Thief's Treasure
Chapter Two: Sea Breeze
By PasifiKStaR
*All Standard Disclaimers Apply - I do not own Final Fantasy or it's characters.
"Hello," Irvine said as he cut in front of Squall and extended his hand, taking Rinoa's and squeezing it gently as he gave her a winning grin. "My name is Irvine, that's Zell, and the walking zombie staring at you is Squall."
His attempt to be funny yearned some laughs as Rinoa let go of his hand and shook Zell's. "Nice to meet you," she said with a warm smile. "Zell, right?"
"Yeah," the blond smiled happily. *Okay, I've been hanging with Irvine and Squall since we graduated and Seifer's been traveling the world on a cruddy ship with four hot girls who go diving for oysters wearing bathing suits...I don't see how I got the better end of the deal.*
"Hello, Squall," Rinoa said. Noticing the cold look on his face, she refrained from shaking hands with him and waved instead. "How can we help you?"
Squall just looked at her. "For starters you could put some clothes on."
Rinoa jerked her head back in surprise as Selphie and Quistis exchanged looks behind her. "Oh..." she mumbled. She looked at her friends. "I guess you're right! We'll be back in a few minutes. Seifer, can you take care of them?"
Seifer cracked his knuckles as he smiled. "With pleasure."
Quistis sighed and pinched his ear. "Not like that," she stated simply. "And when are you going to cook our dinner?"
Zell snorted and tired to hold back his laughter as Seifer sent him a glare before looking at the tall blond woman. "I'll get right on it," he said with an intent smile. "Can I get a kiss first?"
Quistis took a step back. "Fujin!" she cried out. The silver haired woman who was about to walk past her turned and kicked Seifer in the shins.
"Agh!" His eyes went wide as he grasped his leg and turned to Fujin. "Traitor!" he gasped.
"Pervert." Fujin stated with a grin. Giggling, Selphie shook her head and beckoned for them to hurry up. The two women headed to the captain's room to change from their suits to regular clothes.
"Stupid Quistis..." Seifer hissed as he glared at the closing captain's door. "She's warped Fujin."
"So you really are the cook?" Irvine asked. "I thought you were being sarcastic."
"Why would I be sarcastic about something like that!?" Seifer hissed. "Just go wander the ship," he grabbed the sack of oysters. "I have to get cooking."
"Hey, can we get some of that food-"
"No." He walked around them and headed to the kitchen on the opposite end of the ship and disappeared into the kitchen.
Zell looked around the ship and let out a whistle. "What do you think, Squall?"
"As long as it'll move, it'll do," Squall stated. "It looks sturdy enough."
"What do you think about the crew?" Irvine mumbled while deep in thought. Squall looked over at him and raised an eyebrow.
"I want to speak to the captain first."
Irvine elbowed Zell knowingly. "So...will this be a private meeting?" Squall's eyes settled on him with a glare. Irvine chuckled nervously and looked around. "Uh...I wonder how many rooms they have here."
"There are seven quarters below, ya know," Raijin said as he walked past them as he cleaned the deck with a mop. "The captain's room is up here on the top level."
"Hey, Raijin, how'd you guys end up on this floating piece of crap anyway?" Zell asked. "I mean...what happened to you guys after you got kicked out of Balamb Garden?" The larger man paused for a second and smiled thoughtfully.
"Well, it wasn't all of us who got kicked out, ya know," Raijin began. "Just Seifer...but Fujin and I are his friends, ya know. We weren't just going to abandon him, ya know. Anyway, he used the last of his tuition to buy the Siren and now we do courier work, ya know."
"What about those girls?" Irvine asked. "Where'd you pick them up?"
Raijin chuckled. "Funny story, ya know," he began. "At Fisherman's Horizon-"
"That's enough, Raijin." a voice said from the side. They turned and saw Rinoa and some of the other girls walking out of the captain's room. Their hair was wet, but they wore dry clothes as they headed out on deck. Rinoa was wearing black boots and a short black dress with a sleeveless light blue duster. Quistis wore a dusty pink dress that reached her brown booted feet as a leather belt hung loosely around her hips.
Selphie was wearing bright yellow. Her dress reached her mid thighs as a strap over each of her pale shoulders held up the dress. Fujin was wearing a blue shirt with black pants and boots. She and Quistis were both carrying maps and seemed to be heading for the top deck, right above the captain's bedroom, to the steering wheel. "Do you guys want a tour of the ship!?" Selphie asked cheerfully.
"Only if you take us," the cowboy grinned as he caught Selphie's hand in his and kissed the back of it. "It would be a pleasure."
Selphie merely giggled and waved for them to follow her. Rinoa turned to Squall, who didn't seem to be leaving. "Let me guess, you're our customer?" He nodded. "Follow me," she said. "I'm assuming you'd like to talk about hiring us."
She turned around and headed back to the captain's bedroom. She seemed very casual as she stood aside and let him enter before closing the door behind him. He looked around. It was a small quaint room with large bed in the center. There was a dresser to one side and what seemed to be a walk in bathroom and closet. Shelves were lined with books to one side as a desk decorated one corner, next to bed.
"Can you take us to the Islands Closest to Hell and Heaven?" he asked simply.
Rinoa was over at her desk now and nodded. "I can take you anywhere you want," she stated simply. A sly grin crossed her pink lips. "Heaven or hell."
Squall nodded. "How long will it take?"
"We can leave in as little as two days," she explained. She unrolled a large map over the width of her bed. "It'll take us a few days to get to either Island from here. We can head over to the Island Closest to Hell first then head back and go to Heaven," She was leaning over the bed, showing him their trail over the water. "A few weeks...probably a month or so to return back here."
"A month is fine," Squall agreed. "How much?"
*Not much for conversation are you...?* she thought to herself. "How much you offering?" She said as she stood straight up and crossed her arms over her chest.
Squall reached into his jacket and pulled out a wad of cash. He tossed it right on top of the map on her bed. "2.5 million."
He studied her face for any sort of reaction, but found none. She just looked at the money before raising her eyes up to meet him. "Make it an even 3 million."
"Why?"
"I don't keep this money for myself," Rinoa stated. "I split it evenly with my crew." Squall nodded in understanding.
"3 million, plus a 50 grand at your disposal for supplies," he stated. "When can we leave?"
"In two days," she replied. "I'll take the 50 grand now for supplies. We get paid half now and half at the end. I just need you to sign these papers."
"What for?" Squall asked reluctantly.
"We've had trouble with verbal agreements before," she stated as she handed him a few sheets of paper with printed letters on them. "1.5 million now and 1.5 million later. We won't take your money if you don't get where you're going."
"I'll need you to carry something back."
"I know," Rinoa stated. "There's only one reason why someone would want to go to both islands," Squall paused as he held a pen over a line to sign his name. "Let me guess...the Thief's Treasure?"
Squall narrowed his eyes and signed the first sheet. "I suppose you're going to tell me that it doesn't exist."
"Even if I tell you, it won't really change anything," she sighed as she rolled up the map. "You won't have to worry about us taking anything. If we wanted money, we wouldn't really be here."
Squall thought about her earlier demand for more money, but said nothing. He handed her back the papers. "We'll arrive in the night after next. Can we set sail then?"
"It's best to leave a night," Rinoa stated as she looked over the papers and carefully placed them back on her desk. "We're an unaffiliated ship."
Squall nodded and watched as Rinoa walked past him and opened the door. He went through it with her behind him. From a stair way underneath some stairs to the upper deck, he caught sight of Selphie arriving with Irvine and Zell behind her.
"So if you guys do get to travel with us, two of you will have to share a room!" Selphie was saying.
"Great!" Irvine said energetically. "I want to share one with you!"
Squall rolled his eyes as Selphie giggled. Rinoa stood next to him. "We'll see you in a few days then, Mr. Leonheart," she said. Squall looked over at her. No wonder she mentioned they were an unaffiliated ship...she knew who he was. She looked back and him and smiled. "By the way, you have some really sexy eyes."
Squall's eyes went wide as she turned back and greeted the others. "All right!" Zell exclaimed upon hearing the agreement. He looked over at Squall and smiled. "Hey, Squall! This ship isn't so bad after all! They have seven bedrooms below...they have a communal bathroom, but that's cool. They also have lounge downstairs."
"Let's go," Squall stated. "Our business is done here."
"Aww...can't we stay a little longer?" Irvine pleaded.
"We have to make preparations back in Esthar." Squall stated. He headed towards the plank to get back on the pier just as Seifer walked out of the kitchen wearing a dark green apron.
"Oysters are ready!" he shouted. Zell looked at him in disbelief.
*He can't possibly be the same man...*
"Oh! Yay!" Selphie and Rinoa raced to the kitchen as Quistis and Fujin ran down from the top level with Raijin laughing as he walked behind him.
"You added some sauce, Seifer," Quistis stated. "Good!"
"Tasty." Fujin agreed as she took a shell and ate the oyster that was laying on top of it.
Irvine sighed. *At least we'll be coming back.*
"You actually found a ship?" Ellone asked in disbelief as she watched her brother pack clothes into a small bag over his bed. "A real ship that will actually take you?"
"It's an unaffiliated ship," Squall stated. "We were lucky to find one."
"Are you SURE they're unaffiliated?" Ellone asked quietly. "I mean...what if it's a trick?"
"I'm going with a gut feeling," Squall stated. He zipped up his bag and looked at his sister. "We should be back in a month."
"Squall, you ready?" Irvine said from the door way. He was holding his own bag over his shoulder as Zell passed by and waved into the room. Squall nodded.
"See you soon, Sis," He hugged Ellone and headed out the door. The three males walked down the stairs and saw Laguna waiting for them. Squall let out a frustrated breath. *Dammit...*
"Squall," Laguna said. "You really don't have to do this."
"Good-bye, Laguna," Without a second thought, Squall walked past him. *Moron...*
"Squall!" Irvine opened the door and the three of them walked out. "Squall!" Laguna called out. He looked sad as Ellone walked up behind him.
"Are you worried, Uncle?" Ellone asked.
Laguna nodded. "I just don't want to lose another person I love to the ocean."
The heard barking as they got off the train and Zell smiled. "Hey! It's Rinoa's dog!" He rushed over to the long furred canine who was sitting there, wagging his tail as he barked.
"There's a note," Irvine said. He saw the tag tied to Angelo's leather collar and untied it. "Hmm...they had to move spaces. Angelo's going to lead us there."
Squall looked at the dog suspiciously. "Why would the dog lead us there?"
"It seems that they had to change spaces...being an undocumented ship and all," Irvine said as he crumpled up the piece of paper. He looked at Angelo. "All right, mutt. Lead the way."
Angelo growled at him and let out a sharp bark, making Irvine jump back. Squall grinned. "Good dog."
"Very funny..." Irvine grumbled. Angelo stood up and lead the group of three young men down the docks. The sun was setting and slowly, the bars began to turn on their signs as they passed.
Before long, they reached the last pier and Zell let out a whistle. "This definitely looks shady."
"It must be were all the unaffiliated ships go..." Irvine mumbled. Angelo barked, as if telling them to hurry up. They walked quickly after the dog and towards a plank to the familiar looking ship.
"Is she still sleeping?" they heard a concerned male voice ask.
"Yes," a female voice replied. "Selphie said she'll come and get us if she wakes up."
Angelo barked to get their attention and Quistis and Seifer turned around. Quistis let out a heavy sigh. "Oh, good, he found them," she sighed. "Selphie said she showed you where your rooms are, right? You're free to go downstairs and make yourself at home."
Seifer just looked at them and turned away. "Raijin!" he shouted. "Let's get out of this hell hole!"
"Sure thing, ya know!" Seifer walked past the three males to pull up the plank and close the side of the ship while Quistis rubbed her eyes under her glasses.
"Is something wrong?" Zell asked.
"Nothing's wrong!" Quistis answered quickly. "Just...just go ahead and get settled in..."
Irvine narrowed his eyes. "Where are the other three?"
"Fujin and Selphie are with Rinoa in the captain's room," Quistis stated. "Girl troubles." she stated quickly before they could answer another question.
Zell and Irvine seemed to buy it as they headed down the deck of the ship. Squall stood there, looking to his left at the door that lead to Rinoa's room. "Is she-"
"Don't ask okay?" Seifer snapped as he passed by Squall and glared at him. "It's none of your business."
Squall narrowed his eyes at Seifer and Quistis took a deep breath. "Squall, just please..." she took a deep breath. "Just go get yourself settled in...you can come up in a few minutes for dinner-"
"I'm not feeding them-"
"You'll FEED who we tell you to FEED!" Quistis snapped. Seifer raised his hands to ward her off.
"Relax, Quisty," he told her in a softer tone. "I'm just joking."
"Seifer..."
"I know, I know...now isn't the time." he said. He turned around and headed for the kitchen as Quistis headed to the side of the ship. She leaned over the railing and ran her hand down her face.
Squall stood on deck as Raijin steered the ship away from the pier from the cabin at the top of the ship. Quietly, he descended into the lower levels. There he found Zell and Irvine arguing over who would get a separate room and who would have to share.
"You snore!"
"You kick!"
Before they could get another word out, Squall walked past them, opened one of the spare bedrooms, entered and slammed the door closed. The two other males paused at what had just happened.
Inside his room, Squall looked at the surroundings. It was small with a small closet and a bunk bed in the corner. He opted for the lower bunk. Suddenly, he heard fists pounding on his door. "Open up, Leonheart!" Irvine yelled. "No fair!"
Sighing heavily, he turned and walked towards the door. He pulled it open and glared at the two young men standing there. "I'm paying. I get the room. End of story."
The door slammed in their faces once more. Irvine and Zell looked at each other. "So..." Zell began. "Do you want the top bunk or the bottom bunk?"
Rinoa was seen sitting on the upper deck just above the kitchen, her feet hanging off the side of the boat as she sat on the edge, holding on to a rope to make sure she didn't fall in. She was slowly chewing on an apple as Angelo rested right behind her.
"Squall," a voice called out. The brunette turned his head and saw Quistis waving towards him. "Rinoa told us about where you want to go. I thought I'd show you the research that's been done already."
"Research that's been done?" Squall murmured.
Quistis nodded. "You're not the first to hire us to go find the Thief's Treasure," she stated. She lead him into Rinoa's cabin, which seemed to double as a meeting room. There were already several books that were scattered all around the room and four or five maps layered on top of each other over Rinoa's bed. "How much research have you done?"
*Research...right...*
Quistis narrowed her eyes as she studied him. "You didn't do any..." she trailed off. Squall just shrugged. "Oh, Hyne...why would you go on a mission like this without knowing what you're getting yourself into? I mean...if the treasure was that easy to find, wouldn't it have already been found?"
*Okay, she has a point...* Squall looked around. "All I know that they are somewhere on those islands."
"You're kidding me..." Quistis slammed the books she was holding on Rinoa's desk. "Okay, you sit here and at least find something to start off with."
"I thought you were going to tell me." Squall began.
Quistis shook her head and stepped away from him. "You hired us to get you there, not provide all the information."
She opened the door and found Seifer standing there, looking caught as he held up a ladle and wore his green apron. She narrowed her eyes at him. He had obviously been listening at the door. "Uh..." Seifer began. He looked into the room and narrowed his eyes, pointing the ladle at Squall. "I'm watching you, puberty boy!"
With that, he turned in a huff and stalked back to the kitchen. Quistis shook her head and followed him outside, just as Rinoa walked in, carrying some books in her arms. "I found these downstairs!" she said tiredly as she stumbled slightly.
Squall was immediately at her side, relieving her of her large burden. "Thanks." he mumbled.
She merely smiled at him and he noticed the puffs below her eyes as he placed the books on the table. "I heard what Quistis said," she said cheerfully. "So what exactly do you know about the story?"
"Enough."
"Enough as in a lot?" she asked questioningly as she took a step closer to him. "Or enough as in 'I know the story and that's it'?"
Squall sighed. "I have to start going through these books-"
"So it's the later then," she smiled. "Can I help?"
"No."
Rinoa wrinkled her nose and sat on an part of the bed that wasn't covered with maps. "So what's your reason for this trip anyway? You're a Leonheart so I doubt you're in it for the money."
"What if I said I was?"
"Then you'd either be lying or just greedy," she replied casually. "I'm going to vote for lying."
Squall sat down on the chair and shot her an annoyed glare. "Listen, I really don't have time for this-"
"Oh...is it for one of your friends?"
"what? No!"
"Secret lover?"
"What are you talking about-"
"Love child?"
"Get out!" Squall yelled.
Rinoa looked up at him as he stood straight up and pointed to the door. She merely smiled. "If you find that treasure, you might be disappointed."
She stood up and turned around. "What?" Squall asked. "What are you talking about?"
"Oh...so now you want me to stay...?" she asked with a smirk. Squall narrowed his eyes. "Just kidding," she said as she raised her hands, as if to ward him off. "I'll see you later then."
"No wait!" He reached out and grabbed her wrist, pulling her back towards him. Rinoa looked surprised as she found herself crushed up against him as his hand held her wrist. "What..." he flushed slightly and immediately let her go. He took a step back and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "What do you mean I might be disappointed?"
Rinoa looked at him as her face held a hint of red on them. "Umm...it's just that... at the time, it was said to be the best treasure in the world. The thief who stole the princess' heart said that the treasure he had acquired for her dowry was to be the only treasure worthy of the princess..."
"So?"
Rinoa looked at him reluctantly. "Well...if he loved her that might...what if...what if he thought NOTHING was worthy of the princess?"
Squall narrowed his eyes. Strangely enough, she made complete sense. "Why would he lie then?"
"Because he found nothing," Rinoa whispered, trapped in his eyes. "Your eyes are amazing..."
Squall blinked sharply as Rinoa took a step back and lightly shook her head. "I...I have to hit these books. I'll be out by the time you go to bed."
"It's all right," she assured him. "I can always take your room."
"No, you're the captain."
"Listen, your room is too small to have all these books in," Rinoa told him as she walked to the door. She was still avoiding his gaze as she turned the knob. "Even if it's for just tonight. Study hard! Quistis won't be easy on you if you don't do your homework!" She gave him a weak smile and quickly stepped out of the room.
"Rinoa, did you give him the books?" another voice asked from the outside.
"Huh? Yeah!" Rinoa said cheerfully. She smiled. "He'll study in my room tonight, okay, Quisty? It's just easier that way."
"If you say so, captain," Quistis replied. Squall Rinoa's footsteps leave and the door opened once more. Quistis appeared at the door way with narrowed eyes. "I saw you," she whispered. "The door was part way open."
"Whatever-"
"No, NOT whatever," Quistis hissed. She took a step towards him and loomed over him as he sat back down on the chair. "Don't get too close to Rinoa."
"Why would I?" Squall snapped back. *How dare this woman make such assumptions!* "Are you threatening me?" he narrowed his eyes at the blue eyed blond.
Quistis took a step back, but kept her narrowed eyes on him. "You don't know anything about her, do you understand me? Just stay the hell away from Rinoa."
"Hey, Quisty! Can we borrow your telescope!?" Selphie shouted from outside. She bounded into the room with a smile on her cute face. "I'm going to try to teach Irvine and Zell how to navigate using the stars!"
Quistis whirled around, a smile also pasted on her face. "Sure thing, Selphie!" she answered happily. "I'll go grab it!" She turned to Squall. "Study hard!"
As Quistis left, Selphie looked back into the room. Her smile faded from her face into a sad one. "Don't let what Quistis said bother you," Selphie smiled weakly. "It's just that she cares about Rinoa...a lot..."
Squall merely nodded and she closed the door behind her. He looked over the maps sprawled on the bed and then moved his eyes across the table littered with books. Behind one particular pile, he saw a silver picture frame reflecting the light from the lamp. Leaning over, he moved the books aside and found two sets of frames.
The first picture frame opened and closed like a book and had two places for pictures. One had a picture of three teenaged girls, dressed in white dresses. They were all standing with flowers in their up-dos and smiling. *A debutant ball?* He looked over at the other picture. The same three girls were now wearing the clothes he knew them to be dressed in, along with Fujin, Raijin, and Seifer all standing in front of the Siren.
Fujin was looking uncharacteristically silly as she was being carried on Raijin's back with her hands up in a little victory sign. In front of her, Selphie and Rinoa were pretending to flex their muscles to show they were as strong as Raijin. To the left of the group, Quistis was holding a whip and posing with a grin on her face as the whip went around Seifer's neck as he stood there looking bored.
The last picture looked older and he moved it into the light. There were three people, two adults who were obviously very wealthy. The woman wore a deep red and black dress as she held the hand of a little girl standing next to her. They had the same hair color and skin tone. No doubt the girl was her daughter. The man looked stern as he stood behind the woman in the chair. He wore a military outfit as one hand was placed on the woman's bare shoulder.
The woman and the daughter were both smiling. Squall looked around the room and listened. He could hear them outside yelling at Irvine that the constellations he pointed out did not look like phallic symbols. He turned the frame over, knowing he had seen the man's uniform before and tugged at the back. The cardboard back of the frame slid open and he read what was marked on the back.
"General Caraway and family."
*Caraway?* Squall heard the girls laughing outside along with Zell and Irvine as he slid the back of the frame back on to it. He turned it over and looked at the faces in the picture. Lightly, his thumb went over the little girl. *Rinoa? Rinoa is the daughter of General Caraway...General Caraway...the leader of Galbadia's army...*
Suddenly the door burst open and Zell stumbled in looking energetic. Squall casually slipped the picture back behind the stacks of books. "Squall! Squall! We saw a shooting star!"
"Good for you," the brunette mumbled as he finally opened a book. "I have to start reading."
"Ugh...fine!" Zell shrugged. "Just because you're here on business doesn't mean Irvine and I can't have fun!"
"Seifer! Where did you get that!?" a voice gasped behind them. Zell whirled around.
"Aw, come on Quisty!" Seifer's voice teased. "How about a few jello shots?" A whip was cracked. "I'm kidding! I'm kidding!"
"Gotta go!" Zell waved and closed the door behind him. Squall looked back at the pictures. It seemed that Rinoa, and probably Quistis and Selphie, weren't just sailors. He looked back at the picture of all three girls in white dresses.
*They're just like me...*
The sun was peaking into the dim captain's room and Squall blinked his eyes. He sat up straight, a piece of paper stuck to his cheek as he looked around, blinking at the blinding light. A blanket fell from his shoulders and on the chair he had fallen asleep in. Grumbling he put his hand on the paper and tossed it down with the others. He stood and headed for the door to stretch his legs. Passing the mirror he checked to make sure there were no ink marks on his face.
His hand tightened around the door knob and turned it. Upon stepping outside, he was rushed by the cool sea breeze and he inhaled it deeply. It was refreshing. "Puberty boy," a deep voice said to his right. Squall turned and saw Seifer leaning over the railing. "Can we have a little chat?"
"What about?" Squall asked coldly as he approached the tall blond. He stood next to Seifer, who seemed to be watching the sunrise. *This is weird...I'm watching the sunrise with SEIFER...*
"Quistis told me how you grabbed Rinoa's arm yesterday," Seifer told him. "Don't do that to her."
*Whatever...* Squall thought to himself as he rolled his eyes. Seifer seemed to catch on.
"I mean it," Seifer mumbled. "Rin...she's a great girl. But she's not all there sometimes."
Squall narrowed his eyes. "What are you talking about?"
"Let's just leave it at that, all right?" Seifer shrugged. He pushed himself off the railing and headed towards the kitchen. "If you'll excuse me, I have breakfast to make."
Squall turned and watched the green eyed man walk away. "Morning, Seifer!" a cheerful voice said happily.
"Morning, princess." Seifer waved as he passed Rinoa, who was coming out from below deck.
She saw Squall and waved. "Hey, you're up early, too!" she said with a smile. "Good morning!" Squally merely raised an eyebrow in question. Rinoa stood in front of him and gave him the same questioning look. "That's where you say, 'Good morning, Rinoa'."
He continued to just stare at her, trying to figure out what Seifer had meant that Rinoa wasn't 'all there'. *She looks normal to me...*
Finally, she sighed and shook her head. "I see it's wasted on you," she said as she put her arms in the air and stretched. She looked up at the top level where Raijin was steering the ship. "Morning, Raijin! It's my turn to steer!"
"Morning, Rinoa. Good to see you're up and awake, ya know!" Raijin said as Rinoa climbed to the deck and took his place. "I'm going to get some sleep, ya know!"
"We'll call you when it's time for dinner!" Rinoa said cheerfully. As Raijin headed below deck, Squall slowly headed up the steps to the top deck where Rinoa was steering inside the little cabin.
"Good morning." he stated simply.
Rinoa cast him a warily look. "You're a few minutes late, you know." she said with a grin.
"I'm sorry," he mumbled. "I was thinking about something earlier..."
"You zoned out," Rinoa shrugged. "I do it all the time..." she narrowed her eyes. "At least that's what Seifer says..."
"How did you meet him?" Squall asked. He tried to lean back, but was poked by a fire extinguisher hanging on the wall. He glared at it as he crossed his arms and tried to lean against the cabinet behind Rinoa.
"Long story," Rinoa said. "But to put it simply - we met them at Fisherman's Horizon and got on board."
"I see..." he mumbled. "What do you know about the Thief's Treasure?"
"I've heard the story a lot," Rinoa shrugged as she glanced over at him. "My mom used to tell me about it."
"Where did you get that theory about there being nothing?" Squall asked.
"When I was little, my mom told me the story and one night I asked her 'what if the princess was so wonderful that there was nothing worthy of her'?" Rinoa said with a thoughtful smile on her face. "And my mom said that if the thief was really in love, the treasure won't exist because there was nothing he could find to show how much he loved her."
"Refresh my memory," Squall said, although he already knew the answer to the question he was going to ask. "If the thief returned with nothing...did he marry the princess?"
Rinoa smiled sadly as she looked off into the sun rise. "See, that's the sad part," she told him. "Even though he loved her so much, he didn't get to marry her."
"Why not?"
"Because in that world, Squall," she said regretfully. "Love means nothing."
He studied her face as she stood there, her hands gripping the wheel so tight that her knuckles turned white. Her eyes were narrowed as it seemed that tears would fall from them at any moment. He ached to ask her about the picture. If she was really the little girl in the photography. But before he could, Selphie appeared.
"Morning!" she said cheerfully. Rinoa smiled and greeted her. Selphie's large green eyes scanned the couple knowingly. "Seifer says breakfast will be done soon."
"Good, I'm starving," Rinoa sighed. She looked over at Selphie. "Bring me something to eat?"
"Aye, aye, captain!" Selphie said as she saluted her friend. "What about you, Squall? Are you up to eat?"
"No thank you."
"Come on," Selphie coaxed. She grinned. "I swear Seifer didn't poison it or anything."
Squall's eyes went wide. *I never even thought about it like that...* Rinoa merely giggled and shook her head.
"I'll share whatever I get," Rinoa said. Selphie nodded and headed back down. "I swear, Selphie hasn't changed since we were kids..." The young woman said with a happy smile on her face.
"I'm going to go study some more." he said abruptly. Rinoa didn't say anything as he walked down the steps and towards the room. He passed Quistis, who gave him a disapproving look. He merely looked away and slipped back into the room.
He had been sitting for a few minutes when Rinoa walked in with a tray of food and Angelo at her heels. "Hey, Squall," she said warily as she peeked into the room. "I have breakfast."
"I'm not hungry."
She frowned and walked in, closing the door behind Angelo as the dog headed over to a little bed at the base of Rinoa's. He padded over it in a circle and then finally laid down. Squall could smell the food and his stomach protested against him. By then, Rinoa had strode across the room and placed the tray of food on the books. "Your stomach and I win," she stated. "Eat."
"I'm fine-" His stomach grumbled and a quick blush flashed across his face. Rinoa chuckled.
"Sure you are," she said. "Just eat...I'll even leave you alone." She stood up and backed away.
Squall waited until she left and shook his head. *I'm starting to understand WHY Seifer was saying that she's not all there...*
"That's a good place to rest up," Rinoa agreed as Quistis showed her the map. Three days at sea and Rinoa finally had her room back. Of course, it was still littered with books and Squall had spent much of his time, hidden away inside reading all he could on the subject. "How long until we reach it?"
"Tomorrow morning," Quistis said as she circled the area on the well used map and began to roll it up. She smiled at Rinoa. "Get some rest, okay?"
"I will," Rinoa nodded. "Inform the others that we'll rest there for a few days."
"A few days?" Quistis asked. "Why so long?"
"Irvine and Zell haven't gotten used to their 'sea legs' yet," Rinoa sighed heavily. "Either that or their puking every morning is a sign of pregnancy."
Quistis grinned as she stood up. "All right, I'll tell them. Maybe we can get a stint as a day laborer or something for the time being."
Rinoa nodded. "Goodnight, Quistis," the brunette said happily. Quistis nodded and left, bending down to scratch Angelo's head as she walked out the door. Rinoa grinned and looked down. "Well, Angelo, looks like we're back in the room tonight!"
Angelo let out a bark as Rinoa headed for her dresser to get her clothes to change into for bed.
Downstairs, Squall laid on the bottom bunk holding a book up as he read it. He laid on his back as his head rested against two soft pillows that still carried the scent of Rinoa's hair. *Okay, so she smells good. So what?* Squall sighed and put the book over his face. *Hyne, she smells good...*
Shaking his head, he sat up and closed the book. He needed to cross reference something and the other book was back in Rinoa's room. Sighing heavily, he stood up and headed towards the door. As he walked up the narrow corridor of the lower level, he passed by the lounge were Irvine sat, cleaning out his gun lovingly.
Squall ignored him as he headed up the steps to the main deck. There he could hear two people arguing in the kitchen. "I told you, no!"
"Give it to me, Seifer!"
"I made it! I'm going to eat it!"
"You did NOT make that!" The female voice seemed to belong to Quistis. "That was GROWN! And you are no farmer!"
"I don't care! It's mine!"
"Hand it over, chef boy!" There were sounds of struggling and them something went thud. Quistis screamed. "MY MELONS!!"
Fujin, at the time, was passing the kitchen. Her eye went large as she shook her head. "Kinky..." She passed by just in time to see Quistis on the floor, crawling over Seifer for two melons that were rolling away.
Squall squinted his eyes and turned away. *Let's just pretend you didn't see that!*
"Seifer!" Quistis' voice was heard across the seas. "THOSE melons are NOT for touching!"
Raijin, Fujin, Selphie, and Zell all burst into laughter as they lounged on the roof top deck above the kitchen. Zell was shaking his head. "You guys are right! They are hours of entertainment!"
While they were yelling, Squall quickly entered Rinoa's room and closed the door behind him. He turned around as someone let out a yelp. "SQUALL!?"
His blue eyes went wide as they roamed up and down flawless pale skin. Rinoa was holding a night gown in one hand as her other arm went across her chest and covered her bare breasts. She wore little black panties with a little bow at the frown and was trying desperately to cover herself. It seemed at she had turned completely tomato red.
"Rinoa! Sorry!" Squall shook his head and quickly turned around, his hands clamped tightly over his eyes. "I didn't mean to! I just wanted to get a book!"
"Just get out!" Rinoa gasped.
"Right! Right!" Squall replied nervously as his free hand reached for the door knob. "I'm sorry!"
"OUT!"
As Squall finally grabbed the door knob, he felt something rub against his legs. As he jumped back, he stumbled and fell backwards. "Shit!"
"Squall!"
"Woof!" Angelo laid back in his bed, seemingly pleased with the situation as Rinoa, finally with her night gown on, ran over to the fallen man.
"Squall, are you okay?" she gasped out as she knelt down and looked over him. Squall groaned and blinked.
"Your dog..."
"Angelo!" Rinoa snapped up as she looked at the smug looking canine. "Angelo, bad boy! Don't trip people!"
"Yeah...bad dog..." Squall grumbled. He put his hands on his side and tried to push himself up. Rinoa put her arms around his shoulders and helped steady him.
"Angelo! Shame on you!" Rinoa scolded. She looked at Squall gently as he sat up. "Are you hurt? Does it hurt any where?" she asked intently.
*Don't get so close...* he thought to himself as she her concerned brown eyes looked into his, as if trying to see if he was lying. "No...I'm fine."
"I'm so sorry, Squall!" Rinoa gasped. "Usually Angelo hates men..."
"Are you sure that's not why he did it?" Squall mumbled as he turned and glared at the door. *Look at him...looking so smug like he...planned it...*
Suddenly the door was pushed open, slamming into Squall's leg. "Rinoa!" someone shouted.
"AGH!!" Squall winced as he reached for his leg. Rinoa yelped as he leaned forward and grabbed a hold of him, his head resting on her shoulder, right over the thin strap of her night gown.
"You guys!" Rinoa gasped, looking up at her friends. "Watch it!"
"We heard yelling!" Selphie gasped as she seemed to be ahead of everyone. The rest of the group was leaning over behind her, trying to look into the cabin. "Are you okay?"
"Well, I am, but Squall's leg-"
"It's fine..." he grumbled. He pulled back from Rinoa, only to meet the harsh stares of Seifer and Quistis. He pulled away from Rinoa. "It's all right." Without shaking or stumbling, he stood up.
"Squall..." Rinoa trailed as she looked at him, worried. She was still sitting on the floor.
"I'm fine!" he snapped. He glared at the group at the door way. They automatically parted as Squall moved through the group.
Rinoa watched him sadly as he walked away. Selphie and Quistis knelt down next to her. "Rinoa, are you okay?"
"I'm fine!" Rinoa said sharply as she hoisted herself up. "I have to make sure that he's okay-"
"He said he's fine!" Quistis assured her as she and Selphie took Rinoa's arms. "Just go to bed."
"But-"
"Go to bed," Quistis stated. She looked at Selphie. "Make sure she stays here and get some rest."
Selphie nodded and sat next to Rinoa as the girl grumbled and crawled into her bed. The tall blond walked outside and closed the door. Raijin and Fujin had mysteriously disappeared to the top deck as Zell ran downstairs after Squall.
Quistis looked over at Seifer, who wore a heavily displeased frown on his face. "I told him to stay away from her."
"I don't want him getting to close to her," Quistis said. "It's too dangerous."
"I know..." Seifer mumbled. He untied the apron that hung at his waist and tossed it to Quistis. "Take this into the kitchen."
"Where are you going?"
"To make sure he stays the hell away from Rinoa."