Chapter 4

Two bodies slept as the sun slowly set and night graced the land. The silvery moon bathed the two so that they almost glowed from the light. A pair of stormy blue eyes snapped open after eight hours of sleep. Just like Jaden promised.

'Jaden. You awake?'

Huh…oh. Sorry about that sir. I didn't mean to snap at you.

'Never mind that… when were you going to tell me you were exhausted? And how can you talk in my mind. I'm Rinoa's knight, you shouldn't be able to.'

He watched silently as Jaden sat up taking her mind out of his. She actually distanced herself from him physically and mentally. When she spoke, it was barely above a whisper. He could barely hear her.

"I was trying to prove that I was worthy of being SeeD. I am the only female to master the gunblade. If that didn't make me enough of a freak, let's throw in the fact that I am so silent, no one likes talking to me because I can out talk them and then disappear. I have to prove that I'm worthy and good enough to be a SeeD."

He watched silently as this young girl shake with frustration and unshed tears. Squall opened his mouth to say something else but she spoke again.

"I have no idea about the other question. I try not to and to control it but your mind was just too loud. Sometimes I connect without knowing that I do. I'm sorry."

"Jaden, you don't have to prove anything. You already did on your exams. And I am honored to fight along side you in any type on battle; on a field or in Garden."

"Thank you Squall for that. I needed to hear it." Jaden said with a tiny smile on her face.

"Good then. Are you up for food?" He answered with his own smile.

"Those poor cooks. They cooked us food earlier and we didn't eat it."

"I'm sure it's still edible. Come on. You must be hungry." Squall said pulling on her hand.

"Famished. Are you okay? You're acting different."

"Something just tells me I should be like this tonight."

"Okay, okay. I'm up, you crazy commander."

Squall, at hearing that comment, raised an eyebrow at Jaden, who just smiled brightly at him. As they walked to the table, neither one of them realized that their hands were still interlocked. Jaden was the first one to notice once they got to the table. She blushed as she took her hand away from his and sat down. With her head down, she began to eat wondering what in Hyne has gotten into her.

After they had finished in silence, Squall and Jaden had gotten ready to go to Timber for Rinoa. All the meanwhile, Jaden kept reminding herself that Squall was taken and was engaged.

'Little tart.'