********** XII – Healing **********
The Garden's Ball took place on a warm evening, and people enjoyed the live entertainment. Kathrya's troop had insisted on performing for free, it was their way to repay the SeeDs for her rescue. Selphie, of course, was ecstatic. This was one event that would not soon be forgotten, and she received many congratulations for the great job she did organizing everything.
But no one could be happier than a certain raven-haired woman. In the last few days her life had taken a turn for the better, and it was all because of the man she loved. A noticeable change had occurred in him, slowly melting away his shell.
Rinoa noticed that the stage was being prepared for Kathrya's performance. The instruments were moved at the left of the raised dais, and the Mime also went to take her place there, attired in a simple evening dress of a creamy hue. Five couples took place in the center and to the right, the men wore dark-blue pants trimmed with gold and white shirts, and the women light-blue gowns with golden sashes.
As the first notes of a Rumba filled the air, the couples started gliding gracefully. Rinoa remarked that two of the dancers were dark-haired, and their clothes were of a lighter hue than those of their companions. The routine seemed to center on those two, as they moved sensuously around each other.
Kathrya's voice rose, warm and assured. The words flowed through the room, entwining themselves around the dancers, conveying sensuality and desire.
I never knew what happiness was
Before you came and took my hand
Your loving kiss closed my eyes
And then I knew that all my life
I will always love you…
I need not fear the darkest night
Because you are here by my side
I'll make no vows that I can't keep
But this much I know is true
I will always love you…
The tempo of the Rumba accelerated, suggesting passion after the slower beginning. The main couple's movements became faster and then they separated at the last verse, the man turning his back on his companion.
I will always love you
Even if the stars fall from the sky
I will always love you
Nothing will ever keep us apart
I will always love you
No matter what life throws our way
I will always love you
And should I ever lose you
I will still love you…
The woman gently moved, reaching a pleading hand to her partner and then putting both her hands to her heart. The other dancers retreated to the corners of the stage, looking on the scene with sadness.
After a short pause, mainly occupied by the piano, the singer resumed her recital. The man now turned to the woman, and tentatively approached her. She raised her head and again reached out to him.
No one could ever take your place
No one can ever replace your embrace
So please never walk away…
But if you ever do
I will still love you…
Both dancers plunged into each other's arms, and went into an intricate routine without missing a beat. Meanwhile the four other couples turned around the stage, keeping a respectful distance from the two protagonists.
Time will pass, my love
Our youth will be
But a sweet memory
Cherished in our hearts
I'll look into your eyes
Feel your loving lips on mine
And know deep inside
That I'll still love you…
At the languorous tone of this verse, the main couple paused. They trailed their right hands up their partner's left tight, continuing the long of their arms and finally gently cupping each other's faces. Drawing themselves to each other they kissed tenderly, in a really convincing manner. As the tempo accelerated once again, they pulled away reluctantly and traveled skillfully along the length of the stage.
I will always love you
Even if the stars fall from the sky
I will always love you
Nothing will ever keep us apart
I will always love you
There will never be a doubt
And should I take my last breath
With it I shall cry that
I will always love you…
I will always love…
You…
The dancers gently stopped and kissed their partners with need. The people present in the Reception Room remained enthralled for a long moment, a dreamy look on their faces. At some point, someone realized that the performance was over and started clapping his hands appreciatively. This broke the charm and the whole room erupted in deafening applause.
From the corner of her eye, Rinoa saw Seifer kissing Fujin. She smiled at the sight, for she was happy that life had finally smiled on them. She had seen Zell with Marla earlier, but they had vanished Hyne knows where. Selphie was nearby, laughing at something Irvine had said. Quistis and Nida were holding hands, but predictably they were more reserved about showing affection in public.
"What are you smiling at?" Inquired Squall.
"At all the happiness around us." She simply replied.
He was satisfied with her answer. To him Rinoa was about happiness, for she had opened his eyes and eased his pain. Sharing her nights, touching her body, those were things he could never do without anymore. She had changed his life, and for that he would be forever grateful.
The arrival of Kathrya shook him out of his musings. "Beautiful presentation, Miss Moonbrook." Said the Commander "It was such a great idea to have real couples up there. It made for a most convincing show."
"Huh, thank you," replied Kathrya, "But they were not couples. I guess that they got caught up in their performance."
At her man's wide-eyed expression of surprise, Rinoa chuckled. After having a drink with the singer and their friends, they danced for a few songs. Squall proposed that they retire for the night, and she gratefully agreed.
---------- ---------- -----------
They were using his dorm now, for it had a bigger bed and a private bathroom. Rinoa looked at herself in the mirror, and noticed with gladness that the bruises were fading away. 'If only the scars of the mind could heal as easily,' She thought, and smiled as she realized that Squall and herself had traveled a long road, and that in spite of all they were together. After brushing her teeth, she took out her nightgown but he stopped her.
"You don't need to wear that tonight, if you don't want to…" He said tentatively.
"Squall?"
He didn't respond, but helped her undress. She returned the favor, and for a long time they exchanged caresses and kisses. They lay on the soft covers, embraced as they had done for the previous nights - The difference being that there was no clothing between them now.
His calloused hands were surprisingly gentle, as his fingers played on her naked skin, touching her with care and tenderness. She tasted him, inebriated by his manly scent and the feel of his healthy, and strong body. Over and over they claimed each other's lips, in an attempt to be joined by their life-giving breaths. But their kisses, sometimes gentle, sometimes fierce, weren't enough to sate what their whole beings wanted, what they had waited for so long.
For way too long…
Trusting his innermost feelings once again, Squall whispered to his lover's ear, "Rinny, I want to give you pleasure."
He laid her down and glided down her body, leaving a long trail of loving kisses until he reached his intended destination. He looked up and softly inquired, "Tell me what to do."
She didn't need to give him many instructions. His need and his passion made up for his inexperience. He drank the sweet nectar of her pleasure, exacting moans of delight from her parted lips. Her breathing accelerated and she moved unconsciously, gratefully giving in to his ministrations.
His own arousal increased, building up on his own desire. He finally noticed the reaction of his body, and hesitated for a moment in surprise. As she gave a little involuntary grunt of disappointment, he gave all his attention back to his lover and resumed his caress.
Rinoa's movements were becoming more frantic, her moans louder. The sensations building up inside her overwhelmed all reason, and became her whole universe. Nothing else mattered but the gift the man she loved was freely giving, nothing else mattered but embracing the closeness they were sharing.
"Squall!" She suddenly called his name, and her hands gripped the covers as she climaxed. Rinoa then she fell back on the mattress, and gently pulled him to her. "Squall… Squall…" She called softly, caressing him as he went back up and buried his face in her hair. The emotions proved too strong, and tears were released from her eyes.
"Rinny? You are crying?" He said with concern.
"It's because I am happy." She reassured him, hugging him tight.
She noticed his erection and his expectant expression, "I want this too." She said.
Squall understood what she meant.
Had he been more experienced, and less impatient, he would have gone about it in a calmer manner. But as it was, he couldn't find her entrance, even with her trying to indicate to him where to position himself.
"Let me help you." She offered gently, noting his increasing frustration, and guided him. She was well prepared, and he entered her easily but way too eagerly. Rinoa's eyes widened and she cried in pain.
* OW!!! *
Squall immediately pulled away, apologizing profusely, "Oh, Rinny. I am so sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you."
She looked in wonder as a few drops of blood stained the sheet between her legs. 'This can't be, it just can't be', she thought in astonishment.
"Rinoa?" Inquired Squall, with growing concern.
"It's all right, Squall." She said, "I think this is normal… the first time…"
"But, you and Seifer…"
"It never happened," she mused out loud, "He was too drunk."
"Don't you remember pain, or blood on the sheets?" he asked, utterly puzzled.
"Not all women experience pain, or bleeding the first time." She lectured him, and then smiled with humor as she added, "I guess I'm one of the unlucky ones, huh?"
He cast his eyes down, "I wish I wasn't the one to cause you pain…"
She took his face in her hands looking into his eyes, "Don't say that, please. I had to live through this some day, and I am glad it is with a man that I love and who cares for me."
He smiled but she could see that he was not convinced. She suddenly realized that this could be devastating for him, he would feel guilty and it might destroy all they had accomplished in the past few days.
She couldn't ignore the pain inside her, but she endured it for his sake. Still holding his head, she kissed him with passion, playing her tongue inside his mouth. She sensuously touched his body, doing her best to arouse him.
She was rewarded when she felt his manhood, hard and fully erect. She made him lie down, and taking him in her hand she began a stroking motion. Squall made to rise, but she gently pushed him back.
"I want to give you pleasure." She said in a hushed tone.
He submitted to her touch, trusting her completely. His arousal built up quickly, in an almost painful way that demanded release. It was more than the purely physical pleasure, for he felt a closeness to her that he never thought could be so strong.
It didn't take long before his body tensed in ecstasy, his seed flowing in an indisputable proof that finally healed his mind and soul. He then drew her to him and she rested in his arms, satisfied and fulfilled to be in his loving embrace.
"Rinoa," he whispered, "You have made me whole…"
He wasn't expecting a reply, and so she just hugged him. They remained like that for a while, and then took a quick shower and changed the sheets for fresh ones. Contented, their needs sated, they simply enjoyed each other's reassuring presence. Their relationship had just reached a new level, and they had crossed yet another sea.
Squall suddenly turned to her, and asked, "Rinoa, did we make love?"
"What do you mean?" She asked back.
"Well," he explained, "We didn't really have intercourse, but we were intimate and pleasured each other. Does it count?"
She had to admit that it was food for thought. "Lets see," she said, "If lovemaking is to express one's love and affection by being physically intimate, then yes, we did make love."
"Thank you." He told her, satisfied with her answer.
"For what?" She inquired, smiling happily.
"Just for being you." He answered.
Rinoa noticed with gladness that the pain was subsiding. At any rate, she was experiencing such great happiness that she didn't care anyway. Their future looked bright and filled with hope. And that is all she really wanted, all she had ever wished for since she had realized her feelings for him… so long ago it seemed.
That night two souls remained closely embraced, and their unique melodies rose and joined, strong and pure. They didn't know what tomorrow would bring, but who ever knows? Life is not a straightforward road, but a vast uncharted expanse in which many journeys are to be experienced. None of that mattered to the two lovers though, for in this world of uncertainties they knew that they would stand together. Together to give each other strength, together to share in all things, and together to face whatever challenges stood in their path.
Unbeknownst to them, another journey was about to begin…
********** ********** **********
~ To Be Continued ~