Thanks go Baby Capri 1990 for editing/revising for me. If there's a mistake, it's her fault! :D Enjoy!

The Simple Life

Chapter 3

I sighed in defeat when Serah drug me into a baby boutique. I tried my hardest to keep her away. I still wasn't ready to admit that in six and a half months there would be a little baby Snow. The thought still made me physically ill.

"Lightning, this is so cute!" I turned in time to see her hold up a bright pink infant's dress.

My eyebrows raised. "I think it's too small for you." I couldn't help but smirk at the expression on her face.

"Not for me! For the baby." She glared at me.

"But you don't even know if it's a boy or a girl yet."

She pouted. "I know. But I can dream."

I couldn't help myself as I picked up a tiny pair of shoes. They were pure white, each shoe carried the design of some cartoon character. As much as I hated to admit it… They were cute.

"See, you think this stuff's cute too!" How and when did she get so close to me?

I blushed, quickly throwing the shoes back on the shelf. "I don't understand why people pay all this money for name brand clothes their children can wear for three months at the most."

"Don't try to change the subject Claire. You thought those were cute! Admit it!"

"No…"

"Come on. I saw you smile at them. Just admit it." I turned my back to her. "But sis!" Still, I ignored her. "We're having twins!"

My body froze at her words. Slowly I turned back to face her. "You're joking, right?"

She burst into laughter. "You should see the look on your face right now."

"…Serah?" I looked at her seriously. "Please…Serah please tell me you're joking."

Between bouts of laughter she spoke. "Yes, I'm joking… Breathe." Thanks for reminding me. "I needed something to get your attention. You were ignoring me."

"So you try to give me a heart attack?" I shook
my head before making my way to the exit. "And yes, I did think those shoes were cute."

She bounded out of the store after me. I couldn't stay mad at her when she looped her arm with mine. "Auntie Claire is going to spoil her little niece of nephew isn't she?" I rolled my eyes at her. Why was I smiling though? "She is! I just know she is." She leaned closer, putting her head on my shoulder as we walked through the mall.

"Why did I agree to come shopping with you again?"

"Because you're the best big sister in the world. And you love me. And deep down inside you like Snow too."

"Don't you dare go that far Serah."

"Alright then. You still hate him, but you love me don't you?"

"You know I do." I stopped and reached into my pocket to pull out some gil to get two drinks from the vending machine.

"Then say it!" She folded her arms over her chest. I didn't speak. "You have no problem telling Fang how much you love her. Why can't you-"

"-I love you Serah…God you're annoying sometimes." I held out a bottle of water to her. She took it gratefully and continued her way through the mall. In a way, I guess she was right. I would, most likely, spoil the child. There were no grandparents to do it. On either side. Somebody had to and Snow had no siblings. Not like I'd want his family around anyway. One Villiers is enough for me.

I leaned closer to Fang as we sat in a booth back in the corner of the bar. I met her there a few minutes before she finished her shift. "She was trying to kill me. I know she was."

I smacked her as she continued laughing. "She actually told you she was having twins?" I nodded. "She's just as bad as me."

"More like she's picking up your bad habits. She spends as much time with you as she does with me." I gave her my empty beer bottle. "Get us another round?" After laughing at me the way she did, she knew she had to do something to make up for it. If she wanted to sleep in my bed tonight that was.

"I'll be right back."

I accepted her kiss when it was offered to me. She then stood and vanished in the crowd. My eyes fell shut and I leaned back against the cushion. "What are you doing all alone gorgeous?"

"My fiancée is up at the bar." I shifted some in my seat. The man, attractive enough, pressed closer to me.

"Well he shouldn't have left you all alone." He sat on the booth seat beside me.

"She…" I emphasized. "Will be right back, and you're in her seat."

"And what's she going to do about it?"

Looking past him I spied Fang hurrying back to the table. Not a moment too soon either. "I'd suggest you leave before she gets here."

"Come dance with me." He grabbed my hand and attempted to pull me up with him. I didn't budge though and just yanked my hand away from him.

"Get out of here before you get yourself hurt." Fang placed two beer bottles on the table and pulled him away from me by the back of his shirt.

"How can you expect me to be afraid of a tiny thing like you?" I kept my eyes glued to their exchange.

"You should be." She didn't hesitate in slamming her fist into his jaw.

"You little bitch." Before he could raise his first to her she hit him again. I winced. I'd be sure to put ice on it later.

"Get out of here." She turned her back to him to look at me. "You alright sunsh-" Her eyes grew wide for a moment and she gasped slightly for air.

"Fang?" I questioned, reaching for her. Over her shoulder I could see the man disappearing in the crowd. "Fang?" I asked again when she didn't respond. This time I stood up to move closer to her. That's when I saw it. My heart raced, I quickly helped her to sig before calling for help. For anybody to call an ambulance. "It'll be alright." I pulled her close as her eyes fell shut. "Fang stay with me! Help's on the way." I pressed my bare hand tightly to the open wound near her hip. Tears formed in my eyes. "Fang, come on honey. Please stay with me." I rested my head against hers, her breathing was shallow.

Couldn't resist adding just the tiniest bit of drama....ok....I lied....there will be more throughout the story, but this is just the start :D