Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews again.  I am honored.  This chapter is a bit shorter than the rest, and not much plot advancement.  However, it is short and romantically sweet.  Happy readings...

Chapter 17

Irvine stood confused, leaning against a pillar of the ballroom, as did a few other Balamb Garden students.  (That was….different.  What am I doing at a party with all these strangers?)  The music continued to play, despite the temporary confusion of some of the dancers.  The cowboy headed back to his dorm room.  (No sense in staying with this slight headache….I don't remember drinking.)  He swiped his card key, opening the door, and quickly shutting it behind him.  (What the hell just happened?!)  He decided to stop wasting time, pondering on his confusion.  Irvine knew that he would not be able to figure it out.  He looked at his computer screen, which he had forgotten to turn off.  There was a new message for him from the headmaster of Galbadia Garden.  He clicked on it.

Cadet Irvine Kinneas –

Your presence is requested within two days.  All sharpshooter advanced level training commences soon.

Regards,

Galbadia Garden Faculty

The gunman was tired from the slight head pains as well as physically.  Flashes of memories went through his mind.  It was strange however, because he did not recall talking to any of Balamb students.  (I know I'm not anti-social…there must be some good lookin' women 'round here!) he thought to himself.  Irvine decided not to pursue the thought further as he was extremely tired.  (Sleep, then I'll go back to Galbadia Garden tomorrow morning, where there are definitely plenty of women to surround me.)  He hastily threw off his tuxedo and changed.  He collapsed on the bed, just barely managing to turn the lights off before falling sound asleep.

***

"I do have a surprise for you!" Rinoa smiled at him, laying her head upon Squall's warm and very comfortable shoulder.  Then softer, she said, "But don't you want to stay out here just a little longer?"  The spirited young woman had a point.  The sound of the midnight bluish-black ocean lapping the shore alone was enough to draw listeners to her.  The sound of peace, contentment.  The twinkling stars in the sky served as tiny, romantic candles dotting the vast, infinite sky.  The moon cast her gaze upon the world, allowing her soft glow to permeate any darkness.  Squall thought the ray of moonlight shone upon Rinoa's hair like the stars shined their light on the universe.  No wonder it was said stars guided people.  If the seemingly small stars in comparison to their surroundings could light up the endless black night sky, then what was a human life compared to the vastness of the universe?  Rinoa felt the corners of Squall's mouth lift up in a small smile as he planted a kiss to the top of her hair.  He slipped his arms around his raven-haired beauty.  They stayed there for a few minutes more, enjoying each other's company as well as the presence of the uninvited, but welcome, guest, Nature.

She smiled shyly at Squall and elegantly stood up, gently brushing the grass off her dress.  She extended her small, delicate hand to her heart's love.  She felt a sense of completeness because of the man sitting before her, gazing at her with affectionate wintry blue eyes.  This was true love.  She trusted him completely and would prove it again to him a little later.  The arguments with her father were a bit for show, covering up her pain from her 'father's' distance towards her.  Rinoa did not understand why that man kept his distance from her.  Little did she know it was from excessive guilt and heartache.  He saw his beautiful dead wife every time he gazed at his daughter, the same eyes, slender frame, and spirit.  Both of his women could enchant people with mere words.  They had the ability to touch the hearts of almost everyone around them.

Rinoa gazed back at Squall with such earnest love and affection that he had never received from anyone before.  She was truly amazing.  He chuckled at her extended hand.  "Aren't I the one that is supposed to help you up?"  He accepted her hand but did not use her support much.  He put the strain on his well toned legs.  Her response was a mere smile.  She intertwined their fingers and lea him away from the cold, of the night and of his heart…