Dear Rinoa,

I know we've had our differences in the past; some larger than others and some, families have never experienced before or should ever have to.
But at the end of the day, I believe that I am still your father and that you are still my daughter.
The point I'm trying to make is; I want you to come home. And if that's not possible, then at least let me be a part of your life again, however small.
There is a ball to be held in Deling City in two weeks and I would be very happy if you came. Also bring Commander Leonhart if you wish; I'd like to meet the man who is courting my daughter.

Love,
Your father

Rinoa neatly refolded the letter into her purse and sighed softly. Squall looked at her with concern.

"It's nothing," she managed a smile and his expression returned to its usual apathetic mask as he watched the surroundings fly past the window.

She hadn't believed it when she first read that letter. These were the words of her father, General Caraway, the same man who ignored her and shut her out for all those years… He wanted to be a part of her life?

It must be a fake written by a harrassed secretary -- she frowned at this, going over the words in her mind. All the telltale marks of something her father would've done himself were there. No mention of her mother, no concern for her well being, no unease at her attending a public event, no apology for any of it; always brief, all tact.

But of all things in the world, time traveling tyrants able to possess people at will exempt, she wanted to believe it. Deep down, past her rebellious and indignant streak, past the stubbornness and strong façade, she was still daddy's little girl. She still wanted his love and acceptance, especially now that half the known world hated her for what she was and couldn't help but be; a sorceress.

It wasn't that she was the only surviving one. There were still many hiding from the public eye, maybe living normal lives, maybe suffering in their own personal hell. Some too weak to matter, some powerful enough to hide themselves quite well. But in any case, they were rare enough to be the stuff of fairytales and ghost stories. And the only reason she was well known at all was because of the way she'd received her powers. Because she'd jumped out into space and released Adel. Because Ellone had left a clear mark on her that Ultimecia had been so attracted to. Because she'd saved the world and damned herself when she hadn't meant to.

And that was why, on a dusky Saturday evening, they were stopped in front of the red carpet leading into Augustan Ball, waiting for all hell to let loose; in a car specially provided by the general himself nonetheless.

Squall hadn't been exactly thrilled with the idea of meeting her father and would rather have fallen on his gunblade than go to said ball. Rinoa imagined he didn't like the thought of dozens of people rushing up to him to shake his hand all at one time. But there he was, sitting beside her. Stiff with annoyance and anxiety at the crowd that had already started to mill around their car, but unchangeably, irrevocably, there.

This time, her smile was genuine as she reached over to squeeze his hand. He looked at her with an unwavering devotion that could make her heart melt on the bitterest of days. She was helpless against the temptation to kiss him and frankly didn't really put up much of a fight.

"Are you sure you still want to go in?" He murmured as they parted, gently, gently, caressing her face with hands that could crush a grown man.

"Absolutely," she breathed.

He opened the car door and without delay, the sound of a hundred voices spilled into what had been a safe confine, shouting and screaming their names, for autographs, for pictures. Rinoa was almost overcome by a desire to clutch at Squall to make him take her away, take her home. But instead, with an unearthly calm she never knew she possessed, she smoothed out the few wrinkles her silk gown had procured over their journey, tucked vagrant strands of hair into their place, made sure her purse was in hand, touched the bangle always hanging off her wrist, and stepped out carefully in heels that could stab an eye out.

Selphie would tell her later, after a careful perusal of the daily newspaper, that they looked like quite the couple; he in his SeeD uniform and she in her flowing, simple dress. So well in harmony that her expression exactly mirrored Squall's, a mask of complete seriousness.

Rinoa couldn't even have imagined faking a smile then, however good she was at it. Years of practice as the perfect general's daughter had its uses; the last six months as a sorceress were just a bonus.

So she wasn't fazed at first when Seifer commented, "You've surprised yet again princess. I honestly thought you'd run crying to your daddy by now."

She started to feel bad though when Irvine asked her, "You're really a tough little lady aren't you?"

Her conscience grew heavier when Quistis said, "I truly admire your resilience Rinoa."

She felt horrible when Zell told her, "It's the Balambian hot dogs that make you so strong huh?"

It only got worse when Selphie hugged her and said, "I wish I could be more like you Rinny."

She had wanted to scream and apologize all at the same time -- because she was only pretending, because she was scared out of her mind, beyond words, beyond reason; of what she was, of what would happen, of what could happen.

And then Squall took her aside and held her face in his hands and saved her, all over again.

"It's ok if you're afraid. I'm afraid too."

And she fell in love with him, all over again.

At the time though, all she could think about was not stopping for any reason, cursing anyone for thinking a red carpet walk was glamorous, ignoring the cameras going off until the end of the time, pretending not to hear the whispers and sometimes unashamed insults thrown at her, and most of all, holding onto Squall's arm for dear life. He was the only anchor to her sanity and with him, she felt safe anywhere.

The distance from the car to the entrance of the hall took perhaps a little more than a minute. To Rinoa, it had seemed several lifetimes, and she didn't bother to hide her relief upon crossing the threshold to the quieter foyer. Squall looked relieved too; well as much as he could, being Squall.

The receptionists at the desk were gracious and helpful; probably well trained and very overpaid not to sneer at any guests, no matter their reputation. Apparently the general had already arrived but had not bothered to leave instructions on how to find him. Rinoa frowned at this. Typical of her father to forget such an important detail when it came to her. Nevertheless, she and Squall entered the ballroom in search.

It really was a grand event; a fairytale gala come to life, draped in ivory and marble and velvet and silk and crystal. Chandeliers as tall as a man hung from the ceiling, its thousand mirrors reflecting the light of diamond jewelry shimmering on the people below. An utter waste, she thought, for one night, an utter waste.

But one she was profoundly glad for. The guests were more preoccupied with the decorations and dancing and drinking than glaring at her. They made it half way to one of the tables glittering with glasses and over laden with food without incident, almost.

"Rinoa, you came. I'm glad."

She turned around and smiled weakly at the man standing before her. "Hi Daddy."

Still hale even in his later years, with only a few streaks of gray dampening the same raven hair Rinoa shared with him. There were a few more wrinkles she didn't remember seeing from their last meeting, but he looked much the same.

He made to hug her. Without thinking, she stepped back and cautiously out of reach. An uncomfortable silence settled on both parties.

"I-I'm sorry Daddy," Rinoa stammered. A little behind her, Squall felt her anxiety and touched her shoulder softly. "You wouldn't believe what I've gone through; an ocean, over an entire continent and a pack of photographers, just to see you! -- But I'm… just not ready yet."

"Of course, it's still too soon," the general said quickly. Again, Rinoa seemed skeptical of his intentions. Then he reached out for her hand and enclosed it sincerely between his. "I understand. Take your time."

This time she didn't have to force a smile. A second later, the father daughter moment had passed and they retreated to their opposite corners. Peering around, trying to look interested in the lavish surroundings, they were thankfully joined by a third party.

"Richard! Is that you?"

"Ah Sebastian, it's good to see you! I thought you'd be holed up in the office somewhere today." The two men shook hands vigorously in greeting.

"I thought I would be too, but I was convinced that work could wait for once," the other general laughed. He then seemed to take notice of Rinoa and Squall and bowed his head. "Oh please pardon me, I didn't mean to intrude."

"You weren't Sebastian," Caraway said genteelly. "You remember my daughter don't you?"

"Certainly! You've grown into quite the young beauty. I remember when you were a little girl -- tripping and falling all over my house and I thought your father would sue me for abuse when he saw your bruises," Rialm chuckled.

She beamed back at him; partly because he was too well-mannered to mention her likeness to her mother in her father's presence, and partly because his genuine amusement was infectious. The last time she had seen him was when she was eleven or twelve and the years had taken its toll on him since then. Standing next to her father, he looked older, frailer, even if they were only separated by a few years. Grey had nearly run its full course on his hair, and worry lines were deeply etched on his face. It saddened her to see such a good man be so ill treated by time when she -– she would live his lifetime several times over. Rinoa couldn't resist hugging him; he'd been so kind to her when she needed it most.

"And this is her – well, Squall Leonhart. You know him of course."

"Of course, of course. An honor to meet you sir," he soberly shook hands with Squall.

"You don't have to call me that," the younger man said, uncomfortable with the attention and titles.

"Usually I would take you up on that offer, but you see -- since you're here -- I have a favor to ask of you and I would be uncomfortable trying to be personal with you in this situation when I honestly do not know you well."

Squall seemed to appreciate his frankness but was still annoyed at being asked for a favor by a stranger.

"What do you want exactly?" he asked brusquely. It was a good thing Rinoa always warned him against offending people.

"Straight to the point I see. I'll explain my situation," Rialm became very grave. "I am a part of some very delicate negotiations, the nature of which I cannot fully disclose. However because of my well-known share in these discussions, my family has been targeted. I've made many enemies over the years as a general and I cannot be sure who is trying to hurt my daughter."

Rinoa grimaced at the mention of his daughter. That girl had made her younger years a living hell and she wasn't likely to forget it now. Frankly, she was a little disappointed that no one had succeeded in "harming" her. But she knew that the general loved his daughter well; so for his sake, Rinoa wished that she would be crippled for life instead of fatally wounded.

"For her safety I've posted some soldiers to accompany her, but there have been too many close encounters for my liking. She does not like the idea of a regiment following her around day and night and short of house arrest, I'm really not sure how to protect her if my opposition is this persistent. It's for her sake that I petition you now; I want her to live a normal life without danger because of my occupation. Perhaps a well-trained mercenary would be better able to guard her."

Squall didn't answer right away and his pause was long enough that someone else was able to interrupt the conversation. Someone that Rinoa had been hoping she wouldn't have to see while she was in Deling City, though it was probably already a lost cause when General Rialm came over to speak to her father. Still, there was always a chance, she thought hopefully.

"Father? What are you doing over here? I thought you were getting a drink," a sweet, lilting voice was heard, followed by the appearance of a striking young woman.

No one looking at her would ever suspect anything resembling malevolence. To the rest of the world she was another beautiful, well-brought up creature with wavy coppery locks, eyes the color of red wine, pleasing pouty lips, a stunning body that she was not afraid to show off in a low cut white dress, and an alluring, irresistible air of romance. It was a wonder that she wasn't always stepping over men falling in her path. But Rinoa knew from experience that there was a ruthlessness behind her every smile and gesture; perhaps they'd finally caught on to that.

They had been friends at some point, best friends, as close as real sisters, no secrets were left unsaid. Both the same age, motherless, the daughter of important generals; they'd shared the same problems, the anxieties, the responsibilities, the burdens, and always, always the desire to be perfect.

So when Rinoa told her that she hated her own father for the things he'd done, for the things he hadn't done, that Alex must hate hers too because she must go through the same things, that she missed her mother and Alex was lucky hers was still alive, why didn't she ever try to find her -- she was surprised by her friend's response. Her young face flushed with anger, Alexandria left a stinging handprint on her cheek and screamed at her to leave. She was so stunned; she didn't even ask for an explanation and quickly went home. After that, they never truly spoke again. Not knowing what to make of this behavior, Rinoa could only have felt betrayed and hurt. Her only real friend had cut off all ties with her for no plausible reason she knew of.

Alexandria, though Rinoa didn't realize this until later, was very, very angry. And that anger grew so cold and so deep, that it slowly transformed into hatred. Still, an air of civility was upheld, the other girl saw to that at least; she was very punctilious about maintaining appearances. She may not have outright sneered at Rinoa, but she did her best to make her unhappy.

"My daughter, Alexandria," Rialm introduced with a wave of his hand. "Say hello to General Caraway and this is Commander Leonhart. And I'm sure you remember Rinoa?"

She swept to the ground in a correct curtsy and then smiled at Rinoa charmingly. "How could I ever forget Rinny? How have you been darling? I read about your entire saving the world ordeal and the whole time I couldn't help but think that it was an absolute tragedy what happened to you."

Alexandria made it a point to stare at her Odine bangle. Rinoa had to try very, very hard not to wipe the concerned look off the other girl's face.

Against Alex, she became rebellious and proud, and in the process, found her real self. She hated the arrogance, the backstabbing, the pretending. It was all so complicated when it didn't need to be. She could never understand why she couldn't go where she wished, when she wished, with whomever she wished without raising a scandal.

That was why she found it so much easier to identify with those outside Galbadian high society. With them, she was normal. Having a dream besides marrying into an influential family, increasing political power, building a regime of fear and respect, was common. She hadn't quite realized how limited her world was until she met people like Wade and Zone. Running away to Timber and becoming a rebel was one of the most fulfilling choices she'd made in a life where she'd made almost none. Still, however different she was now, she could not help but still be bothered by Alex.

"I'm perfectly fine Alex. I don't think it's a tragedy at all if I saved the world from total annihilation," she managed through clenched teeth. "But thank you for worrying about me."

"Oh you don't have to thank me. What are friends for after all?" Alexandria patted Rinoa on the cheek affectionately with a touch that made her skin crawl. She refrained from flinching through sheer willpower, not caring to give Alex the satisfaction of seeing her disgusted. Still, something bothered her about the other girl's actions. The same loathing, visible only to her, was still there. But for Squall, she reserved a long calculating gaze that worried her deeply.

Alexandria was not the type of girl who flirted with just any boy. There was reason behind her conquests; some purpose not realized until it was all over and he was sent packing without really knowing what had happened. She knew that was what happened with Seifer. Her first love – and Alex took him away in one fell swoop. He'd nearly bitten her head off when she asked him about her "childhood friend". So she knew that he'd had his heart broken too – all because Alex had wanted to hurt her. And she couldn't let that happen again, not with Squall. She would kill for him and she definitely had the means now as a full-fledged sorceress.

Murdering her probably meant that she'd be imprisoned and shot into space again to orbit for a few centuries though.

"I'm glad you girls are still friends. After all these years, I thought you'd have grown apart," General Rialm seemed pleased at this.

There'd been a time when Rinoa had considered telling him about how cruel his daughter really was, but she doubted he would have believed her. Like any other parent, he was blind to her vices and had more pressing matters on his mind than looking after a troubled child. Again, her soft spot for the general was obvious. She really didn't want to see him suffer at all. He was more of a father to her than her own up until the time she and Alex had stopped being friends. And if he was happy if she kept quiet, she would.

"But back to the matter at hand Commander, what do you think is the most suitable course of action?"

Squall scowled at being put on the spot again and he didn't like to see Rinoa so unnerved by the latest arrival. "I don't know – You'll have to ask the headmaster about that."

"But you are the Commander--" The general started but was interrupted by his daughter.

"Father, you've been defeated by your own logic," Alexandria said patiently. "Since he is the Commander, he wouldn't be able to oversee all of SeeD's operations. It'd be physically impossible. I'm sure they have a more efficient system than the Galbadian military where a few men are overburdened and the rest vacation weekly."

He only seemed slightly mollified at this explanation, but enough for Squall to feel thankful for her interjection.

"Now then, all of you, this is the Augustan Ball! And it only comes once a year! You workaholics can work the other 364 days some other time," she tugged at her father's arm insistently. "Come sit with me like you promised."

"I suppose you're right dear," he patted her hand tenderly and looked at the rest. "Feel free to join us if you like. Tonight is my night to gorge, as my daughter says."

"Squall and I aren't hungry. Airplane meals are really filling you know," Rinoa spoke quickly, eager to be away from Alexandria. Fortunately for her, the girl didn't seem intent on her company too and didn't point out the ridiculousness of her comment.

"Oh what a shame. It was good seeing you again Rinny. And a pleasure meeting you as well Commander. We'll have to have dinner sometime," she smiled at her own vindictive joke, and Rinoa suddenly felt even more anxious to get Squall away from her.

"I'll take you up on that offer Sebastian," Caraway said before turning to his daughter. "Perhaps a private setting would be better next time Rinoa. If there is a next time."

She kissed her father on the cheek, feeling a little more warmth towards him now. "There will be Daddy."

He nodded, pleased at that, and turned to leave. At last, Rinoa and Squall were as alone as they could be in a crowded ball room.

"Who was that Rinoa?" His ice blue eyes betraying their stoicism for worry again. "You seemed really nervous around her."

"I was – she's just an old friend. But our past is the past… let's not dwell on it. I don't ask you about yours do I?" she recovered, now teasing him.

"That's only because you know I barely remember mine," Squall scowled.

Rinoa smiled at him lovingly. Squall acting like Squall was always comforting to her for some reason; he stayed the same in any situation. She rested her head against his chest, suddenly tired. It'd been a long, fretful day and she was grateful when he mistook the act for affection and held her close.

"Promise me something Squall?" she whispered, knowing fully well he would, even if she had told him to instead of asking.

"Anything."

"Don't fall in love with her."

He seemed surprised but didn't protest; his only reaction to hug her more tightly. "I love you."

After a few moments, Rinoa stirred and he released his hold on her. She seemed to return to her normal, cheerful self as she stepped back and placed her hands on her hips.

"Well now that that's settled, I think it's time we enjoy ourselves. I can't remember the last time you took a break."

"Whatever," he replied honestly.

This caused Rinoa to laugh, much to his chagrin. "You're such a workaholic Squall. But don't worry, I can fix that!"

She playfully grabbed his hand to lead him to the dance floor but stopped when she saw two familiar faces grinning and waving at her.

"RINNY!" Their voices were shrill enough to break eardrums; even Squall flinched visibly at the sound.

Rinoa didn't seem to mind the volume as she waved back eagerly but did notice his growing discomfort.

"Old school friends," she explained. "Why don't you get us a drink Squall? I'll be right here. You don't mind do you?"

He glanced at the giddy approaching girls, shook his head no, and was off. Ignoring a room of people was much easier than two flitting teenagers, staring intently at his scar up front, and up close.

Searching for a server, he found a waiter rather quickly, lifted two glasses off his silver tray, and was about to return to Rinoa as slowly as possible and blame it on the crowd when he spotted the familiar silhouette of one Alexandria Rialm. As if reading his thoughts, she swiveled her head and looked straight at him. Alarmed, he immediately turned around, but from the way the hairs on the back of his neck were standing, he knew she was already approaching. No time for any sort of escape.

"Commander?"

With his back towards her, Squall took a large gulp of his wine and pretended not to hear.

"Commander Leonhart!"

Damned if she wasn't persistent. Now people around them were starting to peer at him.

"Don't call me that," came his reply. He faced her halfheartedly.

"So you are the modest type. I suppose you don't like being called 'mister' either," Alexandria mused aloud. "What about just Leonhart then? I don't really know you well enough to call you Squall."

"Whatever," he fell back on his old technique; it worked 9 times out of 10 in driving females away though Rinoa, Quistis, and Selphie were immune.

She didn't seem discouraged by his answer unfortunately. Squall was beginning to think his method didn't work anymore. Faster than he could even react, she'd pilfered the glass in his other hand and raised it.

"A toast to our new acquaintance then," she smiled and consumed half the glass.

He was mildly impressed by the display. Having been around Rinoa for so long, he imagined all social butterflies to be almost allergic to alcohol.

"Oh you're surprised? Not everyone is as soft as Rinny." Again, she smiled, and this time, he noticed that she was very, very pretty. No wonder Rinoa had been worried. She could probably read and manipulate people without them ever noticing anything other than her beauty. But he wasn't going to fall for it.

"I'm not interested in you. So whatever you have to say, say it already."

Her pleasant expression didn't change. "No, you're not are you? Interested, I mean," she replied thoughtfully. "Well then. I'll be frank with you. I hate Rinoa Heartilly. If I could, I would destroy her without a second's notice."

Squall tensed. "I won't let you."

"I'm sure you can protect her very well -- physically. Maybe you could even keep her by your side night and day. But that's not the point. Rinoa will always be a little unhappy because in that small mind of hers, she wants everybody to accept her and love her for who she is. I can't imagine how much she's suffering now when half of the civilized world thinks she's a monster," Alex chuckled a little too much at this for Squall's liking.

"Rinoa's not like that," he defended, unsure. Somehow, she seemed to catch that uncertainty in his voice, in his posture.

"Oh. Do you really think so?" Here, she turned the full force of her red eyes on him and he knew she was right. Rinoa was so sensitive to others, so fragile. He couldn't protect her from the blame the world put on her, the blame she put on herself. Satisfied with what he was now thinking, she continued. "She knows that I hate her. And because of that, she's afraid of me."

"Why?" He was puzzled at this. Having lived his whole life wanting people to hate him, to leave him alone, it never occured of him to be scared of anyone.

"Because she's afraid I'll take you away."

"That won't happen," Squall said quickly.

"I'm sure it won't," She looked at him again, in a way that made him uncomfortable. "But that fear will always lurk in her mind. That someday, someone will take away the thing most precious to her. Maybe it'll even worsen over the years; she'll become a little more paranoid every time you leave, every time you're away from her side for a moment. Maybe it'll stay the way it is now, just a little something to tug at her heart whenever she sees you talking to another girl."

At this comment, Squall immediately swept the multitude to see if Rinoa was watching them. To his great relief, she was busily occupied by her friends, laughing innocently, her heart full and content for the moment.

"So now you know why she was so nervous around me," Alex paused. "I think one dance will cover that."

"What?" He frowned. This girl changed frequencies faster than he could keep up.

"For telling you why your lovely companion was fidgety around me."

"I never agreed to that," he scowled at her, berating himself for playing into whatever trap she'd laid out for him.

"Hm. I suppose it is unfair that I didn't tell you the conditions beforehand," Now she pursed her lips in disappointment. A second later to Squall's annoyance, she clapped her hands together happily. "Well, this time, I'll be sure to warn you."

"This time?" he scoffed at her assumptions. "There is no 'this time'. I'm leaving."

"Oh but then you'll miss out on the deal of a lifetime," she caught his arm before he could flee into the congregration. He brushed her off roughly, wishing he had Rinoa's friends staring at his scar than this.

"Hear me out Leonhart," Alex laughed at his obstination, a melodic sound. "Don't you want to hear how to make your girlfriend truly happy?"

He stopped. Did she really know how to make Rinoa stop staring into nothing, stop looking like she would burst into tears at nightfall? Looking at the girl's brimming confidence, he doubted it. But if it would make her leave him alone, it'd be worth it. "Fine. Tell me."

Squall immediately regretted saying that when her face turned mischievous. Cupping one hand over his ear, she whispered something he wouldn't care to repeat to anyone; needless to say, if someone were looking hard enough in that general direction, they would've seen the emotionless Squall Leonhart blush a deep, embarrassing shade of red.

"Stop messing with me."

"But you're just too much fun!" She giggled but then sobered at his cold countenance even as her dark red eyes danced in amusment. "All right, I'll stop teasing. The wine must be making me lightheaded." She feigned a sigh when she saw he didn't buy it. "On to my proposal. In exchange for dancing one set with me -- yes you heard correctly, one set -- I will promise to leave one Rinoa Heartilly, completely alone from now on. I'll even throw in a heartfelt apology for all the torture she thinks she's been put through."

"No," he replied without a moment's hesitation. Again, that silvery laugh.

"Think about it Leonhart. It's only five minutes out of a lifetime for the sake of the happiness of your beloved sweetheart. That isn't, too much to ask for, is it? That is, if you really love her at all," she said sweetly.

Squall knew that he'd been very, very, manipulated, and that felt unpleasant if anything else; but there was nothing he could do about it now. And if it was for Rinoa -- he'd put up with this girl for a lifetime if he had to. Five minutes was nothing. He knocked back the rest of his wine and set down his glass so forcefully as to alarm more than a few people with the sound of cracking glass.

Alexandria merely proffered a hand to lead him to the dance floor, not even remotely affected by his show of anger.