A/N: Thank you for your reviews, ATK1734 and Lumina! I am sorry about the dream in Cloud's POV in the last chapter. I wanted it to come across as a rather innocent dream about someone you're very attracted to, but maybe it came off as Fifty Shades of Lightning. XD I think I am gonna go back and rework on that eventually. Thanks a lot for your encouragement and feedback. Your reviews keep me motivated to continue at the current pace!

Today's chapter is a bit different because I wanted to focus a little bit on Zack's interactions with Lightning. I love Zack soooo much and I always envisioned him as a big brother figure to Lightning, even before I started working on this story in 2014. I know character development is hard when there is a big cast, but I'll try to get around to fleshing out the others too.

Here's chapter five!


CHAPTER V.

Jealousy


Lightning

It was still a few hours to sunrise when I returned from my night shift. Tifa was surprisingly awake, working on something, eyebrows furrowed in intense concentration.

I walked in silently, closing the door as quietly as possible. Tifa still noticed me and I waved apologetically. "Sorry," I said but she shook her head, happy to see me.

"You finished early?" She smiled but then her eyes widened as her gaze fell on my bandaged hand. "You're hurt?!"

"It's just a scratch," I hung my jacket and stored it away, untying my boots as I spoke. "My colleague was being extra." I lifted my bandaged hand and moved it around to show her it was fine.

Tifa still looked at me with the same worried expression she had been giving me since I got here. We weren't close at first, but she made an effort to get me that no one else had before. Tifa's sheer willpower made me warm up to her, even though we had widely different interests as people with little in common. Tifa genuinely cared for my being and regularly showed it with little acts of care.

I sighed as I pulled the sweater over my head, changing into a loose tee. I yawned, finding a neat bundle of clothing folded on my bed.

Acts of care like this.

"Lockhart…"

"It's fine, don't worry about it. You've been so busy, it's the least I can do."

There it was again.

I had to stop myself from smiling. I nodded in thanks instead. "What are you working on?" I asked, falling back on the bed in a sitting position.

"Oh this?" Tifa was wearing her round gold frame glasses and was currently in her pajama shorts and tee. "It's this annoying paper that's like 30% of my grade. Your classes have them too?"

I nodded in response, hunching in exhaustion. I corrected my posture, drumming my now bare feet lightly on the cool wooden floor as I placed my palms on the soft sheets, leaning back.

"Yep, I am only done with four out of seven classes." I said casually, only to watch Tifa's eyes widen in horror. "How many credits are you taking?!"

I chuckled at her dramatic reaction. "Not as many as I would like."

"You and Cloud are amazing. I can't even deal with four classes and you guys are blasting off a full course load." She took a deep breath, her lips turning down into a frown.

"What's up?" I asked, noticing her reaction. I stood up and walked over to the fridge, pulling out an energy drink.

"Cloud asked me on a date."

Wow, blondie actually listened.

"Why the long face then?" I asked as I popped the can open.

"I have to get at least this done tonight," she whined, biting her nails. "He's done with everything but I am so far behind I'll flunk in something."

"What do you mean he's done with everything?" I couldn't contain the surprise in my voice.

"Oh…" Tifa stopped typing to look at me. "Like… all the assignments. He's done for the semester."

I had a newfound respect for Strife.

"Anyway," Tifa returned her eyes to the screen. "Maybe we're never going on that date because I am never finishing this on time."

"Let me look at it," I offered but Tifa immediately refused. I rightly guessed it was out of concern for me.

"No way! You just got back from work and you have tons of other things to do."

I plopped down next to her anyway, trying not to yawn. My eyes felt heavy but I had powered through a lot of sleepless nights before. And this was for a good cause.

"I am not even sure if I can help you, yet. Just let me look at it."

Tifa looked at me with the same guilt that Serah often showed when asking my help with something.

"I can help with this." I offered as I scrolled down the topic guidelines. "Let's work on this together, it'll be faster that way."

"Are you sure…?" Tifa asked again, her eyes sparkling in gratitude.

"I am sure," I insisted, pulling out my own laptop from my bag and we began working on it together.

An hour passed and we were able to wrap it up. Tifa fell back on her own bed in relief as she put her hands up, letting out an ecstatic "Yay!"

I also fell back next to her, the tiredness from the night hitting me like a big yellow school bus.

"I am so sorry Light!" She apologized as she turned to face me.

"It's seriously fine." I responded, getting up from Tifa's bed and climbing into my own sleepily. "Enjoy your date," I gave her a small smile, which was returned with a much bigger one as she sat up and started putting everything away.

"Thank you…"

Her voice trailed off at the end and I turned sideways to observe her. She was biting her lower lip, hesitating. Something was clearly on her mind.

"What's wrong?" I asked in a worn out voice. I tried to keep my eyes open and attentive.

"Nothing's wrong." Tifa replied quickly, too quickly. Her gaze fell down, her hands now folded into her lap. "Lightning… Can I ask you something?"

I nodded, prodding her to continue.

"Will you be honest?"

I chuckled. "Look at me Lockhart. When have I ever been dishonest?"

This seemed to comfort her.

"Do you think…Cloud asked me out to break up with me?"

I actually lost sleep hearing this.

I mean it wasn't that far fetched considering how Cloud was in doubt about their relationship when I had spoken to him yesterday. He was a skeptic who questioned everything. He was intuitive and logical and I appreciated that about him. He was also a problem solver and I guess this problem with Tifa had him frustrated and cornered. But asking her out was probably one step towards working out this problem. I never would have thought that someone who had it together like Tifa and who was optimistic and generally loved people, could also share his insecurities.

"I highly doubt that," I treaded carefully, not wanting to betray my conversation with him. "Maybe you guys just need to…" I paused, wondering how to word it, "reconnect." I finished, thinking it was the safest form of encouragement I could offer without betraying Cloud's confidence.

"Yeah...you think so?" She brightened up, slapping her cheeks lightly with both hands. "Okay, deep breath. I got this."

I smirked as I watched her little pep talk. "That's the spirit."

Tifa met my gaze and blushed. "Thanks for listening."

"No problem." I set my alarm. "Good night," I said softly before turning on my side and feeling the tiredness drag me into a calm…

It was still early when I woke up. I glanced at the clock and it was 9 am. So I slept what… four hours? I guess I had been functional on less.

Tifa was still asleep, a peaceful expression on her face. I showered quietly, changing into a hoodie and jeans. Sliding a beanie over my still damp hair, I yawned loudly as I made my way to grab some coffee. The weather was the worst it had been all week. I felt a shiver run down my entire body. It was uncomfortably cold. I made my way to the university cafe, which was unusually crowded. I noticed the spiky heads of Zack and Cloud ahead of me. Zack waved at me, motioning for me to join them. I apologized to the people in line as I cut in with them, but nobody seemed to care.

"No classes again?" I asked as I watched the crowd. People were studying solo and in groups. There was not a single available table in sight.

"Yeah, they're giving us time for independent study until the carnival." Cloud informed me, looking over my shoulder. I was glad he didn't look at me the way he had been lately. Especially after seeing Tifa that excited for their date, I felt particularly guilty for so much as a glance at him.

Ugh, the stupid carnival!

I groaned in frustration and Zack gave me a pat on the back.

"Aw, cheer up Lightning!" He was in high spirits today. He pinpointed the cause of my frustration without me needing to say anything. "Think of it as your debut into society~!" There was a natural goofiness to him. Zack had a mysterious ability to make anyone laugh. I chuckled.

"I don't want to debut into society. I want to be far, far from it."

Zack faked a look of hurt and clutched his chest as if he was in pain. "You don't mean that!"

I shrugged as we moved up front. "That's how I feel and you'll just have to accept it."

I saw Cloud smiling from the corner of my eye and was shocked to realize that I had actually engaged in a playful exchange with someone. Not so long ago I used to think even sentences longer than three words were painful.

"Hi dears, eat-in or to go?" The ginger haired lady behind the counter asked us. Zack took the lead with any situation that required talking when it came to the three of us.

"Uhh…" he looked around before smiling at the lady. "Would love to eat-in but it's kinda crazy, so… to go. I'll get an extra large size choco-banana frappuccino, and feel free to go crazy with the whipped cream."

How can Zack function with that much sugar in the morning? I would crash in minutes.

"Sure," she replied, glancing nervously between Cloud and I.

"Coffee, black." We muttered in unison and our eyes met briefly, before looking away. Today we were in full on ignoring mode. I guess whatever dangerous tension territory we were slipping into had to be forced back into the friendzone.

Not only for our sakes, but for Tifa's.

"Make it extra large!" I heard Zack say. "Don't mind them, they just look like this all the time." He paid for our drinks as we both gave him a scowl and the lady scurried off anxiously.

"Thanks would be nice," Zack complained as he took Cloud's share, but refused mine.

I raised an eyebrow. "What's the treat for?"

Zack smiled, taking a deep breath before facing me. He put both hands on my shoulders and actually shook me slightly. "You, my friend, are going to help me plan a date with Aerith."

I glared at Zack, frowning as Cloud collected our drinks from the pick up counter.

"What?" He blinked as I continued to glare at him. Before I could protest, he cut me off. "I heard you're a great listener. So, help another brother out, yeah?"

My head snapped in Cloud's direction and he looked away in shame.

Damn it, Strife!

"Fair…." I paused, deliberating. "Look, I can listen, but planning a date? That's different."

Zack seemed unconvinced and he gave me a look that said 'but you helped Cloud out.'

"I..." I moved further away from the queue so I didn't get in anyone's way. "I can't plan a date for you. Heck, I have never even been on a date myself." I admitted reluctantly, taking my drink from Cloud's hand and taking a sip. The hot liquid was calming on this cold day. I didn't want to look at Cloud so I kept my eyes fixed on Zack.

"A chat. As payment for the coffee." I finished, observing Zack's expression change from disbelief to exhilaration.

"Alright!" He raised his hand up and I gave him a high five.

"Don't you have a date to go to?" Zack elbowed Spiky who was just staring out the window.

"Er, yeah. See ya." He mumbled as he did a small wave and left for his date with Tifa.

"Cloud Strife, a legend in the art of two word replies!" Zack joked and I snorted, pushing through the people as we made our way out as well.

Zack and I walked towards the west gate, talking the entire time. Though Zack spent the most time around me, I realized that he never really spoke much about himself. Even when the others asked him a question, he always wormed out of actually answering with a witty comment, or making them laugh. Somehow I felt there was a lot more to him than he let on. Currently he was telling me about his progress with his assignments and his life with a roommate who was done weeks in advance. I listened thoughtfully, saying nothing.

"Why so serious?" He draped his arm around my shoulder. "Aw, come on broody. I already suffer with Cloud every day."

"I realize that you never talk about yourself." I replied honestly, not minding his friendliness as we approached the gate.

"What are you talking about? I am always talking." He tried to change the subject as he pointed out to a couple on one of the benches. "Ah, how nice. Look, Light. Young love."

I shrugged, sliding my hands in my pockets. "I am just saying. You wanted to talk, I am here to talk. But it'd be nice if we knew more about each other, considering how much we hang out."

"Fair enough." He laughed at his own silly pun and I only sighed in response.. I noticed my colleagues from the security office gathered by the west gate entrance.

"What's up?" I asked the blonde hair intern who was always pissed off at me for some reason.

"Oh, nothing. Just grabbing a bite to eat." She watched Zack's arm around me and crossed her arms across her chest. "You're welcome to join but I think you're quite busy."

Why were women always being nasty when I tried to get along with them? I didn't even dignify her comment with a reply.

"Fair, let's go."

"Lightning Farron," Reno announced my name loudly, too loudly in fact. A few of the others looked in my direction. "And Zack Fair. A surprising turn of events."

I knew what it looked like but I didn't even bother to correct him.

For some reason Reno decided to reach out towards me and before I could really scare him away with my glare, Zack had caught his hand mid air, his arm no longer around me.

In this instant, there was no trace of a smile on his face. I had never seen Zack make an expression like this before. "You're in our way." He spoke in a voice so cold that I almost didn't recognize him.

Startled, I grabbed his arm, just above his elbow. "Zack."

He let go of Reno's hand, but the redhead returned Zack's unfriendly expression with a matching intensity.

"Reno?" Elena inched towards him slowly as if he was a bomb she would set off if she moved any faster.

"See you at work," he gave Zack a final glare before playfully smiling at me.

Reno and Elena return to their group as Zack and I continued to the city that existed outside the west gate. There were people already setting up for Halloween, themed menus and desserts being distributed by part time workers standing outside restaurants and cafes, hailing potential customers. Live music was playing on the streets and there was a general lightness in the air.

"Festive, huh…?" I turned up to look at the taller male but Zack looked like he was about to cry.

What the-

"Fair… what happened?"

"Zack!" He almost shouted, alarming the pedestrians around us. "You called me Zack!"

I rolled my eyes with a scoff. "You were hallucinating." I retorted but Zack only whined in response.

"Just when things were getting good."

Zack absentmindedly led me to the mall and I followed without really paying attention to what he was talking about - something about sleeping in on the day of a surprise pop quiz. When I realized we were in the mall, I snapped out of my daze and arched an eyebrow at him.

He cleared his throat before answering, "A gift. For Aerith."

I sighed in defeat, trying not to look too annoyed. "I thought you wanted to talk. Why are we gift shopping?"

"We can talk and shop. Kill two birds with one stone. Thank you dear Zack," he emphasized on his name. "Would it kill for you to say something like that?"

"Thank you dear Fair." I repeated sarcastically and Zack threw his hands up in the air as if to say 'I give up.'

The shopping itself was unproductive and I am hundred percent sure my presence was not helpful in any way whatsoever. Tifa, Vanille, Serah. He needed someone like them, not me.

"How about this?" Zack appeared holding the next bizarre gift.

"A head massager? She's not 70," I groaned in frustration and Zack immediately went away to return it.

While doing a sweep of the area, I came across a music store. It was not very crowded and I stopped in front of it. Zack craned his neck, checking it out from the outside.

"Wanna have a look?" He asked me and I glanced up at the taller male. "Is that okay?"

"Duh, of course." He smiled and I gave him an appreciative nod before entering the store. I browsed through some CDs, picking out a few of them.

"You buy a lot of music, huh…" Zack remarked as I continued to browse.

"There's one for Tifa, one for Serah and two for Cloud." I told him calmly, walking to the counter to pay.

"And none for Zack," he muttered under his breath and I really struggled trying not to laugh out loud.

After exiting the music store, we gave up on the pursuit of Aerith's gift entirely. Zack sat by the fountain in the mall, shoulders slumped in defeat as he let out a loud sigh. I walked over with two cones and handed him one.

"Wow, ice cream from the ice queen?"

Unexpectedly, I laughed before I could rein it in.

Zack snapped a photo of me with his phone as I dropped next to him, taking a bite of the ice cream.

"What flavor?" He asked curiously.

"Uh, green tea," I replied monotonously.

"Healthy…" He shuddered before continuing excitedly, "What did you get me?"

"Cotton candy sugar rush," I simply repeated the name I had seen on the menu.

"Aw man," Zack took a big bite of his ice cream. "I was having sugar cravings. This is perfection."

Zack and his sugar addiction. I looked around the mall as we ate our ice cream, deep in thought.

"So, what exactly is the deal with the gift? First it was a date." I found myself asking.

Zack looked like he was in slight pain.

"What?" I asked in alarm.

"Brain freeze." He replied as he massaged his forehead, eyes shut as he winced.

"Slow down, idiot." I pat his back. He took a deep breath before answering my question. "Well, Aerith and I have been kinda fighting lately. I am just trying anything I can to fix it. A date, a gift. Whatever works at this point."

"What's wrong with every couple I know...," I mumbled and Zack laughed in response. "Cloud and Tifa, yeah? Those two go way back. It was really cool what you did for him."

I snapped my head up to look at him.

"I didn't do anything," I pressed but Zack shook his head. "You know Cloud has a real tough time talking to people, right? I mean, it's not exactly a secret. Seems like he can just talk to you, though. And you gave him some damn good advice." Zack smiled down at me. "I am sorry I called you out selfishly. Honestly, I just wanted to get away from campus for a while," he added in a lower voice. "Since this semester started, Aerith and I have been going downhill and I don't even know why. It's nice to get away sometimes."

"You guys are not childhood lovers too, are you?" I asked as I took the last bite of my cone.

"Nah, not at all. I met Aerith when I was a teenager. Went to a private boarding school and she was there. Cloud and I met there, too."

"And…?"

"And~" Zack smiled playfully again. "She just fell for me, you know. Tall, dashing, man of mystery."

I didn't want to pry and ask more about his boarding school experience if he was going to avoid it. I rolled my eyes. "You're doing that thing again. You change the subject or laugh it off when you don't want to answer," I responded. Zack looked slightly surprised.

"Funny Cloud always tells me the same thing," he finished his own cone and stood up, leading me out of the mall. "You guys are crazy perceptive. Anyway, I am sorry. I don't do it intentionally. Not always, anyway…" his voice faded as the loud sound of drums and guitars took over our conversation. There was an amazing crowd gathered around a popular indie band performing on the street right in front of the mall's entrance. Zack and I wiggled through the crowd, trying to get away from the noise.

When we were at a distance where we could finally hear each other again, I sighed in relief.

"I have never seen something like this," I said to myself but Zack's curiosity was piqued.

"What was university life like back in your country, you know, before your transfer?"

I chuckled. "I didn't go to university. I used to work in the military."

Zack nodded quietly, taking this information in. It didn't seem to surprise him.

"You knew?" I asked as we continued to walk, exploring the streets now full of stalls.

"The military thing, I knew. But I can't believe it's your first time in university. You're a damn good student and you're a natural leader, too. You just seem so comfortable I would have never guessed you're doing all of this for the first time."

I shrugged lightly, looking up at the azure sky. A few clouds floated lazily, the rest of the horizon was clear. "It's thanks to you guys," I paused before continuing, "...You've all been really….gracious about me. Despite my background."

Zack gave me another pat on the back. "Ehhh, I am touched," He smirked as he looked down at me. "I bet you're just as soft as Cloud on the inside."

I smirked in response, enjoying the cool breeze. With the sun out now the weather had slightly warmed up. "Nope, blondie is way softer." I insisted, watching an interesting looking chocolate stall. Zack followed my gaze and let out a gasp.

"Dude, Lightning. Come with me, you need to try these." Zack took my hand, his eyes brimming in childlike excitement.

Zack was the only person who added dude in front of my name. I guess if I had an older brother, it would be like this. I laughed on the inside as we lined up in front of the stall.

"Zack." I heard a girlish voice from behind us. Zack and I both turned around to see Aerith standing there. She shot me an icy look, which only grew colder when her eyes traveled down from my face to my hand, which Zack was currently holding.

Ah, damn it.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" Zack smiled as he let go of my hand and reached out to hug Aerith but she had stepped back. Zack froze where he stood.

"I see that I am interrupting." She replied in a shaky voice.

"Hey, wait!" Zack called out but Aerith stormed away without giving us a chance to explain. His head hung low for a few seconds. I didn't know what to say. Suddenly he was back, facing front, forcing himself to smile.

"You don't want to go after her?" I asked softly.

"Nah, need to give her time," he replied, pulling out his wallet. "Two chocobo-chip cookie boxes please. Actually, make that five."

"We need that many cookies…?" I asked rhetorically, shocked at the huge boxes being stacked and placed in a paper bag of considerable size in front of us.

"You'll take that back when you try them. We literally live for these," Zack handed over the money to the man behind the stall and grabbed the bag off the counter. "Thanks man!" He chirped happily as we turned around to walk the same way back to the west gate.

"What was the first gift you ever gave her?" Zack gave my question some thought.

"Hm…. first gift… that was a long, long time ago."

"Think," I ordered and Zack nodded and we walked in silence for some time.

"A pink ribbon," he told me, clapping his hands together as it came to him.

"A pink ribbon." I repeated. "Where is it now?"

"Aerith lost it a while back while she was moving. Why?" Zack asked me and I gave him a smirk.

Just need to give him a moment to let it sink in….

"You are a genius," he gave me a half hug, squeezing my shoulders.

"I am sorry about what happened back there," I held my fist up and pointed backwards with my thumb.

Zack only shook his head. "That's just a misunderstanding. All couples have those. And it's more my fault than yours."

"Thanks," I nodded. "Hope it all works out."

"Wait," Zack pulled out one of the boxes from the paper bag. "This is for you and Serah. Trust me, you'll love these."

"Thanks," I repeated myself, waving as Zack continued back into the city to buy Aerith's ribbon by himself.

Somehow all I had been doing lately was helping people with their love lives.


Alright, time to focus.

I spent the rest of the day in the library, doing my assignments. If Cloud could finish all of his, so could I. Ambitious as my project was, it was not impossible because it had already been done. I switched off my phone to focus, burying myself in books.

I must have fallen asleep at some point. My eyes flew open and I jumped to look at the time. It was only 10 pm. Good, it could have been worse. My stomach grumbled, protesting loudly. I realized I had only had coffee today. I stretched, hearing light cracking noises from my entire body. I looked through my assignment list, clicking the last 'submit' button.

Oh, the sweet taste of freedom.

Now that I was done with my writing assignments, I just needed to focus on the finals. Carnival planning was 80% over and I just needed to check out the venue and do a risk assessment. Then, the only thing left would be setting up on the day of the carnival instead. I added these items to my 'to-do list' and packed my things.

I grabbed a sandwich from the convenience store, too tired to go all the way to Cocoon to eat something. It was freezing outside, and I was regretting being so underdressed. I had just finished buying a drink when I noticed the bell ring and Zack walked in.

"Dude!" He called out to me and I chuckled again.

There it was.

"Did you get it?" I asked as I popped open my can of beer.

"Yes, look at this beauty." Zack showed off a beautiful silk pastel pink ribbon. It was encased in a transparent box.

"It's really pretty." I observed, giving him a thumbs up. "Nailed it."

"Thanks!" He smiled cheek to cheek, studying the beverage in my hand. "Wait a sec, I'll go get me a drink too."

I nodded and waited for him inside the warm convenience store. I dreaded the moment of stepping outside, but luckily the walk to the girls' dormitory was a short one from here.

"Let me walk you back," Zack suggested and we began walking in the same direction. Our chat was short but interesting. Zack told me that chocobo-chip cookies he bought earlier were kind of specific to this country. They were based on an actual breed of birds. They lived mainly in the wild and were kind of hard to come by in the cities. I found this very fascinating.

"Thanks," I said as we stopped in front of the entrance.

"No problem, buddy. Any time." Zack laughed heartily and I softened at his genuine expression. Sure, there had been a misunderstanding with the security office and then with Aerith, but thanks to Zack I had a really pleasant morning.

"Actually," I started, catching Zack's attention. "I might have a CD for Zack, too."

Zack looked seriously taken aback. It seemed like he was holding back tears. Leave it to Zack Fair to be this easily touched. He was similar to Tifa in that way.

I rolled my eyes as we entered the lobby. "I'll grab it from my room. It'll only take a minute-"

I saw Tifa and Cloud enter the elevator. Zack raised his hand to get Cloud's attention, but Tifa had wrapped her arms around the blonde and pulled him in for a kiss.

I watched Cloud hesitate and break away from the kiss, but Tifa was adamant. The second time he gave in, deepening the kiss as his arms wrapped around her waist. The elevator door closed slowly with a ding.

My vision was slightly blurry after that, and I noticed a strange burning sensation in my eyes. Something was blocking my vision, gathering in my eyes. It felt moist.

Huh….?

I touched my eye to find my fingers wet.

Why am I upset?

There was an uncomfortable feeling inside my chest, like someone was suffocating me from the inside. I felt my muscles tense as I experienced this strange, painful feeling spreading through me for the first time.

What's going on? I thought. What's wrong with me?

Zack's arm was around me and he pulled me in for a hug as he patted my back reassuringly.

"Let's get out of here." He said in a gentle voice.


Reno

I got back from the midnight patrol to find one of the lights on inside the office. I am pretty sure I had turned them all off before leaving.

I readied my baton to smack the daylights out of the intruder. I walked in with excruciating slowness, careful not to make a sound.

The reception was dark like the rest of the office and light was only coming from the resting lounge. I sneaked into the lounge, tightening my grip around my weapon.

My gaze fell on the sofa and someone was curled on it in a deep sleep.

Lightning?!

I sat down on the sofa armchair next to hers, gently poking her. She stirred in her sleep, before aqua orbs flew open.

"Hey," I spoke calmly so I didn't startle her.

"Hey," she sat up, rubbing her eyes sleepily.

"I didn't know you missed me so much that you came in on your night off to see me." I joked, trying to ease her into talking to me. She didn't look like she was much of a talker.

She ignored me, a tired sigh escaping her lips. Her eyes were slightly red. Had she been crying?

"Your date with Zack Fair didn't go well?" I asked carefully. This seemed to get a response out of her.

"Zack's like a brother. We were picking out a gift for his girlfriend," she said as if she was reading a report. I nodded.

"Okay, had a fight with your boyfriend then?"

I felt guilty for fishing information when she had clearly had a bad day, but I wanted to make sure.

"I don't have a boyfriend."

"Roommate?" I tried to continue naturally, as if I was not interested in her relationship status (which I actually was) and was simply trying to eliminate the causes of her sudden appearance.

She deliberated, meeting my gaze. "Not really."

"I am kinda running outta options here, Farron." I intertwined my fingers, placing my elbows on my knees as I leaned in closer. "Why are you here at this hour?"

She pursed her lips tightly, unwilling to speak. Her eyebrows came together as she probably recalled something unpleasant.

"Tell you what," I spoke, snapping her out of whatever she was thinking about. "Why don't you sleep here tonight? I am guessing you can't go back to your room because of… whatever reason?"

She confirmed my hypothesis with a nod of her head.

"Thanks, I appreciate it." She said in a less colder voice than usual.

"Alright, come with me." She looked at me curiously before following me. I led her to a room behind Tseng's office. It was dark, with a low bed, fully equipped with pillows and two blankets. There was nothing else inside the room, save a window and a heater.

"It's our napping room. Off limits to part timers, but I don't want you catching a cold sleeping out there." I turned on the heater for her, testing it for a few minutes by warming my hands. She looked at me, trying to come up with something longer than a one word 'thanks.'

Man, she was so cute!

"Don't mention it," I replied before I could further put her in a weird position. "I'll be up front so…" I raised my hand up and waved, "Sweet dreams."

When the morning light hit my face, I groaned, pulling my arm over my eyes. The alarm clock went off just then and I gave up on sleep, silencing it with a loud smack.

"Good morning," Elena walked in with a cup of coffee in her hand. "Everything was fine?"

"Everything was fine." I repeated her words, getting up from the seat and stretching. "Woot, I am beat."

"Feel free to go home now," Rude walked in with his own cup of coffee. I'd kill for some coffee right about now.

Rude noticed my stare. "Want me to grab one for you, Reno?"

I smiled, waving my hand dismissively. "I'll grab it. What time are we leaving today?"

"In an hour." Rude replied as he took off his sunglasses and cleaned them.

"Alright. I'll be back in an hour." I did a finger salute to them both, opening the door and stepping out before remembering that Lighting was still here.

"Actually, I think I forgot something. Let me check real quick." I popped back in to earn suspicious looks from Elena and Rude.

I went back to the napping room to find the bed made, with no one there. It looked untouched.

Phew. Relief washed over me.

I dashed back to the front. "Sorry guys, false alarm!"

When I stepped outside the office again, I properly took in the landscape. With autumn now at its peak, red trees lined up as far as the eyes could see, this campus was at its most beautiful. A few weeks later when it gets colder we won't be able to appreciate this scenery anymore.

I went to the cafe and found pink hair standing in line. I joined her, slipping my hands in my pockets.

"Hey, you're an early riser."

"Yeah," Lightning replied coolly, folding her arms. "I left early. Thanks for letting me crash there."

"No worries, I know a way you can repay me." I tried, only to be shot down before I even asked.

"No way," she replied coldly and I nodded to myself.

Yep, option one is still not working.

"Let me buy you a coffee then," her eyes met mine as she raised an eyebrow but didn't protest.

We got our drinks, stepping outside the crowded cafe. "It's pretty busy, huh?" I remarked and Lightning nodded silently in response.

I wanted to ask her about last night, but I figured if she didn't tell me yesterday nothing would change her mind today.

Just then the girl we had saved came running towards us. "Hi Reno!" She smiled at me and I smiled back. She pulled a mini-box of chocolate and handed it to me shyly. "Um, thanks for all your hard work!" She said - almost announced, enthusiastically and didn't' wait for me to answer before running off.

Lightning snorted. "Ladies man?"

I shrugged my shoulders, grinning. "Well you know, I am such a catch."

She looked away, pondering over god knows what. It was frustrating to watch her keep something like this to herself, something weighing on her mind. Lightning spoke out of the blue, surprising me with initiating conversation.

"That girl just now...how did you know what to say to her? You were really professional back then."

Wow, that came out of literally nowhere.

I took a sip of my coffee, my eyes steering helplessly towards the gorgeous girl next to me. "Well….I guess I have had lots of practice? I have worked in security for a long time."

"Practice, huh…?" She said to herself and then took a long sip of her own drink, looking down at the floor.

"How do you...um," she struggled - it was almost as if she was asking me for advice - "control your emotions?"

Now this was a conversation I did not expect to be having.

"Hmm…" I observed how she was not walking tall and proud as the last time I had seen her. Something must have happened last night. There was no mistake about it. "Well, I am still a person. So of course I feel panicked and stressed in those situations. Emotions, I mean. I feel all sorts." I clarified for the pinkette. "But I try to remove myself from the situation. It helps to put distance between myself and whatever is happening. Sometimes mental, sometimes physical. Whatever I need to think straight again. If I am emotional I can't help anyone and I'll make matters worse. Once there is some distance, I can think about it more objectively. Does that make sense?"

I ended my speech with a question. Pale aqua eyes that looked lighter in the sunlight flickered over to me. "Yeah, it does. Thanks."

"You know what?" I felt myself unable to see her in this state. I knew for sure she'd say no, but I had to try.

"Tseng and the team are taking a day trip to the hot springs nearby. I am sure they wouldn't mind if you came along."

Lightning mused, a smirk playing over her lips. "You mean, come along for a date?"

I laughed, shaking my head quickly. "As much as I'd like that...no. I meant to put some distance. Between you and whatever's on your mind. Get some fresh air. Enjoy a long bath. Whaddaya say?"

Shockingly, Lightning agreed. "Fresh air sounds good." She accepted in the most casual way.

"Alright," I felt hopeful, even though I knew she was not returning any of my interest anytime soon. "Well, the gang is leaving in a bit so...do you want to go back and grab anything from your room?"

"No." Her reply was quick and curt. I had a feeling she was still avoiding going back.

"Then let's go." We began walking to the office. Lightning's hair whipped in the air, spiky mess that it was. She looked like she slept poorly, and she had bags under her eyes. But I couldn't believe my eyes at the vision of beauty she was. Just like that, without trying, she just woke up like this, looking like this.

"You're staring," her eyes were still staring ahead as she pointed it out.

I laughed at her flat tone, looking straight up too as I said, "I can't help it."


A/N: Sorry for the short Reno POV this time! Lightning in the hot springs. What a sight. XD I am excited to write the next chapter. It'll mostly be about Lightning figuring out her feelings. If you have suggestions they are always, always welcome! Thanks for reading! *(^^)*