Chapter 6 Have We Met?

A/N: Nothing much to say, except... REVIEW!!!!

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Squall burst through the back door and stopped in the alleyway, looking around. His head was spinning - is it her? Was it her? A fading memory came back - it was her eyes... they were the same eyes, but he didn't recognize them...

Acting on a hunch, he bolted down the alley and emerged to the main road. His heart leapt when he saw a blonde walking fast up ahead. "Quistis!!!"

Quistis frowned. Did someone call her? Whoever it is, he's bound to get a lashing from her...

She spun around on her heel and nearly screamed when powerful hands gripped her shoulders. "Let go of me!!!!!"

Squall stared at her, whose face was scrunched up in fear. It was her... now he could see clearly. The eyes of the girl from a lonely country road - and it was her... the girl he saw at Midgar Tower. She had been by his side all this while... He smiled wryly. "That was the same thing you said the first time we met."

Quistis snapped her eyes open in shock. Recognition registered in her eyes and she turned pale. "...Leon?!"

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Spring was in the air, breathing life into the flowers so they bloomed with vibrant colors. The breeze whispered about the leaves on the trees, singing a melody only the sun and the moon could hear. A single bloom shivered on a tree - and fluttered down to the ground to join its friends scattered on the soft grass.

Quistis caught the flower and breathed in its fragrance. The soft, powdery feel of the petal reminded her of a place she once belonged... where flowers bloomed in a riot of color... she contentedly leaned against the trunk of the tree.

Squall watched her, lost in thought. So she was here all the while... And fate in its own unique way had made her his savior. "Thank you." He said quietly and she snapped up, surprised. "Excuse me?"

He frowned slightly. "I said thank you... for the briefcase."

She stared at him before laughing out. He blinked in amazement as she leaned forward, clutching her stomach in mirth. "No, I..." She giggled, eyes twinkling at him; "I'm supposed to say that. I didn't get to say it before..." Her voice trailed off and she became quiet again. "Hyne sent me an angel in the form of a stranger... and I ran away without a word of gratitude..."

"...You saved me back." He said bluntly, sighing. "Did you lose your job?"

She stared at him for a moment. "It was horrible anyway. You did me a favor there." She smiled wryly and played with the flower in her hands. "It's not like I have anything left... I pulled out of college and now... maybe I'll go back..." She said half-heartedly. "What an idiot I am." She growled in frustration. Maybe I should have just stayed with Old Man Cid... at least... at least what? I'm regretting my decisions?! Is being stuck in Esthar without a purpose worse than being married to a lecherous old laggard?!

Squall studied her quietly. "I understand when your father wants to marry you off," he said after a while. She grimaced. "Yeah, I fail at everything I do, don't I? I can't believe I actually worked there for two weeks."

He nodded absently. There was a million things he wanted to ask her; who she really was, why she really ran away - and how is it that she ended here, sitting beside him in the park, as if nothing ever happened.

Quistis let the petals float to the grassy ground. "I'm sorry for embarrassing you in front of your friends," She said softly, lifting her eyes to meet his gaze. "I mean... you must be angry - "

"They'll take it as a joke," he shrugged. "I'll probably just have to tolerate Ellone's anger about my temper." He said grimly and for a moment, all was silent. And then, Quistis laughed. He couldn't understand it. How could she find anything to laugh about? "What's so funny?"

Quistis merrily let her laughter trail. "Nothing... it's just that...I didn't have a reason to laugh before, and meeting you seems like the best reason," She beamed at him and he felt the same tug again - like the day he saved her in Winhill. He quickly looked away, and in good time, because a figure could be seen coming their way. With a groan he realized it was Ellone.

"There you are!" She gasped and flopped down on the grass in front of Squall, quite unladylike. Her eyes fell on Quistis, and for a moment the latter blinked confusedly. Then...

"Who is she?!" Ellone exclaimed delightedly, clasping her hands together. Squall expelled a breath he didn't know he held. "Quistis. This is my sister, Ellone."

Quistis awkwardly shook hands with the older woman, but Ellone was looking at her in wonder. Quistis self-consciously tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

To Ellone, the girl sitting next to her brother was a blessing from Heaven. Earlier on, she couldn't see Quistis properly since Squall blocked her view, and now she did see, she was delighted. Flawless skin framed by the most heavenly-looking blonde mane, and eyes that was the color of the sea; she was an unpolished diamond waiting to be discovered! Her fingers positively itched to work on that hair. "I'm sorry for the way Squall behaved, darling," Ellone warmly said and paused when Quistis gave her a blank look. "...Squall?"

"Well yes," Ellone frowned. Quistis quickly recovered and shot Squall an accusing look. "Squall."

He nodded, raising an eyebrow. "Yes?"

"It's alright, Ellone," Quistis smiled at Ellone and the latter squealed with joy. "That's wonderful to hear, dear. Normally Squall would offend people just by looking, nevertheless arguing," She ignored Squall's dirty look. Quistis laughed sheepishly. "Well, it was my fault, and he should be angry by the way I repaid him for saving me." She stood up to leave, not realizing the sky had turned a deep rosy shade. Squall too rose. "Come Ellone, we should be getting home."

"Wait!' Ellone said quickly, not wanting to let this chance slip. She always followed her hunch, and she was sure this one was worth following. "Since Squall had generously made you lose your job, why don't I offer you one?"

Squall blinked at his sister. He wasn't sure where this conversation was headed, but he had a feeling he wasn't going to like it much...

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Selphie yawned as she walked around the house in her pajamas, holding a mug of hot cocoa. Martine had retired for the night and she was about the only thing awake in the whole house. Well, except for the carps in the pool.

"Oh blast it." Selphie groaned and flopped down on one of the couches in the living room. She wished she had drunk so much that she would black out dead drunk, but no use hoping for that now. The wine rack would be locked and all she has now is cocoa. Cocoa!

The doorbell rang and Selphie jumped. She sneaked a look at the clock on the wall and frowned. Eleven p.m.? She vaguely remembered Ellone and Squall weren't back yet, so thinking so, she went to the door and opened it with a yawn - and stopped short. "Yeow!!!"

Quistis jumped at her yell and automatically gripped the nearest thing - Squall's arm. Selphie took one look at that and her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Aren't you - "

"Do you intend to keep us hanging out here?" Ellone demanded as she pushed her way through, banging into Selphie's mug. "Really, you drink coca?" She said with interest and all thoughts of arguing flew out of Selphie's mind. "Ellone, where have you been?! Zidane became really flirty after you left and me and Garnet had to drag him away..." Her voice trailed off when she realized no one was listening. Ellone was pulling Quistis' hand to the upper floor and Squall, as usual, never paid her much attention. Feeling decidedly furious, she wrenched Squall's arm, ignoring her mug. "Mind telling me anything, Squall?" She hissed, trying to keep her voice even. Squall blinked and gestured to Quistis, who had disappeared. "She's the waitress you saw. Her name's - "

"I know what her name is," Selphie sighed. "But What-Is-She-Doing-Here?"

"Ellone has something in mind," Squall said, and this time Selphie could see he was as much in the dark as she was. He was tapping his tight absently, thinking. Poor guy, Selphie thought; having to live with such eccentricity - wait a minute; so am I! But I'm not related... "Where is she going?" Selphie tried to look at where Ellone was.

"She said Quistis was going to stay in the Guest Bedroom," Squall replied and this time he caught the shocked look on Selphie's face. "But the Guest Room is already - "

At that precise moment Quistis reappeared, looking quite flustered. She caught sight of Selphie and stopped dead in her tracks. Selphie could see she was running her options through her head. "...Occupied," Selphie finished with a sigh and this time, minus the initial shock, she could see why Ellone had taken a liking to this one. Earlier, she had shown some guts in standing up to Squall, and to top it off, she was... there was no other word for it - stunning. And that blonde; she could tell it wasn't a dye job. "Your name is Quistis Trepe, right?"

"After the run in earlier I think I'll be famous," She remarked dryly as she looked at Squall. That made Selphie giggle. "Don't you worry? And sorry about the room, I didn't know Ellone was having a guest," Her attention returned to the second floor from where she could see Rinoa coming down the stairs, looking quite dazed. "...Selphie?"

"It's okay, sorry," Quistis apologized. Then her face changed. "Aren't you the girl I saw in Midgar Tower?!" She half-shrieked and that woke Rinoa up completely. "Hoe..." Rinoa breathed and suddenly the two were hugging and exchanging greetings - much to Selphie and Squall's amazement. Ellone's head appeared over the banister and grinned at the group. "Sorry people, but looks like Quistis will have to share tonight. Do you mind?"

"She can sleep in my room," Selphie quickly offered. She had a dozen questions to ask and they simply can't be done if Quistis was staying in Rinoa's room. "Mine's bigger, besides, Rinoa's exhausted. Can we give her some slack?"

Ellone gave in to the logic and Rinoa returned to her room.

"Right! Good night all; and can you please return this to the kitchen?" She gave her mug to Squall and grabbed Quistis' elbow as the latter laughed at Squall's bemused expression.

Squall watched as everybody went their separate ways. He was tired too, but he knew it was because he had seen too much today. He glanced at the mug in his hands. Perhaps, if it's anybody who needs to calm down tonight, it would be him.

Rinoa wearily shut the door again and flopped back on the bed. As she rolled to her side, she caught sight of a piece of paper sticking out from under her pillow - and she scowled slightly. She pushed the paper out of sight and turned the other way. "I can make it without you, Seifer. Don't you worry."

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Martine silently walked through the house early the next morning, enjoying the peace before the house begins to stir to life, and hopefully, no tantrums from Master Squall today. His mind automatically began to critically examine Rikku's work (The girl will never understand plain English... didn't Madame specifically instruct not to dust the fragile crystals?)

As he sauntered over to the front porch, his eyes caught a new addition to the coats on the coat rack. Strange, he mused as he stepped back to get an overall view. Perhaps there are guests last night? Then he must inform the cook to prepare extra breakfast. He wished this guest would not cause so much noise - he hated it when Madame's guests are a rowdy bunch. Cleaning up their litter would be so troublesome.

Rikku emerged from the dining hall, her ever-present duster in her hand. "Good morning, Martine!" She announced gaily, forgetting to speak in English. More often than not, Rikku would use her mother tongue; Al Bhed rather than English when conversing with Martine, but the older man did not find this troubling. "Good morning, Rikku. I hope there are no broken ornaments for me this morning?"

"Nope," Rikku grinned, and her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "There's an extra guest besides Miss Rinoa, is there? Is it one of Master's girlfriends, Martine?"

"I'd take a bet against you on that any time," Martine smiled wryly. "Did you tell Quina to cook extra?"

Rikku nodded just as the sound of a door opening echoed through the hall. "It's Madame!' Rikku gasped and flitted away to the kitchen. Martine did not reply, rather his eyes swept over the morning's breakfast, and nodded in satisfaction. Every one of the manor's occupants have their own way of opening doors - Madame would open them carelessly, Master Squall can appear without a sound and Miss Selphie, well...

"Good morning!" A perky voice greeted him and nearly made Martine fall back in shock. "Miss Selphie!" He stuttered and the girl grinned. "Wow, I actually surprised you today? Must be a good omen," She sat down on a chair and licked her lips. "What? No toast?"

Another girl brushed past him and this time Martine really nearly fell. The girl turned around and her eyes became wide too. "Oh!"

"This is Martine, the butler, and Martine, this is Quistis. She'll be staying with us for a while," Ellone's voice came from behind him and a slight smile crossed his face. "Miss Quistis," He bowed to her and Quistis turned slightly red. "It's alright, I was surprised too," She said hurriedly as Selphie made her sit down. Ellone took her seat opposite Quistis and gaily reached for the toast. She looked at Martine. "Is Squall up yet?"

"Good morning," Rinoa appeared, looking quite shy. Ellone laughed and beckoned her to sit down - and sit down she did, on the chair right next to Ellone. Ellone was about to say something when a voice took the words right out of her mouth. "That's my seat."

Rinoa jumped when she saw Squall standing in the doorway, looking irritated but really drool in well tailored trousers and shirt. Ellone gave him a dark look. "Really, Squall, please don't be rude."

"Yeah, 'it 'omewhere 'esh," Selphie said through a mouthful of eggs. Squall shot her a dirty look and sat down in the only available chair - between Rinoa and Quistis. Rinoa was torn between amusement and uncomforted, and Quistis didn't like having someone who scrutinized the way she ate. She rather liked stuffing her face full, but having Squall next to her meant eating daintily. Darn.

"So what's your plans today, Selphie dear?" Ellone finished her breakfast and proceeded to drain her tea.

"Got a photo shoot for Slinky today," Selphie grinned.

Rinoa had finished her meal and pushed away from the table. "I'm sorry, but I have an appointment with a friend," She smiled apologetically. "Will you excuse me today?"

"Not a problem," Ellone smiled. "Kuja can't make it today, so there's no point of me to bring you two around."

Rinoa nodded and left, leaving the four of them to finish. Presently Ellone remembered something. "Quistis darling, did you bring any clothes? I need to build your portfolio and you need to take some photographs," She addressed the blonde, who turned slightly red. Make it very red. "I... don't really have anything that's... presentable."

Ellone dropped her fork in surprise. "Oh dear, that's not good," She paused and drummed her fingers on the table. "Not good indeed..."

Her eyes fell on Selphie and the latter saw that look - the look a wolf gives a rabbit when it's about to be dinner. Selphie hastily looked at her watch. "Oops! I'm running late! Sorry, but I gotta go," She rushed up, gave Ellone a quick peck on the cheek and ran out before Ellone had a chance to say a word. Squall watched her go with a degree of amusement. "She knows you too well, sis."

"Then there's no reason why you don't, do you," Her eyes were glinting mischievously. Squall suddenly realized where this conversation was headed.

"She's not familiar with this place, so you'll help her," Ellone announced grandly. Squall pointed his fork at her questioningly. "What about you?"

"I have several appointments that I can't cancel. And I need to build her portfolio a.s.a.p."

"She can shop on her own,"

"She needs a guide."

"Excuse me," Quistis interrupted, quite unnerved by this conversation. "I can go around. I'll just take an air cab or something - "

"You're a SeeD. You can't walk around." Squall said blankly. Quistis shot him a dirty look. "I'm not a SeeD. Yet. So I'll just let myself out - "

"Don't be stupid." Squall said sharply. He looked up and saw Martine. "Well?"

"The car is ready, Master." Martine bowed and Quistis stared open-mouthed at him. "You like forcing people, don't you?"

Squall didn't reply, instead looked at Ellone. "Happy?"

"Thank you brother dear, you're such a charm," Ellone grinned, satisfied.