Chapter 8 : A Date at the Flower Field
One Week Later…..
Rinoa was holding a basket of fresh flowers. She found a strategic place and placed her flowers on a piece of wood.
"Fresh flowers for sale!!!" she shouted again and again.
Some villagers came to buy some flowers from her and praised her for being very friendly and pretty.
*Doing business is easier than I thought.
Suddenly, a few tall and muscular men came by her little stall. The tallest of them stand out and looked at Rinoa under his nose.
"Fr…Fresh flowers for sale, mister, you want some?" Rinoa asked politely.
"Hahaha, I'm not interested in the flowers but are you for sale?" the man asked.
Rinoa blushed angrily and picked up the flowers, preparing to go away. They destroyed her little stall and crushed all her flowers before she could take another step. She has lost her patient but if she use her magic now, her identity will be revealed. She managed to hold on to her anger and walked pass them, heading back home.
"Not so fast, hehehe," the man laughed wickedly and grabbed her skinny wrist.
"What do you want! Let go of me!" Rinoa yelled.
In the mist of the scene, suddenly…..
"Hey!" a voice shouted from above.
The group looked above them. Rinoa thought that someone with wings came to help, she was surprised anyone from Heaven would help them now but then she's mistaken.
Zell did his Meteor Barret move and send the tall guy and his gang to the ground.
"I warn ya, never to touch this lady again! Now scram!"
The group ran as fast as they can. Zell turned around and smiled at Rinoa.
"Are you ok?" he asked.
"Yeah, I think so," Rinoa answered.
"Thank you," she thanked and studied his face, her smile slowly turned into a frown, trying to recall who this person is.
"Don't you remember me? We met last week at the party, I took Squall's hand to wave at you," he spoke.
"Huh? Squall?" Rinoa tried hard to remember but she couldn't recall.
"Uh-oh…. I think he hasn't told you his name. Squall is the one you dance with, ya know, the macho and quiet guy?" Zell stated.
"Ah…. Oh,(my God….. Squall's his name???) yeah I remember now. You took his hand and wave at me on my way home, right?" Rinoa said happily.
"Yeah, that's me. I'm Zell," he introduced himself.
"I'm Rinoa, dozo yoroshiku. So… what's up? Um… where's Squall?" Rinoa introduced herself and shook hands with him.
Zell almost forgot his purpose there after the mess.
"Oh, sorry. Squall's not here BUT he brought a message for you," he told her, grinning.
Rinoa didn't respond but looked at him with eagerness, clenching her necklace and leaning forward her head.
"He wants to meet you. He told me to tell you to wait for him at the flower field beside the infamous witch's house," the messenger informed.
"Infamous witch?" Rinoa questioned.
"Edea, you know? Hmm… you don't know. I guess so. Here, take this, it's the map to the place, tomorrow morning. He'll wait for you, I gotta go, bye!" Zell said hurriedly cause he gotta catch the man who sells hot dogs.
Rinoa waved her hand to stop him but he's already gone. She can't believe what's happening, the map was in her hand. She laughed heartily and jumped around.
And so that's what happened….. Rinoa accepted the invitation and brought along her best friends with her. At first she was heavy-hearted to leave Raine alone at home but after she receives a letter from Quistis, she was more relaxed. Quistis was having a holiday and decided to go to visit her dear friend. Ellone knocked on Raine's room to tell her the news but she only receives a cool breeze as an answer.
Finally, they arrived at the flower field. Rinoa can't believe her eyes, not even Selphie and Ellone did. The flower field is the most beautiful place they've ever seen, beautiful yet calm. Glamourous yet serene. Rinoa hugged herself and close her eyes to feel the nature. She inhales the cleanest air and heard the sweetest sounds of the birds.
Meanwhile…. Zell and Irvine pulled Squall to Edea's place.
"What are the two of you doing now? We don't have much time, father must be furious knowing we hadn't done a thing, and now…." he started to remind them but Irvine pushed Squall and he nearly lost his balance.
He knocked onto something and it was Rinoa's back! The two spun around and locked their gaze. Oh my God, Rinoa thought. It's she! Squall said it with his eyes. The two of them lowered their heads and looked at their friends for support. However, they were no where to be seen!
"Zell…. Irvine…?" Squall whispered through his teeth.
"Maybe we should go and find them," Rinoa suggested, trying to make a conversation.
He nodded. And they walked around the large field. The four people were having a nice picnic under a big oak tree.
"They'll never find us, let's try this hot dog with mustard," the blond said.
"What a plan, if only I have the chance," Selphie said solemnly.
"You don't need one, you are so beautiful, every guy would have chase you like bees and honey," Irvine commented.
"Really?"
"He's starting it again," Zell mumbled through his food.
Ellone just laughed and drank her juice. Zell looked at her with strange gaze. She spotted him and asked.
"Is there something wrong?"
"No…. just that I had a feeling we met before,"
"Of course we did, at the party, silly," Ellone answered, giggling with voice like bells.
"No….. I felt like we are destined to meet, you know what I mean," he frowned again.
"Hey, you took my line!" Irvine joked.
"Irvine, I'm serious," the blond lowered his gaze on him.
"Zell, I'm older than you. There's no way we are going to be like Rinoa and Squall's future relationship," the brunette ensured him in a funny way.
"No, no, not that, oh well, maybe I'm just being paranoid,"
"Oh yes, you are. Drink your juice!" Selphie told him and squeeze the box of orange juice to his face.
They whole party laughed and continued their lovely day together.
After 2 hours of searching, the two were exhausted and decided to rest. They arrived at a cliff facing the sea and sat there. Sighing, they leaned on each other's back.
"Exhausted huh?" Rinoa asked.
"Hmm…..are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Squall asked back.
Rinoa nodded and blushed, luckily Squall's not seeing her.
"Is that a yes or a no?" Squall asked rudely.
"Yes! Of course I knew they were setting us up!" she said in rage.
"You mean you knew this from the start?" Squall asked teasingly but with a cool voice.
"What do you mean? Are you starting a fight here?" she answered back, feeling pretty disappointed with her first 'date'.
"What's your name?" he asked, ignoring her question.
"Rinoa Heartilly," she answered, in a softer tone.
Don't you wanna know my name? Squall asked secretly.
There was a long silence before…..
"Squall,"
"Hm?"
"Do you have a girlfriend?" Rinoa blurted the question she wanted to ask for so long.
Squall was digesting the question. Is she serious? She is going way too fast, I liked it. Huh? How do I answer that?
"Uh….. do you have one?" he blasted, feeling the heat on his face.
"An intimate one? NO! Hahaha," she laughed.
He joined in and sweat-dropped.
"You haven't answer me,"
"Iie,"
"Oh…." She answered, trying to sound disappointed with a smile on her face(try doing that!).
There was some more silence before…..
"I like you," Squall said firmly.
Rinoa's heart was like "lup-BAM!!" when a normal heartbeat is suppose to be "lup-dup". Oh my God, ohmyGod, ohmyGod ….. This is going way too fast, but I like it.
"You don't like me?" Squall asked, moving slightly away.
Rinoa nearly lost her balance but she managed to steady herself and leaned firmer on his back.
"No!" she answered quickly.
"I like you," she whispered, clenching on her ring, telling herself to calm down.
There goes the silence again.
"I… I can't help thinking of you since you left the party… I…" Squall was putting his elbow on his knees, lowered his head and rake it.
Cool down, stupid. You re making this too fast! Rinoa's a girl! She must be feeling embarrassing now.
Rinoa's heartbeat was going "Crash-BAM!!" now! Squall, why are you keep giving me heart attacks!?
"I…. Um…… I think I'm in love with you," Squall told her boldly.
I knew that must be Bell (a demon who makes people fall in love or was it the other one?) who made me said that! Or is it myself?
Rinoa felt like crying she couldn't help the gladness she felt now. It's overflowing! She hugged he knees and brushed her tears on them. Cupid, I warn ya not to mess up my life! Or is it myself who wanted it? You wanted him, Rinoa. You wanted him to say that all along! Just accept it. I hate myself!
"Are you ok, Rinoa?" he asked with concern.
"I'm alright," she answered, trying her best to hide her trembling voice. Hearing him saying her name was like bells ringing in her ears.
And again the wind blows.
"Have you kiss a girl before?" Rinoa asked calmly.
The guy sat up and turned around. Rinoa lost her balance and landed on her back. Squall pinned her on the shoulders and looked at her from above.
"No…." he said softly.
"I…..I….." he blushed and began to lower his head.
Rinoa's heartbeats was increasing it's speed (her heart receive a lot of exercise that day), her body was tensed and her eyes couldn't keep off from his beautiful face.
"Squall………….?" She murmured, as he was just inches from each other.
They closed their eyes ready to feel each other's lips. Those lips they longed for so long. However that's where the tragedy begins…..
The powerful force of the whip smacking the ground was enough to shock them from their position. They looked up seeing a furious face of the elder angel blocking the sun. Rinoa quickly stood up and rubbed her clothing, looking at the ground. The blond just stared at Squall with rage and hate. The others came running from across the field yelling Quistis' name. They arrived pretty fast enough to stop Quistis from proceeding her moves. Irvine and Zell went to Squall and pull him away from the group.
"Quistis! What happened?" Selphie asked between her gasps.
"Rinoa, come here," her voice was calm but stern, ignoring Selphie.
"Quistis….."
"I said come here!" she increased her voice with much force now.
Rinoa obediently walked towards the girls while glancing from her back to Squall. The blond, clenching hard on her whip and unfold her wings. The girls gasped, covering their mouth, they don't understand why she revealed her identity to them.
"Don't you dare touching Rinoa," she spoke with clear and cold tone.
The other party was shocked. Especially Squall, who was eyeing on Rinoa at that moment.
"Your highness," Irvine whispered.
No respond.
The dark angels followed her suit and stretch their black coloured wings. Rinoa was shocked than ever before.
"No….."
"I believe you are the ones the Devil send to negotiate with us with a truce. However, you must remember that we archangels and you are not the same. WE cannot and will not allow any impossible relation happen between the two parties," she made her statement clear while glaring at Squall and Rinoa.
Squall remained calm and straight, clenching his fists.
"I understand," he said softly.
"Very well, we shall have a meeting on the day after tomorrow. Be prepared for news from us soon. Let's go," she urged and turned her back.
She flew to the middle on the air and followed by Selphie and Ellone.
"Rinoa," Ellone called, looking at Quistis and to Rinoa.
Finally Rinoa forced her wings to open and followed them. She glanced back to the Squall before Quistis pulled her hands to lead her away. She wiped away her tears when she takes another look down the earth, leaving the one she loved.
"Your highness?" Zell spoke softly.
Squall continues his trace of her until she disappeared. Without him noticing, his hands were bleeding because of the hard clenching.
"Squall, your hands!" Irvine jerked.
"And your eyes!" Zell pointed, covering his mouth with the other hand in disbelieves.
"Rinoa….." he whispered in pain, unable to control his feelings, crushed and confused, blank. His eyes began to fill with blood, slowly they rolled down, wetting his frowning face……
One Week Later…..
Rinoa was holding a basket of fresh flowers. She found a strategic place and placed her flowers on a piece of wood.
"Fresh flowers for sale!!!" she shouted again and again.
Some villagers came to buy some flowers from her and praised her for being very friendly and pretty.
*Doing business is easier than I thought.
Suddenly, a few tall and muscular men came by her little stall. The tallest of them stand out and looked at Rinoa under his nose.
"Fr…Fresh flowers for sale, mister, you want some?" Rinoa asked politely.
"Hahaha, I'm not interested in the flowers but are you for sale?" the man asked.
Rinoa blushed angrily and picked up the flowers, preparing to go away. They destroyed her little stall and crushed all her flowers before she could take another step. She has lost her patient but if she use her magic now, her identity will be revealed. She managed to hold on to her anger and walked pass them, heading back home.
"Not so fast, hehehe," the man laughed wickedly and grabbed her skinny wrist.
"What do you want! Let go of me!" Rinoa yelled.
In the mist of the scene, suddenly…..
"Hey!" a voice shouted from above.
The group looked above them. Rinoa thought that someone with wings came to help, she was surprised anyone from Heaven would help them now but then she's mistaken.
Zell did his Meteor Barret move and send the tall guy and his gang to the ground.
"I warn ya, never to touch this lady again! Now scram!"
The group ran as fast as they can. Zell turned around and smiled at Rinoa.
"Are you ok?" he asked.
"Yeah, I think so," Rinoa answered.
"Thank you," she thanked and studied his face, her smile slowly turned into a frown, trying to recall who this person is.
"Don't you remember me? We met last week at the party, I took Squall's hand to wave at you," he spoke.
"Huh? Squall?" Rinoa tried hard to remember but she couldn't recall.
"Uh-oh…. I think he hasn't told you his name. Squall is the one you dance with, ya know, the macho and quiet guy?" Zell stated.
"Ah…. Oh,(my God….. Squall's his name???) yeah I remember now. You took his hand and wave at me on my way home, right?" Rinoa said happily.
"Yeah, that's me. I'm Zell," he introduced himself.
"I'm Rinoa, dozo yoroshiku. So… what's up? Um… where's Squall?" Rinoa introduced herself and shook hands with him.
Zell almost forgot his purpose there after the mess.
"Oh, sorry. Squall's not here BUT he brought a message for you," he told her, grinning.
Rinoa didn't respond but looked at him with eagerness, clenching her necklace and leaning forward her head.
"He wants to meet you. He told me to tell you to wait for him at the flower field beside the infamous witch's house," the messenger informed.
"Infamous witch?" Rinoa questioned.
"Edea, you know? Hmm… you don't know. I guess so. Here, take this, it's the map to the place, tomorrow morning. He'll wait for you, I gotta go, bye!" Zell said hurriedly cause he gotta catch the man who sells hot dogs.
Rinoa waved her hand to stop him but he's already gone. She can't believe what's happening, the map was in her hand. She laughed heartily and jumped around.
And so that's what happened….. Rinoa accepted the invitation and brought along her best friends with her. At first she was heavy-hearted to leave Raine alone at home but after she receives a letter from Quistis, she was more relaxed. Quistis was having a holiday and decided to go to visit her dear friend. Ellone knocked on Raine's room to tell her the news but she only receives a cool breeze as an answer.
Finally, they arrived at the flower field. Rinoa can't believe her eyes, not even Selphie and Ellone did. The flower field is the most beautiful place they've ever seen, beautiful yet calm. Glamourous yet serene. Rinoa hugged herself and close her eyes to feel the nature. She inhales the cleanest air and heard the sweetest sounds of the birds.
Meanwhile…. Zell and Irvine pulled Squall to Edea's place.
"What are the two of you doing now? We don't have much time, father must be furious knowing we hadn't done a thing, and now…." he started to remind them but Irvine pushed Squall and he nearly lost his balance.
He knocked onto something and it was Rinoa's back! The two spun around and locked their gaze. Oh my God, Rinoa thought. It's she! Squall said it with his eyes. The two of them lowered their heads and looked at their friends for support. However, they were no where to be seen!
"Zell…. Irvine…?" Squall whispered through his teeth.
"Maybe we should go and find them," Rinoa suggested, trying to make a conversation.
He nodded. And they walked around the large field. The four people were having a nice picnic under a big oak tree.
"They'll never find us, let's try this hot dog with mustard," the blond said.
"What a plan, if only I have the chance," Selphie said solemnly.
"You don't need one, you are so beautiful, every guy would have chase you like bees and honey," Irvine commented.
"Really?"
"He's starting it again," Zell mumbled through his food.
Ellone just laughed and drank her juice. Zell looked at her with strange gaze. She spotted him and asked.
"Is there something wrong?"
"No…. just that I had a feeling we met before,"
"Of course we did, at the party, silly," Ellone answered, giggling with voice like bells.
"No….. I felt like we are destined to meet, you know what I mean," he frowned again.
"Hey, you took my line!" Irvine joked.
"Irvine, I'm serious," the blond lowered his gaze on him.
"Zell, I'm older than you. There's no way we are going to be like Rinoa and Squall's future relationship," the brunette ensured him in a funny way.
"No, no, not that, oh well, maybe I'm just being paranoid,"
"Oh yes, you are. Drink your juice!" Selphie told him and squeeze the box of orange juice to his face.
They whole party laughed and continued their lovely day together.
After 2 hours of searching, the two were exhausted and decided to rest. They arrived at a cliff facing the sea and sat there. Sighing, they leaned on each other's back.
"Exhausted huh?" Rinoa asked.
"Hmm…..are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Squall asked back.
Rinoa nodded and blushed, luckily Squall's not seeing her.
"Is that a yes or a no?" Squall asked rudely.
"Yes! Of course I knew they were setting us up!" she said in rage.
"You mean you knew this from the start?" Squall asked teasingly but with a cool voice.
"What do you mean? Are you starting a fight here?" she answered back, feeling pretty disappointed with her first 'date'.
"What's your name?" he asked, ignoring her question.
"Rinoa Heartilly," she answered, in a softer tone.
Don't you wanna know my name? Squall asked secretly.
There was a long silence before…..
"Squall,"
"Hm?"
"Do you have a girlfriend?" Rinoa blurted the question she wanted to ask for so long.
Squall was digesting the question. Is she serious? She is going way too fast, I liked it. Huh? How do I answer that?
"Uh….. do you have one?" he blasted, feeling the heat on his face.
"An intimate one? NO! Hahaha," she laughed.
He joined in and sweat-dropped.
"You haven't answer me,"
"Iie,"
"Oh…." She answered, trying to sound disappointed with a smile on her face(try doing that!).
There was some more silence before…..
"I like you," Squall said firmly.
Rinoa's heart was like "lup-BAM!!" when a normal heartbeat is suppose to be "lup-dup". Oh my God, ohmyGod, ohmyGod ….. This is going way too fast, but I like it.
"You don't like me?" Squall asked, moving slightly away.
Rinoa nearly lost her balance but she managed to steady herself and leaned firmer on his back.
"No!" she answered quickly.
"I like you," she whispered, clenching on her ring, telling herself to calm down.
There goes the silence again.
"I… I can't help thinking of you since you left the party… I…" Squall was putting his elbow on his knees, lowered his head and rake it.
Cool down, stupid. You re making this too fast! Rinoa's a girl! She must be feeling embarrassing now.
Rinoa's heartbeat was going "Crash-BAM!!" now! Squall, why are you keep giving me heart attacks!?
"I…. Um…… I think I'm in love with you," Squall told her boldly.
I knew that must be Bell (a demon who makes people fall in love or was it the other one?) who made me said that! Or is it myself?
Rinoa felt like crying she couldn't help the gladness she felt now. It's overflowing! She hugged he knees and brushed her tears on them. Cupid, I warn ya not to mess up my life! Or is it myself who wanted it? You wanted him, Rinoa. You wanted him to say that all along! Just accept it. I hate myself!
"Are you ok, Rinoa?" he asked with concern.
"I'm alright," she answered, trying her best to hide her trembling voice. Hearing him saying her name was like bells ringing in her ears.
And again the wind blows.
"Have you kiss a girl before?" Rinoa asked calmly.
The guy sat up and turned around. Rinoa lost her balance and landed on her back. Squall pinned her on the shoulders and looked at her from above.
"No…." he said softly.
"I…..I….." he blushed and began to lower his head.
Rinoa's heartbeats was increasing it's speed (her heart receive a lot of exercise that day), her body was tensed and her eyes couldn't keep off from his beautiful face.
"Squall………….?" She murmured, as he was just inches from each other.
They closed their eyes ready to feel each other's lips. Those lips they longed for so long. However that's where the tragedy begins…..
The powerful force of the whip smacking the ground was enough to shock them from their position. They looked up seeing a furious face of the elder angel blocking the sun. Rinoa quickly stood up and rubbed her clothing, looking at the ground. The blond just stared at Squall with rage and hate. The others came running from across the field yelling Quistis' name. They arrived pretty fast enough to stop Quistis from proceeding her moves. Irvine and Zell went to Squall and pull him away from the group.
"Quistis! What happened?" Selphie asked between her gasps.
"Rinoa, come here," her voice was calm but stern, ignoring Selphie.
"Quistis….."
"I said come here!" she increased her voice with much force now.
Rinoa obediently walked towards the girls while glancing from her back to Squall. The blond, clenching hard on her whip and unfold her wings. The girls gasped, covering their mouth, they don't understand why she revealed her identity to them.
"Don't you dare touching Rinoa," she spoke with clear and cold tone.
The other party was shocked. Especially Squall, who was eyeing on Rinoa at that moment.
"Your highness," Irvine whispered.
No respond.
The dark angels followed her suit and stretch their black coloured wings. Rinoa was shocked than ever before.
"No….."
"I believe you are the ones the Devil send to negotiate with us with a truce. However, you must remember that we archangels and you are not the same. WE cannot and will not allow any impossible relation happen between the two parties," she made her statement clear while glaring at Squall and Rinoa.
Squall remained calm and straight, clenching his fists.
"I understand," he said softly.
"Very well, we shall have a meeting on the day after tomorrow. Be prepared for news from us soon. Let's go," she urged and turned her back.
She flew to the middle on the air and followed by Selphie and Ellone.
"Rinoa," Ellone called, looking at Quistis and to Rinoa.
Finally Rinoa forced her wings to open and followed them. She glanced back to the Squall before Quistis pulled her hands to lead her away. She wiped away her tears when she takes another look down the earth, leaving the one she loved.
"Your highness?" Zell spoke softly.
Squall continues his trace of her until she disappeared. Without him noticing, his hands were bleeding because of the hard clenching.
"Squall, your hands!" Irvine jerked.
"And your eyes!" Zell pointed, covering his mouth with the other hand in disbelieves.
"Rinoa….." he whispered in pain, unable to control his feelings, crushed and confused, blank. His eyes began to fill with blood, slowly they rolled down, wetting his frowning face……