Hey everyone! Well this is my first attempt at a FF8 Xmas special! I hope you'll like it. It's mainly centered around the Selphie / Irvine relationship but also a little Quistis story goin on as well. I'm sorry if you don't agree with some of my ideas and if not, don't read it! Thanks ;o)
Oh and all of the characters belong to Squaresoft etc. etc. I wish I owned em but I don't. I'm just writing for fun! Here we go...


CHRISTMAS HOPES -


A CHRISTMAS PARTY…

"I really wanna help out at Trabia this Christmas," Selphie told her friends, "I mean what kinda Christmas are they going to have this year what with the construction still not finished and the loss of their loved ones and friends."
"It must be so sad for them," Rinoa sympathized.
"Yeah... I miss them all as well. I want to do something special for them but I cant think what."
"How about we have a collection here at Balamb and buy them presents out of the money," Quistis offered.
"Hmmm... It's a good idea but..."
"...but you want to help them more huh?" Irvine smiled , "I've got it! Why don't we invite them over here for a huge party?"
"YEAH!!!" Selphie grinned.
"Um, guys, I'm not sure that Balamb Garden could take any more people. We're already overcrowded since the closure of Galbadia Garden. Where would they stay?" Quistis said quietly.
"Oh..." Selphie sighed.
"Wait a minute!!! Why don't we have a party over there?!? We can decorate the place, fill it with Christmas cheer and still have the best Christmas ever!" Irvine said excitedly.
"YEEAAHH!!!" Selphie jumped up, ready to carry out their new idea right away.
"Okay, I'm with you on that one," Quistis smiled. Selphie looked to her three other friends.
"Zell? Rinoa? Squall?"
"Yeah I'm in," Zell grinned.
"Me too!" Rinoa said and then looked to Squall, "...Squall?"
"Okay..." Squall said finally.
"Woohoo!!! Let's go!!!" Selphie grabbed Irvine's coat and pulled him out of the door.

* * * * * * *

TAKING CHARGE…

"Okay we need more red tinsel, a few more baubles and lots of glitter," Selphie said, dumping a huge box of tree decorations into Irvine's arms. The two of them were stood in the Balamb Garden store room where all of the old Halloween and Christmas decorations were kept. Selphie had decided to take charge and had herself fully equipped with a clipboard and pen. Irvine was appointed the decoration carrier. Selphie began to rummage in the boxes at the far corner of the room.
"Um, Selphie? Do we really need this much stuff?"
"Yeah! This is going to be the best party ever!" Irvine sighed. Selphie emerged from behind the boxes, holding a Santa suit.
"Heyyy look at this! This is brand new and guess what! It looks just your size." Selphie measured the suit up against Irvine.
"NO WAY AM I WEARING THAT!" Irvine protested. Selphie frowned.
"Well I'm gonna take it anyway just in case..." Selphie threw the suit into Irvine's box. Irvine shook his head in despair...

* * * * * * *

UNWANTED...

Quistis wandered the corridors of the garden aimlessly. Where was everyone? She sighed, maybe the balcony?
When she got to the balcony she found only Squall and Rinoa. They seemed to be engaged is some deep conversation. They both turned around quickly when Quistis walked up.
"Hi Quistis, is everything okay?" Rinoa smiled at her, draping her arm around Squall's waist. Quistis shifted uncomfortably.
"Yes thanks... I was just a little bored and trying to find someone to talk to," Quistis leaned against the balcony railings and glanced at the scenery around her. The three of them stood in complete silence for what seemed like forever. Squall frowned.
"Quistis... Would you mind leaving us alone for a while?" Squall said bluntly.
"Squall!" Rinoa slapped Squall lightly in the chest , "no don't Quistis. It's alright, really!"
"Oh sorry... were you guys talking about something? No, I'll go, I don't mind."
"Are you sure? You really don't have to..."
"Yes, I'll go and find Zell or Selphie and Irvine. See you later..." Quistis smiled weakly and left the balcony. Obviously she wasn't wanted here, maybe Zell would want to talk to her.