A/N: I never thought that this idea would receive such a warm welcome. Thank you all for the reviews, maybe I'll write a sequel some day. I hope that you'll like the last chapter.

Vick
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***** III - Dreams Come True *****


The music stopped, and Cidalya walked to the podium, her commanding figure soon made all conversation end. She then went on a short lecture about Head Instructor Mei Lee, who would be taking the position of Headmistress at the newly built Esthar Garden. She also praised Quisto Trepe, who in spite of his young age had been nominated to replace her.

Instructor Lee had already left for Esthar, and Quisto thanked Balamb's Headmistress, as she offered him the microphone. He also made his talk succinct, acknowledging his predecessor's accomplishments and promising to do his very best for Garden.

A warm round of applause went through the assembly, for the guy was loved and respected. Quisto left the podium, and the music resumed. Reno excused himself from Qualla, joined Fujo and Stephen, and went to congratulate the newly promoted Head-Instructor.

Qualla looked around for her friends. Not finding them, she went to the bar and got another Shiva-Lager.

The hazel-eyed guy returned fifteen minutes later. He found his broody wife sitting at one of the tables nursing her beer, and looking very much like the picture of boredom itself.

He kissed her lightly on the lips, and asked, "Do you want to leave, Qualla?"

"Whatever, we can stay if you want." She answered, trying to look neutral about it.

Reno chuckled, for he was getting more and more adept at judging his beloved's moods, "I don't really feel like dancing anymore, and I've already congratulated Quisto, lets go home."

"Okie." She replied, obviously pleased.


********** ********** ***********


As Qualla and Reno were leaving Garden, Irma and Stephen were making out on one of the balconies. Meanwhile, Fujo was looking for Sofie, and Quisto for a special someone he'd been longing to talk to all evening.

Fujo had witnessed part of the exchange between Quisto and Sofie, and he felt concern for her. He resolutely guided his steps to where he thought she might be.

The albino man knew that he would find her there, in that little storage room. It had been their secret hiding place, ever since they had enrolled at Garden, so long ago. There she was, sitting on a box. Sofie was way too proud to shed tears, but he could see that she was shaken.

"YOU ALL RIGHT?" He inquired.

The blonde woman looked up, "Yes Fujo, I'm all right, I just needed to get away from all those people."

"ME TOO"

She stood up, and approached him, "Tell me, Fujo, why are you still friends with me? I even managed to chase away Rica, who is so patient. So why do you put up with me?"

What could he say? For starters, Sofie and Rica were the first real friends he had ever had. Even if Reno and the others had accepted him in their group, Fujo still felt a special attachment, and deep loyalty to the two women.

When he was still a small boy, Sofie had come to his rescue, when a pack of bullies had ganged up on him. That was when he had lost sight in his left eye. The blonde girl had brought him to Garden then, changing his life for the better.

Furthermore, the blonde woman was gentle with him, making him feel good about himself. She was one of the few people that knew about his stuttering, that it was the reason why he talked loudly, rarely spoke more than three words at a time, and had never made fun of him because of it.

He loved her but had never gathered the courage to tell her, keeping his feelings to himself. Sensing her pain, but not knowing what to do, he opened his arms to her. To his surprise she took refuge in them, hugging him tightly.

"Why do I always make a mess of everything, Fujo?" She said in a broken voice.

For once, he managed to talk normally, "Because, you are trying too hard to impress people."

She didn't respond but looked up to him, and he continued, "You are a special person, Sofie, you should let others see th-the r-r-real y-y-YOU." He managed to finish.

Things had not gone well for them in the past year, and coming back to Garden had demanded that she swallow back her pride. Through it all, he had remained by her side, strong, unmovable as a rock. How selfish she had been, she thought, not realizing before that she had leaned so heavily on him.

Sofie loved her friend, for himself and because he had always been there for her. She had felt closer and closer to him, as time had passed. And now, she started wondering, was it possible that there was more to his loyalty than simple friendship?

All she wanted now was some comforting. She was tired, so tired of always showing that strong, unshakable façade to the world. She was so tired of being Sofie Almasy, the stubborn girl that always got her way. And she was tired of the charade her life had turned into.

Without thinking, she offered him her lips. He responded with assurance, for he had waited for this for way too long.

They stayed there in each other's embrace, unwilling to let go, not caring about what went on outside.

Still surprised at this turn of events, Sofie whispered to him, "Fujo, I think that I've been in love with you for a while now, but I was too afraid to face it. I have to know, do you feel the same about me?"

He smiled gently to her, soothingly stroking her hair, and uttered a single word, "YES"

That was all the response she needed, and she leaned gratefully against him. This was no game, no deception, but the real thing. She let herself be cradled in his strong arms, and enjoyed the feeling of serenity he gave her.

They knew that they would remain friends, and also become something else, something more.

All would work out fine from now on.

Life had, for once, smiled on them both...


********** ********** **********


Zelda had just stuffed a piece of cake inside her mouth. Her eyes widened when she heard a familiar voice behind her, "Hi there, Zelda, enjoying the ball?"

Somehow, she was able to gulp down the whole pastry. She wiped her mouth, and turned to face him. "Oh, yes Quisto, great speech by the way." She answered, trying not to choke.

"Thank you." He said, "Here, let me help you," He took an immaculate handkerchief from his pocket, and proceeded to wipe crumbs from the short blonde's face.

"You look quite stunning tonight, you know?" He remarked, with a gentle smile on his lips.

"I, hum, thank you, but Irma helped, you know." She responded, "Huh? New watch?" She inquired.

He showed her the gleaming wristwatch he was wearing, "Yes, it's a gift from the guys." On the back were engraved the words 'Quisto Trepe - Head Instructor - Balamb Garden'.

"That's sweet." She chirped merrily.

Quisto looked her squarely in the eyes, "It is, and I am blessed with great friends. But there's something else, I've been looking all over for you."

Zelda was getting very uncomfortable, "You, huh, you were looking for me? Why?"

"Since this is a special day for me, I hoped that you would honor me with a dance." He explained, taking her hand and leading her to the dance floor.

He expertly made her glide, her agile fighter's body following his cues gracefully. The music spun around their moving bodies, waving an inebriating pattern.

Zelda rejoiced in the feeling of freedom, and exhilaration she felt so near him, thinking that sometimes, when you least expect it, dreams do come true. Even if it all lasted for a short, enchanted moment, the memory would always remain treasured, and precious in her heart.


After a few songs, they went out on a balcony to cool off. The short woman was beaming with joy, her azure eyes shining with happiness. She was sure that the evening couldn't get any more perfect.

In fact, she was utterly wrong, for her companion had other ideas.

Quisto took a deep breath, before facing her, "Zelda, there is something I have to tell you."

"Huh? What is it?" She replied, hoping that he wouldn't make some lame excuse and leave her alone just yet.

"Irma told me, about your feelings for me."

Zelda's eyes flared, "SHE'S DEAD MEAT!"

The blond man actually jumped at his companion's vehemence, and he soothingly put his hands on her shoulders, "No, no, Zelda, it's all right, actually I went to her because I needed advice."

She was puzzled, "Advice? About what?"

"About how to tell you of my feelings for you." Was his answer.

A suspicious look came to Zelda's eyes, "Huh? You better not be kidding me!"

Quisto laughed softly, for he knew about Zelda's spirited nature, and he said gently, "No, I would never kid about that. In fact, I've always thought that you're cute. I couldn't date you while you were a student, but things are different now that you're a full-fledged SeeD."

Her eyes widened in delight, "You think I'm cute? And you want to date me? For real?"

"For real, Zelda." He replied.

"For sure?"

"Yes, for sure."

"No kidding?"

"No, no kidding whatsoever."

"Really, really su..." She never finished her sentence. Quisto leaned towards her and planted a gentle kiss on her lips, to which she responded gratefully.

When he moved his head back, he saw that Zelda was just standing there, eyes closed, lips slightly parted. There was a dreamy expression on her pretty face.

He was quite sure that she would fall, wasn't it for the fact that he was holding her.

"Again..." She whispered, and he obliged, making the kiss last longer.

"Again..." She demanded quietly, and he obeyed.

"Again..." She insisted softly, and Quisto abided.

"Again..." She continued languidly, bringing a smile to his lips, as he kissed her once more.

"Again, please?" She said, looking at him hopefully.

This time he hugged her gently, and she wrapped her arms around his strong body. They kissed tenderly, lost in their small, private universe of newly found love.

This would prove to be an unforgettable evening, and a wonderful new beginning, for them both...


********** ********** **********


As soon as Qualla passed their house's threshold, she kicked her boots off. Unbuckling the belts as she walked, she let them fall on the spot where she was standing. The jacket was next, and she threw it away carelessly.

She then jumped on the couch, grabbed the remote, turned the TV on, and stretched contentedly.

"Do you want some tea, Qualla?" Offered Reno, stroking her hair.

"Whatever." Answered the young woman, grabbed his tie, and pulled him down to her.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, and joined her lips to his, giving him a long, deep kiss.

When she finally let go of him reluctantly, he said, "I take that as a yes." smiling goodheartedly.

"Whatever." She acknowledged, yawning uncontrollably, and shooting him a grin.

Qualla was sleeping soundly by the time Reno came back. He turned the TV off, carefully took her in his arms, and laid her gently on their bed.

He undressed her down to her underwear, and then changed into the boxers he usually slept in. They had been a gift from Qualla, and sported a message in the front that announced 'Touch At Your Own Risk'.

As he slid into their bed, she turned in her sleep. Her arm came to rest across his chest, and Reno positioned himself so that her head layed on his shoulder.

In the dim illumination coming through the drapes, his keen eyes allowed him to see her relaxed features. Tenderness and fondness filled his heart, at the sweet, beloved sight.

As he felt slumber's tendrils slowly creping on his consciousness, his mind drifted. What would it be like, if their genders were reversed? He wondered. Maybe it had been so in another life, or actually was so in some other dimension, or some other plane of reality. And what would he be called? Renoa? Rinoa? Both names had a nice ring to them.

He sent a prayer of gratitude to the Goddess Hynah. He had done so every evening, ever since he had started sharing his nights with Qualla.


He gave thanks, that her sweet face was the last thing to grace his eyes at night.


And he also gave thanks that she was the first sight he woke to in the morning.


He had everything a man could hope for.


He was happy.


Life was good.



********** THE END **********