In an attempt to curb the nervous feeling fluttering within her, she distracted herself by studying his appearance as they walked. He had let his hair grow out some, it was definitely longer than the last time she had seen him. His face was still clean shaved, something that she was approved of because she did love a clean shaved man. She also noticed that he was wearing cologne, something that she didn't think he would ever wear.<br/><br/>He was still armed with a faithful gunblade, though it was obviously a different one to the one he used when they were still together. But other than that, she could see no other outward changes.<br/><br/>Actually, he did seem more talkative than before. She could never have imagined that would happen. She was used to a most silently Squall who had to be talked to first to even be coaxed to talk on his own. This was certainly a change, one that she couldn't help but welcome but at the same time feel a little strange about.<br/><br/>She ignored the flashes of the cameras, though inwardly she winced because that ruined her plan of keeping low. It was her own fault, though, for indulging him in his request. But how could she say no when he had smiled so sweetly at her? Hyne knew she was a sucker for his smile.<br/><br/>Now that they were alone on the balcony, she wasted no time in crossing over to the rail and resting her hands on it as she gazed out at the view. This seemed very familiar to her and she couldn't help but think about their first kiss. It had been on a balcony much like this.<br/><br/>She turned to him, allowing him to talk as she remained silent. She was feeling nervous again, but it did not show as she retained that warm smile directed at him.<br/><br/>"It does remind me of when we were teenagers. We were so young back then." She paused, letting her gaze wander once more. She had tried to prepare herself in case this happened, but she couldn't really find any words to say to him. There was so much she wanted to say to him but didn't quite know how.<br/><br/>She couldn't help but think back on how he had let her go without a fight. She wanted to ask him about it, wanted to know his reasoning behind it. It had hurt her and it still kind of did but she had gotten a control on the hurt that dwelt inside of her.<br/><br/>"I've been good. I went to Deling City after I left and found a college I really wanted to go to but found that I was unable to afford it. I didn't want to have to ask the Caraway for any money. I'd rather die than ask him for anything." She paused, heaving a soft sigh as she glanced up at the sky. "Somehow, your father found out and offered to pay for my tuition. I know you're not fond of him, but he really is a great man. Flawed, but still great. He wouldn't take no for an answer. He's quite stubborn, much like you."<br/><br/>She glanced at him, tilting her head slightly. "I majored in photography and journalism and when I graduated, I did so with high marks. I found a job and started writing. I moved to Dollet to have somewhere to come home to when I wasn't traveling for my job. Life has been fairly good to me. I've come a long way from when I first started out on my own."<br/><br/>She paused again, watching him with her brown eyes. "I missed you terribly while I was gone, you know. I've thought about you often. I'm sorry I didn't write or anything. I wanted to keep a low profile and I didn't want to bother you when you were so busy with work. To be honest, I wasn't sure if you even cared to know how I was doing."