A/N: Thank you ATK1734 and Lumina for your awesome reviews! Pokemon Yazoo will dominate this chapter, but I threw in some wholesome Clight moments in too XD Sephi-chan is back, along with the mystery character from the last chapter. Hope you enjoy today's update! ^^ I'd also like to thank the people who have followed and favorited this story, thank you so much! I'd appreciate if you can holler at your girl in the reviews, but it's totally cool if you prefer to stay in ninja mode XD
Here's chapter 34! :)
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Shooter
Lightning
The kickstand now placed firmly on the ground, Fenrir tilted and I slid off the back. Cloud followed suit, taking my bag without a word and slinging it over his shoulder. His hand gripped mine protectively, and we walked towards the dorms in silence for a while. Tifa always told me that he wasn't big on PDA, but he was having no problem with it right now.
Not that I was complaining… I mean, Strife was a really attractive guy. I stole a glance his way, and blushed awkwardly when our eyes suddenly met.
"What's wrong?" There was an irresistible quality to his mako eyes, and I quickly tore my own away so I didn't look like a creep, staring helplessly at him. Before this disaster happened, I had promised him I'd finally say the three words he had been patiently waiting to hear. But what now? It's not like I could blurt them out at this very instant, so I deliberated.
"Nothing… Um, let's hang out… soon." Right. I needed to find a proper place and time to say it, like when he had first told me. Cloud agreed with a nod of his head, his feet slowing down until we both stopped in front of the girls' dorms.
"Yeah…" He replied in his deep voice. He didn't release my hand, and I had no intention of pulling away either. My eyes unconsciously trailed towards his lips, and I mentally slapped myself. What the hell, Lightning?
Cloud was delaying… sweeping the grounds with his eyes. "Let me walk you to class later." His other hand moved to cup my cheek and he stroked it gently. His touch made me scoot closer shamelessly.
"Sure-"
"Get in line, broody!" Zack's loud, energetic voice made him reluctantly make space between us. I smirked, letting the big man hug the crap out of me. "Look who's back!" The blonde rubbed the back of his neck nervously, handing me my bag. I took it, trying to keep my attention on the blue haired male. "Dude, we were like, seriously waiting. Let's do something as soon as you're feeling better. I'm thinking… road trip!"
"Yeah, I need to get back in shape first." Cloud and Zack both raised an eyebrow, and I looked up at them nervously. "W-what? I haven't exercised in almost a month."
"You're all muscle." I am sure the blonde was trying to be nice, but I started panicking. Was I too muscular? Did that mean I wasn't attractive? I had never scrutinized my body before. Tifa… Yes, I needed Tifa's expertise.
"You need to be resting, not exercising, dude." Zack's tone reflected almost fatherly concern, and it made me chuckle. I just shrugged both shoulders in response.
"Running, training. That's the best way to come out of this. Need to feel my best. Anyway, sparring continues from this Saturday." It wasn't a request, and Zack decided to let it go as well. Sighing, he nodded slowly in defeat.
"If you insist… I still think you shouldn't push yourself too much."
"I am fine. Actually, I feel great." It was the truth. Except for a constant buzzing migraine, I was feeling like myself. "Well, thanks boys but I'm gonna head up now."
"Yeah, let's have dinner with everyone tonight!" I nodded to Zack's offer and waved the two boys off. As soon as I entered the dorms, a small crowd of girls gathered around me. I was the one who was 'sick', but I ended up spending a good fifteen minutes reassuring everyone else. Finally, I made it to my room. I kicked my boots off at the entrance, only to be tackled by my loving roommate.
"WELCOME BACK!" Tifa cried as her arms tightened around my waist. "The hours I thought you were going to die… please don't do anything that stupid again!"
I wiped her frustrated tears with my thumb. "False alarm, I guess." She didn't think my sarcasm was funny, and her lips turned into a scowl. "Right… too early for jokes with you too, got it."
"Light, seriously. You gave everyone a heart attack. You don't know what Cloud was like. He was downright terrifying." She told me as I entered the room, falling back on my bed, arms extended. It felt so good to be back in my own room.
"I really am sorry," I said softly, closing my eyes. Ah… the comfort of one's own bed. Nothing can really beat it. I remembered what Cloud had said and I shot up in bed, startling Tifa who was sitting on her own across from me. I pulled my shirt over my arms, tossing it on the floor. Tifa's eyes widened, and she slapped her hands over her eyes.
"W-w-w-what are you doing?!" I could tell she was blushing, and her reaction was adorable. She had seen me change in front of her plenty of times before, so I couldn't understand why she was freaking out so much now.
"Look at me," I asked her - or well, I thought I was asking. Tifa buried her face in her hands further. I frowned, walking over to her side and plopping on the bed next to her. Maybe if I tried to explain… "It's, um. I want you to look at me."
"Okay Light… I know you're really hot, but we're f-friends and I don't know if we should be d-doing t-that!"
I raised an eyebrow, trying to remove her stubborn hands that sheltered her eyes. "What's that?"
"You know… like… I have never done it with a girl before…"
I chuckled, sighing in amusement. "Tifa… we're not… this is not... " Another sigh. "Strife said I'm all muscle so… I was feeling conscious and wanted you to just give it to me."
"Give w-what to you?!"
"Your opinion, you pervert. Nothing else." Tifa peeked from between her fingers, watching my confused expression for a while.
"O-oh." She lowered her hands, observing me. "W-well, stand up, do a twirl or something." I followed her instructions, slowly turning around in a circle. "Well?" "You're feeling conscious?" She repeated and I nodded again. Her eyebrows furrowed, and she crossed her arms across her chest. "Light… you're just being ridiculous."
"Well, excuse me for being human."
"No, I mean… you're gorgeous. There's nothing wrong with you. At all. Like… legs for days. You can be a model if you wanted to."
"I know you're exaggerating because you're my friend." I tried to dismiss her, but Tifa stared at me adamantly.
"I'm not! You can ask anyone. It's so unlike you to feel unsure of yourself."
Yes, it was unlike me. What was I doing… To hell with what I looked like, when did that ever matter before? I quickly grabbed the shirt from the floor and slipped right back into it. I sighed tiredly, and Tifa was still looking at me with worried crimson orbs. "Sorry, I know it's dumb. I don't even care."
"Okay… that's a lie. You definitely care."
Look what I'm competing against… there was no way I could say that. Aerith and Tifa were literally feminine perfection. And I didn't know what that Jessie chick looked like, but she was also probably really hot. And me? I was so much of a dude that I was Zack's best man!
"Cloud was probably just admiring you… you know, because you're so strong and everything."
"Has he ever admired you that way?" I shot back, and Tifa bit down on her lower lip nervously. "See?" I was growing more irritated. I always thought competitiveness was important for self-growth, but realized it could also regress into making someone petty. And I was that petty someone right now. "Sorry, I'm not trying to be mean."
"I know." Tifa flashed her 'Tifa smile' at me, which had magical properties of calming anyone down. It worked. "Maybe you should show him your feminine side more often."
"I am pretty sure I don't have one." I wasn't even lying.
"Light… um, your hair is pink." I growled softly, and Tifa quickly put up both hands in front of her defensively. "Please please please considering wearing the clothes Fang and I got you for Christ-"
"No way in hell! That shit doesn't even qualify as clothes!" And I wasn't going to try that hard. Not for the blonde, not for anyone ever.
"Just once?! Light, please-" Tifa was trying, but someone knocked on the door. Saved by the bell. God bless whoever it was.
"I'm gonna take a shower." I told her as I made my ungraceful escape. When I was done, Serah was waiting for me in the room. She squeezed me tightly and I patted her hair softly. My own hair was wet, but I didn't have time to dry it.
"Welcome back, Light! Are you seriously going to class today? I think you should take it easy."
"Caius." That one word was enough to discourage any further nuggets of wisdom from everyone. I honestly respected Noel for being Ballad's TA. I knew it would be a struggle just to tolerate him in class.
"Okay…" Serah frowned, wrapping her arms around one of mine. "I'll walk you to class~!"
"I was gonna walk her to class!" Tifa complained, sulking behind us as Serah dragged me outside. Hope and Vanille were arguing as usual when we exited the building. They beamed at me, and I waved at them with my free hand.
"Light!" Both of them shouted in unison, before glaring at each other again. When their silent contest was over, they started walking me to the school of architecture, shoving each other on the way.
"Don't you have to go dissect monkey brains or something?" Vanille elbowed Hope, and he replied with a loud humph.
"At least I go to class."
"That's not the point!"
"Go away."
"You go away!"
Zack joined us as we stopped at the cafe, passing me an extra large black coffee. I took it gratefully, and Hope and Vanille both stared angrily at him next. "Let me walk you-" He was interrupted before he could finish that thought.
"We're already walking her!" The Hope and Vanille chorus shouted at the blue haired male, who only chuckled in response.
"You all can walk me, how about that?" I rolled my eyes. Seriously, everyone was making a big deal of my return. It had only been two weeks, and as much as I missed them, their insane welcome was getting on my nerves.
The door jingled open as Cloud entered the cafe, and I realized we were wearing the exact same clothes. A loose, button down black shirt, black jeans, even right down to tall Doc Martens. Maybe I should have taken Tifa up on her offer to dress me. I shook my head quickly, dispelling those thoughts. Cloud also noticed we were matching, and cleared his throat awkwardly. He couldn't get close enough to me to even put in a greeting, with the group of kids fighting over me. So he took the free space next to Tifa, trailing behind us as we left the cafe.
"Well, this is it… so…" I patiently waited for Serah to release my arm in front of the lecture hall.
"Dinner tonight, right?" She asked, big dough eyes hopeful.
"Sure, but I have a night shift at the security office, so it'll have to be short." People were already pouring in, and I glanced nervously at the blonde. Just one word… It seemed impossible, so I gave up and waved at the gang. I bumped into something hard, and recoiled slightly from the impact.
"Ah, Miss Farron. How nice of you to grace us with your presence." Oh god. Seeing Caius at this distance was already making me nauseous. Noel waved at me from behind Caius, balancing a mountain of books in his arms.
"Sorry," I mumbled for the collision, hoping he would spare me the snide comments. But no. He was Caius Ballad, after all.
"I see you have brought your entire entourage with you. Don't you all have somewhere else to be?" His glare was menacing. Hope and Vanille both gulped loudly. Zack and Tifa backed away, but Cloud just glared right back at the purple haired professor. "Run along now." Caius emphasized, and the gang began dispersing. I waited to let him in first, and took the furthest seat in the back as I hurried into the lecture hall. Noel sunk into the empty seat next to me, smiling supportively. I relaxed in the presence of at least one familiar face.
The class itself was surprisingly fun and I discovered that Caius was a great professor with a rotten personality. The amount of reading he assigned us after one class would take my entire weekend to finish. So much for that date with Strife I was looking forward to...
"Miss Farron, a word?" He called for me as I tried to sneak out of the class undetected. Clearly needed to work more on my stealth skills. Or lack thereof.
"Professor." I said curtly, nervously gripping the strap of my bag over my shoulder.
"Are you planning to vacation leisurely mid-semester again?"
I narrowed my eyes. This little… The Dean told me that she already emailed all my professors and informed them that I was in a coma for the past two weeks. An effing coma! "No sir." I replied, holding back the curses that were threatening to roll off my tongue.
"Well, in that case, you need to catch up on what you missed. On your own, of course. I hope you weren't planning to ask me for help."
Over my dead body. I shook my head. "I think I can manage on my own."
"That's what I wanted to hear. I want you to write a response to every reading you have missed so far. I want it on my desk on Monday morning."
I looked at him incredulously, unable to control my mouth from hanging open.
"Is there a problem?" His voice was cold. I could see he was reveling in this torture.
"I, uh… There is a lot of reading for this week-" I tried to reason, but he cut me off immediately, crushing any hope of an extension.
"If you can't even keep up in an introductory class, you might find that architecture is not your calling." What a nasty piece of work...
"Right. Monday morning. Got it." I stormed out of the hall, walking to my next class with an urgency. My other professor was an angel in comparison - well, anyone was compared to Ballad. Still, the readings for this week compared with all the work I had missed had piled up.
I was reading at dinner, and the low lighting in Cocoon wasn't helpful. Noel peered over my shoulder, scanning the assignment. "I still can't believe he dumped all this work on you. I mean you just got out of the hospital…"
"Yep, just my luck, I guess," I answered absentmindedly, flipping another page. A muscular armed grazed mine, and I recognized the subtle, spicy cologne that belonged to the blonde. He was curious as to what I was doing, but didn't want to bother me. He called for an extra large serving of cheese fries, and I chuckled when the gigantic bowl arrived.
"Want a bite?" Did he order these just for me?
"Uh, no. I'm on a diet." Yes, no cheese fries for muscular old me. I was still bitter about Cloud's 'compliment' from this morning. He didn't push it, popping a fry in his mouth and turning to Zack to say something. That crunching sound… oh god… cheese fries… Why was Strife torturing me like this? When dinner was over, I shoved the reading back in my bag, getting up quickly. "Sorry guys, work."
"I'll walk you!" Hope shot up, and Vanille obviously followed.
"No, I'll walk-"
"No one's walking me," I glared at the two until they settled back down with a fallen expression. "See ya." Yes. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I got in through the west gate and jogged to the office, making it a few minutes early. Elena smiled as I threw my bag on the floor next to the desk.
"Lightning! I didn't think you could make it today! How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine. Sorry for missing so many days of work. I know it's busy," I apologized. Elena shook her head.
"Not at all. Tseng said it's fine if you want to rest some more."
"I'm good. Actually, is he in tonight?" Rude passed me a steaming cup of coffee and I took it gratefully as I leaned over the front desk.
"Yeah, he'll be back after dinner. It's just you and Reno tonight, though."
Great. I sighed, nodding as I punched in my time card. "Alright, thanks for your hard work."
Since I relieved Elena of desk duty, she went to the lockers to get her things. Pulling a long coat over her shoulders, she began buttoning it up. "Hang in there!"
"Thanks," I mumbled in response as Rude, Elena and some of the part-timers left the office. I looked through the security cameras at every gate. Nothing unusual. Reading through the notes from the past two weeks, I found that there had been a few incidents involving drunk students breaking curfew or getting into arguments with the security staff. Nothing much had happened, which was great. I checked the list of tasks Tseng left for everyone. Lots of paperwork, but nothing I hadn't done before. The door opened after an hour and Tseng walked in with a box. We both greeted each other with a nod. Tseng spoke first.
"Lightning. Thanks for coming in."
"Just doing my job," I replied as I stood up. "What's with the box?"
"Oh. Donuts. Think of it as a welcome back gift." He hung his coat in a corner and placed the box on the front desk. Not that I particularly enjoyed sweet things, but I appreciated the gesture.
"Thanks," I replied and Tseng did a small wave, turning towards his office. "Hey… Tseng?" The male paused, facing me. "I think I'm going to take you up on that guarding duty. Is it still available?"
Tseng raised an eyebrow. "In your current condition? It's next week."
"I'll bounce back by then."
"Sure. It'll actually be a big help. Sephiroth's flying in tonight, so the meeting is likely to be scheduled for sometime next week. I'll email you the details."
"Thanks, appreciate it." I let Tseng return to his work, and I returned to mine. A few hours passed in complete silence, save the occasional calls from the gates. Reno sauntered in when Tseng was just about to leave.
"She lives!"
I could only chuckle at his greeting. "Sorry to disappoint."
"Hey! Don't say that, yo." He leaned over the desk, setting his baton down on the polished oak. "Are you alright? Gave everyone quite a scare."
"Yep, I'm peachy," I replied as I furiously typed up a report. "Are you gonna just stand there or help?"
"Geez…" Reno rolled his eyes, punching in his time card. He threw his things in the locker, pulled up a chair and sat next to me. "What's the agenda for tonight?"
"I'm hoping we have a boring ass night so we can finish all this paperwork."
"I just let Elena handle all that." I sent a death glare his way.
"Well, tonight you and I are handling it. So get on it."
"Man, you're a scary woman." He kept the rest of his complaints to himself, switching on the other computer and begrudgingly typing up a report.
"Wow, Farron. I congratulate you on getting work out of Reno," Tseng teased with a deadpan face. "You really should join the Turks." Reno twitched in annoyance next to me, but I just smirked in Tseng's direction.
"Happy to help."
"Well, goodnight you two."
We both waved at the boss as he left, the door automatically locking behind him. I sighed, proofreading my latest work. Meanwhile Reno had begun doodling mindlessly on a piece of paper, and I smacked his shoulder to get him working again. "Man this paperwork is such a drag…"
"It wouldn't have accumulated if everyone was doing what they're supposed to." My tone was icy, and Reno shuddered as he continued typing.
"What a Spartan…"
"How are things with Tifa?"
This question seemed to have surprised him. The movement of his fingers on the keyboard paused, and he cocked his head to the side. "You're actually interested?"
"Yep. She's my roommate. And a good friend," I reminded him coolly.
"Things are the same."
"What does that mean?" My own typing slowed down as I tried to multi-task.
"You stressed her out so much she's been crying and worrying everyday." Pang. I felt a sharp pang of guilt as my hands stopped moving. Reno noticed. "Well, thanks to that, I have had zero sex in the past two weeks."
"Too much information."
"You asked, yo!" His voice was cheerful as always. I sighed angrily.
"You should've been there for her," I accused.
"Well it's kinda not part of the whole 'friends with benefits' contract." He filed a report and printed out a hardcopy.
"So you're just an asshole, then." I could feel anger building up. He passed me the hardcopy and I stamped it.
"Nice to know you think so highly of me, Farron." Reno's voice was snappier than before as well. "But no, Tifa's the one who wanted space. Said she can't see me until 'everything's okay.'" I looked over it quickly once, then handed it back to the redhead. "Anyway, things have been crazy. We do have work outside this university, and it'll get busier starting next week."
Work, huh? I wondered what kind of high profile clients the Turks did security for. I thought about Sephiroth, and I had so many questions about him. But best leave it be, for now. If Reno slipped anything to Tifa, I'd have to explain myself to two raging demons, instead of just the blonde. Reno continued to work on the reports, and I did a quick scan of the security cameras. Dorms, check. Library, check. North gate, check. West gate - what? Long silver locks that undoubtedly belonged to Yazoo. As soon as I spotted him, the phone rang. I quickly answered before Reno could reach for it. He didn't mind, focused on the paperwork.
"Hi, this is Lightning."
"There's a visitor for the office at the west gate entrance," the security guard informed me.
"Ask him to wait, I'm leaving now." I slammed the receiver down and jumped up. "I'll be back." Reno nodded, looking up at me from his sitting position.
"Something up?"
"Nope. Personal visitor. Just gonna say hi." He said nothing else and I bolted out of the office, walking to the west gate as fast as my legs could carry me. Yazoo waved lazily at me, and I crossed my arms. "Hey. What are you doing here?"
"Just saying hello."
I raised an eyebrow at his nonchalant response. "Just saying hello?" I repeated to confirm. It was impossible to tell when he was serious.
"Mmhmm." He answered, staring at me from head to toe. "It's still cold. At least wear a jacket."
It was kinda chilly tonight. "Yeah, forgot…" I shifted uncomfortably, watching him observe me quietly. "I'm sorry about this morning."
"It's fine," he sighed tiredly, glancing at the limousine parked. Cid stood outside it, and I waved as I saw the old man.
"Business tonight?"
Yazoo seemed oddly… stressed. His hands were deep in his pockets, and he examined his boots for a few minutes. Silence. I waited for him to speak.
"Yes. An errand. For Mother."
"Right…" I wondered if the errand involved drugs or guns, or both. Seeing him like this made me feel sorry for him. He was a little older than Serah, yet his life was so dramatically different, only because of the family he was born into. Something so completely out of his control.
"I just came to see you for good luck."
There it goes again. I wasn't sure if he was flirting with me, or if he was just attached to me in the same way Hope was. I cleared my throat awkwardly. "Is it dangerous?"
"Usually is. Good night." He turned to leave abruptly but I reached for his hand, quickly changing course mid air, my fingers latching onto the long sleeve of his leather coat instead. "What's wrong?" Yazoo asked softly.
"Be careful." What a dumb thing to say. But every time we met and parted like this, I felt anxious. Like I wasn't going to see him again. He seemed to have read my mind, and I could have sworn he smiled for a split second.
"I'll come find you. We're still going for that drink, aren't we?" His aloof voice reverberated in the air, soft and velvety.
"Of course," I replied in a hurry, hoping that I would actually see him again. "Can you stop just randomly appearing? Call me first. I'll give you my number." I let go of his sleeve to take out my phone.
"I already have it." There he goes with the mysterious shit again. My eyes widened.
"Why don't you call, then?"
"It's boring." I chuckled. Unsurprisingly, Yazoo was spontaneous above all else.
"Fine. Anyway just…" I didn't want to repeat myself, so I contemplated what to say.
"Try not to get killed? Always." His words didn't make me feel any better, and I furrowed my eyebrows at him. Our eyes locked, and Yazoo took off one of his shooting gloves. His hand moved towards my cheek suddenly, but stopped before it came in contact with my skin. He withdrew his hand, looking conflicted. My cheeks flushed at the unexpected gesture. Yazoo turned around without another word, sliding into the limousine as Cid held the door open for him.
What was that all about...?
When I got back to the office, Reno had left a note saying he went out to get coffee. Leaving the desk unmanned… I quickly checked the answering machine and found no messages. Good. Nothing had happened in the short time I was away. I thought back to my strange conversation with Yazoo, and realized that I should have asked for his number instead of offering mine.
But knowing him, he'd probably show up somewhere, somehow.
Lightning Farron: Are you in the dorms?
A few seconds later, my phone buzzed. I opened the text quickly, sighing in relief.
Fenrir: Yeah. Did something happen?
At least the blonde was not on this dangerous mission, whatever it was.
Lightning Farron: No, nothing. Sorry.
I was about to put my phone away when it vibrated again.
Fenrir: Are you free this weekend?
My heart skipped a beat, and I silently scolded myself for getting this excited over a text.
Lightning Farron: Slaving for the demon called Caius, unfortunately.
A few minutes passed and there was no reply. I pocketed my phone, took it out, pocketed it again. Another sigh. I was hopeless. The next time it vibrated I quickly unlocked it.
Fenrir: Study date?
I smiled, happily typing up a reply.
Lightning Farron: If you insist.
Fenrir: I do.
I read that text over and over again, bursting with excitement. How Cloud managed to do this to me with two words, I didn't understand.
Lightning Farron: Library, then.
Fenrir: Roger that.
I put my phone away, breathing deeply to contain all these… feelings. Before I met the blonde, I didn't even know how fun texting someone could be. Then again, I didn't know a lot of things back then. We had only been dating for three months, but it felt a lot longer than that. Especially because of how much we understood each other already. The similarities in our personality undoubtedly helped, but we worked well around our differences too.
There were still so many questions about what happened at Zack and Aerith's wedding. It's not like we could just return to our normal lives, as much as we loved to. Whoever was out there was going to strike again, and we needed to be ready for them, then. But where should I start?
Yazoo
What a waste of time.
Cid held the door open and I jumped out of the car, tightening my gloves. I did a parameter check. Nothing so far. Good. Easy in and out. "Master, shall I go with you?" Cid folded his hands in front of him as he stood by the limousine.
"No, it's fine. Wait for me here."
The private plane landed, and I braced myself. How many years had it been since I last saw Sephiroth? I couldn't even recall. He lived on his own and worked at the head office. Considering that I never attended shareholder meetings, I rarely saw him. Family 'events' were usually for publicity, and thankfully infrequent. It was better this way. Kadaj was a loony, but Sephiroth's craziness knew no bounds.
My hands were trembling, and I hated this simple bodily response that Sephiroth's presence elicited. Both my hands rested on my dual Nighthawks carefully. All fell silent as the runway lights came to life, and the staircase was rushed to the entrance of our private plane. With unsure steps, I climbed up. One more check. Nothing. "All guards are in position, Master." Cid's voice echoed in the bluetooth device in my ear.
"Hm." I acknowledged, releasing the grips of both guns and hurriedly buttoning up my coat. The door opened, and eldest brother stood in the doorway. He was clad in a silver shirt with black pants, Oxfords and a long velvet coat with matching velvet gloves. "Brother," I greeted him dryly, extending my hand for a shake. Nice and easy. I'll be done when this fucking job is over.
"Yazoo?" Sephiroth smiled maliciously - I doubt he was capable of anything genuine. His eyebrows were narrowed, as his keen eyes observed me. "You are the same height now. How you have grown, brother."
I didn't know how to respond. When the handshake was over I removed both guns from my belt. "Mother asked me to- I'm here to escort you home."
"How kind of you." Sephiroth gestured towards the staff, and they went past us with his luggage. We waited until they were by the car, and I led our eldest brother down the steps.
Good. Nothing so far. Excellent, actually.
"Master! Unidentified helicopter approaching!" As soon as Cid's warning registered, I covered Sephiroth, raising both arms. A quick scan of the dark sky, and I found it without difficulty. "Sniper's in position!" Cid continued on the other end.
"I'll take care of it. Sniper on standby." I focused on the faint light of the helicopter, and my vision zoomed into the cockpit. I aimed, and waited until the helicopter was in range and fired. Blood splattered on the windshield, and another man pushed the dead pilot off. My second shot took him down swiftly. "Cid, take that thing down."
A barrage of bullets rained on the helicopter, creating the diversion I needed.
"Brother, let's hurry." I led the way to the limousine, ensuring that Sephiroth got in first. Some of the assassins in the helicopter had jumped as they began landing to surround us on the ground. A gun battle blazed around us, and Cid turned on the ignition without wasting another second. A bullet grazed the long sleeve of my coat as it rushed past.
Damn it… This is brand new!
I got in, pushing my arm out through the open window. "Cid, drive!" Almost… there. I shot at the steel container near the runaway, and the bullet ricocheted off the surface at an angle, taking down the assassin behind us.
"Nicely done." Sephiroth praised me, but I was too focused on the task at hand.
"Cid, stay off the main roads." If Lightning was here, that's what she would say. Something about protecting civilians.
Shit!
I could feel Sephiroth's curious gaze burn the back of my head, but he didn't override my out-of-character command. I slammed a button to my side and the limousine's roof rolled off. Facing the chasers, shoulders squared, I emptied the magazine of both handguns. Most of the cars skidded before colliding, and loud explosions followed. I sighed tiredly, collapsing into the limousine's lush leather seat. Cid closed the roof, and I gazed out of the bulletproof window as my breath relaxed to a steady rhythm. I quietly reloaded both guns, keeping them ready in both hands just in case any other unwelcome surprises awaited us.
"How are the others?" I avoided Sephiroth's gaze, opting to examine the city lights instead. But I had to answer his question.
"The same."
"And Cloud?"
There it comes. I knew Sephiroth was only really interested in Cloud. "Big brother is the same."
"Nothing unusual?"
"Not that I know of." My hands were shaky, so I planted my feet firmly on the carpet of the limousine to gain control over myself. Sephiroth was extremely skilled in reading the small changes in peoples' behavior. One slip, and I would give something away unconsciously.
"Hmmm…" Sephiroth's voice trailed off, and luckily the rest of the ride home was silent. I got off first. Scan. Check.
"Clear."
Sephiroth walked through the gates like the tyrant king he was, and our servants bowed low, no one daring to raise their heads until he was completely out of sight. Kadaj and Loz were forced to welcome him back - Mother's orders - so at least they were sharing in my misery. I set my guns down on the glass table, slipping out of my long coat and throwing it towards the butler. He caught it, nervously fidgeting in Sephiroth's presence. Loz and Kadaj were curt and Sephiroth didn't seem too interested in talking to them, either.
"Yazoo. Come to the study." It wasn't a request, nothing ever was when it came to our eldest brother. I followed him reluctantly up the steps, past the grand mahogany doors. A fire had already been prepared for him, and his favorite brand of Bourbon now sat neatly on his table. He poured himself a glass, taking a seat at the oversized desk. "I see that I missed your birthday, yet again."
Was this his idea of brotherly bonding? He probably needed something else from me. Or he had actually lost his mind. In any case, I couldn't reply, so I stared at him. Encouraged by my speechlessness, he pulled out a briefcase from under his desk. "I saw your outstanding talent tonight, and I want to reward you for it."
Yes, reward me like the dog you think I am. "I am flattered, but it really isn't necessary."
Sephiroth continued like he didn't hear a word I said. "I was planning to give it to you on your 25th birthday, but you surpassed all my expectations."
Curiosity got the best of me as I studied the antique briefcase. "May I?"
"By all means." Sephiroth gestured towards it, leaning back in the chair as he brought the glass to his lips, eyes never leaving me. I flicked open the locks. Pushing the heavy lid up, I stared in austere bewilderment at the magnificence of the dual handguns in front of me.
"These are… grandfather's twin Velvet Nightmare guns." That dual-colored grip with the antique silver finish, not to mention the breathtaking engravings. What a sight to behold. My hand reached for them in a trance, but an image of the pink haired girl flashed through my mind. My hand froze, and I exhaled sharply.
"You can have them, if you like." His offer was tempting.
No… There were no presents in our family, only bargains. Sooner or later, this 'present' would come and bite me in the ass. I cleared my throat awkwardly, letting my hands hang loosely by my sides. "I don't think I'm ready."
"Oh?" Sephiroth's emerald eyes were burning through my skin, straight into my soul. I stood my ground, shutting the lid and securing the locks in place. "Very well then. They'll be in my study, if you change your mind." I stared at my eldest brother - I was most in his likeness, and that repulsed me to no end. With the minute difference between our eyes and stature - me being lean and Sephiroth generally broader and more muscular - we were striking copies of each other. I hated him, hated this family.
Truth to be told, I hated even myself as I gently shut the door to brother's study, leaving him to his own devices. Giving up those beauties… all in the pursuit of a one-sided love. One girl. One pink haired, beautiful girl.
How the mighty had fallen…
While Sephiroth drowned himself in work, Loz picked up meaningless fights, Kadaj had become a complete sociopath, I was in love with guns, and Cloud was a hopeless hermit. What a line up of fucked up brothers. I sighed, retiring to - or should I say hiding in - my room. My phone rang, and I whipped it out of my pocket quickly.
"Master Yazoo, the suspect landed at the international airport just now. Shall I go and take him out?"
No… not Cid. Cid was an old man - a skilled fighter, of course - but he was our old man, considering that he practically raised us. "No, I'll go. Follow him and share his location. I'm getting the Porsche. Whatever you do, do not engage him without me, Cid. Are we clear?"
"Understood, Master."
The line went dead, and I quickly rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. I tried to make a boring escape, but it was impossible to slip past Loz and Kadaj's radar. "Little brother, where are you going?"
I knew this was going to happen. "Guns." I used the excuse that always worked.
"That's why you're still a pathetic virgin!" Kadaj cackled, spreading himself comfortably on the couch. "Meet us at Pulse later. We can talk to some real girls."
"Fine," I promised, just to get him off my case. Real girls? They had no idea what a real girl remotely resembled.
I maneuvered the Porsche between cars, breaking all speed limits on the way to the airport. Cid sent me a location further from the airport, and it seemed that the asshole was on the move. No trouble. I was pissed because I had to give up the twins, so at least something productive would come out of the absolute misery this day had been. Calm down, Yazoo, I told myself. Shoot with a clear head. Just one or two shots, injure the bastard and drag him down like a dog until he confesses who his accomplices are.
As I turned the steering wheel, my hand paused on my phone. Should I call big brother? No, perhaps it was too early, still. I should at least apprehend the culprit first. I spotted Cid in one of the company cars, and raced next to him, lifting my boot off the accelerator as we drove door to door.
"He's in the white camaro, Master!" Cid shouted over the wind that raged against us, and I nodded, narrowing my eyes as I locked target.
"I'll get him. Round up a few guards!"
Slamming my boot on the accelerator and revving the engine, the Porsche burst forward at full speed. I took my Nighthawk out, aiming for the tires. One, two, three, four. The car skidded out of control as the tires began losing air. I rammed the Porsche right into the back of the camaro, growling as I noticed a pair of blue eyes… no, mako eyes stare back at me from the rearview mirror.
He jumped out of the car suddenly and I tried making a turn, the Porsche doing several 360 degree turns. Shit. I parked it at the side of the road, jumping out and making a run for the abandoned warehouse he had entered before me. This was no coincidence, likely a trap. But I was not letting him get away. Bullets showered as soon as I tried to step inside the already open door, battered and hanging by its hinges. I took shelter outside, gripping my guns tightly. Based on the direction of the bullets, I could make a rough mental map of where the shooters were standing inside. It was loud, and I rolled in through the main gate, several bullets grazing past my coat.
Not again. This. Is. Fucking. Brand. New.
I growled softly, shooting down enemies as I identified their locations. Bodies fell from the second floor of the building, limp and lifeless. Cid caught up with me, panic in his eyes. "Master!"
"I'm fine!" I barked, much to his surprise. Seconds later, our family guards stumbled in and I took this chance to dive towards the stairs, stumbling and almost hitting the ground before frantically running up the stairs.
"Ooooh, you found me! Come get me!"
I shot in the direction of the voice without turning around. An applause. I narrowed my eyes dangerously at the man who appeared from behind a door, hands up like he meant no harm. Blood dripped from his cheek, where the bullet had made a cut. "You're good!" All of this was a game to him. I knew enough psychos to ascertain that - considering that I grew up with Kadaj after all.
"You're done." I shot at his leg, before both my guns were knocked out of my hands with someone tackling me. I elbowed the man who was twice my size, trying to pin me to the floor. My guards began rushing up the stairs, and the commotion made the white haired male click his tongue.
"Until next time, shooter!" Within the blink of an eye he was gone, and the giant he had left behind currently proceeded to choke the life out of me.
"Master!" Big grabbed the man, throwing him out of the window on the second floor like he was a piece of tissue. I gasped for breath as he dropped to both knees, quickly helping me in a sitting position. "Master! Are you alright?"
When my breath finally returned to normal, I spoke again. "I'm fine. Did he get away?"
"Seems like it, Master." Cid replied, worriedly glancing all over me.
Damn it. "Let's go home." So he just dropped in to make his presence known? I swore on my Nighthawks that I will make him regret this move next time. Unfortunately, I hadn't predicted what my decision would entail when I got home. Sephiroth called me while I was still parking, and I immediately held the phone up to my ear. "Brother?"
"Yazoo. Explain to me why a battalion of guards were called to assist you near the airport?"
Shit! "Gun deal gone south. I apologize."
"No apologies needed. Strange that you refused the twins, yet you leave immediately after to acquire guns?"
The regular excuses that tweedledum and tweedledee swallowed without a doubt wouldn't work with Sepiroth. I stayed silent, and he continued. "Kadaj and Loz said something about a party? I assume you will be joining them?"
Yes! My useless brothers save the day, for once in their lives. "Actually yes. I'm heading over there now." I reversed out of the parking instantly, my eyes reluctantly rising to meet Sephiroth's as he watched me through the glass window of the study.
"Don't get into trouble." His voice caused a shudder to run down my spine, and I tried to keep my tone even.
"Of course."
Lightning
"Hey." I greeted the blonde in a hushed voice and he answered it with a casual nod.
Cloud patted the empty bean bag next to him. I sunk into it, crossing my legs as I pulled my reading out of my bag. I spread it on my legs, playing with a highlighter between my fingers. Our shoulders were touching, and I realized he had messed with the arrangement slightly. We shouldn't have been sitting this close, but I was glad we were. Our eyes met, we withdrew them, and a few minutes later they met again. It was impossible to calm my heartbeat, especially when we were this conscious of each other's presence.
"Want to listen to this new band I discovered?" I asked, hoping that the music would distract us both.
"Sure." Cloud passed me his earphones and I plugged them into my phone. A soft melody played, and it helped us both return our attention to the piles of paper in front of us. An hour or so passed, and save the occasional brushing of our shoulders, I'd say we did pretty well concentrating on our respective tasks. I picked up the reading in one hand, lifting it up closer to my face. My other hand dropped the highlighter as I felt Cloud's breath graze my ears. "I think I like this track best."
"Yep, it's also my favorite on this album," I whispered back, keeping my eyes locked on the words in front of me. Must… not… lose… focus!
Cloud's hand reached over to grip mine, fingers interlocking as he squeezed it. I finally dared to steal a glance, but he seemed completely engrossed by the academic paper in his hands. 'A doctor's role in preventing infections from bullet wounds'. Bullets automatically made me think of Yazoo, and I didn't notice that I was frowning. There had been no contact from him for the past week, and I wondered if he was okay after his 'errand'.
"Something on your mind?" Cloud's voice warmed me up and I didn't know why I broke into a stupid blush.
"Uh, no. How's med school?" I tried to deflect.
"Fun." A small smile danced over his lips. I couldn't help but smile back, seeing him genuinely happy like this. He had been so somber in the hospital because of me. "There's a great documentary about that, actually. You know, 'foreign influences on architecture during the Renaissance'."
"Oh…" Cloud was like a walking human encyclopedia, so I stopped myself from asking why on earth he knew that. "That'll be helpful, I guess."
"We could um…" His voice trailed off. His thumb began caressing my hand, making small circles. "Watch it together. If you like. In my room."
As if we'll be able to watch anything in your room! My cheeks turned redder and I cleared my throat awkwardly, but his thumb's gentle movements were impossible to ignore. Play it cool. "Sure. As soon as I wrap up this final response paper."
The blonde nodded, returning to his work. It took me a few hours to finish the paper. When we both exited the library, I wondered if this could be my chance to finally tell him. Or not. Not in his room, especially when we both had something entirely different on our minds. I was hesitating, but he hadn't noticed it yet. He was checking his phone, and something soft collided against me with a force that sent me tumbling back. "Light~"
"You need to stop doing that, Serah." I straightened up, giving her a half hug. "What's up?"
"Well you've been studying all week. Please tell me you're free now? We're going shopping!"
"Oh…" I am a coward. A total coward. The worst. Beyond redemption. It's official. I'm a chicken. "Can I take a raincheck on the documentary?"
Cloud was really nice about it. "Sure," he replied at once like it was no big deal.
"I'll call?" I offered and he nodded.
"Farron, be careful."
"Always am."
Being forced along to a trip to the mall of all places wasn't exactly my idea of relaxing after finally getting this week's work done. But it was still nice, being able to hang out normally like this. No mysterious assassins, no near death experiences. Tifa was presently trying out some new outfits. Vanille, Fang and Serah were accessory shopping in the store next door. I was sitting on the cushion outside the fitting room, one leg crossed over the other. Thank god for these things, otherwise I'd be standing for hours…
Tifa stepped out and turned around slowly, hands on her hips, silently demanding my opinion.
"You look great." I obliged, but my answer didn't seem to satisfy her.
"You said that about everything I tried on, though!" She protested.
"It's not my fault that you're beautiful," I reminded her. Tifa blushed, adjusting the hem of her dress. "Just get them all."
"Okay, I'm going to try this last one!" She grabbed another top from the shelves, scurrying back into the tiny fitting room.
I felt someone take a seat next to me, but I ignored them, going through my phone to check my class schedule for Monday. "You've been busy."
"Yazoo!" I almost shouted his name, quickly turning down the volume. "You're fine."
"Why wouldn't I be?" He replied as he cocked his head, emerald eyes blinking slowly.
"No, I mean- well, never mind." I didn't know what else to say. As always, Yazoo had randomly popped out of thin air.
"How about that drink you promised me?"
I glanced at the fitting room, sighing. These girls will probably be here until closing time. "If it's a quick one."
Yazoo nodded, but his phone startled us both. "Just a second." His voice was cool and calm whenever he spoke to me, like a gentle summer breeze. But he sounded snappy on the phone. "What?" He paused, pushing his hair out of his face. "Must I do everything in this family? No, that was sarcasm, you ape. Fine, I'll be there soon."
"Please don't tell me people are chasing you right now." I raised an eyebrow as the tall male stood to his full height, towering above me.
"No, I'm chasing people this time."
"That doesn't make any difference…." I retorted.
Yazoo smirked. "I'll try to get out of it fast. You can pick the bar. I'll meet you there. Somewhere quiet."
I thought of the place at the end of the alley Reno took me too. It was a Saturday night, so it might be crowded but it was worth a shot. "I'll send you the-"
"I'll find you." The door jingled open and then close. I frowned as he was gone. Tifa jumped out of the fitting room one cue.
"Sorry Light, the straps took forever. How is it?" She asked hopefully.
"This one's a keeper." I answered with a smile. Tifa beamed at me, gathering her new collection. I followed her to the cashier and met up with the girls. We walked around for a while, window shopping. Shoes were on the agenda next, and I decided now would be a great time to make my exit.
"I'm gonna meet up with a friend for a drink. Can I meet you guys back here before closing?"
"Aw, you're leaving us?" Vanille whined, but Tifa shook her head supportively.
"It's okay! I think you could use some time to wind down. Should we meet at Zack's apartment instead?"
"That's perfect." I waved at the girls, taking my time to walk to the bar. I noticed it's name for the first time, scribbled in italics on a small piece of washed out wood. Nightingale. It squeaked as it swayed back and forth with the wind. I popped my head in through the low entrance, glad to find the bar deserted as always.
"Welcome!" The owner was in high spirits as he polished a wine glass behind the bar. "Just one?"
"Uh, yeah. I'm waiting for a friend. Hope that's okay." I took a seat at the counter, drumming the counter idly as I took a look around.
"Something to drink?"
"Just water, please." Now what? I unlocked my phone, going through my contact list. We didn't have any mutual friends except Cloud, and it didn't feel right calling him for Yazoo's number. I decided to wait for thirty minutes and bail if he didn't show up. I shifted on the bar stool, placing my boots on the foot ring. A few minutes later, the door opened and an unfamiliar face walked in. I didn't pay any attention to him, but he took the seat next to me, despite there being plenty of empty seats.
"Good evening~" There was something about this guy that bothered me… intuition, I guess. I stared at him with my most unfriendly face - a face that deterred most people. His hair was white like snow, and he looked like he was somewhere in his mid-twenties. There was a bandaid across his left cheek. But his eyes… His eyes were most striking. They were weirdly blue and a little cloudy.
"Can I buy you a drink?"
"No thanks." Maybe that's what my bad feeling was about. He's just a cheap flirt. Yazoo better get here soon. I whipped up my phone, busying myself so that he would go away. He ordered two glasses of wine and the owner hesitantly brought them over, sliding one over to me.
"I said no thanks." What a persistent little critter.
"Don't be feisty. What a waste of such a… pretty face."
"Don't make me hurt you." I narrowed my eyes threateningly at him, growling. It seemed to work, and he leaned slightly away from me. He raised his glass up, holding it up next to his face, dangling it in the air.
"Just like the rumors. Too bad boss wants you so much, otherwise I'd love breaking you myself."
I flinched at his words, readying my fists to break his jaw. This was anything but a coincidence-
A loud bang erupted and something whooshed by me at an incredible speed. Seconds later the glass in his hand shattered, wine splattering all over the counter. The psycho next to me crushed the half blasted glass in his hand, his palm bleeding from the shards of glass cutting into his skin. Blood ran down his wrists, and he laughed maniacally, like he was enjoying the pain.
"Uh oh, here comes the shooter."
A/N: This chapter's a little longer, so thank you for reading until the end! Until the next update! :)
