Back again. I did promise someone that I would get on this chapter asap and they promised me cookies, so I worked hard making sure that ends met in this chapter. I do have a relatively good idea where I want this to go, so don't worry about me not finishing it.
Hope y'all enjoy it, guys!
Lightning made her way back to the office and sank into her seat, stewing over what information she had gathered. As far as she knew, the owner of the café/club had been nowhere to be found that morning in the restaurant or the night before at the club. But the file said that the owner lived on the third floor of the establishment, the first and second floors being used for the club and the café. What could the owner possibly have been doing for all that time? Surely they weren't out working somewhere else and only left certain people in charge.
Fang glanced at her fellow officer and smirked, deciding to have a bit of fun. "Something on your mind, Light?"
"Tch. Nothing you should worry about yet, Fang." Fang raised an eyebrow at this.
"Is it about the cute little stripper that was on your lap last night?" she snickered, receiving a glare from her partner.
"Actually, I was thinking about who the owner could be." Lightning retorted. "And why they don't work there during the day."
Lightning turned back to her computer as Fang and Sazh glanced to each other. Sazh cleared his throat and nodded. "It does seem odd that someone who owns the place wouldn't even stick around to make sure her employees are doing their jobs correctly."
"Maybe because, from what we've seen, the employees do their jobs correctly without her presence even being needed." Fang suggested. "I mean, look at how they dealt with that fight last night."
"Fang's got a point." Lightning conceded. "But that still doesn't explain why we don't see her at all. We were there all the way until closing time." Her partners simply shrugged and stared back at her with looks of confusion on their faces, so Lightning let the subject drop for the time being.
The day passed very slowly. For the majority of it, the team was tasked with filling out paperwork from their previous visit to the strip club. Lightning worked through the forms diligently, not paying her other two teammates any mind. Fang stood and crept over to Sazh, whispering something with him and casting a glance to Lightning.
Sazh nodded and Fang returned to her desk, typing a few choice words before contacting the forensics office. Hey, Hope. She wrote. If you don't mind. I have a job I need you to take care of.
Receiving a confirmation email moments later, Fang quickly typed out the job she needed done and lifted her head to give Sazh a thumbs-up. The senior agent gave her a nod in return and the pair began their paperwork. As to be expected, Lightning finished her paperwork first and began looking for more leads on the case they were working. To her great annoyance, there was very little information she could find on the club, which would mean a deeper dig was due.
Fang and Sazh watched her carefully from their positions at their desks, making certain she didn't try anything they weren't prepared for. Lightning's eyes flew across screen after screen as she did the search. A quarter to lunch time, Fang glanced over to Sazh, who gave her a confirmative nod.
Fang grinned and pulled her email back up. Alright Hope, here's the document I need you to put up next time she tries opening a doc file.
You got it, Fang. Then you'll tell me what this is all about?
So long as you don't squeal to her about it, I'll tell ya everything.
Minimizing her email window, Fang went back to her paperwork, yawning her way through it while Sazh continued his important watch over Lightning. After a few moments, the pink-haired officer raised an eyebrow and slowly nodded, clicking a few choice buttons on her computer before turning to her senior officer.
"Sazh." she called calmly.
"What's up, Lightning?" the senior agent inquired curiously.
"It seems that there are some missing files pertaining to the strip club's background." the pinkette told him, standing and moving to the printer to receive some files as she spoke. "The cafe appears to be in good order so far, but a few signatures seem to be missing from important establishment agreements according to these documents here. Should we check it out?"
Lightning handed over the documents and Sazh went over them, pinpointing where the signatures were missing and nodding slowly. "You head back tonight while Fang and I do a bit more research on the subject. Call one of us if you need backup."
Lightning nodded and returned to her desk while her two partners stood for lunch, feelnig famished after the strenuous work of keeping Lightning in the dark. The pink-haired officer, on the other hand, continued her search for information on the strip club, knowing something else was bound to pop up sooner or later. Fang glanced at her momentarily, but shook off any worry she had. Hope was perfectly capable of keeping her busy and he didn't go onto break like the rest of them, so he would be focused completely on the task Fang had given him.
Finally, the sun began setting on the horizon and the senior agent took notice of its descent. Smiling, he turned to his pink-haired team member. "Alright, Lightning." Sazh called, gesturing toward the changing rooms. "Suit up. You're heading back."
Lightning made her way to the changing room and quickly slipped into the clothes provided for her, doing her hair in a slightly different style so as not to stand out as much and blend into the crowd. Meeting Sazh back out in the office area, the pink-haired officer began suiting up for her undercover mission.
"How many times do we have to keep going?" Lightning inquired calmly, holstering her gun beneath her skirt.
"Until we find the owner of the place." Sazh replied, not looking up from his computer screen.
"Can't we ask one of the employees?" the pinkette asked in exasperation, trying to get the bright red eyes of the stripper out of her head.
"Tried that last night." Fang sighed, glancing to her partner in frustration. "Apparently, none of them see the owner often enough. She only comes back at special times to check the place out. We'll have to be there every day until we can find her."
Lightning gave a soft grunt as she nodded to the two other officers. "Hey, Light?" Fang tossed her something and Lightning caught it. Glancing down she found the golden premium badge Fang had used to get them in the previous night and gave her partner a nod of thanks before making her way out to the car. Watching the scenery fly past, Lightning wondered if she would see Serah there tonight, since it was Friday. Hopefully, she won't bring along the idiot squad. the officer huffed.
Arriving down the street from her destination, Lightning departed from the car and made her way to the club. She flashed the special badge Fang had given her so she could pass. Chicken nodded to her as he held a man at bay from getting in without proper pay.
Lightning glanced around with a nod. Everything looked the same as it had the night before, which was good. Changing the layout would take a while to get used to, so she was thankful they left it the same.
She was about to head over to the back when a flash of pink caught her eye. She turned slightly, cocking her head when she saw it standing beside a pool of silver.
Walking over to the pair, Lightning crossed her arms and watched the interaction carefully. "…and she's always working, which makes it harder for us to spend time together." Serah sighed, leaning against the silver-haired woman.
"I'm sorry to hear that." Ura replied, eyes narrowing slightly in sympathy. "Is there nothing you can do to get her to relax?"
Serah shook her head, allowing Ura to lead them to one of the nearby tables. The stripper settled down and pulled Serah onto her lap, stroking her hair as the pinkette explained, "She's really protective of me and she wants me to have a good life. I can't fault her for that. Everything she does is for me. I just wish there was a way for me to return the favor. Show her how grateful I am for everything she does for me."
"Perhaps you can organize something yourself." Ura suggested calmly as Serah snuggled against her. "A small surprise to let your sister know how much you care about her."
"I think that would be wonderful, but she never gets home until late and sometimes she doesn't come home for days at a time…"
"Then buy her something special. Something that won't rot or spoil. And if you don't have the funds, take the more sentimental approach and make it yourself." Serah smile and nodded.
Ura waited a moment and Lightning was just about to leave when she froze at the silverette's next words. "You know, normally, so much contact with a customer—a new one at that—is forbidden under our contract and policy code. You could get arrested for it."
Lightning whirled around in horror, jaw falling open. "However," Ura smirked. "Considering you're such a gentle soul, I'll allow you to touch me as you please, but only tonight."
Serah blushed, but nodded once more. Lightning on the other hand, found herself staring directly into a pair of sparkling red eyes gazing at her mischievously.
Lightning's eyes narrowed suspiciously as she made her way over to the pair and cleared her throat. Ura calmly looked up at her as Serah's eyes rolled over to gaze at her. Blue eyes widened in recognition and the younger Farron instantly sat up straight.
"Cl- Lightning!" she exclaimed, her fading blush returning full-force. "W-what are you doing here?"
"I was invited." Lightning replied, glancing to Ura, who still had that same mischievous smile curling her lips.
"Ah, I do remember doing something like that." Ura chuckled, slowly standing. Serah slid from her lap quickly and both straightened and faced Lightning. "It's good to see that you accepted."
"You needed to relax, Light." Serah grinned.
"That's what the establishment is here for." Ura ruffled Serah's hair. "Run along and get a drink from Succubus. She won't give you anything alcoholic, but I hear the sparkling grape juice tastes just like wine."
Serah nodded and gave her sister a quick hug. "I'll see you soon, Light." she chirped, bouncing off in the direction of the bar.
Lightning watched her go before turning back to Ura only to find the other woman not there. Glancing around, the officer wondered where the silverette could have gone so quickly.
"Not trying to get a private show, are you, Lightning?" a voice asked from behind her. Lightning whirled around to find the person she had been looking for standing right behind her.
Controlling her shock, Lightning scoffed and crossed her arms. "I don't need a private show."
"Are you certain?" Ura purred, moving closer. "I'm certain it will help you… relax. Perhaps clear your head a bit. You still seem to have that large weight on your shoulders."
"It's nothing." the undercover officer told her, moving back.
Ura hummed softly and nodded. "Alright then, if you're sure. Enjoy yourself tonight. I've a show in ten minutes. Will you watch?"
Lightning shrugged and turned away, heading for the bar. I don't know if I'm still on duty. she thought with a sigh. But I need a drink. Taking a seat at the bar, she ordered something strong called Green-Eyed Delight and glanced around. She spotted Serah out on the dance floor (the long pink hair was hard to miss, even with the differently colored strobe lights) and her eyes narrowed when she also noticed several men getting too close to her carefree baby sister.
I would hate to have to arrest myself because one of them decided to put their hands where they didn't belong.
As the night wore on, Lightning kept a close eye on who was coming and going. Though, she began slipping as she neared her fourth drink. The alcohol was giving her a buzz and the young officer was beginning to debate going on the floor to dance with her sister. She had already watched three of the night's five shows and with the warmth the alcohol was giving her, she felt the need to release some energy.
However, Lightning managed to keep her head in the right place, remembering that she was still looking for someone very important. As the last show of the night was starting, Lightning gave an exasperated sigh and turned back to the bar. She hadn't seen any sign of anyone that might be identified as the owner and none of the websites she had visited had shown her a picture either.
You'd think it would be easier with the Guardian Corps' vast connections to find one simple person, but apparently not. Ordering another drink, Lightning glanced around, catching sight of Serah and nodding when she found her sitting at a table talking to a few other girls. And she didn't bring the idiot squad with her. Lightning smiled inwardly. I can't stand any of them… except Lebreau. Breau's okay. She keeps Serah safe when Snow's being his usual macho self.
"Hey there, trooper." a voice murmured close by. Succubus set a cup down on the counter and it was instantly taken up by a familiar face. "Enjoying the bar quite a bit, I see. Has Succubus given you an assortment?"
"No." Lightning replied, glancing up into the bright red eyes. "I've ordered the same thing."
"Try the assortment next time." Ura chuckled. "It's so much more fulfilling."
Lightning huffed and turned to watch Serah's movements. Or more specifically, the movements of the men around Serah. She wasn't going to let anyone fondle her baby sister on her watch. Ura followed her gaze and her smile softened.
"You've got quite an interesting little sister, Lightning." Ura murmured, red eyes gazing at her calmly. "Serah seems to truly cherish what you do for her."
"She's my sister." Lightning huffed. "I want her to have the best life she possibly can."
"Even if you're not part of it?" the stripper inquired, cocking her head to the side.
"All that matters is that she does what she wants to do." the pinkette sighed, swirling her glass contemplatively.
"And what about what you want?" Ura asked softly. "Do you ever ask her that?"
"She shouldn't have to be burdened with what I want." Lightning growled, her hackles beginning to rise.
"And neither should you." her companion stated.
"What do you mean by that?" the officer grunted, turning narrowed blue eyes on her.
Ura remained silent for a moment, watching as the last show of the night finished up and the patrons began leaving. Lightning glanced around and sighed, handing Succubus the pay for her drink and standing. As she did, Ura stood with her and walked her to the door. Serah was outside talking to Chicken and as Lightning was about to step out, Ura touched her shoulder.
Lightning instantly stiffened and both Chicken and Serah noticed. Chicken looked ready to toss Lightning away if she used violence and Serah seemed about to jump at her sister to stop her from using violence. Slowly, Lightning took a deep breath and shoved the hand off, turning to Ura with fiery blue eyes.
"Go out with me next Saturday." the silverette stated.
"What?" The trio stared at her in shock.
"I'm going to show you why you shouldn't be burdened with it either." Ura explained, moving slightly closer and staring into Lightning's eyes. "To show you that you can relax, even if just a little. Go out with me next Saturday."
Lightning cocked her head for a moment before glancing to Serah and receiving a grin. Sighing, she glanced at the taller woman. "Where and what time?"
Ura smiled. Part one, complete.
Alright! So, apparently Ura has a secret plan, lol. Next chapter's going to be the date between these two lovebirds.
Also, just wanted to let you guys know I'm now on Tumblr (gothalbinoangel-fanfiction), Twitter ((a)gothalbinoangel), a Facebook (Goth Albino Angel) and an Archive of Our Own account (GothAlbinoAngel). There are more details on my profile.
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