*Possession*
Ch.2-A friend?
Exactly seven and a half very stressed out hours later(for Quistis anyway), Zell and Selphie were argueing over who was going to drive the car to the mall.
"You drive?Hah! If I remember correctly, you were the one as a kid who used to enjoy running over people with your tricycle in your spare time! I don't even wanna think about you behind the wheel."
Selphie glared daggers back at him. "I'll have you know I am a totally safe driver!"
Irvine raised an eyebrow. "What about time you ran into the fire dehydrant?"
"Come to think of it..wasn't there that time you ran into the curb?" Squall added thoughtfully.
"or the time you went the wrong way on a one way street?"
said Quistis. She gave Selphie a glare to match her own. "I'll never forget that. I was in the car with you.."
"And don't you remember when you drove across the sidewalk, swerved to miss hitting the Mercedes, and then ran into the tree? Absolutely priceless."
Selphie turned as red as a peony. "That doesn't count!I hadn't gotten my driver's license!"
Irvine looked horrified. "Wait a second, you mean you were driving around without a driver's license?!!"
Selphie turned even more scarlet. "Errmm..just nevermind."
Quistis shook her head. "I think that settles it. Zell is most definitely going to be the one driving."
"Awww yeah!". Zell throttled up in the engine. "Jump in everyone!"
If Quistis had had a headache after all of her classes, it was nothing compared to what she was feeling now.
Selphie was being the perfect backseat driver, yelling at Zell to turn right or left,or when to switch lanes. Only problem was, ninety percent of the time, her instructions were completely wrong. Because of this, Zell was driving just about as badly as Selphie would have been in his place.
When they finally reached the mall, pretty much everyone was looking a little green. Squall was the first one to speak after they all tumbled out of the car.
"Zell?"
"Yeah?"
"Next time, you might want to try driving with both hands instead of just one."
Rinoa giggled behind her hand, and Irvine guffawed out loud, but Quistis found herself feeling sad by this display of Squall's sense of humor.
That was just it. Since when did he have a sense of humor?Since Rinoa. She had pushed him to let out his feelings.No, practically made him. Demanded things of him. She had cracked that tough shield of self protection he had put up between himself and others. Made him take chances..and actually feel.
The only emotions Squall had let overtake him when he was with Quistis was anger, and maybe annoyance..the time he told her to go talk to a wall..
As for Rinoa..she had made his emotions run the full spectrum. Enticed him right from the minute she asked him to that dance.
Quistis had just let Squall be..himself..she hadn't pushed him to open up..or feel...just said she was there for him, more or less. A passive friend. Rinoa had been a good deal more aggressive.. Yeah, and annoying, said a little voice in the back of her head.
Quistis tried to shake off her jealousy. She hated being jealous. It made her feel about two feet tall..and besides, she was here to have a good time. Dwelling on things is useless, she told herself sternly..it will only make you more miserable.
"See?I told you I should have been allowed to drive!"
Selphie's high pitched voice cut into her thoughts.
"Yeah..Zell, the next time you drive me anywhere ever again is the day hell freezes over" Irvine said emphatically. Even Quistis joined in the chuckles this time. It was somewhat easier to fight the pangs of jealousy, she realized, if she just avoided looking in Squall and Rinoa's direction all together.
"So, anyway, what store are we going to hit first?" asked Rinoa.
Selphie opened her mouth to say something, but so did Irvine.
"That store over there!". Both pointed in completely opposite directions.
Quistis's avoidance of both Squall and Rinoa wasn't working to well. If she saw Squall with his arm around Rinoa any longer, she thought she would spontaneously combust there on the spot...or the next worst thing, show some hint of her true feelings. She had to think quickly..
"Hey, I have an idea. Why don't us girls all go with you Selphie and help pick out the decorations while the guys..umm..go with Irvine?"
Urgg, why did I say that?..I feel so selfish...
The wheels were obviously turning in Selphie's head. Hmm..maybe that was a good idea!Besides, then Squall could have time to get Rinoa the wedding ring..that must be Quistis's plan. How could she be so selfless?
Selphie bobbed her head up and down enthusiastically. "Sure!that sounds great!What does everyone else think?"
Several nods went around.
"Alrighty then!See you guys later!"
As the group was splitting up and getting ready to head in seperate directions, Squall walked over to Quistis.
Toclosetoclosetoclose. His lips were practically touching her ear as he bent over and whispered something.
Quistis's nerves were strung up. She frantically tried to imagine it was Cid whispering in her ear instead of Squall..but to no avail. What on earth was he saying?
"Thanks". Thanks?Thanks for what?Damn, she was probably so far off in lalaland she missed whatever else he said before that.
Squall turned and left to catch up with Irvine and Zell, leaving Quistis puzzled.
Selphie reached over and gave Quistis's hand a squeeze.
"That was soo kind of you to give Squall time to get the ring. Wow, Quistis..so maybe you're finally getting over him,huh?"
So that was it. That was what Squall was thanking her for. She had just split up the group..giving him the chance to go off and get the engagement ring for Rinoa without her knowing. That hadn't been Quistis's orginal intent.
She wasn't sure whether she felt like laughing or crying.
The mall was crowded with the usual hustle and bustle of people, but Selphie barged on ahead dauntlessly through the throng, pulling Rinoa and Quistis along with her.
Once they actually got into Aerin's Ultimate Party Store, Selphie, Quistis, and Rinoa browsed through aisles and aisles stuffed with every item imaginable related to throwing a party..and some not at all related with throwing a party.(What the heck was with the inflatable dancing monkeys?)
As Quistis half walked, half got dragged through the store, she found her thoughts turning back to Squall and Rinoa. The perfect couple. Everything they did or said for each other Quistis was sure was exactly how it would have been if it was written in some storybook.
I can't let him marry her..I just can't!I CAN'T!I WON'T!I CAN'T AND I WON'T!
Rinoa looked at Quistis. Her whole face was pulled down into a frown. What had been with her lately?
Lately she seemed stressed out...that job really must be too much for her. And no wonder..she had eight classes each day to teach.
Sometimes it was hard to remember she was just the same age as the rest of them..she always seemed so much older. Quistis had never, even at the best of times, been carefree..and now, after Ultimecia and all that had happened, she seemed more uptight then ever.
Rinoa felt a pang of sympathy for her. What Quistis needed, she decided, was to have fun..loosen up a little. Remember her age. That was when the idea struck her. She could hook Quistis up with someone for the Valentine's day dance!It was just what she needed.The perfect pick me up!
Selphie picked up a box of hanging heart decorations.
"Hey, Quistis..will you hold these?"
No anwser. Quistis was staring off into the distance with a clenched jaw.
"Umm..Quistis?Hey, you alright?"
I have to tell Squall how I feel..I can't do this anymore. He and Rinoa, they're perfect together. They understand everything about each other, and accept it...faults and all. That's what makes them perfect.
But just the same..I have to let him know..just for that little, tiny, itty bitty chance that maybe, just maybe he doesn't really love her..
"Quisttiss?Earth to Quistis!"
Selphie snapped her fingers in front of Quistis's face.
"I just asked if you were okay..What's that matter?"
"Oh, nothing. I'm just kind of tired, had to stay up late grading papers" Quistis lied.
Selphie and Rinoa gave her looks of understanding.
"That sucks!"
"Yeah. Mega bummer"
Quistis pulled Selphie to one side. "Hey, would you mind if I went to the jewelry store the guys went into?I really want to help Squall..ermm..pick out his ring."
"Uhh. Yeah,I guess." Selphie's face looked confused, but Quistis didn't take time to clarify her previous statement. She went out of the store at a slow, leisurely pace..then, when she was sure neither Selphie or Rinoa was looking, she broke into a full out run. She had to tell Squall how she felt before he bought the ring.
Quistis reached the jewelry shop, but there was no one even remotely resembling Squall in sight. Where had he gone? Her heart sunk. He must have already bought the ring.
She glanced over at the owner. He seemed to be studying her very intently and looked as if he was trying to decide something. Several times he cleared his throat, but nothing came out. Finally, he was successful.
"Errm..umm..Miss?I have something for you...*ahem*..that is to say something that was asked to be given to you."
Quistis walked over, her fascination captured. Who would buy something for her?
"Here".
The old man places his own leathery palm over her own open hand, dropping a
miniscule, round object into it.
"From a friend" he whispered. "Now you had better go.I have to close up the shop..it's getting late."
A friend?!!?
-------------
A/N=Whooa..I realize this is kind of long(or at least it seems that way to me).Anyway, I think this chapter is even more crazier than the first one..Oh well,I just write whatever comes to mind(if it makes sense, that's a big bonus) Do review..and thanks to everyone that reviewed the last chapter.^_^
Ch.2-A friend?
Exactly seven and a half very stressed out hours later(for Quistis anyway), Zell and Selphie were argueing over who was going to drive the car to the mall.
"You drive?Hah! If I remember correctly, you were the one as a kid who used to enjoy running over people with your tricycle in your spare time! I don't even wanna think about you behind the wheel."
Selphie glared daggers back at him. "I'll have you know I am a totally safe driver!"
Irvine raised an eyebrow. "What about time you ran into the fire dehydrant?"
"Come to think of it..wasn't there that time you ran into the curb?" Squall added thoughtfully.
"or the time you went the wrong way on a one way street?"
said Quistis. She gave Selphie a glare to match her own. "I'll never forget that. I was in the car with you.."
"And don't you remember when you drove across the sidewalk, swerved to miss hitting the Mercedes, and then ran into the tree? Absolutely priceless."
Selphie turned as red as a peony. "That doesn't count!I hadn't gotten my driver's license!"
Irvine looked horrified. "Wait a second, you mean you were driving around without a driver's license?!!"
Selphie turned even more scarlet. "Errmm..just nevermind."
Quistis shook her head. "I think that settles it. Zell is most definitely going to be the one driving."
"Awww yeah!". Zell throttled up in the engine. "Jump in everyone!"
If Quistis had had a headache after all of her classes, it was nothing compared to what she was feeling now.
Selphie was being the perfect backseat driver, yelling at Zell to turn right or left,or when to switch lanes. Only problem was, ninety percent of the time, her instructions were completely wrong. Because of this, Zell was driving just about as badly as Selphie would have been in his place.
When they finally reached the mall, pretty much everyone was looking a little green. Squall was the first one to speak after they all tumbled out of the car.
"Zell?"
"Yeah?"
"Next time, you might want to try driving with both hands instead of just one."
Rinoa giggled behind her hand, and Irvine guffawed out loud, but Quistis found herself feeling sad by this display of Squall's sense of humor.
That was just it. Since when did he have a sense of humor?Since Rinoa. She had pushed him to let out his feelings.No, practically made him. Demanded things of him. She had cracked that tough shield of self protection he had put up between himself and others. Made him take chances..and actually feel.
The only emotions Squall had let overtake him when he was with Quistis was anger, and maybe annoyance..the time he told her to go talk to a wall..
As for Rinoa..she had made his emotions run the full spectrum. Enticed him right from the minute she asked him to that dance.
Quistis had just let Squall be..himself..she hadn't pushed him to open up..or feel...just said she was there for him, more or less. A passive friend. Rinoa had been a good deal more aggressive.. Yeah, and annoying, said a little voice in the back of her head.
Quistis tried to shake off her jealousy. She hated being jealous. It made her feel about two feet tall..and besides, she was here to have a good time. Dwelling on things is useless, she told herself sternly..it will only make you more miserable.
"See?I told you I should have been allowed to drive!"
Selphie's high pitched voice cut into her thoughts.
"Yeah..Zell, the next time you drive me anywhere ever again is the day hell freezes over" Irvine said emphatically. Even Quistis joined in the chuckles this time. It was somewhat easier to fight the pangs of jealousy, she realized, if she just avoided looking in Squall and Rinoa's direction all together.
"So, anyway, what store are we going to hit first?" asked Rinoa.
Selphie opened her mouth to say something, but so did Irvine.
"That store over there!". Both pointed in completely opposite directions.
Quistis's avoidance of both Squall and Rinoa wasn't working to well. If she saw Squall with his arm around Rinoa any longer, she thought she would spontaneously combust there on the spot...or the next worst thing, show some hint of her true feelings. She had to think quickly..
"Hey, I have an idea. Why don't us girls all go with you Selphie and help pick out the decorations while the guys..umm..go with Irvine?"
Urgg, why did I say that?..I feel so selfish...
The wheels were obviously turning in Selphie's head. Hmm..maybe that was a good idea!Besides, then Squall could have time to get Rinoa the wedding ring..that must be Quistis's plan. How could she be so selfless?
Selphie bobbed her head up and down enthusiastically. "Sure!that sounds great!What does everyone else think?"
Several nods went around.
"Alrighty then!See you guys later!"
As the group was splitting up and getting ready to head in seperate directions, Squall walked over to Quistis.
Toclosetoclosetoclose. His lips were practically touching her ear as he bent over and whispered something.
Quistis's nerves were strung up. She frantically tried to imagine it was Cid whispering in her ear instead of Squall..but to no avail. What on earth was he saying?
"Thanks". Thanks?Thanks for what?Damn, she was probably so far off in lalaland she missed whatever else he said before that.
Squall turned and left to catch up with Irvine and Zell, leaving Quistis puzzled.
Selphie reached over and gave Quistis's hand a squeeze.
"That was soo kind of you to give Squall time to get the ring. Wow, Quistis..so maybe you're finally getting over him,huh?"
So that was it. That was what Squall was thanking her for. She had just split up the group..giving him the chance to go off and get the engagement ring for Rinoa without her knowing. That hadn't been Quistis's orginal intent.
She wasn't sure whether she felt like laughing or crying.
The mall was crowded with the usual hustle and bustle of people, but Selphie barged on ahead dauntlessly through the throng, pulling Rinoa and Quistis along with her.
Once they actually got into Aerin's Ultimate Party Store, Selphie, Quistis, and Rinoa browsed through aisles and aisles stuffed with every item imaginable related to throwing a party..and some not at all related with throwing a party.(What the heck was with the inflatable dancing monkeys?)
As Quistis half walked, half got dragged through the store, she found her thoughts turning back to Squall and Rinoa. The perfect couple. Everything they did or said for each other Quistis was sure was exactly how it would have been if it was written in some storybook.
I can't let him marry her..I just can't!I CAN'T!I WON'T!I CAN'T AND I WON'T!
Rinoa looked at Quistis. Her whole face was pulled down into a frown. What had been with her lately?
Lately she seemed stressed out...that job really must be too much for her. And no wonder..she had eight classes each day to teach.
Sometimes it was hard to remember she was just the same age as the rest of them..she always seemed so much older. Quistis had never, even at the best of times, been carefree..and now, after Ultimecia and all that had happened, she seemed more uptight then ever.
Rinoa felt a pang of sympathy for her. What Quistis needed, she decided, was to have fun..loosen up a little. Remember her age. That was when the idea struck her. She could hook Quistis up with someone for the Valentine's day dance!It was just what she needed.The perfect pick me up!
Selphie picked up a box of hanging heart decorations.
"Hey, Quistis..will you hold these?"
No anwser. Quistis was staring off into the distance with a clenched jaw.
"Umm..Quistis?Hey, you alright?"
I have to tell Squall how I feel..I can't do this anymore. He and Rinoa, they're perfect together. They understand everything about each other, and accept it...faults and all. That's what makes them perfect.
But just the same..I have to let him know..just for that little, tiny, itty bitty chance that maybe, just maybe he doesn't really love her..
"Quisttiss?Earth to Quistis!"
Selphie snapped her fingers in front of Quistis's face.
"I just asked if you were okay..What's that matter?"
"Oh, nothing. I'm just kind of tired, had to stay up late grading papers" Quistis lied.
Selphie and Rinoa gave her looks of understanding.
"That sucks!"
"Yeah. Mega bummer"
Quistis pulled Selphie to one side. "Hey, would you mind if I went to the jewelry store the guys went into?I really want to help Squall..ermm..pick out his ring."
"Uhh. Yeah,I guess." Selphie's face looked confused, but Quistis didn't take time to clarify her previous statement. She went out of the store at a slow, leisurely pace..then, when she was sure neither Selphie or Rinoa was looking, she broke into a full out run. She had to tell Squall how she felt before he bought the ring.
Quistis reached the jewelry shop, but there was no one even remotely resembling Squall in sight. Where had he gone? Her heart sunk. He must have already bought the ring.
She glanced over at the owner. He seemed to be studying her very intently and looked as if he was trying to decide something. Several times he cleared his throat, but nothing came out. Finally, he was successful.
"Errm..umm..Miss?I have something for you...*ahem*..that is to say something that was asked to be given to you."
Quistis walked over, her fascination captured. Who would buy something for her?
"Here".
The old man places his own leathery palm over her own open hand, dropping a
miniscule, round object into it.
"From a friend" he whispered. "Now you had better go.I have to close up the shop..it's getting late."
A friend?!!?
-------------
A/N=Whooa..I realize this is kind of long(or at least it seems that way to me).Anyway, I think this chapter is even more crazier than the first one..Oh well,I just write whatever comes to mind(if it makes sense, that's a big bonus) Do review..and thanks to everyone that reviewed the last chapter.^_^