Hi everyone. I needed to get off the grid. I'm trying to get back to writing. I'll answers readers comments in a few days. I hope you will enjoy.

Eden.

Cocoon's capital and home of about five million people. It was the perfect place for sightseeing and shopping until one dropped dead. The city bustled with life, its citizens going about their business under the care of its fal'Cie from whom it had been named for.

And Fang disliked it; so much so at times that it bordered on hate.

It was so unlike Oerba. Hell, there was no comparison. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of people. There was no way humans could live cramped together like a bunch of Ceratosaurs and be happy.

A Cocoonian businessman bumped her square in the chest as he tried to shoulder his way through the crowd.

"Hey, watch it!" the Pulsian exclaimed, outraged.

Without having the decency to apologize, the man gave her the finger and resumed his walk. Fang was so insulted she felt the urge to run after him so she could teach him some manners.

"No wonder they're unhappy. They all wear that deep frown like Cocoon's gonna crash on Gran Pulse," Fang grumbled while rubbing her aching chest. "And they dare say Gran Pulsians are rude."

How can Lightning stand this place? she wondered. And speakin' of Lightning, where is she?

Fang crossed her arms over her breasts and gritted her teeth in frustration. She was beyond annoyed now; she was pissed. What was she doing here in the first place? Oh, right. She was waiting for Lightning who was a half-hour late and that certainly didn't improve her disposition. Not only did she have to stand there like an idiot in the middle of millions of unfriendly faces, but she had to wait for a woman who hadn't showed up in almost a month. She had gone MIA after the last time she had spent the night at her place. Fang had tried to call her, had sent text messages but had gotten no reply. Lightning had just disappeared from the surface of Cocoon. Since then, she had spent every day wondering if she had said or done something wrong to the point where she couldn't focus properly on her daily tasks. That's how distressed she had become.

And then one day, out of the blue, she had received a text message from the Cocoon soldier who had asked her if she wanted to hang out with her in Eden. No apologies about not keeping in touch, nothing. This uncivilized and selfish behaviour started to get on Fang's nerves. But despite Lightning being insensitive, she had said yes to her offer.

And there she was, waiting and wondering if she hadn't been ditched at the last minute by the pink-haired woman.

She checked the time on her phone and sighed loudly. "If she's not here in five minutes, screw it. I'm leavin'."

"Fang!"

The Pulsian turned around at the sound of a familiar voice, which had the bad habit of raising the small hairs on the back of her neck. Lightning walked resolutely toward her and it was like people stepped aside to let her pass. She had this powerful vibe of confidence emanating from her or maybe it was more of a 'don't mess with me' kind of aura, depending on how it was interpreted.

When Fang saw her, all the pent up frustration and anxiety she had felt for almost a month disappeared instantaneously. She couldn't help smiling and melted when she felt the soldier's soft lips on her cheek. Her heart beat a thousand miles a minute and that troubled her. Bloody hell, the fact that she wasn't mad at the soldier at all disturbed her a great deal.

Was she in it deep? Nah. She had just missed Lightning that's all. Funny how she felt better after dismissing that thought.

"I'm sorry if I'm late. Getting on board the airship to get here was a bitch. There was a long line at the tollgate."

"Well, what matters is that you're here now."

"Where's your car?"

"Are ya kiddin' me? I'm barely familiar with Bodhum I'm not crazy enough to drive to Eden! I took the train instead."

Lightning hid her low chuckle behind her hand then cleared her throat when she noticed Fang wasn't laughing. "Are you alright?" she asked, a slight frown creasing her brow.

No, Fang wasn't alright. She was in a city too big for her with too many people. She felt like she wasn't in her element; like she didn't belong here.

Etro how she missed Gran Pulse!

"Yeah. Why?"

Lightning wasn't convinced. "You don't seem... very enthusiastic."

Fang crossed her arms on her chest, as if the gesture could reassure her somehow. "How can you stand it? It's so crowded, it's suffocating."

Well that was a good start... The pink-haired woman shrugged and didn't reply. She looked down at her shoes and put her hands in the back pockets of her jeans. It seemed her plan of spending the day sightseeing Eden with Fang had just fallen through. She had to move on to plan B.

"My car's over there," the soldier said as she pointed to a black sports car across the Leviathan Plaza. She handed her magnetic card to the brunette then punched a few keys on her phone. "Wait for me there. I won't be long."

Fang nodded briskly and walked toward Lightning's car. She looked for a slot to slide the card but there was none. Great. Couldn't Cocoon cars have simple locks where all you needed was a key?! Of course not. It had to be technological and therefore, complicated. She swore in Pulsian and was about to give up when the car made a "beep" sound and the passenger door unlocked on its own. She opened it quickly, eager to get inside. As soon as she closed the door, she closed her eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't mind crowds but this was too much for her to handle. Gran Pulse was the complete opposite of Cocoon. It was greener, less populated and quieter. Here, you couldn't move or breathe.

You couldn't live.

Etro... She felt so homesick lately.

The sound of someone knocking on the driver's side window startled her. She realized Lightning stood there, her fingers drumming nonstop on the hood of the car, waiting impatiently for her to open the door, which was still locked.

Fang searched for the button... thingy, anything that would unlock that door. "Bloody hell," she grumbled. Damn Cocoon and it's technology! She finally found it and slammed her palm on it

Lightning took place behind the wheel and handed Fang a plastic bag. "Didn't you hear me knock?"

"Sorry but my car's not as high tech as yours," the Pulsian said. "Where are we goin'?"

The hint of sarcasm didn't go unnoticed by Lightning but she chose to ignore it. "You'll see."

While they waited at the tollgate again for their transport, it had started to rain. Despite the airship being huge, they were cramped in the Fuselage with other cars. Fang felt so confined she had difficulty breathing. She gritted her teeth.

"Are you okay?" Lightning asked, concerned by the Pulsian's unusual silence.

"How long do we have to stay in this airship of yours?" Fang's speech sounded robotic.

"Not long just a few minutes. Waiting at the tollgate is what sucks the most."

"Good. Talk to me."

"What?"

"Just talk to me. Nothing specific."

"But I don't know..."

"Just do it!"

Lightning looked at Fang. The brunette was a bit pale and she could see by the hard set of her jaw how tense she was.

"If you insist..."

And Lightning talked about her work while Fang listened. Well listened wasn't exactly it. She concentrated on the soldier's voice. The steady, slight huskiness mixed with softness that she loved so much was able to calm her nerves. After a few minutes, she didn't feel like her mind was going crazy.

Fang let out a long breath of relief when they got out of the airship and were on the road again. One thing was for sure, there was no way she would use that mode of transport in the future. Cocoonians and their need to fill every available space with people or things...

The ride was silent except for some rock music playing in the background. Fang watched the landscape slowly transform itself from anonymous grey buildings to thick forests and lush vegetation. She never imagined Cocoon could possess such beauty except for the town of Bodhum. And now this... She never thought there could be a gem of nature hidden on this Etro forsaken micro planet.

As for Lightning, she was totally absorbed by another kind of beauty. Fang had her head resting against the window, looking at the scenery passing before her eyes. The soldier couldn't stop looking at the brunette, who was completely oblivious to her scrutiny thank Eden.

She didn't realize she was driving in the opposite lane until she saw a car coming toward them. "Shit!" she muttered as she swerved smoothly to the right just in time.

And she was such a good driver that Fang never noticed. Damn it, she had to be more careful and concentrate on the road. She exhaled slowly and frowned, her train of thought going back to Fang. She wasn't sure what to make of her. She felt like she was on this big roller coaster of confused feelings. One minute she ached to be with her and the next, she had to get away. That Pulsian woman had some kind of mysterious power over her and she couldn't relax like she wished to when she was with her. It was like Fang had this damn ability to wrest the control of her emotions from her so she could make her do things she wouldn't normally do. Eden. She didn't know how she felt anymore but one thing was for sure, she wasn't indifferent to her dark-haired companion's presence.

Wait a minute. Was she falling in love? Because she didn't want to fall in love with Fang. She couldn't. To fall in love meant being vulnerable and being vulnerable meant getting hurt. Besides, love transformed intelligent human beings into weak-minded people. Serah and Snow were proof enough, especially when they looked at each other for long lasting minutes with stupid smiles on their faces. They oozed so much feelings it sickened her. They got each other's heart in the palm of their hands, ready to have it crushed at any moment and they didn't mind!

Well, there was only one explanation to that.

They were weak; period. And Lightning wasn't weak. By Eden no. She wouldn't let herself be controlled by cheesy feelings of love and she certainly wouldn't let a Pulsian pull the strings.

Now that this minor irritant had been taken care of, she could enjoy the rest of her day.

An hour later, the car stopped in a clearing, which had been developed into a parking space. When Fang stepped out of the vehicle, she noticed the rain hadn't stopped, much to her disappointment.

"We might as well head back to town," she said while looking at the dark clouds looming over them. "I don't think it'll stop anytime soon."

Fang got no answer. When she turned around, Lightning was already a good walking distance ahead of her. The brunette stood there like a statue, the rain soaking her to the bone. Then she snapped out of it and ran after Lightning. She slowed down her pace and walked beside her, matching her strides with those of the soldier's.

"Where are you goin'?" she asked as she took the umbrella from her so they would be both protected from the rain.

"You'll see."

"Alright..."

The weather was depressing. It was more suited for staying home and have a nice nap than for taking a quiet stroll in the woods.

The cold humidity crept into Fang's clothes, making her shiver. "Seriously what are we doin' here?"

Lightning sighed, a bit aggravated by Fang's impatience. "Just stop talking and follow me," she said taking back her umbrella from the Pulsian's hands.

Fang didn't reply and the soldier was glad she had decided to shut up for once.

They walked in silence. The pitter-patter of the rain was the only sound they could hear for miles around. Then Lightning stopped near a round... transparent bubble - that's the only term Fang could come up with - and touched it. In a few seconds the rain stopped pouring, the clouds vanished and got replaced by a clear blue sky. Phoenix's rays bathed the trees with its warm light, making the forest look incredibly alive.

Lightning closed her umbrella and resumed her walk. It's when she didn't hear Fang's footsteps that she realized she was alone.

She stopped and turned around. "Are you coming?"

Fang still stood in front of the device, completely slack-jawed. "By Etro... You Cocoonians are real control freaks."

"It has its uses. Come on I want to show you something."

"But..."

Lightning took a few steps forward when she heard thunder rumble in the distance. Heavy rain soon followed. She opened her umbrella again to avoid getting soaked but it stopped as suddenly as it had started and then the sun shone bright again.

She closed it then dark clouds appeared overhead and the rain started pouring down once more. "What the..?"

She turned around while opening her umbrella for the second time then frowned. Fang had this idiot smile on her face as she kept touching the bubble over and over, messing with the weather regulator.

"Will you stop?!"

Fang startled and put her hands behind her back, her face as innocent as a child's. "What?"

"This isn't a toy! What if you break it?"

"Alright, chill will ya?" Fang replied. She sighed loudly and touched it for the last time, letting the sun's rays dry the land.

She caught up with a very aggravated pink-haired woman. "Aw come on. Don't make that face."

"You're such a child Fang."

"And you're no fun."

"Whatever."

When they arrived at their destination, Fang was in for a surprise. They stood on a cliff, surrounded by tall grass and wild flowers of every imaginable color. Below them, patches of green stretched as far as the eye could see. There was even a beach strip of pure white sand on their right. Deep blue waves flapped calmly onto the shore. The sight took her breath away. Was she really on Cocoon? The area reminded her of Gran Pulse so much, she got misty eyed.

"Wow... I didn't think such a spot could exist on Cocoon," Fang said in awe.

"This is where I come when I need to get away from it all."

That soldier woman was definitely full of surprises. Fang pegged her more the type who felt at home among concrete and glass buildings and not one who enjoyed the outdoors.

Fang cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. "What's the name of the place?" She hoped her voice didn't betray how moved she was.

"Sunleth Waterscape. We call it 'the Jewel of Cocoon' because it's the last natural reserve that hasn't been tampered with by man. Come on, let's eat."

They found a boulder to sit on. Lightning climbed first followed by Fang. The soldier woman rummaged in the bag she had brought and fished out two sandwiches and two bottles of water. She handed both to Fang.

"Thanks. Where did you get this?" the Pulsian asked, taking the bottle and sandwich tentatively. She was grateful for the thoughtful gesture but based on her last experience with Cocoon food, she was apprehensive about how it would taste like. It would probably be like eating cardboard.

"I bought it online while I handed you my card on Eden. Don't worry I asked for all the spices they could get so it wouldn't taste bland to you," Lightning said, before taking a bite.

Had she read her mind? The look of surprise on Fang's face was priceless and Lightning almost choked on a piece of bread. She washed it down with lots of water and was able to save face. The brunette unwrapped her sandwich then sniffed it before taking a small bite. She was ready for the worst but contrary to what she expected, it was very tasty and with just the right amount of salt.

"Hey this is good!" Fang exclaimed, her mouth full. "What is it?"

A ghost of a smile etched on Lightning's lips. "Just a ham sandwich."

They ate the rest of their meal in silence, both admiring the scenery. It was calm and peaceful. The only sound was the chirping of birds in the trees. For a while, Fang completely forgot she was on Cocoon. It was like being back on Gran Pulse again.

"So are there other natural reserves like this Sun... Sun Water...?"

"Sunleth Waterscape," Lightning corrected as she took their plastic wraps and empty bottles and put them back into the bag. "Unfortunately no. Well not as wild as this one if that's what you wonder. The natural parks we have are tended by robotic gardeners who follow orders given by a Fal'Cie. The fauna and flora are carefully chosen to resist disease and drought. Everything is controlled."

"You don't say...," Fang mumbled. Ever since her arrival on Cocoon, she had noticed how its people loved order to the point of obsession. There seemed to be no place even for a little bit of spontaneity in their lives. It was almost like it was considered chaos for them.

"Compared to other parks, Sunleth Waterscape's wildlife is still pretty much the same as it was centuries ago. No DNA samples have been taken and mixed with nanotechnology to create bio-weapons by the Sanctum like they did for Gappra Whitewood. A lot of civilians didn't want this place to end up in the hands of the military. After much protest from the people, Eden made its decision known by issuing a decree stating this area would be protected."

Fang felt sorry for those Cocoonians. They lived in a world that was so artificial, so aseptic, where everything was regularized. Of course Gran Pulsians had their own Fal'Cie but they were not control freaks like the ones on Cocoon. They gave a little boost now and then but overall, they let nature take its course.

Fang stretched a bit. "If you like that spot you'd love Gran Pulse. You can travel Archylte Steppe riding a wild Chocobo or take a swim in the clear waters of Sulyya Springs."

Lighting looked at the dark-haired woman and raised a pink eyebrow. "Really... And how is it on Pulse?"

"Gran Pulse for Anima's sake," Fang said, a hint of annoyance in her voice. "It's untamed. Its savage beauty is breathtaking and living there makes you feel incredibly alive."

"Sounds like a beautiful place..."

"It's beyond beautiful."

The soldier sighed. The way Fang talked about her home world, Cocoon seemed so boring, so dull in comparison. She probably couldn't wait to go back there. As soon as her father's health improved, she would leave for sure.

Lightning crossed her arms under her breasts, her mood darkened by Fang's enthusiasm when she described her planet. "How are you adapting to life on Cocoon?" she asked nonchalantly.

Fang's face became sombre. "Some days are better than others..."

"It's not like what you expected?"

"Honestly, I didn't expect anything when mum asked me to join them for dad's sake. But I came reluctantly. I was happy in Oerba. I trained with the other villagers and life was simple and peaceful. When I arrived here, it was quite a shock," she replied in a low voice.

"And since you've been here, you're not happy...," Lightning stated, unable to hide her disappointment.

The brunette frowned, trying to find the right words that would convey her feelings. "It's not that. Life is very different here compared to the one I'm used to on Gran Pulse. Cocoonians are... fast. Too fast for me sometimes. They live in their own bubble and they're so busy it's like they don't take the time to stop and enjoy the moment."

Lightning nodded. "You feel homesick."

Fang sighed. " I guess I am. I miss my people, my former way of life and nature."

It was obvious to Lightning that Fang couldn't wait to go back to Pulse. If she'd had suspicions before asking her, now she had her answer. It was a good thing she had decided to fight that moment of weakness that had gripped her in the car and stop her budding feelings for the woman who sat next to her. She just had to stay in control and with time, they would die and she would be free, though not without pain. But she knew pain and was used to it. She just had to be patient.

"I'm sure your father will be back on his feet in no time."

Fang nodded briskly. "In the meantime, I can always come here when I need to escape the city life."

"If you're brave enough to drive that is," Lightning said, a hint of mischief in her voice.

The Pulsian inched herself closer. "Then I guess you'll have to be my driver," she purred.

For a few seconds, the soldier thought about all the naughty possibilities Sunleth Waterscape offered. Nature and nakedness sure made a nice combination... She blushed heavily.

"Anyway for what it's worth, thanks for bringing me here. It's a little piece of paradise."

Lightning was so caught up in different sexual scenarios she hadn't heard what Fang had said.

"What?" she said blinking stupidly. To hell with the blushing; it was too late anyway.

Fang took Lightning's hands in hers. "Thank you for today."

To see Fang smile made Lightning feel like the happiest woman in the world. She wouldn't mind going through the same day - heavy rain and being soaked through the bone included - if she could see that smile again.

She cleared her throat and stood up. "Don't mention it."

They spent the rest of the afternoon strolling leisurely around Sunleth Waterscape. Fang felt deep contentment and she couldn't ask for more. For a while, she could forget the burdens that plagued her. She could put aside her worries regarding her father's health, her difficulty of adapting to her life on this micro planet, and her future. For a few hours, she could enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the park in Lightning's company.

She slowed down her pace so she fell a bit behind the Cocoonian to get an eyeful. The light breeze blew her pink hair as she walked slowly but resolutely along the path. Fang realized that even after a few months, she didn't know the woman who walked ahead of her. Oh she knew her physically. She knew the right spots to touch to make her shiver and what do to make her come. It was during sex that they connected the most. About her personality she knew she was quiet, strong, enigmatic and very hard to figure out. But other than that, Lightning was a complete mystery to her. She was like a chest where you needed a special key. When Fang had found the right key to unlock it and was able to lift the lid up, another chest was inside the first one and she had to start all over again. It was challenging and the reward would surely be worth it in the end but it could be exhausting at times.

"What are you doing? You're lagging behind," Lightning's voice disturbed Fang's train of thought.

Fang hadn't realized she had stopped in the middle of the path. "Comin'!," she jogged to catch up with the blonde who by the look on her face, was clearly annoyed now.

"We have to hurry and get back to the car before the sun sets. It's not safe to stay here after dark; dangerous animals roam around and I don't want to spend the rest of my day battling my way to the parking lot."

Fang smirked. "Could be fun though."

"Another time maybe."

Fang chuckled at Lightning's reply. "Honestly Light, I didn't think you were the type who liked to be outside."

"That's because you don't know me."

But I would love to, Fang thought.

On their way back, Fang saw the weather bubble again. To touch or not to touch? Oh the temptation... She looked at Lightning and smirked as she brushed the device then resumed her stroll.

Thunder rumbled in the distance and this time, Fang had the umbrella.

"Brilliant Fang, just brilliant," Lightning grumbled as she wrung the hem of her soaked T-shirt over the sink. "You couldn't help yourself, right? You had to do it."

"Aw come on! It's just water."

Lightning stared at her reflection. Her pink hair usually straight on one side and curly on the other was now plastered on her skull. "Yeah? And what about that? It's completely ruined!"

"May I remind you that we're in the same boat? And Sunshine, nothin' could ruin your hair even if I dumped the whole of Lake Bresha on your head."

Lightning slowly turned round and her eyes became slits. If she had been able to kill Fang with her glare, the brunette would be lying on the floor.

"Alright, alright!" Fang said, her palms outward. "Let me make it up to ya. How about I run you a nice hot bath."

Lightning tapped her index finger on her lips, pondering Fang's suggestion. "That offer is acceptable but I also want a massage. I mean the hair is a big issue you know."

"Deal. Then get undressed and I'll take care of it."

A few minutes later, Lightning closed her eyes and let out a sigh of contentment as she leaned back in the bathtub. She was really glad she had accepted Fang's offer. That bubble bath was pure bliss and she could easily forgive Fang's immature behaviour earlier.

She heard movement on her left. "Where are you going?" she inquired, her eyes still closed.

"I'll let you enjoy your bath. I'll take a shower when you're done."

"No you're not. You take off your clothes and you share this wonderful bubble bath with me."

It wasn't a request but more like an order and that kind of order brought a smile to Fang's lips. "Well if you put it that way..."

Lightning's eyes were wide open now. She watched eagerly as Fang got rid of her damp clothes. She clenched at the sight of the brunette's naked body as she walked slowly toward the bath tub and took place behind her. Eden she was so sexy! If she wasn't that tired, she wouldn't have minded a quickie. She shook her head. How much she wanted that Pulsian woman was beyond her comprehension. Another of Fang's abilities no doubt. She leaned back against Fang's chest and let out a trembling sigh as her eyes fluttered shut. It was quiet and time stood still. Lightning felt at peace in Fang's arms. Usually, she could only find solace in Serah's company. They could spend hours without talking, just enjoying each other's presence. And now, she felt the same way but with another person. She felt she belonged there and it was disconcerting.

Fang was in heaven. She caressed the pink-haired woman's forearm leisurely and noticed she had some freckles here and there. Fang was amazed at the contrast of their skin tone. Lightning was so fair compared to her, she'd probably turn as red as a Flan if she stayed too long under the harsh sun of Gran Pulse. The thought made her smile. She sensed Lightning's desire but also the wish to relax and just enjoy the moment. In a way she was glad they could be naked without having the urge to jump each other when the occasion arose. For her, it meant there could be something more than just sex. Oh she wanted the woman, there was no mistake about it. In fact, she wanted her all the time. Sex was good with Lightning; Etro it was the best she ever had. But she was tired of behaving like a Gorgonopsid chasing its own tail like her father said. The woman leaning against her chest reminded her that she didn't want to screw this up like she did with the others before her. For now, she just enjoyed the moment. It gave her hope that maybe with time and patience, Lightning would let her in. But Fang wasn't a patient woman and she knew she would have to work hard to tame that side of her. But for the first time in her life, she was willing to try.

"Hey..."

Lightning was so relaxed, she was getting sleepy. "Hmmm?"

"As you know, it's my weekly family dinner tomorrow. Would you like to join me?"

Fang felt Lightning tense in her arms.

Family dinner meant exactly that. Meeting the family and as far as Lightning was concerned, Fang and her were not dating. "I'm not much of a people person."

"Well, your presence would really be helpful for two reasons. First, last time my dad said to bring you over because he'd like to meet you thanks to Vanille's big mouth. And second, I need her off my back."

"Believe me I know how that feels like. Serah talks too much too."

"Then you know if you accompany me, I'll be able to show everyone we're not official and Vanille will shut her trap and get off my case once and for all. Come on Light..."

Lightning yawned. Damn that hot water and that supple body cradling her. She was too comfortable.

"Sure."

Fang let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks. I owe you one and besides, it won't be so bad. My family is pretty laid back so you should fit right in and..."

Fang stopped talking and smiled tenderly when she heard light snores coming out of the soldier's mouth.

Well I'll be damned, she thought. I could really get used to this.

She kissed the top of Lightning's head. "Sleep well Sunshine."