Disclaimer: STILL don't own anything........

Chapter 7.........

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

Squall awoke from the couch to find that Rinoa wasn't there. He shrugged and got up. He staggered up the stairs and into his room. He flung himself onto his bed. But as soon as he got comfortable Laguna busted in.

"Two things." he began. "One: There is a party we ARE going to. and Two: 1 more day till Christmas!" he said with a very excited tone in his voice. Laguna the ever lasting kid. That kid in him just wouldn't go away.

"Whatever." Squall simply responded. Squall didn't have time to waist with him. All he could think about was sleep and Rinoa. He couldn't get her off his mind. When she fell asleep in his lap it was the first time he ever felt secure about where he was or who he was with. Nobody had ever gave a damn for him, until now. It was a wonderful feeling. To actually know if you fell down a well someone would be there to help you out. He kept thinking about her late into the night. Her image there, in his lap, wouldn't go away. She was so peaceful. Not a care in the world. She must have have been brought up well. She was never to proper, but her attitude made up for it. Always smiling, looking on the good side of all things. Before Squall knew it he was fast asleep.

**

Morning came quickly to Rinoa. She rose up from her bed and rubbed her eyes.

"Another beautiful morning." she commented as she looked out the window. She sighed and got up from warm bed. She went to the calendar that hung right next to the door to her bathroom. She traced her finger down to the last X and found that it was the 24th of December. She smiled, for tonight was the party the Laguna had hyped to death. It had better be good. Laguna, every night, would brag that the party would be the best because who ever was throwing it was really rich. But he did even know the people's names. She sighed heavily and walked into her bathroom.

**

Squall emerged from his room, wet hair and fresh new clothes. He yawned loudly. Laguna had set his alarm. Probably because he wanted to get to that party early. But how early did he want to go? It started at 5 and now it was11. Squall never got up this hour, this hour was ungodly. His usual time of waking up was probably around 1 in the afternoon.

He stumbled down the stairs. Gripping the rail hard as to not fall.

"C'mon, move it oldie!" someone rudely remarked behind him. He turn around at the remark to find Rinoa looking at him with annoyed eyes.

"Don't make old people mad. They could throw their purses and books at you." Squall reminded her. Rinoa laughed at the remark.

"Your so right. Here let me help you down." she said as she wrapped her arm around his. Squall's eyes shot open in shock. Again she touched him. It felt great. He suppressed a smile. They entered the kitchen looking like this. The jaws of Kyle and Steven dropped to the floor. Laguna put his hand over his face, to hide his expression. Rinoa quickly took notice and recoiled from Squall's arm. They both blushed but took their seats across from each other.

"Parties tonight!" Laguna told them very excited.

"Oh really? I didn't know." Squall mocked as he poked at his egg. Rinoa giggled lightly. And once again, Squall tried to suppress his smile. He was glad that he could make her laugh, or at least make her happy.

**

"Everyone ready?" Laguna asked as he stood at the doorway.

"Yes." everyone responded in unison.

"Good lets, go." he said as he opened the door. Everyone walked through the snow.

"The house is just down the street!" Laguna told them.

"Hey Squall." Rinoa began. "Wanna be my date to this party?" she asked. Squall didn't, wouldn't and couldn't answer to that question. "Your silence says it all." she said as she wrapped her arm around his. "Why of course I'll be your date!" she said happily. He just kept walking, a shocked look remaining on his face.........

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

A/N: Another chapter, YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well...make sure to review.......

R+R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!