********** II – Birthday Girl **********

Two years and six months later.

Rinoa looked at herself in her dorm's mirror. It was the third of March and her birthday today - 19 years into the world, but her eyes were those of someone much older. They had all matured too fast, she thought, at least Zell and Selphie had retained some of their youthful spirit.

On the right side of her head, a silver streak stood out among her midnight-black hair. It had appeared shortly after they had battled the Sorceress, and she had never wanted to dye it. It was all a part of who she was, what she had lived through, and the strong friendships she had made.

And also the love she had found.

Squall… The man that owned her heart, but wouldn't let her get too close. She knew that it would take time to earn his trust, and she was ready from the beginning to accept that fact. It was just that she knew of his love for her, and she longed to bring their relationship to a new level – she longed for a closeness that he constantly denied her… them.

There was a knock at her door, bringing her out of her musings. She opened and her energetic friend thrust a colorfully wrapped package into her hands.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY RINNY!" Exclaimed the brunette excitedly.

"Thank you, come in." Said Rinoa.

Selphie jumped up and down, "Open It! Open It! Open It! Open It!"

The birthday-girl's hazel eyes shone with amusement. She carefully opened the wrapping, and found a box containing a flimsy nightgown. It was of a light blue hue, with strategically placed ribbons that would allow for easy discarding.

"I know that it's more of a gift for Squall." Said the emerald-eyed girl happily, "But it will make this evening really special!"

"Thank you." Said Rinoa, with as much enthusiasm as she could muster. But she couldn't hide her real feelings from her friend.

"Rinny? Don't you like it? I can go and exchange it if you want."

"No, Sephy. It's perfect, it's just that…" Her voice trailed off.

The diminutive girl's eyes widened, "Rinny, you and Squall have – done it, right?"

"He wants to wait until we're wed." She answered, knowing very well that it was a lie.

"And when will that be? You guys have been engaged for over a year, and I haven't heard any hints of wedding bells yet."

"It's… complicated." Answered the hazel-eyed woman, eyeing Selphie's wedding ring longingly. Squall was reluctant to breach the topic of marriage, and seemed to have a problem with physical intimacy – in fact, they had never done much more than hug and kiss.

Before her friend could add something, there was another knock and the door opened. It was Fujin Kazeno, holding a small gift-bag.

"BUSY?" She inquired.

"Nope, Fuji. Come in, Rinny is happy to see you, aren't you Rinny?" Answered Selphie.

"Sure, come in Fuji." Rinoa agreed.

Selphie had managed to befriend the albino woman, and worked hard at having her accepted in their group. Furthermore, she had annoyed Seifer and Fujin into a blind date in Deling. The result had been that they were now engaged, and it had changed the once aggressive girl's attitude but not her speech.

"NOT MUCH" She apologized, putting the gift in Rinoa's hands.

It was a traveling make-up kit of good quality, and the dark-haired girl was genuinely pleased. She thanked and hugged Fujin warmly. The fair woman had a moment of uneasiness, but then returned the gesture – it was a sign that everybody was able to change… for the better.

Quistis found the door open and let herself in, "Happy birthday, Rinny." She announced. Her gift was a small envelope containing tickets to a music show. With time the two women had warmed to each other, and become as close as sisters.

So much had changed since they had defeated Ultimecia, thought Rinoa. Selphie and Irvine had eloped in Trabia last November, which hadn't surprised anybody – much. Quistis was dating Nida, who turned out to be a great guy and made her really happy. Zell was enjoying the bachelor's life, after his fame had proven too much for his girlfriend, the little librarian. And Seifer had been accepted back into Garden, finally making it to SeeD. Thinking about the tall man had lost its emotional sting; it was all in the past after all…

Everybody around her was happy, except the one she cared most about. She wouldn't see him all day, he was too busy with his duties and she didn't want to interfere with his work. She was looking forward to that evening, just spending some time with him would be the best gift she could have.

After Selphie and Fujin had left, Quistis inquired, "Rinoa, does Squall know that it's your birthday today?"

"Well, I think so. Why do you ask?"

The blonde woman breathed deeply, she hated to be the bearer of bad news, "Listen, I'm not sure how to break this to you, but I rather do it now and keep you from being disappointed tonight."

"What is it, Quisty?"

"Squall left this morning for Esthar, Xu told me that he wouldn't be back for a week. I'm sorry, Rinny, maybe he left a message for you."

"Yes, maybe. Thank you, but I planned to have a girl's night out tonight. Are you coming?"

Quistis saw the disappointment plainly written on her friend's face, but decided that it was best to play along, "Sure, I wouldn't miss it for all the Gil in Deling. We're going to have a great time."

There was a short apology from Squall for her. Rinoa was saddened, but knew that this kind of thing came with the territory. It was exceptionally warm for the season, and so she dressed lightly in a blue shirt and jeans, and met the girls in the parking lot. There were Quistis, Selphie, Xu, and even Fujin had been convinced to join – probably with a lot of prodding by Ms.Tilmitt.

They drove to The Balamb's Café, their favorite spot, and Rinoa did her best to enjoy herself that evening. It was karaoke night and Selphie, of course, went on stage. Quistis also participated, and both women had quite a lot of success with the patrons.

All in all, Rinoa had a good time. Since they all had to work the next day they returned to Garden early. It had been a good day after all, and before going to bed she sent a prayer so Squall would be safe and have a successful mission.

---------- ---------- ----------

Before she knew it, the week had passed and she received a message from Squall to come see him in his office. She found him waiting for her near his desk, and embraced him tenderly. To her delight, he returned the gesture and held her for a long moment.

"I missed you, Squall."

"I'm sorry about your birthday." He apologized,  "I'll make it up to you"

"Don't worry, I spent time with the girls and had a good time." She replied.

He sat on his chair and went back to business mode, "Rinoa, I received a request from Timber. I guess you already know about it."

"Yes, the transition government is holding elections in six weeks."

"And they want you to be an observer. Have you decided on it?"

"I wanted to discuss it with you first, you know that it means that we won't be seeing each other for a few weeks." She answered, but her thoughts were of another nature, 'But I'll go anyway, we both know it…'

His response was what she expected, "You have a duty to these people. I'll make arrangements for your trip."

Rinoa breathed deeply, there was something else she just had to say, "Squall, after this is over things will be quieter, you know."

"Well, yes, they will." He agreed, wondering where she was going with this.

"So, why don't we get married?"

"What?"

"We've been engaged for over a year, I think it's time we think about it seriously." He just looked at her, and she continued, "It would also be a positive message to send to the world, that it is time to build towards the future."

"Rinoa, we are still young, we have time." Was Squall's reply, but he also added something that shook her, "Why bring this up now? What's the rush?"

"No rush, I don't want to pressure you. I just want to be with you… please, just think about it?" She replied softly, and thought, 'Squall, I know that you need me, but do you know how much I need you? Even after all the times I've told you?'

He was clamming up again, like every time the conversation got too intimate. What could she do to reach out to him? To make him understand that she only wanted his happiness, and that she despaired of ever being able to comfort him?

"Listen, if you want to take this step by step I agree." She continued, "We could just try living together first…"

"That wouldn't be proper." He interrupted her.

Her eyes widened, that was a load of BS and they both knew it. It became obvious that he didn't want to pursue the matter, and so she just stood there looking at him expectantly.

Squall was thinking furiously. He knew that he would have to face this eventually, and that he had just postponed the inevitable. And now he was scared of losing her, knowing quite well that he had to set her free. Long practice allowed him to keep his features unreadable.

'Tell her, tell her right now and end this charade…' – He almost said it all right then.

But at the sight of her - strong yet vulnerable, and so beautiful with so much love in her eyes - his resolve faltered and he said instead, "Listen, we will talk about this some other time. I'll make it up to you for your birthday. How about tomorrow night?"

At his offer she smiled, "Yes, I would like that. Quistis gave me tickets to a show, and it's tomorrow. What do you say?"

He visibly relaxed, "Good, and don't worry for everything will work out fine."

She left him to his duties, and went back to her dorm. Tomorrow they would spend some quality time together and that was all that she wanted - that was all that really mattered. Her love for him was strong and she accepted the fact that he had little time for her, and so she cherished every moment that they were together.

---------- ---------- -----------

Once she had left, Squall rehearsed what he would tell her. He had seen this coming of course. He had hidden things from her for way too long, and felt guilty at the time she had lost waiting for him.

And now he finally had to face it, he owned her that much so she would have a chance at rebuilding her life. She would probably be upset, maybe angry, and most certainly she would be hurt and hate him. At least he would give her one evening of happiness, it was the least he could do.

He heard once that if you truly love someone, you have to set him or her free. Yes, the timing was perfect to do just that. He just hoped that with time she would forgive him.

He looked out the bay window in his office, 'Tomorrow, after the show, it will be done…'

But he wasn't looking forward to it.

********** ********** **********

~ To Be Continued ~