Chapter Four
Months passed, time continued. Despite the fact that my life had remained unchanged for so long, I now found myself facing more changes than ever. Laguna's rapid recovery was starting to actually pose a problem, and yet was a blessing in some ways. He'd decided to rent the house next door, which had it's pros and cons. One good thing was I was glad he was moving out, but was still close. Fond as I was of him, it's absence that makes the heart grow fonder, not being with someone 24/7. However, this was also proving to be difficult, since Elle really didn't want him to go. ...and, I'll admit it, I really didn't want him to leave either. I'd grown used to his prescience...and just having him, even when he was wounded, in the house made me feel a little safer. I wasn't sure why. I just hoped he'd stick around a lot...he'd been useful to have around when some of the rowdier people from town came in.
The other problem with his healing was that he would have to find a job. Pretty much all of Winhill already looked down on him, and his only chance at redemption was by getting a job and making a living like the rest of Winhill's hard-working citizens. I'd been worried about Laguna's reaction if he ever found out what the townsfolk thought of him...but it wasn't as bad as I'd anticipated. In fact, he didn't seem to care much at all.
He held a small bag with his few possessions in it, smiling at me through the doorway.
"I'm leaving, Raine."
"I know, Laguna."
"I'm going so far away..."
"It's just next door, Laguna."
"Nobody to keep you company through the long, cold nights..."
"All you do is talk in your sleep, anyways."
He blinked a few times, then grinned, handing me a small wad of gil.
"This should pay for...what...two months?"
I smiled, feeling relieved. Two more months I wouldn't have to worry about him leaving my life permanently for.
"Yes, that's fine. Laguna, you don't--"
"I've gotta pay you, Raine," he shook his head. "You can't play favorites with me just because I stayed the night for so long!"
I glared at him and he laughed.
"I'm just kidding, Raine. Please don't kill me with that look."
I tried not to smile, honestly I did...but there was just something about his eyes...I found my frown melting into a frown. Drat.
"Uncle Laguna, you're not leaving forever, right?" Elle cried, running over to him.
He caught her in a hug and picked her up, grinning at her.
"Nope, I'm just moving next door! You can come visit any time Raine says you can, okay? Will you come visit me?"
"Yeah!"
"Promise?" he grinned.
"Promise," she smiled, hugging him. "Can we come visit you tonight?"
"Yeah, that sounds good," Laguna nodded. "Check with Raine."
"Can we, puh-leaze?"
"Elle, use--"
"Puh-leaze?" Laguna echoed her.
"--proper grammar," I sighed. It was hopeless with those two. "Sure, Laguna. We'll be over later. What time?"
"Ah, just...drop in. I won't care," he grinned at Elle and shot me a different smile...one I couldn't exactly understand... "Bye, Elle, Raine," he waved and walked out.
So ended my days of living with Laguna. I sighed and went back to work.
"Are you sad that he's leaving, Raine?"
"Sort of," I admitted.
"Raine, do you like Uncle Laguna?"
"Of course, don't you?"
"No," she giggled. "I like Uncle Laguna, but do you like him?" she stared up at me, trying not to laugh.
Suddenly I understood exactly what the young girl meant, and wondered how obvious it was, if even she had caught on. I turned the radio on.
"Oh, listen, Elle! It's 'Eyes on Me'," I smiled. I was rather fond of the song myself. "Isn't this a pretty song?"
"Yeah, but what about Uncle Laguna?"
"What about him?" I shrugged. "He lives next door."
"Is he ever gonna move back upstairs?" Elle asked.
"No. He had to move out."
"How come? I liked having him here!"
"Well...he's a boy," I answered uncertainly. If anyone is out there...please don't make me go through this...
"So? He was a boy when he was living with us!"
"Well, he can't live with us for very long because he's a boy."
"How come?"
"Well, then we'd have to get married," I explained. "Because you can't live with a boy until you get married," I said, hoping she'd just take my word for it and not question this any further. "Laguna was hurt, though, so he was different. But now that he's better he has to leave."
"So if you and Uncle Laguna get married, then can he move back in?"
"Yes, Elle, but--"
"Yoo two should get married!"
"Proper English, Elle. Laguna and I aren't getting married," I protested quickly. "I mean, we've never even went on a date."
"Then you should! He wants to ask you, he's just scared you'll say no," Elle crossed her arms and pouted.
"What makes you say that?"
"He told me. But it's a secret! Don't tell him!"
I was silent as I digested this new piece of information. Did...did I really have a chance with Laguna?
"Would you say no?" Elle asked me.
"I don't know, Elle," I replied, irritably. Why had I even thought of this? Myself and one of those goofy Galbadian Soldiers? Laguna Loire, by no doubt? Never. The idea was simply absurd.
"Sorry, Raine...just asking..." Elle sighed.
"I'm sorry for getting mad. I'm just...I don't know...I guess I'm tired..." I sighed, and did feel tired. Tired of worrying all the time about whether the Estharian soldiers that killed Elle's parents would return for her, tired of Adel's constant threat, tired of thinking about Laguna all the time, tired of worrying if Laguna would leave...
"You should take a nap," she said in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Maybe we should," I laughed. "I think we could both use one."
"I'll go get a blanket!" Elle giggled, running upstairs.
I found myself staring out the kitchen window at Laguna's house. His window was open, and occasionally I'd see him pass by it. I couldn't explain the amusement I found in just watching him, although the way my heart was racing told me it couldn't be very good. At one point, he stopped at the window, and pulled the curtains up all the way. He leaned out it, smiling, then saw me. I blushed as he waved happily.
Why was I feeling this way?
a/n: I don't find much of a reason to update this, except for I don't want to work on anything new until I finish these. So I'd best get working.
however, that was inspiring...so I'll work on this one, guys, for real this time! -
Love and peace,
Xifa
don't own FF8…go squenix/squaresoft…