A/N: Oh, yay, another chapter! And quite soon, actually =D didn't let you hang on that cliff too long! And I won't keep you from reading. Enjoy!

Shout-Outs to Goobah, mooncanvas, Major Mike Powell III, MurasakinoMonogatari and Yunner … YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME! =DDD

Disclaimer: I do not own the game, Final Fantasy XIII, or the characters used in this story! They all belong to Square Enix.

Storm Driven

a Final Fantasy XIII Fanfiction. (slightly) OOC, (slightly) AU, Lanille

Proximity

Then she starts leaning in … and I don't really know why … but I close my eyes and wait for what will happen next …

As a few more moments pass I can feel her breath on my lips, and I can almost feel the heat from her body radiating. It's a nice feeling …

Suddenly I hear a loud screech from beside us and we quickly jump apart, my heart almost stops beating. What was that?! I open my eyes and search for the source of the noise.

"It's another Ceratosaur!" the younger girl exclaims. Suddenly I grow angry and I want to reach for my gunblade, but it's not where it should be. Shit! I'm not even fully dressed in my uniform!

I grab Vanille by the hand and start pulling her out of the water. It's too dangerous inside. I quickly check where the monster is and see it jumping after us. Damn, it's so quick that it's actually catching up!

As we reach the small shore I hear the redhead screaming out, scared, and I turn around, seeing that the monster is jumping again and this time it will reach her. I act on instinct and throw myself in between Vanille and the purple, fish-like thing and grab it on the sides of its head so it can't reach me with its huge fangs.

I grit my teeth at the weight it is stemming against me. What should I do now? I can't hold this any longer! I try pushing against it but it's not working quite well … I suddenly see hooks digging into the beast's flesh, which are pulling it to the side and I feel massively released as it's not pushing against me anymore.

I quickly dart towards my weapon, which isn't far from me, flip it into its sword-form and then lunge at the monster, slicing and stabbing it before it can free itself from Vanille's hooks and wires.

I stare at the dead beast, breathing hard and trying to catch my breath. "How many … of those … are there?" I ask Vanille in between taking deep breaths. The one yesterday was enough.

"Usually they are either in flocks or alone. Two Ceratosaurs so close by is quite unusual." the redhead tells me. I nod. "Maybe the army's on the move." I remark, crossing my arms and I scan the area. I hope they're not close.

The younger girl then walks over to me and puts her hands onto my crossed forearms, making me look at her. "Are you okay?" she asks, concerned. I nod, giving her the hint of a smile. She suddenly makes her move forwards, slinging her arms around my midsection. What … ?

"Thank you … for saving me again." she replies. I unfold my arms but seriously don't know what to do. I should just push her away, because this is definitely way too close, but I can't. That would be rude and I don't want to hurt her. Why do I care so much? I reluctantly put my arms around her rather petite frame as well, trying to be nice. Or … because I want to? Because I kind of like this … proximity?

I feel her relaxing in my arms and this actually gives me a good feeling, a content one. "No problem." I finally reply, then she lets go again, and I feel … cold …

I shrug the feeling off and suggest: "We should press on." Vanille gives me another smile and nods. "Yes!" she exclaims and then starts putting back on the rest of her outfit. I take my uniform and throw it over my shoulders. My turtleneck and skirt are still wet … it's a little uncomfortable … but it's so hot today that I simply don't care.

ooo

Ugh … I think I'll need a break soon. I feel dehydrated and I'm hungry. I mean, as a soldier I'm used to it, but combined with this heat it's tearing on my energy resources. Unfortunately we couldn't take the fish along with us, Vanille told me that it will get bad if it doesn't get cooked really soon. Very unfortunate, because that food yesterday was delicious.

I look over at the younger girl. Judging by her attitude I actually would have thought she's more of a child … but the things she does and knows … to be honest … it's quite impressive. She's stronger than she makes people think. That's what makes her … interesting … and … attractive?

Speaking about attractive … what exactly was this, earlier today? We were about to kiss, right? Or … was it just my imagination? We didn't talk about it or anything … not that I'd want to talk about it … how did we end up in this position anyways? Right, we were 'having fun' in the water, or something … but it was kinda … fun … I guess.

I look to the side. Damn, I'm a soldier. I have my goal, find her people. Why is she making me feel such … things? I can't even describe it. I shouldn't be thinking about this! Focus on my ultimate goal, nothing more! Yes, that's exactly what I-

"Ugh!" I hear Vanille's voice as I suddenly bump into her. Great job with focusing, soldier … really great job. "Sorry." I say, almost blushing. This is embarrassing, no, mortifying. I never bump into people! It's all her fault!

She just giggles. Why does she find this funny? I sigh quietly. "Look!" she says, pointing her finger in a direction, then turns her head to face me. A certain warmth spreads in my body again as we lock gazes. Forget whatever she wants to show me, her perfect green eyes are just more interesting. Why? I just don't get it … and again with the proximity! She didn't really move away after I bumped into her, so she's standing really close again. "Do … uh … do you … " she starts but seems to trail off, and suddenly I see her cheeks reddening. Is she blushing?

"Kweh!" A loud cry, which sounds bird-like, seems to visibly bring her back to reality. And me, too. I can at least avert my gaze from her to the direction of the sound. I see a huge, yellow bird standing there. We have those on Cocoon as well, it's a Chocobo, right? But it's a lot taller than the ones we have. "Do you know what this cute bird is called?"

I nod. "A Chocobo." I simply reply. "Oh!" she exclaims and when I look at her I find her rather excited about my reply. "So you have Chocobos on Cocoon as well!" Again I nod my head. She then lets out a squeak and runs off to the yellow bird, which is eyeing her curiously. I cross my arms and just watch. I'm not sure if we have time for this right now … we should keep on going.

When she reaches the Chocobo she stretches out her hand and carefully touches its long neck and starts stroking it. The Chocobo lets out a: "Kweh!" and nudges Vanille lightly and she giggles at this. I tilt my head slightly. That … was kinda cute. No, Lightning, you must stop thinking such things!

Stroking over its beak the redhead turns around and calls over to me: "Lightning, come over here!" I sigh but obey. It can't hurt, can it? And I can't just say that we should go, because I have the feeling I can't stand seeing her sad or disappointed.

"You must feel its feathers, it's so soft!" she tells me and strokes its neck again, happily. I just look at the large bird and it seems to be looking back at me. It's almost a staring contest. As Vanille moves again the bird and I, both, look at her, and this time she's hugging the Chocobo. "And so cuddly." she adds. I can't help but shake my head and smile a little. The sight is just so adorable. Yes, adorable. So much that it's getting on my nerves that I'm thinking such things again. Why can't I just focus? Maybe I should just admit that I think she's cute, and then I can concentrate again? Okay … fine, I think she's cute. Done.

"Come on, Light! Don't be shy, touch it!" she prompts me some more. Oh, what the heck. I look at the huge bird again and this time stretch out my hand. The seemingly not very shy Chocobo pushes its head against my hand, so I can feel its beak, then its feathers. Back when I was in Nautilus Park with Serah, once, my sister made me stroke this one Chocobo there, and it felt completely different. The Cocoon Chocobo's feathers were a lot shorter and therefore not as soft as this one's. "Don't you also think that this is one of the softest things you've ever touched?"

I nod. "Yeah … " She has a point … this is really is the softest thing I've ever felt. "Maybe it'll let us ride it. That way we can move around more quickly."

I look at her again, eyebrows raised in question. "Ride it?" I repeat, then take an even closer look at the bird. "Is it even strong enough?"

The younger girl giggles again and replies: "Sure! They can carry large weights and have really strong legs." She then walks over to the Chocobo's left side. "I hope it will let me ride it." she remarks but then simply jumps onto its back. The big bird just lets out another: "Kweh!" but it doesn't look uncomfortable.

"Yay!" Vanille exclaims, grinning widely. She pats the bird's neck again and then says: "It's probably a tamed one. Fled from the attacking monsters." I nod and look at the bird again. That would explain why it is so trustful.

"You look cute from up here." I suddenly hear Vanille's voice again. I look back up at her with a raised eyebrow. "What?" Seriously, what did she just say? Blushing slightly, she giggles, and says: "I said you should get up here! We'll be a lot faster!" No, you said I look cute! But why? Why do you think I'm cute? Why did you want to kiss me earlier?

"I don't know … " I say, only partially replying to her request and partially answering my own questions.

I've never ridden a Chocobo before. I prefer running or walking, actually. "Do you even know how to ride one?"

"Yep!" she exclaims, nodding frantically. What doesn't she know? I feel really stupid compared to her when it comes to Pulse, even though I investigated a lot about this place beforehand. Unfortunately nothing about survival on Pulse … I check the available space on the large bird … not really much. "Where should I sit?" I ask.

Vanille pats the space right behind herself. "Right here!" I nod. Looks like it will get … cuddly. I then hop onto the Chocobo, hoping it will not give in to my weight now, and smoothly settle myself right behind the younger girl. "You comfortable?" she asks me.

Well, despite of my now quickly pounding heart, because I now even think that her scent, which I can smell because we're that close, is kind of intoxicating, and those damn butterflies in my stomach, I feel quite okay. "Yes."

"Good! Now hold on tight!" she tells me, turning her head to look at me again. I look around myself. "Where?" There's simply nothing to grab on to. And I can't pull on the bird's feathers.

Vanille then grabs my wrists and guides my arms around her midsection. She's not serious, is she? I feel my face getting hotter and the butterflies in my stomach seem to flutter even more. I'm touching her bare stomach … it's really soft … I kinda like that … "Ready?"

My mouth is dry and I swallow before I reply: "Sure." I then take a deep breath. This proximity …

I seriously don't know what she just did but somehow the Chocobo starts moving. Just why exactly is this that I'm so nervous around her? Or at least when we're that close? It can't really be that I ... no. I mean, Serah once rambled about her feelings for her airheaded boyfriend, Snow … if I remember her descriptions correctly she felt similar to what I'm feeling now. But … that's not it, right? I can't have … feelings for that girl, simply after a few days?

I sigh quietly … this would explain a lot, right? Also the fact why I wouldn't have minded if she kissed me earlier … I just … have to rethink this some more … just with her sitting that close, it's going to be tough.

I suddenly feel her leaning back slightly, kind of snuggling into my embrace. Embrace? … I guess it is. Okay … maybe it is going to a little more difficult to think about than I thought … just, at the same time … this is kinda relaxing …

ooo

We rode on this Chocobo for a really long time, and we're currently setting up a new camp for tonight. In my opinion the bird could've continued a little bit, but Vanille insisted that we should get off and just continue walking, because she doesn't want the bird to suffer. I didn't mind … even though I felt pretty comfortable on the back of the bird.

The younger girl is currently running around the area to gather something to eat. I'm not sure what she will get, but I'm positive that it'll taste good. I'm just returning to the camp with some wood to make a fire. Maybe she will find some meat again. I just don't want her to fight a monster without my help. I don't want her to get hurt.

I ignite a flame after everything is set up and sit down right beside the fire, watching it grow. After a few more moments Vanille returns with those melon-like fruits and some berries. It's not much but okay for now. Still, we should hunt tomorrow again … we need the energy.

She hands me the fruit-like food with a smile. "Thank you." I say and take them, immediately starting eating because I'm really hungry, and as soon as the redhead sits down she also starts digging in.

Halfway through eating she then is the first to break the silence: "I'm sorry, it's not much. It was all I could find." I look up from my food and at her, swallowing what I had in my mouth and reply: "No problem."

She gives me a small smile, then has a rather worried look on her face. Uh, why worried? It doesn't take long until she asks: "Hey, Light … are you okay?"

I blink twice. "Sure. Why?" I ask in return and then take another bite of my food, but I keep watching her. She shrugs and responds: "I don't know. You've been rather quiet today … after we, uhm, left the last camp."

Well, I've been in thought ever since you almost kissed me. "I'm fine." I simply reply, taking another bite. To this she seems a little disappointed, only nods and then continues eating. Again, I feel a little bad for this. She likes it when I talk, but talking is hard. I mean … I had enough time to think about what I really do feel for her. But it's just too hard to tell her. It's too hard to admit.

I take the last bite from my food and then put it away. I should stop feeling guilty about not being a talkative person, but I can't. "Vanille, I … " I suddenly say, losing control of my voice. Why did I just talk? And my body seems to be moving on its own. I'm moving closer to her, and she looks at me with a questioning look. I can't stop myself. I don't want to stop myself. My body is moving on instinct or something. "I have a reason … why I was quiet … " I'm now sitting right beside her and she gives me a rather confused look now. I move my left hand and carefully push her bangs to the side so that her sparkling, green eyes are completely visible for me now. My heart starts pounding uncontrollably, and there's this warmth again. Her look is so hopeful, all of a sudden. I then place my hand onto her cheek and swallow, feeling my mouth going dry. My eyes move to her lips and back up to her eyes. I have this urge to just …

I start leaning in again, but this time I won't let anything stop me or her. She closes her eyes as she sees what I'm about to do. I made up my mind … those feelings … they're real … even though it's not logical … I don't care … and I finally close the gap between us.

I carefully press my lips to hers in a soft kiss, and my heart starts pounding even more and even louder. Will she back off or … no … she's kissing me back. Yes, she's actually kissing me back! I feel her hands finding the back of my head and she's even pulling me in a little closer. I drop my left hand and settle in on her side, starting to move my thumb to caress the skin there.

We then pull apart slightly and I open my eyes, only to look into a meadow green pair. She is beaming at me and I also now can't help but smile a little. Seeing this look on her face, I relax again. She puts one hand to the ground, to supporter herself again, and the other to my biceps. "Was this your reason?" she asks in a soft voice. I chuckle and reply: "Yeah … "

Vanille giggles at this. "Did … you like it?" her voice is a little more shy, but she seems determined to know. I move my left hand to move the bangs our of her face again, since they've fallen back. "Yes … you?" I ask in return, even though I can imagine the answer, considering the smile on her face.

She moves forward in a quick movement and catches my lips with hers again. Okay, maybe I didn't expect this as an answer … but I must admit … I like this. I kiss back in her manner. No, correction … I really like this.

A/N: I gotta admit … it was kinda hard to write this chapter, I wasn't so inspired and I have the feeling it didn't turn out as nice as I wanted it to … but yay, they kissed =D and I still hope you liked it! Leave your thoughts!