First of all I want to thank everyone who read my story and reviewed me. I'll try my best to improve and give you the decent Noerah fic, guys, so please help me too by keep reviewing. Well, not much to say in today's note, so please go on with da show and enjoy!

Disclaimer: FF XIII-2 belongs to Square Enix.

"Under the Starry Sky"

Noel Kreiss standing next to the opened door. "Are you ready?" he asked and looked at his new best friend, Serah Farron, who just stepped out from the bathroom. She's wearing white tank top, a purple off shoulder sweater, light blue jins, and sneakers. Except the shoes it's all Vanille's.

Serah pick up the bag on her bed. "Yes," then nodded to Noel. She then walked to the door and both of them leave the room.

Serah Farron is getting better, she doesn't need to be hospitalize anymore, that's why the hospital is letting her go today.

"Beautiful weather! Don't you think?" Noel stretched his arms when they were outside and grinned at her.

"Uh huh," Serah looked up. "I can't believe that I'm able to look up the sky again," she took a step forward.

Noel excited, he was glad that she finally can continue her normal life again. A bus just arrived right across of the street. "Come on," Noel snapped Serah from her mind. They're running amusedly and get into the bus.

It's been 14 days since Serah woke up and it's been that long that they're now in this kind relationship. Best friend. It's hard at the first for both of them, especially for Serah. But Noel is really a carefree person, his annoying and enjoyable personality strangely affect Serah in positive ways-he's irritating, but at the same time he's also cheering her, and without any hesitant he often touched her on the shoulder, pat her back, or pulled her hand-like they're been best friends for a long time. He successfully melts the ice between them, that's why Serah rarely feels any sense of awkwardness between them. She feels that she can count on him, trust him.

"So, this is where you live?" Noel asked when they finally arrived at Serah apartment in second floor.

Serah didn't answer, she just opened the door and walked in. "Please, come in," she finally said while opening the curtain and let the light flooding her room.

"Well, excuse me," Noel waltz in to her room and quietly study it. It's not really big but not small too, the wall painted in turquoise, there are two series of window-one near Serah study desk and one near the mini kitchen, the bed is next to the study desk, right across of it there is a wooden wardrobe, the small bathroom (Serah put all her beauty kit in there) is right next to the kitchen, there's a carpet and a small table in the middle of the room, there's also a pretty big bookshelf near the main door-contains books, photo frame, and small TV and mini DVD player.

"Make yourself comfortable," Serah smiled at him. "I'm sorry that my room is messed up. It's not like I'm planning to stay at the hospital for 2 weeks, you know," she then walked to her mini kitchen.

"Are you kidding me? It's even neater than my room in its top condition," Noel laughed sarcastically, opened his jacket, and sit on the carpet, with the small table in the middle. He then watched Serah bowing to open the fridge. The young man swallowed slowly, how nervous he is, right now he's in a girl bedroom-and not just some girl, it's Serah Farron, they're alone, and all her gesture is pretty hard for him to resist. He recalled that he always freely hugged his ex-girlfriends whenever he wants too, how he wanted to do that to Serah right now.

"Sorry, I only have water," Serah faced him with a bottle of cold water in her arms.

"That's fine by me," Noel shrugged. "Your fridge is empty," then he raised a brow, he succeed steal some glance when she opened her fridge.

"No, there are stuffs," Serah shook her head as she took two glasses from the cabinet.

"Water in different bottles, you call that stuffs?" Noel smirked.

"Here," Serah decided to ignore him and handed him a glass. She herself leaned her butt to the sink and drink hers quietly.

Noel took a sip and quickly bored by the drink. "You know what? I'm hungry! Let's order some food!" he exclaimed as he putted his glass on the table.

"You order, I'm fine," Serah gulped and plays her fingers tip on the glass.

"You know you have to fill your stomach for the antibiotics right?" Noel teased.

"But Noel," Serah looked awkward, she doesn't know how to explain to him that she doesn't have the money. And if she tells him he'll probably pay for her, again, and she doesn't want that.

"It's alright. It's on me, today's treat because you're free from the hospital. Let's celebrate! Pasta is quite nice for you?" Noel pointed his thumb at himself and grinned. He then took his phone and looked to her light blue eyes.

Serah sighed. "Anything will do," she gave up. After 14 days best friending with him she knows that it'll be hard to say NO to him, and he's right about the antibiotic, and… she is hungry.

They order come about fifteen minutes later, and they talked about various things when they eat. They never feel bored to each other, they even enjoy re-discuss the topic they have talked before.

Serah putted the tablets and capsules into her mouth and finished it all with a glass of water. "I drank it, stop staring at me," she said to the young man who's staring at her with his azure eyes.

Noel looked away, actually he's just amazed with how Serah could eat all 3 tablets and 2 capsules in one time. "So, is that your sister?" he stood and walked to Serah book shelf. He focused to one frame, where younger Serah took a picture with an older woman-also pink hair, they're hugging, Serah smiled cheerfully and the older woman smiled beautifully.

"Yes, it's Claire," Serah replied as she started cleaning the table.

"She's beautiful. You're both really look a like," Noel took the frame and take a better look.

"She is," Serah nodded and smiled proudly. She throws the boxes to the trash bin and putted their plate to the sink.

"And this is Snow?" Noel took another frame, inside the picture is Serah holding hand with a blonde, tall, and big man. I need to memorize them, eventhough I don't like him, Noel thought.

"Yeah," said Serah as she turns on the water and start washing.

"He's… huge…" Noel commented. Well, he gotta say something right?

"It's just because I stand next to him," Serah laughed.

"Here, I help you dry them," Noel got enough look at the bookshelf and decided to help Serah. He took a small mop and stood next to her. She started to hand him the wet plates and the other dining set.

"What time will your class tomorrow?" The brown hair man asked when his best friend finally passed him the last plate.

"Why?" Serah asked back and turned off the water.

"I'll pick you up," Noel replied as he putted the plate.

"Noel, I'm fine," Serah shook her head and drying the side of the sink with another mop.

"Really?" Noel whispered mockingly.

"You know, you're acting more like my mother than my best friend," Serah teased him. "Trust me," she then facing him and crossed her arms.

"Fine," Noel grunted in annoyance. "By the way have you exchange number with Vanille?" he putted the mop and sit back at his original place.

"Uh huh," Serah joined him. "I think we'll hang out soon. She's really nice, she remembered me a lot to Claire," she smiled.

"That's good," Noel raised a thumb at her. "Can I and Hope come too?" he then asked hopefully.

"Sorry, the invitation is girls only," Serah poke her tongue at him. "Maybe next time. I just need someone in the same gender to talk, if you don't mind," she explained jokingly.

"I don't mind," Noel lied, he'll interrogate Vanille anyway. "It's late, I think I should go now," he then said after he glanced at the clock. It passed 9 already.

"You're right," Serah looked at her kitty wall clock too. "Come on, I walk you to the door," she then stood up first. Noel took his bag and followed her.

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow," Noel said when they're finally outside. He was ready to go when suddenly Serah gripped his hands, nearly send him to cardiac arrest.

"Noel," she whispered. "Thank you, for everything. I really appreciate it," then looked up at him and smiled gently.

"Don't bother," Noel squeezed her hands. "Good night," then let it go and scrambled her hair. "Don't sleep too late okay?" he ordered as he walk away.

"I won't," Serah nodded and waving her hand at him.

The truth is, Noel didn't straightly come home. He just waited across the street and looking at her windows. "What time will your classes tomorrow?" and he called Hope. After that he waited until Serah lights turn off-luckily not long after, only fifteen minutes delay after he hung up with Hope.

Noel sneaking behind the wall across the street at the next morning. It's 7 a.m and it's awfully very morning for him, but eventually he managed to wake up just to make sure that his best friend is in good condition today.

He almost barged in to Serah apartment incase she forgot her class, but eventually she go out 5 minutes after he arrived with navy blue blazer, white blouse with black lacy pattern on it chest, creamy colored balloon skirt, and white kitten heels. She also wore a light yellow middle size back pack, and today she braided her hair. Overall she looks fresh and ready to face her day. She walked to the mail box and checked if there's a mail for her. And eventually there is, Noel saw her pulled out an envelope, open it, and gasped in shock, she even have to closed her mouth. He laughed quietly as he watched her steady herself and begins to take pace to the bus stop.

The tan man followed her quietly until they arrived at the university. He even escorted her secretly until her class. He stopped behind the door as she walk in and some of her classmate welcome her, asking her condition and what kind of disease she have until she have to be hospitalize. Noel heard Serah delicately replied each of them.

"Wow," he snapped when a tall silver-blonde man stopped infront of him and looked at him in disbelief.

"I leave her to you, okay?" Noel smiled at Hope and titled his head to the class Hope about to come in.

"She's not a kid anymore," Hope clearly knows who Noel means.

"I know. And by the way we'll pay you a visit after today classes," Noel grinned and punched his arm lightly.

"I have a bad feeling about this," Hope sighed and entered his class. "Hello Serah, how are you feeling today?" Noel could hear him asking to Serah.

"I feel great Hope, thank you. How are you and Vanille?" he heard Serah replied cheerfully.

"Huh? Since when Farron and Eistheim become friends?" he also heard some of the girls in the class whispering. Noel smiled to himself, knowing that Serah is safe with Hope now he decided to leave.

Class is finally end for today, and Serah walked out alone. Her classmates pat lightly at her shoulder and bye her in group, but none asked her to come with them. She suddenly feels a bit lonely, there's something huge come at her this morning and she have the urge to tell it to someone. She wanted to tell Hope, it's true that they met gradually when she hospitalized, but they're not really close. She's closer to his lover, Vanille. But when she text her and ask if they can meet today, Vanille apologized and said that she have to work up till late today. Serah understand even though she's actually really disappointed. She's busily thinking to herself about telling Noel or not when she's outside the building and caught a glimpse of the brown hair man himself sitting on the nearest bench.

He saw her running at him, but he pretends he didn't see her.

"Noel!" Serah Farron called.

"Hey!" Noel welcomed her when she finally stopped next to him, half kneeling because she's out of breath. "Take it easy, sit here," Noel smiled softly, grabbed her wrist and pulled her sit next to him gently.

"I can't believe it! You won't believe it!" he was stoned when she suddenly yelled at him with in high pitch and very bright smile.

"What's up?" the man pretend he doesn't know anything.

"I found this gift voucher today's morning! It said that I won 50 million!" Serah pulled out a small voucher from her blazer and pushed it to Noel face. She looked like an innocent child.

"Wow!" Noel took the voucher, fake his surprise and looking at it carefully. "That's great! I'm happy for you," he then handed it back to her and grinned. Of course Noel know about this, he didn't sleep until midnight to fake the voucher and to take care other things to perfect it.

Serah received back and put her index finger on her chin. "But that's odd, I don't even remember I ever participate in some quiz," she wondered.

"Maybe Claire secretly sent it to you. She's your sister right? There's no way she doesn't care about you?" Noel quickly made up a lie.

"You think so?" Serah icy eyes widen.

"Definetely," Noel nodded. Serah smiled happily to herself and looked at the voucher in her hands.

"Come on," Noel took her wrist and stood.

"Where are we going?" Serah asked when Noel started dragging her.

"Meeting someone," Noel told her.

The next thing she knows they're heading to the student body place. Noel opened the door hastily, made everyone inside looking at him in confused, including the young man behind the table in the corner.

"Serah, meet the chairman of our student body, Hope Eistheim," Noel pulled her inside too. She sheepishly look around.

"Back to your activities everyone," Hope stood from behind the table and come to them.

"Wow, I never knew," Serah staring at him in amazement.

"Figures," Hope whispered to himself. "So, what can I help you both?" he then stopped in front of them, and glared to Noel.

"We want to participate in your nearest event," Noel answered confidently. He thought this all night long too, he figured that it will be nice for Serah to socialize with another people and participate in some events too. It's not like Noel had it before, that's why he thought that this will be interesting for him too.

"What?" Hope brows twitching. He was like, asked Noel a hundred times before for participate in every events he made previously but the brown hair man always rejected them all, so even Hoope as his best friend gave up. He thought it's just Noel nature to not want to participate. Well, Hope is wrong.

"You heard us. You see, we want to have different experience," Noel laughed lightly and explained.

"We are?" Serah looked at him in confused. We must be means he and her, right?

"We are," Noel looked her back assuredly.

"Hmph. I see… Well…" Hope huffed in annoying way, he then looked around. "Alyssa," and called one of his staff.

"Are you calling me senior?" a blonde short hair girl approaching them. She looks cheerful, like Vanille.

But Vanille is less annoying, thought Noel who doesn't really like this girl gesture.

"Meet Noel Kreiss and Serah Farron, this is Alyssa," Noel introduced them to each other.

"Hello, I'm Alyssa," Alyssa shook Noel hand even though he didn't lure his, she just snatched it from him. "And by the way I know you both," she said as she shook Serah's hand.

"How?" Noel chuckled sinisterly.

"You don't want to know the gossip, playboy," Alyssa raised a brow at him in teasing way.

"Playboy?" Serah rewined and look at Noel with question look. This make Noel panicked.

"Well, they would like to participate in one of our event. You're the stargazer head committee in Valhalla hill, right? Maybe we can put them into your program," Hope saved his pal and shot a glare to Alyssa.

"But senior, it's tomorrow, and let me remind you that we still ran out of tent," Alyssa protested.

"Did you say Valhalla hill?" Noel replay to make sure he didn't misheard.

"Yes," Hope nodded.

"How many people will come?" Noel looked at the two student council members.

"Thirty, why?" Alyssa replied straightly.

"Then let us join, I have a villa we can use there, it can contain 50 people," Noel happily told them.

"Really? Oh wow!" Alyssa jumped in excitement. "Senior, they're so in!" she then held Hope right arm, and shook it playfully.

"Are you sure Noel," Hope staring at Noel suspiciously with that your-dad-will-know look.

"It's a win win. You don't even have to pay extra charge," Noel putted his hand on his hips arrogantly.

"Hmph, that attitude again," Hope huffed. "You know what to do," he then release Alyssa hands gently from him. "Now would you please excuse me, I still have work to do," and excuse himself, back behind the table.

"You'll love it! There will be meteor shower tomorrow dawn! You just need to bring things in this list," Alyssa now hopping amusedly to the pair in front of her and pulled out papers from her jacket pocket.

"Great, let me contact the people in the villa," Noel nodded understoodly while Serah only looking at them quietly.

"What are you planning Noel, really?" she asked when they finally leaved the campus. She's walking behind him while he lead the way.

"It will be a lot of fun," he turned at her and walked backside.

"She said dawn, you know that I can't stay outside in the cold air right?" Serah putted her hands behind her back.

"Don't worry, I'll keep you warm," Noel said and he quickly fells sorry about it when Serah blushing and he can feel his cheeks heat up too. His sentence hung up in ambiguity. "We can put on our jacket and blanket," Noel quickly made a correction.

"Sure," Serah nodded quickly to hide her shock and nervous.

"Now, let's go to the ATM centre," Noel touched her shoulder and walked next to her.

"Why?" Serah looked at him in puzzle.

"There is an account in the voucher right? It's your account now, and you can take your money anytime from there," Noel explained carefully. Yes, reader, he made her a BANK ACCOUNT!

"Really?" Serah eyes widen and her mouth opened in a small gap.

"Sue me if I lie," Noel snorted.

"Wow! Thank you Claire!" to his surprise, Serah took his wrist and started a small run, dragging him with her. He never look her this happy before and he unconsciously enchanted by it. They stopped when they're about to cross the street.

Noel let his hand go from her, but only to embrace her. "Let's go grocery shopping afterward and filled your fridge," he rocked her shoulder.

"Yeah," Serah nodded in amusement. After that they went to the ATM centre like Noel suggested, Serah took enough amount of money for a month. After that they head out to the nearby supermarket. Noel offered to push the cart so Serah can walk next to him and pick up whatever she wants to buy.

"Oh my Gosh! There are so many of them!" she squealed as she walked to the nearby freezer.

"What?" Noel curiously following her.

"This!" Serah showed him a strawberry cheese cake yoghurt, with sprinkles.

"It seems… have interesting flavor," Noel unsurely commented.

"It taste really good too! You should try!" Serah took six of them and putted it in the cart.

"Okay. I won't die, right?" Noel lifted his shoulders.

"You'll be in heaven," Serah putted her hands on her hips and said confidently. "Come on!" she then pulled the cart.

A few minutes later they arrived at the food ingredients section. "Hey Noel, do you have any particular dish you want to eat right now?" Serah asked as she took a cucumber and observe it carefully.

"Why?" Noel took away his attention from the onions.

"I'll cook it for you," Serah putted the cucumber back and smiled at him.

"Really!" Noel gasped. It's like the happiest thing ever do to him since two years back.

"That's the least I can do," Serah shrugged.

"No way Serah! Don't think you owe me-humph!" Noel protested but silenced soon as Serah pick up a cherry from the fruits shelf and putted it in his mouth.

"Sometimes you just don't know when to shut up," she managed to stifle her laughter, because he looks really cute when dumbfounding like this. "What is it?" and asked seriously.

"Chicken dumplings," Noel chew the little cherry and replied shyly.

"It will take a long time to cook that," Serah said in a cute gesture, she doesn't mean it, but the way she crossed her left hand on her chest, right index finger on her cheek, head titled, and confused look on her face make her adorable.

"You asked," Noel tried to get over it and said lazily.

"I know, what I mean is, are you willing to wait that long?" Serah nodded and asked sternly.

"It's still 4 p.m, if we finish the shopping let's just say at 5, we can go to your place, cook, and it'll be ready to eat at 8," Noel replied with his carefree attitude.

"Wow, I'm impressed," Serah pout. "Okay, let's start with the grinded meat," she then shouted cheerfully and pointed to a random place.

"Don't forget, we need to buy things for tomorrow too," Noel reminded her and started pushing the cart.

"Roger!" Serah salute him and jumped to the side of the cart and let Noel pushed them both.

Like Noel said, they finished shopping at 4.45, then they go to Serah place and start to cook at 5.50.

"Anything interesting?" Serah asked from the kitchen.

"Yeah, a duck which can sing," Noel replied jokingly, he half lay in Serah's carpet and watching the TV, which is he switching the channel each minute.

"Really?" of course Serah didn't belief him.

"You can make it properly, right?" Noel looked up and watched her do the cook alone. She insisted that he mustn't interfere since she said that she'd cook for him, not they cook together. That's why right now she's in the kitchen, steaming the bun while working the sauce and Noel relaxed by watching the TV. He feel so like his fat uncle, got home from work, and wait his wife cook the dinner for him. It make him happy at some way, he feels like they newly married or something-even though he know that she only considered him as her best friend, but it also made him awful for not able to help her.

"I know how to do it. My aunt taught me," Serah could care less.

"You know, I can help you," Noel back watching the TV.

"Just stay put," Serah rejected him for the 5 times. "If you want to help, you can arrange our dining set at the table," the young woman suggested.

"Finally," Noel glad that there's something he can finally help to.

"Oh, could you help me get another ketchup?"

"Sure, where?" Noel stopped arranging the table.

"I put it in the drawer, it's joint with my bookshelf, the first from the top," Serah told him.

And he do as she said. He took the ketchup when he realized something stood next to drawer, covered in white sheet. Curiously but not asking for permission, he pulled the white sheet and raised a brow. "Serah, is this a guitar stand?"

Serah turned at him. "Yes, it is," and replied when she realizes what he's looking to.

"So, Claire is also a guitarist?" Noel covered the stand back.

"No, I'm a guitarist, and a song writer. But yes, Claire gave it to me as my 17th birthday present," Serah said as she lured her hand when Noel come to her.

"Wow! Play a song for me!" Noel startled and handed her the sauce.

"I can't, I was force to sell the guitar. I used the money to pay the rent, and my college and few foods," Serah shook her head and opened the ketchup lid easily.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Noel is really feeling sorry for her.

"It's okay, I'll get it back someday," Serah smiled assuredly at him.

"Why don't you use your money, you have them now, right?" Noel suggested.

"Nah, I need this money for more necessary things. When I get to work and have my own salary, then I'll get it back," Serah shook her head. When Noel is about to insist, "I'll play something for you when the guitar back. Now why don't you help me by sitting back and watch the TV?" Serah cut him off.

Noel grunted, but eventually he do what she told him. Secretely he was thinking how to get her guitar back, but unfortunately he doesn't know where it is. Well, he can find out, right?

"It's ready!" Serah shouted 35 minutes later.

Noel happily leave his comfort place and joined her at the table. "It's… beautiful…" he said in amazement as he looking the bun in different shape, mainly flowers and moons, it's still steaming and it make him droll.

"Let's eat," Serah raised her chopstick and take the buns. Noel do the same.

"It's increhibly tashty! The tashiest dumphlings I eves eeh!" he managed to yell with his mouth full after he took a bite of the wonderful dumplings.

"Don't over exaggerate it," Serah rolled her eyes.

"I mean it! How did you make it? You're so gonna teach me," Noel took more for his plate.

"Sorry, but no. it's my family secret recipe," Serah grinned at him.

"Hmmph, show off," Noel pouted.

"Look who's talking?" Serah scoffed. When Noel about to open his mouth to fight her back, "Just eat, less talk," he put a dumpling into his mouth. So he shut up. It's eventually made him blissful when she put food into his mouth like that, it was rather sweet, her way to shut him up.

They eat the yoghurt after dinner, and Noel worship it. It becomes one of his favorite dessert after that.

And with that, another day has passed peacefully.

Noel wakes up tomorrow morning by Hope phone call. The blonde hair man reminded him to take his bath quickly and pack up since the bus will arrive at his place for about 20 minutes later. With a curse Noel hung up and quickly went to the shower.

He was nearly ready when the bus arrived. The driver have to honk him one time before he finally run in. "Yo!" he salute everyone and everyone just mumble different things to him.

"And where are you going?" Hope pulled his wrist when Noel is about to pass his seat on the front row.

"I'm getting a seat for me and Serah," Noel replied simply.

"I'm saving a seat for you," Hope whispered through gritted teeth. "It would be to obvious man, just stay here!" he then forced Noel to sit down next to him.

"What about Serah?" Noel looked at him pleadingly.

"Alyssa save her a seat. I told her to!" Hope took Noel bags in annoyance and stood to put them on the luggage shelf.

"Chill out," Noel clicked his tongue and helped him.

"Morning everyone!" Serah greeted all of them sweetly when she's on board, and unlike Noel case, everyone is greeting her back cheerfully, especially some boys.

"That fellow," Noel glanced at the boys evilly.

"Here goes nothing," Hope only yawned.

"Over here! Serah!" both of them could hear Alyssa's voice.

Noel felt a pat on his shoulder and he looked up, only to found Serah smiled at him as she walked to her seat. He smiled back.

"Stop staring at her," Hope elbowed his ribs. Causing Noel to grunted and eventually looking front to the street.

Their journey coming out smoothly. Everyone talk about how excited they are, playing games, jokes, enjoying the view, and eat their snack.

"Look over there!" Noel heard Serah exclaimed and he automatically looked at her seat, three rows behind him, and in cross. She was smiling brightly while pointing at something outside the window.

"What? It's just cows," Alyssa brows knitting together.

"Don't you think they're adorable?" Serah asked her in surprise.

"She looks wonderful," Noel back to relax on his seat and smiled at Hope. "What?" his smiled disappear as he realized that Hope looked at him dully.

"I wonder if you will be okay, sooner or later," his best friend sighed deeply.

"Come on Hope, I come here to have fun," Noel looked disappointed.

And Hope know that he's right. "I know dude, sorry," he apologized and smiled lightly at him. They hear a giggle, and when they look where the series come from, they found the girls across them whispering and glancing at them. Hope ignored, but Noel instinct made him smiled his pearl white teeth at them and making them giggles more.

It took 3 hours before they finally arrived at Valhalla hill. Noel and Hope stepped down from the bus first, followed by the others. The place is really beautiful, and fresh. A big wooden villa awaited them with its ranch and farm, the villa's surrounding by extremely green grass and tress, and the sky look so blue.

"Young Master, welcome," an old man in suit from the villa approached Noel and bowed at him. He probably looked old, but he still walk firmly and charisma glowing over his face.

"Hello Sebastian, it's nice too see you," Noel grinned and pulled him into a hug. It's clearly that they know each other from a long time, and that the old man is mean a lot to Noel.

"It's an honor sir," Sebastian laughed and slowly pulled away from his master.

"Well, welcome everyone! This Sebastian, the butler in this villa, if you ever need anything, ask him. But don't mess with him or I'll mess with you!" Noel turned to the crowd and introduced them to Sebastian.

"Hmph!" Alyssa snorted while Hope grinned-he used to Noel superior behavior, and the others just nodded or murmured, some greeted Sebastian.

"Come on in! Make yourself comfortable! The other servant will show you the way to your room," Noel waved his hand, allowing them to enter the villa. A dozen servants suddenly appear after he talked and welcome the guess on the main door.

"Welcome, young master friends," all of them bowed at the group and said in unison.

"This is amazing, look how big this is!"

"And the service, it's like in the movie."

Noel could hear the other whispers in amazement as they all walked in into the villa. He smiled smugly to himself and stopped at the huge living room with Sebastian.

"Serah, Hope, come over here," he then called both his male and female best friend. The said responses to his call and approached him immediately.

"How are you Sebastian?" Hope also lightly hugged Sebastian.

Sebastian laughed. "I'm fine, thank you. You look wonderful like usual Mr. Hope. Young master should learn a thing or two from you," and he said after he pulled away from Hope and observing him from head to toe.

"Yeah, that's right," Hope chuckled in agreement while Noel only rolled his eyes.

"And who is this lovely lady," then Sebastian turned his attention to Serah.

"Sebastian, meet Serah, she's my best friend too," Noel introduced the girl as he stepped next to her and put his hand around her shoulder.

"Hello Sebastian," Serah lured her right hand to the buttler.

"Well hello, miss. It's a pleasure," Sebastian shook her hand and smiled.

"Serah!" Alyssa voice was breaking the nice atmosphere between them. They found her stopping in the middle of the wooden stairs, waving at Serah.

"I think Alyssa is waiting for me," Serah said to all of them.

"Sure, we'll meet later," Noel released his hand from her shoulder and nodded.

"Please make sure she didn't break any property," Hope almost begged.

Serah giggled. "I'll try Hope. See you guys!" she then leaved them and approached Alyssa.

"Come on, I prepared an apple pie," Sebastian then stood between Hope and Noel, put his hands around their shoulder, and lead them to the kitchen.

"Sweet!" Noel raised his hands in victory.

"You're the best Sebastian!" while Hope grinning widely, his mouth pulled all the way to his ear.

Meanwhile, the girls..

"Aren't you curious?" Alyssa asked. She's standing before the window and looking at the view outside.

"About what?" while Serah pulled out some of her stuff from the bag on her bed.

"Come on, you're closer to him," Alyssa scoffed and facing her. "Noel parents, I wonder who they are. They must be super rich or something to own this place," she then told her when she realized that Serah have no idea about what is she talking about.

Serah gasped, and pulled her toothpaste close to her chest. Come to think of it, Alyssa is right. Serah knows nothing about Noel family. How the hell Noel even able to pay for her hospital bills and medication? Aren't his parents mad at him for spent that big amount of money to a stranger like her? What if they mad at her when they found her?

"I'm going to shower," Serah informed Alyssa and heading towards their bathroom with her bath stuff in her arms. After she finished she quickly put on her clothes and get ready to take a walk.

"How's the water?" Alyssa asked from her bed, she's watching something on the TV, some chick movie.

"It's really nice," Serah replied as she put on her leather boots. "I'm going to take a walk. I'll see you later," she then leaved the room. She never had any girl friend before, Claire is like a 3 in 1 packet for her, a mother, a sister, and a best friend. It's not like she doesn't like to have another girl friend, she likes Vanille, but with Alyssa, not to much. She feels that Alyssa only smiling on the outside but very sinister at the inside, and Serah always afraid with that kind of person, not to mention Alyssa attitude towards Hope when Hope clearly doesn't feel comfortable with her swinging on his arms. She thought about all this and without realized she already at the back yard, the ranch. She found Noel and Hope riding horses not very far from them.

"Noel! Hope!" she called and waved at them.

"Come here!" Noel smiling when he realized that it was her and gesture her to come. So Serah ran to them.

"I think I'm going to take a bath now. Our place is the usual, right?" Hope said as he climbed down from his black horse and let it wander alone.

"Yeah," Noel nodded at him.

"Serah, is Alyssa around?" then Hope seriously asked Serah.

"Well, she's looking for you," Serah replied.

"Crap," Hope looked around fearfully and running in sneaky way inside. Serah and Noel laughed together as they watched him.

"What a gorgeous creature," Serah said after she finally take a better look at Noel white horse.

"Here," Noel lured his hand at her.

"Can I?" Serah eyes widen.

"Why not?" Noel shrugged. Serah took his arm and Noel helped her climbed up.

"Ufh," she huffed when she's on, she's sitting in front while Noel sat comfortably behind her. "What's his name?" then asked softly as she's looking at the horse head.

"Her name is Shiva," Noel told her.

"So he a she?" Serah laughed. "Hello Shiva," she then said softly and caressing Shiva's head.

Noel wished it was him. He was imagining things when he realized that a group of student is looking at them, watching them suspiciously. "There's still horses there, join with us," Noel shout at them.

"Uh, okay," they smiled at him half heartedly and nodded.

"Teach me Noel," Serah doesn't seem to realize anything.

"Sure. Take this in your hand…" Noel automatically pushed himself closer at her to get a better position to teach Serah. Serah gasped softly when Noel chest touch her back, her heart pounding for a while, but she quickly steady herself.

It's just Noel, his your best friend, calm down! She ordered herself.

"So, are you ready to go?" Noel voice snapped her mind. She doesn't know what kind of word she murmured, but eventually they horse is moving on Noel command.

"So, you're parents know we here?" Serah decided to move on to that topic to avert her attention.

"Why?" Noel curiously asked her back. His brows twitching and when Serah looked up she realized that his face is indicating uncomfortable expression.

"Just asking," she decided that she shouldn't push the topic forward.

"My father probably know," but Noel sighed to her hair, making few pink bangs flying, and sent warm air to her neck.

"What about your mother?" Serah nervously asked again, she hoped that her voice doesn't betray her.

"She passed away after gave me birth," Noel replied.

"I'm sorry to hear that," now that a distraction for Serah. "It must be difficult. My parents also died when I was young, since then Claire is taking care of me," she told him her story.

"It's good to have sibling huh?" Noel smiled to her hair.

"Yes," Serah nodded lightly.

"I envy you, I don't have one. I don't have anyone…" Noel face clouded.

"What are you talking about?" Serah looked up to him again, and from the way he's gazing at her, Serah know that he's serious about what he said. "At least you have me now," she briefly leaned on him and smiled teasingly.

Noel face heat up. No. don't blush! He desperately commanded himself. "Look, cows!" and shouted as he pointed to the cows on the farm.

"Oh, goodie! Let's go near them," Serah clapped her hand and rock her body.

Damn Serah, Noel thought as he blushed extremely, his face even put the tomato to shame. She took control of the horse, and he's glad because now she have to focused and unable to see his deep red face. He was so close at her, he realized that. His chest touched her back a while ago, and he hardly stand the urge to hug her from behind. She was so cute in any outfit, including her pink furry turtle neck sweater and her deep blue jins she's wearing right now. He was curious if she found him interesting, Hope is neat and nearly wear shirt or polo all the time-the type of the gentleman, while Noel casually wrap in V-neck T-shirt with leather jacket-bad boy type, he wondered which one she like the most. He carefully lean at her-he doesn't want her to realize what he's doing right now, smelling her hair. They smell like green apples and he like that very much. Gradually he sniffling into her hair like a pervert.

"Noel," Serah voice dragged him back to the reality. "Is there something in my hair?"

Uh oh.

Hope Eisthem walking to the dim light kitchen alone at 3 a.m in the morning, and he's starving. Alyssa is practically chased him all day, making him exhausted and forced to avoided dinner. He fell asleep and when he woke up his room is dark and Noel was snoring at the bed across of his, and his stomach rumbled. So he decided to go down stair and found something he can chew or munch. Fortunately the fridge is full and he belief that he can make anything from the ingredients inside, but eventually he only took few things, and use the pan and stove.

Hope yawned as he pour himself the drink he made before when he sleepily looked outside the window and found… a polar pink hair… bear? He decided to make another drink, and when he finished he walked outside the kitchen and approached the bear.

"Hope, you scare me," Serah Farron nearly jumped out from her shoes when something warm touched her palm. She swirled to found out Hope standing behind him, holding big mug in each of his hand, and a pack of marshmallow.

"Sorry," Hope can help a grin, he was startled her by touching her right palm with one of the mug he carried. Noel is right, Serah is cute. Right now she's wearing thick white training pants, a thick brown and black sweater, and she covered herself from head to toe-with white thick blanket. "Drink this, it'll keep you warm," Hope handed her one of the mug.

"Thanks," Serah looked inside and smiled when she's face to face with the yummy warm hot chocolate. After that they were walking to the porch and sit at the wooden floor. Each enjoying the drinks and staring at the starry sky.

"Can't sleep?" Hope cracked a conversation.

"Uh huh," Serah nodded. "I never do this before, out doors activities with… friends… Before it's always about me and my sister, or me and my fiancé," she then took a marshmallow that Hope offered her. "Don't get me wrong," she quickly looked at him in worried when she realized how vagueness her sentence before.

"You just want a different environment, right?" Hope smiled in understandment.

"Correct," Serah sighed in relief, and back enjoying the dark sparkling cover above them. "I think I owe Noel a lot. He's really kind, did he always like this?" she then asked the friend next to him.

"He is," Hope nodded. "What do you think about him, Serah, honestly?" he finally asked what he wanted to ask her from the first time they met at the hospital.

"Like I said before, he's kind, and caring, and very loyal to his friend," Serah replied shortly.

"Don't you think he have ulterior motive?" Hope hoping he's at the right track.

"No. I think I can trust him," Serah shook her head and smiled to herself. "Why would he have ulterior motive with me when he's fine with you, you're his best friend too, right? He at least have done something for you too," she then found seconds later that Hope question is rather odd.

Well, he's done something for me but not as big as he give you 70 million, and hey Serah, we have different gender? Have you ever thought about that? "Just asking," Hope lied. Then another peace silent surrounds them again. "Serah, I have one favor to ask, if you don't mind," Hope sighed and he finally decided to risk what he's going to talk.

"What is it?" Serah looked at him and smiled ingenuously.

"You might be don't know, and he haven't told you, but… Noel was having a hard time too, especially after the accident," Hope told her with hesitant. Serah smiled disappear into a thin line, she probably feels sorry towards his best friend. "So, can you please at least be… his light?" Hope asked.

"His light?" Serah brows twitching in confuse.

"Brighting his day, lighting his mind, and warming his heart. Something like that," Hope smiled softly and gently told her.

Serah didn't reply straightly. "You really care about him don't you?" but in the end she smiled warmly.

"Well, we do know each other since we're 7," Hope shrugged and chuckled.

Serah snorted. "I will, Hope," she then gave him her words.

"Thank you," Hope nodded, feeling rather bemused. They suddenly heard a click sound behind them, and when they turned back, they found that the villa lights are on. "Look, it's almost time," Hope said as he studying his watch.

"Heh? Senior, what are you and Serah doing here?" Alyssa voice interrupted them.

"Chatting," Hope sighed and looked at her tiredly.

"I'm worry about you Serah! Your bed is empty when I wake up!" then Alyssa scolded Serah. She's jealous, obvious.

"Sorry," Serah grinned guiltily.

"You both better help me and the other with the tools," Alyssa stumped her foot and angrily walked inside the villa.

"Fine by me," Hope stood.

"Me too," Serah nodded. She looked awfully hard to stand with her blanket, so Hope offer her his hand-even if she doesn't have difficulty to get up, he still help her anyway. Serah took his hand and both of them laughed lightly as Hope pulled her on her feet. Then they walking to the villa side by side, helping the others with the telescope and everything.

"Where were you? Alyssa said your bed was empty," Noel pulled Serah elbow when he finally found her on the field with the others.

"Sorry, I was just outside, I can't sleep," Serah apologized.

"Why don't you wake me?" Noel released her elbow softly, he looked… hurt.

"Sorry, I don't want to bother you," Serah didn't realize that and continue to set one of the telescope. "Where were you?" she then asked curiously.

"Nowhere," Noel replied half heartedly. He doesn't want her to know that he's been looking everywhere for her, he even asked Sebastian to bring out the car and looking for her in the street.

"Don't worry, Hope was with me," Serah told him as she finished and stood face to face with her partner.

"Really?" Hope asked with a hint of protectiveness. He realized that Serah covered herself with blanket, but her head and hands are wide open.

"Yep. We talked," Serah answered as she watched Noel undo his dark blue gloves.

"Bout what?" Noel asked again while wearing her his glove. Serah doesn't react, just let him do the thing, she had a feeling that he'll be mad if she interrupt or she's being inappropriate if she reject him when he really so care about her.

"Vanille," Serah lied and watched again Noel released his white beanie from his head.

"Hmm," Noel mumbled and put the beanie on Serah head carefully. He even softly neat her hair and arrange her fringe. They unconsciously fell silent and looked at each other.

"Look, it's starting!"

"So beautiful!"

They suddenly heard everyone yelled and shout in unison. When they looked up, the meteor shower has begun. Different sizes comet dancing on the sky, teasing them with their beautiful tail and magnificent light, mesmerizing everyone with their charm.

"It's pretty," Serah whispered as she watched all of them fell.

"Hurry, make your wishes," Noel elbowed her arm.

"Right. You too," Serah nodded in agreement and told him. She then closed her eyes, so does Noel.

They hands touch each other slightly, and it automatically lacing. Actually, Noel lace his fingers with hers, and Serah lacing hers with him without a doubt. She's glad that he was beside her, here with her.

"I'm done," she then opened her eyes and smiled widely at her best friend.

"What did you wish for?" Noel realized his position and let go off her hand.

"It won't be able to come true if I tell you," Serah teased him and putted her hand behind her back. She then look uncertain. "Hey Noel, thank you, again," but eventually she spoke sweetly at him.

Noel smiled. "Anytime Serah," and replied gently. "It still showering!" he then pointed at the sky and both of them continue watching the meteor rain until dawn.

I think it's really sweet how Noel protect Serah and provide the things Serah need here. And on the last chapter, the way he take care of her, even assisted her when she's puke, that was so… loving! If a man does that to me, especially the one like Noel, I couldn't have say NO if they declare they love for me! I mean, aside that he spent a lot of money to Serah, the way he nursing her when they're at the hospital and the way he comforting her is really make me envy Serah! I think if something like this happens at the game, Noel will do the same to her since I can see that he care about her very much. Tell me what you think, review please.