Fang walked downstairs to answer the knock on the door.

She still felt tired from her first day of work yesterday, but she could only imagine that Lightning would have been more tired, since she was waiting outside the bar to take her home. She was thankful since she didn't think she would have made the walk home before sitting down for a rest. Luckily for her, Vanille had been asleep by the time she walked through the front door, even more lucky when the bubbly redhead was well on her way to school when Fang finally woke up.

She glanced at the clock on the microwave, though she already knew what it would say. The green numbers shined brightly as her hand reached the doorknob. She opened the door slowly, revealing the strawberry blonde that was waiting for her on the other side. She eyed the soldier for any clues on what her afternoon might consist of.

Lightning was dressed in a casual fashion. A tee shirt with blue and pink deliberately splashed along to make it look more expensive than it truly was. She was also wearing light blue cutoff jeans that ended just above her knees and slip on Vans. If Fang didn't know any better, she would swear their date was taking place at a skate park, not that she would mind it. She herself was dressed for most summery occasions.

The Australian chose to wear a simple light blue muscle cut shirt with white short shorts to complement her blue Converse's and long legs. She couldn't decide if she would need a jacket, but she decided against it. I ain't afraid of a little water. "Where to?" She asked the strawberry blonde as she pulled the door closed behind them then locked it. It was her time to follow the woman as she threw her answer over her shoulder, being as mysterious as ever. She didn't mind though, she was just thankful to be out of the house and with the soldier for the day.

As they cruised by the riverside, Fang couldn't help but think of how their relationship began, if you can call it that. She couldn't tell who needed each other more, Lightning or herself. She wondered if their paths could have crossed had they both not went to that gay bar, although it was possible, since they both liked to drink. What started as a one night stand, ended with them both needing each other more than they would admit. They were each other's drug, a drug neither of them knew would be so addicting.

It had been seemed like an hour had passed before Lightning finally stopped, clearing her throat to signal that they had arrived. Fang climbed off Odin slowly as she took in her surroundings.

They had parked in front of a sub shack, though the whole block seemed to be littered with food joints. Far out, Fang could make out the ferris wheel and other amusement park rides. It looked like the fair had been in town, but Fang couldn't be so sure since it was set up along the beach. She shook her head and glanced around her to look for the woman that she had came with, which was heading for one of the food places.

Jogging to catch up, she glanced at all the sign names, making notes on which ones sounded better. "Why are you acting like a tourist?" She heard Lightning ask from beside her.

"You do realize that, technically, I am." She commented before following Lightning's gesture to walk inside a smaller burger place.

"Okay well, technically, you live here now." Lightning said as she patted the Australian on the back and took a seat in an overly worn booth.

Now that Fang had a moment, she noticed that the whole place looked to have had better days. Every booth was a bit worse for wear but it still held its authenticity. There was the thick smell of burger and fries in the air that made Fang's mouth water and stomach growl. Even the owner, who was heading his way over, added to the character of shack.

"Hey! Look at what the cat dragged in," the man said while he ruffled Light's hair, "if it isn't Striker! Came to get your old job back?" He asked as the soldier smacked his hand away. Fang watched in amusement as the man continued to play with Light before running the last part in her mind again.

"Woah, hold your marbles, old man. You mean she used to work here?" She asked, completely surprised and bewildered. She would never have pictured the rebel as someone that would be flipping burgers and taking orders.

The owner smiled at Fang's question before answering, "Worked here? She practically owned the place!" He said with pride as he patted the woman on her shoulder. "She can make the meanest burger you've ever tasted, and boy did Striker have a fast right hook. She threw three good-for-nothings out of here single-handedly. She'll definitely make a girl happy, I'll tell you. Have you seen her beauty-"

"Alright, that's enough, Uncle Joey." Lightning calmly said while patting the hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure Fang can do without the commentary while she waits."

Fang was surprised at how calm the woman was in this atmosphere. It was unlike any other situation the bartender has seen the soldier in. She was always calm, cool, and collected, but usually would react to touches, especially teases. "Actually," Fang spoke up again, glancing from the man to the woman across from her, "I'd love to hear what else he has to say about Striker here."

Joey laughed loudly before moving to Fang's side, "I'd love to share more stories, but I'm sure Lightning wouldn't be too thrilled to talk about them." He decided to take their order before leaving the two women to talk alone.

Fang raised her eyebrow at the woman, "You used to work for your uncle? Flipping burgers?" She smirked as she took a sip of her coke, not believing that the woman went from this to everything she has now.

Lightning sighed deeply before looking up at Fang, having watched the older man disappear behind the doors leading to the kitchen. "He's not real family. After my mother past, I came here looking for a job. He agreed to hire me, even allowed Serah and I to stay in the bedroom upstairs." She finished as she lifted her glass to her lips, letting the chilled sprite slide down her throat.

"What was wrong with your house?" Fang asked before biting her tongue. She didn't think of how insensitive her question had sounded and almost muttered an apology when the biker started speaking again.

"I sold it, put the money towards Serah's tuition and the rest in a trust fund for her. The house and car she has now was paid for by GC." She rested her elbows on the table and her chin in her hand as she turned to look out the window.

Fang followed Lightning's eyes to the beach. It seemed peaceful and free, yet untamed and wild. There was beach-goers still walking along the shore and swimming further out, as well as people sunbathing. The sky was blue and the air was humid, making Fang thankful for being inside. She turned back to watch the woman across from her.

It was then that Fang realized what had been different about Lightning.

There was a shine in her eyes that hadn't been there all the times the Australian had seen her. She looked lighter, as if her energy wasn't tainted by a dark past. She had a faint smile on her lips and no crease in her brow. She also wasn't coming off as stoic and reserved as she had been before. She actually seemed opened and relaxed. Fang didn't know what it was that made the soldier to have a complete turn around, but she was definitely going to enjoy it.

"Well, I'm sure she's grateful, and I think you did a great job raising her, if I do say so myself." Fang commented sincerely. "Serah seems to be a well mannered young lady with a great education and good sense of responsibility." She may not have known the woman enough, but from the brief conversations they had, Fang was positive that she would turn out to be a great wife for Snow. Though that was another matter in itself.

Lightning scuffed at that before turning to face Fang once more with a raised eyebrow, "And a strong dislike for her sister's lifestyle." She added as a joke, though Fang sensed a hint of disappointment in her voice.

"It's your life, you can love who you want." The native stated as she took another sip of her almost empty glass.

Light twirled her straw inside her drink, watching as the half melted ice floated around. "It's not that. She wishes I wouldn't sleep with so many women."

"Well, why do you? If you don't mind me asking."

Fang watched as the biker took a few seconds to think over the questions before sadly laughing and shrugging her shoulders. "To feel. I want to be able to feel that connection with someone again. One that's stronger than time and distance, one that can beat the odds and survive through anything."

Fang tried her best not to stare at the rebel wide eyed. She would have never pegged the mysterious woman as a hopeless romantic. Someone as experimental as her wouldn't be thinking about soulmates while sleeping around. Fang was curious to find out who her first love was though. "Who was the lucky lady that had you searching?"

This time, Lightning really did laugh, "If I told you, you wouldn't believe me."

Fang just looked on with a smirk, loving the beautiful sound that came from the woman's mouth. "Try me."

"Alyssa Zaidelle."

Fang gave her a complexed look as the woman waited for Fang's reaction. She thought over the name a few times to see if it sounded somewhat familiar "Never heard of her."

Again, Lightning turned to look out the window, "No one has. To be honest, I don't even know if I remember her. I mean, the connection to her is definitely there and the memories, as well as mine and Serah's broken relationship because of her; but everyone is almost certain that I've gone crazy."

"I don't think that," Fang started, she wanted to strawberry blonde to smile again, "I mean, I'm not from here so I don't know many people. What happened to her?"

"She disappeared. I woke up to a note saying that there was another connection out there, waiting for me. A connection that had been blessed by Etro herself." Lightning looked down into her lap, letting her bangs hide her expression. Fang was trying to think of comforting words to say but decided against it and slowly change the subject.

"Then the question is, have you found that connection yet?" Lightning looked up and smiled at Fang's question, and unless her eyes were playing tricks on her, Fang was sure the woman had blushed. She started to open her mouth when Uncle Joey came back with their burgers and refills.

"Sorry it took so long, girls. You can teach a man to flip a patty, but you can't tell him not to get distracted by the new trick." He laughed at his own jokes before setting the food down and turning to walk away.

Fang knew better than to try and bring the conversation back. She would have to wait until another opportunity would come knocking. For now, all she could do was enjoy her meal with the soldier's company.

xXx

"See ya later, Lightning! Oh, and wish Serah look with her marriage for me!" Joey yelled as Light held the door open for her date to walk out. Both Fang and the rebel wished the man farewell as the door closed behind them. Fang took a breath of the cooler salt-filled air as she moved her hands behind her head.

"Where to now?" She asked Lightning, who was looking around before grabbing Fang's hand and pulling her behind her as she walked. They walked in a comfortable silence as Lightning lead Fang to some secret location. She didn't mind getting pulled though, since the warmth from the soldier's hand was causing a strange warmth inside her stomach. It was comfortable, yet not, making her want to throw up her meal as well as do cartwheels and backflips.

After a few small turns here and there, Fang stood with Lightning on top of a small cliff, overlooking the now quiet beach. She was amazed at how gorgeous the view was as some pink, some orange clouds slowly drifted by. The sun was setting and the waves of the ocean were calming to Fang.

She glanced down at the strawberry blonde who sat at the edge of the cliff as she appeared to have a drink in her hand. She moved to sit next to the biker, who offered her the beer she had managed to sneak out of the burger shack earlier. She took it generously before resting her head gently on Lightning's shoulder.

"This is...nice." Light softly spoke. Fang had been so comfortable laying on the woman's shoulder that she was close to falling asleep. Somewhere between them sitting down and the sun setting, Lightning had moved her arm protectively around Fang's shoulders. If it hadn't been for the alcohol in her system, Fang was sure she would had ruined the moment with her quick reflex.

"Yeah?" She asked, moving her head some to get some of Lightning's face into view.

The calm woman leaned her head down some to touch her lips against the Australian's forehead, "Yeah."

Fang was definitely enjoying this Lightning, but she wondered what might have happened to make her attitude do a one-eighty. She also wondered at what cost did the woman have to pay. This date was nothing like she expected it to be, she wondered if she was still laying in her bed dreaming.

The soldier was the first to move, causing Fang to straighten up. She moved to her feet then offered to help the sleepy one up. The sun had set an hour ago, but they were enjoying the company too much to bother with leaving. Now that Fang had a good chance to look at her phone, she realized how late it was. She wish this moment wouldn't come to an end though.

"Let's head back down." The strawberry blonde said before turning and walking away. The Gran Pulsian grabbed onto the woman's hand, turning her around to face her. "Is something wrong?" Light asked, slightly confused by the expression on her face.

Fang swallowed hard as she realized how nervous she had become with her current wave of thoughts and fantasies. She decided to bite the bullet and take action, "Yeah, there is." And with that, Fang had successfully closed the distance between them.

The kiss was patient and sweet. Fang wrapped her arms around Lightning's neck and buried her hands into the woman's spiky hair. Light moved to wrap her arms around her date's waist before pulling her against her warm body.

It was a kiss not like any one they shared before. Fang couldn't find the words to describe it, all she knew was that she didn't want to pull away. She moaned softly into the kiss as the soldier lightly nibbled at her bottom lip. Her tongue hesitantly moved to lick the strawberry blonde. Unfortunately, Lightning pulled away from the kiss, but rested her forehead against Fang's.

When the Australian glanced up, she noticed the Cocoonian had her eyes closed as her tongue traced where Fang's had been seconds ago. "I should get you home." The native just nodded at that, not trusting her voice with all the emotions she was feeling.

As they made their way back to Odin, hand in hand, Fang noticed an ice cream parlor a few yards down. She shook Light's hand as she pointed to the ice cream man waving at them. The soldier hummed in an approval before letting Fang's hand go, letting the woman walk ahead to hold their place in line.

When Lightning walked up to Fang, the man told her the total and she handed him her credit chip. Fang took the bowl and walked over to the nearby bench, sitting down once the biker reached her. She handed the soldier a spoon and started eating the chocolate side of their banana split.

After splitting the vanilla and finishing off the bananas, Fang was ready to call their date to an end. They walked quietly back to Lightning's motorcycle. Fang stood to the side as the strawberry blonde climbed on. "Can I drive?"

Lightning scuffed at the question, "Do you know how to ride a motorcycle?"

The Australian frowned at the counter as she kicked a rock by her show, "No."

The biker smiles softly, "Then maybe next time." Fang smiled at that, climbing on and wrapping her arms tight around the woman's waist. It would take an hour for them to get home, but she wouldn't complain as long as she would be with the woman in front of her.

xXx

The hour long ride was comfortable, despite the nightfall and cool breeze. They stopped in front of the Oerba's house before walking to the front door. Fang continued to search around, looking to see if any lights were on inside as Lightning walked Fang to her door. Once they stopped, the Australian turned to face the rebel that she's grown to care for.

"I had fun tonight." She said honestly. It wasn't like she expected to have a bad time, she just didn't expect to learn so much about the woman so soon. She watched as Lightning looked hesitant about something as she stared at her bike before turning to fully face Fang.

"We should do this again sometime. Its..." She stopped herself as if she were struggling to find the right words. Fang tried to keep the smile of her face from the adorable look her date had. Deciding to give up on words, Lightning stepped in to give Fang a sweet kiss goodnight.

It was quick, too quick in Fang's opinion, but she kept her mouth closed. She wouldn't ruin this moment or get under Lightning's skin by complaining about such a wonderful time she had. When Lightning pulled away, she reached into her pocket and passed a piece of paper into Fang's hands. "You may want to have that."

Fang closed her hand tightly, as she nodded her head at the woman, again getting a weird warmth in her stomach. They wished each other good night before the native slipped inside her house, then watched in the window as Lightning climbed back on Odin and rode off into the night.

It was at that moment Fang remembered she shared the house with her younger sister, the sister she hoped wasn't awake. She slowly turned around and scanned the living room, not noticing any grinning bubbly redhead in any of the chairs.

Quietly, she made her way outsides and cracked open Vanille's door. The Silhouette made relief wash over her, knowing the little one wouldn't interrogate her and was home safe and sound.

Fang made her way to her room, taking her shirt and shorts off and tossing them aside before belly flopping onto her bed. She rolled onto her back and uncrumbled the piece of paper that Lightning had handed to her when she left. She slid her finger across the ink, feeling the penmanship of the one who wrote the number. She was surprised at how neat her handwriting was. She half expected not to read it, but then again, she was a soldier.

She saved the number in her phone and text her name so that the strawberry blonde would have hers before turning off her sensor lights and getting comfortable in bed. She didn't have time to think about her day, still too tired from the night before and the exhausting day. She was sure Vanille would play 21 questions tomorrow so she chose to just sleep now, think later.

A few minutes into her light sleep, her phone rang. She cracked open an eye to read the text message before smiling to herself and closing her eye once again. She was positive she would have a goodnight's sleep.

Sunshine:

Have a good night, Fang.