This chapter is Rated M.

Scene XX. ABC's, 101, 123's

((Serah's How To's))

Serah slapped her hands on his cheeks and he grunted in turn while she squished his face together. "Now whistle!"

He pried her hands off. "Yeah, I don't think that's how you do it."

They struggled, Noel not wanting her claws on his face. "Come on, I'm trying to help!"

He wearily eyed her nails. "Hands on approach on this isn't going to work."

Serah sat back, waiting for Noel to relax. "Here, I'll show you how to do it." She brought her lips together, drawing his eyes to the enticing shape. "Pucker your lips like this and blow." And she let out a high monotone note. He followed, blowing air. She did it again and he tried to mimic the sound, failing. Serah laughed, "This is one small thing Noel Kreiss can't do!"

Noel sighed loudly but his eyes were bright. "Yeah, I can't whistle. That'll do me no good when I'm fighting."

"Whatever you say," she giggled.

"I know that laugh. You'll be doing that for a week."

"Oh yes."

"I'll make you think of something else," he grumbled, adjusting to sidle closer to her.

She pointed a finger at him which he grasped, "Don't count on it. I'll keep whistling my favourite tune and maybe you can do it too."

He looked strangely at her. "Show me again."

Serah obliged, her lips coming together and Noel bent down to cover her mouth with his.

–

Serah emerged from the water, pushing the tangled mess of her hair back. She glanced around to look for Noel, finding his silhouette in the middle of the lake, swimming towards her. She pushed her legs into a kick, quickly latching onto him and dragging him up for air. "I know you're a quick learner, Noel, but don't make me worry like that." She didn't wait for a reply, moving back to the shallow side.

Noel swam to her side, bumping arms. He twisted to face the front of her, hands gripping the edges of the rock by her shoulders. She was upset, refusing to look at him "Listen, I'm sorry. I won't do that again until you're done teaching me, alright? Come on, let me see you," he urged, angling his head to her vision.

She finally did, lips almost brushing in passing. His eyes were bright, giving her a grin that immediately lowered her guard. "Just until I say so," she agreed then splashed his face. He let out an "Ugh!" and lost his grip and she took a head start to free-style away.

Her form was perfect, every angle giving her the advantage to speed away. She ended up on the other side, lifting herself out so only her legs remained in the water. "See, Noel, you have to bend your arms like that."

Noel was lounging on the side, appreciatively eyeing her. "Yeah, I see." She glared at him and he obediently went over to her side. He came up for air a while later. "How'd I do, Miss Farron?"

He'd lifted himself off the water and waited for her. She tried keeping her eyes on his face instead of his wet torso, muscles flexing when he wiped the water droplets off his face. He questioningly peered up her when she stood. Serah pushed him back into the water. "Do it again."

–

"Kiss, kiss, kiss!"

"So what are people celebrating today?"

Serah, with an oddly endearing red hat resting on her pink head, beamed. "Christmas!" Somehow, she had changed into a semi-exposing red dress with fluffy white cotton sewed along the edges, her boots following the pattern. At his questioning look, Serah continued, "It's a day of celebration when people are rejoicing the birth of our god." Noel thought back on how the tradition had died out with the goddess weakening ages in the future. "See, I'm dressed like Santa," she giggled and spun for his viewing.

"You look amazing," he praised.

"Kiss, kiss, kiss!"

"Is that why people are dressed like that everywhere?" She nodded. "Hmm, so that's why you made me wear it."

Serah grinned. "Isn't it fun?"

"Oh yeah."

"Kiss, kiss, kiss!"

"It's no wonder why you were putting up decorations like crazy."

"I wasn't crazy," she huffed. "And you helped me too."

"You made me carry the tree and hold you up so you could put a star at the top."

"You weren't happy?"

Noel sighed. "No, I enjoyed it."

"Kiss, kiss, kiss!"

"Alright. Now mind explaining it to me why we can't leave?"

Her face flushed. "Uhm, because of the magic circle?"

"I got that. We can't get out of it though. What's this about?"

"A sort of tradition." Serah gave him a nervous smile.

"Tradition, huh." Noel shifted his foot and swept a glance around the room. "Does this just happen randomly?"

"Sometimes." Her finger pointed up and Noel followed it to find small leaves gathered above them. "If you get caught underneath it with someone else, you'll have to follow tradition."

"Kiss, kiss, kiss!"

"Is that so." Noel blew a strand off his face. When he looked at her, her heart thumped loudly. "So we have to do some deed to get out?"

"Yes."

"That's strange."

"It is," she agreed because she was rarely caught under a mistletoe. It was all because of Sazh, that scheming prankster who was going to meet the heel of her boot for this embarrassment. Noel was casual even as the pressure mounted. "Uh, I don't mind staying in here."

He shrugged. "Neither do I but I'm going to kill him before he gets away."

"Kiss, kiss, ki- FOR THE LOVE OF ETRO JUST DO IT!"

He stepped towards her. The look in his eyes made her take a nervous step back, hitting the end of the space the magic circle that encased them. "We, uh, we have to-"

"I know what to do," he said dryly with the shrill cheers escalating even more. She squeaked when he hooked an arm around her waist to pull her close and there an edge to his smile that made her nervous when he loomed over her. Serah took a steady breath, biting her lip when the movement pushed her breasts against him. She timidly looked up at him, wondering why Noel hadn't done anything. "Finally, you look at me."

"N-"

"I imagined our first kiss different from this." That brought her face up to him and Noel's head descended. He hovered over her mouth, not quite touching the softness of her lips. "Merry Christmas, Serah," he uttered softly and pressed a kiss to her lips. He was gone by the time she opened her eyes and Serah smiled, touching the warmth left.

From a distance, a loud shriek echoed, "Admit it! Youuu liikeeed iiiiiit!"

–

"I refuse to do this," Noel declared.

"You have to learn. What if you're alone and hungry and can't cook?"

"I grew up just like that, Serah," he replied, unmoved. "I hunt."

"You're living in our time now so you can't just hunt."

So that's how Noel found himself with an apron wrapped around his middle but he drew the line with a frilly looking hair net. He lifted a wooden spoon and a bowl with batter. "I'm supposed to mix it like this?"

Serah was looking frazzled. "Yeah, just like that," she replied, wiping the mess of eggs left by the counter. The kitchen was a disaster. Noel had used too much strength cracking an egg open resulting in more failed practices until Serah hurriedly did it instead before the glass bowl broke too. "Gently," she added. Noel nodded. There was another bowl overflowing with milk she had to pour out. She put away the extra butter, mindful of the knife that disappeared somewhere. By the time she was done, Noel was extremely concentrated on his task, stirring slowly. Serah approached him, putting a hand on his elbow and the other on his other hand to guide him. "Here, you'll get more power like this without anything spilling."

Noel glanced at her quick and did it a little harder. "Until this is soft, right? I can do that."

She peeked over his shoulder. "Taste it first."

Noel dipped a finger in and tasted. "I think it's alright."

He froze when she closed her mouth around his finger and Noel swore he felt her tongue peek out. Serah leaned back, humming. "Almost there. Add a bit more sugar then you're done." He edged away from her but then she frowned, following. "Here, I'll do it for you."

"Thanks."

They laid it out on the counter onto a foiled tray. He wanted it as it was regardless of figures but Serah encouraged him to add shape into it. He put it in the oven, turned and saw her sitting on a counter with a big smile. "Now we just wait."

"Hmm." Feeling too feminine, he went to look for his weapon. Noel spotted it a little ways behind her and walked between her spread legs to reach for it. Her hands tentatively went up as a barrier on his shoulders when his hair brushed her cheeks. "You're in the way," he muttered, securing it by his side. Noel pulled back and wondered what she was wearing beneath her apron that made it look like she wasn't at all. Noel dismissed it, checking on his dessert. Behind him, Serah was nervously watching him. "You sure the heat is right?"

"I'm sure." When it was done, Noel carefully extracted it and presented it to her. She brushed against his side and he nearly dropped the tray. Serah wasn't even paying attention to him and he steeled his nerves. It looked messy, extremely uneven and still soft looking but Noel looked pleased so she felt satisfied too. "Congratulations, Noel! You made your first dessert!"

Serah looked up at him beneath her lashes when she said it. Noel, thinking how much a danger she presented to him like this, was torn between his sanity and Serah's good will. But when she smiled at him with all his hard work before him, Noel relaxed. Then she accidently smudged some fudge by her lip and didn't notice, he felt that impulse come up again. "Sorry," Noel said and flipped the tray onto her face.

Scene XXI. Five Senses.

'Sensual'

((Definition: gratification of the senses))

taste.

Noel twisted his hand into her hair, grasping that silky handful and kept it there to guide her lips down to his. She slanted her mouth over his, coaxing him to respond. He only moved when her tongue timidly touched the tense line of his mouth, and he dominated until all she could do was take it. He was attentive, stroking her lips and mouth then deliberately withdrawing until she followed and he took her back in.

He didn't reach for her, only gripping that fistful of hair to keep her in place while the other idly rested along his side. And she didn't touch him, only clenching her fists to keep from gripping him closer; their lips the only connection.

Serah was gasping by the time he pulled away, half lidded eyes tracking her movement. Noel kept close, their breaths mingling, hovering just above her mouth as she tried to recover. When she made a sound to say his name, he quieted her with a deep kiss, slipping his tongue back in.

–

sight.

He had an artist's eye, lingering in his study.

Serah sat, legs folded beneath her.

Noel painted a finger along the curve of her cheek, contented to see a healthy bloom of cherry against the white of her skin. His thumb brushed down to the enticing scarlet of her lips, shaped like a cupid's bow, down to the filled out bottom.

Her skin was brimming with vitality, as he lightly traced a hand along the smooth curve of her waist, breasts, shoulders; the shapes of her that beckoned her femininity. Her legs were shapely, the little arch of her foot he lightly squeezed, then sketched a path upwards to the back of her thighs to her round bottom.

Noel tugged on the band securing her hair until it fell and watched the rosy-pink strands tumble in in thick waves. There were shades of pink of her hair, so vivid, so rich of silk. Those curls shaped the beauty of a young woman, illuminating the brightness that was her. He brought a lock to his lips, making her lean towards him. Then he raised his eyes to look straight into beautiful sky-coloured eyes.

–

smell.

He ran a hand through the silky curls, smoothing it between his fingers as he brought it close to breath in the lavender fragrance. Spring coated along her scent, driving him mad when he brought his face to her neck.

Sweat clung onto skin, a musky fragrance intermingling of their sex was overwhelming and she pulled him closer to inhale the heady scent of oak and rain.

–

touch.

Serah stroked his hair, down to the line of his jaw, the caged power of his body and to the calluses of his hand.

Noel took her wrist, turning his face to the softness of her palm. She parted his messy strands, lowering to the bed as he came above her. She clung onto his strong shoulders, a hand moving along his broad back, the muscles of his forearm flexing. She discovered old battle wounds along his torso, tracing the scarred skin and placed a tender kiss. Serah felt his smile against her skin, mouth opening to the vulnerable skin of her neck.

His hand slipped up her thigh, squeezing and roaming higher. He revelled in the supple feel of her breasts, firm and gods, she was soft everywhere. He lifted her leg to curl around his hip, her thighs cushioning the hardness of him as he moved along the length of her body.

–

hearing.

She was moaning beneath him. Serah never held anything back and if she did, he'd coax her to let it out. He was mesmerized at how undone she was, mewling in distress when he slowed, moaning he gave her what she wanted, crying out when he rocked his hips just right.

"Hah, ah, ah. . . aah. . ."

She loved the sound he made at the back of his throat, that deep groan reverberating when she took him by surprise and he liked it, in that crossroads of pleasure and losing his sanity. He was never out of breath in battle, but now he was breathing heavily, so intense in his pursuit. Noel gritted his teeth, his grunt deepening to a growl, "Just, ah fuck, a little deeper. You can take me, Serah,"

He adjusted the angle of her hips and moved again, her cry of pleasure alighting his senses and he wanted to hear more. He knew what to do to make the sounds he craved for, how sweet her voice when she begged. "Noel, nnh, please," She fisted the sheets and Noel decided he'd rather hear her pleasure. She was uttering his name in sweet gasps, and finally when they reached beyond, her name was on his lips.

Scene XXII. Suspect.

((Snow))

Serah was in his vision, albeit in strange clothing he didn't recall her ever buying, and she was bringing him out of conscious. For a time, he found a piece of happiness in his quest. His Serah was actually there with him, in this strange plain. Serah helped him up and he saw a figure move in his line of view. Oh yeah, he did remember hearing a guy's voice. He turned and a hint of cold iced his veins. Practical blue eyes stared back. A young man, built with lean muscle, the firm line of his mouth said that he didn't take any shit was along the ride with Serah. A pretty boy then, Snow decided. "Who are you?" And that's when he met Noel Kreiss.

That boy had the audacity to tell him off!

Being the adult he was, he reined back the trash-talk and let the words flow, seeing nothing wrong with his style of battle. "We're the same," Snow said. The would-be boy hero whipped his head, brows drawn down as he snapped back a denial. Whoa. It was a good thing Serah wisely kept quiet. What could lunatic was Lightning by keeping this guy by Serah's side?

Eighteen years old, Snow found out after bluntly asking. No way would Serah leave him, this guy had a lotta growing up to do and keeping a mouth shut when it needed to. He did have skills, banishing another monster single-handedly. 'Noel' was dependable, after all. He could watch over Serah. While it stung a bit that Lightning chose the kid, Snow pushed it back. He said his goodbye in her arms, memory fading for a time that shouldn't have existed but he knew one thing was true.

He still had her love.

...

The next time he saw them, it was a fight.

Serah was the next one to battle him. There was a knowing smile on her lips, self-assured in her skills as she stepped out with an equally hyped Noel. Snow thought he'd never seen his woman look so sly, confidence shaping her body. The boy grinned, crossing his arms rather arrogantly at his appearance and they jumped down to the arena. Serah proved her worth, turning to Noel in excitement over her achievement. Noel was saying something about her, "improving so it wasn't surprise," which Serah responded with a sweet smile then smacking his arm for downplaying her fight.

Snow stepped forward, calling her attention. They talked and the urge to hold her tight so she could never slip away was strong. Noel immediately turned, walking a few steps away but remaining in Serah's vision. His heart dropped when she began hinting at their relationship then surged with triumph when she decided to take the initiative and remain with him. The tension broke and they laughed, Noel joining in and Snow caught the look Serah directed at the younger man. He was about to grab her into a hug, but she said her goodbyes in the distance and they parted.

He wondered if their time apart was drifting their relationship.

...

"Hey, how's my girl doing?"

"Serah's doing great," Noel answered through the strange shaped device. He poked at it, wondering how this relayed communication.

"Will you do something for me, buddy?" Snow asked, focusing on a point in the sky, "I know Serah gets lonely sometimes, I'd appreciate it if you give her space to sort things on her own."

Noel was quiet on the other end. "Is there something you want to say to me, Snow?"

"I don't have to, do I."

"Sounds like it. You can say it to my face and drop the bullshit. I get you."

"Then we understand each other."

The conversation ended soon after with a terse cut of the line. Noel was still fiddling with metallic piece when Serah found him. "Still trying to see how it works?" she asked. He didn't answer. "Noel?"

"Hmm?"

"Did Snow say anything important?"

He looked thoughtfully at her for a time. "Nothing that I didn't know."

...

"So what do you say?" Snow cajoled, patting the empty seat behind him.

Serah nervously took glances at her partner, who was busy examining the strangle vehicle. His head rose when Snow prodded her again and they stared, shades of blue meeting. Noel broke it when Snow was becoming agitated. "I don't know, Snow. . . How are you sure you can pass through?"

"That's because of Lightning," Noel voiced her thoughts, coming from around the motorbike. "The same law won't apply to an outsider. Etro allows this to happen because she chooses who will pass through the timeline."

Snow waved it off. "Yadda, yadda." Serah fidgeted, taking Noel's word and it made Snow a little annoyed. He swung a leg away from the bike and stood to his full height, facing Noel. The younger man quirked a brow and crossed his arms. "Fine, what about this? I'll hop along the ride with you guys. Problem solved!"

Noel frowned but there was nothing he could say to refute this. Serah started, "But Snow, you have your own role in this."

"Yeah, I know what Lightning has in store for me, but I can take time off before I get back to that." Snow took her hands, "Come on, Serah, lighten up. You're making it sound like you don't want me."

"I'm sorry, Snow, but it's not the right time."

Snow sighed loudly. "You guys need to loosen up."

That hit Noel's sore spot but he backed down, heading towards the direction of a newly discovered gate. He gave a small wave to give them privacy, his tolerance of the man running out. Serah hurriedly glanced at Noel's retreating back and dropped their hands. "I'll see you again, Snow." He tried to stop her but she vaulted across the rail to shorten the distance and caught up with the boy hero. He whispered a goodbye that she couldn't hear and leaned back to his motorbike so he wouldn't fall.

Snow wondered why Serah began to refuse their happiness. But it didn't matter because when this was all over, they would finally wed.

Scene XXII-2. Epilogue

((Noel & Serah))

Snow presented her flowers. "For you. I saw these on the way and I thought you'll like them." His eyes darted to the figure playing with the children and back to her face. "Surprise!"

Serah took it tentatively, smiling. "Thanks." She waved for Snow to wait in the house and he willingly left after a messy kiss on her cheek.

"Flowers again? Your home looks like a garden now, you know," a voice intoned behind her. Noel had left the circle of children he'd been entertaining while she was fixing the classroom.

She was about to reply but he started backing away and her heart lurched painfully. "You're leaving?"

Noel gave her a quick look under hooded eyes. "Yeah." And he wouldn't tell her when he would return, what he was going to do, where he was going. He never did. At first, she thought his comes-and-goes trips were random whenever he was bored but now she knew it was triggered whenever Snow arrived with extravagant displays, the tension thick. She chose to place the flowers by a pot though Noel was gone by the time she turned. And with a heavy heart, she went to entertain Snow.

Serah was about to lock the door when Snow had left, knowing hoping for Noel to appear was futile. The purposeful crunch of gravel gave him away and she turned to see him emerging from the dark of the night. "You have to go tonight?" Noel didn't answer, running his gaze up and down slowly, appreciatively, savoring the sight of her. He stepped closer, a rogue look in his eyes that made her hot. He rolled up the sleeves to his elbows and reached for her. "Not until I'm done here." She awoke the next morning bathed in the morning light, nothing but his scent and imprint of his touch on her skin.

Serah smiled to herself, knew Noel had not yet left. She prepared for her morning class and kept busy. Serah felt the intensity of being stared at and she turned to find the source but Snow burst out, shouting her name. Before she knew it, she was in the air with his arms around her waist. "Wait, Snow, put me down!" But he didn't listen, laughing. He brought her left hand up and kissed it, where a ring glinted in the light. She didn't see Noel that day. Or the next day. Not even the following week. During his absence her life continued on as usual with her class though her eyes would slide to the dark to look for him and her fingers itched to hold her weapon.

The children had already left long ago and the classroom was empty, dark hues of the orange sun setting in. Serah spun, feeling a quiet presence lounging by the corner. Her heart caught in her chest, seeing those familiar blue orbs. Her mouth opened but nothing came out. Noel pushed himself off and walked until the distance shortened. "I couldn't stay away long," he admitted in a low voice. "Anyways," he added, "I can stop by the house if you're free." If Snow wasn't there. "And we can catch up."

"I'd like that," Serah replied honestly, quickly before Noel stepped away. Their eyes locked and she saw the memory in his eyes and saw him withdrew into the Noel Kreiss of the past, the wry smile on his lips.

...

She woke past midnight. There was somebody in the house; she felt it, the light footsteps that signaled the person knew the layout of the house. It wasn't Snow or her friends, she didn't recognize the pattern. Serah cautiously reached for her weapon, angling to launch herself when the door opened. A shadow passed, a tall form striding past her door and back. Then the familiar sigh, masculine and exhaustion in his attempts to figure out what to do and Serah dropped her weapon. Every minor detail diluted to a single point. There was a shuffle of feet and she knew he was going to leave again. "Noel."

He pushed the door open. Serah looked up at his entry and they locked eyes. She gave him a small smile, her heart still not settling and he quietly shut the door. Noel gauged her reaction, not seeing a single unwelcome look in her face. He managed a nod and leaned back to the door to keep from grabbing her to his arms. "I'm surprised you're still up."

"I didn't know you'd visit this late," she replied. Noel shrugged and Serah missed how he tackled on life. "I was starting to think you wouldn't show up." That made him drop his head to the side, shadowing his eyes but she saw the tense line of his mouth. She wanted to ease his worries but he stopped her from talking with a heated glance.

Noel studied the tumble of her hair down her shoulders, the glaze look in her eyes recognizing him, the sheets dropping from her hands, inviting him.

"Noel."

He approached her, shirt falling to the ground.

Her body arched and stretched, his name on her lips. He took care of her body, moving against her pace, deepening the friction that drove them crazy until their bodies furiously ground and pinned against each other's to reach climax. Strong hands drifted down her body, electric blue eyes locked on her. Serah reached to grab the sheet tightly in her fist, Noel's deep thrusts lifting her higher. His hands were on her, sweeping the lines of her body, gripping her hips tightly. His eyes closed, imprinting her breathy gasps to memory.

Noel grunted, the low rumbling in his chest reverberating. "How do you want it, Serah?" He gritted, "You want it slow like this?" He pressed down hard until their hips touched, grinding slow, so slow, pushing till the hilt and withdrawing that she felt every ridge and vein of him. She panted, trying to move against him but his strong hands held her down. His voice deepened, almost choking when he felt the rush of her wetness, squeezing insistently. "You'll have to tell me."

Her eyes glazed, every word clouding her mind until she was in a submissive frenzy. She became pliant under his pace and his eyes flew open, struck speechless when she became flexible in the way he wanted. Then the depths of his eyes darkened, he was stroking inside deeply that her mouth parted, wordless. "Ah," he breathed. "I remember... how you loved it. It's like this, right..."

...

Noel was talking, engaging her to listen. He was lounging by the glass window, absent-minded as he flipped through a book he wasn't even reading. He was looking outside. She enjoyed listening to his stories, missing the rush of adrenaline when they fought together. "I want to go somewhere," Noel suddenly said. Serah froze, turning to look at him. Noel was still unaware of the impact of his statement, his eyes distant. "Somewhere far, where no one's ever been."

"We've gone to those places during our journey, remember?"

"I know."

"Are you leaving again?"

He was quiet for a long moment then focused on her. "I can't stand him any longer." She turned away, clenching her fist to hide the hated promise that grounded her here. "I'm reaching my limit," he truthfully said. Noel embraced her from behind, an arm half-draped over her hip. His head fell onto her shoulder, mumbling something indistinct and it was the closest Noel would ever show his affection in the light. He broke away too slow when a metallic door slid open, heard a curse as the person stepped out again. "Guess that's my cue to leave."

"Wait, it doesn't look like we were doing anything wrong," Serah said, trying to clutch his sleeve but he was too fast and out of reach.

"Snow's not happy with me around, right? That big guy never liked me and I don't think Hope can make anymore excuses."

"This isn't fair." She wanted to fling the damn ring and then she did because it stood in the way. "I don't even- I just," the words tumbled, "I don't want you to leave me again."

"Will you go with me?"

Serah's head came up. ((her hands twitched in anticipation for the adventure, the unknown, the battles-)) "I want to. But-"

"No buts."

He twined a lock of hair around his finger. "You want me?" Noel asked softly. She raised the tips of her fingers to his lips. He took her hand, led her to the shadows and made her forget about the outside world. ((And that she'd be by him wherever he would go)) Just as he was lost in her. ((because he would always hold her above everything else))

–

It was too quiet. Hope released an aggravated sigh when he entered the room. The curtains swayed from the wind and Hope knew they were gone. A quick glance at the weapons inventory confirmed his suspicions. He flopped down onto a chair, massaging his temple. "Just leaving like that," he muttered. "I don't even get a goodbye." The afternoon sun was creeping in the room and he was a little relieved they had braved the light. A note was left on desk and he spotted something shine. Beneath his hand, a smile ghosted his lips. "How am I supposed to explain this?"

Scene XXIII. Succubus/Incubus

'None can disturb.'

Noel stared at the ceiling. He eluded sleep.

If he closed his eyes, an image of Serah's face flushed, clutching her torn shirt while she took glances at him with her breasts pressed against him rose and he couldn't look at her straight in the eye the next day. Not that Serah would look at him either. Still, Noel wanted to level their friendship and ignore the misshapen but it wasn't possible if he kept imagining her naked and ready for him every night. Noel groaned, pulling at his hair.

It was accidental, completely misunderstood and blown out of proportional and Noel could not get it out of his head.

A monster's claw swiped for Serah and he tackled her out of the way. They landed hard and he rolled them out of the way before it could strike again. He didn't realize it until things quieted. He loosened his grip, brushing strands away from her face to see if she was ok. Her face was red and she refused to look at him and she quietly whispered something, her hands closed tight to the fabric. He sat up with her, worried, and that's when it struck. Something soft was pressed against him and he could feel her nipples beading against his chest. His hands went up fast and she bolted away from him, crossing her chest and dashed away.

They didn't look at each other on the way back and kept their conversations to a minimum. Noel didn't complain when Serah rushed to her room wordlessly. He didn't know what to say to regain their footing and there was no way Serah could ever hope to start it so he retreated to his room as well. Exhaustion consumed him and he moved an arm over his eyes.

He was on his back while Serah straddled his hips, breathily murmuring his name. He'd grip those thighs to keep her still but she still rode him like a wanton, blue eyes fixed on his.

His eyes snapped open.

–

Serah awoke with a gasp, grasping the pillow like a lifeline. She shifted her legs, regretting it instantly when it sent a bolt of pleasure. She pressed a hand on the wall where he slept opposite. She trembled when she realized how free her breasts were on his chest. Noel mistook it for fear but his body tensed when realization hit and the stunned look on his face only further shamed her. She ignored him the entire way back. Noel had been awkward, chivalry kicking in to extend an arm over her head to push the door for her but she stepped away and his hands dropped. Noel cleared his throat and mumbled an apology.

She was glad they decided on separate rooms; Noel would awaken from the slightest noise and she made a lot of small noises lately. She had the strangest dreams recently and it caused the bags under her eyes to darken even more. While she refused to even acknowledge him, Serah could tell from the small glances Noel directed her, uncertain when he opened his mouth to say something then closing it when nothing came up and the redness of his face when he remembered.

She really was tired. There were no sides coming from the room, not even arguments with Mog. She listened closely and sleep was starting to catch up. There was a low groan, barely audible, but Serah was already drifting.

The bed depressed under his knee when Noel climbed over her. He focused solely on her, easing down her camisole. She winced when the cold air chilled her but Noel brushed his lips down, heating her neck down to her breast where his mouth closed around her. His teeth nipped and scraped, dragging his tongue around the sensitive skin. She gripped his hair when he refused to let go, his mouth so hot.

Her legs were restless and Noel easily pinned her down under his weight. She felt every hardened ridge of his body, the broadness of his back when she clutched him and she was breathless when he wedged his hips between her legs. He pulled back, gazing at her with electric blue eyes.

–

He followed her movements closely, studying how she loosened the ribbon holding her top. Serah leaned over him and his hands came up to guide her down.

Her lips were on his, meeting his tongue for a deep kiss. She gathered his face to hers, lovingly stroking the line of his jaw. He brushed against her, palms sweeping over the length of her body as if he couldn't believe she was there.

Noel scrubbed his face, rising to sit up with elbows on his knees. He looked behind to the wall where she slept. They were becoming more vivid each time, a testament to his intense desire to see her again, to hear her voice. Noel moved so his back was on the wall, craning his head back, imagining. He thought of the feel of her, the weight of her breasts against his chest. Her thighs shifted around his hips in an effort to move away and Noel shook his head. The walls were thin and if he were to listen closer, he could imagine her making small noises. Worry nagged at him and he honed his senses. His eyes widened, moving closer.

He pressed his palm to the wall and called out, "Serah."

–

He kept watching her, the corners of his mouth quirking when she cried out as he rocked against her. "Like that, huh?" His rhythm was hard, pulling her to him, grumbling in pleasure when her body gripped his tight. A strand fell over his eye when he threw his head back, shouting.

Serah slowly awoke from the minute nap, feeling hot. Serah moaned in distress, moving to her knees to switch sleeping positions. Her hand drifted down curiously and she shut her eyes when she felt the heat of herself. An image of Noel's face rose, his confidence, that helpless look, the sly gleam in his eye to his embarrassment and she wanted to know how his face looked if she moved above him like this. She bit her lip, panting in shaky breaths to hold back from moaning.

"Serah."

She must've been desperate because she heard him say her name and her lips parted to respond.

–

His jaw slackened. His thoughts shut down to nothing, couldn't think at all. Noel made a curiously, masculine sound. Serah was – His partner, Serah was – his mind blanked. He pushed harder against the wall, trying to quench the need to run to her room. The past few days they didn't talk made him miserable but this night, the night where he – no, they sought each other drove him crazy.

Whether she was asleep or awake didn't matter anymore because Noel knew one thing. From the quietness on her end, Serah must've realized it too. That she actually responded to him –

He covered his mouth with a hand.

–

Serah fell to her side, pulling the blankets over her head. She was tempted to bang the wall in frustration but that would have prompted Noel to burst into her room, blades drawn.

Noel was still awake. Serah shut her eyes in despair.

–

The fact Serah was avoiding him altogether for another entire week further irritated him. Noel ran a hand through his hair, sighing. Up ahead, there was a flash of pink hair and he stilled. Serah was on a bench, chatting with Mog. Then she tensed, looking over her shoulder. A thousand words passed between them. She gazed at him for long moments, a deep look in her eyes. He answered with a look of his own. This was the longest she ever paid attention to him the past few weeks and he savored the sight of sky blue eyes. His eyes were soft. "You want to stay for another night before we take off?" She nodded and with her head averted, passed him by. But that was fine with him because she had looked him in the eye.

The hallways were quiet in the evenings. Her steps were light and clicked against the tile. Another pair of footsteps thumped against the floor, heavy, and it paused in its destination to heed the other pair. Noel saw her before she saw him. She halted mid-step. His mouth opened,"Ah, listen –"

"No," she broke off, thinking wildly on what to say when Noel looked startled. "Uh. I'm not feeling well right now."

"Right," he drawled. She reddened with an annoyed look and he hurriedly said, "About what happened before, I, ah, I didn't want it. . . our friendship that is. . . I'm sorry."

She struggled for words. "O-okay. Just forget it." Serah wanted to say more but the words were stuck and it would've likely made it more awkward when she didn't know how Noel would respond. She tightened her robe, took the easy way out and looked away.

Noel panicked, seeing her distance herself again. He slowly relaxed his hands, went by her side and nudged her arm, barely flinching when a spark shot through between them. Apparently she had felt it too. "You want to check out the hot springs they have?"

She suddenly laughed and it relieved him. "Why not. I've been dying to relax."

He guided her to a set of wooden doors, glanced at her until she looked back with a flush. He nudged his robe off one shoulder to show off a flex of his abs and arms and gave her a wink. "Just for reference," he said before looking expectantly at her chest. It was all worth a kick and bucket thrown at his face for Serah get it out of her system.

He never brought it up again.

Scene XXIV. Shoujo.

((AU))

((New Bodhum High School))

Noel rolled the knit long sweater up to his elbows as soon as he was up in the roof. His mouth quirked when he locked eyes on a girl, gazing out the site. He walked quietly, reaching out to clutch the railing above her. "Hello, vice-president," he greeted.

The senior tilted those blue eyes up at him. "You're supposed to be in club, Noel."

"Isn't there a student council meeting?"

Serah Farron arched a condescending brow that he wanted to kiss. "I thought you wanted to see me."

He stepped closer, wanting to soothe the stress lines marking her face. "I do." She smiled and he lowered his head a little closer. There was a frantic yell below of "Serah, the papers!" Noel halted before her lips and tsked."Captain, get your ass down to the field now!"

She huffed, crossing her arms. "I don't think we can do anything for now."

Noel sighed, dropping his head onto her shoulder. He muttered something along the lines of, "I'll make them run until they quit, I swear." He let Serah pass him, sneakily giving him a quick kiss by the corner of his mouth and click those heels away. He ruffled his hair, already missing her. The fact they barely saw each other for a week because she was so busy with the council that collided with his practice grated on his nerves. "Captain!"

–

Serah walked over to file papers and a chorus of cheers outside caught her attention. She glanced outside, seeing the soccer team in a vigorous match. The arm band that signalled the captain was running to the goal, outrunning the defenders. Another slid to topple him and the ball went out of bounds. Noel jumped up and jogged to the ball, positioning himself. He had rolled up his jogging pants, effortlessly rolling the ball around his feet. Noel was fit, his physique capturing her as he stretched his arms to loosen his muscles. The jersey stretched over his torso, the ripple of muscles on his arms standing out when he pointed at players to move their position.

He shouted out orders and something in her heated at the command of his voice, the intense concentration of his eyes. Serah turned away quickly, sighing. A stab of longing struck her; she missed being with him. His voice alone when he called wasn't enough and she wanted those amazing eyes watching her as if she was his world. "Do you have the records of finances we spent for the festival last year? I need it for the report," Serah said, snapping out of her little dream. If she finished this sooner, she could meet up with Noel before his club ended.

Noel slapped hands with their victory. The manager handed him a towel and he walked to the edge for a quiet moment. His eyes were drawn up to the building where Serah worked. She was resting by the window, leafing through papers. She mouthed something and tapped a pen to her lips. His lips curved, absently wiping his face. "Captain, the formation..."

"Shh, not now! The captain's busy admiring his girlfriend."

"Quit playing. Noel's going to be pissed if hears you."

"You haven't seen them after hours. Captain's all over her-"

"20 laps NOW!"

–

Noel strolled past Serah wordlessly as she chatted with friends. He sneaked a peek to see glasses perched on her nose. He smiled to himself and continued on, Hope joining beside him. Her heart skipped when she saw a flash of brown and it was his laugh that heightened her awareness. Lebreau loudly proclaimed her horrible grades and her friends attention settled on Lebreau; Serah took a chance to watch the back of Noel as he lounged outside a classroom. She saw his head turn, laughing and something in her moved. "Hey, it's Noel." Lebreau nudged. Serah stiffened and shrugged. "So that's the junior who beat out Gadot for captain position."

"Heard rumours he's seeing someone. I think I heard your name there too," Yuj said, questioningly glancing at her. "No way. Lightning's a tyrant."

"Move, juniors." Snow said, towering them. Noel elbowed him. "Cut it out, Coach." Snow overpowered him and dragged him towards them, Lebreau waving for them to join. He chose to stand next to Serah, arm leaning on the wall right next to her shoulder. Serah folded her arms around her middle, conscious of Noel. Lebreau said something that made her glance up at Noel and laugh. He was surprised that Serah accepted his closeness, smiling down at her. He froze when she pushed her hair over shoulder, brushing his arm and the scent of lavender and spring came his way. Serah smiled at something that was said, and he stared a bit, admiring how she glowed.

The group didn't take note of their familiarity, although one clever friend noticed at how Serah never inched away.

...

Hope tensed when Serah initiated a hug with Snow. He nervously looked to the side as the vice-president clung onto the giant; all he could see was Noel's profile. His eyes were shadowed but Hope caught the slight movement of Noel's jaw clenching. Serah pulled back, chatting with him a little too close. He expected him to march over and yank Serah away but surprisingly, Noel jerked away and headed for the stairs. Hope sighed, resigned to follow the seething Noel. Noel slammed the classroom door to the side then calmly went to his seat. "Maybe you should think about this," Hope said from behind.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"That person is a close family friend," Hope continued. "He practically grew up with her older sister. And he's a coach so there's no point in discussing that. She's just being friendly."

With that, Noel's temper cooled but he was still sulking. Noel dropped his head on the table, mumbling, "I really am a selfish guy."

...

Serah hurried, keeping an eye out for Noel. As she retrieved her drink, she walked slowly back to class, hoping to run into him. Then a tall figure turned a corner, standing out from the people scattered in the hallway. She inched back from public view, enough that no one saw her except him. Noel was walking towards her, pushing his bangs away. His ring on the middle finger was glaringly absent as usual, earning him questions. The ring was along a small chain she wore as a necklace beneath her uniform that he slipped it on her finger. They agreed to hide it from view; accessories like that would attract unwanted attention. A few girls halted him for it and he smiled, friendly as ever. He was polite, ending it as he scooted past them. "Come on, where's your ring? Answer us, Noel!" Another guy called out, "He gave it to his girl for keeps!"

Noel was notoriously private about his life, skirting the conversation to another, "How about asking your boyfriend for one?" Noel left it at that, blue eyes finding hers. His lips curved, following her to the secluded shadows, his pace even. "Hey," he said softly.

She cradled the drink in her hands a little tighter. "Hi. You know about your birthday gift I promised?" His eyes heated and she turned red. "N-not like that, Noel," she scolded in a hushed whisper. Noel chuckled, sweeping a glance around them quick before stepping closer. He caressed her cheek and she relaxed. "Would you mind if you come to my house for it?"

His wide eyes told her that she caught him off-guard but Noel nodded anyways. "Ah, sure." There was embarrassment in his smile and Noel used his fist to cover it. His eyes caught the chain around her neck and he pushed her into a corner beneath the stairs. He adjusted her collar, effectively concealing it though he leaned to whisper, "I'll wait just a little longer for everyone to see you wear my ring." She flushed when his hand pressed on where it lay beneath her shirt.

She covered his palm with a grip of both her hands. "Noel," she said with a smile. "You really make me happy."

Serah was pulling away but he grabbed her into a tight hug. A hand stayed on her hair to keep her there as he breathed her in deeply. "As long as you want me," he murmured. She had to break away quickly when shadows were lining with the footsteps descending and she whispered her goodbyes. The vice-president everyone knew emerged, walking away. He sank to a crouch, hand running through his hair. His feelings were overwhelming, the need to hold her spilling over and he needed to rein it back before he scared her.

"Is that you, Noel? What're you doing under there," a classmate laughed, "Trying to entice a girl, eh?" A girl smacked his arm, "As if. Noel's way too much of a gentleman."

–

The door slid open and Hope walked in. He immediately noticed a lone figure and saw Noel leaning his shoulder against the window, staring out below. At his entrance, Noel gave him a quick glance and stepped away so his back hit the glass, hands buried deep in his pockets. Hope said, "I assume practice is over."

"Hn."

The white haired teen ignored the monotone and moved to his desk, searching for his notebook. He was seated by the window so he gave a fleeting look at whatever Noel was gazing at and saw a flash of bright pink hair. He froze to keep himself from double-taking and slowly extracted his notes. Noel was shifting his feet and Hope knew it was one of his tell-tales. Hope purposely took his time flipping through the book until Noel sighed. "Honestly, do something productive instead of stalking your girlfriend," Hope said and Noel snapped back something bad. He never acknowledged their relationship where gossip could spread although Hope could see their point. Noel cherished their privacy together before other people took her attention; Hope had known this when Noel came back from lunch with a secret smile. "I feel bad for you. You make it seem like you haven't seen her for a year."

"You wouldn't understand," he muttered.

Hope made his way to the door. "I'll see you tomorrow, Noel."

Noel tipped his head back, bangs falling to the side and his eyes directed back outside. Distractedly, Noel said, "Yeah, later."

–

Serah called it a day after the inspection of the stalls for the festival outside. It was late afternoon going by the fading ray of lights. He must've gone home, Serah thought. She walked hurriedly to her locker before the last train left; it was safer than walking the streets this late. She turned to the row of lockers and saw a figure leaning against it. Noel's head was down, bag beside him. His head rose when she stepped into view, his eyes warming. "Hey."

"Hi," she echoed. She crouched to his level, brushing strands away from his face and his eyes drifted close. "You should have gone home after practice," she whispered. "You look so tired."

"I don't care," he muttered. Blue eyes opened and they shared a long look. He stood to his full height, slinging their bags over his shoulder and offered his free hand. She grabbed it to pull him down and kissed him. He twined a hand into her hair and brought their lips together again, lingering to remind Serah the depth of his devotion. Noel pulled away and laced their hands again. "Come on, I'll walk you home." She missed his large palm enveloping hers, grip so firm as if he didn't want to let her go for a long time. She squeezed his hand in return and gave him another kiss on his cheek.

"Have dinner with me," Serah quipped, tugging Noel forward when he slowed. The lights in her house were on, waiting for her arrival. "You can meet Lightning!" Noel stubbornly stood still until Serah pulled a look on him that he always fell for. She shoved him inside the door before he could move. "Lightning? I'm home," Serah called, kicking off her shoes. Noel rigidly followed her. "There's someone I want you to meet." A woman with wispy long hair carted to one side came out from a room, sharp eyes roving over him. "Lightning, this is Noel Kreiss. Noel, this is my sister, Lightning."

Noel bowed his head politely. "Excuse me for intruding this night. It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise. I must extend my thanks for taking care of Serah in school. I've been waiting for you," the eldest Farron said. "I expect your intentions towards Serah are honourable?" she spoke lowly, so frankly that it didn't faze Noel.

"Absolutely," Noel affirmed strongly. The quiet conviction in his voice made Serah smile and she reached to clutch her chain. She hurried to the kitchen before Lightning could see her flush at the memory. She could feel the piercing gaze of her older sister hitting her back. "What I have with her is something I don't take lightly. Her happiness means everything to me."

"Good." Serah heard distantly. There was a split second of silence before Lightning appeared behind her without even a noise. "Serah, send Snow an invite for tonight's dinner."

Over Lightning's shoulder, for some reason, Noel looked for annoyed before he masked his face back into indifference. "I'll do that, Lightning." She went over to Noel, who pressed a hand on her back, and beamed. "Welcome, Noel."

He held her close. "I'll be around for a long time."

Scene XXV. Request: How their intimacies began.

((A series of events))

((Alpha))

Noel didn't predict this journey beyond simple partnership yet it went further and cemented her place in his world. The cursed fate cast onto her terrified him. Serah looked him in the eye when he told her of the repercussions and still, she walked towards her death. Perhaps that's when he began to admire her and pledged to protect her as long as she lived. He stormed forward, Serah calmly serene though she wasn't looking presentable. "What the hell were you thinking?" he demanded.

"I was looking for clues."

"Didn't really do much I see," he bluntly stated.

"Noel, look what I found- Wait!" He marched up to her, hooked an arm around her waist and dragged her away. "I don't like being forced like this, Noel!"

"I don't like it when you disappear on me either."

He was fuming, Serah noted. She placed a hand on his tense arm, trying to reassure him through touch. "I wasn't far from camp. Mog knew where I was," she said to break the silence.

"I didn't." She realized Noel was leading her to the lake. Serah glanced down and frowned at the dirt. Noel let go, arms crossed. She blinked at him, tugging at her top when he didn't budge. He dropped his gaze to the soft flesh exposed before abruptly turning away. Serah removed her accessories and waded into the water.

She looked into the distance often, lost in thought and he reached out to bring her back to the present, to remind her that he was still there. Whenever she disappeared and came back with a smile, dirt coating her skin, he got the overwhelming need throw her over his lap and spank the living daylights out of her. Noel exhaled into his hand, trying to calm his nerves. "Serah, do that one more time and I'm going to chain you to my side."

Serah washed away the dirt. "You do that and you'll be stuck with me forever."

"I'll take my chances," he threatened. Surprisingly, Serah didn't retort. Instead, she began humming. "I wasn't kidding."

"I know you aren't."

Noel made the mistake of looking behind him, trying to decipher what she meant. Her face was serene, hands gently scrubbing over skin and there was something about it that made him stop and stare. He pondered on what it was exactly that he didn't notice Serah looking back. He blinked, finding blue eyes fixed on his and Noel spun away. He put a hand over his mouth. "I didn't mean to look," he started.

"You must've been really worried."

There was a light splash and Noel edged away to give her more privacy but still he stayed close. "You have no idea."

"You can go ahead. I know you're still recovering," she said. "I'll be fine here, Noel."

That was it, he figured out in a jolt. He needed to see her every moment, couldn't stand it when she was out of sight. In fact, she was decent so Noel looked over his shoulder. There was a loose strand over her forehead and there was an urge to tuck it away. He steeled himself from walking. "I'm alright here."

"Do you have to keep tabs on me every time?"

"I do," he admitted. Her head tilted at that. She straightened, a glint in her eye. In response, he twisted fully to face her. There was a challenging retort on her lips he could see but she decided against it with a smile that worried him.

...

He surged forward, bending as he swiftly swung his sword for a low strike, "Serah, now!" The archer was quick to fire, Noel leaping away when the heat of them pass. The giant roared and crushed a massive fist aimed for Serah. Noel cursed, twisting his foot to gain momentum and rushed towards her, "Serah, get away!" She dove forward to avoid the impact, crying out; instincts kicked in and she kicked off against a giant rock. They were falling, the erratic movements of the giants crushing everything. Noel used every bit of his strength to eliminate the giant while it was distracted then panicked when he couldn't find her. "Serah!" He heard a distant cry and Noel whipped his head, seeing flashes of pink among the falling debris. The giant unleashed one more explosion before dissipating, but not before Noel reached for her, sliding along the earth to fall into cover.

Serah collapsed against him, adrenaline still coursing her body. A burning sensation scalded his arm but it was nothing compared to the intense relief that she was still breathing in his arms. He was frantic to part strands away to see her face. She was coughing and fought his hands to breath. His head lowered and caught her lips with a fevered urgency, pushing air into her mouth. Noel gripped her face to stop her moving until her chest heaved upwards. He broke away just when she moved to respond and rocked her back and forth, gripping her head tightly. "You're safe."

"N-Noel," she said huskily, the effects of the smoke harming her voice. "I n-need. . . water."

His free hand reached for his canteen, the other prepping her head to his chest. Noel unclasped the top roughly, Serah hazily watching the tension lining his mouth, and he brought it to her lips. "Slowly," he commanded. She obeyed, taking small sips even though her parched throat screamed for more. Her head fell back, exhaustion weighing her down. Noel was quiet, rearranging her limbs to make sure she was comfortable. She kept her eyes on him as he secured their surroundings and bandaged her wounds. He looked determined even as his hair was plastered to his face, sweat clinging onto skin. His mouth moved but she couldn't hear anything. Hot, it was hot everywhere. Her eyes drifted close, a cool imprint left on her lips was the only comfort.

...

Noel observed the curve of her hips, the bend of her waist where his palms often encircled. She bent over, twisting to reach for her pack. His hands flexed, dropping his eyes back to the fire when she glanced at him. "Noel," Serah called for him and Noel returned his attention back to her, as she was brushing a strand away from her forehead. There was something feminine about her movements that made his world narrow down to her. He silently shook his head and Serah sighed. "I guess we'll have to share tonight." The slant of his brows signalled his confusion. "Noel?" she asked again. This time, he looked straight into her eyes. Huh. This was the first time Serah unknowingly used her feminine charms to try to illicit something from him and Noel had a doomed feeling he would always fall for it.

He stared her down when Serah walked towards him, nervousness playing the light of her eyes, and Noel tried to figure what she was talking about. When she sat next to him, decorum kicked in and he immediately parted the blankets to her. It alarmed him when Serah scooted closer until their legs touched. "What-"

Serah made a noise that Noel desperately fought to not react to. "Do. . . do you mind if we share tonight?"

So that was it. "Of course." He laid back down, arm stretching above her to adjust the blanket and blocking unwanted dirt. Serah was quiet when their physical boundaries were shattered right there and then but Noel seemed to not notice. The aloof air around him disappeared when blue eyes locked eyes with her. "You comfortable?"

She nodded. Noel looked as if he wanted to say something, decided against it and laid on his side, back facing her. His arm was a pillow under his head and she studied his open hand beneath the mess of brown hair. Noel's hands were calloused and large, she noticed. After a while, Serah poked a finger to his palm. He clenched his fist, catching her finger captive and looked over his shoulder. He quirked a brow, "You need something?"

His voice told her he wasn't close to sleep. "Hey, Noel, tell me about your village?"

He was silent and Serah was anxious if she broke the rules too early. But he took a deep breath and answered, "It wasn't much different from yours. We just didn't have the greens and blues of your time. Even though the end of humanity was approaching, we kept watch of each other. A lot of times I went to sleep wondering who was the next to go. It was normal for me; I survived." She was watching him with deep blue eyes and he chucked her chin. "Although there's a woman right now that keeps me up at night," Noel finished. Serah looked away, biting back a smile. She pulled too much of the sheets, leaving Noel partially exposed to the cold and heard his sigh.

...

((Continuum))

One afternoon, he caught the significance of her pendant. She took it off, a heavy burden lifting off her as she laid it down. Serah took deep breaths, strangely feeling lighter. She walked along the hallway and waited for Noel to finish his briefing with Hope. The door hissed open. Noel roamed his gaze around first, ever watchful until it found her. His gaze flickered down once and didn't ask any questions. "We have an errand to run."

Serah stepped closer, trying to figure out his mood. "What's happened, Noel?"

"Nothing."

She stopped him from bypassing her by following his movements. "Tell me." Serah didn't mind waiting even if it took all day. "Please, Noel. Is something the matter?" He pushed past her with the strength of his body and Serah latched onto his shirt, effectively being dragged with him. She waited until he lost patience, which Noel did shortly when he halted. Their bodies collided and Serah stumbled, pressing her body into him by force. The unmistakable hitch of her breath caught his attention when he looked over his shoulder and blue eyes drifted down to her lips. She drew back, trying to measure what was going on. "Noel, talk to me."

His jaw locked. "It doesn't concern you."

"I want to help, Noel," Serah soothed. "What got you riled up?" She couldn't read the look in his eyes and it made her nervous. The metal door slid open and Hope stepped out. Noel nodded at her once, turned a corner and disappeared. "Wait!" Hope's brows were drawn down and Serah had a feeling Noel's anger stemmed from him. She placed her hands on her hips. "Hope, what did you say to Noel?" The young director shook his head, frowning when he noticed her necklace gone and abruptly left.

...

Noel was aggressively training. Serah watched him from the upper floor, admiring his quick form. There was lethal grace in how he easily operated his body, agility quick in how he bent his legs to gain momentum to swing his blade down. He assaulted makeshift dummies then spun for a double strike. He sheathed one blade while he ran, kicked off the wall and executed an assassins' kill.

Noel gave off that aura that said he knew what he wanted, would use all his strength to obtain it and nothing would stop him. He would attract ladies if not for the fact he was on a mission and Noel didn't care for them. His sole priority was only for her. His mouth was sharp as the look in his eyes, speaking with holds-no-barrel tone with everyone he encountered. He was rarely emotionally driven but when he was, Noel invested every emotion into it.

Capable. Noel was incredibly capable. He could take on any battle and emerge bloody, ridden with more scars yet victorious. He was a survivor. Noel looked up at her, wiping his chin. A younger, built man with striking blue eyes fixed his eyes on hers. There was something in his eyes that she recognized, from another man that said he would take on the world just to stay by her side. Her hands came up to clutch the chain and found air. She had taken it off. His eyes became unreadable and Noel walked away.

She never wore it that day forth.

...

He didn't know what to make out of it. Maybe this was a kind of social practice bound to happen; his tribe mentioned bonds of friendship and courtship, the latter passionate. And that's what made Noel confused. By the time he was born, survival was utmost priority and barely enough people for him to understand intimacy. Noel thought he recognized it when he first saw Serah affectionately tend to Snow; he also caught the misery on Serah's face when Snow downplayed their 'engagement.' The definition was extremely hard to pin-point but it didn't matter to Noel, so he gave up searching for the meaning.

But when Serah demonstrated gestures of intimacy, he wondered if friendship was meant to be like this. At times when she peered up to him with such knowing, he pondered if Serah wanted more from him. How was he supposed to respond? Whenever he tried to answer her wants, she merely looked up at him beneath her lashes, expecting. Noel exhaled, long and hard. What a mess and he didn't even understand what was going on. Maybe there was a little pride and possessiveness that Serah had to rely on him. And her constant need to touch him made a primal, odd satisfaction coil inside him. Now he pressed a hand on her back, felt her shiver at his touch, and hid a smile.

...

She glimpsed Noel contemplating in the dark. Unless they established the safety of their camp, one would always take watch. Gravel shuffled around his feet and she felt him crouch down next to her to adjust the blanket over her. His hands brushed the skin of her waist and a white-hot heat shot through her. It was all she could do not to flinch. He left her sleeping to stretch out beside the log. She opened an eye, seeing him close his eyes. Too often she saw Noel take glances at her and it was getting to her head. Noel distracted her constantly and she refused to acknowledge it. "Serah."

She blinked. "Yes?"

"Let's switch. I'm about to crash."

She started to sit up, blankets sliding down her body and saw him tense. Serah met his eyes and she could feel it, the lust beneath the surface that he hid beneath a cool smile. "I can do that," she said softly. He only nodded then proceeded to lay himself down by the log instead. "Noel, that's no good. Your body isn't getting rest if you sleep like that. Come over here." He muttered something. "What was that?" she challenged.

Noel groaned, raising himself. He didn't bother to reply, burying himself in blankets. Serah stood for a while, seeing no opportunity to spoil him when only his hair peeked out. She moved by the fire when Mog tugged her to sit. Her eyes roved over his covered figure and then the headache began. Serah struggled with the changing dynamics of their partnership; how one accidental slip made them increasingly aware of each other still made her clueless on how to handle it. One look from Noel curiously sent her heart was racing. By habit, she lifted a hand to her neck where a pendent used to lay, the only constant in her life that she locked away and had no intentions of going back. Her eyes drifted back to the sleeping Noel and wondered about the future.

...

((Omega))

They sprinted to a maze of alleys, more than outnumbered by the monsters appearing in rifts. He slid to a stop to fight off the closest monsters before outrunning her and pulled her along the corners. Serah suddenly came to a stop and shoved him into the shadows and fell onto him. Noel immediately tried to recover before the monsters came but there were flashes of monstrous silhouettes passing them and he stilled. He was breathing heavily from exertion and he could feel the thundering of her heartbeat. He started to rise up again when it was quiet but she pushed him back down. Another wave of creatures passed by and Serah laid her soft palm over his mouth as it died down.

Noel was in a turmoil; the magnetic pull he felt days before resurfaced once more. Sky blue eyes were wide in a daze when he didn't move away fast enough and her mouth moved to whisper his name. Some dark urge gripped him and Noel jerked, the sound stirring him. Serah's breaths were shallow and he fought to keep his eyes on her face. He gave in to the urge briefly brush her cheek before sliding himself away and turned his back on her. "We should be safe for now."

Serah was quiet and when it sounded like she wasn't going to say anything, he ventured a look over his shoulder. She was watching him with an unusual haze in her eyes. He stared back with hooded eyes, wondering what she was thinking. The silence lengthened, the air heavy with tension and unspoken sensations that have been occurring for the past weeks. Noel thought if now was a good time to acknowledge the air between them but decided against it; he was already in the deep so he would wait for her to sort out what she wanted.

She wordlessly raised her hand and he pulled her up. And they went on.

...

Noel was talking as he rested by the overlooking glass window. "The time rifts have been imbalanced lately even though we've been finding artefacts. It's like all our work have done nothing to fix it." Serah vaguely nodded while he analysed it in every angle, open to possibilities. His fingers splayed on the glass, saying intensely, "Maybe if it's possible, we can merge two gates together to buy us enough time. That should throw off Caius for a while." She looked over at him, sensed the frustration in him.

"I'm sorry I'm not much help," she said. "These visions I see are only warning us of what's going to happen."

He glanced fleetingly at her. He left his place to lay a palm briefly on her shoulder and went across the room. "Don't say it like that, Serah." Feeling oddly reprimanded, she bit her lip. "I'll make sure that won't happen." Noel was starting to wander to another topic. "Yeul wouldn't assist Caius like this so she must have another motive. What does she see…" Her attention lingered on his face, admiring the planes of his face, the sharp look in his eyes when he slid his gaze to hers. "What do you think?"

"We can't do anything about Caius. All we can do is continue collect the artefacts and solve the paradoxes before he could interfere. I'm sure Yeul isn't sabotaging our efforts." She moved closer, placing a hand on his bicep to look over the map he held. "Maybe this is her only way of helping the future. See when we encountered her through this timeline? She warned us about Caius."

"I see. Maybe there's hope after all." Her eyes trailed down to his lips, appreciating the voice following the movement. Noel noticed and leaned in close. "Hey, you doing okay?" Serah shrugged and Noel gave her a questioning look. "I think we're getting close to Lightning. We just have to -" His mouth moved and her eyes were drawn to it, remembering when he pushed his lips on hers, giving air.

He caught her watching then offered her a half-smile.

…

There was a knock on his door.

It was Serah, her hair down, in silk pyjamas that didn't register to Noel until she cleared her throat. He stepped to the side and she padded her way inside. The dark enveloped the remaining light when he closed the door, eyes adjusting to the dark easily. He wanted to question her intentions, but she was looking so lost that he didn't.

Serah walked to him and he tentatively folded his arms around her. She muttered something about a vision then quieted. He tried pulling back to see her face but she tightened her arms around him. So Noel brought her to his bed, fearful of her health. He thought that she wanted him nearby so he laid her down but she tugged him to join her and he obliged.

Noel didn't know how far this could have gone but he was content having her pliant in his arms. She arched to adjust her position, head nodding against him and he absently pulled her closer, stroking her hair until she stilled. The thought of her disappearing from his life unnerved him. Noel absorbed the sight of her, every detail he began to realize defined a strong attraction; everything about her called to his instincts.

Noel's striking blue eyes were intently on hers. The way he watched her, contemplative, and so watchful of every shift of her movements, to her expression; it was all wide open to him. She knew it. To her, he was still something of a mystery; the glimpses she saw beneath the exterior told her Noel struggled to understand. And with their journey, Noel was slowly becoming known to her no matter how much he tried to hide it. He knew it.

She reached for him. And, finally, he took her in.

...

"Noel!" Serah was calling for him. He saw her against the sun, the bright light in her eyes matching the smile on her lips. His lips curved, content to watch her, the only woman he would ever search for. She laughed at something Mog whined about, taking fistfuls of fallen leaves to distract the moogle, throwing it at the small creature and made a run for it. Some pieces fell onto her hair but she didn't seem to care when she ended up in front of him with a smile.

And all Noel could think was how stunning she was. She captivated him entirely.

The last piece was the hardest to write but let's face it, it isn't easy. Consider this my gift to the Noel/Serah community! Did anyone enjoy ^w^ Tell me what you think :)