Disclaimer: All recognizable characters (they won't be once I'm through
with them, though) belong to SquareSoft. Don't sue me, please. If you do,
the only thing you'll get are my ratty bunny slippers!
Warning: Well now, varmints, this here story, y'see, ain't somethin' you should be readin' if you don't like yaoi. This means, boys thinkin' about boinkin' boys, boys boinkin' boys and sech. If you don' like it, hightail it right outta here, y'hear? And y'all don't come back now, y'hear?
Author's Notes: Finally! A new chapter! Yay! I'm so sorry that it has taken so long. I've was seriously knocked out with bronchitis-and I also had such a bad infection, that I couldn't talk for a week. I'm all better now, and hopefully, I'll be pounding out some more chapters, soon.
Thank you very much for the reviews! \(^_^)/ I get really motivated to write more when I see them. I can't tell you how important they are to a miserable author such as myself. Thanks, guys!
In other news, I finally uploaded the chapters right! Sugoi, dessho? I don't know if things will be heating up, but I will certainly be tossing everyone into angst land…and talking nasty. Hope you like it.
I also wanted to apologize for the delay in posting new chapters. The last few weeks have been devoted to some serious schoolwork, it's finals month -_-; And all authors' nightmare: Writer's Block! It really sucks, not being able write. I think I'm just burned out with all the final papers and projects due but hopefully it will be gone soon.
Chapter 3: From Frying pan into…….Volcano?
1 Squall's point of view
I sighed wearily as I trudged tiredly into my quarters. The whole room was dark and cool, except for the illumination of the moon, and miracle of miracles: it was blessedly empty. A pretty sight, but one I was too tired to admire or acknowledge at the moment.
The whole day, as far as I was concerned, had turned to shit. I was too tired to even take off my clothes, all I wanted to do was just crash. The headache that had been bothering me earlier had now settled down to a dull, throbbing pain extending to both my temples. It also made my scar ache. Settling the case for the LionHeart on the desk in the living room, I shuffled into the bedroom, and headed straight for my bed. I barely managed to take my boots off before I collapsed into bed, fully clothed. I did remember to cast Esuna for my headache, and for the first time in a month, I was asleep before I knew it.
* * * * * * * * *
I woke up slowly, glancing at the clock on the beside lamp. The lamp was one of those combination table lamps, a gift from Zell , last Christmas. He had this uncanny gift of giving presents you really need- a skill I never bothered to learn. Why would I when I never even cared enough to mark my own birthday, much less know when to give gifts to someone else? I sighed as I saw the time-05.00. I had managed to get at least four hours of sleep. That in itself was a minor miracle. I was a raging insomniac, something I probably inherited somewhere. It was made worse by the constant battles we had to go through during the last Sorceress War. I had, of course seen Dr. Kadowaki about it, but she was completely baffled because she couldn't find anything wrong. The best she could do was suggest maybe I needed to slow down a bit-stress was usually the culprit for most cases of insomnia.
Yeah, right.
I acknowledged that I might be going through a lot of stress; a first for me. Who wouldn't be, when you had a fiancée you weren't even sure how you felt about and angry friends breathing down your neck? Oh yeah, all this shit was compounded by the fact that one of your best instructors and the nearest thing you had to a best friend had set out for parts unknown- likely never to come back. And eager clients all clamoring for SeeD services.
What…wait a moment. Did I just say Zell was my best friend?
No, that was one area I did not want to go, at least not right now.
I turned in bed; the metal buckles of my belts digging into my side. Oh yeah, I had gone to bed fully dressed. Deciding a shower was a good idea and after that maybe a quick bite to eat-I wasn't going to fall asleep anymore, anyway. I shed my clothes on my way to the bathroom. Under normal circumstances I'm a neat freak; but at this particular moment, I just wanted to get the clothes off my body- I felt grungy and grimy. I hadn't had a chance since getting back from Galbadia with Rinoa to stop by my rooms to change. I had gone straight to the office. And of course hit a brick wall.
I leaned into the stinging spray of the shower, allowing the almost scalding water to massage my sore muscles and wash away all the dirt. Leaning against the shower wall, I sighed in contentment. The water felt so good, but what I really wanted to do was soak in a huge tub of hot water-something I loved doing but never had the time to indulge in. For now, a shower was good enough. I felt better, now that the hideous headache I had been nursing had gone. It seemed the combination of sleep and the Esuna spell I had cast had done the trick. As much as I loved being a water baby, I knew I didn't have time to indulge in fantasies. I grimaced-the real world, work and Rinoa waited, and they would all rear their ugly heads soon enough.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Since it was still very early-06:00 hours at least Garden was quiet. I was on my way to the Training Center, hoping to take out some of the pressure and frustration I was feeling on the resident monsters. I also wanted to reestablish routines that had been shot to hell when I went on that break that I now knew was one of the bigger mistakes I had ever made in my miserable life.
Stepping into the Training Center, I looked around and drew a deep breath.
The air was sharp and tangy, redolent with the smell of greenery and the various smells of monsters. I checked my spell stock, making sure I was junctioned against sleep, confusion and silence. I also wanted to make sure I had junctioned one of my favorite GFs-Shiva, in case I ran into a T- rexaur. It was against Garden rules to try to tackle the tougher monsters alone. But I needed something to relieve the strange, stressed feeling I was having. Spacing out for a moment, I had a quick conversation with the beautiful Queen of Ice-I suppose you could say I got my nickname and demeanor from her. She was a bit miffed I had unjunctioned her during my trip to Galbadia. Which, in my opinion, was a good thing. One disadvantage of having total compatibility with a GF is the penchant they have for coming out at very inopportune times if they sense their avatar was in danger. My relationship with Shiva was such that she saw and felt everything I did-as did the GFs of the others of our group, which made it impossible to unjunction them to anyone else outside our group. In any case, if I had left Shiva junctioned, she very likely would have manifested and frozen General Caraway for his trouble. However, turning your future father-in-law into an icicle was not a good way to stay on the good side of your fiancée, no matter how annoying she was.
It took me awhile to placate the resident goddess. After promising all sorts of things I knew would be a pain in the ass to fulfill, I was finally ready to get to my training. I had imported some of Esthar's monsters to help boost the monster population, and to give the cadets a lot more challenge. Anyone could beat a grat.
We now had some imps (they are really a pain to kill), behemoths, and various other species. I wanted the cadets to have some experience fighting the higher level monsters-the last Lunar Cry was not a picnic. I hoped to meet up with an imp first. A good berserker rage would do me good. I needed to beat something into oblivion, to relieve the anger-yes, anger I felt at Zell for abandoning me.
Whoa…not again.
Why does Zell keep on popping into my thoughts? Damn it, I did not need this kind of distraction. A loud, disagreeable roar shook the surrounding vegetation- oh shit, no mistaking it. That roar was one of the tougher monsters to deal with-a t-rexaur. I shoved the disquieting thoughts I had at the moment to the back of my mind. I knew it was an issue I had to deal with, sooner or later. Later being the preferred time. Much, much later.
As the obviously displeased monster raced towards what he thought was an easy breakfast, I smirked. The stupid thing didn't know what was in store for it. It picked a bad time (for it, at least) to try to get something to eat. The monster crashed out of a nearby bush, almost startling me, but not quite.
I examined the T-rexaur. It is one of the fiercest monsters around-it took quite a lot of leveling up for me to beat it alone. Even though I'm at the highest levels of combat right now, it's going to take at least twenty minutes for me to beat it. But I welcomed the exertion. Anything to take my mind off my current problems.
Half an hour later, I was wiping the blade of the LionHeart on a clump of bushes. Truly, I had forgotten how devastating my LionHeart limit break is. The limit break had totally devastated the monster that not even a carcass was left. It was a satisfying battle till I used it. I was sweating again, and decided another shower was definitely in order. Hefting the blade of the LionHeart on my shoulder, I left the training center.
It was still quite early, but Garden was beginning to stir. A pair of senior students, apparently on their way to the training center, jogged by me, sending me a greeting. I nodded absently at them. They seemed surprised at my acknowledgement of them, and looked pretty excited, but continued on their way.
Entering my quarters, I glanced at the clock. 06:45am. It was actually still quite early.
I decided cleaning my gunblade could wait till after my shower. I showered, dressed, and cleaned my gunblade. By now, my stomach was protesting at its emptiness. I recalled the headache I had last night prevented me from thinking of anything, much less of food. A visit to the cafeteria was in order. I wasn't really sure eating really greasy eggs and soggy toast was going to make my day any better, but I really didn't feel like cooking. I sighed, taking my leave.
The cafeteria was not even halfway full-the only students around were the ones with early classes and students who had pulled all-nighters. That brought back memories.
It was hard to deal with the fact that I was barely older than these students. Yet here I was, the supreme commander of the most elite fighting force in the world, engaged to be married to a young woman I wasn't sure was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, struggling with issues and responsibilities a person three times my age would stagger under. Under normal circumstances, I would just be starting college. But I acknowledge I'm not a normal young man. I sighed again. I seem to be doing that a lot lately, ever since I allowed Rinoa to talk me into that trip. That was another issue I really needed to deal with. I really didn't want General Caraway as a father-in-law. Heck, I can barely stand my own father, Laguna. And Laguna is as cool a dad anyone could have. I don't know why, but there was something about the way he babbles on and on to fill the silence that gets on my nerves. Most of the time, when I visit Esthar, I just want to shut him up when he starts. But experience has shown it's an exercise in futility.
Granted, I considered him an idiot, but he was a competent idiot. Even if he acted the fool, I know he's not. He uses that behavior to make people complacent about being around him. This drives me nuts. I understand his reasons for it, but it doesn't change the fact that his acting that way annoys the heck out of me. At least he surrounded himself with very competent people, something Caraway didn't. I doubt he could see past his nose to notice, though. The guy has his honker up so high, it's amazing he hasn't drowned in one of the frequent torrential rainstorms Galbadia is famous for having when he goes out. He can't see past his ire of having a barely twenty-year-old guy almost his equal in rank.
I was so deep in thought that I didn't even notice when I got to the front of the serving lady. She coughed to get my attention. I raised my head, a bit surprised.
"Good morning, Commander. What'll be, today? Your usual?"
"Good morning….Ah..Let's see. I'll have some eggs, bacon, two pancakes and ham."
"Any fruit with that?"
"Yeah, let me have two apples and some pineapples with that."
She raised an eyebrow at the large order, but I didn't explain why I wanted to eat so much, this early in the morning. It was none of anyone's business.
I took my heaping tray to an out of the way table so I wouldn't be disturbed. I suppose I could have eaten in my office, but I knew how important it was for the members of Garden to see the Commander mingling with regulars. Yeah, even I can play politics when necessary. In any case, it wouldn't be easy for Rinoa to corner me that way, since she knew I spent as much time as I could in my office, catching up on paperwork that never seemed to end.
Surprisingly, I enjoyed my breakfast. I felt bereft, though. No Zell.
Shit.
Not again. It seems I need to confront this penchant I have for thinking about that loudmouth in inopportune moments. It that same moment, the last person I wanted to see walked into the cafeteria.
Shit, shit, shit. What the hell was Rinoa doing here so early? She never stirred out of bed until around 8:00am, something I noticed on our trip. It doesn't seem she's noticed me yet. Maybe if I'm lucky, I can escape while she's busy with her breakfast. But it seems my luck's shitty as usual.
She looked around and homed in one me as if she had radar. Her whole being lit up, as if someone plugged her in an outlet. She started towards me, a huge smile on her face.
Fuck it, I really hate my life sometimes. Who the hell had I pissed off in a previous existence to deserve this? Now, my whole day has been shot to the thirteen hells in a hand basket.
She dashed to the counter, said something to the serving lady and within three minutes; she had a loaded tray with her. Now I have to stay a make conversation.
Make that shot to hell in a frying pan.
She bounced up to the table, all smiles. Why the fuck does she have to be so cheerful, anyway? I'm an unapologetic grouch in the mornings. My other friends know this about me, so they all know not to bother me too much with ridiculous nonsense before 10:00am. But not Rinoa.
"Hi, Squall!" she chirped, settling down into the seat across the small table.
"Rinoa." I acknowledged her with a nod. She pouted a bit, her lips drawing down at the corners.
"What a bummer! Do you have to look so sour, all the time? It's depressing, especially in the morning!"
I raised an eyebrow at her statement. Is this girl serious?
"Well? Are you going to answer me or not?"
"Was that supposed to be a question?"
"Of course!"
"I'm sure I have no idea what you're talking about, Rinoa."
She sipped her orange juice and continued.
"I'm asking you why you're so sour-faced and expressionless in the mornings. Look around you. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the air is fresh. You should be happy to be alive!"
I shook my head at the nonsense she was spouting. The girl really needed her priorities set straight. I folded my arms and stared at her, my expression the same.
"The fact that I choose not to acknowledge how perfect mornings are with song and dance doesn't mean I don't appreciate it. Is this really a conversation we should be having? I have work to do, Rinoa. Was there something you wanted?"
"You see, you see….That's exactly what I mean! Why does the fact that I'm with you mean I have to want something? Can't I just spend time with you, just hanging out, talking?"
I'm pretty sure I don't know where the hell this conversation is going.
"You want to hang out, talking, at 7:15am in the morning?"
Rinoa shrugged. "Yeah. So what is wrong with that? You're my fiancé, Squall. It's normal for a couple to be together, all the time."
I could feel another headache coming on. This was definitely something I did not want to deal with right now. I shifted my chair backwards and stood up.
"Where're you going, Squall? We haven't finished talking yet!" Rinoa wailed.
"I told you I have things to do, Rinoa. This isn't the time or place for this conversation. I'll see you later, okay?"
She looked at me, eyes shining. Oh Hyne, please let there be tons of work to do so she can't ambush me in my office. I really needed to find something for her to do, to get her out from underfoot. I made a note to speak with Edea as soon as possible.
I touched her on the shoulder, and she raised her face for a kiss. Jeez, the woman was relentless.
I kissed her on the cheek, and before she could protest or ask for more, I walked away, trying not to look like I was fleeing.
Dumping the contents of my tray in the trash can, I made my way to the elevators. As the elevators moved silently to the third floor, I became lost in thought. Things were getting out of hand with Rinoa. I need to do something fast. And there was the Zell issue. I really needed to get out of Garden for awhile, maybe go to Esthar. But we still had a long list of clients to see to, and I didn't know if there was any mission that personally needed my presence. I sighed. Things were really getting complicated.
Warning: Well now, varmints, this here story, y'see, ain't somethin' you should be readin' if you don't like yaoi. This means, boys thinkin' about boinkin' boys, boys boinkin' boys and sech. If you don' like it, hightail it right outta here, y'hear? And y'all don't come back now, y'hear?
Author's Notes: Finally! A new chapter! Yay! I'm so sorry that it has taken so long. I've was seriously knocked out with bronchitis-and I also had such a bad infection, that I couldn't talk for a week. I'm all better now, and hopefully, I'll be pounding out some more chapters, soon.
Thank you very much for the reviews! \(^_^)/ I get really motivated to write more when I see them. I can't tell you how important they are to a miserable author such as myself. Thanks, guys!
In other news, I finally uploaded the chapters right! Sugoi, dessho? I don't know if things will be heating up, but I will certainly be tossing everyone into angst land…and talking nasty. Hope you like it.
I also wanted to apologize for the delay in posting new chapters. The last few weeks have been devoted to some serious schoolwork, it's finals month -_-; And all authors' nightmare: Writer's Block! It really sucks, not being able write. I think I'm just burned out with all the final papers and projects due but hopefully it will be gone soon.
Chapter 3: From Frying pan into…….Volcano?
1 Squall's point of view
I sighed wearily as I trudged tiredly into my quarters. The whole room was dark and cool, except for the illumination of the moon, and miracle of miracles: it was blessedly empty. A pretty sight, but one I was too tired to admire or acknowledge at the moment.
The whole day, as far as I was concerned, had turned to shit. I was too tired to even take off my clothes, all I wanted to do was just crash. The headache that had been bothering me earlier had now settled down to a dull, throbbing pain extending to both my temples. It also made my scar ache. Settling the case for the LionHeart on the desk in the living room, I shuffled into the bedroom, and headed straight for my bed. I barely managed to take my boots off before I collapsed into bed, fully clothed. I did remember to cast Esuna for my headache, and for the first time in a month, I was asleep before I knew it.
* * * * * * * * *
I woke up slowly, glancing at the clock on the beside lamp. The lamp was one of those combination table lamps, a gift from Zell , last Christmas. He had this uncanny gift of giving presents you really need- a skill I never bothered to learn. Why would I when I never even cared enough to mark my own birthday, much less know when to give gifts to someone else? I sighed as I saw the time-05.00. I had managed to get at least four hours of sleep. That in itself was a minor miracle. I was a raging insomniac, something I probably inherited somewhere. It was made worse by the constant battles we had to go through during the last Sorceress War. I had, of course seen Dr. Kadowaki about it, but she was completely baffled because she couldn't find anything wrong. The best she could do was suggest maybe I needed to slow down a bit-stress was usually the culprit for most cases of insomnia.
Yeah, right.
I acknowledged that I might be going through a lot of stress; a first for me. Who wouldn't be, when you had a fiancée you weren't even sure how you felt about and angry friends breathing down your neck? Oh yeah, all this shit was compounded by the fact that one of your best instructors and the nearest thing you had to a best friend had set out for parts unknown- likely never to come back. And eager clients all clamoring for SeeD services.
What…wait a moment. Did I just say Zell was my best friend?
No, that was one area I did not want to go, at least not right now.
I turned in bed; the metal buckles of my belts digging into my side. Oh yeah, I had gone to bed fully dressed. Deciding a shower was a good idea and after that maybe a quick bite to eat-I wasn't going to fall asleep anymore, anyway. I shed my clothes on my way to the bathroom. Under normal circumstances I'm a neat freak; but at this particular moment, I just wanted to get the clothes off my body- I felt grungy and grimy. I hadn't had a chance since getting back from Galbadia with Rinoa to stop by my rooms to change. I had gone straight to the office. And of course hit a brick wall.
I leaned into the stinging spray of the shower, allowing the almost scalding water to massage my sore muscles and wash away all the dirt. Leaning against the shower wall, I sighed in contentment. The water felt so good, but what I really wanted to do was soak in a huge tub of hot water-something I loved doing but never had the time to indulge in. For now, a shower was good enough. I felt better, now that the hideous headache I had been nursing had gone. It seemed the combination of sleep and the Esuna spell I had cast had done the trick. As much as I loved being a water baby, I knew I didn't have time to indulge in fantasies. I grimaced-the real world, work and Rinoa waited, and they would all rear their ugly heads soon enough.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Since it was still very early-06:00 hours at least Garden was quiet. I was on my way to the Training Center, hoping to take out some of the pressure and frustration I was feeling on the resident monsters. I also wanted to reestablish routines that had been shot to hell when I went on that break that I now knew was one of the bigger mistakes I had ever made in my miserable life.
Stepping into the Training Center, I looked around and drew a deep breath.
The air was sharp and tangy, redolent with the smell of greenery and the various smells of monsters. I checked my spell stock, making sure I was junctioned against sleep, confusion and silence. I also wanted to make sure I had junctioned one of my favorite GFs-Shiva, in case I ran into a T- rexaur. It was against Garden rules to try to tackle the tougher monsters alone. But I needed something to relieve the strange, stressed feeling I was having. Spacing out for a moment, I had a quick conversation with the beautiful Queen of Ice-I suppose you could say I got my nickname and demeanor from her. She was a bit miffed I had unjunctioned her during my trip to Galbadia. Which, in my opinion, was a good thing. One disadvantage of having total compatibility with a GF is the penchant they have for coming out at very inopportune times if they sense their avatar was in danger. My relationship with Shiva was such that she saw and felt everything I did-as did the GFs of the others of our group, which made it impossible to unjunction them to anyone else outside our group. In any case, if I had left Shiva junctioned, she very likely would have manifested and frozen General Caraway for his trouble. However, turning your future father-in-law into an icicle was not a good way to stay on the good side of your fiancée, no matter how annoying she was.
It took me awhile to placate the resident goddess. After promising all sorts of things I knew would be a pain in the ass to fulfill, I was finally ready to get to my training. I had imported some of Esthar's monsters to help boost the monster population, and to give the cadets a lot more challenge. Anyone could beat a grat.
We now had some imps (they are really a pain to kill), behemoths, and various other species. I wanted the cadets to have some experience fighting the higher level monsters-the last Lunar Cry was not a picnic. I hoped to meet up with an imp first. A good berserker rage would do me good. I needed to beat something into oblivion, to relieve the anger-yes, anger I felt at Zell for abandoning me.
Whoa…not again.
Why does Zell keep on popping into my thoughts? Damn it, I did not need this kind of distraction. A loud, disagreeable roar shook the surrounding vegetation- oh shit, no mistaking it. That roar was one of the tougher monsters to deal with-a t-rexaur. I shoved the disquieting thoughts I had at the moment to the back of my mind. I knew it was an issue I had to deal with, sooner or later. Later being the preferred time. Much, much later.
As the obviously displeased monster raced towards what he thought was an easy breakfast, I smirked. The stupid thing didn't know what was in store for it. It picked a bad time (for it, at least) to try to get something to eat. The monster crashed out of a nearby bush, almost startling me, but not quite.
I examined the T-rexaur. It is one of the fiercest monsters around-it took quite a lot of leveling up for me to beat it alone. Even though I'm at the highest levels of combat right now, it's going to take at least twenty minutes for me to beat it. But I welcomed the exertion. Anything to take my mind off my current problems.
Half an hour later, I was wiping the blade of the LionHeart on a clump of bushes. Truly, I had forgotten how devastating my LionHeart limit break is. The limit break had totally devastated the monster that not even a carcass was left. It was a satisfying battle till I used it. I was sweating again, and decided another shower was definitely in order. Hefting the blade of the LionHeart on my shoulder, I left the training center.
It was still quite early, but Garden was beginning to stir. A pair of senior students, apparently on their way to the training center, jogged by me, sending me a greeting. I nodded absently at them. They seemed surprised at my acknowledgement of them, and looked pretty excited, but continued on their way.
Entering my quarters, I glanced at the clock. 06:45am. It was actually still quite early.
I decided cleaning my gunblade could wait till after my shower. I showered, dressed, and cleaned my gunblade. By now, my stomach was protesting at its emptiness. I recalled the headache I had last night prevented me from thinking of anything, much less of food. A visit to the cafeteria was in order. I wasn't really sure eating really greasy eggs and soggy toast was going to make my day any better, but I really didn't feel like cooking. I sighed, taking my leave.
The cafeteria was not even halfway full-the only students around were the ones with early classes and students who had pulled all-nighters. That brought back memories.
It was hard to deal with the fact that I was barely older than these students. Yet here I was, the supreme commander of the most elite fighting force in the world, engaged to be married to a young woman I wasn't sure was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, struggling with issues and responsibilities a person three times my age would stagger under. Under normal circumstances, I would just be starting college. But I acknowledge I'm not a normal young man. I sighed again. I seem to be doing that a lot lately, ever since I allowed Rinoa to talk me into that trip. That was another issue I really needed to deal with. I really didn't want General Caraway as a father-in-law. Heck, I can barely stand my own father, Laguna. And Laguna is as cool a dad anyone could have. I don't know why, but there was something about the way he babbles on and on to fill the silence that gets on my nerves. Most of the time, when I visit Esthar, I just want to shut him up when he starts. But experience has shown it's an exercise in futility.
Granted, I considered him an idiot, but he was a competent idiot. Even if he acted the fool, I know he's not. He uses that behavior to make people complacent about being around him. This drives me nuts. I understand his reasons for it, but it doesn't change the fact that his acting that way annoys the heck out of me. At least he surrounded himself with very competent people, something Caraway didn't. I doubt he could see past his nose to notice, though. The guy has his honker up so high, it's amazing he hasn't drowned in one of the frequent torrential rainstorms Galbadia is famous for having when he goes out. He can't see past his ire of having a barely twenty-year-old guy almost his equal in rank.
I was so deep in thought that I didn't even notice when I got to the front of the serving lady. She coughed to get my attention. I raised my head, a bit surprised.
"Good morning, Commander. What'll be, today? Your usual?"
"Good morning….Ah..Let's see. I'll have some eggs, bacon, two pancakes and ham."
"Any fruit with that?"
"Yeah, let me have two apples and some pineapples with that."
She raised an eyebrow at the large order, but I didn't explain why I wanted to eat so much, this early in the morning. It was none of anyone's business.
I took my heaping tray to an out of the way table so I wouldn't be disturbed. I suppose I could have eaten in my office, but I knew how important it was for the members of Garden to see the Commander mingling with regulars. Yeah, even I can play politics when necessary. In any case, it wouldn't be easy for Rinoa to corner me that way, since she knew I spent as much time as I could in my office, catching up on paperwork that never seemed to end.
Surprisingly, I enjoyed my breakfast. I felt bereft, though. No Zell.
Shit.
Not again. It seems I need to confront this penchant I have for thinking about that loudmouth in inopportune moments. It that same moment, the last person I wanted to see walked into the cafeteria.
Shit, shit, shit. What the hell was Rinoa doing here so early? She never stirred out of bed until around 8:00am, something I noticed on our trip. It doesn't seem she's noticed me yet. Maybe if I'm lucky, I can escape while she's busy with her breakfast. But it seems my luck's shitty as usual.
She looked around and homed in one me as if she had radar. Her whole being lit up, as if someone plugged her in an outlet. She started towards me, a huge smile on her face.
Fuck it, I really hate my life sometimes. Who the hell had I pissed off in a previous existence to deserve this? Now, my whole day has been shot to the thirteen hells in a hand basket.
She dashed to the counter, said something to the serving lady and within three minutes; she had a loaded tray with her. Now I have to stay a make conversation.
Make that shot to hell in a frying pan.
She bounced up to the table, all smiles. Why the fuck does she have to be so cheerful, anyway? I'm an unapologetic grouch in the mornings. My other friends know this about me, so they all know not to bother me too much with ridiculous nonsense before 10:00am. But not Rinoa.
"Hi, Squall!" she chirped, settling down into the seat across the small table.
"Rinoa." I acknowledged her with a nod. She pouted a bit, her lips drawing down at the corners.
"What a bummer! Do you have to look so sour, all the time? It's depressing, especially in the morning!"
I raised an eyebrow at her statement. Is this girl serious?
"Well? Are you going to answer me or not?"
"Was that supposed to be a question?"
"Of course!"
"I'm sure I have no idea what you're talking about, Rinoa."
She sipped her orange juice and continued.
"I'm asking you why you're so sour-faced and expressionless in the mornings. Look around you. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the air is fresh. You should be happy to be alive!"
I shook my head at the nonsense she was spouting. The girl really needed her priorities set straight. I folded my arms and stared at her, my expression the same.
"The fact that I choose not to acknowledge how perfect mornings are with song and dance doesn't mean I don't appreciate it. Is this really a conversation we should be having? I have work to do, Rinoa. Was there something you wanted?"
"You see, you see….That's exactly what I mean! Why does the fact that I'm with you mean I have to want something? Can't I just spend time with you, just hanging out, talking?"
I'm pretty sure I don't know where the hell this conversation is going.
"You want to hang out, talking, at 7:15am in the morning?"
Rinoa shrugged. "Yeah. So what is wrong with that? You're my fiancé, Squall. It's normal for a couple to be together, all the time."
I could feel another headache coming on. This was definitely something I did not want to deal with right now. I shifted my chair backwards and stood up.
"Where're you going, Squall? We haven't finished talking yet!" Rinoa wailed.
"I told you I have things to do, Rinoa. This isn't the time or place for this conversation. I'll see you later, okay?"
She looked at me, eyes shining. Oh Hyne, please let there be tons of work to do so she can't ambush me in my office. I really needed to find something for her to do, to get her out from underfoot. I made a note to speak with Edea as soon as possible.
I touched her on the shoulder, and she raised her face for a kiss. Jeez, the woman was relentless.
I kissed her on the cheek, and before she could protest or ask for more, I walked away, trying not to look like I was fleeing.
Dumping the contents of my tray in the trash can, I made my way to the elevators. As the elevators moved silently to the third floor, I became lost in thought. Things were getting out of hand with Rinoa. I need to do something fast. And there was the Zell issue. I really needed to get out of Garden for awhile, maybe go to Esthar. But we still had a long list of clients to see to, and I didn't know if there was any mission that personally needed my presence. I sighed. Things were really getting complicated.