Disclaimer: I don't own FF8; it belongs to Squaresoft! But remember... the plot is MINE!
A/N: I neglected to warn you of the OOC( Out of character)-ness that is included in this story. I apologize for not forewarning you. Squall's just so cute when he's flirtatious, though!
This chapter is dedicated to my childhood friend who died on Friday, March 14 at approximately 11:00PM. May you rest in peace, Josh....
To all of you that are being troubled by bullies and other such: Don't let them get to you. When you're older and more successful, you'll be glad that you perservered through your hard times. It will all be made up in the end. Never, EVER, even consider suicide; it's just not worth what you'll be giving up. Thanks... I'm out.
Chapter Two:
Blossoming Love
Bianka-chan
Rinoa's POV.
He was almost too nice to offer me all that he did. His maids were rushing about me, giving me silky clothing and stuffing sticky yet delicious food in my mouth all at the same time. I stood where I was, too scared to move for the risk of dropping everything and not being able to pick them up. Now nervous, I wondered whether or not they knew I was blind.
Standing stationary for at least twenty minutes, I was more than relieved when a woman began to talk to me.
" So you're the little lady that the Master likes, huh? Hmm.... You're a bit skinny. Don't worry, though, I'll plump you up!"
I laughed sarcastically. " Great...."
The woman tapped her foot loudly. " Are you gonna marry him?"
Surprised, I backed away. " Marry? Is that why he took me in?"
The maid laughed a loud guffaw. She finally recovered and spoke in broken sentences that were interrupted by laughter. " Where are you from, missie? Squall Leonhart is the richest, most handsome guy this side of the Earth! What kinda girl wouldn't wanna marry him? Hell, I'd marry him if I were thirty years younger! You've gotta be blind not to know all of that about Squall!"
I fidgeted anxiously, feeling my cheeks burn in embarrassment. " I can't... I can't...."
SQUALL'S POV
I had been watching her standing there in the midst of all the maids. She was kind of entertaining to watch, really, but I was beginning to worry about her. Rinoa must have been scared with people scurrying about her. I was just about to order them away when I heard her begin to stammer. She was getting ready to tell them about her eyesight problem. Rinoa would be pitied afterward, and I didn't want her to be pitied. So, I did the only thing that I could do right then: I snuck behind her and finished her sentence for her, but in a rather loud voice.
" She can't WAIT to SEE her room!"
And with that loud outburst, Rinoa jumped at least a foot off of the ground and dropped everything on the floor. I caught it with a swift movement of my hand and put my arm around her. Almost flirtatiously, I winked at the maid.
" I'll take her up to her room."
The kind maid smiled back. " Don't do anything fresh!" she teased.
I smiled in return. " No guarantees!"
Hastily, I led Rinoa up the long flight of stairs. She obeyed quietly, her shoulders shaking slightly. Worried and tired, I placed Rinoa's things on her bed and directed her to a velvet chair of red to sit on. Rinoa sat down wearily and immediately groped the air tensely. Feeling nothing, she frowned.
" Where's Angelo?"
I leaned against the wall and folded my arms. " She's getting fed."
" Oh...."
Anxious, I unfolded my arms and walked toward her. " Are you hungry?"
She bit her lip. " Um...."
Obviously too intent to take no for answer, I patted my chest with my fist, " Great! Be ready in about half an hour, okay? I'll be waiting outside your door so don't worry about not being able to find me."
And with that, I left the room carrying a broad, sheepish smile on my face.
RINOA'S POV
I walked around the large room slowly, yearning for Angelo. Finally kicking the bed on accident and laying down on it, I began to think about what the maid had said.
The richest and most handsome guy this side of the Earth? Why would he want me then? WANT me? What am I thinking?
I rolled over onto my stomach and propped my head up with my hands.
Marry him, huh? I never thought that someone would want to marry a blind woman with no money to offer. I suppose you find love in the most peculiar of places. LOVE?
Somewhat depressed, I sighed.
There must have been something in that food. I've never thought like this before. But then again, it's been a long while since I've been in contact with a male. I've been alone for too long. Five years of my life.
I was fiddling with my messy hair and kicking my legs up and down when I heard someone knock on the door. Hurriedly, I got off of the bed and proceeded to what I thought was the mirror and acted as if I'd been looking at myself for all of that time. To tell the truth, I could have been standing in front of the closet to look at myself, but how was I to know?
" Come in," I called.
Someone entered quietly, making no noise as I guessed they were either looking at the room or me. They cleared their throat and spoke almost teasingly. " I suppose someone who just came from the streets can find something interesting in everything; even a wall."
I blushed and backed away from the wall, turning to the entrance to where I hoped the woman stood.
" Master Leonhart asked me to help you get ready. I'll just brush your hair and put someone make-up on you."
Happy, I smiled. " Thank you."
The woman promptly began brushing my hair. We spoke some, but our conversation was limited to only a few minutes as I had to keep quiet when she put on my makeup. As she finished, I felt much prettier and cleaner than before. My maid left as quietly as she came in when she finished, leaving me all alone to go and see Squall. Feeling around for a doorknob, I finally found it and turned it open. I stepped out of the room and stood there, waiting for Squall to come around.
SQUALL'S POV
I saw her coming out of her room, looking confused. Happy that she was ready before the alloted amount of time that I gave her was up, I sneaked up behind her, careful not to let her hear my shoes. Cunningly, I stopped directly behind her ear and screamed my entrance.
" HEY!"
Not a bit to my surprise, Rinoa jumped and frowned.
" Is that a bad habit of yours?" she asked angrily.
" Afraid so. I hope you're not mad at me," I said that pathetically, sounding far younger than my true age.
" Well, no...."
" Great! Let's go to the plaza. They've got some good food there."
I placed my arm securely around her and led her outside, feeling proud to have her in my company.
Balamb Plaza
We sat down at a table for two. I picked up a menu and began reading it. Feeling that I was leaving Rinoa out, I tilted the menu downward.
" The menu's right in front of you. Pick it up and read it."
" But I can't--"
I lowered my voice and spoke quietly but sternly. " They don't need to know. Just pretend that you're reading."
She lifted up the menu and stared at it in an emotionless fashion. I sighed, knowing that she wasn't a very good actress and she was practically telling everyone that she was blind. When the waiter came around, I ordered the most expensive meals on the menu, not really caring about the cost. I took this as my chance to talk with her.
" Say, Rinoa.... I think that you shouldn't let anyone know that you're blind."
She cocked her head to the side in an adorable, confused way. " But why?"
I put my elbows on the table and stared hard at her. " If you tell some nice people, like my maids, they'll pity you and be around you all the time. And since you're so used to traveling alone, I figure that you enjoy your privacy sometimes. On the other hand, it can be even worse. If you tell a bad person, they can easily take advantage of you."
She gave me a quizzical look. Well, the most quizzical look that a blind person can offer. " Take advantage of me? How?"
This caught me by surprise. Cute and innocent... " Err.... You could say that attractive young women like you are the only things that are on the minds of young men around here. Do you know what I mean?"" I guess so...."
The food arrived and we both ate quietly. I could tell that she was having trouble eating, but she managed after a short while. When we finished, she actually began the conversation.
" Um... Master Leonhart...?"
" Hey, hey don't call me that. Call me Squall." I said quickly.
" Okay... Squ-all." (A/N: Yes, SQU-ALL! lol) " what is my job? What do I do to earn my keep?"
Happy that she finally asked, I smirked and put my hands on hers. She flinched, but relaxed after only a moment.
" It's not a hard job, really. You just have to be my girlfriend. No big deal, right?"
She blushed at hearing this, making my heart melt. She fidgeted her fingers against mine in an affectionate manner.
" Okay. It's a deal."
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A/N: There, it's done! Sorry for the long wait. The next chapter will be really good! Seifer enters! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Pretty, pretty, PLEASE review! Bye! ~Bianka-chan. 3/15/03