AN- jeez this took me more than a second to remember how the hell to update things on . whoops. Anyway, here's Wonderwall.


"Stop fidgeting with it. It's fine." Vanille gently chastised Fang for at least the third time in the last twenty minutes, softly smacking her hands away. She took over readjusting the bridal sari, a more elegant affair than the usual fabrics Fang was usually swathed in. Still the royal blue of her clan's colours, but a more formal affair with golden embroidery and small decorative crystals. It covered more of her body, but gave her a regal appearance. Vanille smiled as she fixed up her hair and placed a few golden rings around the braids.

Fang watched Vanille work in the mirror, and took a shaky breath. "Ever thought we somehow finally earned Lady Luck's favour after all this time? Doesn't feel real." She observed. Vanille gave a small smile and leant back to check her handiwork with an approving nod.

"I think we've more than earned our time, Fang. Though I'm sure if she were here, Valk would be giving you such shit about this. Lucyn too."

The reminder of old friends no longer with them made Fang's heart ache, the painful reminder of Lucyn's shocking survival and attempted betrayal at Cal'Mah stinging all the more. "You know it's a bad omen to bring up the passed." She warned, fidgeting in her seat.

Vanille wasn't deterred by the warning, picking up a brush and applying blue powder across Fang's eyes like a hunter's band. "That's your clan's customs. But for mine, not so much. We remember the losses so that we may appreciate the gains all the more. You survived. So did Light. You've got a beautiful daughter who is causing more chaos by the day, and this day, today?" Vanille paused and held Fang's chin to keep her gaze. "Gods you've earned this, Mehn satha. You deserve all the happiness of today, and everything that comes after."

Fang had to cast her eyes to the ceiling to maintain composure before laughing weakly. "Asshole. Don't you go making me cry before the ceremony's even started." She deflected her swelling emotions and pulled Vanille into a tight hug. "I love you, 'Nille. I'm so grateful to have had you in my life. I'm grateful that out of everything I lost, I didn't lose you."

"Sap. Come on. Let's go get you wed the hell up." Vanille urged her towards the door and out, herself already dressed an hour beforehand out of sheer excitement. Fang laughed and descended the stairs to cross the courtyard, ignoring the butterflies in her stomach and the wolf whistles from some of her fellow Cal'Mah Pulsians she had befriended. It healed her wounded heart to see Oerba with such life and happiness again, moreso than it ever had before without the shadowing of war over their heads with the looming shell of Cocoon.

Making her way down the path with Vanille, she wondered how they'd perform this ceremony without the relevant parties present. No parents to give anyone away after all. While Fang could barely remember anything about her parents, she wondered what they'd think of her getting married. To a viper no less. A fleeting thought crossed her mind that she was inadvertently committing obscene heresy by wedding the enemy on clan grounds and she laughed to herself.

"What's got you so chuckly over there, kiddo?"

"Oh, just thinking about how much the old priests of the village would be having a collective stroke about today." Fang smiled, turning towards the voice of Sazh. The smile faltered a little when she saw him wearing a traditional hunter's garb, in her same clan colours. "Sazh? What are you.."

"Well we have to improvise with our lovely little family, don't we? When Vanille asked, as if I would have said anything other than sign me the hell up. Might not be official Yun but damn do I rock the look well. Makes me feel all distinguished."

Fang felt the lump in her throat intensify and she found herself studying the clouds in the sky to once again keep her emotions at bay. "Thanks, dad." She whispered quietly, closing her eyes as he patted her back.

"No thanks needed for my kids. I already adopted all of you wild babies while we were on the run, it made sense that I take on any and all required dad duties. Though I dunno, Fang. The councillor officiating this ceremony looks like she's going to beat me to death."

Fang glanced towards Khosrow who's attention was solely focused on him. "Yeah I think you'll be okay, tiger. For someone as abrasive as Khos, that's just her flirt face."

"I heard that, whelp." Khosrow warned, snacking Fang the instant she was within arm's reach. "Now let me look at you. Come on, onto the pier with me."

"Only if you promise not to throw me in the lake. Vanille spent a long time on this hair and makeup."

Khosrow shook her head and led her down to where a small contingent of their people were gathered. Hope and his father, Serah and Snow, Vanille taking up a spot next to Dajh who had been busy befriending Zora with a small toy. All that was missing now was the woman of the hour. Fang cranes her neck as she heard a similar commotion up in the courtyard that she was given, and saw Lightning heading towards the pier. Her deep green formal sari with similar gold embellishments complimented Fang's, and she had to admit that despite her reservations about the Cocoonian designer, the woman was talented.

Fang turned to Van briefly and leant over, keeping her voice low. "Is there a... Particular reason why they went with green?" She whispered in their native tongue, eyeing Lightning off. Vanille smiled warmly, tinged with a little sympathy.

"She said it was her favourite colour, because it would match your eyes. Didn't have the heart to deny her. It's... Fitting. Our old friend Valk having the last laugh perhaps, from beyond the Gates; that she'd unwittingly be wearing Rayn clan colours."

The irony wasn't lost on her that her memories of the past, embedded in this place like a tomb, would serve as the path towards hope for the future. An opportunity to grieve for what was lost and let it go, in order for her to move forward. When Fang looked at Lightning as she approached, she didn't see the Rayn clan, her past, her ghosts of people no longer there. She only saw her family and friends gathered around them, their daughter wriggling about wanting attention from them, and the love of her life, soon to be her wife.

She only saw Lightning. And gods, she was beautiful.

Lightning smiled shyly as she stepped forward, giving Fang a very obvious once over. "Wow." Was all she could say, and Fang's throat felt very dry.

"Yeah. Right back... Right back at you, gorgeous."

Khosrow prodded them both in the ribs with a sly grin, opening an old book with her free hand. "Easy now, kids. Gotta get through the ceremony first before I let your combined bedroom eyes derail proceedings." She teased, a small laughter echoing among the small group. Dressed in her formal council robes, the elder of Cal'Mah looked over the small group and glanced briefly at the jostling from the others in the courtyard, trying to get a peek. Fang turned to regard them and gave a lazy salute, letting the friends and family they had surrounded themselves with over time soothe her nerves.

The lake was still and the forest that dotted the Oerban exterior quiet. Without settlements up this way, it meant that the village was able to exist in peace and tranquillity. Given the amount of shellings it had taken over the years in the war, Fang's home deserved the rest as much as they did. She felt a hand in hers bring her attention to the soft look Lightning gave her, and she felt the familiar giddiness rise up in her chest. It was the same feeling right before a battle but... She knew the outcome of this one. A rush of elation that made her shiver reflexively.

The golden hue of the setting sun cast elongated shadows, bathing the village in a warm, amber light. Birds perched atop the crumbling ruins serenaded the stillness, and the distant sound of rustling leaves played a harmonious backdrop.

"Alright, my daughters." Khosrow said softly, looking down at the papers in front of her. Khosrow's voice rose, carrying the weight of years of wisdom and experience. "We gather here, in this sanctuary of Oerba, where the remnants of time and history speak volumes. Today, we witness the union of two souls, Fang and Lightning."

The elder walked over to a table nearby and picked up a rope adorned with small crystal shards that glittered in the sunlight. "The rope I hold in my hands bears weight, my daughters. It is one that has been with us since the last of us left these lands so long ago. Each crystal represents the clans that once graced these lands, from each of the lands they came from. When we settled in Cal'Mah, we made new bonds, lengthened it to place the crystals of the new clans, a unity of time, a merging of past, present, with a hope for the future."

"How fitting, though seems like a lot of effort to go to for another hag joke at my expense, Kos'," Fang commented, and got a small hiss from the elder and a snicker from Lightning.

"Hush, demon. Now. With this rope," Khosrow continued, "we shall bind you, not in the shackles of restraint, but in the infinite loop of love and trust. It is a testament that, in this life and every other, your souls are intertwined."

Fang and Lightning extended their hands, and Khosrow began the hand-tying ritual. She wrapped the rope around their wrists, looping it in intricate patterns, each twist signifying a different aspect of their relationship—trust, patience, passion, and friendship.

"As this rope binds your hands, so shall your love and commitment bind your hearts," Khosrow intoned. "In the face of adversity, when one falters, the other shall provide strength. Together, you form an unbreakable bond, as strong as these crystal shards, as enduring as the lake of Oerba, and as unbreakable as the gates of Valhalla themselves."

The two women watched as their hands were tied together, their fingers brushing against each other's skin, soothing both of their nerves. They wanted this more than anything, but to stand here in such a place, together, it was as Khosrow had said. A merging of past, present, and hope for the future. Fang still grieved for the place that was her home, the past that was lost, but the present was for making new memories in this place for a future they could now build together.

Lightning's azure eyes locked onto Fang's deep jade ones and she mouthed 'I love you' as Khosrow spoke the litanies of the old gods, and she got an equal reply in measure. Tears lined both of their eyes, the weight of everything that had come to pass heavy on their shoulders but brought them both to this moment. Neither would have it any other way.

Khosrow took a deep breath, and with a gentle smile, she said, "Speak now, your vows to one another, and let the spirits of the clans and the echoes of Oerba bear witness."

Lightning took a moment, her gaze never leaving Fang's. "Fang," she began, her voice soft yet filled with conviction, "From the moment our paths crossed, my life has been irrevocably changed."

"You're lucky that I found the backhand endearing." Fang added, and a small chorus of chuckles from the others who were witnessing from afar made them all laugh. Lightning squeezed the hand bound to her own with a loving smile.

"Our journey has never been easy, but with you, every step is worth taking. With you, I found strength I never knew I had, and a love that defies everything thrown at us. I vow to stand beside you, through every storm and every sunrise. I would stand before the gods themselves and declare it, as I stand before you now. Nothing will ever stand in our way with you by my side, in this life and every other."

Khosrow nodded approvingly and turned to Fang. "And now you, Fang. Try to top that, pup. Without the snark, preferably."

Fang laughed and gave a small sniff, trying to hide her emotions. "I couldn't possibly surpass that, Khos'. All my life I've been taught that I have to be the strongest, the toughest, the best. But Light.. Claire… in you I found something else. From the chaos and ruins of our worlds, we found each other. You've been my equal, my partner in every battle. My equal. In many ways, my better."

Carefully, so as not to pull at the binds of the rope, Fang carefully lowered herself to one knee. "Yun clan honours strength above all else. And to you, Claire Farron, I yield. The highest honour one can be bestowed among my clan. I am your blade, I am your shield, and I would tear down the gods themselves if they got in our way."

"I mean technically we already did," Lightning teased with a croaky voice, and Fang laughed.

"Well, I'll do it again. Every day if I have to. Today, in front of our friends, family, and the spirits of Oerba, I pledge my heart to you. I'm yours, Claire Farron. Now and forever."

A hush fell over the gathered assembly nearby, the profound sincerity of their words resonating deeply. The quiet lapping of the lake's water and the gentle rustle of the trees created a sacred symphony in the background. Lightning helped Fang to her feet, tears in both of their eyes. Khosrow cleared her throat, quickly wiping at her own cheeks with the sleeve of her robe.

"At the rising of the moon, and the setting of the stars. May you love and honour your home and hearth, hearth and home, through all that may come your way. Take the path of the wilds together, my daughters. For you are bonded in heart, body, mind and soul." Khosrow's voice cracked on the last line, struggling to even keep her emotions in check. She scowled at them both to mask it and snapped the book shut. "Go on then, kiss as wives dammit, I'm dying for a drink!"

The two women leaned in with a laugh, sealing their vows with a kiss, their bound hands raising towards their family and friends, signifying their unity. The quietness of the moment was punctured by the cheers and clapping from their loved ones. "About fuckin' time Yun!" Lebreau yelled out, whistling from her fingers.

Lightning and Fang, hands still tied, moved their way back down the pier and towards the celebrations, feeling a joy and peace that neither thought they'd ever receive.


As the evening settled in, the heart of Oerba transformed from a desolate ruin into a beautiful haven of celebration, joy and laughter. Golden string lights cast a soft luminescent glow over the square as they hung from the old hab units and defunct power poles. Lanterns hung everywhere, both to keep the area lit and any beasties that still wandered the area well away.

Garlands of vibrant flowers hung from the ruins, delicately swaying with the evening breeze. Amidst them, countless plush cushions were scattered, inviting the guests to sit, relax, and immerse themselves in the festivities. Tables draped with ornate fabrics, laden with a vast array of Pulsian dishes, stood ready to serve the ravenous party. The aroma of roasted meats, spiced vegetables, and traditional pastries filled the air alongside the laughter and joy shared by all that were there to celebrate.

Fang and Lightning, still hand-in-hand, entered the transformed square, their smiles infectious. Fang's eyes widened as she took in the scene. "Never thought I'd see Oerba looking quite like this," she whispered to Lightning, her voice full of wonder.

"Never let it be said that our friends don't make an effort for us. Don't give them too much praise for this though, we don't want to set the bar too high." Lightning replied with a soft chuckle.

The two were quickly surrounded by their friends, family, and comrades. Sazh, with his infectious laugh, handed them each a drink. "To new beginnings!" he toasted, and the sentiment echoed through the crowd. They both took a sip and Lightning winced at the very strong burn of the Pulsian liqueur.

"Oh gods, I'm going to feel this in the morning aren't I?" She commented, and Khosrow immediately topped her glass.

"If you're not still feeling it a week later, we haven't done our jobs properly, am I right?" Khosrow teased, the others around them cheering in agreement. Fang and Lightning sat down on the largest pile of cushions by the fire, letting the others bring them food and drink while their hands were still bound.

"How long do we have to have our hands like this?" Lightning asked.

Fang gave their bound hands a squeeze and chuckled, wiggling her eyebrows at Lightning suggestively. "Until we've finalised our union."

Lightning glances over at Zora who is happily playing with Dajh on another nearby cushion and then gave Fang a deadpan look. "Pretty sure you and I have already done enough of that to last us a lifetime."

"You saying you're not up for a marital romp?" Fang teased, using her free hand to walk her fingers up Lightning's arm.

"Fiend." Lightning answered, not giving anything away. At least, as far as she was concerned, even if the lidded gaze she was giving Fang may as well have been a giant lit up neon billboard advertising her intentions.

Oerba was more alive than it had been in centuries. Even before, when Fang grew up here. In a world torn apart by war there was rarely moments of peace where things could be celebrated, and often any brief time for joy was interspersed amid near constant grief, or shared in hushed moments by candlelight. This was how she'd always hoped her village would be, if the war ever ended.

It may have been a fair few centuries too late but… better late than never, Fang supposed.

Vanille, always the life of the party, had taken it upon herself to play the traditional songs of Oerba on an old Pulsian harp. Its melodies flowed effortlessly from her fingers, invoking a sense of nostalgia and joy. The songs of old Oerba, tales of love and loss, valour and heartbreak, echoed through the square, tugging at heartstrings and stirring memories.

Sazh and Snow had been put to work by Lebreau at her makeshift bar, serving an array of Pulsian drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Laughter boomed from their corner every so often, and it was clear they were relishing the role of bartenders. Hope and Serah, Lightning's sister, were busy ensuring that everyone was well-fed. They darted between tables, refilling bowls of delicacies and ensuring that the wine and water jugs never ran dry.

Music began to play, a perfect fusion of Pulsian traditional tunes and newer beats. Vanille and Hope were seen dragging Serah towards a makeshift dance floor. The trio swayed, jumped, and twirled, drawing others into their dance. Soon a circle formed with the guests, and they were coaxing Fang and Lightning to their feet to join in. "Duty calls, my love?" Fang sighed, helping her wife to her feet. Lightning groaned and rolled her eyes, though her face was nothing but a smile.

"Fine. You're damn lucky I married you, Yun."

"I sure am, sweetheart. I sure am."

Still bound by their ceremonial rope, Lightning and stepped into the circle. Moving gracefully, they swayed to the rhythm, their movements complementing each other. The light from the fire reflected in their eyes, the warmth and happiness evident.

Soon, others joined in. Khosrow had even managed to snag a dance with Sazh, which made Fang whisper very salaciously into Lightning's ear, "Bet you twenty bucks those two will be ass-naked under the moonlight before too long."

"Don't you even joke about that, Fang. That's not funny." Lightning hissed, scandalised as she burrowed into Fang's neck while they danced. She felt Fang's low chuckle reverberate through her whole body from her closeness.

"Oh darlin', it's adorable that you think I'm joking."

"Fang."

The music continued, the dances grew more fervent, and the laughter more boisterous. The union of Fang and Lightning wasn't just a joining of two souls; it symbolized the union of past and future, of traditions and new beginnings.

As the night wore on, some guests chose to sprawl on the numerous rugs and cushions, gazing up at the starry sky, the constellations clear and bright. Some found refurbished hab units and houses to sleep off the night's merriment, while others huddled in groups, talking in hushed tones, reluctant to let the night end.

In the quietening square, beneath the canopy of string lights, Fang and Lightning stood wrapped in each other's arms. They looked around at the village that had witnessed their histories, their struggles, and now, their union. Amidst it all, Fang and Lightning found a quiet moment for themselves.

"You think we'll ever get used to this? This...peace?" Lightning mused.

Fang smiled, looking down at their still-bound hands. The crystals glittered in the soft light and made it seem like they were illuminated within the knots of the rope. It was as if their union was ethereal and blessed by the gods. "One day, maybe. We've earned it though, haven't we? Who knows if it will last but right now… Right now, it's enough."

Lightning smiled, leaning her head on Fang's shoulder. "As long as we're together, I'm ready for whatever comes our way. Besides, you're right."

"I am?"

"Zora hasn't even hit two yet, so of course we have to make the most of the peace while we have it."

Fang blinked. "Shit you're right. Come on then, new wife. Off to finalise our union."

"You are such an idiot." Lightning laughed, allowing her to be led back up the path to their private dwelling for the night.

"You married me, you have nobody to blame but yourself."