A/N: Big thanks to ATK1734 & Lumina for reviewing the last chapter. I am glad you guys are enjoying the pace of the story. Reno's going to make an appearance in the next chapter. I think I know how to work him into the story. Thanks for staying with me and here's another short update for you.
CHAPTER III. Friends Like Them
Tifa
A month ago, the room which I had to myself since the beginning of the year became shared with Serah Farron's older sister, Lightning.
Like her name, I actually didn't know when she whipped in and out of the room. It actually took me an entire month to get used to her military schedule.
Lightning wakes up at some godforsaken hour like 4 or 5 am, goes for a workout, showers silently like a ghost, eats something (I can only assume?), wakes Serah and Vanille up, studies outdoors before class, studies in class, studies in the library after class.
It. Is. Insane.
I have never seen anyone study as much as this girl.
I remember the first week Lightning got here. It was bizarre. First, it took Lightning only about two days to learn all our last names. Except for the first two days of her coming, she never once called any of us by our first names again. I remember how Zack threw a fit about it, complaining that no one ever called him Fair and that Lightning called him Zack just fine when they had first met. But Lightning only shrugged and said it was because she didn't know any of our last names then.
I kind of got where Zack was coming from. No one ever called me Lockhart except teachers and Lightning, but I got used to it.
It was actually kind of charming.
And Lightning was charming all the time.
The more I spent time with her, the more she drew me in. I think she had that effect on literally everyone. Very soon Zack and I began competing for who would walk her to class and she often complained that her phone doesn't stop ringing because we're all always texting. Hope was the most persistent, but Vanille equally raced for Lightning's attention.
I guess we all got really used to her really fast. It felt like she had always been our friend, always been in our group.
We even got used to how she was as a person.
Lightning had a total of three expressions. First was reserved for Serah, the tender, soft, motherly expression. Second, was her usual straight deadpan face, which was for everyone else. Last, was her occasional grunt of annoyance or snort when she wanted to laugh at something (but without actually laughing).
I actually found myself changing when I began to live with Lightning. I felt a strong sense of camaraderie with the girl who was nothing like me. There were times I also woke up early for no reason and we took a walk together, or when I threw in Lightning's laundry with mine to help her out a bit. I knew how many classes she was taking, plus she had recently started an on-campus job, so I tried being nice and helpful as much as I could. When Lightning was in the room I felt this odd calm - like everything was gonna be okay. But when she was out for a long workout or run I couldn't help but feel a little lonely.
Out of all of us, the only two people who spent the least amount of time with Lightning were Cloud and Aerith.
Cloud and Lightning shared the most number of classes together, but they never really spoke to each other much. At first I felt kind of relieved because Lightning was so beautiful, I was sure Cloud was going to fall for her. But as time passed, I felt kind of sad about it. They had so much in common it was almost like they were copy-paste versions of each other. At the same time, I guess their lack of ability to express themselves became a barrier in them becoming friends. While we all had to single-mindedly pursue Lightning to open up to us, Cloud wasn't the pursuing type.
It's not like they were on bad terms, though. Cloud was very aware of Lightning and almost always kept a space for her when we went out. I often saw them exchange music or books in the corridor, or nod at each other in the passing. I just wished they were able to talk more like the rest of us.
Aerith, who got along with most people, had an odd dislike of Lightning. We were all surprised the first time they met, and Aerith instantly acted cold towards the pink haired girl. Lightning returned the same courtesy and the rest of us were made to feel uncomfortable the whole night as the two girls completely ignored each other. Zack, Hope and I probably hung out with Lightning the most except Serah, but Lightning never made any mention of what happened between her and Aerith. Zack was having a particularly hard time staying good friends with 'female Cloud' as he liked to call her between the two of us, and dating Aerith at the same time.
It was now mid-October, and the university was already covered in Halloween decorations. The leaves were a deep orange. The nights were getting longer and the days were getting shorter.
Lightning had done several group projects in her classes and she was so freaking good at leading and organizing things that our year had voted for her to organize the annual Halloween carnival. She had agreed reluctantly and had enlisted our help to arrange it.
Currently she was sprawled on the bleachers, one leg up and the other dangling from the edge loosely. Her face was covered with a book as she took her infamous 'power nap.' She was waiting for us to finish our practice so we could all go for dinner.
"1….2….3 - Vanille!" I thundered and Vanille snapped her attention back to the front. "Stop staring at the bleachers! Eyes in the front." I fumed, pointing with two fingers towards my eyes.
"Yes boss!" She gulped loudly, watching the other girls burst into giggles.
I swear Lightning's fangirls' numbers were dangerously close to reaching Cloud's. At first everyone gossiped and was hostile towards her. She was new, from a country we had never heard of and never smiled. She never made an active effort to get to know anyone, unlike Serah. But it only took a few weeks for Lightning to show her somewhat gentle persona towards girls (although she was still harsh and distrusting of boys). Now it was a nightmare to try to talk to either of them between class breaks.
The gym door opened with a loud noise, and I spotted Zack and Cloud strolling in. I did a small wave for Cloud.
"Ahem, who's distracted now?" Vanille teased and I blushed, straightening up. "T-take it from the top!" I burst, drowning the voices of complaint.
I couldn't help but notice how Lightning had been woken up by Zack, was sitting up now and engaged in a conversation with Cloud.
That's rare… I thought.
No matter how much I wanted to focus on my own practice, Lightning and Cloud's expressions kept making me feel anxious. Cloud was actually talking, like, lips moving and everything. Lightning's expression was thoughtful. Then they both looked over in our direction - I quickly pretended to be busy - before stealing a glance their way. They now seemed to be… laughing?!
I slipped as I missed my footing, falling with a loud thud on the floor.
How embarrassing.
"Captain!" Serah ran towards me, helping me up.
"Thanks…" I mumbled absentmindedly. My heart was totally set on discovering what their bonding moment was about. But I didn't want to be that narrow-minded girlfriend who can't even allow her boyfriend to be friends with other girls.
While I mentally debated with myself, Cloud, Zack and Lightning were all around me.
"You good?" Cloud and Lightning asked in unison, which made me feel worse at their natural synchronization.
"I am f-fine." I lied, sighing loudly. They both gave me curious looks. "Let's call it a day…" I said to witness looks of relief by my team.
"Thank GOD." Vanille stretched before linking arms with me. "Off to Cocoon we go!"
Lightning
I still don't understand how I got roped into this.
I lay back on the cool bench, the usual noise filling up the gym around me. My eyes were closed, a book that lay open on my face blocking off the bright gym lights. Just a little rest, I thought to myself. Between classes, my on campus job and now this stupid carnival, I had very little time to catch up on sleep.
I heard loud footsteps approaching, followed by Zack Fair's cheery voice. "Yo, Light!"
I moved the book away from my face and sat up wearily, giving up any chance of even a short sleep.
"Fair, Strife," I greeted the boys as I rubbed my eyes groggily.
Spiky just nodded as he sat next to me, watching Tifa's practice. I too leaned back, observing the girls quietly. Serah had really grown up…
"You look like a panda." The blonde told me with his usual lack of emotion, staring ahead. He probably noticed the bags under my eyes.
"I have seen better days," I groaned in frustration, tilting my head both ways to do a light stretch. Lack of sleep always made me more unsociable.
"Can't believe she can do flips and stuff now," I said out loud unconsciously. Cloud picked up on my comment.
"Bad hand eye coordination?" He asked in his usual monotone.
"The worst." I smirked, intertwining my fingers in my lap as I watched Serah move fluidly. "She used to come chasing after me, tripping over air all the time."
Cloud surprised me with a small laugh, and I couldn't help laughing back.
"Tifa's always been really athletic but I remember this one time she thought I had run away or something, so she came chasing after me with full force, all teary eyed. I am sitting in the same spot wondering what's going on, by the way. She just faceplants right on the ground in front of me."
Cloud broke into a louder laugh and I felt myself joining in.
It was cute to imagine that version of my roommate. She was always so perfect and mature, taking care of everyone else... it was hard to believe clumsy mini-Tifa was a real thing.
Just then we heard a thud on the cool gym floor, followed by a choir of concerned voices. We made our way there. Tifa insisted she was fine, but we were all worried she sprained her ankle.
After Cloud bandaged up her ankle and bought an ice pack for it, we made our way to Cocoon. We had been hanging out here so often it felt like a lifetime since I had been coming here, even though it's been a month at most.
"Valentine, scoot." I slid into our usual booth and elbowed him lightly. Vincent nodded and slid further in, making room for us three.
"Lockhart, here." I grabbed a small stool and gently held her foot, placing it on the stool under the table. "Elevating it will help."
Tifa nodded in thanks and then looked at me with a somewhat sad expression and I couldn't understand why my always cheerful roommate looked this deflated. I wondered if it had something to do with Spiky.
The chef was trying out a new menu, so naturally he asked us regulars to help with a taste test. I was never one to give up free food so I instantly agreed.
The food was delicious as always and I felt that tonight I will be able to sleep well. Ah. There are few joys in life as good as an amazing meal.
"Light, I swear to god I saw you smile just now." Hope looked like he had seen an alien.
"Aw man! I missed it!" Zack shot me one of his dramatic 'devastated' looks and I only snorted in response. "Food was good," I said simply as Fang went to help take Tifa to the restroom.
"Aerith's finishing up work soon, so I'm gonna head out now." Zack announced as the girls left the table. "Tell Tifa and Fang I said bye!"
Spiky, Vincent and I all nodded, returning to our drinks.
I knew Cloud was doing that thing.
Again.
That thing was when he would silently look at me. I would notice and look his way, our eyes would meet for a second and we would hastily look away. After some time we would look at each other again.
The first time we met, we stared at each other with an intensity I hadn't known to exist before. I still remember that night.
I had never thought the opposite gender could be attractive until I met him. Cloud with his built, lean arms, smooth skin and gravity defying blond hair. And deep pools of cerulean blue eyes that you could just lose yourself into.
When Serah had introduced him as Tifa's boyfriend, I knew that I needed to keep myself in check. It's not like I even wanted something romantic with Cloud, or anyone for that matter. I had devoted my whole life to taking care of Serah. But there was always an inexplicable tension between us and it was hard to ignore, especially when we were in each other's proximity.
Feeling his stare made my skin feel hot and I mustered up the courage to take a peek at him. Our eyes met for a second before he immediately steered his gaze in the direction of his half full wine glass. I also looked away awkwardly, but I could have sworn I saw a faint blush on his cheeks.
"Hey guys," Hope's voice brought us out of the awkward zone. I almost sighed out loud in relief.
Ah yes, Hope. The ultimate diffuser of awkward situations.
"Hey Vincent, Cloud," he greeted the boys as he sat on the opposite side of us. "Light." He added with a warm smile.
"Want to come out for a hike tomorrow? The weather's gonna be great." He asked out of nowhere.
"You're just inviting Lightning?" Vincent threw in a full line. Spiky and I smirked at an embarrassed Hope.
"Y-you guys are welcome too!" He added in a hurry.
I answered, shaking my head apologetically. "Sorry, I'll be at the library all day tomorrow." There was no way I was going to survive exam week without giving it my all. Plus I had that stupid carnival to plan.
"Right… I'll come join you there," he offered and I accepted.
"Sure, thanks." I took a sip of my wine.
"Are you guys planning a study group? Count me in. I am failing everything for sure." Vanille walked in and collapsed on the lush black cushioned seat next to Hope. "Man I am beat!" She complained loudly, staring at our empty plates. "Wait, you guys ate without me?!"
"Chef's new menu sneak peak." Fang replied with a smug smile as Tifa and Fang got back from the restroom. "What were you guys talking about?"
I immediately made space for Tifa and helped her settle with her ankle propped up on the stool again.
"Man, you guys are mean." Hope sighed and Vanille nodded in avid agreement.
"Light, Hope and I are studying at the library tomorrow." Vanille announced. I only grunted a 'humph' in response to confirm.
Somehow my private study time had morphed into Hope-Vanille-Lightning study group. I sighed in further defeat as Tifa and Fang turned to me hopefully.
"Sure." I answered before they asked me the inevitable, finishing my drink.
Lately, everything I used to do by myself once had become a group activity. Except for my morning workout, I was with people until bedtime everyday. There was some peace during the days when I had the night shift. Day shifts were constantly bombarded with text messages, chats and personal appearances.
It was hard to admit, even if it was just to myself but…
I could get used to this.
I sighed and felt a gentle touch. "Lightning~" Vanille poked my cheek with her finger again. "Earth to Lightning~"
I replied with another 'humph' and began grabbing my things. "Hey Strife, you can carry Lockhart here, yeah?" I asked.
"C-carry?! It's fine! I can walk!" Tifa protested but I shook my head.
"You need to recover before the game, right? Don't push it." For some reason Tifa listened to what I had said and nodded shyly as if to say 'I understand.'
Cloud took my roommate in his arms gently. She wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in the crook of his neck.
"Sorry Cloud…" I heard her say.
"Happens to the best of us," Cloud reassured her in his own weird way. I let out a chuckle and he looked towards me and showed me the smallest imaginable smile.
I quickly diverted my attention to the others. What was that about?
"Night, guys." I did a wave before slinging Tifa's backpack on my shoulder.
"Want me to carry that?" Cloud asked me as we walked onto the cool night street.
I gave him my trademark You're-Joking-Right? look and he dropped it.
When we were back at the dormitory, I opened the door to our room and held it open for the two. Cloud helped Tifa into bed. She had already dozed off.
He turned his neck in the direction of my side of the room.
"Minimalist…? He asked in a low voice.
"It's a military thing." I replied automatically, pulling the sheets over Tifa. "See ya."
Cloud nodded as he walked to the door, pausing before turning the knob. He turned to look at me, cerulean blue eyes shining mysteriously under the moonlight. "See ya," he returned and I felt my heartbeat feel just slightly speed up.
If last night's...feeling wasn't annoying enough, Cloud was here next to me, way earlier than the others. I was sitting on a beanbag, a book open in my lap. In front of me was a low table, some of my other books resting atop it. I liked working in the reading section because it was the quietest, even though I would have preferred a table to work on. There were two bean bags on either side of me and one of them was currently occupied by Spiky.
"You're early," I said in a low voice. It was 6 am and the library was completely deserted right now.
He shrugged, pulling out his own book from his bag. " Couldn't sleep much. Had a lot on my mind."
I didn't want to ask him what it was, even though it was tempting to. I caught a glimpse of his book and saw how far ahead he was.
"You're already there?" I asked in disbelief.
"Yep," he replied nonchalantly. "Want some help?"
I should have said no, but Spiky was way ahead of me in class. If I failed any of the exams I'd be in big trouble. I hesitated before speaking, "...actually yeah."
"Cool," he nodded as he looked over my notes. The one thing I was grateful about was that Cloud never made a big deal out of anything.
"Ah," he said ominously and I raised an eyebrow.
"What?" I demanded as he continued to scan over the annotated notes on my book.
"Yeah, there are parts we did in freshman year. They're not in this book."
"Great," I let out a sigh. Thanks to our rotten professor I had no idea I was looking in the wrong place. No wonder some of this stuff made zero sense.
"Come with me," Cloud led me to one of the sections. He pulled out a book from a shelf, skimming through the pages quickly. "Yeah, it's this one." He passed it to me before intently searching for something else. "And this one just helps. It's not on the syllabus but I read it anyway."
"Thanks," I mumbled, inspecting the books in my hands. "Yeah, these are great." I glanced up at the rows to find a book I had been trying to find before.
"That one was checked out before, huh," I said more to myself than to him. I shifted the books in my left arm, securing them between my chest and elbow, before reaching out for the book above with my right hand.
Cloud had reached for it too, for some reason. Our fingers brushed and we both awkwardly withdrew our hands.
"Sorry," he apologized and I shook my head. "I got it, thanks though," I added and attempted to reach for it a second time, but it was too high up. "Damn, where's the stool," I looked around to locate it with little success.
"I'll give you a boost," Cloud said casually and I nodded. Did that a lot in the military, should be fine and not awkward at all.
His hands were on my waist as he stood behind me. I could feel my heart beat erratically.
Okay, this was definitely awkward.
Cloud leaned in slightly close to me. "Up we go."
He lifted me up and I grabbed the book in a hurry. "Got it!" I said loudly, too loudly, trying to hide my embarrassment. Cloud set me down and I looked over to say my thanks when I noticed that he was looking away deliberately.
My cheeks heated up even more and I coughed loudly on purpose.
Cloud followed my lead and we settled back in our seats. Nothing was said, but I was now made painfully aware of his presence next to me.
At around 9, Hope and Vanille both raced in. I had gotten a fair bit of reading done until then - Cloud and I had not spoken a word to each other since the… that.
"I was one minute earlier!" Hope declared as Vanille vehemently shook her head. "I took the first step into the library, though!" She contested.
What were these two on about...
"You guys are loud," I warned and they both gulped, starting a staring down contest with each other.
"Cloud, can you move?" Vanille asked but Cloud simply shook his head.
"I am really comfortable where I am," he replied coolly.
"Ugh, fine!" Vanille whispered as she shot him a death glare. Hope and Vanille played three rounds of rock, scissors, paper.
Hope emerged as the victor and settled down triumphantly next to me. I chuckled.
These kids…
An hour later, the library started really filling up. Fang and Vincent opted for the table because they didn't want to study on the floor. Serah was still sleeping in. Noel and Yeul settled comfortably on the opposite side of me. Zack beat Vanille in rock, scissors, paper and was now on my other side. Vanille looked like she was going to cry.
"WHY?" She cried dramatically and I shot her another warning look.
"Shush."
Hope too, looked annoyed. "Why do I have to exchange places with Zack…" he spat bitterly but Zack only crossed his arms, leaning back in the bean bag.
"You snooze, you lose." Zack added with the most contrived 'ha-ha-ha' I had ever heard.
I rolled my eyes and couldn't help but smile as I flipped through the pages. I noticed that Zack had caught me smiling and he looked like he had won the lottery.
A click sound was heard as he snapped a photo, startling me.
"What?"
"Dude, you smiled. Like, a real one right there." His dark blue eyes looked like they had witnessed a miracle as he held a finger pointed at my face.
I simply shrugged my shoulders. Tifa had come in by now and she looked like she was feeling much better. She waved at me before falling back into the bean bag next to Cloud, yawning.
"It's a beautiful day, why are we all studying?" She complained loudly, resting her head on blondie's shoulder.
"Yes, why is everyone here?" Hope whined as he worked on his assignments for the week.
"Let's go out for lunch," Tifa begged and I looked at the others. They had been at this for a few hours because of me.
"Yeah, why not?" I announced to earn unbelieving looks from others. I slammed my book shut and started packing away. Everyone seemed frozen. "What?" I asked, looking around at the others. "I can go eat with just Tifa-"
"I am coming!" Hope and Vanille shouted in unison as they sprang to their feet.
I snorted and collected the rest of my things. Vanille wrapped both her arms around one of mine and Hope put his arm around my shoulders in a daring move.
A month ago, these guys had all been strangers.
But now…
I smiled as Hope and Vanille bickered about who would sit next to me at lunch.
These strangers were…
Zack had gathered the others and they walked behind us. Tifa gave me a warm smile. Seems like she had worked through whatever was on her mind last night.
Slowly...
My eyes gravitated towards cerulean blue orbs, which seemed to have been waiting for me. Their owner shied away and I too, looked straight ahead with warm cheeks once again.
Growing on me.
