Here is the next chapter to this bloody damn story-

Alright thats it! I'm stepping in and taking over. What the hell is wrong with you? Are you purposefully trying to get rid of our reviewers? These nice people spend so much time reading and reviewing and you leave unpleasant attentions, what the hell are they going to think?

I don't care! I have my own issues to worry about!

Yeah? Well suck it up and get over it! Everyone has problems, i have problems but you dont see me plastering it across the whole of fanfic!

Well-

No! I'm not done. Until you can be pleasant and writer a proper attention i'm taking over for now. You dont deserve the spotlight.

Ah! *breaths* Hi Everyone, it's me Niqsta... erm well i mean the other Niqsta the BTA one. Yeah see i knew you guys would recognise me. :) So, i'm going to address the attention today until FIE-Niq gets over whatever issues she has. Just ignore her, she's being emo over something i dont even know and its not like she tells me anything anyways.

So this is nice, i havent spoken to you guys since BTA, oh! But enough about BTA (even though it was a kickass story) this story FIE seems to be some what... satisfactory, no offence Niq!

I hate you!

Feeling's mutual! Anyways, so here is the next chapter and i'll see you guys at the attention in the bottom. Again so sorry for this whole fiasco. :)

What was that Niq? Oh she said that the story is split in a month, so by 'Monday' it is the last week of September... hey Niq i'll just put some headings in so they get it, ok? Niq?... Niq?... Yeah ok, she's ignoring me now. *sighs*

Chapter 2 - Making Things Worse

September

Rinoa's POV

"I'm sure, Mum." I was saying into the receiver. "No, I swear it has nothing to do with Squall."

I looked around the room, staring at Zone and Dad's concerned face. They actually didn't know about the incident with Squall and I wasn't planning on them ever finding out. In fact, Dad had only met Squall a couple of times when he had come over to Balamb and even then, Squall was just my childhood friend to him.

"Mum, I just want to be with Dad. He needs me and I need him." I said smiling at my Dad.

My Mum as usual was worrying down the phone and sounded almost teary.

"Mum, I'm in Deling City I'm not dead. Ok… no no! Don't tell Squall! Just let Selphie know and she'll tell the others… Yeah I'm sure." I said with as much as conviction I could convince. "Alright, love you too. Bye." I finally hung up and took a deep breath.

Zone started collecting the tea cups and saucers and handed them to the maid. I walked over to my Dad's study area and went around the back of his chair. Putting my arms around his neck, I bent down and rested my cheek against his.

He took his hand and held mine, rubbing it lightly.

"You'll always have two homes remember that." He said sadly.

I nodded to his statement. It was true no matter how hard I tried to forget it. Three weeks I had spent in Deling, but I could never deny that a part of me belonged in Balamb. Or that even though I was denying going back, a huge part of me was dying to return and run into Squall's arms.

Squall's POV

It was around 4pm when I heard the doorbell go off downstairs. I smiled straight away knowing Rinoa was due back and she had probably come straight over.

I rushed down the stairs and ran for the door, only to open it to Selphie.

"Hey." I said to her and moved aside to let her in.

"Hey, Squall. I'm not staying long I just came over to give you a message." She said looking around the passageway.

"Ok, shoot." I said leaning against the wall with one foot up.

"Er, Rinoa's Mum called me today. Apparently, Rinoa's Dad was ill a couple of months back and he's just recovering." She said worriedly.

"Oh my God, is he ok?" I asked wondering what the cause was.

"Yeah, he had a stroke, but he's resting now." She said clarifying.

Selphie started doing that really annoying thing that I didn't like when she was nervous. She started bouncing the tips of her index fingers together while staring at the ceiling.

"So was that the message?" I asked.

"No. Ah, well yeah kinda. Erm, see because her Dad's ill, Rinoa's not coming back today." She said breathlessly.

"Alright." I said nodding. "So when is she coming back?"

"Erm, I'm not sure." She replied looking away from me.

Now I've watched enough CSI: Esthar to know that she was lying, the number one clue to know how someone is lying to you is when they don't look you in the eye.

"Selphie, we start Uni next week, when is she coming back?" I demanded.

She looked at me then sympathetically. I could see the pity in her eyes, the truth she knew and the lies she was forced to feed me.

"She's not coming back is she?" I asked softly.

"No." She answered. "She's already changed courses, she's starting DCU in a couple of weeks."

"I understand that her Dad is ill, but she could have called and told me." I honestly said.

"Don't take it personally Squall, she didn't call me either." She replied as if it were nothing.

I made a sound with my throat. "Selphie, you're just a friend, I'm her best friend, I should have come to you with the message."

"Hey!" She cried offended by my words. "I'm as much of Rinoa's friend as are you, I have a right to be upset by her not calling either."

"Selphie you've known Rinoa for four years. I've known Rinoa since I was ten." I clarified.

"Yeah, and you also broke her heart." She blurted out and immediately put her hand to her mouth. "Sorry Squall, I didn't mean that."

I looked at the floor in shame. Was that the real reason she wasn't coming back? Did my rejection really hurt her so much? She knew I loved her, it wasn't like I didn't want her in my life. Why was she so hurt by it? It was just a crush, she'd get over it in time.

"Is that why she's not coming back?" I asked suddenly.

"No, I'm sure its because of her Dad." She replied, although her voice could have told me otherwise. Her voice was obviously coated in sugary sweetness, covering the harsh truth. Rinoa Heartilly wasn't coming back purely so she didn't have to see me.

Rinoa's POV

It was around 8pm when I got out of the shower and was drying my hair when I heard my phone go off. I thought it might be my Mum so hurried to answer. It was definitely an international calling card number so I quickly accepted it.

"Hello." I spoke into the phone.

"Hey Rinoa, it's me Selphie." I heard Selphie's voice from the other side.

"Hey! How are you. I'm so sorry I didn't call you myself, thought I'd be easier to get my Mum to pass on the message. My Dad's been ill and-

"It's fine Rinoa. Look there's not much time left on this card, but I just wanted to say Hi." She replied.

"Ok, so you know I'm not coming back." I guilty asked. I thought Selphie might have been upset that I didn't tell her, even though I spoke to her only a couple of days ago.

"Yeah, I also told the others, they really miss you, Rin." She said sadly.

"How did Squall take it?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Er, Squall? Yeah he was pretty upset." She made out difficultly.

"Oh. Well, he'll get over it, not like I'm someone important in his life." I bitterly replied.

"Rin, you know you are. Erm, by the way, you not coming back doesn't have anything to do with what happened between you two right?" She asked awkwardly.

"You want the truth?" I asked her. To be honest, right now I was dying to be honest and reveal my feelings to someone. Normally it would be Squall I would rant to, now however, it was difficult since he was the problem.

"Course I want the truth, I'm your friend."

"Selphie, I don't think I can see Squall again. Every time I remember what happened I feel so stupid and silly like some school girl with a crush on a guy that she can never be with. Not because fate has them as star crossed lovers, but because I'm probably not good enough for him." I honestly replied.

"Rinny, I'm sure that's not true." She tried to reason.

"No Selph, it is. I cant believe I actually thought he liked me back."

"But sweetie, that's no reason not to come back." She said.

"If I'm really honest. I can't come back knowing he knows how I feel. It was easy before when he didn't know and was completely oblivious. It didn't hurt so much then." I said painfully. "Now he'll know how I feel and continue on as if my feelings don't exist and I can't deal with that. I can't be around him knowing he knows how I feel and won't reciprocate it." I finally exclaimed.

Just thinking about Squall was having me pulsating. I didn't fully know what I was more upset at. The fact that I stupidly thought he'd like me back, or the fact that he expected me to continue as if nothing had changed.

"But Rin, you can't make someone like you." She said.

"I know, Selph. But I also can't pretend to be normal around someone that knows how I feel."

"It will hurt-"

"No, Selphie listen." I interrupted her. I was tired and hurt and just wanted her to understand that my reasons weren't childish. "I don't want Squall to have a hold on me. Already when I'm around him I feel lovesick and when he's not around he's all I think about. But not anymore. If anything, this time away will force me to get over him."

"Well, that's a good thing. Then you guys can go back to normal." She tried being optimistic.

"I don't think Squall will ever change his feelings for me." I said and paused. "And I also think, that I can never have what Squall and I had before. Tell him I'm sorry Selphie, but I'm not coming back."

"Oh." She said sadly. We both didn't speak for a bit and she then cleared her throat. "Rin, erm, I'll speak to you soon ok?"

"Alright, hon. Bye." I said and hung up.

I lay on my bed and looked at my white coloured ceiling. Even without Squall here, I felt love sick. I hoped it would pass quickly, but the memory of a teen magazine I read popped up in my head. If it were true, given that I'd known Squall for eight years, it would take double that to get over him.

Squall's POV

Selphie put down her cell phone and stared at me. All I could do right now was re-enact her phone conversation with Rinoa. All the things Rinoa said, how she was feeling, why she wasn't coming back. It wasn't fair, how could she blame me for the way she felt? I never led her on, I never told her I liked her in that way so how could she blame me? I gave her a genuine reason for why I couldn't be in a relationship and she completely disregards that? What was it with her, was our friendship so little to her that she could just give it up so easily?

"Sorry, Squall." Selphie eventually spoke.

"It's alright. Look, I'm going to head upstairs, I'll see ya in class next week." I said to her walking her out. I just wanted to be alone for a while.

After Selphie left I went up to my room and sat on my bed. I couldn't tell how I was feeling. A part of me was upset, another was angry but mostly I was just disappointed.

We were best friends, I'd known her since I was ten. She was always there, every birthday, every graduation. My Mum would practically have to drag me to the airport, with me kicking and screaming because I didn't want to leave Balamb. We'd always get our mothers to arrange our holidays during the same time so we wouldn't miss each other. It always worked like that. The three weeks I'd be in Esthar she'd visit her dad in Deling. But now she was in Deling without me being in Esthar. She was continuing on with her life and leaving me behind.

She loved me? She was in love with me? Exactly what kind of love was it, if she could easily leave me behind?

It wasn't love, it was a lesson. She was teaching me a lesson for not following her way. Well I didn't need to be taught a lesson. I'd get along just fine without her.

I grabbed my jacket off my chair and took my keys out from it's pocket. I had other friends in Balamb, ones that actually stuck around.

Heading out of the house I made my way over to my car and headed for Zell's house.

Rinoa's POV

The next morning and I woke up to a very sunny day. The sun was shining brightly, there was a cool breeze coming in from the west and the sky was as blue as the ocean. It looked beautiful.

Making my way downstairs I entered the kitchen to my Dad and Uncle Zone eating breakfast.

"Morning love," My Dad greeted my kiss, "what are your plans for today?"

"Er, I need to head into DCU and get some papers sorted out and get the fees paid." I answered grabbing a piece of toast and buttering it.

I took a glass out from the cupboard and filled it with orange juice.

"Rinoa, I need to go to the Mall so I'll drop you off, if you want." Zone offered.

"Sure." I agreed happily. I missed my car back home, I had a feisty little black Mazda RX. I wondered if Mum would ship it over.

"I thought you were meeting Charlotte?" My Dad asked Zone.

"I am, that's why I'm heading to the Mall. She's seen a ring she likes and we're going to get a fitting done."

"Who's Charlotte?" I asked getting interested in the conversation.

Zone just laughed. "I wanted to tell you once you met her, but er, Charlotte is my fiancée." He replied with a grin.

"You're getting married?" I asked with my mouth wide open.

"Yes, in about two months. We're going to purchase a nice ring for her today."

"Oh, I want to meet her." I asked getting excited.

"Well, if you get ready now, I'll pop into DCU with you and then we can meet Charlotte after." He suggested looking at my Dad for approval.

"Oh, no problem with me, I'm staying in my study and will continue to read my books." He said winking over at me.

"Ok, well I'm going to get changed, I'll be ready in a jiffy." I said and skipped back to my room.

After I paid my fees and had my paper work done at DCU, Zone and I headed over to the Deling Mall. It hadn't changed much since I remembered it from my last visit. I think the only changes were that they opened three more coffee shops, a café and two more video game stores. My heart immediately ached for Squall and Zell when I saw a poster of Beginning Reality vs XIII on display.

The mall was quite huge, if I went into detail I wouldn't do it justice. But all I could say was it was massive, built with pure marble flooring and sturdy pillars, and was about six tall floors high.

We stayed on the ground floor, walking passed shops till we got to a café called White SeeD. It was a modern café, with brown and cream interior with brown leather seating. A couple of magazine stands and books shelves dotted around the room.

Zone led me down to the end of the room to one corner table. That's where I saw Charlotte. She was a medium height woman, not very skinny but not fat either. All I could say was she looked healthy, even her hair. It was so glossy. She had light auburn hair, a face with a moderate amount of freckles and dark square reading glasses. Yes, she sounded really geeky, but underneath all that, she was beautiful. And I mean really gorgeous.

"Charlie, I want you to meet my niece, Rinoa." Zone introduced the both of us as we sat down.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Charlotte." I said grinning at her.

"Oh, no one calls my Charlotte expect my Gran. Call me Charlie, feels more like we're best buddies." She winked at me.

I loved this girl, she was cool and welcoming. She'd sure make Zone happy, they were such a cute and complete couple.

The waitress came over and took our orders down. We spoke for a few minutes about each other. I told her that I was back in Deling to see my Dad and starting DCU in a couple of weeks.

I learnt hat Charlie was a Physical Geographer and spent most of her time in research. She was working under a professor who also had taught her at University and was hoping to get some experience to carry out her own research in the future. As of now, she and Zone were getting their wedding sorted out before Charlie had to go to Centra Ruins for a research excavation in January.

The waiter had eventually come over with our drinks and food. I ordered a coffee and blueberry muffin and was happily nibbling away at it when Zone offered me a bite of his Panini.

"C'mon Rinoa, it's really yummy. Melted cheese on tuna and sweet corn." He offered me the Panini so I took a bite while he held onto it.

"Aww." Charlie made a sound. "That's so cute you're feeding her."

"Well, I've only just gotten my niece back." He defended himself.

"Yes, and it shows that you've got some good father skills." She hinted raising that iconic eyebrow.

"Whoa." Zone held out his hands. "Let's get married first before we even think about kids."

I started laughing at them both, it was cute how they interacted. But Charlie was right, Zone was making my move a lot more easier. He was also nice and helpful and a lot of fun around the house. Although he was my uncle, being only five years older than me, he was kind of like an older brother.

But every time I looked at him, I missed my friends. I'd miss Zell when Zone would tell a joke. I'd miss Selphie when I'd reading a book and Zone would beg me to relate to him the story because he was too lazy to read it himself. I missed Irvine… well only just now seeing as Zone and Charlie were flirting. But mostly, I missed Squall when Zone would hug me.

I had a nice time talking to Charlie and Zone, it was so nice to see two people in love. It slightly made me think back to my own relationship with Squall, or rather lack of. I couldn't help but think, well fantasise about me and Squall in a small café, sipping lattes and discussing venues for our wedding. Yeah, I know I'm really silly and probably sound more like a thirteen year old than an eight teen year old. But a girl can dream, right?

Solemnly, I carried on the conversation, my alter ego reminding me to leave behind Squall. It wasn't like he was going to change his mind.

"So, Rinoa, would you like to come with me to see some dresses?" Charlie asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Sure, I'm pretty much free the next couple of weeks." I replied.

See, this was what I liked about Deling, I had family here and new friends. I wasn't going to miss Balamb, not at all.

Last week of September

Squall's POV

Monday and the first day of lectures. I wanted to get into a good routine so I woke up early, showered and started making my breakfast while ironing my shirt.

While I was eating my bowl of cereal, Zell woke up and rushed out of his bedroom.

"You're late." I stated as he rushed into the bathroom and collected his toothbrush.

"Ah hihn't heer mah ahharm." He inaudibly replied while taking a pause from his vigorous brushing, his mouth filled with toothpaste.

"What?" I said before drinking my juice.

Spitting into the kitchen sink Zell rinsed his mouth.

"Zell! Not in the kitchen sink." I yelled at him.

If I had to share a dorm with this guy, he had better pick up some hygiene.

"What? It's not like I spat into your cereal." He answered, putting me off my breakfast. "I said, I didn't hear my alarm."

"You didn't set your alarm." I said, not recollecting his alarm going off. "Wait, Zell you don't have an alarm." I said while walking over to the sink and getting rid of the residue he left behind.

"Oh, yeah." He replied while grabbing my bowl and pouring more cereal into it.

"Er, Zell. Aren't you going to rinse that bowl first? I just used it." I asked him while he already poured the milk.

"Why? It's clean isn't it? Not like you pissed in it." He replied grinning.

"Yuck, Zell you're nasty." I replied and walked into my room to get changed.

"Oh Squall, get over your high horse, there's nothing wrong with sharing a bowl." I could hear him yell as I shut my door.

Over the weekend Zell and I had gathered out belongings and moved into the student accommodation here at Balamb University. It was alright, a small shower and bathroom to one side, a kitchenette with a breakfast bar, a small lounge and then our two single bedrooms. My room only consisted of a single bed, a wardrobe, a chest of draws and a study desk. Other than that, a small coat hanger was assembled to the back of the door where I hung most of my jackets and fleeces.

Once I had changed into my black jeans, a white shirt and grabbed my black zip-up from the back of my door, I grabbed my back-pack which I packed the night before and headed out.

I had a history lecture first thing in the main campus building so I quickly made my way out before Zell could hold me back. Before walking out I reminded Zell to wrap the cereal packet up before closing the box, put the juice carton next to the milk stand and dry his dish before leaving.

"Make sure you dry it with the cloth and not leave it on the rack." I reiterated.

"I heard ya, I heard ya!" He yelled while running around looking for his socks.

I grabbed the door and pulled it shut behind me. I breathed and looked down the hallway. Other students were also making their way to classes. It was the first day of Uni, the first day of a new chapter in my life. Just a shame Rinoa wasn't here to experience it with me.

My first lecture was about two hours long and on Modern Estharian History. The lecturer mainly discussed the last war, Esthar's military purposes in the war and a breakdown of Esthar's hierarchy, which I couldn't help but correct at one point. It was a pretty self-taught lecture seeing as I knew most of the topics being discussed. So once the lecture finished I decided to head back to my dorm and drop my textbooks off before heading to the Library to collect more.

My mood slightly dampened when I walked in. Zell had left his dish drying on the rack as usual, I had clearly told him to dry it with the cloth and put the plate straight into the cupboard. Not only that but when I went to get a drink I saw he left the juice lying flat on one of the fridge compartments instead of leaving it next to the milk.

I shook my head, I didn't like living with people, clearly for this reason.

I went into my room and emptied my bag. While doing this I took my phone out to check it. Rinoa hadn't been in contact since she had left, she hadn't even texted to wish me luck. The only text I actually had gotten from her was a general forward with her new Galbadian mobile number.

I was mad at her, I hated the fact that she just ignored me and was letting our friendship die out. I didn't get it. How could she treat me like this and love me at the same time? I missed her, I wanted to hear her voice.

I couldn't call her, I'd rinse my phone bill and there was no way my Mum would be happy that I was making international calls on the monthly line rental she was paying for. I decided to play it safe and send her a text message.

Hey.

What have you been up to?

I started Uni today, classes were alright, just getting on with it as usual. Nothing different to how things were before, feels normal.

Er, so haven't heard from you in a long time, having that much fun huh? Lol.

See ya.

Rinoa's POV

It was around 3pm when I was sitting with Charlie in Mega Flare Burgers grabbing some quick yet very late lunch. We had shopped non-stop since ten in the morning. We were due to see bridal clothes and had gone into the Bridal shop and gotten Charlie's fittings done. But after we were done with that we spotted a couple of shops having some end of line sales and decided to check them out.

I was sipping my milkshake when I felt my phone vibrate and took it out to check. I thought maybe Zone had texted asking when we were due back.

But it wasn't, it was none other than Mr.-I-love-you-but-I'm-not-in-love-with-you.

I read his message a couple of times wondering what he was trying to say. I didn't get what he meant by things weren't different to how they were before. Was he trying to prove that he was getting along fine without me? Like I cared, I was here doing the exact same thing. And having that much fun that I couldn't contact him? The last time I checked I hadn't even received one phone call from him.

To think about it, what kind of friendship did we have? Selphie calls like every week and sends texts every other day. Zell even emails asking how I am, Irvine speaks to me when he's over at Selphie's but how many times have I spoken to Squall? Nil. Nada. Zilch. Exactly how was this being best friends? Such lies, and I was only realising this now.

I quickly tapped in a text, deciding to be as honest as I possibly could.

Hi.

Just out with a friend, we went shopping and grabbing a bite to eat.

Well, my Dad isn't well and I haven't had time to call, you know how busy things can get.

I'm starting Uni in a couple of weeks, wonder what kinda people I'll meet.

Glad you're enjoying Balamb so much.

Squall's POV

While I was on my way to the library I heard my phone go off so I checked it. It was a reply from Rinoa, finally. I quickly read her message, though the more I read the more my smile was dying.

So she was too busy with her Dad to call her best friend, yet she had time to go shopping with some friend she probably jus met? She was so twisted. And was she seriously trying to make me feel jealous? I too was going to Uni, there were tonnes of people here that I could meet and make friends with. So yeah, I was enjoying Balamb.

Spitefully, I texted her back.

Shopping huh? Who's the new friend?

Your Dad must be really ill if you're that busy, should head home so you can attend to his needs.

Yeah I heard Deling was filled with a lot of wackos, so don't get too comfy with new people.

Rinoa's POV

While Charlie was driving us back, my phone went off again.

"Who's that?" She teased sitting next to me.

"Oh, just a friend." I sarcastically replied, but I don't think she heard it in my voice.

"Hm, from Balamb?" She asked.

"Ah, yeah." I replied.

"That's nice that they're keeping contact with you." She replied before sadly continuing. "I hardly have any friends from Trabia left, they all up and left into different careers."

I decided to ignore Charlie's comment and concentrate on Squall's text. Again I was getting annoyed at his messages, so condescending and prying. What was with him? It was like he didn't want me to move on and have a life without him. He just wanted me tied down to him, a friend for the rest of my life.

With force and anger I started writing my next text.

Charlie's the name. And my Dad is recovering, thanks for your concern.

Deling is actually different compared to the bad company I made in Balamb.

Alright, I know. This text was obviously written with spite and there was no way of getting out of it since I hit send without even thinking twice.

I sat in the car silently, thinking that I was so childish in replying to his texts, trying to get one over him.

But he sounded to superior and condescending, speaking ill of Deling City and accusing me of not contacting him. What I should have addressed was why he wasn't in contact. Slowly, the feeling of regret started seeping in and I really wished he hadn't texted. He made me so mad sometimes.

My thought were broken by a vibration on my phone again. It was a reply to my text, and I tried really hard not to let it get to me. So hard that after reading it, I had to turn my head away from Charlie so she wouldn't notice my eyes tearing up.

I felt even stupider and regretful of replying in haste and spite. I probably hurt his feelings. I didn't intend on doing that, even though he had hurt mine.

I read the text again.

Bad company huh?

Well, glad you've made good company with Charlie.

Hope he's better company than I ever was.

Squall hadn't called since I was here, and after reading his text, I was sure he was never going to.

Squall's POV

I was already sitting in the library when her last text had come in. I had replied straight away without even thinking. I was just so frustrated and annoyed at her. First to completely disregard me and treat our friendship like it was nothing. And then to call Balamb company bad. Who the hell did she think she was? Caroline bloody Bingley?

Then there was the part about her new friend Charlie. Boy, she had moved on fast. A month ago she confessed her love to me, now she was prancing around with some douche in Deling.

Well suit her. She could do what she liked. She ended our eight year friendship, she moved away and had made new friends. I was going to continue my education like I planned and work my way up.

Best friend or not, Rinoa Heartilly wasn't going to hold me back.

Say it!

No.

Say it! Go on!

... Thank you for reading my story, and please leave a review.

See that wasn't so hard :D