"So who was at the door?" She asked as she went back to drying her hair. It hung about her face in golden waves that glimmered under the pale overhead light.
Fujin still watched her curiously then turned to replace the CD cases where she found them. She still wondered what Quistis was up to but was no longer worried about it being malicious.
"RINOA." She said with her trademark bluntness. Quistis had learned from Cid, that Fujin was mute until she arrived at the garden.
Only after intense physical therapy was she able to speak and even then words came hard for her. She could only manage short and forced sentences which came across as rather hostile to anyone who did not know the truth.
Quistis had taught her in a few of her classes so she was some what used to dealing with her. Admittedly it was difficult at times.
"Well did she say what she wanted?"
"NEGATIVE."
"Hmm okies I will see her tomorrow then." Quistis chimed as she turned back to the kitchen stopping only to toss her towel through the open bedroom door.
Fujin sat back down and listened to the music, she cautiously let herself relax and begun to feel more and more at ease.
Quistis felt a lot better, she liked having guests. She used to have her friends over all the time and cook for them, she fancied herself quite the host.
Here lately though her friends relationships had deepened and she found herself more and more alone, or worse yet the sad little tag along to a movie or dinner.
She remembered Selphie or Rinoa would invite her to go out with them and their respective partners. So then she got to sit around watch them hold hands and fawn over each other all night.
All the while poor little Quistis got to pretend it never bothered her. She finally stopped going along with those little excursions and so they quit asking. Quistis found herself sinking into a foul mood so she stopped thinking about it.
She fixed their plates with an elegance befitting a gourmet chef, complete with garnishes and cleverly designed portions. She smiled proudly at her work and carried them out into the living room on a hand tray.
Fujin glanced up as Quistis approached with the steaming meals. Quistis grinned broadly as she set the plates on the coffee table.
Fujin's expression was one of shock, she was genuinely surprised at the delicate care put into the meal. she looked up and struggled a moment wide-eyed.
"WONDERFUL." She finally managed with astonishment.
Quistis's smile widened more threatening to reach her ears. She let out a girlish giggle at the compliment. She kicked herself for acting like a ninny but didn't care, Fujin's expression was to just to rich.
"Thank you very much." Quistis said and bowed slightly.
Fujin was thrown a complete curve and was more unsettled now than she had been in a long time.
She watched Quistis pulled out two large cushions from the edge of the couch and toss them on the floor around the coffee table.
"Come on, sit down and eat." She said still beaming brightly.
Fujin slid off the couch in a daze and settled herself in front her plate, still trying to comprehend Quistis hospitality. Quistis hopped up and scurried to the kitchen merrily she fished in the refrigerator, found what she was looking for then hurried back to her seat. She sat a dark green bottle with silver foil on the table along with two delicate blue champagne glasses.
"Sean'Vere San Pas'." She said with a flowery grace. Fujin had no idea what she said and just blinked. Quistis smiled sheepishly and held the bottle up.
"Its a champagne I bought during the last winter festival in Eshtar. It translates roughly too Dew from the heavens. I never really had a chance to share it with anyone till tonight. You do drink champagne don't you?"
"YES" Fujin said with a shrug trying not to show how nervous she had become. She had not expected this kind of generosity from Quistis and it was unnerving her greatly.
"Good!" Quistis said with a bright smile and she popped the cork. She carefully poured them both a glass.
Fujin stared at it awkwardly not sure what to do next. She had never actually tried any sort of alcohol before. Quistis gently lifted her glass and stood. Her expression grew solemn and gracious.
"A toast." She said with slight waver.
Fujin was not sure if she should stand or pick up her glass or what. She instead remained seated and hoped for the best, she was quickly wishing she was anywhere but here.
Quistis sighed softly and gathered her words, she felt herself blushing lightly but continued.
"To you Fujin." She said gently and with a beautiful smile. Her mouth was going dry, she knew she had to finish this though, so continued without pause.
"For your selfless and compassionate act last night. I was at my worst but you where at your best. I bow to you Fujin and I also thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
I hope someday we can call each other friends." Quistis finished and bowed graciously. She blushed and closed her eyes not daring to look at the other woman.
She felt heart pounding in her chest fit to burst. She was so embarrassed but it had to be done, it was the right thing to do she told herself.
An awful silence began to stretch so Quistis opened a wary eye. Fujin sat stiffly her eye wide and her lips parted as if she wanted to speak.
She instead abruptly grabbed the glass and downed it in one fell swoop trying to get the attention off herself. She regretted it immediately.
"Oh dear. Fuu wait!" Quistis said with a start reaching for her. Fujin recoiled and scooted backward into the couch making a painfully adorable face as she went into a fit of cute little sneezes. Quistis put her hands to her lips and sat back trying to suppress a fit of giggles.