Disclaimer: As you all know, only Jamaila, Gabriel, and now Hekora, are my creations.

Author's Note: Yeah, this chapter contains some swearing, and some lovey-dovey stuff. -Random Gasp- … Yeah, just thought I'd add that …

Well … It's another day. Better make the most of it. Those words rang through Selphie's head, as she got dressed. The whole party fiasco proved difficult to leave Selphie's thoughts: although she did her best to cover up her unease, by plastering a smile on her face. Incidentally, the most ironic thing about the party was that Selphie had specifically hosted it for all her friends: who were either too preoccupied or barely present to fully enjoy themselves. Not to mention that no-one gave her credit for spending time and money hosting the event in the first place.

Well, all but one.

Zell's encounter with Selphie had cheered her up, and proved her wrong. At least one of her friends cared.

And, with thoughts of her fellow hyperactive buddy, Selphie almost skipped past the dormitory corridors, smile in place.

However, merely after exiting the dorm corridors, a frown made its way upon her face. Before her, she saw a group of junior classmen taunting a blonde kid, who she vaguely remembered from the party. When she made her way to the group, Selphie could clearly hear the voices of the gang.

"Aaw, you're waiting for someone?"

"Well, looks like the pwoor little baby needs his mummy."

"Haha, yeah, if he even has one!"

"Stop it!" The blond victim managed to protest, but Selphie had already made her way towards him, shouting at the other kids.

"Hey, stop picking on the poor boy, you mean bullies! Now, get out of here, before I make sure that you kids serve detention!" The threat, obviously too much for them, caused the kids to scarper as far as their feet would take them. As soon as they were out of her sight, Selphie looked back at the blond kid.

"Hey, are you okay? What's your name? Do you have somewhere to stay?"

As the boy turned to look at Selphie, she realized that he looked to be in the verge of tears. She felt even more sympathy for him, when she heard his sweet voice. "My name's … Gabriel. And I … was waiting for Jamie."

Jamie? Is Jamie looking after him? The brunette thought, frowning inwardly. "Well … I'm not sure where Jamie is. But in the meantime, how 'bout staying in my dorm?"

Smiling as the boy nodded his head, Selphie punched her fist in the air, going back to her exuberant self. "Booyaka! We're going to have so much fun!"

At least her mind would be preoccupied from the party, if only temporarily.

Literally striding across the 2nd floor corridors, Seifer began to replay the events that occurred in the so-called 'party': Jamaila's furious expression, the night with Rinoa -

Stopping his train of thought abruptly, Seifer dug in his jean pockets for a cigarette: his usual remedy for escaping any uncomfortable thoughts. After locating one, he then dug around for a lighter. After successfully lighting his cigarette, he felt relief wash over him.

However, that moment was short-lived, as another voice shouted "Hey, Almasy! Smoking's not allowed inside Garden!"

Rolling his eyes, Seifer resumed walking. "Do you think I care, Chicken-Wuss?"

Zell simply made his way in front of Seifer, causing the taller blond to stop in his tracks. "You should care, Almasy. Otherwise, you might find yourself out of this Garden faster than you can say -"

"Are you gonna move out of my way now, or after I've shoved Hyperion up your ass?" Seifer's anger was elevating now, and didn't seem to be able to diminish.

Zell answered with a mute glare. Satisfied that his threat had hit home, Seifer raised his eyebrows mockingly, then swerved around Zell: resuming his walk to the elevator.

I'm impressed … Chicken-Wuss didn't piss in his pants, like I thought.

The first two words that the Gunblade wielder inwardly said … were the truth.

Quistis was lurking out of sight, and had heard every word exchanged between the two blond SeeDs. However, she was much more interested in Zell's sudden 'tough-man'act, as opposed to Seifer breaking the rules.

He has changed …

Deciding to make her presence known, Quistis walked over to Zell. "Well done, Zell." She said, with a smile. Both slightly amused and surprised at Zell's quick turn: his eyes wide and mouth agape - to some extent - she watched his posture relax slightly.

"Heh, yeah, it was pretty … unexpected, I guess", he said, sheepishly scratching the back of his head. Then, more enthusiastically "But that idiot had it coming to him for a long time now."

Quistis smiled slightly. "I suppose …" Then, she decided on a change of subject. "Have you finished with your SeeD reports? I think there's a meeting next week."

Zell seemed quite shocked that he had to fill in some paperwork: with his results in class, it was pretty obvious that his talent lay in the more practical aspects, rather than the theory. "Oh - SeeD reports? Well … I'll get them done: don't you worry, Quis!"

Quistis nodded. "Good to hear. But … I've still got some more to do. Well … I guess I'll have to leave you, Zell. Bye."

Zell had just muttered a 'Bye' in reply, as Quistis made her way to the elevator. From then on, his thoughts centred around his conversation with Quistis, and how she had congratulated him.

For some reason, Jamie felt nervous.

Her and Irvine had decided to take a walk in the Quad, possibly to relish in the nice breeze, or relieve themselves of any inner turmoil.

At first Jamaila had no idea why she felt so nervous, until a sudden thought had struck her.

… What if he wants to ask me out?

Although her inner self doubted it, she had registered something, regarding the Galbadian. He never hung around as many women as he used to. In fact, Jamie was about the only female cadet he used to be around these days.

Hiding away her doubts, Jamie was about to speak, when her phone suddenly began to vibrate in her jean pocket. After rummaging in her pocket, the brunette located her phone, and realized that the call was from Selphie.

Turning to look at Irvine, Jamie pointed at her phone, and Irvine waved a hand, as if to say 'Yeah, don't worry. You can take the call.'

With a smile, Jamie left Irvine by himself, and answered the call. "Hello; Selphie?"

Irvine looked at Jamie, as she walked away, and was just about to continue walking when a female voice alerted him. "Hey there, need some company?"

Locating the source of the voice, Irvine realized that it was a female sitting on one of the benches. Hmm, never seen her here before …

The female had silver hair, which cascaded to her back, and was clothed in a V-neck purple sleeved top, with a denim skirt and long black boots. With a smile, Irvine sat next to her.

"I … guess so."

"Oh thanks, Selph! I'm so glad that Gabby's okay!"

"Gabby? … Oh right! Yeah, so … I'll look after him for now."

"Thanks again, Selph. Well, if that's all -"

"Actually, Gabby told me something that happened during the party …"

"… Go on."

"It was about Rinoa and Seifer."

"… Right …?"

"… Apparently they slept together."

"…"

"… Jamaila?"

"… Thanks again for looking after Gabriel, Selph. But, I'll have to end the call now."

"Oh - okay. Bye."

"… Bye."

A mixture of emotions hit Jamaila, at that point.

/"It was about Rinoa and Seifer."

"… Right …?"

"… Apparently they slept together."/

Willing herself to keep her tears - of confusion, anger … jealousy? - at bay, Jamie made her way to where Irvine would have been standing.

But, another shocking scene welcomed her.

For there, sitting on the bench, was Irvine with an unfamiliar girl. And, what was more, was that their lips were locked onto each other's: the female seated on Irvine's lap.

Eyes glistening with tears, Jamie blinked rapidly: to stop them from falling, and barely registered the female excuse herself and take her leave. An uncomfortable silence then grew, until Irvine tried to find the right words to break it.

"Jamie -" was all he could manage, before he saw Jamie walk swiftly out of the Quad, which left him feeling just as upset as he did the day he was planning to enrol to Galbadia Garden.

Guilt truly was a painful feeling.

Author's Note: Hey-hey! I've updated to-day!! WHEE!!

Okay, randomness aside - This was quite a chapter to put together, sicne I've altered some upcoming events. And, the 'mysterious female' does serve a purpose … Well, apart from as Irvine's 'plaything'!

And, before I go:

NEXT CHAPTER:-

Squall has a surprise for Rinoa.

… As does Jamie (which is less friendly, for Rinoa).

Another mysterious figure appears.

The female is introduced.

R&R, please!

Ash XX