One With You

A FFVIII Fanfiction by: Kayla Martin A.K.A Kei A.K.A Re-Fantasy-Goddess
I do not own any of these characters, only the storyline. Review and such. I would appreciate no Rinoa bashing. It seriously annoys me.

Chapter 1: The End

The young man leaned forward, sweat clinging to his body that lay beneath the white blanket, and pressed his mouth to hers. She responded, like always, but her green eyes flashed in excitement. She'd been waiting for this and it had been easy; hardly a challenge. He'd fallen in her trap readily, taking only two weeks for him to take her to his bed and now, as he held her, she knew she'd won. She always won.

Seifer lay beside the woman, running a hand across her body that he'd become so fond of. He hardly felt guilty for his unfaithful actions. After all, his real girlfriend hadn't put out once even though they'd been together for two years. Rinoa was sweet, and he did like her, maybe he'd even loved her, but ever since this beauty had stepped into his life, he just couldn't help himself. As he watched her, she looked away from his gaze and turned onto her back, her chest exposing itself when the sheet fell away. He felt a flutter in his stomach as he stared openly.

"Seifer…" She started, sighing deeply as though she didn't want to finish. "I… I can't be with you is you're going to be with her too." The woman sat up, her lovely face contorting in obvious pain.

"I didn't want to hurt her. You can't keep both of us, you have to choose." She finished, turning her face back to him, her brows knitted together. Seifer sat up and placed a hand to her cheek. He hadn't wanted to hurt Rinoa either. It just happened. He watched the woman beside him for a moment. He knew without a doubt that he wanted the woman that he now touched. He also knew that, even though he cared for Rinoa, he knew he had to hurt her. So, with his mind decided, he leaned forward again and kissed the woman he knew he now loved.

Rinoa gazed at her reflection for a moment and pulled her hair into a ponytail. She realized as she thought of the man that would be arriving any second, how incredibly happy she was. She'd been gone for about two weeks, off on a business trip with her father to Balamb city. She had enjoyed the trip but missed Seifer dearly. They had only spoken over the phone but now she was back home in Deling city. A very large area that housed multiple businesses.

Seifer had called her the moment she gotten back to set up a romantic date at The Swan. She giggled excitedly as she thought of it, making sure to hold her mascara brush away from her face. She barely ever wore makeup but she knew this was the night, the night he would propose. She smiled into the bathroom mirror as she finished applying her cosmetics. Once she was done, skipped into her bedroom and smoothed her pale, gold dress. It was lovely, the top straps crisscrossed, the dress clinging comfortably to her, and ending at the middle of her thigh where about three inches of the silk turned translucent.

Rinoa had bought it on her last day in Balamb and was incredibly glad that she did. She twirled happily before going to her dresser and tossing on her necklace, one she wore everyday no matter what. It was her mother's wedding band, silver and hanging on a delicate matching chain. Rinoa's mother had died when the girl was ten. She'd worn the necklace ever since as it brought her comfort.

At that moment, her dog Angelo, one she'd gotten from her father once her mother had passed, pranced over to her. Rinoa reached and scratched his ears and patted his head. She would hug him, like she usually did, but she couldn't, afraid his fur would cling to her dress.

"I love my puppy, yes I do!" She said to him, making the dog yip happily. Just then, the doorbell rang making Rinoa jump before hastily walking to the door, Angelo following close behind.

She turned the knob and opened the apartment door, Seifer waiting on the other side. A smile broke across her face. She realized then that her face was sore. He tilted his head slightly and appraised her appearance, ignoring the growl that resounded from behind the girl as Angelo had always disliked him. She was beautiful, he couldn't deny that. He wondered briefly if the dress was new.

"Hey Rinoa, you look great." He stated in a husky voice. He'd always been attracted to her and when she wore things like that, he really realized just how much. He turned his blue eyes to her chocolate ones and held out a tanned hand.

"Shall we?" He asked. Rinoa smiled wistfully as she took his hand, letting him lead her out of the apartment building. Outside was cold; snow still clung to the sidewalk. It was the middle of November, and had just begun snowing a few weeks ago.

The couple strolled down one of the many streets in Deling. Rinoa held Seifers hand, feeling content in his presence. She glanced up at him.

"I've missed you. I'm so glad I'm back." She sighed happily after she said this. Seifer glanced down at the woman, torn. She was so sweet, too innocent. Rinoa gazed straight ahead, a gentle smile playing across her features. Seifer turned his gaze away from her face, his stomach twisting. He took a deep breath, knowing he had made his decision and he was going to stick by it. Seifer knew he couldn't have both women, however tempting that thought may be. After a few moments, The Swan, the restaurant he had made reservations at, came into view. Rinoa grinned at him, her perfect teeth showing.

As they stepped through the glass doors, heated air sweeping over them, Seifer tried to think of the words he would say to her. He'd decided before that he wouldn't… or couldn't confess to her that he had cheated. Seifer couldn't hurt her any more than he had to. After a moment, a waiter came.

"Reservations, under the name Almasy." He stated to the man. The waiter nodded and led the two to an isolated table near the band, who played calm, romantic music. Once they sat, Rinoa took in the scenery of the restaurant. It really was lovely, the whole place was tinted ocean blue, candle the only thing lighting the tables, the tables circular and the chair were cushioned in blue silk.

Rinoa soon ordered along with Seifer. He decided to wait until after the meal, and he squelched the voice that said he was only trying to postpone it. It didn't take long for their food to come, along with their drinks. Rinoa had gotten tea, and she grimaced when Seifer had ordered vodka. She had never enjoyed his drinking, especially when he downed it as fast as he was at the moment.

She looked away from him, shaking off her discomfort, and began her meal. It was sea food, something she'd always enjoyed. Seifer had gotten a steak, typical guy. The two ate in silence, listening to the lovely music that filled the area. It wasn't long until they were done and Rinoa sat, sipping at her tea, looking content. Seifer cleared his throat.

"Rinoa…" He said, gazing at her. She turned her head to him and he watched her face take on a look of confusion. He ignored that and began.

"I know we've been together for two years, and you know I care about you but…" He paused. What could he say? Seifer turned his head for a moment before gazing back at her. Rinoa looked frightened in that moment and he was quite sure what she was thinking. He took a deep breath.

"But I can't do this anymore. I'm sorry Rinoa." He stopped for a moment. When she just sat there, saying nothing he began to panic.

" Rinoa, I know this is out of the blue but… I just don't think you're the one for me." Seifer finished. Rinoa sat her tea down, turning her gaze away from the blonde man. She felt her heart beating irratically. She had been so sure that he was going to use tonight to propose, not to leave her. But now, as she glanced at his face, she knew. Even though his features were full of pity, she knew he wasn't in love with her anymore. It was in his eyes and obviously in his words. He doesn't love me, she thought. She felt her stomach drop; her eyes began to sparkle with the tears that decided to make their appearance.

He doesn't love me

Author's notes: This is a rewrite of the original chapter one. I cut out the last bit of chapter 1 and will be moving that to chapter 2. If there are any spelling or grammar errors, I apologize. I was very tired when I wrote this. Please review, I'd like to know what you think.