Official disclaimer is posted on the first chapter.

A huge thanks to Angelprinczess, Stardust Ray and Karaoke Risa for reviewing (I love all your works!) as well as everyone else! I'm glad you're all enjoying it so far.

Chapter 2


Squall collapsed onto his bed, his head in his hands in a hunched over position. A myriad of emotions swept through him - anger, panic, worry, regret, grief, guilt... it was hard to decipher any of them at the moment.

Of course he didn't mean any of those things he said to Rinoa earlier... he's usually so calm and collected, not able to let emotions get the best of him or cloud his judgment, but in this case, he lost it.

Big time.

Squall sighed, closing his eyes in despair. And now he just let the best thing that's ever happened to him in his life walk out the door and she probably won't come back... ever again. At the thought of this, he grew more depressed and felt a pang of longing and heartache for her. He couldn't find the strength to do anything at that moment, it was like he was sapped of all his energy. And it had come in the form of the raven-haired angel. No longer there.

He knew he loved Rinoa, so much that it hurt. He also knew he should run after her, apologize and beg like hell to be forgiven, but it was stubborn pride that prevented him from doing so right now. Even though he regretted everything he said, he couldn't help but feel angry with her, with the idea that she wanted to leave him and her inability to understand his responsibilities as Commander.

A part of him wanted to just forget about the whole thing, revert back into his introverted shell and take out his aggressions on poor, weak monsters - preferably some grats with his name on them - at the Training Centre like he used to, while the other part of his mind screamed, You're a damn fool, Leonhart! You hurt her, and you deserve to be alone for what you've done! Tell her you're sorry and suck up your damned pride before it's too late!

He brushed his hair back and breathed a few times.

Maybe I am meant to be alone after all...they all leave you in the end anyway.

Tears were starting to form from the corners of his eyes, but he brushed them away in anger.

Whatever... I just need to stop thinking about this for a while or else I'll probably lose what's left of my sanity...

Just then, he heard a rapid knocking at the door. Squall's heart leaped at the thought of Rinoa standing outside.

Maybe she wants to forgive me after all? Hyne, please tell me she changed her mind...

But then, he realized he wasn't too sure if he wanted to face her right now. How could he? He was too ashamed to even look at her. Squall wouldn't admit it, but at that moment, he was scared that he'd see the look of hatred in Rinoa's brown eyes. Hatred directed at him. He wouldn't be able to handle that. His heart couldn't take it.

Yet again, he cursed himself for his stupidity.

Then again, she was the one who wanted to abandon him in the first place.

"Yo, Squall! Open up man, it's me!"

Squall groaned. He wondered what Zell wanted now. I swear if this is about the shortage of hot dogs again, I'm about to shove one up where he doesn't like it.

He knew Zell wouldn't go away unless he answered, so he got to his feet and strode over to the door in one quick motion.

The blonde-haired, blue-eyed martial artist with his trademark tattoo stopped his shadow-boxing long enough to realize that the grumpy Commander was standing there, glaring. He gulped. Grumpy was kind of an understatement right now...

"Uh... I kinda have some bad news... Selphie just told me she saw Rinoa leaving Garden! She was all packed an' everything! She also looked real upset... you gotta go after her, man!"

At the mention of her name, Zell could have sworn he'd seen a flash of sadness (andwas that.. hurt?) in his friend's eyes but it was covered up almost too quickly, like it never happened.

"You are... going after her... right?"

"..."

The lack of response and averted gaze from the lone wolf seemed to fill in all the gaps.

Zell backed up a little, understanding dawning on his face. "Whoa... you guys had a huge fight or somethin'?"

Squall turned his head to the side. "... It's none of your business."

Zell nodded in understanding, regarding him with an air of sympathy. "Dude... you should go apologize to her or try to work somethin' out! I know you don't want to lose her... we've all watched you guys when you were together. It was the happiest we'd ever seen you. Don't let some stupid argument come between what you guys have!"

Squall couldn't stand to listen any more. This was already killing him and now he had to hear it from Zell of all people?

"Just leave me the hell alone, Zell!" A slam of the door met his surprised face.

He crawled back to his spot and dropped down against the side of the bed like a rag doll. His brown hair fell over his face, hiding the anguish in his eyes. He felt more alone than he'd ever been in his life. And knowing that for once, he actually deserved it. His worst fears were now confirmed.

Not being able to hold it in any longer, the mighty SeeD Commander let his guard down and wept, for all that he just lost. He couldn't even begin to describe the pain he felt, but it was more gut-wrenching than when Ellone abandoned him back then.

She left... and it's all my fault... Rinoa... how am I supposed to live without you?


Quistis Trepe leaned back from the window she just happened to glance out of, taking in the sights like she usually does when grading papers seemed to take its toll on her. At the moment, the fierce storm with it's raging winds and heavy downpour had her set in a somber mood. She frowned a bit, wishing that the sun would appear and cover the land with its luminosity. It didn't happen though.

Losing herself in the surroundings of the beauty of nature and all that it had to offer somewhat relaxed her, it always reminded her of how much she missed traveling in her younger days before she became a SeeD and then being known as the famed instructor. The thrill of visiting new places as well as the experiences of battling with her trusty chain whip was to a degree buried now, but still somewhere underneath the cool, reserved exterior of the blond-haired woman was a passion that couldn't be quenched so easily, even if it's been months after the Ultimecia incident. Although, something was missing, she could feel it... most of her comrades had found their happiness, she still had yet to find hers.

Just then, she became distracted by a figure rushing their way through the gates. Quistis adjusted her glasses and squinted, wondering who could be out there in a weather like this. As the person was wearing a black coat over their clothes, she was at a loss... but then a flash of blue peeking underneath helped to jolt recognition.

Is that... Rinoa? But, why is she leaving and especially now of all times? Something isn't right here... She thought, as uneasiness crept over her.

Firstly, it seemed to her that Rinoa was very anxious to leave Garden judging from her hasty movements, not only that but she also carried luggage, which was suspicious to the Instructor.

Quistis sighed, starting to get concerned for her friend but also for Squall. She wondered if he even knew about it and how was he coping with her departure. Knowing the stoic young man though, he was probably taking it very hard but most likely masking his emotions like he always does. Everyone knew it took a long time for Squall to open himself up, and it was in large part because of Rinoa. To think that he might begin to lose that hope, that missing part of himself he discovered once more, was saddening.

Shaking her head, she turned around and scurried off to her destination.

She was going to get to the bottom of this.

Just as she turned the corner, a body slammed into her hard, the impact was so great that the person tumbled down. Quistis, feeling a bit disoriented, glanced down to see a young, petite brunette with energetic green eyes, wearing a yellow overall dress sprawled out on the floor in pain.

"Ouchie! That hurt..." The brunette groaned, rubbing her backside.

"Selphie! Goodness, are you alright? You need to watch where you're going and what did I tell you about slowing down in the corridors? This must be the tenth time this happened!" Quistis stated rolling her eyes, a little annoyed yet amused by Selphie's habits.

She faced the blond and jumped up, a sheepish grin on her lips. "So sorry, Quisty! I was just looking for you and I was kinda in a hurry so I had to come tell you ASAP!" She then stopped moving, a sad expression forming on her face. "Rinny's gone! I saw her passing through the halls with suitcases and stuff! I just told Zell about it... and oh, this is terrible! We have to do something!"

"I know, I know, Selphie. I just saw her running outside too. We just have to figure out the reasons first, then maybe we can persuade her to come back." Quistis paused, thinking. "I was just about to find Squall. Does he know yet?"

"If he didn't before, Zell must have told him by now.

The two young women stood there in silence, contemplating the mystery of this situation involving two of their friends. "What a mess.." Quistis murmured.

"Seriously! Squall and Rinny really need us. What should we do?"

Quistis directed her blue eyes towards the dormitories. "I think it's about time for an intervention."

Selphie nodded and trailed after Quistis, not knowing what to expect next, but having faith that somehow it will all work out.

Along the way, they came across a certain pony-tailed man with his signature 'cowboy' hat at the brim of his head, leaning against the wall in a relaxed position.

"And where are you lovely ladies headin' off to this fine day? Beautiful creatures such as yourselves shouldn't be walking around without assistance." The cowboy said, tipping his hat in greeting along with his ever-charming smile that never seemed to falter in the presence of the female population.

"Irvy! We've got serious problems right now! There's no time for your flirting!" Selphie yelled, pouting.

Irvine, shocked at having the opposite reaction from the happy-go-lucky girl, just stood speechless for a second. "Uh, alright darlin'. Just tell me what's going on and I'll be sure to handle it for you, sweet thang." He winked.

Selphie and Quistis looked at each other and simultaneously rolled their eyes. "Just come on, we'll explain on the way." The blonde said, grabbing his coat by the collar, dragging him along.

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

By the time the three SeeDs got to Squall's dorm, they took notice of Zell practicing his skills restlessly, his arms in a combat stance concentrating. When he realized his friends were there, he lowered his fists, scratching his blond hair nervously.

"Well, uh... I told him."

Quistis folded her arms. "Alright. So, how did he take the news?"

Zell shook his head, heaving a sigh. "In typical Squall fashion. He pretended like it didn't bother him at first, but I can tell it did. Then he pretty much blew up and I've been standing out here ever since."

They all didn't know what to say after that. It was already happening – their trusted friend and leader appeared to be on the verge of a breakdown. If something wasn't done and fast, he could either end up doing something he would regret, or he just might find himself stuck in a deep pit of melancholy that could swallow him whole.

After an exchange of worried glances, the four comrades quietly came to a conclusion. One of them would have to enter the "lion's den" and approach him to find out the truth. The question was: who? Sooner or later, all eyes turned to one person.

After some hesitation, Irvine gallantly stepped forward. "Guess I'm the man for the job."

He rapped on the door. "Squall? You in there, buddy? I need to talk to you about something."

Of course there was no response, which was expected. Irvine sighed. "Alright, I didn't want to have to do it this way, but looks like I have no choice."

A couple of months after the heroes saved the world from time compression, Cid was kind enough to present them each with an extra key card to any of their dorm rooms. "In case of emergency," the headmaster said, however that didn't prevent each of them from using the cards when it was convenient. They all knew he said it as a mere technicality.

With one quick sweep, the cowboy opened the door and peered through, almost afraid to find out what was on the other side. All he knew was, it definitely wouldn't be the kind of prize he was looking forward to seeing.