For You

In six hundred and sixty-six ways I love you, And I hope you feel the same, I'm here for you.

HIM, For You.

Quistis sat at the table eating her piece of toast in a dreamlike trance. Nothing around her could break into her little world, not even the group of Trepies that watched every single movement of her slender arm, her graceful jaw and full lips as she devoured the bread product in her fingers.

She was amazed at how her life had changed and was afraid she'd wake to find it was all a dream. She had held Squall and he hadn't flinched, had held her back and never let go. The comfort she had felt in that closeness she had to Squall was so great she had fell asleep standing up.

She awoke that morning to find herself tucked into bed her hair swept back behind her ears and a note from Squall reading "Sweet Dreams."

A figure broke her bubble, the sight of white bandages bringing a smile to her face. She looked up into his eyes, her smile broadening as she said 'Good morning.'

Squall sat down beside her returning the smile, unconsciously brushing strands of his hair from his eyes.

'I take it you slept well?' he asked softly.

'Very well, thank you.' She told him becoming aware of the looks of those around them.

'So what do you have planned for today?' Squall asked casually.

'Nothing really, a few papers to mark but there's no rush.' She replied hopefully.

'Those days are few and far between for me.' Squall told her making Quistis' heart drop in disappointment.

'So I intend to enjoy it while it's here. Care to join me?' Squall added smiling at her, the shock causing her to nearly drop her slice of toast.

'Sure.' Quistis replied trying not to stammer and keep the excitement out of her voice.

'So what do you have in mind?' she asked.

'Don't worry it's not a trip to the Training Centre.' He told her with a quick grin before his face became more serious and his voice lowered.

'I actually need your help.' He admitted softly.

'What?' she asked gently touching his arm and motioning him to come out of the cafeteria for privacy.

'What's wrong?' she asked softly as they got into the empty hall.

'I need you to come with me to Esthar.' Squall told her unable to look her in the eyes.

'Why do you need to go to Esthar? Has something happened to Ellone?' she asked concerned.

'No, Cid got a message from Laguna. He's only just heard about Rinoa and he wants a fatherly chat.' Squall said bitterly.

'Do you actually have to go?' Quistis asked.

'Probably not but the fool will probably keep trying to see me so I may as well get it over with now.' He replied.

'You never did talk to him after everything that happened with Ultimecia did you?' Quistis probed gently.

'Why should I have?' Squall snapped. 'He abandoned me.' He said irritably.

'Well now you can ask him why, can't you.' She told him soothingly.

'I know why. He left to get Ellone.' He said softly.

'Squall you may as well tell him this, let it all go when you see him. Maybe then you can move on.' Quistis suggested gently squeezing his arm.

'I suppose. I just can't get past this hate I have for him for never trying to see me sooner.' Squall sighed softly.

'We can ask him when you get to Esthar. Maybe the answers can soothe your heart.' Quistis whispered wanting to take him into her arms.

'Is counselling part of the job Instructor?' he teased playfully.

'God I hope not. I have enough problems.' Quistis replied laughing.

'Well I guess we'd better get to the Ragnarok.' He told her.

'What!? Now?' Quistis asked surprised.

'Afraid so. Laguna was very insistent with Cid. Are you sure you still want to come?' he asked looking into her eyes sincerely, now he had overcome his embarrassment.

'For you, yes.' Quistis said softly and smiled following him down the hall as they made their way to the Parking lot.