A/N: This is my Christmas gift to Cormag Ravenstaff as promised! A Fangrai fic with established but side Sebusai, where Fang and Lightning meet at a Christmas Party Seven and Sice host, which the tale is Pre-Fangrai (via a flashback). Pairings: Fang/Lightning (friends to lovers), Seven/Sice (married), with Lightning (plus Serah) and Seven as cousins.
Fang and Lightning's Christmas Wish
Fang lovingly looks at her wife breast feeding their newborn daughter Alisaie in the nursery that the Sebusai pair had a great deal in both creating and assisting Snow, Hope and Sazh with building, forever grateful that the older Farron is not only in her life, but also her wife. Out of the blue, the brunette takes a quick look at the photo from the Christmas Party which Seven and her wife Sice hosted years ago that introduced Fang to Lightning with a smile on her face. Lightning being the love of her life and also Seven's older cousin, with the photo alone taking her memories back to that day...
Flashback
"CLAIRE FARRON, you are going to this Christmas Party with Snow and I whether you like it or not!" Serah yells at the top of her lungs from the living room in Lightning's spacious but empty (to Serah, Snow more so) house, with the older Farron replying with choice words that were very Lightning to say but would also hurt Serah's feelings at the same time. It was after 30 minutes that Lightning FINALLY emerged from wherever she was at to greet the younger Farron as Snow wised up by staying in the car, with the outfit that Lightning emerged with causing the younger Farron to blush as red as a tomato. "You DID pick this outfit for me to wear Serah, so deal with it, the damn idiot in the car too!" was the only thing that Lightning needed to say, as the Farron sisters, with Serah grabbing Lightning's gifts before the older Farron could forget, making their way to Snow's SUV so that they can get to Seven and Sice's house at a reasonable time.
Serah made a quick trip back in to get the food item that Lightning was asked to provide (a case of organic crisps because the older Farron still has to rely on Serah for the cooking), as a means to help with the pot luck theme the Sebusai pair had in mind for this year's get together.
It is going to be interesting for all.
XXX
Snow - the lovable idiot married to Serah - quickly put on the radio, and which was set to a station that deemed 'Lightning Approved', in order to keep Lightning's varying remarks at bay, something that Lightning herself didn't expect but was proven to be VERY effective, giving Serah a victory of sorts over Lightning.
Serah 1, Claire 0
In a surprising turn of events however, the ride to Seven and Sice's house was much quicker than Snow anticipated, since he recalled an accident that badly held up traffic earlier that day. Knowing this, Lightning gave herself a victory over Serah in retaliation as a means to shut the younger Farron's mouth up about the music...
Serah 1, Claire 1
"Snow...Serah, soooooo good to see you two here!" Seven happily greeted her relatives as soon as the silver haired woman answered the door. It would be Sice who shocks everyone about Lightning's appearance, causing Seven to take another look outside, to see the older Farron with varying items in her hands, giving Lightning another win over Serah.
Serah 1, Claire 2
Seven and Sice helped the trio get their gifts and pot luck items to the kitchen - the one area where both Seven and Lightning are both forbidden from entering, knowing that Lightning has major OCD which Snow has a habit of poking fun of, with Serah getting a victory over Light with this very piece of knowledge, not giving the older Farron a chance to retaliate.
Serah 2, Claire 2
"Before I forget, Sicey and I have invited some people over to celebrate Christmas with, as they had no one to celebrate with, so I hope you don't mind them..." Seven suddenly announced to Snow, Serah and Lightning as the silver haired woman was bound to forget THAT piece of information, for Seven to say that now was a major weight taken off her shoulders, making Lightning smile at her younger cousin. "You know me, Sevsky... the more the merrier." Lightning replied with a small but sincere smile on her face, which made Sice herself smile.
It was several minutes later that the extra company arrived when the doorbell rang, forcing Sice and Serah to get things already inside the house ready the best they could without both Seven and Lightning sneaking into the kitchen.
The people outside would change everyone's lives for eternity - especially Lightning's.
It would also give Serah bragging rights.
XXX
Oerba Yun Fang and Oerba Dia Vanille, alongside Noel Kreiss and his girlfriend Paddra Nsu Yeul, had a rather amusing drive to Seven and Sice's house. For reasons unknown to the group, they were all grateful than ever for the invite to spend Christmas with both Seven and Sice. In an odd twist of fate, it was Seven who knows Vanille well, plus Sice works with Fang. With the Oerba sisters not having holiday plans of their own, it broke Seven's heart to know they had no one to spend the holiday season with, so the silver haired woman invited them (alongside Noel and Yeul as she would find out that they also had no plans), which lead to the four showing up a few minutes early.
"If it isnt the trouble making troupe here..." Sice was about to start her sarcastic, colourful language themed greeting before her wife reprimanded her for said greeting, with Seven and her smile welcoming the group into their home. It was Fang who noticed a trio of people in the Sebusai house, two of them having matching pink hair and the taller one who the brunette couldn't keep her eyes off of.
Serah took an unexpected turn to see the newcomers and welcomed them the same way Seven did, trying to block out the argument Lightning and Snow were having about an unrelated matter. It was a few minutes later that Fang would say something that stops aforementioned argument, so that Serah can make the formal and proper introductions (according to Lightning). "Fang, Vanille, Noel and Yeul...the giant is my husband and Miss Sour Face here is my older sister Claire. Call her Lightning to stay on her good side, isn't that right Sis?" Serah said with her introductions, causing the oaf to have a laugh on the matter but Lightning become more irate than ever. If anything, the older Farron isn't a fan of Christmas which was something Fang quickly picked up on, to Vanille's surprise. The brunette decided to not pry the older Farron on the matter out of respect, but something about Lightning inspired the Oerban native to want to get to know her better, if anything. Yeul handed over to Serah and Sice the contributions to the get together, which had a very pleasant smell (to Lightning) and even Seven was shocked by the fact that they contributed to something that they were invited as guests to.
The potluck turned out to be an amazing success for the small group - even with Lightning's contribution (which was perfect as far as Fang was concerned, since the brunette made a type of dipping sauce for the organic crisps [that Lightning bought] by scratch - according to Vanille, it's a Yun recipe that Vanille can't have as the redhead sucked at cooking, according to Yeul). Lightning couldn't get enough of Fang's homemade dip, which made Snow smile at the scene, for he remembered her ex-fiancée Jihl Nabaat and how that bitch (according to both Snow and Serah) broke Lightning's heart five Christmases ago, how the older Farron's heart was closed off to love anyone else ever since, how she simply couldn't move on from Jihl. The group made sure to eat up as much as they could before getting into the presents and the favourite card game according to Sice, Lightning and Snow - Cards Against Humanity (Noel brought the Gran Pulse Expansion pack, as it was something Sice and Seven both lacked which Noel had an extra set of said expansion and gifted the Sebusai pair with the expansion set).
With the presents from the Gran Pulsian group that was in the pile with the gifts already at the Sebusai household, they made sure that each adult had three gifts from each Pulsian (meaning that Lightning would have 12 Christmas gifts to find room for at her home, which is something Light herself was already dreading as she's not one for taking gifts). However, there was something about Fang that made the older Farron look forward to at least opening up the presents, giving Serah hope that Lightning is finally ready to move on from Jihl once and for all. Even Seven and Vanille took note of this, although the redhead followed Fang's lead and not pry into Lightning's private life, out of respect for the older Farron even though Vanille had a feeling, developed on her own, of what happened to Lightning in the past. The presents exchanged between the group had nothing but laughs and smiles... and something that is not Lightning-like: the older Farron shedding a tear of happiness and joy over one of the gifts she got from Fang - newer toys for her two cats, Bahamut and Odin. What made things more interesting was that Fang made sure to sit right next to Lightning throughout the entire get together; for Fang's reasoning, she wanted to get a read on Claire "Lightning" Farron, while the others saw it as a means for the brunette to ask her out on a date for the Bodhum New Years Fireworks Display next week.
As for the Cards Against Humanity session the group had - which lasted for HOURS according to Yeul although Vanille clearly lost track of time - saw a VERY cheeky side of Lightning. It was far more interesting that Fang kept on getting each black card every time Lightning was the judge. Serah had an odd but also warm feeling that Fang understood Lightning's past regarding her love life better than most, which was why the two got along better than even Snow thought. It was after the game was declared a draw as both Lightning and Fang wound up with most black cards each and the entire stash ran out that the group all agreed to see a movie that all would like, which wound up to be a noted martial arts/comedy hybrid film. Like the presents distribution earlier in the day, Fang made sure that Lightning was next to her to get a decent read on the older Farron. Nothing of significance happened throughout the film, which Fang especially enjoyed, all the while she watched Lightning silently recite every line to the film without the pinkette noticing. It was after the film was over that the group had a quick chat about the Bodhum New Years Fireworks Display that was coming up the next week, which Lightning's mood surprisingly went back to sour, breaking Fang's heart at the sight. However, it gave the Oerban native the inspiration to ask the older Farron out on a date to said fireworks display, solely for the reason to get to know her better.
After a few moments, Fang took Lightning to the back garden as a means to work up the courage to ask her out on a date. In Fang's eyes, Lightning is her goddess, Fang's definition of perfection. Someone whose heart Fang wanted to heal more than anything. To Seven and Serah's surprise, Lightning agreed to the private chat with Fang although the older Farron would be in for a shock. "Lightning... I... uh... I would like to know if... um... you could be my date to next week's fireworks display? I really fancy... err, like you... as in like-like you, and I want to get to know you better..." Fang stuttered her arse off while asking Lightning out on a date, with the brunette mentally berating herself for her lack of confidence when it comes to love. It felt like eternity for Fang while waiting for Light to respond, for the older Farron hadn't been out on a date since that good for nothing bitch Jihl Nabaat broke her heart five years ago. After a few minutes, Lightning gave her a soft smile, one meant for those she was romantically interested in, the one that sent Fang's heart soaring to new and better levels, with a "I'll be your date" as a reply making Fang smile her best smile, this FINALLY giving Serah her mark of bragging rights over Light once and for all.
Serah 3, Claire 2
The new friends are looking forward to the fireworks more so now than ever.
XXX
It's the day of the Bodhum New Year's Fireworks Display, which sees Lightning feeling beyond nervous, which the memories from her failed relationship with Jihl at the forefront of her mind. Just before the group outside Noel and Yeul left the Sebusai household, Seven somehow managed to get the camera she was given by Lightning from the year before to work, capturing a photo of this year's festivities that all would remember for years to come. Fang and Vanille were dropped off at Lightning's home since she has the extra space and the older Farron wanted some company - a first since Jihl moved out of the home Lightning once shared with her. Fang and Vanille both learnt quite a bit about Lightning during their stay, which was a month as their house was going through major renovations and Lightning agreed to house them until said renovations were done.
Fang and Vanille found out that Lightning was previously engaged to be married, has two friendly male cats but can't cook if her life had depended on it. What made it more interesting was that Bahamut, the younger of the two feline brothers, claimed Fang as his human at their first meeting although Lightning's his owner. It felt odd for both Lightning and Odin to see Bahamut claim another person as his human at first but in time it was comforting in every aspect, putting Lightning at ease to some extent. Sometimes, it helped Lightning sleep better at night, proving Serah's thoughts on Fang correct.
In return, Lightning was floored by finding out that like herself, Fang was previously engaged to be married. Unlike the truly royal clusterfuck that was Lightning and Jihl's relationship, Fang's late fiancée died in a horrific accident seven years ago, and it took Fang some time to get over it. The brunette tried the dating scene again four years after, it was to no avail. No one seemingly understood the aftermath of being previously engaged. Some of the women she was with since either lacked a proper spine and couldn't deal with that kind of baggage, or used Fang for their own selfish desires. For Vanille, she felt that Lightning could be 'The One' for Fang, and vice versa. The redhead saw that they understood the aftermath of being previously engaged better than most, both wanting to wait until marriage to have sexual intercourse - and most of all, they wanted a family.
Fang... being nervous was an understatement if the brunette was being honest with herself on the topic. Having key common ground with her new friend Lightning was likely the only thing that kept her sane, and with Lightning's looks being the icing on Fang's cake, it made the nerves all the more terrifying. It was about two hours before the fireworks were to begin when Fang went to Lightning's room to check up on her, only to see the door open ajar and the older Farron not being herself. The brunette immediately entered Lightning's room to comfort her friend, to reassure Light that everything will be okay, the date will be great for the simple reason that Lightning and Fang are hanging out together. It would be about 15 minutes later that the pair, alongside Vanille, would leave the house to enjoy the fireworks, with Vanille driving after being told of Lightning's state.
"It'll be just fine, Sunshine..." Fang quietly said to the older Farron once they got to a great spot upon arriving at the venue for fireworks display, in a tone that was comforing, giving Lightning the peace of mind she desperately needed after what Jihl had done to break her heart, the one thing that infuriated Fang to no end: Jihl was seeing Yaag Rosch behind Lightning's back for more than a year. It was when Jihl became pregnant with Yaag's son that things went wrong with their relationship. That was years ago. With this display being the first Lightning attended since before Jihl broke up with her, the pinkette only hopes a happier, better future comes her way, and with someone who is far more faithful to Light than Jihl ever was. It was this gap of time that caused Lightning's anxiety attacks to be severe enough for anyone who knows the older Farron to keep a close eye on her - not only for her own safety but the safety of those around her.
Fang and Lightning stayed close together throughout the entire display, mainly to keep a close eye on Lightning if the brunette had an opinion on the matter, but it was really to get know the pinkette better. Vanille, oddly enough, felt more peaceful than in recent years, knowing that Fang could have just found her happy ending, with the person she met just one week before in Claire 'Lightning' Farron. While Vanille went to a different but nearby spot to watch the fireworks, the redhead kept an eye on the two new friends, as Serah, in an odd twist of fate, somehow paid Vanille in candy and chocolate to get the 'juicy' gossip on Fang and Lightning. It was at midnight, going into the New Year, that saw both Fang and Lightning in a position that some would say that they agreed to be a couple, since Lightning's head was on Fang's right shoulder with the brunette placing her cheek on top of the pinkette's head. Both women had the matching look of content on their faces, grateful to have met like this although Lightning secretly felt that she should have met Fang before Jihl as a result of this particular fireworks display.
In time, things would only get better.
XXX
In the weeks that followed after the fireworks display, Fang and Lightning kept in touch on a daily basis, since the brunette and Vanille had to go back to their home in Oerba since the renovations for their home, in a surprising turn of events, was finished sooner than they expected, putting a damper in both Lightning and Bahamut. For the pair, keeping in touch was practically the only way one would know about the other without Serah or Vanille getting involved. It was the week before Valentine's Day that Fang was given the best news that would bring her to Lightning and her two cats for good: the company where the brunette was an independent contractor for expeditions was relocated to Bodhum, and they brought Fang along for the ride as one of the partnerships was with the Guardian Corps, who Lightning works for. Although it would mean that Vanille could be left behind in Oerba, it was an opportunity that Fang couldn't miss out on, even in the eyes of the redhead. Oddly enough, Vanille also got a transfer of her own, and also to Bodhum. The instant that Lightning got this news from the brunette that she AND Vanille are both moving to Bodhum for good, the older Farron's heart soared for the first time in years, since before she dated Jihl. Bahamut, being the lovable but troublemaking cat he is, got excited to where he was a constant bundle of energy, eager to be reunited with his human.
Wouldn't Fang be surprised by this.
XXX
It was three months since Fang and Vanille moved in with Lightning at her humble home in Bodhum. The trio of friends had gotten into a routine with household responsibilities, expenses and whatever have you. Regarding the friendship between Fang and Lightning, it was getting stronger by the week - mishaps and bumps in the road in included. Spending time with Fang went from grieving over Jihl and her fuck up to having more fun as far as Lightning has known up to that point, with Fang's romantic feelings for the older Farron increasing by the day. For the brunette, however, she didn't want to rush things with the pinkette, for Fang's recent run in with Jihl left a nasty taste in the Oerban native's mouth. I hope that bitch Jihl chokes on a cock and dies from it... I can't stand her at all... Fang would think to herself whenever Jihl's name is brought up by anyone.
In the interim, Fang and Lightning became a tour de force with getting the crime rate under control in Bodhum, which Amodar taking note, which rewarded the pair with an all expenses paid round trip to and from Oerba for two weeks - Fang's hometown - something neither woman was epxecting but were very happy to get nevertheless. Although Vanille couldn't get a read on Lightning's feelings about Fang, the redhead was confident that the older Farron was as in love with Fang as the brunette was in love with her. Upon finding out that Lightning and Fang earned a two week trip to and from Bodhum, Vanille recruited Seven, Sice and Serah to help get Fang and Lightning get together as a couple. To Serah's knowledge, Vanille, Sice AND Seven have all heard Fang and Lightning talk about each other in a high regard to the three in some extent, which was REALLY starting to annoy Serah because neither of them made a move yet wouldn't allow anyone else come in between them. The fact that the other three were also getting fed up with Fang and Lightning's 'dance' around each other since the Christmas get together at Seven and Sice's house made it MUCH worse than it need to be.
When Fang and Lightning had their stuff packed for their holiday in Oerba, Seven and Sice took in the two cats to look over as Vanille's line of work made her unreliable to look after them on her own. Knowing this, it made Fang feel at ease while feeling bad for the redhead and her chaotic work schedule not allowing her to do much other than consume loads of candy, sweets and anything else Serah would allow her to have without the younger Oerban sister trying to destroy Lightning's house by trying to cook something in the older Farron's kitchen without Fang's prior knowledge. Being the good friend, Serah chose to stay with Vanille since Noel and Yeul crashed at the Farron-Villiers residence to wait for a house they recently bought to be available for them to move into. With Hope, Vanille's newest mate...er, buddy, driving Lightning and Fang to the transport that would lead them to Gran Pulse, Seven and Sice could only hope that Fang and Lightning FINALLY find the courage to confess their feelings to each other.
The trip would be worth it - and mean so much more.
XXX
Lightning and Fang make it to the landing area just outside of Oerba in Gran Pulse, with both women being in high spirits considering the flight to Gran Pulse being questionable at certain points and this being the older Farron's first time visiting Gran Pulse since she was a child traveling with Serah and their parents. Seeing Oerba as an adult, the pinkette was at a real loss for words, but couldn't stop smiling at the scenery, making Fang smile her best smile since she first met Lightning, knowing that those in the Yun Clan would accept a Cocoonian like Lightning, one who accepts her people no matter what. Upon arrival to their rental home, which was fully set up to their standards thanks to Amodar's generosity, the two close friends decided to unpack their stuff into the appropriate spots and settle in for the rest of the day prior to doing anything else besides letting the others back in Bodhum know that they've safely arrived. It was during the evening hours that Fang saw Lightning feeling uneasy of the situation, and for good reason: the lone bedroom in the rental home, which is small enough as it is, had only one bed.
The pair never slept in the same bed back at Lightning's house in Bodhum as there were plenty of bedrooms, which Fang has her own room and her own bed. If there was a miracle with the sleeping situation, it was the size of the bed as it could easily fit four people in it without any issues. It took a LONG talk to convince Lightning to share the same bed as Fang would sleep in. If the older Farron had to be completely honest with herself, she was starting to rethink her stance on Amodar's trip that was planned out for her and the brunette. However, her heart betrayed her mind on the situation at hand here and opted to share the lone bed with her dear friend - and the object of her affections. For Fang, this wasn't new to her. She often shared the same bed as other women before, regardless if she was related to them or not. Lightning's love and trust were the two things the brunette wanted the most, but Fang quickly realised that for her to get something like that from the pinkette, it has to be earned - not easily obtained by any means.
Fang would more than earn Lightning's love and trust.
XXX
The first three days into their trip in Oerba saw the two friends do and try things that either Lightning never experienced before, or Fang knew about but couldn't do back then, to hilarious results, plus photos for Vanille, Serah, Seven and Sice to laugh their arses off at upon the pair's eventual return to Bodhum. Seeing Lightning smiling the entire time made Fang the happiest lass in all of Gran Pulse, knowing that Lightning being herself in Fang's home country made the brunette more proud than ever to know her - even though they're only friends at this stage. "Fancy trying that spot for Behemoth Steak, Sunshine?" Fang asked the older Farron out of the blue, pointing to a particular grill that the brunette was able to point out and is familiar with. "Sure, why not?" was Lightning's reply, with Fang happily leading the way to an establishment that introduced an interesting sight to the pinkette: it was the same grill Fang's family owned when she was a child, which is now owned and operated by a relative Fang recently discovered on her own a few weeks before her move to Bodhum. Recognising his niece, the middle aged lad there, Kain, treated her, and Lightning by extension, a freshly grilled plate of Behemoth Steak, with mixed vegetables, Yun style mashed potatoes, cornbread, soup, salad and a glass of Pulsian liquor.
Fang and Lightning ate the meal with quiet talk, while Uncle Kain would fill the pair in with interesting stories about anything and everything he deemed interesting while he got to know the Cocoonian native better. Lightning's inability to say much because of how GOOD the food was had Kain beaming with pride, knowing that there are good people who hail from Cocoon and also appreciate Yun style cooking. "I fancy this one, Snaggletooth. She's a keeper if you know what I mean..." Kain told his niece with a cheeky but sincere grin on his face, clearly approving Lightning being in Fang's life in some capacity. This alone nearly caused the pinkette to choke on the final bite of her steak while Fang spat out the last of the liquor from her glass, in shock that her own uncle somehow joined Serah, Vanille, Seven and Sice in wanting Fang and Lightning to be a couple. Kain's insight on how incredible Lightning treats Fang was enough for him to approve the older Farron for his only and surviving niece, which would help wonders for the two friends when the time is right. Kain would be shocked when Lightning left a tip behind, to say thanks for the food, hospitality and service - for the tip was close to four months of Lightning's salary at the GC.
During the remainder of the first week of their trip to Oerba, the two friends would visit Kain's establishment for lunch or dinner, while do a different activity. It was a Friday when Fang and Lightning caught Kain on his day off from the grill, as Leonora, Kain's second wife as his first wife died of an unknown illness years ago, was the chef on Fridays. The trio decided to take a horseback riding event as a whole since Lightning's left leg was iffy for the last two days and Fang didn't want to risk her friend getting more injured if they went through a surfing lesson Kain originally wanted. It took one look at said leg for Kain to agree with his niece on the matter: in a way, it broke his heart to see Lightning's leg the way it was. His heart went out to her when he saw the compression sleeve that covered most of her left arm; the iffy leg would have made things worse. It was because of this that Lightning felt more safe around Fang and her Uncle Kain than ever - they respected Lightning's actual situation and worked towards a compromise so that the trio would have a great time with this activity. They were given a horse of their own, to which the one picked for Lightning plopped down without a command so that the pinkette could get on without the iffy leg creating more issues, causing a sincere smile to form on Lightning's face.
The horseback riding turned out to be the perfect activity for the trio, which enabled Kain to get to know more about Lightning's line of work with the GC... and also giving Fang the final push she needed to ask Lightning a very important question before they head back to Bodhum.
Kain would be a permanent figure in their lives.
XXX
The remainder of their time in Oerba saw Fang and Lightning do a variety of things, all the while visiting Kain's establishment for a meal. Day by day saw Fang's confidence in asking Lightning if the pinkette wanted to be more than just friends with her growing more and more, to where it was a dinner at the establishment that was two days before they had to head back to Bodhum that saw Fang time this moment to do so. Always remember Fang, a Yun NEVER BACKS DOWN from a challenge... Kain told her in some capacity over the last few days, words of wisdom known to the Yun Clan. Kain and Leonora, who wanted to help Fang win Lightning for herself which was a massive sigh of relief for the brunette despite the pinkette being a Cocoonian, even helped with the meal and had a few words of encouragement for Fang to finally ask that important question to her friends. Lightning arrived to the grill around 30 minutes later, dressed in an outfit bound to wow any suitor, male or female. Fang, being the gentlewoman, escorted the older Farron to her chair first before sitting down herself. It would be a short time later that both Kain and Leonora would retreat to the kitchen to make the meal.
Lightning was at a real loss for words with the atmosphere and surroundings of the tavern, unlike her previous visits. It was more romantic than usual, with the meal being served was a combo of both authentic Pulsian food with Cocoonian fare - the latter being varying Farron family recipes sent to Kain and Leonora in secret; whoever sent them said recipes will forever remain a mystery to Lightning but the pinkette didn't care. She enjoyed the food and Fang's company more than anything else at the moment, with the older Farron having an odd but good feeling in her soul on the particular occasion. Dear Etro, please tell me that Fang wants to be more than just friends with me... I'm fucking sick of this 'dance' with her all these months... I don't want to be alone... Lightning said in her silent prayer to Etro, hoping that her top secret Christmas wish would finally come true. In all honesty, the older Farron is ready to move on from the clusterfuck that was Jihl Nabaat, and wanted to be with Oerba Yun Fang more than anything else. It was Fang gently grabbing the pinkette's hands that got Lightning's attention as quick as her namesake, for the brunette finally mustered up the courage to ask Light that one important question.
"Light... Claire... I mean Sunshine... damn it Lady Luck, this is harder than I thought it would be... I wanted to ask you this for a while, since the moment you welcomed Vanille and I into your home after that Christmas party... if I had to be honest, I wanted to ask you the day we met at said party..." Fang began, with Lightning immediately catching on to where Fang was going with this affectionate ramble of hers, something Fang isn't known for. It was a real miracle by Lady Luck that Lightning listened to every word that came from Fang's mouth at that point. It was the gentle, sincere smile from Lightning that allowed Fang to continue the affectionate ramble. "I wanted to be more than friends with you since the Christmas party at Seven and Sice's place but I didn't want to rush you into anything you weren't ready for, and rushing things is one thing I wouldn't dream of doing, because I want to do things with you at your pace. Claire Jasmine Farron, would you have the honour of being more than just friends with me...?" Fang finished, only for her question to be cut off by a gentle kiss by Lightning on Fang's lips, with the brunette eventually returning the kiss with equal sincerity.
All of the other patrons at the establishment cheered when Lightning said yes to being Fang's new girlfriend. Finally, my Christmas wish came true, Fang very happily mused to herself while Lightning giggled, for reasons unknown. "Thank you for granting me my Christmas Wish, Fang..." Lightning began before Fang initiated another kiss - one with the confidence a Yun is known for. Oddly enough, Lightning treated the patrons to a beverage, as a sign of respect, which took everyone by surprise, knowing the history of Cocoon and Gran Pulse. They were happy to know that the person Fang brought with her to visit Oerba was one who treats everyone as her equal, and all shared Kain's approval of Lightning whenever the time comes that Lightning returns to Oerba with Fang and whoever else. Kain sent a message to one Oerba Dia Vanille and Serah Villiers about Lightning and Fang finally becoming a couple at his establishment, further sealing Serah's bragging rights over her big sis.
Lightning and Fang's life as a couple would last a lifetime.
XXX
Upon their return to Bodhum, Fang and Lightning would find out some rather interesting things about each other: their mothers both have the same first name of Alisaie, plus in an odd twist of fate, their fathers were close friends who sadly lost touch due to distance and legal bullshit from Dysley. "Guess we're meant to be, Light. Sweet dreams, my Sunshine. I love you..." Fang happily said to her new girlfriend upon finally falling asleep one night, obviously not afraid to say those three words even though their relationship was brand new. Lightning's reply to that was a slightly tighter hold on the brunette, with an ear to Fang's chest, just to hear her heart beat, making Fang smile in her sleep. It was the only response the brunette needs.
They would remain happily in love until death do they part.
Present Time
"Hello there gorgeous...and hello to you too, Sunshine..." Fang happily greeted both her daughter Alisaie and Lightning, gently holding the newborn while Lightning covered herself up. The married pair were beyond hands on with everything leading up to and since Alisaie's birth, making everyone who knows them proud to know the pair, especially Seven and Sice. For the Sebusai pair, they're more grateful to have hosted a get together that FINALLY gave Lightning the happy ending she yearned for. Fang and Lightning were able to put in the effort to make it last, and they have no regrets about it.
"Together to the end..." the Fangrai couple happily said in unison after gently putting Alisae in her crib, only to watch her sleep for a while before heading to bed themselves.
Fang and Lightning's Christmas Wish forever came true: to have a family and a real home.
A home filled with love.
FIN
A/N #2: Next piece is ANOTHER sequel to the Fangrai Halloween/Thanksgiving tale I wrote a while back, but I DEFINITELY don't know when I'll write it. If you fancy (like) my works and want to send a tip my way, Ko-Fi is the best way to do it (same username). Cheers!