Disclaimer: I do not own FF VI, VII, VIII, X and X-2.

Author's Note: I wish I can apologize for not putting relevant Squinoa moments in the previous chapters, but believe me, it's all worth it, especially for the future Squinoa moments. ;)

In this chapter, I attempted to make one particular moment as interesting as possible. Once again, I hope you'll like it. ^^

I want to recognize some of my readers: LovinHoneyXDHoneyLovin, MonMonCandie, Sorceress Rinoa Heartily, and freestyler91. Thank you, really, not only for leaving me reviews but especially for reading my work. :3

Please please please review! thanks :3

"We got free tickets for the game!!!" Rikku exuberantly waved three blue paper strips in her hands one lunch break afternoon.

"Already?" Rinoa was quite surprised, knowing it had only been five days since classes started (well for her anyway, since classes technically started 4 weeks ago), yet a blitzball game season is already starting, evident in the tickets Rikku was fluttering in the air.

"Of course! They begin as soon as school starts." She handed one ticket to Rinoa. "Tidus is more excited about Yunie watching him play than winning!" Rikku nudged and winked at Yuna, who was looking down at her lap, blushing. Then, Rinoa noticed something.

"But, there are only three of the-"

"I'm not going." Paine promptly cut her off, with absolute finality in her voice.

Rinoa sweatheaded at that. So straightforward...

Spending time with her three new friends has become more frequent for Rinoa, especially with the piles of homeworks they were bombarded with at school, in which they find help from each other to "get them over with". Everyday, they would drop by at Rinoa's place to study, do groupworks (in which cases, Yuna and Rinoa always work in pairs), and, at desperate ocassions, copying answers from the ever so smart Paine.

Despite the pressure and stress school was generously bestowing upon her, Rinoa was never lonely again.

Elective was scheduled on that day, and as usual, Rinoa sat beside Cloud who simply nods at her in greeting. Rinoa has also gone closer to Cloud, without being much affected by their obvious distance in their other classes. Of course, it was also because Rinoa felt domineered by his group, especially that large chested girl Tifa and the red-haired Reno who always wears a smirk on his face. But in Psychology class, Cloud and Rinoa would act like regular classmates.

No. They would act like friends.

Actually, they already are friends.

For the past few days, Rinoa realized that she needed alot of catching up for Psychology, in which Cloud never hesitated to help her with everytime. Being her seatmate, he can always predict if the lesson lost Rinoa in which he would respond by clearing it up for her by using more simplified words. This casual every day gesture was enough to make them grow even closer.

"They would sound the bell as they feed the dogs, which developed their automatic response of drooling everytime they hear the alarm."

"Why?"

"Because they would think that alarm meant food."

"So it's psychological?"

"Yes."

"But, why would they do that to dogs?"

"Because it's an experiment."

"It's also animal cruelty."

Cloud shrugged. "It's just the way it is."

Rinoa does need ALOT of catching up.

"Do they have good Psychology books in the library?" inquired Rinoa, who was writing notes furiously on her notepad.

"Yup yup. Lots of them."Cloud chillingly replied as he watched their boring professor write even more points on the board.

The bell finally rang, to Rinoa's delight. She couldn't stand another minute in the class who gave her hand quite a pain from all that note taking. Not a day passed without Psychology giving her such a headache, and if it wasn't for Cloud, she would've dropped the subject and switched to Visual Arts. Then again, she hates Visual Arts, or any kind of art for that matter, and she thanked Hyne for giving her Cloud.

"I'll probably go to the library and find some good books." Rinoa, annoyed from the lecture, began texting Yuna to tell her that they can go ahead, and to her driver telling him to fetch her after another hour.

"I'll see you around." waved Cloud.

"Yeah. See you."

Cloud met up with his spiky, dark-haired friend Zack at the entrance of their school and they walked their way towards home. His usually cheerful companion seemed a bit down this time, as they passed through familiar streets, which gave them a longer route, but less people.

"I tell you, with those flowers she sells, Aerith makes more money than I do. I only get, what, five hundred gils for my weekly allowance, and she earns at least a thousand gils from those flowers! AT LEAST A THOUSAND GILS! TWICE as many as my money! Yet I always choose to be the gentleman and do the spending for both of us when we hang out. Listen up bud, I gotta tell you this, if you ever decide to have a girlfriend, save up as much as you can, at least to keep yourself from starving. Not to mention, when she begins discussing about the future and kids-"

Cloud, who was barely listening, stopped at his tracks. There lies a long, carriage truck at the central part of Deling City that caused more than enough commotion, especially when it blocked all the roads connecting most of the city's residences to the main part of the city, where many establishments were located, including their school.

There was an accident, no doubt. A terrible swerve the foolish truck driver made brought dreadful traffic to passing motorists. Cloud could see that the vehicles were not moving. The only way to get to their destination is walking, which what most people did. Cloud could honestly compare them to ants, following a certain path, avoiding the huge intrusion that blocked their way.

What made this worse, as Cloud noticed, was how the sky began to turn gray, blocking the light from the sun. Weather-wise, heavy raindrops will begin to pour, leaving these people no time to waste to reach home, or any shelter.

"Hmmm..." Cloud thought for a second.

"Zack, you go ahead. I have to go back to school. I forgot something." Cloud began running back towards Deling High.

"Cloud, wait! You have my..."

Before Zack could say "umbrella..." Cloud was already out of his sight. He knew it's only a matter of minutes before the shower begins. Zack sighed to himself.

"Oh well, I guess I'll have to run for my life too."

The library doesn't seem (or sound) like a library. At all.

To Rinoa's dismay.

She expected a solemn place, with silence included in the whole package. Instead, she found herself lost in the noisy havoc that contained this supposedly quiet place, mainly used for studying purposes. Rinoa at first thought she stepped into the wrong place. But after double checking the sign at the door that says "LIBRARY", this is, no doubt, the place she was looking for. With these kind of students roaming around the place, Rinoa figured the librarian simply gave up maintaining discipline. She began to wonder if these people were really here to study. Still, despite the annoying pandemonium, she pushed through, bearing in mind that she had to catch up with her elective if she doesn't want to fail.

After minutes of tedious searching (with their library being a huge one, it did not help Rinoa), she finally saw the section filled with all the Pscyhology books she can get her hands on. Also, she was happy to find out that nobody was wandering around among these bookshelves, which made this spot practically the most serene area in the library.

She scanned through the shelves, only to find the more advanced materials that even she could not comprehend. She realized she should definitely start off with the basics, which she strangely couldn't find in this section despite the numerous books available. She tried to scan again and found a pattern in the arrangement of books. From "Schizophrenia and Other Complications" to "Family Psychology", Rinoa assumed correctly that the titles were going simpler as she ran through to the right direction. At the end, it stopped, which mark only told Rinoa to go search the other side of the shelf.

"General psychology... general psychology..." Rinoa has kept to her mind that the best title she can find through these books is 'General Psychology', which she believed will give her all the basic things she should know about the field.

She stepped back, and scanned the topmost part of the shelf. Then, she saw it, even better than what she was looking for.

"Basic Psychology".

BINGO. She found it. Silently, Rinoa, patted herself for being lucky to find the best book this library can give to her. Only, her next problem was, how to get it.

Usually, libraries as big as this one have short stalls available for each bookshelf so people can use it to boost their height and reach books located at ridiculously high levels such as this one. And a not-so-tall person like Rinoa deperately needed it. She looked around her for that small stall, only to find none. She did find though a male figure sitting on the floor, absorbed with the book in his hands. Looks like she got company, after all. She couldn't see his face which was covered by his dark, brown hair. His seemingly long legs were folded in a right-angle fashion, which gave Rinoa the impression that he is a tall one. Rinoa didn't have any other option left to get that book and she wondered if this guy can help her out.

Desperate time calls for desperate measures.

"Uhm... excuse me..." Rinoa shyly called to the stranger, and he obediently turned to her.

Then, she froze.

Rinoa suddenly realized that she disturbed (yes, disturbed him, probably even pissed him off) the last person she should get in trouble with. He stared at her with those same piercing blue eyes, expressed with that same frown. That scar that runs between his eyes scared her even more.

She dared bother Squall Leonhart.

Rinoa only hoped she did not annoy him enough to grab her by the neck and throw her miles away from where she was standing. Her defensive reflexes kicked in and pushed her to act quickly before it's too late.

"Oh! I'm so sorry! I-" Rinoa momentarily turned to point at the book waiting for her to grab and turned back to Squall, who returned to whatever he was reading. She sighed in relief. It's not easy for the new girl to be alone at a place like this with a person (and a guy at that too) she believed to hold some serious grudge against anyone from her section, especially to her friend Cloud. Also, there was that intimidating air leaking out from him, which stiffened Rinoa even more. Though this was not the first time Rinoa felt intimidated, this particular moment felt alot different from when she first met this guy's rival. Even if he has not said anything to her yet, she felt like there's this sign hanging on top of his head stating 'STAY AWAY FROM HIM'. Moreover, at that point in time, she felt like a helpless damsel, trapped, in a small cage with a hungry lion. Any sudden move from her might be the end of Rinoa Heartily.

She shook the thought off and returned to the book. Looks like she had to do it herself.

"Okay." She prepared for the ultimate tiptoeing of her life.

She raised her heels, concentrating all her weight to the balls of her feet and pushing her height to the maximum as she tried to reach for that damn book. But it wasn't enough.

She then used her free hand to grab a higher shelf and lift herself up carefully so the whole shelf won't end up falling to her. Still, she couldn't reach it.

Rinoa let out a loud grunt as she gave herself a rest from all that effort just to get that book. She quickly realized that she might have disturbed the extremely fearful lion who, to her relief and annoyance, was still absorbed with what he was reading.

Rinoa couldn't believe what a jerk he was for not helping even after her obvious struggle. She kind of knows why this guy irritates Cloud, he's such a snob and a meanie. But no time to waste on him. She's gonna try again and will not leave this library without that book.

Let's try this one more time, Rinoa thought.

"You can do this Rinoa." She quietly told herself.

She tiptoed again, and this time, literally, giving herself the highest boost her feet can endure. She profusely gave her all, until her fingertips can feel the book.

"Almost... there..." She grunted.

But it was the best she can get. Still, she stretched her arm with every inch higher possible, and she might just have her chance to finally possess "Basic Psychology" in her hands. However, it did not do her anything.

She was in the brink of giving up when she suddenly noticed a tall shadow hovering over her and felt something warm close to her back. She responsively put herself down, her feet finally at rest, turned around and gasped.

There, standing beside her, was the very Squall who frightened her. He reached for that same book Rinoa was drearily trying to acquire for herself. He grabbed it with ease and faced the front cover to Rinoa.

"Is this the one you want?" His low voice questioned her, with a hint of irritation. It was the first time she heard his voice, and also the first time she heard a voice like that. It was deep, obviously deeper than Cloud's kinder one. It's a type of voice that reminded Rinoa of princes, knights and leaders, the kind that can make people immediately obey or fear him. And it perfectly suits the brunette in front of her, with his thin, tall physique and that fierce look on his face. Rinoa, who was entranced in his impatient blue eyes that demands for a quick and direct answer, responded with a hopeless nod.

"Y-yes. That's the one. Thank you."

Squall handed her the book and went back to his little space.

Rinoa, who was still startled by how this scary (and unbelievably gorgeous) guy just helped her with the book, stood still while hugging the thick 'Basic Psychology' book close to her chest.

Squall, who realized she wasn't leaving yet, let out a deep sigh.

"What?"

"I-uh..." Rinoa, whose cheeks began warming at this point, was honestly curious what he was reading but was too scared to ask, found it as a good excuse to answer his question.

"I was just... wondering... what you're reading."

Without taking a glance at the black haired girl with him, Squall flipped the cover for a split second to confirm the right title.

"Inferno, by Dante Alighieri." He plainly replied.

"Oh! I know that! Kinda scary, huh." The more cheerful one unexpectedly blurted out, forgetting who she was talking to, which the brunette one responded by turning to her with eyebrows raised, revealing even more of his ocean blue eyes.

"Oh, sorry. It's just, I like that book, especially the last one." Rinoa continued. "I like how Dante ended up going to heaven after all he's gone through Purgatorio and Inferno, and realized that it's better to go through Purgatory's punishments than remain in Hell forever."

Squall, who was amused with her answer, only reponded with a deep "Hmm..." and trailed back to his book. Rinoa, who figured she disturbed him enough, finally decided to leave him.

"Anyway, thank you so much again for helping me with this book." She nodded at him and awkwardly walked away.

Her Alpha's rival waited until she was completely out of the area.

"'...better to go through Purgatory's punishments than remain in Hell forever.'" He recalled her saying, and he briefly chuckled at that simple yet unfeigned answer before returning to his book.

"Miss Heartily!" Rinoa's driver finally answered her call after her desperate attempts to reach him.

"Where are you?" She anxiously asked the equally worried man on the other line.

"I'm sorry Ma'am, but I'm stuck at a terrible traffic at this moment! There was apparently a truck accident just a while ago and it blocked all the main streets, including where I am now."

It took a while for Rinoa to absorb everything her driver just told her. And "Oh..." was all she can reply to that.

"I'm really sorry. I'll be right there as soon as they remove the truck."

"No, it's alright Robert. I might just walk myself home."

"Please Ma'am, it's raining hard and it would be better if you'll just wait for me to fetch you."

It's true. Raindrops are falling furiously, producing defeaning sounds on the small roof of the shed Rinoa was waiting at. She doesn't know what time the traffic will subside so Robert can finally take her home. Her only option now is to walk under the rain.

She looked at her watch. It's only 5:00 in the afternoon, but it's getting dark. Probably from the rainclouds that covered the sun, or because it's getting late. Either way, she doesn't want to stay there and wait for Robert until Hyne knows what time. She just wants to go home.

"Robert, I can take care of myself. I might just go walk. It's okay, I have an umbrella with me." She lied at the last part. She didn't bring an umbrella that day. She had heavily relied on her driver and the car that she forgot to bring, of all other things, her umbrella. And she hated herself for such stupidity.

"Are you sure Ma'am?"

"Yes Robert, I just want to go home."

There was a long pause.

Rinoa heard her driver from the other line sigh before reluctantly giving in. "Of course. As you please."

She put her phone back to her bag. She looked at the pouring droplets of water. I might have to wait until it slows down, Rinoa thought. I can't let my things get wet.

But it would seem like it's not gonna slow down anytime soon.

Rinoa hugged her bag and looked down, away from the problem everything around her showed. Just a little bit longer, she told herself. I'll be home in no time.

"Hey." A familiar voice suddenly called to her.

Rinoa quickly looked up and saw that signature spiky blonde hair and those sky blue eyes gently gazing at her.

"Cloud!" Rinoa joyfully cried at her savior. He was holding an umbrella to shield him from the rain and held out another one to Rinoa, who gladly accepted it.

"C'mon. I'll take you home."

Rinoa gleefully obliged as she finally stepped out of that shed and walked beside her Psych seatmate as they head towards the center of Deling City.

Of course he knew, the moment he saw the truck blocking all the cars from passing, he knew Rinoa would rely on the comforts of her limousine and chauffer without bringing an umbrella. He knew she wouldn't be able to head home as soon as he saw the clouds darkening and rain will start to pour, and her only option will be walking. He also knew that Zack left his umbrella with him, which made a good extra umbrella for Rinoa.

However, he doesn't know why he had to go back just to help her out. He just simply felt like it.

Author's Note: :3