Chapter 8 Unmasked and Confused
Author's note: Wowee... the eighth chapter already?
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She was walking up ahead, her golden hair streaming behind her like a sheet of sunshine. She half-skipped and turned around, laughing merrily. "Squall!!!"
He wanted to answer her, but she had suddenly vanished. Looking around wildly, he couldn't see her, but he felt something heavy settle on his chest and he looked down.
"Thank you, Squall,"
He looked up and saw her standing there, smiling softly. She leaned up and lightly kissed his cheek, her scent swirling around him tantalizingly, like peaches and jasmine.
"Squall!!"
She laughed and started to vanish...
'Squall! Open the door, you sleepyhead!!!"
That isn't Quisty's voice, he thought as she faded, but her smile lingered.
"SQUALL LOIRE!!!"
That made him jerk awake. The room became instantly vividly clear, just like the insistent rapping on his front door. "Squall Loire, open the damn door!!"
Squall sleepily shuffled to the front door and let in...his very distraught and irritated sister. Ellone stomped into the apartment and fell on the couch, fanning herself with her hand. 'What took you so long? I was starting to feel like a cheap salesgirl, standing on your doormat!"
Squall scratched in head and grinned sleepily. "I thought you were one anyway Decent people aren't even up at this hour."
"It's eleven in the morning, Squall," Ellone said severely. "I don't know which side of the world you were on, but it's nearly lunchtime now."
"Speaking of which, you're alone?" Squall frowned and plodded to the bathroom. But Ellone's voice could be heard from any point in the place. "Daddy's busy Squall. I had some time off and thought I could do with some rest. Hope you don't mind."
"GO ahead," Squall emerged from the bathroom, drying his hair. Ellone was sitting on his bed, staring at his open wardrobe. "I wanted to visit mother's grave," She said matter-of-factly before frowning and getting up to walk to his wardrobe. 'Where's the jacket I gave you last year? The one with the fur-trimmed collar?"
His heart dropped to his stomach and he gulped. "Oh, that jacket - " He was miraculously cut off by the sound of his own doorbell. Snatching the chance to escape an interrogation, he quickly left to open the door... and instantly wished he didn't.
"Squall!" A raven-haired bundle flung herself around his neck and began shrieking in incoherent sentences until he was thoroughly confused. "R- Rinny?!"
"AHEM!"
Squall quickly pried her arms from around his neck and turned to face a curious looking Ellone. Oh shit.
Rinoa's eyes became wide as saucers when she saw the young woman. Sensing danger, Squall quickly made hasty introductions. "Ellone, this is Rinoa; Rinoa, this is my sister, Ellone,"
Ellone raised her eyebrows as Rinoa beamed in delight. "Cool! I'm Rinoa, Squall's girlfriend," She enthusiastically shook Ellone's hand. The latter's lips twitched at the word 'girlfriend' and her eyebrows shot higher as she surveyed Rinoa's - excuse for a dress. Heavens, was that a panty line?! The disapproving glance she secretly gave Squall was enough. But the airhead next to him was oblivious. "This is so cool. Where are you from?" Rinoa asked happily and Squall gave his sister a DON'T-TELL look. Ellone got the message without batting an eye. "I travel around," She said dismissively. That made Rinoa light up. "Really? I'd love to hear all about you. Squall never said he had a sister,"
Now Squall was giving the really extreme DON'T!!!!! look. Ellone raised her eyebrows again. "I'd love to... Rinoa," She summed up the most apologetic smile she could muster at that moment; "But I'm here to take Squall out... Perhaps some other time."
Rinoa's face fell, but she brightened up again almost immediately. One can almost see the cogs in the brain working. 'That's okay. Call me when you get back, alright?" She kissed him and easily let herself out of the door.
Squall expelled a breath he didn't knew he held, and suddenly noticed Ellone grinning at him with the wicked look. "...What?"
"You've promised, now get ready!" She wagged a finger and laughed when Squall fluently cursed his bad luck.
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Quistis rubbed her head as she alighted from the train. She had always detested the long train rides from Balamb, interchanging at Timber to Winhill, but thanks to the loudly snoring and cigar smoking ignoramus in front of her, she was very sure it was the number one thing on her hate list. Next time I'm taking a plane, she thought as she came out to fresh air. Winhill was famed for its antique charm, and hundreds of tourist flock here every day, but she was sure that she was the only one who came to mourn.
"Hello, Quistis," The florist warmly greeted her as the girl stopped by, smiling. "Mrs. Sanders," She greeted in return and examined the roses out on display. "Your flowers look wonderful today,"
"Would you like a bouquet, dear? For your parents? A lovely couple just took an enormous bouquet for theirs."
A couple buying flowers? She thought absently as she nodded. White roses were the only thing she could relate to her parents now... she has no other memories of them. Even the grave in Winhill was erected by the villagers, who loved her parents. Perhaps even more than she could.
"Will you please hurry?!" Ellone called impatiently as her younger brother lagged behind, grumbling. "The lady was nuts. A bouquet like this would only cost half in Balamb!" He hissed as he caught up with his sister. Ellone blithely ignored him. "If you keep that wedding march of yours, we'll never get to the cemetery," She sniffed and Squall quickly bit his tongue to prevent a nasty reply. Why are older sister so pushy? First she tells me to take my time with the bouquet, and now she's telling me to hurry. "And repeat to me again why we had to take a commercial flight?"
"Daddy's using the Ragnarok, Squall. It's his plane, after all."
"Why didn't we pick a bouquet at Balamb airport?"
"You're a real miser, aren't you?" Ellone rolled her eyes. "They just cost a measly thirty gil and you're whining like crazy. I'd like to see how much you spend on that airhead 'girlfriend' of yours."
"She's not my girlfriend." Squall spat angrily. "But I won't deny the 'airhead' part. She just doesn't know when to quit."
"Maybe you don't know how to say no," Ellone replied testily. "I'm warning you, you're not taking any bimbo to meet Laguna."
Squall growled under his breath, but he was thinking...
Would his sister consider Quistis a bimbo?
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Despite the existence of an airport and duty-free shops, Winhill was a step into the past; quaint cottages flanked by vibrant flowerbeds lined the cobbled streets; children ran about in the town square or fished in the calm river flowing in the valley below; and Winhill was mostly populated by the elderly. It wasn't a wonder why they loved my parents, Quistis thought. I could have been a soul of this place.
She clutched a bouquet of white roses and made her way to the cemetery on the hillside behind the village. The breeze played with her locks and made the wildflowers nod in greeting, rippling the green grass in gentle waves. The whole place had an air of peacefulness, like time had stopped here, just here. Those who slumbered for eternity would think so, Quistis thought as she made her way past marble plaques and stone angels beseeching the heavens until she came to a plaque set under a blooming cherry-blossom tree. Under the cool shade, she slowly knelt down and set the bouquet at her side. The plaque was covered in fallen pink petals, and she gently brushed them aside, revealing an etched inscription.
JONATHAN & TANEA TREPE
Together in Heaven, Missed by all.
How many times had she sat here and wondered about them? Their lives, their joy and tears? Who they were, what they walked and talked like... how did they really die? Words couldn't paint the picture she wanted to see. Her earliest memory had been at the orphanage with the only motherly figure known as Matron; and then the Almasy family had taken her in after Mrs. Almasy couldn't conceive anymore. Her life had been blurry and uneventful... until a few weeks ago.
Why did his name pop up in the most unexpected situations? "He's stubborn," She said aloud, as if her parents could hear her. Sometimes she believed they could... and that's why she talked aloud... so she could share her life with those she loved, but could never love her in return...
"What is the matter with you?" Ellone demanded testily. "It's like you have a late date or something,"
Squall ignored his sister. He always...felt strange when visiting Mother's grave. Mother died when he was too young to remember much, but he couldn't connect with her here. He could feel her presence in Laguna's house, or at the place where she met her tragic end, but not here, where her body lay cold in hearth.
"Oh for God's sake, go walk the jitter off your bones," Ellone hissed after he began shifting his position for the millionth time. 'You're upsetting this place."
Squall shrugged and took off. Mother's grave was set in an open side of the hillside, and it was rather warm for him. Walking around, he spotted a blooming cherry-blossom tree tucked between some shady greens. That looks inviting, he decided and set off at a fast trot. Only when he came within fifty paces did he notice the solitary figure sitting in the shade. The male in him lighted up. A girl! But when he came nearer, his steps lagged. No... wait a second... that honey-blonde hair was very, very familiar... the way that hair was clipped up was way too familiar!
Sneaking up stealthily, he crept nearer until he was within earshot, and he could catch what she was saying. And her words made him stop and stare.
"... And I have a friend. Or at least I think that's what he is... to me. He seems honest enough, a bit flirty, but I guess all boys are that way," Quistis said softly as she absently plucked the petals off the rose she was holding. 'The question is... who am I to him? It would be easy to think I'm just another girl, but..."
He stared at her. Who was she talking to? And was she talking about... him?
She laughed a little, still unaware of the youth behind her. "I don't know whether I should go on being his friend... sometimes I think he's dangerous, but I can't keep away... it's like, he... oh I don't know," She sighed and gave up helplessly.
He decided this was a private conversation he shouldn't have eavesdropped, but too late for that now. His curiosity got the better of him. Who was she talking to?!
Purposely kicking a stone, he yelped and caused her to whirl around in alarm. When she saw who it was, she turned pale. "Squall?!"
He grinned sheepishly and walked up to her. She stared at him suspiciously and he tried to pretend he had just come. "A nice spot here," He crouched down next to her and she nodded vaguely. She was actually alarmed; how long had he been there? Did he head whet she said? Was there anything she said that could have given her away?!
"...Your parents...?" He asked quietly, brushing a few newly fallen petals off the plaque. Quistis blinked for a few seconds. "Yes. Both."
He propped his chin on his knee and sat there in silence. Quistis wondered what he was thinking; was he working out her complex family tree, or is e comparing it to his own? She knew he had lost his mother, but apart from that, she realized she knew very little about her friend. Who he was, where he lived; how did he suddenly appear in her life and turn it upside- down...
"Is it my scar or is there something else on my face?" His voice broke through her thoughts and she realized she had been caught staring! Blushing furiously, she looked away but managed to catch a grin on his face. Conceited!
"I was wondering about you family," She answered frankly. "It seems that you know so much about me...but I know nothing about you."
Squall chuckled. "You already know enough... more than anyone will, Quisty."
"Really?" She said in a voice dripping with sarcasm. Squall regarded her with amusement. "You did attend to a topless me, didn't you?"
"You just had to look at it that way, didn't you?" She stared at him accusingly and he grinned before sighing contentedly. "I'm just an average guy who happens to be friends with the smartest chick in school."
"Don't you 'chick' me, Squall," She replied testily and he grinned. He'd go on in this line forever, she thought. "Why are you here?' she asked curiously.
He promptly remembered Ellone on the other side of the hill. "I came with my sister... my mother's here as well," He gestured to the plaque and a look of understanding crossed her face. "I see... you have a sister?"
"A pushy woman," He confirmed with a pained look and Quistis laughed. "Poor you. She must be great. Can I see her?"
"She's around here somewhere...
"Squall!"
Squall grinned as Ellone made her way towards them, smiling brightly but looking rather suspiciously at Quistis. And no wonder, Squall was surprised to see a look of utter shock on the blonde's face. "Sis, this is Quistis; Quistis, this is Ellone."
Quisits' mind was whirring. That face... how many times had she seen it? And Squall... he was lying. Lying all along! Her mind screamed in anger at his deception, but she forced herself to keep calm. "Ellone Loire," She said rather bitterly - and Squall felt his blood freeze. Ellone stared at her in amazement. "Yes, that is my name - how did you - "
"Squall Loire," She emphasized his last name and with a sickening lurch he realized this was a huge mistake... somehow Quistis recognized his sister and out two and two together.
The bike, the cologne, the jacket... it all fits! Quistis screamed in her mind, silently hurling every abuse she could think of at this dumbstruck man. I'm standing next to a multi-millionaire's son! And all this while he's been laughing at me. Something unexplainable exploded in her and she turned heel and walked away, ignoring him.
"How rude - Squall?"!" Ellone gasped as her brother took off at a quick sprint. "Quisty!!"
God she runs fast, Squall cursed as he increased his speed. Finally within reach, he lunged forward and grabbed her wrist, causing her to face him. "Quisty, listen - "
"To what?" She snapped, the wrath emanating from her like heat. "What else do you want to lie about, Squall?!"
"Will you please - "
"Average, hah!" She spat, still struggling to release herself from his grip. "All this while you were laughing at me, weren't you?! You really had me fooled with that image you created - "
"What are you talking about?" He grit his teeth in exasperation, but he could see what she was feeling. She was hurt. Because of him. But... why? "Quisty, I never meant to lie to you,"
"Then what did you mean to do, Squall Loire?" She said his name like it was the most vile thing on earth, like it was a curse. It was then his patience snapped. He was going to make her see even if it killed him. He furiously tipped her chin up and forced those eyes to meet his. Those angry, heart-wrenchingly beautiful eyes, which right now was filled with bitterness and anger. And she stared defiantly like she always have, never backing out of his challenge. Daring him to hit her. But he didn't want to, didn't mean to hurt her. "I didn't want you to know Squall Loire," he said softly. "He's bitter and cynical, and he hates his life. But after he changed his name, he became someone else - the someone you know." He paused, unsure of what he was trying to say. "You know more about me than anyone else will ever find out, Quisty. Me. Not Squall Loire, or Squall Leonhart, but just... me."
His words made her sights blur and she pulled his hand away from her face, but gasped when he pulled her to him in a desperate embrace. "I didn't want you to find out like this... but does it matter to you? Who I am?" he whispered in her hair and she choked back a sob. She couldn't understand why she felt so hurt... did it matter so much to her, this little lie? But he lied about who he was, he lied about him, and she believed it. Yet it was hard to believe all the times they spent together was just a charade. He had seemed so real, so open... and she had - fallen for him. But who was he? Would things change now that he's a totally different person?
Time stood still as they stood there. Squall couldn't let her go, afraid she would run away, like she had in his dream. Run away, and left him alone... Why did he have to lie?
I've lived as Squall Leonhart for so long, he thought. Even if I return, I'll never be the same. How can I explain to her that this is me?
Quistis closed her eyes, trying to clear her senses. It's useless, she thought. No matter what, I can't hate him. I just can't. It wouldn't have made a difference to me if he was a beggar's son. But what disturbed her right now was the way he held her... like he didn't want to let go. And she didn't want... to go. She awkwardly reached around him and returned the embrace and he pulled back, surprised. She tried to smile but failed, and buried her face in his chest when he grinned. "Stop laughing or I'll really run," She threatened teasingly and he shook his head to answer - when a movement at the corner of his eye caught his attention. His heart skipped a beat. Uh-oh...
Ellone stood a little way off, an amused twinkle in her eyes. When she saw the two had pulled apart from obvious embarrassment, she approached them laughingly. "Well now, we seem to have sorted the identity crisis out," She smiled at Quistis and the latter turned pink. "I suppose I should reintroduce myself. Ellone Loire, Squall's sister," Ellone shook Quistis' hand. "Quistis Trepe. I've very interested in your study and I've read all of your journals on the Junctioning Theory," This was all said in a single breath. Ellone raised an eyebrow. "Now I understand how you recognized me... well," She said admiringly; "My brother's finally befriended a brainy instead of the air headed bimbos he usually goes out with,"
Quistis was apparently quite flattered by Ellone's backhanded compliment. But the older girl quickly changed the subject. "So you're paying your respects too? Wonderful; you should teach Squall the proper way to behave in cemeteries - he simply has no respect for the dead."
Squall shot her a scathing look, which Ellone, in true sisterly fashion - completely ignored. Quistis laughed and gave Squall a meaningful look. "I suppose everyone has their own way - and place."
Ellone didn't miss the secret look the two exchanged and she blinked in surprise. Squall was a player, but something tells her this one was different. Didn't Squall look genuinely alarmed when she ran off? And when she found the two in a locked embrace, she had seen the hurt look on her face, and Ellone knew... this one might be it. It's like they shared something that no one else knew...
"We should be getting back," Ellone said at last. Quistis nodded too. "I have to catch the train or I'll be stranded here for the night," She smiled at Ellone and the latter suddenly smiled mischievously. "Who ever said you were going to take the train?"
Footnote: Reviews!!!!! Just hit me with all you've got!!!! (Wearing a baseball glove)
Author's note: Wowee... the eighth chapter already?
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She was walking up ahead, her golden hair streaming behind her like a sheet of sunshine. She half-skipped and turned around, laughing merrily. "Squall!!!"
He wanted to answer her, but she had suddenly vanished. Looking around wildly, he couldn't see her, but he felt something heavy settle on his chest and he looked down.
"Thank you, Squall,"
He looked up and saw her standing there, smiling softly. She leaned up and lightly kissed his cheek, her scent swirling around him tantalizingly, like peaches and jasmine.
"Squall!!"
She laughed and started to vanish...
'Squall! Open the door, you sleepyhead!!!"
That isn't Quisty's voice, he thought as she faded, but her smile lingered.
"SQUALL LOIRE!!!"
That made him jerk awake. The room became instantly vividly clear, just like the insistent rapping on his front door. "Squall Loire, open the damn door!!"
Squall sleepily shuffled to the front door and let in...his very distraught and irritated sister. Ellone stomped into the apartment and fell on the couch, fanning herself with her hand. 'What took you so long? I was starting to feel like a cheap salesgirl, standing on your doormat!"
Squall scratched in head and grinned sleepily. "I thought you were one anyway Decent people aren't even up at this hour."
"It's eleven in the morning, Squall," Ellone said severely. "I don't know which side of the world you were on, but it's nearly lunchtime now."
"Speaking of which, you're alone?" Squall frowned and plodded to the bathroom. But Ellone's voice could be heard from any point in the place. "Daddy's busy Squall. I had some time off and thought I could do with some rest. Hope you don't mind."
"GO ahead," Squall emerged from the bathroom, drying his hair. Ellone was sitting on his bed, staring at his open wardrobe. "I wanted to visit mother's grave," She said matter-of-factly before frowning and getting up to walk to his wardrobe. 'Where's the jacket I gave you last year? The one with the fur-trimmed collar?"
His heart dropped to his stomach and he gulped. "Oh, that jacket - " He was miraculously cut off by the sound of his own doorbell. Snatching the chance to escape an interrogation, he quickly left to open the door... and instantly wished he didn't.
"Squall!" A raven-haired bundle flung herself around his neck and began shrieking in incoherent sentences until he was thoroughly confused. "R- Rinny?!"
"AHEM!"
Squall quickly pried her arms from around his neck and turned to face a curious looking Ellone. Oh shit.
Rinoa's eyes became wide as saucers when she saw the young woman. Sensing danger, Squall quickly made hasty introductions. "Ellone, this is Rinoa; Rinoa, this is my sister, Ellone,"
Ellone raised her eyebrows as Rinoa beamed in delight. "Cool! I'm Rinoa, Squall's girlfriend," She enthusiastically shook Ellone's hand. The latter's lips twitched at the word 'girlfriend' and her eyebrows shot higher as she surveyed Rinoa's - excuse for a dress. Heavens, was that a panty line?! The disapproving glance she secretly gave Squall was enough. But the airhead next to him was oblivious. "This is so cool. Where are you from?" Rinoa asked happily and Squall gave his sister a DON'T-TELL look. Ellone got the message without batting an eye. "I travel around," She said dismissively. That made Rinoa light up. "Really? I'd love to hear all about you. Squall never said he had a sister,"
Now Squall was giving the really extreme DON'T!!!!! look. Ellone raised her eyebrows again. "I'd love to... Rinoa," She summed up the most apologetic smile she could muster at that moment; "But I'm here to take Squall out... Perhaps some other time."
Rinoa's face fell, but she brightened up again almost immediately. One can almost see the cogs in the brain working. 'That's okay. Call me when you get back, alright?" She kissed him and easily let herself out of the door.
Squall expelled a breath he didn't knew he held, and suddenly noticed Ellone grinning at him with the wicked look. "...What?"
"You've promised, now get ready!" She wagged a finger and laughed when Squall fluently cursed his bad luck.
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Quistis rubbed her head as she alighted from the train. She had always detested the long train rides from Balamb, interchanging at Timber to Winhill, but thanks to the loudly snoring and cigar smoking ignoramus in front of her, she was very sure it was the number one thing on her hate list. Next time I'm taking a plane, she thought as she came out to fresh air. Winhill was famed for its antique charm, and hundreds of tourist flock here every day, but she was sure that she was the only one who came to mourn.
"Hello, Quistis," The florist warmly greeted her as the girl stopped by, smiling. "Mrs. Sanders," She greeted in return and examined the roses out on display. "Your flowers look wonderful today,"
"Would you like a bouquet, dear? For your parents? A lovely couple just took an enormous bouquet for theirs."
A couple buying flowers? She thought absently as she nodded. White roses were the only thing she could relate to her parents now... she has no other memories of them. Even the grave in Winhill was erected by the villagers, who loved her parents. Perhaps even more than she could.
"Will you please hurry?!" Ellone called impatiently as her younger brother lagged behind, grumbling. "The lady was nuts. A bouquet like this would only cost half in Balamb!" He hissed as he caught up with his sister. Ellone blithely ignored him. "If you keep that wedding march of yours, we'll never get to the cemetery," She sniffed and Squall quickly bit his tongue to prevent a nasty reply. Why are older sister so pushy? First she tells me to take my time with the bouquet, and now she's telling me to hurry. "And repeat to me again why we had to take a commercial flight?"
"Daddy's using the Ragnarok, Squall. It's his plane, after all."
"Why didn't we pick a bouquet at Balamb airport?"
"You're a real miser, aren't you?" Ellone rolled her eyes. "They just cost a measly thirty gil and you're whining like crazy. I'd like to see how much you spend on that airhead 'girlfriend' of yours."
"She's not my girlfriend." Squall spat angrily. "But I won't deny the 'airhead' part. She just doesn't know when to quit."
"Maybe you don't know how to say no," Ellone replied testily. "I'm warning you, you're not taking any bimbo to meet Laguna."
Squall growled under his breath, but he was thinking...
Would his sister consider Quistis a bimbo?
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Despite the existence of an airport and duty-free shops, Winhill was a step into the past; quaint cottages flanked by vibrant flowerbeds lined the cobbled streets; children ran about in the town square or fished in the calm river flowing in the valley below; and Winhill was mostly populated by the elderly. It wasn't a wonder why they loved my parents, Quistis thought. I could have been a soul of this place.
She clutched a bouquet of white roses and made her way to the cemetery on the hillside behind the village. The breeze played with her locks and made the wildflowers nod in greeting, rippling the green grass in gentle waves. The whole place had an air of peacefulness, like time had stopped here, just here. Those who slumbered for eternity would think so, Quistis thought as she made her way past marble plaques and stone angels beseeching the heavens until she came to a plaque set under a blooming cherry-blossom tree. Under the cool shade, she slowly knelt down and set the bouquet at her side. The plaque was covered in fallen pink petals, and she gently brushed them aside, revealing an etched inscription.
JONATHAN & TANEA TREPE
Together in Heaven, Missed by all.
How many times had she sat here and wondered about them? Their lives, their joy and tears? Who they were, what they walked and talked like... how did they really die? Words couldn't paint the picture she wanted to see. Her earliest memory had been at the orphanage with the only motherly figure known as Matron; and then the Almasy family had taken her in after Mrs. Almasy couldn't conceive anymore. Her life had been blurry and uneventful... until a few weeks ago.
Why did his name pop up in the most unexpected situations? "He's stubborn," She said aloud, as if her parents could hear her. Sometimes she believed they could... and that's why she talked aloud... so she could share her life with those she loved, but could never love her in return...
"What is the matter with you?" Ellone demanded testily. "It's like you have a late date or something,"
Squall ignored his sister. He always...felt strange when visiting Mother's grave. Mother died when he was too young to remember much, but he couldn't connect with her here. He could feel her presence in Laguna's house, or at the place where she met her tragic end, but not here, where her body lay cold in hearth.
"Oh for God's sake, go walk the jitter off your bones," Ellone hissed after he began shifting his position for the millionth time. 'You're upsetting this place."
Squall shrugged and took off. Mother's grave was set in an open side of the hillside, and it was rather warm for him. Walking around, he spotted a blooming cherry-blossom tree tucked between some shady greens. That looks inviting, he decided and set off at a fast trot. Only when he came within fifty paces did he notice the solitary figure sitting in the shade. The male in him lighted up. A girl! But when he came nearer, his steps lagged. No... wait a second... that honey-blonde hair was very, very familiar... the way that hair was clipped up was way too familiar!
Sneaking up stealthily, he crept nearer until he was within earshot, and he could catch what she was saying. And her words made him stop and stare.
"... And I have a friend. Or at least I think that's what he is... to me. He seems honest enough, a bit flirty, but I guess all boys are that way," Quistis said softly as she absently plucked the petals off the rose she was holding. 'The question is... who am I to him? It would be easy to think I'm just another girl, but..."
He stared at her. Who was she talking to? And was she talking about... him?
She laughed a little, still unaware of the youth behind her. "I don't know whether I should go on being his friend... sometimes I think he's dangerous, but I can't keep away... it's like, he... oh I don't know," She sighed and gave up helplessly.
He decided this was a private conversation he shouldn't have eavesdropped, but too late for that now. His curiosity got the better of him. Who was she talking to?!
Purposely kicking a stone, he yelped and caused her to whirl around in alarm. When she saw who it was, she turned pale. "Squall?!"
He grinned sheepishly and walked up to her. She stared at him suspiciously and he tried to pretend he had just come. "A nice spot here," He crouched down next to her and she nodded vaguely. She was actually alarmed; how long had he been there? Did he head whet she said? Was there anything she said that could have given her away?!
"...Your parents...?" He asked quietly, brushing a few newly fallen petals off the plaque. Quistis blinked for a few seconds. "Yes. Both."
He propped his chin on his knee and sat there in silence. Quistis wondered what he was thinking; was he working out her complex family tree, or is e comparing it to his own? She knew he had lost his mother, but apart from that, she realized she knew very little about her friend. Who he was, where he lived; how did he suddenly appear in her life and turn it upside- down...
"Is it my scar or is there something else on my face?" His voice broke through her thoughts and she realized she had been caught staring! Blushing furiously, she looked away but managed to catch a grin on his face. Conceited!
"I was wondering about you family," She answered frankly. "It seems that you know so much about me...but I know nothing about you."
Squall chuckled. "You already know enough... more than anyone will, Quisty."
"Really?" She said in a voice dripping with sarcasm. Squall regarded her with amusement. "You did attend to a topless me, didn't you?"
"You just had to look at it that way, didn't you?" She stared at him accusingly and he grinned before sighing contentedly. "I'm just an average guy who happens to be friends with the smartest chick in school."
"Don't you 'chick' me, Squall," She replied testily and he grinned. He'd go on in this line forever, she thought. "Why are you here?' she asked curiously.
He promptly remembered Ellone on the other side of the hill. "I came with my sister... my mother's here as well," He gestured to the plaque and a look of understanding crossed her face. "I see... you have a sister?"
"A pushy woman," He confirmed with a pained look and Quistis laughed. "Poor you. She must be great. Can I see her?"
"She's around here somewhere...
"Squall!"
Squall grinned as Ellone made her way towards them, smiling brightly but looking rather suspiciously at Quistis. And no wonder, Squall was surprised to see a look of utter shock on the blonde's face. "Sis, this is Quistis; Quistis, this is Ellone."
Quisits' mind was whirring. That face... how many times had she seen it? And Squall... he was lying. Lying all along! Her mind screamed in anger at his deception, but she forced herself to keep calm. "Ellone Loire," She said rather bitterly - and Squall felt his blood freeze. Ellone stared at her in amazement. "Yes, that is my name - how did you - "
"Squall Loire," She emphasized his last name and with a sickening lurch he realized this was a huge mistake... somehow Quistis recognized his sister and out two and two together.
The bike, the cologne, the jacket... it all fits! Quistis screamed in her mind, silently hurling every abuse she could think of at this dumbstruck man. I'm standing next to a multi-millionaire's son! And all this while he's been laughing at me. Something unexplainable exploded in her and she turned heel and walked away, ignoring him.
"How rude - Squall?"!" Ellone gasped as her brother took off at a quick sprint. "Quisty!!"
God she runs fast, Squall cursed as he increased his speed. Finally within reach, he lunged forward and grabbed her wrist, causing her to face him. "Quisty, listen - "
"To what?" She snapped, the wrath emanating from her like heat. "What else do you want to lie about, Squall?!"
"Will you please - "
"Average, hah!" She spat, still struggling to release herself from his grip. "All this while you were laughing at me, weren't you?! You really had me fooled with that image you created - "
"What are you talking about?" He grit his teeth in exasperation, but he could see what she was feeling. She was hurt. Because of him. But... why? "Quisty, I never meant to lie to you,"
"Then what did you mean to do, Squall Loire?" She said his name like it was the most vile thing on earth, like it was a curse. It was then his patience snapped. He was going to make her see even if it killed him. He furiously tipped her chin up and forced those eyes to meet his. Those angry, heart-wrenchingly beautiful eyes, which right now was filled with bitterness and anger. And she stared defiantly like she always have, never backing out of his challenge. Daring him to hit her. But he didn't want to, didn't mean to hurt her. "I didn't want you to know Squall Loire," he said softly. "He's bitter and cynical, and he hates his life. But after he changed his name, he became someone else - the someone you know." He paused, unsure of what he was trying to say. "You know more about me than anyone else will ever find out, Quisty. Me. Not Squall Loire, or Squall Leonhart, but just... me."
His words made her sights blur and she pulled his hand away from her face, but gasped when he pulled her to him in a desperate embrace. "I didn't want you to find out like this... but does it matter to you? Who I am?" he whispered in her hair and she choked back a sob. She couldn't understand why she felt so hurt... did it matter so much to her, this little lie? But he lied about who he was, he lied about him, and she believed it. Yet it was hard to believe all the times they spent together was just a charade. He had seemed so real, so open... and she had - fallen for him. But who was he? Would things change now that he's a totally different person?
Time stood still as they stood there. Squall couldn't let her go, afraid she would run away, like she had in his dream. Run away, and left him alone... Why did he have to lie?
I've lived as Squall Leonhart for so long, he thought. Even if I return, I'll never be the same. How can I explain to her that this is me?
Quistis closed her eyes, trying to clear her senses. It's useless, she thought. No matter what, I can't hate him. I just can't. It wouldn't have made a difference to me if he was a beggar's son. But what disturbed her right now was the way he held her... like he didn't want to let go. And she didn't want... to go. She awkwardly reached around him and returned the embrace and he pulled back, surprised. She tried to smile but failed, and buried her face in his chest when he grinned. "Stop laughing or I'll really run," She threatened teasingly and he shook his head to answer - when a movement at the corner of his eye caught his attention. His heart skipped a beat. Uh-oh...
Ellone stood a little way off, an amused twinkle in her eyes. When she saw the two had pulled apart from obvious embarrassment, she approached them laughingly. "Well now, we seem to have sorted the identity crisis out," She smiled at Quistis and the latter turned pink. "I suppose I should reintroduce myself. Ellone Loire, Squall's sister," Ellone shook Quistis' hand. "Quistis Trepe. I've very interested in your study and I've read all of your journals on the Junctioning Theory," This was all said in a single breath. Ellone raised an eyebrow. "Now I understand how you recognized me... well," She said admiringly; "My brother's finally befriended a brainy instead of the air headed bimbos he usually goes out with,"
Quistis was apparently quite flattered by Ellone's backhanded compliment. But the older girl quickly changed the subject. "So you're paying your respects too? Wonderful; you should teach Squall the proper way to behave in cemeteries - he simply has no respect for the dead."
Squall shot her a scathing look, which Ellone, in true sisterly fashion - completely ignored. Quistis laughed and gave Squall a meaningful look. "I suppose everyone has their own way - and place."
Ellone didn't miss the secret look the two exchanged and she blinked in surprise. Squall was a player, but something tells her this one was different. Didn't Squall look genuinely alarmed when she ran off? And when she found the two in a locked embrace, she had seen the hurt look on her face, and Ellone knew... this one might be it. It's like they shared something that no one else knew...
"We should be getting back," Ellone said at last. Quistis nodded too. "I have to catch the train or I'll be stranded here for the night," She smiled at Ellone and the latter suddenly smiled mischievously. "Who ever said you were going to take the train?"
Footnote: Reviews!!!!! Just hit me with all you've got!!!! (Wearing a baseball glove)
