Author's Note: Slowly getting back into writing. Can take place after the ending of Lightning Returns. Pretend that Final Fantasy XIII: Reminiscence -tracer of memories- does not exist.

Feature


"Look slightly to your left" Click. Flashes burst out of the camera.

"Great, now tilt your chin" another click and another flash.

"Angle that bag towards the camera... that's it."

"...alright we're ready for the next change"

She sighed in relief, her day getting closer to the end. She waited until the stylist took the bag and other accessories off her and she walked towards the dressing room.

Sitting in the chair in the middle of the vanity mirror, she held her personal bag, opened the largest pocket and dug in for her phone.

Thumb adeptly pressing on a particular app, her eyes scrolled for any important emails. There was an occasional movement of the hands as they typed out responses.

Ping!

Message from: Serah

Slowly scrolling through, she exited out of the email draft, her attention on the text message.

"Hey sis, your day going good?

when are you flying back?"

Blinking slowly, she hastily scrolled up to see if she sent the details over.

Oh. Must've forgotten earlier.

Going back into her app, she screenshotted the itinerary and sent it off.

"OK thanks see you soon "

Hmm...

"Thumbs quickly typing out a reply, she answered,

"You picking me up then?"

A pause as the message was read.

"Only if you're buying dinner :)"

Well, alright then.

"Deal."

Placing the phone back into the bag, she smiled as she got ready in a different outfit.


"Hey Serah!"

Looking behind her, she spotted her study buddy walking over in front of the library"

"Sorry was running a little late, but do I have something to show you first before we start hitting the books."

Taking a seat near the front past the atrium of the building, Serah waited on her buddy to fetch something from their bag.

A phone loading an video was set in front of her.

Slowly coming into view, the video then showed a closeup on a bag as it was swung slightly as the model was walking. The camera panned out to display both product and model together.

Wait. Isn't that-

"Look at this shot!"

The model turned around very quickly, displaying the outfit being worn elegantly. The lighting and effects on the video had a glamorous and soft feeling.

Hi Sis.

Her eyes focusing on the video, she kept quiet as she watched till the end of the advertisement.

"Isn't she...this so pretty?"

Yes and yes.

"Of course she's pretty. That's my big sis!"

She looked up into pleading eyes.

"Please can I meet her?"

"Umm... that's up to her-"

"Pretty please?"


Parking her car into the designated slot, she kept it in idle. According to the latest flight info, her plane landed long ago, and Claire should be at the baggage area by now.

While waiting, she pulled up her phone and checked her text messages. The study buddy sent off yet another message not-so-subtly asking for a study session where Claire could possibly drop in.

A message popped up on the top of her phone.

From: Sis
Done. Which gate door?

Looking through the window, she quickly typed:

Gate _, by that spiraly bronze statue

The phone was silent for a moment, then-

The gate door closest by the car slid open as a figure emerged, rolling luggage behind her.

"Hi."

"Welcome Back! I opened the back door for you already"

A slight nod, and Claire placed her luggage before taking the seat besides Serah.

Starting the car, Serah drove out into the lane and towards home.

"So...anything fun happened on the trip."

"...It was nice."

Furrowing her brows, Serah pouted, "Not up for chatting, I see."

A noncommittal noise was the response.

"But you're buying pizza for tonight, right?"

"...Alright."