Chapter 6
“So you still going to Lightning’s later?” Vanille asked while idly picking up her phone that had just pinged and reading the message.
Change of plan. Dress Fang appropriately please and no telling
“Yea, said she’d text when she was finished and pick me up on the way”
“Doing any-” Serah stopped as Vanille giggled to herself before thrusting the phone in her face.
“What’s up?” Fang asked suspiciously.
“Oh nothing” Vanille smiled innocently. The two younger women looked at each other with devilish smiles. The look, however was not missed by Fang.
"You two are fucking scary together, you know that?"
"So tell me again why I had to change?" Fang asked looking down at her new blue and white checked shirt. Complete with black leggings with rip marks down the thighs and simple but rather elegant looking little black boots.
"Well you want to make a good impression for Light, right?" Serah asked, flattening Fangs collar.
"Course"
"It’s not every day she asks you round after work and it wouldn't hurt to show her the good stuff" Vanille added whilst brushing Fang’s hair.
"Hey. Hey" Fang shooed them away. "I AM the good stuff, doesn't get much better than me ladies" she joked, running fingers through her mane to mess it back up some, making the younger women laugh.
"She really does like you, you know" Serah said, serious now.
"I like to think she does, she’s just a stubborn one"
"She'll come around, Fang. She just needs you to be patient with her"
"I aint got no plans on hurtin her mini Lightning, so don't worry" Fang said with a reassuring hug.
“I know” Serah smiled, hugging back tightly.
“Fang really REALLY likes her too” Vanille joked, joining in the hug too.
The sound of the front door opening and closing hushed any more comments as Lightning began to talk,
“Hey, sorry I’m early. I finished faster than I thought and just-" Lightning stopped as she realised that three sets of eyes were staring directly at her, unnervingly so. "Sorry...I thought Fang would still be getting ready" she said, shifting nervously as no one spoke. "What?" She asked, annoyance in her voice as insecurity set in. A blush slowly creeping its way onto her cheeks.
Vanille jabbed Fang quickly in the side.
"Ow! Wow, Light. Wow, you look great" the huntress said, looking the pinkette up an down. She wore a sleeveless silver dress that covered her chest modestly, something that would have had Fang disappoint if it weren't for the bare long legs she was showing off instead. Lightning’s leisure ware had been mostly leggings and jeans and although Fang found her beautiful in anything it had been a while since she was treated to such a view, if her uniform didn’t count of course. Fang smiled inwardly as she spotted the slim delicate belt around her waist. Always love your belts don't you...surprised you haven't attached a cape,
"I mean you always look great but er" she scratched her head trying to think of the words.
A long drawn out whistle sounded from the kitchen. "Wow, sis" Snow announced.
Lightning pinched the bridge of her nose in annoyance as she turned a deeper shade of red, the two Pulsians trying desperately to restrain the laughing fit that was bubbling between them. Serah walked over to Snow and gently pushed him in the direction of the back door.
"I think you should take your drink to the patio for now" she giggled. Once Snow was gone she walked back over to her sister and gently took her hands in her own. "You look lovely, Claire." she said, as she pulled the taller woman into a hug.
"Thank you" Lightning returned the hug, “I’m trying, Serah” she whispered so no one else would hear.
"I know. Have fun, okay?" Serah whispered back, before pulling away and nodding in acceptance.
"You guys look great" Vanille added, skipping past as her and Serah headed for the back door, leaving the two alone to talk.
Fang grinned at the soldier, "not that I mind, but what's with the get ups?" she questioned.
"Well, you'll just have to see" Lightning shrugged, acting unconcerned. "Come on" she said, heading for the door. Fang followed like a lost puppy until they reached Lightning’s veobike. Lightning hopped on and signaled for Fang to do the same. The huntress chuckled and shook her head,
"you really are somethin else, Farron" She said getting on behind her. The soldiers stomach flipped as arms laced around her waist. Get a grip, she chaste herself before taking off.
Lightning killed the engine and dismounted, reaching a hand out for Fang.
"Hope your hungry" she smiled.
"Starvin. 'Nille wouldn't let me eat squat"
Lightning laughed and Fang narrowed her eyes at her, doing her best to copy one of the soldiers favorite expressions.
"You got them in on it didn't you?"
"Maybe" Lightning shrugged innocently, then pushed open a rather fancy looking door. Once inside Fang ogled the large space, scattered with tables. Large chandeliers hung from the ceiling accompanied by candles dotted around the tables. It felt like late evening as Fang listened to the white noise of chatter, even though outside had just told a different story.
"Table for Farron" Lightning said next to her, breaking her haze. The boy bowed slightly.
"Right this way ladies"
Once seated he handed them some menus and took his leave.
"Like the look of anything?" Lightning asked after several minutes, lowering her menu a little to see.
"Hmm...probably the steak. How about you?"
"The salad I g-"
"Ah come on, let your hair down. You don't come to a fancy joint like this and order a salad".
Lightning giggled quietly, "yea your right. I mean it would be a waste I suppose"
"Complimentary drinks" said the boy, placing elegant looking glasses on the table next to them, filled with some kind of colourful liquid. "Are you ready to order?"
Lightning nodded and told him their choices and handed him the menus before he left.
"Guess we're getting a ride home later" she said as she picked up the glass and held it towards Fang. Fang did the same, lightly tapping the edge.
"Atta girl"
They both laughed before downing the drink in one.
"Atta girl" Fang said as they stumbled through the forest, hiding her panic. Lightning needed to be calm now, focus her energy on getting back. If Fang let the doubt creep into her voice or her mind right now, it would be a disaster, more so. Lightning’s arm was over her shoulder for support and Fang held her tightly round the waist for added aid. The soldier limped severely with every step, her breath labored.
"Shit...Fang...I...need" she rasped. The pain was too intense, it burned and ached with every step she took. She wanted to throw up but that would make it worse, so she kept swallowing dryly instead and willed her stomach to obey.
The Pulsian didn't need Lightning to finish her sentence, she ducked from under her and gently placed the wounded soldier on the grass, leaning against a tree for support.
"Hey. Hey. You hanging in there, Sunshine?" Fang asked, casting a cure on the injured woman. A few of the small wounds knitted back together. She cursed herself for not being able to heal her better. She looked down at the pinkette who was still covered in scrapes and scratches. Long claw marks gouged her thigh and arm, and her side was drenched in blood from the fleshy mess that was left after a brutal bite. Lightning clutched at it, her teeth gritted against the pain that racked her body. Fang clenched her fists in anger,
I wish I could stop it Light, I wish- she looked up as a damp hand was placed over her fist, Lightning smiled sorrowfully at her. Lightning knew how bad it was, she wasn’t stupid. She knew that Fang knew too, but there was no benefit in calling it out.
"Don't...look at me ...like that" the soldier laughed huskily, wincing as a new wave of pain hit her side from the action. Its not your fault, she thought, so stop with the guilty look.
"What were you thinkin?" Fang asked brushing the hair from Lightning’s eyes. I should have been there to help you. Why didn’t you just wait?
"I didn't know...that many...was too late" Lightning managed. Her eyes fluttered even though she was telling herself to fight it.
"Stay with me Light!" Fang commanded, shaking the woman softly.
Keep your eyes open, she told herself. Focusing on Fangs worried face. Lightning mumbled something inaudible and Fang leaned in close to hear,
"What was that?"
"Claire" Lightning croaked again. "My real n-"
"Well don't do this, Claire" Fang snapped. Fear gripping her. I know what your trying to do. And you won't, you cant, say your goodbyes here. Not yet. "Don't you dare"
Stay awake Light. You need to stay awake. She told herself over and over. But she felt so tired.
"If this goes...wrong...I need you to-"
"You don't need me to do anything, you hear? Nothin's gonna happen, okay?" Fang tried to hide the desperate tone in her voice hugging the woman gently, not wanting to cause extra pain.
"I know" Lightning replied squeezing weakly. Stay awake. Her eyes were heavy and strained and the pain was relentless. You can do this, just don't close you eyes.
"Claire!?"
Don't close your eyes and everything...will be...just... and the darkness enveloped her before she could stop it. It was peaceful and her pain just a dull nagging. Maybe she should just rest. Just for a little. That wouldn’t be so bad, would it? A sharp pain ripped Lightning from her slumber and she gasped as all her pain and senses came rushing on her once more. Tears stung her eyes and she knew that Fang had struck her, her cheek still burned.
"Light!? I'm sorry I didn't mean to, not so hard. I just, I just need you to stay awake okay?"
Lightning nodded slowly feeling a bit more awake.
"Help me...up" she groaned, unable to move.
"Light, I'm gonna carry you. It'll be faster that way, okay? I need to get you to Vanille, we’re moving too slow. Just stay awake" before she could say or do anything Lightning felt herself hoisted up. Fang gave her a moment to work through the pain before she spoke. "It'll hurt a bit whi-"
"Just go, I’ll deal with it" Lightning breathed out quickly as the pain in her side seared it's way across her abdomen.
By Etro Light your amazing, even now. Fang nodded and set off as quick as she could. Each bump and sudden movement sent a new jolt of pain through Lightning’s body. She clenched Fang tightly, teeth gritted. The occasional gasp or yelp would escape her and she prayed to Etro Fang wouldn't see the tears she kept blinking back.
"Nille! I need your arse over here now!" Fang boomed above her suddenly.
"By the Gods Fang, what happened" Lightning heard Vanille’s voice along with a chorus of gasps and inaudible comments from the others. But her vision was blurring and her hearing was fading. The only thing she could focus on was Fang.
"Just heal her Nille! Hope, you too!"
Her body suddenly felt tingly all over and the pain let up some so she no longer had to struggle.
"There you go, you stubborn fuck" Fang said as she pressed the soldier against her roughly.
"I'll heal her again as soon as I can" Vanille offered somewhere behind her. But the only thing that interested Lightning was Fangs scent so close and that all encompassing warmth she was radiating.
"I thought I'd lost you" Fang whispered. Lightning wasn't sure but she thought she heard the huntresses voice crack and a sob follow, but she could have just imagined it. After all, would Fang really do that? And for her?
"Can…I just..." Lightning said drowsily, gripping Fang’s sari tighter as the world started to disappear.
"Yea, you just rest now sweetheart".
Lightning fell into a fractured dream. Where Fang would periodically appear in front of her and talk, but she was never able to answer.
"I was so afraid we'd lost you, Light".
You didn't lose me, I'm right here Fang.
"You shouldn't go rushing in like that, it's reckless” Fang paused and let out a sigh, “but then again you’re always like that, aint you?".
It’s because I have to protect you guys…I'm sorry.
"Claire, huh? That's pretty" Lightning could feel the smile on Fang’s lips.
But it's not who I really am any more.
"You gotta be careful, Light. Everyone needs you,".
They'd do just fine with you.
"...I need you".
I think...I need you too.
"Your a feisty one, alright. Your amazing. To think the vipers had someone like you hidden away, huh?" Fang chuckled. "When this is over...I wonder if I can convince you to stay with me. That would be fun, ey?”
…Fang, I-
"Come on, you can't let me eat it all myself" Fang pouted, thrusting the spoon towards her date. Lightning rolled her eyes but leaned in anyway, taking a bite from the offering.
"It tastes good. You happy now?"
"I'm telling you, Light. If this is what they offered your ancestors no wonder they came to live on Cocoon".
Lightning couldn't help but to laugh. You always have a unique way of putting things, she thought warmly.
Fang beamed, the pinkettes laugh was always a favorite sound. "Was that really so hard now?"
"Very" The soldier replied sarcastically with a grin. With the help of the alcohol and Fangs nature it was becoming increasingly easy to relax into normality.
"You want more drinks or food?"
"I'll pass on the food. But…how about we head back and have some drinks?"
As the duo sat around the newly lit fire sipping their drinks Fang watched the flames dance, how they twisted and turned and cracked the logs beneath them. She turned, regarding her comrade.
"Come on then, answer me honestly. What's with this fire thing? Seems t’me you do this pretty often".
Lightning sighed and leaned back to look at the sky. The fire reminded her so much of her friends, of warmth and being together. Even if it had been hard times back then. Sitting in the house, well that just reminded her of her isolation, of the cold silence that greeted her every time she opened the front door. It reminded her of the time she had broken the door because Snow was a dumb fuck. Or when she had thrown her bottle off the floor because she couldn’t bring herself to text Serah, or Lebreau or even Hope and reach out. Or the time she beat the wall until her knuckles were bloody because none of it was fair. Llife wasn’t fair, she knew this already, but something had to take her anger. No, the fire wasn’t like that. The fire danced and crackled, but it was a symbol. When it raged and hissed in anger, it took Lightning vexations with it. She inhaled deeply before answering,
"It reminds me of those times...the house, it just reminds me of being alone. Here I just feel like I'm on guard duty again"
"That why you left it like that?" Fang pressed, gesturing towards the house.
Lightning shrugged, "I never really saw the point. It's basically just a place to crash between missions and visiting everyone"
Fang hummed in response.
"So, did you enjoy it?" Lightning asked, breaking the silence. She kept her eyes fixed on the fire, the question was weakness enough for her without trying to read Fangs face while she answered. Truthfully she assumed it had went well, but who knew for sure.
"Enjoy what?"
"Tonight"
"Yea. I loved it Light. I never thought you'd actually go through with it" and she hadn’t, she’d made the bet because she knew it would distract the soldier. That didn’t mean she hadn’t hoped it would happen, but she was resigned to the idea it would be her taking the pinkette out and not the other way around.
Lightning could practically hear the smile in Fangs voice, "Well. A bets a bet, right?"
"But that's not the only reason you did it, right?" for a moment doubt started to claw at the edges of Fangs high. Was that all this night meant to the soldier, a duty she had to fulfil? She pushed it aside, she knew this meant more to Lightning than that, of course it did. The serious look on Fang’s face took Lightning by surprise,
"Of course not!" she answered quickly, her words defensive.
"So why then?" Fang pressed. If Lightning was admitting there was at least something more to this then she might as well get as much as she could.
Lightning shifted uncomfortably but remained silent, searching for the right words. Wasn’t it obvious? They were obviously more than just friends, but both were scared to cross that line. That definite line that was more like a wall, high and looming. Lightning swallowed, once that wall was scaled and crossed there was no coming back. No, that line was dangerous and cruel and Lightning knew there would be no mercy from it.
Fang could feel her unease and took pity on the soldier. Truth be told she knew the woman had a soft spot for her, even if she didn't know exactly how deep that spot was. Besides, teasing Lightning was it's own reward,
"so how many girls you taken on a date before?" The Puslian grinned. The question was playful and innocent enough but she was curious, had Lightning been so bold to others? She’d have never thought that the woman’s defences would lower enough to let anyone in, or rather put herself out there. But after Serah’s story she thought maybe the soldier had managed to stick it out for the occasional date and bed roll. She couldn’t judge, everyone had a past, but she was lying to herself if she couldn’t admit the thought bugged her. She wanted Lightning, every part of her, for herself. She liked that she seemed special to the soldier, enough for Lightning to do something so out of character to please her and didn’t like the thought of sharing that spotlight with some ghost of the past. Lightning whipped her head round to stare at Fang in disbelief. Her eye twitched slightly and she opened her mouth to protest but no words came. Fang feigned shock, "Boys then?"
Lightnings cheeks turned rosy at the interrogation she was receiving and she cast her gaze down.
"Fang...your the only one I’ve taken on a date" Of course she was, Lightning hated initiating anything like that. Fang was special though. She was worth putting herself out there, because nothing had felt as intense as it did with her. And Lightning knew deep down that Fang had really wanted this even though she had made it seem light hearted. And so had she.
Fang hummed in response, pausing for a moment before replying,
"seems about right. Your the kind of girl people take out on dates, huh?" She grinned. This she didn’t doubt. The woman was beautiful and she wasn’t naive enough to think that beauty was lost on others. She knew she wasn’t the first to be captivated by her, and she certainly wouldn’t be the last. But how many of them had been brave enough to take on THE Lightning Farron? she wondered. It didn’t matter, no one else would have a chance if she could help it.
Lightning rolled her eyes, she wasn’t getting into this.
"Is that why you have a double bed? For all the times you’ve had company while I’ve been gone?" Fang questioned, her voice playfully curious, as if she'd just come the realisation. She hadn't.
"No, Fang. Change the subject" Lightning pinched the bridge of her nose in irritation.
"I thought you were such a virtuous girl" Fang kept up the act.
"There's been no company, Fang" Lightning’s voice was stern. Why couldn’t the Pulsian just drop this. How was she supposed to have company when the only person she longed for wouldn't leave her mind. She wanted to tell Fang that the thought made her sick, like she was betraying her in some way, but that was stupid, right? It was naive to think like that, wasn’t it? Would it have even mattered to Fang? Lightning furrowed her brows as she argued with herself internally, unconsciously tightening the grip on her legs as her fingernails dug in. Would Fang have been so bothered if it were her in crystal? Or would she have seen it for its futility and moved on?
Fang watched the soldiers expression darken and a look of sympathy crept its way onto her face. She could tell the woman was troubled and it wasn’t hard to guess what about.
I’m sorry I made you wait, she silently apologised. She reached out a hand and placed it gently on top of the pinkette’s, rubbing a thumb over the whitened knuckles.
"I hope you told them about me", Fangs voice was soft.
Lightning turned to Fang and held her gaze, her heart pounded hard in her chest.
"...and what would I have told them?" She asked, barely above a whisper.
"That you had someone protectin’ you, who'd kick their arse if they hurt you" Fang let the words settle. If she was honest the very thought of someone trying to hurt Lightning or the woman’s past hurts caused the huntress to bristle inwardly.
Lightning’s throat tightened as she tried to breathe,
"...maybe I told them I was waiting for someone special to come home" she managed after a few moments. She averted her gaze but didn't turn away.
"That so?" Fang mused, studying the woman silently. "They must be something else for you to think that"
"They are, they're…amazing" Lightning muttered.
"I know someone like that" Fang said in a hushed tone as she placed a hand on Lightning’s cheek and lifted her gaze so their eyes met.
Lightning felt pinned by those intense eyes, filled with sincerity. Like they were looking straight into her soul, past all charades and lies she tried to hide behind.
"Really?" She choked, her voice forced as she lost the ability to speak.
"Yea...she's Incredible"
"She?" Lightning questioned. She knew where this was heading and scolded herself for being so simple. But in the moment it was all she could muster and if Fang had thought the same she hadn't let it show.
"Hmm...she's an incredible fighter. Fulla fire and stubbornness. Strong through and through," Fang mused. "She's the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen...and the funny thing is I don't think she even knows." Fang smiled and shook her head slightly, lost in her own thoughts for a moment. "The first time I saw her I was like a pup with a new toy...just hadda go chasing after her" she chuckled softly then her brow furrowed as she thought of her next words, "…The thing is I'm not sure she takes me seriously".
Lightning swallowed hard, the invitation not lost on her. Fang was putting herself on the line right now. She couldn’t avoid it and leave her unanswered.
"I think she does...I" she paused as her breathing quickened. Could she really say it out loud? Really admit it to the world? "I...think she's just scared".
Good, Lightning was opening up.
"What's she scared of?" Fang questioned.
Panic raced through Lightning’s mind as all her thoughts assaulted her at once. She scrambled for the right words but couldn't think straight. So she overflowed instead, letting her words spill out unfiltered in a babbling mess,
"maybe she's scared because she's never felt like this before, or something will go wrong, like you'll have to leave again or it’ll ruin your friendship or-".
Warm lips pressed against hers before she could finish and the words suffocated in her mouth without remorse. Butterflies took flight in her stomach and she felt oddly grounded. As if nothing else existed, just here and now, in this moment. The thrill knocked her off guard and caught up in the moment she deepened the kiss, pressing in close as Fang’s hands slid around her back. Eventually she pulled away, finally succumbing to her burning lungs. She leaned her forehead against the huntresses as she caught her breath, not wanting to break the contact.
"You don't know how long I’ve wanted to do that” Fang smiled.
"I do" Lightning replied. For so long. Eyes full of resolve and need she pushed forward capturing Fang’s lips in another kiss, just as intense as the first. The ferocity brought goose bumps to Fang’s skin. Lightning’s lips were soft as they grazed against her own, her breath hot.
"Come on" the pinkette whispered, her voice thick with intent as she stood, pulling the taller woman with her.
Fangs mind was foggy with disbelief for the scene that was unfolding. Was Lightning really doing this? Or was she going to wake up suddenly and realise it was just another dream? she followed blindly unable to process the situation until they got to Lightnings room. No. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. She turned, pushing the soldier against the wall with such suddenness that Lightning clung to her firmly, like she were the only solid thing. Fang took the sight in, the distressed look that flashed through Lightning’s eyes, the face that was flushed from their activities and the wayward hairs that fell messily onto her face. It was breath taking.
A rush of helplessness swept over the soldier as she stared into the piercing green eyes in front of her and as Fang kissed her roughly she gladly yielded to the contact. She wrapped her arms around the Pulsian’s neck, pulling her closer still, hands trembling with eagerness as she breathed in the woman's scent, all spice and wildness and earth. Fangs name escaped her lips in an accidental whimper as the brunette kissed down her neck lingeringly.
Fangs excitement thrived at the sound of her name from the woman, a sweet sound but full of need. She was happy to oblige. She gently nipped the pale skin between her teeth and stroked a hand up the woman's rear thigh. Lightning bit back the sound of her pleasure, gripping the huntresses tangled mane forcefully.
"You sure?" Fang asked huskily against her. She wanted Lightning more than anything, of that she was sure. But she was uncertain of the soldiers coyness.
Lightning nodded, catching her breath. "Yes".
Fang smiled devilishly as she kissed the pinkette again, running teasing fingers down her back and unzipping her dress. If Lightning wanted this so bad then all this hushing simply wouldn't do.
Fang lazily trailed her fingers over her lovers back, delicately trying to burn the sensation into her memory. Inhaling deeply to smell the woman's sweet perfume and the fruity scent of her hair. She'd half expected the pinkette to desert her once they had finished their endeavors, but here she lay in all her glory save for the sheet draped across her lower section, staring affectionately into Fang’s eyes as she traced the tattoo on the Pulsians upper arm. Fang was in awe of the woman, like my own personal Goddess aren't you? She thought. Her heart still pounded with the memory of how the soldier had called her name, how she'd relinquished the control she always gripped to so tightly and how she had seemed to need the huntress so completely. Then oh Etro how the tables had turned on her.
"This is real, isn't it Light?" She accidentally said out loud. Lightnings brows creased slightly as she tried to understand what Fang meant. "I mean...I’ve wanted this for so long, I feel like I'm still dreaming. Or like I haven't really woke from the crystal yet..."
The soldier looked away and worried her lip. All this time I was concentrating on how you'd left us. Like you were the selfish ones...I took it for granted.
Apprehension gripped Fang and she feared she had said something to upset the woman but as blue eyes arose once more to meet her face she found no trace of animosity. Pale fingers entwined with her own and Lightning softly kissed her,
"This is real, Fang. WE are real" she said, her voice filled with conviction.
"We?" The brunette grinned, pulling the woman closer.
"I didn't mean it like that" Lightning mumbled stubbornly.
"Then how did you mean it?" Fang asked cockily.
Lightning grinned at her lover,
“Hmm I don't know, I guess it depends on what you want it to mean” she shrugged in mock ignorance.
“Light...I want to be with you”