A/N: Big thanks to Lumina and ATK1734 for your kind words of encouragement and suggestions for the story! Yes Cloud definitely needs an older brother, I added an extra awkward moment in this chapter, lol. Also I am thinking of a one night stand between Tifa and Reno that blossoms into something else...? Ah, the endless possibilities in fan fiction world. Anyway, please let me know your thoughts about this chapter. This is the first time a whole chapter is told from a single POV, but I wanted to give Tifa fair representation before my Cloud x Light ship starts sailin' full speed ahead. XD
Happy Monday everyone! Hang in there!
CHAPTER X.
Complications
Tifa
Laughter could be heard, as I stood outside on the other side of the door, pausing for a moment. I didn't know how to be honest with Lightning. I was glad to have found a friend in her, but I also felt bitter over losing Cloud to her. I knew my feelings were unfair towards the girl who had only supported us. Somehow, I just couldn't find it in me to forgive them both for… falling for each other.
I sighed, turning the knob and entering. Lightning was sprawled lazily on her bed with her headphones on, relaxed, different from her usual self. Serah and Vanille were trying out different outfits, and Fang was expertly curling her hair while flipping through a magazine.
"Hi guys!" I chirped happily, shoving aside all negative thoughts. I at least owed it to Lightning to hear her out tonight. Everyone waved back and I walked over to Lightning's bed and plopped on, surprising her. She sat up, pushing down her headphones that were now resting around her neck.
"Sorry, I was curious. Can I listen to it?" I asked and Lightning nodded, removing her bulky headphones from around her neck and passing them over to me. I put them on, listening to the incredibly romantic but sad song.
"Wow… what track is this…?" I didn't know Lightning listened to this kind of music.
Lightning pulled out a CD and passed it to me. "It's track number 7 on this album. It's my favorite album, so I have several copies. You can have this one if you like," she offered.
"I'd give up anything, but don't ask me to give up on you..." I repeated the lyrics out loud and Lightning's soft expression caught me off guard. Her eyes were tender, unguarded.
"Quite a song, huh?" Lightning chuckled. I smiled back.
"It is…" I agreed.
Fang's voice ended our conversation. "If you girls are done flirting, can you both get dressed?"
I blushed a hundred shades of red, jumping up, alerted. Lightning only smirked as she gave Fang one of her 'I-don't-know-what-you're-talking-about' looks.
"What should I wear?" I heard Serah groan. "Captain captain, can I borrow this?" She pulled out a denim miniskirt from my wardrobe.
"No way," Lightning's cold voice sliced through Serah's enthusiasm like a knife. She was such a dad sometimes. Fang echoed my thoughts as she said "Yes dad."
Lightning just let out a 'humph' as Vanille held up a cocktail dress to her.
"Light, how about this? It's pink and goes with your hair!"
Lightning glared at all of us and we all inched back. Her eyes were dangerously narrowed as she spoke, "After what you guys did to me at the carnival…." she growled.
We couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Oh my goood. That was so cute. Lightning the big bad wolf~" Vanille clutched her stomach as tears formed in her eyes. "I can't breathe-"
Lightning smacked her head lightly and got up, walking over to her section of the wardrobe. It was extremely minimal.
"Hmm…" She pulled out a full sleeved black sweater. "I'll go with this."
"Let me fix it for you," Serah asked innocently and Lightning handed it to her without questioning her intentions. Serah grabbed scissors and chopped half of the length off.
"Serah!" Lightning growled but it was too late. RIP Lightning's sweater…
"I am sorry, you can't go out tonight without showing off some skin," I seconded as Lightning glared down the younger Farron sister. "We're going out of the city."
This seemed to have caught Lightning's attention.
"Like, out out? I thought we were just going to the west gate," She spoke.
"We figured you've never been out of this city, so we wanted to take you to a neighboring one. It's really cool." Fang added as Lightning reluctantly took the now 'mini' sweater.
"Fine," she said, followed by another 'humph'. She changed into it while grumbling in protest. The sweater now clung onto her tightly, showing off her toned stomach. She looked effortlessly perfect.
"Wowwwwwwww sis!" Serah complimented as Lightning tried to put her hair up in a bun.
"Lemme curl! Pleaseeee!" Vanille started chasing Lightning, who successfully ran across the room evading her, but lost to Fang who had managed to grab a hold of her shoulders and forced her into a chair in front of the mirror.
I had never met another girl who resisted makeup and dressing up this much. There was something really adorable about Lighting. I wish Aerith gave her a chance so she could discover these parts of her too…
I changed into a midnight blue sleeveless mini dress with a V-cut neckline. Vanille wore an orange halter neck top with dark blue denim jeans and heels. Serah went for black shorts with matching stockings and a golden tube top to finish her look. Fang was wearing a cheetah print, slim fit mini-dress.
"I am so hungry…" Lightning groaned in frustration as Fang finished working on Serah's eyelashes, putting the mascara away.
"Yes yes, we're ready now." Serah pouted at the older sister, who finally gave in and picked up her phone, slipping her wallet in her back pocket, mumbling something we couldn't hear.
Grumpy Lightning reminded me a lot of Cloud.
We made our way to the parking area where the boys had been waiting for us.
"Aw, you came to see me off," Fang joked as Vincent confirmed it with a nod.
"Call me if something comes up," he uttered a whole sentence before falling silent while the rest of the boys said their goodbyes. My eyes felt like they were going to pop out of their sockets in shock.
I noticed Snow kissing Serah, before telling her, "I'll beat up any guys who hit on you, so make sure to take their photos."
"I am pretty sure Lightning will do that before I even notice," Serah joked and I laughed out loud. Yep, it was pretty possible.
Hope walked up to Lightning, smiling as he shyly rubbed the back of his neck. "Nice…" He said and Lightning just smirked in response before nodding, "Thanks."
"Well, have fun Light. You deserve it," he said with a smile. Lightning nodded again as Hope turned to Vanille and started saying something about how she looked like an orange and they broke into their usual bickering.
One of these days these kids will fall in love, I swear, I found myself thinking.
Love...
Zack and Cloud walked over to me. Zack gave me a pat on my shoulder. "Have fun." I nodded happily in his direction before shyly looking over to Cloud.
His beautiful face had a tense expression. "Tifa… you're going out wearing that?"
"Yeah, well," I glanced nervously at Zack who was looking at Cloud in shock. I also felt weird, now that he and Lightning were a thing. Zack and I knew Cloud was looking out for me as a friend, but his comments were really easy to misunderstand.
"Well, be careful out there. Call me," he offered and I waved him off dismissively.
"Come on Cloud, you know how much ass I can kick," I said quickly in an attempt to cut him off.
Please you dork, don't say anything else! I glared at him through a smile. He looked back at me, confused. I jerked my neck slightly in Lightning's direction and mouthed 'say something to her, you doofus.'
Cloud's cheeks appeared to be slightly red as he finally cleared his throat. Lightning too, appeared to be her usual aloof self, but I could tell she was 100% annoyed.
Lightning opened her mouth to say something, but then held herself back. I could tell Cloud was being awkward as well as he stared straight into her eyes, and then his gaze fell onto her boots in slow motion.
They're hopeless…. I thought. Zack also picked up on the situation, taking the chance when Lightning was looking away.
'Like this' he mouthed silently to Cloud, which I had caught too.
"See ya, my dude. Don't break any hearts out there tonight, girls included," Zack teased as he opened his arms. "Come here," he said and Lightning let out a loud chuckle, wrapping her arms around him in response. Zack hugged her tightly, as he turned to Cloud.
'Your turn!' he mouthed again as they broke the hug.
"Let's get going~" Fang called out. "Our ride is here!"
Cloud hesitated one more time, before boldly reaching for Lightning's hand. Her cheeks flushed as he took a step towards her.
"Stay hydrated." He said finally, earning incredulous looks from all of us.
Lightning looked equally shocked at the two words he had managed to say. She withdrew her hand out of his with an urgency that looked like she had touched something hot and was now acting on reflex.
"Yeah, thanks," she mumbled. "See ya," she repeated Cloud's famous two word greeting and started walking towards Fang.
"Nicely done, idiot!" I smacked Cloud's arm as he groaned in protest. "Please do something about him Zack!" I begged the dark blue haired male who nodded in exasperation.
We got into the car we had rented. As the driver turned on ignition and the car began moving, we turned around to wave the boys goodbye.
Well, everyone except Lightning.
I could understand. I mean, Cloud had only said two words to her, and they were dumb as hell.
I sighed, honestly reflecting on my relationship with him. It took our entire lives as friends in order for him to start having proper conversations with me, and when we were dating I always took the lead and initiated everything. I could see he was struggling, but Lightning was also the type to lead in every situation except romance.
"What are you thinking about?" Vanille nudged me and I just shook my head.
"N-nevermind…" I replied as I bit down on my lower lip. Why was I trying to help Lightning and Cloud? If they didn't work out...maybe I could-
No...No Tifa. It doesn't matter if they work out or not, you and Cloud are just… not meant to be, I repeated to myself.
"Tifa?" I heard Lightning call my name as she gently placed her hand on my shoulder.
"How come she's Tifa and you're still not calling me by name~!" Vanille complained but Lightning only shrugged her off.
Yes, that's right… Lightning had given me a special place in her heart. And I shouldn't betray it.
After an hour's drive, we arrived at the neighboring city. As we got out of the car, Lightning's mouth fell open. In a rare display of emotion, we saw her eyes reflect wonder, awe and then finally her lips parted, widening into a full fledged smile.
"Wow," I heard her exclaim under her breath.
"Pretty sexy huh?" Fang smirked, watching Lightning's eyes glitter.
"It is," she chuckled at Fang's usage of the word sexy to describe buildings. She regained her cool composure and we walked around for a while. "Quite different," I heard her say as she observed the city.
"Our campus city is really only for privileged kids who are serious about their studies but...the universities in this area are a lot more chill. Great bars too, though sometimes you run into bad people…" Vanille filled Lightning in who nodded, soaking in all the information.
"Hey, let's go to that one!" Serah pointed to a standing bar.
"Can't, I broke someone's nose in there before…" I said sheepishly and Lightning and Fang threw me a smirk. I blushed, looking around as I crossed my arms. "Oh, how about Pulse?"
"Pulse?" Lightning repeated.
"Yeah, it's a really exclusive bar. I have never been able to get in on my own." Vanille told us and I nodded, my eyes scanning the endless queue in front of the bar. I spotted long silver hair getting out of a limousine, and I turned quickly towards the girls.
"Okay, I just found an acquaintance who can get us in." I said excitedly as I pointed at him.
"Hey!" I called out and the male looked over. He had no smile as always and I rolled my eyes as I approached him with the girls. "Wow, what a warm welcome," I said sarcastically as he shook his head.
"Sorry, I didn't recognize you," he replied in his usual cool tone, his eyes trailing towards Lightning as he looked her over curiously.
What is up with these brothers being attracted to Lightning right off the bat, I sighed. "Can you get us in?"
"Older brother's not with you?" He asked and I tried to keep things as vague as possible. "Nope, not even in this city. Please?"
"Tifa, you don't have to ask twice. Come," he beckoned us as he walked to the bouncer, our group following him.
"Big, you remember my brother's girlfriend," he pointed to me. Ugh! Why did he have to say that?!
I glanced quickly over to Lightning who looked like she was trying hard to recover from shock.
"Um, I'm not his girlfriend!" I shot towards the bouncer quickly, trying to do damage control. "This is his new girlfriend, Lightning." I introduced the pink haired girl, quickly beginning to regret my decision. I had now put Lightning in danger, when Cloud hadn't even asked her out yet. But I didn't want to parade as Cloud's girlfriend the entire night and hurt her feelings.
"I am not his girl-" Lightning began but Serah elbowed her side to silence her.
Green, cat-like eyes scanned Lightning once more before turning to the bouncer again. "Well, let them in and make sure they have everything they need. They're my personal guests," he said in his soothing voice that could put people to sleep.
"Don't mention that I got you in, you know how Loz and Kadaj get." He raised his hand and moved his fingers in a graceful wave.
"Yep, my lips are sealed! Thanks!" I smiled as we slipped in, cutting the queue.
"Wow….this is so friggin' cool!" Vanille covered her mouth as she gasped. Pulse had an insanely high ceiling. Everything, including the floor, was made of thick glass. The walls were all mirrors. There was a long bar counter, shaped like cool crystal formations, followed by a spiral like structure inside, consisting of multiple floors. It was dimly lit, with cool electronic music playing at a decent volume.
"I can't believe we're inside. So that was Cloud's brother?" Vanille asked and I gulped, trying to get out of this conversation. If Cloud found out that I asked Yazoo to get us in…
"Yeah…" I tried to end the topic but Vanille shot the next question at me.
"What's his name?"
Lightning was watching me. I felt her eyes on me, studying my panicked expression. She came immediately to my aid, coolly steering the conversation elsewhere. "What do you guys want? I'm buying the first round."
Vanille discarded her question and skipped over to Lightning. "Vodka shooooots!" She shouted as I sighed in relief.
Lightning hated shots. I could see her sighing in resignation as she called for the bartender. "Five vodka shots." She slid money over the counter, but the bartender slid it back towards her with a smile.
He brought out a very expensive bottle of vodka, pulling it out of its black velvet case. "On the house. Big told me you're Yazoo's guests."
Oh god, oh god. Cloud's going to kill me.
"We're fine, thanks-" Lightning began but Fang quickly cut in front of her. "We'll take it, thanks!" She shouted over the counter as the bartender started filling our glasses.
"Don't refuse free stuff!" She scolded Lightning who let out another one of her famous 'humphs!'
We took our first round of shots at the counter, Serah and Vanille exclaiming a loud 'whoo!!' right after, but Lightning and I winced at the taste of the strong liquor. Fang just downed it like it was water.
"Hey cutie," Fang called out to the bartender. "One big glass of water, please."
When the glass arrived, she passed it to Lightning with a big smirk. "Hey, 'stay hydrated.'"
Lightning shot her a death glare, said nothing, and finished the glass of water. "Okay, let's talk," she mumbled. I felt bad for Lightning all over again. Stupid Cloud.
"Yeah...um, I just want to say…" I started as the girls looked at me attentively. "Cloud and his brothers… um, they're not on the best terms. So I would appreciate it if you guys don't mention that we saw one of his brothers today." I needed to put this out right away, before Vanille and her big mouth could get me in trouble. "The one we met-"
"Yazoo?" Vanille said loudly as some people glanced curiously over at us.
"Ssh!" I scolded the redhead and she mouthed 'sorry!' at me. "Yes, Yazoo. He's the most normal one. Trust me, we don't want to run into the others. I mean it."
The girls promised not to say anything and we decided to occupy one of the tables nearby. We settled in the lush seats, admiring the general luxurious ambience of the place.
"So…" Lighting started. "As you all know-um, saw-" she fought past her awkwardness, "Strife sort of, well. He surprised me last night."
"Yep, we all saw it," Fang teased as Lightning cleared her throat loudly, fighting back a blush. "Well, so, I figured I'd have this talk with everyone."
"Was it good?" Vanille asked as Lightning just glared back at the grinning redhead.
"He's a really good kisser." The words left my mouth before I could resist, and I slapped both my hands over my mouth. "Oh my god, Lightning I am so sorry! I didn't mean to say that-"
Lightning shrugged, letting out a deep breath. "I am sorry, I need more alcohol to do this..." She asked for more vodka and the waitress nodded, before strutting away on her high heels.
"Yeah…" I bit down on my lower lip. Stupid Tifa! Filter! FILTER!
Lightning did a shot before we even had a chance to fill all our glasses. I felt partially responsible for her mood. "Okay, um," Serah patted her shoulder softly, bringing her attention back to us. She mumbled 'sorry' absentmindedly and then waited for all of us to raise our glasses together as we downed the next round.
"Alright," Lightning took another deep breath. I made a mental note not to say anything.
"Strife and I exchange a lot of music, and he's really smart. We're into a lot of the same things..." Lightning spoke like she was trying to justify her feelings. "I won't lie. I found him very attractive, and I have for a while now. But I didn't know he had any kind of feelings for me until last night. I swear."
I felt a sadness surge inside me and I took a shot by myself. Lightning let me finish before continuing, "But...before I moved here, I had no interest in the opposite gender. My plan was to rise to the top ranks in the army - which I know you all somehow know about -" Vanille nodded apologetically.
"...Get Serah through college, see her married off happily, and spend the rest of my life at our parents' beach house." Lightning finished, pouring herself another drink. "All of the feelings I have for him are new to me, they are hella confusing, and I don't know if we'll even work out." She forced back another shot, releasing a deep sigh.
"But, you girls are the first real… friends I have had, except Serah. I didn't have anyone like you back home." Aqua blue eyes found mine, "But one thing I learned in the army is that you never betray your comrades. And Tifa...if me taking a step towards him is going to ruin you and me, I'll give up now while my feelings are still new, before I get too close to him."
I couldn't believe the words that came out of Lightning next.
"I am sure Serah hasn't really told anyone," Lightning's eyes traveled towards all of us, "but um," she continued with some hesitation, "We were orphaned when we were young and, for the longest time, we've only had each other. So, sisterhood is a big deal to us both. And I know Serah was also worried about Strife moving on with me, and how that would affect Tifa. If some of you also feel that way, just be honest with me."
Was this strong girl, who appeared like she never needed anyone, telling us she was afraid of losing us…?
"Tifa," Lightning looked at me in alarm and I realized I had started crying.
"Oh, sorry...I just." I began but couldn't continue as I began sobbing. Serah put her arm around me as she hugged me. "Sorry, I just… about your parents." I tried to speak through tears. Lightning flinched as if it was a painful subject, but didn't shy away from the topic.
"I know, what a downer right?" She joked, noticing that the other girls were teary eyed. "I am sorry, I just thought... my friends should know."
"She said 'my friends~!'" Vanille wiped away her tears and threw her arms around Lightning. "Kyaa, I am so happy now. Best girls' night out ever!"
I also took a deep breath. "I told Cloud this too, but… you both have my blessing if you want to date." I said to the now surprised pink haired girl. "You know, I was really mad at first. I worked so hard for so long to be with Cloud. I finally got him, and then you just came in and took him away without any effort." I said as Lightning opened her mouth to speak, but I continued. "But I realized that if that's how fast I lost him, it's probably because we weren't that strong to begin with…" I wiped the last tears off my eyes. "I was going to keep this all in, but you forced it out of me with your honesty. I am a bad friend, aren't I?"
Lightning held my hand over the table, showing me the slightest smile. "You're a damn good friend in my book." She gave my hand a gentle squeeze. "Thank you."
"I don't know if I want my sister to date someone who sees her off with 'stay hydrated' though," Serah rolled her eyes as I burst into laughter.
"Yeah, what was that about?" Fang chuckled as she started pouring us drinks. "Even Vincent gave me a full sentence."
"I have been meaning to ask, but are you guys together?" Serah asked, eyes twinkling in anticipation.
"Who? Me and Vincent? No." Fang tightened the cap on the empty bottle as she sat it aside. "I don't do relationships. We're just, 'special' friends."
I saw Lightning look away awkwardly as Vanille, Serah and I broke into a blush.
"Ww-what?!" I asked as Fang looked at me.
"You know what you need, Tifa?" She asked and I nodded for her to continue. "You need a one night stand, a real good one. When you were with Cloud you were always meeting his needs, dealing with his mood swings. I mean he's hot AF, I get it. But screw that, you need someone who will blow your mind away."
"More like blow her panties off," Vanille joked and Fang laughed before adding, "Well said. Yes, that too."
"Okaaaay, yeah, that's not happening." I raised my glass, "To Lightning!" I proposed, finally feeling like the confusing feelings of animosity I had towards Lightning had dissipated away.
"To Lightning!" The girls said in a chorus as we shot back the last of the vodka.
"I know it won't be easy," Lighting said as we finished our last shot. "But let's try to make it work."
"You and Cloud?" I asked, blinking in confusion.
"Me and you," Lightning emphasized as I felt my face heat up.
"Right, of course." I nodded as Fang elbowed Lightning before saying with a sly smirk. "Stop it, she has a girl crush on you already."
"Since we're all being honest, let me just say that thanks to you," Vanille pointed at Lightning, "I also questioned my sexuality for some time. Like, hot damn girl."
"Ew guys! I told you to stop being disgusting. She's my sister," Serah protested and I found myself laughing.
"Let's get some champagne, on me!" I raised my hand as the others started whipping out their purses. "Seriously, it's cool. I owe one to Lightning."
We got ourselves a bottle of champagne, popping it open. The cork flew out of the bottle as Serah and Vanille let out a collective 'eep!'.
"You're good at this," Lightning observed as I filled up their glasses.
"Yep, I am a certified bartender," I replied, only to earn an impressed look from her.
After three rounds of champagne, Vanille and Serah were wobbling around. Fang looked alright, but her red face gave her real state away. Vanille and Fang decided to explore the bar, so they left the three of us at our table. I felt tipsy as well, but Lighting looked like she had only had water.
"You can really drink…" I complimented as she poured herself a glass.
"Military. All the guys are always drinking and you need to keep up, or they look down on you." Lightning replied coolly as Serah winced at the thought.
"What a sexist world…" She commented as Lightning shrugged.
"It was fine otherwise. Anyway, should we start heading back?" She asked as she set her now empty champagne glass down. I was the first to get up, but I felt a hand grip my shoulder and push me down back into my seat.
Lightning and Serah looked alarmed, but once I overcame my surprise, I looked up and recognized the short haired, bulky man who was responsible for pushing me.
"Loz," I glared at him.
"Tifa," he returned my glare as I shrugged his hand off my shoulder. "I see that you're here without my favorite brother. But he'll come for his precious girlfriend?"
I wobbled unsteadily, trying to get up.
Damn it, too much alcohol….
"Hey, I am the new girlfriend, didn't you hear?" Lightning challenged him as I shot a worried look towards her. She quickly shook her head as if to say 'don't.'
"Huh?" Loz tried to grab her but Lightning had caught his arm. She seemed to be using all her strength as she twisted it. Loz let out a growl of pain before escaping her hold, making a full turn and using his other hand to grab her throat. Lightning tried to break out of his grip with her hands, but he was choking her with too much force.
"Let go of my sister, you brute!" Serah tried to reach them but Lightning tore one of her hands away from Loz's and pushed Serah back. "S-stay there," She warned her sister before starting a glaring contest with Loz. Her knee smacked right into his stomach. He released her and she gasped for air, before kicking him in the knee. He fell but he grabbed her leg, pulling her down with him. Lightning landed on the floor, but used her other foot to kick him in the face.
"Damn, you're one annoying little-" He rubbed his face where Lightning's boot had implanted.
Oh god, oh god… this is all my fault.
"Tifa, get the girls and get out of here," Lightning was now on her feet as she threateningly cracked her knuckles.
Was she planning to take on Loz by herself?!
"You can't help me if you're drunk!" She shouted at me, breaking me out of my trance. "Go!" Her voice propelled me into action as I grabbed Serah's arm and ran. I met Fang and Vanille in another part of the bar. They were chatting up some boys. Seeing Serah and I panicked, the girls exchanged looks of worry before Fang spoke.
"Tifa, what's wrong? Where's Light?"
"No time to explain, let's go!" I dragged Serah out, with the other two girls following. I panted as Fang tried to hail a taxi.
"Are we leaving Light behind?" Vanille asked in panic. "Seriously, what's going on?"
"L-Loz, he-he attacked her and now they're fighting," I managed to say, my heart beating out of control.
"Who's Loz?" Vanille asked, and I replied quickly. "Cloud's other brother."
"Jesus Christ, call Cloud then!" Vanille shook me as I lost all ability to think. I thanked her for helping me snap out of it and pulled out my phone. I dialed for Cloud as fast as I could. He answered on the second ring. "Tifa?" I could hear loud music and the voices of the other guys in the background.
"C-Cloud, I am so sorry, I messed up," I began explaining as Fang successfully managed to stop a taxi.
"What's wrong?" His voice now sounded alarmed.
"Lightning is… she's fighting with Loz!" I tried not to panic him but there was no other way to say this.
He inhaled sharply before asking, "Where are you?"
"P-Pulse. I am so sorry!"
"I'll be there soon." The line went dead as Serah called out to me. "Captain!"
"You guys go! I am going back for Lightning! Go!" I screamed as I banged the taxi door with my hand and it started moving, leaving me behind.
I am so sorry Lightning!
Lightning's kick collided with Loz's face as she sent him straight for the floor. She struck him down like her name, dodging another punch as she maneuvered around his strength with her speed.
Okay, she's okay, good, I thought as I tried to fight the intoxication. Loz wasn't expecting me, so I took this chance to throw a punch at him with all my strength, bloodying his nose.
"Why did you come back?!" Lightning screamed angrily.
"I couldn't leave you behind!" I shouted back as Loz grappled me, subduing me into one of his bone crushing holds. I struggled to breathe as everything around me started to blur.
Just then Lightning's boot against the side of Loz's head sent him tumbling sideways. He released me and I could catch up on my breath. Loz fell on the floor, rolling before jumping into a standing position. He grabbed an empty bottle of alcohol and broke it against one of the tables.
A lot of the visitors had started leaving in panic. The girls around us screamed, and security guards just stood there, doing nothing.
He made his way towards us and I felt Lightning push me away as he charged in our direction. Lightning tried to avoid him but lost her footing and the bottle crashed on her head.
"Light!" I screamed as I jumped up, rushing past the wounded girl and releasing a barrage of punches against Loz. A jab blow to his chin sent him tumbling back. I looked around to find that Lightning was not behind me.
In a flash, I saw her in front of Loz. Her head was bloodied, but pale aqua eyes brimmed with a cool anger. She grabbed Loz's next blow, hitting him with deadly precision and 'cracking' his wrist. As he bellowed in pain, Lightning kicked him in the nuts with her boot, before kicking him in the teeth with her knee. She grabbed him by the hair, shaking her right hand in the air as if she was loosening her muscles.
"Humph, that's how it's done." As soon as the words left her lips, Lightning punched Loz with such a force that blood splattered out of his mouth as he fell to the floor, grumbling in pain. He clutched his head as he rolled around and I took the chance to grab Lightning's hand and make a run for it.
Panting, we both ran for some time. Arriving at a public fountain, we sat down near the cool spray of water. Lightning and I both looked roughed up and passersby shot us strange looks. The pink haired girl was holding the side of her head as she winced, taking a deep breath.
"That was irresponsible," she said through gritted teeth. Her expression now was identical to Cloud's, and I found myself smiling at their striking resemblance.
"Well, I didn't know you were such a killing machine," I grinned as Lightning released a small 'humph' before breaking into a smile herself.
"Likewise. I am sure you could take out that clown if you weren't drunk," she complimented me but I shook my head.
"High praise, but I doubt it. He's inhumanly strong. No brains though, of course."
Lightning chuckled, sighing as she swept the city with her eyes. "Should we look for a taxi?"
"Um…." I shied my eyes away from her guiltily. "Our r-ride is actually on the way. I kinda panicked and called C-Cloud." I added to find Lightning glare at me.
"What did you call Spiky for?!" She almost shouted as I texted our location to Cloud.
"Sorry, thought you might need some help but…" Lightning looked away annoyed, as I finished,
"...clearly not."
A/N: The first conflict has arrived! Yasss! Hate people who ruin a good girls' night out but who is a better party pooper than Loz? Nah, no one. XD And Lightning doesn't need no man to save her. She's a boss. *breaks into true fangirl applause of appreciation* Anyway, one more chapter is done. Hope you guys enjoyed it! Until the next update! ^^
