Chapter Five: Prime Factors

July 11th – Friday 4:49 p.m.

"I can't believe you feel that way! This really says something about the state of our relationship. Irvy, I thought we were meant to be together! This is just going to make me reconsider my entire look of our relationship…my entire outlook on life!" Selphie huffed, eyeing her boyfriend with an 'if-looks-could-kill' gaze.

The current debate had been sparked with passion and the utmost fervor. It was a topic that weighed heavily in the train car. The rhythmic sounds of the rails sounded like a background metronome, only intensifying Selphie's belief in the absolute truth - she was right.

"You are… you are just so wrong, Irvine," she repeated firmly, crossing her arms tauntingly in front of her chest. He would learn to see the error of his ways, or she would forcefully make him see them.

Either way, he would be wrong.

However, the cowboy held his ground in this verbal noonday challenge. "No, Selph, I don't think I'm wrong on this count."

"You're so wrong. Actually, you're so wrong that it isn't even funny how wrong you are!"

"It's not funny and I'm not laughing. I'm just telling you, in this particular situation, I'm not wrong. I'm right."

"Well… I'm not wrong, Irvine, if you don't believe me, ask one of them." Selphie pointed towards the other two inhabitants sitting in the train's cabin. Rinoa looked helplessly at Squall for some type of salvation; unfortunately, he was staring off aimlessly into the horizon. Apparently, this was not one of those times her knight in untreated leather would rescue her. The last thing she wanted to do was be dragged into this rather impassioned (albeit completely idiotic) conversation between her two friends.

"Oh yeah, right," countered Irvine with a gruff chuckle, "I'm going to ask your best friend and the guy who has no opinion about anything."

"Rin would never agree with me just because I'm her friend. She would only agree with me because I'm right… Although, I would like to mention, for no particular reason, that this is my birthday weekend."

"See, right there! That's my point, Selphie," accused Irvine, "You are hinting for her to agree with you because it's your birthday. If it was my birthday, I could try that same lame trick."

"Hmmph, it's only 'lame' if it doesn't work," countered the young SeeD.

"Fine, Selphie, go ahead and ask one of them. It was your idea after all."

"Why? Just so you can know for sure that I'm right. I know how much you don't like being wrong, are you really sure I should ask?"

"I said to ask them, didn't I? See if they'll answer you."

"We are right here you know," stated Rinoa, annoyed that she and Squall were being talked about as if they were currently residing in another time zone. "You don't have to act like we can't hear you."

"I'm pretending I can't hear them," Squall muttered, although not so quietly.

The commander intently watched the scenery speed by the train's window. He knew if he made direct eye contact, one or more of them would know, for a fact, that yes, he was indeed there and then try to involve him in this…redundant stupidity. He was met with a rather irritating prod in the ribs from Rinoa with his comment. Apparently, she knew that he wasn't looking in her direction, so her normal 'girlfriend death glare' wasn't an option. He cursed his existence and his misfortune to be trapped with two overgrown children, and a girlfriend who felt the innate need to poke him in the ribs. It was annoying, damn it.

"Fine Rinoa, Squall what do you think?" Selphie seemed too concerned with their answer to notice any exchange between the other couple, verbal or otherwise.

Of course, Rinoa really didn't want to get involved. It just bothered her when people talked as if she wasn't there. Her father treated her that way enough in her life. It was awkward when her friends would do the same. Although, they never meant anything by it, she couldn't escape the childhood comparisons.

Still, Rinoa sighed openly as she really didn't want to state her opinion one way or another. Selphie never took being in the minority well. However, there was only one way to end this 'battle' at hand. So she did what any other trained soldier would do and bit the verbal bullet in this case.

"I'm sorry, Selphie… but, um, honestly…," she stuttered wishing that the long hours on the train had gone in a less ridiculous direction. Then again, any significant time in a metal tube on wheels, trapped closely with Selphie and Irvine, had a rather predictable conclusion.

"I, um, think Tonberry would win. I mean Carbuncle is quick, but it's really not about speed."

"Ah-hah, see!" grinned Irvine victoriously. "Now tell me who's wrong!"

Selphie still had her arms folded over her chest and let out something reminiscent of a growl.

"You are both wrong, that's who! You two honestly think that Tonberry could beat Carbuncle in a game of tug of war? What planet are you living on? I mean, it's Carbuncle… Tonberry is too darn lazy to even try to win."

Selphie looked hopefully at the only other person on the train that could even the field. And of course, everybody knew that a vote from the Commander of SeeD was worth more than a sorceress and a good-for-nothing-boyfriend-who-didn't-agree-with-his-girlfriend-on-her-birthday!

"Come on, Squall, just tell me what you honestly think."

Wow, could that statement have been more open ended for him? Seriously, did she want to know what he honestly thought? No, absolutely not, so he would settle on the first thing he could say that didn't make him look like complete ass in the moment.

"I think Tonberry would take out his damn knife and cut the rope so he wouldn't have to play the stupid game. End of story. Unfortunately, he and his knife aren't here to put me out of my misery of listening to you two bicker. Can you talk about something else beside virtual GF tug-of-war?"

Yeah, okay, well maybe he had taken a detour at the path that read 'semi-ass,' but it was still better than his earlier thoughts.

"Sure… okay…" Selphie said, a slight bit shocked.

Squall was immediately welcomed with another rib prod from his girlfriend. This time, he turned to meet her glare. He was mentally ready to stand his ground. It was a stupid argument, and they all knew it. It wasn't his fault that nobody else had the sense to put an end to it until now. He would have squashed the subject completely, had he know the debate would last well over twenty minutes. However, it didn't take much to make him regret his earlier tone. It was a combination of Rinoa's expression and Selphie's defeat, but he felt the need to make amends as pathetic of an attempt as it may be.

"Plus, Selphie, Griever would kick both of their asses at tug of war," Squall managed in a somewhat authoritative tone.

The response seemed to satisfy both Rinoa and Selphie, at least for the time being. The latter decided to drop the debate, mainly because she realized she may be proven wrong in some twist of fate. This way, the discussion would be left open ended; no real decision would ever be made and she wouldn't be technically wrong. At least, that was her theory.

And also, it was her birthday weekend - so she just couldn't be wrong. It was Selphie Law.

Thankfully, it was about that time the conductor announced they would be arriving in Timber within a few minutes and to gather up personal belongings. The quartet did just that, save for Squall who apparently never took advantage of the use of the overhead compartments. Apparently, being a SeeD Commander meant carrying your duffle bag on your person at all times, and not leaving it up to chance just in case the compartment was a vortex into another dimension - or something equally as likely in Squall's universe.

In the next few minutes, the commander causally observed everyone aboard the train, present company included. He couldn't help but notice how Rinoa seemed more excited about arriving in Timber than Selphie. It was a natural reaction, he supposed, given her history in the city. Still, she had only been through here a few weeks ago when she and Selphie and traveled to Dollet. This time, however, there was one major factor not included in her last journey: her friends.

As far as Squall knew, she hadn't seen Zone and Watts since Zell's birthday party in March. A three month absence to Rinoa was fairly major, especially with people she had spent nearly every day with for quite some time. Hell, in some aspects she even lived with them aboard the Forest Owl's base. He really preferred not to think of it that way - really, really preferred not to think of it that way. Still, he couldn't deny an unspoken tension that seemed to arise when he was in their company. He would have liked to believe it was all in his mind, but Zone's behavior during the Ultimecia conflict only solidified his belief. Not to mention their somewhat awkward meeting at the hospital, then again during Zell's party.

Something just never felt…right.

Not that Squall was by any means an expert on relationships, especially with the opposite gender. Having friends was relatively new to him, in particular female ones, let alone a girlfriend. He could easily have been reading the situation entirely wrong, which was highly probable. During their first meeting in Timber, he almost wanted to laugh at Zone, if he had been so inclined. He had actually thought Zone's rant about making sure Rinoa was well taken care of, and even threatening to kill him, was on the verge of humorous in its own way. At that time he had little care about her personally either way, Rinoa was a client and he would protect her as such, it was a job. It almost felt as if a jealous boyfriend was lecturing him in a situation he cared little about.

At that time, at least.

Still, he wouldn't deny Zone's passion, which may be why by their second meeting he felt slightly more uncomfortable confronting the man. Watts had always been more forgiving, while Zone seemed to hold Squall to much higher standards than any of the other SeeDs. Somehow, looking back now, Squall doubted that had little to do with his position at a Garden or his command of that first mission. It was also personal with Zone; then again, maybe Squall should have just shaken his damn hand on the train to avoid the animosity.

So, now he stood waiting to disembark from a train and spend the evening with Zone and Watts. Again, not how he pictured the start of this weekend. How the hell did he picture this weekend anyhow? Whatever it was, did not involve the foolhardy duo that once ran the Forest Owls. Hopefully he could just fade into the background for awhile; maybe Selphie's eternal question of Carbuncle vs. Tonberry would keep the group engrossed mindlessly for hours.

"Squall?"

"Hmm?" he replied, fidgeting with the strap of his duffle bag.

Rinoa shook her head. "That's like the third time I've said your name, everything all right?"

"Fine," he managed as an ill-timed sigh slipped through his lips.

She looked at him suspiciously, not truly believing his answered one hundred percent. His body language seemed to speak a different answer. However, she didn't want to force the subject. He was being rather sociable, for Squall, and it was better not to press any luck. If he wanted to talk, he would in time. She replied with a smile, a gesture that most likely had gone unnoticed by her boyfriend, as he seemed more fascinated with his bag at the moment.

In another few minutes, the group felt the final tug of the train as it pulled into the Timber station. Rinoa managed to make her forward toward the door, leaving Squall and Irvine behind. She had tried to contain her excitement, for Squall's sake more than anything, but truthfully she couldn't wait to catch up with Zone and Watts. It felt as if a lifetime had passed since she had talked to them in person, as e-mails and countless phone calls were never quite the same. She still loved this town deeply, and knowing every detail, large or small, about it and her oldest friends was always exciting to her.

As soon as the door opened, Rinoa made her way out, probably a little more forcefully than she had planned. She just hadn't realized how long it had been, until now, and how excited she was at seeing the two. It didn't take long for a loud voice to cut through the throng of passengers.

"Princess!"

She grunted inwardly at the title, but was equally as glad to hear the sound of the voice. She immediately dropped her own bag as two figures neared. Her exuberance was equaled with their own as she playfully jumped into their arms.

"I missed you guys so much!" she managed between laughter.

"Us too," Watts replied, "You need to get yourself back here more often, Princess."

"Dear god," Irvine whispered, "I almost feel a little ill."

Squall held back a snort, as honestly, it wouldn't be appropriate, but his sentiments pretty much mirrored the cowboy's. Selphie was unusually quiet as she watched the events unfold. While she was glad to see Zone and Watts, it certainly wasn't on the same level that Rinoa felt. Still, she was glad her friend had this chance; it obviously meant a lot to her.

"Come on," Watts urged the others. "We're going to head back to our place. I know you wanted spaghetti Selphie, so we're picking some up on the way home. We just have some stuff we want to show Rin."

"I bet they do," Irvine retorted in his usual underappreciated style, well at least underappreciated in his mind. Selphie made no attempt to hide the fact she was rather disgusted, slapping her boyfriend's arm. Again, Irvine couldn't hold his tongue. "Anybody else find it odd that two grown men are living together…I'm just saying…"

"Who cares. Shut up!" Selphie growled, glad that Zone, Watts, and Rinoa were well out of earshot. She looked to Squall who had picked up Rinoa's bag at this point, and now carried two bags over his shoulder. She thought maybe he mumbled something, but then thought better of it; it was probably just her imagination.

No longer wanting to be in the background, Selphie hurried past a few passengers, catching up with the trio. "I'm so glad we're stopping for the spaghetti. It was the best food ever. I mean it is the…best food ever! I'm just glad that Squall and Irvine will get a chance to try its greatness."

With the mention of Squall's name, Rinoa grimaced inwardly. She quickly realized just how caught up in the moment she had been, and how her actions may be perceived. Sometimes she just reacted, it was just simply who she was… She stopped at that moment, looking back to see her boyfriend walking behind with a rather indifferent expression. Her mood didn't dampen as she hurried back to him, locking their arms.

"I hope it's okay we go back to their place, they just have pictures and things from the elections I would love to see. I guess it's just some type of closure or proof to me that Timber really is free, it's hard for me to believe it's real sometimes."

As soon as he heard the words, he couldn't help feeling suddenly guilty for his earlier thoughts. Of course Rinoa, Zone, and Watts had a history, and it was something that ran very deep. It was truly one thing he admired about her, her conviction.

"I think it will be great for you to see everything." His response was honest. He could feel her hold on him tighten into a makeshift hug. She wasn't about to throw her arms around him in public, she knew better than that. He, at least for now, felt accepting of the situation. Still, the idea of being trapped with this group the rest of the night, minus Rinoa, was unsettling; he would survive for the sake of his girlfriend, and of course, Selphie's birthday weekend.

The walk to their place was rather short, even with the detour of picking up the food. Selphie was extremely content with their newly acquired goods, and was seemingly trying to hurry the rest of the group up. There was food and she was hungry!

The place itself was a two bedroom apartment which was over a bookstore. It was typical of many of the older buildings in Timber, but appeared to have lots of personality, at least that's how Rinoa would describe it. They all made their way in and found places to eat. Between using the sofa and the two chairs that Squall and Irvine scooted in from the 'dining area,' there was enough room for everybody to sit somewhat comfortably.

The conversation had been extremely light, almost non-existent. It just seemed everyone wanted to settle in, either that or nobody knew exactly what to say. Rinoa sat in the middle of the couch, with Selphie and Zone on either side. She honestly figured she would be next to Squall, but both Garden men had pulled chairs from the other room, so she and Selphie took the couch.

Zone was the first to attempt any sort of conversation, "So, how are you really doing, Princess?"

Squall found himself unconsciously looking at the other man, wondering about the phrasing of the question. It sounded innocent at first, but there was something rather implied in it. Maybe the commander was just reading into things that weren't there, at least he hoped.

"Well, I'd be doing much better if you would never call me Princess again," Rinoa joked, playfully pretending to slug him on the arm. Zone, of course, had to take this moment to be dramatic, holding his bicep and wincing in pain.

"How could you Princess? You used to believe in peace, and now look at you! I think you've been at Garden too long."

Okay, now Squall knew that something was definitely implied with that statement.

Rinoa in response squinted her eyes and glared at her friend in jest, trying to take the comment as an attempt at humor.

"Well, you know that Garden's main objective now is protection and security. Two things you are going to surely need if you continue to call me Princess." Rinoa tried to play it off knowing the history of everyone in the room.

It seemed that, as usual, Watts was going to be the one to try and smooth the situation over.

"See Zone, she couldn't be in a safer place. Everyone there would protect her."

With that comment, Rinoa and Squall exchanged a glance; it was understood between them. Sure they would protect until they knew she was a sorceress, but what then? Still, this weekend wasn't about her problems, it was about having fun.

"So guys," Rinoa quickly tried to change the subject putting her plate on the coffee table. "Where are these pictures? I hope you have some from that dinner before the election, I'll always remember the fun we had that night. One of the best times I ever had." She mentally scolded herself, now she was starting to take a double meaning into the words she said. "I mean, it was just so great the people of Timber had a reason to celebrate… I haven't seen the kids have so much fun here in a very long time."

"I'll be right back, have to go get them," Watts explained as he jumped out of his seat, nearly knocking over Irvine's spaghetti in the process. At least that tragedy had been averted with the cowboy's quick reflexes.

Knowing that the evening was about to get rather boring, at least in his opinion, Irvine asked Squall if he'd be interested in a few hands of Triple Triad. It would keep them entertained as the others walked down memory lane. Even though Selphie wasn't there, she was one who could look at other people's photos forever and honestly enjoy herself in doing so.

Twenty minutes later Irvine and Squall were at the small dining room table fully engrossed in their game. The other four were sitting on the floor laughing about everything they said. There was something contagious about their giggles, as everyone was enjoying themselves as much as possible.

It had been just under an hour when Selphie innocently asked if she could get another drink. Of course, this simple gesture would lead to a startling revelation in time, and one that someone would have rather never come to light.

"No problem, anybody else want anything?" Zone asked getting up from the floor.

Rinoa also stood, reaching her arms over her head. She didn't realize she had been in one position for so long. "Sounds good to me, I'll help. I need to stretch my legs."

"Thanks."

As they walked by the guys at the table, Rinoa stood behind her boyfriend putting her arms lightly around his shoulders. Zone stopped also, as he too was a large Triple Triad enthusiast, and always liked to check out other people's strategy.

The commander tried to ignore the sudden appearance of a live audience and just concentrate on his move. After studying the board, Squall finally pulled the Shiva card from his deck. The commander momentarily hesitated before placing the card in the corner. He quickly flipped over two of Irvine's lower value cards.

"Miss that Shiva card," Zone casually announced as the play ended. "Still, it was worth it. That is still the best issue of the 'Girl Next Door.' If I had been you Squall, I would have never parted with it. That issue was a true collector's edition."

Irvine immediately let out a laugh, even though he knew damn well he shouldn't. Still the look of pure horror on Squall's usually stoic face was beyond classic.

"What?" Rinoa questioned wondering if she had heard Zone right.

"It really is a good issue, right Squall? It's my personal favorite too." Irvine laughed, knowing his assistance was certainly not wanted, but he was glad to offer it anyhow. "At least you got a Shiva card, because you know, if you squint your eyes, turn the card slightly sideways and…" He cut himself off at that, seeing the look Squall was giving him. "Sorry, just trying to help man."

Oh, Irvine was having a good time with this. A very good time.

"I…" Squall began, quickly falling flat under pressure. Unfortunately, this particular situation was strangely omitted from the SeeD manual. The commander didn't want to turn around and look at his girlfriend, who during this time had skillfully removed her arms from around his neck. Somehow he wondered if Zone had done this on purpose, or again, if he was just letting his imagination get the better of him.

"Oh sorry man, didn't think that one through too much…" Zone apologized.

"Okay, so what's the story? When did all of this happen? At Zell's birthday party?" Rinoa asked rather monotone.

"No, a little further back…" Zone tried to elaborate, obvious that the commander was not real thrilled about discussing the situation himself. "It's really no big deal, it was when everyone came to the White SeeD ship. You were asleep in that coma or something…"

Could this get any worse? Would the guy just shut up? Then again, what could Squall say that would make the situation sound any better? He could go with the truth, which he damn well knew he should do, but somehow the truth seemed…well, very, very bad.

"I was in a coma, and you were trading dirty magazines with Zone?"

Squall sighed, there was no diplomatic way around this, and he wasn't going to let Zone get him into anymore trouble. This was already becoming the longest weekend of his life.

The commander took one last glance at the Triple Triad board before standing up and facing his girlfriend. "No Rin, it wasn't exactly like that, he just saw that I was carrying it and…" Yeah, maybe he should have let Zone keep explaining.

Squall sighed, okay he was going to try the truth…all the embarrassing details that were going to come back and kick him in the ass. "Remember way back when we went to Timber Maniacs? I was searching through all the piles of magazines, most were the battle series, and I had read all of those."

"So, you picked up 'Girl Next Door' for the insightful articles?"

"Ah…well."

"Good one Squall, so now fast-forward," encouraged Rinoa

"Do I have to?"

"Yes." Irvine and Rinoa said at the same time, although for completely different reasons. Squall couldn't tell if Rinoa was genuinely upset with him, or just extremely curious. He really didn't know how he would feel if the situation had been reversed.

"Shit," he cursed to himself. He didn't swear too often, but this seemed like an appropriate occasion. Apparently, his prolonged silence wasn't answering any of Rinoa's questions, so she began to fill in the blanks.

"So… basically I was in a coma, and somehow, you were walking around with said magazine? Not only that, when you were on the SeeD ship, the magazine was apparently obvious enough so that Zone could see it."

"It's not exactly like that." Well, crap it was almost exactly like that. Still Squall had to say something. "When I was at the orphanage, Matron mentioned where the White SeeDs liked to dock. At that point, I was on the bridge marking off coordinates. When we finally discovered the ship's location, I reached in my jacket pocket and it was just there…so I wrote on it."

"Um…don't you have memo pads all around the bridge? Or an envelope? The first thing you grabbed in your coat pocket was that magazine?"

"Well, I for one, know that Squall usually keeps a notepad in his jacket," Irvine piped up again, offering his own special brand of help.

"So, why didn't you just use that?" Rinoa looked back at Squall, waiting for an answer.

"Well," Irvine managed barely keeping a straight face. "How would he have room for a notepad with the magazine in there? It was a double issue after all."

"That's enough!" Squall said irritably, he wasn't sure if he was more angry or embarrassed, but either way, it wasn't a good combination. "Follow me." It sounded more of an order than he intended, it was merely military habit at that point. He continued walking down the hall into one of the bedrooms. He wasn't sure whose it was, and honestly, he didn't care. He just didn't need everybody to hear this crap anymore.

"Yes, Rinoa, it was a stupid series of events, and I honestly cannot begin to explain my thought process. The facts are: I basically stole a magazine from Timber Maniacs and then walked around with it. I have no excuse, I still can't explain it. I'm sorry."

Rinoa wasn't honestly sure if she was irritated by the situation, or if she wanted to laugh by the total ridiculousness of it. If anything, it was just a shock that caught her off guard. She would have figured it from Zone or Irvine, hell she pretty much expected it of them to a point. Still, it may have been the fact that it was such a 'normal' teenage male thing, that it totally caught her off guard with Squall. The fact that he was so upset about it now made her feel guilty, which was never her intention.

"You know what?" She smiled in reassurance; he really did almost look helpless standing there. And if there was one thing that Squall Leonhart normally wasn't, it was helpless. "Squall, guess what, you're human. I'm not going to pretend I understand everything; honestly it's a little surprising. But I don't mean that in a bad way. It's just very…normal. You don't have to try and explain any further, I get it, really. I was just caught off guard by the whole thing. That's the best way I can explain it."

"Thanks." His reply was uncertain, but he managed. He scratched the back of his head wondering if he could say anything to sooth this over. "Did I mention that I was very distraught?"

"You better have been," Rinoa finally was able to laugh. "Know what I always wondered?"

"No. If it is in anyway related to the first part of this conversation, I think I'll pass."

"That night in FH when we were at the concert, Irvine had that magazine sitting right there…open. You sat down right next to it, never attempting to close it!"

Oh that. Yeah, well looking back now it may have been slightly inappropriate. But that was Irvine's fault! Yet even he could see looking back on it now, it was almost amusing in a way he would have never believed possible. Maybe he could learn to laugh about all this later. Maybe.

"Well, it was a long day…thought the day should have some merit." He raised his head, lifting an eyebrow at his comment.

"Oh don't play cute with me Leonhart."

"Guess you missed me pick up that issue and stuff it in my jacket when we left."

…He was kidding, right?