Author: Kisutis
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No Longer Misunderstood - Chapter Six
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The spinning halted, his head still whirling with confusion. He kept his eyes shut as tightly as possible, for fear of determining where he was now. He was lying atop something, which felt like a very soft mattress. I'm definitely not back in my own bed . . .
There had to be a rational explanation for what was occurring. There just had to be. When this had initially started, before he awoke with Rinoa, he recalled thinking that the sensation had been very familiar. It was exactly the same as other times, when he had been sent to the `dream world.' But why now . . . ?
He finally mustered up the courage to open his eyes, and hesitantly glanced to the other side of the bed -- he sighed heavily with relief. No one was there. What was he supposed to see this time? Taking the opportunity to scan the room, he noticed that these sheets were a light peach color, along with the curtains that blew in front of an open window.
Sitting up, he looked down at himself -- black boxers. At least I have some clothes on this time, he thought bleakly. Whoever was showing him this dream certainly wouldn't think he was very modest. He slid off of the bed, shaking his head. Was he still himself? Spotting a mirror across the room, he padded over to it, staring at his reflection. Nothing was different that he could tell, thank Hyne.
It was so bizarre . . . Everything felt real, yet there was no way it could be. His mind wandered distantly, perplexed. There was only one person he knew of who could possibly have the power to send his mind into the future through a dream – Ellone. But why would she cause him to dream about that?
He didn't even want to attempt to speculate about it any longer, but . . . What had triggered the ending of that last dream? Was he supposed to find something out, and then the dreaming would discontinue?
Cautiously, he made his way to the only door, gripping the knob. His palms were damp with perspiration, making it a bit more difficult to turn it. He nearly winced when the door opened. It creaked moderately, revealing a short hallway, which led into another room – the kitchen, it appeared to be.
Blue-gray eyes arose, peering straight ahead of him. He stopped abruptly, holding his breath, as soft footfalls were heard in what he had assumed was the kitchen. Who could that be . . .
Before he had time to prepare himself, his question was answered. The footsteps ceased in front of the kitchen counter, within his view. Back turned to him, clad in a simple white night shirt, was none other than Quistis.
He cradled his forehead in one hand, momentarily shutting his eyes. Her, too? What did it mean . . . ? It was really starting to worry him – maybe he really had just lost his mind.
Thinking he might as well get the dreaming over with, he ventured a few steps further, until he was just behind her. She actually looked quite a lot different with her hair down and her glasses off, and he didn't recall ever seeing her like that before. He watched, his presence unknown, as she made coffee. He wondered if he could drink coffee in his dreams, too.
She suddenly turned around, running right into him since he hadn't been far behind her. Now, he really wished he had thought to put more clothes on before, but who knew what kind of crazy outfits he would have in a dream . . . So it likely wouldn't have helped, anyway.
"Oh, goodmorning Squall," she smiled, gazing up at him. He was caught off guard as she leaned upwards, placing a soft kiss directly upon his unsuspecting lips. "Sleep well? I made coffee, if you want some."
He felt dazed – was he married to Quistis in this illusion? Married to two women in one night, when he would rather be sleeping peacefully, was not his idea of fun.
"Yeah . . . ," he answered speechlessly. ". . . What's today?"
She arched a slender eyebrow, but figured he was just feeling groggy since he had probably barely woken up. "Well, yesterday was your nineteenth birthday . . . So that makes today the twenty-fourth."
. . . How can that be? It makes this the same day it was in the dream with Rinoa . . .
". . . Squall, are you all right? You look really concerned about something . . . ," she told him, brushing a chestnut-colored lock of hair away from his eyes.
". . . I'm fine," he lied, and should have known he couldn't get away with it.
"No, you're not. I can tell. Come on, Squall . . . We've been married for almost a month. You know you can talk to me about anything."
. . . Married for the same amount of time, too? . . .
"Quistis, I'm– . . ."
Before he could finish, the same bright light flashed before him. Once again, everything became pitch black . . .
". . . Sorry . . ."
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I know I'm dragging this out more than I originally intended to . . . Sorry about that! I imagine I'll have this story finished very soon, and I already have another Quall in mind. I hope you guys will read it. Also, I apologize about all of my begging for reviews. I've been in a really bad mood lately, and I tend to get like that. I know you guys probably don't enjoy all of my little bribes. I really, really appreciate all of the positive reviews I got, though. Thank you all very much. Anyway, I won't get down on my knees and beg until you review this time – but if you want to go ahead and review, please do. I still love any comments and suggestions you all have. Thanks again for reading!