An : Cpater 7 and I'm just churning them out now aren't I???? Anyway enjoy, if this was Noctepanther's chapter it'd probably be called "Of balls and parties" hehe!

Raine dropped her pen with an audible sigh. Lifting her head, she looked out the window onto the sun-bleached promenade of Altamira. Holiday makers and merchants selling their wares mingled about, each with their own agenda. Rubbing her eye tiredly, Raine glanced down and inspected what she had been writing. With a sour twist of her mouth she disapproved but left it written anyway.

It was almost lunchtime, and she hadn't seen Genis, Presea or Regal at all today. She had to admit, she'd grown to feel lonely when not in their company. Strange though it may seem, as she had been lonely for many years, but when she was on her own like this, it brought the recent events into sharp focus. It had been gradual that's for sure; unnoticeable at first, softly, gently coercing reality, but all of a sudden it was obvious. This situation they were in felt like it had always been, but had happened on such a strange tangent from what they had ever imagined. Who would have dreamed six months ago that they would all be here, together? Things seemed to be on a very direct and definite path, yet Raine had this strange feeling of not quite belonging. She was going to be the principle of a revolutionary schooling system, and had direction and focus she had always longed for; but still something didn't sit right.

With a slight blush, Raine's hand travelled to her neck as the flush spread. She didn't feel like she could handle it all; that was what was wrong. She felt inept and like a failure. Yet for Regal's sake, she'd do her best. He had given her so much, and she didn't know how to thank him. She knew at the very least that giving up and shying away from her insecurities was no way to show her appreciation. Doing her best and making a mark through the school would be the best way. After all, she thought rationally, who would be better to embark on this venture than the team which helped save the worlds? Somehow she wasn't convincing herself.

A knock at the door broke Raine from her reverie. Glancing up, not quite back to herself, Raine took a moment to realise the person was waiting for an answer.

"Uh, yes, come in!" She called

At that Regal's head popped around the door. "Good morning Raine" He smiled, straightening up and coming into the room. Closing the door behind him, the Duke's demeanour slipped. He frowned in concern. "Are you feeling well?"

Raine started, she hadn't realised she looked unwell. Putting a hand to her cheek, she realised her face was very hot; very hot indeed. Regal continued to stare; Raine's hand pressed to her cheek and the other tentatively touching the pale flesh of her neck gave away that thinly concealed femininity. He glanced at the floor when it occurred to him that he had been slipping off into one of his daydreams again.

"No, n-no Regal, I'm quite well" Raine smiled weakly, her voice not even fully convincing herself.

"If you are sure…" The Duke acquiesced, pulling something from the pocket of his dark green waistcoat. Raine's eyes captured the movement and narrowed in curiosity.

"This came for you in the post this morning; we all got one" Regal said with a small smile. He of course had already opened his, but it was impolite to reveal the contents to the young woman.

Raine gratefully accepted the letter, turning it over in her hands. Reading her name on the front of the little pink envelope, the Teacher in her instantly recognised the handwriting of her pupil. "It's from Colette" She smiled. It was always a delight receiving a letter from the little chosen, but there was something special about the way this one was presented. The last one she had received had revealed that she and Lloyd had finally admitted to each other what everyone had known from the start; that they were in love. Raine had taken great pleasure in reading it aloud to her new family here in Altamira. Genis had punched the air in celebration, and even Presea seemed to smile openly at the good news.

Pulling the little folded card from the envelope, Raine's eyes took but a moment to consume the words.

"Wedding?!" She all but screeched. Looking up at Regal as though for clarification, Raine found shock instead.

"You don't think it's wonderful?" He ventured, a little confused by the Professor's reaction.

"Lloyd?" She coughed, "Anyone's husband?! You don't think it's a little bit…" She spluttered for words "...insane?!"

The Duke laughed brightly, before turning an appreciative smile on Raine. "Yes, well I suppose it is a little bit of a stretch for the imagination" He chuckled.

Raine sighed happily, looking back down at the card in her lap. "He might be a ding-dong at times, but as Colette's husband I'm sure he'll excel"

The thought of two of her pupils, whom she had known since they were just little getting married, was lovely but a little sobering. Afterall, here she was, exactly the same as she had been way back then; a spinster looking after her little brother. Regal seemed to sense the nostalgia the teacher was sinking into.

"So, uh Raine, it's in two weeks, so I thought it would be best if we packed and started out immediately."

Raine was broken from her thoughts. "Oh, yes, of course, right away" She said looking up at the Duke with a warm smile. Regal felt his heart skip a beat. He gave a little dip of his head and turned to leave.

"Regal" Raine stopped him before he left.

The Duke, turned his cornflower blue eyes on her searchingly. "Yes Raine?"

Sometimes his speaking her name was enough to jangle her nerves completely. "Um," She said clearing her throat, "Thank you"

Regal shifted his stance and looked at her with genuine puzzlement, "What for Raine?"

The half-elf felt her face turn crimson again, and she had to look anywhere but his face. "Just for everything. I don't want you ever to think that I take any of what you've given us here for granted."

The Duke chuckled, "I won't say it again Raine it should be me thanking you. Without you, none of this would be possible" He paused and smiled, before thinking better of what he was about to say. "A carriage will be here in a few hours to take us to Iselia; I'll see you then." He gave her one last smile before closing the door after himself.

Raine let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding, and relaxed back into her chair. Her heartbeat slowed and it was only then she realised it had been racing. Why did that man have such a grip on her?

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Without the Rehairds now that the mana link was broken and things restored, journeying by carriage was long and laborious but the fastest way to travel. In a matter of days, they had reached Iselia, Genis bouncing around like a little boy. He was so excited to be home again and the idea of seeing his playmates just heightened his mood. Raine too was pleased to see the place again. There had been some terrible times here, but they could never erase the wonderful years she had had in that little cottage and the schoolroom. Regal watched Raine furtively. She couldn't hide the feeling of warmth from him. He could tell she was pleased to be back. Neither could he fail to notice the way she looked as she gazed out of the carriage window; her face and hair illuminated in the soft spring sunshine. She closed her eyes and looked for all the world as though she were in heaven. Truth be told, she had missed the slow, easy pace of life in Iselia. She had never stopped for the past five years, and it was taking its toll.

Reuniting with their friends was wonderful; such an eclectic mix of personalities, all brought together under the one purpose and now tied together through the experiences they shared, the sights they'd seen and the sacrifices they'd made. It was the first time Regal had seen many of them since their journey. Colette and Lloyd looked so natural together, Colette's small arms draped around the waist of her fiancé, beaming as though she had won a prize. Lloyd had stretched and filled out and looked very much the part of the husband.

Sharing a meal together at Phaidra's house, the gang caught up on old times. Genis, Lloyd and Zelos chatted and teased each other all night, the two taking great delight in making Lloyd blush a bright crimson. Regal however preferred the female company. Colette retold the story of her and Lloyd's extraordinary journey, as Sheena seemed to swoon at every romantic detail. Presea listened patiently, some of the more subtle details escaping her attention. Raine sat next to him quietly, listening intently, but somehow far away at the same time.

Regal touched Raine's hand under the table, causing her to jump a little. She looked up at him with startled eyes. "Are you alright?" He asked her quietly, not wishing to disturb the friendly chatter.

"Yes, I'm just a little tired, that's all" She said with a small smile. This didn't entirely satisfy the Duke, but he thought it best not to press the matter. They had been travelling for a few days.

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That night, the women in the group stayed at Phaidra's house, and the men retired to Dirk's place. Colette was so excited at the prospect of her first ever sleep-over. Sheena laughed it off, reminding Colette she was twenty now, and a little too old for that! Raine changed for bed and wriggled under the covers of the makeshift bed that had been set up for her. This reminded her of their journey; and the way most nights would end, however Colette and Sheena seemed to talk for hours. Who could blame the little Chosen? She was to be married in a few days after all.

"Girls, don't you think it's time to go to sleep?" Raine asked, propping herself up on an elbow.

Colette's smile dropped in the candlelight. "You're right Professor Sage, I'm sorry, I'm just so excited that you're all here and…" She trailed off blushing, as she twirled a lock of blonde hair around her finger.

Sheena burst out laughing as she sat lotus style in her own bed. "Aww Colette, you're so cute! I can't believe you're getting married! I can't wait to see your dress. I bet it's gorgeous!"

Raine couldn't help but smile. "Yes well, it's not all fun and games you know Colette." She said, trying to bring the girls back down to earth.

"I know Professor Sage, it's serious, but Lloyd and I have been through so much, I just know we can make it." Colette said leaning forward out of her bed as though to stress her point.

Raine gave a nod, she was sure Colette and Lloyd both knew what they were doing. Before turning over and going to sleep however, Raine caught Sheena smiling at her in a cunning, sort of knowing way.

"W-what are you looking at?" the Teacher asked the ninja, feeling a little unnerved at her expression.

"I was just wondering what's going on between you and the Duke" She said grinning evilly.

Raine's gaze shot to Presea, who looked as though she were sleeping with her back to the rest of them. How could Sheena be so tackless? But then, she didn't know what had happened.

"N-nothing" Raine protested futilely.

"Yes there i-is!" Sheena taunted playfully. "I saw it as soon as you guys arrived: holding the carriage door open for you, helping you out, staring at you all evening! Come one! Dish the dirt Raine!"

Feeling her cheeks burst into colour, Raine huffed and puffed, trying to find a retort, and hoping desperately that Presea was asleep and hadn't heard the exchange.

"He's just a gentleman, that's all! Why should there be something going on?" She protested, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Oh Professor Sage, you and Regal would make a lovely couple! He's so tall and handsome and a gentleman like you said. He's so mature; a perfect match for you!" Colette squealed.

"Well, I'm afraid you have more important things to think about than playing match-maker Colette and you should know better than to behave like that Sheena! Now goodnight!" Raine whispered fiercely before turning over huffily and forcing herself to go to sleep.

The two girls fell silent for a few moments before whispering to each other again. Raine couldn't get to sleep though, her heart was pounding. Was her attraction to the ex-convict that obvious? Was it that clear that she had been distracted all day? Had he really been staring at her all night? She was confused now, and her heart was a jumble of emotions; she only hoped Presea hadn't heard any of that nonsense.

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Over at Dirk's things hadn't gone much better for the Duke. Genis and Zelos hadn't gotten tired all night of taunting poor Lloyd about his wedding. He was beginning to get fed up and fight back, which resulted in a physical tussle between him and Genis. They laughed as Lloyd wrestled the young half-elf to the ground and put a knee into his back to hold him down. Genis cried "Uncle, Uncle!" as he laughed until his face was bright red. Regal however contented himself with staring at the ceiling, thinking about the way the sunlight had lit up the teacher's eyes, and more disturbingly what it had been like comforting her only a few weeks before. He had wanted to just to pull her into his arms and…well it was shameful to create some fantasy about the Professor. She was a lady and deserved his respect. He would be her friend and nothing more. Breaking his train of thought, Regal felt a weight, about that of a certain flame-haired Chosen, sit on his bed. Reluctantly, the Duke looked up at Zelos.

Zelos leant his head in his hands and stared deviously at Regal. "So, Mr Serious, while the kiddies play, you could spill the beans on you and Raine" He whispered.

Regal fought to keep the blush from his face as he narrowed his eyes at Zelos. "I have no idea what you're talking about" Propping himself up on an elbow, he tried to look the Chosen in the eye as a way of warning.

"Sure you dooo!" Zelos said in a sing-songy kind of way, as he nudged the Duke's knee through the sheets on the bed.

"You're hallucinating. Now if you don't mind I'm going to sleep" he had just about enough of the pretty-boy's attention.

"Aww come on, Reegsie!" Regal's jaw stiffened the sound of the abhorrent nickname. "Listen I won't even say a word to Genis, I promise!" Zelos promised, holding one hand to his chest, as though swearing an oath.

"Won't even say a word about what to me?" Genis asked, puzzled, as he and Lloyd sat up; their hair and night clothes tussled and untidy from their rough-housing.

"About the low-down on the Dukey-boy here and your rather tasty sis!" Zelos said, wiggling his eyebrows expressively, as he made explicit gestures.

Regal's eyebrows furrowed at the red haired idiot, and he could feel Genis' hot gaze fall on him. Clearing his throat, Regal pulled his covers out from under the Chosen, almost causing him to fall from his perch on Regal's bed. "As I have explained to Mr Wilder already, I haven't the slightest idea what he's talking about"

Lloyd glanced between them all; he'd obviously missed whatever it was they were talking about. He didn't miss the look on Genis' face however.

"Yeah, shut up Zelos, as if my sister would be interested in him." Genis said dismissively, turning his back and organising his bedcovers. Zelos shrugged and lopped over to his own bed. "Besides which, isn't Presea enough?"

"Presea?!" Both Lloyd and Zelos sat up straight.

"Y-you're ploughing that field??" Zelos looked incredulously perturbed by the paedophilic ideas which came into his mind.

"No!" Barked the Duke, "Now go to sleep before I make you!" Lloyd and Zelos flinched and looked at one another. Genis just settled down in his bed; his words said.

Regal stared at Genis' back. He didn't know how the half-elf was going to react to the revelation about Presea; but apparently not well. That would explain his coldness over the past few months. Regal settled down to sleep now that everyone was quiet. However, he hadn't counted on Genis being aware of his growing attraction to Raine. Perhaps he was just using it to make his point. Could he really see how Regal felt? The thought kept the blue-haired man awake for a few hours.

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The wedding went without a hitch; a lovely, simple, country ceremony. Colette looked radiant in her dress and Lloyd looked as though he were about to wake up from blessed dream. Regal had very much enjoy the wedding; something so honest and happy had long been lacking in his life. The reception at the town hall had been equally wonderful. Home baking had been provided by the whole village who had all clubbed together to provide the band and decorate the small hall. Regal realised that all the money he could have thrown at such an event would have only served to lessen its wonder. He was happy for the two young warriors. However, their happiness threw into sharp relief his isolation. His life over the past six months had been blissful in many ways. Having Raine, Genis and Presea in his life was wonderful. There had been low points, but he had never felt so useful, so motivated; so alive.

And yet, the attraction he'd been harbouring for the professor was not content to stay a comfortable, warm little obsession he could keep to himself and simply enjoy. It was spilling over into every aspect of his life and driving him to distraction! He was frightened by the thought that it might burst from him, and Raine would be catastrophically offended and everything that had made his life worthwhile would be taken from him.

Regal stood at the side of the hall, by the buffet table. Noticing Genis' attention taken up by Lloyd and Colette, Regal thought he might indulge himself one guilty pleasure.

Raine spoke pleasantly to Phaidra, congratulating her on her granddaughter's wedding. The old woman smiled kindly.

"Yes, it has been blessing! For a few months my heart was broken for her. After having been saved from her destiny she was dying in front of my eyes." The old woman shook her head wearily. "I watched her wasting away to a ghost in front of me. She just couldn't forget Lloyd and I knew there was nothing I could do to get her to move on and enjoy the life she had been given back."

Phaidra's eyes lit with joy at the memory "And yet, she took her destiny into her own hands, and now, I might be expecting my first great grand child before long!"

Raine's smile mirrored the old lady's, but slipped at her next words. "And I must congratulate you on your own happiness Professor"

The half-elf frowned. "I'm sorry? I don't know what you mean?"

"That handsome young Duke! You might not be proclaiming it to the heavens, but an old woman like me can recognise love when I see it"

Raine's eyes bulged. "I'm sorry Phaidra, I think you must be seeing something that's not there!" She protested trying to look non-chalant, though the elderly lady's unexpected observation had rattled her.

"Oh really? I'm sorry dear, still perhaps you should indulge him when he asks you to dance" The old woman winked, as Raine heard Regal clear his throat behind her.

Spinning around in surprise, Rain almost collided with the Duke's shoulder. He put a hand out to steady her arm.

"I'm sorry Raine I didn't mean to startle you!" he apologised profusely.

"Oh no, it's quite alright!" The teacher blurted.

"I just wondered if you might like to dance" he asked, his gentle hand never moving from her slender arm.

She looked uncertainly into the tall man's enticing eyes. If Sheena and Phaidra could see so easily what was going on beneath the surface of Raine's demeanour, she panicked and feared Regal might too. She hoped not, for he could not know what torment he was asking her to inflict upon herself by allowing him to hold her so intimately again. But what could she do?

Taking the Duke's hand, she allowed him to lead her into a waltz, played innocently and simply by a few fiddles and an old slightly sharp piano. This wasn't the kind of dance they'd shared in his office that night. This was not a sway, so close and warm, and private. This was a social display, rigid and uncomfortable. Regal could feel it too, and instantly regretting even mentioning it. What was he anyway? Some adolescent boy? He'd risked irritating Genis again, for this silly dance? It was beginning to occur to him that Genis could very easily come between the friendship he'd developed with the teacher, and all other urges and dreams aside, he could NOT lose her friendship.

Raine sensed his regret but thought it best to make good a bad situation. "It was a lovely ceremony" She observed, hoping to stir a comfortable conversation, even though she could hardly think beyond the electric feeling of her hand in his giant paw!

"Oh, yes, beautiful" He agreed, unable to do any better. Why was he torturing himself? Holding her this way? He glanced down and was almost shocked to a standstill. Her face appeared to mirror his feeling. Could it be that she felt the same way he did? She felt his reaction and glanced up into his eyes, and then…he was sure now.

They stopped dancing, standing awkwardly in the middle of a crowded hall, Regal could barely bat his eyelids. Raine frowned in concern.

"Are you alright Regal?" She asked trying to meet his gaze.

Regaining his composure, Regal blushed. "I'm sorry Raine, please excuse me, I-I'm not feeling very well"

He needed time to process this information and figure out what to do with it.