I'll be damned…I actually managed to update on the correct day. I'm so proud of myself. Hey everyone! It seems that for once I actually worked hard. As in all week working overtime to get a stupid project done. That didn't help at all (points at half destroyed room). Someone tried to steal my freshly bought and hard won coffee. I wasn't happy. (Thanatos (passing by): Understatement) Nobody asked you (throws random book). Today to help me with the disclaimer I have invited my sis, Auron's fan! (loud cheers and clapping echoes):

Reyavie: Heya sis. Wanna help me with something?

Auron's fan: Sure...but what?

Reyavie: Just the disclaimer for my chappie

Auron's fan: Sure... but what do you want me to do?

Reyavie: Just say that I don't own anything at all. I need a testimony to deal with lawyers

Auron's fan: Sis doesn't own anything. Except this certified Squall skin. Which I have skinned off squall! (grins)

Reyavie: Oh joy (holds skin)

Auron's fan: ...(grins)

Reyavie: This is creepy stuff

Auron's fan: lol (nods)

Reyavie: So please say bye to everyone now so I can copy and paste this thing

Auron's fan: Bye everyone! And buy a certified Bishie skin today. Cause don't you want YOUR bishie to keep you warm at night? (only on ebay)

Reyavie: raises eyebrow You aren't all going to e-bay now, are you?

(Bellona back away from computer and whistles)

RAC:

hibeki – Alright! You came back! Hey again (waves cheerfully). I'm very glad you liked the last chapter. And Aria's comments. Let's just say that those aren't going to end anytime soon. I'll read that story as soon as I can as really haven't had much lately. But I will (holds hand up). Hope you like this.

Fae Black – No, indeed your name is not People. Though I am happy you included yourself in the people group and reviewed. OMG! You think it wasn't cheesy? YES! (cheers extremely loudly and breaks random windows). Opps…ok, I'm really happy you think so. One of my worries with this story is falling on that part, as in changing their personalities that they turn horrible. That and I hate dresses too. (Ghost floats by wearing a frilly pink creation that should have been forbidden) I don't wanna know.

And yeah, "those words". We all have something we wished to have done differently but we can't hang on to it forever. Living on is the best thing to do. Not thinking what we would have changed if could go back. (

Thanatos: Was that something wise!

Rea: Nope. It was a figment of your imagination

Thanatos: (passes out from horror)).

Anyways I do try to write long chapters but sometimes work is too much for me. But I'll do my best to keep writing them and to keep this interesting. Read on now.

Da KeR MysTeRr – You're here again! Heya Ker! (

Squall: Not AGAIN!

Rea: Where the hell did you came from?

Squall:………you didn't send me back

Rea: Oh right! (smirks)).

I must applaud the fact that you have reached the 25th chapter…so I'm going to (clapps loudly and kicks Squall to do the same.). No, I won't blackmail you, think that frolicking through dandelions is way too creepy. I HAVE NO CLUE OF WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE CAPS…THOUGH THAT MIGHT BE BECAUSE I HAVE THE CAPS LOCK ON… (

Squall: Noooooooo, really?

Rea: Shut up you annoying fictional character or I'll make your life hell

Squall: My life is already hell

Rea: I can make it worse…a lot worse

Thanatos: Believe me. She can. (passes out yet again))

See what I have to deal with? (

Squall: YOU!)

Yes! I'm really, really happy you are enjoying reading this even though you are getting your eyes tired from staring too long. Well, I could try to make shorter chapter…nope, not really (grins). Sooooooooo, keep reading then and I hope you like the rest.

P.S – The best way to kill Adel is to get Cactuar then use the Kamikase ability after taking a bit of energy. You kill one of yours but who cares? (

Squall: (glares)

Rea: Well, I don't (shrugs))

Serene Angel Wing – Sen! You're back too! You're really back (cheers loudly making Squall cover ears) Ignore him. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY! I wish you lots and lots and lots more and hopefully a lot better than this one.

No need to worry about reviewing after. Now worrying about taking that puffer everywhere would be best. Asthma attacks are the worst (I don't have it but my oldest male cousin has) and hospital is no fun either. I hope you're better though and have received loads of gifts.

Damn parents. They could have allowed you to actually enjoy something in the few days at home. Story wise, I liked to write that part. I'm glad you liked it. Toying with the characters and messing according with their personalities can be fun

(Squall: To you maybe…

Rea: It is

Squall: (glares yet again)).

Your friends are totally crazy. They sound way too cool. You're lucky (grins). I have some like that too. And what would without them (and morphine?). Asylum don't have vacancies. Say you didn't do it. Quick! (

Squall: As if

Rea: Shut up you (smacks Squall's head)).

Anyways YAY! You still like this! Well, I still love your reviews and chocolate…what to send…(hands over lots of gummy snakes). If you can't eat them now save them for later. See ya soon then and yeah, you do that every week. I don't care much as (points at Dragon and dress-wearing Ghost) That's so disturbing…well, go on now.

Welcome to the fortieth-second chapter of Second Life that will be dedicated to Sen (see above) because it was her birthday last week. So (cheers loudly while whole crew from SL's RAC applauds as well).

The tension was so thick that a person could almost hit it if they walked between the two opposing men. Neither moved, despite the actions of companions on both sides, while they trying to stare the other down.

A silent battle.

Something that was grating every nerve in Ariadne's body and destroying the tiny remain of patience that had survived the day. But it seemed that as long as they continued to stare none of the two would actually notice the extremely annoyed girl.

– "Finished?" – Aria asked crossing her arms. Both of them looked at her at the exact same time.

– "Even their actions are the same" – She grumbled mentally – "Idiots." – Emerald eyes turned from one to the other daring them silently to speak.

– "Hey Aria" – Greeted Rinoa. – "We were just…"

- "About to see these two kill each other?" – Completed the Galbadian dryly.

– "EXACTLY" – Confirmed Fujin – "IDIOTS." – Ariadne was liking the silver haired woman more each time she saw her.

– "Happening for five minutes, ya know?" – Informed Raijin.

– "I can believe that" – It seemed impossible but Aria's tone had become even drier – "Well? Going to disperse anytime soon?" – Squall and Seifer finally stopped staring, or glaring, it depended on one's point of view, at her before doing the same to each other again. The blond began to open his mouth…

- "No, you don't" – Ariadne stepped between the both of them, the most visible sign of her control being the fact that she still hadn't hit anyone – "I'm getting sick and tired of your attitudes and I'm sure no one here wants to die of Testosterone poisoning" – She hissed – "Now I really don't care if you two can't see each other face-to-face. You're acting like a couple of spoiled brats." – Some chuckles came from behind her. It seemed someone was enjoying the show.

– "You are on the same side now" – Aria stated not even bothering to acknowledge Seifer's "Yeah right". Fujin did it for her as she smacked the blonde's head. – "If you really can't pass those bloody childish grudges then go to opposites sides of the room for all I care" – The Galbadian continued.

– "But I won't let you destroy either the party we have worked our asses to prepare or the good time everyone, or almost everyone" – She corrected with a glare – "Is having. Got it?" – Aria could have sworn Squall's lips had twitched faintly…

- "No." – She thought angrily – "Wrong reaction you idiot" – A brown eyebrow rose slowly as she looked at them – "Did I stutter somewhere?"

– "Just why does she think that she's not cut out to be a lieutenant?" – Interrupted Alex's voice unexpectedly.

– "Because I suck at having to talk things over" – Came her prompt answer – "I prefer beat them to the ground. And just from where did you come from?" – Alexander gave her a suffering glance.

– "From the same place where you left us" – He answered slowly as if the answer was obvious – "Almasy, Stef needs to talk to you."

– "About what?" – It seemed that, without the possibility of letting go of his temper on Squall, he had decided to let it go on everyone else

– "How the hell would he know?" – Replied Aria – "Unless he became a telepath without our knowledge which would be able to explain a lot of things" – The last part was added with a mocking thoughtful look to her friend. Seifer must have realized then that the conversation was turning down the very weird path it always seemed to follow wherever the group from Galbadia was together.

– "Sure. I'll go look for her." – Seifer finally turned away from Squall and most breathed in relief.

A catastrophe had just been averted…at least for half an hour. Fujin patted Ariadne's shoulder as she passed, a muttered "thank you" that the Galbadian would never have expected. The fact that she had muttered not the gratitude. Raijin left as well but in the vague direction of the buffet.

– "Stephanie has not called him, has she?" – Squall's voice was the same calm and serious tone as ever.

– "She disappeared twenty minutes ago with Josh" – Alex answered calmly – "Unless Almasy does his search in broom closets I doubt he will find her."

– "And you really could keep the details out of your statements Alex" – Suggested Ariadne dryly – "One thing I really don't need to know is how my best friends spend their time together. I thought you had learned that when you started dating Lara."

– "The famous "Next time warn me so I won't stumble across this. Now excuse me I will go somewhere to erase this image from my mind."?" – He asked with a hint of amusement. Aria punched his shoulder.

– "Next time find somewhere else to make out that's not my homeroom you moron. And the…" – Alex covered her mouth apparently to stop whatever thing she was about to say. Aria rolled her eyes before shrugging and then…Squall raised an eyebrow slightly.

- Shit Aria! – Cursed her friend cradling his injured hand with a grimace.

– "Never try to censure me" – Chided the sea green eyed girl, a smirk on her lips – "In the end you're the one that gets hurt. Thanks for the help nevertheless" – She added as an afterthought. Alex rolled his eyes.

– "Dear Hyne" – He muttered shaking his head – "First she attacks me and then she thanks me for the help. To think that…Aria?" – The girl had frozen with a sudden thought – "Aria what's wrong?" – Alexander touched her shoulder gently as Squall frowned and Rinoa gave both Galbadians an inquiring glance

- "Alex?" – Whispered Aria breaking away from her stupor – "Just where is Sasha?" – Her friend froze, dark grey eyes showing the information was assimilating in his mind, and then…

- "Hyne!" – Aria winced.

– "Indeed. Damage management will be needed. You or I?" – She questioned – "'Cause I think that one is enough for tonight."

– "She must still be with Lara" – Alex said sternly with an undertone of she-better-be noticeable – "I'll take care of this one. I will see you all later. – Ariadne sighed when she watched him walk away. It seemed that both of them had been recruited as babysitters for the night.

– "Will you explain what has just happened?" – She turned sea green eyes to Squall and gave him a tired smile.

– "A way to keep this place standing apparently" – Was her answer – "Now I just have to find a way to keep Eliza away from anything alcoholic and maybe there will be no more tragedies."

– "Why?" – Asked Rinoa curiously. A slow smile crossed Ariadne's features. – "Let's just say the results are interesting" – The way she said that sentence showed there was a very fascinating story behind that particular sentence.

– "Let's join the others then?" – A hand rested on her arm stopping her from leaving.

– "Rinoa can you join the others?" – Requested Squall coolly – "I need to have a word with Aria"

– "Shit! Shit! Shit!" – Thought the Galbadian as she watched the other girl give her something too akin to a glare – "What in the seven levels of hell is he doing?" – The hand did not leave her arm even when she tried to release it. Ariadne just knew this was going to bring her problems.

– "Sure" – Anymore sugar in Rinoa's voice and Aria would have to question Squall's sanity…either that or his awareness – "I'll see you later then" – And from that small statement Ariadne could tell quite clearly that she definitively wasn't the one Rinoa wanted to see.

– "You are so going to get me killed one of these days" – She muttered to him as the other girl left. – "What's wrong?" – Squall didn't speak as he led her away from the brunt of the students where they had been standing.

– "I ask the same" – Was his comment – "You are leaving tomorrow having barely recovered. I didn't expect you to be here."

– "You can thank Selphie for that" – Ariadne grumbled when they reached one of the corners of the large cafeteria.

– "Or maybe yourself. Paperwork my ass you cunning bastard." – She rolled her eyes when she saw the slightest smirk on his lips – "And stop that" – Aria said rolling her eyes – "I swear that even people in Esthar must picking up your smugness right now." – The smirk turned into a small frown as he touched her face, dark blue eyes as always hard to read.

The way he was looking at her reminded her of the night before they had battled Ultimecia. Then his eyes turned downwards for a moment

– "Selphie?" – Ariadne groaned as she nodded.

– "I hate infirmaries but this is simply a price too high to pay" – She prayed that he was not smirking again because, if he was, then she would have to hurt him

– "It suits you" – Or maybe not. Short and to the point. Better than Josh's comment at any rate. Or Taur's. For a moment she had thought she would only get a "not that bad" from him.

– "And just who caught you?" – A dark blue shirt fitted him loosely combining quite well with the black pants. She found it odd to see him without the jacket, gloves or belt he always wore.

– "The headmaster ordered it – And apparently he didn't like it much either. Aria would have to find out exactly how Selphie had managed to convince the older man to do that.

– "So what was happening back there?" – Ariadne asked before her brain followed a very inconvenient train of thought. – "I thought you had passed the kill-him phase" – His ungloved hand dropped as he passed it through his hair.

Aria had the urge to grab a chair and sit down, feeling one of her rounds against his unwillingness to speak about to begin. She didn't want to pry. She had done the questions but would not force him to answer. Hyne knew she had hidden enough things during years to hurt him like she had. Quistis had not done that to her…even though her sister knew she had been hiding something.

– "Quis only didn't expect all I was hiding" – The Galbadian thought with a pang of regret. – "She trusted in me…they all did and I…" - Ariadne pulled those feelings out of the way. They had forgiven her and in time she would deserve that forgiveness.

– "I can't stand him" – Squall's voice was so calm that it seemed almost comical considering what he was saying – "He can't stand me."

– "So you try to kill yourselves every time you see each other?" – She raised an eyebrow, an amused smile crossing her lips – "Smart way of discussing something."

– "Beating subjects to the ground would work best? – Aria could barely believe he was almost bickering with her. But she had had an older brother. If that didn't give her experience then she didn't know what would

– "It works better glaring at them and hoping they will kneel over and die Commander" – And then the absurdity of the discussion finally hit her and she laughed.

– "Hyne we sound like bloody four years old" – Ariadne managed to choke between her laughter. – "And they put us in charge?" – His hand grabbed her chin gently and she stopped laughing.

– "You will do fine Aria" – The certainty in his voice made all the amusement vanish. Apparently that was a pretty touchy subject for her as everyone seemed to notice her insecurity with her position.

– "As long as I don't get anyone killed" – She said dryly – "Somehow I pity you for what you had to go through with my stunts." – Squall gave her a faintly disbelieving only-now? look.

– "I said somehow Commander" – Aria continued sternly – "They were still my choices so do me a favour and give your guilt complex a rest" – He didn't comment once more. But she had found out some time before she really didn't need for him to speak sometimes. It was in his stance. If Aria worried too much with the consequences of her actions what she called his "guilt complex" would be his undoing.

– "Note to self" – The girl reflected quickly – "Get Matron to hit or scold him every bloody time he starts brooding. I think that will be a full time job" – She was snapped out of her thoughts as two arms joined around her waist pulling her to him. The rest of them melted into what she could only name as a heap of pulp. Aria wasn't quite sure why that he had done so but her brain seemed quite uncooperative at the moment.

– "Another note to self" – Her mental voice said wryly – "Try to develop defence against particular action." – A chuckle almost escaped Aria's lips.

– "We should go" – She stated after a while – "Everyone must already be waiting for us."

- I doubt it - Ariadne was really tempted to disagree. They were in the middle of the party and knowing Sasha and Alex they wouldn't allow her to escape while they had to endure it.

Sasha's ideal party was pretty much like hers and Alex's...everything that didn't involve dancing. Aria could still remember the last time he and herself had tried. The result had been interesting to say the least. They had broken a statue, knocked over one of the waiters and almost trampled another couple. They had been then classified as a complete disaster. But her mind only whispered "leaving".

– "What are you planning?" – Ariadne should have already been waiting for that question but somehow she wanted to pretend Squall wouldn't remember it.

– "I can't tell you" – His frame tensed in seconds as he let her go slowly.

– "Why?" – She raised her face to see his. Dark blue eyes carried a hint of irritation and concern.

– "You wouldn't like it" – Aria answered bluntly. Squall frowned, a sure sign that he had already grasped what she meant

– "You won't change your mind" – She had an urge to answer "duh". Minotaur was infecting her.

– "I can stop you" – The commander said sternly

– "You can certainly try" – Aria replied eyes narrowing dangerously – "Don't even think that I'll allow you to intervene in this. My playground, my rules, my choice."

– "Damnit Aria" – Squall said harshly – "You just got back from a mission and spent three weeks unconscious on an infirmary bed. Are you so eager to get yourself killed?"

– "Don't you fucking dare saying that Leonhart" – It seemed that they had gone backwards in time, tempers clashing – "What do you want me to do? Leave my people in the hands of lunatics? Or maybe just let my friends face it without my help?"

– "No" – His eyes flashed in anger as he looked at her – "I want you to think that maybe you aren't needed this time. That they can go through this without you" – Emerald burned in hers as she was about to answer scathingly but just then…

– "There you are" – Two glaring pairs of eyes turned to an oblivious Selphie. She didn't seem the least affected as she stood with her arms crossed and serious features

– "Finally I found you two" – Selphie said chidingly – "I thought you had disappeared on us. Now come on. The dancing is about to begin" – Ariadne breathed deeply not to snap at the girl. The Trabian had nothing to do with the argument and besides she had stopped the subject from deteriorating even more.

– "I don't feel like it Selph" – She stated trying to keep the acid undertone out of her voice.

– "Well, I really don't care. You promised. Now come." – The little girl grabbed her arm and tugged – "Don't you run away Squall or I'll sick Zell on you" – Squall looked at them briefly, expression as emotionless as cold stone.

– "Whatever" – Selphie grinned at the expected answer before pulling the Galbadian with her. As soon as they left the Commander behind the grin faded as if it had never been there

– "He can be a real idiot sometimes" – Aria gave her a confused glance – "I'm not blind Aria" – Stated Selphie still guiding her. Green eyes, similar to her brother's, were understanding – "He doesn't mean to be a jackass."

– "He just can't help it?" – Completed Ariadne sarcastically.

– "It isn't that" – Selphie shook her head slightly showing a wisdom that normally was hidden beneath the happy-go-lucky girl façade. – "He's worried and…just doesn't know how to show it. He doesn't mean it." – The Galbadian didn't speak but Selphie could see her frail excuse had not calmed her. She could see it in the dark emerald eyes and edgy posture.

– "He may not mean it" – Aria finally said with a sigh – "But the words are always spoken. How am I supposed to know which have meaning and which have not?" – Now it was Selphie who failed in having the answer. She simply squeezed the girl's arm before leading her to the others.

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Ariadne forced a smile as Joshua sat beside her on the table placing an arm around her shoulders once more. For someone that had claimed to not want to take Lugh's place he was doing a really good job as such. He didn't try to pry anything from her. Josh had been already there when Selphie had brought her and one look at her expression apparently had told him that she was not up to the usual jokes and comments. He respected that.

– "I'm okay" – Aria stated calmly – "Sure" – His tone denounced that he would believe more if she had told him that she was actually Ultimecia in disguise.

– "You're just depressed because someone killed your cat right?" – Josh asked wryly.

– "I never had a cat in my life" – She replied with a small smirk – "And I'm the one that normally does the beast killing" – Her amusement vanished quickly – "And not depressed just…" - She shook her head – "I just don't have my mind in here right now."

– "When did you ever have it?" – Josh frowned deeply when the only answer he got was another shadow of a smile. Aria wasn't really there. Not really.

– "You should be with Stef now" – Commented the girl absently – "With you going to Trabia and Galbadia Garden back home I'm sure you're going to miss her" – She cocked her head slightly to the side when she saw his confused look – "Broom closet" – Aria said even more calmly. Josh winced

– "You'll be good for her" – She continued resting her arms on her knees as she watched the dancing pairs – "Just don't hurt her or I'll be forced to break your kneecaps, beat with you to unconsciousness with a bat before making you an eunuch. Or just rant at you…whatever I feel like to do at the moment."

– "And what a nice mental image" – Joshua answered dryly – "Thank you so very much for that. And should I be doing that particular treatment to bloody idiot that got you into that mood?" – Sea green eyes turned to him slowly, hints of emerald and pale green mixing in non comforting way

– "I'll deal with this Josh" – Her voice carried certainty but also a slight pleading – "Don't interfere." – His arm tightened even as he cursed her stubbornness with all the strength he could.

Ariadne had been independent before, while they had lived on Earth. Living with an overprotective, and sometimes overbearing brother as Lugh, made her try to free herself as much as she could. Josh couldn't remember a time where she had turned to anyone for help besides the small things in life. Big decisions and choices were hers to make and Aria didn't allow anyone to tell her what to do.

But after coming to Gaea it seemed to have worsened. She followed others when others' lives were at stake without thinking twice…but in relation to her own…it was an entirely different matter.

– "Ok, getting annoyed here" – Josh finally complained. Ariadne raised an eyebrow as if asking what the hell did he mean – "You are thinking too much, brooding too much." – His arm let go as he rose from the table – "That's never good. So you are going to snap out of this right now." – Josh gave her his heart-melting grin while extending his arm

– "Dance with me?" – As much as Aria tried to stop it, a small smile curved her lips

– "Do you want me to kill everyone on the dance floor?" – She asked back

– "If it gets you out of that mood go for it" – Joshua still held his hand in front of her – "Are you going to let anyone bring you down Aria?" – She rolled her eyes but took the hand anyways. Josh grinned widely before the two of them proceeded to scare most of the dancing pairs to a state of near death.

Her laughter was his reward.

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– "I still say I won"

– "You lost by two"

– "I so did not"

– "Yeah, you did. How the hell am I going to train tomorrow? My toes swelled."

– "Well, it's not like you're a lightweight either"

– "I'm wearing bloody sandals not boots. And what have I told you about commenting my weight you moron?"

– "Don't?"

– "And you still can't understand one word?"

Quistis looked from Ariadne to Joshua trying to make some sense of the completely strange conversation. It seemed a lost cause. Eliza had already been defeated and was laughing as both friends continued what appeared to be an insulting game.

– "Did you just call me Barbie?" – Aria's tone was disbelieving

– "You called me childish." – Josh sent back with a raised eyebrow – "I was just giving you a reason to do so."

– "That makes no sense at all Josh" – Informed Aria as dryly as possible

– "What is a Barbie?" – Interrupted Lara that was just coming back from the dance floor as well. Ariadne smiled smugly, arms crossed

– "Now you explain it smartass"

– "Do you really want me to?" – He sent back with a mischievous smile. – "Well it's the prototype of every man's dreams." – Aria's eyes widened as she remembered those words – "Tall, good looking, big boo…Shit!" – Josh almost jumped as the girl stepped on his foot.

– "You lost by one" – Ariadne informed mockingly – "It's a doll Lara and you…" - She smacked his head – "Keep yours and Phil's theories to yourself you bloody pervert."

– "You two" – Began Alexander calmly – "Have some serious mental issues."

– He only noticed that now? – Aria smacked him again before rolling her eyes.

A part of her mind knew very well what Josh was doing. Taking her mind of things. Hence the severe degree of insanity. The other resolved itself to go with the flow and allow it. With that in mind she sat next to Quistis, wincing as her feet reminded her of just how bad Josh danced.

- "Ballroom dances" – She thought with yet another flinch – "When is Gaea going to enter the twenty first century?"

– "You can do many things right Aria" – Commented Quistis amusedly – "Dancing is not one them." – The Galbadian was too tired and pained to even think of a comeback so she limited herself to glare at her sister.

– "Why didn't I read the tiny letters in my contract? I'm sure the main topics did not include sadistic comrades." – Aria smiled a bit as she saw Sasha dancing.

Her friend was just as graceful in that activity as in the battlefield, gliding across the floor as if she had been born to do it. Even if she didn't particularly like the activity. Of all the group of Galbadia Sasha had been the only one to choose to become a Seed without any exterior influence.

Aria had never pressed her as to why but, from what she knew of Sasha's mother, it had not been a single day sooner. Hyne, the woman was the most proper, well-behaved…annoying, completely stuck to a past where women were no more than housewives and the most arrogant woman she had ever met. The wince that crossed her after that had nothing to do with her feet.

Ariadne could still remember the blood that had filled her mouth as her teeth had sunk into her lip, struggling during an hour not to say something unpleasant to the older woman. She hadn't noticed. Sasha had. It had taken Aria yet another hour to convince her she had nothing to apologize for.

The Galbadian shook her head slightly as she noticed her thoughts wandering farther and farther away. Edea had been right. Josh had been right. She had been thinking way too much in the last times. Maybe it was the sudden freedom she had received that had forced her to rethink her path…maybe.

Aria was more inclined to believe that she didn't want to think about other subjects.

– "Hyne damnit." – She cursed mentally – "Josh is right. I am sulking. And for what?" – The Galbadian turned her gaze from the really fascinating floor she had been staring at for the last minutes to meet the others.

– "Maybe I can run for it" – Selphie choose that exact moment to give her a don't-even-think-about-it glare before grinning and waving cheerfully

– "Maybe not. Is she bloody telepathic?" – Ariadne gave her a dry look as an answer

– "You should try to take this chance to relax" – Quistis's voice counselled gently.

– "I'm being threatened by a girl almost half my size" – Muttered Aria with a faint scowl – "Why don't you try to relax?" – She was not pouting. She was…damn.

– "You seemed well enough on the dance floor" – Continued the instructor – "Well, relatively I mean. Your dancing skills need improvement"

– "Understatement" – Chimed in Eliza. – "And lover boy there can't say much either."

– "Hey!" – Complained Josh halting his conversation, if one could call it that, with Stef – "Am I wearing a sign on my back saying "Target" today?"

– "Not today. Always." – Answered Aria without missing a beat – "But we no longer need it." – She bowed quickly as a paper goblet passed by her head

– "I hate you" – Deadpanned Josh.

A slight smirk appeared on Aria's face followed by the slightest frown as the tones of a somewhat familiar music filled the room. A faint press of her lips, a swift twinge of her eyebrow and Josh knew that something was way off. He followed her line of sight and had an urge to go find his sword.

– "No one can be this stupid" – The Trabian thought as if trying to convince himself. He looked once more – "Apparently he can." – Josh's dark eyes gained a dangerous glint as he watched the dancing pair.

– "Fuck your bloody independence Aria" – Even his mental voice was cold as ice – "There's no way in hell I'm going to watch this from the sidelines." - His eyes narrowed into slits, hands twitching very faintly as if struggling to find the weapon he didn't carry.

– "Sorry Lugh but this call is mine."

YAY! Done for this week. Now I ask for everyone that reads this to please review as feedback is always welcome and besides giving me will to write it often gives me ideas and such. So suggestions, critics, randomness, warning of mistakes and so on and so forth and please let me know. REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEVIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWW! (Review!)

Next chapter: Oh oh…Josh is mad…and someone gets a small clue

See ya next week everyone

Reyavie