Chapter 4
Fang awoke to find the bed empty beside her. Just couldn't bring yourself to stay could you? she sniggered to herself jokingly. She took the time to give the pinkettes room a once over, having not paid too much attention the night before. It was a lot like the rest of the house, void of much decoration. Neat and tidy. She was unsurprised. There were however, a few personal items. A small chrome framed picture sat on the woman's desk. Fang could tell instantly the two youngsters were the Farron sisters, both smiling and hugging each other. Life was hard on you too weren't it? Fang thought. Her heart pained for the children that once were, her own ghosts surfacing. Next to the photograph rested a small crystal glass ornament, reminiscent of Odin’s manifested eidolith. Although not as vibrant in colour it was still very elegant. Fangs gaze fell onto the last item. A rope bracelet made up of purple beads, adorned with a blue crystal fang in the middle. The warriors lips turned up in amusement. You kept it after all ey?
"Pretty, right?" Vanille beamed up at Fang, her hands full of coloured beads, fangs and fang shaped gems and stones of varying sizes.
"Sure thing 'Nille" the brunette smiled warmly down at her. "But what you plannin on doin with em?"
"Jewelry of course!"
Fang looked around the old school house room quizzically."How?" She asked.
The red head giggled, retrieving string from her pouch. "Always be prepared, yea?" She laughed, giving her older sister a wink. Fang shook her head and chuckled.
Lightning stood at the door observing the two pulsian women fiddling with some small objects. Vanille’s tongue practically poking out her mouth and Fang’s eyebrows knitted together in concentration. Lightning smiled to herself, happy her comrades had found a little peace in what she knew must be a sobering day for them. Revisiting their abandoned home that had been left to the elements and time for so long.
"Ha! Beat ya 'Nille!" Fang exclaimed suddenly. Vanille tutted in response, before finishing what she was doing. She looked over and began to giggle. "What, is it bad?" Fang asked hesitantly.
Vanille bumped her shoulder with Fangs, "It's good. But you've only done one" she grinned, holding up her three.
"Ah no way!" Fang mock scowled.
Lightning stayed silent, still smiling fondly at their antics. Serah, I hope we can be like that again someday. When all this is over.
A quiet tapping sounded at the door, interrupted the sisters.
"Hey Light" Vanille smiled. Fang quickly hid her hands behind her back with a grin. Lightning quirked an eyebrow but didn't press the matter.
"Foods nearly ready. If you’re hungry you can come eat or I can bring-"
"Yay!" Vanille interrupted her excitedly, standing up. "I'm so hungry!" She rushed past Lightning before popping her head back round, "Oh, Fang has something for you. Ciao!" she exclaimed before disappearing.
Lightning turned to Fang, who's mouth was hanging open. A slight blush barely visible on tanned cheeks.The huntress stood up grinning nervously,
"doesn't know when to shut it, that one" she said as she approached the soldier, a hand placed behind her head nervously. The other still hidden behind her back. A slight smile pulled at the soldiers lips at the sight, causing a smile from the brunette in return. Lightnings slight smile evolved into a full on grin as she realized she had the rare opportunity for revenge on the woman. She stepped forward, blue eyes narrowed on Fangs face. Close enough so Fang could make out the different colours in her irises, all the greys and blues that made up the ever changing storm she always loved looking into.
"What you got there?" Lightning asked with a slight nod of her head.
"I...er. well you see" Fang replied unable to form words with those eyes pinning her.
"Sounds interesting".
Come on Yun. Pull yourself together would you. Fang shook her head and straighten up.
"You bet, Sunshine. Close your eyes and give me your hand".
And the revenge was over. It was Lightning who was now taken aback by the request. She rolled her eyes,
"Seriously?"
"Dead" Fang grinned.
"Tch. Fine"
"Quit your whining .. or don't you trust me?" Fang winked.
Lightning ignored the burning of her cheeks and closed her eyes, bringing her hand up for the woman. She could feel something being tied around her wrist for a few seconds. She swallowed dryly as her thoughts deviated.
"All done" Fang whispered near her ear, making her tense in surprise. She opened her eyes and brought her wrist up to look at the bracelet tied around it. Black string was threaded through purple translucent beads. In the center was placed a light blue crystal in the shape of a fang. A genuine smile swept the soldiers lips that made her eyes sparkle. Fangs heart thumped in her chest at the display, She adored this type of smile from the woman.
"Thank you, Fang" the woman broke through her thoughts. "It's beautiful."
"Like the person wearing it" Fang smiled warmly. Her tone sincere, lacking her usual cockiness and amorous approach.
Lightning reddened. "I..." She started. Trying to piece something coherent together before she said something stupid.
Fang could feel the woman's unease and took pity on her. "I'm really glad you like it" she said leaning in.
"I do" Lightning replied leaning in too, unthinking. The butterflies engulfed her stomach and her eyes fluttered shut.
"What the hold up?" Snow called, walking through the nearby door. Lightning pulled away in a flash, flushing scarlet instantly before she had even registered it was Snow. She glared at him and clenched her fists, suppressing the urge to go and head butt him. Instead she shoved past him roughly making sure to get an elbow in as she did.
"You giant idiot" Fang laughed at him as he rubbed his sore ribs.
"What did I do?" He questioned, oblivious to the scene he had almost discovered.
"Wouldn't you like to know" Fang joked before heading out herself.
Lightning stormed over to the camp site, without saying a word and sat. No one dared speak to the soldier as she ruthlessly bit into the meat cooked on her stick. Sazh and Hope casting wide eyed glances at each other, sensing the tension. Vanille stifled the giggle that she had been holding back since Snow had went to fetch the two. Lightning just scowled at her.
Fang stretched before making her way out of the room. She found Lightning busy in the kitchen sipping on a cup of coffee while looking at her phone.
"Mornin"
"Hey, you want one?" Lightning asked holding up her cup.
"Sure" Fang smiled as Lightning got up and went about making her the beverage.
"Hungry?" The pinkette enquired.
"What you got?"
A look of embarrassment crossed Lightning face and she shied away from the huntress.
"Just toast, actually. I...wasn't expecting anyone. Forgot to shop."
Fang nodded slowly.
"Forgot to shop eh?"
Lightning just shrugged and handed her the freshly made coffee.
"You forget furniture too?" Fang smirked.
Lightning shot her an annoyed look that made the brunette wince guilty.
"Here" she said softly, passing Fang a small plate of toast.
"Thanks" Fang replied, taking a few bites of the food. "I see you kept your bracelet"
"Of course, why wouldn't I?"
Fang shrugged lazily,
"dunno, doesn't seem like you keep much" she gestured around her. "...And i kinda thought with everythin...you wouldn't want a reminder"
"I always want to remember" Lightning replied with a small smile. Causing Fang to smile too.
"So, Light, you at work today?"
The soldier shook her head.
"Really? What gives. I thought you were always at work"
Lightning scoffed at her words.
"Not always" she retorted defensively, knowing they both were unconvinced by the lie. "I phoned in actually."
"Aww just for me?" Fang joked. Well now that's a surprise.
Lightning rolled her eyes.
"You got any plans?" she asked rummaging in the fridge.
"Nah, was gonna say hi to Vanille...I kinda ran out on em last night"
"Good" Lightning replied throwing Fang a bottle of water. "Come on then, so I can kick your ass."
"You wanna spar?"
Lightning shrugged, unconcerned.
"Gotta do something to get my reputation back up after last night"
The two circled each other, trying to regain their breathing. Both crouched and ready for the next strike.
"Whaddaya say we make this more interesting, soldier?" Fang grinned wickedly, willing her sparing partner to take the bait.
"Oh it's plenty interesting" Lightning shot back with a hint of sarcasm.
"Scared you'll lose?" The warrior chuckled, examining the woman's face for a sign she’d gotten to her. A slight twitch of her eye, gotcha.
"Don't be ridiculous” Lightning scoffed. “Fine. If I win, you finally admit I'm the strongest." How do you like that proposal.
Fang hummed momentarily. "No problem. But when I win. You take me out on a date.”
"Wha-umph!"
Fang barrelled into the distracted soldier without hesitation, knocking the air from her lungs. As Lightning’s back hit the floor she instinctively held her gunblade defensively, blocking Fangs lance attack.
"That was underhanded!" Lightning growled trying to push her attacker off.
"All's fair in love and war, sweetheart.”
Lightning let one hand handle the pressure as she brought the other back, promptly thrusting her elbow into Fangs side. The warrior rolled off her coughing.
"Fine then" Lightning smirked, charging forward before Fang had a chance to brace herself. She slammed into Fangs chest trying to topple her.
Don't think you got me just yet, love. Fang grinned as they both fell, wrapping her legs around the soldiers ankle.
As she smashed off the floor Lightning could taste blood in her mouth. Get the fuck up Farron!
"Always so full of that ignorant pride ain't you?" Fang taunted.
"It's the drive to win, Fang" Lightning hissed, kicking out of her grip. She scrambled away, barely on her feet before Fangs lance swung past her head.
"Thought about where your taking me yet?" Fang asked stabbing her lance forward.
Lightning jumped to the side narrowly avoiding the blow.
"Piss off Fang" Her mind wondered at the thought, holding hands, laughing, a kiss...Lightning’s heart fluttered at the thought.
Fang grinned to herself triumphantly. Got you all distracted haven't I? She took her chance and sprinted for the pinkette, whipping behind her. Fangs sudden movement broke through Lightning’s haze, but it was too late. The lances shaft meet her throat as she went to spin away from her captor.
"Don't think so, Sunshine" Fang smiled against her ear. Lightning squirmed trying to push the lance away. "Got to you, ain't I?" Fang teased, "we both know I’m stronger, but you have better agility...when your not distracted."
Lightning growled as she jammed her gunblade upwards, the blunt side pressing into her cheek. Etro, dammit your better than this. Just focus. You can win.
"Listen..." Fang said calmly and quietly. "You don't have to prove anything, Light. I know you're strong".
That's not true... I wasn't capable of saving you or Vanille, Lightning thought bitterly. I got put down just the same as the others. I have to be faster. I have to be stronger! She launched her head back violently, cracking Fang straight in the nose. I have to beat you! She twisted around swiftly, swiping Fangs legs with a quick kick, hoping to knock her over but Fang stood her ground. Because you're the only one. She punched at Fangs head with all her force, but Fang defended the blow just in time, pushing it away. The only one that's stronger! She struck out again and again at frightening speed, pushing Fang back little by little. And I have to be able to protect you all! Smack. The lance smashed into the side of her head with a force that sent her stumbling to the ground. She felt her head pushed roughly to the ground, dirt scraping against the skin of her cheek. The blade of the lance grazed her neck uncomfortable.
"Really goin for it there weren't you?" Fang said, spitting blood onto the ground. "Really thought you had me for a minute" she panted. Lightning rasped under her, trying to fill her lungs. A faint ringing still in her ears. "But guess I won after all though" Fang said smugly.
"Fine. Now get off!"
Fang moved away from Lightning to allow her to stand. But when the soldier turned Fangs heart sank. Blood dripped slowly from somewhere on the left side of her head. It matted slightly with her hair and stained her cheek.
"Shit. are you okay? Light, I'm so sorry" she apologized, attempting to move the hair to inspect the wound.
"I'm fine" Lightning said sharply, pushing Fang’s hands away. The look of dejection on the woman’s face made her feel guilty. "It's a bit sensitive" she added softly.
"I didn't mean t-"
"Fang it’s fine. I got carried away. We were sparring, it happens" Lightning smiled.
Fang nodded in concession. "I know...but still"
"We've come out worse before" Lightning laughed a little.
"Very true"
“I can heal it once I’ve rested a bit”
“Heal it?” Fang’s brows furrowed.
“Yes…with magic?” Lightning gestured in the air, like the answer should have been obvious.
“You still have MAGIC?!” Fang gaped.
“Didn’t anyone mention it?” Lightning rubbed her arm self-consciously.
“Ha, no!”
Lightning reflected for a moment, “I guess…they wouldn't have had much reason to really.” she shrugged, “no one else has much need for it so they haven't trained it much…if at all, as far as I know. Just very basic medic stuff” She looked up at Fangs wide eyed expression and faltered, “But, but I mean we all still have the ability”
“what about Odin?” Fang questioned.
Lightning shook her head slowly, “I’ve been trying to, but I just cant seem to manage it yet”
“Well aint that somethin else” Fang sighed in amusement, “I’ll have to get training then, can’t let you have all the fun. We can practice calling Odin too” she smiled, flexing her fingers. “Nille’ll be excited to heal again.”
Lightning nodded,
“She always was the best medic” she stretched out slowly, "Come on. Let's get cleaned up" she said, taking a long swig of her water.
"That an invite?" Fang grinned fiendishly, almost making Lightning choke mid swallow.
"For Etros sake, Fang"
"…I didn't hear a no" Fang chuckled, shoulder bumping the smaller woman. A giggle escaped the soldiers mouth as she shoved Fang gently, and the pulsian was in awe.
After they had healed and cleaned up, separately, by Lightnings command, Fang had gone to meet up with Vanille. She shook her head again as the interrogation continued.
"So you spent the night?" Vanille questioned, fluttering her eyelashes for added effect.
"Knock it off pip squeak. It wasn't like that"
"So you slept on the sofa?" Vanille raised her eyebrows questionably.
Serah laughed softly from behind her. "If Lightning had anything to do with it. I hope she gave you blankets?"
Fang grinned nervously,
"I slept in the bed actually." she winced from the shrill noises and the barrage of high voiced questions that came afterwards.
"Alright. Alright. Settle down. I said it wasn't like that"
"Then what was it like, Fang?" Vanille said mockingly.
"Well turns out she had a few too many. Had a couple of mixed feeling about what we did, mostly towards me ‘Nille, before you get your panties in a twist. We worked it out but she just needed some company"
"Aww Fang, that's so cute"
"Thank you, Fang. I'm sure...she's really grateful" Serah said and Fang nodded in agreement.
"You seem to understand her pretty well" Vanille winked, "not everyone gets away with your antics unharmed"
"Dunno about unharmed" Fang chuckled, "she likes to put up a fight that one".