A/N: Thank you for your reviews, Lumina (more Yazoo to come in this chapter cause I can't get enough of him XD), and ATK1734. I totally understand, but it's a subplot I needed to get Cloud to stop brooding and start moving XD. We've seen how Lightning has been by his side and helped him through some dark times. It's Cloud's turn to shine in today's update! ^^ By the way, there's a Cid in this chapter but he's just my OC. I know how FF loves Cids, so I wanted one of mine in here. A cool, awesome grandpa x driver x bodyguard x mentor. Next chapter will be the super fluffy and romantic BONFIRE night. Happy Wednesday everyone! :)

CHAPTER XXV.

Celebration

Lightning

"I just talked to Cloud about it too. I know you're mad at me…" Tifa glanced at me anxiously over her shoulder as we walked. "I wanted to tell you, but with everything you've been through lately… I couldn't find the right time."

"I am not mad at you. I am worried sick because Reno's a player," I sighed, looking straight ahead.

"He likes you, right?" She asked me and our eyes met.

"You knew?" Tifa nodded quietly.

"Yeah, he's actually a great guy. He told me all about it before we got into anything. And I told him I was fine with it. It's nothing serious right now - maybe not ever," she bit down on her lower lip, lowering her eyes to the snow covered ground. "But I like him. He's funny, and so open. I know he says we're just 'taking it easy', but he always listens when I have a bad day. Please just… don't break his face the next time you see him. Anyway… I am terrified…" Tifa's voice faded towards the end.

"Of what?" I quickly asked, unable to read her.

"That y-you'll start calling me Lockhart again and move out of our room next semester," she added in a small, deflated voice.

I chuckled loudly, throwing my arm around her shoulders. "Now why would I do that, Tifa?"

She beamed at me, squealing in joy. "We're good?!"

"Of course we are. Like I said, I was just worried but if you like him and he hasn't been playing you, I don't have any problems with it. But please, give me some warning next time you bring him to our room."

Tifa blushed, nodding. "Yeah… good idea. Oh!" She blinked, turning around to look at the blonde trailing at some distance behind us. "Now that you're with Cloud, maybe we should figure out some system. You know, for when the room is busy."

I ignored Tifa's suggestive giggles, fighting back a blush. "You know him, nothing of that sort is happening between us."

"Aerith said she walked in on both of you half naked," she managed to say through another burst of giggles.

Aerith and her big mouth!

"T-that was just in the heat of the moment. Dramatic reunion and all," I tried to silence her but Tifa broke into a full fledged laughter.

"You're so cute. And I am pretty sure there will be many hot, sweaty reunions in the future. Anyway, let's text each other if we bring the boys to our room. Deal?"

I gave up, nodding hurriedly to end this embarrassing exchange. "Deal."

We walked to the cafe, buying coffee to warm ourselves up. I bought Hope's coffee, handing the cup over to him with a smile. "Good job, Estheim. I knew you had it in you."

"Likewise." He gratefully accepted the cup, watching as a bunch of people greeted me. "Being social chair is like being a campus celebrity. You'll get used to it."

"I hope not…" I replied quickly between greeting random strangers. I noticed that Cloud and Zack were in some sort of deep discussion at the far end of the counter. Cloud looked frustrated, but Zack was shaking his head. It piqued my curiosity, and I made a mental note to bring it up with him later.

"So I reserved a place at Papillon tonight, hope that's good with everyone," Hope told us, distracting me from my silent observation.

"What's that?" I asked, just trying to kill time.

"Oh yeah, Light's never been there!" Vanille linked arms with me. "It's this stupidly fancy club on the top floor of a hotel." She paused, directing the question at the silver haired male. "How did you get a reservation for the same evening, anyway?"

"I helped," Tifa joined us, stirring the whipped cream in her drink with a straw. "You just throw in the name Strife in and viola~" I shook my head disapprovingly.

"Did you at least ask him?" Tifa just shrugged.

"No need to ask, it comes with the territory. Friendly territory I mean!" I snorted as Tifa fidgeted nervously.

"You don't have to walk on eggshells around me. You two have been friends for life. If someone has a claim on him, it's you not me," I told her. Aerith hugged my other arm, leaning her head against my shoulder.

"She's sooooo cute. Why doesn't Cloud put a ring on her already?" She joked and I smiled inwardly at the irony of that, knowing that Zack already had a ring picked out for her.

Cloud and Zack had wrapped up whatever their talk was about and walked over to us. Aerith ran straight for Zack and they kissed. These two can't last five minutes without each other, I thought and that thought made me smile.

"Hey," I waved at Cloud and he moved through the people to get to me. We joined hands, and he gripped my hand tightly. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah. I want to talk," he whispered in my ear. I ignored the interested looks thrown at us.

"Sure," I replied, glancing around at the gang. "Um, we're just gonna go for a quick-"

"-quickie! Yeah, have fun kids! Play safe!" Aerith suggested and I rolled my eyes. Cloud didn't seem to mind the comment, and he looked unfazed.

"We'll see you guys in the evening," he surprised me, but I just nodded to agree with him.

"Don't be late, we can't get in without you. Reservation is for 9 pm at Papillon!" Hope told him. The blonde didn't say anything else as he led me outside. It was cold, and he pulled my hand into the warm pocket of his oversized jacket.

"T-thanks," I tried to match his pace, but Cloud was making long, fast strides. I thought we were going to his room, but he took me to the parking lot instead.

"Where are we going?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Somewhere quiet to talk," he answered as the bike roared to life. I knew what he meant. The campus was really buzzing because of the elections, and it wouldn't be quiet in most places, including the dorms, until the late hours of the night. I didn't ask anything else, mounted his bike behind him and wrapped my arms around him tightly. Fenrir cut through the cold air, slipping between the cars on the road. Cloud was driving faster than usual, and seemed… different, overall.

I just wished it was my overthinking, and not something serious.

We drove for an hour, and I recognized the neighboring city immediately. Cloud had warned me about this place, and then Yazoo a second time. I couldn't think of any reason he'd bring me here. The bike stopped in front of Pulse as its engine died down. Cloud and I got off, and I just stared at him in confusion. "Strife, what are we doing here?"

I remembered this place well, the 'happening' night club where I had my first encounter with Loz. "Just come with me, please." He took my hand and pocketed it again and I just nodded, following him to the tall doors. The bouncer I recognized as 'Big' from last time popped his head out, before jumping in surprise and pulling open the heavy doors fully.

"Master, we weren't expecting you." It was still daytime and the club was deserted, save a few people cleaning. The bartender from last time was also there, going over the liquor selection.

Cloud didn't say a word to the man and just began walking towards the back. I saw the staff abandon whatever tasks they had and stood up as he passed by. He led me to the Staff Only room and flung the door open. There was an elevator there. We took it down to B5 - I didn't even know this place had a basement. The elevator opened with a ding, and I found us facing at least fifty men in suits.

Is he crazy?!

I tensed, but Cloud was still relaxed. His entrance alone parted the sea of men, and they quickly formed two straight lines on either side of us. We walked to the last room at the end of the corridor. It was a dimly lit, cool and spacious room with a single black leather sofa and closed blinds. One of the men rushed in and opened the blinds to let the sunlight through.

"Get Big in here," he finally spoke as he released my hand.

When the man was gone, the door shut softly behind him. There was complete silence in this room, but it was an extremely unsettling one.

"Strife, what are we doing here, exactly?" I asked, gripping the front of his jacket. He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close for a hug. I didn't mind, but the anxiety I was feeling didn't subside even in his embrace. He parted after a few minutes, sighing deeply.

"Farron, why did you lie to me about lunch yesterday? You could have just said no," his eyes reflected the hurt, and I cursed at myself inwardly.

Damn it, Lightning.

"Uh… I am sorry. I just… I had to do something yesterday," I tried not to lie, but couldn't bring myself to tell him the whole truth either.

"You mean this?" He pulled a folder out of his bag, grabbing the first page that was tucked inside. His eyes were narrowed at me and I understood exactly what he was upset about when I took it from him.

"How did you get this?!" I asked angrily. I didn't want to believe that Cloud was snooping around, and he corrected me instantly.

"Caius handed it to me."

That wretched man! Even when I told him to keep it to himself!

"Strife, listen…" I began but didn't know how to continue. Cloud was listening patiently, even if he appeared a little on edge. I was grateful he wasn't exploding at me, but he wasn't silently brooding either. His eyes burned with an emotion I couldn't quite recognize. "Okay, so I just want to keep my options open. I met with Caius, and asked him about the special task force. You know me, I don't want a boring life. Don't want to miss out on the action," I hated myself for lying to his face, but what else was I supposed to say?

"Caius suggested the anti-narcotics division to you, didn't he?" His question threw me off. I was not expecting that.

I nodded and Cloud grunted, shaking his head. "Of course he did…"

"Okay, I feel like I am missing something. You weren't there and I obviously didn't tell you, so why do you know?" I crossed my arms across my chest.

"Caius is on the special task force," he told me and I stepped back from the shock. I needed a minute to process this new piece of information.

"But he's…" I couldn't even finish the sentence.

"He's a damn good architect, but he's also an agent. He designed our corporate head office. That's how he got involved with our family, years ago," Cloud told me, taking a step towards me as he spoke. "Things were going really well, and he had some great leads on our other business too. But his own boss ratted him out to us and Sephiroth found his weakness."

"Yeul…?" I hated being right when it came to things like this.

Cloud only nodded. "I'll show you what I mean."

The door opened and Big entered, along with the old driver I recognized from before.

"Master… your Mother and Master Sephiroth are out of the country, Master Kadaj is in the head office, and Master Loz and Yazoo are at home," the driver automatically reported.

"Where are my friends?" Cloud asked, his eyes never leaving mine.

Cid quickly glanced at me, before looking back at Cloud. "They're having lunch near the west gate of your university."

"Where's Caius?"

Cid checked his phone, looking through something before answering. "He's in his office."

"Who knows I am here?"

"No one, Master." He replied and Cloud turned to face the giant next to the man called 'Cid'.

"Big, do you know who this is?" He jerked his head in my direction.

Big hesitated as he glanced between us, unsure.

"My girlfriend. Last time she was here Loz smashed a bottle on her head. Next time someone approaches her I want you to shoot on sight."

"Oi, Strife-" I tried to interrupt him but the man just nodded to the blonde's ridiculous demand. My eyes widened in surprise, and I couldn't say anything.

"Understood. It will never happen again." He bowed slightly in Cloud's direction.

"You can go now. Cid, stay here for a minute." Big left the room, closing the door swiftly behind him.

"Anything else I need to know?" He asked the old man once it was just the three of us.

"Master Kadaj knows about your reservation, and is most likely to appear there tonight," he continued. "Should I alert the staff?"

"No, let him come. I'll take care of him."

"As you wish, Master." He stood there for a while and Cloud jerked his neck in the direction of the door. He was out of the door as soon as the blonde issued the silent order.

"You can't just ask them to shoot anyone who approaches me. What if it's a misunderstanding? Someone could get hurt… and I can take care of myself-"

Cloud interrupted me, holding his hand up in front of me. "Farron, just take a second and think about how easy it was for me to do that."

I sighed, staring out of the window. The warm light cast shadows on the wall, reflecting the blinds. I closed my eyes, trying to stay calm.

"What are you saying?" I finally asked. Cloud exhaled sharply. I knew he hated this a lot more than I did.

"They always know where we are. What we are doing. They're always following us, always lurking in the shadows."

"I don't get it," I contested, not angry at Cloud but at this ridiculous situation itself. "If you guys can just have anyone taken out that easily, why ask Caius to recruit me, wait another three years until I graduate, join the force, and then take me out?"

"Because it'll hurt me a lot more," he took my hands in his, staring into my eyes. "Farron, it'll kill me to lose you like that."

I stared back into his eyes, and the sincerity in them got through to me. "You don't understand, Sephiroth is not like Kadaj. He doesn't want instant gratification. He plans for years before he strikes, but when he does, he'll hit us hard. Caius has Yeul, and you have Serah. This work is not cut out for people who have someone to protect."

There just had to be… some way.

"If Caius was… tasked with recruiting me, why did he give my schedule to you? At first I thought he was just trying to piss me off, but he knew you'd try to talk to me out of it. So… why?"

"He was trying to save your life," Cloud answered, stroking my cheek. "Please tell me he succeeded. I don't want you going into this, Farron."

"I can make a difference, I know I can," I pushed back. Cloud's hand left my cheek and he stepped back. His face held the same indifference he showed others, and he almost felt distant in this moment.

"At what cost? Serah?"

"You need to stop bringing Serah into this," I growled, but Cloud wasn't going to back down either.

"Fine. I'll fight you for it."

I was caught off guard, and I surveyed the blonde, narrowing my eyes at him.

"You're challenging me?"

"Yes. Best of three. One strike and you win." He offered.

"You're really looking down on me right now, aren't you?" My hands balled into fists. "One strike? Fine. Bring it on."

"If you win, I will never mention a word of this to you again. If I win, you'll go back with me right now and withdraw from the major. And you can't join the task force, not now, not ever."

I cracked my knuckles, nodding to agree.

Cloud just stood there, and I took this chance to launch myself at him. I aimed for his chest, striking forward with my hand in one, clean motion. Cloud blocked it, parrying the rest of my strikes with relative ease. I leaned forward on my left foot, jumping into a kick and trying to strike his jaw with my right one, but he caught it. He blocked the kick with his arm and I landed on both feet on the floor. I tried sweeping his feet but he dodged it easily as he jumped, allowing me a moment to recoil. I lunged at him again, this time aiming for his face. I threw a roundhouse kick at his jaw with all my strength, but Cloud caught it again, shifting behind me in a fluid movement as he threw me onto the floor. I jumped back on my feet, but the blonde attacked this time. He struck me in the stomach - it was no more than a gentle push - but I stumbled back.

"One." He counted. I loosened up both my hands, readying them as I held up my fists in front of my face. Cloud ducked as I threw another kick at him. He slipped behind me, grappling my waist and pulling me onto the floor with him, his body cushioning mine. His legs caught mine in the lock, as his arms maneuvered around my own, holding them up before I could elbow him in the chest.

"Two." He whispered in my ear as I was rendered unable to move, squirming against him. My cheeks grew hot as he pecked them. He released me and we both stood up.

"Last chance," he reminded me and it fired me up even more. He threw a barrage of punches and I dodged them, grabbing his arm and twisting it with all my strength.

One kick and you're done.

Instead of hitting the floor, Cloud landed on his feet and I didn't give him a moment to breathe. I struck forward with a powerful side hook, but Cloud dropped under my arm. I caught his hand just before it could shove me back, and I tried to kick him in the torso with my knee. He grabbed it, shoving it back, before blocking two more punches. I turned to my side, trying to slam him with my shoulder instead. Cloud turned sideways, avoiding me as I stumbled. I felt his hand push me softly from behind and I lost my footing, falling to my knees.

"Three."

I turned around angrily, but Cloud was not smug, as I had expected. He helped me up to my feet, shaking my hand respectfully.

"How humiliating was that…'' I sighed, grabbing my bag from the floor.

"It wasn't. You were just angry. If you fought me with a clear head, the result might have been different." His words didn't cheer me up at all.

"Why go through all this trouble?" I was unfairly angry at him, but Cloud was being extremely patient in response.

"Because you're worth it." He tilted my chin up, forcing me to face him as his eyes met mine, tender. "You were really cool, when you came to save me. I promised you I'd fight with you, didn't I? I don't want you to go into the force by yourself, thinking that's what you have to do. Zack told me he tried to talk you out of it too, but you are impossible to convince otherwise once you make up your mind."

"Well, you made me listen, didn't you?" My shoulders relaxed. It was impossible to be mad when we were like this.

"Are you upset?" He asked me and I shook my head gently.

"No. I am just… really annoyed that I lost." I concluded and it amused the blonde. His lips turned upwards in a small smile.

"So you'll keep your promise?"

"Of course," I mumbled quietly. I lost fair and square - there was no turning back. "Thanks, Strife." I said, and he blinked in surprise. "For keeping yours. For reminding me what's important when I needed it the most. I can get pretty destructive when I decide on a course of action, even if it's the wrong one."

"I am flattered that I matter this much to you. Believe me. It made me fall for you even harder. But I don't want you to make a major life decision because of me. You told me I'll always be second to Serah, didn't you? I like it that way. Become a great architect in the future and build a house for us."

I chuckled, gripping his jacket with my hands as I pulled him closer. "Architects don't do the building-" I realized what he had said after, and my face turned hopelessly red in response.

"I'll do all the labor." His eyes darted quickly to my lips and back up.

"Shirtless?" I asked hopefully and he held back a laugh.

"If that's what you want," he responded, wrapping his arms around me as he kissed me. It was soft and sweet - different from our usual fiery kisses. I moaned lightly against his lips and he parted, as if he had just remembered where we were.

"Sorry," I said quickly, giving him a moment to grab his things after we ended the kiss.

Cloud held onto my hand as he led me outside Pulse. It was a little later in the afternoon, but we still had time before the evening. My stomach rumbled loudly, and I slapped a hand over it in a pathetic attempt to silence it.

"Let's eat," Cloud proposed and I nodded, trying not to face him. We rode his bike around the city, parking outside as we came across a nice cafe. We both ordered salads, and I dug into mine happily. Cloud watched me for a while, before gazing outside at passersby. When we finished our lunch, I showed him the record store I had discovered last time I was here. We browsed through the vinyls and I pulled out an old one, sneezing as the dust flew into my face.

"Have you listened to this one?" I asked and he just shook his head. "Tifa told me where you're from. It's a record from an old local artist from your hometown. Apparently he was really popular there," I told him, watching him study me quietly. "You told me you didn't know what kind of music your parents listened to. So I started looking up artists from that time. Maybe they listened to something like this?" I held the record up and Cloud released a small groan.

I was startled by his reaction. "I am sorry, I wasn't prying or anything-"

He silenced me with a kiss. We both blushed as we parted quickly. The store staff threw us a nasty look, before continuing what she was doing.

"I am buying this," I announced before turning on my heels and hurrying to the cashier. I finished paying for the record, and we both headed outside. There were only a few hours left until sunset, and I opened the group chat to see messages from the others. I realized Aerith had mentioned us as I scrolled through the endless wall of text.

Aeirth: What kind of quickie is this? You guys are taking so long!

Tixfa: Guys please, come back for dinner! :(

"Let's take you back. We have to go to the office, too," Cloud reminded me of our bargain and I nodded, climbing on the back of his motorbike. By the time we got back, the offices were only half an hour away from closing.

Cloud waited outside while I got the paperwork done. I printed out my new course list, waving it in his face. "Happy?"

"Advanced Latin, Theories of Landscaping, Urban Planning…"

"Yes yes, I get it," I cut him off. He smiled warmly at me.

"Welcome back, nerd." He grabbed my hand, a spring in his step as we enjoyed a short walk around campus. It was freezing, but the cold wind felt nice against my face. I grumbled angrily, staring at the snow beneath our boots.

"What?" He asked, alarmed.

"I tried to pull out of the social chair thing too, but the Dean refused so… I am stuck," I told him and he grinned, looking away in an attempt to hide it.

"Very funny," I smirked in response as he just shrugged.

"I don't know. It could be fun. Welcome to painful popularity." I laughed, elbowing him slightly in the chest.

"Strife, please don't," I warned him, pulling up the chat on my phone. "Everyone's in my room, having dinner. Let's go." The rest of the walk was silent and we paused outside the door as ear splitting laughter poured out from the inside.

"My RA hates me," I shouted at the entrance as I took off my boots.

There was silence for a few minutes, followed by more laughter.

"What were you guys doing all day, seriously?" Hope scooted to make space for us, passing us both a slice of pizza. "Can you eat this, though?"

"Yes," I glared at him before taking the slice. "Why are you guys always eating in here?"

"Common rooms are cold~" Serah complained and I gave in, taking a bite of the pizza. "What time are we leaving?"

"Half an hour before the reservation. Parking lot at 8:30 pm please." Hope told us as we finished dinner and cleaned up.

We said our goodbye to the boys and I plopped tiredly on my bed. Fang was the last to join us, bringing some clothing options with her. "Help me choose," she held two dresses up in front of me.

"Right one," I pointed at it, falling back on my bed and closing my eyes. "I think I am gonna nap for an hour."

"Nooooo!" Serah grabbed my arm and pulled me up on my feet. "You can't go like this. There's a dress code. No… Doc Martens." I sighed, staring at the girls as they started getting ready around me. I had gotten used to all the excitement before going out, and couldn't even remember a time when it wasn't like this.

"What's the dress code?" I asked and Tifa shouted from the other end of the room.

"Formal wear!"

"Fine, I actually have something for the occasion this time." I told the others and they all looked at me curiously.

Cloud

"You need to iron that shirt, Zack," I reminded my blue haired best friend.

"It's too much effort," he complained, but I continued to stare at him until he gave up. He took off the shirt, throwing it at me. I caught it and heated up the iron, while he looked up flash mob videos.

"When are we doing this?" I asked as I pressed the wrinkles out.

"Christmas Eve, baby," he was grinning cheek to cheek. I said nothing, handing him the ironed shirt when I finished.

"I can't believe you convinced Farron to dance…" I was genuinely amazed by Zack's people skills.

"I can't believe you convinced her to drop out of Criminology in a matter of hours. How the hell did you manage that?" Zack threw the shirt on, buttoning it up from bottom up.

"I sparred her for it." Zack's hands stopped, and he just looked at me with pure bewilderment.

"How was she?" He asked, eyes brimming with excitement.

I threw my own white shirt on and started buttoning it up. "She's outstanding. Her kicks are lethal, and she is deadly fast."

"How did you beat her?"

"Years of practice with you, and some luck I guess." I slipped in the usual wolf stud in one of my ears, trying to tame my spiky hair. "It was really attractive."

"I bet!" Zack smirked at me, throwing on his coat. I paired my shirt up with a black vest before slipping into my own. "Dressing to impress?"

I smiled a little, shaking my head. Zack and I made our way to the parking lot, where the girls were already waiting.

"Aerith… seriously," I looked away as Aerith ran up to us. She was wearing a long white dress with a slit that ran up her thigh, and an incredibly deep cut V-neck. as Zack quickly took off his coat and threw it over her in a panic.

"Zaccccck!" She protested as he hugged her protectively. I chuckled, looking around to see most of the guys had also worn suits. Zack was in a dark blue suit that matched his hair. Vincent in all black as always, and Snow wore a white one. Only Hope was missing.

The girls had really dressed up, everyone except Aerith opting for short cocktail dresses. Tifa wore a red halter neck dress. Fang was in a slim, sleeveless, black one. Serah had thrown on a fluffy pink mini dress that matched her hair, and even Vanille made an effort with a green, sparkly shoulder-less dress.

"Tell Light to hurry up!" Serah bumped her shoulder against Vanille's.

"It's not her fault, stupid Hope forgot his car keys!" She reminded her, texting quickly. We waited around for a while, and Vanille shot her hand up in the direction behind me. "There they are!"

I turned around and noticed Hope looking smart in a grey suit. He was chatting with Lightning as they walked over. I took a full minute to admire her choice of attire. She was wearing a white shirt tucked into smart, high waisted black slacks. Her sleeves were rolled up to her elbows, and the first two buttons of her shirt were undone. She wore black Oxfords instead of her usual boots. Her coat hung off of her shoulders loosely. Pink hair - messy as always - was tied up in the usual bun.

"I can't tell if Cloud's disappointed or happy," Tifa joked and I became conscious that I was shamelessly staring at her.

"You're so handsome!" Vanille shouted and Hope looked away after mumbling a small 'thanks'.

"Ew, not you! Lightning!" She threw her arms around the pink haired girl, who chuckled, patting Vanille on the head.

"Thanks, I guess." Our eyes met, and she scanned me from head to toe once. I cleared my throat, taking out the keys to Fenrir.

"No bikes!" Tifa snatched the keys away and threw them over to Lightning. She caught them, smiling apologetically at me before pocketing them.

"Mercedes is all yours," Hope handed the keys over to Lightning as well and she jerked her head in the direction of his car. I nodded, climbing into the front seat as Lightning turned on the ignition. Vanille, Hope and Serah squeezed in the back. The car exploded with chatter in the backseat, but Lighting plugged in the address quietly, waiting for navigation to start. She kept her eyes on the road, driving with one hand, leaning back in the seat. Our eyes met a few times, each time lasting longer than the previous.

I wanted to say something to her, but my head was full of other thoughts. Kadaj would be there, and as much as I didn't want to deal with him, I knew I had to. Lightning had already become too involved in my family drama, and I needed to make my next move. I felt Lightning's incredibly soft hand over mine, and she successfully distracted me. She was smiling, still looking ahead. I smiled back, caressing her hand.

Just one touch, and everything felt alright.

We arrived at the hotel, handing the cars over to the valet. As we entered the sky lounge on the top floor, I recognized the black suits that were scattered all over the club. Dimly lit as it was - they still had quite a presence.

"Table for Strife~" Tifa's cheery voice screamed out the loud music. The smartly dressed waiter led us to the VIP area, and I tried to memorize everyone's positions.

"This view is life," Hope admired the night lights from our table. "Thanks, Cloud."

"Huh? I didn't do anything," I answered as the menu was brought out. I guess my name helped, but I despised the thought of that. Zack stopped me before I could pass on the menu. I returned it to the waiter.

"Let's get champagne. Bottle please, and don't open it," Zack told the waiter with a smile. He had also noticed the suits, and he nodded quietly at me. It was comforting to have Zack around in a situation like this. Lightning was thankfully in deep conversation with Serah, so she hadn't taken in her surroundings yet. I relaxed slightly as the waiter brought out the chilled bottle. I gestured towards Tifa, who eagerly grabbed it from him.

"This is some good stuff!" She chirped, popping the bottle open. Its contents sprayed as the cork flew out and the group broke into applause. "Well done Hope!" Tifa shouted as she filled up our glasses.

"Good job Serah, Lightning!" Hope's glass came together with each one of ours. We drank the champagne slowly and the bottle was gone as fast as it had arrived.

"I am going to dance!" Serah jumped up and Vanille got on her feet as well.

"Come here, loser," she dragged Hope to the middle of the floor. It was extremely crowded and I could see Lightning's eyebrows furrow in concern.

"I think I'm going to keep an eye on them," she shot up, placing her empty glass on the table.

"Go with her," Zack nudged me quietly.

I held onto Lightning's hand, making my way behind her, traversing across the cramped space.

"Why do people enjoy these places?" She groaned as someone pushed her straight into me. I wrapped my arms tightly around her, and she relaxed in my grip. Her pink head against my chest, Lightning closed her eyes for a minute.

"I am so grateful for you."

"Hmm?" I leaned in to kiss her cheek, my lips lingering on her skin for a few seconds.

"Just… Thank you. For everything."

"No, thank you, Farron." I insisted, pushing a vogue strand away from her cheek. "You encouraged me to do what I truly wanted, and I just want the same for you. Come to think of it, you're always saving me."

"I think that's misleading," Lightning shouted in my ear over the music. "After our fight today, I am convinced you don't need saving."

I laughed lightly, tilting her chin up and leaning in. Lightning closed her eyes, but we both inhaled sharply as something cold pressed against our sides, ending our intimate moment early.

"Come on, move along. I don't have all night," Yazoo's bored voice drowned the music as he was forced to speak louder than usual. He pushed us both in the direction of the bar. Kadaj was waiting for us, arms crossed over his chest as he sat cross legged on one of the stools.

"Big brother, it's been a while. Glad to see me?" He asked as Yazoo stretched his neck, tilting it both ways. He was still holding the guns against us.

"Can't say I am," I replied as Kadaj called for two drinks.

"Sit," he told us. Lightning surprised me, releasing a loud 'humph' and actually taking the seat next to him. I stood behind her protectively, refusing to sit down.

"You put on quite a show, breaking in and saving big brother, all on your own." His cat-like eyes narrowed at Lightning, and he angled his head, closing some of the distance between their faces.

"Yeah, that was nothing. I can do a lot worse," the pink haired girl threatened him coolly. Kadaj sighed as he gestured towards Yazoo, who pressed the guns further into our sides. "Hey, lose the guns. Let's talk," Lightning's nonchalant attitude threw him off. He nodded towards Yazoo who withdrew his twin guns, slipping them inside his long coat. "Well, what do you want?"

"You," Kadaj replied, tilting up her chin. Lightning slapped his hand away.

"Sorry, can't. I am dating your brother. What else?" Yazoo chuckled loudly, and I couldn't stop the smirk spreading over my own face. Kadaj looked flustered, probably because he had never been refused this blatantly by anyone before. He parted his lips, but couldn't say anything.

"Right, if there's nothing else, I would appreciate it if you could tone it down a notch tonight. We're celebrating an important friend and I want to be present for him." She took the drink that had arrived, shooting it down. She held up the other glass but I shook my head. She emptied that glass as well, setting it down on the smooth counter. "Thanks for the drinks."

Lightning grabbed my hand, dragging me away from the bar.

"That was…" My voice trailed off as I realized I was blown away. "He won't forgive you for that. Trust me, this is not the last time you see him."

"Like I care," she rolled her eyes, quickly checking on Serah and Vanille, and then glancing at our table. Everyone looked like they were having a good time. Her aqua orbs fluttered back to mine, and her hands found their way to my neck. "We'll deal with it when it happens."

"No more secrets and reckless behavior for me, Farron," I warned her and she smirked up at me.

"No more self-loathing and sacrifice for me, Strife." She fought back.

I chuckled, nodding immediately in agreement. "Promise."

Lightning closed the distance between our bodies, pulling me in. My lips had been waiting, and I responded eagerly, cherishing the warmth of her soft ones. One of my hands rested on the small of her back, the other gently tugged on her hair. I tilted my head, wanting more of her, unable to stop. The pink haired girl seemed equally enthusiastic. I could hear her soft moan over the music, and we lost ourselves in each other once again, becoming oblivious to everything else around us.

I don't know how long we kissed, and I didn't care. We heard another loud pop and we broke the kiss, looking over to the gang. Tifa gestured for us and we blushed, realizing that we were making out in full view of all our friends. We went back awkwardly, but thankfully everyone gave up on this opportunity to tease us.

"Come on guys, I want to take a photo!" Vanille set up the camera. "Oh… we're not fitting in." She tried different angles, failing.

"Wait, I have an idea. Come here," Zack grabbed Aerith by the waist, pulling her into his lap. Snow did the same with Serah. I even saw Vincent reluctantly follow suit. After hesitating for a while, I reached for Lightning's waist, but she had pulled Tifa into her lap.

Lightning was always going to be Lightning.

Zack and the others burst out laughing and I just shook my head, trying not to laugh, as we all squeezed in for the photo.

"Hope is a sexy mofo on 3!" Zack yelled and Hope groaned loudly in protest. Even Serah disagreed. "That's too long!"

"Hope-less on 3." Lightning suggested as we all nodded in agreement, and leaned close to each other.

"1….2...3...Hope-less!"

A/N: Hope this chapter resolves some stuff. I want Cloud and Lightning to really grow in this story, have a proper life and everything. :) Caius is not a bad guy XD *hides* Lightning is absolutely brutal, though. Sorry but not sorry Kadaj? XD Anyway, I am super excited about writing Zack's Christmas Eve flash mob in the square proposal. I am watching romantic proposal vids nonstop for inspiration. Bonfire to come first, if you have any requests please send them in the reviews. I am also wondering if I should write a romantic special chapter with either TifaxReno, or SnowxSerah or any of the other couples. Still a bit early for HopexVanille thought but they're building up to it. (Alyssa's in there for drama XD). Any ideas?

Okay this is a long author's note. Sorry. Thanks for reading if you did until now. Until the next update! :)