Yeah so i'm technically a little late but whateves it's close enough so i'm still saying Merry Christmas. Hey little fun fact, last chapter and some of this chapter was the first chapter i thought out for this fic except for the second chapter (Assassination). Also like last November (2008) i thought to myself if i'd be able to get to this chapter out by Christmas and i was at like chapter 7 or something. Then i figured maybe i'd be able to wait to like next Christmas but i was like, that would be too long. But looky here, it's next Christmas and i'm updating so guess i did wait that long. Anyways no more delays here's your chapter.

One more thing, I scanned over the chapter when i put it on this site and realized like some spaces were taken out and shit. No idea why but if you see some spaces missing, i tried to get them out but i'm sure i missed some.

And one more delay, As the only possible Christmas gift i can give to people i don't know outside of fanfiction. This chapter is dedicated to FaithFromTheMystick hope you enjoy it.

December 25

Squall's POV

I don't know how long I sat there, I never fell asleep. I think I was enjoying the moment too much. The peace and stillness in it all, which is why I noticed right away when Rinoa shifted. She moved her head and tipped it back to look into my eyes. Her hand slowly reached up behind my head. She pulled me towards her until my lips were rested on hers. I pulled back and gave her a confused look. She only smiled innocently and pulled my head back down.

This is the kind of situation that completely throws a guy off everything he stands on. It's been at least a couple hours, which means she's sobered up…a little. I know she's still pretty wasted but she's kissing me again. After sleeping and waking up, that's the first thought on her mind. That means she really wants it, right? Why would she start this all up again? I mean…was she that horny. It had to have more implication than a simple need of lust.

I realized that during the storm of thoughts swirling in my head, I had actually been kissing her that whole time. We stop for a breath and she looks into my eyes.

"Trust me Squall," She whispers her lips brushing against mine as she spoke.

I know all I have to do is say no again. I know saying that will instantly stop her oncomings and most likely have her fall back asleep. I thought the words would come easily out of my mouth but they couldn't leave my tongue. For there was hesitation in my actions because I was falling into the moment more and more every passing second.

"Please," She murmured.

"…okay." I answered not surprisingly myself all that much.

She smiled happy with it and turned herself on my lap. Our lips met once again softer than the previous time. She moved her other hand to my cheek and I wrapped mine tighter around her body. Throughout the kiss she kept slowly turning her body to get in a better position. As she did I could feel her deepen the kiss and I knew soon there would be a lot more passion involved. She eventually positioned herself back to how she was earlier, straddling me with her legs on either side of mine. She places both her hands on my face as the kiss deepens further. This is where the tongues start becoming intertwined once again and things continue to heat up.

Her breath starts becoming quicker and when I think about it, mine is as well.

"Rin…" Holy shit did I just whisper her name. Guess I was getting a little more involved than I thought I would.

Her hands dropped to my shirt as she began unbuttoning them. Likewise I moved to her blouse and started the same procedure. The kiss, of course, never stopped this whole time as we both became more energetic. It started to get so intense in fact that Rinoa wasn't going to waste any time unbuttoning my shirt. She just grabbed the two halves in her fists and ripped them apart popping almost every button in the process. She grabbed my undershirt and roughly yanked up. I didn't even get my arms up in time so there was a moment it was caught around my head.

She only giggled as I finally lifted my arms up enough for her to pull my undershirt and my now button-less shirt off. She smiled as her hands ran over my stomach which I was quite proud off. It took a lot of work to get it the way it was and now was the time it paid off. I'm vain enough to say it was a turn on for women.

However, while she was examining my so perfectly sculpted stomach I was still unbuttoning her shirt. She was right, buttons were overrated. I just ripped her shirt apart to find her strapped undershirt. I felt her kissing my neck as I attempted to lift her blouse and undershirt off. She didn't lean back until it was up to her neck, then she sat back and lifted her arms. Seeing the blouse and undershirt removed was a great sight, but not perfect. There was one thing still blocking me.

I skillfully unhooked the bra, with one hand I might add 'cause I'm that awesome. I slipped it off Rinoa and chucked it over my head. It was out of the way now, don't care where it went. Rinoa sat back for a moment; whole upper half exposed. She smirked as my eyes scaled her perfect body, not totally surprised by their size. I couldn't help but check her out every now and then, especially when both live in one apartment. She grabbed my hands and lead them up to her exposed self in a slow unbearably sexy way. Her skin was so smooth under my rough callous hands. I reached the desired destination and enjoyed the feel while she closed her eyes for a moment enjoying it as well.

She then leaned forward and began kissing my neck hotly. I ran my hand down her back enjoying the feel of her on my skin. Rinoa giggled into my neck and I knew she was enjoying this so I didn't have any regrets yet. They might come later but not now so I can continue happily. Her one hand was running through the grooves of my stomach while her other was over my shoulder onto my back. She turned it into a claw as she pulled it back up while she bit my neck mischievously.

I pulled her back in front of me and placed my lips on hers. And this time I lead the hot passionate kiss pressing into her. My hands found her chest once again and she let out a soft moan feeling the heat rising. Her hand dropped to my belt and I knew this would soon reach the next level. She undid my belt and my pants. Her breath quickened against mine and I knew she was building already.

As soon as I was exposed she didn't even wait for me to get my pants all the way off. Nor did she want to waste time taking her skirt and panties off. She simply pulled her panties out of the way, grabbed me, and settled herself on.

She bit my chin as she let out a slow gasping sigh. "It's been so long."

My eyebrow quircked, "How long?"

"Summer," She replied reading herself by placing her hands on my shoulders.

"Same," I replied resting my hands on her hips and as I did I moved my hips a bit into her.

She took and intake of breath quickly and giggled after words. "You tease."

I chuckled happily; this was indeed going to happen. When suddenly she froze and her eyes opened up. Fear swept through me that maybe she didn't want to do this. Maybe she was asleep this whole time, like sleep walking but…sleep sexing. It was possible, maybe. Either way whatever was going on with her wasn't good and it proved true.

In a flash she dove off me and onto the floor. She scampered on her hands and knees to the kitchen. I was extremely shocked and confused until I saw her pull the trash can onto the floor and stick her head in it. Needless to say the sounds of vomiting ensued.

I let out a sigh and looked down. "Down boy, not tonight."

I zip my pants back up and slowly stand up with her retching in the background. I walk over behind the armchair and she looked so pathetic. Shirtless with a skirt on and her head completely inside the medium sized trash can. I saw her body start to shake like it always does when she vomits. Her legs slowly curled up bringing he knees to her chest in the feeble position.

I picked up the bra off the floor and made my way over to her. I sat on the floor next to her and slowly rubbed her back. She stopped and waited but nothing more came. She withdrew her head from the trashcan and slowly sat up. I let her lean against me to keep her balance. I slipped the bra back on her and attached it in the back. Did I ever think I'd put a bra on a women? The answer to that obvious question is no, never. I was just glad she was in such a rush earlier she didn't take her panties off.

She let out a whimper and I could see how much she hated this. She went from almost complete bliss to a miserable sick feeling. She looped an arm around my shoulder to help keep her balance. So apparently she was still very much intoxicated.

"You wanna just sit here a while?" I asked softly.

She let out a groan and nodded. Her head just hung like if she moved in anyway more vomit would ensue. I even saw some tears run down her cheeks and I felt such pity for her. She hated puking so much and yet it seemed to happen to her than most. Just her luck I suppose.

After about ten minutes I asked if she wanted to go to bed. She nodded her head making another noise that wasn't really anything I could make out. Apparently she was in no mood to talk anymore but that's alright, she didn't need too. I helped her stand slowly and she was very wobbly. I instantly knew she would never make the walk to her room so I swept her up carefully in my arms, making sure not to be too quick with it.

I made my way down to her room very slowly making sure not to bobble her too much. Her eyes were closed and her head rested against my bare chest. She had a loose arm around my neck that I knew wasn't giving her any real support. Her other arm was draped across her stomach almost as if holding the pain. She would make a whimper every once in a while just outing her total hatred of the situation.

I finally reached her door and opened it. But when I took a step in her hand shot out and grabbed the door frame. She looked me in the eyes and I could see the urgency in them. I quickly back stepped and headed into the bathroom. I set her down and as soon as she touched the ground her stomach retched and her nightmare began all over again.

After a break between the puking, her legs she was balancing on collapsed, and she would've fallen over if I wasn't holding her. I let her lean her back into my chest to keep straight up. She continued to let out small noises that could almost be classified as cute if it wasn't for the situation. She suddenly pushed off my chest and leaned over the toilet again. Me being the perfect gentlemen, held her hair back. I was just happy the sound didn't make me want to vomit, otherwise there would be a huge mess on our hands.

She stopped and leaned back into my chest completely drained and exhausted. Her head hung and she barely moved her arms. I reached over and flushed the toilet not wanting to smell that anymore.

"We'll sit here for a bit just in case," I told her comfortingly while I gently rubbed her arm.

She let out a small moan that I took for a yes, so we did. I just gently waited to for when she thought she would be ready. After a long amount of time I felt she was good. Her eyes were closed and I figured she went to sleep again, well not so much sleep as just pass out. But as I slowly lifted her, her eyes shot open, but only for a moment. Soon they drooped low again and I let her lean on the sink.

"Have some water," I suggested filling a cup. "Just to rinse at least."

I handed he the cup and she tipped it into her mouth. Then she simply leaned over the sink and just let it run out. She was a complete mess, barely able to move and barely awake. I was always amazed how in just a few moments alcohol can just turn someone into a wreck.

After a couple more cups of water she made a noise that I took for her being ready. I was actually pretty proud of myself for understanding half the shit that was being mumbled. I don't even think she was trying for words, that would be too much work.

I picked her up again, very softly of course. I carried her into her bedroom and gently laid her on her bed. I moved the covers over her and made sure she was nice and secure. Her head was rolled to the side with her eyes already closed ready to pass out again. I smiled despite everything.

I turned to leave but her hand shot out and grabbed my wrist. I was a little startled she was able to do that but her pleading eyes made me forget anything except her. I knew she wanted me to get in the bed with her and I figured there wasn't any harm in it.

"Okay, okay," I told her as I gently climbed in.

I laid on my back, as did she, but somewhat on me. I loosely draped my arm around her and I felt her fingers warp around my hand. She pulled it tighter around her till it rested on her stomach. She reached over and grabbed my other hand and also brought it to her stomach. She dug one of her legs between mine so they were entangled. So I was completely holding her, and then she finally laid still and I knew she was already asleep.

So I laid there, now with tons of new thoughts swirling around in my head. But I decided this wasn't the time to think about anything. This was the time to just feel the girl that I had my arms wrapped around. The girl that just me to have a very interesting night. So I did, and I rested my head and closed my eyes. Before I knew it I felt myself drifting off thinking about nothing at all.

"No Squall like this."

I watched as Ellone retied her shoes for the millionth time. I looked down at my own with the strings still hanging loose. I stuck my tongue out as I attempted it again. I could get the first simple knot but after that it all went wrong. I made the bunny ears but just couldn't get them to go around each other. I let go of the strings to watch as the laces just fell clumsily back to the ground.

"Ma!" Ellone shouted over her shoulder. "Squall's dumb!"

"Am not!" I screamed in protest.

"Don't be mean dear," Raine, my mother, gently called from the kitchen. "Some people just take longer to tie their shoes don't ya know."

"He's seven!" Ellone exclaimed as if the thought was disgusting. "I learned when I was four!"

"Shut up!" I yelled.

"Squall!" Mom shouted stopping her cooking. "Watch your mouth now, ya hear?"

Ellone stuck her tongue out at me. Then she undid her laces, the tied them right back up. "See…now you try."

I tried to do it again and failed. "I can't do it." I huffed. This was just like everything in my life. I couldn't do math, I couldn't spell, I couldn't run fast, I couldn't play sports. I was just that awkward kid who couldn't make any friends because I wasn't good at anything and it totally sucked. Ellone had to come and save me when I was being picked on by a bully. How embarrassing is it when your sister saves you in a fight. Now I couldn't even tie my shoes, something my perfect sister could do three years earlier.

Ring

I saw mom pick up the corded phone from the wall right in the kitchen, which was also the only one in the house. She began talking to someone about something, I was too busy trying to tie my shoes again.

"Ma!" Ellone called again. "When Da coming home!?"

"I'm on the phone," Raine answered.

"Da's been gone for a while," I mumbled to no one in particular.

"He's always away," Ellone sighed.

Ellone watched intently as I slowly fumbled my hands with the laces. I had the two loops and was now trying to twist them around one another. I slipped one underneath like I remembered seeing and I smiled brightly as I pulled them tight.

"I did it!" I cheered.

Ellone smiled and opened her mouth to speak but a blood curdling scream echoed from the kitchen. Ellone and I jumped as we both looked to see a mother running from the kitchen as the back door was kicked in. A big man stepped in and smiled wickedly.

"Ellone grab Squall!" She screamed with such fear I'd never seen before. "Out the front door!"

Ellone grabbed my hand and yanked me too my feet. With one shoe tied the other just flew helplessly off. We reached the front door and opened it to see another man standing there. A devil of a grin smeared across his face. Raine reacted quick and reached above us slamming the door shut. She quickly bolted it and then grabbed both our hands.

"Upstairs children!" She urged the desperation tearing at her lungs.

She practically dragged us up them and when we reached the top she shoved me and Ellone in the bathroom. She knelt down and grabbed Ellone by the shoulders, "Protect your brother. I love you both more t'an anyt'ing in the world."

Before either of us could react she shut the door and I stood their frozen. Ellone managed to move, how I do not know. She locked the door and turned to me. She glanced around the room with tears starting to fall. I found myself starting to cry following in her example. She looked me in the eye and must've realized her responsibility and stopped her crying.

Even today I am still impressed by her actions, how she thought so clearly. She went over to the dirty towels basket and lifted off the top. She pulled out a ton and tossed them to the floor.

"Lovely home ya have here," A deep voice taunted from outside the door. He had an accent…Estharian?

"We don't have much, but you can have it all," Raine was trying hard to stay strong. "Just leave us alone."

Ellone grabbed me and tried to lift me into the basket. I didn't question and helped climb in since she couldn't fully lift me.

"Oh don't you worry," The man sneered, "We'll take those too."

"Squall, don't make a sound," Ellone begged. She threw some towels on me then put the top back on. She then threw more towels on top and at the base, making it look like just a messy pile that needs to be clean.

"Stay back!" I heard my mom scream the terror evident in her voice.

That's when the beating and screams started, the poundings thumped through the door. A muffled sound of outrageous pain was being inflicted. My mom couldn't hold her cries of pain inside and did shout out. I know she didn't want to for us, her children, because she wanted to make sure we wouldn't have to hear it, but even she couldn't stay silent with such force. I still don't know exactly what they hit her with, maybe just their fits. Whatever it was, it was brutal and ghastly. Her agonizing screams and pleads of stop were heard clearly through the door.

I pressed my hands to my ears trying to block it all out. I wanted to scream myself but Ellone told me to stay quiet. I peeked through the cracks in the wicker to see Ellone standing strong, facing the door. Her hands were at her sides in fists and tears streamed down her face, but she didn't look frightened. I'm sure she was, thus the tears, but she looked determined.

The beating stopped and there was silence outside. I didn't even want to think about what they just did to my mom. I watched as Ellone walked over to the window and opened it. There was a crash against the door as they attempted to break it down. The second crash flew the door open and banged against the wicker basket I was hidden in. A man stepped in and I watched Ellone in terror.

Her head was out the window not even looking at them. I wanted to scream and tell her to turn around. Didn't she know the guys were in the room?"

"Run Squall!" She shouted out of the window. "Run and don't stop!"

A man quickly ran and grabbed a fist full of her hair. She yelled in pain as the man shook her good.

"Just wait until me Da gets back!" She shouted at them.

"Oh your father," The man sneered. He then lifted her off her feet by her hair. She screamed in pain as he held her face up to his. "Your father was the dumb bloke who told us about this house in the first place. He flashed pictures of everything to us, random strangers. A dumbass for sure."

"Well he's coming back!" She yelled in his face, trying to sound strong but the terror evident.

The man chuckled, "No 'e ain't. We killed your father, just like your mother here." He turned to show Ellone our mother and her face went white. More tears streamed down her face and she couldn't get any words out.

"How many bullets did you put in him?" The man holding Ellone asked the other happily.

"Five," He answered proudly, "After we beat the shit out off him."

The man laughed setting her back on the ground only to drag her away by her hair. She screamed the whole way and as she passed the basket I was in our eyes connected. I heard the men say they were leaving and didn't care for the missing kid.

I didn't move for the longest time just scared that they would come back. After what felt like eternity I crawled slowly out of the basket. It tipped over and fell as I tried to get out. It landed in the open doorway and I froze. There was my mother laying in the doorway as a bloodied heap.

"Ma!" I cried new tears finding their way down as I crawled over to her. "Ma! Ma!" I shouted shaking her. I didn't care of all the blood and pressed my head against her. "Ma…you can't."

"…Squall." It was a weak barely audible whisper.

"Ma!" I whipped my tears away as I looked to see her eyes open.

"Run to the police," She told me groaning, in constant serious amounts of pain.

"I'm not leaving you Ma," I whined.

"Yes…go now," She looked me dead in the eye. Her crumbled arm lifted and attempted to push me.

"No!" I screamed and dove on her, "You're gonna be okay! I'm not leaving!"

"You hafta," She urged. "…leave me."

"No!"

"Squall!" She managed to shout but then a coughing fit of blood ensued. "I love you…" She was looking me right in the eye. "A mother's job is to protect her child. This is my job…now go, now."

"I-I can't…" I cried, "I'm scared."

"Be a big boy…please for me."

I slowly nodded my head, "…okay."

"That's a good 'un," She smiled, "I'm so proud of you."

She brought her hand up to my cheek and I grabbed it with both my hands.

"I love you, Squall." Her hand dropped from my face and even at that young age I knew she was gone.

"I love you too, Ma," The tears and snot ran into my mouth as I lost all control. I dropped my head on her as I let everything out in wailing cries.

I wanted to just collapse and cry but I remembered her last wishes. So that's what I did. I got up and ran. I ran out of the house and down the street. I ran across fields and through backyards. I ran with tears plastered against my face and my lungs ready to burst. But I fucking ran.

I made it too the closest police station and I threw the doors open. I didn't even have to say anything. A seven-year-old boy covered in blood gasping for air was enough to say what was needed to be said. People asked me what happened, they tried to soothe me, but I wasn't paying attention. All I could see was my mother's bloodied face staring into mine telling me she loved me for the last time.

My eyes shot open. I wiped a hand down my face as I let out a groan. I hated that fucking dream. It pestered me more than I would've liked. Hell I would never like to be bothered by it but I'm not naïve enough to think I'd get away with a dramatic experience, as I believe it's classified. Fuck that, fuck anyone who thinks there is a way to come to terms with it. The only way to comes to term with that is to fucking take out scumbags so it won't happen to others. I don't want anyone else living through what I had too.

Damn it! I pounded my bed pissed off…only to realize I wasn't in my bed. I realized that because I didn't pound my bed, I pounded Rinoa next to me. She instantly shot up completely surprised and tense. It took her a moment to see me be the cause of her pain and then she laid back down but not much more relaxed.

"Something wrong?" She whispered.

"Sorry, I…had a bad dream."

She reached out and rubbed my arm gently which was still around her, "It's alright." I was strangely okay with her trying to comfort me. "Wanna talk about it?"

"…yes." Wait what!? No I don't.

She scooted closer leaning her head on my shoulder. "Okay."

"No wait, I don't want to," I looked away, "I don't know why I said that."

"Yes you do," She answered letting out a deep sigh. Obviously still tired. I felt kinda bad waking her up by basically hitting her.

"I'm sorry about hitting you, really."

"It's fine," her eyes closed and I could tell she was barely awake. "Now talk."

"I don't wanna talk about it I'm not seven," Fuck me for saying that age.

"Yes you do," She was so calm about it that it surprised me a little. "Otherwise you wouldn't have said yes, even by mistake."

"Can we just not," I said defeated.

"…fine," She flipped over onto her stomach and rested her head more on my chest. So her cheek rubbed against by bare chest and it was enough to send fluttery feelings. Her arm wrapped around across my chest as she settled herself. "But I'm here and I know you hate me saying that but it's true."

I did hate her for saying that but whatever made her feel better. Speaking of feel better. "How ya feeling?"

"Shitty." She mumbled.

I chuckled, "Not surprised."

She smiled into my chest, "I'm kinda use to it don't worry."

"You were pretty bad towards the end of last night, threw up a couple times. Can you remember?" My sneaky way of asking if she remembered what happened between us.

"Flashes," She mumbled drifting closer to the dream world. "You were really nice putting up with me though."

"My pleasure."

She shifted a bit and when she did, I noticed her freeze. She was feeling the jeans I was wearing with on hand. She lifted up the covers and looked down at my covered legs. She then looked at herself in her bra, skirt, and panties. Next she looked at me with her face scrunched in confusion.

"Umm did we not have sex last night?" She asked me blatantly.

"Um no not really."

"Really," She looked shocked, "I was drunk and didn't have sex…that's a first."

I chuckled, "Oh it is?"

She looked embarrassed, "Oh I didn't mean it like that."

"Don't worry," I paused, "Besides if it makes you feel better, I said we didn't not that we didn't try."

Her eyes narrowed, "Explain."

I outwardly laughed, "Do I have to?"

"Yes."

"Well we started but then you got sick so we stopped."

Her face looked horrified she collapsed it to my chest. "I'm so embarrassed."

"It's not problem." I smiled at her antics.

"I'm so sorry," She apologized.

"Nothing to say sorry for."

"I started having sex with you then stopped," She exclaimed, "That's something to say sorry for."

I scratched me head, she did have a point. Normally any other girl would get chewed out but the circumstances last night I couldn't really expect. Also I just found the entirety of the situation hilarious.

"Really it's fine."

She let out a sigh and no more words for said for a while. I wasn't too sure what to say or do, and maybe neither did she. I wouldn't call it awkward, 'cause it wasn't, but some words would've been nice.

She let out another sigh, "This is the time when you stroke my hair and tell me how beautiful I am."

I chuckled, "We didn't have sex so you don't get those benefits."

"Meanie." She tried to settle herself again, which inadvertently was just her trying to dig her head into my stomach. "You know you're like a fucking sculpture. You look great but you wouldn't sleep on one."

"Oh I know how great I look," I smirked, "You made sure to tell me in detail last night."

She let out a loud groan, "I hate alcohol."

"Oh really? You know based off last night I figured you loved it."

She slapped my chest, "Shut up meanie."

There was silence but only for a moment before Rinoa spoke again.

"Wanna talk about last night?"

"Not really."

She flipped her head over to look at me. "I think we should."

"Oh you do?" I snorted.

"Yes otherwise there will be sexual tension." I laughed and based off her glare it was the wrong response. "Seriously, there will be."

"No there won't." I reassured her.

She sat up and gave me a very serious stare. "Are you not attracted to me?"

"Christ," I rolled over on my side away from her. "We didn't even have sex!" I exclaimed. "You aren't allowed to ask annoying questions 'til after."

"You were being nice lately too," She said softly.

I let out a sigh. Honestly it was probably from the dream still. There was no reason to be this hostile; she was honestly just confused about the night. I for all she knows she thinks she took advantage of me and I dread this all. I'm the only one that realizes what feelings might be floating around the room right now. Actually…I don't know what feelings are floating around. But her attractiveness is definitely not in question. So there was no reason for me not to simply answer it, except the dream that just put me in such an awful mood already.

"My dream was about my family." I spoke sternly not really believing I was saying this. She didn't answer or move and I figured that meant I should continue speaking. "I won't bore you with details but men broke into my house and killed my mother and took my sister."

"What about your father?" She asked meekly.

"That bastard was the one who caused all this," I snarled. "Fucking dumbass told random strangers at a bus stop all about our house and the family. It was easy for them to find us and know what to expect."

"Well I'm sure he didn't mean too."

"It doesn't matter," I hissed. "If he kept his mouth shut it wouldn't have happened."

"Well what happened to him?"

"He was beaten and shot…he's dead."

"But he wasn't home, how do you know?" She was confused.

"…I had to confirm the body," I remembered being in that cold room staring at the mangled body. Some of his hair roughly pulled out and teeth missing. It was a gruesome sight, and a ridiculous notion they had a little kid identify the body. They had other people that knew him, why did I have to see it? Why did I have to get another imagine in my head?

I felt Rinoa lay down behind me, she draped an arm over me. "I'm sorry Squall it must've been terrible."

I grunted, "Did you do it? Then don't be sorry."

"Still…"She mumbled her lips into my back while gently stroking my arm.

Alright that's it, officially fuck this shit. I don't need her pity and I don't want her being all cuddly with me. Thinking a hug and kiss can solve this problem. Well it can't and I'm not going to lay in bed like some pussy getting a back rub to make me feel better. I've dealt with this shit on my own for years. I wasn't looking for comfort by telling her I was simply explaining my rash mood right now. A mood that is only getting significantly worse the more we stay like this.

I shoved her arm off me and slipped off the bed causing her to recoil worriedly.

"I'm gonna get some coffee," I told her and walked away without waiting for a response. I had no reason to be mad at her. I knew this was all me simply being pissed off so I would try and not take it out on her. That doesn't mean I'll be all peaches and fucking cream though.

I walked down the hallway and turned the corner heading into the living room. While I passed my door I contemplating going in but I knew that wouldn't help me better my mood. When I entered the living room I saw into the kitchen. Quistis and Seifer were already sitting at the table both enjoying their own morning ritual. Seifer black coffee and Quistis some frap-or-cap-achino or some sort. I don't know, we have this espresso fucking steamer thing that seems to make millions of drinks. Only Quistis has mastered that damn thing.

As I walk through the living room I grab my now button-less button-down shirt. I slipped it on all the same just to show I wasn't simply walking completely shirtless. Though this made me feel I was in some tropical place with it hanging open but I'd just deal. Quistis and Seifer both watched me with humorously filled eyes. I ignored them as I headed towards the counter. I grabbed a mug and poured some coffee from the simple maker me and Seifer use. Strong and black, the only way.

I sat down at the table and took a good swing of it. It burned my tongue and my throat as it spilled all the way down. It caused me to tighten my jaw as it did but I relished the feeling for some reason, I never knew why. I closed my eyes and let out a sigh knowing the question would come.

"Have fun last night?" Seifer's smug voice no doubt.

I grunted, "I didn't sleep with her."

"Sleep with who?" Seifer asked innocently.

"Whom dear," Quistis corrected.

Seifer waved it off, "Fuck proper language if it makes you sound more retarded than what the populous thinks."

"Never follow the populous," I commented. "The mind of a group is tainted, always."

He snorted, "We're getting off point."

"I did not sleep with her," I repeated strongly.

"So those clothes all over the floor?" Quistis asked taking a sip.

"Not you too Quistis," I groaned.

Quistis shrugged but smiled, "I'm curious too."

"So spill oh great commander," Seifer smirked, "Did you hit puberty?"

"I don't know ask Carol." I remarked smugly over the rim of my mug.

Seifer's face dropped into a scowl.

"Whose's Carol?" Quistis asked politely setting her cup down which was obviously meaning tell her fucking now before she kills Seifer.

"A girl Seifer liked back at the force who I managed to get and not him," I tipped my mug in victory.

"No matter," Seifer said, "Long ago, points is, you didn't walk out of your room this morning."

"You guys disgust me," Quistis sighed looking down at the table. Then her head perked back up and we both knew she had a question. "Back when you were roomies, did you ever have a threesome with just one girl."

Seifer gagged exaggeratedly on purpose, all the way to the point of banging on the table as if in pain. His commitment was what made the performance. "Eww babe, don't see things like that I almost puked."

"No," I sternly told her not liking that at all. "Why?"

Surprisingly I saw a faint blush creep across Quistis face. She grabbed her mug with both hands and brought it to her mouth only saying, "No reason."

"Seifer I believe your girlfriend finds me attractive," I told him vainly.

Seifer waved it off, "She didn't think that last night."

"Seifer!" Quistis exclaimed finding herself more embarrassed.

I laughed heartedly. See this is what I needed, not some girl rubbing me saying how I'd be okay. I'd never admit it but talking with Seifer always made me feel better. If only by taking my mind off of everything because of the amount of concentration it took to have a conversation with him. Not that it was overly intelligent, just one had to have their comebacks good and ready.

I heard the main door open then shut and Zell waltzed in. He threw his coat on the arm chair.

"Closet." Quistis sternly reminded him.

Zell scowled as he snatched it up and back tracked to the closest. He opened the door and carelessly tossed it. I heard Quistis mumbled something as she sipped her drink. Zell gave us a wide smile as he walked over. He opened the fridge and got some nice apple juice. He claims it keeps him in balance better with nature. I know his grandfather obviously told him that but I wonder how much he himself believes it. Either way he grabbed a glass and joined us at the table.

"Take her home already?" I asked.

"Yup," He nodded, "She had to be with her family today but thanks for letting her come and stay the night. It meant a lot to the both of us."

"Whatever gets you to stop being a pussy," Seifer jeered.

"Merry Christmas to you too," Zell snorted.

"She left pretty early though huh?" Seifer spoke to the table and I knew this was going nowhere good. "You sure you didn't do something wrong chicken-wuss."

Zell launched to his feet, "What are you insinuating?" No one said anything at the table as Seifer stared dumbly at Zell. Zell eventually grew tired of the silence of the stare from Seifer. "What!?"

Seifer slowly turned to Quistis, "He knows what insinuating means."

Quistis let out a little slip of a laugh out but quickly managed to contain it.

Zell was fuming, "Seifer you've been bugging me lately and I've about had it. You better watch yourself before I send you out that door."

"Like your girlfriend," Seifer remarked.

Zell banged his fist on the table, "That's it! How'd you like it if I make fun of your girlfriend."

Seifer grinned, "Go for it."

"Alright then, you think she's perfect huh? Well how about when she-"

Quistis cleared her throat, "I'm right here Zell."

Zell froze finger pointed deadly at Seifer. His eyes slowly slid to Quistis to see her watching him patiently. He unfroze but only to slowly slump back into his chair completely embarrassed.

Seifer's pleasure was evident, "Aw babe couldn't you have let him say what he wanted to say."

Quistis was trying to remain neutral but everyone could see her keeping the smile down. It was no secret that Seifer made her laugh and feel great. It's why they surprisingly got along. However it was usually at the expense of someone else and that someone was almost always Zell. Even I was finding the mug at my lips longer than normal to keep the smile hidden.

"Squall why don't you do something," Quistis turned to me.

My eyebrows went up, "I'm sorry?"

"Yeah Squall," Zell perked up.

I sighed, "Seifer do you feel proud and accomplished winning mind games against Zell?"

Zell, once again, spoke before words could process in his mind. "Yeah Seifer do you-wait…wait a second, Squall!"

Seifer erupted in laughter along with Quistis and me. There was no way we could all contain it. Even Zell after a while joined in, laughter was contagious and even he knew we didn't mean anything serious against him. So we sat there, laughing like merry little kids on Christmas morning. After we all settled down we continued to have normal conversation. Something that was still quite foreign to us, since we almost were always discussing or arguing about something. But today I think everyone felt the same as me, and that was too simply enjoy the day and not worry about all the shit we'd eventually have to deal with.

Selphie sprang out of her door practically bouncing. She wore the cliché yellow ducky pajamas that matched top and bottom. She wore the pants low and comfortable and her shirt never reached them showing off her stomach slightly. She rushed up to the table and gave each one of us a good stare in the face.

"Where's Rinny!?" She shouted.

Known fact: Selphie doesn't need coffee since her body produces caffeine.

"Her room," I replied obviously.

Her eyes lit up and her mouth formed such a spectacular smile as one word slowly sputtered out of her mouth. "Presents."

She then dashed off through the living room and down the hallway no doubt heading for Rinoa's room. Us, the table people, stared in her direction never truly knowing how we got such a character in our group.

"Mornin'," Irvine called as he walked up to the table. He had some sweatpants and a simple white T-shirt on. He sat down at the table and fixed his hat. It made me wonder if he slept with it on or maybe he had like a perfect stand he rested on besides his bed. Either way it was on from morning till night. I bet I'd find it weird if it wasn't on him at some point.

"She's like a kid," Seifer snorted.

"She is a kid," Irvine calmly replied.

"Wait she's nineteen right?" Zell proposed. "Does that make her an adult or teenager?"

"Well eighteen's an adult," Quistis answered.

"But the number nineteen has the word teen in it so…" Zell replied.

"So does thirteen," Squall countered. "I wouldn't call a thirteen-year-old a teenager."

"So…adult?" Irvine asked the table.

"Technically yes," Seifer agreed, "Selphie no."

"You guys talking about me?" Selphie jumped over the counter and landed near the table looking around excitedly.

"I'd call her more twelve," Seifer addressed the table.

"Where's Rinoa," Quistis asked the brunette.

"Getting some clothes on, 'cause, ya know…" Selphie's eyes dragged slowly to me.

Everyone's eyes turned to me and I stared blankly at them. This continued for some time, to the point where Rinoa entered the living room and stared at us all.

"Umm guys…presents," She held up a couple bags shaking them, but no one looked. It was a miracle for sure.

"Fuck. Everyone." I stated standing up.

They all shared a grin as they followed after me to the living room. I sat in my armchair which only a couple hours ago began the strange night that lead to this morning. Seifer sat on the couch closest to me, Quistis sat next over, in the middle, and Zell on the far side. Irvine was in the armchair across from me adjacent to Zell. Selphie took a spot on the floor next to Rinoa who was currently situating the bags all around her.

"Sorry guys I didn't wrap them," She meekly told us.

"That's fine," Quistis answered fixing her classes making me wonder if she did the 'glasses fix' simply to look more like a mother.

"Well who wants to go first?" Rinoa asked happily

Everyone eyed each other until they all fell on Selphie who was practically bouncing inside herself.

"Just let her go before she explodes," Seifer said.

"Okay Selphie," Rinoa reached into a bag and Selphie outstretched her arms excited. "Now I don't know if you're gonna like it but I didn't want to just get some simple clothes or perfume or something."

"I'm sure I'll love it." Wow, she did have manners.

Rinoa pulled out a big box that had a big picture of a rocket on it. Selphie practically snatched it out of Rinoa's hand and smashed her face against the box reading the side texts.

"It's a model rocket kit and I know it's kinda kidish but I figured you could make good use, maybe come up with some new ideas, or use some pieces, I don't know. But I also got you this specialized tool kit just for these model rockets," She explained handing over another box, "and I figured you might be able to use it for whatever else you feel like building."

Selphie screeched in delight before diving on Rinoa. "I love it!" She jumped up and started running off.

"Selphie dear!" Irvine called, "Wait until everyone's done."

Selphie slouched down but obliged and sat back on the floor. She's not twelve she's fucking ten.

"Whose's next?"

"Oh me, me!" Zell exclaimed.

"Okay Zell, for you I got this," She pulled medium size box. "It's a sharpener of all your weapons, it says all purpose so I assume it's for everything, but then again all the shit you have I don't know if it will cover it all. You'll have to see."

"Thanks Rin," He smiled gently as he retrieved the item from her.

"That's not all," Rinoa told him happily, "I also got you these," Once again…another box. "It's pair of night vision goggles. I figured maybe on some missions you can have total advantage with night vision goggles."

"That's amazing!" Zell cried snatching them from Rinoa already opening the box.

Seifer eyed me leaning on his fist, I knew he was thinking the same thing I was. Why the fuck didn't we think of night vision goggles? Where do you even buy night vision goggles?

"Okay, Quistis your next," Rinoa reached into another bag. She pulled out a big box and it had a computer image on the side."It's the –

"HP/Hewlett-Packard TouchSmart!" Quistis cheered uncharacteristically leaning forward with such eager she almost fell off the couch.

"Oh God," Seifer whined, "You have three already."

"Not like this," She rebuked. "This is all touch screen and can be an immense help. I was going to ask Squall if I could get this soon but now I don't have to." Quistis stood up and knelt on the floor hugging Rinoa tightly in what only can be classified as a 'Selphie hug'. "Thank you so much."

"You're welcome," Rinoa smiled.

Quistis sat back down on the couch with new present in hand smiling like a giddy school girl.

"Irvine?" Rinoa asked.

"Sure hun," He sat forward, "Let's see what ya got."

"First I got you this," She pulled out a box with some black thing on the side but we couldn't make it out. "It's a really nice back massager but it has multiple parts and there is this travel one, where you can like lay on it is padded and it warms. So I figured if you ever had to lay on for a long period of time or sit for a long period of time on a job you could bring this and you won't get sore."

Irvine smiled brightly obviously happy with the idea, "How sweet."

"And," Rinoa reached into another bag. "I got you this," She held a couple small containers. "It's hat polisher's specifically western style."

Irvine fell to his knees and removed his hat bring it to his chest. "Marry me."

Rinoa burst into a fit of giggles and handed over the gifts as Selphie glared at her boyfriend.

"Now Seifer," She turned to the blonde, "I wasn't sure what to get you."

"Strip tease."

Quistis elbowed him a second after, her reaction time is greatly improving.

"uh yeah, no," She pulled out a big long dark trench coat. Well actually it turned out to be not quite black more of a dark silver trench coat. "I figured since you are always wearing that gray one and it's kinda dingy I'd get you this nice sweet silver one. Now I know you may be sentimental about your old one so don't feel like you have to wear this."

Seifer smirked, "Oh this will make me even more attractive."

"Did you have to Rin," Zell complained wearing the night vision goggles with his spiky hair sticking out looking ridiculous.

"And finally Squall," She turned to me and smiled, "Well, I really had no idea what to get you at all, not like you show enough emotion for anyone to know what you like."

I grumbled not really saying anything in response.

"So I got you two things," First she pulled out this coat. It was black and looked heavy with a fur lined collar. "I figured this was your color since you're all moody."

"You don't have to explain every gift," I retorted.

"Oh but that's the fun part," She laughed, "Since you're always cursing about how cold it is I figured a nice coat that wasn't some trench coat. This is in style and would suite you nicely."

"She's right," Selphie's eyes darted between me and the coat and I knew she was putting it on me in her mind. It worried me what else she could probably imagine.

"And secondly," Rinoa pulled out a small piece of white square paper. However when she turned it around I realized it was a picture. "I got you a picture of myself so you can carry in your wallet since I know how much you love me."

She smiled brightly and of course the entire room burst out laughing. I found a smile tugging at my own lips but I tried to keep it down. I reached out and took the coat and picture with a nod. The picture was of her smiling peacefully, it was actually nice. It wasn't some obnoxious toothy grin or her making a dumb kissy type face. It almost made me smile, almost. I knew that I would keep it in my wallet and if anyone asked it would be because it was a Christmas present and to not do as she asked would be rude.

"So I hope you guys like them," Rinoa smiled meekly.

"We love them Rinoa," Quistis answered for the group.

"And…" Seifer turned to me knowingly.

I smiled, "We got you something."

She perked up like a dog hearing the word 'car'. "Oh really?"

Seifer leaned forward and reached underneath the couch. He pulled out a somewhat thin medium sized wooden rectangular box. We hid it under there so we could just pull it out looking all nonchalant and shit. 'Cause that's how we act here, also whoever looks under a couch they sit on all day. There was no way of knowing if she'd ever burst into some room.

Seifer reached out holding it and Rinoa crawled over on her knees to get it. She sat back on her butt crossing her legs, resting the box on it. She ran her hand over the wood and looked up at all of us.

"What is it?"

"Gotta open it," Irvine replied.

She smiled and unhooked the top from the bottom, she lifted the top back and let out a gasp. A gasp that a normal girl would make when they see jewelry or pearls. However this was no such fanciful thing. In this box there were two handguns. They were a metallic silver with the handles a pure white ivory with golden screws. There were two Jolly Rodger symbols (skull and cross bones) on each side of the barrel. They were top of the line and not just pretty looking. They were as strong as any Desert Eagle and handled just as nice.

She lifted it slowly out of the case and readjusted her hand in the grip. She smiled, "I love it."

"Knew you would," Selphie smirked.

"But why do I get special guns?" She asked a frown soon forming. "I don't wanna be the only one."

"We all have our own custom weapons," Irvine answered.

"Can I see them?" She shook her head as soon as she said it. "Oh there all in the basement, nevermind."

"Don't think Heartily," Seifer replied pulling out a handgun from behind him. "You might hurt yourself."

"Why do you have a gun you!?" Quistis exclaimed.

"Why not?" He replied smugly itching his eyebrow with it.

"Rinoa we all have our own guns," I told her, "We use them for special cases where we don't think we'll lose them because most are one of a kind."

"So can I see them?" She asked.

I quirked an eyebrow, "What? You don't wanna test your gun out."

Her eyes lit up and she jumped to her feet with both guns in hand. "Hell yeah!"

She dashed off to the elevator and I sauntered after her. I glanced over my shoulder as no one else decided to come and I cursed knowing they were trying to give us alone time. God I hate people who think they can try and help two people when there isn't anything going on between them. If they kept this attitude up I'm moving.

I reached the elevator and it was already going down. I cursed again and waited for it to come back up. When it did I stepped in and rode down. I entered the shooting range and saw the weapons room door open. Before I could enter Rinoa hurriedly walked out with a box of ammo and ear covers. I stepped in and grabbed a second pair of ear covers off the wall and grabbed a random gun. I was just gonna do some shooting so I didn't stand awkwardly behind her.

I watched her load the gun and the smile that graced her face as she did. She slid the chamber back with the loud clanking thud. She took aim gently and then unloaded the entire magazine. She was smiling the whole time and I knew she never felt that power before. We always gave her a weaker gun waiting for her aim to get a little better and it showed here. I could see that not every bullet hit the paper target at the other end, which she could normally do with another gun. This one had more recoil and she'd have to get use to it, but it was way more powerful. We didn't say anything and just kept shooting in peace, a strange thought that can prod the mind for an eternity. When suddenly she stopped shooting and placed her gun down. She took the ear covers off and let them fall around her neck. I stopped shooting and did the same looking at her expectantly.

"Wanna talk about last night?" She purposed looking down at her shiny new toy.

"Not really," I huffed.

"We should," She pressed.

"No we shouldn't," I argued.

She swiftly turned to me her hair swinging softy over her shoulder. Why I noticed that, I don't know. "This has happened to me before and I know what will happen if we don't talk about it."

"Oh yeah," I snorted, "Enlighten me."

"There is going to be sexual tension between us."

"Sexual tension?" I repeated. She nodded. I chuckled, "No there won't be."

"Let your masculinity down for a second and admit there will." She replied harshly.

"There won't be," I sternly said.

She put her hand on her hip leaning with attitude. "Even if you don't admit it there is. Every time I walk into a room you will think of me back to that time, you will think about how close you almost got with me. Every time you see me you will think about how I look in what I'm wearing and what I'd look like without it. You'd suddenly find yourself being more interested in me, whether you want to or not. You will realize this and fight it by yelling and making fun of me, or you'll embrace it and attempt to repeat what happened the previous night leaving awkward ties between us."

I snorted, "Umm nothing happened said previous night." I reminded.

She clicked her tongue, "You may not agree now but you will."

"Oh, fine and how do you know all this."

"Because it's how I am going to feel about you," Rinoa answered seriously looking me straight in the eye. "I won't be able to stop thinking about you and every time I see you I won't be able to not think of you without clothes on. So we need to talk about this to prevent any of this from happening."

"That's absurd," I hissed, "Don't act like you know me." I turned and headed towards the elevator. "Put everything away!" I shouted over my shoulder.

What the fuck did she know? Sexual tension my ass. I don't fall for a woman simply because I almost had sex with her. That's ridiculous, I can understand having sex and it accidentally happening. But to not even have sex and then have her puke all over the place causing her to become the very definition of unattractive. No, definitely no sexual attraction. That is an absurd notion of such simplicity and spontaneous feelings towards one another. Just no.

But would I really get that mad at her if I thought that? Did I get mad because even I knew that there was a slight chance that could be the exact outcome but refuse to believe it because as she said, my masculinity would suffer? Either way, I was determined to not act any different towards her. I wouldn't baby her and I wouldn't punish her. It would be like nothing happened, because it was just a lot of alcohol and didn't mean anything.

And yet if it meant nothing, I doubt I'd be arguing this long with myself.

So there's that just gotta say Merry Christmas and also gotta mention my beta again simply cause he edited this whole chapter in one day on Christmas-eve till Christmas...good man, good man.