Chapter 2: Rebounding I

Words: 907

Disclaimer: I do NOT own any of the characters nor the premise of this. Final Fantasy VIII is owned by Square Enix while the plot belongs to New Girl on Fox.

Squall pranced to the kitchen, his steps soft and light as he yawned and scratched the back of his head and fetched for a bowl and a box of cereal, stopping at the counter top/isle in the middle of the kitchen to pour it when he heard a sob and the song 'Time Of My Life' coming from a tv. He looked around only to spot Seifer shaking his head and sipping on his coffee while Irvine just sat and sent an awkward smile his way as his blue eyes widen, questioning just what was going on.

"Good morning…?" Irvine said with a shrug of his shoulders.

"This is the umpteenth time she's watched that movie in the two days she's been living here." Squall exclaimed through clenched teeth as he heard Rinoa start wailing and complaining about how Justin had been such a jerk. "Irvine, you better do something about this!"

Seifer placed his coffee mug down and sighed, "I got this." He clasped his hands together and stood up, making his way to the living room and sitting by the foot of the L shaped sofa, looking into Rinoa's big eyes. "Stop it!" He yelled and Rinoa just stared at him, eyes glossy and swollen, "Stop crying. Stop it now!" He continued as Rinoa just stared back and just then her lips started quivering and then with a heartbreaking sob she had won the battle and Seifer was back to his spot in the kitchen. "I tried…" he said as he looked at Irvine.

Irvine, suddenly aware of the tension that the two males were holding against him and the powerful glare and scowl coming from Squall took a deep breath, "OK!," he said, "I got us into this, I'll get us out of this!" He rubbed his hands together and walked towards the living room, "Rinoa, dear?" He said as he sat by her legs, "I'm taking the remote, ok?" He asked as he reached for the remote and turned off the tv.

Rinoa pouted, holding on to her pillow and pointed at the tv, "Yes, yes, I know, no more movie for you. What do you say we go out? We just go and have a couple of drinks and have fun!" He asked as Rinoa just shook her head. "Come on! It'll be fun! Let's start by sitting up in the sofa, you look like a bum." He said as he grabbed her shoulders and sat her down, "Ok, feels better doesn't it?" He asked as Squall walked to the living room and shot a look Rinoa's way, watching as her shirt fell off one of her shoulders, revealing milky and smooth skin as she just nodded at Irvine. "Perfect! Now, let's go party and find yourself a hot rebound!" He cheered.

"B-But I can't," She whispered with a pout.

"Let's not cross that bridge before we get there." Irvine said as he fixed her hair, "You've got the best wingman there is in Balamb, what can go wrong?" He said as she looked at him. "This will be a journey!"

"A journey?" She asked as Irvine nodded furiously and then she looked at Squall who just shrugged. "Like the one from the movies with the short people and the ring?" She asked innocently as Seifer and Squall snorted and she quirked her eyebrow while looking at the two males.

"Did she just compare her life to a novel?" Seifer asked as Squall laughed.

Irvine gave her a dumbfounded look and held her shoulders, "Rinoa, let's take that specific moment in time… let's pretend that we're rewinding." He said as Rinoa nodded, "Okay, dear, close your eyes and mentally count to 3." The girl did as she was told, "Ok! Now let' also pretend that it never happened! And please, do not make any references to middle age based books or movies… Or anything geeky - for that matter - while you're in this penthouse." Rinoa sulked but nodded, action that caused Irvine to bring a finger to her chin and lift it up, "Now, what do you say about the drinking and the rebound hunt?"

"I'm sorry to say that I'm limited on my resources… no money to drink." She shyed away from Irvine.

"No problem! We're just going to Squall's bar, drinks are on da haaaaus!" The red head yelled as Squall glared at him.

"Just who-" He was cut off by Irvine as he pointed at Rinoa whose eyes had lit up in excitement and was now staring at him with those adorably and hypnotizingly big grey eyes. 'Was this girl for real?', he thought as he rolled his eyes, "Yes, drinks are on the house…" Squall finished as Rinoa jumped off the sofa and hugged him. "Whoa, whoa, no hugs!" He said prying her off him.

"You guys are the best!" She sang as she shimmied and pointed at them, "Rinoa's going to be getting some buckeeet tonight!" She continued singing as she made her way to the bathroom.

Seifer walked and stood next to Squall and Irvine as the three of them watched Rinoa's petite figure disappear into the bathroom.

"Bucket?" Seifer asked as Irvine shrugged.

"Did she just make a song about herself?" Squall asked as he pointed to the bathroom door and exchanged looks with his roommates who were equally surprised at what they had gotten themselves into with this new roommate of theirs.

Thanks to anyone who's been reading! I'm going to try to update often, but if I don't it's because I'm procrastinating! Toodles!