A/N: Today's update will be short. We're gonna get a bit into Aerith's story (obviously she's not an Ancient, but I tried to find a way to keep her special!) I threw in 50 shades of Zack XD Tried to keep it PG, but it's the start of the chapter in case anyone wants to skip.

Thanks to ATK1734 and Lumina for your support as always! I totally miss college too. Living vicariously through my characters. XD Anyway, hope you enjoy today's update! :)


CHAPTER XVIII.

Whiskey and Wine


Aerith

After the snowball fight, we were all wet and cold. We ran inside the cottage, wrapping ourselves in towels. Zack and I rushed upstairs to our room, stripping and quickly getting under the hot water. It felt incredibly good, and we both stayed there for a long time.

"That was really fun," he said, caressing my face. I nodded, wrapping my arms around him.

"Everything's perfect when you're with me. I love you," I told him honestly. Zack leaned down, pushing me gently against the wall and pressing against me. He kissed me slowly, teasingly, like he was trying to prolong the moment.

"I love you," he broke the kiss, romantically staring into my eyes. His words sent a shiver through me, and I wrapped my arms around his neck. I kissed him this time, wanting more of him. His hands boldly ran over me as he released a groan of pleasure. He knew exactly where to touch me. I blushed, moaning loudly into the kiss as well. The heat was overwhelming, and it wasn't just the hot water.

"Zack, everyone's waiting," I objected as his hands moved to my thighs.

"Well, they'll just have to wait more," he whispered seductively. His eyes were glazed with passion, and I felt myself unable to contain my own desire either. I nodded as he gripped my thighs and lifted me up, holding me against the wall.

We made love passionately, like we only had this moment to release all our longing for each other.

When we finally made our way downstairs, everyone was lounging in the living room. I looked for Cloud who was in the kitchen with Hope, preparing dinner. Zack rushed over to join them. Serah and Vanille were rounding up everyone's towels. They brought two piles down and threw them in a basket with our wet clothes in it. Vanille tried to lift it up, but the basket wouldn't budge.

"I got it, thanks," Lightning's deep voice caught my attention. She walked into the living room and lifted the basket like it was a feather, moving towards the storage room by herself. I followed her quietly as she threw the load in the washing machine, added some detergent and started the cycle.

"Thanks for doing that," I said and she just gave me a nod, as if to say 'no problem.' Thanks to knowing Cloud for years, I had learned how to interpret almost every kind of non verbal communication on the planet.

"So, wanna talk?" I asked, watching the pink haired girl study me with interest. I tried my best not to show any hostility towards her, and she responded in kind, nodding again.

"After you," she said coolly. I led her to the bar which was currently deserted, with everyone enjoying the warmth of the fireplace in the living room.

"Want a drink?" I asked and she looked at the selection.

"I got it," she went behind the bar, pulling out a glass and adding some ice. Then she poured whiskey in it, stirring the glass slowly. "What do you want?" She asked and I was in awe of her choice of hard liquor.

"Um, that fruity vodka over there," I pointed to the peach flavor and Lightning took it out, pouring me the liquid with some ice in a tall glass. She topped it with some tonic water before sliding it over to me as she hopped on the stool on the other side. I nervously held my glass, taking a sip and setting it down again. Now what? I had called her out, but didn't know how to start the conversation. I stole a glance at her, noticing that she was simply drinking from her glass, looking away, giving me my space.

"So…" I started, watching as her icy orbs moved over to meet mine. "I realize we haven't really talked."

Lightning nodded, sipping her drink as she patiently waited for me to continue.

"I have been… really angry at you," I said and she just nodded again, not minding my unfair, accusatory tone. "I get if that's weird but… I had a lot of reasons. Thinking about them now, they don't feel all that important..."

"Let's hear them," Lightning said calmly as she tilted her head slightly. What a jaw line… I found myself admiring her sharp features.

"Gainsborough?" I blinked in surprise, remembering that first names were kind of a privilege with this girl, one that Zack and Tifa had both earned.

"Well, okay," I took a deep breath, trying to clear my head. "The first reason was because I love Tifa. I can read Cloud really well, and before we met, I saw him eyeing you with an interest I have never seen him show for a girl before," I explained.

"That's an important reason, concern for your friend. I can respect that. But I didn't do anything to get Strife interested in me, since I knew he was Tifa's boyfriend from the start. My sister introduced them to me that way," she defended and I nodded sheepishly.

"Yeah…. Tifa was the one who told me that. She said you always kept a distance, and at one point you were even actively ignoring Cloud. She suspected it was out of consideration for her. She talked lots about you, and what you were like. But then there was Zack."

"Zack?" She repeated carefully.

"Mmhmm. Zack has loved only me for so long, I almost took his love for granted. I thought he'll always be mine, until you came along. He warmed up to you right away, and any time he didn't spend with me and Cloud was all with you," I took a break, finishing my drink. Lightning just jerked her neck towards the bottle and I nodded as she refilled my glass, before doing the same for her own.

"We started fighting. I was being unfair to him. He finally made a new friend except Cloud, someone so close and precious to him. And without getting to try to know you, I started acting cold towards him. I emotionally isolated him, and even suggested breaking up," I said regretfully, my shoulders slumping. "I was so blind, so selfish. When you saved him, I can't tell you how stupid I felt. I owe you my thanks. You saved the one person who means everything in the world to me. But I failed to see the signs when he needed me the most…"

"You love him," Lightning said and I nodded, my eyes felt moist.

"I love him so much. He's everything to me. I always pray I go first, so I don't have to see him leave… I can't live without him," there was pain in my chest, my lungs constricted and it felt harder to breathe. I looked up to find Lightning smiling. It was very slight, identical to how Cloud smiled. But the expression in her icy eyes was caring.

"Don't blame yourself. When someone does... that, our first impulse is to blame ourselves. But if you have that much emotional energy, just spend it making that person feel loved. I wish I had done that. I have so many regrets," she said as she shot the entire glass down. I had a feeling there was a lot more to her story that I didn't know. I hesitated, watching her eyes dull a little.

"So, was it just boys then? I feel like there's a bit more to it," she read me accurately and I drank from my glass.

"Aaah~," I exhaled, closing my eyes shut for a while. Then I opened them, meeting Lighting's curious gaze. "You're right. I… I hate the military. I have my reasons…"

"Too personal to share?" Lightning asked as she refilled her glass, her eyes never leaving mine.

"No... " I took a moment to calm myself, my hands balling into fists as I placed them in my lap. "My parents were scientists, you see," I started and Lightning set her glass down gracefully, giving me her full attention. "We were the happiest family. They worked for the military. I lived on the base, surrounded by loving adults in uniforms. Kids my age were raised strictly, but my parents never forced me to do anything. I spent a lot of time around their work, so I learned a lot at a young age. I was always absorbing information. I loved science. I thought that if I became an inventor or a scientist like them, I could help defend my country against 'bad people'. Juvenile thoughts…"

Lightning listened patiently, nodding to encourage me on. I continued, "It all happened gradually. Things changed. My parents were stressed, working themselves to death. They had been asked to create a weapon, but they were against it. They had helped develop weapon technology before, but they didn't want to create a full-fledged machine of destruction. One night, my parents woke me up. They had packed my bag, inside were traveling and other documents, a huge sum of money and a train ticket. I thought we were all running away together, but they told me they can't come with me. My mother told me that I was very special, and the activation code to anything they had ever created was embedded in my DNA itself. 'Guard yourself, Aerith,' they told me."

Tears fell down my cheeks. I drank the alcohol, hoping it would numb me to the pain, setting the now empty glass on the counter. "I got on the train. I was still watching them as it began to move. But military uniforms surrounded them while they were waving me off and they were shot to death on the spot. A panic broke out in the station, but the train had already moved far beyond the platform." I wiped my tears away with the back of my hand.

"One of my father's friends was waiting for me at the station. I was terrified and broken, but that person, Uncle Feng, took me in. His kindness healed me. He had only one son, who I became good friends with. Over time I learned how to forget, trying to live my new life. I stayed with him for a while, but he was worried that the military would come looking for me, knowing his ties to my parents. He sent me off to boarding school, that's where I met Zack, and later Cloud. When I graduated, I went back 'home' but Uncle Feng was… no more. He had mysteriously disappeared and was never found again… I lost the only family I had a second time, but his son Tseng found me wandering aimlessly. I stayed with him for a while, before moving in with Zack," I finished, letting Lightning process.

She said nothing for a while and silently drank. I took this chance to drink as well, both of us staring into our glasses. Finally she asked me a question. "Tseng from security?"

"Yes…" I replied with a nod. "He took over campus security so he could watch over me until I graduate."

"I am sorry," Lighting said, her hand hanging low. "The military… We are supposed to protect innocent citizens. That's why we carry guns. We carry responsibility. We don't shoot the people we vow to protect with them."

I shook my head, watching as Lightning poured herself another drink. She seemed greatly upset after hearing my story and I had never expected her to be this big of a softie inside that tough demeanor.

"I am horrible, aren't I? I judged you and didn't want to get to know you. Tseng's the only family I have left now, and even he speaks highly of you. I have been so wrong about you, Lightning. I am sorry…"

Lightning glanced up at me, correcting her posture. She exhaled slowly, as if she was regaining her composure. "Don't apologize. Your reaction was natural. I am glad you talked to me about everything. Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you."

"Stop it~ I swear my heart just skipped a beat," I teased as I grinned, watching Lightning smirk in response. "You know about Zack right? And Cloud too?" I guessed and she nodded.

"Everyone's opened up to you so fast…" I felt lighter. Lightning carried herself with so much dignity, it was impossible not to find her charming. "Can you tell me why you were in the military?"

"Oh," Lightning looked up at me in surprise, like she wasn't expecting that question. "Uh, I… My father died quite early, and my mother ended her life. My grandparents died long ago, and both my parents were only children. So we didn't have any immediate relatives. We had a distant uncle, who I was sure was a pedophile, enabled by his alcoholic wife. Serah's custody would go straight to that family, so I started looking for work in a frenzy. My lieutenant colonel found me and promised to help me with custody, even though I was a minor myself. I took the only kindness that was extended to me then, I was starved for it... Thanks to his help I got Serah, and inherited my parents' beach house." She refilled her glass, never breaking eye contact as she spoke.

"I drowned myself in work. At first it was necessary. I had to provide for Serah, send her to school. But on the weekends… I hated being in the house where my parents' once lived. I could still hear their laughter sometimes, it suffocated me. I ran away, taking up assignments even on the weekends. I left Serah all alone in that house. I was rewarded for my work and promoted to first lieutenant. But by then, Serah and I had drifted apart. Before I knew it, she was dreaming of leaving… then she was here, and I followed."

When she finished, I didn't know what to say. "You lost your parents like us, but you protected your sister, raised her. You're amazing," I appreciated her honestly, but she looked away from me, her eyes lowered to examine the bar counter.

"I am not," a tired sigh escaped her. "You, Zack, Strife, Tifa… you've all gone through so much. I respect the hell out of you four. I know you're like a family unit, and I don't mean to get in your way. But if you ever need me, I am always here on the sidelines."

"I think you joined the unit the second you saved Zack's life," I smiled broadly at her. "We don't usually ask our members before enrolling them. Oh, and the membership lasts for a lifetime!"

Lighting chuckled, refilling my glass after emptying the entire contents of the bottle in her glass. "Yeah, I can see why you and Zack are a thing," she smirked at me and I rolled my eyes.

"Oh please, you and Cloud are like, psychic. Sometimes it's like you two have an entire conversation with three nods and a 'humph'." This amused Lightning, who only shrugged in response as she drank.

"So… we're friends?" I asked nervously, fidgeting with my glass.

"I thought you said we were family a minute ago," Lightning said in a matter-of-fact tone. Her kindness won me over. Damn Cloud picked a good one!

"Can you please marry Cloud and stay with us forever?" I pleaded, forgetting all the animosity that had existed between us.

Lightning startled me by laughing - not a chuckle or snort, but a proper laugh. "I am sorry. Are you proposing to me on Strife's behalf?"

"I mean I might as well because he's hopeless?" I joked as Lightning laughed some more. What a smile…

"He's great," she said with seriousness as her laughter faded away. It was replaced by a small smile. "He's really thoughtful and romantic. I am glad we're dating."

"Um, are we talking about the same Cloud? HE'S THOUGHTFUL AND ROMANTIC?" I shouted as Zack joined us, pulling the stool next to me and sitting on it.

"Who's thoughtful and romantic?" Zack asked as he took my hand, our fingers intertwining.

"Cloud, apparently," I told him and he laughed, smacking his hand on the bar loudly.

"I think Lightning's had too much to drink," he teased as Lightning pushed aside the now empty bottle of whiskey. "You guys are so weird," Lightning sighed in defeat, taking out a bottle of red wine. "Here, your auspicious color," she poured Zack a glass.

"The girl who calls us weird is talking about auspicious colors…" Zack defended and Lightning chuckled.

"You're one to talk. Who do you think started this feng shui business?," she countered. Cloud entered the room, looking exhausted as he stretched his neck sideways.

"Dinner's ready -" his eyes traveled to the half empty bottle of vodka and the fully empty whiskey bottle next to it. "You're all drinking?"

"Yes Mr. Thoughtful and-" Lightning smacked my arm lightly to shut me up and I grinned, nudging Zack with my elbow. He hurriedly downed his glass, clearing out the space as Cloud took the seat I was occupying, in front of Lightning.

"Want one before dinner?" Lighting asked him and he nodded. She poured him some scotch, and slid it over to him, before pouring herself the same and taking her seat.

"We'll be in the living room~" I dragged Zack away, ignoring his complaints of wanting to hang out with them. We set up the table, watching Hope and Vanille break into another argument. It was really cute. I had brought two bottles of wine with me, so we all settled around the table. Serah filled everyone's glasses while humming a tune.

"Where's Light?" She asked as she realized her sister's absence.

"She's at the bar with Cloud," I smiled suggestively and Vanille's excitement burst through the roof.

"I'm gonna go check on them real quick," Vanille volunteered as she jumped out of her seat, running out of the kitchen. A few minutes later she ran back inside, rummaging through her bag frantically.

"What's going on?" Serah asked as she saw Vanille squealing. She had managed to find her phone.

"They're SO cute, ssssh," She held a finger to her lips. Serah tiptoed out of the kitchen after her, and I decided to tag along for the fun. The three of us peeked at them through the living room. Cloud and Lightning were talking about something animatedly, laughing. Then Cloud took her hand and their laughter came to a pause. He lifted it slowly to his lips. I laughed as Vanille almost fell over while trying to zoom in, Serah slapping her back enthusiastically. The redhead finally snapped a photo as the three of us withdrew like ninjas.

"They need to eat, you know," Hope grunted as the three of us came back.

"Nope, I think they can have a few more minutes," I smiled as I took a sip of the wine. Zack sat next to me, his eyes scanning me curiously.

"Everything alright?" He asked with a warm smile.

"Never been better," I replied honestly as we all dug into the feast Cloud and Hope had prepared for us.


Cloud

I was holding Lightning's hand over the counter, suddenly feeling loneliness wash over me. Tomorrow morning we'd be back on campus and we wouldn't see each other for a while.

"Strife?" She asked softly. I opened my mouth to tell her how I felt, but decided against it in the end.

"Guys, dinner." Hope's voice distracted us both from each other. I let go of her hand. Lightning and I brought the now empty glasses to the kitchen and placed them in the sink.

"More wine!" Aerith yelled drunkenly and I sank into my seat.

"Get it yourself," I joked but Lightning had already left the kitchen. She came back with four bottles a minute later.

"Can I have some white wine?" Hope asked as Lightning chuckled, sitting next to me and silently jerking her neck in the direction of Zack.

"Nah bro, we only drink red for good luck," Zack told an unbelieving Hope, who stared back at Zack, appalled and at a loss for words. We all laughed and dinner was a relatively fast affair.

"It's the last night, so let's clean up together," Serah suggested and we all agreed. It only took a few minutes with that many of us to help. When it was done, Lighting and Zack changed the wood, and we sat in front of the freshly burning fire.

"Man, I am gonna miss the smell of all this wood," Snow commented and I was agreeing with him with a nod, before I knew it.

So many things had happened in this place. It seemed like Lightning and Aerith had somehow become friends, and Lightning and I were much closer than before. It felt like time stopped here, and I selfishly wished this night would last a little longer. It was snowing outside, but it was gentle. It was less cold than yesterday too, but maybe that was because we were all ridiculously drunk.

"I think I am good," I heard Lightning say as Vanille poured her another glass.

"Come on~ You outdrank us all at girls' night out," she protested. Lightning gave in, holding the glass up to her lips as she took a sip. Her cheeks were flushed and she was swaying lightly. Zack draped his arm around her, steadying her as he tried to take her glass.

"Okay dude, I think you've had enough for one night," he tried. Lightning's tremendous pride got in the way and she held onto the glass stubbornly. "I am fine Zack," she insisted and Zack let go, shooting a concerned look my way. I shook my head, silently telling him that she was still okay.

We played two card games, and everyone was already sleepy.

"Should we call it a night?" Hope asked as he yawned. Vanille was already fast asleep, resting on his shoulder without a care in the world.

"Want me to take her?" I offered but he shook his head. He released a 'humph', trying to shake her awake to no avail.

"You're such a pain…." he mumbled, taking her in his arms as he stood up. "Good night," we all nodded as he retreated upstairs with the sleeping redhead in his arms.

"You good?" I asked Lightning who nodded, standing up.

"Damn it. I forgot about the laundry," she held onto the fireplace mantle as she straightened up.

"I'll do it," Aerith offered with a smile. Lightning nodded in gratitude, doing a wave as the others waved in response.

"I am sorry Cloud, she's a handful isn't she?" Serah asked as the two of us cleared the glasses, rinsing the empty bottles of alcohol. I just shook my head. I am pretty sure I was a handful.

I hung out downstairs with Vincent and Fang for an hour, but couldn't help but to worriedly glance upstairs more than a few times.

"Just go check on her," Vincent asked me quietly.

"Alright," I hurried upstairs. Sliding the door open, I was surprised to find Lightning wearing one of my hoodies. It was large on her, stopping a little over her thighs. She wasn't wearing shorts underneath.

"I am out of clothes," she explained as she dried her wet locks with a towel.

"You seem fine," I remarked.

"Took a shower and sobered up," she told me casually as she tossed the wet towel in the empty laundry basket, stretching.

"It looks good on you," I complimented as she emptied another bottle of water.

"Thanks, sorry for taking it without asking," she said quickly. My body moved towards her and I hugged her, unable to resist.

Just one more night, I thought. And then two months of, god knows what, knowing Lightning and her deadly focus.

Lightning stayed still, letting me hug her. Slowly, her arms found their way around me and she returned the hug. "You're all so brave," she said out of nowhere.

"What do you mean?" I questioned her as I pulled away from the hug.

"Aerith told me her story," her eyes were thoughtful as always, her hand touching my cheek. It was warm. "I caused a bit of trouble for everyone, didn't I?" She added it as an afterthought, but I was surprised.

"Where did that come from?" I asked but she shrugged me off, moving over to the records. She pulled out a vinyl, setting it on the player. An acoustic melody replaced the silence in the room, and she zoned out as she observed the record spinning.

"Tell me," I pressed, gripping her hand as I turned her to face me.

"Aerith was worried about you and Tifa in the beginning. Then it was me and Zack. I caused a lot of misunderstandings," she was beating herself over it. My grip tightening around her hand.

"All you have done is made our lives happier," I insisted, my thumb stroking her cheek gently.

"You're happier?" She asked in a tone of disbelief.

"Isn't it obvious?" I asked as my cheeks began to heat up. Lightning noticed, trying to look away. I pressed my lips to hers quickly, wrapping my arms around her waist. She held onto my shirt with both hands, kissing back reluctantly.

I pulled away, staring into her eyes again. "Farron, tell me how to fix it," I said softly. Lightning looked at me with a confused expression.

"Fix what?" She asked, equally gentle in her tone.

"This. I hate to see you like this," I pressed my forehead against hers.

"I am sorry. It's just that you've all been so kind to me. And to Serah. It just bothered me that you and Tifa broke up, and Aerith almost broke up with Zack because of me," she admitted, her shoulders slumping.

"Trust me, nothing can split Aerith and Zack. And I already told you, Tifa and I were eventually going to break up. Didn't Tifa tell you the same thing?" I questioned and she nodded dispiritedly.

"Everyone likes you, every single one of us, including me," I cleared my throat awkwardly, blushing as I tried to capture her gaze. It worked and our eyes locked, Lightning's cheeks were also flushed. "I like you. There, I said it. "

Lightning nodded. Her lips parted and her eyes reflected the struggle as she paused. It lasted for a while, and I looked away. "It's fine, don't feel any pressure," I tried. Lightning shook her head, collecting herself and trying again. She groaned in frustration when she was unable to formulate the words. I understood - it happened to me all the time.

"Kiss me," she said so suddenly that I didn't register it right away.

I pulled her against me, my lips eager to meet hers. Lightning inched into me, kissing me back impatiently, her hands wrapping tightly around my neck. She tugged on my hair and I groaned in pleasure as she pushed into the kiss aggressively. I returned her enthusiasm, one of my hands grabbing her hair and tugging on it. My other hand held the side of her waist. We collided against the shelf, both of us panting into the kiss.

"I like you," she said between our short breaths. I kissed her harder, unwilling to part. Her words charged me, driving me further. My hand yanked her hoodie over her waist, fingers caressing the unbelievably soft skin underneath. Lightning released the softest moan I had heard from her, her own hands tugging on my shirt like it was in the way. I paused and broke away from the wet kiss, lifting my shirt to remove it. Lightning tumbled slightly and my hands caught her before I could undress.

"You're drunk," I realized as she held her head with one hand.

"I am fine," she panted, waving her other hand dismissively. She steadied herself with my shoulder, and her free hand slipped underneath my shirt. My cheeks took on a darker tone as the pink haired girl felt up my torso, and I had to use every last bit of self control to grab her wrist.

"Not like this," I pulled her hand up to my lips and kissed it.

She growled softly, before grabbing her head again. "Wow, everything is spinning," I heard her say.

"Yeah, definitely not like this," I repeated, pulling my shirt down. I guided her to the bed and she fell softly on it. It was tempting to look at her, but I tried not to as I covered her up with the sheets. I slipped under the sheets, pulling her against me.

"Alright Farron, sleep," I commanded and she growled again - it was even softer this time. "Is it okay to be this defenseless?" I teased as she mumbled something.

"What's that?" I asked again. Lightning lifted her head up, aqua blue eyes blinking sleepily at me.

"You're a really good guy, Cloud Strife," she told me before her eyes shut softly, retiring for the night.

What a thing to say to a guy, I thought to myself with a chuckle. I groaned, burying my face in her hair. The sound of my name on her lips replayed in my head, my body burning with a passion I didn't even know existed. Lightning had just made it impossible for me to sleep.

It was early when my alarm went off. The bed next to me was empty. Everyone was awake downstairs when I joined them. Zack handed me a cup of steaming hot coffee and I took it gratefully.

"Lightning's kidneys will probably die from overwork," Serah remarked grumpily and the older Farron chugged a one liter bottle empty in front of her in the kitchen. I grabbed a piece of toast, watching the two girls fighting over something.

Lightning set down the bottle, opening another one. "I'll only die if I drink three liters every other hour, so lots left to go," she said coolly. She was back to her usual self, shoulders tall, chin up, walking with deliberateness. It was almost like I had imagined how helpless she had been last night.

"She's right," Hope seconded and Vanille smacked his head.

"Shut up, you're not a doctor yet," she scolded. Hope rolled his eyes.

"At least I am helpful," he tossed his keys over to Lightning. "All yours, I am not driving in that snow again."

Lightning nodded, noticing me as our eyes met. We both blushed, turning away from each other as if it was a reflex.

"Everyone packed up?" Fang asked as she grabbed a plate and threw some sausages on it.

"I'll be done fast," I told the others, taking my cup of coffee upstairs with me. I brought our bags down and loaded them into the car. Everyone was done with breakfast by then. "You guys cleared the snow already?" I asked incredulously.

"This one woke up at 4 am," Serah pointed at Lightning who was yawning tiredly, now pouring herself some coffee.

"It had to be done. I need to get back asap. Finals," she pressed.

Lightning was already in finals mode. Zack brought his and Aerith's bags down. "I'm going to throw these in the car. Who's riding with us?" He called out to us.

Vanille and Hope instantly broke into a fight over who's riding with us, and Lightning asked them both to, simply to put an end to their fight. The four of us got into Hope's Mercedes. Zack returned the keys to the owner, securing his snow chains and checking ours for us, too. The others got into his Jeep, and we were already on our way back. I sat in the front with Lightning. Playing a tune on the radio, I leaned back in the seat. Lightning's hand was on the steering, the other one on her knee.

"You're not nervous?" Hope gulped as she continued to drive with one hand. The road was slippery, narrow and dangerous, with nothing but a deep valley underneath us.

"Nope," Lightning said coolly as she masterfully turned the steering wheel. "You guys can sleep if you want, I'll wake you up when we get there." After some time Hope and Vanille drifted off to sleep in the back seat. I reached over to hold Lightning's free hand, looking outside the window.

Lightning kept her eyes on the road. "Thanks… for last night."

So she remembered.

"Of course," I squeezed her hand. I didn't want to let go. We made a few stops until campus, and the ride was mostly silent. We arrived 20 minutes ahead of Zack's party, waiting in the parking lot for the others.

"Man, that was a good trip!" Zack stretched his arms above his head as he jumped out of the driving seat, the others unloading their luggage from his trunk.

Lightning tossed the keys to Hope, grabbing her single bag. "I am going to hit the library-"

"Right away?!" Serah's eyes widened in shock.

"Yep, and you," she pointed at Vanille. "No more texting spam."

Vanille looked deflated as she nodded apologetically.

"Cloud, help me with this~" Aerith called out. I wanted to at least walk Lightning to the library, but I decided to help Aerith out in the end. Zack and I walked the girls back, seeing everyone off. We were walking back to our room when my phone rang.

"Take it, it might be important," Zack's shoulder bumped playfully against mine. I stared at the screen, stopping in my tracks.

"Cloud? Who is it?" He asked worriedly.

I inhaled sharply, my body tensing as it switched to flight mode. The hand that was holding my phone began to quiver, and I grit my teeth tightly. My eyes were narrowed at the screen in front of me.

"Mother."


A/N: I wanted Aerith and Lightning to bond in this chapter, though it was already foreshadowed when Tifa said Aerith will join the Lightning Farron fan club a few chapters ago. What's there not to love? Lightning is perfect. XD *controls fangirl emotions* There's gonna be some distance between Cloud and Lightning for a while, but to make up for it I threw in a very intimate scene in today's update. Cloud's such a gentleman, obviously! We'll have a few developments related to Cloud's crazy fam in the upcoming chapters, as well as Lightning's meeting with Caius.

Also I realize I have written some dark ass chapters for this light novel, should I change the genre from humor to drama? I feel like I am misleading people *cries* But then there's feng shui XD *doesn't know what to do*

Anyway, hope everyone is looking forward to the weekend. Until the next update! ^^