T^T). Lumina, I can't live without Yazoo so I threw him in the last two seconds of this chapter XD I am really laughing at the "A wild Yazoo appeared" comment! Thanks for making my day! Hope you enjoy today's update! :)

CHAPTER XXIV.

Unraveling

Lightning

"You don't have to walk me," I reminded the blonde, but he just shook his head like it was no big deal. He was holding my hand in the crowded corridor, and the stares of passersby burned through us. I coughed awkwardly and tried to slip out of his grip, but he tightened it around my fingers.

"Just ignore them," he said coolly.

"Painful popularity, huh?" I joked and he smiled very slightly before looking away again. I knew we'd get some attention - I just didn't know it would be this much.

We paused in front of Caius' office. Cloud kissed the hand he was holding, staring into my eyes. "See you soon."

I nodded quickly, stealing a kiss. His cheeks burned, but he smiled through the blush.

"Miss Farron, if you're done frolicking outside my office, this way, please," Caius' cold voice cut through my ears, alerting me as I jumped slightly in response. I frowned as Cloud released my hand, his own smile transforming into his usual disinterested expression.

I followed the purple haired professor into his office. He gestured for me to take a seat and I waited until he was seated first. I pulled out the folder and passed the completed assignment to him. He skimmed through the pages, his eyes darting across the paper robotically.

"Hmm, it's very… brief," he commented.

"In the interest of time," I told him, tensing in my chair. More like to get out of this office as fast as possible, I thought, annoyed.

"Thank you, this will do." I was surprised when Caius simply opened a drawer and slipped the assignment into it. "Now then," he crossed his fingers, placing both hands on the obsidian desk. "From your email I understand that you have decided on a major."

"Yep- Yes," I answered, pulling out the signed declaration form and handing it over to him. He looked over it, eyes widening in surprise.

"Architecture?" He asked rhetorically and I just nodded again in response. It seemed like he wanted me to elaborate on my choice, but I had no solid reasons why I chose it, except that I loved buildings and Strife had encouraged me. I was pretty sure whatever reason I gave wouldn't be good enough for this man anyway.

"Very well," he made a note again, staring at me coldly. "I see you already went ahead and received the Dean's approval."

I remembered the meeting I had with the Dean a day earlier, and how unbelievably nice she was. I nodded, staring back at him. "I still need the department head's signature."

"I will do it right now," he twisted open the cap of his golden pen, signing the form quietly.

Caius Ballad was my head of department?! Another three freakin' years with this guy… Just my luck, I guess. This is what I get for not looking up who the department head was before walking in through this damn door.

"I have a request," I finally spoke. Caius pushed the form aside with a clean swipe of his hand, interlacing his fingers again as he leaned forward towards me. He nodded, and I took it as a sign to continue. "I want to keep my options open. So I want to take courses that will also help me get into the Special Task Force."

"I am sure you are aiming for the Anti-Narcotics division, so let me make some recommendations," he pulled out my schedule for this semester and began reviewing it. How did he…. I had a feeling Caius knew a lot more than he let on. Did he know everything about Strife's family?

"Well, Latin's out," he crossed out the course with a pencil. "No dead languages, but you will need at least two modern foreign languages. I will email you a recommendation of courses. And you should consider a double major in either Criminology or Psychology with a minor in Forensic Science, if you really want to impress."

I nodded, making notes as he spoke. "Anything else to really impress?" I asked without looking at him.

"Martial arts. You need a proper qualification in at least one," he told me and I nodded.

"I have three. What else?" I glanced up at him to notice Caius was smirking at me, and the image already made me extremely uncomfortable.

"You should join a martial arts club on campus even if that's the case. And I recommend demonstrating your people management skills in some sort of leadership position. Too bad the elections are coming to an end. It's a chance missed," he finished and I returned my eyes to the paper in front of me, writing down the word leadership.

"Great, thanks- thank you, it's really helpful," I said curtly.

"Well, if that's all, you need to go back to the Dean's office, get her approval on the double major, and then find your department head on the school's website and get their signature as well. We're going on holiday after the elections, so I'll see you in class after winter break."

See Caius every day next semester… there goes all the joy of winter break. I threw my notebook quickly in my bag, glancing awkwardly at Caius again.

"Is there something else?" He asked me as he leaned back in his black leather chair.

"I'd appreciate it if you can keep the double major thing to yourself," I said icily, making sure he knew from my tone that it wasn't a damn request.

"Of course, Miss Farron," his smirk grew wider and I already had a bad feeling about this. I sighed, knowing that there was nothing else I could do today. I went to the cafe, bought an extra large black coffee and sunk into the only available seat.

My phone buzzed and I realized my friends were bombarding the chat with Caius memes. I chuckled, relaxing as I opened my laptop and began researching.

"Hey dude," Zack snuck up behind me. His harm hung loosely around my shoulders and he bent down to observe what I was doing. "Why are you on the Anti-Narcotics Task Force careers page?" His smile quickly disappeared, and he took a seat next to me.

Damn it.

"Just please keep it a secret from Strife. I don't know how he'll take this, so I need to figure out how to tell him," I folded the screen, picked up my cup and took a long sip.

Zack just frowned and said nothing for a while. He called for the waitress and ordered a hot mocha latte with extra whipped cream. After the waitress left his drink on the counter for him, he leaned closer and spoke to me in a low voice. "Light… the top officials of that department are probably bought out. How do you think the drug trade has been flourishing here?"

"I know, but I want to help. And I might not even join it in the end. I am majoring in architecture anyway, that's my first career choice. If everything goes well," I took another sip of the calming hot liquid.

"First of all, nothing goes well when it comes to Cloud's family. Second, It's extremely dangerous. There will definitely be people in the department connected to Cloud's brothers. What if they sell you out? You could lose your life before you can even see your first assignment through." I was surprised that Zack was against it to this extent.

"Zack, I'll be fine. I just don't want to limit myself right now," I tried, but Zack was bent on arguing with me.

"Don't want to limit yourself?" He narrowed his eyes angrily at me. "Light, I know you're strong, but there is corruption here at levels you can't even begin to understand. I have been part of this whole thing for years. You don't know what you're getting into. Please listen to me," he pleaded.

I found myself getting annoyed, tensing in response as well. "Zack," I emphasized on his name, "I am not joining the force tomorrow. It's just a double major, a potential career path, that's it. So I would appreciate it if you could back off. Plus, it's not that big of a deal. People double major all the time."

"So why are you hiding it from Cloud?" He shot back, and I bit my lower lip. I felt guilty for not telling Cloud, but I just didn't want to be discouraged this early on.

"I need you to keep this to yourself. I know he'll understand when I tell him… properly," I added the last bit. Zack sighed, shaking his head.

"I know him and I'm telling you he'll either go ballistic or fall into a vicious cycle of self-loathing. Heck, even I hate myself for letting you do this right now," he drank from his cup, relaxing his shoulders.

I smirked, holding up my fist. "So you're letting me do this?"

Zack bumped my fist with his own, finally showing me his usual, warm smile. "It's not like you'll listen when your mind's made up. Tseng actually has a friend on the Anti-Narcotics force. You should ask him about the major thing. Probably more helpful than their website."

My eyes lit up at this piece of helpful information. "You know Tseng?"

"I have been dating Aerith since she was fourteen," he reminded me and I nodded.

"Wow, that long?" I mused, holding my cup with both hands for warmth.

"Yeah," Zack smiled proudly, leaning closer to me. "I am actually thinking of popping the question," he told me with an even wider grin.

I almost dropped my cup in surprise. It took a whole minute to process what Zack had just said. "Like… marriage?" Just the word made me shudder, knowing how my parents' marriage ended. I wasn't a big fan of the institution of it.

"Why not?" Zack replied in a carefree way. "I mean, we've already lived together for a long time, and I don't see myself with anyone else, ever. Might as well do it when we're young and beautiful."

"Wow," was all I could say. Zack sighed happily, finishing his drink and checking his phone real quick. He pulled up a photo of a ring, tilting the screen so I could see it.

"I already picked out the ring and everything. Just trying to find the right time and place. If I do a flash mob, will you dance?" He asked teasingly and I rolled my eyes.

"I can't dance, Zack. Like, not at all," I replied, leaning my head against his shoulder. "I am happy for you."

Zack smiled, reaching to pat my head. "Thanks, Light. I don't know when I can do it but, if it fails will you take me out for a drink?"

I snorted, pulling away from the tall male. "Please, Aerith will say yes before you even finish the question. Anyway, good luck. I guess I can practice, if it means a lot to you."

Zack's eyes lit up again, brimming with joy. He was so easily touched. I chuckled as he paid for his drink, getting up. "We're going out for lunch, want to join us?"

"I'd love to, but can't," I answered, watching Zack frown disappointedly. "You know what? I'll join you for a drink later. I just need to figure out this double major stuff today."

"Perfect," he smiled before getting up from his seat. I waved him off, watching him disappear out of the entrance. I returned to my task at present, quickly shooting a message to Tseng. He responded instantly, and connected me to his friend. I called Tseng's friend for about twenty minutes and he was super helpful. I went back to the Dean's office to get her approval, surprised to run into Cloud there.

"Hey," we greeted each other in unison. We smiled at each other, and Cloud's hand automatically reached for mine.

"You're all done?" I asked incredulously. Cloud only nodded.

"Yep. I had to take an aptitude test, but I just finished it now," he told me, squeezing my hand.

"No preparation?" I could barely contain my surprise. Just how smart was this guy….

"I read a lot," he told me casually. It was a satisfactory answer in his head, but I was still in awe of the fact that he took an aptitude test for med-school without any prep.

"Right, well, good job," I pecked his cheek boldly and moved away with a blush.

"Thanks," he mumbled with a small smile, returning the peck. "How did it go with Caius?"

"Ugh, fine," I groaned and he chuckled at my reaction. "He's my department head. Crappiest news of this year."

"Good thing that the year is ending soon, then," he pointed out and I nodded. "Are you free for lunch?"

That question threw me off, and I rattled my brain for excuses. "Uhh, can't. I am eating out with people from work," I lied quickly. Cloud easily believed me, but he looked a little bummed out.

"Later?" He asked hopefully and I nodded.

"Yeah, I might come out for drinks later."

"Alright then, see ya," his boyish voice always made me feel hot, and I tugged on his sleeve as he turned to leave. He paused, facing me again and looking at me curiously.

Okay, I can't kiss him in a corridor full of people. "Sorry, see ya," I repeated and he waved as I let go of his sleeve, his own face breaking into a blush as if he could read my thoughts.

As if on cue, the Dean appeared as soon as Cloud had gone. Our meeting was short and very pleasant, and she approved my request without any questions. Man, I loved this woman. I had decided on Criminology, and was happily welcomed into the department. By the time I was done running around, it was already late afternoon. I skipped lunch and met up with Hope who was in the last stretch of his campaign. We stood in the corridor, passing out 'Vote for Hope' badges to people.

"They're announcing the results tomorrow," Hope told me between smiles.

"It's an easy win for you," I reminded him coolly, but he shook his head.

"Lots of great people in the race," he added and I looked over to him, finding him fidgeting around with the badges in his hand.

"You nervous?" I asked and he sighed tiredly, frowning when it was just us two.

"Honestly? I just want this to be over," he quickly pulled out his phone and checked through a list of tasks. "Almost done for the day. Hey, let's do something after the announcement. How about going somewhere fancy with the gang, regardless of the results?"

I rolled my eyes, smirking. "You're winning and we're going out to celebrate in style." My words cheered him up and the silver haired male smiled again, this time with a little more vigor.

"Are you signing up for courses tonight? For next semester?" He asked me and I was thankful for the much needed reminder.

"I completely forgot about that in all of this madness. That's why I needed to get my major approval today. You're a lifesaver." Hope shrugged, smiling wider.

"Happy to be of help!" We finished passing the badges, grabbed an early dinner together and met up with the others to help Hope with his list of tasks. It was already evening by the time everything was wrapped up, and we all lay on the common room sofas, stretching lazily.

TheZack sent a photo.

I swiped it open to see Cloud, Tifa, Aerith and Zack at the familiar bar, holding their cocktails up.

TheZack: Last one to Sin Club's paying.

I chuckled, shaking my head disapprovingly. "Damn these people are already drinking. It's like 7 pm."

Lightning Farron: No more drinking till we die shit.

Fenrir: Just come here.

I felt my cheeks heat up as Fang whistled loudly next to me. How was I supposed to reply to that?!

Tixfa: Cloud's getting moody, get Lightning in here!

Hope-less: Course registration starts at midnight, drunkies!

Vanilleway: What are you? A notice board? Shut up.

I turned sideways to witness Hope and Vanille start a texting battle. "Why are you texting if you're next to each other?" Vincent echoed my thoughts as the two ignored him, furiously typing away.

Lighting Farron: Only for a bit.

TheZack: Just come dudddddeee!

"Why does he need so many exclamation marks?" Fang laughed as we all got up, going back to our rooms to grab our coats and jackets. We took the shuttle bus to the west gate - it was too cold to walk. By the time we got there, the group was already on their fifth round.

"I swear to god…." I glared angrily at Zack who was already swaying happily with the music.

"I am fine~ I can still go on and on and on~" he sang, shooting down his drink.

"We're supposed to celebrate Hope's win tomorrow, and you guys will all be hungover," I predicted as Hope interjected quickly.

"IF I win."

"Um, you're going to win a hundred percent," Tifa looked at Hope like he was uttering nonsense and I seconded it with a look towards the silver haired male.

"The best cure for a hangover is more alcohol!" Aerith chirped happily and I laughed, unable to say anything else. It was nice getting together again, but the threat of the blonde's family hovered over me like a dark cloud. I thought I wouldn't be able to relax all night, but Cloud slid his arm around my waist as I took a seat next to him.

"Hi stranger," he said and I smirked in his direction. One look at him already made me feel better.

"Hi stranger," I repeated as the gang broke into a mini-applause.

"Kiss kiss kiss!" The Aerith and Tifa chorus resumed and we both looked away from each other in a hurry, trying to drink away the embarrassment.

"Everyone's talking about you guys. The power couple," Aerith told us as she stirred her drink, shaking the glass slightly. "Lightning, how does it feel?"

I snorted, taking a sip of my drink. "I am planning on being invisible until I graduate."

"That's impossible," Zack grinned, gesturing towards Cloud.

"Right…" I smiled too, loosening up as Cloud mumbled something under his breath, annoyed. Our overly supportive friends loved making things awkward for us, but it was a welcome distraction after everything that had happened recently.

"Let's sign up together," Cloud spoke into my ear while the others were being loud. I nodded silently in agreement. I forced the group to call it a day early so we could go back in time for course registration. Hope's nagging helped, and we all returned to the dorms half an hour before online registration started. Zack, Cloud and I switched on our laptops, going through the course list.

"Why am I still in college?" Zack complained loudly. "Everything sucks next semester."

I went through the overwhelmingly long list of courses, panicking. Caius' email came in just on time, and I was grateful for the detailed guidance.

"Are you guys going to max out credits again?" Zack asked in surprise as Cloud and I began clicking at a deadly speed.

"Yep," we both said in unison. Zack and Cloud both finished before me, but it took me a while to get everything I wanted and double check it. When I finished, Zack was rummaging through the fridge.

"We're out of drinks," he complained, quickly throwing on his jacket. "I'll go get some, Light, stay here." Zack rushed out of the room, closing the door behind him. I turned off my laptop, surprised to find Cloud gazing out of the window.

"Hey," I successfully got his attention. His eyes were thoughtful, but he didn't say anything. "Is something wrong?" I asked.

"No," he replied quickly. I took his hand in mine, my other hand traveling to his neck as he continued to shy his eyes away from mine. I inched closer carefully, and he looked over hesitantly at me.

"Did I do something?" I asked, just to be sure. Things were finally great between us, and I had no idea what could cause Cloud to make such a face. He frowned, shaking his head.

"It's nothing," he stroked my cheek, finally smiling a bit.

Zack returned at an incredible speed as the door flung open lightly. Cloud and I had barely managed to get three sentences in. Did he teleport to the convenience store and back?!

"Sorry if I am interrupting anything," he coughed and we both quickly created physical distance between us.

"Nope," I answered quickly, turning on Zack's favorite game and adjusting the controller settings. The three of us drank quietly and played for some hours. We made small talk, and I noticed that Cloud was quieter than usual.

"So guys, I am doing it," Zack paused the game. I rubbed my eyes sleepily, completely out of the loop.

"Doing what?" I asked as I suppressed a yawn.

"I am proposing to Aerith," he announced suddenly, and both of us instantly straightened up.

"I know you guys hate it, but you have to dance," he ordered and Cloud grumbled in protest.

"Don't do a flash mob, just ask her somewhere private and romantic," he advised.

"Yeah, Mr. Thoughtful and Romantic knows it all," he teased and I shot a death glare Zack's way, but the blonde just looked confused, not understanding our inside joke.

"Okay, whatever. I am dancing if it makes you happy. But just, please tell me… weeks in advance," I managed as nicely as I could.

"My dude to the rescue!" He pulled me in for a bone crushing hug and I returned it with a laugh. "You're so random. Who gets married in college?"

"I am not waiting around. Who knows if-" Zack paused, and the air suddenly became heavier.

"-something happens to you, right?" Cloud finished Zack's thoughts sadly, his eyes losing their glow.

"You know that's not what I meant," he looked over at me pleadingly for help.

"Might as well do it when you're young and beautiful," I repeated Zack's words, trying to lighten up the room. "Anyway, if that's what you want, whenever you want, I am on your team."

Cloud nodded quietly, throwing a glance at the blue haired male. "Anything for you."

"Thanks!" He pulled us both into a hug, and we both hugged him back tightly. Ever since Cloud told me Sephiroth could come after Zack, I started feeling a strange panic. Zack was finally happy, even happy enough to want to get married. If anything happened to him now - or ever - I didn't know what I would do.

"Are you guys letting go or what?" Zack chuckled and I quickly let go, with Cloud following suit. I watched his head hang low from the corner of my eyes, and I decided it was time to give him some space.

"Goodnight boys," I got on my feet, grabbed my stuff and waved at them, declining their offer to walk me back. It was already three in the morning, and I was most definitely going to miss my morning run. I sighed, making my way to my dorms. I yawned, turning the door knob. It was locked, and I remembered I forgot my keys inside the room. I hated waking Tifa up, but it was too cold to sleep in the common room.

"Tifa…?" I called for my roommate, trying not to wake up the others on our floor. After a few minutes, I heard movement around the room. Still nothing. I waited, glancing at my wrist watch. A full five minutes passed before Tifa flung the door open. She was standing in the entrance - face completely red.

"I thought you were sleeping out tonight!" She said defensively.

"No," I was taken aback by her tone. "I was just playing video games with the boys. Sorry to wake you up," I noticed her sleepwear, different from the usual comfy stuff. I didn't even know Tifa owned pajamas like… this.

"Come back to bed, yo," I heard a voice that I - unfortunately - recognized.

"So I have a friend over… let me wake him up and I'll just-" she started but I gripped the edge of the door.

"Reno? Seriously?" When the shock subsided, I narrowed my eyes at her. "Tifa, he's a notorious player!"

"Ssh, you're gonna wake up the whole dorm!" She chastised me. "You don't know him well enough."

"I see him almost everyday!" I tried not to shout, but Tifa stared at me stubbornly.

"Light, he's not even my boyfriend. We're just-" Reno appeared behind her, shirtless and rubbing his eyes.

"Oh boy. I am dead...," he stepped back as he blinked twice, recognizing me. I stared at him, seething in rage.

"I'll sleep outside, just give me the room keys. I forgot mine on my desk." Much to my annoyance, Reno went over to my desk and grabbed them. He passed them to Tifa. I took the keys from my crimson eyed roommate, saying nothing else to either of them as I left our dorms.

I jogged back to the boys' dorm in the freezing cold. I knew Tifa was an adult who could take care of herself, but she just got out of a long, complicated relationship and I knew Reno was not someone who could be emotionally available. I remembered what he had said when we went out for drinks, and it all made sense. Dating a girl who's still into her ex… and he had told me he was still into me, while sleeping with my best friend. I was going to rearrange his face the next time I saw him. I sighed, knocking softly on Cloud's door. Zack opened the door, looking concerned.

"Hey dude, what happened…?" He held the door open, stepping away so I could come in.

"Sorry, can I sleep here?" I didn't want to explain. Zack nodded, calling for the blonde. He was already in bed, but he sat up as he saw me walk in. Cloud could read me very well, and he knew that I didn't want to talk right now. He opened the bed covers and I slipped under them, wrapping my arms around his neck. He hugged me closely as Zack got into his own bed, turning off the lights.

Cloud held me against him, his arms secured around my waist. He ran his fingers comfortingly through my hair, and I relaxed, drifting off to sleep.

Cloud

When I woke up, Lightning was absent from my arms. I rolled out of bed, heading for the shower. By the time I was done, Zack was already back in the room with two large cups of coffee. I gratefully took mine, taking a sip as I dried my hair with one hand, a small towel draped over my head. "What time did Farron leave?"

"Who knows? She's a ninja, man. I am telling you." Zack shrugged and I chuckled, letting it go. I decided to text her instead.

Fenrir: Farron, where are you?

A few minutes later, my phone buzzed.

Lightning Farron: Just took a shower. Getting ready.

I quickly typed up a reply.

Fenrir: For what?

She replied almost immediately.

Lightning Farron: Check the group chat.

I swiped towards the group chat, opening the window. There were messages pouring in constantly, and the notifications quickly filled up my screen.

Vanilleway: Countdown has started people! Election results are out in 20 min! Everyone hit the main buildinnnnngggg!

Fangit: We're leaving now.

Lightning Farron: Be there in 10.

Serahlife: Be there in 1!

I quickly locked the screen, unable to keep up with all the messages. I nodded towards Zack who was just slipping his gloves on. "Let's go, broody!" He tossed me my black leather gloves and I slipped them on as well. Today's temperature was an all time record low, and I could hear Zack's teeth chattering as we struggled through the snow on our way to the main building.

Lighting was in her usual all black get up - black skinny jeans, full sleeved sweater, and a leather jacket, complete with Doc Martens. She looked tired, as if she hadn't slept well, and her messy hair was more disheveled than usual. She waved at us, before going over to Hope. She threw her arm around his shoulders supportively, with Vanille hugging Hope's arm on the other side.

"Good morning!" The votes are in and the election results are out!" The speakers in the main building lobby burst with an energetic, bubbly voice. I had no idea who it belonged to. The voice continued. "We'll start with the most important one, of course! And we have our new president, with 90% of all votes, Hope Estheim!"

There was thunderous applause, and Hope hugged Lightning tightly. "Our new vice president, Alyssa Zaidelle!"

"Ewwwww, why?!" Vanille shouted and Serah patted her back comfortingly as the girl called 'Alyssa' grabbed Hope's arm, yanking him away from the group.

"Our new general secretary, Serah Farron!" There was more applause, and I saw Lightning look as surprised as the rest of us.

"Hehe, I just applied. Didn't think I'd actually get it," Serah smiled as she hugged Lightning. "But I got it!"

The announcement paused until the cheering died down. "Our new treasurer, Noel Kreiss!" The list continued, and I didn't know anyone else on it. Vanille asked us to stay out of politeness until the list finished, so we agreed. I moved forward and Lightning wrapped her fingers around mine.

"And last, but not the least! The only student nominated position on the council. Our new social chair nominee is…" the bubbly voice shrieked, making us all jump. "Lightning Farron!"

The cheering that followed was deafening, and Lightning's mouth hung open in shock. I knew she didn't like school events, so I found this extremely amusing. The pink haired girl exhaled sharply, her normal indifference returning to her face. Hope broke out of Alyssa's death grip, running over to Lightning and hugging her.

"What the hell?" Lightning asked, confused.

"Everyone said the Halloween carnival you organized was the best one we've seen in years, so the students nominated you," he told her with a smug smile.

"You knew," she glared at him. "A little warning would have been nice."

"Sorry, I thought it'll be a fun surprise. It's just a nomination though, and you don't have to accept it."

Lightning thought about it, shaking her head. "Leadership, huh… No, I'll do it," she surprised us both and Hope smiled excitedly at her speedy acceptance.

"Great to have you, Light! I'll go ahead and confirm your acceptance with the rest of the council." I watched as the silver haired boy disappeared into the crowd.

"The social chair is really social. Are you sure you want to do it, Farron?" I asked the girl next to me, who looked like she was out of it.

"Mmhm," she said quickly, like she didn't want to continue this conversation. I was surprised by her tone, but decided to let it go.

"PARTY TONIGHT!" Vanille threw her hands up in the air as she welcomed Hope back. We all congratulated Hope, Serah and Noel. Tifa finally joined us, also looking equally out of it.

"What did I miss?" She asked as Vanille and Serah recapped the announcement for her. She smiled, trying to listen to the girls while her eyes nervously glanced at Lightning. The pink haired girl stared at Tifa awkwardly, before being dragged off by Hope for a council photo. Serah and Noel also joined them. Tifa walked to me as they were taking their photo.

"Dating the social chair, how nice for you," she laughed and I shrugged.

"I didn't think she'd be into it. Apparently I was wrong," I said quietly. "Are you done with your schedule?" I asked for a change of topic.

"Yep! All done! Want to go pick up our schedules now?" She asked me with a tilt of her head. I watched a small crowd gathered around Lightning, and decided to let her have her moment. She deserved to be appreciated. Tifa and I pushed through the crowd towards the crowded office. Ballad was there, I watched his eyes burn into my face. I ignored him, looking for my schedule in the list.

I found it, scanning through it quickly to make sure I got everything. Ballad gestured for me and I walked over to him unwillingly.

"Mr. Strife, will you do me a favor and pass these to Miss Farron?" He asked as he handed me her schedule, along with some papers.

"You can give them to Tifa, she's her roommate," I deflected but he continued to hold out the papers, and I reluctantly accepted them.

"I have a feeling you will see her very soon," he finished cryptically, returning to whatever he was doing. I sighed, slipping the papers along with my own schedule in a folder. I noticed Lightning's courses, glued to where I stood.

"Hey, did you get everything you wanted?" Tifa peeked over my arm to the paper in front of me.

"Criminal Law, Game Theory, Forensic Biology… who the hell is this?" She asked in surprise.

"Farron," I replied, watching Tifa tense as she withdrew from me.

She smiled as she often did when she was anxious. "Okaaaay, we should probably give this to her, no?"

I nodded, throwing it in my bag. Lightning had been acting strange since yesterday. She told me she was going out with her colleagues for lunch, but that whole group was at the same place we went yesterday, without her. She accepted a position on the council, despite always insisting that she wasn't 'big on school events'.

"Cloud?" Hello, Earth to Cloud?" Tifa's repeated attempts to get my attention worked, and I nodded apologetically.

"Sorry, Tifa. I am not used to hearing my first name lately," I told her and she laughed slightly.

"When will Light stop calling you Strife... Aah~" she looked away, her eyes falling towards the floor. "I think I am going back to being Lockhart soon. She's really mad at me. I think."

"Why?" Tifa's sudden confession brought me out of my own thoughts.

"I'm kind of… in a thing, with her coworker, Reno." I raised an eyebrow at her, watching her cross her arms.

"I didn't know he was your type," I said honestly. This seemed to have greatly annoyed Tifa.

"Well, my type didn't work out for me, in case you forgot," she shot back and I regretted my thoughtless comment.

"I am sure she's worried. Just talk it out with her," I advised.

"It's crazy… I don't understand. She wasn't angry at all when I told her I kissed you, but she's mad about Reno…" Tifa said it casually and I stopped in my tracks, turning to face her.

"You told her that?" The realization hit me. I had never brought that up with Lightning.

"Um, yeah. She's my best friend now. I didn't want her to hear it from you first," Tifa studied my eyes, her own widening as she narrowed her eyebrows, ready to lecture. "You didn't tell her at all?!"

Relationships were… complicated. It didn't mean anything to me, so I didn't tell Lightning. But it might have been important. I didn't know if I had a right to ask her about her courses, but I could at least ask her why she lied about lunch. I groaned in frustration, unable to decide on a course of action. I didn't want to fight with her. The last time we fought we were both miserable. I wondered if we could just have a conversation about whatever it was. Tifa tilted her head, her frown becoming deeper. "Aren't things going well between you two? I thought you were all over each other with the PDA and everything..."

"They're fine," I sighed, feeling tired before I even had the talk. "I'm going to talk to her, you should too." I told Tifa, returning to the main hall where the group was waiting for us. Lightning waved at us both, and we waved back. Tifa was tensing next to me, but I patted her back twice silently to give her a confidence boost.

She asked Lightning for a walk and the pink haired girl quickly looked my way. I tried to smile and nodded at her, and she walked out with Tifa first, ahead of us in the snow. The girls were engaged in deep conversation for a while. I observed them quietly. Lightning threw her arm around Tifa's shoulders as they walked, smiling as she turned sideways to look at the brunette. It seemed that they had worked out whatever it was between them.

I just wished we could do the same.

Kadaj

"Yazoo?" I held the phone up to my ear, crossing my legs over the desk in front of me and leaning back in the chair.

"It's early. What is it?" He sounded irritated, but I just laughed. This opportunity was too good to miss.

"Yazoo, why are you always like this? I have great news for you," I smirked as Yazoo stayed silent on the other end. "A little birdie just told me that our precious older brother and his friends have made a reservation at our favorite sky lounge for tonight."

"Mother hasn't asked us to move yet," he reminded me and I growled angrily.

"I miss older brother, don't you? It'll just be a friendly visit. Besides...," I grabbed one of the pictures from my desk. It was the pink haired girl who had beaten up Loz, going into a record store in the area. Even a mere photo of her excited me this much.

"...He has something I want."

A/N: I'll go back and revise some of chapter 23 now. Thanks for reading guys! :)