Chapter 6 Infuriating Business

Author's note: Here we go! Don't kill me... just yet. I have dozens of chapters up my sleeve, and this one maybe a little horrifying, but you know...

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"You're saying he might be at the Ice Queen's place?" Selphie gasped in astonishment and Irvine quickly hushed her, looking around. "It's just a hunch, okay? I don't know if this is true, but the Ice Queen has been absent ever since Squall disappeared, and her house is in Hasberry Avenue.."

"How'd you know that?"

"I hacked in the school records, but that's not important. It's just that I have a feeling she's keeping him right now."

"But - why?! I mean," Selphie struggled for a reason, "They're not on speaking terms right? Are they - or is he - wait, is she - "

"You'd be surprised..." Irvine sighed. "I myself don't get it, but maybe... we have to see if my hunch is correct, hmm?"

"See who?" A bright voice chirped in and Selphie jumped. It was Rinoa, looking as inquisitive as a cat. "Where are you guys going?"

"We, uh..." Selphie tried to gesture, failed miserably and turned to Irvine. The pony-tailed youth was ever clam. "I guess you can come with us. I think I know where Squall is."

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Water trickled down into the bowl as she wrung the cloth for the hundredth time. She was tired, but she was afraid of sleeping. He had woken a few times in delirium, and she had kept her distance, afraid. Her pity towards him had increased considerably, as her disgust to the 'bitch', as Squall had called her.

She carefully peeled off the bandages. This time the wounds have healed considerably, and aren't so ghastly as they did the first time she had to change them. His fever had finally broken, and in anticipation of his awakening, she had prepared some broth, but she had doubts as to his reaction when he wakes up. Surprised? Angry? Bitter? Or offended? She absently pushed aside the fringe of floppy hair. She had to admit something to herself... being his caretaker for the week, her view on him had altered considerably. He was now...more human. She even had to admit; even in his current state, he was... what was the word? Hot.

"Buzzzz.."

She got up, frowning and panicking at the same time. Is it mom and dad?! But they won't ring the buzzer...

Relief and yet suspicion crossed her features when she saw three people standing at the gate. She slowly walked down the length of the driveway, still frowning. Did they know Squall was here? Her eyes reverted to Rinoa and her eyes narrowed, making the later flinch. The Ice Queen's normal glare was chilling enough, you know the look when she disapproves of something. "Yes?"

"Sorry to bother you," Irvine introduced himself easily. "But is Squall here?"

Quistis blinked at him. "Why should he?"

Irvine shook his head. "We know he's inside, Quistis. We want to see him. Don't keep him to yourself." It was apparent she was stung at his last words. "I'm not keeping him," She said in a low voice and unlocked the gate. They followed her into the house, marveling at the beauty of the property. It was amazing how little they knew about this girl...

Quistis quietly showed them into the guest's bedroom, where Rinoa gasped out loud. "Squall!!!"

"No." Quistis stopped her with a firm grip on her shoulder. "he's just recovered from a high fever. Perhaps we can talk outside?" She looked at Irvine and Selphie and the two agreed silently.

"I found Squall a week ago, beaten up by thugs in the street. And he was drunk," She explained calmly, watching Rinoa out of the corner of her eye. Irvine noticed this. 'And?"

"I got him medical treatment. That is all," Quistis shrugged. "if you want to take him now, please, by all means do."

"But why did he come here?" Selphie asked in puzzlement. "There's no way he can walk here even when's he's sober - he's never been to this part of town before - "

"What's going on here?!" Rinoa's shrill shriek made Selphie stop short. 'Rinny?!"

Rinoa held up black apparel and Quistis' heart leapt. The jacket!

"What is this doing here?" Rinoa hissed menacingly. "This wasn't the jacket he wore that night!"

"How could you remember?" Quistis retorted scathingly. "You were so drunk you couldn't even see who you slapped!"

"Bitch!" A hard hand crossed her face, a sharp stinging sensation made her wince as she stumbled a little. Quistis opened her eyes, trying to quell her anger. And her eyes fell on a slumped figure in the doorway, the same time her assailant noticed it too. "Squall!!!" Rinoa cried and rushed to his side, much to Quistis' irk. Men are so forgetful, she thought as she looked away. Rinoa clung to him for dear life, and he held her, face scrunched in pain. "Rinny...?"

Quistis turned her head and met eyes with Irvine. The boy was looking at her with...pity?

"I suppose I deserved that," She said quietly, touching her cheek. Irvine shook his head helplessly. "Please, forgive Rinoa; she can get a little emotional at times..."

"Quisty," The name made her heart leap, but she pretended not to hear, nor did she look at him. She nodded to Irvine. "You should go now."

As the car pulled away, Quistis turned back inside and noticed the jacket lying discarded on the living room carpet. Looks like it's still here. She picked it up and carefully smoothed the leather. "You've caused some trouble back there," She said aloud.

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Irvine helped Squall into his apartment, feeling odd since the youth was deathly quiet since they left Quistis' house. He had always been impenetrable, but now he was plain mute. If only he knew...

Squall tried to assemble his disjointed memory. He had been beaten up... he remembered Rinoa; and a slight sting on his cheek reminded him what happened that night. And somehow, he found his way to Quistis' place... did she save him? "How long was I missing?" He asked hoarsely and Irvine blinked. 'About a week."

A week. For a week he had been taken care by a girl who barely knew him. His aching body told him he had been through hell and back, but how did she do it? Has she tended to him all this while? A vague memory came back... he had strangled Rinoa, and she had begged him to let her go. But he didn't think he did... Rinoa looks fine... that means... he strangled Quistis?! "Oh God..." he breathed as Irvine lowered him onto the sofa. Selphie and Rinoa entered behind them and Selphie blinked. This was the first time she had the opportunity to come to Squall's apartment, and she was struck by how... strange it seems. At first glance, it didn't seem to fit, but as she looked around, she realized what it was. The place was well furnished, but there were no photos... nothing to indicate a homely touch. It's like... this was merely an empty shell...

"Do you want anything? Poor baby," Rinoa was flitting in and out of the kitchen, looking in the larder and fridge.

Squall closed his eyes. "Rinoa,"

The girl stopped moving, and Squall gazed sharply at her. "What happened?"

She turned pale and nervously shifted into the room. "I... I was drunk Squall, and I didn't know what I was doing, I swear!"

"This isn't the first time you've cheated on me," He said slowly. 'Don't think I'm blind. I gave up my skirt chasing when you came into my life, but you didn't, did you? I've had enough."

Rinoa became really pale. "Squall..."

"And why did you slap Quisty?"

"I thought... that jacket," Rinoa gestured helplessly. "I thought you and her - "

"You have no right to think anything. Didn't you say we're through?"

It struck her like lightning. Irvine was alarmed. "Squall, I think - "

"I didn't want to embarrass you in front of her," Squall said heavily as he got up and examined himself in the mirror. "The bastard was right to beat me," he said quietly. "But you... this is what you deserve. Get out."

"Are you crazy?!" Irvine gasped as Selphie ran out to comfort a sobbing Rinoa.

"I'm not going to pretend nothing happened, Irvine," Squall replied quietly. "I want her to understand she did something I can't forgive so easily."

"You just added a big burden onus! She's gonna be hounding us now and act like a child!"

"Then do whatever you think you should." Squall shrugged frowning.

"What's the deal with the Ice Queen, huh? You're aiming for her now?" Irvine snapped angrily and quickly shut his mouth when Squall shot him a warning look. "She saved my ass when the two of you were too busy necking to notice a thing," He clenched his fists. "She deserves better than me trying to get under her skin."

"Chill, dude," Irvine threw his hands in the air, sensing Squall was getting worked up. He didn't want a pretty nose like the guy who pawed Rinoa. "You're still badly shaken, right? Just take it easy. "Irvine carefully left.

Squall stared at the mirror. A gashed face he didn't recognize stared back.

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Quistis wearily closed the heavy volume she had been poring through. This was the first time she had the time to study ever since she found Squall out in the rain. And yet somehow her mind refused to absorb any information at all.

Maybe I'm too tired, she fell back on the bed and stared at the ceiling blankly. The past week had been nothing short of hectic, strictly speaking; and there was still the question of the Balamb Garden test up ahead...

Somehow her mind turned to Squall and she began to wonder. Is Rinoa taking care of him now? A surge of something like anger coursed through her veins at the thought of the girl. She couldn't understand why Squall put up with her after what she did. And it wasn't like Quistis was ignorant of the village gossip; she heard all the rumors about Rinoa's scandalous conduct behind Squall's back.

"It's all superficial," She said aloud as she sat up and faced her reflection. Her cheek still felt raw...that added another notch against the raven-haired beauty. Talk about a lack of gratitude -

Her phone beeped and she reached for it. "Seifer?" She mused aloud and flipped her phone open. "hi, bro."

Hey," His voice was warm and made her feel a little better. "How are mom and dad?" She asked, and she heard him chuckle. "They left for Deling yesterday. Thought I'd tell you, squirt. It's pretty late already. Studying again?"

"Anything else you'd figure me to do?" Quistis grinned. That was the truth anyway.

"I dun no... get a date, have some fun or something. There's a carnival up north, be a kid." He chuckled and his voice turned serious. "Don't overexert yourself, Quistis. Studying is one thing, but not until you fall sick, okay?"

She felt a pang in her stomach. 'It's okay, Seifer. I'm not like...killing myself or anything."

"Are you still using pills?"

Darn. "Don't worry." She said. "No." That wasn't the truth. She hadn't eaten the pills for a whole week. "you sound like a patronizing elder."

"Just because mom and dad doesn't lecture you doesn't mean I shouldn't. take care, okay Quistis? Honest, I don't want anything to happen to you. Just take it easy, sis."

"Right," She said flatly and hung up. How can he understand? There isn't any room for lax...

It's not easy being the lesser one. Not when you have a genius brother and you're...

Oh, forget it. She popped a few pills and continued reading.

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"Have you decided, Squall?' Principal Martine linked his fingers in front of his chest. "I believe I have given you enough time to think it over..."

The old principal stared hard at the defiant-looking youth who recently sported a scar across his face. He maybe a ruffian, but he's the gem of the lot in more ways then one. His and the girl, Quistis Trepe. It could be a sensational boost to his image if either one...or, if both can make it to Garden.

Squall stared out of the window. In truth, he hadn't given it much thought, but he said he'd think about it, hadn't he? And it did sound tempting; after all, it would mean he was mapping out his own future without his father meddling.

"Sure," He shrugged and turned to leave. Principal Martine gave abroad smile. 'Excellent. Then you and Miss Trepe will be attending the Garden entrance examination on the seventh of July."

Quistis met him in the hallway and she gave him a brief nod. "You look better."

He passed a hand thought his hair. "Quisty, about the other day..."

"It's okay," She said briefly. "I'm not mad at her for that." What a lie. She looked up at him. "The scar's healing well,"

"Yeah," he smiled. "Does it help my ego?"

"Ask another girl. I can't seem to find an opinion." She replied rather testily. Squall stared at her for a moment. "You're sore at her, aren't you?"

"I'm a girl. Girls are supposed to be mad when bitch-slapped," Quistis rolled her eyes and balanced a pile of books in her arms. "By the way, you forgot your jacket. Again."

Remind me later," He said absently, drawing a curious gaze from Quistis. "Why?"

He flashed her a dazzling smile that made several girls nearby swoon. "I've got an exam to pass. Tough luck, Quisty."

She arched an eyebrow at his challenge and grinned. "Is that so? Well, see you at the top." She winked at him and left, and Squall wondered if she really did wink. "She winked at me?"

Footnote: Uh... am I in for a host of slapping? Sorry, sorry, but Quistis will get her own back, don't worry!