The Price of Love

Chapter 5

Two Weeks Later

Squall's POV

I hate hospitals, I really hate hospitals.

I hate the smell, the noise, the food…

But at least I'm alive.

She brought me back. Rinoa. I can't believe she sat by my side the entire time. Once I was out of ICU, I made her go to her room. She needed to sleep and relax.

She visits me a lot, so do the others. I know I was really close to dying. Dr. Kadowaki said that I beat the odds. It could've been a lot worse.

The only way it would've been worse for me is if it had been Rinoa. The shot fired was a kill shot, aimed at the head. If I hadn't been there, she would've died.

The sniper was some psycho from Galbadia Garden. His name was Demitri Corlen. I heard he did it because it was Rinoa's fault that the war occurred. That really hurt her, but even she knows it isn't true.

I hear the door open and I look over. Selphie comes bouncing into my room, followed by Zell, Irvine, Quistis, and the Library Girl.

"Hey man!" Zell yells, "How you feeling?"

"Like crap." I mutter. That is a lie, I'm actually pretty happy. But I have to stay in character, you know? The only person I don't have to fake around is Rinoa.

"Hello Commander." The Library Girl says.

"Um…hi. Do I know you?"

She laughs, "My name is Sydney. I took care of you when you first came in. I'm also Zell's girlfriend."

I nod.

Selphie grins, "Doc said you'd be out soon."

"Yeah." I reply. Gosh Selphie is annoying sometimes. I mean, I have nothing against her, she's just so loud.

The door opens again and Dr. Kadowaki enters, armed with a syringe.

Nobody really knows this, but I hate needles.

One she injects me, though, I don't mind.

Painkillers are good….

Three Weeks Later

I'm finally out of that stupid hospital. I check out and make my way back into Garden, my home.

It's unusually quiet. Rinoa told me to meet her in the quad…

Crap, they're throwing me a surprise party. I do not feel like going to a stupid party.

I enter the quad, which is surprisingly quiet. No party?

I spot Rinoa standing in a nearby corner. She smiles and walks up to me.

"Nice to be back, huh?"

"Yeah."

She takes my hand, "Come on."

I follow her, and she takes me out to the balcony.

"Remember?"

I smile, "Yeah. I remember it well."

She giggles, "You were expecting a party, huh?"

"Yeah, I was."

"I decided not to have one. I know you hate parties."

I lean on the nearby rail, "Thanks. You know me well."

"I don't wanna get off the subject, but where are you staying for Winter Break?"

I forgot about that. Every winter, the students are required to leave Garden for a break.

"Wherever I can find." I reply.

"Where do you usually stay?"

I shrug, "I've squatted a few times."

"You're a squatter? Squall, that's no way to spend Christmas! An abandoned building with no loved ones…"

"Wouldn't make much difference."

She sighs. "Look, my uncle has a cabin. It's pretty close to Garden, so you could get here in case of an emergency. I asked a friend to go, but she bailed. I don't want to stay alone, or go to my dad's. There are separate bedrooms. Would you mind staying with me?"

"With you?"

"Please? We could have some nice time alone. And you need a good Christmas. It would mean a lot to me."

I sigh, "Alright. I'll stay."

She smiles and hugs me, "Thank you so much! Pack your stuff and meet me in the parking lot at 1600 hours!"

Military talk, she always does that to mess with me. "I'll be there."

"See you!" She replies as she runs off.

This is going to be interesting…

Author's Notes: I was going to keep Squall in the hospital longer-maybe make a few more problems-but I decided against it. I'm gonna make this a little fluffy, because I love fluffy stories.

Also, this WILL NOT be a 'Lemon'. I don't write those. Please don't ask me to write one. I will not do it. I like focusing just on romance. Squall and Rinoa's bedroom activities will remain their business. J