Disclaimer: I do not own any Final Fantasy characters, the all belong to Squaresoft. There, I've mentioned them , so do not sue me. It would be a waste of time anyway, cos I'm broke!!



It's been a good day. I passed my SeeD test today, so I am now officially a SeeD. It's been a good day. But now I have this stupid Graduation Ball. Why is this thing compulsory anyway? No-one asked me if I wanted to go, it is just expected that everyone should attend. No matter. I shall make an appearance and leave when the timing is right. Better get changed into my uniform...

As if by magic, Selphie knocked on Squall's door, just as he was about to exit his dorm. Call it bad timing, or rotten luck, Selphie became instantly attached to Squall's arm. He tried to shake her off, but she just didn't seem to notice. If she did, she was doing a good job of ignoring it.

Selphie bounded down the large halls in Balamb Garden with such energy, Squall was getting more annoyed than ever.

Who is this girl?! Oh yeah, I met her a few times. What was her name?! Sel...Sel...Selphie? I think that was it. I'd better remember it. Wait a minute, did I say I'd go to the dance with her? I don't remember asking.

Squall tried to stop walking, but Selphie was surprisingly strong for a girl of her build. No wonder she was a SeeD.

As the couple approached the main hall where the Graduation Ball was to be set, there was a loose bit of carpeting, which Squall failed to spot in time and tripped. Selphie didn't seem to notice this and carried on dragging her victim behind her.

Selphie skipped into the hall with a gleeful expression plastered onto her face. Squall stumbled into the hall with an expression that only displayed one emotion: annoyance.

He caught a glimpse of an attractive dark haired woman standing to his right but quickly averted his attention to his feet, which were about to step onto Selphie, who had momentarily stopped her journey to take in the design of the hall they had just entered.

Here's to the insignificant night I am about to take part in. Why do I need to attend this damned ceremony? It's not even informative - it's just an excuse used to waste time. Look at all those couples dancing over there, what's the point? They won't be together for long, it's all such a waste of valuable time. I could be in the Training Area right now, perfecting my Gunblade skills so I can be more of an asset to Garden. Shame this event is compulsory. Hey, what are you doing...?

Selphie interrupted Squall's thinking by pulling on his arm. "Come on! I wanna dance. Or have you forgotten the object of this evening?"

"I do not dance"

"Why not? It's really fun!"

"I don't know how. Just leave me alone"

"Oh, c'mon, cheer up, this is our last night of immaturity! we have to enjoy it."

Squall was about retort, when another voice cut in.

"Hey, Squall buddy, how'z it goin, man? Alright Selph?"

Squall ignored him, Selphie did the exact opposite.

"Zell, Squall won't dance with me. Hey, I know, how would you like to do the honor?"

She held out her arm, and Zell replied with one of his trademark grins and readied his arm for her's. Off they went, into the centre of the dance floor, of course.

Squall stood to the side, watching on uninterestedly. His thoughts wandered to the night he had a training session with Seifer, his scar. He remembered every move made, by himself, and by Seifer. He remembered his exact thoughts, as Seifer's gunblade made contact with his skin. It was strange, he felt no sense of fright at that moment.

I wonder. What would have happened if -

Squall felt and smelt the perfume of someone brushing past him and that distracted his line of thought for a brief second. It was enough to make him forget what he was thinking about.

A soft and pale hand enclosed his arm. He looked up to see a black haired woman smiling at him.

Who is this? Wow, she's pretty. Do I know her? I don't think so.....

Squall wanted to pull away, but felt he was compelled to do whatever she wanted him to do, it was her smile, it just breathed the words 'trust me' to him, and he felt like he owed it to her to do just that.

Why?

For what he could remember, he doesn't even recognise her, much less know her.

She lead him to the dance floor.

Oh no, I wasn't lying when I told Selphie I couldn't dance!

Now, the smile on the girls face reassured him. Somehow, when he saw her face, he knew everything would be alright.

Who is this girl? I don't think I know her. How could she have so much power over me? The last person who could make me relax wa .....Sis.....Oh, Hyne, I just stepped on her foot!

Squall went a dull shade of crimson. The girl's nose wrinkled slightly.

Did I just hear her giggle? No, it can't be, it must be the music from the band playing on my ears. Calm down, Squall, you're glowing!!

Squall tried to smile apologetically, but due to the long expanse of time, in which he hadn't used those muscles, it came out as his usual frown. The girl just smiled harder.

Squall was getting the hang of the dance, and maybe, just starting to enjoy himself, when the girl looked into his eyes, gave him a grin, and disappeared into the throng of dancers.

Who was that?

The only question that occupied Squall's mind, as he stood amongst the crowd the people.

Zell and Selphie appeared just then.

"Hey, that chick was cute. Who was she?"

"You said you didn't dance! You liar. Who was she anyway? Do we know her?"

We know her.....that sounds like something.....we know her.....we know her.....we know her.....Rinoa? That's a pretty name.....



Author's notes: hope that wasn't too bad! Please review if you've read this far. Much appreciated!