Bags in hand, Lightning waltzed over to the apartment complex. It was a nice place, the kind where newlyweds or new couples moved to. She was making her way towards her buildings when she saw a brunette trying to balance potted plants hanging on a staff she was holding.
“Okay, easy now.” She reassured herself. And then she overcorrected. “And—CRAP!”
“Ha!” Lightning grabbed the rope attached to the potted plant. “Careful there.”
“Thanks, I’ve been growing that one for awhile. Wait, I don’t remember you.”
“I just moved in. Everyone calls me Lightning.”
“Aerith. Where’s your apartment? I can help you look around.”
“Let’s see.” She looked at her keys. “2405.”
“Oh, I’m nearby then. Follow me.”
It was nice to have helpful people in the place. Back in her old station it seemed like everyone was either in a rush or just an asshole. Aerith apparently ran a local flower shop and greenhouse. Judging by the flowers she had nearly dropped she was really good.
The florist told her all about the neighbors, like the Estheim family who were across the street, Mr. Highwind who was an (extraordinarily foul-mouthed) engineer, or Ms. Lulu who was a lecturer at the local college.
“Wait, you’re dating Fair, that porcupine-head?” Man, did everyone here know each other? Was she going to run into General Oaks’ husband or something next?
“What can I say, I love a man in uniform.” She giggled. “And if you think his hair is wild, you should see his friend Cloud. I still don’t know how it grows like that!”
“Yikes. Alright, I think this is my stop. Thanks for that.”
“No problem. Actually, if you’re available tomorrow, how about we go out during the evening? My friend Tifa runs a really nice bar nearby.”
“Sounds good.”
She waved to the young florist and entered her new place, knocking the door open with her (gradually largening) butt. Home sweet home, her new palace. It had all she needed. Kitchen, bath, laundry, even a second bedroom (mostly for Serah on holidays). Boxes filled the rooms with only her bed and the furniture being in their proper places. She could do that later, preferably when she was recovered from the trip over.
Lightning put her bags down in her bedroom and went to the kitchen.
“Completely empty.” She frowned at the fridge. Not even bottled water. Her stomach growled. “Alright, guess I’m ordering out.”
XXXXX
The next morning Lightning woke in her new bed, refreshed from her exhaustion over the move. Her stomach growled once more.
“Man, been awhile since I managed to scarf an entire pizza down.” And apparently all those calories had literally gone to her chest and hips, though not in any manner that would require another new set of underwear.
She needed money and she didn’t get paid until next week. Luckily Guardian Corps were permitted to take bounties. Might as well start the day nice and fresh. She took her sword out from its carrying case. Sharp as could be, she was ready.
She got a quick breakfast at the diner and looked at the bounty board outside. She sipped from the cup full of tea as she scanned various tasks. She wasn’t looking for anything major, just enough to keep herself fed outside the mess hall for the immediate future. She was pretty experienced, so she could deal with threats that an ordinary merc couldn’t, but she was also new and didn’t feel like straining herself. And she had a little date with Aerith later tonight.
After thinking it over she decided on…
Sat Jun 15 08:45:51 2019
2 comments Last updated: Sat Jun 15 16:43:01 2019