A/N: Hi, everyone!!! Sooooooooo sorry it took me this long to post, but I just haven't had the patience to sit down and think about what should happen in chapter 12. But here it is, and I hope you enjoy!
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"Zell?" Zell opened his eyes to see his mother hovering over his bed wearing a smile. His shades were pulled down, allowing the sun to barely peek through.
"I've come to a conclusion." He was still asleep in his mind even though his body was off his mattress.
"I think it would be very nice of you to take you're friends down to our summer home." This seemed to have woken him up a bit.
"Really? You wouldn't mind?"
"I am the one who offered. I think it would be a lovely get away for you as well as them. I don't know what they had planned for their summer, but it wouldn't hurt to ask. But only if you invite ALL of you're friends, Zell."
His expression of joy was replaced with an agitated face.
"Do you mean I have to take Seifer-" He was cut off from his mother's strict face, indicating he did, indeed, have to invite Seifer.
"C'mon, ma!" He whined as if he were a seven year old.
"I don't want hear it." She yelled, her hands wavering in the air. He had to accept the fact that if he wanted to get away from his mother and grandparents who were coming to visit he had to allow Seifer to tag along. Otherwise, he was stuck at his house. His mother, throwing his regular, old blue jeans in his face, headed down the stairs.
Back in the living room, everyone remained asleep. Zell wouldn't be down anytime soon, considering he spent half of his morning fixing his hair, and his mother returned to her bedroom to prevent from waking anyone up.
As Rinoa lay in Squall's arms she felt pressure on the crown of her head. Unwillingly opening up her eyelids she examined her surroundings. Quistis was still on the sofa, Laguna remained under the window, Selphie and Irvine clung to each other in their sleep, and Seifer stood in the same exact position he started out in. Removing her hand from Squall's she brought it to the top of her head to touch, not her hair, but Squalls'. His head was resting upon her own. She smiled at the picture of themselves she drew in her mind and tried removing herself from his grasp without waking him.
As she maneuvered her body through the people asleep on the floor she felt her left ankle being gripped by a hand. When she looked on the floor to see who the culprit was she found herself peering into the eyes of Seifer. He wore a smile on his face, a rare sight to see.
"Where you going?" He asked, still sounding extremely tired.
"Bathroom." She whispered. As she made her way to the bathroom, she could here Zell talking to himself.
"Should I go up, should I stay down? Maybe I should grow out my hair and develop a cowboy accent like Irvine, since obviously Selphie is turned on by that sort of thing." Rinoa laughed to herself, trying not to let Zell hear her. Running her hands through her hair, she returned to the living room.
Seifer questioned her with his eyes.
"It's Zell, he's enjoying the company of his reflection as of now." Seifer just rolled his eyes at Zell's stupidity. Rinoa tip-toed her way towards the door and slid out. As she leaned her back against the wall she heard the door open, but she didn't turn her head, for she knew it was non-other than Seifer.
He placed his large, masculine body over Rinoa's and arched his eyebrow at her.
"What?" She asked baffled.
"You're not exactly dressed in the most appropriate manner. I mean, boxers and an oversized shirt?" He said, snickering to himself.
"And when has the almighty Seifer ever cared about what I wear?"
"I've always cared, you were just never looking."
"Whatever."
"Don't go all Squall on me, please." She put on a pretend 'unreadable' face, crossed her hands, and tried her best at acting like Squall.
"You mean, and not talk to anyone?" She said in a deep man-like voice. She wasn't very good at imitating Squall.
"Nah, you're no good at being Squall, besides I like you the way you are. Cause if you turn into Squall, how'll I'll be able to kiss you?" Rinoa's face went blank, expressionless, and before she could question him she felt Seifer's lips being pressed against her own.
It had been a long time since she felt him like that, but it was all too familiar to her. It felt as if it were just yesterday that they were going out. As he pulled away she immediately cast her eyes on the floor. Her face was overtaken with a scarlet red color and she was left speechless. She felt Seifer's eyes upon her body, he refused to look elsewhere, though she was wishing he would just leave before she attacked him with a series of passionate kisses. There was definitely a part of her heart that still longed for Seifer's love, and it was being revived at this very moment. She remained pinned against the wall with Seifer's arms acting as barricades.
She brought her hand to the back of her neck and asked herself what she was going to do now?
Seifer lifted her chin, allowing for him to make eye contact with her. She flung her arms around Seifer's neck and did, indeed, release a series of kisses upon him. The moment had overtaken her and she couldn't bear to restrain herself.
"I'm sorry." She whispered in his ear before running back inside.
Seifer remained outside, stunned at what had passed between Rinoa and him. He didn't expect his advance on her to be returned, he did not prepare himself mentally for realizing Rinoa still loved him. But now he knew, and now she knew, and now they both knew… everything.
Rinoa closed the door behind her and looked about the room, finding Squall awake. She rubbed her arm with her right hand and refused to make any type of eye contact with him. It was just too much for her to bear. Zell came down, noticing the silence loitering about the room, and sent glances at both Rinoa and Squall. He perceived Seifer gone from the room, not that it bothered him.
"Listen guys, I was wondering if you had any plans for you're summer? Cause my ma wanted me to invite you to our summer house back in Dollet."
Rinoa snapped her head in Zell's direction, happy she had something other than the floor to fixate her eyes on. She flashed a bittersweet smile at him, but soon permitted it to fall from her face, being replaced by an inexpressive one.
"No. I have nothing planned for my summer, I was going to catch up with Zone and Watts actually. But, I can put them on hold and drop by you're house for a few weeks." She said, touching the back of her head.
Squall remained silent, he knew something had passed between Rinoa and Seifer, he could feel it radiate off Rinoa. He wasn't sure if what passed was physical, or just words, but something was going on between them.
"Wanna come, Squall?" Zell asked innocently.
"Whatever." He replied, that was 'yes' in Squall's language, though.
Soon everyone was up and all agreed to spend some of their summer at Zells'. Even Seifer, due to the fact Rinoa was going.
After Zell's mother received thankyou's from all, the group soon found themselves on the train heading to Dollet. Seifer and Squall stared each other down the whole of the ride until it became too unbearable for Seifer. He wasn't good at keeping his anger and rage all bottled up inside the same way Squall could.
"What the hell are you looking at?" he snapped at him. Squall looked away which only infuriated the ex-knight even more. He lunged at Squall, knocking him off of the seat and bringing him to the ground.
Everyone tried to break the pair up, and when once separated, they bruised each other's bodies with cold, nasty glares. Seifer had been taken beatings habitually lately, and the freshest wound on his body hadn't even the time to heal before it was jabbed once again, the perpetrator being Squall. How on Earth these two were ever going to get along at the summer house was beyond Rinoa.
The air to Zell's summer house held a very musky feel to it. Dust could be seen floating about the rooms, but other than that it was a very bright, friendly home. Much like his real one. No one had been down here since last summer, it was evident, furniture was covered and the state of the room was just a mess. Rays of sun beamed down onto the hardwood floors and it created a light and airy feel.
"Rooms are upstairs, and the bathroom is down the hall to the left." Zell made this clear for Seifer and Squall's benefit.
Selphie jumped onto the bed where Rinoa stood, unpacking her things.
"We have the whole beach to ourselves, Rinny!!! Can you believe it?"
"Pretty unbelievable." She said sarcastically. Just as she said that Zell walked in, eyeing Rinoa to leave.
As she left the room she met Squall in the hallway upstairs. The light of the window cast behind his body lighting him up allowing for her only to see his outline. She walked closer to him and he grabbed her arm, he appeared to be troubled over something. And for her to be able to tell he was upset, well then it must have been something big.
"What's the matter?" She asked with concern in her voice. He said nothing, and stared her down as if to make her feel guilty about something. She knew at that instant what was bothering him, but she said nothing of it.
"You can tell me." He still remained silent aggravating Rinoa a bit. He proceeded to walk past her, not wanting to confront her of what she allowed Seifer to do.
"Oh, c'mon just tell me what you want to know! Actually, there's really no need for that, Squall. I already know what's wrong with you." She yelled, he was now behind her, their backs facing each other.
"If you knew, then why ask me these pointless questions. Just when I thought I found someone who could love me, save me from this barrenness pit of nothingness. Just when I thought I was getting better, when you thought I was getting better." His voice trailed off towards the end of his sentence.
"I should have known, though, no one sticks around for too long. They eventually leave, just like everyone else. I was stupid to think you were any different because you're not. You're just the same as everyone else. So there, I said it. Are you happy now?"
Rinoa's eyes were drowning in her tears. How could she be this cruel? This boy whom she came to love with her whole heart and soul had been through so much. How could she add to his heartaches? She was a monster, she didn't deserve him. Not after what she did. She had just thrown away the happiest life she could have had, to reminisce in the past with an old love, who would never be able to be with her the same way they once were. That love had died, allowing for her love for Squall to blossom, but she was stupid and childish and handled the utmost delicate situation with supreme hostility.
She didn't bother to wipe her tears away, those tears were caused by Squall, it could easily be the closest thing to him she'll get as of now. She wanted to hold on to them for a long time. She wanted to hold on to him forever.
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A/N: So, how'd you like the chapter? Could this be the end of Squall and Rinoa? Perhaps not. But I can't say so you'll just have to wait for the next chapter, which I promise will be posted soooooooo much faster than this. And once again I apologize for the extremely long delay. I know this wasn't the greatest chapter, but I had to find a way to get them to the summer house. But just wait until I post a new one, loads of more stuff happens. Yippee! Don't forget to review!
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"Zell?" Zell opened his eyes to see his mother hovering over his bed wearing a smile. His shades were pulled down, allowing the sun to barely peek through.
"I've come to a conclusion." He was still asleep in his mind even though his body was off his mattress.
"I think it would be very nice of you to take you're friends down to our summer home." This seemed to have woken him up a bit.
"Really? You wouldn't mind?"
"I am the one who offered. I think it would be a lovely get away for you as well as them. I don't know what they had planned for their summer, but it wouldn't hurt to ask. But only if you invite ALL of you're friends, Zell."
His expression of joy was replaced with an agitated face.
"Do you mean I have to take Seifer-" He was cut off from his mother's strict face, indicating he did, indeed, have to invite Seifer.
"C'mon, ma!" He whined as if he were a seven year old.
"I don't want hear it." She yelled, her hands wavering in the air. He had to accept the fact that if he wanted to get away from his mother and grandparents who were coming to visit he had to allow Seifer to tag along. Otherwise, he was stuck at his house. His mother, throwing his regular, old blue jeans in his face, headed down the stairs.
Back in the living room, everyone remained asleep. Zell wouldn't be down anytime soon, considering he spent half of his morning fixing his hair, and his mother returned to her bedroom to prevent from waking anyone up.
As Rinoa lay in Squall's arms she felt pressure on the crown of her head. Unwillingly opening up her eyelids she examined her surroundings. Quistis was still on the sofa, Laguna remained under the window, Selphie and Irvine clung to each other in their sleep, and Seifer stood in the same exact position he started out in. Removing her hand from Squall's she brought it to the top of her head to touch, not her hair, but Squalls'. His head was resting upon her own. She smiled at the picture of themselves she drew in her mind and tried removing herself from his grasp without waking him.
As she maneuvered her body through the people asleep on the floor she felt her left ankle being gripped by a hand. When she looked on the floor to see who the culprit was she found herself peering into the eyes of Seifer. He wore a smile on his face, a rare sight to see.
"Where you going?" He asked, still sounding extremely tired.
"Bathroom." She whispered. As she made her way to the bathroom, she could here Zell talking to himself.
"Should I go up, should I stay down? Maybe I should grow out my hair and develop a cowboy accent like Irvine, since obviously Selphie is turned on by that sort of thing." Rinoa laughed to herself, trying not to let Zell hear her. Running her hands through her hair, she returned to the living room.
Seifer questioned her with his eyes.
"It's Zell, he's enjoying the company of his reflection as of now." Seifer just rolled his eyes at Zell's stupidity. Rinoa tip-toed her way towards the door and slid out. As she leaned her back against the wall she heard the door open, but she didn't turn her head, for she knew it was non-other than Seifer.
He placed his large, masculine body over Rinoa's and arched his eyebrow at her.
"What?" She asked baffled.
"You're not exactly dressed in the most appropriate manner. I mean, boxers and an oversized shirt?" He said, snickering to himself.
"And when has the almighty Seifer ever cared about what I wear?"
"I've always cared, you were just never looking."
"Whatever."
"Don't go all Squall on me, please." She put on a pretend 'unreadable' face, crossed her hands, and tried her best at acting like Squall.
"You mean, and not talk to anyone?" She said in a deep man-like voice. She wasn't very good at imitating Squall.
"Nah, you're no good at being Squall, besides I like you the way you are. Cause if you turn into Squall, how'll I'll be able to kiss you?" Rinoa's face went blank, expressionless, and before she could question him she felt Seifer's lips being pressed against her own.
It had been a long time since she felt him like that, but it was all too familiar to her. It felt as if it were just yesterday that they were going out. As he pulled away she immediately cast her eyes on the floor. Her face was overtaken with a scarlet red color and she was left speechless. She felt Seifer's eyes upon her body, he refused to look elsewhere, though she was wishing he would just leave before she attacked him with a series of passionate kisses. There was definitely a part of her heart that still longed for Seifer's love, and it was being revived at this very moment. She remained pinned against the wall with Seifer's arms acting as barricades.
She brought her hand to the back of her neck and asked herself what she was going to do now?
Seifer lifted her chin, allowing for him to make eye contact with her. She flung her arms around Seifer's neck and did, indeed, release a series of kisses upon him. The moment had overtaken her and she couldn't bear to restrain herself.
"I'm sorry." She whispered in his ear before running back inside.
Seifer remained outside, stunned at what had passed between Rinoa and him. He didn't expect his advance on her to be returned, he did not prepare himself mentally for realizing Rinoa still loved him. But now he knew, and now she knew, and now they both knew… everything.
Rinoa closed the door behind her and looked about the room, finding Squall awake. She rubbed her arm with her right hand and refused to make any type of eye contact with him. It was just too much for her to bear. Zell came down, noticing the silence loitering about the room, and sent glances at both Rinoa and Squall. He perceived Seifer gone from the room, not that it bothered him.
"Listen guys, I was wondering if you had any plans for you're summer? Cause my ma wanted me to invite you to our summer house back in Dollet."
Rinoa snapped her head in Zell's direction, happy she had something other than the floor to fixate her eyes on. She flashed a bittersweet smile at him, but soon permitted it to fall from her face, being replaced by an inexpressive one.
"No. I have nothing planned for my summer, I was going to catch up with Zone and Watts actually. But, I can put them on hold and drop by you're house for a few weeks." She said, touching the back of her head.
Squall remained silent, he knew something had passed between Rinoa and Seifer, he could feel it radiate off Rinoa. He wasn't sure if what passed was physical, or just words, but something was going on between them.
"Wanna come, Squall?" Zell asked innocently.
"Whatever." He replied, that was 'yes' in Squall's language, though.
Soon everyone was up and all agreed to spend some of their summer at Zells'. Even Seifer, due to the fact Rinoa was going.
After Zell's mother received thankyou's from all, the group soon found themselves on the train heading to Dollet. Seifer and Squall stared each other down the whole of the ride until it became too unbearable for Seifer. He wasn't good at keeping his anger and rage all bottled up inside the same way Squall could.
"What the hell are you looking at?" he snapped at him. Squall looked away which only infuriated the ex-knight even more. He lunged at Squall, knocking him off of the seat and bringing him to the ground.
Everyone tried to break the pair up, and when once separated, they bruised each other's bodies with cold, nasty glares. Seifer had been taken beatings habitually lately, and the freshest wound on his body hadn't even the time to heal before it was jabbed once again, the perpetrator being Squall. How on Earth these two were ever going to get along at the summer house was beyond Rinoa.
The air to Zell's summer house held a very musky feel to it. Dust could be seen floating about the rooms, but other than that it was a very bright, friendly home. Much like his real one. No one had been down here since last summer, it was evident, furniture was covered and the state of the room was just a mess. Rays of sun beamed down onto the hardwood floors and it created a light and airy feel.
"Rooms are upstairs, and the bathroom is down the hall to the left." Zell made this clear for Seifer and Squall's benefit.
Selphie jumped onto the bed where Rinoa stood, unpacking her things.
"We have the whole beach to ourselves, Rinny!!! Can you believe it?"
"Pretty unbelievable." She said sarcastically. Just as she said that Zell walked in, eyeing Rinoa to leave.
As she left the room she met Squall in the hallway upstairs. The light of the window cast behind his body lighting him up allowing for her only to see his outline. She walked closer to him and he grabbed her arm, he appeared to be troubled over something. And for her to be able to tell he was upset, well then it must have been something big.
"What's the matter?" She asked with concern in her voice. He said nothing, and stared her down as if to make her feel guilty about something. She knew at that instant what was bothering him, but she said nothing of it.
"You can tell me." He still remained silent aggravating Rinoa a bit. He proceeded to walk past her, not wanting to confront her of what she allowed Seifer to do.
"Oh, c'mon just tell me what you want to know! Actually, there's really no need for that, Squall. I already know what's wrong with you." She yelled, he was now behind her, their backs facing each other.
"If you knew, then why ask me these pointless questions. Just when I thought I found someone who could love me, save me from this barrenness pit of nothingness. Just when I thought I was getting better, when you thought I was getting better." His voice trailed off towards the end of his sentence.
"I should have known, though, no one sticks around for too long. They eventually leave, just like everyone else. I was stupid to think you were any different because you're not. You're just the same as everyone else. So there, I said it. Are you happy now?"
Rinoa's eyes were drowning in her tears. How could she be this cruel? This boy whom she came to love with her whole heart and soul had been through so much. How could she add to his heartaches? She was a monster, she didn't deserve him. Not after what she did. She had just thrown away the happiest life she could have had, to reminisce in the past with an old love, who would never be able to be with her the same way they once were. That love had died, allowing for her love for Squall to blossom, but she was stupid and childish and handled the utmost delicate situation with supreme hostility.
She didn't bother to wipe her tears away, those tears were caused by Squall, it could easily be the closest thing to him she'll get as of now. She wanted to hold on to them for a long time. She wanted to hold on to him forever.
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A/N: So, how'd you like the chapter? Could this be the end of Squall and Rinoa? Perhaps not. But I can't say so you'll just have to wait for the next chapter, which I promise will be posted soooooooo much faster than this. And once again I apologize for the extremely long delay. I know this wasn't the greatest chapter, but I had to find a way to get them to the summer house. But just wait until I post a new one, loads of more stuff happens. Yippee! Don't forget to review!
