A/N: Thank you as always to ATK1734 and Lumina for hitting the review button! As promised, Caius will make an appearance today and there will be a continuation of the cliffhanger. I am sorry for all the serious stuff after a series of wholesome fluff the past few chapters T^T Hope you enjoy today's update. P.S. I might do a double upload today! :)
CHAPTER XIX.
Announcement
Lightning
I silenced my alarm, careful not to wake up my sleeping roommate. I jumped out of bed, cleaning up and throwing on my running wear. There was a sticky note to our fridge door that read 'Open Me.' I flung it open to find my protein shake in there, with a note that said 'Drink Me.' I threw an appreciative glance at Tifa who was still snoring away, smiling as I downed the drink. I stretched outside the dorms, before going for my morning run. I was halfway through it when Zack jogged up to me, still sleepy.
"Morning dude," he chirped, joining my run.
"Morning Zack," I replied as I picked up pace.
"Hey, wait. I am not even awake yet!" Zack protested as he increased his speed, keeping up with me.
Over the two weeks, my friends had adjusted to my strict schedule, trying to see me as much as possible during the day. After my run I went back and showered, finding Tifa awake.
"Thanks for the shake. You don't have to do that every day, you know," I told her as I dried my hair.
"It's the least I can do. Are you heading to the cafe today too? I'll go with you," she offered and I nodded. We both made our way to the cafe, where I grabbed an extra large coffee and Tifa got her regular hot latte. I went straight to work after. I worked my shift, which had moved to the mornings because of exam week, and finished around noon.
After work, I grabbed a quick lunch from the convenience store, heading straight for the library. My phone buzzed and I flipped it open to check our chat.
Vanilleway sent a photo.
I clicked it open to find a picture of a confused person. The caption read:
No one:
Literally no one:
Lightning at 4 am: Let's go for a run
Hope-less: Vanille, what did Light say about memes….
I chuckled and typed up a quick response.
Lightning Farron: You guys have too much free time.
TheZack: HAHAHA. That was hilarious.
Aerith : Saving this one for the future.
It was relatively quiet when I got to the library. I opened up my books, going through my list of items for revision. It took about two hours to revise everything.
itsyourboyNoel: Where are you right now?
Serahlife sent a photo.
I sighed, clicking it open. It was a stock photo of a librarian. The caption read:
Librarian: Lightning, it's time to go home.
Lightning: I live here.
I rolled my eyes, smiling.
Lightning Farron: Library, where else? Stop texting!
Serahlife: You know I can't do that.
TheZack: I am coming over!
I locked my phone, throwing it in my bag. A few minutes later Zack, Aerith, Noel, Yeul and Serah had joined me in the library. Our other friends came over an hour later and soon my table was fully packed.
"I am Ballad's TA. There are some practice exams from last year," Noel handed me a thin bundle. I skimmed through them quickly.
"These are great, thanks," I marked the important points in them, went over them twice and threw them in my bag for future reference. We studied together for a few more hours. When the early hours of the evening hit, I packed up my things quickly. "I am going to go see Ballad so… bye," I told the group, quickly escaping before they could hold me back.
Yeuldream sent a photo.
I clicked it open on my way to Caius' office. It was a picture of Caius that she had taken from the school website. He was looking straight at the camera with a grumpy expression. She captioned it with:
Dean Estheim: Caius, smile for the camera.
Caius: I am smiling.
This one got me and I laughed out loud, bumping into none other than the person in question.
"Miss Farron, I see you are in high spirits. You're early. This way," he extended his hand towards his office. He was wearing a long black coat, which was flowing as he walked. He led me inside, closing the door shut.
His office was very minimal, with a desk, a chair and an endless display of books. There was a single photo frame on his desk which faced his way, and I was glad I couldn't see it. If it was probably his cat, and I was trying my best not to laugh already. My phone buzzed several times in my pocket and I was sure that the chat had been bombarded with more Caius memes. I took a deep breath, waiting awkwardly by the door.
"Have a seat," he said curtly and I obliged, sitting down carefully in the chair in front of his desk. He went behind his desk and took a seat. He took out my file, going over it.
"Perfect attendance… perfect quiz scores… hm," he pursed his lips, his eyes burning a hole through the pages. "So, Miss Farron, how are you liking it here?" He asked like he wasn't really interested.
"It's fine," I replied, matching his tone.
"You're working part time. Is that alright? You have a lot of classes," he cautioned. I shrugged casually.
"It helps me stay focused. And I am doing fine in class," I answered, holding my leg down which had started shaking nervously.
"Tseng said he would like to increase your hours, but I capped them at 40 hours a week. Hope you don't mind," he said dryly. I knew he wasn't asking for permission, so I said nothing. "Are you feeling prepared for the finals?"
"I am getting there," I replied coolly, trying to keep my tone neutral. I'd still be studying if you didn't call me in for this interrogation, I thought icily.
"Hmm…" he mused, lost in thought. He slammed my file shut, making me jump slightly in my seat. "Miss Farron, may I ask if you have put any thought into your future plans?" He narrowed his eyes.
"You mean my major? I am working on it," I lied quickly. Caius fell silent, his eyes scrutinizing me. I kept my face as neutral as possible. I didn't want to give away the lie, but I was finding it increasingly difficult to keep the facade up under Caius' unrelenting gaze.
"Well, based on your current courses, I can't think of anything specific. So I have an assignment for you. I want you to turn it in before the year end elections," He handed me a piece of paper. I took it, my eyes running over it quickly. "I want you to write three things you like and three things you dislike about each of your courses. You will turn it in, then we will go over it together to come up with something. Even if you decide on a major before then, I still want you to bring the completed assignment with you on the day of our meeting. Have I made myself clear?" He asked coldly.
"Crystal," I replied, slipping the paper in a folder and putting it inside my bag. Caius sighed, leaning back slightly in his chair.
"Good job on the Halloween carnival," he added and I found my eyes widening. Was he complimenting me?
"Er, thanks," I replied hurriedly, trying to keep eye contact.
"I know it will be challenging, but have you considered running for council president?"
I snorted and Caius growled slightly. I immediately wiped the smirk off my face. "Er, no. I am not -" I hesitated, "-qualified for the job," I ended. Caius nodded, taking a note on a memo pad.
"If you say so," his eyes met mine again. "Well, that'll be all for today. Miss Farron," he added as I was standing up. I sank back into the chair.
"It's a topic of a personal nature," he warned me and I rolled my eyes in my head. Not like that'll stop you from asking, I thought.
"Go ahead," I said and he cleared his throat.
"It has come to my attention that you have become… romantically involved with Mr. Strife."
Okay, what? I was not expecting that.
"Yes," I replied with a deadpan face. I didn't know even the teachers had a penchant for gossip.
"I think of it as my duty to inform you, since you're not from around here," his emphasis on the last two words pissed me off but I kept my cool as he continued. "Mr. Strife comes from a very influential family, and has very… particular circumstances. I suggest if you want to succeed here to keep out of… all that," his fingers overlapped as he set his hands on his desk, straightening his shoulders. "We don't want to see you leave before you can graduate," he finished.
Was he threatening me right now?
"I didn't know my dating life was being policed, thanks for the tip," I shot back coldly. Caius smirked, but his eyes were seething.
"Not at all, I just thought you should know before you get yourself into that mess," he added. My hands balled into fists.
"I thought that mess is top of our class," I reminded him, trying hard not to snap.
"Oh no, Mr. Strife is exemplary in every sense of the word. I am cautioning you about the family, not the man himself," he clarified. Yeah, big difference.
"Well, thanks for your concern," I spat bitterly, hoping this torture fest would end with this.
"Right, then off you go," he dismissed me with a wave of my hand. I flung my bag over my shoulder, storming out of his office without a second look.
That foul, foul man!
I walked straight into Hope, who dropped the folder he was holding as we collided.
"Light, hey. Are you okay?" His eyes were full of concern. I growled, helping him pick up the papers that had scattered all over the floor and trying to calm down.
"I'm fine, what are you meeting him for?" I accused him and Hope was taken aback.
"Not a good meeting I'm guessing?" He chuckled as we both stood up. "Year end elections. You should consider running for president."
"No thanks," I responded, trying to cool down. "Well, have fun," I patted his shoulder and he nodded, waving me off.
I was fast walking back to the library when my steps automatically slowed down. I hadn't seen Cloud for an entire week. I felt a strange loneliness spread over me, a feeling that only being in his arms could fix. My thoughts surprised me, and my feet came to a stop.
I missed him.
I checked our chat, and just as I had predicted, it was overflowing with Caius memes. I chuckled, admiring my friends' extraordinary ability to cheer me up. I opened up our private chat and began typing,
Strife… hey. I haven't seen you in a while, think we could meet tonight?
I hesitated, my hand hovering over the send button. I ended up erasing the message and pocketing my phone.
"Hey beautiful, why so serious, yo?" I heard the familiar voice of my red haired colleague. I glanced up to see Reno was playfully smiling at me. Rude was with him too, and he just nodded to greet me. I nodded at them both.
"Hey, sorry. Just some stuff," I said vaguely and Reno chuckled.
"Some stuff, huh? Well, I am here if you need a shoulder to cry on," he teased and I rolled my eyes.
"What if I need a shoulder to break?" I smirked and Reno inched away, gesturing towards Rude.
"He's your man for that," he offered up Rude, who just looked at Reno like he was going to punch him.
"Geez, why is everyone so grumpy? So when are you taking me out for drinks?" He asked as I held the strap of my bag around my shoulder. I remembered I had promised him an evening out if he helped me out with keeping an eye on Zack.
"Right, after finals. Promise," I added the last word quickly and this seemed to satisfy Reno.
"Good, well then I'll be waiting, yo. See ya," he waved and Rude did the same. I crossed them, coming back to the library to find everyone exactly as I left them, but everyone was on their phones.
"Good to know nobody is studying," I joked and everyone waved at me.
"She lives!" Zack patted the empty seat next to him and I threw myself on it, releasing an angry groan.
"That bad…?" Serah asked as she touched my shoulder.
"He's an asshole," I said angrily, taking out my books. I was going to show him by acing every single damn exam.
"I am so sorry for my brother. He really knows how to get on peoples' nerves…" Yeul apologized and it took a few minutes for it to sink in.
"Caius is your brother?!" I said quite loudly, earning stares from all around me. I bowed apologetically towards the other groups studying as I settled back. Yeul nodded sheepishly.
"Yeah… he's my older brother. I thought you knew?" She asked.
Noel snickered, holding up our chat on his phone. "You send the most Caius memes in the group, of course she didn't know," he came to my aid and I looked seriously at Yeul.
"I am sorry for my language…" I began but Yeul held up both her hands in front of me.
"It's fine! Trust me, it's not the first time I have heard someone say that about him. Was he really mean?" She asked carefully.
"No no, he was fine. Minus some crap I feel like I didn't need to hear," I thought about his 'caution'. "Anyway, I am going to grab a bite," I announced and everyone started packing up before I even finished the sentence.
We made our way to Cocoon. It was the first time we had gathered after the trip. Tifa met up with us, wearing a spaghetti strap red top, black high waisted jeans and high heels.
"Sorry, I was on a date," she rushed in by the time we had already ordered. She sank next to me tiredly, calling for the waiter. "I'll have a cosmo~" she waved at her before turning to me. "Light, you're not drinking?"
"Only fresh fruit juice and coffee," Serah told her before I could open my mouth. "She's in the zoooone," she added and I rolled my eyes. I glanced at the empty seat where Strife usually sat, feeling the loneliness poke at me again.
"You miss him, huh?" Tifa asked with a warm smile. I shook my head, shrugging like it was nothing.
"Light, come over to our room after," Zack invited me as he dug into his fries. "I need help with a boss. Can't defeat him on my own," he pleaded. I nodded quickly.
Maybe I could just pop in quickly and see Strife.
After dinner, I went over to the boys dorm. Zack turned the door knob and I quickly kicked off my boots, almost running inside. Cloud's bed was made, untouched, like he hadn't slept in it at all. Zack noticed me staring at it, and waved his hand to get my attention. He patted the empty floor cushion next to him, setting up the game and checking the controllers, before handing one over to me. I took it quietly, going through the character choices absentmindedly. "Where is he?" I found myself asking, even though I had promised myself not to.
"Oh, he um, family stuff," Zack's voice suggested he didn't want to talk about it. I didn't want to bother him, so I dropped it, focusing on the game as it started. I pursed my lips tightly, wondering if Cloud often disappeared for weeks like this. Maybe Tifa could tell me more about it.
"Come on, cheer up, he'll be back," Zack said as we both upgraded our weapons.
"Do you know when?" I asked, cursing at myself inwardly.
"Hopefully before finals? I don't know how long it'll be this time." So this happened before. I took a deep breath, rushing into battle with Zack.
"Light, I'm down. Reviveeeee!" Zack thundered and I ran over to revive him, dodging an attack that would have knocked me out.
"God you're good. So happy to have you on the team," he smiled happily, sitting at ease, with his legs crossed. I felt myself relax as I smirked.
"It's not free," I reminded him.
"Yeah yeah, I know frowny," he joked as he stole a glance at me before returning his eyes to the screen. "Oh shit, he's going down," he was slamming his keys as I ran around the boss, trying to attack from the other side. "Oh wait, I am going down, helppppppp!"
"I am coming," I said monotonously as I raced over to him in the game, reviving him again.
"Should I call him?" I asked and Zack paused the game, giving me one of his big brother looks.
"What?" I asked, mildly annoyed.
"You're asking me if you should call your boyfriend? Light…" I felt like he was going to start one of his lectures about love.
"Fine, I'll call him," I said quickly as we returned to the game. We played for thirty minutes, clearing the next level as well. I called it a day, signing out of the game. "I need to study, you know the drill," I told him and Zack nodded, pausing the game.
"I'll walk you back," he offered but I declined with a shake of my head.
"No, I'll get some fresh air first," I said nervously and he nodded.
"Well thanks for coming to help me. See you tomorrow my dude," he stood up and gave me a hug. I returned it, relaxing a bit more.
"Thanks Zack," I mumbled, comforted by the warmth. I left the boys dorms, walking towards my room. I deliberated outside my own dorm, pulling out my phone and checking our chat. No sign of Cloud. Reluctantly, I dialed his number but got his answering machine instead.
Hi, this is Cloud. You know what to do.
I sighed, pressing the end call button. I didn't want to be that clingy girlfriend who leaves messages. No, I am not going to be like that… I tried to convince myself unsuccessfully. I came upstairs to my room. Tifa was in her pajamas, revising for her first exam.
"Oh god Lightning. YES!" She screamed in joy as I walked in and I tumbled back from the sheer enthusiasm of the welcome.
"What is it?" I asked as she tossed her book on the pillow.
"You're studying Latin right? I hate it when they throw in random Latin words. I looked them up but some of these definitions don't make sense," she asked and I nodded, jumping on her bed and going through the reading with her. It took only ten minutes, and Tifa took notes meticulously through it.
"You should consider a career in teaching," she stretched as she took off her reading glasses.
My shoulders slumped and I felt Cloud's voice play in my head, as if it was in the distance somewhere.
"I like you. There, I said it."
"Light? What's wrong?" Tifa asked me and I immediately shook my head.
"Nothing," I said as I got up from her bed and changed into my own pajamas. She was lounging on her bed, her eyes never left me.
"You know… I have known Cloud for a long time. So I pretty much know when something's going on through his head. And you're not that different, so…. Are you gonna tell me or do I have to annoy you until you give in?" She crossed her arms around her chest demandingly. I caved in, plopping down on my bed.
"He just disappeared after the trip. No text, no calls," my voice sounded like I was complaining, and I was surprised that it had affected me to that extent. "He's okay, right?" I asked as Tifa released a sigh of exasperation.
"Oh god…. that? Yeah, welcome to the world of dating Cloud Strife," she crossed her legs on her bed. "He never tells you anything, and you're always worried," she sighed, looking at me anxiously. "Want me to lecture him when he gets back?" She asked and I shook my head quickly.
"No… it's not that I am… I am just hoping nothing bad happened. We have finals in two weeks," I replied, putting my pillow on my lap and placing my palms on it.
"I know," Tifa smiled, a sad expression in her crimson eyes. "It's probably a family thing. But he's dealt with it all this time, I am sure he'll be back in time for finals," she said in her usual comforting voice and I decided to give up on it.
The next few days passed in the same way, and I held onto my routine for dear life, busying myself so I didn't overthink things. The library got more crowded and the cafe was always busy, so we had to squeeze study sessions in dorm rooms. Exams started a week early for me since I had to take them with freshmen first, and I lost myself in studying until the day. On the day of my first exam, I checked my phone before entering the exam hall, smiling from the constant notifications that were flooding in.
Vanilleway: You can do this!
Hope-less: Show them how it's done!
Aerith : You got this Queen~
TheZack: May the feng shui be with you!
Ti fa: Slayyyy!
Yeuldream: It'll be a piece of cake!
ItsyourboyNoel: Lightning on fire!
Sn0w: Kill em'!
Serahlife: You're the best, sis!
Fangit: Don't rock it too hard!
Valentine: Good luck.
I chuckled at this extraordinary response. I knew everyone woke up early to wish me luck, and I was grateful for their support. I was about to power off my phone when another message buzzed in.
Fenrir: Go get them, Farron.
I paused, my eyes reading and rereading those four words, over and over again. Relief washed all over me. Okay, Cloud was fine. I took a deep breath, powering off my phone and entering the hall. The exam was surprisingly easy - it felt like I had overprepared. The next two were somewhat challenging but I finished all three early and had plenty of time to check my answers. Over the next three days I had exams back to back, but every morning was the same, with support messages coming in without fail. Cloud didn't text again, but once was more than enough for me.
The first week of December, exams began for sophomores. Noel, Yeul, Serah, Snow, Hope and Vanille all finished earlier, but it was just starting for the rest of our group. I had no break in between both years, but I was powering through it.
Lightning Farron: Let's do this.
I smiled as a barrage of thank yous flew in response to my text, turning my phone off as I entered the hall. I settled in my seat, glancing at the clock as the minutes raced by.
Come on Strife…. Come on. Please, I thought as I panicked, watching all the other seats fill up - except one.
With two minutes to go on the clock, the sound of the door opening echoed in the quiet examination hall. Cloud was wearing an all black suit, looking different from his usual self. His eyes quickly scanned the room and our eyes met. He smiled at me slightly and I was too panicked to even return his smile. He settled in the only available seat in the front right corner. Two fully armed guards stood by his side and the professor tried to ignore them as she cleared her throat.
"You may begin," she said and my eyes snapped back to the paper in front of me. I zoned into the questions in front of me, focusing on the task at present. I finished on time, exactly when the professor called out to us. "Pens down."
I tapped my foot impatiently on the ground, waiting for the TAs to collect the bundles from our desks. I glanced at Cloud who was still here. I wanted nothing more than to hear his voice again, and ask if he was okay. Cloud was closest to the door so he exited first, but I had to wait in line. I pushed through the people, almost calling out for him. I stopped in surprise as I saw about six to eight guards gathered in the corridor. One of them helped Cloud into a long coat. He turned around as he put it on, our eyes met, and he shook his head very slightly as I took a step towards him.
One of the guards adjusted his earpiece, listening into it. "Yes he's done, we're escorting him back now," he said as he crossed his hands in front of him, glancing at Cloud. The blonde nodded, slipping his hands in the pockets of his coat and began leading the way towards the exit, with the army of guards following him.
Cloud was walking away and I was glued to the spot, unable to move. Tifa exited from the opposite room. Recognizing me, she wrapped her arm around mine, leaning against it.
"Light… let's go," she pulled me away. My steps felt heavy and the panic began wreaking havoc inside me again.
We made our way to the cafe for the short break between exams. Cloud was not in the other class with me, so I knew he only had one exam today. Tifa ordered a coffee for me as we both sat down. We didn't speak for a while.
"You can't tell me what that's about?" I asked in a low voice.
"I am… not sure what's happening either," she told me honestly. She touched my shoulder lightly. "He's fine, he texted you, remember? We all saw it."
"Go get them, Farron."
I recalled it quietly in my head, nodding as the thought calmed me down. Tifa was right. I just needed to understand that, for whatever reason, Cloud couldn't be on campus with the rest of us right now. And he was fine. He was here for the finals too, after all.
"We all miss him, I am sure he'll be back," Tifa said reassuringly. I wanted to believe her, so I showed her a small smile.
"Yeah, sorry to worry you. I am fine," I repeated as Tifa glanced at her clock.
"The second one's starting, let's go," she nudged me and we both walked over to the building where we had our next exam.
The snow cover was thick on the ground, with grey skies hanging above. There had been rain and the temperature had dropped further. Even with multiple layers, we were freezing outside as we walked between the buildings. Another week passed and Cloud attended every exam the same way. I pushed my panic aside, and the next time he smiled at me I smiled right back. Finals came to an end in the same uneventful way they had begun. I sat on the window sill, one leg hanging down lazily, the other propped up. I placed my chin on it, staring outside idly.
"Hey, frowny," Zack entered my room but I didn't move.
"Hey Zack," I replied quietly, still staring out.
"Light….," he spoke in a softer tone this time, taking my hand in his. "Finals are over, let's go celebrate with the others," he insisted. I wiped the frown off of my face, trying to smile instead. Zack and the others had cheered me on throughout the finals, so me sitting here brooding wasn't a great way to repay them for their kindness.
"That's more like it," Zack beamed as I threw on a thick jacket. We walked out of the west gate and to Sin Club, where everyone was already gathered. Even Yuel was there and she ran up to me as we came in through the door.
"I have an extra hour until curfew today!" She announced like it was the most exciting news. I chuckled, patting her shoulder. Knowing now who her brother was, I kind of understood why everyone respected her curfew.
"Good for you. We should drink to make the most of it," I said and Yeul's green eyes brimmed with excitement as she grabbed my hand and led me to the table.
"Finally, I thought I was going to die," Aerith whined as Zack pulled her onto his lap, scooting so there was a space for me on the full table.
"Did you forget to write your name again like last year?" Zack teased and she elbowed him in the chest.
"I am surprised you passed last year~," she countered as they kissed, with the rest of the group breaking into a chorus of either whistles or 'gross'.
"Shooooooots!" Vanille screamed as she threw her hands up. Hope rolled his eyes, beckoning the waiter with a wave of his hand, who brought us all shot glasses.
I forced back the alcohol, wincing as the liquid burned my throat. "Long time no drink," I said sarcastically.
Serah smiled, leaning against my shoulder. "Good job, sis! I knew you were going to ace them all," she said supportively.
"I never said I did," I corrected her.
Hope chuckled, leaning forward to face me. "I saw you scribbling away furiously. I was afraid all that friction will light up the paper," he joked. I released a 'humph' as the others laughed at my expense.
"Shots! Shots! Ow!" Vanille grabbed her head as Hope's fist came down on it again. He gave in, calling for another round.
"Slow down, you drunkards," I scolded the two but Tifa shook her head in their support.
"We need thisssss. Finals are over!" She threw her hands up, with Serah and Vanille following suit.
"Cheerleaders… I swear," Hope mumbled under his breath as Fang smirked at him.
"You should consider dating one," she suggested rather innocently as his cheeks burned.
"No way," he knew exactly who she was referring to.
"You should," I seconded and Hope growled at me, staring me down like I was a traitor.
I chuckled, losing the smile quickly when a new set of shots arrived. These people really needed to slow down. By the time it was Yuel's curfew, everyone was wobbling. I thanked the military for my tolerance, helping everyone up one by one. Pushing Yuel and Noel into a taxi, I closed the door shut, hitting it twice as the taxi began moving towards campus.
"Alright, who's next?" I called as Tifa grabbed my arm.
"I am drinking till sunrise~" she declared drunkenly, and I glanced up at the tall blue haired male for support.
"Isn't it okay once in a while?" He said as Aerith clung to him.
"Not helping Zack," I sighed in defeat. "Fine," I caved in, letting the others drag me to the next bar for a second round.
We got back in the early hours of the morning. I took a long shower, hoping to sober up but it was almost impossible. After changing into warm, clean clothes, I made myself a cup of coffee. Tifa was passed out on her bed, and I suspected Vanille, Serah and Aerith were the same. Fang had been somewhat okay and had helped me get everyone back, so I was grateful for her help.
The hot liquid helped me relax and I plugged in my dead phone. After a few minutes of charging the power came back on and I quickly opened my texts.
Still nothing…
I threw my phone on the bed, feeling stupid for taking my anger out on an inanimate object. As soon as I threw it, it began ringing. Startled, I quickly set the cup on my side table and dived onto the bed, putting the phone up to my ear.
"Farron?"
"Strife?" I answered just to confirm, even though I had immediately recognized his voice.
"Hey, it's been a minute," he laughed softly on the other end. I nodded, remembering that he couldn't see me so I needed to speak actual words.
"Y-yeah," I said quickly. I waited on the phone, but I wasn't sure what I was waiting for. There were so many things I wanted to say, questions I wanted to ask. But nothing came out when I was trying this hard, and it frustrated me.
"I miss you."
Those three words shook me, and I turned in bed, looking at the ceiling as I took a deep breath.
"I miss you," I repeated, the void inside me growing. "Are you coming back?" I finally found words - not the right words - but words nonetheless.
"Soon." That one word sent a spark through me, and my mood dramatically improved.
"Are you okay?" I asked, holding the phone tighter in my hand.
"I've been better," Cloud's voice sounded tired. He exhaled and there was silence. "I'll call you later," he said with an urgency and the line went dead right after.
My hand which was holding the phone fell limply by my side, and I wondered what was going on. I don't know when I had drifted to sleep, but it was fully bright when I woke up. The grey clouds had cleared and it was a beautiful, sunny day. I just wished Cloud would come back and we could just talk about whatever was going on. I lay in bed for a while, not feeling the motivation to get up. It was the first time in a while I had felt like this.
"I miss you."
"Light~" Aerith popped into our room, startling me with her sudden appearance. "Oh wow, you're still in bed. I thought you'd be up and running, demolishing a building or something," she joked.
"Is that what you think I do every morning?" I chuckled, sitting up. I shook off the sad feeling, stretching. "What's the agenda for today?" I asked. It felt weird asking someone else how to spend my day. I hadn't shared my life with anyone that much before.
"Zack's into kung fu right now, so we're thinking of hitting the neighboring city for a screening," she told me.
"Who's going?" I asked automatically. The last time I was there I had a fight with Loz, and Cloud told me his brothers often hung out there. "Serah?" I asked quickly.
"No, she's on a date today. Just you, me and Zack," she told me with a smile.
"I don't want to be a third wheel," I said coolly as I stood up and grabbed a bottle of water.
"Oh please, I hate fighting movies. Zack's looking forward to you coming," she insisted with a pout. I nodded, hoping that it'd at least take my mind off of things. Plus, if it was truly dangerous, two were better than one for protecting Aerith.
"Alright, I'll change and meet you in the parking lot."
"You're the best," Aerith was glowing. She was dressed in a pink dress with a white fur coat and white boots, her trademark pink ribbon in her hair.
I chuckled as she dashed out of the room, going through my wardrobe. I chose a pair of black cargo pants and a skin fit, short sweater. I threw on a black biker jacket on top, securing my heaviest boots. I pulled my hair up in a messy bun quickly, throwing on some sunglasses. It was still bright outside, brighter than usual, and I was hungover from last night.
"KUNG FU!" Zack screamed as I walked over to them. He picked me up, twirling me around once before setting me down.
"Let's get it," I said, smiling at the level of his excitement and feeling better already. Aerith jumped into the front and I got in the backseat of the Jeep.
"Radio~!" Aerith said in a sing-song voice as she began fiddling with it.
"Is the news okay? I want to make sure the weather's clear there too," Zack put on his seat belt, turning on the ignition as the Jeep roared to life. He began driving, listening to the cheery voice of the weather reporter. Seemed like it was going to be sunny all around. I was glad. Rain was the last thing I wanted during the already cold weather - the last few weeks had been utterly miserable.
The news bulletin continued, talking about the rising prices of oil, before touching on some environmental issues. The business news caught my attention and I asked Aerith to turn up the volume.
In shocking news, the Jenova Group revealed in a press conference that adopted son Cloud, 22, will inherit 20% of the company's shares on August 11, his birthday, next year. This will make 23 year old Cloud Strife the second largest shareholder in the group, only second to oldest son, Sephiroth, 27, who currently holds 30%. With his shares, Cloud's vote will be able to veto decisions across the board. Other sons will continue to take active part in the company's future with their shares, with Kadaj, 21, at 10% shares, Loz, 20, at 4% and Yazoo, 19, with 6%. Jenova Group stock prices have sky-rocketed since the announcement which came earlier this morning at 10:30 am. There are concerns however, about the rivalry that will undoubtedly intensify between the siblings in the wake of this official announcement. Next, a segment from the Chocobo Rights activist, Sazh Katzroy-
Aerith turned the radio off quickly, as we all shifted uncomfortably in our seats.
Is that… What had been happening? Would Cloud be able to return following something of this scale? He had assured me that he'll come back soon. But his call was before the announcement. I felt a sharp pang in my chest. I wanted to return to the cottage, where we had found our song and said that we liked each other for the first time. It felt like it was already a long time ago.
"Light?" Aerith called out to me and I quickly regained my composure. I just nodded to tell her I was alright, and was grateful when she didn't press any further.
"I miss you."
His voice replayed in my head, but I decided I was going to wait. Cloud had told me he'll be back soon, and I just needed to trust him on this. I hated not being able to do anything, but right now I was with Zack and Aerith, and I had to be present. "I am looking forward to the movie," I said suddenly. Zack had been glancing at me anxiously in the rear view mirror, but he grinned when I spoke, agreeing with an energetic nod.
"Yep! Can't wait!" Aerith smiled, reaching out to hold his hand. And I looked out of the window, watching the scenery roll by, hoping that wherever the blonde was right now, he was alright.
A/N: Caius memes XD I couldn't resist... sorry. Hope you liked this chapter. Suggestions always welcome. Happy Friyay, people!
Until the next update.
