Disclaimer: I don't not own the Final Fantasy franchise or any of its characters.

Chapter III: What I Could Not Say

"This is FH Channel 3 Continuing our coverage of world wide news this morning, we have breaking news coming from our sister station in Esthar with Narumi Nakadan...Narumi?"

"Yes, thank you Hiro. I am currently standing outside of the Esthar Presidential Palace hoping to hear from our President himself on the recent murder of the highly intelligent and well known Dr. Odine. The professor responsible for creating para-magic, and for his extensive research on sorceress' was found with a fatal gunshot wound to the head a little over a month ago while vacationing at a local Estharian beach. Local Estharian police are continuing their investigation into this homicide. We do not know who committed this atrocity, but rest assured as President Loire stated last week 'we will not waver'. All Estharian citizens are being told to take caution especially when traveling alone. If you have any information regarding this case please use your local tip line. You may report anonymously–"

The television screen cut off.

The middle aged man sat in his rusted chair, cigar hanging from his mouth. He stared at the black television screen as if it were his worst enemy. Maybe it was. Fuck, everyone else was. So at least he thought. He used his right hand to rub his temple, trying to relieve the painful pulsating ache underneath his skull. Nothing would make the ache go away except for the sight of every last Garden cock sucker and affiliate in a grave. Although, only time would tell when that would happen.

His dull ache was suddenly magnified tenfold as he heard the sound of the front door slamming into the wall. A woman's drunken yet sultry voice could be heard followed by a deep low voice. Unfortunately a voice he knew very well. He didn't want to hear their laughs and giggles, or sweet talk, and he definitely didn't want to hear them fucking tonight.

"Ember!"

The door slammed shut. His hearing wasn't as good as it used to be but he knew the idiot was telling the whore he brought in to go downstairs to his living quarters, he sighed.

A new bitch every time

Heavy boots drug along the old and badly stained hardwood floors as the other man neared the room where the older man resided.

"Martine?" The younger man questioned crossing his arms, while raising an eyebrow. His figure cloaked in black made his spiky red hair stand out even more. An amused set of emerald eyes met with a pair of annoyed hazel ones. Martine couldn't stand his ass sometimes.

Ember leaned against the door frame waiting for a response as Martine leisurely tapped his cigar, ashes burning holes in the once beautifully hand woven Shumi rug that his wife once loved.

"Have you been watching the fucking news?"

Shaking his head, "No."

"You fucking should!" he yelled.

"The hell!? That's what your for. I just get back and your bitching me out!"

"Your getting sloppy with this! The idea is to stay low for now." he said in a low hiss, taking another hit of the cigar. "Now things will need rushed along to keep Garden off our asses, all because you want to have a little fun!" he growled.

The red head frowned at the man. "Come on! What the hell do you want me to do!" he said throwing his arms in the air.

"You were to leave no trace! Drop that son-of-a-bitch into the Great Salt Lake!"

He pointed to the blonde man sitting in the corner of the room. "Some fucking nerve you have old man. You gave me no fucking help this time around. NONE. You literally have an army sitting around Galbadia and you couldn't send me one fucking lackey! I put a bullet in his head! Be fucking grateful."

He leaned forward in the chair clenching the cigar with his teeth. "You know I had no one to spare. The rest of our men are preparing for my word…" He looked at him dead in the eye. "…Hmph, Galbadia...A place where you can no longer even show your fucking face!" He hissed as he stood, swiftly crossing the room to stand face to face with the younger man. Ember didn't falter.

"I'll show my face where I want, when I want." He hissed back.

"Not unless you want your head on Squall Leonhart's mantel!" He growled viciously.

"Tch."

Martine pushed passed his idiot son. "I told you not to cross him, and what do you do?" He said dropping the bud to the floor, stomping it out. "You go and fuck his bitch! Your lucky that's not news."

The front door creaked as it opened. Martine removed his coat and hat from the coat stand, dressing himself as he walked out of his home towards the sidewalk.

Ember followed, coming to a halt at the porch edge. "Where are you going?" He asked.

"Fishing."

"Almost time to close up Raij."

It was nearly midnight, and all of but two bartenders and a handful of customers remained.

"Alright!" The tall man exclaimed. He twirled a rag around the outside of a small glass cup before placing it on the rack. Slapping the bars cement top, "Last call men! We're closing up here in ten!" His voice echoed. He walked passed his blonde friend exiting the long bar to collect any last minute orders and dirty dishes.

Behind the bar, Seifer pulled the head of the faucet out and spraying the sinks clean. He kept his usual steady pace and easily flipped glasses and cups onto the racks to dry, as he wiped the counters clean. He tucked the damp towel into the front of his jeans and looked up at the television, reading the captioned words the reporter mouthed on the muted television, as an old classical radio station played throughout the bar.

He shook his head and continued his duties. He hated to watch the news anymore, nothing good ever happened.

Somethings always going on in this ignorant world...still can't believe that old crazy geezer is dead though…

Twenty minutes later with the clock at one, the doors to the bar clicked as Raijin locked them from the inside. A quiet signal that the night was finally over for the two men. Raijin walked over to the counter and sat down next to his friend where two shots of clear vodka awaited them.

"Cheers to another successful day at Bar Trio my friend."

"Cheers." The blonde said, as the two men clinked the drinking glasses together. The burning sensation of alcohol was a feeling he welcomed after a long day. Nights were usually a bit more easy going than this but Seifer had been working the small tavern since opening. "I'm exhausted…" He sighed. He shuffled the clear glass back and forth between his hands before stepping off of the bar stool ready to head home.

"Where's Fu? Have you heard from her since this morning?"

Raijin followed. "Nah something about meetin' up with some guy she ain't seen in a while. Ya know?"

"I guess…" The men left their glasses and exited the bar through an emergency exit door on the side of the building. The walk home was a short three blocks from Trio, and Seifer was grateful for the short distance from there to home every night. He just wanted to get off his feet at this point. "She's opening tomorrow right?"

"Yea. I'll talk to that lazy mooch Drew we hired as soon as I see his ass. Can't believe he didn't show this mornin!"

Seifer smirked. "I told you and Fujin that we can't trust just anyone. They all say what you wanna hear in an interview."

Sheepishly, he rubbed his head. "Yea, I guess you're right."

The men stepped into the small four unit apartment building, each pulling out a key to their own unit. Raijin stopped at his door while Seifer opened the doors to the stairwell. Before ascending the blonde looked behind him to speak to his bar partner, "Hey if you guys need me tomorrow I'll be around. You know I'm not doin much of anything but-"

"Fishin." The dark haired man finished with a chuckle, stepping into his apartment.

"Yea, fishing." He said with a smirk, climbing the stairs ready to do the same.

A short five hours later Seifer awoke just before the sun peaked over the horizon and set out to the docks with his fishing gear. The warm June air blew through the lose hairs that strayed from his top-knot as he walked to the edge of his favorite dock. In habit, the blue eyed blonde shoved his boots from his feet and rolled up his jeans mid calf as he spread his toes and wiggled each one before standing at full height with a long stretch. Seifer looked off to the horizon through slitted eyes.

"Beautiful sunrise as usual."

He baited his fishing line and smoothly cast out. "Now to wait for a bite." Pressing his bottom to the dock, he leaned back and rested his head on the old sleeping bag while his led dangled over the waters surface.

Seifer could always tell what time it was because the men and women of FH were habitual creatures. Trio opened at eleven, so he figured he would head back towards town around that time which was also when Mayor Dobe would be walking his dog..for the third time.

I don't know who walks who anymore, they're both old as dirt. Hyne I pray I don't form Alzheimer's

Mayor Dobe was against the opening of the small tavern at first, but with solid negotiating and a signatures from almost every townsman, Seifer, Fujin and Raijin opened the first bar in FIshermans Horizon. Five years into the business they needed extra hands to help run the place, but Seifer was fine with the long hours if that meant keeping their name in good standing.

After about ten minutes and no bites, the blonde tied the rod down, and leisurely laid back down with a wide yawn. He pulled his right foot up from a dangle and laid it next to the rod so that his skin just barely touched it. Finally in position, he relaxed his muscles as he drifted into a hypnagogic state. The early morning sun beamed along his body as he welcomed the warm feeling.

Some hours later, his eyes snapped open as he felt the rod rub against his ankle as it was being tugged, sending his reel into a slow spin. No rest for the weary eh?

He shook his head while rubbing the sleep away from his eyes, and sat up ready to grab the rod, "SEIFER!"

Raijin's voice caught him off guard. His head snapped up and looked down the pier where his eyes locked onto his good friend for a moment. Seifer stood slowly, returning his eyes to the water before turning to greet his friend.

Something was wrong and he could tell by the look on Raijin's face.

"Where have–you–been, man!" he said, while desperately trying to catch his breath, "I thought you–said you'd be around–the bar."

"Whaddya mean? I haven't been gone that long have I?" the blonde said confused,

I didn't sleep that long…did I?

"It's noon. Fujin–"

"Fujin's not at the bar!" He shouted.

Raijin shook his head. "It's not that! She's there, it's just..."

Annoyed and clearly not getting the answered he wanted, "What the fuck Raij! Spit out man, you ain't that outta shape!"

"Come on man, that hurts ya know!" The martial artist had put on a few pounds over the years. With little to no workout regiment and along with his bad eating habits, it was safe to say he wasn't in tip top shape.

"Sorry."

He stood up straight adjusting his clothing before clearing his throat. "I think that Fu is freakin bout somethin' serious."

"Whaddya mean?"

Shaking his head, "I asked her about her night, and she freaked. I thought that guy may have hurt her or somethin, ya know? So I asked her and she said 'He didn't, not me at least'."

"It doesn't mean anything, it could just be stress. You know how women are." The blonde replied, while picking up his belongings. He was starting to think it was Raijin that needed help not Fujin. They walked side by side as they headed towards town.

"Im just worried ya know, she doesn't even walk outta the house with one hair outta place and she goes into Trio with the clothes from yesterday on, it just don't seem right."

"You have gotta be exaggerating."

Raijin simply gave a sideway glance.

Seifer sighed, Raijin was right. If he wasn't exaggerating the truth, then no, this behavior wasn't like her at all. The men quickly neared their apartment building, and he was a grateful, "Maybe somethin is up." Seifer stopped at the front door laying his fishing items to the ground. "Maybe if you take over for her for part of the day I'll be able to talk to her at some point." The blonde suggested.

"Good. I'm not too good with words ya know?"

"Yea, I know."

After their pit stop, the two men arrived at the bar. Some regulars were nestled about along with some unfamiliar faces. Travelers for sure. He spotted Fujin coming out of the supply room, and didn't quite expect to see what he saw. She was a wreck.

"The hell?" he cursed almost inaudibly, but Raijin was close enough that he heard him.

"I know."

Her eye was puffy, and her face was red. Her eye patch was missing, showing off her glass eye, and her clothes were not in their usual pressed form. Though it did look as if she managed to at least brush her long silver hair. "Raij go on and take over, I'll handle Fu."

The tall man nodded in agreement before walking back behind the bar. Fujin stood in front of the supply room watching him, a little caught off guard, but she knew Raijin would bring Seifer into it after seeing her this morning. There was no secret the three kept from one another, and she knew it wouldn't start now.

"Fujin?" Seifer threw his head towards the room she just stepped out of, she slowly nodded and turned as Seifer followed her in shittin othe door behind them. He leaned against the shelves as she took a seat on a stack of empty crates. Her head was down and her long tresses covered her face. Fujin was far from a nervous woman, and she dealt with most of if not all problems head on. What had her so shaken?

"What happened to you? You're in the bar a walking wreck."

"Seifer!"

"Sorry." he said, for the second time today. He didn't mean to offend his friend, but maybe his honesty was too honest today.

"Fu, I don't know what's goin on, but whatever it is can we at least talk about it? Normally I wouldn't be asking you, but this," he gestured to her body, "Isnt like you. You know you can tell us whatever's on your mind."

She clasped her hands together before wiping the sweat from them on her black jeans. Seifer again noticed her white button up was untucked and wrinkled. It was nearly unheard of.

"Fujin. Talk."

"I was out with a friend last night, an old friend I haven't seen him in years." she sighed, "He was such a sweet person, I met him in Galbadia some years ago when he was in the military. We just clicked ya know?" She looked up trying read Seifer's face. Stoic. It made her even more nervous, but she had more to say, "But when I saw him last night, it was like seeing a totally new person…inside and out."

"Did he hurt you."

"No no no." she said defensively, "Not me at least."

"That's what you said to Raijin, what are you hiding?"

"Nothing."

"Fujin." He warned.

"I heard him say he killed someone!" She voiced hoarsely. Seifer's eyes widened.

"What!" he tried to keep his voice down, but he was pretty shocked. He didn't need anyone hearing this conversation, the small room was far from sound proof.

Panic stricken at her own admission, she stood ready to leave.

Seifer stepped in front of the door in one stride blocking her path, "Seifer please," she pleaded, "I was drunk outta my mind last night, we both were. Maybe I was just hearing things."

"Not a chance that's not an excuse Fujin. I know you better than that, you may have been drunk but you were well aware of what you heard. Again, talk."

She placed her face in her hands before continuing. "Honestly Seifer you would have been disappointed in how shit faced I was…I didn't even know where I was."

"It doesn't matter right now, just tell me what you heard."

"He was arguing with another man, I was downstairs, so I could barely hear them but they started yelling and I heard him say, 'I put a bullet in his head! Be fucking grateful.' I didn't know what to do after that, I had been running around the whole night with a murderer."

"I was nervous, and didn't want him to know I heard them, so I went along with our plans to hang out in Esther as if nothing happened...Seifer I've been around death a good piece of my life, no thanks to SeeD, but you know as well as I do that I'm done with that. It brought back too many memories. I couldn't sleep for Hyne's sake!" she said, painfully, "I walked pass so my police and military personnel it drove me insane. If I did tell them, what was I goin to say?! Hey, he's a murderer, I heard him say so. They'd laugh in my face!" she said, as tears ran down her porcelain cheeks. "To be killed in cold blood, no one deserves that." she whispered.

Seifer kept silent as he stepped forward and embraced his friend. Her post traumatic stress disorder was rearing it's ugly head, and it would be awhile before she slept normally again. FH wasn't crime ridden, and violence was shunned here. A place away from the military life was her sanctuary, and he took her mind back with those few words.

"He said it, and didn't even care," she whispered into his shirt. "not one ounce of remorse."

He sighed deeply, "Where is he now?" trying not to press, but he had to.

"I don't know, he was just visiting. At least, that what he told me."

"You have no idea where you were?"

"Somewhere in the central district for sure. I know we passed mayor Dobe's home." she said, pulling away from the blonde as she made an attempt to straighten her shirt with her hands. "Thanks Seifer. I needed that."

He nodded in agreement as he turned around to grab the door knob, "I'll be calling him Fu, I think this may be related to something I just heard about, but it's just a hunch."

"She sighed, hugging herself. "Okay."

"Oh, one more thing. I need a name."

"E-Eric."

"Rinoa my dear, I'm so sorry for the mistake we've made. I've had my hands full with my new intern, but I take full responsibility for the incorrect lab results that were sent to you. I sincerely apologize, please forgive me."

Rinoa wanted to respond, but she couldn't. In the few years that she and Squall tried to conceive it failed every time.

Kadowaki would bounce between Balamb and Galbadia Garden every othe month, and between teaching, training, and doctoring each facility she was a busy woman. Before her departure back to Balamb, Rinoa was given her last round of In Vitro, hoping to produce a positive pregnancy results, though that time like all the rest, the test came back negative. At the time Kadowaki could tell Rinoa seemed defeated, but she walked out of her office with a smile on her face. Two days later she received a call from Squall asking for her immediate return back to Deling, for a situation she wasn't quite prepared for. Now two months later she was delivering more bad news due to a simple clerical error, one that may just crush her.

"Rinoa? Please listen to me."

Rinoa was furious.

She detested 'him' but she could give that intern a beating she wouldn't wake up to remember. The young sorceress began to hyperventilate and her brown irises bled a ruby red. Anger, frustration, sadness, and pure disbelief crushed her very being. Her body trembled as she struggled for control. She clenched her teeth together, a method she used at times when she would try to repress her powers, but this was a battle she was bound to lose.

"Rinoa!"

The sweet Doctor's normally stoic tone blasted through the earpiece and slowed down Rinoa's fuse. She continued to take deep ragged breaths as she struggled to keep her emotions in check. Shaky hands fumbled with the phone as she tried to relax.

"Rinoa your only eight weeks along, you still have time!" The physician tried to explain.

The sorceress took in another deep breath and released before responding, "What do you mean?" she snapped. "You know as well as I do that this baby couldn't belong to Squall and I! You told me so yourself, two days before this happened. Or was there another mistake?! Squall's been trying to find that bastard for over a MONTH and you want to add fuel to the FIRE!? Do you realize that I have to tell him that I am PREGNANT with some other mans baby!" she screamed, pushing long sweaty bangs away from her face, "Or have you told him?"

"Rinoa, I would never give him medical information about you without your consent. It is up to you whether or not you do."

"I-I can't talk anymore, goodbye."

In a last ditch effort to reel her back in she yelled, "You can terminate the pregnancy!"

"… …" Rinoa was quite as her eyes widened. Was she serious?

"…Rinoa you have a choice. You can keep the fetus or you can do away with the pregnancy because of the circumstances. I will allow you to be twelve weeks along and no more to do the procedure. Your two-thirds through your first trimester so you have-"

"Four weeks left," she whispered, "great just around the time of the inaugural celebration. I think I'm gonna be sick." she mumbled shakily, as she barely makes it behind her desk to the garbage can. Rinoa trembled as she threw up. Her hair stuck to her face as her body broke out into another sweat.

"This is hell." she said between breaths.

The phone lay on the floor somewhere, she didn't care. She couldn't talk anymore, she wouldn't. Rinoa pushed herself up away from the god awful stench of vomit and leaned against the cold wooden desk. Sometime during her panic attack she lost her shoes, and she would walk barefoot all day before she went to look for them. Nothing and no one was going to move Rinoa Leonhart from that very spot. She wasn't ready to face reality yet, even though she knew she was carrying it.

"…I'm eight weeks pregnant and I didn't even know. How stupid could I be, every sign was there...oh lets not forget to mention the brilliant fucking idiot intern," she said loudly, with her greatest sarcasm, "Hyne, what else have they ruined?"

Rinoa pulled her knees to her chest and rested her chin on them. She felt her powers playing on the edges of each of her finger tips, waiting to be released. "That stupid bitch!" She cursed, throwing a back handed punch into her mahogany wooden desk. The sturdy wood shook sending a few objects to the floor. It was a mistake that anyone could have made. "I shouldn't be this angry, but this is my life! My marriage!" she sobbed.

Rinoa looked to the floor where a silver frame rested laying face down inches away from her. Rinoa shuddered as her anger and strength receded as she slowly leaned over, just enough to grab the frame. Tears struggled to stay at bay as she turned over the small picture frame and stared at the couple in the picture. The tearful brunette gazed at the photo as she remembered how she surprised Squall on his birthday with a secluded dinner at his favorite restaurant with his closest friends. She was even able to pull off surprising him with the presence of his dear sister Ellone. Everyone he loved was there and that meant the world to him. Ellone took the photo, catching them both completely off guard as he held her from behind with his arms looped lovingly around her small frame. You couldn't find a more genuine smile on them, it was beautiful.

Small puddles hit the glass covering the photo. In an effort to clean its surface Rinoa tried to wipe the tears away but only smeared them across the glass distorting the view of their faces. Rinoa wanted nothing more than to hold her knight this very moment, but she knew that was nearly impossible at the moment, knowing that he had left a week before on Ragnorak to meet with Laguna. She hugged the picture to her chest hoping to bring herself some kind of comfort, as she thought of the many ways she could tell him. If only she could just tell him, just get it out of the way.

"An abortion…" she whispered, "If I do it, we'll be okay, he doesn't even need to know." she played with the outcome over an over and came to the same conclusion each time, "I can't do it, I just can't!" she painfully sobbed, pulling her knees in closer to her chest.

A small knock was heard on the office door. Rinoa knew it was Selphie, and she really just wanted to be alone right now.

"Rinoa, are you okay?"

The brunette didn't respond, but decided to stand up from behind her desk with the picture still pressed against her chest. The door opened slowly and Selphie walked in cautiously. She saw her best friend standing behind her desk with her back turned. Her office wasn't in shambles but the papers on the floor along with the telephone, and a pair of high heels strewn about made it look out of character for Rinoa.

Selphie knew Rinoa was acting strangely the last few weeks but never did she think it was because she was expecting.

She eyed the coffee in her hand, it was turning cold. Stepping forward she placed it on the desk, maybe she would want it later she thought. Squall was far away and after overhearing the conversation she did, albeit only Rinoa's side, she knew she had to intervene and help her friend. The sorceress needed someone and she was going to be that someone right now.

"Rin?" She said as she walked around the desk until she stood directly in front of her best friend. Her heart fell to her feet as she looked at Rinoa. She clinged to the photo as though her life depended on it, and Selphie knew very well which photo it was. Her face was red from crying and her eyes were puffy, and to Selphie's surprise they were the beautiful brown eyes she knew and loved. Rinoa looked to her best friend before almost inaudibly uttering out her name. Selphie smiled at her before she embraced her into a full hug. Which for some odd reason made Rinoa cry more.

"You'll figure things out I know it, so don't worry," she said as she let the motherly side of her take over, a side of her she really never knew she had, but always came in handy at times like this, "I won't tell a soul, not one." she whispered.

Rinoa responded by returning the hug, and finally after a few moments, she found her voice, "Thanks Selph."

Later that evening, after being nearly forced by Selphie to leave work early, Rinoa found herself waiting outside of Galbadia Gardens' large military base where the Ragnarok was currently docked. She nervously awaited for Squall to deplane, as she felt her anxiety rise with each passing moment. If she didn't calm down he'd be able to feel it the closer he got, and he wasn't expecting Rinoa, so she knew he would at least expect a good reason as to why she was there.

I need to tell him now. I'll punk out if I don't do it now

The Commander was returning to Galbadia from Esthar for few hours before heading to FH for reasons Rinoa didn't inquire about, and at the very moment could care less. His job took him various places for many reasons, it was nothing new. Right now, her mind was focused on relieving the news she just received earlier that morning, and with her luck, give him a reason to leave for good.

She glanced up at the large aircraft and noticed the landing gate was finally open, he was far away but she could see his figure as he walked down the ramp with the pilot and crew men. Rinoa paced inside the gated entryway gathering her thoughts, trying to figure out how in the hell she would break the news. The brunette nervously played with the ends of her long hair, using each hand to repeatedly stoke the long strands. Fighting her nervousness would be a challenge, she had reminded herself over and over that she had to relax before Squall approached her, or else he would surely know something was off. He steadily came into view as he crossed the launch pad that lead to the skywalk where Rinoa was waiting for him. She was thankful he was engrossed in a phone call, failing to notice her. She took in a deep breath, grateful for those spared moments before slowly decompressing as he stepped through the electrical sliding doors.

The phone conversation was every bit of irritating, and it was visible on Squall's face. He continued to listen with a frown as he walked through the sliding doors, until he felt a set of his eyes on him. Startled by her presence and breathless by her appearance, Squall softened at the sight of his wife.

Was it way she played with her long dark hair? Or the way she held her bottom lip between her teeth? Her her brown eyes sparkled in the light below her long dark lashes that touched her rose colored cheeks, she looked stunning. It amazed him, how she could effortlessly make his heart of steel melt the way she did.

She always looked beautiful, but today was different he couldn't quite put his finger on it. She was just gorgeous.

He kept his emotions in check as he neared her, smiling as he outstretched his left hand reaching for her, forcing Rinoa to release her hair. Rinoa could feel Squall looking in her direction, and if she wasn't so nervous she would have realized he was damn near gawking at her. His crew sure as hell did as they hurried past the couple in an effort not to be caught dead looking in her direction. No one wanted that problem.

In an effort to get her attention Squall pulled her hand to his lips, placing a sweet subtle kiss on her knuckles. She finally looked up to him lovingly, and mouthed, "Hey." with a smile as he mouthed the same to her.

Squall slowed their pace eventually coming to a halt before the door that lead into Galbadia Garden, allowing any stragglers to pass. Rinoa knew he wanted to talk with no one around, as did she, so she continued to wait patiently for him to end his call.

"Ok I'll let you know when I leave…" The person in the other end must have been okay with Squalls response as he ended the call, sliding the phone in his pocket. He looked to Rinoa with a questioning look in his eyes causing her cheeks to break out into a flash of rosy red. She must have had something important to tell him, or so he thought. It wasn't that Rinoa wasn't allowed onto the base or that she never had been there before, it was just rare that she did.

"What's wrong?"

Short and straight to the point as usual Leonhart…

She knew the question was coming, but it still somehow caught her off guard, "W-Well, Dr. K called me this morning," she said, biting her bottom lip, "she said that the first kit she sent you was no good. She also told me you wanted another sample from it, so she'll be sending another to you."

"Alright." he said, now crossing his arms knowing she had more to tell.

Rinoa once again began to to play with a handful of hair and looked away from his prying eyes. "I hate when he looks at me like that! It's like I'm a cadet or something!" She slightly opened her lips to speak but nothing came out. Only a few seconds passed but to her it felt like an eternity.

What the hell is wrong with me!? Why can't I just say it

Rinoa looked to him, and again opened her mouth to speak but this time she new she wouldn't say what she intended to, but she wouldn't lie either.

He quirked an eyebrow.

"I-I'm sorry, I️ guess I could have called you to tell you that huh?"

Squall was surprised at her apology but still confused non the less. "It's fine, there's nothing you need to apologize for."

"I'm not so sure about that Squall." she spoke inwardly.

"Are you sure everything else is alright?" he spoke softly. Rinoa looked up at him and realized he was gaging her honesty, and being in close proximity strengthened that part of their bond, she just hoped she was playing coy well enough.

No, She thought,

"Y-Yes," she lied, doing a total one-eighty, "I just wanted to see you. I just really miss you is all." she said, that part of her story bearing truth.

She really did miss him. They hadn't seen each other for over a week since Laguna asked him to visit Esthar to give some insight regarding the Odine situation, seeing as it might lead to her assailant. Prior to that Squall had been working nearly day and night with Garden trying to prepare for a transition of power after the inauguration ceremony coming up. He never wanted to have so much control over Garden and Galbadia's military like, and was more than willing to relinquish military power to the newly elected President of Deling City when the time came. Being Commander was more than enough.

His face relaxed and he smiled. Uncrossing his arms he pulled her into his chest resting his chin upon her head. The smell of jasmine and lavender filled his senses. "I've missed you too." He whispered. Kissing the hair on her head.

She welcomed the embrace as she snuggled her husband in the way she was most used to. Relaxed in his arms was all she felt she really needed this morning after speaking with Dr. Kadowaki. She yearned for his touch more than anything then, and now she had it. Though somehow it all felt wrong. She was lying to him. Straight to his face, and she knew Squalls feelings boiled down to one thing when it came to truths and lies.

His trust.

Rinoa felt deep in her soul that if she told him about the baby it would probably ruin them. Although nothing was certain, Rinoa knew full well that she had no intentions on abortion and would never give her baby up. All day she tried both scenarios in her head but neither worked. Nothing would work except her becoming a mother to a bastard child, and a part of her had a feeling Squall would have none of that.

Erasing the negative thoughts from her mind she focused on prolonging their touch and staying together. "You weren't planning on stopping at home huh?" She said moving her head so that she could look at him.

"No I would have called you, you know that." He said sweetly, "….we just landed to refuel and stock up on more equipment. I thought we'd have a few hours but I gave them more like thirty minutes."

Rinoa pouted her lips as she stood on her toes to reach her arms around his neck. Even in a pair of heels she couldn't reach his five-eight stature. He leaned into her closing the gap placing his forehead against hers. She stared into his wavy blue eyes as she played with the ends of his hair that touched his neck. She felt the need to be closer to him and she wanted nothing more than for him to drop everything he had planned and fuck her right on the skywalk.

Rinoa smiled slyly, intentionally letting her prowess show. She could feel her eyes staining red, as she placed her heels back to the floor dragging her fingertips from his neck across his jawline. "I thought you said you missed me?"

Hyne could you get any sexier? He thought to himself, she was taking advantage of him and he would let her all day if she pleased but now was definitely not good timing, "I do, it's just–"

"Prove it." She quipped. Sliding her hands under his white shirt, touching over his abs before lacing her fingers around the belt of his jeans.

"Rinoa." He warned with a growl. "Let's not start something you can't finish."

She backed away from him crossing her arms over her chest, still eyeing him sexily. "I've been trying to start with you for a little over a month now." She huffed. She wasn't angry she was just horny as hell.

He blushed giving her a worthy million dollar smile. "Babe I promise I'm not avoiding you. Things are just–"

"Busy. I know." She said while backing him into the wall.

He bent down as she stood on her toes, kissing her soft lips. "Just what do you want from me woman?"

"You." Her eyes were blazing and it was turning him on more more as each moment passed.

"I can't." She was being unbelievably bold and he loved the sound of fucking his wife senseless at this very moment but now wasn't a good time. He needed to follow a lead in FH. He tried to keep thinking logically and not with his penis.

"Right now." She pressed. Rubbing her breasts against his chiseled chest whilst letting her fingers play with the light soft hair line that ran from under his belly button.

"Rin." He moaned into her lips.

"Touch. Me."

Fuck logic.

Her words were cut short by a light but forceful grip to her arm, snatching her from where she stood. She barely had enough time to figure out where they were headed but she knew. They walked briskly for a few moments before Squall slowed their pace so not to draw any unnecessary attention to themselves. She watched him as she walked only a step behind him as he moved his grip from her wrist to her hand.

Forever the professional Leonhart

The couple passed a few students and military personnel before making it to the elevator. Rinoa stood behind her husband and rolled her eyes as one of the crewmen from the Ragnorak made small talk with Squall, promising they would be ready to take off in the thirty minute time frame they were given.

Thirty minutes...my husband is insane

Positioning herself behind Squall she eyed his backside smiling slyly, she was in the mood to play with his arousal before they made it to the tenth floor. Starting a game she knew he'd finish.

Her right hand was still intertwined with his left but that didn't matter to her, all she needed was one hand. She lifted her left hand and in a spider-like fashion crawled under his jacket lifting his white shirt, pressing her hand to his lower back. She felt him tense, and immediately release her right hand. She smirked and looked around him to see whom if anyone, still occupied the elevator. The only button lit was theirs, but the elevator was still being shared with the janitor Harry, finishing his cleaning rounds for the evening.

Rinoa found the edge of his pants and cautiously ran her fingertips along the edge until she met the button in the front of his pants. She gently rubbed the fine smooth hairs on his stomach with her thumb before pressing her forefingers down the front of his jeans and into his boxers hoping to grab the top of his erection but was immediately thwarted away as Squall slapped his stomach with his left hand and used his jacket to cover himself with his right. Squall was literally in awe. Since he'd known her Rinoa always had a daring side, as did he, but she never not once took the reins like this.

Harry looked over with a concerned look on his face before asking, "Are you alright Commander Leonhart?"

Squall faked a grimace. He continued playing the part by doubling over in pain. "Yea I'm fine. I just have a cramp. Need too lay down is all."

Rinoa smiled inwardly while rubbing his back, pretending she was concerned for her husbands well being, all while trying not to loose her cool under their guise. "He'll be fine Harry. Thanks for asking."

"No problem Mrs. Leonhart." he said with a toothy grin.

The elevator chimed at the top floor and Harry sweetly allowed the couple to exit first, Squall halfway stood as he walked, still gripping his jacket hoping it would cover the growin erection. He knew no one was in the office area at this time in the evening, save for Harry of course. Rinoa walked a few steps ahead, nearing the large boardroom doors. He looked around to see if Harry was out of sight. Seeing that the coast was clear he let go of his jacket and walked a few strides ahead of his wife. He pulled out his master key and easily slid it into the door, unlocking it with a small click. He stepped in and without looking reached behind him grabbing Rinoa by the top of her blouse pulling her inside the dimly lit room along with him. He pinned her against the door shutting it against their weight, and with little effort Rinoa placed her hands behind her back locking the door. Her eyes still smoldered with red flames, and for a reason unknown to him, those eyes drew him into a psyche he couldn't quite explain. If right now she told him to go burn a building, with no one stopping him, he would. If she sad it, he would make it so. Something about her made him want to give her whatever she desired, whatever she could dream of. No one else in this world could come close to making him feel this deeply attached.

He always believed it was directly correlated to their sorceress and knight bond, and at first the strength of his emotions scared him, but now relished in the depth of their love. It was powerful, tangible, and true. No matter the distance or time she was his, and that was all that mattered.

Burning with a desire he had been bottling up for what seemed like an eternity, he finally opened up. Sliding his jacket off before placing his hands on her face, he entangled his fingers in her hair, pulling her into a deep kiss. She shuddered at the suddenness but welcomed the way held her. Firm yet sweet, and deliciously sexy. Her panties were wet beyond belief at this point, and he had yet to even do anything but kiss her. But she didn't care, by the time he made love to her he would be swimming in an ocean so deep he would need snorkeling gear to come out. Just the thought of this man made her feel as though she was intoxicated. A euphoric love that she could only get from being with him, and she desperately needed more. Rinoa moved her hand to his front, ready to take ahold of what she had intended to during their elevator ride, and this time she would have him.

"Ohoo no." He said grabbing her wrist. "You are so bad." He haughtily whispered against her wet lips. "What has gotten into you?"

"Absolutely nothing. Yet.."

He hitched his breath as his body literally formed goosebumps at the sound of her words. This woman…

In one swift move she stepped out of her heels and unzipped her skirt from behind, letting it fall to the floor. Continuing where she'd left off, the sultry sorceress undid her knights belt and button exposing a full erection in pair of black underwear that could barely contain his manhood. She looked him in his ocean blue eyes and let out a breathy giggle.

If he could get harder he would, but he was undoubtedly as hard as it was ever gonna get. Impatient and ridiculously horny he picked up her small frame as she wrapped her legs around his waist, and carried her towards the fourteen seater mahogany wood table. With one arm he pushed aside a few chairs before he gently sat her down on the smooth wooden surface letting her legs dangle.

He was done playing and was ready to have her crumbling in his arms.

Their eyes connected as he ran both of his hands up her silky smooth thighs, easily pulling her panties off of her body. The smell of her wet sex was tantalizing, she was ready for him.

Palming a handful of her ass, he pulled her to the edge of the table, and didn't miss a beat, yanking at his boxers pulling him out. She gripped the length of his shaft with both hands between the base and tip causing him to let out a soft moan that he smoothly covered with another kiss.

She moved her hands along his length repeatedly in a way she knew would make him spill right into her hands, as he raggedly trailed his hands down her neck, then down to where the hem of her blouse rested just above her hips. He breathed heavily tying to quell his come as she continued to pull him just right. He momentarily broke their lips apart and pulled her pink blouse above her head along with his own t-shirt, tossing both garments somewhere in the large room. He couldn't take much more of her foreplay. He wanted her right now but he would take sweet revenge first.

He leaned his head back pushing out a deep growl from his throat that turned into a moan. He felt warmth near his base. "Not yet." He grabbed her wrists finally finding the will to stop her, as he felt the warmth slowly subside. Before she could protest to finish with him, he forced her hands to the large desk, "Don't move them."

His eyes snaked towards the thin gold chain that anchored a golden feather on the end that dipped into her perfect breasts. He leaned into to her body and placed his left hand on her back before he gripped her inner thigh with his right. Moving downward he softly pressed his thumb over her clit making her to hitch her breath. He swirled his fifth through the wet folds hitting her spot, giving into a sweet moan that she tried to burrow into his defined chest.

He sustained his slow but firm pace causing Rinoa to shudder. She raised her legs from a dangle locking them on either side of his hips giving him better access. She kept her hands behind her on the table, dipping her head back behind her shoulders creating a pool of raven colored locks on the mahogany wood. He moved along with her, dipping his tongue between her breasts licking and sucking them as he entered two fingers, keeping his thumb locked on her bud.

Her body was starting to remember how good it felt when he touched her, it had been way too long. Her slightly parted lips gave her voice a way out, she swore, letting her body get the best of her as she neared her climax.

"Your soo close." He whispered into her chest before moving to her neck, sucking on her skin quickening his movement inside her peach while lovingly rubbing her bud until she caused a powerful quake around his fingers. A pleasurable moan ripped through the room as Rinoa reached her high. He felt her thighs tremble underneath his touch, but wanted her to feel all of him.

He wasted no more time and parted her center. Sending her body through a wave of blissful sex she'd longed for. She moaned as she wrapped her legs around his waist even tighter letting him spread her as he pushed his way in, causing her to wither. "Hyne Rin." He breathed. It had been a while so he knew she wasn't ready to take him to the hilt. His will was shaky but he would pace himself and work her back up to his length.

Her lustrous ruby eyes stilled on his ocean blue irises as he started to move his hips sending wave after wave of pleasure through her core. Squall held her by her hips, pulling her in deeper with each thrust, driving thier pleasure to new heights.

Hyne I need to touch him!

Disobeying his words earlier, she reached up wrapping her arms around his neck devouring his lips into another deep kiss flicking her tongue against his as he scooped her up off the table. "Don't stop." She said sexily against his lips and he took heed. He stood erect as he cupped her ass pulling her to the base with each stroke. She pressed her hips in each time, connecting, heightening the sensation, she knew he was going to hold back as long as it took but it had been too long already and she was more than ready to release again.

Their heavy breathing spread throughout the room as the sorceress clung to her knight. Rinoa gripped his back with one arm as she laced her fingers around the necklace that held Griever for support. She sweetly wined as her walls clenched around him, squeezing repeatedly causing him to release on the spot. He sucked on her shoulder and moaned, releasing his grip on one cheek to grab hold of the table as he finished his last thrusts before collapsing in a heap on the table.

Squall held his weight above her while he rested his face in the crook of her neck breathing in her sweet scented mixture of jasmine and lavender as she lay underneath him.

He without a doubt enjoyed her lustful seductive nature when they went without seeing each other. It was something worth waiting for.

"That proof enough?" He smirked, reminding her of her earlier remark, proving how badly and truly he missed her.

"More than enough." She said looking at him, still hunting for air as pressed his lips against hers, taking in the beautiful sight beneath him.

He rested his forehead against hers for a few moments and watched in a dream like daze as her irises returned to their natural woody brown shade.

Any heavy emotion...

He had experienced this side of her a few times before they came into contact with the Odine bangle but her abilities were definitely more prominent now,

Can trigger a change

Though, for some reason he didn't worry. Maybe because she was in his arms at this very moment he didn't know, but something was different about her eyes this time. He decidedly dismissed the thought from his mind as their lips met again.

He stood zipping his pants. While scanning the room for his shirt he caught a glimpse of a shiny silvery object resting in Rinoa's right hand. "How many times is that now…eight?"

Rinoa fisted Griever as the chain dangled around her wrist, playfully punching his arm. "Have you been really counting!? and I thought cats had nine lives?" She said sliding off the table looking around for her clothes.

"Yes I actually have, and its jewelry Rin, no."

"Hey, I've gotten it fixed every time." She said sweetly, while pulling her skirt up her thighs before turning around so Squall could zip it up.

"That you do."

Silence filled the room as they gathered the remainder of their things. Rinoa was biting her tongue wanting to know where he was headed off to now. No doubt to wherever the person he had been on the phone was. She was beginning to feel like they never saw each other and although she had been coping with her powers pretty well, there was no doubt in her mind that when Squall wasn't around controlling them wasn't as easy.

She needed him.

"So…?"

He knew what Rinoa would ask before she finished, "I'm stopping in FH on a lead before I go to Balamb Garden. I'll be gone for roughly two weeks…give or take, you'll be okay right?"

She paused before answering, she didn't want to worry him but she also needed to tell him about the pregnancy. Fresh news that she was still in shock over. "Y-Yes I'll be fine. It's just been awhile since you been gone like this, and a very long time since I've been...free...it's been a little weird, but don't worry."

He words were guarded and somehow he knew she wasn't okay. "Rinoa, all you have to do is say the word and I will drop everything and come back home."

Not good, "No. Don't," although she wasn't ready for him to be so far away for so long, she wasn't ready for an interrogation from him either. "Listen, I know how hard you've been working on finding this guy, and getting prepped for the inauguration. I'll be fine, Irvine and Selphie have been by everyday as you've asked," she sighed. "Lets not forget to mention the team of SeeDs hanging outside of our house." she said under her breath.

He frowned, "You're lucky their not at your job."

Were they? She became slightly upset, "You promised me."

"I've kept my promise."

She was relieved, "Alright."

He sighed heavily, "I know you don't care for it, but give me that bit of my sanity back. I have got to know your safe no matter where I am."

"...I understand."

Saying she understood was beginning to seem less truthful seeing their current situation. Squall was only concerned about her safety. Bodyguards piled around his home wasn't something he was satisfied with, but it was better than leaving Rinoa totally alone.

He handpicked them all, to be there twenty-four-seven, to watch over her. Also choosing two highly skilled SeeDs to essentially act as her shadow when she traveled anywhere outside of work. Rinoa argued with him for days following their first appearance about the fact that so many men seemed crazy and excessive.

Squall refused to budge, every man would stay there under his strict order, and there was essentially nothing she could say or do to make them leave.

In a world so big finding one person was like trying to find a needle in a haystack, but he refused to give up looking. He swore that very night he would find the bastard and after two months he still felt the same.

No one will be able to stop me once I lay eyes on you

He hadn't realized until now how often he'd been way from home, and how deeply he missed her. These past two months were hazy to him. Juggling his responsibilities to Garden while trying to stay low key about Rinoa's rapist was not easy. It drove him mad knowing he had no real leads in the case, except the fact that someone had murdered Odine and even that was at a dead end at this point.

Squall had to admit, he was good.

"Selphie and I will be busy working on the inaugural ball, and I have a lot to busy myself with. I'll be okay. I Promise."

"Rin?" He said with a parental tone.

"Squall?" She shot back crossing her arms over her chest.

"Fine. Whatever. Just have my cat back to me next time I see you . Promise me that." He said as they walked hand in hand out of the boardroom.

"Deal."

The couple entered the elevator, sadly returning to the outside world. Squall relaxed his back against the cold steel as Rinoa stood facing him. He breathed in deeply as his wife walked into his arms and released a relaxing sigh as he nestled her small frame into his. He closed his eyes when he heard the elevator ring signaling it was closing its doors, but the knights killer instincts took over when he felt as though someone was watching them. His lids opened up only to find the smirk of the seventy year old janitor Harry staring him dead in the eye.

Busted, Squall proudly blushed to himself. He hugged Rinoa tighter as he and Harry stared each other down both showing off the devilish smirks they had plastered on their faces.

Harry waved as the elevator door shut. I'm gonna be red as a cherry every time I see the old geezer now

Harry walked off, until he stood in front of the boardroom doors with his cleaning cart prepping for the 'mess' the Commander left inside. He could smell sex in the air and shook his bald head. "Oh to be young again! Hehehe!" He laughed before entering to start his last job for the night.

Author's Note: Thank you to those who have reviewed I really appreciate each one it gives me motivation to keep going! (especially when writers block sets in) so again thank you to the Guest user, NoctisLucisVX and SilentStarlightSky! Hope y'all liked it RR