When Fang sat on the large seat between Lightning and Vanille, she was already regretting her decision. She shouldn't have come. Lightning had invited her to their monthly reunion at Lebreau's, and in spite of her reticence, she had accepted for the first time. The moment she had set foot in the bar, she had realized it was a really, really bad idea. The way the place looked, the music that played, the overall atmosphere… It was all too similar to back then, when she had met her, and it made her sick. She quickly ordered a few shots of tequila, wanting to get rid of the unbearable ache in her stomach and to free her mind from all those memories. She knew she couldn't handle alcohol well, but she couldn't care less. She would probably end on her knees but Vanille knew. She would understand and take her home.

When she gulped down the first shot, she saw all her friends smiling at and looking rather relieved that she finally agreed to relax and have some fun. Only Vanille looked resentful, and seemed on the verge of putting all those glasses away, because only she knew what was running in her mind. Fang shot her a death glare when she tried to knock the glasses over, supposedly by accident, and Vanille finally gave up the idea, dragging Hope behind her to the dance floor. Not more than an hour later, Snow had gone dancing with Serah, Hope and Vanille were still lost in the crowd of people, and only Fang remained seated next to Lightning. Her finger was sliding absent-mindedly on the glass in front of her. Her eyes were lifeless as if she was lost deep in her thoughts. Lightning, who had also drunk a bit more than she should have, couldn't help but notice the gloomy face of her friend.

'Fang, are you okay?' she asked, putting her hand on her shoulder.

'It was in a place like this that I met her,' Fang's response came after a long silence. 'I don't like going to bars because… Huh… It reminds me of her. I already think about her too much. I don't need this,' she waved about the room, the people dancing, the glasses in front of her. 'I knew I shouldn't have come.'

'Who are you talking about?' Lightning asked, leaning in slowly.

'Luce,' Fang whispered, her hand clutching on her blue sari. 'She was pretty much like you, you know.'

Fang turned toward Lightning, the alcohol controlling her movements. She knew she was about to do things she didn't want to, and say things she didn't want to. But it was too late. She had drunk too much and she wasn't the master of her own actions anymore.

'I lied,' she breathed, staring at the cerulean eyes. 'It's not that I don't want to see people. It's just that I don't want to see you… I'm scared that I might betray her. Because of you. You're too much like her… Way too much like her… You've got everything I like…'

Lightning wanted to draw back, push her away, but her brain was a bit foggy and she found herself unable to move. Fang was closing the distance, and before Lightning could protest, Fang straddled her lap, her arms around her neck. Fang closed her eyes, inhaling deeply the scent emanating from Lightning's hair. It didn't smell like Luce but right now she couldn't care. All she could feel was that hot body against her, the hands that landed on her hips, the fingers that pressed the tender flesh, the hot breath on her neck. She blamed herself for doing this to her friend, she knew Lightning couldn't understand, that she would probably hate her after that because Fang didn't really want her then, she just wanted Luce. Sure Lightning was beautiful, and she was everything Fang liked in a woman. During their journey, she had often imagined what it would be like to be with Lightning, to share some time with her, she even imagined what living with her would be like. But every time she had tried to convince herself that maybe, she could give it a try, she'd been paralyzed by the thought that it would be wrong. Whatever happened, she could never be with Lightning. Or at least, that's what she thought.

And yet, Fang found herself drunk, desire boiling inside her, because of that damn pink-haired soldier that was so beautiful, so strong, so attractive… Her mouth hovered hesitantly over Lightning's cheek. What should she do? Give in, or run away? Should she eat that mouth that looked so delicious, and feel so ashamed that she would never be able to look into her eyes again? Should she stop right now and apologize, in the hope that Lightning would forgive her for that stupid reaction? But the alcohol running in her veins, her brain half disconnected from the reality of things, and Lightning's impassive look got the better of her. She leaned in, and kissed that full mouth feverishly, her hands buried in her pink curls. Fuck it, Fang thought, feeling another wave of desire rushing inside her.

'Fang,' Lightning said between heated kisses. ' What the hell… Are you doing?'

'I'm drunk, I'm going crazy and I'm very, very sad so don't ask me what I'm doing', Fang replied, her teeth leaving a red trail on her neck. 'Vanille told you I needed to see people, well she goddamn lied. I accepted your invitation and she was glad. Because she knows I only want one thing.'

'And what's that?' Lightning groaned as Fang bit the tender flesh in the crook of her neck.

'You, for fuck's sake! And it makes me feel so damn guilty I'd rather have never met you, Lightning fucking Farron! Because even if it makes me feel like the cheating bitch that I am, even if I'm too stupid and scared to tell you, I still love you!'

Fang broke into sobs, unable to control her emotions anymore, and she assaulted Lightning's mouth all over again, her hands roaming on the frail body under her. Her fingers slipped under her shirt, cupped a firm breast into the palm of her hand, and she swallowed Lightning's groan with a passionate kiss. Lightning didn't know how to feel about this, both because Fang's reaction was sudden and unexpected, and she had drunk a bit too much to think as clearly as she should. She knew she felt somewhat attracted to Fang, but did that mean she'd be willing to let Fang take her like this, in a crowded bar that felt all but intimate? Thankfully, the decision was taken for her. As Fang was starting to try unbuckling her belt, Vanille grabbed her forcefully by the arm and drew her away.

'What on earth are you thinking, Fang Yun!' she yelled to cover the sound of the loud music.

'Isn't that what you wanted?'Fang cried back, tears streaming down her cheeks, threatening to slap her. 'Didn't you tell me to forget about my girlfriend and love the first and only woman I've seen since her death?'

'I have never said that Fang! You're pushing it too far!'

'No, you're pushing it too far!' Fang yelled even louder, grabbing her by the collar. 'Go talk to Lightning, tell her how you feel, show her if need be, Luce's dead anyway so why do you bother being faithful to her? Well I did tell her, I kissed her, almost fucked her and guess what? It makes me want to puke!'

She would have wanted to scream louder, to insult Vanille with all her might, just to get rid of the overflow of emotions running though her veins, but she didn't get the chance. She felt a pair of strong arms grab her by the shoulders, and she was dragged across the bar, with everyone staring at her. She squirmed, yelled some more, tried to free herself, but nothing worked. A few seconds later she found herself outside, a cold wind blowing on her bare skin, thinking the heavy silence that now surrounded her was a bit awkward. She turned on her heels angrily; ready to hit and kick whoever led her there, when she realized that it was Snow. She remained silent and still, quite unsure of herself. She truly wanted to kick some butt right now, but that man was a beast. Even though she knew, somewhere in the back of her mind, that Snow would never land a hand on her, she didn't dare punching his face. So she just stood there, her arms crossed on her chest, thinking about something to say. She backed up when Snow reached for her with a sigh, but then he drew her into a tight hug, and she burst into sobs once again, burying her face against his shoulder.

'Easy, girl,' Snow said softly, stroking her back gently.

'I've had enough,' Fang wept loudly. 'I can't…'

'It's okay,' Snow reassured her with a friendly pat on her back. 'I'll take you home now. Let's call this a night.'

'Lightning… Is she…'

'We'll deal with Lightning later. Let's take care of you first.'

When Fang woke up the next morning, it took her a moment to realize that she was in her bed, the sunrays of the early morning tickling her skin. She vaguely remembered Snow dragging her upstairs and ordering her to take a bath. She remembered drinking more than she could handle. She had a terrible headache, and although she knew she had done some terrible things, she didn't know what exactly. She guessed she would find out soon enough anyways. She sighed, covering her eyes with the crook of her arm, and tried to get some more sleep.

She was woken up a few hours later by a harsh knock on the door, and she groaned, turning on her side.

'Whoever that is, go away,' she said loudly, hugging her pillow.

'Do you really want me to?' Lightning's voice filtered through the door.

Lightning, Fang thought. Lightning…

'Fuck!' she swore under her breath as the events of the night before finally popped in her mind.

'Don't jump out the window and open the door,' Lightning stated calmly, as if she already knew what Fang had in mind.

Fang felt her heart sink in her chest as she made her way to the door slowly, knowing that Lightning would come in anyway. She turned the doorknob and was quick to face the opposite wall, unable to see her face. Lightning was the last person she wanted to see, and she regretted she hadn't taken the opportunity of actually jumping out the window when she still had time. She buried her hands in her shorts, staring at her feet, and sighed loudly.

'I know you hate me,' she said. 'If you want to slap me, beat me, whatever, help yourself, I deserve it. Just make it quick.'

'Do you love me?'

Fang blinked, thinking she had misheard the question. Maybe her brain was still not functioning properly. Maybe this wasn't real. Honestly, with all that happened that night, that was the only question Lightning had come up with? She heard steps coming in her direction, and a second later she could feel Lightning's presence behind her back. Fang closed her eyes tightly, hoping that all of this was just a dream. She didn't want to answer; she didn't even know what to answer.

'Because if you do, which, according to last night, seems to be the case,' Lightning began after taking a long breath, 'let me clear up a few things. First, I want you to know that if you would stop comparing me to whoever that woman was to you, and see me as what I am, maybe I could start considering those feelings I have for you. I am Lightning Farron, not Luce Whatever. Second, I don't want to live with someone who cares more about her late girlfriend than I. I understand that you loved her, you still do, but if you think you can love someone else, if you think you can love me, then keep her in your heart, not your mind. I want you to want me and I want you to love me, Fang. But I can't live in her shadow. You chose now. Revive the past forever, or live the present.'

Fang sat on the edge of the bed, lost in her thoughts. She knew she felt something for Lightning. But she also knew she could never love someone as much as her girlfriend. Would it be fair to drag Lightning into this when she deserved so much more than a broken heart like Fang? But maybe… Maybe Lightning was the one who could heal her. Maybe the person she needed to get back on her feet was just standing there, inches apart. Maybe she couldn't stop thinking about her girlfriend because she had no one else to bear in mind? The more she thought about, the more she felt Lightning could be what she needed. And wanted. Because yes, whatever she tried to convince herself of, the flame that had for so long been extinct was now burning for her.

'I love you,' Fang acknowledged in a whisper, as Lightning slowly sat beside her. 'But I don't deserve you. I'm scared I'm not fit for you. I'm scared you'll suffer because of me. I'm scared I won't love you enough.'

'Stop being scared', Lightning said softly, taking Fang's hand in hers. 'Fang… I trust you. And I don't need to consider the feelings I have for you, because I've known all along. I love you. It took me no longer than a week to fall for you. I was just so scared that you would reject me if I said anything that I kept it to myself. But after what happened last night, it's no use trying to pretend anymore… Please Fang, don't turn me down now that we've come this far...'

Fang turned her face toward Lightning slowly, her eyes shining with tears. She couldn't believe that woman, who looked so fragile, to whom she had said and done such horrible things, was willing to give her heart to her. She looked so sincere, so hopeful, so…

'Beautiful…' Fang whispered, unable to keep it to herself.

'What?' breathed the pink-haired woman, almost inaudibly.

'You're beautiful', Fang said once again, letting her finger caress the pink curls gently.

Her hand finally cupped Lightning's delicate face, and this time, she took her time, before her lips landed in a loving, sweet kiss on her mouth. Lightning moaned softly, sliding her arms around Fang's neck. Fang wanted to cry so much, it felt like that single kiss had blown all the emotional barriers she had set to protect herself. All those walls were crumbling down, but she was glad they did. She felt free. And above all, she didn't feel ashamed. Her tongue ran over Lightning's lower lip, and the pink haired woman opened her mouth willingly, her hands coming to rest on her cheeks to deepen the kiss. It wasn't long before it became heated, and Fang slowly helped Lightning on her back, down on the bed. The view she had from Lightning, standing above her, seeing her rosy cheeks, and the way her chest heaved rapidly, made her realize one thing. She really wanted her. But what she wanted the most was to show her she truly loved her, that this wasn't just a way to ease her pain and an opportunity to feel better. It didn't matter how far Lightning would allow her to go, she would take her time. She straddled her hips, and lowered her face to meet her lips in another passionate kiss. Her right fingers started unbuttoning her shirt while her left hand supported her head, always trying to draw her closer. When the shirt came undone, Fang stared for a few seconds at the flat stomach and the small breasts still enveloped in black lace exposed before her, and she felt a rush of desire flow through her.

'Can I?' she breathed heavily in Lightning's neck, poking her pulsing point with the tip of her tongue.

As a response, Lightning crossed her fingers behind Fang's neck, and forced her face down to her chest with a sigh of pleasure. Fang kissed the soft parcel of skin between her breasts while her fingers were fiddling with the straps of the bra on her shoulders. She wanted to go slower, but having this offered to her hungry eyes made it impossible to contain her impatience. Slowly, the straps fell off her shoulders, and soon Fang had her mouth working on the left breast while her thumb was playfully circling her right nipple. The flesh felt so tender under her tongue and her lips, Lightning was reacting so well to her ministrations… How could she have resisted that long to this sinful pleasure? Her tongue left a wet trail on Lightning's stomach, stopping a moment to play with the jewel she found pierced in her navel. Her hands came to rest on her hips, her fingers still undecided about where to go next.

'Fang…'

Fang's head shot up when she thought she heard a hint of worry in Lightning's voice. She quickly dragged herself to meet her cerulean eyes, giving up her exploration.

'Are you okay? Do you want me to stop?' Fang asked softly, replacing a strand of pink hair behind her ear.

'No, no, please. It's just… I…', Lightning whispered suddenly looking a bit flushed.

'Oh… You've never…'

Lightning shook her head, her eyes staring at the ceiling to avoid seeing Fang's eyes. She felt embarrassed, to say the least, because obviously Fang was no novice when it came to this kind of activity when she had no real experience.

'It's okay, sweetie', Fang smiled tenderly, planting butterfly kisses on her face. 'We'll take it real slow. If it hurts too much, if you want to stop, just tell me.'

Lightning nodded lightly, and tried to control the rush of pleasure that ran in her lower stomach as Fang's hands travelled down her side and landed on her hips. She knew what it felt like of course, but she had never known having this beautiful woman above her, with her hands and her fingers running smoothly on her skin, would feel so good. She tangled her fingers in raven hair and shuddered deeply when she felt Fang's hot breath caressing the skin just above her jeans. The buttons on the pants quickly were unbuttoned, and the tight piece of clothing slid on her slender legs. Lightning pressed her thighs together, both afraid that Fang might not like what she saw, and ashamed of how she felt down there. Fang lied next to her, letting her get used to being this exposed to her. She kissed her deeply, because she didn't want to touch her; hurrying things would not help her. Fang felt Lightning relax, minute after minute, and she finally dared to let her fingers wander down on her skin, stopping a moment to caress the soft side of her breast. She felt the muscles twitch under her fingertips when she finally reached the edge of her panties, but as Lightning opposed no resistance, and even lifted her hips slightly, Fang cupped her through the thin garment, eliciting a moan from the pink-haired woman.

'Etro Lightning,' Fang breathed heavily in her ear when she felt the intense heat and wetness there.

Lightning seemed to tense a little, her cheeks reddening within a second, he thighs closing once again.

'Lightning,' Fang whispered, realizing how Lightning felt. 'You're perfect… Let me taste… Perfection.'

Lightning bit her lower lip – she wasn't chaste enough to not know what Fang had in mind – but she didn't know if she could handle it. Just the feel of Fang's palm on her, the quick breath in her ear, the hand on her breast, it was almost too much already. But she trusted Fang, and Etro she wanted this, she needed this. She wanted that full mouth on her, she wanted Fang inside her. She needed to be loved. Slowly, she released the pressure of her thighs on Fang's hand, and the huntress seized the opportunity. She kissed Lightning's belly, before her fingers finally pinched the hem of the panties and slid them down, revealing the, oh, so precious flesh. Fang licked her lips when she found herself in front of those swollen lips, shining with the amazing wetness that spread there. She noticed her watching without shame made Lightning a little uncomfortable, so she quickly lowered her head until she fully smelled the strong and yet delicate scent emanating from her. Lightning was already shivering, her hands clasped on Fang's shoulder, readying herself for what would next. Lightning cried out when she felt the tongue flicker on her rosebud, unable to refrain herself. Her hips jerked upwards when Fang licked her thoroughly once, and she already felt on the edge of release.

'Is that okay?' Fang asked softly, trying to catch Lightning's heated glaze.

'Yeah. Yes. Please don't stop.'

Fang smiled and buried her nose in the wet folds once again, her tongue poking end exploring the unknown flesh. She wanted to know every single spot that made Lightning moan, shiver, and cry out for her. Lightning's hips began rocking, her hands fisting the sheets, and Fang was both glad and aroused to hear those delicious and enticing sounds coming from her mouth. Fang didn't know how close Lightning already was, and just after sucking lightly on her clit, she found herself bewildered when Lightning almost ripped her hair off, crying out her name so loudly she doubted Vanille hadn't heard it, her hot juices flowing on her tongue. Fang moaned against her wound, licking the skin on fire clean. She then travelled back up, her wet lips founding Lightning's in a heated kiss.

Lightning took some time to recover her breath and realize what just happened. She felt pleased, relaxed, and comfortable. But then she got scared. She knew she had no reason to, but she did anyway. What if she had just let a woman that only wanted her for sex steal her first time? No, it was absurd. But what if…? She turned toward Fang, trying to decipher what was running about her mind. The huntress just looked happy to be there with her, playing with a strand of pink hair, but could she really trust her? She needed to make sure.

'Let me touch you,' Lightning whispered against Fang's cheek, before rolling on top of her.

'If you do that, I'm afraid I won't let you stop,' Fang breathed huskily, taking in the sight of Lightning bent over her, irremediably attracted to those breasts exposed to her.

Lightning hinted a shy smile, and removed Fang's tee-shirt. Her cheeks got red once again when she realized she has no idea what to do. Was she ready for this after all? But it couldn't be that hard to lick and caress breasts, could it? She bit her lip hesitantly, and decided to give it a go anyway. She kissed her softly to gather some courage, then her lips left a wet trail on her jaw, her chest, her breast, and finally she took an already hard nipple into her mouth. She bit lightly, and as Fang moaned, she did it again, a bit harder. She brought her free hand to the other breast and massaged slowly, taking the time to appreciate the perfect shape, the softness of the skin, the way it fitted in her hand. She actually quite enjoyed it. And it seemed that Fang enjoyed it to. Her head was turned on the side, her eyes tightly shut, and she was biting the nail of her thumb, soft moans escaping her lips from time to time. Lightning needed more. She needed to know it was her image Fang had it mind.

'Is that good?' she said lowly, deliberately pressing her knee between Fang's legs.

'Etro, yes…' Fang answered between clenched teeth. 'But cut the crap already.'

The change was sudden, and it left Lightning speechless, her hands hanging in mid-air. Fang grabbed her by the arms and quickly reversed their positions, straddling her hips.

'I know what you're trying to do, Lightning. Don't try to deny it,' she cut when she saw her lips parting to say something.

Lightning looked away, now feeling very embarrassed to be naked under Fang in such a situation. She had no idea her plan would be so obvious to her, and she even started to wonder if it was legitimate at all. She really didn't want to have that talk like that, but Fang looked rather decided to clear things right then and there. She pinned Lightning's wrists above her head and bent over her, making sure she was listening attentively.

'When you fuck me, I'll only have your name on my lips. When you put your fingers inside me, I'll know it's you. When you make me come, I won't say her name. I can make the difference. Lightning, I would have never allowed this to happen if I'd known I couldn't handle it. You don't have to test me. I know what I'm doing and I know how I feel. You've liberated me from a weight that's been far too heavy for way too long. I know I love you, and I want you, but if you can't trust me, we'd better stop right here.'

Fang stopped in her tirade to look at Lightning's face. She felt bad when she saw tears glistening in her eyes, but she knew it was all for the best. Doubts and fears couldn't be let lingering, things needed to be cleared right from the beginning. Lightning tried to control her breathing and blinked to chase the tears. She felt relieved, but she couldn't help the worry that tied her stomach.

'I'm scared you might leave me', she whispered shamefully. 'It's selfish and unfair, but I want you all to myself.'

'If I didn't want to be yours, we wouldn't be here,' Fang replied softly, finally releasing her hold on her wrists. 'When I agreed to do this, I also agreed to let her go. Now, if you want it… It can be you and me. Just the two of us.'

Lightning did not really have words to tell her how much she wanted it, to tell her how sorry she was to have doubted, to tell her how much she loved her. She just lay still for a few seconds, wanting to cry her heart out. Before the tears had the chance to roll down her cheeks, she grabbed Fang's neck forcefully and crushed their lips together.

'Take me,' she whispered, breathless, crossing her legs in Fang's back. 'I want it to be you.'

'Lightning, are you…'

'Take. Me.'

Fang nodded, and scooped her into her arms gently like a beautiful flower that needed to be treated with delicacy.

'It'll be nicer under a hot shower,' she explained when she noticed Lightning's wondering look. She took her to the bathroom and she realized Lightning really wanted this when she felt her rubbing herself slowly against het, nipping at her earlobe. She let her fall on the floor, before turning the water on. Once she judged the temperature was good, she quickly retrieved her shorts, and led Lightning under the shower. It was the first time Lightning saw Fang entirely naked, and though she loved the sight of it, she didn't really get to enjoy it, as Fang pushed her against the cold tiles as soon as she entered the confined space. Fang put her hands on Lightning shoulders, suddenly looking very serious.

'It may be unpleasant,' she said softly. 'If it hurts too much, if you don't feel well or want me to stop at any time, I want you to tell me. I'll be careful and gentle, I promise.'

Lightning nodded, and Fang finally relaxed, knowing that everything should go smoothly. She rested her forehead on hers and kissed her nose, quite unable to believe that Lightning was willing to offer her such a precious gift. She grabbed her thighs and lifted her, and Lightning was quick to tie her legs around her waist. Fang kissed her deeply, a hand working on her breast, while she made sure to keep her balance. Lightning was more responsive than she would have expected her to be. She was already moaning loudly, the sounds echoing in the small room, and she unconsciously started rubbing herself on Fang's thigh. She buried her face in the crook of Fang's neck and took a sharp intake of air when slender fingers ran smoothly down her body, brushed against her soft curls, and cupped her gently. She tried to move, to give her better access, but her legs were trembling and her limbs felt weak. She almost collapsed with a loud groan when Fang touched a very sensitive spot, but the huntress was strong enough to hold her in place, stuck against the wall.

Judging by the particular wetness Fang found down there, she supposed Lightning was ready enough. She hooked her waist with her arm, and as she slid one finger inside her burning core with ease, she hungrily swallowed the gasp Lightning let out, out of surprise and pleasure. Fang could feel that despite her obvious excitement and arousal, her entrance was still tight, and she dreaded the moment when she would have to force her way through it. She was scared Lightning would suffer too much, that the pleasure she felt wouldn't be enough to help her bear with the pain. But at the same time, she knew that Lightning trusted her enough to let her do it, and that had to be one of the most significant ways for Lightning to prove her love. It was like a promise. This would bond them together forever. Fang felt so proud and touched that she just had to comply with Lightning's request. She tried hard to fight her own arousal when Lightning licked her ear feverishly; she couldn't enjoy the luxury of getting distracted. That moment was about Lightning and her only. She tightened her hold on her and began pumping her finger in and out of her hot center, and when she felt her walls relax a little, she joined a second finger. Lightning tried to stifle a hiss of pain, her back arching against the tiles, her nails digging in Fang's skin. Fang knew that this was only the premise, and she wondered if the pink-haired woman was going to stop everything. She sighed in relief when Lightning seemed to get used to the pain and the size of her fingers, her hips rocking according to the rhythm of the digits curling and moving back and forth. When Fang took a look at Lightning's face, she realized she was staring at her, her eyes full of passion and need.

'Do it now,' Lightning murmured, hooking her leg around Fang's. Fang nodded, took a deep breath, and pushed three fingers inside her.

She quickly drew them out when she heard Lightning cry out in pain, when she felt her sharp teeth biting on her shoulder hard enough to draw blood. She took her lovingly into her arms and tried to give her as much comfort as she needed, caressing her slender body tenderly, planting soft kisses her face. Lightning had her eyes tightly closed, tears melting with the heavy drops of water falling on her, the world starting spinning around her in a crazy blur. She hurt, but the pleasure boiling inside her wasn't gone. She needed this, more than ever.

'Don't stop,' she begged, entangling her fingers in the mess that was Fang's hair. 'Not now.' The huntress agreed with a nod and began kissing her now swollen lips, while her fingers were once again finding her hot core.

Lightning was desperately clinging to her, her insides twisting madly, a wave of pleasure making her ears ring and her breath ragged. Soon, she forgot about the pain, only able to focus on those magical fingers doing wonders, on that thumb that was circling and pressing against her clit, on that hand massaging a bit curtly her breast, but far from finding it upsetting, she even liked it. Fang picked up the pace, her hand grasping her butt to steady herself. She could feel Lightning was close, her inner walls were already tightening, and her body was shivering deeply.

'Come for me sweetie,' Fang whispered, her pumping going faster and stronger.

'Fang!' Lightning cried out loudly, before the wave of ecstasy rushed inside her and everything went black. She collapsed in Fang's arms, her body unable to resist against the force of the spasms washing over her. Fang hugged her tightly, crossing their fingers together to let her know she was there for her, that she wasn't leaving. She waited patiently until Lightning pulled herself together, and helped her on her feet.

'Are you okay?' Fang asked, concerned.

Lightning smiled and simply nodded, although she had to admit she felt a bit sore. Fang returned the smile, and then made Lightning face the wall to hold her by the waist, her chin coming to rest on her shoulder.

'Thank you,' she said with a trembling voice.

Lightning didn't answer, but Fang knew exactly the expression she had in mind, and it was enough. After taking their time to wash themselves properly, Fang carried her back to her bedroom and put her down gently on the bed. Lightning looked passably exhausted and spent, and when Fang lay down next to her, she quickly cuddled to her side, resting her head on her strong shoulder. There were so many things to say, so many feelings to share, but she felt too weak to have that kind of talk. She found the warmth of Fang's naked body against her so comfortable and reassuring that before she could realize it, she fell asleep. Fang smiled tenderly at Lightning's peaceful, angelic face, and threw a protective arm around her. She didn't know where all of this would lead them, but for now, she was happy. She regretted nothing.

'I love you.'