Edited: September 2015

Scene VIII. Playhouse.

–

((Serah)) & ((Noel)) & ((Cameo of Snow))

((Serendipity - Behind Closed Doors))

–

The casino they had wandered further into was a somewhat explicit club.

Lights dimmed, myriad colors flashing grinding bodies as the music beat into their chest. Serah paled and glanced at Noel. Curious by nature, Noel looked astonished as a couple passionately kissed in the middle of the dance floor. She cleared her throat, the sound lost in the noise. Serah tugged his shirt and when he bent, she brought her mouth to his ear. "Noel, this isn't a good idea. I don't think the artefact is –"

"Kupo!"

Mog's antenna brightened. Noel exhaled. He flattened his hair with a hand as he looked around. "There's one definitely here. Seems safe enough, I think," he muttered as people stumbled past with bottles spilling everywhere. "We can get out of here faster if we separate –"

"No!"

"What?"

She flushed, looking miffed. "Noel, this isn't exactly a place to leave you alone."

He raised a brow. "What makes you think that?"

Serah stiffened. There were scantily clad women strutting to him, seduction playing their red-coated lips. Noel looked over his shoulder. Serah grabbed him and pressed up against him. "See what I mean," she mouthed by his ear.

She let out a small sound of surprise when Noel rested his hands on her hips, his voice sending shivers down. "Crystal."

–

They went the wrong way.

Poles lined around the room, lights focusing on the dancers. Serah was extremely over-dressed. She tugged on her gloves. Those dancers twisted their hips, their flat stomach hypnotizing the males in the room as they rubbed against the pole. Breasts, which she began to feel extremely self-conscious, were everywhere. Their lips were set in a pout as they crawled on the floor.

Serah panicked.

Noel never wandered his eyes below the dancer's face and passed over them quickly, blue eyes distant and cool. Mog was almost drunkenly twirling in the air, his antenna glowing the same brightness. Noel blew a strand off his face. "Not here either. Come on, Serah." He tugged on her hand and never looked back as they went through the door.

Serah breathed easier.

–

She covered her other ear, trying to speak to Snow over the earpiece. "I'm busy finding an artefact!"

"Why do I hear music?" Snow chuckled. "Oh no, don't tell me! You're in a club."

"Uhm, not by choice." Serah nearly jumped when a shadow came across her. She looked behind, seeing Noel's unreadable expression. She gave him a nervous smile and turned back. "I-I think we're close to it. It's hard to tell with the –" Serah stumbled on the words when Noel guided her to a dark corner. He stopped her from turning, shaking his head.

"Serah?"

With her front to the wall, she couldn't see him. "I'm here. It's...hard talking with..." Noel pressed fully against her, fitting her hips to his. Her legs trembled, his muscles holding her up. She used one hand on the wall to compose herself. "Music everywhere, I mean."

"That usually happens. I remember losing track of time last time. Not that I was there for the pleasure!"

A hand rested on her stomach, his fingers spread possessively. "Y-Yes...I can see why..."

"You enjoying yourself?"

Serah nearly jumped but Noel tightened his hold on her. Her breath caught. "I am."

Snow went on saying, "That boy better be taking care of you."

By her ear, Noel rumbled, "That boy definitely is." He shifted. "There's someone here looking for us," he said.

"...but knowing you, you can probably deal with it."

"Yes."

Though Noel wasn't moving, the intimacy between them was shocking.

"Aah, what I would do to be there with you."

Serah bit her lip, growing weak when Noel sighed by her neck. "Right," she said.

"Are you done?" Noel asked sharply.

"I-I think so," she stammered.

"Serah? You're not making sense. What...Oh shit! Got to take care of something, Serah! Be safe, you're my girl after all –"

The earpiece clicked and dropped on the floor.

–

"I didn't like it there, kupo!" Mog complained, hovering and twirling in the cool breeze as they stepped out. "It's too hot, kupo!" His two companions were adjusting their clothing, relieved to be outdoors. Noel, with his hands on his hips, inhaled the cool night air as he looked up.

Serah looked down at herself. There was nothing out of place she could see.

"I don't like getting dirty, kupo. All the humans were sweaty and stinky, kupo!"

Serah tried to smooth her hair.

Noel left his hair frenzied which made him more striking when deep blue eyes looked at her.

"We got what we wanted there," Noel reminded Mog.

He looked satisfied.

Scene IX. Invasion

((Hope))

The young man stared down at the reports. The words never registered. Beyond him was Noel berating Mog as the small creature drowsily floated the air. Serah was nowhere to be seen.

Good thing anyways. He was wary of them in the same room.

It was the way they moved, like an unspoken script had bound them. Walking the streets of Academia had proved something.

They were walking together when Hope suddenly realized he was alone. He glanced around the crowd and found them unmoving in the sea of people. He was going to walk over when Noel suddenly laughed and to Hope's shock, wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Serah was chatting, hands motioning back and forth even when he pulled back. He paid rapt attention to the woman that Hope thought even Mog tugging on his hair wouldn't faze him.

Serah was animated from whatever she'd seen, talking even when Noel led her back. Noel smiled so softly that Hope had to turn away, not wanting to intrude.

He waited by a store and checked his devices.

"Hope!"

This time, they walked beside each other, as if nothing transpired. Serah tripped and Noel was there to grip her arm. He frowned while Serah fretted, putting a hand on the arm that still held her. Noel ruffled his hair, almost in frustration. "Even away from battle, Serah, I swear you couldn't go through one day without hurting yourself."

Serah sniffed. "You don't always have to be around. I can handle myself."

"You definitely can," Hope said, thinking of cool Farron eyes, always steady, "It's in your blood after all."

–

They were arguing. Whatever it was, it was heated.

Noel kept shaking his head while a hand gestured wildly.

Serah was raising her voice. She was pacing until she abruptly whipped around, making her words known with a pointed finger.

Noel held out his hands and took a step back. He shook his head once and turned to walk away. Serah was left to stand alone.

Later, through the tinted glass, Hope saw Noel jog through the rain. He looked around, calling out a name that could only be Serah.

"You're both fools," Hope muttered.

–

Hope tried to see Lightning in her. There was a familiar determination in those Farron green eyes. But the resemblance stopped there, aside from the same shade of pink hair, the eyes, the face, everything was different.

There was nothing else.

Then Noel stepped in, everything Hope wanted to be in a man, to be there for the Farron sisters. And he could do nothing but help in the safety of his timeline while they fought in the front lines of the same war.

–

Noel was an intelligent man.

They worked out the mechanics of the gate to predict the next paradox. From the worlds he had traveled, he acquired invaluable information, something that Hope took advantage of. The door hissed when Serah stepped in. Hope didn't look, almost shoving the screen onto Noel's face. Hope glanced at the reflection. Serah's eyes swept the room. As if knowing it, Noel turned and their eyes met over the length of the room.

He was uneasy about their wordless contact when their eyes would meet, emotions passing so quickly he couldn't catch it, not understanding when they already knew.

"I've been looking for you two," Serah said, stopping to stand next to Noel who slumped in his seat. She looked curiously at their findings. "Nothing new then?"

Hope shook his head. Noel was looking more stressed. He flinched when Noel banged a fist on a monitor and left his seat to pace. He ran a hand through his hair.

Aware of their audience, Serah turned her back. Her voice was low, Hope can barely hear them, but the more Serah spoke, the less tense Noel became. Finally he marched back and sat while Serah hovered behind him. Ignoring it, Hope handed out sheets. Serah shook her head when he offered one and choose to share with Noel. They looked to him as he began to explain but the back of his head lingered uneasy thoughts...

Whatever they were doing, it was none of his business.

–

((Mog))

Mog liked his companions.

He was being called and he drifted past his awakening to see a pink-haired woman and a young man who always tried to catch him when he did something wrong.

He didn't know a lot about humans.

He did know about the timeline.

Every time it was mentioned, Noel's expression would be pained as he looked at Serah. She didn't look afraid, Mog thought. It would be okay! Mog said so. So did Serah. But still, Noel would always walk over, head down to murmur to her and he couldn't see their hands unless he bounced to another angle.

Mog sniffed when they ignored him.

Bored, he rolled in the air, always forgotten, whenever they got close. He didn't mind. He was too small to comfort Serah.

So he continued to twirl, hearing Noel's low voice and Serah's sobbing.

–

((Lebreau))

She smirks, seeing Serah flush and have no clue on how to handle the situation.

He is casual when he holds Serah's arm to the strange portal. The male NORA members almost launch towards him but he doesn't seem to care and they lock themselves in place at Serah's interest in him.

When Noel mentions time-travel, she almost laughs. He is adamant. Serah keeps watching him, Lebreau notices. Noel backs off, expression closing at Gadot's aggression. She won't help; she knows the skills of this mysterious young man from the way he slaughters the monsters. Lebreau knows he will not continue the fight. She sees Gadot's frustration again when Serah steps in.

She slaps Yuj when she overhears their conversation. He insists to her not believe Noel and, once again, Serah has second thoughts. "But Lebreau! He got her to believe him so easily!" He is suspicious.

"So this is the famous Noel, huh?"

It was last night when he meets Noel and Serah confirms his identity. Her smile is bright and wide as she moves to stand closer to Noel's side. "Yep!"

Yuj tells her, "We have to be careful about this!" Lebreau growls but leaves him alone. He is right but Serah seems excited by the possibilities and Lebreau doesn't want any interference.

–

"Hey kid, how old are you?" she asks, eyeing the young man who looks over the beach.

He turns to her, hiding his surprise at being spoken to. "I'm eighteen, ma'am."

Lebreau almost spits out her drink. She brings it closer to hide her mouth, mirth bubbling forth. It interests her extremely. Not only was he chivalrous, he is young. Just seems innocent, Lebreau thinks.

Seeing Serah walk towards the beach, Noel stands. He nods to her before he jogs to the younger Farron sister.

Lebreau watches them. Noel's hands gesture as he tries to persuade her while Serah seems uncertain. Lebreau notices the way her eyes lock onto him, a light that she thought died, curious and an itch for adventure in whatever he says.

–

Gadot doesn't like 'Noel.'

"I don't trust him," he says gruffly. "Snow would have our heads for this if she leaves with him."

Lebreau counters with, "We can't decide what she wants." And while Snow would disapprove of this, at least Noel is man enough to give Serah a choice. Serah could explore, grow into the woman she wants to be. Snow left her without a second thought, Lebreau silently thinks. She threateningly looms over Gadot. "If you try anything with that boy, I swear to Etro, I'll hang you by those trees. Got it? It's none of our business. Leave them alone."

Gadot scoffs but nods.

–

Whoever Noel was, he brings out a side of Serah that Lebreau has never seen. Serah learnt to fight. She knows he will watch out for Serah from the way he holds her hand as they disappear inside the gate. Lebreau still hears his words before she passes out the night monsters attack, "...then you're gonna have to go through me!"

Snow has competition.

–

((Lightning/Caius))

That foolish boy, disturbing the timeline to change the world. What of it as Yeul will remain in her suffering? He lost Yeul once, I too many centuries, and he seeks to protect this one? Those two, their deaths are certain.

Seated at the zenith of Valhalla with a crystal mirror to watch, Lightning shook her head. Her disappearance had awakened something dark inside Serah while giving her strength to live. The chaos inside her that Snow had never known was shouldered by another. When she sent Noel, she watched everything. She saw how Serah kept sane, how she gained strength and formed a bond that she was certain wouldn't leave her behind. Lightning pushed away the guilt.

One of his reasons is to please this girl's whim? I will kill Lightning; see their hope crush by my hands. When my sword rests at Serah Farron's throat, ready to end a life among many, I released that caged violence within him as he aggressively fought me. This! This is what it meant to surpass me but there have been many changes and it is not the time. His rage strengthened my resolve. That girl is weak. I force him to remember Yeul, my grief strong as Noel edged around to keep the girl away from my wrath but I didn't care. I focus on him, forcing him to understand.

Noel was her stability. Serah was his constant. In this lonely world, Lightning understood. This was just one of her many duties but foremost came her younger sister. She couldn't do it, knew Snow had his own destiny and friends couldn't fill the void. From the way they glanced at each other knowingly, Lightning knew Serah found her place. It will always involve Noel by her side.

Serah Farron sees the timeline? Now he will know. Just like my predecessors, he will forever guard the seeress. Feel the pain when she would disappear and wait the eternal time until she comes back only to die again in this endless cycle. I will make it so.

They would be until the end. Until the day Serah would pass on, eyes forever closing, leaving Noel in anguish as he clutched her body and shouted to the heavens. It was foreseen. Lightning couldn't stop it.

It was their price to pay for disrupting the course of time.

All she wanted was Serah's happiness. Etro knows, Lightning would do anything to keep that. Watching her younger sister was the only peace she could have in Valhalla. She never worried; knowing Serah could fight and that Noel was there. Eventually, Lightning allowed Serah to indulge in him during their race to save time; Serah knew she had her approval the moment she sent Noel.

Had the worlds he'd seen change him? Colors, noise and a mere glance from that chit; that was all that had taken to fascinate Noel. I will remind them of my presence, the importance of my mission. Good; his strength is almost on par. I will kill her, she whom he now protects. He needs no diversion.

The goddess was Lightning's duty to protect. It aggravated her that Serah was given the gift of seeing the timeline. This was her price to pay for Etro assisting them before. Lightning knew the moment Serah realized the penalty of her actions yet she bravely marched on. Noel had known earlier and still stood by her side. Snow would have attempted to stop Serah, to let her live longer in a cursed world. Lightning had seen that timeline. She was grateful for Noel's support. It was something Serah held dear. Etro had cursed them both.

Noel will take my place, Yeul shall be free and though I will not be alive any longer, I have the knowledge that Yeul can be happy. Etro's cursed heart beats in my chest. The source of Yeul's never ending misery. I seek the only way to end this nightmare.

The mirror warped to a young man working in laboratory, white-head bent in concentration. Lightning turned, armour shifting as she walked out. She faced Caius once more.

It is time to end this.

Scene X. Haven

((Serah)) & ((Noel))

((Archylte Steppe))

It caught them completely by surprise.

The skies darkened, thunder ominously ringing and the strong hiss of rain pouring down drenched them. They ran for shelter in an abandoned house. Serah grabbed Mog before the strong winds took him. "Noel, over here!"

His expression was fierce as he dove for them, surprising Serah, as they landed in the open entrance. They both looked disbelieving at each other. as Mog struggled between them for air. Noel rolled off her. "Looks like we'll be spending time here till the storm passes," he said, running a hand through his hair to keep the messy bangs off his face and kept it there. "At least we can wait it out here." Noel faced her and found her laying still. "Serah, are you alright? Did I hurt you?"

Mog was already floating. Serah let out a breath while Noel hovered beside her, worry clouding his features. "No, you didn't. I just didn't expect it." She reached for his bruised hand that scraped the ground to protect her. "Thank Etro, you aren't hurt too bad."

"It's fine." He swung her up and brought her to a flat space resembling an empty bed. She tugged his hand and Noel settled himself comfortably beside her. "This storm... probably someone messing with the weather machine." Serah curled herself into his side. When she was like this, he wanted to hide from the world, marvel at the softness of her and rest quietly in the dark. Unfortunately, there was barely any space. He curled an arm beneath her body to prop her up on him.

She snuggled in content as she did whenever she rolled herself on top of him in sleep. He kept that quietly to himself. It always surprised him when she sought his touch, tried to understand what she wanted with him when the pendant burned between them. Noel didn't think she had this freedom. But when he backed away, Serah always found a way to ease up against him and they'd lose track of time. Noel never denied her anything. He had a terrible hope it would always be like this.

Noel stroked her hair and wondered how long they can continue this. Lightning was watching. Though her pendant rested in her pack, there was Snow to confront. The timeline.

When he glanced down, she was gazing at him. They stared, shades of blue eyes a reflection.

She was reminded Noel was lonely, lost in that unforgiving world. Every time he got that distant look in his eyes, she wanted to pull him back to the present. He didn't think he'd exist when they fixed the timeline. Serah reminded him of his importance whenever she could. But she knew the boundaries. They weren't free yet.

"Serah."

One look, the deep wanting made her breathless. One lingering touch, clutching as if he couldn't believe it. One word, said so fervently was not enough to express the extreme drive of his desire. It was there, buried beneath that cool smile.

"Noel?"

When she looked up at him, it ignited a heavy madness within his chest that made him want to pull her close. When she touched him, the softness of her still stunned him, as she did it consistently. In his world, he was careful to avoid touching Yeul with friendly gestures with the ever-watching Caius.

The howling winds strengthened, drowning their noise as they reached for each other.

Noel understood why he was so drawn to her. Perhaps in time, if he was allowed, he could tell her. But now, all his thoughts were filled with her, drowning out his conscious. He knew this was only a moment in time. But the way she embraced him made him believe she felt the same, the crazed madness that bound them, spiraling to this stolen moments. It made him believe in hope.

She didn't want him thinking this was temporary. It was too cruel a thought as he held her gently. This young man had so much potential and she firmly made a place in his heart to stay. Everything he wanted to experience and explore would be with her; Noel wouldn't walk away from her. Serah gripped his hands and he'd always assure her through his touch.

"Noel," she murmured. He brought his mouth to hers, quietening her gasps.

There was something in him that demanded her every being. He couldn't hold that back when she touched him first. She reminded him each time what he meant to her. They weren't going to part.

"You're lovely, so beautiful," he was mumbling, their hips moving.

Just as the storm raged outside.

Scene XI. Eruption.

((Serah vs Chocolina))

–

Noel sighed, ready to stop any physical confrontation.

Serah huffed, hands on her hips. "Listen, will you just tell us if you can make it?"

"I'm not privileged to give that information if you won't show me any money. What if you capture me?" Chocolina sniffed, feathered arms flying the air. Noel dodged, pulling Serah to the side. "I'm valuable!"

Serah gawked. "If you haven't noticed, we purchase a lot from you!"

"Careful there, young lady! You're ruining your face like that, but then at least all the attention will be on me!" The bird-lady, with her ear-piercing laugh, walked around. Noel averted his eyes when the merchant displayed more skin and leg. What strange feet.

He was startled when Serah growled. "Oh believe me, I'm fine with the way I look." She glanced at him and Noel smiled. "As for you, you circus freak, if you spent more time on the ground instead of flying with more air in your head –"

"I have products if you want to look better! Not better than me, of course, but at least you can catch the attentions of any lonely men!"

Serah tossed her hair, smacking his face. "Makes sense that you carry that stuff for yourself."

"Oh, you aren't the first one to be jealous! Don't be shy, I can help you!" Chocolina set her eyes on him next and he saw Serah stiffen. "Oh hello there, young man! Is there anything I can help you with, hmm? Why not come with me and I'll show you something really special." Chocolina winked. "For free!"

Noel grabbed Serah's arms to stop her from jumping the shameless merchant. "Uh, that's not neccesary." He soothed her temper by running his hands down and up her arms, making sure that she was still in his hold as she seethed. "But please, is it possible at all if you can make it? It's important to us."

"Hmmm, I suppose I can. But only to you since you asked so nicely!" He sighed in relief as the tension left her body. Chocolina told him what they wanted to know. Noel thanked her, but Chocolina continued, "There's a small price for that!" The bird-lady pursed her lips in waiting.

Serah shoved him to the ground before he could do anything. "That's it!"

Scene XII. Glass - Part II.

((Serah))

Noel was acting strange.

It happened yesterday.

–

Noel sat up, a knee drawn up with his arm resting on it. "Something's bothering you. Want to tell me what's on your mind?"

She nodded almost shyly when he gave her his full attention. "I just – I can't stop thinking if what we're doing is right. The timeline we're altering – what if everyone is gone?"

"We've run into Hope again so relax. We've come this far. For now, let's take things step by step, alright?"

His assurance blew her worries away. Feeling silly, she went to the stream, Noel keeping close. She removed her boots, pendant and gloves, intending to feel the cold water wash over her. Serah shivered when it lapped at her but she waded in deeper. "Serah –"

She laughed, gathering crystal clear water in her hands. "It's so refreshing, Noel. You should come in." She splashed her face. Above her, Mog spun to avoid her playful splashes. Noel was unusually quiet and Serah looked over her shoulder.

He looked at her like he was trying make something out of her. Serah fidgeted. "Is there something wrong, Noel?"

Noel gave her a faint smile as if he didn't know what to do with her. She beamed. His hands flexed. He brought them up, and for a fleeting moment she hoped for something, but he stretched instead, sighing as he did so. "Nothing. I was just wondering. What's going to happen when this is all over?" Noel shrugged and took a few steps away.

She brought a hand to her hair as the wind blew. She couldn't say everything would be back to the way it was. The dying world Noel lived in was his only place of where he found happiness in the bleak world. She'd like to think he found more during his time with her. "I don't suppose you wouldn't want to stay with us?"

Noel stiffened.

"I mean, after all you're doing for us. Lightning would welcome you into our home."

"You sure Snow would like that?"

Her eyes strayed to the lone pendant. "I don't know. Everything is changing and I think...I don't know if I want to continue with what I have with him now." Serah timidly glanced at him. "What about your world? Yeul will want you to be happy."

Noel wasn't listening. He was lost in his thoughts from the tense slant of his eyes. She made her way out of the stream, ignored her possessions and went straight for him.

He jerked when she touched him. Serah pulled back, an apology at her lips, "Sorry about that Noel, I thought –" Noel looked down, seeing pale hands in the light, soft and outstretched. "Really, you don't have to think about it now." He kept looking, blue eyes wide in wonder and she called for him again. "Noel?"

He recovered instantly, snapping out of his daze. His gaze flickered down once and looked away fast. "It's not a big deal. You just caught me off guard."

Noel avoided looking at her. She frowned.

Serah moved to his line of vision. He turned away, a hand rubbing his jaw in thought. She stood in front of him, almost touching and finally Noel's gaze went straight to hers, unblinkingly. He didn't seem to mind her proximity.

Worried, Serah placed her hand on his cheek. At once, Noel turned his face into her cool hand. Her pulse quickened. "Are you feeling well? You must've been tired this entire time."

He stepped back and her hand fell. "Don't worry about me, Serah."

Somebody has to! Serah thought. She grabbed his arm and saw those deep blue eyes darken as she led him to the stream. "Come on, Noel. Now's your chance to get back at Mog!"

–

In the end, her pride was bruised as Mog dodged every splash. She chased after Mog and tripped into water. Noel hauled her up as she sputtered and carried her away.

For the most part, he was remained quiet. She was used to him talking. Serah wasn't sure how to start and felt shy whenever those blue eyes set on her. By the campfire, he plopped on the ground next to her while she sat daintily on the log. She murmured nonsense and he readily continued it.

When he leaned back against the log, Serah would've moved but Noel stopped her by resting his head near her legs, tilting to her. He seemed comfortable so she didn't move. He draped his hand around her ankle and left it there as they whispered in the night.

"Our worlds are so different," Serah contemplated. Noel adjusted his position, hair brushing against her thigh.

"Yeah, but what matters is that we're all still human."

Noel's eyes drifted close. His grip loosened but she didn't move her ankle away. Back home, she always felt alone in that bed. No warmth at all, nothing that she wanted that the sheets could provide. The heat of his palm still warmed her skin. Serah never noticed before. She was used to holding onto him for support. She never marveled at the strain of his muscles, how the chords wrapped tightly around his arm, the strength hidden beneath it. His hand was large, calloused but always gentle with her.

Noel had nearly touched her face once. He's never touched me there before, Serah mused.

It was only when she was injured or in danger. But she remembered sitting in the Void Beyond, Noel trying to cheer her up. Serah had looked up at him, knowing that he always gave her comfort. He spoke, eyes intent as he gestured one hand close to her cheek. She anticipated his touch. When he lowered it, Serah had dropped her head, smiling at the common sense given and Noel let out that small laugh.

How strange. Serah looked down, seeing the brown hair streaked with gold in the fire. He looked peaceful. She resisted the urge to run her hands through his hair, inviting as it was. I wonder...

Noel was still asleep when she brushed strands away from his face.

–

"I think we've done enough investigating here," Noel announced. Mog bounced in the air beside him. "Kupo!"

Serah glanced up, fastening the straps of her gloves. "I agree."

"We're closer finding Lightning now," Noel said. He helped her up from the log. "We've gathered a lot here, so tracking the next gate should be faster."

Serah frowned. "Noel, do you remember where the gate was?"

For a moment, Noel's face was completely blank. "Is it me or did the environment change overnight?"

Serah looked around. "Now that you mentioned it..."

Noel ran a hand over his mouth and Serah could see his mind working fast. He was startled when she tapped his cheek softly, saying, "I guess our time here is not yet over, Noel."

He grinned. "I guess not."

TBC