Lightning's PoV:
We made our way to Vanille's apartment.
Vanille and I never spoke much. She often hung around with the other members of our party while I avoided the crowd. Come to think of it, we'd never had the opportunity to spend time with each other—yet, here I was . . . obligated to keep her safe. Alone. Together.
In the elevator, as we ascended to her floor, I caught her stealing a few glances from the corner of her eyes.
My mood? Uncertain. The conversation between us? Non-existent. She remained silent.
Is she scared? Perhaps nervous? Maybe she's neither. Maybe she's deep in thought.
. . . Maybe I'm over-analyzing this.
Vanille keyed her password into a digital lock pad. Upon entering the ornate threshold, I was instantly astounded by the massive size and elegance of her home. I took a few steps forward, scanning over the apartment attentively.
"Nice place," I uttered.
She peered back at me, "Thank you . . . It's not mine though, only what the Council deemed to put me in. Still, it's peaceful and keeps me close to those I care about. I'll dread leaving here."
I swallowed hard and continued to follow her to the bedroom. It was an oddly spherical-shaped room, painted a beautiful shade of emerald green which matched the young official's eyes. Vanille went straight for her walk-in closet while I lingered behind, observing the cultured paintings and ornaments adorning the walls. Her bed was circular and displayed a dark brown comforter. Overall, her room was kempt and welcoming. The panoramic window to my left displayed a breath-taking view of New Bodhum.
I glanced briefly towards where Vanille disappeared.
There's something about her presence . . . It's soothing.
Vanille's PoV:
I probably rushed away from her a little too quickly. I couldn't help but glance at her in the elevator.
Did she notice?
Back at the Council Building, when I told Lightning she'd changed, I meant it. It wasn't her clothes nor the appearance. She still maintained that solitary persona, but her eyes suggested something else. She tried to hide it by looking out the window, avoiding me, just as she'd done since we first met.
Perhaps I imagined it. Perhaps Lightning seemed gentle only because I needed her protection. She hadn't really changed. Still the soldier. Still the hero. Still pretending she's made of stone.
I didn't know what to make of it.
. . . Why do I even care?
I snapped from my daze after realizing I'd finished packing. I attempted to pick up my travel cases but to no avail. Who knew clothes could be so heavy? In my haste, I'd been too eager to throw in whatever came to hand.
I tried to lift again—
"Milady, allow me," Lightning stood attentively at the doorway.
I placed a hand over my heart, "You scared me, Sergeant."
She gave a matter-of-fact reply, "Apologies, Milady," and then came to my aid. In one swift motion, she lifted the bags and effortlessly carried them out.
I could've sworn those bags were immovable a minute ago.
"Show off," I mumbled as I followed her out of the closet.
She placed the suitcases next to my bedroom door. I took a seat on my bed and glanced up at her, "Thank you, I—I have a request."
She stiffened.
"It wasn't that long ago when we walked the same path, with the same goals. Please, try your best to call me Vanille, as you would've done a few months ago," I folded my hands on my lap and looked at her in earnest.
Lightning tilted her head to the side and folded her hands behind her back in a 'stand easy'. She bowed, as if to acquiesce to my request.
"You've changed as well," Lightning confessed.
"How d'you reckon?" I smiled candidly.
Hands still folded behind her back, Lightning edged over to my panoramic window-pane to get a glimpse of the setting sun on New Bodhum.
"On our journey, you were always so bubbly. We mightn't've talked much, but you always had a smile on your face. You're more reserved now. It's . . . unexpected."
"I had to grow up . . ." I replied simply.
She turned to me, responding, "Not because you wanted to."
"I didn't ask to be part of this blood-line," I asserted, "but I know my duty to the people is important. It's funny—the prophecy talks about all these wonderful things I'm to achieve and everyone believes I'm going to achieve them except me . . . but I know I can't lose faith in my abilities now. After all, if I don't fulfill my destiny, who will?"
Lightning smiled out of the corner of her mouth, "You see, you have changed."
Lightning's PoV:
This wasn't what I expected. How could a few months change a person so quickly?
"Are you afraid?" I asked her.
"Afraid of what?"
"Anything."
Vanille fixated on me before responding, "I'm afraid of failure, that, and not doing my duty on the level I should be."
I strode a little closer to her. She hadn't moved from the bed, "That's it?" I questioned.
"Yes. Why? Should there be more?"
"I mean—"
"I'm not afraid of the threats nor of being assassinated," Vanille stated firmly.
"Aren't you?" I questioned, disbelievingly.
With a twinkle in her eye, she declared, "I'm not. When I think about the duties of being a senator, that's even more terrifying than terrorists, don't you think?"
Vanille's PoV:
Lightning appeared unconvinced.
I looked straight at her and gave a reassuring smile. I explained, "I'm not afraid, because I'm sure you'll do your duty on the level that you should be."
Finally, Lightning gave an understanding nod.
. . . With Lightning close to me, I'm untouchable.
I stood up and meandered over to the window. I felt her eyes on me as I passed.
"I don't want to leave tonight, Sergeant," I admitted.
"Mila—I mean, Vanille. I'm afraid I must insist we depart tonight. I'm mandated to get you out—"
To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure why I had an incredible urge to stay another night. I'd grown accustomed to this place. For the first time since Oerba, I wanted to preserve the familiarity of a home. Just one more night . . . I had to make Lightning understand.
"Please, just one night," I implored. "Please . . ."
Lightning returned to the window-pane, juxtaposed to me. "Under one condition," she grudgingly responded.
I looked at her curiously and replied, "Of course. What is it?"
She passed a brief glance before saying, "If I'm to call you Vanille, I must insist you call me Light."
I smiled amusingly, "I think I can handle it."
She turned to walk away. "We leave in the morning. I'll go secure the building."
With that, Lightning left the bedroom and made her way out the front door. I remained in my position, staring out at the developing city. Darkness fell upon the newly erected structures of New Bodhum. I waited for the last gleam of sunlight to disappear at the point where the vast sea met the horizon.
Starting a new journey may not be so hard . . . or maybe it's already begun.
Author's EndNote: Revisions for this chapter courtesy of 'mooncanvas'.