********** XIII – A New Journey **********

'No relationship is perfect, not all slates are clean… what's essential is how the individuals deal with the problems…' - Ashbear

A year later.

Once again she couldn't sleep, and she rose to stare out the window. She looked out into the night, the full Moon casting ghostly shadows on the landscape. She pondered the events of the past year, for so much had happened - so much joy and so much pain.

Next week it would be eight months that they had gotten married, officially speaking. It had been the social event of the decade, with officials and media representatives from all over the world in attendance. Her own father had walked her down the aisle, symbolizing forgiveness and union – it had been an honest gesture, as she had worked hard to patch things up with him. And then the festivities had lasted for three days, leaving them exhausted.

But the real wedding to her - the one which memory she cherished - had taken place a month before the public one. It had been an intimate, and quiet ceremony with a few friends present. She had been attired in a modest white gown, with carnations in her hair and had carried a simple bouquet that had been caught by Quistis. All had seemed so beautiful, so filled with happiness and so perfect back then.

Quite unexpectedly, they had had joyous news a few months afterwards. Of course, Edea had warned her about motherhood. Few sorceresses had been mothers, for the inner fires that gave them their powers also rendered them barren. For a few blissful weeks she thought that she was one of the lucky ones, and that she would be able to bring that new life into the world. Alas, the pregnancy had quickly become difficult.

It had already been more than two months since the miscarriage. She remembered how Squall had come back from a mission, to find her weeping in the infirmary. He had held her, and tried his best to comfort her. But he didn't know how to cope with her ensuing depression, and a distance had insinuated itself between them since then. He was still gentle with her, but dealt with his own pain in the only way he knew – by building a shell around himself. Rinoa knew that she hadn't made things easy for him, but she loved him – that much she was sure of – and suffered from the present situation.

Squall hadn't been sleeping either, and he silently went to join her. For many nights now he had been hurting to hold her, despairing to find a way to comfort the woman he loved. He just didn't know how, for even if he was more open now, he still dealt poorly with feelings. He wished he were like Zell, outspoken and demonstrative, or like Irvine, caring and always knowing what to say in difficult situations. But he wasn't, he was Squall Leonhart, and all he could do was to speak from the heart.

She suddenly felt his arms around her, his lips near her ear whispered, "Rinoa, I don't want to lose you."

She turned to face him, responding to his embrace, "I don't want to lose you either. I am sorry I've been pushing you away."

"No, Rinny," He corrected her gently, "I am sorry I don't know how to help you, to just be there for you."

"I know that you're always here for me, Squall."

His next words made her look up, "Why do you always have to pay in pain? How I wish that I could take it upon myself. I feel so helpless…"

A smile came to her features, as a ray of sunlight shining through dark clouds. He might not be good with words, but this was exactly what she needed – to know that he still loved her and cared for her. She needed him to be whole, and she needed him to feel alive.

"Make love to me…" She demanded softly.

They both wanted reassurance, and slowly began to undress. Their lovemaking was not passionate, but it was gentle and tender. They had both missed that intimacy, and by that simple action they renewed the vows that united them in a special and treasured manner.

Sometimes the simplest things hold the deepest meaning. And in those shared moments of pleasure and love, they celebrated the gift of Life in pure defiance of the cruel destiny that had visited them. They defied Fate and Death itself, in touch and in words, their union a song that their unique melodies made rise strong and pure once more.

As she rested in his arms, Squall decided to breach a topic he had been pondering for a few days. "Rinoa, do you still want children?" he asked.

"Yes," she answered, "But you know that it's nearly impossible. Why do you ask?"

He looked at her tenderly before replying, "Well, there are children out there who need a loving family."

"You mean adopting an orphan?" Said Rinoa, sudden hope filling her heart.

 "I just think that we have much to offer." Continued the dark-haired man, "Would it make a difference if you didn't carry that child inside you?"

Rinoa had not thought about that option, but was really exited about the idea. "I wouldn't carry our child in my womb," She added, "But I would still carry him or her in my heart…"

"Then I will talk to Matron tomorrow, she is still helping children find suitable parents."

Rinoa embraced him tightly, comforted what had just passed between them. 'What could be better than giving her love to someone who really needed it?' She thought with happiness, cuddling closer to Squall. For the first time in many weeks she slept soundly, and woke up to a glorious new day.

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With a good word from Edea things went smoothly. Soon enough, Rinoa and Squall were informed that a child was awaiting them at the Timber Orphanage. Three days later, they were in Timber. They walked to the orphanage, which was a well-maintained place with children running about. They were made to wait in the director's office, and Rinoa could hardly contain her fretfulness.

Selphie had accompanied them with her first born, little Thorgo. The brunette was once again heavy with child. She and Irvine had made it clear that they wanted a big family, and - as they put it humorously - 'were working hard at it'. Fujin had also come for emotional support. The woman was fiercely loyal to those she befriended, and had greatly helped Rinoa in the last few months. She was pregnant too, a noticeable swelling and a calm bearing as consequences of her condition.

Sensing her raven-haired friend's nervousness, Selphie gently touched her shoulder. "Everything will work out fine, Rinny." She offered.

"FINE" agreed the silver-haired woman, also placing a comforting hand on Rinoa's arm.

At that moment, Balnah Erssen, the orphanage's director, entered with a little bundle in her arms. She was a middle-aged woman with a sweet demeanor, and smiled warmly at the gathered assembly. "This boy was found on the orphanage's steps, a week ago." She explained, "He is around three months old, and nothing is known of his parents."

The little one looked around at the gathered adults with big, curious eyes, and the older woman continued, "He will need a lot of love to give him a better start in life." She paused for a moment, and then resumed, "I thought that a young child would be better for you, Rinoa. Here, hold him."

The instant Rinoa took the baby in her arms, so tiny and so defenseless, her heart went out to him. She knew, in the deepest place of her soul, that she would love him as her own. All her instincts told her that she had to - no - that she must care for this beautiful and innocent being.

Her eyes were misty, as she turned to her husband and declared, "Squall, he needs us…"

The dark-haired man, usually so reserved, was experiencing strong emotions. He managed to talk through the lump in his throat, "And we need him..."

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Little Lagos, named after his grandfather, would prove to be a blessing. He would grow to be a strong, and happy child. His dark-gray eyes would usually sparkle with laughter, and he would bring great joy to his adoptive parents.

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But for now, it was the first night Lagos spent with his new family. Squall watched his wife putting their son to bed, giving thanks for the happiness life had bestowed upon them.

As she was tucking Lagos for the night, the sorceress wondered - as she would often do over the years - what terrible twist of fate had forced his parents to give him away. She wished that there were some way to make them know their child was loved, and provided for.

"Sleep tight, Sweetie." Said the raven-haired woman to the sleeping baby, kissing his brow tenderly.

When she turned to leave the room, she noticed that Squall was looking at her with a smile on his features. The same smile he had had, on that night so long ago, when they had been on Garden's balcony and kissed for the first time. The smile that always melted her heart, and made her fall in love with him all over again – each and every time.

She embraced him, and he held her tight as he softly said, "I hope we will be good parents, Rinny."

"We will learn together, my Love." She replied.

He smiled again, "I love you… I love you both."

"As do I," she gently answered, "As do I…"

Another sea had been crossed.

And a wondrous journey had begun…

********** THE END **********