Disclaimer: I don't own FF8...

Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews! Sorry that I haven't updated in a while, but the final days of school are here and you know how it is with final exams and graduation. Plus, my computer had a virus in it, so I wasn't able to go online. And then, to make it even worse, FF.net has been down. Now, I am finally out of school and I can update whenever I want!

Never Free

Chapter 7- The Mole

"Have a seat." Rodney Billows ordered Irvine and Rinoa. "The reason why you are here is because I have urgent news." He paused to stare at both of them. "We have discovered a mole."

"What?! A mole here? In Garden?" Irvine asked, outraged.

"Calm down, Kinneas." He glared at him. "To answer your question, yes we believe that there is a mole here, in Garden. Maybe even two of them. As to who they are, we have no idea, but I assure you that I will find out."

Rinoa shifted uncomfortably. "Do you have any leads, Sir?"

"There are a few people we suspect... I will notify you and Kinneas when we find anything else out. You are dismissed."

Rinoa and Irvine left the office. "Who do you think the mole could be?" Irvine asked.

"I really don't have a clue. I just hope that Billows catches him soon."

"Yeah. Who here would want to sabotage Galbadia? I used to trust everybody here. Now, I guess I have to be on my guard with everyone."

"Everyone? Does that include me?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Rinoa. You know what I mean. Now, if I were you, I'd get to work before Billows catches us out here." Having said that, he walked away.

Damn, if Billows finds out about me and Dad, we're dead...

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"So, what's the plan?" Caraway asked Cid, hours later. Squall had called Rinoa to meet with him and she figured it would be a good time to notify Balamb that Galbadia could be on to them. Her, Caraway, Squall, and Cid were all in Cid's office, discussing what to do next.

"Does Billows suspect you or Rinoa?" Cid asked Caraway.

"When I was talking with him today, he told me two people who he thought could be the mole. They were two agents named Smithy and Rawlings. He didn't seem to suspect us, but I couldn't be one hundred percent sure."

"And," Rinoa added. "When I met with him today, he didn't seem to suspect me at all. He even said that he would notify me when he found out more information."

"He can't be on to us, then." Cid said. "There is no way that he could figure us out. We plan our moves too carefully."

"So, like I said before, what's the plan?" Caraway asked.

"Nothing." Cid replied. "Unless we feel as if they are really onto you, then I believe that it is better if no action is taken. It could hurt you, instead of help you."

"So you're saying that we just play along? Even 'help' him if we have to?" Rinoa asked.

"Exactly. Is that going to be a problem?"

"No, of course not, Sir. It's an excellent plan."

"Good. Now, Agents Leonhart and Heartilly, could you please give me a minute with Caraway? It's been a while and I'd like to chat up with a good friend."

"Of course, Sir." Squall saluted and Rinoa did the same. Then they exited Cid's office and were greeted by none other than Quistis.

"Well, well...look what the cat brought in..." Quistis remarked

"Don't you have anything better to do?" Rinoa asked, ignoring her comment.

"Well, until you came into the picture, Squall and I would be doing all sorts of great things right now. He just feels the need to conceal our relationship from you."

"That's a load of bull and you know it!" Squall snapped.

"Is it really? Come on now...why don't you just admit it before Little Ms. Heartilly's feelings get crushed?"

Rinoa was starting to get really pissed. She gripped the ring around her neck for support. Ever since Squall had given her Griever, she found herself using it as a source of strength and comfort. "Quistis, will you please just back off?"

Quistis didn't answer her. Her eyes were glued to the ring hanging around Rinoa's neck. "Where did you get that ring?"

Rinoa glanced at Squall. "Um...a friend gave it to me."

"You're a liar! That's Squall's ring and you stole it from him!" Quistis accused.

"I did no such thing!"

"Sure...that's why Squall's ring is missing and you're wearing it."

"Quistis, Rinoa didn't steal my ring." Squall said, irritated.

"Oh, then how is it that she has it?"

"I gave it to her, Quistis."

Rinoa stared at him. What is he thinking?!

"What?! Here you are, breaking the rules again, for her! How ironic, when you won't even look at me." She glared at him. "You are not getting away with this. No, not this time." She barged into Cid's office.

"Agent Trepe, what are you doing?! Can't you see that I am having a private conversation?" Cid asked, outraged.

"I'm sorry, Sir, but I didn't feel like this could wait."

"What? What is so important that you had to come barging in here and interrupt me?"

""It's about Squall, Sir...and Rinoa."

"What about my daughter?!" Caraway asked, alarmed.

"This doesn't concern you! My message is for Cid, only!"

"Agent Trepe, have some respect! What the hell has gotten into you?! Calm down and tell me what's going on."

Quistis took a deep breath. "Romantic relationships between agents are prohibited in Garden, correct?"

"That is right..."

"Well, Agent Leonhart, aka Squall, and Agent Heartilly, aka Rinoa, are breaking those rules! They do have a romantic relationship!"

"That's absurd!" Caraway shouted. "Rinoa would never do something like that! She knows better!"

"Calm down, Caraway. Agent Trepe, do you have any proof that Agents Leonhart and Heartilly have a romantic relationship?"

Before she could respond, Squall and Rinoa entered the office. "What's she telling you now, Sir?" Squall asked.

"I was just about to tell him about your ring, Squall. You see, Sir, first, I caught Rinoa and Squall embracing on the docks. Now, Rinoa is wearing Squall's ring. Would an agent or even a friend be doing that?"

"Squall, is this true?"

Squall looked at the floor.

"Rinoa's wearing the ring now Sir. Check if you like." Quistis said.

Cid looked at the ring around Rinoa's neck. "Is that your ring, Squall?"

"Yes." Squall mumbled.

Cid stood up. "Caraway, I suggest that you take your daughter home. I will deal with Agent Leonhart on my own."

Caraway nodded. "Come on, Rinoa." He grabbed her wrist and dragged her out of the office as she threw a helpless glance at Squall.

"Take a seat, Squall." Cid barked. "We have a lot to talk about..."

Author's Note: Review please!