Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Final Fantasy VIII.
"We've already received confirmation from Galbadia Garden and Trabia Garden sent word that they will be dispatching at least five groups of undercover SeeDs to watch the two Deling Mansions."
"What about Balamb?"
"We'll be sending the second year SeeDs and fourth year cadets as security for the proceedings. They'll move out at 2000 hours today."
"Good. I won't be able to meet with Headmaster Martine to inspect the security lines. Send Xu to do that with apologies. You will meet with Commander Eron to check the North and South Deling Mansions. Again give him my sincerest apologies for not meeting him."
"Right. Anything else?"
"Make sure nothing goes wrong, Quistis. You know what's at stake."
"All right, Squall. Tell Rinoa and Zell I said hi. Over and out."
I dropped my arm wearily and tucked the communication beeper into my pocket. Only thirty minutes to go before I descend into hell…
"Yo, Squall! Been looking all over for you!"
"What is it, Zell?" I asked without turning around.
"They're making last-minute checkups on the Phoenix Wing. You should be able to board soon."
As if I really want to know how well the checkups are progressing. Hyne! I would give anything now for that thing to backfire or burst into combustion or something!
A hum, a swish and firm footsteps followed my silence. If it's Kiros, I'll rip his bloody tongue out and staple it to his ass. If I hear so much as another 'Esthar-don't-tolerate-tardiness' crap, I'll blow the whole damn country and the whole damn President to bits!
"Hey Rinoa! S'up?"
I turned around, needing to forget what's ahead of me. Yes, she's standing there. Smiling at me. I would smile back but Zell is still in the room.
"Hey Zell! Nida's looking for you. He said he's having some problem with the engines. The Estharian technicians are on it but I think you should take a look anyway." Thank Hyne!!
"Holy shit! I'll be right on it!" Zell disappeared in a flash of blue and red. Judging by the skidding and squealing outside, he's probably running at the same speed he goes to the Cafeteria during lunch hour. How long has he had those shoes anyway? The soles would probably be worn out by that constant skidding.
"You look tired, Squall. Come on, sit down. It'll be the last chance I have alone with you for the next week anyway and I want to have you all to myself right now." The invitation was tempting and I had no reason to refuse.
I sat down beside of her and she immediately laid her head on my shoulder. Her hand sneaked over to touch mine and we just sat like that. I'm going to miss this silence but I'll miss her more. I reached with my other hand to gently touch her cheek. Wet? Tears?
I sat up and turned to look at her face. I was right. She was sobbing.
"Rinoa? What's wrong?"
She gripped my hand harder and began to cry harder. Why is she crying? Did she just get some bad news?
I sat there with her and just held her. What could I do? I didn't know what was wrong.
Gradually, her sobs lessened but the tears were still rolling down her cheeks. "I'm sorry, Squall. I'm just…scared."
Rinoa, why are you acting like this? I've gone on more dangerous missions and you've worried but never like this. I didn't even tell her what Cid told me. How could she have known?
"Squall, please promise me you'll be safe. Please say you'll come back to Garden after everything is over." Now I'm starting to worry.
"Rinoa, I'm just going to a treaty signing. SeeDs will be there and I can take care of myself."
"I know, I know. But I just have a bad feeling that I won't see you again…"
"Rinoa, I'll be all right. Look, I'll be communicating with Garden daily to check with Dr. Kadowaki. I'll ask her to get you on the line so you'll know I'm all right." I can't believe I'm saying this. I really have changed…
"You promise?"
"Yes, Rinoa. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine." Maybe she's just being paranoid or over-protective. Maybe I've been neglecting her for too long. Whatever it is, she's not being herself. Perhaps I should ask Zell to…
"Hey guys! We've fixed everything but…whoa! What's wrong, Rinoa?"
Rinoa let go of me and I stood up. Zell. I have no idea if I should bite his head off and thank him.
"Nothing, Zell. Nothing at all." I could see her trying to be strong. She is stronger than she looks. I learned that a long time ago.
"Aw, don't worry Rinoa. Squall will be back after a week. He won't be looking at any other girl and that's the truth."
I glared at him and Rinoa cracked a watery smile. At least she's happier now.
"Now if it were Irvine, I wouldn't be so sure. I'd tell you to follow him all the way to Deling and keep an eye on him." Zell was still rambling but I didn't feel the need to shut him up. Rinoa was laughing and that's all I care about right now.
"Rinoa, I'll be fine. Don't worry." I looked into her eyes, hoping that she'll understand. But I wanted to look into hers too and let her tell me that everything will be fine.
"Squall's right. I'll take care of you, no worries!" I ducked as Zell executed his favorite punch move.
Just then, someone came in and intercepted Zell's box. I looked up to see who it was. Please let it be Laguna! Please let it be Laguna!
While Zell apologized and Rinoa laughed, I looked carefully to see who Zell's unlucky victim was. Only an aide. I almost spat in disgust but the aide was talking.
"Commander, the President is ready to leave."
I nodded and the aide left, nursing his bruised eye. Time to go to hell…
"Well, we're leaving now. See you all in a week!" Oh for the love of…!! That has to be the lamest farewell I've ever heard.
"Squall…"
I turned to look at her. I'll come back safely, Rinoa. I promise.
Her eyes were brimming with tears again and I felt the beginnings of uneasiness. "I'll be all right, Rinoa."
"Come back soon." She whispered back and wrapped her arms around me. I closed my eyes and tried to forget what was ahead of me for a few seconds. Only Rinoa and I exist. Nothing else is real.
Reluctantly, I let go and began walking up the steps of the Phoenix Wing. I didn't look back. I don't want to see what's behind. Maybe it's her words but I felt like I was leaving her behind, forever.
I heard Zell shouting a goodbye and a few 'safe-trips' from others. Nida and Warren's footsteps echoed behind mine. The door closed with finality and I knew then that I was in for a long journey.
Dear Hyne! Don't let me kill anyone today!
Notes: A big hug to my readers for sticking with me throughout the story. I sincerely hope you don't lose sleep over this chapter. *winks* Relax. Read. Review.
To Lovely Lucrecia: I never believed that Seifer's a complete jerk. Maybe someday after finishing Regrets of a Father, I might write a fic from Seifer's POV. That would be an interesting challenge.
