Author's Note: I really truly am sorry that two months has passed since the last chapter. I've been extremely busy with other projects and also life in general - which I will save you the bore of hearing.
I don't have chapter three written, but I will endeavour to write it as some point. I have exams in June, and in May I have a lot of assignments due so I'm really not sure when this story will be updated again. Be assured that I take my time in writing my chapters to present you with the situation at its fullest. I don't want to take away from the chapter, nor do I want to have to edit it after because my memory lapse caused me to leave something integral to the storyline out - thank God this has never happened in any of my other stories before.
Now that I'm done with that blog, I thank you all for your reviews and continued support. Hope you enjoy the chapter. :)
- Chapter Two -
A Petal of Disclosure
The Commander reached the restaurant doors, noticing a black Jeep with tinted windows drive out of the car park and into the intersection. He struggled with the restaurant's door handles only to find them locked, banging on the clear glass door until he could make out a waiter coming towards him.
As the door opened the waiter popped his head out, looking at the Commander with excited expectancy.
"Yes? Commander Leonhart?"
"There was a party here tonight. Rinoa Heartilly's birthday party?" Squall asked.
"I'm sorry Sir, but Miss Heartilly just left with President Loire and her boyfriend."
"Okay, thank you," Squall replied, briskly jogging back in the direction of the train station.
Though Esthar City was known as the city of lights, the people were very calm and serene, unlike the partygoers of Deling City. At 11: 25PM the inhabitants of Balamb could be found loitering around the streets, some returning from the Hotel Bar while others returned from a late night in Dollet. However, the citizens of Esthar were different. Part of it had to do with their years of segregation, but it was mostly due to their reserved and orthodox culture. It was hardly acceptable behaviour to wander the streets unnecessarily, and so many were already in their homes by such a late hour. And while the union of two countries would expect late night partygoers to be still lingering in the streets, there actually only were a few quiet passersby making their way home. Thankfully for Squall, Estharian cultural etiquette meant ease of access to the platform shuttle service.
Sitting down on the rotating silver seat, Squall stated his destination to the voice recognition box beside him. A moment later, the seat vibrated beneath him, as he felt the familiar exhilarating feeling rushing through his veins when it sped into the neon lit tunnel. The loud churning sounds of the generators were drowned when his ear's popped, the speed increasing the further he ascended into the tunnel.
It hadn't taken long to reach the Palace, though making his way round the maze was tiresome. He held his breath, forcing his ears to open up as he made his way up to the main lobby. As he looked up, he saw Laguna's figure walking towards his direction, nodding once the older man caught sight of him.
"Squall, when did you arrive?" Laguna asked, skidding to a halt, unsure whether or not he should have begun with a greeting. Despite always swerving from the topic of his paternity, his words came out more like an inquisitive father's.
"Just now, actually. Is Rinoa already here?"
"Yeah, I've put her into the third guest room. Ellone used the other two when a couple of the White SeeD kids came to stay over. I'm afraid my cleaners are still trying to get the crayon off the wall." Laguna laughed.
"Hn. You wouldn't have such a problem with Garden's SeeDs," Squall replied dryly.
"Hey, Elle's SeeDs aren't too bad," Laguna winked.
"They're not Elle's SeeDs," Squall interjected far too quickly, clearing his throat when Laguna's lips parted to a shocked smile. "Sorry . . . I just meant Elle has nothing to do with SeeD, of any type."
"I know. Erm, I think Rinoa's waiting for you," Laguna remarked, slowly continuing on his path.
As if just realising his reason for being in the Palace, Squall nodded and hastened towards the guest rooms. Once he reached the third door to his left, he twisted the doorknob only to find it locked. He pressed his ears against the warm wooden door, but couldn't hear anything.
Casting quick glances to his left and right, he knocked on the door and pressed up against it, ready to slip in once it opened. When there was no immediate answer, he rapped smartly once again.
Finally he heard footsteps from inside, heard the click of the lock and the turning of the doorknob. Once the door cracked open, he slipped in, pushing the door closed behind him. He dropped his bag near the foot of the door, grabbing at the slender hips that stood next to him, and placed his lips directly upon hers.
He was hungry, thirsty and heavily in need of her. Being at such close proximity sparked images of her behind his closed eyes, her soft lips inviting him and the delicate touch of her fingers massaging his scalp awakened his body. He wanted to touch every part of her body and he did. His hands travelled down her lower back, feeling the soft cotton of her nightgown and indenting it into his memory.
He wanted to continue on his path to discovery, but that proved hard since she was presently pushing him away. With a final shove, he was forced back.
"What took you so long, Squall?"
Seeing her standing in her short nightdress, her dishevelled hair cascading over her shoulders framing her breasts, and her pouting, red lips left him breathless. As he moved towards her, she turned her head away from him, but didn't deny his touch
"I'm sorry," he said. "I tried getting there on time, but when I got to the restaurant you'd already left."
"That doesn't answer what took you so long," Rinoa remarked, still refusing to look at him.
He wrapped his arms around the lower part of her body, cradling her into his chest, before pressing her figure against the door and trailing a series of kisses down her neck.
"I had a couple of interviews that I couldn't get out of."
He felt her stiffen under him and smirked, assuming she was getting aroused from his kisses, but one look at her frowning lips had him recoil with confusion.
"What?"
"When were you going to tell me about your wedding?" she asked, again pushing him away before making her way over to the bed.
"Y-You heard?" Squall asked, slowly following her to the middle of the room and hovering over her seated body.
"Well it was announced on national television!" She glared up at him.
"Oh, Rin, I'm sorry." He bent down on his knees, placing his hands on her bare thighs as he looked into her amber coloured face in the dimly lit room. Her eyes flashed in anger as she looked back at him. "I didn't know they were going to announce it until I was dragged into the conference hall. I think Cid kept it to himself for fear of knowing I wouldn't turn up."
"Forget announcing it on T.V, Squall. Why didn't you tell me before?"
"Honestly, they only told me two weeks ago. I didn't want to go ahead with it, but they said it would eradicate any negative light still directed towards G-Garden."
"And what does that have to do with Balamb, or you for that matter? I still don't understand why you agreed to pretend to be her boyfriend," Rinoa cried, biting on her bottom lip as she scowled at him.
"It's complicated. I thought you said you trust me?" he asked, lifting her chin. Her look softened.
"I do," she whispered. "But that doesn't mean I have to like what's going on."
"I don't like it either, but I told you I'd explain it all later." Squall gave her a quick peck on her lips, resting his forehead against hers momentarily. "Once my contract with Garden is over, we're free do to whatever we want. Everything will be all right."
"I don't like sneaking around, Squall."
"And you think I do?" His words weren't harsh in any way, but the accusation was there nonetheless.
"No, but it's easier for you. You've grown up your whole life being able to deceive people . . . I haven't. I freak out the minute someone mentions your name, or asks whether I've seen or heard from you. Sometimes I don't know whether I should be honest or just pretend that we're no longer in contact . . . I just don't know."
"I told you what to tell them. Rinoa, you can do it. Don't doubt yourself." Squall held her gaze as she looked back, her forehead creased. Shaking her head, she then buried her face in his shoulders.
"I nearly slipped with Selphie today." Her voice was muffled into his shirt.
"What did you say?" He held her at arm's length to get a good look at her displeased face.
"She said it didn't make sense that I'd break up with you because of needing my own space, yet here I was living with Zone. So I told her that Zone needed a place to stay after Watts and Denise got married."
The Commander smiled, giving a quick nod, "You did well; that's some quick thinking."
"Well it is the truth. That was why I let him move in." Rinoa pulled herself off the Commander, inspecting him through the half darkened orange glow.
Though he was kneeling right in front of her, her heart still desired his touch, his kisses and the warmth surrounding his body. She could see the fire in his eyes, the hunger for her getting stronger with every minute that passed them by where they hadn't been joined as one. He needed her, but she also needed him in more ways than possible.
His eyes continued lingering over her body, inhaling every part of her, desiring nothing more than to restrain her on the bed as he had done against the door only a few minutes before. Her soft voice broke the silence and as a result, broke his already aching heart.
"I'm not going to have sex with you, if that's what you're thinking," Rinoa stated, crossing her arms over her chest, which emphasised her cleavage. Squall couldn't determine if it was done intentionally or not.
"No?" he asked, cocking an eyebrow.
"No."
"But we haven't been together in so long," he replied, lightly trailing his index finger down her thigh. "You'll only regret it when I leave."
She shrugged her shoulders, unconvinced, and looked away towards the bright city lights beyond the parted curtains.
"It's my birthday; I can do what I want."
"Oh? Is that how it is," he asked with a smirk.
"Yes. Besides, it's only been seven weeks," she replied casually, acting completely indifferent to the issue.
"Seven weeks . . ." Squall inhaled a breath of air, slowly creeping his finger across her covered stomach and up to the valley between her breasts. "Seven weeks . . . four days . . . sixteen hours . . . and twenty-three minutes," he stated, glancing at the digital clock beside the bed and amending his answer. "Make that twenty-four minutes," he whispered.
She sucked in her breath as his fingers continued snaking up her body before resting on her neck. His eyes continued to bore into hers and she threw her resolve off the balcony and locked her lips onto his.
She felt his tongue seeking immediate entrance and deepened their kiss. Her fingers found themselves curled into his gorgeous locks, and she took her time to gently massage the tips of her fingers into his scalp. She heard him moan into her – he was enjoying the sensual feelings her fingers were providing him – and as a result, her stomach felt like it was being tickled by butterflies.
His hands were already searching her body, caressing her thighs and breasts. She moved uncomfortably against the bed, aching to be removed from the soft mattress and repositioned on something more solid. Her neck was beginning to cramp and so she pulled away for air.
Squall didn't waste time in clambering up onto the bed to join her, dragging the sheets down and placing her inside. Once clothes and other accessories were discarded, he turned off the blaring lamp in irritation, resulting in a giggle from his sorceress as she impatiently dragged his attention back to their moment.
Rinoa stepped out onto the balcony, allowing the cool Estharian breeze to engulf her, causing the tiny hairs on her arms to rise. She closed her eyes, gripping the steel railing as she leaned forward and inhaled deeply. A mixture of pollution and hedges was all she could smell, but since she had gotten used to it, it didn't cause her to crease her nose in disgust. Esthar wasn't that different from her own hometown.
Two and a half years she had spent living in Esthar City, but she was still amazed by the infrastructure, the architecture and at the current time, the seasonal weather during the spring. It was just past 01:00AM, the only sounds below belonging to the crickets and the humming generators powering the city and its skywalks. In the distance she could make out the blurred blue and yellow colours merging together into a hazy emerald green. The aquamarine glass buildings reflected the yellow florescent lights all over the city, like a small enclosure lit up by several beams.
As she looked up at the murky pink sky, not a star was in sight, mostly due to the radiating light and vast pollution that resulted in generating the platform shuttle service. But Rinoa preferred the City of Lights to the City of Festivity any day.
As she rested her head on her forearms, she continued looking down at the city wondering if Squall would change his mind about settling here. She didn't want to leave this place. Over the years, making friends and renewing old ties held more of a sentiment to her. Her colleagues at the Lab and Zone would make it hard to leave. She didn't want to be away from them, but at the same time she also couldn't sacrifice her own life with Squall – she wanted that more.
Hearing a creak behind her, Rinoa craned her neck to see a half naked Squall walk out. Wrapping his arms around her waist as he stood behind her, he kissed the top of her head affectionately, clearing his throat as he looked into the distance.
"On average, how much do you think Laguna's electricity bill comes to?" Rinoa asked.
"A lot more than I'll ever make at Garden, though I doubt he pays a gil of it."
"No, suppose not." Rinoa laughed as she leaned back onto Squall's solid chest, admiring his muscular arms as they enveloped her midriff. She trailed her own fingers lightly across his forearm and received another kiss atop of her head.
"Rinoa, I need to discuss some things with you. Some stuff I need you to sort out."
"Me?" She was flattered by the confidence, but just the idea of screwing up whatever he wanted carried out made her apprehensive. "Why can't you do it? Are you assigned a new mission?" Rinoa asked, turning around to face her Knight.
"No, this isn't Garden related. Someone I know has a guy who can help us with the move. In return I have to help him with something first."
"What?"
"I-I can't say. It's safer if you don't know." Squall held her tighter.
"Everything is safer if I don't know," the sorceress retorted dryly.
"Rinoa . . . I thought you of all people would be more cautious given what happened to Caraway?" She knew he didn't bring it up as an argument trump card, but the truth was the truth; she was the daughter of the late General Caraway, and whoever had dipped their hands into the death of the former Galbadian General could well be after her too.
"I know . . . I'm just worried for you."
"Don't be, I'll always be here." Squall smirked at her as she smiled into their kiss.
"You're a right smoother talker Leonhart, using old sentiments to woo an unsuspecting girl. Though if I remember correctly, your exact words were l'll be here. But I quite like the amended version; 'always' shows more determination."
"Well, I am a SeeD," Squall quipped, cocking his eyebrow teasingly. "Commander, actually."
"Oh really, and I bet you're the Commander of Balamb."
"Well yeah, no other Garden can appoint SeeDs – only Balamb," Squall explained.
"My my, you are impressive," Rinoa retorted seductively, leaning further into him.
"You wanna hear impressive? I travelled through time and fought against Sorceress Ultimecia, but that's another story." He bent down, kissing her deeply and teasing her with his tongue. A couple of minutes passed before both broke for air.
"On a serious note, I will be here; you've made sure of that."
"Don't be too overconfident Squall, if anything happens to you this time, I won't be able to do anything." Rinoa shook her head, leaning her cheek against his chest as she hugged his body firmly against her own, threading her arms behind him and clutching his bare skin.
"As much as I do appreciate what you did for me Rin, I'm taking good care of myself. The Timber Massacre put a lid on any other gorilla organisations."
"Don't call it that," Rinoa shuddered, creasing her forehead as a nauseating feeling reached the pit of her stomach. She could almost taste the bile at the back of her throat.
"I'm sorry." Squall grasped her shoulders and smoothed her hair out of her face. Her body shivered underneath his as she closed her eyes and gripped Squall's forearm. "Let's get you inside."
The Commander led her back into the bedroom, seating her on their unmade bed, before looking at her with his arms on his hips. Rinoa took a couple of deep solid breaths before giving him a faint smile and nodded her head.
Squall moved to the back of the room where his bag was left unceremoniously upside down. Picking it off the floor, he took out the gift bag and another smaller black carry bag.
Putting the gift bag behind him as he sat on the bed, he held the small carrier in his hands, before unzipping it and showing Rinoa the contents. Immediately her eyes widened in surprise.
"There's one hundred and twenty thousand gil here. I need you put it into your account, the international one," Squall instructed Rinoa, who had her mouth hung half open.
"Squall, what's all this money for?" Rinoa picked up a bundle of notes, sifting though each 100 gil.
"The house we're to buy."
"So, why can't you transfer the money from your account?" she asked with a frown.
"Because it's a Garden account and I know someone is keeping tabs on my financial dealings. I can't risk Cid or someone finding out."
"Why?"
"Tch, Rinoa!" Squall impatiently cried, regretting his frustration the minute she recoiled. She never did cease to ask too many questions. "Look, if Cid or anyone else finds out I'm already making plans to leave Garden, they'll look for ways to keep me there. If I just play along with their games, when it comes to renewing my contract I can walk out without them having anything to hold me back."
The sorceress nodded, still amazed at the amount of money she was carrying. Of course she had seen similar figures on her father's statement, received triple that amount from her inheritance and knew a great deal more could be earned if she sold Caraway mansion. But a bag full of this much gil? Something just didn't sit right. Honestly, she wanted to ask, but knew now wasn't the right time or place. Nor was Squall's patience strong enough to handle her inquisitiveness.
"There's an extra twenty thousand in there for you," Squall added casually.
"Squall, I don't need your money." Rinoa shook her head, feeling guilty for the amount Squall was spending for her upkeep in Esthar, not forgetting the amount Zone tried forcing on her too.
"I know you don't need it, but I want to take care of you, so keep it."
Rinoa smiled at him, cupping his cheek in her hand as she brushed her thumb across it. Squall lent into the warmth, momentarily closing his eyes before looking at her cheekily.
"You and me against the world, remember that."
Giggling at his words, the sorceress replied, "I love it when you're so badass."
"Badass? Exactly how long have you spent with Zell? You're already substituting standard adjectives for outdated slang." Squall rolled his eyes.
"Hey, badass is still acceptable. And FYI, I spent more time with Selphie than anyone else. Well that is until Laguna showed up and she ditched me. I feel sorry for Irvine. Must be hard to play second fiddle in the three-way relationship."
"Ah, please don't. I find it bizarre someone of her age can be so utterly infatuated with someone of Laguna's," Squall dryly stated.
"You're just sour because it's Laguna."
He almost made a remark about her own father, but bit his tongue in time. He watched as her head tilted to one side, her eyes daring him to make a comeback and completely unaware of his present thought.
Taking her chin in between his fingers, he brought her head forward and whispered in between kisses, "You're right . . . I can't . . . believe she's infatuated . . . with Laguna."
"Well, I'd rather her be infatuated with him than his totally hot, badass son," Rinoa replied with a wink.
"Totally and bad? That's it, you're not spending any more time with Zell," Squall scoffed, receiving a light punch in the arm. "Anyway, back to business. Once the money is in the account, I want you to transfer it to this account exactly two weeks since the date of deposit."
"This the seller?" Rinoa asked, looking at the piece of paper Squall handed to her with the details.
"Yeah, he's selling a house in Shumi Village."
"Oh, Squall. I said I didn't want to move there." Rinoa frowned in disappointment, looking at him questioningly. She wondered whether he had forgotten this little issue since their last meeting seven weeks prior or whether he had just dismissed her preference.
"I know Rin, but this is just temporary until I find somewhere better," Squall explained, his throat becoming dry and in need of relief.
"Well . . . why can't we just stay here?" she bravely asked, watching Squall intently and hoping he wouldn't put down the idea.
"Here as in Esthar, or here as in the Palace?"
"Here as in Esthar."
"No. I . . . I'm not sure that would be the best. Garden will think something's up," the Commander excused, taking the small gift bag from behind him.
"Garden? So what if they do? By then your contract would have ended and it'll be none of their business where we go," Rinoa justified, hoping to get the Commander to reconsider.
"Maybe. Let's discuss it another time," Squall dismissed with the wave of his hand as he brought forward the red gift bag. "Happy belated birthday."
Instantly Rinoa brightened at the sight, scooting closer to him and yanking the bag from his hands. He chuckled in amusement. Nestled inside the bag was a small velvet rectangular box, which the sorceress wasted no time in taking out and opening. There lying in a bed of silken fabric was a tennis bracelet with twenty-four diamond studs across a band of white gold.
"Oh Squall, it's beautiful."
"You're beautiful," he stated, opening his arms to her as she fell into his hug.
Rinoa allowed him to secure the bracelet around her wrist, watching it sparkle in the lamp light. It looked so delicate, so pure, and just so beautiful. She frowned looking at it, realising that such a gift would be problematic.
"I can't keep this," she stated, shaking her head.
"Why?"
"It's so expensive, Squall. People will definitely ask who I got it from. I don't want to lie, especially about something you've given me."
"You don't have to lie, just don't tell them it's from me." Squall shrugged his shoulder, tilting his own head as he looked at the glimmering stones.
"No, Squall. There's no way people won't ask who it's from and Zone wouldn't take the credit for something like this. They'll know you gave it to me and then question why you'd get such an expensive gift for an ex-girlfriend."
"Well if it makes you feel better, I'll buy Commander Haize a diamond engagement ring and we'll call it more than even," Squall suggested.
Rinoa looked at him flatly, her lips pursing in annoyance. "Why did you agree to marry her?"
"I'm not marrying her, Rinoa. My contract will be over by the time they can even arrange a realistic wedding."
"Well, why did you agree with the plan?" Rinoa rephrased her question, hoping to get some decent answers out of her partner.
Squall sighed, wiping a hand over his face and rubbing at his sore eyes. The human need for sleep had crept its way in and he removed Rinoa's body away from his as he reorganised himself on the bed before replying.
"The easier I play along, the quicker and smoother my dealings are with them. If I don't kick up a fuss, then I'll have them off my back and we can get on with our lives when I leave Garden."
"But what about the rest of the world? Everyone will ask why the wedding didn't take place, and Garden will try and get you on board before it gets to that," Rinoa said, not entirely happy with Squall's answer.
"I told you not to worry. I have everything sorted. You just do as I say and keep up with your part here. I've got everything under control; no one will take you away from me," Squall answered, yawning into his palm as he closed his eyes.
Rinoa slumped her shoulders, still not satisfied but not wanting to ruin the night with her questions and doubts. Instead, she remained in her position a while longer, looking at the beauty of the bracelet and how adorable Squall looked as he slept. When she heard the Commander begin to snore, she placed the velvet box and its contents back into the gift bag, leaving it resting on the bedside table. She turned the lamp off, nestling her head into the crook of Squall's neck, and cuddled up closer to him.
She hoped Squall's plans would work. The sooner they could be together, then the sooner she'd be able to drop her facade and get on with a normal life.
Yawning into his chest, she gripped him tighter, thankful that he had shown up for her birthday and made her night worthwhile. Though the guilt for Zone still lingered in her gut, her heart felt settled being next to her Knight. For that alone, deception was a price she was willing to pay.