GROWING by Rinoachuu (All Final Fantasy characters belong to Squaresoft) The morning was bright. Birds chirped a poem as Squall opened his eyes to see the ceiling of his personal room. He received this room after he graduated and became a SeeD. It was small but comfy for him. Squall still felt very tired. He covered his eyes with his arm to block the sun light from his window above his head. He then realized that he was still in his daytime clothes. Last was very fulfilling to him. After defeating Utimecia and spending the night with Rinoa, he felt a difference with in him...and it felt good. Unfortunately for Squall, the last thing he remembered was fighting along side with Rinoa at the Training Center. Squall swung his legs over the side of his bed and starred at the floor trying to remember what happened after that. It was a blur of emotions that keep the memory's down. Where's Rinoa? Squall thought, I better talk with Headmaster Cid to see if anything happened last night. He sighed. Then a movement in his bed distracted him. Squall looked behind him to see Rinoa sleeping in her daytime clothes as well. She was curled up in the corner of his bed. Squall was filled with warmth at the sight of Rinoa. Then he realized it was against Garden rules to have someone else in you room. Squall put his hand on his head. I better wake he. He shook her gently. Rinoa turned and opened her eyes. She looked at Squall and smiled warmly at him. >Squall "You should go." >Rinoa "Ok but I'll miss you." Rinoa jumped out of bed and leaned close to Squall. She kissed him softly. Rinoa then stated to walk out. Squall watched her for a moment. She then turned around to face him once more. >Rinoa "I'll be waiting for you." Rinoa smiled and walked out. Squall stood up and put his hand on his hip. What have I got my self into? This is what I want. I'm not alone any more. Rinoa... Then Squall heard the intercom. >SQUALL LEONHART; REPORT TO THE THIRD FLOOR. THE HEADMASTER WANTS TO SPEAK WITH YOU. Squall acknowledges the message and walked out of his room. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

>Cid "Squall, you have proven to be an excellent leader and had worked very hard on your last mission. So, that is why I give you a Leave of Absence along with Zell Dincht, Quistis Trepe, and Selphie Tilmitt. Irvine Kinneas will be transferred to this Garden promptly." Cid sighed then smiled. Squall stood in a tranquil state. Cid was an old man but still had the power to run the Garden. Squall was unsure of Cid and his discussion to let him off on a vacation when he still had so much to learn. >Cid "When you do return you must complete your first mission and help Timber gain its independence. You will work under Rinoa Heartilly. Enjoy you free time." Squall nodded. He was relieved to work with Rinoa again on a mission. This would be their last chance to work together since Rinoa was too old to join Garden. >Cid " You're dismissed" Squall saluted and walked away with out saying a word. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Squall took the elevator to the first floor. He was hungry. Breakfast was still being served in the cafeteria. When he stepped out, he looked around to see if any of his friends were near by. No one was around. The Garden seemed a little silent. Squall put his hand on his hip and sighed. He then started towards the cafeteria. Half way there Selphie came up to him. >Selphie "Hey Squall!! What'cha up to?" >Squall "I'm going to eat." >Selphie "Whoa, I thought you would say 'It's none of business'. It must be Rinoa. That's soo cool to have someone to melt your heart like that." Squall gave her a cold look and walked on as if she weren't there. Selphie watched him then skipped one foot. >Selphie "Sowwy Squall! My bad...hey wait up!" Selphie ran after Squall. She caught up with him and they both walked to the cafeteria together. Squall, although he never would say it, had grown to enjoy Selphie's company. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ( Next time on Growing: Squall and Rinoa eat and head off to Esther. But during the flight, the Ragnorok crashes on a deserted island. What will they do and how will Squall deal with Rinoa and they're relationship?)