Chapter 3 Now He Looks Familiar...
Author's note: What the heck. I'll make parallel lines here, so don't kill me if I make it so Rinoa gets more attention!
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A tall brunette swept into the room, her dazzling smile outshining the morning sun. "Ellone!"
Ellone brilliantly hid her displeasure behind a charming smile. This was an example of a model who won't make a good wife. "Xu!"
Xu unceremoniously deposited herself in Squall's seat. "I met Squall out front; he's such a gorgeous hunk!" She sighed dramatically and helped herself to a buttered toast. "I was so shocked when I heard what Edea did to him - you see I was in Trabia then." She delicately nibbled the toast. Ellone sipped her coffee slowly, trying to fathom her sudden visit.
Xu was, in plain words - the best SeeD Ellone ever had. She had a perfect figure, a good height and could model almost anything to perfection. There was only one flaw: she was a bitch, and didn't bother to hide it. She would willingly stomp on a fellow model's career if she sensed it would threaten hers, but she did such a good job of denial that everybody had given up and prayed that she would simply trip on the catwalk and die of shame. And she was as a vain as a peacock. She didn't make it a business to make house calls. "Don't you have a photography session this morning, Xu?"
"Yes, but I thought I'd make them wait." She gloated. "But look, I want to talk about my contract." Bitch, she was so straight, Ellone thought derisively. So this is what it's all about. "What about it?"
"I want it terminated a.s.a.p.," She announced as she finished her toast and dusted her fingers. Ellone frowned. "Your contract ends in a month, Xu! I have a line-up of shows for you already!"
"Yes, yes, but I can survive without attending those." She waved her hand impatiently and shook her magnificent mane. "I know, I'm really grateful to SeeD for launching me and all...but the big houses all are on first-name basis with me, see? So, I'd like to enjoy all the fruits of my labor."
Ellone's eyes flashed. "You think I've been cheating you out of your pay, Xu?"
"No, I don't." She glanced sideways at the designer. "But you've got to admit this; you're almost forty, unmarried, and need very little money."
Ellone was stung. Of all rude -
But she composed herself and forced herself to listen to the rest of her endless chatter. "...And I think you should settle down - don't you miss Winhill? Or maybe buy a nice little cottage in Dollet and enjoy the sunset..."
That did it. Ellone Loire, world-acclaimed designer, ex-supermodel and career woman would not be treated as a forty-somethingish old woman!
"As you wish, Xu." She said with a secret smile. "Maybe you're right - we all can do with a change. Let's see what you can do without Garden..."
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"Doll, the bouillabaisse is at table six." Chef Kadowaki ordered as she shoved the steaming dish. "And the cold cottage cheese is at table eleven - don't mix them up!"
Quistis quickly swept the dishes off the top and whizzed through the doors. She briskly walked - no, you can't walk in this skirt! But she managed to deliver the bouillabaisse without incident. She was a ware that she was attracting a lot of attention (They don't have a uniform in my size - the skirt's riding high!) but she tried to ignore it. Although she felt very irritated by some male patrons who thought her services included a feel of her behind. The Rain Tree was a very posh eatery, catering to Esthar's finest elite. Thus, you won't find short of the best staff in the Rain Tree. But the same could not be said for the patrons.
"Wonder what'll happen if you spilled that bouillabaisse on the old lady's skirt?" Her new friend, Julia mused. She was standing near the counters, eyeing the patrons. Quistis giggled slightly. "Probably will be screaming blue murder. What's she got on? That's a very nice skirt."
"Whoa, hold your moneybag." Julia grinned as she looked over that the lady at table six. "That's a Garden, that is. I think you'd be sued for a million gil if you even dare drool over it!"
"Garden?" She stared quizzically at Julia, who shrugged. "You're new so you probably don't know. Garden is THE label for fashion here. No two suits are the same, so you can't worry about being an individual. And they cost enough gil to set you up for a lifetime."
"Oh..." She thought she heard something like that when she was in Timber before. Just then her eyes fell on the ormolu clock ticking patiently. Her shift is over, thank Hyne. She hated the lunch shift. She mentally made a note to tell the boss about her uniform. "I'm out of here."
"So early?" Julia sighed as they made their was to the back of the restaurant. On the table, she picked up the latest edition of Esthar Eyes, the monthly fashion magazine and whistled. "Look at the totally drool hunk on the cover!" Julia raised an eyebrow at the sandy-haired model. "His eyes are really gorgeous Quistis, you should see this - " She pushed the magazine towards Quistis but the latter merely declined.
"You and your hunks." Quistis rolled her eyes. She wasn't the kind who had time for the opposite sex; but Julia had more than enough time - you should see the boy mags she has in her apartment. Just for the sake of living together, she would tolerate that. "I'm running late for class already." She gasped and quickened her pace.
"Yeah, shoo." Julia had spotted a group of well-dressed men entering the restaurant. Quistis clicked her tongue disapprovingly and went to the back to change. She had class in an hour. Let Julia be with her hunks.
Julia quickly examined her reflection in the mirror and smoothed her uniform. One of the perks of working here is meeting all the glamour of Esthar, and there was plenty of it to go around. She quickly took their table before anyone else did and flashed the men a dazzling smile. "Hello, I'm Julia and I'll be your waitress today."
Some of the men gave her an interested glance but was quickly stopped by a (thump-thump) stunning man with blue-gray eyes. Something about him made her frown slightly. Where had she seen him?
"Sautéed crayfish and sparkling water." The man said quietly and she hastily scribbled it down. Everyone also ordered without much talk under his watchful gaze. Only when Julia leave did he finally close his menu with a snap. "Reports!!"
"Garden profits are up by 50% this month." Jay reported happily. "We can expect so real cash to be rollin' in." he was the profit tracker of Garden - the man who made sure he knew where every cent went.
"Roger that. The new arts department has some good news as well. Seems like there's a new trend in landscape portraits and garden ornaments." Said Raijin, the new Garden Art Head of Department. "You know, your idea to let those models express themselves on canvas was a real money-maker."
Squall listened attentively as each head of department gave their brief overview of their reports. "Good." He said briskly after they had finished. "I'm expecting your written reports to be just as good for tomorrow's Presidential Meeting. I don't want to look bad in front of the other companies, not when our image is considered elite."
Everyone assured him the report would be a success and smacked their lips as their food arrived. Only Squall did not eat with gusto - he was busy looking over the reports that they had given him.
Julia came around later to hand the cheque. She took a long look at the man they called Squall. Tall, with shining coffee colored hair and piercing eyes, he seemed to radiate power without any effort at all. In a flash she remembered where she had seen him. "Omigod, you're the guy who was in Esthar Eyes' cover!' She blurted out and the table went silent. Realizing her mistake, she irreverently blushed and proceeded to excuse herself.
"Man, do you get that all the time?!" Jay said, impressed by his boss' obvious magnetic pull. Squall scowled. "You want it? You can have it."
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"Well, what do you think...?" Ellone stepped back to survey the finished product. There was an ominous silence, and then:
"Kawaii!!!!" A group of girls squealed in delight. "Ellone, this is so cute!!!!"
"I can't believe it! Is this a wedding dress?!" Yuna gasped, fingering the material lovingly. Ellone frowned. Now Yuna mentioned it, it did look like a wedding dress - though it was not what Ellone intended. "Do you think so?"
"Delicious."
"Sensual, Ellone."
"A hit! Booyaka!"
Ellone nodded too. She was satisfied with this one, but now came the problem.
"Who's gonna wear it?" Selphie asked timidly.
The gorgeous dress draped patiently on the mannequin, the wide neckline beckoned to the group of SeeD models. Ellone had used a new type of material that was something like a cross between satin and silk - it had the luster of silk but the fullness and rich texture of satin. The skirt fell in graceful folds, the hem trimmed in ermine. Light, semi-transparent silk sleeves reached a little below the elbow, giving the dress a demure, yet sensual look.
"It's a rather long dress." Yuna said in a small voice. "And the color won't be nice to me."
Indeed, this time Ellone had chosen a strange color - a white so pure it was almost blue. Maybe it was blue, but it looked white - the color of fresh snow. And Ellone had did it a bit long, but they agreed it was the best length. "So... none of us here can wear it." Sakura, a petite, honey- haired model gestured to her friends. "It's a little too long for us."
Selphie, Yuna and Garnet nodded. But Aries snapped her fingers happily. "Xu can! She's tall enough, right?"
Ellone looked at her models darkly. "This is my best creation so far." She announced. "And I'll find the perfect person to model it, or I won't stage the show!"
The others exchanged alarmed looks. The Spring Run was one of the most coveted events in the fashion calendar - canceling it means losing a huge chunk of the year's revenues. Not that it bothered them as the resident SeeD models, but it would disrupt their calendar.
And Ellone looks mad at Xu... that can't be good. Xu was bitchy, sure... but she never had a cause for complaint. Not on the runway, that is.
Just then Garnet sneaked a peek at her watch. "Oops! I gotta go! I'm fetching Zidane from the Airstation today."
"Oh yes, he's coming back today," Ellone mused thoughtfully. Zidane was one of the male models under SeeD, and perhaps one of the most in demand, in terms of contracts and women. Maybe it's the combination of good-looks and good-nature, but the girls dig it. It was quite a feat for Garnet to keep him by her side, they supposed. "So the monkey's coming back, hmm?" Aries chuckled.
"He'd better be," Ellone frowned. "I need all my people for this show, and I won't have any missing."
"Who's missing?" A cheerful voice came from the door and a cheerful-faced youth peeked in. "Whoa, everyone's here?"
"Tidus!!!" Yuna squealed but before she could even make a move, Selphie and Sakura had already latched on to him and was dragging the confused youth into the room. He grinned at Ellone. "Looking good there, sis."
"How was Deling, dear?" She smiled warmly at her friend and he shrugged. "Heard some crazy things going on. Oh, and I met this really stunning lady. D'you think you can fit a new one, sis?"
Ellone frowned lightly. Tidus knew she simply didn't 'take' new models - she had to see them and find out their backgrounds and personality before she sees them fit. Of course, things weren't always peachy, but she was never disappointed - maybe with the exception of that bimbo Shizuka...
"I brought her in, so no saying no," Tidus winked and looked over his shoulder. "Hey, Rinoa, you can come in now!"
A shy looking girl slowly edged into the room, keeping close to the walls and blushing hard. Her raven hair was sleek and had bronze highlights. And right now, her skin was slightly pink with embarrasment. For a moment, everybody stopped and stared. And then...
"Kawaii!!!!!"
Rinoa nearly jumped at the enthusiastic reaction and the excited hugs and pats she was receiving. Ellone laughed merrily at Tidus. 'Where did you find her?!" She suddenly whispered urgently and Tidus shrugged. "She was a small-time model for Bigway, and I met her when I was in Deling. I tell you, she walks like water." He grinned. "Even better than Xu. Okay, maybe she hasn't got the height, but she's got the face, don't you think?"
"Ellone, she's too cute to pass up!" Selphie giggled. "You're a model huh?" She grinned at Rinoa, who blushed again. "Don't you worry. Garden's gonna make you famous!"
Elloe rolled her eyes. This was getting nowhere. Her girls were always excited over a new arrival, and sometimes she just had to disappoint them. But maybe, maybe she'd give this one a try... "How long have you been modeling Rinoa?" Ellone inquired politely and Rinoa smiled happily. "Not very long, and it's just a hobby, but Tidus... well,"
"He's a convincing liar." Yuna teased and laughed at Tidus blushing. Rinoa giggled and Ellone smiled. She had a feeling this girl might be worth it. True, she was of exquisite beauty; the kind of contrast that was difficult to find nowadays. The classic look.
"Fine, but I'll have to talk to Squall." A loud groan greeted this stern announcement. Everyone knew how cold Squall could be to new people - he could scare the living daylights out of them. Selphie in particular trembled for a whole month every time she caught sight of him. But living under the same roof did improve her phobia... then again, she was almost always out and so was Squall.
Rinoa turned a puzzled look to Tidus. "Who's Squall?"
Author's note: You would be guessing... Squall's gonna be in trouble, oh he's gonna be in trouble...reviews please!
Author's note: What the heck. I'll make parallel lines here, so don't kill me if I make it so Rinoa gets more attention!
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A tall brunette swept into the room, her dazzling smile outshining the morning sun. "Ellone!"
Ellone brilliantly hid her displeasure behind a charming smile. This was an example of a model who won't make a good wife. "Xu!"
Xu unceremoniously deposited herself in Squall's seat. "I met Squall out front; he's such a gorgeous hunk!" She sighed dramatically and helped herself to a buttered toast. "I was so shocked when I heard what Edea did to him - you see I was in Trabia then." She delicately nibbled the toast. Ellone sipped her coffee slowly, trying to fathom her sudden visit.
Xu was, in plain words - the best SeeD Ellone ever had. She had a perfect figure, a good height and could model almost anything to perfection. There was only one flaw: she was a bitch, and didn't bother to hide it. She would willingly stomp on a fellow model's career if she sensed it would threaten hers, but she did such a good job of denial that everybody had given up and prayed that she would simply trip on the catwalk and die of shame. And she was as a vain as a peacock. She didn't make it a business to make house calls. "Don't you have a photography session this morning, Xu?"
"Yes, but I thought I'd make them wait." She gloated. "But look, I want to talk about my contract." Bitch, she was so straight, Ellone thought derisively. So this is what it's all about. "What about it?"
"I want it terminated a.s.a.p.," She announced as she finished her toast and dusted her fingers. Ellone frowned. "Your contract ends in a month, Xu! I have a line-up of shows for you already!"
"Yes, yes, but I can survive without attending those." She waved her hand impatiently and shook her magnificent mane. "I know, I'm really grateful to SeeD for launching me and all...but the big houses all are on first-name basis with me, see? So, I'd like to enjoy all the fruits of my labor."
Ellone's eyes flashed. "You think I've been cheating you out of your pay, Xu?"
"No, I don't." She glanced sideways at the designer. "But you've got to admit this; you're almost forty, unmarried, and need very little money."
Ellone was stung. Of all rude -
But she composed herself and forced herself to listen to the rest of her endless chatter. "...And I think you should settle down - don't you miss Winhill? Or maybe buy a nice little cottage in Dollet and enjoy the sunset..."
That did it. Ellone Loire, world-acclaimed designer, ex-supermodel and career woman would not be treated as a forty-somethingish old woman!
"As you wish, Xu." She said with a secret smile. "Maybe you're right - we all can do with a change. Let's see what you can do without Garden..."
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"Doll, the bouillabaisse is at table six." Chef Kadowaki ordered as she shoved the steaming dish. "And the cold cottage cheese is at table eleven - don't mix them up!"
Quistis quickly swept the dishes off the top and whizzed through the doors. She briskly walked - no, you can't walk in this skirt! But she managed to deliver the bouillabaisse without incident. She was a ware that she was attracting a lot of attention (They don't have a uniform in my size - the skirt's riding high!) but she tried to ignore it. Although she felt very irritated by some male patrons who thought her services included a feel of her behind. The Rain Tree was a very posh eatery, catering to Esthar's finest elite. Thus, you won't find short of the best staff in the Rain Tree. But the same could not be said for the patrons.
"Wonder what'll happen if you spilled that bouillabaisse on the old lady's skirt?" Her new friend, Julia mused. She was standing near the counters, eyeing the patrons. Quistis giggled slightly. "Probably will be screaming blue murder. What's she got on? That's a very nice skirt."
"Whoa, hold your moneybag." Julia grinned as she looked over that the lady at table six. "That's a Garden, that is. I think you'd be sued for a million gil if you even dare drool over it!"
"Garden?" She stared quizzically at Julia, who shrugged. "You're new so you probably don't know. Garden is THE label for fashion here. No two suits are the same, so you can't worry about being an individual. And they cost enough gil to set you up for a lifetime."
"Oh..." She thought she heard something like that when she was in Timber before. Just then her eyes fell on the ormolu clock ticking patiently. Her shift is over, thank Hyne. She hated the lunch shift. She mentally made a note to tell the boss about her uniform. "I'm out of here."
"So early?" Julia sighed as they made their was to the back of the restaurant. On the table, she picked up the latest edition of Esthar Eyes, the monthly fashion magazine and whistled. "Look at the totally drool hunk on the cover!" Julia raised an eyebrow at the sandy-haired model. "His eyes are really gorgeous Quistis, you should see this - " She pushed the magazine towards Quistis but the latter merely declined.
"You and your hunks." Quistis rolled her eyes. She wasn't the kind who had time for the opposite sex; but Julia had more than enough time - you should see the boy mags she has in her apartment. Just for the sake of living together, she would tolerate that. "I'm running late for class already." She gasped and quickened her pace.
"Yeah, shoo." Julia had spotted a group of well-dressed men entering the restaurant. Quistis clicked her tongue disapprovingly and went to the back to change. She had class in an hour. Let Julia be with her hunks.
Julia quickly examined her reflection in the mirror and smoothed her uniform. One of the perks of working here is meeting all the glamour of Esthar, and there was plenty of it to go around. She quickly took their table before anyone else did and flashed the men a dazzling smile. "Hello, I'm Julia and I'll be your waitress today."
Some of the men gave her an interested glance but was quickly stopped by a (thump-thump) stunning man with blue-gray eyes. Something about him made her frown slightly. Where had she seen him?
"Sautéed crayfish and sparkling water." The man said quietly and she hastily scribbled it down. Everyone also ordered without much talk under his watchful gaze. Only when Julia leave did he finally close his menu with a snap. "Reports!!"
"Garden profits are up by 50% this month." Jay reported happily. "We can expect so real cash to be rollin' in." he was the profit tracker of Garden - the man who made sure he knew where every cent went.
"Roger that. The new arts department has some good news as well. Seems like there's a new trend in landscape portraits and garden ornaments." Said Raijin, the new Garden Art Head of Department. "You know, your idea to let those models express themselves on canvas was a real money-maker."
Squall listened attentively as each head of department gave their brief overview of their reports. "Good." He said briskly after they had finished. "I'm expecting your written reports to be just as good for tomorrow's Presidential Meeting. I don't want to look bad in front of the other companies, not when our image is considered elite."
Everyone assured him the report would be a success and smacked their lips as their food arrived. Only Squall did not eat with gusto - he was busy looking over the reports that they had given him.
Julia came around later to hand the cheque. She took a long look at the man they called Squall. Tall, with shining coffee colored hair and piercing eyes, he seemed to radiate power without any effort at all. In a flash she remembered where she had seen him. "Omigod, you're the guy who was in Esthar Eyes' cover!' She blurted out and the table went silent. Realizing her mistake, she irreverently blushed and proceeded to excuse herself.
"Man, do you get that all the time?!" Jay said, impressed by his boss' obvious magnetic pull. Squall scowled. "You want it? You can have it."
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"Well, what do you think...?" Ellone stepped back to survey the finished product. There was an ominous silence, and then:
"Kawaii!!!!" A group of girls squealed in delight. "Ellone, this is so cute!!!!"
"I can't believe it! Is this a wedding dress?!" Yuna gasped, fingering the material lovingly. Ellone frowned. Now Yuna mentioned it, it did look like a wedding dress - though it was not what Ellone intended. "Do you think so?"
"Delicious."
"Sensual, Ellone."
"A hit! Booyaka!"
Ellone nodded too. She was satisfied with this one, but now came the problem.
"Who's gonna wear it?" Selphie asked timidly.
The gorgeous dress draped patiently on the mannequin, the wide neckline beckoned to the group of SeeD models. Ellone had used a new type of material that was something like a cross between satin and silk - it had the luster of silk but the fullness and rich texture of satin. The skirt fell in graceful folds, the hem trimmed in ermine. Light, semi-transparent silk sleeves reached a little below the elbow, giving the dress a demure, yet sensual look.
"It's a rather long dress." Yuna said in a small voice. "And the color won't be nice to me."
Indeed, this time Ellone had chosen a strange color - a white so pure it was almost blue. Maybe it was blue, but it looked white - the color of fresh snow. And Ellone had did it a bit long, but they agreed it was the best length. "So... none of us here can wear it." Sakura, a petite, honey- haired model gestured to her friends. "It's a little too long for us."
Selphie, Yuna and Garnet nodded. But Aries snapped her fingers happily. "Xu can! She's tall enough, right?"
Ellone looked at her models darkly. "This is my best creation so far." She announced. "And I'll find the perfect person to model it, or I won't stage the show!"
The others exchanged alarmed looks. The Spring Run was one of the most coveted events in the fashion calendar - canceling it means losing a huge chunk of the year's revenues. Not that it bothered them as the resident SeeD models, but it would disrupt their calendar.
And Ellone looks mad at Xu... that can't be good. Xu was bitchy, sure... but she never had a cause for complaint. Not on the runway, that is.
Just then Garnet sneaked a peek at her watch. "Oops! I gotta go! I'm fetching Zidane from the Airstation today."
"Oh yes, he's coming back today," Ellone mused thoughtfully. Zidane was one of the male models under SeeD, and perhaps one of the most in demand, in terms of contracts and women. Maybe it's the combination of good-looks and good-nature, but the girls dig it. It was quite a feat for Garnet to keep him by her side, they supposed. "So the monkey's coming back, hmm?" Aries chuckled.
"He'd better be," Ellone frowned. "I need all my people for this show, and I won't have any missing."
"Who's missing?" A cheerful voice came from the door and a cheerful-faced youth peeked in. "Whoa, everyone's here?"
"Tidus!!!" Yuna squealed but before she could even make a move, Selphie and Sakura had already latched on to him and was dragging the confused youth into the room. He grinned at Ellone. "Looking good there, sis."
"How was Deling, dear?" She smiled warmly at her friend and he shrugged. "Heard some crazy things going on. Oh, and I met this really stunning lady. D'you think you can fit a new one, sis?"
Ellone frowned lightly. Tidus knew she simply didn't 'take' new models - she had to see them and find out their backgrounds and personality before she sees them fit. Of course, things weren't always peachy, but she was never disappointed - maybe with the exception of that bimbo Shizuka...
"I brought her in, so no saying no," Tidus winked and looked over his shoulder. "Hey, Rinoa, you can come in now!"
A shy looking girl slowly edged into the room, keeping close to the walls and blushing hard. Her raven hair was sleek and had bronze highlights. And right now, her skin was slightly pink with embarrasment. For a moment, everybody stopped and stared. And then...
"Kawaii!!!!!"
Rinoa nearly jumped at the enthusiastic reaction and the excited hugs and pats she was receiving. Ellone laughed merrily at Tidus. 'Where did you find her?!" She suddenly whispered urgently and Tidus shrugged. "She was a small-time model for Bigway, and I met her when I was in Deling. I tell you, she walks like water." He grinned. "Even better than Xu. Okay, maybe she hasn't got the height, but she's got the face, don't you think?"
"Ellone, she's too cute to pass up!" Selphie giggled. "You're a model huh?" She grinned at Rinoa, who blushed again. "Don't you worry. Garden's gonna make you famous!"
Elloe rolled her eyes. This was getting nowhere. Her girls were always excited over a new arrival, and sometimes she just had to disappoint them. But maybe, maybe she'd give this one a try... "How long have you been modeling Rinoa?" Ellone inquired politely and Rinoa smiled happily. "Not very long, and it's just a hobby, but Tidus... well,"
"He's a convincing liar." Yuna teased and laughed at Tidus blushing. Rinoa giggled and Ellone smiled. She had a feeling this girl might be worth it. True, she was of exquisite beauty; the kind of contrast that was difficult to find nowadays. The classic look.
"Fine, but I'll have to talk to Squall." A loud groan greeted this stern announcement. Everyone knew how cold Squall could be to new people - he could scare the living daylights out of them. Selphie in particular trembled for a whole month every time she caught sight of him. But living under the same roof did improve her phobia... then again, she was almost always out and so was Squall.
Rinoa turned a puzzled look to Tidus. "Who's Squall?"
Author's note: You would be guessing... Squall's gonna be in trouble, oh he's gonna be in trouble...reviews please!
