Disclaimer: Every story I have read has a disclaimer so I'm assuming I should have one too. I DO NOT own any of the final fantasy characters or anything else having to do with the game, just the story plot I'm writing out for pure fun.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter One

Rinoa sat on her bed and watched the rain pound away at her window. It was 2:15 in the morning and she still couldn't fall asleep. Thoughts of going back to Deling City kept her up. Tomorrow all the SeeD's were going to her house for a celebration. It wasn't her idea; nothing was ever her idea when it came to her father. If it were up to her, there wouldn't be such and elaborate party. They already had a celebration that night, why have another one? That's what she thought, at least. Rinoa liked to consider herself a very laid back kind of girl. And that's what she was. She didn't care much for the nightlife or fancy parties where everyone has to pretend they like each other. She liked the feeling of enclosure; she liked feeling as if she had a place in life, instead of bouncing around from place to place. Maybe that was because she never had that feeling growing up.

She kept thinking of how her father would have to meet Squall, too. Seeing Seifer's face was already enough to get his blood boiling, but for him to think his daughter in love again. It was just too much for him to handle.

Even though a whole year had passed since the battle with the Sorceress went down, she didn't attempt to talk with her father. Sure, she got plenty of requests to come back home, and plenty of letters from him just pleading with her to respond, but she refused to.

The entire party was set up without Rinoa ever knowing, until a few weeks ago that is.

Her father had contacted Zone who told him that Rinoa was no longer living with them. That's how he found out Rinoa's whereabouts. He then proceeded to call Cid and invite all those who had made SeeD to come over for a celebration at his house.

With him being the president and all, it was more of an honor for Balam than a burden.

The sound of the thunder clapping brought her back to reality. She turned her head towards her alarm clock. The numbers read 3:07 A.M.

"Ughhhh! Why can't I just fall asleep?! This is ridiculous!" She roared to herself. She ran her hands through her black her, slapped her knees, and got off of her bed.

First, she paced about the room contemplating what to do. Then, she grabbed a jacket that was big enough to cover her nighties and slipped out of her dorm.

She was walking about the garden aimlessly and kept putting her hands over her face as if to wake up from a bad dream.

She sat down on a nearby bench and hugged her knees.

"Hey" A familiar voice sounded in.

Rinoa looked to the left of her and saw Seifer their. A piece of blonde hair fell over his eye. She giggled at it putting her fingers over her mouth.

"What's so funny?" He answered defensively.

"Nothing, its just…………"

"Just what?" He interrupted.

"Just,……………… you could be a real sweetheart if you wanted to. Ya know?"

"No, I don't know." He answered sarcastically. "What are you doing out so late anyway, little miss perfect?"

"Just thinking, I guess." She said, getting a little more serious.

"About?"

"Things."

"Think you could elaborate a little more on the subject?" He said trying to lift her spirits. She let a smile peek out, but not for to long.

Wanting to change the subject she said,"Congratulations on becoming a SeeD."

"You told me that already about a million times along with everyone else at that damn party."

She looked down at her lap, than back at Seifer. She brought her hand to his face, but he pulled back.

"What are you doing?"

"Relax, I was just going to tuck this little piece of hair back. It's sticking out so awkwardly and it was just annoying me. That's all."

He smiled at being so silly. Rinoa caught it and smiled back.

"It's been a while since I've seen you happy."

"What makes you think I'm happy?"

"C'mon, Seifer, you can't play the wounded soul forever."

"You haven't the slightest clue what makes me happy."

"I doubt anything makes you happy at the rate your going."

"Really? You'd be surprised."

Just then they heard someone coming.

"Better get back to the dorm, huh?" Rinoa observed.

"Yea, I guess so. See ya around, Rin."

That was that. He got up and walked off. His long, grey trench coat swinging side to side as he disappeared like a thief in the night. She watched him until even his shadow was engulfed by shadow.

That was the first time in a really long time Seifer ever called Rinoa 'Rin'. It made her feel good for some reason. It was late though and she couldn't spend her time pondering about why she felt so good when he called her that or what was it that would make Seifer so happy.

So she got up and headed back to her dorm.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: I tried to keep it short enough just so you could get the general idea. I'll write more if you liked it so please let me know! Thanks!