More than a Myth

How Long is Forever?

Lightning's eyes fluttered open. She yawned slightly, trying to recognize where she was. Her memories came rushing back as she realized her location. She lay on her side, her head resting on Noctis's shoulder. Make that his bare shoulder. And chest. And everything. She recalled the glorious night they spent together. If only it didn't end.
The soldier stared at her lover's face with a soft smile. His eyes were still closed. He appeared to be sleeping. The sun's rays shone through the black curtains of the Prince's room. It was clearly morning. Probably about eight or nine o'clock. Lightning began to sit up so she could get dressed. She didn't get very far. She was forcefully pulled back down onto the bed. A hand was firmly holding her naked waist. Noctis didn't open his eyes as he commanded, "Stay."
Lightning was tense at first, but gradually relaxed. "Clingy, aren't we?"
Noctis opened his eyes to look down at her. He didn't answer. He only smiled. He pulled her closer to him, not that they weren't close already. Lightning cuddled against his chest. Noctis said, "I'm not clingy. I just don't want you to go yet."
Lightning rolled her eyes. "That's being clingy."
Noctis huffed. "Call it what you want. You're not leaving yet."
"I'm a little cold. I'd rather..." She fumbled the next part since it sounded so peculiar to her. "Put my clothes back on."
Noctis smirked at her choice of words. It put pictures into his mind. "I'd be happy to keep you warm." Noctis wrapped both of his arms around her waist. He turned onto his side so he faced her. "How was it?"
Lightning had confusion in her tone. "How was what?"
"You know, last night."
Lightning blushed. "You totally forced me to do it."
"I couldn't help it."
Lightning buried her head into his chest. Noctis noticed that her happiness had faded. "Something wrong?"
Lightning thought about how he always used to ask that. She had been happy for so long that it was the first time she heard that question in a long time. "I'm just... worried."
"About what?"
She hesitated. "Was it...right?"
Noctis couldn't see her point. "What are you talking about?"
"What we did. Was it right?"
Noctis thought for a moment. "I think it was." Noctis' smile faded. "What about you?"
Lightning was silent. "I won't get mad, Light."
"Think of the consequences. Was it worth it?"
Noctis took her face in his hands. "I think so. You want to know why?" She nodded. "Because I know I'll never leave you. So no matter what comes out of it, whether it's a big deal or nothing happens at all, I'll be here by your side. Always and forever."
Lightning's smile returned. "I love you." There was no doubt in her voice this time.
Noctis kissed her forehead. "I love you more, Light."
Lightning placed her hands on his chest. "Not my real name. Do you want to know?"
Noctis put on a gloating grin. "Sorry to burst your bubble, but I know already."
Lightning raised an eyebrow. "What is it then?"
Noctis nuzzled her neck. "What kind of a boyfriend would I be if I didn't know my love's real name, Claire?"
Lightning was amazed. "How did you know?"
"Remember a while back when we were cleaning? When you asked me to move a few boxes to the storage closet, some things fell out. One of them was an old family photo. It had you, Serah, and your parents in it. On the back it had all of your names written on it."
Lightning glared at him. He had known all along and sat on that information, waiting to rub it in her face. "Bastard."
"Hey, if you hadn't asked me to move the boxes, I wouldn't have found the picture, so it's partly your fault."
She pushed him so he was lying on his back again. She lay on top of him, her hair brushing his chest, causing him to chuckle. "Shut up. And save the Claire stuff for when we're alone."
He liked the feeling of her chest on his. He stroked her cheek. "I wouldn't dream of using it elsewhere." Noctis turned, making Lightning slide off of him. He pinned her wrists down. He was on top now. "But I don't plan on letting you go, so I'll get to call you Claire for a little longer."
Lightning shook her head. "Then you're going to have to fight." She pushed him off, forcing him to lie on his back once again. She sat on top of him.
"You love to dominate, don't you?"
She leaned down to kiss him. He gladly pulled her onto him. But she didn't agree. She abruptly leapt off of him. She swung her legs over the edge off the bed. Noctis propped himself up on his elbow. "What's up?" He snaked one arm around her waist, pressing his head into the small of her back. Lightning removed his arm. "Nothing's up." She stretched, her body captivating Noctis.
Noctis traced her spine with his fingertips. "Then come back." His voice was as smooth as velvet.
She shook her head. Noctis understood now. She was toying with him. Noctis sat up. "Remember how I said you weren't going anywhere?"
Lightning mocked, "Doesn't mean I'm listening."
Noctis' frustration was growing. "But Claire," he whined.
Lightning scolded, "Don't get too needy now." She stood up.
Noctis said, "Don't act like you don't like this."
"How do you know if I do?"
"I can tell. Now come on."
Lightning smirked. "You're not the boss of me."
"Claire, come back down."
"How dare you order me around."
"Please?"
"Now you're desperate enough to beg?"
Noctis had about had it. He viciously pulled her back down, holding her to the mattress. He glared down at her, his eyes full of lust. "Quit playing games!"
He pressed his lips onto hers roughly. She didn't fight back now. Noctis prepared to lay down on her fully, but was interrupted.
Someone banged on his door. "Hey, Noct!" It sounded like Gladiolus. Noctis would have to murder him later. "The king wants you to see him in ten minutes."
Noctis didn't answer. He ignored him. Gladiolus called, "Noct? You're still sleeping?" Lightning and Noctis panicked when they heard the doorknob turning. Noctis quickly shouted back, "D-don't come in! I'm... changing!"
Gladiolus said, "Alright. But ten minutes." Neither of them moved until Gladiolus' footsteps faded. Noctis turned his attention back to Lightning. He could see how dejected she had gotten. Noctis kissed her cheek. She whispered, "Don't go."
Noctis sighed, "I have to."
Lightning said, "But then I have to go too."
Noctis gave her a questioning look. She explained, "Fang wanted us to get back to P.L.R. business this morning. I'm sure they all went back by now since none of them barged in on us." She shivered at the thought.