What We Let Pass By
Ch. 6
Triumphs of Love, Friendship and Courage
Balambs attack was strong, but I hung on and Galbadia pulled through and maybe even with the extra bonus of killing chicken-wuss. Although we made it through Balambs first wave I worried about their second. Squall lost Rinoa to me and could very well have lost Zell as well. That type of hurt could lead a man to do some unbelievable things.
All of that was of course a concern, but not one I was going to worry about at the moment. I was excited to go home to my prize, Rinoa.
Upon arriving at the palace I was told that Rinoa had stepped out a couple of days ago. At the news I exploded throwing a chair clear across the room and watching it shatter into pieces.
"That whore!" I shouted hearing it echo throughout the place.
In our bedroom I waited until she returned later that night. She was balling and I felt exactly no sympathy for her tears. I was surprised, however, at how pleased she was to see me. She flung her arms around me, not easily persuaded by a hug I pushed her off. She stumbled back a few steps, but it didn't stop the pleasant look that was on her face. The look she had reminded me of all the good times we had. Shaking the memories away I rebuilt the anger I had for her and yelled.
"So where the hell were ya!?" It was a rhetorical question.
"Visiting someone," she answered not meeting my eyes.
"Visiting Squall!?"
"Yes, I was." The way that she so simply admitted to it made my temple flare.
"You whore!" I shouted outraged. Rinoa stood there not reacting to my claim. "What do you have to say whore?" I stared at her as I awaited her answer.
"Well," she started "I don't think its kind to be calling your future wife such names to start."
I looked at Rinoa hard. Did she mean what I thought she meant? I asked her "So you want to be my wife again?" to my surprise she nodded.
"Why are we waiting?" She asked me. What she said next almost knocked my socks off "I think we should get married as soon as possible." Astonished I just looked at her, when I was finally able to collect myself I asked.
"Do you really want to?" She hesitated when answering.
".yes." I choose to ignore her hesitation. This was great, presidency here I came! Grabbing Rinoa's hand I asked her.
"How does tomorrow sound?"
* * * * *
We all sat around him watching his chest move slowly up and down. At the moment I was feeling the effects in my heart for being as harsh as I was to Rinoa, but the way I saw it if she would had never came back into my life none of this would have happened. My heart wouldn't be crushed; we wouldn't have had two battles with Galbadia where hundreds of SeeDs died and Zell. I clenched my fist and banged it against the infirmary wall, something that Zell was very prone to doing. Quistis, Selphie and Irvine all looked up at me worried. Quistis gently puts her hand on my arm and asked.
"Squall what is it?"
I looked around the room starting to feel dizzy from it all. Focusing I told everyone "I have to get out of here."
"Squall," Quistis pleaded still with her hand on his arm. Shaking it off I went to the door and with my eyes focused on Zell I told them.
"I'll be back."
I took one of Balamb's airships to Esthar. When arriving I went directly to Laguna's office. I didn't know why that's where I went; I didn't feel like getting any father guidance. Nevertheless, that's where I went. I walked right pass his secretary and directly into his office. I caught Laguna reading the paper this time the headline was "Spontaneous Wedding." When Laguna finally noticed my entrance he threw the paper behind him.
"Sq.Squall." He stammered surprised. "What are you doing here?"
Not answering his question I asked my own "When is it?"
"Tomorrow," he breathed out heavily.
"Really," was all I could respond.
"Squall, I know how"- I interrupted.
"Please don't Laguna," I said collapsing into the chair. I felt a tear run down my cheek; I quickly brushed it away before Laguna could see. I couldn't believe I was going to loose her again. I know I pushed her away, but when I did it I didn't think I was pushing her away forever.
Laguna who was giving me a moment to gather myself finally spoke.
"It's tough kid." It's tough kid? I thought to myself what the hell would he know? Without saying anything I continued to listen to Laguna talk. "Love comes in and out of our lives so cruelly it makes you want to give it up entirely, but of all people you know that you can't do that." Why not I thought, where has love ever gotten me?
"Regardless of the love that is sometimes so hard to grasp you have to realize that it is always there," I looked up at the man that was my father "You know you have great friends that love you, you have Ellone and you have me." His voice fades off, but his point remained there.
"I know you loved this girl and Shiva knows how things are going to turn out, but Squall please don't give up on love, friendship and courage. You'll only be miserable if you do."
I don't know what was becoming of me, but actually appreciated the advice that Laguna was giving me. I stood up and shook his hand. Laguna gave my hand a couple of good shakes then turned it into one great big hug. Patting each other on the back we separated.
"You should really see Ellone while you're here," where Laguna's last remarks as I left the room, I nodded and shut the door behind me.
I went to Ellone's room still miserable, but a bit less pessimistic which in my opinion was a start. I knocked on Ellone's door from inside I heard someone call "Come in." Obediently I opened the door and walked in and once I was in I almost fell over in shock.
* * * * *
Squall had left and with his dismissal there was a feeling left in me. It was the same feeling that I had three years ago, it was the feeling of Squall not coming back. I had already dealt with it once I didn't know if I could deal with it again.
The three of them remained on Zell's side that night without much hope. We stayed with him through the night and into the next morning.
When Selphie and Irvine went to get some breakfast the next morning I stayed with Zell. Alone with Zell I didn't know what to do, so I decided to talk to him.
"You know Zell you're the only one who's stayed with me throughout the years." I felt a tear coming, but I wiped it away before it rolled down my cheek. "So you can't leave me okay. I don't know what I do without you." The room was silent until I heard a light moan come from Zell. In a hoarse gasp of a whisper he says to me.
"Alright."
I leaped into the air with joy. "Zell your awake! I can't believe it!" Zell gives me a weak smile. "How are you feeling?" I asked.
"Okay," he managed to say. We were smiling at each other came when Selphie and Irvine came back into the room screaming.
"You're not going to believe it Quistis!" Irvine exclaimed holding up a newspaper, he dropped the paper when he saw Zell.
"Zell, you're awake!" Selphie said running to his bedside with just as excited Irvine following. We where all beaming down at Zell, but he seemed to be calculating something in his head. A little later he asked.
"Where's Squall?"
We all uncomfortably turned to each other. Hesitantly I told Zell "He went somewhere."
"Where?" he asked
"Were not exactly sure," I told him
Irvine got up and walked over to pick up the newspaper which he had dropped before "That's kinda what I wanted to show you," Irvine said handing me the paper. I read the headline out loud.
"Spontaneous Wedding," I didn't have to read far into the article to learn what it was about.
"Oh my god!" I exclaimed to Irvine and Selphie.
"What is it?" Zell asked weakly.
"Rinoa and Seifer.there getting married tomorrow." Zell gasped which consequently made him wince in pain.
"Poor Squall," was all I was able to say.
"Where do you think he went?" Selphie asked. "Probably back to Esthar, at least that be my guess." Irvine told her.
"We have to get him!" I said jumping out of my seat.
"Why now?" Irvine asked surprise at Quistis' sudden reaction.
"If Squall finds out about this," I pointed to the newspaper "Who knows what stupid and irrational things he might do. He needs us," Both Selphie and Irvine nod. I turn to Zell giving him a kiss on the forehead "We'll be back soon." I told him and with Zell's nod of approval the three of us left for Esthar.
The three of us got on the Ragonark. With the Ragonark it didn't take us long to arrive in Esthar.
At the presidential residence in Esthar Ellone was waiting for us at the entrance.
"I knew you where all coming it was good to see you all." Ellone had always had a subtly excitement to her that they all adored. But before we could return her greeting I asked Ellone.
"Is Squall here?"
"He's on his way to talk to uncle Laguna. Please why don't we all go into my room? We followed Ellone to her room where we all made ourselves comfortable. In just sitting in Ellone's room you could feel her presence all around you. I know it sounded silly especially considering she was in the room with us, but there was always something about Sis that brought warmth.
We all chattered away while waiting for Squall to finish talking with president Laguna. Irvine asked Ellone.
"Your happy here right Sis?"
"Of course Irvine, but it has been a bit lonely around here with Squall gone.
"Were sorry Ellone," I told her "we should have come to see you more."
"Oh please don't apologize Quistis. You can't worry about the "what ifs" you just have to enjoy the present. You'll be so much happier if you do, trust me on that" She said with a wink. We all nodded at Ellone's words of wisdom. Just then there was a knock on Ellone's door she calls to the knocker "Come in," The door opens and Squall opened mouthed walks into the room.
* * * * *
I had just left them, but there sitting with Ellone was Quistis, Selphie and Irvine. An awful feeling washed over me and I asked. "Is Zell.dead?"
"No, no, in fact he just awoke from his a coma," Quistis reassured me.
I breathed out a heavy sign of relief, but I was still confused. I asked them "What are you guys doing here then?" They all gave each other an uneasy look and then Quistis said.
"To make sure you're alright. We were afraid of what you may do because of." She faded off.
"Thanks guys I appreciate the thought, but your not going to stop me from what I'm going to do."
"What's that?" Irvine asked.
"I'm going to stop Rinoa's wedding."
"What!?" the three of them said at once.
"You don't feel what I feel toward Rinoa all too often. I'm not going to let her pass me by again, or at least not without a fight."
Everyone was silent they all looked too stunned to know what to say. Out from the silence Quistis asks everyone "Can I talk to Squall alone?"
"Sure," Ellone was the first to answer "I'll go talk to uncle Laguna."
"Hey, I want to talk to Laguna," said Selphie.
"I want to talk to the old boy too," Irvine said following the two woman out the door.
It was just Quistis and I now. There was a moment of silent tension between us before Quistis broke out.
"You can't go stop Rinoa and Seifer's wedding!"
"Why not?"
"Because.because think all the lives you will be ruining if you think your wrong about you and Rinoa."
"But that's the only thing I've ever been sure on." I told her "The only thing that I've ever really known is Rinoa."
"You're not thinking this through Squall. Do you really want to marry a sorceress?"
"Quistis, please." I was surprised at how objective she was to my decision. Quistis continued to persist.
"You can't Squall you just can't."
"Why cant I?"
"Because, I'm in love with you."
Her words hung out there waiting to be claimed, but they never where. I didn't know how to react. I tried to say something, but words never came out. I was only able to look at Quistis who was beyond embarrassed. I think it was because she was beyond it that she was able to keep going.
"Squall, all she has ever brought you is pain. If.if I was your girlfriend I never.I wouldn't bring you an ounce of pain."
I thought about what Quistis was saying and I agreed for the most part, but there was one thing that Rinoa brought me that not even Quistis could.
"She brings me hope Quistis."
"Hope?" she asked.
"Hope that even someone like me can change and be the better for it. She makes me want to be a better person. Even when we weren't together she did."
Quistis was silent; I couldn't tell what she was thinking. Thankfully before I said something she did.
"You better not let someone like that go."
I smiled giving her a big hug, which was something that neither of us where accustomed to. Pulling back from each other she says to me.
"Let's go get your hope."
Leaving Ellone and Laguna the four of us boarded the Ragonark and set it's destination for Deling City.
It was hard to park the Ragonark amongst that the wedding brought to the city. Barely managing we parked the Ragonark and made our way into the city. I never imagined before what a huge deal this wedding was for the citizens of Deling City. There where banners, flowers and confetti everywhere. It made me feel a tinge of guilt for what I was about to do, but I wasn't going to let that tinge stop me from what I was going to do. I had a break from the shutting door and I was going to make it through.
Making our way through the crowds of people we eventually came to the sorceress' palace, but the front door was as far as we got. At the entrance to the palace we're guards waiting for what was probably us. We fought through the first fleet, but with the arrival of the second and thirds our victory started to look smaller and smaller. As much as we struggled we knew we were just too out numbered. We were eventually beaten and taken as prisoners. They brought us to the Deling City prisoner cells which where under the sorceress' palace. There in that prison cell my friends watched as I wallowed in my own self pity.
The irony was so bitter that I almost choked on it. Here I was in Deling City, Rinoa was just above me, and I was going to rot in a prison cell as she married my rival. I was bitter, angry and depressed beyond belief. How could I have screwed this up so badly? If only I wasn't such an asshole to her when she came to me last. There were those "what ifs" again. They where going to be the death of me. I slumped down in the cell and swallowed back my pain. I turned to everyone and said.
"I'm sorry."
"No need for you to apologize Squall," Irvine tried to comfort, but was unsuccessful.
"It's my fault you guys are here. All for some hollow personal cause of mine. You all deserve something better then that, you guys would be right to just leave me."
"Squall your cause is our cause that's what friends are for," Selphie seemed to always put a positive spin on everything.
I couldn't believe what kind of friends I had. I felt like I didn't deserve them, they followed me without question and look where it got them, where it got Zell. He knew that now was the time to tell them how great they really were.
"Guys you are the most brave, courageous and honorable people I know. No matter what happens from here on out I want you guys to know how much you mean to me."
Quistis now took her turn to put her two cents in. "Don't talk like it's the end Squall Lionheart. No matter what happens from here on out we can't, we won't leave you."
"I would if I were you." It was Seifer coming down to our cell all dressed up in his tux.
"Well I'm off to my wedding I thought I could check in on you losers before I went," I looked desperately into Seifer's eyes I saw none of the kindness and compassion that I saw when I looked into Rinoa's eyes. In a desperate whisper I say to Seifer.
"Take care of her."
Seifer looks at me his arrogant smile never bigger. "Is that the sound of defeat Squall?"
"You know that was never what it was about for me," I told him "Now Seifer I beg you keep her happy." Seifer's smile shrunk a notch. Without another word, but rather a slight nod he turns and leaves.
I laid on my back after that with thoughts of only Rinoa in my head. Everyone in the cell was silent; we could hear the wedding starting from our silent cell.
My hope was gone. Just then we heard voices coming from down the hall. It didn't sound like soldiers, they where too loud. Just then I heard a familiar voice loudly whisper.
"Squall sir, were here to set you free." I looked at the two men standing before me.
"Zone, Watts what are you guys doing here?" I asked.
"Setting you free so you can stop Rinoa from marrying that slimy basterd," Zone answered as he unlocked our cell. We all piled out of the cell I shook Zone's hand.
"Thank you." I told him, but as I tried to let go I felt him tighten his grip around my hand.
"You better bring her back unwed," he threatened me. I simply nodded and waited for him to let go of my hand. When he did I ran like hell to go stop the wedding.
It wasn't hard to get to the wedding considering everyone in the city was invited. There weren't even any guards. Pushing our way through the crowd we where able to get to the front just as Seifer was taking his vows.
"I promise to take care of you and watch over you as long as I live. I cherish you as much as I cherish this great city of Deling!"
We listened to the crowd roar. Was the guy giving his wedding vows to the woman he supposedly loved or sucking up to the citizens of Deling City? I stepped forward about to interrupt the wedding, but something stopped me. It was Rinoa's turn to share her vows and I decided that I should wait back and listen.
"Seifer," she began then hesitated "Seifer," she started again, but again didn't go anywhere with it. From a new angle she started again "I have to be a lot of things a good sorceress, good daughter, a good friend, but one thing that I wouldn't be is a good wife to you. I can't make my heart do it and I won't live my life as a lie."
I saw Rinoa turn around watched the look of surprise form on her face as she finds me less then ten feet away.
* * * * *
I didn't know what the hell I was doing anymore. I threw everything I knew away and because off that I was lost. I went looking for some reassurance something to pull me in a direction any direction; I didn't care at this point. I thought that reassurance could come from Seifer, but all I found with Seifer was misdirection. With him I was walking backwards taking in things that I didn't know where coming.
In life nothing ever comes easy that's worth anything. Squall would be the paragon example of that. Every road with Squall was rocky, but the journey with him was what made it all worth it.
Up on the alter with Seifer made me realize this all the more. He could speak to all the people in the world, but he would never be able to speak to my heart. I was in love with someone and I wasn't going to live my life as a lie. I wasn't going to take that road, because I finally choose my own road. It was the road where I got to be with Squall Lionheart.
I confessed this all to Deling City and to Seifer. Without looking at Seifer I turned to leave when I came ten feet apart from the man that I love. Squall was standing right there we were staring into each others eyes and then simultaneously ran to each other taking the other into our arms. I pressed my face against his shoulder, he rested his face on the top of my head and we stayed like that for all of Deling City to watch.
Eventually we pulled apart, but where still looking straight into each others eyes. I hear Squall whisper to me "I love you I always have."
I broke down in tears "I've loved you too," I clung to him tightly "I always have." We both shake with little chuckles of laughter, but we still clung to each other for all we were worth.
Seifer eventually struts up to us. You could see he was trying to keep his pride intact. He says not to us, but out loud to the crowd.
"I stand before the person who I care for and it pains me to see her with another man, but it's because I care for her that I'm willing to let her go. I can move on as long as I know she's happy!"
The crowd remained there too stupefied to really tell or react to what they where witnessing, but Seifer did play it right. People where looking at him with admiration for what he did.
Seifer turns to Squall and whispers "I told you I keep her happy," after that Seifer simply walks away.
Squall and I turn our attention back to each other. He picks me up by the waist and twirls me in a circle. Setting me back down we look into each others eyes one more time before we fall into a long awaited kiss.
* * * * *
I watched them from the bridge in Winhill. They were like happy children playing in the field. It made my heart swell up with happiness by just simply watching them. Love, friendship and courage prevailed and it made me excited to see what the future held.
I saw Squall twirl Rinoa in his arms the biggest smile imaginable was spread across his face. That was the Squall I always knew he could be.
No one really knows what the future will bring and you can't always prepare for it, but the way I saw it if you live your life to the fullest never taking a day for granted.well then you where ready for whatever may come.
I smiled one last time at my son and the woman that he loved. I set the paper that I was reading down on the bridge and walked away. The headline to the paper read. "Balamb General and Sorceress Married."
Authors note: This was my first fanfic ever! I just hope my story wasn't a drag. I'm just a sucker for the love stories. Always, Leah
Balambs attack was strong, but I hung on and Galbadia pulled through and maybe even with the extra bonus of killing chicken-wuss. Although we made it through Balambs first wave I worried about their second. Squall lost Rinoa to me and could very well have lost Zell as well. That type of hurt could lead a man to do some unbelievable things.
All of that was of course a concern, but not one I was going to worry about at the moment. I was excited to go home to my prize, Rinoa.
Upon arriving at the palace I was told that Rinoa had stepped out a couple of days ago. At the news I exploded throwing a chair clear across the room and watching it shatter into pieces.
"That whore!" I shouted hearing it echo throughout the place.
In our bedroom I waited until she returned later that night. She was balling and I felt exactly no sympathy for her tears. I was surprised, however, at how pleased she was to see me. She flung her arms around me, not easily persuaded by a hug I pushed her off. She stumbled back a few steps, but it didn't stop the pleasant look that was on her face. The look she had reminded me of all the good times we had. Shaking the memories away I rebuilt the anger I had for her and yelled.
"So where the hell were ya!?" It was a rhetorical question.
"Visiting someone," she answered not meeting my eyes.
"Visiting Squall!?"
"Yes, I was." The way that she so simply admitted to it made my temple flare.
"You whore!" I shouted outraged. Rinoa stood there not reacting to my claim. "What do you have to say whore?" I stared at her as I awaited her answer.
"Well," she started "I don't think its kind to be calling your future wife such names to start."
I looked at Rinoa hard. Did she mean what I thought she meant? I asked her "So you want to be my wife again?" to my surprise she nodded.
"Why are we waiting?" She asked me. What she said next almost knocked my socks off "I think we should get married as soon as possible." Astonished I just looked at her, when I was finally able to collect myself I asked.
"Do you really want to?" She hesitated when answering.
".yes." I choose to ignore her hesitation. This was great, presidency here I came! Grabbing Rinoa's hand I asked her.
"How does tomorrow sound?"
* * * * *
We all sat around him watching his chest move slowly up and down. At the moment I was feeling the effects in my heart for being as harsh as I was to Rinoa, but the way I saw it if she would had never came back into my life none of this would have happened. My heart wouldn't be crushed; we wouldn't have had two battles with Galbadia where hundreds of SeeDs died and Zell. I clenched my fist and banged it against the infirmary wall, something that Zell was very prone to doing. Quistis, Selphie and Irvine all looked up at me worried. Quistis gently puts her hand on my arm and asked.
"Squall what is it?"
I looked around the room starting to feel dizzy from it all. Focusing I told everyone "I have to get out of here."
"Squall," Quistis pleaded still with her hand on his arm. Shaking it off I went to the door and with my eyes focused on Zell I told them.
"I'll be back."
I took one of Balamb's airships to Esthar. When arriving I went directly to Laguna's office. I didn't know why that's where I went; I didn't feel like getting any father guidance. Nevertheless, that's where I went. I walked right pass his secretary and directly into his office. I caught Laguna reading the paper this time the headline was "Spontaneous Wedding." When Laguna finally noticed my entrance he threw the paper behind him.
"Sq.Squall." He stammered surprised. "What are you doing here?"
Not answering his question I asked my own "When is it?"
"Tomorrow," he breathed out heavily.
"Really," was all I could respond.
"Squall, I know how"- I interrupted.
"Please don't Laguna," I said collapsing into the chair. I felt a tear run down my cheek; I quickly brushed it away before Laguna could see. I couldn't believe I was going to loose her again. I know I pushed her away, but when I did it I didn't think I was pushing her away forever.
Laguna who was giving me a moment to gather myself finally spoke.
"It's tough kid." It's tough kid? I thought to myself what the hell would he know? Without saying anything I continued to listen to Laguna talk. "Love comes in and out of our lives so cruelly it makes you want to give it up entirely, but of all people you know that you can't do that." Why not I thought, where has love ever gotten me?
"Regardless of the love that is sometimes so hard to grasp you have to realize that it is always there," I looked up at the man that was my father "You know you have great friends that love you, you have Ellone and you have me." His voice fades off, but his point remained there.
"I know you loved this girl and Shiva knows how things are going to turn out, but Squall please don't give up on love, friendship and courage. You'll only be miserable if you do."
I don't know what was becoming of me, but actually appreciated the advice that Laguna was giving me. I stood up and shook his hand. Laguna gave my hand a couple of good shakes then turned it into one great big hug. Patting each other on the back we separated.
"You should really see Ellone while you're here," where Laguna's last remarks as I left the room, I nodded and shut the door behind me.
I went to Ellone's room still miserable, but a bit less pessimistic which in my opinion was a start. I knocked on Ellone's door from inside I heard someone call "Come in." Obediently I opened the door and walked in and once I was in I almost fell over in shock.
* * * * *
Squall had left and with his dismissal there was a feeling left in me. It was the same feeling that I had three years ago, it was the feeling of Squall not coming back. I had already dealt with it once I didn't know if I could deal with it again.
The three of them remained on Zell's side that night without much hope. We stayed with him through the night and into the next morning.
When Selphie and Irvine went to get some breakfast the next morning I stayed with Zell. Alone with Zell I didn't know what to do, so I decided to talk to him.
"You know Zell you're the only one who's stayed with me throughout the years." I felt a tear coming, but I wiped it away before it rolled down my cheek. "So you can't leave me okay. I don't know what I do without you." The room was silent until I heard a light moan come from Zell. In a hoarse gasp of a whisper he says to me.
"Alright."
I leaped into the air with joy. "Zell your awake! I can't believe it!" Zell gives me a weak smile. "How are you feeling?" I asked.
"Okay," he managed to say. We were smiling at each other came when Selphie and Irvine came back into the room screaming.
"You're not going to believe it Quistis!" Irvine exclaimed holding up a newspaper, he dropped the paper when he saw Zell.
"Zell, you're awake!" Selphie said running to his bedside with just as excited Irvine following. We where all beaming down at Zell, but he seemed to be calculating something in his head. A little later he asked.
"Where's Squall?"
We all uncomfortably turned to each other. Hesitantly I told Zell "He went somewhere."
"Where?" he asked
"Were not exactly sure," I told him
Irvine got up and walked over to pick up the newspaper which he had dropped before "That's kinda what I wanted to show you," Irvine said handing me the paper. I read the headline out loud.
"Spontaneous Wedding," I didn't have to read far into the article to learn what it was about.
"Oh my god!" I exclaimed to Irvine and Selphie.
"What is it?" Zell asked weakly.
"Rinoa and Seifer.there getting married tomorrow." Zell gasped which consequently made him wince in pain.
"Poor Squall," was all I was able to say.
"Where do you think he went?" Selphie asked. "Probably back to Esthar, at least that be my guess." Irvine told her.
"We have to get him!" I said jumping out of my seat.
"Why now?" Irvine asked surprise at Quistis' sudden reaction.
"If Squall finds out about this," I pointed to the newspaper "Who knows what stupid and irrational things he might do. He needs us," Both Selphie and Irvine nod. I turn to Zell giving him a kiss on the forehead "We'll be back soon." I told him and with Zell's nod of approval the three of us left for Esthar.
The three of us got on the Ragonark. With the Ragonark it didn't take us long to arrive in Esthar.
At the presidential residence in Esthar Ellone was waiting for us at the entrance.
"I knew you where all coming it was good to see you all." Ellone had always had a subtly excitement to her that they all adored. But before we could return her greeting I asked Ellone.
"Is Squall here?"
"He's on his way to talk to uncle Laguna. Please why don't we all go into my room? We followed Ellone to her room where we all made ourselves comfortable. In just sitting in Ellone's room you could feel her presence all around you. I know it sounded silly especially considering she was in the room with us, but there was always something about Sis that brought warmth.
We all chattered away while waiting for Squall to finish talking with president Laguna. Irvine asked Ellone.
"Your happy here right Sis?"
"Of course Irvine, but it has been a bit lonely around here with Squall gone.
"Were sorry Ellone," I told her "we should have come to see you more."
"Oh please don't apologize Quistis. You can't worry about the "what ifs" you just have to enjoy the present. You'll be so much happier if you do, trust me on that" She said with a wink. We all nodded at Ellone's words of wisdom. Just then there was a knock on Ellone's door she calls to the knocker "Come in," The door opens and Squall opened mouthed walks into the room.
* * * * *
I had just left them, but there sitting with Ellone was Quistis, Selphie and Irvine. An awful feeling washed over me and I asked. "Is Zell.dead?"
"No, no, in fact he just awoke from his a coma," Quistis reassured me.
I breathed out a heavy sign of relief, but I was still confused. I asked them "What are you guys doing here then?" They all gave each other an uneasy look and then Quistis said.
"To make sure you're alright. We were afraid of what you may do because of." She faded off.
"Thanks guys I appreciate the thought, but your not going to stop me from what I'm going to do."
"What's that?" Irvine asked.
"I'm going to stop Rinoa's wedding."
"What!?" the three of them said at once.
"You don't feel what I feel toward Rinoa all too often. I'm not going to let her pass me by again, or at least not without a fight."
Everyone was silent they all looked too stunned to know what to say. Out from the silence Quistis asks everyone "Can I talk to Squall alone?"
"Sure," Ellone was the first to answer "I'll go talk to uncle Laguna."
"Hey, I want to talk to Laguna," said Selphie.
"I want to talk to the old boy too," Irvine said following the two woman out the door.
It was just Quistis and I now. There was a moment of silent tension between us before Quistis broke out.
"You can't go stop Rinoa and Seifer's wedding!"
"Why not?"
"Because.because think all the lives you will be ruining if you think your wrong about you and Rinoa."
"But that's the only thing I've ever been sure on." I told her "The only thing that I've ever really known is Rinoa."
"You're not thinking this through Squall. Do you really want to marry a sorceress?"
"Quistis, please." I was surprised at how objective she was to my decision. Quistis continued to persist.
"You can't Squall you just can't."
"Why cant I?"
"Because, I'm in love with you."
Her words hung out there waiting to be claimed, but they never where. I didn't know how to react. I tried to say something, but words never came out. I was only able to look at Quistis who was beyond embarrassed. I think it was because she was beyond it that she was able to keep going.
"Squall, all she has ever brought you is pain. If.if I was your girlfriend I never.I wouldn't bring you an ounce of pain."
I thought about what Quistis was saying and I agreed for the most part, but there was one thing that Rinoa brought me that not even Quistis could.
"She brings me hope Quistis."
"Hope?" she asked.
"Hope that even someone like me can change and be the better for it. She makes me want to be a better person. Even when we weren't together she did."
Quistis was silent; I couldn't tell what she was thinking. Thankfully before I said something she did.
"You better not let someone like that go."
I smiled giving her a big hug, which was something that neither of us where accustomed to. Pulling back from each other she says to me.
"Let's go get your hope."
Leaving Ellone and Laguna the four of us boarded the Ragonark and set it's destination for Deling City.
It was hard to park the Ragonark amongst that the wedding brought to the city. Barely managing we parked the Ragonark and made our way into the city. I never imagined before what a huge deal this wedding was for the citizens of Deling City. There where banners, flowers and confetti everywhere. It made me feel a tinge of guilt for what I was about to do, but I wasn't going to let that tinge stop me from what I was going to do. I had a break from the shutting door and I was going to make it through.
Making our way through the crowds of people we eventually came to the sorceress' palace, but the front door was as far as we got. At the entrance to the palace we're guards waiting for what was probably us. We fought through the first fleet, but with the arrival of the second and thirds our victory started to look smaller and smaller. As much as we struggled we knew we were just too out numbered. We were eventually beaten and taken as prisoners. They brought us to the Deling City prisoner cells which where under the sorceress' palace. There in that prison cell my friends watched as I wallowed in my own self pity.
The irony was so bitter that I almost choked on it. Here I was in Deling City, Rinoa was just above me, and I was going to rot in a prison cell as she married my rival. I was bitter, angry and depressed beyond belief. How could I have screwed this up so badly? If only I wasn't such an asshole to her when she came to me last. There were those "what ifs" again. They where going to be the death of me. I slumped down in the cell and swallowed back my pain. I turned to everyone and said.
"I'm sorry."
"No need for you to apologize Squall," Irvine tried to comfort, but was unsuccessful.
"It's my fault you guys are here. All for some hollow personal cause of mine. You all deserve something better then that, you guys would be right to just leave me."
"Squall your cause is our cause that's what friends are for," Selphie seemed to always put a positive spin on everything.
I couldn't believe what kind of friends I had. I felt like I didn't deserve them, they followed me without question and look where it got them, where it got Zell. He knew that now was the time to tell them how great they really were.
"Guys you are the most brave, courageous and honorable people I know. No matter what happens from here on out I want you guys to know how much you mean to me."
Quistis now took her turn to put her two cents in. "Don't talk like it's the end Squall Lionheart. No matter what happens from here on out we can't, we won't leave you."
"I would if I were you." It was Seifer coming down to our cell all dressed up in his tux.
"Well I'm off to my wedding I thought I could check in on you losers before I went," I looked desperately into Seifer's eyes I saw none of the kindness and compassion that I saw when I looked into Rinoa's eyes. In a desperate whisper I say to Seifer.
"Take care of her."
Seifer looks at me his arrogant smile never bigger. "Is that the sound of defeat Squall?"
"You know that was never what it was about for me," I told him "Now Seifer I beg you keep her happy." Seifer's smile shrunk a notch. Without another word, but rather a slight nod he turns and leaves.
I laid on my back after that with thoughts of only Rinoa in my head. Everyone in the cell was silent; we could hear the wedding starting from our silent cell.
My hope was gone. Just then we heard voices coming from down the hall. It didn't sound like soldiers, they where too loud. Just then I heard a familiar voice loudly whisper.
"Squall sir, were here to set you free." I looked at the two men standing before me.
"Zone, Watts what are you guys doing here?" I asked.
"Setting you free so you can stop Rinoa from marrying that slimy basterd," Zone answered as he unlocked our cell. We all piled out of the cell I shook Zone's hand.
"Thank you." I told him, but as I tried to let go I felt him tighten his grip around my hand.
"You better bring her back unwed," he threatened me. I simply nodded and waited for him to let go of my hand. When he did I ran like hell to go stop the wedding.
It wasn't hard to get to the wedding considering everyone in the city was invited. There weren't even any guards. Pushing our way through the crowd we where able to get to the front just as Seifer was taking his vows.
"I promise to take care of you and watch over you as long as I live. I cherish you as much as I cherish this great city of Deling!"
We listened to the crowd roar. Was the guy giving his wedding vows to the woman he supposedly loved or sucking up to the citizens of Deling City? I stepped forward about to interrupt the wedding, but something stopped me. It was Rinoa's turn to share her vows and I decided that I should wait back and listen.
"Seifer," she began then hesitated "Seifer," she started again, but again didn't go anywhere with it. From a new angle she started again "I have to be a lot of things a good sorceress, good daughter, a good friend, but one thing that I wouldn't be is a good wife to you. I can't make my heart do it and I won't live my life as a lie."
I saw Rinoa turn around watched the look of surprise form on her face as she finds me less then ten feet away.
* * * * *
I didn't know what the hell I was doing anymore. I threw everything I knew away and because off that I was lost. I went looking for some reassurance something to pull me in a direction any direction; I didn't care at this point. I thought that reassurance could come from Seifer, but all I found with Seifer was misdirection. With him I was walking backwards taking in things that I didn't know where coming.
In life nothing ever comes easy that's worth anything. Squall would be the paragon example of that. Every road with Squall was rocky, but the journey with him was what made it all worth it.
Up on the alter with Seifer made me realize this all the more. He could speak to all the people in the world, but he would never be able to speak to my heart. I was in love with someone and I wasn't going to live my life as a lie. I wasn't going to take that road, because I finally choose my own road. It was the road where I got to be with Squall Lionheart.
I confessed this all to Deling City and to Seifer. Without looking at Seifer I turned to leave when I came ten feet apart from the man that I love. Squall was standing right there we were staring into each others eyes and then simultaneously ran to each other taking the other into our arms. I pressed my face against his shoulder, he rested his face on the top of my head and we stayed like that for all of Deling City to watch.
Eventually we pulled apart, but where still looking straight into each others eyes. I hear Squall whisper to me "I love you I always have."
I broke down in tears "I've loved you too," I clung to him tightly "I always have." We both shake with little chuckles of laughter, but we still clung to each other for all we were worth.
Seifer eventually struts up to us. You could see he was trying to keep his pride intact. He says not to us, but out loud to the crowd.
"I stand before the person who I care for and it pains me to see her with another man, but it's because I care for her that I'm willing to let her go. I can move on as long as I know she's happy!"
The crowd remained there too stupefied to really tell or react to what they where witnessing, but Seifer did play it right. People where looking at him with admiration for what he did.
Seifer turns to Squall and whispers "I told you I keep her happy," after that Seifer simply walks away.
Squall and I turn our attention back to each other. He picks me up by the waist and twirls me in a circle. Setting me back down we look into each others eyes one more time before we fall into a long awaited kiss.
* * * * *
I watched them from the bridge in Winhill. They were like happy children playing in the field. It made my heart swell up with happiness by just simply watching them. Love, friendship and courage prevailed and it made me excited to see what the future held.
I saw Squall twirl Rinoa in his arms the biggest smile imaginable was spread across his face. That was the Squall I always knew he could be.
No one really knows what the future will bring and you can't always prepare for it, but the way I saw it if you live your life to the fullest never taking a day for granted.well then you where ready for whatever may come.
I smiled one last time at my son and the woman that he loved. I set the paper that I was reading down on the bridge and walked away. The headline to the paper read. "Balamb General and Sorceress Married."
Authors note: This was my first fanfic ever! I just hope my story wasn't a drag. I'm just a sucker for the love stories. Always, Leah