I decided that I will update every weekend instead, things are quite hectic at work and family life so I get caught up with stuff during the week.
Anyways enjoy, sorry for the short chapter, but the rest are longer, especially chapter 7.
Chapter 5 - The Big Date
The week went by pretty quick and Rinoa was progressively settling in to her new school and her new life in Balamb. Her relationship with Quistis was getting better as well as they both cleared the air and she was spending more lunch times with Seifer, much to the pleasure of Quistis.
At the moment Rinoa was fishing through clothes from her wardrobe for their evening out with Seifer and Squall. She didn't want to look too done up and thought the casual look was more appropriate. As she grabbed a pair of dark blue skinny legged jeans, a royal blue tunic top and a black cardigan from her choice of attire Quistis came rushing into her room with two dresses in her hand.
"Which one?!" Was all the blonde came out with.
"Erm, well…" Rinoa said inspecting the dresses carefully. After much deliberation she finally spoke. "Are you sure you want to wear a dress? It's just a movie right?"
"Well I thought maybe we could get dinner after and I don't want to be dressed down" Quistis replied looking a bit hurt.
Rinoa didn't want to her cousin, but she felt she was rushing a bit too much. Squall had only just agreed to go out with her, if Quistis wasn't careful she'd scare him off by pressuring him too much.
"Yeah but we don't know if the boys will be busy after" Rinoa tried to say as politely as possible.
Quistis just looked straight at her and replied coolly "I meant me and Squall. I don't care if Seifer is busy, you both do whatever you please, but I want to make sure my first date with Squall is perfect. Besides this is the first time he will see me dressed up, I want to leave him with a feeling of longing." Quistis eyed the dresses again before looking back at Rinoa.
Back to that stage huh? Rinoa thought, she didn't want to fall out with her cousin again, but at the same time she didn't want Quistis to make herself look like a fool. Rinoa hadn't ever been on dates before; she had little crushes on guys but never to the extent where she'd actually have a boyfriend. It was hard being the General's daughter but she had read enough books to know how to be around a guy and the "what not to do's".
Deciding that Quisitis would have to learn from her own mistakes she finally spoke. "Wear the black dress, it will bring out the blue in your eyes and heighten your fair complexion". Rinoa said with a small smile. Quistis only stared back at her and then finally nodded before walking back to her own room.
Rinoa stood at the door way for a while before moving to her dresser, Going to have to doll myself up so she doesn't look out of place!
Rinoa's dresser was neatly displayed with tiny boxes and baskets and one huge jewellery box. Some perfumes and make up were also placed which she decided to ignore. Taking her chain off her neck, she picked up a platinum band ring she was given by her mother which she looped into her necklace and put back on around her neck. She took out some white gold hoops and put them on her ears. Deciding that she looked a bit more dolled up than before she grabbed some lip-gloss and applied it briefly before putting it into her bag. She was dressed casually but looked as if she was going somewhere nice. She didn't really like to dress up; she always thought it was nicer to dress for someone special like a husband. Getting all dolled up just for random strangers to see was not her cup of tea and she avoided it most of the time, hence her causal choice of clothes.
After the girls had gotten dressed and informed Quistis's mum of their plans they headed into Quistis's convertible and drove towards the town. They decided to meet the guys there since Seifer had to meet after work anyways. Quistis seemed a bit upset when Squall hadn't offered to at least pick her up, another reason why Rinoa felt this 'date' wasn't all that to get dressed up for.
She stole a glance at Quistis to see if the girl had any other hint of a night of dining out. Quistis's black dress was covered over the top with a net bolero and a small diamond clustered rose broche. Her hair was out with the front clipped back and a few stray hairs fell across the side of her face. Her neck was exposing anther diamond cluster necklace in the shape of a heart and matching ear-rings.
Finally they parked their car in the Mall's car park and were in the processes of unbuckling their seatbelts. Rinoa was looking for her bag under her legs where she had place it when she heard Quistis gasp.
"Oh damn!" Quistis said with a worried look.
"What is wrong Quisty?" Rinoa asked equalled worried.
"He bought people with him it's supposed to be a date!" Quistis said trying not to sound too loud but failing. "Rinoa he's turned it into a group thing! Look at how I'm dressed I look completely out of place" Quistis cried, she tried not to let the tears swell up and stared to avert her gaze.
Told you. Thought Rinoa and then immediately regretted it. She didn't know why but she started growing an annoyance whenever Quistis was in a situation with Squall, for some odd reason whenever Rinoa would advise her about Squall, Quistis always defied. The night before Rinoa had advised Quistis against calling Squall and 're-confirming' their date. She knew Quistis wanted a reason just to talk to Squall and knew it was pushing it. Quistis didn't listen to her and walked into her room with the cordless. Rinoa couldn't be bothered and just sat on the couch watching her show. It wasn't even two minutes before Quistis walked back into the room and put the phone down muttering something about Squall calling her back because he was busy with his sister or something. But Rinoa could tell from Quistis's face that maybe Squall wasn't all that busy and probably used it as an excuse.
"Quisty, you look fine, maybe you could take off some of that jewellery, like the broche and the ear-rings? That way you'll tone it down a bit". Rinoa tried to offer some condolence.
Hurriedly the other girl finally complied and chucked the jewellery into her hand bag, she looked down at her feet and Rinoa's gaze followed. Quistis's feet were adorned with 4 inch black lace heels. She still looked overly dressed. Shaking her head, Rinoa unbuckled the belt of her jeans and pasted it to Quistis who replied with a confused look. Then bending down she took off her black ballerina pumps and passed them over as well.
"Give me the heels, you wear the belt just below your breast line, that way it will look more like a top and skirt, and the pumps should surely tone down your attire" Rinoa said while Quistis followed her instructions.
After the quick exchange of accessories the two left the car and headed towards the group.
"Hey guys!" Rinoa said cheerfully. The group turned to meet them and said their equal greetings muttering compliments.
"Zell I thought you had your grandfather over?" Quistis couldn't help but ask.
"Yeah my ma told him that I wanted to see some film and he insisted that I spend my time with friends, he said he always wished he had spent more time with his friends and less time preparing for the army." Zell said with a wide grin, "so I thought I would take his advice and thought Sarah might want to join us".
Sarah only smiled; her braids were out leaving her brown hair flowing on her shoulders, she was wearing a pair of black skinny legged jeans and a woolen purple top that came past her thighs. The arms were cut up to the a third of her arm revealing silver jewellery that complemented the silver belt strapped to her waist.
"I like what your wearing Quistis, really cute!" Sarah said admiringly.
Quistis blushed and muttered thank you before looking at Squall for any compliment. The brunette however was too focused on Rinoa's choice of shoes.
"Rinoa I thought you looked taller" Seifer teased. "What's with the heels? You're not feeling too short for this crowd are you?"
Blushing Rinoa tried to tease back "Well not everyone is as tall as you King Kong, anyways I feel like a dwarf around you lot".
"You look good, but I've never seen anyone wear those kind of heels with jeans before" Zell replied. "Maybe because I'm a guy".
"No, you don't normally wear pencil heels with jeans" Sarah added in, "But hey Rinoa, maybe you could be setting a trend".
"That or it's her way of compensation" Seifer joked again.
"Ok people enough about my shoes" Rinoa said rolling her eyes.
"Don't worry I guess I'll have to show my cousin some tips on fashion". Quistis replied laughing and putting her arm over Rinoa.
Ouch.Thought Rinoa. She tried not to let the teasing get to her, when Seifer joked she took it lightly, but this was just uncalled for. She had helped Quistis from an embarrassing situation, and now Quistis was egging them on. She wanted to at the moment tell everyone she was only wearing them because Quistis thought it'd be a romantic date between Squall and her and had dressed like a dog's dinner. But that would only make her look bad, and she didn't want to make enemies with her cousin. Ignoring it, she just rolled her eyes laughing and looked down at the floor, hoping she wouldn't burst into tears.
Squall who was silently watching this whole time could tell from Rinoa's expression she did not like the comments. Being the introvert had its advantages, Squall was always told by teachers that it didn't hurt to open up, but he liked being the silent one. It allowed him to feel as if he were an audience amongst actors and he could observe their actions and behaviour and be able to identify their feelings. At current he knew from Rinoa's facial expressions she didn't like what was being said and he wasn't going to entertain it.
Striking up the courage and taking a deep breath he opened his mouth to speak.
"They look hot" He finally let out. What the hell?! He immediately thought. He wanted to rid Rinoa of the embarrassment but didn't mean to be so honest. Yes her feet in those black heels looked hot but he didn't want everyone to know he thought that. Mentally kicking himself he looked at Rinoa.
"Er, thanks I guess" Rinoa said a bit puzzled.
Quistis on the other hand wasn't so impressed, she averted her eyes staring at the floor, no matter what she did somehow Rinoa still got all the attention.
"Anyways I think our movie is starting lets go" Seifer said taking Rinoa by the hand and walking towards the Mall. The rest of the group closely followed.
Rinoa didn't know what to think, she didn't know why Squall said that, and if he meant it or just said it to stop the teasing. She promised herself that she would thank him from saving her from that embarrassing scene, but hoped that it was something he actually meant.
Once at the concession stand the groups purchased their food while Zell ran off to get some tickets for him and Sarah and shortly the group made their way to the hall.
In the movie theatre they all sat in their seats briefly talking before the movie started. Quistis wasn't in the mood to talk, she was still replaying the scene in the parking lot, Squall had called Rinoa hot. She had wished she wore those heels now, she had wished she had stuck to wearing the dress the way she had intended to, she had wished she made Rinoa promise not to come tonight.
The brunette next to her barely spoke, he was looking at the screen in front and absent mindly stroked the rim of his drink cup.
"So what you been up to today?" Quistis started the conversation.
Squall barely heard her before he realised she was addressing him.
"Oh, nothing much, just at home" He replied without much input.
"How is Ellone? Haven't seen her in ages" She continued trying to get more out, it was so hard to talk to Squall, he barely spoke at all without someone having to initialise it.
"She is fine, just busy" He said still not looking at her too busy wiping the condensation off his drink.
Finally he looked up, but looked past Quistis. She knew who he was looking at, Rinoa sat right next to Quistis happily chatting away to Seifer about some guy in Galbadia that they both knew of. Once in a while the two would burst out laughing after mimicking the guy and keep repeating "Ya know".
Quistis wished that it was her and Squall instead, talking about something in common and laughing till they had tears. She was feeling down now, she hated that everyone else was here. Maybe he is just shy around others and can't talk to me openly.
The movie finally started and the lights were dimmed down. Soon the six friends were whispering to each other, laughing, eating popcorn and the three girls cried at the end, with the boys shifting uncomfortably in their seats.
"I can't believe he dies!" Rinoa said pretending to cry.
"Well he didn't die, he was dead already, he was just a dream" Zell replied, taking out his keys and twirling them around his finger.
The group were walking back to the car park after the film and were talking about the ending.
"I know but it's so sad, they should have made it more romantic like he lives" Rinoa said dreamily.
"Yeah but the they would get no sales, this ending makes better reviews then 'they lived happily ever after'" Seifer said giving his input.
"Yeah I guess so, whatever makes profit eh?" Rinoa said with a cheeky grin.
"The guy that plays the lead is cute" Sarah said giggling to herself.
"You got a thing for blonds?" Zell asked flirtatiously.
"Maybe" Sarah replied equally.
"You guys want to eat? I'm hungry" Squall said lightly placing a hand on his stomach.
"Sure" Quistis said happily and glanced at Rinoa, almost as if saying Told you. He did want to eat and Quistis was happy to spend more time with him.
"Yeah I am pretty hungry too, but I think I'll just head home, I think my aunt left some dinner for us" Rinoa said, she saw the glance from Quistis and didn't want to cause any problems between them. She thought maybe it was best if she excused herself and Seifer and let the two go by themselves. The only problem left was Zell and Sarah.
"Well I'm going to head back, Sarah's got to be at school tomorrow and I'm driving so exclude me out" Zell said.
"But it is Sunday tomorrow" Squall said confused.
"Yeah but I got to do some inventory thing at the library so they want me in tomorrow, hey I get double pay" Sarah said laughing at the last part.
"Well I'm going home, Seifer if you want you could join me" Rinoa said hoping Seifer would comply.
"Yeah sure, I guess it'll be just you two" Seifer said smirking.
"Ok well we'll see you when we get home then" Quistis said and turned to Squall. She smiled at him and was about to open her mouth to tell him to get going.
"Well if you're going home then I might as well head home too" Squall said looking at his watch. It had just gone past 8:30pm and he knew Ellone would be still up maybe even eating a late dinner herself.
"No, why don't you guys go out for a bite? Me and Seifer will head back, don't want to ruin your evening" Rinoa tried to settle it.
"Yeah Leonhart, go enjoy yourself" Seifer said smirking again.
Squall just looked at him. What is he playing at? This was supposed to be a way to get him and Quistis alone, why was he going off with Rinoa? Unless he likes Rinoa? Now Squall was in trouble.
"Squall" Quistis said gently. "Lets just go, leave them be".
"See ya" Seifer said before tugging at Rinoa's hand leading them to Quistis's car. Rinoa took out Quistis's keys which she had taken earlier and got into the driver's seat. Soon enough the two drove off.
Making their way to a small restaurant Squall and Quistis sat at a booth. The waitress came over straight away and gave them their menus. Squall didn't waste time, he disregarded the menu being handed and just ordered the first thing that came to his mind. "I'll just have a cheeseburger and coke" He said coolly.
Quistis just laughed "Are you that hungry?" She giggled again before turning to the waitress and ordering the same.
Once the waitress had left Quistis tried to start up another conversation.
"So how is this year going for you?" Quistis asked hoping this time he would be more conversing. He wasn't.
"Ok" was all he replied. The two were silent again.
Squall couldn't help it, he wanted to get home, actually he wanted to be with Rinoa, he had wished she had asked him instead of Seifer. He was imaging Seifer and Rinoa eating at home now laughing about their friend or talking about the movie.
The waitress finally came; Squall wasted no time and quickly munched his burger and finished his drink.
Quistis was stubborn; she wanted to take her time. He's being so rude. She thought to herself, she didn't deserve this. This night was nothing like she used to dream, in her dreams Squall would be looking longingly into her eyes and reach over to stroke her hand. He'd feed her food off his plate and mutter sweet nothings. Instead Squall sat opposite her and chucked his food down faster then she was breathing.
Finally disheartened and wanting the desire to cry into her pillow she looked up at him and told him she was done. Squall looked at her plate and noticed she had finished her burger and was happy to take that as a sign of them leaving. He got up and walked over to the counter to pay for their food. Little did he know her words were not a reference to her finished meal.
Dun dun dun!!! =p
Anyways i wanted to ask my readers, what do you think of previews? I was thinking of putting in bits from my next chapter at the end of each chapter? You know keep you guys interested? Let me know!