In this chapter I mention new characters that are not mine. Even though they aren't from Final Fantasy, I made sure to at least have them from Square-enix.

So like i said, they are not mine. They are from Square-enix.

Vanille Dia Oerba- Final Fantasy XIII

Reime Saionji- Star OCean The last Hope

Rinoa's POV

Upon hearing the alarm to my alarm clock, I lazily reached over and slapped the snooze button on top of it granting me the next five minutes of silence. I turned around so that I was facing the ceiling before tucking my arms under my pillow.

Now if I thought about it, I hardly used my alarm in the morning since Angelo always woke me up an hour before.

I was so stupid for feeling like crap the whole weekend. It felt as though Balamb was slapping me across the face for leaving and forcing me to go through what I missed for the past month. I was so depressed about being alone in this house, I even went out for a run around the block. Which by the way was a stupid idea, since I didn't reach the end of the block before I noticed cameras flashing from behind several bushes.

I sat up and rubbed the sleep from my eyes before finally reaching over and switching the 'off' button on my alarm. Next, I reached for the TV remote right next to my alarm and turned it on at the same time I yawned stretching my arms up. I settled with leaving it on music videos and finally decided to climb out of bed.

It's not like I can distract myself with Angelo since he was still at Leonhart's. I giggled sarcastically as I shook my head in disappointment. I never made it past the gate to his house. How did he expect me to get him back after what happened the last time I saw him?

It's even more awkward now between us than before. Not because of the reason that we had to pretend in front of Quistis and Almasy - oh yeah and Zell's sister too, but because I stupidly didn't want it to be pretends anymore.

I fell for Leonhart...

Where the heck did I go wrong? I face palmed in disbelief as I started making my way towards the closet.

I guess now that Quistis wasn't around, I didn't have to wear high heels to school. But that's the problem; I mean I had A LOT of them, practically one in every color. As for tennis shoes, I only have my black high-top Nike's. Hmm… maybe this was a good opportunity to look into that and buy a couple of more shoes during the week. Until then, I was stuck with the only pair I had.

I pulled them off the stand and reached for a pair of blue skinny jeans and a yellow tank-top. Lastly, I retrieved a a blue-white checkered sweater and headed out of the closet with my clothes.

After changing, I connected the straightening iron and waited for it to heat up at the same time I brushed my teeth in between. I swear straightening my hair took me less time than covering the bruise on my cheek since it was now on the dark purple phase. Well at least it wasn't swollen anymore.

I checked the time on the television and noticed I was ten minutes behind. I quickly reached next to my desk and grabbed my bag before running out the door. I ran into the kitchen at the same time I heard the microwave chime go off. I smiled when I saw my mom hand me my usual morning snack and tossed me a juice pouch. "Thanks mom." I continued running around the isle and kissed her on the cheek before running back out the way I came.

I placed my bag down on the empty passenger seat as well as turning my car on. I looked up to see if I could see the gate controller on my sun visor and pressed the button. As quickly as I backed the car out of the garage I waited for the garage door to close while fastening my seat belt.

On the way to school, luckily most of the lights were green. And before I knew it, I was able to gain back the ten minutes I had back tracked since I made it to school with time to spare.

I managed to park a little bit closer than I usually did, but still kept my distance from Leonhart's car and-

I couldn't believe it as I noticed Quistis' car parked a car away from his... And if I didn't know any better, the car in between most likely belong to Almasy.

I didn't even know he had a Porsche to begin with... that jerk… he had a nice car. Not only that but it's a dark silver color with black rims.

Quistis was stupid if she didn't ask him to drive her to school now that they were dating.

I stopped walking as I noticed Irvine's light brown truck pull into the parking slot next to Quistis's red car. Selphie instantly hopped out as the truck came to a stop. She happily laughed as she got out of the truck and joined the rest of the group.

Me on the other hand...

I couldn't help feel left out. Like everyone there got along except me.

Flatly put, I felt left out. I didn't know anyone else but Quistis and Selphie. And they happened to belong to a group I didn't belong in...

Maybe... this was a sign to make new friends? I really should look for a way to get away from them and fit in somewhere else.

I nodded understandingly before switching my bag over to my other shoulder and continued walking to school on my own.

It was for the best really; and it wasn't like I had much to lose anyways right?

Squall's POV

I was planning on waiting for Caraway by my car before school started, but Almasy and his chick decided to park next to me. It wasn't like it mattered, but I pretended I didn't see them and walked away.

I fixed my ipod and earphones on and made my way to school to reach my locker. I dropped a few books in at the same time Zell and his sister were arguing about something not so far away. They were near the stairway and in the direction I was planning in heading so I tried to stall by switching stuff in and out of my locker and into my backpack.

I really didn't want to know what was going on with those two; especially after how tired I felt. After being away in different time zones, it was still taking some getting used to. Fuckin' hate this…

"Squall?"

I tried to hold back from yawning. "Huh." I turned around after closing my locker. "What does your sister want now?"

I watched as Zell pushed his sister up the stairs before getting back to me.

"Nah, she's being stupid. She said she was calling you nonstop trying to get you to take her to Almasy's and Quistis's party in the weekend."

"Fuck I didn't even go myself," I blinked closing my eyes longer than expected, "Why the hell would she think I would take her then?"

"Hey that reminds me." He paused checking his watch making sure he had enough time before the bell. "Did you ever make it to Caraway's? I called you twice since she was asking for you."

"Oh." Well I kinda made it, but not really… "Nah, I went out swimming and left my phone inside."

Zell laughed for some reason even though I knew I didn't say anything funny.

"Man you should have gone. Tidus and Gippal were there. So were Yuna and her group. Shit… can you believe they actually got into playing videogames? I mean, they look like the kind of people that don't have time to-"

"Zell anyone who with thumbs can pick up a controller and play." I picked up my left earphone and place it back in my ear right when the school bell began to ring. "I'll see you."

"Yeah later."

I headed down the hallway past the stairs while Zell went up the stairs and around the next set. Hopefully I can stay up the rest of the day or if I can just-

I stopped at the middle of the lobby when I noticed Caraway walk in the double doors.

So she got here late after all. I almost laughed when I saw her stumble from seeing me already in school. Was she really that shocked to see me?

I saw how her expression changed from surprised, to happy, and then to all of a sudden mad.

I pressed on and continued walking in the direction I was heading.

"Damn, don't worry I'm not happy to see you either." I whispered as I walked past her. I didn't bother looking over my shoulder to see if she heard me because I could feel her watching me.

Caraway had one hell of a long year left at this school.

Rinoa's POV

I almost tripped from seeing Leonhart so soon. I was really planning of staying away as much as I could. Like I had even planned on avoiding areas like the cafeteria during lunch and going to eat at a fast food restaurant instead.

I quickly pulled my smile into a frown as I noticed him walking towards me.

"Damn, don't worry I'm not happy to see you either." He boredly whispered as he walked by.

THAT JERK! I pouted as I watched his retreating back disappear into a classroom.

"Come on Rinny, we're gonna be late!"

I looked behind me and noticed Selphie running at me. "Oh shoot! Hurry up." I quickly started running for the stairs while looking back at Selphie and passed her. I saw Irvine head the same way as Leonhart did and instantly made me wonder if they had the same class. Hmm…

"Rinny?"

I saw Selphie run past me. "I'm going!"

We managed to walk into the room at the same time the final bell sounded. We both glanced at the instructor to see if he would wave us the go-ahead. We both sighed when we saw him nod his head and pointed us to our table. We quietly walked down the isle as he started the lecture.

Morning classes easily flew by faster than expected.

What was I gonna do? I didn't have anyone to sit with during lunch, and I couldn't leave anymore because Leonhart already saw me. If anything, I would just have to find a far enough area to avoid them in the cafeteria I guess.

I started drumming my fingers on my binder since I had to find a new way to get around the school.

"Instructor is it okay if I make an announcement before the bell?" A girl with an accent made me look up.

I glanced over at the girl holding her hand up trying to get the teacher's attention.

"Sure go ahead Oerba."

I watched as the girl with orange-brown pigtails stood up and walked up to the front of the class.

"Hi everyone." She giggled and waved to the class. "As I think you all might know me as the cheerleading captain. But just in case, everyone," She placed her hands behind her and beamed a kind smile, "I'm Vanille Dia Oerba, senior captain of the cheerleading squad here in Balamb High, and I would like to announce tryouts start next week. If anyone is interested don't hesitate to talk to me after class. I promise I don't bite or anything." She continued to smile as the bell interrupted her. "See me if you're interested." I pouted as people didn't really bother to hear the rest of what she was trying to say. I watched as she waved her hands over the crowd of students trying to get out the door.

If I thought about it, I had absolutely nothing to lose. I did have fun being a cheerleader in Deling after all. Ehh.. What the heck-

I quickly packed everything in my bag and walked over to her desk since she was doing the same thing.

I tapped her shoulder startling her slightly. "Uhmm Vanille right?" I watched as she looked at me with her light green eyes.

"OH MY- you're Julia's daughter right? Oh please tell me you're interested in being a cheerleader." She clasped my hands in hers as her smile continued to win me over.

I nodded. "Yes, well actually I am interested. If you don't mind, can I hear the rest of what you had to say?" I was a little surprised at how she reacted about my presence.

"Yay!" She cheerfully stood up and took out a flier from her pink backpack. She handed me the flier as I realized she was around the same height as me. "Okay, have you ever been a cheerleader before?"

I sorta was… so what the heck. "Yeah, but just once."

"Well tell me you at least know how to do several tumbling moves." I watched as she crossed her fingers causing me to laugh and smile at her.

"Yes, don't worry I know mostly all the flips." I started naming them off on my fingers.

"Yes! Okay all you need now is to show up to tryouts and we'll see you try to follow on one of our routines. Other than that, you're practically in the squad."

"Wow really?" was that really it?

"Oh and one last thing." I tried not to drop my smile. Of course there was going to be a catch. "What do you have as your elective?"

I raised a brow a little confused. "Library aide. Why?"

"Well since our squad IS year long and not just a season like other schools. Our practices are held during elective blocks on Wednesday."

"So you're saying I'm going to have to change my schedule from Library aide to Cheerleading practice?"

"Yup exactly. You see, we decided it was best to have practice early on Wednesdays so we can go home early at least once a week."

I guess that's a good idea. Hey, anything beats staying at school till five in the afternoon. "Okay. It's fine. I never made it to the library anyways." We both laughed as she lets me keep the flier and allowed me walk with her to the cafeteria.

"Hey, want to sit with the squad and get to know them?" She offered.

Wow was she serious? "Really?" Oh my God, where was this girl when I got to this school? "Sure!"

"They'll love you, I promise. They are the nicest people you'll meet here."

Once we reached the cafeteria we both stood in line to get our lunches and continued talking about my cheerleading experience.

I glanced past Vanille when I noticed Selphie walking towards their usual table. My smile dropped as I noticed she looked upset. I wondered what happened.

After getting our lunches and heading to Vanille's table, I wasn't really expecting to sit so close to Almasy and Leonhart's table, but since Vanille's table was on the same row just two tables over. I guess I didn't have a choice.

"Hi everyone. I think I just found our next varsity cheerleader." She sang it out cheerfully.

I smiled and waved at everyone at the table. "Hi I'm Rinoa Caraway."

I saw everyone smile and wave at me as if they were just as shy. I watched as a girl with hazelnut eyes with long brunette hair tied up in a high ponytail waved over to sit next to her. Vanille signaled me to follow her and led the way over to where the girl was calling me over. "Rinoa this is Reimi."

Vanille left a spot between Reimi and her open so I could sit in between.

I watched her extend her hand out to me. "Hi, I'm Reimi Saionji. Nice to meet you, Rinoa."

I shook her hand in return. "Reimi, I hope you don't mind but what's that clip behind your ear?" It looked like some kind of pen with a pink ribbon tied to it.

"What this?" She pulled it out of her hair. "It's a pen. Can't you tell?" I watch as she clicked the top causing the point to come out.

"That's so cool." I smiled up at her as Vanille started to giggle along with me.

"So Rinoa are you going to get in trouble with your friends if you start sitting with us?"

I didn't stop myself from laughing as I held my coke to my lips. I doubt that could ever happen. "I think they're cool with it."

For some reason I had the curiosity to look over now that she mentioned it.

I leaned back so I could see past Vanille's back and past the next two tables. I watched as Zell placed his lunch tray down across Leonhart and sat down. Leonhart on the other hand appeared to be falling asleep. He has his chin resting on the palm of his hand with his eyes closed. I think. But I also wondered why Selphie was upset. She just kept pushing her food around in her plate.

I knew the thought was crazy, but I really wanted to go check up on her.

I stood up getting Vanille and Reimi's attention. "Hey Vanille, can I have the apple on your tray?" She smiled before handing it to me. "Thanks. I'll be right back."

It wasn't until I was up and out of my chair that the nerves started kicking in. I walked past a table and kept my cool since no one at the table had noticed me yet.

Why was I getting so worked up over this so suddenly? It wasn't anything crazy, so why was I getting this feeling? Relax- Just do this for Selphie, she deserves that much, keep it together.

I almost stopped when I noticed Zell turn in my direction and look at me a bit surprised. I see him point at Leonhart like asking me if I was going there to talk to him. I quickly shook my head and pointed past him and towards Selphie at the other end of the table. He followed my pointed source and nodded before resuming with preparing his burger.

Hopefully I could get out of here before Almasy and Quistis- yeah my own used-to-be friend show up.

Squall's POV

I didn't expect to make it this long without falling asleep in school, but I did consider leaving after lunch would be my best bet.

Even though I didn't fall asleep or anything, I still decided to close my eyes for a bit and listen to what's going on around me. As much as I hated it when sleep over powered me, I was beginning to hear everything haze away.

Well almost…

I felt a hand grip a hand full of my hair and pull my head back. I opened my eyes just in time to see Almasy laugh and pull my hair harder making me lean out further even more.

I gripped the pen in my front pocket and hesitated on pulling it out.

"What's the matter Squall?" His smirk grew wider. "Asshole, you know better than to knock out during school."

He noticed me holding the pen getting ready to stab his hand because I felt him release my hair. "Fuck you, Almasy. What the hell do-"

"Oh shit." I heard him whisper behind me catching me off guard. I was about to look up at him but stopped when I noticed him wrap his arm around my shoulders while holding his lunch with the other. "Damn, I didn't think she would have the balls to sit at our table? Goes to show, she hasn't learned her lesson." He stated in a low tone, as if he was trying to show me how to catch a prey.

I do admit I was a bit surprised that Caraway actually had it in her to be at our table, I just didn't see how she got there without me noticing. "It's not like it's your problem. Now get the hell off." I elbowed back hitting his stomach causing him to stagger back.

He smirked as he took the chance to ruffle my hair like some damn kid and walked down to the end of the table with his new girlfriend in tow.

You had to be kidding me. If it wasn't for Almasy pointing it out, I would have actually stayed asleep. "Hey Zell." I bet he knew.

I saw him chuckle as he chewed on his food and shrugged. Oh yeah he knew.

I yawned as I stretched my arms up and looked back at Caraway's direction. She still hadn't noticed that me and Almasy knew she was here since she has her back facing us.

Maybe I should warn her Almasy was heading her way...

I sat back and yawned again.

…Nah I'll let it play out a bit. Hell I was tired and didn't want to do much. Not only that, but I wanted to see if she can get out without crying.

I watched as Almasy threw a grape at her face the same way he threw the football at her.

I shook my head and smirked at how dumb that appeared. Zell noticed my amusement as he turned to see what was making laugh as Caraway suddenly stood up.

Zell glanced back at me confused. "Hey aren't you suppose to-"

I sighed cutting him off. "Nothing's happening. What can Caraway do to make Almasy mad anyways?"

We both turned to watch them by the sound of Caraway's voice. And by the sounds of it, she was starting to get mad.

"Aren't you going to do something?" Zell questioned me again.

I shook my head without looking at him. "Zell… nothing is happening." I kept watching as Almasy stood too close in front of her causing her to lean back onto the table. "Almasy isn't as much of a bitch to swing at a chick."

"I don't know man, I think Rinoa is starting to panic."

I sigh frustrated again. "Fine alright. If she can't manage to get Almasy off her in the next two minutes, I'll go. Alright?"

"Two minutes might seem short to you, but to her…" He glanced at me a bit disappointed. Shit if he wants to help her so much, why doesn't he go? "Alright already." I put my hands on the table as I stood up from my chair. I was about to take my first step around my chair but stopped when I noticed Caraway reaching behind her and onto Selphie's tray.

Wait, what was she doing?

I sharply stopped as Caraway didn't hesitate to grab a hold of the first thing she could from the tray and slamming it across his face.

"MOTHER FU!-" Almasy's sudden yell got the attention of most of the cafeteria.

I didn't waste time running around the table to their side, instead I quickly walked down the side I was heading and stopped behind Caraway with the table in between us. I reached for her at the same time, she shoved an apple in Almasy's mouth; stopping him from yelling the next thing.

Damn what the hell was she thinking? "Damn…" I quickly climbed on top of the table and stayed kneeling down as I hooked my arms around Caraway's frame and pulled her up with me.

I glanced up as Almasy tried reaching for one of her legs.

"Sweet payback asshole! How does it feel?" Was she crazy? She was only provoking him more.

"Shut up idiot." I continued to hold her back. "You're just feeding more fuel to the flame."

"Wow Squall, nice for you to show up." I noticed Irvine step in and try to get in between Almasy and Caraway.

The sarcasm was real in his voice. "Yeah, well you know me." I took the chance that Almasy was being held back and focused on sliding Caraway off the table first.

"I didn't need your help you know." She complained, as she got off the table.

Oh, what now? Was she going to try and fight me off? "You can stop the whole bullshit act of being tough with me. I'm not buying it."

"I didn't ask for your help, okay?" She insists again.

I hopped off the table. "Whatever. I know you were hoping-"

"Leonhart." Almasy called me out from behind Kinneas. "You better keep an eye on her, I swear to God I'll-"

Don't give me this bull. "Don't you swear shit on me. I fuckin' told you to back the hell off!" If I remembered correctly he was the one to provoke her in the first place.

Instead of him saying anything back, he focused on wiping the remaining food pieces that were sliding down his face.

I turned to walk away while pushing Caraway in front of me.

"Then I hope you better tame her soon, or else someone else might have to."

I noticed his comment actually made Caraway want to turn around and say something but I didn't let her. I pulled the hood of her sweater over her head and pushed her forward. "Shut up and keep walking."

"I can't."

I glanced back up at her since I was in the middle of picking up my backpack from my chair. "Why the hell not?" I watched as she stopped and point at her blonde friend.

"Rinoa, are you sure you want to talk to this guy?"

What the hell. Is she talking about me?

"Quistis, why in the world would I listen to you in the first place?"

"Because I was your best friend remember?"

"Yeah, exactly; WAS. I was your best friend. And it wasn't my fault that you chose that THING over me. I already accepted that you gave me up for him. So just leave it at that and stay out of my business!"

Wow, nowhere close to being friends in fact.

"Is THAT what you want?" Surprisingly she was referring to me.

I've had enough of this pointless situation. My head was already starting to hurt because of it.

I grabbed Caraway by the arm and pulled her around Almasy's chick. "Where's your stuff."

"Wait. I'm not done talking." She pulled her arm trying to stop me.

I tightened my grip. "Stupid SHIT like this isn't worth it." I made sure I said it loud enough to make Trepe get the idea that I was referring to her as I walked past her.

I continue leading Caraway away from the table as we reached the next column of tables. "Again, where did you leave your stuff?"

"It's over…" was she thinking about whether to tell me? Or what? "Uhmm let me go get it."

I didn't have a choice as to why not to let her go. "Fine, but hurry up." I had a feeling like she did't want me to follow her.

Whatever. I decided to wait for her outside the cafeteria, since the majority of the people continued watching us.

I was just about to head out when I realized my ipod and phone weren't on me.

Shit, I had left them behind at the table.

I got back to the table and not only find my ipod and phone but also the pen that I was holding onto earlier. How the hell did I manage to leave my stuff behind in the first place? Oh wait. Now that I think about it, Caraway and her little used-to-be best friend, had their share of words.

"Hey Squall." I looked up at the sound of Zell's voice calling me from across. "You skipping class?"

Well might as well, I'm falling asleep anyways. "Yeah I guess so." Doubt if I go I'll pay any attention. I tucked my ipod back in my front pocket along with my phone and pen.

"But don't you and Almasy have Rinoa's class next? Wouldn't it be a bad idea to leave her behind and-" I knew where he was getting at.

"No Zell, I'm not going to stay another hour and a half just to-"

"Ready?" I looked over my shoulder and surprisingly find Caraway standing behind me.

I crossed my arms. "Ready for what?"

"We're leaving right? Well I actually - kinda heard you saying something about not staying, so what the heck; might as well leave too right?"

I raised my brow. "So you're ditching, because I am." Huh. Makes me wonder if she was even trying to avoid me from the beginning. "Fine. Do whatever you want, I'm going home."

"Fine." She crossed her arms and looked up at me. "And I'll follow you home, since you have someone that belongs to me." Caraway took a step closer like I had no choice but to allow her.

So she was trying the whole brave crap all over again. "It's been what, three days? And you finally decide to pick him up?" I took the first step and started heading towards the doors.

I didn't bother looking back when I heard Caraway say bye to Zell and hearing her call after me to wait for her.

"Well how the heck did you expect me to show up at your doorstep during the weekend?" She caught up to me by the time we walked past the Cafeteria doors. "Not after-" I instantly stopped and looked back in time to see her jump startled. "Uh never mind." She quickly responded before watching her walk past me.

Yeah that's what I thought. I knew she wouldn't show her face around my house after what happened Friday. I guess she wasn't as dumb as I thought.

I knew that by the time my car entered the driveway, Angelo would be waiting by the door. I turned my house keys in the lock to open the door at the same time Caraway's car finally turned into the driveway.

I crossed my arms as I watched her stomp her way toward me.

"You could have waited for me you know."

It's not my fault she got stuck on all the red lights. "Whatever, just get your dog." I pushed the left door open.

"Angelo!" Caraway ran right past me to hug Angelo. "Awwe did you miss me?" She was making this baby voice that was just annoying as hell.

I walked in and closed the door without realizing I got Angelo's attention. "No." He stopped halfway towards me. "Go get your stuff."

"Wait, you got him stuff?" Caraway asked as she got up from kneeling down.

"Yeah. Two Frisbees and a ball." I walked around her and towards the right hallway. "In case you didn't know, Angelo knows a few tricks."

I pushed past the swinging doors that led to the kitchen.

"Hey umm… Squall, don't get me wrong but do you actually live here all by yourself?"

What. Was she expecting the house to be over crowded by maids and butlers? "Pretty much."

"What about maids and butlers?"

I sighed and walked over to the fridge while she went to sit at one of the counter chairs. "Don't need them." I grabbed two water bottles and closed the fridge.

"I like them." I raised a brow as I placed one of the water bottles in front of her before sitting up on the counter top next to the sink. "There's at least someone to talk to when mom's not home, well you know - since Quistis moved out and all and became all high and mighty herself."

Sort of got what she meant since I was stuck in the middle earlier. I decided to let the conversation end not wanting to follow her topic.

I tried not to laugh as I saw the silence starting to get to her. It was funny because it had only been two minutes and she was already starting to feel awkward.

I tilted my head as I saw her stand up.

"Hey, since uh we got out earlier and I didn't get a chance to eat lunch, would you like to go get something to eat?" She directed the question everywhere in the room except me.

I crossed my arms and smirked. "Why?"

She took a step back with her hands behind her back. "It's just that I-"

"No stupid." I jumped off the counter top. "What I mean is, why go all the way back in town if we can make something here?"

Oh right I forgot. She's use to people cooking for her instead of doing it herself.

"Really?"

I looked up at her. "Might as well. I didn't have lunch since I was falling asleep and plus something else followed by that and-"

"Alright." She cut me off as she walked towards me. "I get it."

That reminds me. "What did Almasy say that made you slam the first thing that came to hand in his face?"

"Oh that's the thing." She placed her hands on her hips. "You see I went to check on Selphie because she looked kinda down. But my plan from the beginning was to get out of there before you- I mean Almasy noticed I was there." She paused when she saw me looking through the cabinets.

"I'm listening." I sighed as I took out a glass salad tray.

"Oh uhmm… well Almasy showed up. And he immediately started making fun of my bruise and what happened in Deling. Not only that, but I had to find some way to shut him up, since he was about to mention "us" in front of Selphie and Irvine, so I did the next best thing."

"And that was slam food in his face, followed by an apple?"

"Hey don't make fun of me! It was the only thing that crossed my mind, okay?" She walked over to the fridge and pulled the left side open. "Wow."

"What?" I crossed my arms and leaned onto the counter.

"Squall, is it just me or do you like apples? Well, I'm guessing since you have like apple-everything. Apple juice, apple soda, and the fruit drawer is like full with apples in general."

Well it's not like she would know that apples were my mom's favorite and that dad told me apples always made him feel closer to mom...

Yeah right like I would tell her that. "Better than oranges."

"That's true." She knelt down and reached into the lower part of the fridge to take out four apples. "Well want to make apple salad? It looks like you have everything to make it."

"Might as well." I walked over to the pantry and took out the remaining ingredients.

While Caraway focused on washing the apples in the sink, I took out the condensed sweet milk syrup and raisins.

"Hey, can we add marshmallows?-Oh and can I get a knife to cut these into smaller pieces?" I pulled the drawer next to the sink open and handed her one of the knifes. "Thanks."

I handed her the cutting board too before washing my hands.

After finally draining the syrup into the bowl and emptying the raisins I went back into the pantry to get Caraway her marshmallows.

"Hey, I learned how to make the same apple salad as you, but with marshmallows. Weird huh."

Well at least I knew she can make something as easy to eat. "I guess."

"My nanny Luce showed me how to make it when I was little. What about you?"

Damn Ellone made me. "I watched Ellone once."

"Okay ready." She carried the cutting board and dropped the apples in. "Can I stir?"

I reached into another drawer and took out a big sized spoon. "Here."

I settled with setting out the plates while she stirred.

"Hey, where's Angelo?"

"He's probably sitting by the stairs." I'm guessing since that was where I usually find him.

We both sat down at the counter and started eating through our late lunch. She mostly tried making any topic sound interesting trying to make me talk, but I just didn't really feel like it.

"Hey Squall, did your parents ever tell you how they met?"

I was taken aback from the huge leap in topic. What the hell? "Yeah, but I won't tell you."

"Aww.. Come on, I was about to tell you how my parents met."

"Why the hell would you want to tell me that? Are you seriously running out of things to talk about?"

"It's not that, it's just I saw how your dad looked at my mom that one night. And my mom looked at him the same way."

Oh I see… "You're mom didn't tell you, did she?"

"Tell me what?" I watched her sit up straight.

"Ask her. I'm not telling you." I picked up my empty plate and dropped it off in the sink. "Just keep in mind, that this world is a very small world."

Rinoa's POV

I was just about to walk out of Squall's house with Angelo in my arms when I got an idea. "Hey Squall, you mind if I leave Angelo here with you?"

He leaned onto the open door frame. "Why?" He crossed his arms.

"It's just that I have the maids, butlers, and even my mom to talk to sometimes. You on the other hand-"

"I wouldn't have it any other way." He countered.

"Well Angelo can keep you some kind of company, right?"

I noticed him sigh. "Fine, but he's still not mine."

I nodded. "Okay then. I'll say I'll let you borrow him then. Better?" I leaned down and sat Angelo on the ground. "Be a good boy for me, 'kay?"

I waved at Leonhart as I walked down the path to the driveway.

Was it just me or was Leonhart actually letting me get on his good side?

I could only hope.

I got in my car and drove down the hill to my house. Now thanks to Squall, I had something to figure out with my mom.

I just had to wait the next three hours for her, until she got home.

I'm probably going to bring in more Square-enix characters later on, but I'll make sure not to go beyond that.

But anyways I'm happy to have made it in time to post. Since my two weeks are up Tuesday.

lol

Oh and thanks to everyone that has reviewed my story and followed it since the beginning.

I'm happy to hear from everyone.

I won't let this story go unfinished for you guys XD