(Most of the usual gang are hanging in the ramble room. Sephiroth and Fawkes are watching tv and making fun of the Olympic athletes, Van and Crystal are playing chess while Vincent watches them, Irvine, Reno, and Kou are actually quite subdued, casually drinking and reading magazines, Quistis is flopped on a chair reading, and Sion is looking through the cds)
Quistis: *looking up from her book* I now understand Raven and Crystal's obsession with Harry Potter.
Reno: Good. Maybe you can explain it to us.
Crystal: Checkmate. Maybe if you could read you could figure it out on your own.
Van: Damnit... I didn't see that move...
Crystal: They never do... they never do.
Vincent: I did.
Crystal: Shush. You did not.
Vincent: I did too. Let us play a match.
Crystal: You're on.
Seph: The Canadian snowboarder chick didn't even advance to the finals. She sucks! And she's the only Canadian in that sport.
Fawkes: *laughs*
Quistis: It's sad really. Canada's a winter country. You'd think they would have more snowboarders, and better ones at that.
Crystal: Just shows we need to support our athletes more. More money equals more training. Hey! My bishop!
Vincent: *smirks*
(Raven comes bounding in)
Raven: Hiya!
Van: I see her foot's better...
Raven: I got some news.
Irvine: You're dumping Dauragon and coming back to me and Reno.
Raven: Umm... no.
Seph: *snickers* All male figure skaters are gay.
Fawkes: *laughs*
Raven: Not all are. Just most. Oh! That reminds me, Sale and Pelletier got Gold! The committee decided to give them the Gold after all, but they're sharing it with those stuck-up, cheating Russians.
Crystal: Good. Sale and Pelletier deserve that Gold. They were so cheated. That was an awesome skate. My rock!
Raven: Oh, I know. And Alexei Yagudin got Gold and Timothy
Goebel got Bronze. They are so amazing. *_*
Kou: Umm... I'm pretty sure you had some news to tell us. And I hope it's not about more skating.
Raven: Oh yeah. We're having a costume ball this Saturday night. It's going to be so much fun!
Seph: Why are we doing this? Halloween was four months ago.
Raven: So? I missed it. Besides, it's something to do, and it gives me an excuse to dress up in a costume.
Seph: You mean outside the bedroom?
Raven: Yes, besides the bed- HEY! How did you- No. I mean, I don't have any costumes... I think I'll go get Dauragon and shop now...
(She hurries off)
Seph: That was fun. ^_^
Fawkes: *laughs agreeingly*
Vincent: Checkmate.
Crystal: Wha?! No way! I didn't even see that move!
Vincent: They never do... they never do... *lightly laughs*
Crystal: -_-;;
(A little later, Squall, Rinoa, Rufus, Seifer, Zell, Hunter, Aeris, and Selphie have wandered into the room)
Rinoa: Oh, Squall! This ball will be so much fun! We'll dance, and mingle, and talk, and dance some more!
Squall: Whatever.
Zell: I'm gonna go dressed as Batman!
Everyone: *blink blink*
Seifer: You'd make a better Robin, Chicken-wuss.
Zell: *flips out* What did you call me?!
Crystal: Zell, as always, you've missed the idea. It's a masquerade ball. We dress up in big ball gowns and suits and have fancy masks.
Zell: Oh... Like Zorro?
Crystal: *sighs* Yeah... like Zorro...
(Raven and Dauragon come in carrying bags)
Raven: Hey! I went shopping!
Hunter: *mumbles* Does she ever stop shopping?
Raven: Has everyone bought their costumes yet?
Dauragon: I refuse to play dress up.
Raven: Dauragon! You will put a damn costume on and like it!
Rufus: *nervous* Who exactly will be paying for this ball and no doubt everyone's costumes?
Quistis: Do you have to ask?
Raven: You, Dauragon, and Hunter of course. ^_^
Dauragon: *shrugs*
Rufus: Do I look like an ATM to you?
Hunter: She's good at coming up with the ideas but as soon as it's time to pay, it's all on someone else.
Raven: I'm a poor college student remember?
Hunter: I know. But you seem to have a lot of free time... maybe a part time job is in order.
Raven: *gasps* Don't swear like that! Never say those words to me again!
Dauragon: If Raven wants a Ball, then she shall have one.
Raven: *hugs Dauragon* Thankies, Daurie! ^_^
Dauragon: I thought we agreed you wouldn't use that name in public anymore.
Fawkes: *laughs*
Aeris: I guess we should go shopping and make hair appointments since we only have two days.
Seifer: Are you going to be inviting anyone else?
Irvine: Like some girls maybe?
Raven: *shrugs* I wasn't planning on it. I might ask Kuja and my friend, Jenn. But if you guys want more girls, I'll ask Nicole, Deanna, and Marilyn if they're busy Saturday.
Reno: Raven's friends... this could be very good if they're hot like her.
Sion: This could also be very bad if they're freaks like her.
Kou: You always know how to ruin a man's dreaming don't you?
(Everyone scurries off to go shopping. Vincent has to drag Seph away from the tv. Raven goes to phone people, and Dauragon brings all the bags to the bedroom)
(The next day everyone spends it shopping and
preparing their outfits. There's a lot of running around and arguing as the
girls keep getting dresses the same colour or style. Raven's freaking out
because Dauragon's outfit doesn't match hers so they spend the day shopping and
coordinating)
(Saturday... the day of the Ball... The Ball starts at 7pm and it's 4pm now. Everyone's in their rooms getting ready)
Raven: Does this dress make me look fat?
Dauragon: *rolls his eyes* For heaven's sake, woman! You look fine! You did yesterday when you bought it, you did when we brought it home, you did this morning, and you do now.
Raven: Are you sure? I think I've been retaining water the past few days.
Dauragon: *sighs* No. You're gorgeous, as always. Stop worrying and
panicking before I kill one of us.
Raven: I think I'll try the other dress on again...
Van: Why do I have to carry this sword? And why is there a cat's eye on the hilt?
Crystal: I told you, the cat's eye signifies that you're a Blade, and I want a Blade of my own. And since Raven and I haven't found a way to bring book characters to our world yet, you will have to do.
Van: I feel so used and abused.
Crystal: You'll get used to it, Sir Durendal.
Van: Wha? Durendal?
Crystal: He's one of my fave Blades. Would you prefer Wolfbiter? Maybe Audely or Able or-
Van: *sighs* Durendal is fine...
Crystal: So where's this mystery dress you bought me?
Van: I think you'll like it. Close your eyes and I'll help you try it on.
(She closes her eyes and slowly slips the dress on. When it's on she's standing in front of the mirror)
Crystal: Poofy sleeves? Get em off! Get em off!
Van: You don't like poofy?
Crystal: I hate poofy! Were poofy sleeves ever in style?
Van: Maybe we can take them off...
(Irvine, Kou, and Reno are all wearing somewhat tight pants, a fancy jacket, and oversized hats with oversized feathers)
Irvine: This is sweet!
Reno: Our hats are kick ass!
Kou: Don't forget the swords.
Irvine: The Three Musketeers.
Reno: All for one, and *Irvine and Kou join him* One for all! *high five*
(Seifer's in Balamb at Raijin's and Fujin's house)
Fujin: RAGE!
Raijin: Raven doesn't like us, ya know.
Seifer: Not my fault she only likes cool people like me.
(Fujin kicks his knee and storms off leaving Seifer swearing. Raijin follows Fujin like a lost puppy)
Seifer: Was it something I said?
Squall: Are you ready yet? We're going to be late.
Rinoa: I'm having trouble with my hair. You go on ahead and I'll meet you there.
Squall: And I'll recognize you how? I haven't seen your dress, and you're wearing a mask.
Rinoa: I'll meet you by the cd player. And my dress is a violet colour.
Squall: Alright.
Raven: Dauragon, gimme the phone. I need Kuja.
Dauragon: Why do you need him? You have me.
Raven: I need some womanly advice. Now give me the phone, and I'll meet you downstairs in a few minutes.
(Dauragon obliges and leaves. 10 minutes later Kuja appears with his hair in curlers and wearing a robe)
Kuja: Hello, darling. What's the matter? You know I'd only come out in public looking like this for you and if it's an emergency.
Raven: This corset on the dress... do I need it? I think I do. I look fat in this dress without it.
Kuja: Honey, there is no fat on you, but you're right, the corset is needed. It'll give you more curve.
(Raven slips the corset on and Kuja starts yanking on the strings in the back to lace it up. Hunter, Sion, and Aeris walk by the door as this is happening)
Raven: Ow! Not so rough Kuja, that hurts...
Kuja: You know rough is the only way.
Raven: I know... do it again.
Aeris: *eyes are huge* I thought she was with Dauargon still.
Sion: I thought Kuja was gay.
Hunter: Like she's going to ditch Dauragon for Kuja. I think we're misinterpreting something.
(He slowly opens in the door and peeks in to see Kuja lacing up the corset)
Hunter: Thank god. See, nothing to worry about.
Raven: Thanks, Kuja. I'm going to go downstairs. Feel free to use my room to finish getting ready.
Kuja: Don't worry, I was going to.
(25 minutes later... it's 7:09pm and people start to arrive. Raven's had the room decorated to look like a royal Ball, there are candles lit everywhere, with no other light. Raven's wearing a crimson coloured, sleeveless corset top poofy skirt dress that goes to the floor. She's holding a mask, and her hair is up in a fancy little bun. Dauragon is wearing well, he's wearing the suit of men from this time era. I'm too lazy to explain the men's outfits since they're all the same, just diff colours. Deal with it. Anyway, his outfit is purple. They're standing by the door greeting people. Crystal and Van are the first to arrive)
Crystal: *wearing the light blue floor length dress minus the
poofyness which is now a halter top and a dark blue cloak* You two don't match that well. I thought you wanted to co-ordinate.
Raven: I know... I wanted this dress, but he won't wear anything other than dark purple. Which I love, so no complaints really. *looks at Van and sees the sword* Why did you make him a Blade?
Crystal: Cuz I can. And his name isn't Van, it's Sir Durendal. Jealous?
Raven: No. He's not a real Blade.
Crystal: Psht. Whatever.
(They wander in and Sion appears)
Sion: Wow... very... dangerous...
Raven: *pouts* I know... Candles were a good idea at the time until I remembered who was coming. That's why I want you to be my bouncer. I want you to keep the riffraff out and keep the riffraff that's inside already to behave.
Sion: Why do I have to work?! What about Kou? He's a bouncer too you know.
Raven: Yes... but he's been hanging with Irvine and Reno too long and they've corrupted him.
Dauragon: Stop arguing with her and guard the door.
Sion: Fine... *pouts*
Dauragon: Now we can leave this post and enjoy the party.
(An hour later almost everyone's arrived and mingling. Kuja comes up to Raven)
Raven: You look great Kuja! Minus the pink. But I won't hold that against you.
Kuja: *wearing a pink dress with his hair up all fancy* I know. It's a wonderful hair day today.
Raven: Is that my MAC LipGlass you're wearing?
Kuja: It is. I assumed you won't mind.
Raven: No... I guess I don't...
(As they're talking, Kuja spots Selphie on the other side of the room harassing Irvine)
Kuja: *gasps* How dare she!
Raven: What?
Kuja: She's wearing the same dress as me! This is a social nightmare! I demand you get rid of her!
Raven: Normally I wouldn't respond to someone demanding me to do things, but since you want Selphie out... SELPHIE! You social nightmare, leave!
Selphie: But I didn't do anything! Irvy, can't I stay?
Irvine: No. *walks away*
(Selphie pouts then leaves)
Aeris: *in a scoop neck, flared sleeve, green dress* Isn't this wonderful, Hunter?
Hunter: *tugging at his collar* Yeah... great... Can I get out of this costume now?
Aeris: Not yet. We've only just got here. Be polite and look like you're having fun in that costume.
Hunter: Yes, dear.
(Squall, Seifer, Vincent, and Rufus are talking about mutual funds... actually, Squall's looking bored and is scanning the room for Rinoa when he spots a girl in a lilac dress, hair pulled back, and a mask covering most of her face)
Rufus: -make more money that way. What do you think, Squall?
Squall: Whatever. I see Rinoa, I think I'll go say hi.
(He hurries off towards the cd system where Rinoa's waiting, like she said she would be. He walks up to her and kisses her on the lips, like Rinoa said he should greet her in public because it looks nice {Gag me})
Masked Girl: Squall... I... I...
(She slowly lowers her mask revealing her face... which belongs to... Quistis! {shock! o_o -snickers- like you didn't see that one coming} They stare at each other for what seems like an eternity and a small smile spreads across Squall's face)
Squall: *still somewhat smiling* I'm sorry, Quistis... I thought you-
Rinoa: *from the door way* Squall! Hiiii!
(she runs over and hugs Squall, and kisses him. Quistis glares at Rinoa then smiles politely when she turns to her)
Quistis: Hello, Rinoa. Lovely dress.
Rinoa: Thank you. Yours is nice too. What were you two doing before I got here?
Quistis: Oh... nothing... just... talking about Garden business...
Squall: .......
Rinoa: Oh. How boring. Don't you two ever stop working?
Quistis: It's good to have a balance of work and play Rinoa. All play can be very
disastrous and people won't take you seriously. If you'll excuse me, I think I'll go say hello to Aeris.
(She leaves, leaving Squall and Rinoa alone)
Rinoa: Jeez... what's up with her? You'd think someone stole her bf or something...
Squall: ... yeah... or something...
(Raven, being nosy like she is, saw Quistis and Squall kiss)
Dauragon: You need to keep your nose out of people's business.
Raven: What? It's not like I set that up... he did it on his own before I could get involved in it...
Dauragon: Mm-hmm...
Raven: It's true!
(Crystal comes running over with Durendal err Van, right behind)
Crystal: Did you SEE that?! Squall-
Raven: I know!
(They start jumping up and down)
Raven: Annoyia is so outta here soon!
Van: Do they ever act their age?
Dauragon: I'm beginning to think they don't.
(Sephiroth and Fawkes are picking at the buffet and tossing peanuts at random people)
Sephiroth: *holds up an hor'deurve* Hasn't Raven heard of edible food? What the hell is this thing? *flicks it at Zell's head*
Fawkes: *laughs*
Sephiroth: This bites. Where's the action? More importantly, where's the violence and mayhem that always happens at Raven's get-togethers? Looks like it's up to me to
entertain as always.
(Reno, Irvine, and Kou are mingling around the kitchen, not looking all that amused)
Reno: Where are the chicks Raven promised?
Irvine: I think she lied to us. She's making us suffer for something we did.
Kou: But what did we do to deserve this?
(Quistis comes speed walking over to the guys and stands with them)
Quistis: Hey. Do you mind? *she jestures to Reno's flask, grabs it, and takes a swig*
Reno: Rough night?
(She glares at him and he goes back to the convo with Irvine and Kou)
Irvine: I want some women! I'm going crazy here!
Quistis: If you're talking about Raven's friends not showing, they couldn't make it. She did ask them. But two of them have BFs and were busy, and the others had plans too.
Kou: We're doomed to be alone.
(Raven, Dauragon, Hunter, and Aeris are chatting)
Aeris: Wonderful party, Raven. I'm having a great time. *nudges Hunter*
Hunter: Yeah, it's great. Love the uhh... candles.
Raven: Thanks! I thought the candles added to the atmosphere.
Dauargon: Surprisingly, no one has set anything on fire too.
Raven: I know. Nothing's gone wrong. Unless you count Annoyia showing up... I think it's safe to say that I finally had an idea and planned something that went according to plan. ^_^
Hunter: Don't be too sure. Look.
(He points to Sephiroth who's back to throwing peanuts at people. One goes wide and passes through a flame on a candle. The peanut immediately catches fire and lands on Seifer's shoulder. Seifer starts to run around in circles)
Zell: Stop, drop, and roll!
Seifer: Shut up Chicken-wuss! Like you know what you're talking about!
Crystal: Actually, for once, he does. Do it, Seifer!
Squall: I guess lingering in the library all those times was actually useful.
Zell: *smiles proudly*
(Seifer runs by one of the fake plants {Like Raven could keep alive a real one} which catches on fire. He finally stops, drops, and rolls and puts the fire on himself out. Sion, our trusty bouncer, comes running with a bucket of water and puts the plant out. Sephiroth and Fawkes are laughing uncontrollably)
Raven: I'm gonna kill him.
Hunter: Please, can I?
Aeris: At least no one was hurt.
Dauragon: I think it's more about the fact that her perfect party was ruined.
Raven: Sephiroth!
Sephiroth: *stops laughing a moment* oops?
Fawkes: *laughs*
Raven: What do you have to say for yourself? Other than oops.
Sephiroth: Who knew peanuts were flammable... *snickers*
Crystal: And so ends another one of Raven's bright ideas...
Fawkes: *laughs*
Hunter: And they lived happily ever after. *attempts to keep a straight face, but bursts out laughing like a fool*
Raven: Shut up, Hunter! You too, Crystal! I swear you two are rooting for my ideas to flop... you're as bad as Sephiroth and the others...
(Sephiroth and Fawkes continue laughing as Raven goes on ranting and raving with Dauragon trying to calm her down. Everyone else slowly disperses and leaves for the night)
The End
Oh yeah, oh yeah, who sucks? I suck! I hate this ramble to be honest. I only wrote it for the Squall/Quistis part. I need it for a build up in a story line. Work with me here people, it's midterm time, and spring break is next week, you think I can focus on anything?
