Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy XIII. Square Enix owns it. I do not own anything. Do not sue me.

Authorial Notice: I know that the last couple of chapters have been lame, and I apologize for that. I've been trying to get back into my muse but unfortunately, it hasn't been happening… I'm afraid to inform you that after this story, I will be retiring from writing. When I was in High School, even Junior High, I was a huge writer, used to write and even wanted it to be my occupation… but I lost it. I apologize. I will be posting one-shots every once and a while, and, hell, might even write another chaptered story such as this one. Just bare with me through this. I promise you that I won't abandon this story. It's almost over. Three or four more chapters left. Thank you.

Special thanks to Haruka-Chan 212

Lost Then Found
Chapter Twelve

"Love is the master key that opens the gates of happiness."
- Oliver Wendell Holmes

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Fang and Vanille's Apartment
0730 Hours (7:45 AM) – Saturday

Lightning woke up to her phone beeping. She sighed and ignored it, pushing herself back a little so she was closer to Fang, whose arms were around her. "Aren't you going to answer that?" Fang pushed her lips to the back of Lightning's neck.

"Whoever it is can wait…" Lightning's voice cracked slightly.

The room was still dark, courtesy of the dark drapes. She was unsure of the time, though she didn't really care. She was where she wanted to be. Fang's left hand was in Lightning's, caressing the back of it with her thumb. "What time is it?" Fang asked. Lightning lifted up her head and looked at the clock on the nightstand.

"Why anyone would call this early is anybody's guess," Lightning said, melting back into the soft bed.

"Probably your sister," Fang said, pushing herself into Lightning, if getting closer was even possible.

Lightning turned around as Fang wrapped her arms around the woman. She pushed her lips into the brunettes, allowing her hand to come up and cup her cheek. Fang returned the gesture and pulled away, resting her forehead on Lightning's. "You're beautiful," Fang said, causing a slight blush to creep its way to Lightning's cheek. She pressed her lips back onto Lightning's and trailed her tongue across the sergeant's lips. Lightning reached down between them and placed a teasing hand between the brunette's legs, smiling slightly into the kiss. Her index finger traced the woman's inner lips. "Stop teasing," Fang whispered.

The motions stopped when they heard the shower going across the house. "Can you be quiet?" Lightning asked, pressing soft lips against Fang's neck.

"Can you?" Fang challenged with a smirk.

"We'll see…"

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Fang and Vanille's Apartment
0845 Hours (8:45 AM) – Saturday

"No I haven't heard from them either, Serah. I got home late and just woke up, myself," Vanille said as she sipped her coffee in the kitchen, listening to Serah worry. "Yes, I know they did. I helped Fang get ready. I don't know. I'll go get her. Hold on," Vanille hopped off of the stool and skipped to Fang's room. She knocked and turned the knob. "Fang? Why is your door locked? Serah's wondering where Lightning is. She's worried. Apparently she didn't go home last night."

In the room, Fang grumbled, snuggling closer to the woman sleeping beside her. "Go away, Vanille."

"Fang, come on! Open the door!"

Lightning stirred from her sleep, cuddling further into the blankets. She mumbled something incoherent. "Shhh…" Fang said as she continued to hold the woman.

"Fang? Who was that?"

"No one, Vanille."

She heard something shaking the doorknob – 'fuck I forgot I had a key above the door… Ah well.' Before she had time to cover the woman next to her, Vanille had emerged into the room.

"Fa-oh, Maker…" Vanille blushed crimson and turned around, trying to hide the giggle that had come out. "Well, I think we found her…"

"Wass goin' on?" Lightning mumbled tiredly. She looked up and saw Vanille smiling. "Oh, shit…"

"Vanille, go away. Go get some coffee from down the street or something," Fang said through gritted teeth. "Now?"

"Hehe, right. Have fun, you two…" She left the room just in time, as a pillow was flung from the bed, aimed at her head.

Lightning sighed contently, melting back into the bed as Fang pulled her closer. "You feel so good," The brunette whispered into her neck as a hand ran lightly across Lightning's side. She pressed her lips to the back of Lightning's neck, causing the woman to shiver.

"Fang… Vanille's in the next room," Lightning said as Fang's hand started to wander downwards.

"That didn't stop us earlier, now did it?" Fang whispered just below the quivering woman's ear. Her hand moved lower, moving over Lightning's sensitive area gently. She made a small moan in the back of her throat.

"Fang…" she breathed. 'After last night… I think I'm going to be sore for a while. I lost count after a while… But if she keeps this – oh…' Fang pressed harder, causing Lightning to let out a throaty moan.

"FANG!" Vanille called. "Get your booty out of bed and come help me! But… Wash your hands first, please!"

Fang sighed and stood up, grabbing her robe from the bathroom door. "I'll be back." Lightning followed suite and grabbed a few articles of clothing.

"I should probably go. Serah's worried and all that…" She said awkwardly.

Fang nodded and walked over to Lightning, who had already managed to put on her pants. "I'll distract Vanille so you can slip out without being questioned." She gave Lightning a peck on the lips.

"Saves the interrogation for home only. Sounds good to me," Lightning smiled, keeping their lips together.

"G'luck with Serah," The taller woman joked, voice husky, causing Lightning to sigh.

"Don't forget about Snow, too."

Fang chuckled, pulling Lightning closer. "Promise me you won't kill him?"

Lightning scoffed. "No promises in that statement." She pulled away slightly to put her bra and shirt on.

"I'll call you later?" Fang spoke, making it sound more like a question then a statement.

"I look forward to it," Lightning smiled. The brunette gave her one last peck and walked out of the room. 'What have I gotten myself into?'

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Lightning, Serah, and Snow's Apartment
0930 Hours (9:30 AM) – Saturday

Lightning stepped through the door of her apartment, combing a hand through her soft hair. "It's about time!" Serah said as she stood up from the couch. "How was your date?" Lightning quirked a brow, shook her head, and headed to the kitchen. "Don't ignore me!" Serah whined. She caught up with Lightning, who was pouring herself a cup of coffee. "Did you actually sleep any?" The sergeant turned around to glare at her before turning her head back to her coffee. "Just a question, since it looks like your date went… wonderfully." She grinned.

"Serah, for once – for your sake and Snow's sake – shut up," Lightning said, sitting on a bar stool.

"So was it good?"

"Serah. I'm warning you," Lightning muttered through gritted teeth, rubbing her temples slightly.

Serah just laughed. "You know ya love me, sis, besides…" she brushed Light's hair to the side, "based on the bruises, someone loved it." Lightning just ignored her, pulling her hair back to where it was before – covering the 'bruises' on her neck.

"Where's the idiot?" Lightning asked, wanting desperately to change the conversation.

"He had an interview this morning…" She sat down next to her sister, "So… my tank top did the trick then, eh?" She giggled.

Lightning sighed and looked at her barely finished cup of coffee. She stood up and put it in the sink. "It's none of your business, Serah," she headed to her room, but her sister was shortly behind her. Lightning stopped at her door and turned around. "Don't you have something you should be doing? Like cleaning? Going to the store? Leaving me alone?"

"I know what you'd like to be doing," Serah giggled. "Or rather, who."

"I'd like to sleep."

"Should have told Fang that last night."

"Go. Away," she started to shut the door, but Serah's held the door open.

"I hope you know, that if you sleep now, I'm going to ask even more questions when you wake up."

Rolling her eyes, she pushed Serah out of the doorway. She shut and locked the door before Serah could force the door open. Lightning leaned against the door and closed her eyes. 'Shower or sleep?' She looked from the bathroom door to the bed. She started to unbutton her shirt, collapsing on her bed in relief. 'Sleep sounds good…'

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Lightning, Serah, and Snow's Apartment
1045 Hours (10:45 AM) – Saturday

"What do you mean you're 'under qualified'?" Serah asked, putting her school book down on the table. "It's a cashier at the convenient store, Snow."

"She said I need math skills – and I kinda don't," Snow said sadly as he grabbed a beer from the fridge. "I don't know what I'm going to do, baby. If I can't get a job as a cashier, what can I get a job at?"

"Put that beer away and grab a soda, it's too early and I don't want you turning into an alcoholic. Besides, that's Claire's beer."

"This is the only thing I'm good at, Serah."

"That's not true. You're good at a lot of things. A lot of people aren't good with math. Claire was really bad at it in school," Serah answered as she stood up. Snow put the beer away and grabbed a soda.

"Name one thing then," he challenged. Serah paused for a moment to think. "Exactly."

"No. You're strong. You're athletic…." Serah trailed.

Snow threw his hands up in the air, "so what? A football player then?"

"Let's not get over ambitious, babe…" Serah reasoned. "There has to be something you're good at. I know there is."

"Then what? Lightning already thinks I'm a no good bum! She'd do anything to make sure I'm out on the streets!"

"She'd never kick either of us out, no matter how much she hates you…" Serah said softly as she gave him a soft hug.

"Look at how much effort she's put forth to split us up already…"

"Another thing you're good at is protecting me, even protecting Lightning, and the others too," she stopped to look up at him. "You're a wonderful husband. And even though she won't admit it, you're a great brother-in-law. You'll find something out there."

Her words were more than a reassurance, they were a promise. He squeezed her gently and kissed the top of her head. "You're right." Serah smiled and pulled away. He reciprocated the action and gave her a peck on the lips. "I'll continue searching tomorrow…" He looked around for a moment, noticing how quiet it was. "Where's Light? Did she get back yet?"

"Yeah, she did. I think she got laid," Serah said monotonously as she sat back down to do her work. "She had that look on her face. She's sleeping right now though." She giggled, before tilting her head up at Snow. "I think she had a long night."

The only thing he could do, was chuckle. "I'm sure she did…" The two of them jumped when they heard the shower start. "Looks like sleeping beauty is awake… Do you think she'll be in a good mood?"

"She probably is, but I'm probably going to ruin it. I have a lot of questions," Serah said with a smile. "I'd make sure you're in the other room when it happens, baby…"

"At least let her wake up a little before you start the assault," Snow begged.

"It's her own fault she didn't sleep last night… well… hers and Fang's."

Snow just chuckled and shook his head. "Alright, I'm going to go watch TV in our room then." He started to leave the room, but turned around momentarily. "Just for the record, when she starts strangling you, you're on your own."

"What? Are you scared of her?" She joked.

He paused for a second, "when that girl's angry, I try to keep my distance."

His wife giggled. "Aw, you are scared of her!"

"You've got to remember, sweetheart… she won't hurt you. She will, however, attempt to murder me in my sleep for your actions."

"That's true… I'll try to go easy on her," Serah reassured.

"Thank you. Come get me when you and Light are done," he walked over and pecked her lips before walking towards the bedroom.

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Lightning, Serah, and Snow's Apartment
1100 Hours (11:00 AM) – Saturday

Lightning sighed and walked out of her room, towel drying her hair. She knew Serah would start asking questions as soon as she entered the room. She looked up and saw her brother-in-law walking past her. "Snow…" Snow just nodded before vanishing into his room. She lifted a brow before continuing towards the kitchen. As she turned the corner, she could see Serah sitting at the dining room table with a few books open. "Could you guys have been any louder?" She asked as she poured herself a cup of coffee.

"Why?" She tilted her head before realizing what she was talking about. "Oh… You wanted to sleep?" She grinned from ear to ear, still writing the essay that she had been working on since she woke up.

Lightning glared at Serah. She lifted the cup to her mouth and took a long sniff, taking in the smell before taking a sip. "You know damn well I was sleeping."

"You should have done that last night. Ya know, most people sleep at night."

Lightning sighed and sat down across from Serah. "I know they're coming, just start already."

Her sister looked at her, a confused look on her face. "Know what is coming?"

Lightning sat back in her seat. "Don't play dumb with me. The questions. Might as well get it over with now."

Serah put her pen down and closed her books. "Do you love her?" She heard Lightning grumble.

"It was just one date," she reasoned, shaking her head.

"So? How long as this been growing?"

"Has what been growing?" Lightning sat back in the chair, crossing her legs.

"This… thing between you and Fang."

"It was just a date, Serah," Lightning said as she sipped her coffee.

"It was since the accident, wasn't it?" All Lightning could do was blush. "I should have seen it earlier! Oh, my goodness! All the signs were there!"

"It was the wedding," Lightning blurted.

"And – wait, what? What happened at the wedding?" Serah leaned in closer.

"I slapped her," Lightning smirked.

"Wait, you slapped her? And… that caused the date?" Serah rubbed her head in confusion. 'This is complicated…'

Lightning shook her head. "Well, I slapped her for what she did to me."

"What did she do to you?" Serah was excited. "Stop teasing me!"

"Why are you being so nosey anyway?"

"Because I love you and want to see you happy."

"… Fine…" Lightning took a breath. "Fang kissed me at your wedding. My mind kinda… went haywire."

Serah took a moment to collect her thoughts. "You love her, don't you?" She asked softly.

"What? N-no. I don't. Stop assuming I do," Lightning said with a slight tint of red on her face.

"You wouldn't be so defensive if you didn't, sis. So you two must have really… bonded… when you got yourself blown up," Serah said with a smile.

Lightning grumbled. "I didn't get blown up…" she muttered under her breath. Serah glared at her. "She took care of me, even thought I rejected everything she did for the first day or two, we had no choice but to bond. It was forced."

"So was last night… your first time?" she whispered.

"Serah!" Lightning glared.

"It was! That is too cute…" Lightning blushed more, but stayed silent. "Then you love her."

"I do not love her."

"The last person you slept with, you were in love with. And I remember you telling me, very distinctly, that you won't do it again unless you know it's 'the one'."

"I do care for her, and she means a lot to me, but that doesn't mean I love her."

"You're scared," Serah said monotonously.

"I do not get scared," Lightning chuckled.

"You're terrified. You're terrified to love her," Serah whispered.

Was she terrified? She wasn't sure anymore. She was terrified when their parents died. She was terrified on her first mission. She was terrified when Serah announced that she was dating Snow. She was terrified when she announced they were going to get married. She knew what being terrified meant. But… was she terrified to love Fang?

She shook her head of the thoughts and stood up to refill her coffee cup. "I am not."

"You're either afraid to love her, or you don't know what love is…" The elder Farron turned around abruptly.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me, sis," Serah challenged.

"Well, I don't know if Fang's 'the one'…"

"So you lied to me then?"

'What am I going to do…?' Lightning rubbed her head. Her head was starting to hurt from all these thoughts going through her mind. 'I mean… yeah… I like her, a lot but… do I actually love her?' She took a sip of her coffee. "I can't seem to get her off my mind…"

Serah smiled. "From what you're saying, you're falling in love with her."

"I am NOT!" Lightning growled.

"Fine then. Keep telling yourself that. But I know otherwise. You're in denial. It's either that, or you don't know what love it. Maybe you don't know how to love," Serah packed her belongings up and walked out of the kitchen, leaving Lightning alone.

'Do I love her…? … Maybe I am in denial…'

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I apologize for the constant skipping around. Forgive me.