A/N: Thanks to ATK1734 and Lumina for faithfully reviewing! I appreciate you guys! ^^ I feel like the inspiration for this story just keeps flowing so I have been updating regularly. Let's see how long this lasts. XD Here's another chapter.


CHAPTER IV.

Night Patrol


Cloud

Zack was snoring away on his side, but I lay wide awake in my own bed. I moved my arm aside, letting my eyes soak in the night scenery. It was a full moon, and the night was still young. You couldn't see the stars because of the moonlight, but I knew they were out there somewhere.

Tonight I had run into Lightning in the gym and we all went to Cocoon together later. I swear I had caught her looking at me a few times and I would be lying if I said I wasn't doing the same.

When I had been in her room earlier, I noticed how minimal her side of the room was. Clean white sheets, organized books on the shelf, a desk that didn't look like it was ever used. Only Lightning's meticulous 'to-do list' pinned on a green board attached to the wall behind the desk gave it away. She had only a picture of her and Serah in a medium sized frame close to her bed and a small digital alarm clock in front of it.

My body protested in exhaustion but my mind wouldn't give way to sleep. Ever since Lightning's arrival, our lives had changed. I am sure I can say this for all of us. We met more regularly as a group, were busier than before but somehow managed it better and all of us shared a feeling of wanting to monopolize her.

Me less than others anyway, but I felt it too.

Earphones in my ears, I was listening to the last CD Lightning lent me. The lyrics were sad and meaningful. I remember Hope joking once that Lightning probably listens to death metal or something intense. This music was intense too, just a different kind of intense. I wondered what the others would think if they knew what kind of music she actually listened to. Deep, thoughtful music.

Over the past month we had developed a CD exchange routine. Books were rarer but occasionally we exchanged those too. It was a nice feeling… having a lot in common with someone. I know a lot of my close friends tried, but with Lightning it just happened. Naturally.

We never really talked about the exchange beside one-liners, but we somehow mutually knew the other had enjoyed it.

It was already morning and I felt a gentle touch remove my earphones. I grunted, feeling a sudden weight on me. My eyes opened in alarm, only to find pink, long, silky locks draping on either side of the face I recognized immediately.

"Cloud…" her breath grazed my lips and I found my hands moving down her sides to her petite waist. I was enraptured by her pale aqua eyes. Lightning lowered herself on me, further closing the gap between our bodies.

"Ugh…" I groaned as my body jerked awake. What a dream...I am officially a pervert, I thought as I tried to shrug the images off my mind.

My face felt hot and I shot up in bed, glancing at my phone.

It was 5:30 am, still dark outside. I stayed put for a few minutes, before washing up, changing into a sweater and slipping into my coat. I wanted to take a walk outside to clear my head, but somehow I was standing outside the library.

Unconsciously I had even brought my books with me.

What's wrong with you Cloud, I chastised myself through gritted teeth.

The last heroic all-nighter group was stumbling out of the library, yawning loudly. I entered to find it completely deserted save the librarian and security guards, but decided to walk around anyway.

It took a while to find Lightning. She was settled in one of the bean bags in the reading section. I plopped onto the vacant one next to her.

"You're early," she stated in her deep voice. It wasn't a question.

"Couldn't sleep much. Had a lot on my mind."

Yeah, more like, had you on my mind, I thought sarcastically and decided to study to get my mind off of her. I am glad Lightning didn't ask me anything about what it was. I could see her peeking at my book, before asking in an awestruck voice. "You're already there?"

"Yep," I answered, looking up at her. "Want some help?"

I knew she was deliberating. Lightning rarely asked anyone for help and I'd actually feel kind of special if she relied on me in some small way.

Dude, stop. You're not supposed to feel this way.

"...Actually yeah." Lightning asked timidly.

"Cool," I nodded and peered over at her book. Damn…. I thought as I looked at her fully annotated notes. She studied a lot and it showed. I had never seen notes of this level. Color coded and everything. There were parts which she had circled, little question marks scribbled on top or next to them.

"Ah…" These were the parts she probably missed from last year.

"What?" Her voice had a sense of urgency.

"Yeah, there are parts we did in freshman year. They're not in this book." I informed her, watching her sigh as she slumped back.

"Great," she said sarcastically, looking like she was cursing our professor in her head. It was funny to watch her get worked up over something like this.

"Come with me," I got up from my sitting position, leading her to the section where I had last seen the book she would need. Must be somewhere here….aha.

"Yeah, it's this one." I passed her the book she needed, remembering that I had done extra reading for this class in freshman year and aced it.

"And this one just helps." I handed her another book. "It's not on the syllabus but I read it anyway."

"Thanks," she mumbled, adding, "yeah, these are great." Just then her eyes shot up at another book. I knew which book she was looking at. It was a popular study guide that was hard to get your hands on.

"That was one checked out before, huh," she said as a mental note to herself. Instinctively, my hand reached to get it but she had done the same thing. Our fingers brushed against each other and the image of her from my dream flashed before my eyes. We both withdrew our hands immediately.

"Sorry," I offered but she shook her head.

'I got it, thanks though." She tried reaching for it but it was too high up. "Damn, where's the stool…" she looked over her shoulder, scanning the floor.

My eyes trailed down her spine and stopped at her waist. She was wearing a sleeveless turtleneck sweater which hugged her form. I could see the curve of her waist. I don't know what demon possessed me, but I ended up saying, "I'll give you a boost."

As soon as the words left my mouth I instantly regretted them, but Lightning surprised me with a nod of approval.

I know this was probably not the boost she had in mind, but my hands that were eager to feel her as they had earlier in my dream were on her waist. I felt her tense, but damn it felt good. I leaned closer to her, unnecessary as that was, the scent of her shampoo hitting me in the most pleasant way.

"Up we go," I found the words leaving my lips as I hoisted her up.

"Got it!" She said rather loudly, snapping me out of her spell. I set her down and looked away, feeling that weird uncomfortable feeling from before as my chest tightened.

Please don't look at me, I thought but it was too late.

I knew she was looking at me right now, but I couldn't face her.

Until the others started pouring in, Lightning and I studied quietly side by side. I dared not so much as steal even a glimpse of her after I had clearly lost my mind earlier. I wouldn't blame her if she thought I was creepy now.

The next few hours passed without any other...unexpected situations happening and Lightning surprised us all by cutting her whole day of studying short for us.

As we were walking to grab lunch, Tifa's fingers intertwined with my own, I watched Lightning look at me and then look away. I looked away awkwardly too, feeling that we were getting closer.

I just didn't know if it was in the friends category anymore, but we both knew we had to keep us there.

Lunch had been short, but definitely not uneventful. Lightning had a night shift tonight, so she had to squeeze in carnival planning before that. After lunch Lightning went to talk to the restaurant owner about setting up a booth at the carnival, following which she disappeared.

I went to a coffee shop with Tifa and Zack, hanging out there for a while as the others dispersed. Since classes were canceled today, it was nice to just do nothing. Zack was chatting on and on about some sort of new video game that was going to be released later in the day. Tifa was a bit quieter than usual.

When Zack moved away to answer the phone I couldn't help but ask her what was on her mind.

"Oh...nothing," she mumbled and I instantly knew something was wrong.

"Just tell me," I turned sideways to look at her, patiently waiting. Tifa would come around and tell me eventually. She just needed some encouragement.

"Do you think things are good between us?"

Now that was unexpected.

I hesitated for a while. No, things hadn't been 'good' between us and unfortunately it didn't even have anything to do with the new pink haired girl. Tifa was my childhood crush, until I had gone to boarding school. I met Aerith there and had a thing for her, for a while. It didn't work out. When I came back, I was different and so was she. Suddenly she returned the feelings I used to have for her, except that my own had transformed into something less romantic over the years.

Seeing her crimson orbs staring at me questioningly like this, I continued the silence. A part of me wanted to lie and say things are great. But I knew that deep down I was lying not only to her but also to myself.

But I was happy. When I had gotten back, Tifa had confessed to me without a moment of hesitation. I was distant and worse than now back then, but she never gave up on me. The one who has always been by my side… is Tifa.

She tore her eyes away from mine, staring down at the floor. Zack returned, oblivious of everything as usual. "Guys, I gotta bounce. You coming or what?" He asked as he grabbed his things.

"I'll go with you. Still need to do the laundry," Tifa spoke quietly as she stood up as well. "I'll see you later?" She asked me hopefully.

I nodded. "Of course…"


I took a stroll around the campus, dyed in the colors of autumn. It felt unfair to Tifa, but I didn't know what to do. She had been so happy when I had agreed to date her and although we rarely did 'couple stuff' as she put it, she insisted that being next to me was all she wanted.

I wondered if I even deserve someone like her.

"Lover's quarrel?" I jolted in surprise as I heard Lightning's voice from somewhere. There were a lot of people in the grounds, but I couldn't spot the streak of pink anywhere.

"Up here."

I glanced up to see Lightning sitting in the tree, one leg propped up on the branch and the other dangling casually. She seemed at ease.

"Want some company?" I asked to which she nodded. Grabbing one of the branches with my right hand I pulled myself up, using another to balance. I sat next to her. Our shoulders brushed, but I tried to keep my distance.

"Thanks," I watched people move around in all directions. "Why are you up here?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Sssh," Lightning held her index finger to her mouth before motioning towards the corridor with her neck.

"It's all your fault!" Vanille was stomping away as Hope followed her helplessly.

"How is it my fault? She disappeared like lightning."

"Nice pun!" Vanille spat and turned around to poke him in the chest. "You mister, are buying me ice cream!"

"Why?!" Hope protested but Vanille would hear none of it.

Just then we saw another flash of pink hair. Serah had just exited one of the rooms and paused to greet the two.

"Hi guys…" she said nervously, sensing the tense situation.

"Omg, Serah, perfect timing!" Vanille squealed and cleared her throat loudly. "Omg, SERAH." She said loudly, looking around. "Oh nooo, Serah fell down. I think she broke her leg."

Lightning let out a loud chuckle next to me.

"Er, what?" Serah asked as she rubbed the back of her pink head. Hope only rolled his eyes before saying, "Yeah, like that's gonna work."

"Yeah, says the guy who is not even being helpful! Ice cream, now!" She commanded and Hope looked at her with a sigh of defeat. "Alright, let's go."

I watched this exchange leaning back against the tree. Lightning looked equally amused.

"Playing hide and seek?" I teased her and she just shrugged.

"Nope, just hiding."

We stayed there for a while, not speaking. Just next to each other. Curiosity got the best of me and I glanced over to see what she was doing. She was currently compiling a list of vendors for the carnival and narrowing options from another list of which games and booths would be allowed.

"What's up with you?" She asked like it was no big deal, still going through her work. I started watching people pass by again and said nothing. After a while, I spoke.

"Things haven't been...never mind-" I stopped myself, delaying.

"It's cool if you don't want to talk about it." Lightning turned to look at me. I, too, couldn't help but look at her. When we sat this close I could see how unusually attractive her eyes were with great clarity. But most of all, how patient the expression in them was. I could even see a hint of concern.

I turned away and closed my eyes.

"Tifa and I- it's complicated." After a while I glanced at Lightning to study her reaction but she was still busy with what she was doing.

"What's so complicated?" She asked with just a hint of care in her voice as she noticed me finally look at her. "She told me you guys have been lovers since you used to play with lego."

I nodded, staring at her papers. It felt easier to talk about this when I wasn't looking at her. "Yeah, that might be the problem. I liked the Tifa I knew back then."

The wind whooshed by, gently shaking red leaves. A leaf fell onto my hair and got stuck there. I was going to remove it but Lightning beat me to it. She smirked, pulling it out and looking at it before placing it in my open palm.

"Maybe that's the problem," she said thoughtfully, now gazing straight into my eyes. "You liked Tifa then because you knew her. Maybe you grew apart and don't know each other as well now."

I pondered over her words, nodding in agreement. Maybe that was the problem. Lightning began putting her papers back in her folder.

I almost dreaded the moment she would leave, but I readied myself for it.

"Just give it another shot. Get to know the grown up Tifa. You might be surprised," she said as she slung her bag over her shoulder. "Take her out Strife, do something nice for her. She's always taking care of everyone. But I am sure she also wants to be taken care of."

With those final words Lightning jumped off fluidly, landing gracefully on her feet. She looked up at me and did a small wave, smiling gently. Pink strands of hair danced with the wind as their owner stood beautifully in all her glory.

I nodded in thanks and smiled back, staring at the leaf in my hand when she was gone.

Most girls threw themselves at me if they even had a hint of Tifa and I fighting and here Lightning was trying to save us when we were on the verge of splitting up.

I couldn't help but admire her retreating figure, here from a distance. I guess she was always going to keep all of us here, at arm's length, huh?

"Take her out, do something nice for her," I repeated loudly to myself, imprinting her words on me.

Well, it was worth a shot. To be sure of if we belonged together or not, if nothing else.


Reno

Man, what a long ass day.

First, Rude and I caught a bunch of assholes sneaking drugs on campus and had to call the cops. That took a whole chunk of our day. Then a whole group got locked inside the music room and we had to go rescue the forgetful bastards. Bring your damn keys with you...

"Shit just keeps coming," Rude complained next to me and I nodded in agreement.

We made our way to the campus security office. Tseng sat in his glass cubicle, wearing his usual blue suit and reading the newspaper. Must be nice to be the boss, not having to run around like the rest of us, I thought bitterly.

"Hi boss," I waved as I collapsed on the seat in front of him. Man these kids had me running around non-stop today.

"Reno," he spoke in his trademark stern voice as he faced me, setting the newspaper down in front of me. "There are some new part timers here in the office, give them a handle on how things are done, will you?"

"Do I have a choice?" I retorted but he only narrowed his eyes threateningly at me.

"Geez, nobody gives me a break." I stood up and did a mock salute with two fingers. "I am on it now."

Rude followed me without a word and we went to the reception to grab the files from our newest intern. "Hi cutie," I called out and she rolled her eyes at me.

"Hi," she said icily and I waved my hands in front of her.

"I come in peace," I teased, leaning over the reception. "Where are the part timers?" I asked and she handed me a few files.

"In here." She replied and I faked a look of horror.

"They all fit in here?"

Elena looked at me with her usual annoyed expression. Damn it was fun to mess around with her.

Rude coughed behind me, signaling that we had to get this done. "Fine fine," I waved at him dismissively without turning back. "So where are they, really?" I asked seriously this time.

"One of them is out on patrol, the other is by the security cameras. I sent one of them to the main gate to grab a package for Tseng," she reported and I couldn't help but laugh. Damn, Elena was using these guys to run errands for Tseng?

"And the last one…" she paused, shifting her eyes. "She's coming in soon for the night shift."

Wow, there was a chick even Elena couldn't boss around? Now that was someone I would love to meet.

Rude and I waited for the part timers to gather, giving them a run through of the place. These guys had to be taught everything, even how to use their own key cards. After a thirty minute briefing, we returned to the reception. Elena had changed into a hoodie and jeans and was just about to leave.

"Peace out," she held out a peace sign to us.

"Bye~" I waved as Rude deliberated, looking between us.

"It's fine, dude, go." I offered with a jerk of my neck in her direction. "Take it easy, I got this." Rude had been filling in for my night shifts while I studied for the finals. He deserved to sleep in his own bed for a change.

Rude nodded in thanks as he followed Elena out. Tseng had already left on time as always, leaving me and the part timer behind, except that she wasn't in yet.

I checked the security cameras and everything seemed to be fine. As usual the west gate was crowded as hell, so I had to call the sleepy security guard to make sure not to lock drunk kids out when they stumbled back in. All the nice bars were in that area. The rest of the gates were relatively quiet, with a few visitors pouring in and out occasionally.

I bid farewell to the other part timers, locked up the rest of the office and turned off the lights in the rooms we wouldn't be using.

I heard the office door open with a beep, and I saw the new part timer who literally took my breath away.

Wow, was all I could think. She removed her leather jacket and swung it on the coat hanger up front, revealing a sleeveless turtleneck sweater underneath. It was a little short, so I could see a hint of her toned abs. She wore ripped jeans and boots, and her pink hair was tied back in a messy bun. Her figure was long and lean. She had porcelain skin and sharp, aqua eyes. She noticed me staring at her and glared in response.

Ah man, I like them when they are feisty even more.

"Yo," I greeted her, standing where I was. I didn't want to alarm her by suddenly moving. She looked like the type that would leap into action and throw me or something.

"Hi," greeted me back coolly, eyeing me from head to toe.

"I am Reno, in charge of the part timers like yourself," I introduced and she acknowledged me with a nod. "Farron. Lightning Farron." She moved towards me and stuck out her hand.

I took it only to find her strong grip amusing.

Interesting.

"I already gave a run-through to the daytimers, do you want to go over it now?"

She snorted. "Pretty overdue for an orientation?" There was clear sarcasm in her voice.

I couldn't help but smirk. "Yeah, I was kind of on a study leave and I run things out here so," I crossed my arms and leaned back, asserting authority.

"Oh?" She challenged, placing one hand on the reception and tiling her head sideways, one eyebrow arched as she scanned me over. "I thought that was Tseng."

I chuckled. "Nah, he just sits in the office and looks pretty." She actually loosened up slightly and relaxed her posture at my snide comment.

"I see. Well too bad for you, I read the manual already."

The-what now?

"You know, the one on the website…?" She clarified and I still looked at her like she was from another planet.

"We have a manual?!" I asked incredulously. What the fuck? Why did Rude and I have to do the orientation every semester if there was a manual uploaded?

"Nevermind…" she sighed, watching my expression shift to annoyance. "I'll take the first patrol, you can chill in here." She clocked in her card and shoved her bag in a locker nearby.

"Nah, don't worry about it. I'll take the patrol. It's dangerous out there sometimes."

The pink haired beauty just looked at me with her lips pursed in a straight line. "Dangerous? Why? Because I am a girl?"

Now she was making me feel like a sexist.

"You know what? Knock yourself out. Nothing ever happens anyway." I gave up instantly. Man that was close.

"Thought so." Her deep voice cut through the air and I realized I had never found a girl this attractive before.

With Lightning gone, I considered all my options with great care.

First, I could just go right ahead and ask her on a date. No, she would definitely refuse that one. Or I could just tell her to accompany me for something, invite her on a date without using the date word. But no, she just met me so she had no reason to go along.

Alright, alright Reno. Think about this… really think this through.

I don't know how long I thought about this. A call came in and it jerked me out of my thoughts.

"Security," I answered monotonously. This better not be one of the infamous prank callers I heard Rude talk about. Rotten kids…

"H-hello…?" A terrified voice croaked on the other end of the phone. It belonged to a girl, no doubt.

I jumped up into a sitting pose, removing my legs from the counter.

"Are you alright? Where are you?" I asked as calmly as I could, but my eyes were darting all over the campus security cameras.

"Near the e-east gate," the girl spoke again but this time it was a whisper.

My eyes shot towards the east gate camera and relief washed over me as I spotted her using the intercom in the security office. I could already tell she was shivering.

"Gotcha," I said as I fixed the moving camera on her. "I see ya," I tried to sound friendly and calm, but I knew deep inside that a panicked call like this meant something was wrong. "Alright, calm down and tell me what's wrong."

The nervous girl looked up at the camera, gulping before speaking in a low voice.

"There are some weird people I don't know. They asked me if I wanted to d-drink with them and I refu-fused but they followed me all the way to campus."

"Where is the security guard?" I asked as I couldn't spot him anywhere.

"I-I don't know," the girl was tearing up as she replied.

"Okay, I need you to do something for me. Just lock the door from the inside."

"I c-can't!" She said a little louder, the fright evident in her tone.

"Yes, you can." I reassured her gently. "I am watching you. I am right there. Now I want you to slowly and quietly walk to the front and lock the door."

"O-okay…" the girl put down the intercom receiver, disconnecting us. I immediately dialed for the main gate.

"Main gate security, this is Reno. There's a terrified girl in the east gate security office and some intruders lurking somewhere around there. Dispatch security immediately. I am going over there now, understood?"

"Roger that!" I heard the security officer and my eyes moved over to the main gate security office. Seemed like these guys were getting on the move.

I stayed put for a while, watching the girl successfully lock the door and run back to the intercom.

"Hey, good job." I said softly, "You're safe now. Help is on the way, and I'll be with you before you know it." The girl looked up at the camera and nodded.

"I just need you to sit somewhere out of sight and wait for me-" Before I could finish there were loud bangs on the door, startling both of us.

The girl shrieked and I felt myself sharing in her panic.

"Sssh, listen to me. Everything's going to be fine. Just stay there, hide. Don't make a sound." I reassured her but I am sure that my voice was nowhere as calm as it had been.

I raced out of the office, grabbing the patrol car keys and jumped into the front seat. I revved the engine, reversing with a speed that narrowly missed the tree behind me, before driving straight for the east gate, the car screeching as I sped.

The car skidded to a stop outside the east gate security office and to my horror, the door was wide open.

I darted out without a thought, slipping slightly on the smooth marble floor before steadying myself as I came to a stop.

There were three fully grown ass men on the floor and one of them just landed next to the others as a roundhouse kick sent him flying back. The kick belonged to the pink haired girl I had seen earlier. She was panting and relief washed over her as she saw me, before she shouted angrily at me. "A little help here!"

I snapped out of it, dodging the punch of the guy who had gotten up and thrown his fist at me. My own fist landed on his face, sending him stumbling back. Lightning took out the guy behind me with another lethal kick.

"Damn, they don't give up do they?" I joked before running to tackle another one of the guys. He grabbed my arm but I pulled my baton out with my other hand and hit him right between the eyes, knocking him out. As I stood up, I noticed that another one of them grabbed Lightning from behind. He was much bigger than her in size, but Lightning used the force of both her hands to break his grip, turned around to face him while still holding one of his arms. She flung it over her head, never loosening her grip, and the man went tumbling down as she threw him overhead. She quickly secured his arm between her legs on the floor and a crack was heard, followed by a loud, painful groan.

"Reno, watch out!" She shouted as something hit me hard on the side of my face while I watched her in pure awe and admiration. My vision blurred for a second before clearing. "Oh no you didn't," I growled at the man who had smacked me, returning the favor with my baton as it sent him back. He collided painfully against the wall and slid to the bottom, unconscious.

"Not so tough now, are you?" I grit my teeth before throwing the taser at Lightning. She caught it and scolded me with, "You had this all along?!"

"I forgot!" I laughed as I narrowly avoided being tackled. Lightning ran swiftly passed me and tased the poor bastard who now lay writhing in pain on the floor.

"Security!" We heard the voices of two armed security guards bursting in. The last of the drunkards put his hands up.

I kicked him in the knees and he fell onto the floor.

"Asshole," I muttered in frustration before finding the girl hiding under the security officer's desk. I squatted in front of the desk, smiling at her as I extended my hand.

"The guy from be-before?" She asked, still cowering in fear.

"Told ya I gotcha, didn't I?"

The girl threw herself in my arms, crying loudly. I gently pet her head, laughing as I lost my balance and fell back slightly, still in a sitting position.

"Yeah, you're good now. You were so brave. Let's take you back."

The girl calmed down considerably as Lightning and I walked her back to the girls' dorm. Lightning took her hand and squeezed it gently.

"I am in Room 510 if you ever need me." She said with a smile. My eyes almost popped out of their sockets. Damn, she could smile?

The girl nodded shyly. I could tell her heart was probably beating as fast as mine.

"Room 510, huh?" I smirked as the girl disappeared into the building. Lightning shot me a look of warning.

We walked back to the office, which I had left unlocked in a hurry. "We need to file an incident report." Lightning said calmly as she sat at the reception. I pulled up a chair in front of her and took one of her hands in mine, stroking the bruise on her knuckle.

I looked up to find her cheeks flushed and it shocked me, but I didn't let go of her hand. I gently started tending to the bruise.

"I am fine!" She insisted but I wanted to patch her up anyway.

"I am sure you are. Those were some impressive moves back there." I complimented her honestly.

She looked away before adding in a low voice, "Humph. You're not bad yourself."

Ha. Out of all the attractive things about me she compliments my fighting.

"Glad you noticed," I grinned at her, letting go of her hand once I was done. She quickly withdrew it.

"Go sleep. Take it easy," I said as I glanced outside. The sun would be up soon.

"I still have time left on the clock." She stated in a matter of fact tone.

"It's cool. I think you've done a lot more than the job description." I slid the chair back to create some distance between us.

She nodded and went to grab her bag from the locker.

"Thanks," she slung it over her shoulder, grabbing her coat from the hanger. "Nothing ever happens, huh?"

I felt my heart skip a beat.

"Didn't want to scare you away," I teased but she just shrugged.

"It'll take a lot more than some drunk dimwits to scare me." She said confidently and I found myself nodding in agreement.

Yep, I could see that.

I walked over and held the door open for her. My body was slightly blocking the entrance. She raised an eyebrow as she looked at me with that deadly gorgeous gaze of hers.

It's now or never.

"Let me take you out." I blurted, cursing at choice of option one.

Lightning seemed amused. She put her hand on my chest and I literally felt like my heart was going to pop out. But she simply used it to gently push me out of her way, her shoulder grazing me as she left without turning to look back.

"Not a chance," was the last thing I heard her say and found myself leaning against the door, thinking how I could change her mind.


A/N: Alright guys, as promised, a wild Reno appeared XD I had so much fun writing Reno. Like it was actually hard to stop. What did you guys think of the little fight scene? I swear to god I am so rusty with fight scenes, but I thought it would be good bonding for them. It's going to be more fun from now on, I hope! I think I am gonna have Reno take Lightning on that date after all. ^^ Let me know your ideas in the review. And thanks as always for reading until the end!