Zell couldn't believe what he just heard. "Aya, no! You don't mean that!"

"But I do, Zell. I do." Aya said softly.

"Why?" Zell said as he placed his hands on her shoulders. "Is it because of what I said in the library the other day?"

"No, it's not that, Zell." Aya replied. "I...I want to make it work between me and Rex. Please try to understand." I can't be around you, Zell. My heart breaks every time I'm with you.

"But why end our friendship? Why, Aya? There must be some other way."

"There is no other way, Zell. This is the only way everything will work out." Aya said as she tried her best not to look him in the eye.

Zell couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Look at me, Aya." Zell commanded her.

Slowly, Aya raised her eyes to his. "Did Rex tell you to do this?"

"No, Zell. This is entirely my decision."

"So just like that, it's...over?" he asked her.

"Yes, Zell." Aya said as tears streamed down her face.

Seeing the tears stream down her face, Zell pulled Aya into his arms. "Aya, please don't do this." To us.

"I'm sorry, Zell, but I have to." Aya said softly as she freed herself from his arms and ran towards the opening elevator door. "I'm so sorry."

Gripping the bridge railing tightly, Zell watched the people on the first floor. A few seconds later, he saw Aya run towards the dorms. Pain filled Zell's heart as he realized that he truly lost her. Zell wanted to run after Aya, but wondered what was the use. Aya ended her friendship with him so she could be with Rex. "I guess Rex means more to you than me." Zell quietly thought to himself.

AT AYA'S DORM ROOM

Aya closed her door and leaned against it as she sat on the floor and cried. She didn't want to end her friendship with Zell but felt that it was for the best. For the past three days, Aya had been thinking of ways to forget about Zell, but the only solution that she kept coming up with was end their friendship. Aya realized that if she remained friends with him, she would never be able to get over him. Letting him go completely was the only way she would be able to move on with her life.

Aya also believed that if she remained friends with Zell, it would only be a matter of time before he would realize that she has feelings for him. Aya doesn't want Zell to know about her feelings because she believes that he'll only reject her because he doesn't feel the same way. To hear him say that he doesn't love her will only break her heart more than it already is.

When Zell asked Aya three days ago if she wanted him to kiss her at the dance, Aya was sure that the word, "Yes," was written all over her face. How she managed to keep herself from saying it however, was another matter. Too much was simply at stake: Zell's relationship with Quistis, and her relationship with Rex. Zell loves Quistis, and for her to ruin that is the last thing that she would like to do. Aya doesn't want to destroy Zell's happiness. Besides, she has Rex in her life. Rex had been so good to her. He respects her, he's always there for her, and most of all, he loves her deeply. Rex deserves the same, and the only way she can give that kind of love to him is to get Zell out of the way.

TWO MONTHS LATER

Since Aya and Zell where no longer friends, they didn't see any reason to be around each other anymore. Zell stopped visiting her at the library, and Aya stopped joining Zell for lunch in the cafeteria. Most of all, they stopped meeting at Rinaul Coast.

During the weekend after Aya broke her friendship with him, Zell went to Rinaul Coast hoping that Aya would show up and tell him that she made a mistake about ending the friendship. But to Zell's disappointment, Aya didn't show up. It broke Zell's heart knowing that he will never be able to talk, laugh, and watch the sunset with her again. Rinaul Coast used to remind him of the times he spent there with his grandpa when he was a kid, but now, all Rinaul Coast ever reminded him was all the times he spent there with Aya.

(FLASHBACK)

AT RINAUL COAST

"Tada!! Move on over DaVinci, Dincht is here!!" Zell confidently said out loud.

"What is that?" Aya cheerfully questioned Zell.

"Can't you tell?" Zell said as he pointed at the face he sketched out on the wet sand. "It's me."

"Nope. I don't see it." Aya said as she stood next to him for a better look.

"C'mon! Look, there's my tattoo over there, and who could miss that hair?"

"Hmmmm. Nope, I still don't see it." Aya said as she shook her head.

"Why not?"

"Because that sketch is far too good-looking to be you!" Aya said jokingly as she began to run.

"Why you little..." Zell said as he chased her down the coast.

When Zell caught up with her, he swooped her up and dropped her into the water. Instead of getting mad at him, Aya just laughed. They ended up playing in the water in their clothes.

(END OF FLASHBACK)

As Zell remembered that sweet memory he spent with Aya, sadness filled his heart. "I guess this is goodbye." He left Rinaul Coast and promised himself that he'd never go back there again.

For the next couple of months, Zell spent his time joining as much missions as he possibly could. If he was not on missions, he usually spent his time in the Training Center. Because of all that discipline he put himself to, he became more responsible and mature. He was no longer the hyper, irresponsible guy that people knew him to be.

Squall and the rest of Zell's friends were worried about him. Whenever they asked him if he was okay, Zell would always reply that things were fine. However, the group knew that Zell was still hurt. He was only keeping himself busy to keep his mind off of Aya. Deep down they knew that Zell was still mending a broken heart.

During these two months, Quistis and Zell became closer friends. Since many believed that they were a couple, they both decided to give it a try. It worked out for a while, but both of them realized that they were better off as friends. When the news of Zell and Quistis' breakup spread throughout Balamb Garden, Trepies rejoiced, and a girl who works in the library became very concerned.

During these past two months, Aya also had been keeping herself busy. When she was not working in the library, she spent her time with Rex. They always went out and always had a lot of fun together. Rex's love for her made her feel loved and special. Because of that, her relationship with him eventually blossomed. She had grown to love him back.

When Aya heard of Zell and Quistis' breakup, Aya didn't know what to think. She still had some feelings for Zell, but she was happy with her relationship with Rex. In a weird way, she was glad that Zell was no longer with Quistis, but at the same time, she was sad that Zell lost the girl he loved. Aya knew what Zell was probably going through. After all, she knew first hand what it was like to lose someone you care about deeply. Aya wanted to reassure Zell that things will be okay, but she felt that it was not her place to say anything to him anymore. It had been two months since they last talked to each other. For her to talk to him now would be too awkward.

The only person who was happy during these past two months was Rex. When Aya ended her friendship with Zell, Rex couldn't have been any happier. Even though it was still obvious that Aya was not completely over Zell, Rex was glad that she chose him instead. However, even though Aya and Zell's friendship was over, Rex knew that Zell was still a threat in his relationship with Aya. Rex could tell that Zell was still in love with her. Whenever Aya was around, Rex would catch Zell looking at her with such longing in his eyes. Rex knew that it would only be a matter of time before Zell gets enough courage to express his feelings. He'd be damned before he'd let Zell take Aya away from him especially now that she had grown to love him back. He'd do whatever it takes to keep Zell away.

AT A DELING RESTAURANT

"Aya?"

"Yes, Rex?" Aya said as she sat across from him.

"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?" Rex said as he looked deeply into her eyes.

"No. I believe you haven't." Aya said as she blushed.

"Well, you do. You're the most beautiful, sweet, caring woman I have ever known." Rex said as he reached for Aya's left hand. "I love you, Aya."

"I love you too, Rex."

"Aya," Rex said as he took a black velvet ring box from his pocket. "Will you make me the happiest man alive by marrying me?"

OUTSIDE A DELING MOVIE THEATRE

"Well, that's 450 gil that I will never get back." Irvine complained as he and the rest of the gang left the movie theatre.

"You can say that again." Zell said.

"Awww, it wasn't that bad, you guys!" Rinoa protested.

"Yeah, I agree with Rinoa." Selphie said. "Except maybe for that whole deal with the spirit in the energy pack thingy. I don't get that part."

"Well, don't ask me, I fell asleep." Zell answered.

"What did you think of the movie, Squall?" Rinoa asked as she held Squall's hand.

"The movie was okay, but I think Aki Ross could have been a better character."

"Yeah, I agree with Squall. But man, is she hot!!" Irvine said.

"Oh really?" Selphie asked.

"Uh...no! You're the hottest chick there is, Selphie." Irvine said as he placed his arm on her shoulders.

"That's better." Selphie smiled.

"Hey, Quistis!"

"Yes, Zell?" Quistis asked as they walked towards the parking lot.

"What's your opinion on the Final Fantasy movie?"

"It was okay, but I wish most of the characters didn't ..."

"Hey, Zell!!" Selphie said as she tugged on Zell's jacket. "Isn't that Aya over there with Rex?"

"What?!" Zell asked.

"Isn't that Aya coming out of that restaurant with Rex?"

Walking in their direction, Zell saw Aya and Rex walk out of a very classy French restaurant. Even though it had been two months already, it still broke Zell's heart whenever he sees Aya with Rex.

"Just ignore them, you guys." Zell said as he continued to walk.

"You mean you're going to walk right by them and not say hi?" Quistis asked as she walked next to him.

"Yeah. I haven't spoken to her in over two months. I'm not going to start now." Zell told her.

Rex spotted Zell heading in his direction. "Perfect." Rex thought to himself. He's going to enjoy seeing the pain in Zell's face when he finds out about the engagement.

"Aya, isn't that Zell and his friends heading in our direction?"

Looking straight ahead, Aya spotted Zell, but he was not alone. He was with his friends and right next to him was Quistis. "Yes...yes, it is." Aya replied.

"C'mon Aya. Let's go and let them know about our engagement."

"Rex, I don't think..."

Before she could finish what she was trying to say, Rex already led her in their direction.

"Hello, everyone." Rex said to Zell and the gang. "It's very nice to run into you guys this wonderful evening.

"Hi Rex. Hi Aya." The group said back except for Zell.

"What is he up to?" Zell thought to himself as he looked at Aya who was standing right in front of him.

Rex was making conversation with the group but Zell didn't pay any attention to him. His entire attention was on Aya. Other than seeing each other in the hallways, this was the closest Zell had gotten near her in over two months. Zell wished that he could hold her in his arms again like at the Summer Formal Ball. He still loves her and it hurts him to be this close to her and yet not be able to do anything about it. As Zell looked at her, he noticed a diamond ring on her left ring finger. "NO!! It can't be!" Zell's heart cried out.

"Oh, I see you've noticed what Aya is wearing." Rex said with such a sadistic look on his face. "Aya and I would like you to be the first to know about our engagement. You are looking at the future Mr. and Mrs. Rex Barton." Rex said proudly.

ON THE TRAIN BACK TO BALAMB

Zell was lost in thought as he quietly sat on his seat next to the window. He was still numbed after hearing Aya and Rex's engagement.

"Zell?" Quistis said softly as she placed her hand on his shoulder. "Are you okay?"

"..."

"Aren't you going to do anything about it? I mean, from the look of things, you're still deeply in love with her. Are you just going to let her go like that?"

"There's nothing for me to do, Quistis. It doesn't matter if I still love her or not. The bottom line is that she's going to marry the man she loves."

"I'm not sure about that, Zell." Rinoa said from the seat across from him.

"What do you mean, Rinoa?" Zell questioned her.

"I don't know if the rest of you noticed this but as Zell and Aya stood in front of each other this evening, I felt a sense of longing from both of them. Zell, I think she has feelings for you too."

"You're imagining things, Rinoa. Aya doesn't have feelings for me. If she does, she wouldn't have ended our friendship and she wouldn't be marrying Rex."

"Zell, didn't you see it in her eyes when Rex announced the engagement? She was looking at you with such sadness in her eyes. I don't think she really wants to marry Rex. I think she wants you to stop her from making that mistake."

"That's nonsense!!" Zell answered. "Can we please drop the subject? It's over. I'm too late to do anything about it."

"Are you really, Zell?" Quistis asked.

AYA'S DORM ROOM

Aya sat upright on her bed and stared at the diamond ring on her finger. "I love Rex, but this ring doesn't really feel right. Am I doing the right thing?" Aya asked herself.

When Rex asked her to marry him, she gladly said "yes." She was glad that she was marrying such a wonderful guy, but when she saw Zell later on that evening, Aya wondered if she loved Rex enough to want to marry him. When she stood in front of Zell, her heart was beating really fast. She wanted to reach out to him and hold him.

"But why?" Aya kept asking herself. "Why am I still reaching out to Zell? I'm over him, aren't I?" Aya sighed and looked at the ring on her finger once more.

ZELL'S DORM ROOM

Zell laid on his back and stared at the ceiling as he argued with the voice in the back of his head.

Are you going to just let her go like that?

Yes.

Then you don't deserve to be with her.

Yes, I do! I love her!

Then tell her!

I can't.

Why not?

Because she doesn't love me.

Are you sure about that?

Yes.

Everyone thinks that she loves you.

They're all imagining things.

Really? Then how do you explain all those times she was there for you?

They were out of friendship.

Then how do you explain the time she didn't go on her trip to Esthar, which I remind you she waited all month for, and instead stayed behind so she could nurse you back to health?

"..."

Or how about the time at the Summer Formal Ball? You know very well that she wanted you to kiss her. She loves you!!! Why can't you see that?!!

If she loves me, then why did she end our friendship?

Because...she gave up on you. She doesn't think you love her.

Zell suddenly sat upright. "Could it be..." Zell said softly as he picked up the picture of him and Aya at Rinaul Coast, "that you moved on because you've grown tired of waiting for me? Aya, please don't let me be too late."

THE NEXT DAY

Zell headed towards Aya's dorm room. In his hand was a note that he wrote earlier in the morning:

"Aya, I know that it's been months since we last spoke to each other, but I have something important to tell you. Please meet me at Rinaul Coast tomorrow at 4:30. It concerns us.
~Zell"

Zell was going to tell Aya about his feelings that day, but figured that it would be better if they meet somewhere where they won't be interrupted. Zell reached Aya's door and nicely tied the note on the doorknob. "I hope I'm not too late to get you back?" Zell thought to himself as he walked away and headed towards the elevator to get to his morning mission briefing on the third floor.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Rex said as he untied the note from the doorknob.

Rex had a feeling that Zell was going to try once more to get Aya back. After seeing the look on Zell's face last night after he announced his and Aya's engagement, Rex knew that Zell was not going to give up so easily. Last night proved to Rex that Zell was still deeply in love with Aya.

Rex opened the note and read what was written inside. "I don't think she'll be meeting you tomorrow, Zell." Rex said as he crumbled the note in his hand. "You see, you have a meeting with something else."

Heading towards his dorm room, Rex called and e-mailed a few people to help him set up his plan.

THE NEXT DAY

AT REX'S DORM ROOM

"Rex are you sure I can use your computer?"

"Of course, Aya. Feel free to use it whenever yours is not working." Rex told her.

"Oh, okay." Aya said as she got on the computer to type out her report.

Intercom announcement: Rex Barton, please report to Room 205. I repeat, Rex Barton, please report to Room 205."

"What is that about?" Aya asked.

"Oh, nothing really. I just need to make a speech about SeeD training in front of the new Balamb Garden students. I should be back in about an hour." Rex said.

"Would you like me to come with you?"

"That's very sweet of you, princess, but you don't have to. Finish your work so we can go somewhere when I get back."

"All right." Aya said as Rex kissed her.

"Bye." Rex said as he closed the door.

Aya was busy typing her report when all of a sudden, a window popped up on screen, "You have new mail." Aya clicked okay and the inbox window popped up. Aya was going to close it when she noticed the subject of the new mail: Zell Dincht.

Aya wondered what the e-mail was about. Rex didn't like Zell very much, so for Rex to receive an e-mail about Zell seemed very odd to Aya. Unable to help herself, Aya opened the e-mail and read what it was about.

"Rex, it's all set. The gang and I made sure that the "surprise" will be at Alcauld Plains (author's note: this is the forest area near the fire cave) when Zell gets there today at 4:30. Man, I had no idea you could be so evil. You must really hate Zell for you to want to see him hurt. I guess it's all in the name of love, huh? LOL! Well, as long as we don't get caught. E-mail me when you get this, all right?"

Aya couldn't believe what she just read. "Rex wants to hurt Zell, but why?" Aya thought to herself. "I'm marrying him so why is he doing this?" Aya wondered if she was marrying the right guy after all. She had never seen this dark side of Rex before and it scared her to think what he'd be like once they were married. She was planning on confronting Rex about this, but first, she needed to find Zell and warn him about Rex's plan. Looking at her watch, she realized that it was already 4:20. "Oh no! Zell's probably already on his way!" Aya said as she headed for Alcauld Plains.

Coming out of another mission meeting, Zell rushed to leave for his meeting with Aya. However, as he ran down the hall, he wondered why Aya sent him a note saying that she'd meet him at Alcauld Plains instead. Something didn't seem right. For one thing, the note was typed, and second, Aya knew that Alcauld Plains was full of monsters. Looking at his watch, Zell realized that it was already 4:20.

Running passed the Training Center, Zell was stopped by a young girl crying.

"Mister, mister!" the little girl cried. "Please help me find my little brother. I can't find him anywhere."

"Uh" Zell said as he looked at his watch again, "are you sure you checked everywhere?"

"Yes" the little girl nodded. "Please help me."

Being a SeeD means that they must always help those who need their help. It was a SeeD's duty to make sure that things are okay.

"Okay." Zell said, hoping that Aya was not at Alcauld Plains yet. "Let's look for your brother."

AT ALCAULD PLAINS

"Zell! Zell!" Aya looked at her watch and realized that it was already 4:40. "Zell, where are you?" Aya said as she scanned the area around her.

Fear filled Aya's heart. "Oh God. Please let him be okay." She softly said to herself. "Zell!!"

JUST OUTSIDE OF ALCAULD PLAINS

"Oh God, please let Aya be okay." Zell said as he ran towards Alcauld Plains. However, as he ran, he couldn't help but feel that something was not going to go well. He had this fear growing inside of him as each minute passed. Looking at his watch, he realized that it was already 4:45.

Zell was glad that he found the little girl's brother right away. It turned out that the little girl brother was playing upstairs on the second floor near the emergency exit. "What are you doing here?" Zell asked when he found the little boy. "You're sister is worried about you."

"I'm sorry, sir." The little boy answered. "It's just that I want to become a SeeD when I grow up. Sis doesn't understand how much I'd love to be a SeeD."

All of a sudden, Zell heard Aya scream with fear inside the forest.

Zell entered Alcauld Plains and saw Aya. Fear and worry filled his face. "Aya!!!!"


AUTHOR'S NOTE: I don't own FF: TSW or anything, so please don't sue. ^_^
Please R/R.