Lightning's PoV:

We isolated ourselves in the following days. I spent most of my time in the Villa office room, handling some minor Guard Corps tasks. Vanille spent her time with the maids. I'd only see her twice in the evenings, once at dinner and once when she was asleep—just to make sure she was okay.

Do I regret kissing her?

Yes, because she's distanced herself from me. No, because . . . I'm still figuring that out.

As I coordinated drills for my Corp division, Vanille came waltzing through the office door.

"Hey," she greeted brightly.

When was the last time she initiated a conversation?

I peered up from the desk. Habitually, I responded, "Is everything okay?"

Ignoring my comment, Vanille entreated, "Come on a picnic with me."

". . . What?" I perplexedly replied.

She wants to spend time with me?

She smiled, "You heard me." In her playful voice, she continued, "Ceriliya made us lunch. She also gave me directions to a nearby garden with a beautiful waterfall. I want to see it, so you'll take me, right?"

I haven't seen Vanille so enthusiastic since she came back into my life.

I nodded in agreement. It was an opportunity to mend the damage I'd done.

Vanille's PoV:

We got lost a few times before actually reaching our destination—a tranquil garden in Pulse's New Sunleth.

Lightning cut a path through the tall grass which measured about mid-thigh. After we found a suitable sitting area, she laid out the large blanket. In the meantime, I amused myself by taking in the pleasurable scent of the wild flowers. In the distance, a wide waterfall cascaded majestically around us. The weather was exceptional—not too hot nor too cold.

Breathtaking.

I returned my attention to Lightning, who made short work of organizing our picnic. "Such a diligent worker," I teased.

She didn't respond. She sat down on the blanket and extended her palm as a gesture for me to sit.

I know we've been avoiding each other . . . and it's my fault. I should do something.

Lightning's PoV:

She torments me. Those eyes—she defeats me with those eyes.

After we finished eating, and against my better judgment, Vanille initiated a game of questions. She sat with her legs tucked elegantly to the side as she supported herself on one arm. I sat cross-legged, nervously plucking at the grass.

"It's your turn, Light," she nudged.

"What about Fang?"

She shifted uncomfortably before replying, "What about her?"

"How did you two . . . Nevermind. What do you like about her?"

Why do I ask questions knowing I'll resent the answers?

Vanille cleared her throat, "We grew up together . . . She protected me, comforted me. We'd laugh and play. She'd tease me, and I'd tease her. We only had each other. She was always there for me . . ."

I felt a pang in my chest. "All right, I get the picture."

She gazed at the ground. She continued, "Now, she's a diplomat. I'm proud of her. She has a lot of influence . . . She thinks—we think, we'll accomplish more if we're married. D'you know what I mean?"

"No, I don't know," I replied dully.

"What are you saying?"

I stood up and turned away, distracting myself with the thundering waterfall in the distance while collecting my thoughts.

"You say you want to marry her . . . Do you love her?"

Vanille's PoV:

That feeling . . . in the pit of your stomach when you can't fool someone.

I'm faced once again with the wall of her back. Lightning questioned my actions when I didn't have answers. I felt trapped.

It's my life. It's supposed to make sense.

But most of the time, it doesn't.

"Please don't ask me that," I petitioned,

She turned hesitantly to me, "As you wish." Lightning went back to her place on the mat.

Eager to change the subject, I inquired "What's your opinion of the New Republic?"

Lightning smirked, "There's too much bickering in the Senate. Nothing ever gets done."

"Yes, it does!" I retorted. "Take New Bodhum—"

"No, it doesn't. The people are the ones who toil and rebuild, and push things forward."

"They'd still need leadership."

"Not from indecisive politicians who are only concerned for their own gains."

"Who then? You?" I challenged.

"I'm much too intense," Lightning laughed to herself. Gazing up, she mused, "They need someone who is patient yet firm. Someone thoughtful and wise. Someone who cares profoundly for the people. Someone," her gaze turned to me, ". . . like you, Milady."

"How convenient, dump all the ruling responsibilities on me," I pretended to pout.

Unexpectedly, Lightning got up on one knee and bowed. "I'd gladly be your loyal knight."

I blushed. Lightning looked so solemn and valiant. Somehow, I believed her.

I know you would stand forever by my side . . . my royal guardian.

Suddenly, Lightning looked up and exclaimed, "Vanille, look, the paloomps are out for feeding!" Confused at the sudden switch of topic, I followed her pointing hand to see four large paloomps grazing among the fields. They were four-legged herbivorous creatures that had oversized, balloon-shaped bodies with a smooth translucent sheen that tapered into a small stubby-snouted round head. They were generally docile creatures. I remembered running among them in my youth.

Lightning stood up, extending a hand for my taking. Although still confused, I accepted it. She pulled me up in one swift motion. "Watch this," Lightning grinned with a glint in her eye.

Lightning's PoV:

I dashed off from our position, leaving a bewildered Vanille behind. Once at a reasonable distance from the nearest paloomp, I kicked hard off the ground, landing athletically on the creature's back. Glancing over my shoulder, I noticed Vanille, holding up her dress, jogging lightly towards me—a grand smile adorning her lips. Clearly, my ability to stay on the moving beast impressed her.

"Don't hurt yourself!" she pleaded.

"Nothing to fear, Vani—" I was cut-off mid-sentence. The paloomp grew violent as a neighboring paloomp approached us. I was launched from the creature's back, crashing down fiercely into the tall grass.

Vanille's PoV:

What an idiot.

When Lightning fell, I wasn't concerned. I knew she'd been used to physical ordeals. She attempted to push herself up, but she collapsed back to the ground. Then, I panicked.

She's actually hurt?!

Hiking up my cultured dress, I started sprinting, "Light . . . Light . . . Light!"

Once at her side, I dropped to my knees and placed my hand on her back, "Lightning are you okay?!"

A moment later, Lightning rotated around, laughing hysterically.

No way I just fell for that?!

I toyingly smacked her stomach. She continued laughing, and I couldn't help but join her. She gently hooked under my elbows, pulling me onto her. She slowly rolled us down the slightly declined, grass hill. We exchanged places. I was on top of her. She was on top of me. I was on top of her. She was on top of me—after several rolls, we both grew tired of laughing.

Lightning stopped us, so that I sat comfortably on top of her. My hands pinned down her muscled shoulders. She, in-turn, had her hands on my hips. Smiles were plastered on both our faces. We gazed at each other for what seemed an eternity.

Then the words returned to me.

"She protected me, comforted me. We'd laugh and play. She'd tease me and I'd tease her. We only had each other. She was always there for me . . ."

"Do you love her?"

Author's EndNote: Revisions for this chapter courtesy of 'mooncanvas'.