Here's chapter two of Cry me a river... Hope you still want to read the rest of it! Just a reminder that this is a songfic with slight OOCness and the lyrics might be altered and out of order. Also slight lime/lemon whatever you call it in this chapter. (If you don't get the chapter names, read all three of them together in a sentence... -_-;;)

Cry Me a River: …that triggered the decision;…

By Reikamae

"No…" Quistis drew in a sharp breath to keep herself from crying. Her number one priority was Rinoa who was now shaking so much from shock. "We need to get her calmed down. I'll leave her with Zell after we tell the others."

Irvine immediately understood and carefully lifted Rinoa into his arms as he followed Quistis.

The once perky Zell was now sluggish and quiet. Since word spread fast the whole Garden seemed down. Even Seifer and his 'gang' felt sorry for all the things they've done in the past. Quistis told Zell to stay with Rinoa to make sure she didn't do anything to herself due to grief. It also gave something for Zell to do besides sulking around the Garden.

Once he got to her dormitory door he knocked softly even though he expected no answer. He cautiously opened the door not knowing what to expect. After a quick search of the room he found her sprawled on the bed face down. He took off his shoes and slowly sat next to her not knowing what to do. Should he talk to her? Touch her?

"…I…I loved him…" Rinoa's voice was muffled from the blanket but it was so quiet in the room so Zell could still understand her.

Zell slowly ran his hand through her soft, silky black hair. "You still do. Just because you don't see him or touch him physically doesn't mean he's not here. Squall will always be watching over you no matter what…" His voice trailed off when Rinoa turned over on her back.

Her eyes were swollen and puffy from all the crying and her face had turned a soft pink. Zell could see she had been clawing her face in frustration because there were several bleeding lines running down her face. He got up and went into the bathroom to get a wet washcloth. When he got back he found her sleeping soundly. After putting a spare blanket around her and cleaning her face he lay next to her and also fell asleep.

A few hours later Zell woke with a start. It had gotten so warm for some reason making him take off his shirt. He checked on Rinoa who was still sleeping- she was shivering like she was cold but when he touched her forehead he found she had a fever. Acting quickly he wrapped another blanket around her and carefully carried her over to the infirmary where he also called the others.

Dr. Kadowaki said it was just a fever from all the stress and shock. She advised for them to calm down so it wouldn't happen again. "Judging from her temperature she should be out in a few days. I'll call any of you if anything happens."

Everyday Zell visited Rinoa and brought her gifts. He knew this is what Squall would've wanted- for him to care good care of Rinoa. Rays of sunshine cascaded down from the slits of the drawn blinds and onto Rinoa's white blanket. Minutes later she stirred and turned to find Zell staring at nothing; thinking.

Why did you leave me, all alone…

"…Why? Why… did he leave me all alone?" Her voice was barely audible due to fatigue.

Zell snapped out of his thoughts and shook his head. "He didn't. I told you he's here with you, always. And don't you forget that you have us, too."

A little later Dr. Kadowaki walked in and said Rinoa was good enough to leave the infirmary tomorrow morning. Zell thanked her for everything as she left.

Rinoa was still upset but managed to do some activities with Quistis and Selphie. Since he had offered earlier, Zell took Rinoa back to her room. She invited him inside for a minute while she got herself settled in for the night. Once she was ready Zell bid her goodnight and started to leave but was stopped with a request from her. "Please stay with me tonight. I don't like being alone…"

So you took a chance…

"I… don't know." Was it okay? It wasn't like they were going to do anything. Besides, he didn't like leaving her here by herself not knowing what she would do to herself. "Alright. I'll be back after telling the-"

And made other plans…

"No. Please… just stay here with me…"

But I bet you didn't think your thing would come crashing down, no…

Zell couldn't resist the pleading look in her eyes. "Yeah, okay."

Rinoa walked over to the bathroom and changed into her nightshirt and shorts while Zell stripped down to his boxers outside. When Zell was done he was ready to climb into bed but stopped in confusion when Rinoa spoke. "…Hold me…"

Turning around Zell was afraid to meet Rinoa's eyes, unsure of what to do. After much debate in his head he decided she was just feeling unloved and needed a reassuring hug. He gradually stepped close enough to Rinoa and wrapped his arms around her small frame. It had gotten quiet from the awkward moment so Zell heard Rinoa start to cry again. Her warm tears ran down his toned chest and landed on her dark blue tank top. Zell tightened his grip around her hoping it gave some condolence. Casually he kissed the top of her head and calmly whispered soothing words.

Almost on instinct Rinoa gently kissed his collarbone. With all the things that had happened in the past few days she wasn't thinking anymore. She didn't care… Rinoa kissed him again on the nape of his neck and lightly pressed herself against him, yearning for him to return her efforts.

Zell forgot everything and ran his hand under her shirt caressing the smooth skin. Where had this feeling come from? He started with her forehead and left a trail of kisses down the side of her face and stopped at her neck where he delicately licked the warm skin. Rinoa shuddered making Zell pull her in tighter.

One of Rinoa's hands seductively slid across his chest and wrapped around his neck, slowly running through the base of his hair. The other pulled her shirt off, which she threw down next to Zell's feet.

Now Zell closed his eyes and let his lips find Rinoa's. The kiss was sweet and passionate satisfying both hunger and want. Zell turned themselves around to face Rinoa's back to the bed and slowly lowered her down careful not to break the tender kiss…

A/N: And you could just guess what happened... hmmm. I didn't want to go too far cause I wanted it still PG-13. I might extend it later as an 'R' rated thing. Next chapter is the last one! Those of you that know the song might already know what's going to happen... Don't forget to review!