Author's Note: For my nine year anniversary, thought I'd have a little fun. While writing the upcoming multi-chapter story arc, I've added little 'Easter Eggs' from all my previous fanfictions throughout. You'll see somethings (references, ideas, people, etc.) making a triumphant (or maybe-not-so-triumphant) return.

Thanks again, your support is truly amazing!

Chapter Twelve: Latent Image

July 18th 7:45pm

Rinoa glanced down to the humongous box that Selphie had resting near her feet. The duo had been standing in the customer service line nearly ten minutes but already the sorceress felt as if half of the evening had been wasted. Here it was Friday night and what was she doing? She was at a department store while her friend was patiently waiting to exchange a birthday gift.

When Selphie damn well literally skipped into the office at lunch, asking Rinoa if she wanted to share a 'fun girl's night out in Balamb,' this was never the scenario she had envisioned. Maybe that was a little short sighted on her part, because who was she to define 'fun' for everybody? To some, standing in line at Balamb's largest retail establishment was the epitome of pure entertainment – current company apparently included in that group.

With the enthusiasm to which Selphie bounded into the store, large box in hand, one would think she had just won the lottery. Who knew that getting store credit was free reign on an evening's worth of excitement?

…Certainly not Rinoa.

Then again, nobody else she knew had the zest and enthusiasm for all the simple things in life quite like Selphie. Most people would be irritated with the ridiculously slow service, but not Selphie; she always found a way to turn the negative into a positive.

As the two managed a few steps closer, they were within reach of a 'closeout' book bin to which Selphie had anxiously wanted to peruse. She eagerly started flipping through books with the normal exhilaration that was Selphie. Rinoa started looking herself, but that was more out of boredom rather than actual interest, although she loved to read this truly was the furthest thing from her mind right now.

Selphie beamed excitedly as she held up a book. "Oooh, I could so use this, 'The Do's and Don'ts of Napkin Folding.' I bet the ideas in here would be great! If I get this, I so could have you guys over for dinner. Imagine how fun it would be – we could do 'the formal thing' and dress up… maybe we could even get the guys in tuxes."

Rinoa shook her head doubtfully. She couldn't imagine getting Squall to dress up needlessly, let alone in the name of fun. The commander barely wanted to be in his formal uniform when it was a Garden requirement. There was little doubt that Squall would never willingly wear, as Zell so 'uniquely' proclaimed once at a post-Ultimecia event, a penguin suit. Nobody wanted to tell the martial artist that he wasn't the first to coin that phrase but the group allowed him that minor victory.

"Selphie, wasn't folding those thousand cranes enough for you? I still have paper cuts from Cid and Edea's anniversary party."

"You had fun, Rin, just admit it. Plus, I taught you a 'life-skill' that I'm sure will be useful later on," Selphie mused as she flipped through the pages. "Oh wow, look at all these designs! This is awesome."

Rinoa moved the book enough in Selphie's hands so she could read the cover. "There's a typo in the title. I wouldn't take that as a good sign. The Do's and Don'ts of Napkin Folding?"

"Wait, are you sure? I mean is there supposed to be an apostrophe in there or not? You know what…never mind, if it is wrong then that's even better! That makes it a collector's item…now I have to buy it!"

Yep, Selphie really could find the positive in everything. Rinoa really admired that quality in her friend but also slightly feared it. There was no point in arguing, as once Selphie made up her mind it was set in stone. Rinoa also feared that no matter her earlier objections she and Squall would soon be invited over to Selphie's for a formal dinner.

After another few minutes, they were finally the next in line. Sadly, Rinoa couldn't remember being this excited over something so mundane in a long time. While, Selphie had been looking at her book Rinoa found herself staring the picture on the box at her friend's feet. She suddenly had to question their reason being there in the first place.

"Why are you exchanging the gift anyhow? Seems like a food processor with bonus garnishing kit is right up your alley, plus you know, with the upcoming formal dinner party and all." The last part was said sarcastically, although the tone went unnoticed.

"Oh, this is right up my alley. I love the Pross-O-Matic 9000. It was at the top of my birthday wish list. Unfortunately, because of that, I ended up with a few… I have one I'm using now, then I stored one at Irvine's just-in-case… but I thought having a third one may be a little overkill. Plus next fiscal quarter, the 9500 model come out. I've already pre-ordered on-line. Not only does the new one come with the carving templates to make rose radishes, it comes with the directions on how to make apple-swans!"

"…I am not carving a thousand of those. Do not even think about it. At all."

Selphie laughed. "That would be crazy. Don't worry… you'd be making the carrot and pepper palm trees. Love you and all, but I don't think you could handle apple swans."

Shaking her head, Rinoa was at a loss for words, which was probably a good thing seeing as it was their turn at the counter. A few minutes later, Selphie walked away from the desk with her in-store credit. Now it was only going to take a slight miracle to get them out before closing.

Much to Rinoa's chagrin Selphie seemed stuck on the dinner idea. After they managed to get waited on and get store credit, Selphie decided to buy some items for the upcoming occasion: formal linens, candle holders, and even an oversized stuffed Cactuar doll – okay not all items revolved around the dinner. After another small eternity, they now had made it to the front checkout and once again found themselves waiting.

As per her normal curiosity, Selphie started looking at the magazines and the candy by the check out. That is why they put it there, right? Rinoa hadn't been paying attention; instead, she seemed to be focused on the watching as the line inched forward.

"Oh, I wonder if they have that new gum?" Selphie asked aloud. "I hear the flavor last for like five days. Can you imagine?"

"No…how could you possibly chew the same piece for five days or want to even? That's just…weird."

"It's not that weird… come on, you gotta try it. I'll even buy you a pack and then you tell me just how-" Selphie stopped midsentence as her eyes happened across the latest issue of Timber Maniacs. It was then that the horror kicked in, "Oh My God!"

"What they tragically out?" Rinoa asked still thinking about the gum.

"Um, you've got to see this!" Selphie exclaimed but quickly realized her mistake.

"No, wait I mean you don't have to see this!" she corrected, tossing all her items on the conveyer belt, which earned her a disgusted look from the customer respectfully in front of her. "Yeah, I meant you've got to see out the window… Balamb's really beautiful this time of year, huh?"

"You are terrible at changing the subject… You really think I'm going to fall for this?"

"You know, let's just say yes so we can skip ahead," Selphie pleaded. "So Balamb…beautiful, right?"

"Okay, so whatever you don't want me to see is by the gum. Got it."

"No, there's nothing by the gum besides more gum! I mean, look outside – it's beaut-i-ful. I just saw a bird fly by! I think it's a seagull even!"

"Selphie, we're by the ocean, they're everywhere."

Selphie jumped in front of her friend trying to hide the rack across from the checkout. She pointed outside, hopefully to distract her friend although it seemed to be failing greatly. One thing one could say about Selphie is that she never gave up hope - even on a sinking ship surrounded by bloodthirsty sharks.

"Fine," Selphie sighed, acting as if she had been defeated. Turning around, she grabbed a random newspaper and handed it to her friend. "Don't say I didn't warn you. It's rather disturbing imagery."

Rinoa reluctantly accepted the paper, reading the front page. "Deling City Matriarch weds for 12th time?" Rinoa looked up wondering what her friend was trying to pullover - that wasn't too scary. Of course, that was until she read the next line, "Maude McCay, 72, weds pool boy, 21, at local country club – the couple states, 'It was our love of cats that brought us together – we are a 'purr-fect' match.'"

The sorceress handed the paper back to Selphie. "Okay, that was rather nauseating, but I still doubt this was what you wanted me to see."

"It is!" Selphie tried to defend emphatically. "I mean twelve times? How would you even remember what your last name currently is? Could be real embarrassing, I tell you."

"I have a headache," Rinoa mumbled placing her hand on her forehead.

Why couldn't her life just ever be simple? She closed her eyes, taking a breath, and then decided her choices were either going to be listening to Selphie go on about seagulls and pool boys or try to reason with her. The latter was the better idea, although the former would have been the sane choice on Rinoa's part.

"Okay Selphie, let's look at this logically." The sorceress held up her hand putting a single finger. "One: I know there's something, besides that article, that you don't want me to see."

She lifted another finger. "Two: more than likely, good or bad, I'm going to find out anyhow."

Rinoa continued raising a finger with each point she made.

"Three: do you want me finding this 'oh-so-horrifying' thing from someone else or from a friend? Four: I really do have a headache. Five: I've had a horrible week already – Squall lectured me about using a 'float' spell for inappropriate purposes and breaking Garden's regulations, but damn it, I'm short and the book was high up!"

Rinoa realized, to her annoyance, that she needed to hold up a second hand. "Six: did I mention I have a headache? Seven: my night mainly consisted of standing in a customer service line… Are you going to stop me anytime soon and just tell me what's up?"

"I was actually enjoying your counting. I wanted to see how high you'd go! Plus, it was giving me time to figure out on a Rinoa scale of 1 to 10 just how major this would be."

"It will be off the 'Rinoa charts' if I have to actually keep going. So let's just have it."

Selphie sighed in defeat. "Fine, maybe it'll be no big deal…but I have a feeling we need to step out of line for this."

"…Great, eight, nine, and ten: I hate waiting in line. This better be good…or bad, or something worth getting out of line for."

Selphie shielded Rinoa's line of sight as she ushered her to the side. The sorceress stood, still highly irritated, as her friend turned around and grabbed something from the shelf. At that point, Rinoa could tell that she had a magazine rolled in her hand. This honestly better be something more important than a cougar from Deling.

Selphie nervously shifted her weight as she finally came out and said it. "Well, Rin…according to Timber Maniacs you are currently dating the 'World's Sexiest Bachelor.' Um…surprise?"

Selphie unrolled the magazine placing it into Rinoa's hand. "I mean, Rin it's not that bad, look at Squall's picture on the cover! It's amazing!"

"He's…not wearing a shirt," Rinoa mumbled horrified at the image of her boyfriend, shirtless, for the entire world to see.

"I know - that's why I said it was amazing. I mean just look at those abs. I mean he could-" Selphie stopped abruptly when Rinoa shot Selphie a warning glare, apparently that was a 'life-skill' that she had inadvertently picked up from Squall. "Oh right, right…sorry, just kinda got caught up in the moment."

Rinoa looked at the picture closer; there was something familiar about it. The beach in the background, this is where they would drive to practice her magic. It seems that they weren't alone one day.

"I'm going to be sick," breathed Rinoa leaning against the wall.

"Not the reaction I'm sure he's going for but-"

"Selphie, I'm serious. Do you know how much he's going to hate this? How this means someone might have followed us? Not to mention that every female in the entire world has seen as much of my boyfriend's body as I have? There are probably women drooling over this cover right now!"

"And guys, don't forget a few guys out there." Selphie realized that even though she was attempting to lighten the mood, her friend was taking this rather hard. "Eeep, sorry…um hate to ask after all this, but is there anything on the inside?"

"Yeah, I'm sure there is… I need to find out."

Rinoa looked at her cell phone for the time. She then scanned the department store and noticed a few people were already shooting them strange glances. Not surprising, considering Selphie's unique reaction and Rinoa really didn't want to draw more attention to the situation. "Come on, let's just get back in line and get out of here."

"You going to buy it?" Curiosity was killing the Selphie.

The sorceress looked into the printed eyes of her boyfriend. "Yeah, I need to know."

A few minutes later the two were back at the truck Selphie had borrowed from Irvine. The SeeD realized that returning the gift while carrying her friend on her motorcycle would defy the laws of gravity.

Rinoa started to flip through the magazine, but became too nervous all of a sudden. She handed it off to her friend. "Here, you find it."

Selphie started leafing through the magazine until she suddenly stopped at a page.

"Hey! Look, Irvine made the list too…he's number seventy-eight!" Selphie couldn't hide the glee in her voice until she kept reading down the list. "Oh-rotten-fried-Chocobo eggs…this isn't good, not good at all."

"What?" Rinoa asked still too stunned from elaborating further.

"Zell…he's number forty-seven. That's like thirty some places higher than Irvine. And it gets worse, so much worse... Chef Carl is number twenty-one. Apparently, he really is a world-renown chef, still makes you wonder what the heck he's doing at Garden. I'm not going to complain though – it never hurts to have number twenty-one serving you breakfast."

For the first time in a few minutes, Rinoa let out a laugh at that realization. She finally wiped the tears from her eyes. "God, I needed that. Those guys are going to be crushed, just crushed."

"Well, then I don't know then if I want to tell you this either… I mean if it will make you laugh or cry." Selphie spoke in a high staccato voice nervous to say this out loud. "Your-father-is-number-ninety-nine."

"Oh my God! Who votes on these things?" Rinoa couldn't help but laugh, seriously, her father? "I mean are they totally senile or blind or already on the prowl for their 13th husband?"

"Well, maybe there's a market for mature salt-and-pepper haired men with power? I mean, toss in his dress uniform and I can see the hotness."

"I really am going to be physically sick now," Rinoa said although it didn't quite hold the weight as last time. The more she heard about the list the most absurd it sounded.

"Well, I was saving this one for last, Laguna Loire is number five."

"Five!" Rinoa said shaking her head.

"Well, I suppose hotness begets hotness? They are father and son."

"Now I'm wondering how well Squall will take that too… it can't be good."

"Yeah, that can't be good but, at least, he was rated higher than his dad… What about me? I have to go calm Irvine down after he finds out that Zell, Squall, Squall's dad, and the guy making his stuffed éclairs are all sexier than him. That's going to be a huge blow to his ego. I mean mega huge."

"I suppose we should head back to Garden. If these things are hitting the stand now… I'm sure the guys will hear about it soon enough. We should be there to clear up the dust as it could get ugly between a few of them."

"What are you worried about you're dating number one! Me, I get mister 'thinks he's number one but actually closer to eighty.' It's going to be a long, long night."

Selphie was still flipping through the pages until Rinoa could hear her chuckling.

"What, what is it now?" She said exasperated. Honestly, she didn't know how much more of this she could take.

"It's just," Selphie began but stopped handing the magazine to Rinoa. "I can't. I think you have to read the 'article' for yourself. It's right there next to Squall's picture on page 47. The positive thing though, he's wearing all his clothes for this one. It's definitely an official Garden picture, he's in full SeeD uniform."

Rinoa took the magazine from her friend and started reading the article.

Squall Leonhart: he's sexy, he's powerful, and he's our most eligible bachelor! Balamb's hottest hunk has now been exposed to the rest of the world and women, he's available! Just take one look and there's no doubt why he's head and shoulders (and chest and abs) above the rest of this year's class. He looks great in uniform and even better without one - this is one hard body we are eagerly awaiting to see more of.

So if you're in Balamb and in search of a little military discipline, you may be standing in line awhile to get this man's number but, as we can attest (more like a-chest), it will be worth the wait (and waist) Squall Leonhart can command us anytime!

Apparently journalism had hit a new low.

Rinoa sat horrified. This had to be the world's worst joke. "Do you think he knows yet?"

Selphie shrugged. "I don't know… he could? Maybe he looked outside his office and saw the women standing in line to get his phone number…and apparently some discipline."

"Did you really have to go there?" Rinoa slumped back into the seat.

"Yes, yes I did, Rin...I pretty much had to. It'll be fine. In ten years you two will look back at this and laugh…think of the stories for your children."

Selphie had been trying to keep her laughter contained out of respect to her friend. However, even friendship had its boundaries. She finally doubled over hysterically, "Hard body…who comes up with this crap?"

Rinoa hated to admit, one of the parts bothering her the most was the blatant context of the wording. The whole 'bachelor' status didn't affect Selphie, but Rinoa somehow felt differently. She couldn't deny that lingering insecurity remained and having him paraded around as single and 'available' was upsetting.

It shouldn't have bothered her; this was about him not her. Although by true definition, he was a bachelor - just a damn bachelor with a girlfriend. Maybe Selphie was right and this would be a great story to reminisce about one day; she could only hope.

"I hope you're right." Rinoa had to admit there was a morose humor in it. "Maybe we'll be able to laugh at. At least I can say the writing's a damn joke."

The amount of journalistic drivel trying to pass as news was also very cringe-worthy. If the Timber Maniacs ever wanted to be treated as viable news source double entendres and bad puns weren't the way to journalistic acclaim.

Selphie glanced over, smiling to her friend. "Oh, the writing certainly is 'something.' I can a-chest to that fact."

Rinoa rolled her eyes as they started to pull out of the parking space, but just as quickly, her friend changed gears and pulled forward. Parking again, Selphie jumped out of the truck.

"What are you doing now?"

"Be right back!" Selphie smiled apologetically, "I'm sorry, but I need to go buy my own copy…or two. That thing is going to be a collector's item. If I wait any longer, I'll be paying triple on-line!"

The commander could honestly say it felt as if he had never left his office. The only physical indicator of his absence was the even larger stack of paperwork clogging his desk. Then again, it wasn't as if had been idly sitting back over the last weeks mindlessly playing computer solitaire. The amount of work never changed for him - only the view surrounding it.

He had been so entranced that he hadn't even noticed the figure standing at his door. That was nothing new, he often felt himself in a rather hypnotic state as he focused on work.

Rinoa smiled at him with her head against the doorframe. She had watched him for a few seconds wondering if he would either notice, or perhaps even sense, her presence. When he hadn't, she went ahead and announced her arrival.

Playfully she said, "Well, this looks…normal."

He felt himself tense up, although his body never betrayed that fact. Outwardly, he looked unfazed by the voice, internally he was rather startled. He had just been so overwhelmed with all the things he couldn't do down in his apartment, plus all those little things that Cid believed could wait until later. Truthfully, the last thing he needed right now was a disruption. He was always glad to see her, but right now, he still considered this part of his work day – albeit a very long and strenuous one. And honestly, she could be rather distracting although he didn't always like to admit that fact to himself.

"Rinoa, I don't want to come across as rude, because I'm honestly not trying to be, but I just need to catch up on so much." Although his expression was softer than normal, it certainly wasn't anywhere near a smile. "Even though I wasn't away from work in certain aspects, I really was on others… It's already after eight o'clock and if I ever want to get any sleep tonight, I need to keep working. I hope you understand."

"I do." She tried to smile although she couldn't deny that was slightly hurt.

He let out a breath that he didn't even know he was holding. "…But if it's something you need to really talk about, I'll listen."

It might have been an afterthought in the moment but, at least, he said it.

She held the magazine behind her back. Part of her wanted to tell him but, seeing him there she realized that her timing could not have been worse. He would find out eventually. It appeared that he didn't exactly need that drama stacked onto his already high pile. It wouldn't hurt to wait until later. Sadly, he was still going to be the world's sexiest bachelor tomorrow – might as well allow him this night to work in peace.

Just as with the invitation, Rinoa had to learn to pick and chose her battles. In the scheme of their relationship, this really wasn't a major one. If anything, this was more a matter of pride, or truth be told, again it was a matter of insecurity. He had proved time and again why she should not feel this way; his suspension was chief among all the evidence she needed.

"…Um no, just got back from Balamb…guess I'm heading to my room. So yeah...it wouldn't hurt me get to bed early, maybe catch up on a book." She momentarily hesitated; she should just turn around and leave - he would find out. Hell, maybe some young cadet would show up at his office tonight looking to be disciplined.

"Damn it," she growled under her breath.

"What?" he asked harshly. Even though it was stated in a questioning intonation, it certainly wasn't. Rinoa could almost peal back the layers in his voice to hear the warning.

Slowly, he set his pen down half in shock and leaned back into his chair watching her intently.

Rinoa hated her stupid indecisiveness but, more than that, she hated that the ridiculously stupid thought even crossed her mind. She partially blamed that stupid magazine for printing such idiocy and partially blamed her own self doubts. When over the last year did he ever give her any reason to feel this way? Even before they were officially a couple he had been loyal to her, faults and all.

Of course, Rinoa had neglected to gauge his reaction to her accidental comment. Which again, wasn't directed at him, but how else would any normal person take it?

"I-uh," she began hesitantly, trying to backtrack quickly in her mind. That had not meant to be said to anybody but herself; it was quite apparent that he had been less than thrilled with the comment.

"You know, I didn't mean to say that out loud. And believe it or not, it was directed at myself not you."

She sighed gripping the rolled magazine in her hand. To some extent, she honestly felt as if she shouldn't have to explain herself…every second of her life. Then again, if he had responded to her in that fashion she would sure as hell question it too.

The inner battle was lost or rather decided for her. Walking over, she tossed the magazine onto his desk. "I just thought you'd like to see this."

He glanced down for only a second before his stern gaze returned to her. They held each other's eyes for a second, until a moment of clarity (or pure horror) on Squall's part. He had been so focused on his irritation with her that he hadn't truly looked at the magazine cover. It was either that or his mind hadn't registered the image until then.

Quickly he looked back down, surrendering in their impromptu staring contest. She watched in slight amusement at his shock. Again, hers probably wasn't the correct reaction, but she couldn't deny the small victory – her earlier comment would basically be all but forgotten.

He had to do a double take, or triple take, or however many 'takes' it took him to believe what his eyes were seeing. The commander had remained abnormally silent, which was saying a lot in the given situation. At this point, he hadn't even opened it up; he was just silently scrutinizing the cover.

"Page 47, if you want to read more," Rinoa sighed when he still hadn't looked up, "…or not."

She didn't exactly understand herself but, between his lack of reaction, plus his earlier verbal response, she really didn't feel like sticking around.

Squall could be moody – that fact was pretty much a definite in her book. His reaction could basically go in any direction.

For his part, all Squall could do was stare at the magazine's cover. It had already been a trying day and this pretty much was the final straw.

"By the way," her voice had a tint of uncharacteristic sadness to it, "it's well beyond 8:30… it's after 11:00. I guess…I just thought you should find about the magazine from one of us. Again, sorry to bother you."

It suddenly occurred to him that he had been taking out his aggravation and stress over work out on her. It wasn't a conscious choice but, sometimes he just reverted back into old habits. She should know as much as anyone that it wasn't always easy to change lifelong patterns. The fact is – he was slowly become more aware of his actions; unfortunately, it sometimes just took time to register.

"Rinoa, I'm-" As he looked up, he stopped speaking.

She had already gone.

He didn't know who he was more irritated at – himself or her. This was all new to him and just as he would take two steps forward in their relationship, he would find a way to subconsciously take a giant leap back. On the other hand, she usually seemed to be more tolerant whereas this time, she just walked out without saying goodnight.

It was almost ironic that the only words that his only response was, "Damn it."

It had been nearly twenty minutes since she had left and he could no longer seem to concentrate. He might as well give up on work at this point, he was completely useless. Turning off his computer, he reached over to grab the magazine. He had been irritated enough about the picture on the cover; he felt as if a huge violation of his privacy had been publically put on display.

When curiosity finally got the better of him, he decided to see exactly what was printed on page 47 that warranted her earlier reaction – and God help him, he really wished he hadn't. As he read the caption printed next his name, he fought a sudden surge to do physical violence. Normally, this would be the point he would grab his gunblade and take his frustration out on whatever the hell was stupid enough to cross his path in the Training Center.

Feeling his fists clinch in anger, he could only imagine that this had already made its way around Garden. He had already tired of the rumors that seemed to be the daily norm; this shit would only give people plenty more fodder. Before he was a SeeD people would talk but, after he became Commander, it seemed that he was public property. He never even dared to venture on to Garden Square. He had heard his friends talk about things in the chatrooms and if even a quarter of what they said was true, he would most likely end up suspending every student in the building on principle. Who the hell would want to write stories about him anyhow or speculate on his love life? It made him sick to think about.

"So, am I the first in line?" A female voice questioned from the doorway.

He looked up half shocked to see Quistis standing there. She took a few steps in as he tossed the magazine to the side.

"Not funny," he shot back. The commander shook his head in disgust as if to warn her 'not to go there,' but as everyone else in his life lately, she seemed to be oblivious of his warning.

Moving forward she sat down and admitted, "No, I suppose not, but I couldn't let it slide. I also could mention that military discipline, most often than not around here, is filling out an ungodly amount of paperwork or for students doing ridiculously long essays. Never underestimate the power of carpel tunnel or paper cuts."

"I doubt that's what that reporter, and I use that term loosely, had in mind," the commander stated vehemently, "but what the hell else can I expect from a magazine that considered Laguna a qualified reporter."

She smiled, unshaken by his comments. "Do I sense some bitterness that Mr. Loire even made the list?"

"He what?" Squall questioned in disbelief.

He hadn't bothered leafing through the other pages; he hadn't given a damn.

"I won't ruin the suspense if you didn't know. I just had to drop off some papers for the headmaster that are due first thing… I saw your light on and wanted to stop by… See how you were handling this, how Rinoa was taking it."

"It's ridiculous," he stated angrily. "I'm sure Rinoa can find the humor in it, but I sure as hell can't."

"Really? That surprises me. I thought she'd be more upset."

"Why would she be upset? It isn't her picture plastered all over for people to see."

"Squall, I think you're missing one of the key points. I know it was your picture and I'm totally in agreement that you should be upset, but did you read the article?"

"If that shit is an 'article' I weep for civilization."

"Squall, it doesn't matter what it was, it doesn't negate the words on there."

"Look, if she sent you up here because I seemed angry earlier, well... I'm really trying here, but it seems no matter what I do it ends up wrong. Two steps forward, one step back every damn time."

"Rinoa never sent me anywhere…I haven't even seen her. Selphie stopped by my room earlier to… um, drop off my copy of the magazine. That's how I knew. Since then, about ten other people have felt the need to point it out. I know it's your picture on there, but think about the very nature of it…the hundred sexiest bachelors in the world?"

Squall sat back silently noting how she had returned into her 'instructor mode' with her arms folded. He had seen this a hundred times and usually hardly paid attention to the words she was saying, however, this wasn't a classroom and she wasn't talking about an assignment.

"Sure, we know that you and Rinoa are a couple, you know that you're a couple, but in print, it pretty much is stating that you're fair game to anyone willing to stand in line. It may not be logical to you, but there's a chance that Rinoa may look at this a little differently."

"Why? She knows how I feel and where I stand. I just don't think my personal life is any of the world's business…or yours for that matter."

Quistis stood up knowing this was proving futile. "Yes, I get that. Honestly, I'm the last person in the world that should be giving you advice relationship or otherwise…. I'm just thinking how I might feel. You know, maybe I'm way off base here. For just a second, I'm asking you to reverse the situation. Imagine her in some bathing suit or something on the cover saying basically, 'here guys, she's available.' In some ways it's probably flattering to her but, in another, having every woman thinking you're available might be rather intimidating."

"This whole thing is completely ridiculous."

"Yes, maybe it is," the instructor agreed. "I was just stopping by anyhow…glad to have you back up here."

After Quistis walked out, he felt less sure of everything. He had already felt guilty about inadvertently snapping at her. Never once did he stop to think about Rinoa's feelings. It simply wasn't natural for him to look at things, like this, from more than one perspective.

He grumbled to himself as he looked at the clock. Truthfully, this was probably the last thing he needed as far as 'fodder' went. He still had to keep some things controlled. If he went to her room, half of Garden's population might see him on that floor – alright given the time that was most likely a gross exaggeration. His place was much more isolated beside a few instructors with tenure.

It really didn't matter though; he was positive that by morning enough rumors would have spread to fill an entire issue of Timber Maniacs.

So much for life becoming easier once his suspension was 'officially' lifted. He reached for the phone dialing a familiar number. It didn't take long for to her answer.

"Hello?"

"You still awake?" he asked casually.

"No, I'm sleeping. Sorry." She responded simply, before giving in. "Yes, yes I am."

He always thought that her attempts to sound upset were rather cute, again not something he would outwardly mention. He remembered the last time she tried this before the graduation party.

"It's 11:45, we have fifteen minutes to curfew. Can you meet me at my place?"

"Your place?" She questioned truly shocked.

Granted she really wasn't covered under the student's curfew, but it was an unspoken understanding that she would follow the guidelines as much as possible.

He paused for a second, looking over at the clock on his desk. "Got to go…meet you there in ten."