Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy VIII or the song "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls.

Author's Note: I had this idea that I would write a fic and dedicate each chapter to a song that I think really fits with the person's character. There is some romance involved, I can't help it! The pairs are Squinoa, Selvine, and Queifer. To set the mood, you might want to listen to each song as they appear in each chapter. I'd like to dedicate this first chapter to the Goo Goo Dolls, my favorite band of all time! You guys are my musical inspiration! Also, am I the only one that thinks Johnny Rzeznik looks like Squall? Enough talk...on with the show!

Balamb Garden Song Week

Chapter 1- Iris

Selphie ran through the halls of Balamb Garden frantically. She was searching for Irvine and the rest of the gang. She decided to check the cafeteria. There, she found Zell.

"Zell! Finally, I found someone! Where's everybody else?"

"They should be here soon. I got here early so I could get these babies!" He pointed to the plate of hotdogs in front of him. "Sorry, but you came a little too late. I got the last batch!"

"I'm not here for the hotdogs, Zell! I have very important news!"

"Really?! A new shipment of hotdogs just arrived?!"

"Zell, get a hold of yourself! As soon as everyone else gets here, I'll tell you!"

"Hey, look! There's Irvine!" Zell exclaimed.

The words were barely out of his mouth, and already Selphie was running over to him.

"Irvy, where have you been?!"

"What do you mean. Seffie? I was in the library and I decided to get some lunch. Where ya looking for me?"

"Yes! Where's everyone else? I have BIG news!"

"I think Quistis is just about finished with her class. I'm not sure where Seifer is. As for Squall and Rinoa, I think they were at the Training Center. They'll probably get some lunch soon, though." As if on cue, Squall and Rinoa entered the cafeteria.

"Hey Selphie!" Rinoa greeted.

"Hiya Rinny, Squall." Selphie bounced up and down. "I have a BIG announcement to make! As soon as Quisty and Seifer get here, I can tell everyone." She exclaimed.

"Well, why don't we all go and sit down." Irvine suggested.

"Sounds good." Squall agreed.

They all sat down at their usual table in the cafeteria. They had barely settled in when Quistis and Seifer entered.

"Quisty!" Selphie shouted. "Come and join us! You too, Seifer! Hurry up!"

"Selphie, what are you so excited about?" Quistis asked as she took her seat.

"Alright, now that everybody's here, I can tell you! This year, Balamb Garden is holding the first ever Song Week! Each day, a different person will perform a song. Here's the best part...we're gonna be the performers!"

The room went silent. Finally, Seifer spoke up. "Sorry, but there is no way that I'm going to agree to that."

"For once, I agree with Seifer." Squall said.

"I'm sorry Selphie, but you know I have no musical talent." Quistis said.

"I can play guitar." Irvine said. "I'd do a song one day, Seffie."

"Thanks Irvy, but to everyone else, take a look at this!" Selphie passed out a paper to everyone. It read:

Balamb Garden Song Week

Performers:

Monday- Squall Leonhart

Tuesday- Rinoa Heartilly

Wednesday- Irvine Kinneas

Thursday- Selphie Tilmitt

Friday- Zell Dincht

Saturday- Quistis Trepe

Sunday- Seifer Almasy

"What?!" Rinoa exclaimed. "Selphie, this isn't real, is it?"

"As real as can be!" Selphie exclaimed. "The Headmaster thinks it's a wonderful idea! He is even inviting Matron. The plans are set, and they can't be changed."

"I am NOT going on stage and singing a song." Seifer said.

"There is NO WAY I'm going, either. Plus, did you have to put me first, Selphie?" Squall complained.

"Come on guys, it will be fun! Plus, everyone wants to see their Commander sing!"

"How do I get myself talked into these things?" Squall grumbled.

"It's all set! Squall, you're up tomorrow, so pick a good song. By the way, Headmaster Cid wanted me to tell all of you that the song you pick should reflect you personality or your feelings. Choose wisely!" With that, Selphie bounced out of the cafeteria.

"I can't believe this! I can't sing!" Quistis told them.

"Neither can I...do you think we could lip-synch?" Zell complained.

"I doubt it. Looks like we have no choice but to go with it." Rinoa said. "What song am I gonna do? Squall, I told you to teach me how to play guitar!"

"You play guitar, too?" Irvine asked Squall.

"Yeah." Squall mumbled. "Rinoa's been bugging me to teach her, but I haven't had the time."

"Well guys, look like I'll be seeing you later. I have to go teach my class." Quistis got up and left.

"I gotta go, too." Seifer got up and left, also.

"I'm gonna go find Selphie and see if I can talk her out of this." Irvine said.

"Oh, there's no talking Selphie out of anything. I might as well go ask her if she has any song suggestions..." Rinoa said.

"In that case, I'll go practice my guitar playing. See ya guys!" Irvine got up and left.

"See ya, Squall." Rinoa gave him a quick kiss as she left to find Selphie.

"I'm gonna stay here and eat my hotdogs!" Zell exclaimed.

"...Yeah...well, I gotta go find a song..." Squall went to his Dorm, in search of the perfect song...

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The Next Morning...

Everyone was assembled at the Quad. They were all anxiously waiting to hear their Commander sing. Rinoa was very curious as to what Squall sounded like. She had never heard him sing before. Her thoughts were interrupted as Headmaster Cid took the stage.

"Welcome everybody! I thank all of you for coming here, especially my wife, Edea, who has come to see her 'children.' Now, without further adieu, I give you Squall Leonhart!"

The lights dimmed and Squall came out with his guitar. There was a small band behind him. The music started, and he began to sing:

And I'd give up forever to touch you

'Cause I know that you feel me somehow

You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be

And I don't wanna go home right now

And all I can taste is this moment

And all I can breathe is your life

And sooner or later it's over

I just don't wanna miss you tonight

And I don't want the world to see me

'Cause I don't think that they'd understand

When everything's made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am

And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming

Or the moment of truth in your lies

When everything feels like the movies

And you bleed just to know your alive

And I don't want the world to see me

'Cause I don't think that they'd understand

When everything's made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am

*Guitar solo* "This one's for you Rinoa!" Squall shouted.

And I don't want the world to see me

'Cause I don't think that they'd understand

When everything's made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am

And I don't want the world to see me

'Cause I don't think that they'd understand

When everything's made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am

I just want you to know who I am

I just want you to know who I am

I just want you to know who I am

The audience erupted into a fit of applause. Tears were streaming down Rinoa's face, as Squall walked off the stage, into her arms.

"I love you, Squall." She whispered.

"I love you, too."

Author's Note: Oooooooohhhh...mushiness! So, how's the first chapter? By the way, I forgot to mention it before, I'm not giving up my other fic, After the Dust Settles. I'll be working on both of these, so updates might take a while. Send me a review and tell me what you think!