Chapter Four: Moments
Moments. There are moments in time that one cannot change, nor can they forget. It's fleeting. Like a gust of wind that blows and never comes back. For who can tell where the wind blows, or from whence it came, or to where it shall go? You only feel it, when the moment comes your way, and leaves a lingering trace of its presence. These moments change the course of history.
The pair made their way into the bright lights of Center Square Bodhum. The massive malls emanated multiple colors into the dark skies.
"This place looks amazing at night..." Rain said, his mouth agape, like a tourist traveling for the first time.
Lightning tried to look disinterested - her arms crossed.
Just patrol duty. Just think of it as patrol duty...
"Oh ho ho! Look at this, Light!" Rain leapt in front of her with a dancing toy sitting on his palm. "Look, look! This is pretty cool, eh?" The toy was waving it's arms with music and lights.
Seriously?
"Stop acting like a kid Rain. You're embarrassing me."
"Haha." Rain laughed sheepishly. "I guess it's been awhile since I'd last had a chance to walk down streets like these. Got a little excited." He returned the toy to its shopkeeper. "You know, Light. We could head home, if you're tired and all. You don't exactly have to baby sit me. It's not like I don't know my way around."
"Just following orders." Lightning replied curtly.
"Ah, I had a feeling you'd say that." Rain smiled to himself. "Well then! Since we're probably gonna be out for awhile, i'm gonna go get us some snacks. Anything in particular you want?"
"No preferences. Whatever you choose will be fine." Lightning rolled her eyes. This is actually tougher than I thought. How am I supposed to keep a straight face around this idiot?
"Whatever I choose huh...?" Rain said thoughtfully. All of a sudden, he snapped his fingers. "You know what you remind me of, Light?" he spun around to look at her.
She replied with a glare.
"A mother." Rain finished. "You're strong, and dedicated, and you always look out for Serah like a mom. Heck, you even talk like one sometimes."
A mother? i've had to take on that role of protecting Serah after mom died. I guess, inevitably, i might have stepped into the shoes of a mother.
"C'mon Light. Relax a little. Tell me what you'd like to drink at least." Rain encouraged her.
"An ice blended coffee." Was the most detailed description she would give him.
"O... Kay." He flashed a thumbs up and a smile. "I guess I'll pick a flavour for you. And I'll grab some of them Churros as well. You still like those don't you?"
Lightning nodded.
"Alright! I'll be right back!" he said, running off into a nearby cafe.
Lightning sighed. Where on Cocoon does he find so much energy?
She looked around and found herself drawn to a little black puppy by the shop window.
Black. Just like the color his hair. She found herself subconsciously thinking.
The puppy sat and wagged its tail, its tongue sticking out.
You're a happy one aren't you? Just like that idiot. She gently tapped the glass.
The little canine kept its tongue and tilted its head as if to ask, "What are you thinking about?"
"Well, I'm not about to tell you. Stupid Rain."
"Are you... Talking to the puppy?" Rain's voice made her jump.
"N-no. Why would I-" she stuttered, her ears turned a slight shade of pink, matching her hair.
"Do you want to buy it?" he interrupted, bending down to take a closer look. "Wow. This little guy's a wolf pup. I remember days when i've had to train amazing creatures like these. Strong little fellas."
"Not interested." Lightning crossed her arms and looked away.
"Hmm? Pity. I thought it suited you. Y'know, head strong and all..." Rain stood up and grinned.
"Who're you calling headstrong?" Lightning glared at him, and threatened to land a punch.
"Whoa! Not the coffee!" He raised the paper bag in front of him in defense, laughing.
"Tsk." Lightning rolled her eyes and lowered her arm.
"Anyway, you sure you don't want the puppy? He's pretty cute." Rain turned his head to look at the pup.
It stood up and wagged its tail in excitement. "Pick me! Pick me!"
Lightning glanced at the puppy. "No." She replied, walking off.
"Here you go princess!" Rain sang, passing Lightning her order. "One cup of Bodhum's Special Coffee Ice Blended!"
Lightning reluctantly took the drink from the over enthusiastic ex-soldier. "How-"
"Did I know about the coffee? I noticed you ordered the same drink at dinner, and you seemed to be enjoying it. Am I wrong? I could always go back and exchange it for another if you'd like."
"No. This is fine. Thank you."
The two sat on the street bench in silence, quietly sipping their drinks.
"Were you intending on telling us you were coming home?" Lightning broke the silence with an audible whisper.
"Hmm... It was meant to be a surprise. But... that didn't turn out too well I guess." Rain sat back in his seat and gazed into the sky. The stars were barely visible with all the street lights on.
Lightning nodded. "The magazine."
"Yeah." Rain chuckled. " I didn't even know I was featured on a magazine."
Lightning didn't respond. She took another sip of her caffeinated drink.
"Serah was so surprised though! She literally pounced on me! She's building up quite a punch too!" he continued, laughing. "That little all girl's grown up!"
Lightning couldn't help but stifle a small giggle. A smile crept onto her face. Just the thought of Serah's big smile always made her feel a little happier.
"Finally." Rain smiled.
Lightning turned her head to face Rain. "What?"
"Your smile." He replied casually. "I've been waiting six years to see you smile."
"What are you talking about?" Lightning blushed. "You've only been gone for five years."
Rain nodded. "That's true. But you've not smiled or laughed once in the one year after your mom passed away."
Lightning gazed at her military boots. She hadn't noticed. All her conditioning about having to grow up fast and become an adult for Serah had taken away a simple joy, and she had not even realized it.
"Rain."
"Hmm?"
"What do you intend to do, now that you're no longer with the Guardian Corps. You're not seriously considering taking up Lieutenant Amodar's offer are you?" Lightning leaned back with her elbows draped over the back of the bench. She gently swirled her cup of coffee.
"Well... I'd join if you really wanted me to." Rain winked. "Can't get enough of me can you?"
Lightning closed her eyes, and took another long sip.
"On a serious note," Rain leaned forward, his elbows propped on his knees and his eyes fixed on a group of students hanging out at the cafe across the street. "I think I might apply for a position at the high school."
"Teaching... why the change?"
"I promised myself." Rain said, tapping his cup. "The next chance I get, I'd find a job close to home. Make sure I'm close enough to watch over you and your sister. I'm never leaving you girls again. Once is enough. I can't deal with a second time."
Lightning tried to ignore his reasoning. "What will you teach?"
"Chemistry."
"Chemistry... I'm not surprised. You did ace it in your first year of high school."
Rain nodded. "And every year after that. They gave me a chance to finish university while in training."
"Hmm... I guess you do take after your mother." she said thoughtfully, opening her eyes.
"I hadn't thought about it." Rain's head dropped. "It was probably her parting gift to me, then." he said in an almost inaudible voice.
"Probably."
"Well!"Rain said, slapping his knees and standing up. "No point thinking about the past! It's the future we can change!" He exclaimed. "We can only learn from the past and move on." He turned to Lightning and grinned, a new found energy in his eyes.
Lightning nodded. She was impressed by his optimism. "Where on Cocoon do you find all that energy?" she joked, shaking her head.
"Purpose."
Lightning stood up. "Perhaps you're right." she said, tossing her empty cup into the nearby trash can.
"How may I help you sir?" the shop attendant was paying extra close attention to Rain, her goo goo eyes a dead giveaway.
Light folded her arms and tried to look inconspicuous. He had dragged her into another shop looking to buy something for Serah.
"We may never get another chance!" Was his lame reasoning.
"Aren't you going to be in Bodhum for awhile? What do you mean you won't get another chance?" Was her retort.
"Well... Since we're here..." Was all he said in reply, with a sheepish grin on his face.
"The stuffed Chocobo please." He replied, gesturing to the gigantic stuffed yellow bird at the back of the shop.
"Ooh! For your pretty girlfriend standing there?" The attendant smiled at Lightning. Lightning averted her eyes.
"Does she look like my girlfriend?" Rain grinned.
"You look cute together!" She clapped her hands in glee.
Lightning was getting annoyed.
"Ah.. " Rain tried to stifle a laugh. "I wish." He said in an audible whisper. "She's my sister. A real beauty ain't she?" He winked.
The idiot. Lightning blushed.
"A pity." the shop attendant continued. "You would look amazing together!"
"Can we get on with this?" Lightning barked impatiently.
"It's for our younger sister." Rain smiled, turning on his charm. "The Chocobo, if you please."
"O-Of course." The shop attendant retrieved the toy and Lightning left the store while Rain paid for it.
"Fierce." Rain said, emerging from the store, hugging the huge bird in front of him.
"It's almost as big as you." Lightning stifled a laugh, ignoring Rain's comment.
"Isn't it?" Rain looked down at the fluffy bird with fascination, before propping it on his shoulders, supporting it by holding a wing in each hand.
"You look ridiculous."
"I think I look pretty cool with a bird on my shoulders." Rain posed like a pirate.
"Whatever. Let's go."
Lightning tried to hide her amusement at the huge yellow Chocobo in front of her bobbing up and down. She couldn't help but notice Rain's shoulder blades peeking out from the thin material of his shirt.
He laughed. "She's my sister." He had said.
So, I'm like a sister to him...
Is he really like a brother to me? Lightning wondered.
"Light?"
Lightning blurred to a realization. She had subconsciously grabbed Rain's shirt, and he was looking at her with concern.
"Are you okay?"
Let go Light. Let go of his shirt.
"You wanna carry the Chocobo or something?" Rain grinned, keeping his eyes on her.
Why won't you let go? Let go damn it... Lightning lowered her head to hide her embarrassment.
"Light... Are you al-"
"Am I really only just a sister to you?" She blurted out.
The awkwardness of the question slowly settled into the space between them.
"Well... sometimes you act like my mother..." Rain joked, but his smile soon faded when he realized she was serious. "You're serious..."
He sighed, taking a few seconds to ponder the question set before him.
"I'm afraid." Rain continued, turning to face Lightning.
She avoided eye contact.
"I'm afraid," He gently lifted her chin with a free hand and gazed into her eyes - trying to find some hint of what she was feeling. "of losing you."
"You didn't answer the question." she glared at him, pushing his hand aside.
"Ah. How do I say this...?" Rain closed his eyes and took in a deep breath.
"Forget it. Forget I ever asked the question. We'll forget this ever happened." Lightning cut in, her face burning with a mixture of annoyance and embarrassment.
In one quick sweeping motion, Rain pulled Lightning towards him, and gently met his lips with hers.
For a short moment they stood - Lightning's eyes wide with surprise.
Rain gently pulled away. He sighed and leaned his forehead against hers.
"I'm afraid... to lose you Light. I cannot lose you, not again." He whispered, closing his eyes.
"My heart's about to leap out of my chest." Rain confessed, opening his eyes. "I'm sorry I couldn't better put it into words... How I felt." He leaned in and planted a kiss on her forehead. "You were always more than just a sister, Light." He smiled.
Lightning's heart was erupting in her chest. He had caught her completely off guard, and her face felt flushed.
W-wait.
"Wait." Lightning grabbed his wrist. "I know this is uncharacteristic of me, but at least let me tell you how I feel." She said, breathing deeply. "You... are an idiot."
Rain blinked.
"I-in many aspects." She continued after a few silent seconds, trying to gain back her composure. "Yet, my mind and my heart are always at odds."
"Light-"
Lightning looked up into Rain's deep blue eyes with a new confidence. "But the one thing I know is that I don't want to lose you." She said with a firm resolve. "Don't ever leave my side again." She pleaded, tightening her grip on his wrist, trying to keep her face void of expression.
Rain pulled her into a hug. "I promise." He whispered into her hair. "With every part of me, I promise."
Lightning pulled away and flung the stuffed Chocobo's long legs into his face. "I'm not marrying you if that's what you're thinking about."
"Ow!" Rain blinked. "That wasn't- wait. You were thinking of getting married?"
"Don't fool yourself." Lightning rolled her eyes, and strode past Rain. "Come on puppy. We have to go home." She called out, thinking of that wolf pup in the shop window.
Rain raised his eyebrow. "Did you just call me a puppy?" He enquired, watching her walk past him. "Is that what she meant my 'Don't leave my side again...?' Damn puppy." Rain mumbled, rubbing his eyes.
Lightning smiled to herself, and gently placed her hand on her chest. Her heart was still beating like it was trying to find a way out.
I trust you. I really do.
Author's Note: I've been rolling around on the floor racking my brains for this chapter, with every cell in me screaming "Something's not right!" I was pretty sure I had it all planned out, but as writing goes, apparently, it doesn't always end up as expected. For you reader's who've got alarms going off in your head screaming "Its too fast! Too Fast!" Don't get your panties in a bunch. I've got it planned out. You'll see. ;)