Hello my readers! I have returned! For about…(Rea looks at clock) five minutes because my books are waiting. Yay (please read with a lot of sarcasm). Anyways what a surprise. I DON'T OWN ANYTHING IN THIS STORY! All lawyers got a clue? Then you can leave my lawn now because people want to come in…don't know why though. (Shrugs). But Ariadne's mine as well as all the OCs and the changes to the plot, new plot and whatever things I come up with.

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Before going to the RAC I just want to thank my sis, Auron's Fan, that betaed this chapter for me to make sure I wasn't going overboard with it. So it's dedicated to her. (Rea, Ghost and Bellona begging clapping and cheering. Thanatos joins after a small kick from Eris).

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Reviews' answering corner:

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Serene Angel Wing – Hey there Sen! Your cousins finally got it? Wow! It only took them SIX months! Those must have been six hellish ones. But you have PC and PS2 exclusive rights. And who doesn't want that?

You don't know how happy it makes me to know that you think this story got out of the classic oc-in-another-world type of fic. And I have talent! ALRIGHT! (Thanatos get smacked by Eris after a small comment about illusions. Bellona pats her head with a grin). Was also glad to know that you loved the chapter and its title (seemed apt at the time. Don't worry 'cause I'm my third year in college and I still don't know how) while making you laugh. It makes me feel like this is something people enjoy reading. And yes, your and you're mistakes can become somewhat annoying to see some times. Warm me if you see any ok?

(Rea raises eyebrow) Great word…another for your dictionary I think. And a sledgehammer? A nice weapon but I prefer more explosive stuff (Rea shows bazooka). Nice isn't it? (grins) Thanks for everything including the chocolate bars. For you I have my personal favourite chocolate chip cookies (it had to have chocolate). Hope you like this chapter as it's a major turning point.

P.S – Tell your mom a purple alien from the Sun stole the shopping list…(Rea receives weird looks). Thanks for Pasco and DAMN those writer's blocks! Hate those things.

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hibeki – Hey again. As always I'm happy you liked it and I'm going to read yours as soon as I'm done with this.

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SLy – (Reyavie casts shield around group with a freaked out look) Sheesh people! I have a healthy appreciation for my health thank you very much. Warrior ninjas and gnomes? Thanks for that. Bellona is hungry. (Red Dragon nods with a smirk) But I do not want to die and you can't kill because I am no meanie. I am Evil. Eviller than evil. I am an immortal demoness so there. It's family trait. Thanatos's genes just got lost on the way (A "THANK GOD" is heard followed by a loud hit. Eris smiles innocently). You could burn my homework and school though…but that cannot be as I cannot make cash out of this and unfortunately no one is going to work for me.

But you liked the chappie and that's great to know. Even the chocolate part because at least someone is having it. (Glares at unconscious Thanatos). I really need to see that anime as everyone keeps mentioning it. And I know well how are those books. I carry them around. Freaking heavy things that make great weapons. Well here's the chapter with no cliffy this time. Read on ;)

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Silverpaws – Hello to you. Welcome to Second Life and thank you for your compliment (Reyavie grins evilly). You can continue reading now.

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Rae Anderson – (Rea jumps out of oven's way that hits already unconcious Thanatos. Raises eyebrow). That has to hurt. Anyways HI RAE! Welcome back! Oh, come on…I had to do that cliffy. It was just too bad to pass. And I can't wait to read yours too. (Rea grabs coffee cup with a grin and begins drinking). Thanks for this. It's freaking cold now and my fingers are getting frozen on the keyboard. But that's blackmail! (pouts receiving even more weird looks) I'm trying to write more but I have little time and a huge writer's block that's slowly going away. But I'll keep writing…do your parents know where your appliances are all going?

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Meepills – Hey again! Welcome back Letha (your new name. Means oblivion and I like it and your nick is looooooooong so me call you Leths). Anyways I like Josh too. He's the mirror image of a friend of mine. And Aria is kinda sad, isn't she? That changes in this chapter (Rea grins wickedly then frowns…) You're a diabetic? That sucks. I had to do a work about it for college and had a friend with it too. It's really bad. Here (Rea hands over ton of coffee). If you like it I'll sacrifice a bit of mine for you. No need to ask sorry. And damn you lost that game…but you won the other (Loud cheers come from everywhere). And believe me when I say I always look at the reviews and appreciate every single one of them. Good luck to your homework/tests/races and all those things you do for school or not and hope to see you soon.

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Welcome to the thirtieth-eight chapter of Second Life. (Rea smacks forehead before helping Bellona to drag Thanatos away. Eris smirks before running after a fleeing Ghost)

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- "WHAT!" – Aria had an urge to cover her ears. Strangely the thought that probably most of the students had heard the shout as well crossed her mind.

– "Half of your mind won" – Said Minotaur. Josh raised an eyebrow looking around at the astonished faces.

– "You believe in temporal lines, sorceresses and magic and can't believe in other worlds?" – He asked incredulously. – "Now I can say I've seen it all"

– "You knew about this?" – Josh looked at Ariadne with a small smirk.

– "I never thought Pete was this dense" – He mock-bowed in his chair, obviously attempting to defuse the situation – "Joshua Gavrie Thomson. I have Russian ancestors and my dad was as nuts as Aria's mom. I did say I knew her since I was a kid."

– "And I think you are just confusing them even more Josh" – Interrupted Ariadne seeing the situation degenerating. Her eyes were turning slowly to a paler green, a sure sign of her distress.

– "Maybe you should explain first how you came to be here Ariadne" – Counselled Edea – "They will understand." – Aria seriously doubted that.

All the faces around her showed shock, confusion, a bit of curiosity…a gloved hand caught her free one. Quistis. A kind smile, caring blue eyes.

– "Tell us your story Aria" – Once more she looked around. Stef winked, that way she had of saying that she would always be there…as she had always been ever since the first day. With the added "you-have-a-lot-to-tell-later-girl" message.

Alex and Lara, different as night and day, both with encouraging expressions on their faces. Sasha and Eliza, the ones that often got in trouble, even without her, but that could always count on her presence when things got bad…and vice-versa. Small grins that warmed her heart.

Christine, her aunt, the one that had taken care of her ever since she had been dumped without warning into that unknown world. A gentle smile, an unspoken encouragement. And then the ones that had been her companions for the last months. Zell seemed oblivious…nothing unexpected there.

Irvine and Selphie most of all appeared curious and Rinoa…her expression was all too emotionless for Aria's tastes. Squall was the last one she looked to. Blue eyes met hers. She flinched slightly when she wasn't able to read them. Anything at all.

– "I…" - Ariadne swallowed deeply before beginning once more, forcing herself not to see what her lies had created. – "I was born eighteen years ago on a planet named Earth. I won't lose much time in how my life was. I had a normal family, went to a normal school…was just a normal kid." – Josh coughed something that sounded too much like "yeah right" to be a coincidence.

– "I had friends, my life organized. But life just loves tricking us every now and then." – The last part carried distinct sarcasm. – "One day we, meaning my friends, Josh and I, went out…just to see the sea for a bit. We stopped at the beach, walking on the sand…" - A bitter smile. – "And then I something caught my eye on a small vendor. An amulet. A blood-red phoenix, a symbol of rebirth, of life."

– "Meva Ysimad" – Whispered Lara – "You found it."

– "Or it found me" – Replied Aria – "Either way we got back into the car we have came in and something hit us. I suppose it was another car but I can't say much about that because I hit my head and lost consciousness." – Another similar smile

– "Don't ever try doing something like that. It bloody hurts. Nevertheless the amulet felt my life force dwindling and brought me towards the only place where I could get help. Josh came also because he was touching me at the time. And the rest you already know." – She paused once more and levelled her gaze to Rinoa.

– "I was the Bearer. And the sorceresses' powers do not exist because I broke the amulet. There will be no more wars, no more pain because of that Hyne-forsaken curse." – It was official. Ariadne hated silence more than anything. And the tense silence was even worse.

– "Aria, the worst has passed" – Soothed Sacred – "Just breathe." – She sent them a mental sigh. It wasn't over. At least from the way Rinoa had stood up.

– "And who gave you the right to choose for me?" – The brown haired girl asked – "I could have helped people with that power. I helped in the war with it. You didn't have the right to do it without telling me. Asking me."

– "Control your temper Ariadne Beckerman" – Aria thought to herself closing her eyes for a moment. Josh's hand crushed hers once more – "It will not be a good idea for you to…screw it" – She stood as well letting go of the hands that were being her support through the entire time.

– "You think so? You really do?" – Aria crossed her arms and emerald eyes narrowed. – "Yes, you could have helped. Edea did. Lots of sorceresses did through the years. Of course, lots of them also caused wars, pain and killed countless people. Do you think they were born like that?" – Josh saw her eyebrow twitch and almost mimicked Zell's earlier action. Aria was in full blown rant mode. And her sarcasm had returned. His mind was currently trying to understand if that was a good thing.

– "There are several sayings on Earth that would be appropriate to this situation" – The girl continued – "They have been said so many times that most forget their meaning. "With great power comes great responsibility" for example. It couldn't be truer. Choices always define our fate. Were you ready for that?" – She gave her no time to answer.

– "But most of all "Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely". Do you know that Ultimecia was a normal girl before she received her powers? Do you know that she began, just as you said you would, helping? Do you know that she begged me to give her a second chance, a life without that burden?" – Aria opened the hands that she had closed unconsciously.

– "I did that choice because that was more than your choice to make. It was Edea's, it was Lyanna's, or Ultimecia's if you prefer, and it was every single sorceress's that existed and had to suffer. I am a Bearer. Lyanna was dead right about that. And my duty was to understand when the sorceresses would not be needed anymore. They were our guardians, our crutches. Then it's high time we stand up on our own. That's all I have to say." – Aria sat once more before frowning

– "I guess that saying that Hyne's is off her rocker would not be good, would it?"

– "Can I say "duh"?"

– "That's it Taur." – She said back with a hint of humour watching absently as Rinoa sat as well – "No more colloquial language for you."

– "Just how did you only get a 3 in diplomacy?" – Inquired Sasha out-of-the-blue snapping her out of her mental conversation.

– "The teacher was an idiot. She spent half of her time insulting the guy" – Stated Lara – "Then again, so was the strategy teacher and we all know how she is with that subject." – Ok, Aria was already on the bottom of the bloody cliff. She did not need anyone stabbing her afterwards.

– "Finished?" – Questioned Stephanie calmly before turning to the others – "I don't know about any of you but I agree with what Aria did. Sorceresses have been the cause for the last wars and are, indeed, the very reason for the Seeds existence. And as much as that power could be of help I believe that it is one less trouble in our minds." – Alexander touched her shoulder in a quiet request to speak.

– "Now that this subject as been addressed and discussed" – He said with a touch of finality – "I believe it is time for us to inform you of our next movements." – Aria rolled her eyes. A sure way of getting Seed's attention was to speak about what the next battle would be.

– "There goes my vacation" – She grumbled mentally.

– "What do you mean?" – Inquired Squall coolly

– "We…" - Eliza covered Sasha's mouth once more

– "No Vinzer, no Ultimecia." – She stated – "We haven't been in Galbadia for over a month so we have no clue of what's happening. Basically we need to go home."

– "I was going to say that" – Complained Sasha as soon as she was freed. Wry looks were sent to her by the Galbadian party – "Ok, with a few more choice words. You guys are too technical." – And they started to banter as if they were in the cafeteria for a simple lunch. Aria wondered briefly why she ever thought they would think her crazy. That would be like the pot calling the kettle back. But a smile crossed Ariadne's lips anyway as she understood the way they had manipulated the conversation to a subject that was not her faked amnesia or her origin.

– "What about you Aria?"

– "By the eight levels of hell" – The girl screamed mentally as she heard her Aunt's question – "What is it today? Maim-Aria day?"

– "That sounded so stupid" – Commented Sacred – "I think you need sleep."

– "I think you need to start thinking. Period" – Completed Minotaur. Even her guardians weren't helping.

Ariadne sighed as shook her head. There wasn't a lot to think about. If she thought anymore about that she would only gain an even larger headache

– "I am a Seed from Galbadia Garden, Aunt Chris" – Aria answered slowly – "And as much as I like Balamb Garden I don't belong here. No, my home needs me for now. I am going too." – A beautiful smile came to her Aunt's face, squeals of joy as Aria was clomped by the four Galbadian girls, laughter coming from somewhere near Josh's vicinity…neither of these actions could tear pale green eyes from dark blue.

Emotionless as they were she knew that she had, once again, screwed up. Big time.

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My POV

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Ok, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be…who am I fooling?

The only thing that went ok was the story part and the fact that I wasn't dilacerated for not saying that I was from another world before. Apparently they understood that if I had said that earlier they would have carted me to the nearest asylum.

But that didn't mean that I wasn't afraid to death.

I thought they would be hurt…they probably were. But forgave me. Without asking for explanations, without guilt trips or demands. They just forgave me. Hyne, if I didn't already had so many reasons to care for them I would definitively owe them until eternity for this single action. The thing is that…

I thought I could have peace now. I thought I could rest a bit, relax…after all, I did have a magical exhaustion. That's not something to take lightly even if I'm alright now.

Of course, I will sooner call Ultimecia for a rebound than to ask for a few more days to rest. The future is now what we make of it and, once more, I have no guidelines. I wonder if this is how Hyne felt. This freedom…well, it's one less burden that's for sure. I already have enough of them on my back.

And now referring to the imminent departure of Galbadia Garden. Josh has told me that he will not go with us. Apparently the Ragnarok can take him pretty quickly to Trabia and, as most of us, I think he can't wait to go back home.

Really understandable. Going to miss that little annoying bastard. That can change if he dares calling me fat again.

And I am not sulking…ok. I am. Mainly because I'm not sure of what I'm going to say to Quis or the others. Or if I am even going to talk to Squall before I leave.

Those are going to be pleasant conversations. Heavy sarcasm on the last phrase please. But I did manage to talk with Edea a bit. She's reopening the orphanage. According to her it will be needed for the next years to house the children whose parents died in this war. Depressing…it's way too correct.

Cid will be staying at Balamb Garden and he will not inflict us with yet another kind headmaster. Yes, that was sarcasm as well. Apparently he likes the council system. And apparently he also agreed with the raise of my rank.

He's also going to face a bit of vengeance next time I come to Balamb. Either that or I'll start sending him the paperwork that's brewing on my desk. Field worker here. Not really interested in bills, food and beasts stocks or money…though the last one is tempting. Sue me.

I really have to leave though. I'm thinking too much and that's never good. Last time I was on this mood I ended up activating the fire-control system on the officers' wing, which flooded all the rooms, out of sheer boredom. Wait a second…nah, they would kill me…Since when has that stopped me from anything?

I better get back to work before I give anyone more reasons to lock me somewhere with a T-Rex.

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3rd Person POV

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- "Can't you put the music louder?" – Asked Minotaur sarcastically. Aria smirked before raising the sound of the small stereo.

At the moment she was on her room in Balamb Garden, loud music pounding on her ears as she gathered some belongings she would need after departing. On her bed was a duffel bag, already half full with clothes, and on her desk were her two katanas resting peacefully.

– "I was joking Aria" – Continued the guardian slowly as if talking to a child – "I can barely listen to my thoughts."

– "Since when have you been able to do that?" – Replied Sacred dryly – "I like the sixth one" – Aria chuckled under her breath as she gave into the unspoken request of the older GF before continuing to gather the paperwork she had brought there.

It wasn't brewing anymore. It was multiplying, contaminating…she only knew that soon enough she would not be able to see her own desk.

– "Lovely" – Aria drawled, tone of voice dripping with sarcasm – "I couldn't really live without knowing…" - Her eyes narrowed. – "Oh no! I'm so not…oh I'm going to fucking kill them! That's it. They're dead."

– "Who should I be warning right now?" – Aria should have been alarmed by the unexpected voice but strangely enough the situation was already familiar.

– "No one" – She answered glaring at the paper before raising dark sea green eyes to her visitor – "Cause if you do, you can bet that, Commander or not, you'll be in deep shit as well." – Squall was calmly looking at her, arms crossed, leaning against a wall. Her threat seemed to have passed right beside him.

– "You know" – Aria continued conversationally as she lowered the music slightly – "You have a real issue with knocking." – He didn't even bat an eyelash. That only increased Ariadne's sense of dread.

A really pissed-off Squall she could handle easily enough. It took barely thirty seconds for him to raise her temper and to the shouting match begin. Now a really calm Squall just staring at her was not good. Aria stopped dividing the pile of papers and raised an eyebrow.

– "You're beginning to worry me Squall. You ok?" – He sighed. He actually sighed. Then blue eyes were once more analysing her.

– "Do you remember what I told you after that concert in FH?" – Squall asked. Ariadne gave him a wry smile.

– "Which part of it?" – She sent back. That day would be one she would not forget easily.

– "The wrong ones" – Aria raised an eyebrow as she finally got what he was saying. The one comment she hadn't really understood at all.

– "I always seem to say the wrong thing" – He continued emotionlessly – "We always end up screaming at each other. Angered." – Ariadne's expression relaxed slightly and any trace of sarcasm or dryness left her features.

– "I guess so" – She turned the music off and sat on the desk not stopping herself from glaring briefly at the paperwork as she did so – "I promise I won't bite your head off if you won't" – And as soon as the word left her mouth Aria wished she could bang her head on a wall.

– "Dry jokes when he's trying to speak calmly with you, you idiot?" – She thought angrily – "Great job" – There was no answer in her mind. She frowned faintly as she felt that her guardians were sleeping. – "Weird"

– Why? – The proverbial bucket of cold water was dumped on her mind.

– "Right word." – Ariadne said simply – "Really not specific. I'm sure you want to know several things." – Another piercing look.

– "You didn't tell us everything, did you?" – Squall's tone, strangely, wasn't demanding. Aria smiled as she pulled one knee to her chest.

– "You saw the reaction to my origin" – She stated – "What would you think the reaction would be if I told them that I saw Hyne face-to-face and even spoke to her? Imagine if I had told them that she's got a few brain circuits fried." – His frustrated expression told her clearly that he understood well why she had omitted that part of her story.

– "She spoke about a choice" - Her smile vanished as if it had never been there. – "What choice? – Squall continued though not coldly – "What happened before you came for me?" – The Galbadian had to hand it to him. He really knew how to make all the right questions for all the hard answers. Soft pale green began creeping into sea green.

– "Which world I wished to live in" – Aria jumped from the desk and approached her bag taking a small envelope from the inside. – "Here" – She extended it to him and went back to packing not meeting his eyes as she did so.

Squall opened it slowly…pictures. Dozens of pictures of people he didn't know but she obviously did. The first one featured a tall, brown haired, dark green eyed man. He was holding a small girl with similar features with one arm while the other was around a black haired woman. Her light brown eyes shone with the same joy that could be seen in any of the others.

– "That's my brother" – Informed the girl absently as she pulled some clothes of the closet – "He's older than me. Four years. Very over-protective but a really great guy. You would like him." – A pause as she began pilling the clothes neatly.

– "The woman is Anne. She was one of my best friends before I came here. I never they would ever get married though I knew she had a crush on him. One of those odd and very weird twists of life" – She continued with a wry grin – "And the little kid is my niece, Medea. Cute, isn't she?" – Aria paused as she gathered the pile before placing it on the bag. She still hadn't looked at him.

– "There are some pictures there of my parents and friends too. They're my memories, you know?" – She then stopped and sea green eyes seemed as piercing as his had been earlier – "They are my family and Hyne knows I love all of them. But I didn't belong anymore. They moved on. I moved on. I had no more place there." – A small humourless laugh left her as she shook her head.

– "I am a mercenary. A Seed. A warrior. What future would I have there…? Even with my blood family beside me…I know…I know I would resent my choice after a while. Besides…" - This time she smiled truly, the amused smile he was well familiarized with. – "I had too much to leave behind." – Squall didn't really know what to answer, what to say. She had said more than what he had ever expected, showed more…

- "Why are you leaving then?" – The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them, the tone nearly demanding. A small eyebrow rose slowly…

- "I am a Galbadian Seed Squall" – She said with an are-you-that-dense tone – "And a lieutenant apparently. They need me right now and I can't abandon them. It's not like I'm going away and you guys will never see me again. I'll be back soon enough" – A glare was thrown to the paper pile before it was unceremoniously dumped in the bag, as well as the pictures and the CD player Josh had given her, and hidden from view with a sharp movement of the zip.

– "If I don't die buried in reports before that is." – Ariadne grabbed the bag and then looked at him intently.

The dark brown hair falling gently over his blue eyes was beginning to need a trim or it would hinder his vision in battle. The pale skin, contrasting deeply with the blood-red scar, showed that he had passed through just as much or even more than she had. But he was still the same as always. Strength, control…the perfect warrior. And then the stupidest idea crossed her mind.

– "I said no regrets" – She placed the bag on the floor still looking at him – "No regrets – He was still wearing the same style of clothes she had always seen him wear.

Black pants, white shirt, black coat and the huge gunblade that she was sure she would never be able to rise single-handedly.

– "Aria…?" – A small frown had crossed his expression. One that she had already seen hundreds of times.

– "Do or do not. There is no try" – Aria frowned lightly – "Hope you're right Yoda or I'm so going after whatever dimension you're in" – Her thoughts were broken when a hand rested on her shoulder drawing her attention back to man in front of her.

– "I have always believed that choices define our fate." – She murmured, sea green eyes watching his intently – "I have always prided myself in doing my own choices" – Her hand touched his face, lining his traces gently. Squall didn't pull away. He just looked at her.

– "I chose to fight Ultimecia. But in the middle of the battle, in the middle of all the pain and fear…I realized I still had things to do…I wanted to live so much" – She shivered when a gloved hand touched her bare wrist.

– "You lived" – He said calmly – "We all did. We did our duty and came back alive. That is what's important now, isn't it?" – Too close. He was too close.

– "Maybe yes…but I don't want to regret anything else in my life" – And before Aria even realized what she was doing her hand had migrated to his hair and pulled his head slightly to hers.

– "He's going to kill me…"- Whispered her mind as she placed her lips against his – "No regrets" – Everything in him stilled, muscles tensed as if he was in battle.

Ariadne winced mentally with her stupidity, a soft sigh leaving her lips as she began to pull back to apologize. What she did not expect was the hand on her wrist letting go only to embrace her waist and pull her against him sharply. Or the way his lips crashed against hers, coaching her to respond, to open beneath his touch.

– "This is a dream, wake up Aria. This is only a dream…fuck it, is one hell of a good one" – Her free hand winded behind his neck as if attempting to gather even more contact, as if to convince herself that that was real...Any coherent thought was abandoned soon after that.

She could only feel the warmth of his body, his hold so strong as if he was afraid she would pull back and his lips on hers. Aria didn't know how long they stayed like that but, too soon for her liking, she had to let go in favour of a little annoying thing called oxygen. Dark blue eyes met hers. Really dark. She did the math.

– "Can I plead temporary insanity?" – Of all the stupid comments she could have made at that time. It seemed that her brain had been reduced to mush.

– "No, you cannot Aria" – His tone was husky, rougher than his usual cool tone. Only then she noticed that he still hadn't let her go.

– "No regrets" – She murmured, a slight smile touching her features.

– "No regrets" – Squall repeated pulling her towards him. The twilight-zone feeling took her for a moment before he kissed her again with a passion she would never have expected from him

– "No regrets?" – Yelled her mind – "Just why didn't I do this sooner?" – And she lost herself in him once more until…

- "Aria!" – Someone knocked at the door. A certain future-dead someone.

– "Aria! Are you there?" – The two separated, Aria placing her forehead against his.

– "I am going to kill Josh" – She muttered. – "As slowly and painfully as possible" - Squall seemed almost annoyed as blue eyes appeared to be trying to burn a hole through the door.

– Aria! – Continued the Trabian – "Come on! I know you're in there! You're not training or in the cafeteria and nobody saw you" – Ariadne glared at the door as if she could see her friend on the other side.

– "And just what that is supposed to mean you moron?"

– "That you're in there of course" – Came the obvious answer – "Now are you bloody opening or not?"

– "Not" – Aria sent back sharply – "I'm dripping wet, not dressed and if you dare open that fucking door there'll be hell to pay" – There was a pause as the threat appeared to process.

– "Then I'll just return to bug you later" – Another pause – "Oh and if you see Squall tell him that Cid needs him in his office in about an hour for some really boring thing I forgot the name of. Stop glaring at the door. It doesn't scare me or it. See ya later" – Aria turned her eyes back to Squall.

– "Cid needs you in an hour in his office" – She informed dryly – "And one day I'll understand why I consider that idiot my best friend"

– "He knows you too well" – Squall said calmly. If his hand didn't stop the gentle circles on the small of her back the rest of her would follow her brain's example soon enough.

– "That's cool" – Aria stated – "As long as you don't believe everything he tells you about me. Half of it was not my fault. Honest." – Whatever amusement Ariadne had taken from that small comment faded. She had crossed the invisible line she had dreaded to come close to. The choice was his now.

– "What's going to happen?" – Her tone was low but, close as he was, he heard every word.

– "You will not stay" – Aria shook her head silently even if it wasn't really a question. That was no time to one of her comebacks and she knew it well enough.

A barely audible sigh left her lips before she buried her face against his chest. Slowly, almost painfully slowly his arms encircled her once more

- "Why am I leaving again?" – Stupid question. Really apt at the moment.

Answer was pointedly ignored.

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Finally some in-the-face romance comes in. I hope I didn't get it too unreal. That's why I really request some feedback to this chapter. Errors and mistakes and please warn me, suggestions and ideas are always welcome.

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Next chapter: Revenges, some conversations and bottles of beer…

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See ya all next week

Reyavie