“Are you still alive, girl?†The voice was deep, dark, but soothing.“Blink if you even understand me so I can be on my way.†This can’t be him… If it is, this is the opposite way we’re supposed to meet… Aveline tried to speak but found herself unable to; how did this man know she wouldn’t be able to verbally communicate with him right now? Turning her head up toward the figure as well as she could, where she thought his eyes would be… and blinked with her open eye. One small, emotionless laugh fell from the man’s lips. “You’re SOLDIER.†It wasn’t a question, but a statement that sounded as if it was barely worth his time to speak. Aveline tried to nod, but couldn’t. Instead, she tried to let her eye adjust enough to see the man’s face. She only heard rumors of what his actual appearance was, but… all she needed was a glimpse, and she would know. “Sh-†she began, desperate to speak to this man. “S-how… me… your… face.†There was a pause after she spoke, and for a second Aveline thought that the man was going to turn and leave her on the muddy pavement to die. Then, very slowly, he knelt down in front of her. Aveline heard the bending and crunching of used, hardened leather. A long strand of hair brushed her face, tickling her fractured nose painfully. Aveline held her breath when her eye focused on the man’s face, and, more importantly, his eyes: bright, shining, and dilated, full of teal-green, Mako energy. Sephiroth. “I’m looking… for you,†Aveline spoke, clearing her throat to make herself more audible, unaware of the blood and spit that came out of her mouth. The man just stared at her, his glow-in-the-dark eyes slowly scanning her nearest injuries. “I don’t know you… and I don’t think I’d like to, either.†Lightning sighed, shutting her eyes for a moment. She knew Zack was right; at this point they'd over-stayed their welcome at this bar. "Fine, let's go," she snapped, "And you," she added, looking over at the SOLDIER she still didn't know the name of still. "Don't ever talk to me again, understand?"
Taralynn tried not to giggle at Jack's question, almost unable to contain her excitement and pride for herself. She reached into the pocket of her bag and pulled out the slip of parchment she had written the spells on. "I found multiple enchantments that could work," she whispered, even though there weren't very many people around them in the Great Hall. "I can take care of whatever ghost you want tonight."
Claire Claire nodded, glad he was keeping the conversation going; yes, she wanted to learn more about him, but she wasn't good with talking. How was she supposed to go about this process of becoming close with someone, when, any second, she could burst into tears and hate herself enough to just lay down and die? So far, however, she was doing well... as long as nothing bad happened. "I looked around a bit before you got here," she spoke, leading the way out of the kitchen. "There's really not much to it, but... I guess it could be called home."
Aveline tried to catch her breath sometime later, but one more man landed a solid kick to the back of her head, slamming her bruised face back down into the puddle on the pavement. She choked out the grimy water that she’d pulled into her lungs, grimacing when she saw, through her one good eye, that she’d stained the puddle a dark red already. “Shinra bitch,” she dully heard the man growl as the rest of the group began to leave. She managed to lift her head, ready to respond just as angrily, but the man spat in her face, blinding her good eye that wasn’t swollen shut. Aveline cried out and found her head in the bloody puddle again, sputtering. Her skinned palms stung, her head was pounding, and she was pretty sure one of her knees was broken. Her split lip was still leaking blood into her mouth, and her daggers lay on the ground ten feet from her. She’d never been afraid before, or even close to terrified, but right now she felt vulnerable… and that was worse than anything else. You think you’re good enough to be in a rank like him, do you? she thought to herself viciously as she coughed more blood onto the ground. Third class SOLDIER girl can’t even handle herself in a street fight with a bunch of drunks, and you think you’re good enough to be second… even first? The problem is you don’t know what you want, and apart from your girlish, completely illogical obsession with the best man in SOLDIER alive, you’ve got nothing. “That’s not true,” she rasped aloud, defying her own logical thoughts. Her voice sounded as ripped and bruised as the rest of her body, and the fact that she was even talking to and arguing with herself verified the head injuries she had sustained. “I’m better than this… better than everyone…” “It doesn’t look like it from here. In fact, you’re quite pathetic.” Aveline tried to raise her head to see who had just spoken; she did not recognize the voice. Her battered hand reached instinctively toward her dagger sheaths, but her hands couldn’t reach the next set down. In her small field of vision that she could comprehend, all she could see was a very tall figure with broad, armored shoulders. The face was completely hidden in shadow, but Aveline barely glimpsed a glint of silver in the man’s long hair… her breath caught in her throat, and her coughing ceased for a moment. No way… seriously? she thought, her good eye widening in shock and disbelief. Here… now… like this…? This can’t be happening.
We had a good time, even though it was very embarrassing '^^ but yeah... anything for Chris :)
Aveline began walking out on her own; yes, it was late, and yes, she probably should have at least one person with her, her wounds still healing, but she refused. She had been chastising herself all day that she wasn’t as strong as she needed to be, that third class SOLDIER was just a joke for her, that she only actually got the position because her father had bribed the exam men with promotions and money to get her as far as she had gone… She caught herself this time, almost stopping her steps as she abruptly halted her thoughts of self-loathing. Aveline forced herself to focus, on the one idea that mattered; the one bit of information that she had obtained about Sephiroth: Sector 4 slums. Aveline felt her heart skip a beat when she recalled the information; all that she’d heard about Shinra’s number one SOLDIER member had been nothing but praise and admiration for his skills, both in and off the battlefield. No, he was not a political man at all, and no, no one knew where he came from or why he was even part of SOLDIER… but that didn’t matter to Aveline; all she knew was she wanted to meet this man, and figure out everything she could about him… and if that made her insane or stupid (or both) she did not care. Suddenly, breaking her concentration, a male voice rung out behind her: “Hey, honey! Where are you headed this late?” Aveline nearly jumped, but kept her cool; following her training, she spun on the spot, lower to the ground in case the speaker was just behind her, pulling two daggers from her boots as she completed the turn, left blade by her face in defense and right blade out in front of her to attack. There were five men behind her, all of various shapes and sizes, clothed in all black. Aveline swallowed; three she could take with minimal damage, but five or more? She was in trouble. The man who had spoken chuckled now, pointing at her battle stance. He was the largest of the group, with darker skin and hair. He looked back at the four men behind him before speaking again: “See, I told you I saw ‘em, even in this light; she’s got those SOLDIER eyes.” Aveline gritted her teeth, staring straight at the man. “What the hell do you idiots want?” she snapped. The man’s chuckle broke into a laugh. “You’re SOLDIER; part of those bureaucratic Shinra bitches… right? How the hell does a girl like you get involved with that fake, useless government shit?” “Move out of my way,” Aveline replied smoothly, straightening the trajectory of her dagger directly at the man’s throat. “Or die.” Before she knew what happened, one of the men behind the leader rushed forward, catching her in the gut with his fist. Aveline absorbed the blow as best as she could, but it still slowed her down; her attacker dodged her impaired right strike, her blade hardly cutting through his shirt. She felt the presence of another man behind her and spun with both daggers out; they made contact, a good two inches deep in the next attacker’s thigh, stopping him from grabbing her around the waist. “Grab her!” the leader of the group shouted at the two remaining men that hadn’t rushed her yet. Aveline crouched, propping a dagger on each bent knee, nodding her head at the men to come at her. Her cockiness didn’t faze them at all, though, and a moment later she had only managed to land one stab into one man stomach. She yanked the entire five inch blade out as they pulled her arms behind her back. The man she’d stabbed kicked her knee hard, and, above the raucous, Aveline still heard something pop as a blinding pain shot in front of her eyes, temporarily blinding her. Unable to support herself for a moment, the men held her up as the leader walked in front of her. “You know why this is happening, right?” he started, folding his arms over his chest. “You Shinra people think you run everything; all that gil you earn, and what your trainers get paid to turn you into little robot-fighting machines… that’s dirty blood money. Don’t you understand what life is for us, down here in the slums, because of you?” Aveline opened her mouth to answer, but the man swung his arm at her face, catching the left side of her head. She cried out for the first time, blood spilling from her fractured nose and mouth. The next blow was a rough slap that caught her lower jaw, splitting her lip. She was dimly aware in her ringing head that the leader had motioned for the men holding her arms to let go. He caught her by the front of her shirt, kneeing her in the gut. Aveline felt her left eye swelling shut, and found it hard to focus on anything. He slapped her daggers from her hands, disarming her easily. He grunted when he lifted her as high in the air as he could and threw her away from him. She caught herself on the rough pavement, skinning her hands down badly. Aveline landed in a dirty puddle of old rain water, covering one side of her face in mud and grime. OOC: I'll wait for Arch and Jeffrey to post before I continue with Lightning; I feel that Zack and Cloud have been quiet for a little too long at this point ;)
Claire Claire somehow, inexplicably, found herself smiling again. It was so odd for her, to be standing so close to someone, to be so damn nervous, her heart beating so fast, her throat dry with anticipation... but actually smiling. She was the first to break their eye contact, swallowing the fact that she was amazed he didn't want to leave the room and never see her again. "It's that obvious, huh?" she began quietly, staring at the simmering kettle. "How nervous I am, I mean... but, really." She cut off the thought for a moment, and shook her head to try and physically get her sad, oppressive ideas out of her head. "We should talk more about ourselves, I guess. This is kind of like... a very odd, awkward first date, isn't it?" Claire blushed again, but not from embarrassment; he seemed to like her so far, and that had to be a good thing.
Aveline rolled her shoulder slowly, testing the way her arm moved. Most of the pain was already gone, and she could tell the bleeding had stopped. She was about to turn and step toward the door when her father spoke: "You know you're being watched," he said, just loud enough for her to hear. "They won't miss what you're doing... and, if you make another 'mistake' like what you've just done, you will not come home alive." Aveline sighed, though fear did rise in her throat at the severity of his words. "Thanks, dad," she muttered. The next time I see you, she thought viciously, turning and walking as swiftly as she could out of the house, I won't be the one dying. Lightning flushed furiously, taking a step back, her hand going behind her back to rest on the handle of her sword. She didn't want to draw it in front of everyone here, but this boy was pushing her too far. She glanced over her shoulder at Zack and Cloud, and knew for a fact that Zack wouldn't approve of her beating this kid senseless in the middle of the bar. "You're SOLDIER," she accused angrily, her hands still held in tight fists. "What the hell do you want?"
Aveline frowned, confused. Why would her father help her? Did he just want to know what her plans were, what she was trying to accomplish this evening? She thought it through in her head as she always did: If I explain to him what I'm trying to do, he could get upset enough to have me discharged from SOLDIER and disowned by the family forever... yet... if I only tell him what he needs to know, maybe I can get away with this. "It's Sephiroth," Aveline began quietly, trying to keep her tone of voice steady. "I need details about his last known whereabouts." Her father looked at her for a split second, no emotion on his face, and then dialed a number on his phone, silently putting it to his ear as it rang. Aveline waited, a fresh, nervous sweat breaking out on her palms and forehead. Her father spoke quietly into the receiver, nodding his head once... twice... and a third time. He shut the phone a moment later and slid it back into his pocket. He looked at her for a few seconds, and Aveline swallowed, hoping her face was neutral enough. "Sector 4 slums," her father said quietly, his eyes on the fire in the fireplace. The way the warm glow reflected off his pale skin and silver hair gave him a sickly look, but Aveline was not fooled; she knew how strong her father was, both politically and physically... yet she was amazed he was giving her this information. "As of the last 24 hours." Aveline felt her heart skip a beat as she took in the few, vital words her father had said. She nodded her said slowly in thanks, knowing that if she spoke there was nothing she could say that wouldn't sound stupid or conceited to him. Excitement raced through her entire body, her healing wounds forgotten; she had the lead she wanted, and there was no way she was going to let his opportunity slip through her fingers. Fuck going out tomorrow night, she thought, rising from her chair. I'm leaving now, before anything else can happen. I'm finding him tonight. Lightning blinked, a little surprised at the man's eyes. SOLDIER? she thought quickly, confused. There's no way a cocky loser like this is SOLDIER... but those eyes... She balled her hands into fists, irritation turning into anger; his attitude is ridiculous. Lightning stood suddenly, taking one step to fill the space between her and the newcomer. One swift, sharp swing later, her right fist collided with the side of his head, knocking him off his bar stool to the dirty floor. She stood over him, her hand stinging slightly but ready for another punch if necessary. "You're SOLDIER and you throw yourself around like that, like how you act doesn't even matter?" she hissed angrily. Several people behind her were protesting to her behavior, including a very scared bartender, but she ignored them. She was tempted to kick him a few times, maybe break a rib or two to get her full point across, but then thought better of it. "It's embarrassing, acting so arrogant in front of all these people. If you want trouble, you've got it, kid; and it's a hell of a lot more than you can handle, trust me."
Claire Claire frowned, cocking her head to the side, a little confused; was he really as nervous as she was? So we have something in common, she thought, trying to seem hopeful. I mean... that's how things start, right; having things you can talk about? She put down the tea cup she was holding and reached out slowly, squeezing his outstretched hand. She let go a moment later, blushing. "It is... uh, odd," she began, turning to face the stove and turn on the burner so he couldn't see her face. "The situation we're in, I mean. But, you seem to understand. It's nice to... have someone that gets it, if that makes sense." She wanted to keep her head down, to stay hidden from his gaze, but she wanted to see his reaction to her words. Claire turned her head slowly, the shorter layers of her hair falling away from her eyes so she could see him properly. Was that too much? she thought worriedly. I mean, he doesn't want to take care of me or make me happy or anything like that yet... it must have been too much, you stupid girl. He's so... nice, and you just blew it.
Claire Claire nodded at his short, easy sentences; yes, his smile seemed genuine, and yes, she wanted to try, but... she didn't trust him yet. In fact... she'd never trusted anyone in her life before, so... why should this be any different? You're useless, she found herself saying in her head, the unintended, usual self-torture crushing down on her. It's true, little Claire; you can't do anything right, you never have. Look at him; he knows you're nuts. If you even go in that kitchen and try to play your happy family you'll do something wrong; you'll break a tea cup, you'll say something stupid, you'll just start weeping for no reason. Don't kid yourself; go upstairs and be alone. Stay there and be the piece of shit you are. I know it sucks, but... it's just like your father said: that's all you were meant to be in life. Claire squinted, her face contorting in the effort to push back her typical thoughts. Oh, she wanted to do as she'd told herself, and she knew it all was true, but she couldn't. She had to fight it, to make it better, without all the doctors and the pills and the torture from her family. It was just her now... her and Jaden. She swallowed, and, against her own will, headed into the tiny kitchen. "So," she started slowly, hoping she didn't sound like she was about to cry from her mental struggle. It was easy enough to find what she needed for the tea despite not knowing her way around the place. "You're... how old? Did your parents... do this to you, too?" She cleared her throat, wanting to try and sound interested.
Aveline tenderly touched her left arm, lightly running her fingers over the bandages, trying to ignore how her hands trembled; speaking to her father scared her, no matter what the conversation was. "Where were you this evening?" her father asked, responding to her question with another inquiry, as if what she said hadn't mattered or even been heard. "It's embarrassing, coming home like you just did." "I got in over my head," Aveline explained resentfully, not wanting to explain too much. "I made a mista-" Her father reached swiftly across the distance between their chairs and slapped her hard across the side of her face, cutting off the rest of her words. "You do not make mistakes. As SOLDIER, you should never turn up somewhere like this, especially your home. This will no longer be your home if this happens again. Do you understand, girl?" Aveline barely felt the sting on her cheek; she was used to it. Cracking her neck slightly before looking back at her father, the only emotion she felt was anger: she hated him, and he hated her... it was just a matter of who would stand by the end of it. "Yes," Aveline muttered in response, hoping her animosity was clear in her eyes. Her father reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone, shifting the silver block between each of his hands, holding her eye contact. "Now..." he began quietly, "what were you looking tonight?" Aveline's heart skipped a beat and she broke her father's gaze, looking down at the floor. "It was..." she began slowly, thinking fast about how she could explain herself without causing too much trouble. "Tell me what it is," her father continued monotonously, flipping open the cover of his cell phone. "And we can get whatever it is you need now so you don't have to continue embarrassing the entire family." Lightning tried not to roll her eyes at Zack's typical response; she was used to it by now, but she still felt his enthusiasm irritating at moments. The newcomer, however, that none of them knew, wasn't going to be so lucky. Not giving Cloud a chance to respond to her harsh speech, she turned in her seat, glaring: "What's your problem?" she snapped. "I don't know you, and you're not welcome in our conversation. Unless you want trouble, you should probably leave... now."
Aveline stumbled home, looking up at the windows of her family's three-story, white-walled, spotless home. She despised how flashy it was, how her father felt it was necessary to display their wealth so prominently for others to see. Aveline sighed; none of the lights were on, so hopefully everyone was asleep. She just wanted to go inside, get any potions and medical wraps she could find, and go to bed. Opening the large, heavy front door as quietly as she could, Aveline stepped in and tiptoed through the empty foyer, grimacing at the echo of her footsteps on the high, arched ceilings. So far so good, she thought as she rounded the bend into the sitting room, which was a little bit lighter than the entrance; the walls were made of glass here to show off the view of Midgar, lit by moonlight now. Aveline made her way to a cabinet on the far side of the sitting room, where she knew she could find something for her arm. Her hand was on the knob when she heard a deep voice behind her: "You're bleeding on my rugs, you stupid girl." Aveline jumped, her heart in her throat, and spun to see her father sitting in one of the wing-backed, ornately carved armchairs by the fire. He was clothed all in black, his silver hair slicked back behind his ears at a severe angle. His arms were crossed over his chest, his eyes glaring hatefully at her. "Have them cleaned, then," Aveline snapped in return, though she knew it was not the best idea to rebuttal in such a disrespectful way. Nevertheless, she turned her back on him and opened the cabinet... and sighed with relief: there were four potions on the second shelf, next to a small wooden box she knew contained bandages and wraps that she desperately needed. "Take what you need and sit down, Aveline," her father began, and stood up, walking over to the fireplace to light it. A moment later the sitting room was full of a warm, crackling glow, but Aveline felt none of it in her heart; she knew her father did not care about her injuries or her well-being... he wanted to know what had happened and if it pertained to Shinra. Aveline did as she was told, though, sitting in a chair next to her father's with her supplies. She uncorked and downed the potions in seconds, already starting to feel a little better. Her arm began to turn back to its original color, the charred skin and blistered, bleeding muscle on the open wound slowly healing back to normal. She quickly wrapped a long strip of gauze around the injury to protect it, covering that with a white cloth that she tied with one hand and her teeth at the top of her bicep. "Why are you up?" she began once she was finished patching herself up. It was odd for her father to be awake this late, and no one ever waited for her. She did not expect an answer, but since he started the conversation, Aveline thought she'd at least try. Lightning shut her eyes for a moment; it was not the first time she'd been asked a question like that. Her answer was the same as usual: "I'm SOLDIER so I can fight," she began, her tone dark, strong, and resolute. She looked over at Cloud when she spoke, lowering her voice because she didn't really want the intrusive newcomer to hear. "I fight for all the people that can't protect themselves; whatever Shinra tells us to do, I do it; I have my targets and I take care of them. You, Cloud..." she paused, considering whether she should break the boy's heart or not... and then continued: "I can tell, you've got so much emotion in you... and that's your downfall. You have to control your emotions and forget sympathy and regret. Me... I fight because I can focus on my ultimate goal, shut out everything else. That's what it means to be SOLDIER."
Garxena has been busy with work for the last few days, and she is figuring out some plot details with a few new characters. I'm pretty sure she will post tonight for sure. Sorry for the delay, guys!! :)
Claire Claire gave him a small smile, though her heart sank; he knows there's something wrong with me; I wonder what they've told him already about me, about how crazy I am; I can see it in his eyes. Maybe he's just nervous, too, but... could he hate me already? But then she stopped for a moment, trying to fight the urge to run up the stairs and cry on the bed again: she did just smile. Claire couldn't remember the last time she had actually, consciously smiled; it felt like the muscles in her face weren't even used to the action. But, nonetheless, they had only exchanged a few sentences and she'd smiled. Maybe it's his voice... she thought, now loosening her grip on the wall and trying to stand more comfortably. Or his casual attitude; he doesn't seem crazy at all... no, he seems... fine. Normal, even, compared to me. I wonder if this could actually work. I mean, if he can make me smile so easily, who knows what else could happen? She cleared her throat, thinking quickly what to say to fill the awkward silence. "Yeah," she began uncertainly. "Well..." She paused again; she hadn't started a conversation or even cared to speak to someone in who knows how long. "I'm sure you want to... talk, right? I can make some tea, if you'd like." Claire motioned to the kitchen and the little table for two next to it. What that really the best idea? Maybe he doesn't want anything to do with me... which would be fine, but... She stopped her thoughts abruptly; there was no point criticizing herself... yet.
Claire Claire shifted suddenly, her latest breath catching in her throat; she'd heard a noise downstairs. He's here? she thought, her heart suddenly beating twice as fast. Right now? So soon? For some reason she thought that she'd have more time, to settle in and think of what to do, what to say before anything actually happened. She sat up quickly, rubbing her eyes and the tears off her face. Clearing her throat, she smoothed down her long, white-blonde hair. Go say hi, she told herself, but she only got as far as the edge of the bed. What was the point? No marriage started the way theirs did would actually work. She shook her head, trying to not think that way; give him a chance... just go downstairs and introduce yourself. Claire stood and made her way out of the bedroom, stepping down the stairs slowly, her heart racing. What's the matter with me? she mentally snapped at herself. Why on earth am I nervous? Plenty of people are married that don't love each other, that are "together forever" but never see each other. If we don't like each other, then it can still work... right? She peeked around the wall that separated the house's entrance from the living room, trying to be as quiet as possible. She swallowed when she saw him, his back to her, exploring his new home. "Ah," she began, and then blushed: her voice was hoarse and cracked from crying and staying silent for so long. She gripped the wall, her knuckles white. "Jaden, right? I'm Claire. What do you think of... the house?" She hated the way her voice sounded, how stupid her words were. He's already going to hate me... what kind of a question is that? She immediately diverted her eyes to the floor, waiting for his response.
Aww you sure? :( Don't wanna give it some more time and see what happens?
Claire Early, as always; they were that eager to get me out of there, I guess. A half-empty family is now rid of their pessimistic side; they can be whole now that I’m gone. Claire was alone on the bed of her new home, lying on her back, staring at the ceiling; she had not bothered to unpack her things, nor did she much care to. She would get whatever she needed when it was necessary. She had noticed the bags and suitcases that weren’t hers at the base of the stairs when she’d come in the house, but had only looked at them for a moment; all she wanted was to lay down and try to sort out her thoughts. Right now, she was recalling the events of this morning: her parents saying goodbye to her, waking her and sending her out much earlier than they needed to. Mother was almost in tears, yet Father was stone cold, she thought, almost crying herself at that mere recollection. She tried very hard to love me, for twenty-one years… yet I could never return it; there was no point, no real reason… I mean, we all die, don’t we; it all ends so soon anyway, right? What’s the point? I’m not crazy; I just see things differently than others. Claire blinked, one tear falling down the length of her cheekbone and into her long hair, spread out on the pillow beneath her. Father, on the other hand… he had relief in his eyes; finally being rid of me released a great burden from his shoulders. I can just see him at home now, cleaning out my old room, a bright smile on his face, a spring in his step, planning a beautiful, long-awaited vacation with Mother… She sighed miserably, knowing it was for the best; Claire was better here, on her own, by herself, in an empty room. Yet… I’m not alone, she mentally remembered, the rest of the situation sinking back in. He’s with me now… my… husband. Hell, I know I’m twenty-one and he’s not much younger but still… so suddenly, still practically kids ourselves? And he obviously isn’t right in the head, either, getting dragged into this odd life with me. Jaden, was it? I wonder what he looks like, how tall he is… yet… how could any boy want to be with someone like me? I’m boring, can’t function around any other people, and certainly don’t comprehend love. Claire swallowed, a small sob escaping her lips. As usual, the sadness came over her like a wave, a dark, suffocating blanket she couldn’t control and didn’t have the strength to resist or throw off. No; giving in was her only option. “Oh, God,” she whispered aloud to herself, suddenly feeling hopeless. “What now?”
Aveline frowned, grinding her teeth in frustration. Quite an eventful night... all for nothing, she thought angrily. If that Turk doesn't know where he is, how am I supposed to find him? And the last thing she needed was to be watched and contacted by the Turks; she had to stay under the radar for what she wanted to do. "This is not my night," she muttered, even more upset that Reno was right: she did need to go home, stay put, find a potion or two, and rest. Aveline straightened her shoulders, ignoring the pain in her arm. She made her way slowly out of the bar, stepping over the rubble, not acknowledging anyone that spoke to or looked at her. It was getting pretty late now, and walking home on her own in the dark, injured, probably wasn't the smartest idea, but Aveline did it anyway; she was stubborn and her mind was set; the adrenaline and excitement of how close she'd gotten tonight, despite no information at all, made her even more determined. Tomorrow night, she thought, setting a goal in her mind, I will find what I'm looking for... even if it kills me. Lightning exhaled slowly, finishing her drink instead of speaking; Zack could keep in her line well enough, but one thing she couldn't stand, more than anything, was a cocky man. "You boys have high hopes," she muttered, hoping no one would really respond; she was on edge right now, and not in the mood for fooling around.
O.O "kiddo" is my special term of endearment for people i like! xD And I am older than you, silly boy! lol yeah i know it different, but that's...
