II:
"Leave the cooking, I'll do it" Lightning instructed, grabbing her sister's hand and leading her away from the kitchen. "But I'm a better cook!" Serah moaned, clutching Lightning's hand.
"Don't you have homework to do?" the older girl frowned.
Serah stuck her tongue out.
Lightning sighed when she was sure Serah was out of the room, leaning against the wall. She buried her face in her hands and took a moment to get a hold of herself.
"Let Serah get it, she's better at choosing delicious food."
"Yup~ and I'm a better cook too!"
The memory was vivid, too vivid. It was like it had happened yesterday.
"Claire?"
She stiffened, tensing up and raising her head. She smiled weakly.
"You're sure you don't need any help...?" Serah smiled, her hands behind her back, swaying back and forth cutely.
"You don't have to do it all by yourself. Serah will be there to help you when it hurts the most..."
Her mother's words burned deep in her heart.
Lightning looked away, fiddled with her tie, and shook her head. "Help me. You're the better chef, after all."
Serah beamed. "I'm homey!"
She skipped over to the stove and directed Lightning to do a few things for her. Just asking for help once couldn't hurt, Lightning thought.
--
Hmm... I actually wanted to expand a little more on this one... Both chapters are pretty short so far... I hope any readers out there enjoy this anyway.
Lightning sure does contrast with Serah. I imagine younger Lightning and quite awkward, definitely socially awkward, and unwilling to let her sister help her. Because the responsibility was hers!
She needs a hug 3 :(