As the sun set behind the distant mountains, flooding the city with a rosy, yet golden haze, Rinoa peeked behind a pillar on the upper floor of Laguna's apartment, watching the wedding guests trickle to their seats. Momentarily the music would begin and she would take the short walk to meet her Knight and join with him in matrimony.

She sighed with pleasure as she gazed upon the setting for her vows, marveling at what money and connections could accomplish. Everything was perfect, and although on a smaller scale, straight out of her dreams.

Madame Bliss had eagerly risen to the occasion, providing her with a gorgeous dress, although one more casual than her ball gown of two nights prior. Enticingly short and cream in color, it reminded her of the dress she wore the night she first met Squall. She hoped he would notice.

Candy had procured Esthar's best musicians, who were tuning their instruments in preparation for both the ceremony and the evening's entertainment. Chef Consuelo, from the most exclusive restaurant in the city, was in the kitchen, helping Laguna's head cook prepare an elaborate dinner. Also hired was a celebrated photographer who was already snapping photos of the event, looking pleased as he flurried about, to have been asked to memorialize the evening.

Rinoa and Squall had invited the SeeDs accompanying them for the next day's mission. They had arrived on the Ragnarok shortly before the ceremony. Edea had decided to fly back with Cid, once she learned the young couple were to be married, and surprised them by bringing Angelo. Kiros and Ward were there with their wives as well.

Rinoa shook her head in amusement at the giant, pale blue bow wrapped around her dog's neck, guessing it was the work of Selphie. Her friend had tied bows to every chair as well. I can't imagine what Selphie's wedding will be like someday, Rinoa laughed quietly. I hope everything works out for her and Irvine. I can't see her with anyone else…

Selphie had feverishly thrown herself into the decorating, trying her best to avoid the cowboy. Irvine was withdrawn and Rinoa wondered if he was finally gaining insight into how his flirting hurt his girlfriend. She noticed he sat in the back with an unhappy look on his face, ignoring the rest of the guests.

Laguna sat between his niece and Quistis, looking ill at ease. That afternoon, the tension between Ellone and Quistis had escalated when Quistis, fed up with Ellone's animosity, had pleaded with her friend to accept her relationship with the President. Ellone's response was icy. She refused, going as far to say Quistis should be ashamed to date someone old enough to be her father. Not even Edea could relieve the conflict between the two and in the end, sided with the blonde SeeD. Unable to deal with her emotions, Ellone had once again left in anger.

Shaking her head, Rinoa transferred her attention to Zell and Sadie. Sadie's eyes were shining and Rinoa correctly guessed that she had found a fellow dreamer in the young librarian. Zell's arm was around his girlfriend, but he was prattling incessantly to Ward, who was sitting in the row before him. Ward's wife, Syla, had a displeased look on her face, which Rinoa at first believed was caused by the enthusiastic young SeeD. However, after following Syla's line of vision, Rinoa quickly realized the woman's displeasure was directed towards Laguna and Quistis. Syla couldn't keep her eyes off of the couple.

The music suddenly began, startling Rinoa, and Candy gave her a little push forward. Willing herself to be graceful, Rinoa took her first steps towards her Knight, her thoughts now intent solely on him. Squall was waiting for her with the priest dressed in his SeeD uniform. His posture was pristine and his face solemn. She knew he would have preferred marrying her without witnesses, but was grateful he understood what a wedding meant to her.

His eyes lit up when he saw her and he smiled his rare, beautiful smile. She began to walk faster, eager to join him. Upon reaching him, they joined hands and immediately the priest began to speak. His words were simple, yet they tugged on the hearts of everyone there, reminding them how special love was when it joined two separate people and transformed them into one.

Soon after, they said their vows, simple, yet heartfelt in love and intent. Tears were freely flowing from many eyes, including the President's, when they sealed their vows with a kiss.

Their friends immediately swarmed them with hugs and well wishes. Wrapping an arm around his wife, Squall nodded his head in acknowledgment. But when he had a second alone with Rinoa, he looked at her with an exasperated smile. "You owe me," he said.

"I'll make it up to you someday, I promise!" She was giddy with happiness.

"You will tonight, Mrs. Leonhart," he murmured, causing her to shiver with anticipation.

"Tonight then, Squall."


"Will you please talk to me, Sefie?" Irvine quietly asked his girlfriend, who was sitting in a chair, absentmindedly petting Angelo.

"About what?" she asked, her eyes refusing to meet his.

"You know what I want to talk about."

"No, I don't," Selphie wouldn't budge.

Irvine took off his hat and sat down in the empty seat beside her. "About this morning, us, everything…"

"There's nothing to talk about, Irvine," Selphie replied with a tired voice. "I really like you and thought you liked me too, however, your flirting drives me insane and makes me realize you aren't ready to commit solely to me. It's fine, but in knowing that, I cannot possibly continue to sleep with you. I'm not that kind of girl."

"There is no one for me but you, Selphie. I swear it!" Irvine looked at her pleadingly. "Flirting is just a habit. I don't mean anything by it!"

"Perhaps, but it's not just the flirting. You also look…far too much. I just want to be friends right now, Irvine. It's all I can handle."

"I don't want to be just friends. I want us to be more, maybe someday do what Squall and Rinoa did tonight. I'm in love with you. Give me another chance," he pleaded.

"I really care about you too. I really, really do. But, I don't believe you can change overnight. If someday you've had your fill of flirting and fooling around, look me up. Maybe I'll still be available. For now, we're just friends."

She looked away, intently studying the darkening sky above them. "Besides, I'm considering asking Cid to send me back to Trabia. They need help rebuilding."

"I'll come with you!" Irvine took Selphie's hand in his, but she pulled away.

"It's my home, not yours, Irvine."

"But…"

"I don't even know if it is a sure thing yet. It's just an idea that popped into my head earlier today." She gazed at Squall and Rinoa dancing together. "I'm dying to have all this happen to me," she motioned towards the reception. "But it can't be with a man I don't trust."

Irvine longed to entreat her further, but knew he had gone too far. If he wanted her in his life he would have to give her space while showing her he was ready to change. It was not an easy task, but she was worth it.

"I will earn your trust, Selphie. He picked up her hand again, and before she could yank it away, he brought it up to his face and kissed it. "I love you, Selphie Tilmitt," he whispered. Softly dropping her hand, he left.


"Look at him, he's happy, can't you be happy for him as well?" Flint asked Ellone, while they both watched Laguna twirl Quistis around on the makeshift dance floor that had been set up beside the pool.

"No." Ellone snapped, listening to her uncle laugh at something Quistis had said. "He's happy because she's young and beautiful. He is a man, after all, even if he's a little nicer than most. She'll crush him to pieces."

"Unbelievable," Flint shook his head. "Who are you? Where is the sweet Ellone I know and love?"

Ellone's eyes filled with tears, "I know things about Quistis that I find inappropriate in light of her snaring my uncle."

"What are these things, Ellone?" Flint scowled. "And how do you know them? Were you searching her memories for something you could hold against her?"

Ellone didn't answer. "You were, weren't you," he growled. "You need to stay out of other's minds! How can you be so intrusive?"

"It's for the greater good," Ellone replied angrily.

"Your own good, you mean?"

Ellone shook her head vehemently. He didn't buy it. "I'm leaving with the Balamb SeeD's tomorrow. Squall said I could come. I need to think. I'm troubled, Ellone. Really troubled." He walked away.

She stood there in shock, stunned he was leaving her. "Flint!" she called out, but either he didn't hear or didn't care to answer. She wasn't sure which. Glancing over at Laguna and Quistis again, she felt fury erupt inside at the young blonde woman. Everything was her fault.

"I don't like her either," Syla murmured, joining Ellone. Ellone jumped, resenting the intrusion. Syla ignored her obvious desire to be alone. "I heard a little of what you and your fiancée were talking of. You are right…she is wrong for our President."

Ellone sighed, trying to ease the tension in her shoulders. "I wish I could make him see it."

"Are you sure you can't?" Syla prodded. "I know you have your…gift."

With Syla's words, an idea hit Ellone with great force. It might work. Feeling sick in her stomach, she knew there was no other way to convince her Uncle.

"Actually," she turned to Syla, "I think I can. I just don't know if it would be the right thing to do."

Syla laid a dainty, cool hand on Ellone's shoulder. "I care about him very much. He is one of my oldest friends. If I had the means to show him his folly, I would, no matter the cost. Any true friend would do the same."

"But…"

"She's only going to hurt him, Ellone….and this country. According to the papers, many are dismayed at his choosing a young SeeD mercenary as his lover. They're afraid he is already aligning himself too closely with the organization. Esthar has always stood alone…will always stand alone. We can't trust the rest of the world to hold our interests sacred. Although, perhaps this is too hard for you to understand, not being Estharian yourself."

Ellone didn't respond and Syla paused to consider her words carefully. "Your uncle could eventually lose the Presidency. That, you should be able to understand. And if he does, what will happen to the Sorceress and Commander Leonhart? When she wasn't sealed, many grew angry. Only the populace's love and trust of Laguna kept riots from forming, but there is still disgruntled talk. It doesn't matter how much the Sorceress Rinoa charmed officials during the ball. The people are still afraid. Laguna cannot afford an entanglement with Miss Trepe at the moment."

Ellone blinked back her tears. "You're right. I'll see what I can do."

"Good. Someday he'll thank you," Syla kissed her on the cheek and walked away. Ellone wondered at the chill she felt, but braced herself against an attack of her conscience. She would not change her mind.


"So we are officially married!" Rinoa smiled up at Squall dreamily, as they danced under the stars. "A few days ago I would have never dreamed this would happen so quickly, let alone before Flint and Ellone."

"It is kind of weird, huh?" Squall teased his wife.

Rinoa slapped him on the shoulder, causing him to miss a step. She grimaced in pain as he stepped on her foot.

"Hey!" she cried.

"It's your fault, Rinoa," Squall grinned down at her face scrunched up in a fake pout. "You hit me."

"Well, you were being a meanie!"

"Well, you're abusive. I hope this wasn't a foreshadowing of what's to come in my future," he shuddered in jest.

Rinoa laughed, reaching up to kiss him, "Only when you're out of line."

"Nice. I wish you would have told me this before I married you," he grumbled sourly. Rinoa shook her head, laughter in her eyes. She loved when he joked around with her. He had a peculiar sense of humor. To someone who didn't know him well, he appeared entirely in earnest.

She leaned her head against his chest as they slowly swayed in each other's arms.

"Thank you for this, Squall. I know it's not what you would have preferred, but I'll always remember this night. It's been perfect."

"I've enjoyed it, Rinoa. I really have. Marrying you feels so right."

"It feels right to me too. I love you. I'm excited for our future together…it will be a good one, sorceress problems or not." She smiled cheekily up at him. "Plus, it's rather fun having a new last name. I'm not fond of Caraway and Heartilly isn't my true last name. Leonhart suits me much better. Mrs. Leonhart. Mrs. Commander Leonhart. Rinoa Leonhart," she tested her new name, liking the way it felt on her tongue. "Yeah, it'll work," she said with satisfaction.

Squall shook his head at her silliness. "Well, I'm sticking with Leonhart despite learning it should have been Loire." He glanced over at Laguna. "But you know, I rather like him. He's a decent guy."

"He really is. I'm glad you think so. If things had happened differently, I believe he would have been a great dad and the two of you would have been close."

Squall shrugged. "Things didn't work out that way, but I think I'll always have some sort of contact with him from here on out."

"Family is important. I should probably…" Rinoa's voice trailed off. "Never mind. I don't want to talk of Caraway right now." A part of her, albeit a small part, regretted not inviting her father to the wedding. She wished things were different…that he was a man like Laguna.

"We are a family now, Rinoa. You are the one person I fully trust. The one person I can be myself with. I'm glad I've found that with you."

A single tear ran down Rinoa's cheek, but she smiled despite it. "I love you, Squall," she whispered. He leaned down and lightly kissed her cheek.

"I know this wedding means a lot to you, but when can we leave?"

"Whenever we want. It is getting late. Tomorrow's a big day," she replied slyly.

"As soon as this song is over, we're saying goodnight."

"Ah…as my husband commands."

Squall groaned. "Rinoa?"

"Hmmm?" her eyes widened at his expression.

"Whatever."


A little later, outside their rooms in the dimly lit, deserted hallway, Squall leaned down to kiss his wife. He could see and feel her anticipation for the upcoming night spent in each other's arms. By the time he pulled away, she could barely stand on her feet. He watched her stumble towards her door in confusion, trying to regain control of her senses.

"Selphie insisted we sleep in my room tonight." He reached out his hand to still hers fumbling with the handle. While amused at her response to his kiss, he was also gratified he could inspire such a reaction.

"Really?" Her curiosity piqued, she took a deep breath to calm down. "She must have decorated it or done something special."

They both looked at Squall's door with trepidation. Selphie was known to get carried away.

"I guess we should see what she did," Squall finally said, opening his door and pulling her in behind him. Warily, they scanned the room, both sighing with relief when all they found were several lit candles and petals from Rinoa's favorite starflowers sprinkled upon an invitingly turned down bed.

Rinoa looked around, bright-eyed. "This looks romantic! I have to admit I was expecting something a little more-"

Squall caught a gleam of metal on the bed and walked over to inspect it. "Is this what you were expecting?" He picked up a set of handcuffs which had been resting on his pillow, letting them dangle helplessly from his fingertips.

Rinoa giggled, "We aren't going to use those tonight, are we?"

Squall shook his head, dropping them to the floor. He eyed them with revulsion. "You don't think they're Irvine's?"

"Well…maybe. I wouldn't touch them." Inspecting the room further, she noticed a bottle of champagne cooling in a silver ice bucket.

"Do you want some?" Squall asked, following her line of vision. When she nodded, he uncorked the bottle and poured the golden liquid into two crystal flutes. Handing one to her, he took a sip of the other, closing his eyes with pleasure. He had a weakness for champagne. Smiling, he remembered clutching a glass of the bubbly liquid the first time he had ever spoken to Rinoa, and now she was his wife. His wife…he liked how it sounded.

"This is kind of awkward, isn't it?" Rinoa broke through his musings, nervously sipping her drink.

Squall emptied his glass and set it down with an amused look. "I don't find it awkward," he lied. There were two ways to handle the situation, he decided, with confidence or uncertainty. He abhorred the thought of appearing insecure. He sauntered towards her, keeping his facial expression neutral. He hated masking his emotions once again, knowing deep inside, she deserved more, but was feeling slightly ill at ease.

"You don't?"

"No I don't." He was now an inch away. "I thought this was what you wanted, Rinoa," he said, his eyebrows arching in amusement.

"It is. But I'm a little nervous, of course. I mean, this is-"

He interrupted her prattling by catching her mouth with his. Expertly, he bade her lips to yield to him.

"This was a nice dress Rinoa, but I think it's time to take it off."

She shivered as he skillfully began to unbutton the tiny pearl buttons lining its back. When the last one was unclasped, he slid the dress off her shoulders, letting it fall to the floor.

He teetered on his feet, almost feeling the urge to pass out, when he saw her standing, half-clad, before him.

"Hyne, you're beautiful," he swore, as his gaze lingered on her body revealed in lacy, white panties and bra. The candlelight flickered over her curves and he was tantalized by what lay underneath the sheer garments.

"Do you like what you see?"

"You cannot even know how much." He was spiraling into a trance staring at her. She was perfect, beautiful and she was his…

Her confidence bolstered, Rinoa started to unbutton his uniform. "It's time to take this off." She helped him shrug out of his jacket and then reached down to unbuckle his belt. "I'm glad you have only one of these on today…this could have turned tedious," she teased.

Snapping out of his reverie, he grabbed her hand just as she was pulling the belt through the final loop. "I'll meet you in bed, Rinoa. I can finish the rest myself."

She arched her brow, studying his face. What she saw convinced her to listen. Flipping her hair, she turned around slowly, reveling in his apparent interest, before making her way to the bed.

Hyne, she has a great ass, he flung his bangs out of his eyes, watching her walk away. Anticipation, coupled with anxiety spiraled through him. He didn't truly understand what he was in for that night.

In the dim glow of candlelight, he undressed further, watching her take quick, furtive peeks. She seemed eager that he join her, propping herself seductively on the bed.

Leaving his boxers on, he joined her, trying to keep his systematic plan for the night in his head. He wanted to take things slowly. He would not fumble through it, first time though it was. Skill and finesse, he muttered. As always, his performance would need to be flawless.

However, as she pressed her body against him, whispering a suggestion in his ear, his plans went up in flames and every wall that he had ever built around his heart shattered with a single stroke of her fingertip. Urgently pressing his lips against hers, he wholeheartedly gave her all of himself, aware that despite it being the first time ever his well laid out plans were foiled, he didn't care one bit.


Rinoa listened to Squall's even breathing, watching him sleep. The night had been the final culmination of all her dreams. She replayed it in her mind, unable to sleep.

Did all couples feel this close after their first time together? Their bond of sorceress and knight was strong, but the sharing of their bodies tonight had made it even stronger. At first Squall had tried to keep cool, even detached, but before long he was crying out her name over and over, clinging to her as his lifeline. Squall had incredible depths he rarely shared. Tonight, however, he had made love to her in a way that astounded her by how much he was capable of showing.

Noticing a slight smile flicker across his lips, she wondered if he was dreaming of her. He looked both peaceful and content. She wished he always looked so. She shivered; pleased with the knowledge she now had the power to bring him to such a state…if he would allow it again.

She gasped when his eyes popped open under her scrutiny. "Were you awake this whole time?" she asked, snuggling against his body. It was an exhilarating feeling, lying naked in his arms.

"I was dozing off and on. What about you?"

"I've been awake since…" She giggled, "I'm just so happy, Squall. This has been the most beautiful night of my life. Thank you." She ran her hands through his hair, loving the way it was mussed from the earlier onslaught of her fingers.

"I can't believe I was ever terrified of this between us. I'm a moron," he groaned. "And to think I could have had you much sooner, as early as back in Timber." He winked.

She playfully slapped his shoulder. "Hey, not that early! I'm not easy, just in love."

"Hmmm. Now I guess we'll never know." He reached up and caressed her face. "I've learned my lesson and you can expect my attentions quite frequently…probably too frequently. There's a lot of wasted time to make up for…" His eyes darkened with lust as she rolled on top of him.

"Your attentions?" she laughed, teasing his nipple with her tongue, laughing again when he groaned beneath her. "Squall, it's sex, remember? At the very least, can't you use terms that aren't so archaic?"

"Mmm, I can't think of any sort of terms at the moment, you're turning my insides into jelly."

Ceasing her actions for a moment, she fondly studied his face. "I'm glad we waited," she smiled down at him. "It was worth it." She doubted he would have given in to such passion as easily if they hadn't. But now there would be many nights ahead to look forward to.


"It was a beautiful wedding, wasn't it?" Laguna asked Quistis after the last of the guests had left. He wished they could have spent more time alone, but didn't regret Squall and Rinoa's marriage. Although the planning, plus the actual event consumed a lot of precious time, he was thrilled to have been a part of it. He wouldn't have changed a thing.

Quistis leaned her head against his chest. They were sitting together on a lounge chair by the pool, gazing at the stars. "It was beautiful. I'm very happy for them both. I know it's what Rinoa really wanted."

"Squall too?" he asked, curious of her answer, as she seemed to understand his son.

She nodded. "Yes. I think he feels freer to express himself through structure, and well, you can't get any more structured than marriage, right?"

He chuckled, "I'm not sure if I would call marriage necessarily structured. Perhaps you mean he feels safer in the confines of holy matrimony?"

"Something like that," she smiled. "Your son is a fascinating man, Laguna. It amazes me how much he's changed since meeting Rinoa. He had always been so cold and aloof, but she kept attacking him with her warmth and love for life. He never had a chance."

"Do you think it was love at first sight?" He was amused by the picture she presented of the young couple's relationship.

"I think so." She winced, remembering her jealousy when she saw him dancing with the mysterious, raven-haired girl at the SeeD inauguration ball. She had been crushed. While she knew she didn't have feelings for him any longer, some of the hurt stayed with her. She had hoped that once he was a member of SeeD he would look upon her differently…as a woman, not as his instructor. Every other male SeeD had desired her, so why not him? She should have known better. They were too alike.

"What's going on inside your head?" Laguna asked, lightly tapping the base of her skull.

"Nothing much," she sighed, not feeling the need to share. Several seconds later she turned to smile sadly at him. "I hate the thought of leaving tomorrow. I've had a wonderful time with you and it's making me feel kind of blue."

He tightened his arms around her, wishing he could keep her close to him forever. More than anyone, he knew how quickly things could change. "I don't want you to leave either, but hopefully it will be for only a few days before I see you again. I'm going to try to join up with you guys in the field, if work will allow it."

"Really? That's admirable of you."

"There's nothing worse than a spineless president sitting in his luxurious office while men and women risk their lives to return peace to the land. While my officials will never let me take up my gun and pitch in with the fighting, at least I can be there to personally thank those who return to camp."

"Will you mind personally thanking a woman covered in monster guts and sweat?" Quistis laughed. "Or are you a president who doesn't like to get dirty?"

"There's nothing like monster goo, Quistis…nothing at all. And I rather like the thought of you sweaty. Regardless, I know you clean up well."

"Yes, but like you, I'm fond of the goo," she giggled. "If it weren't for missing you, I'd be looking forward to tomorrow. Hunting monsters is dirty work, but a lot of fun. It's only when I'm hunting people that I begin to struggle."

"Do you want to be a mercenary forever?" he asked her abruptly. He felt the need to know. If she did, there couldn't be a future for them.

"I've never considered life beyond SeeD, Laguna. I chose to go into instructorship because I was never comfortable with being a mercenary, but who knows? I can do it. I've killed many men. I'd like to think they deserved it, but in the end, I can't judge that. I just try to not think of it." She craned her neck to peer into his face, hoping to not see disgust written upon it. She only saw compassion and understanding.

"That doesn't bother you, does it?"

"No. I understand the way things are, Quistis. The unsuspecting populace can live a life of relative safety because of people like you. Well, unless they're a bad sort, then they'd better watch out," he chuckled.

"I guess so," she shook her head, smiling wryly. "But then, I'm sure you've killed a fair share of men yourself, so I shouldn't be surprised."

"Yes, I have," Laguna became solemn. "And while I regret the taking of lives, I'd do it all over again. It was the only way. It's nice to be with someone who understands that. I've seen Syla sometimes look at Ward as if he is a monster when we are reminiscing of our old glory days.

"But when I asked you earlier if you wished to remain a mercenary, I should have instead asked if you could see yourself giving it up for something else…like a future with me."

Quistis closed her eyes and envisioned living with the man beside her. He was like the sun in its brilliance. He could fill her days with much joy, yet there would be many obstacles to first overcome.

"I can see myself leaving Garden, Laguna, although it would not be an easy decision. It's all I've ever known. But I'm open to the possibility."

"That's all I need to know for now, Quistis. We have only known each other for a week…and we've moved forward rather quickly for such a short time period. I would like it if someday you would choose to stay here with me, but understand it's not a decision to be rushed."

"Laguna, it's something you would need to consider further as well," Quistis replied delicately. "Your country would not be pleased to have you choose a woman such as me, as yesterday's papers showed."

"Don't worry about that, sweetheart. I'm comfortable with following my heart wherever it leads. I wouldn't be here today if I had done differently in the past."

Quistis shook her head, "You should worry about it. You're the president. I'd hate to ruin your career." She stood up and walked towards the edge of the building. Laguna was Esthar. He had given the country freedom and life.

He followed her to the railing, leaning over it as she did. His gaze drifted back and forth between her and his city. "You couldn't ruin my career, Quistis," he replied in a low voice. "I have given everything I have to this country, but I deserve something for myself. I'm lonely. If they lose faith in me for a choice I deem right, then so be it. The same is true concerning Squall and Rinoa."

Laguna tiredly rubbed his eyes. "No matter how well she did the other night, there's still unrest. But they will have to trust my judgment and if they don't…we'll just have to fight harder. I trust Squall will always protect her." He bowed his head, his weariness evident in the gesture.

"As we recently learned, Quistis, what is meant to be, will be. We try our best, but that's all we can do."

Quistis wrapped her arms around him. "I believe you're right, Laguna Loire."

"That's nice to know," he grinned, pulling her tightly against him. She ran her hands up his back and stretched to kiss him.

"Will you take me back to your room?" she murmured, wanting to forget any serious issues for the moment. The time to make decisions was closing in, and while she knew their intimacy would complicate matters, she would never have regrets.

"Miss Trepe, you would think that after an entire day of making love off and on, you would be fully satisfied," he replied with mock severity, sliding his hands down her backside and cupping her butt.

"What can I say, Mr. President? I just happen to want you very much." Desire was a curious thing, she decided. It struck whenever it would.

"I'd make love to you here if I could be certain there was no one around. But I'm sure my staff is waiting for us to leave so they can clean up. I guess it's off to bed, Miss Trepe. Prepare yourself for another sleepless night."

"It's what I'm counting on."


On the other side of the pool deck, Ellone's red-rimmed eyes stared angrily upon Laguna and Quistis. Hidden in the shadows, she knew that if they weren't so absorbed with each other, they would have noticed her.

She swiped at a tear that trickled down her cheek as she saw her uncle embrace Quistis. His hands indecently rubbed and caressed her in places that made Ellone blush. Did he really have to flaunt his intimacy with the girl? The staff was nearby.

But he did look happy.

She felt a moment's hesitation in her decision to try and destroy their feelings for each other, but determined it had to be done. A relationship between the two was unacceptable. Quistis had…Ellone flung the thought from her mind. She needed to make this less of a personal issue, but knew she was failing.

She wanted him to find love, but not with someone who consumed his every thought and dream. Ellone was in tune with her uncle's mind. They had spoken through that medium for years, keeping continuous contact. Willingly, he had given her access to it, but now he was stepping back. But their minds were too linked. Even when she didn't intend it, his thoughts and emotions flooded her brain. It was hard to keep from peeking, spying, intruding…the words put it in a negative light, but there was nothing really harmful about it. She loved him.

She didn't love him as she loved Flint, of course. It was different. Uncle Laguna was like a father, but not really a father. A hero? Perhaps, but Flint was that as well. Her uncle was the one person she could always rely on to unconditionally love her. She couldn't even count on Flint to do that, evidenced by his conduct that evening. Apparently, he could walk away.

Laguna could never do that, she believed, but he was beginning to replace her. It was incomprehensible. She had always been the most important person to him, but if he continued in a relationship with Quistis, Ellone knew she would become second in his heart. It galled her. It ate at her. It was not something she could ever tolerate.

Even though he tried to reassure her that his love for her would not change, she knew it would. It would have to. Quistis was not the type of woman a man could disregard for a niece. She was far too alluring. Ellone couldn't compare to her friend.

And then there was Raine. Raine should never have died. Raine should never have been forgotten.

Watching them leave, hand in hand and whispering their words of affection, she knew her uncle was taking Quistis to bed. Ellone jumped up, knowing what had to be done. Once alone, she darted down the stairs to her own room, sobbing because she knew Flint would not be found in it and after tonight, would never speak to her again.


"Do you think your nightmares will come back tomorrow night once you find yourself sleeping alone?" Laguna held Quistis tenderly in his arms after their lovemaking. He had teasingly told her earlier to expect little sleep that night, but he knew it wouldn't be wise to keep her up late. He wanted her alert tomorrow out on the field. Although she would be junctioned, he didn't want to risk her making a stupid mistake due to exhaustion.

She smiled drowsily, trying to stifle a yawn. "I think they're gone for good, Laguna, thanks to you."

"It was my pleasure. I'm kind of glad you had them. If you hadn't, I would have never worked up the nerve to seek you out."

"I'm glad too, but I'd like to think we would have found our way to each other eventually," she murmured.

"Perhaps we would have," he laughed. "Ordained by fate?"

"Sounds good to me," she sleepily agreed. Closing her eyes, she snuggled against his warm body.

"Goodnight, sweetheart. Sweet dreams," he whispered.

"Sweet dreams, Quistis," Ellone whispered as well.