AN: Thanks for all the reviews guys. Appreciate it. Remember. This is total and pure fluff. So if you're not into the mood for something like that. i suggest maybe not reading. There are more than likely a few mistakes but hey, its cute! enjoy. Please Read and Review. I like to hear both the good and the bad.

The sun sought to scorch the earth in its unforgiving fury as it pummeled its heat upon the ground. A soft breeze provided momentarily relief only to make one feel all that much warmer upon its departure. The shade was burned away by the sky's blazing fury with only the mightiest of clouds remaining, though they were shriveled like how grapes are turned to raisins.

Rinoa felt the relief that technology provided when the breath of fresh air provided by A/C was bestowed upon her when she entered the apartment complex of Balamb. Like she had done for little over three months, she briskly made her way towards the same unit she had become accustomed to visiting many evenings and weekends.

She stood outside their door for a moment, clad in white short shorts with baby blue stripes. The lightly shaded tank top she wore left little to the imagination which fit her swaying midnight hair that flowed down and rested upon her shoulders. She held her hands behind her back, with a smile upon her face and waited in front of the door though she did not knock.

With the passing of a few brief minutes, the door was suddenly opened a crack and no more. Footsteps of a full grown man were heard walking away from the entrance as Rinoa finally peeked her head in and was soon accompanied by the rest of her slim though scantily clad body. It simply was too hot to wear anything more.

"I should just leave you standing out there. Serves you right for not knocking." Squall made his way back towards the seat he occupied and plopped down upon it. He wore the same dark pants he always had along with his signature plain white T-shirt whose harmony was only set out of place by the necklace that dangled upon it. The weariness in his voice and demeanor was not lost upon Rinoa as she made her way to the kitchen and helped herself to a cold beverage.

"Sounds like someone returned to their ever cranky mood. Let me guess. Cadets driving you crazy? Can't stand some of your fellow SeeDs? Another impossible mission only you can accomplish? Rescue another helpless damsel in distress or did they finally make things interesting by having you rescue a helpless prince?" She eyed him with vicious intent as the sarcasm dripped from her words. She slowly made her way to the couch he sat upon as she awaited his classic yet predictable response.

"Whatever." For some reason, it did not scare Rinoa that she knew her now good friend Squall so well.

The few weeks they spent together created a blossoming relationship that was hard to describe. Brought together by a common person whom they love, Storm, the two had found themselves in many awkward situations forcing them to bond. A particular trip to the beach with less than innocent intentions still remained the most notable, though classified, of the mishaps.

Yet neither of the two regretted what was happening. Rinoa managed to hastily crack the shell Squall had built around himself as she managed to become more than just a caretaker to his daughter, but a friend to him as well.

Nevertheless her efforts at friendship were not without struggle. So much of the man's past remained a mystery to her despite the strides she had made. It was as if the only one Squall trusted to open himself up to was his daughter.

There was so much to him that remained a mystery. Where was he from? How old was he? And what about his wife? The latter was a sensitive topic that she feared to approach but found herself needing to know.

Her desire for knowledge combated with an irrational yet logical fear of Squall's that all others around him would leave, would betray him. It was that fear that hung around him like a mist of sorrow that further strengthened his need for isolation.

For all her time and efforts invested into this project, Rinoa was gifted with the knowledge that she was the first to befriend the man who had turned his back unto the world, save one little girl.

Rinoa took a seat next to Squall, careful to abide by his rules for personal space. "So where's Storm? I thought I would see her bouncing around the second I walked in. I'm going to have to start dropping more often to see her now that school is out." She watched for the reaction she knew to come, but was pleasantly surprised when she noticed a tiny hint of a smile etched itself across his face. The moment was cursed with a short life as that frail smile lost to the faithful blank expression he wanted to wear at all times.

Rinoa's relationship with Squall's daughter Storm soared through limitless bounds as the two grew a relationship that was greater than any link between two sisters or that of one between a mother and her child. With Rinoa, Storm found the mom she had been seeking all her life, the one whose presence she was denied because of a gruesome war that left many orphaned from the peaceful life they once knew.

"Do what you want. Makes no difference to me." Squall was not one to usually lie, but to face to truth was a horror to great for him to face. "Storm is at a friend's house for a sleepover." The sudden realization that the two were alone in his apartment quickly implanted itself in his mind as the blank expression was overcome by one of shock.

While the two had often found themselves thrust into situations where they were only provided each others company, this was the first time it happened through truthful means with no outside intervention by Storm or Ellone.

While that idea was not lost upon Rinoa, she decided it was something not to bring to words just yet. She deftly changed topics in order to spare them both from a conversation that would surely be embarrassing. "Oh so is that why you are slumped here all alone and bored? Geeze, you don't do much without your daughter do you? It is kind of cute that you are so bummed not to have your daughter around." It wasn't easy to find a man who cared so much for their families these days. The winds of change were upon them once again.

"Actually I am kind of relieved she is gone. I love her to death but she has become a real handful with classes out of session." The young warrior had grown accustomed to speaking in sentences rather than words. While it was one small step for man kind, it was a giant leap for Squall.

Rinoa sounded genuinely hurt in her response. Nothing like adding a little guilt to get things going her way. "Aww. Here I thought you wanted us to have some more quality alone time. Maybe I should go then."

"NO! I mean, uh… Stay damnit. I think I've had enough time to myself. I could use some company." His voice was not desperate but his plea was made apparent. Rare was the opportunity to hear this man ask anyone for companionship.

Rinoa's joke had intriguing side effects that left her worried. The solemn expression he wore before had not fazed her but his statement was another story. Once again her eyes rested upon him and she could now see just how badly the weariness had affected him.

"Squall, what's the matter?" Her voice was tender yet had a cuteness to it that displayed her concern.

"Never mind. Forget it. It shouldn't matter to you." She was getting to close to him. He had to push away. He had to stick to what's comfortable.

"Well it does matter to me." She was not so easily repelled.

"Why?" Rinoa had to act fast as her hermit crab was quickly retreating back into the safety of his shell. His responses got shorter and shorter with each comment.

She gently took his hand and held it firmly within her own, making sure his eyes were focused upon her own. "Because you are my friend. And I care about you Squall Leonhart. So stop moping around and just tell me what's the matter."

He turned his head and looked down upon the floor, this time not offering her any response. Rinoa would have to resort to creative measures if she was going to pry him open.

She stood up to take seat on his lap, keeping her legs on either side of him so she could face him. She placed her slender hands upon his sturdy shoulders and summoned a pouty face to look him deep into his eyes with. She slowly inched her face closer, allowing her nose to softly graze the side of his cheek before her lips came within an inch of his ear.

She nibbled on it ever so gently before she softly whispered into his ear. "Please Squall? Do it for me?"

Her sensuous position denied her the pleasure of seeing the frozen look upon his face, though she was allowed to hear the chattering of his teeth as he struggled to give life to his thoughts by putting them to words.

"F..fi—fine. Ahem. I'll tell you." A man of such esteem and renown was reduced to a stuttering child with this woman's touch.

Feeling a great sense of satisfaction, she promptly propped out of that position and reclaimed her seat of power next to him. However this time she slipped off her light blue sandals and placed her feet upon his lap with an expecting look on her face. "Well if I have to listen to your woes, then you'll have to do something for me in return. A foot rub would be acceptable."

Had he the energy, Squall would not have spared her the look of complete rage that he saved for only his deadliest of enemies before he smited them. The truth was however, that no matter how much energy, he could not look upon her that way. She was just too…too special. Instead a confused presence now resided within him.

"What…I ….You….but…ear…huh?" It was as if he mentally regressed to that of an infant barely adapting to the gift of speech.

It was Rinoa's turn to be the one with the commanding presence this time. "You. Foot. Rub. Now." She was almost tempted to force Squall to get her a soda if she didn't have a drink within her hand.

By some miracle, the man complied. He removed his gloves that he wore despite the fact he was indoors and began to gently massage her tired feet, arousing a few soft moans from the lady. His eyes couldn't help but wander up and down the length of her milky-white legs as they memorized every inch of their shape. "Look all you want soldier boy, just don't stop rubbing and start talking." While the massage he was giving her suddenly relaxed away some of her tensions, it was his peeks to her body that raised her spirits. Needless to say it was her peaks that soon captured his own attention.

"I was appointed commander of the Garden." He sounded as if he had to single-handedly execute a legion of kittens.

"Mmm….thats good. WAIT! That's why you are so depressed? Earth to Squall. That's a good thing. We should be celebrating, not acting as if the sky is falling." If nothing else, Squall certainly was unique. It finally dawned upon her that perhaps there were things she had not taken into consideration.

"Did you want the promotion? Is there some kind of deadly catch to it?" At least he was speaking again.

"No. I only took it because Storm doesn't like it when I have to go out on missions. She is always afraid that one day, I won't come back." She waited patiently for him to continue but when the moment did not arrive, it forced her to act as the catalyst.

"Squall you are going to have to say a little more than that. I fail to see the problem."

"I just…I don't like what I am going to have to do. Sending people out to fight and die based on my signature. Their lives would be in my hands. I won't be out there, where all the excitement is. I would no longer to be free. People well depend on me. I don't like tha-"

Rinoa interrupted him without thought that he had actually begun opening up his heart and soul to her. Finally he was revealing the inner workings that defined who he truly was, and she deemed fit to stop his explanations. "You big idiot. People already depend on you. Storm would be lost without you. And don't forget your sister. Even…even I need you at times. But if nothing else, do it for her. Do it for your daughter. Give her that peace of mind that her daddy will come home everyday and stop being so glum about it. It should make you feel good to do something for your child."

She removed her well pampered feet from his lap and inched closer towards him until she could wrap her arms around the mercenary. She kissed his cheek in a manner she knew to be more than friendly and adopted the seductive voice she knew he had come to like. "And if its excitement you are looking for soldier, there are other ways."

She jumped up from her embrace and stretched, aware she now had the man's full attention as she did so. "Come on. You and me." A slight pause ensued that brought naughty thoughts to the commander's head. "Let's go out and celebrate. We can spend the whole day together and just have some fun."

"You mean…as in…like a…"

"That's right. A date, now come on!"

She yanked him right off the sofa that now had an impression of him burned into it. He was barely able to grasp onto his keys before led out by the overly persuasive woman, but looking the way she did at the moment, Squall did not feel the urge to fight her.

She led him towards a café set outside on the sidewalk that fit in well with the small town of Balamb. They were quickly seated and placed their orders. The wind had picked up and provided a more relaxing breeze than before, though for Squall it had more meaningful purposes. He saw long silky strands of hair flap to her side as the wind danced between it. She ran her hand through it and tucked a few overly rebellious strands behind one ear before setting her sights upon him with her pure brown eyes.

"You know. There is something I've been wondering. Storm. Did you or her mother give her that name?" This was the only way she could think of bringing up Squall's late wife.

"She picked it."

"Your wife? Guess she wanted your little girl to be just like her daddy." Rinoa studied his look to see if any fond memories returned to him, however his expression remained just as neutral.

"I've never been married. Storm is adopted. I found her during one of my missions in Timber. The city had been overrun with troops and I was sent in as part of a search and rescue squad. I found her quivering underneath some ruble two years ago. I helped her escape and in the process I became attached so I adopted her. Her original name was Julie. She wanted to change her name to match mine I suppose. Signal a new life." Rinoa was wrong so many weeks ago. He really did open up when it came to his daughter. Or perhaps maybe it was his company right now.

Rinoa was however, shocked upon hearing the news. While she tried to hide the expression, she failed miserably. Squall couldn't help but smile at this realization.

"You mean you've never been married?" The fact she sounded overly hopeful was not advantageous to her.

"Do I look like I'm even boyfriend material?" It was too uncomfortable to admit that most women were afraid to even approach him, no matter how attractive his cold exterior looked.

"Yes" She quickly blushed and covered her mouth with the palm of her hand as embarrassment overtook her. Her feeling was shared as Squall too soon became wide eyed at her response, finding the answer more pleasing than he thought he would.

"I uhh…" The two would be saved by a waiter who found just the wrong moment to interrupt. Squall would remember to leave a big tip.

Their day quickly passed as the two explored the mysteries and wonderment of the small town arm in arm. More than a few noticed the scarred warrior walking along the streets of his town for the first time, and strangely enough, with a beautiful young woman. They received approving looks as they went from store to store seeking new activities to share with one another, though all they truly desired was each other's time.

They discovered everything from secluded book stores that carried rare items to an isolated fishing spot where the sound of sea-gulls provided a sense of calm though there was no storm in sight. The young warrior was quickly introduced into the world of small town shopping but found himself not caring. She could take him where she liked, so long as she just took him.

Night snuck upon the happy couple who were just beginning to explore the possibility of being more than simple friends. They returned to Squall's apartment hand in hand while carrying some fresh Chinese food and a video to end their perfect day. They sat huddled together on his couch, sharing the contents of food while paying no attention to the video that passed on screen.

For the first time, Squall's laughter was heard throughout his domicile as the two snuck bits of food way from one another. It was a sound Rinoa swore to bring back as often as she could. He too deserved to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

When their supply of food dwindled and the hour grew late, they continued to snuggle into each other as they shared a blanket. Rinoa rested her weary head upon his chest as her eyes studied the screen, but her mind raced with thoughts of all that she had shared with him that day.

Squall looked down at the vixen that selected him to be her pillow. The laughter upon her face and the smile within her heart had quickly won over the hardened warrior as he paid her his undivided attention. He felt Rinoa slowly stir beneath him as she turned her head so she could face him when she asked him her question.

"Do you know what would make this night just perfect?"

Yes. He did. He quickly swung her around and let her lay down upon the sofa with him on top to look down upon her soft features that were kissed with moonlight. Her shimmering black hair glistened as it was splashed against the cushions. Her face was filled with anticipation as Squall slowly lowered himself and brushed his lips against hers before fully embracing her within a deep and passionate kiss.

Rinoa's eyes went wide with surprise though she felt she expected this action. Soon she was able to return the affection unto him, finding her arm snake around his back and lock him into place.

"Stay…"

"I'd never dream of leaving." She wouldn't tell him that was she actually just going to say that now was the time she picked to command him to get her soda.

The exciting conclusoin next time. Ok, not so much exciting as much as the resolutoin to all this fluffy goodness. And yes, Storm will be back in the third chapter. Please Review:-)