Anyway, here's chapter Eleven. Note that there's slight lime, and if you're one who gets offended easily, then that's too bad... The song featured is One Night by The Corrs, a wonderful song from a wonderful band. Also, I'll be adding a flashback on the previous chapter in every chapter, 'cause it frustrates me sometimes when I read a fic's latest chapter and forgot what happened before that.
*~*~*~*~* This chapter is dedicated to my good and close friend, Angeline Shu AKA FrozenFemale. Thanks for everything you've done and for being the person you are! I know things might seem to change sometimes, we might change, but no matter what, nothing can break apart the friendship we've blossomed. Cheers! *~*~*~*~*
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Previously...
Squall gets mad at Zell and Irvine for disrupting his date with Rinoa the night before, but cools off after setting up another date with her during lunch. Seifer sneers at him about his previous relationship with Quistis, and purposely says something about 'getting Rinoa into bed', which leads to Rinoa doubting her ability to commit in that. During their lunch date, Squall offers to help her out in her Language Assignment and they have another meeting in her dorm. There, he tells her he loves her, but she begins to have mixed emotions about her true feelings, and decides she isn't ready to say the same to him. He thoroughly understands, telling her to take her time. They share a kiss but not without being interrupted by the dinner bell.... XD
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"Who? What does
it matter? Or...do you need a name to describe me? A definition by words is
merely a means to deceive oneself. It's meaningless before the truth. What
matters is how you perceive things. The slightest shift, then life and death
no longer have any meaning."
~* Unknown, Xenosaga Episode 1: Der Wille zur Macht *~
The months passed slowly without much happenings, except for the final term examinations and the annual spring camp in Winhill, which chosen students from the three Gardens; Balamb, Trabia, and Galbadia Garden, attended. Everyone groaned and moaned over their studies and notes, trying to cramp last minute facts into their heads. Zell went hysterical when he was late for his Language Exam and practically failed to answer half the questions, but Leane managed to calm him down after a few days. Irvine took everything coolly, and secretly Squall thought he wouldn't even cared if he failed all his exams.
Rinoa was doing quite good as well. With Squall always by her side, she opened up a little towards other people, mostly other female students, or Selphie and Leane, to be specific. Although she did talk to Squall's best buds from time to time, she still kept a careful distance away from other guys, especially Seifer. Squall made doubly sure he didn't try to pull anything on her, but ever since the last day of exams, he and Quistis seemed to be spending a lot of their time in either her or his dorm…
~And I wouldn't want to know what they've been doing, I'm sure….~ Squall sighed as he stirred his cup of coffee in front of him. As usual, Zell was gobbling up hotdogs with an amused Leane next to him. Irvine, on the other hand, was busy making out with Selphie. Heck, nearly the whole Cafeteria was making out. It was as if all the students thought the final day of exams was the 'first day of the Smooching Season', as Squall'd heard a fellow classmate say.
"Guys, give me a break…." he muttered, rolling his eyes. Zell took no notice and just continued stuffing.
"Mmm… jealous… aren't we?" Irvine managed to say between his kisses. Selphie giggled playfully and settled herself more comfortably on his lap, making Squall's eyebrows arched up about what seemed like a few feet to him.
"Cut it out," he grumbled. Sipping his drink, he grudgingly poked his boring meat loaf on the plate. Only when a familiar scent of perfume lingered around him and someone sat down on the chair beside his did he immediately brighten up. He turned with a smile. "Hey."
"Hi. Sorry I'm late. Dropped by the ladies for a minute." Rinoa said as she placed her lunch tray on the table.
"Hello, Rinoa," greeted Leane cheerily. Zell swallowed with a choke and managed to mumble out, "Yo." Selphie and Irvine, on the other hand, didn't seem to be aware of her arrival at all. Rinoa rested her stare on the couple demonstrating their undying passion for each other, speechless for a moment.
"How interesting," she said drily. "I noticed the whole Cafeteria as well…."
"Haha, you're right." Squall laughed. He edged closer to her and leaned to her ear when the others weren't watching. "Are you free tonight? I was wondering whether we could catch dinner and a movie… you know… in town…"
She blushed at the question. It wasn't often that he asked her out in public, but she merely replied, "Sure… fine with me… um, is it a triple date or something like that?" She nodded towards Zell and Irvine inquiringly.
"Nope, just the two of us… alone…."
Somehow, the word 'alone' sent excited little shivers up her spine, but she was also kind of glad. For the past few weeks, the only dates she and Squall ever went for were with Zell, Irvine and their girlfriends-- or triple dates, as Irvine insisted on calling them. She was looking forward to some quiet time between themselves…
~Quiet and wonderfully romantic…~ She corrected mentally. Her mind flew back to the things Squall did in their other dates and began listing an invisible notepad. ~There's that first date on the beach… that swing thing… and then the roses part in the next date…. and then that '10 reasons I love you' poem on that card… and th-- ~
"Great. I can't wait." Squall's voice burst her bubble of thoughts, making her look at him again. She smiled shyly.
"I'll meet you in the hall at 6:30, okay?" she inquired, but he shook his head.
"Can you make that 6:00?" he said instead. "'Cause I was hoping we could catch the 7:30 movie... I, uh, haven't gotten the tickets yet, you know…" He seemed a little sheepish at his last few words. She couldn't help smiling again.
"It's alright. 6:00 would be fine," Rinoa replied, taking a sip from her glass of juice. Her head was once more starting to weave little romantic thoughts of the night's date. Unconsciously, a tiny grin touched her rosy lips.
~This is going to be one loooong night….~
"So what movie are we going to watch?" Rinoa questioned as she and Squall stepped out of the restaurant they'd dined and walked along the quiet streets of Balamb Town. It was a chilly night for late autumn, and she tugged her dark jacket closer to herself and shoved her hands into the pockets. Squall shrugged.
"Uh, I have no idea… I mean, it's up to you… you know, you pick one," he said.
"Okay," she said slowly. "What's on?"
"Are you up for action? Or what about comedy?"
"I think a comedy would be fine. I'm in the mood for laughing." She gave a rare giggle, making Squall smile. They made their way to the theatre and saw that there were already queues of people lining up at the ticket booths. Squall grimaced and looked at his watch.
"Oh man, this is going to take a century," he muttered, then looked at his companion. "We still have about 30 minutes before the movie starts. So what do you think? Reckon we can get the tickets in time?"
Rinoa's eyebrows arched down thoughtfully. "It's worth a try…" she finally said. "Hey, but even if we don't get the tickets, maybe we could go off somewhere… you know, somewhere… quiet…" ~Hint, hint, and alone… make that alone and romantic…~
"Alright, then. Come on." He took her hand and walked into the rather crowded main hall where the ticket booths were. He felt her tensing suddenly and gripping him like a vice, then she stopped and pulled him back a little. Surprised, he turned to her.
"What's up?"
"I… I think I'll stay outside while you get the tickets… okay?" She sounded uncertain and nervous, but Squall knew what the problem was. She still had trouble around people, and with such a crowd of mostly males around her, he could tell she would be freaked. He studied her for a while before asking, "Are you sure you're going to be fine outside there? We can skip the movie, if you want…"
"No, I'll just stay by the door until you're done… I'll be fine, really…" she answered softly. He smiled again, then said, "Extra caramel popcorn, right? A deluxe one!"
"Didn't we just had dinner?"
"This is called snacking, I believe…"
She couldn't help chuckling at his words. "Alright."
"I'll be right back." Squall nodded and left, disappearing into the crowd. Rinoa rested her eyes on the spot he last was, sinking into deep thoughts again. He was so sweet, sometimes she even had to wonder whether she was in a dream or not, and that when she woke up, everything would just go 'poof'. She recalled the moment he first told her he loved her… that was months ago, but in her mind, it seemed like it all happened yesterday. It had been a long time, and their relationship was almost going steady, but she still had not said those three little words to him. There were times she tried… she tried so hard it hurt her… but she just couldn't bring herself to say it. She didn't know exactly why. Perhaps a part of her heart still wasn't very sure on this relationship, but hadn't they been dating whose months? Why would she still be uncertain when all this time everything went fine?
"Get off the door, sweetheart, you're blocking the way!" A tall, punky guy drawled as he inconsiderately shoved her aside. She jumped in fright, but quickly sank deeper into the shadows, where, hopefully, no other people would notice her. She always tried her best not to have any kind of contact with another person.
"Ah! My dear Miss Heartilly… now why am I not surprised to see you here….?" This time, it was a voice she utterly dreaded. Her eyes widened in alarm, but she made no attempt to turn or answer as Seifer casually leaned next to her with a sly grin. He appeared to be alone, either that or Quistis was no where to be seen. Instinctively, Rinoa began moving towards the busy theatre hall but he silently stepped up in front of her, obstructing her way.
"Oh come on, don't leave so quickly… let's have a little fun first…" He sniggered, running a hand in his blonde hair. She shrank back fearfully, but something in her heart told her he didn't dare to try anything funny. He definitely wouldn't risk being expelled from Balamb Garden, with the Headmaster on her side.
"Where's Puberty Boy, huh? Or if you're alone, I don't mind us catching a movie together or something…" he said.
"I'm here with Squall," she answered defiantly. "Get out of my way or I'll scream." She tried to pass him again, but he merely moved closer to her, his green eyes gleaming.
"Not if I can help it. Now what do you say we go – " His hand was beginning to reach out to her, but a cold voice made him freeze. The slyness in his eyes was replaced by anger.
"Touch her and you're dead."
~Squall! Oh thank God…~ Relief filled Rinoa's heart and she heaved a heavy sigh. Seifer growled something under his breath but slowly turned to meet eye to eye with a grim looking Squall, whose fist was just itching to bash the idiot up. However, Garden rules always got the better of him, and anyway, it was no use being in Headmaster Cid's bad books.
"Well, well… look who's here…" Seifer shrugged, another grin creeping up his face. "I must say that was bad timing, Puberty Boy. Just as things were getting hot."
"Whatever. Get out of here," replied Squall.
"Hey, it's a free country, right? Nobody said this part here belongs to you."
Squall narrowed his gaze, his jaws tightening. "Fine. Rinoa, let's go." He held out his hand to her and she immediately accepted it, making sure she was in a distance from Seifer and moving away. The latter gave her a wink, saying, "Catch you later, princess."
"Whatever," retorted Squall. They left the place, all of them unaware of a pair of watchful eyes observing them from another dark spot, and walked for almost 10 minutes before stopping at the Balamb Town Park. "Damn… are you alright?" Squall asked in concern, turning to Rinoa. She responded with a nod.
"Yeah. You came just in time…" she said, then gasped. "Oh, we forgot about the movie!"
"Nope. Tickets were all sold out. A good thing too, or I might have been too late stopping that bastard…." muttered Squall, clenching his fists. "Did he hurt you? Did he touch you?"
"No, he didn't do anything assaulting. He just wanted to know whether I was alone or not…"
"Bastard," spat Squall. "I've got a good mind to complain to the Headmaster."
"No, don't. Please don't make it a big deal, Squall. He was just being a jerk."
"Hmm…" Squall seemed skeptical, but he said no more and changed the subject instead. There was absolutely no point in wasting their time together talking about Seifer. "Anyway, so, what do you wanna do now?"
"I don't know…" Rinoa answered, shivering slightly as a chilly breeze picked up. "I mean, uh… can we get back to Balamb Garden? I feel tired…. suddenly…"
"Garden? Sure," concurred Squall with a nod and glanced at his watch. "7:26. Plenty of time to rest up for tomorrow!"
"Umm… yeah… yeah, plenty of time…" she mumbled in a dreamy tone which made him turn to her in surprise and curiosity. He wanted to once more inquire whether she was alright or not, but decided he didn't want to sound like some old grandma.
"Righto. Let's get going." He shrugged.
He was 22 years old; 20 years of luxurious life, all the beautiful chicks he wanted, all the money he needed, and spending 2 other bloody years in a dingy, smelly prison cell with some bloody, rotten homosexual inmates before finally being able to be free once more. Ah, the word 'freedom' had never meant so much to him… bounded to nothing with nothing bounded to him…
But that wasn't all, in his case, for his freedom meant something else… revenge… sweet, wonderful, tormenting revenge… on someone he both loved and detested… someone he was absolutely dying to get his slimy hands on after all that happened…
~I'll hunt you down even if it takes me my life…~ He remembered thinking so the moment he stepped out of Desert Prison in Galbadia, seeing the bright cloudless sky above him for the first time in a couple of years. And he still held on to that thought… along with other particular plans of his…
He'd spent at least a month searching in Deling City and the other towns in Galbadia, but could not find who he was looking for. He finally hired a private investigator from the City, who successfully smelt out the person, but not without a price. Damn investigator… he'd spent almost half his remaining money on him…
Anyway, he had his lead. His destination was Balamb… and here he was, in a tiny, dirty room, no different from the cell he was in before, called a motel. Fuck that, he wasn't here for a vacation. He didn't care.
It was a little past seven in the evening. He was hungry, so he went out in search for good food… cheap, good food. It was his first dinner in Balamb Town and he wanted it to be satisfying, at least.
And then, it all started… he remembered that 'fateful' time indeed… 7:17PM… location, the street near the town's theatre. Target found.
It was someone's question which first caught his attention.
"Ah! My dear Miss Heartilly…. now why am I not surprised to see you here…?"
He'd frozen in his tracks before his sharp eyes scanned his surroundings to find the source of the voice. And when he'd finally seen what was happening, he merely smiled in satisfaction. His hunger for food was immediately replaced by a hunger for something else… for someone…
~Mission accomplished…~
It was about a quarter to eight when they reached the girls' dormitories. Rinoa produced her card and swiped it over the sensor at the door of her room. When the affirmative 'click' was heard, she turned to Squall with a sweet smile.
"Thanks for the dinner. I… really enjoyed the evening…" she said rather shyly. He grinned and shrugged.
"No prob. I'm just really glad we got to spend some time together… just the two of us… exams have been pretty hectic… it's good to release tension sometimes…"
"Mmm… yeah…" She nodded slowly, uncertain about what she might say next. The two of them looked at each other in silence for a moment or two. The hallway was strangely quiet and lonely, as one or two students usually still loitered around, waiting for either their girlfriends or friends.
"Do you want to come in?" Rinoa suddenly blurted. The question caught Squall off guard, but he answered quickly, so quickly he sounded almost eager, to his own ears.
"Um… yeah!" He nodded, running a cold hand in his hair.
"Right…" She seemed pleased with his response, but said nothing as she stepped into the room. He followed her in and realized that it was only his second time being in her dorm. He couldn't help the smile on his face when he remembered what happened the first time he was there. She took off her jacket and hung it up in her closet.
"Here, have a seat…" She gestured towards one of the chairs and the bed. "Where ever you want to…"
"Thanks," Squall said, advancing to the chair. He wasn't particularly into sitting on a girl's bed… "Haven't changed much, huh? Your room, I mean…" he added hastily.
"Nothing significant. Just a few stuff here and there… do you want some water?" She was heading to the bathroom with a glass in her hand, but paused for his answer. When he shook his head, she continued in and came out again with the glass filled with icy cold water. Once more, there was a brief silence. Squall had no idea what they were going to talk about. He didn't even know why he wanted to come into her room. His answer before was somehow just too… hasty…
After gulping down a reasonable amount of the water, Rinoa ended the deafening silence, "Uh… so… anything up lately?" Sitting at the edge of her bed, she knew that was a silly question. She and Squall practically saw each other everyday, and since they were in the same school, there hardly was anything that either of them didn't know.
"Oh… nothing much… hanging out in the Training Centre… hanging out with you…" He gave her his cute, boyish smile, making her heart flutter. She nodded slowly, taking another gulp of water. Yet another pause made its way into the awkward atmosphere.
"So… um, what're we going to talk about?" Squall asked, rubbing his hands together.
"I… I don't know…" she replied and placed the half empty glass on her desk. "Do we have to talk?"
"Well… let's just stare at each other, then…"
She chuckled. "Is there a reason for that?"
"I just want to drown in your eyes…" he said quietly. "Those beautiful eyes of yours…"
That made her look up at him, meeting his observing gaze. For the second time, they stared without a word, and it seemed as if a few hours had passed when Rinoa broke their eye contact. Her heart was beating fast, and she knew she was definitely blushing. Looking too long into his eyes always made her like that. She just couldn't help it.
"I, uh… I better get going…" Squall's voice reflected the slight nervousness she was feeling as well. He stood up and was beginning to walk to the door, but she reached out for his hand to stop him.
"Squall, wait…" He paused and turned to her, eyebrows raised. She didn't know why, but the moment his eyes were on her again, a strange, knotted emotion formed in her heart. Her heart was beating faster and she found herself almost out of breath.
"Yeah? Is something wrong?" he inquired, a puzzled expression on his face. "Are you alright, Rinoa? You look… breathless…"
She didn't answer. The next thing she did surprised him and shocked her own self. She moved in and pressed her lips against his, preparing herself for the usual rollercoaster ride she took whenever they kissed. This time, however, there wasn't any dizziness or head-swirling at all. The second their lips met, the suffocating feeling in her heart just burst, sending rushes of warmth throughout her entire body.
A low grunt evoked from Squall's throat when the unexpected kiss came. He was amazed at what Rinoa did, but he didn't care. It was a long time since they'd made out. His hand moved down to her waist to pull her closer, eliciting an unusual soft moan from her. She ran her fingers in his soft, brown hair, bringing their level of passion and excitement to a crescendo.
Long day, and I'm ready
I'm waiting for your call
'Cause I've made up my mind
My heart aches with a hunger
And the want that you were mine
No, I cannot deny
She didn't know exactly why she had suddenly kissed him. She didn't want to bother finding out either. The only thing she did know was that she'd never felt this way towards another person before. She wanted to feel his lips on hers, tenderly grazing them… she wanted his hands pressing her harder against him… she wanted to love him… she wanted him…
Yes, she wanted him… and though it scared her a little, and made her unsure about what she was doing, for once, she didn't care. She didn't want to care. She just ached for him… so badly…
Gently breaking the kiss, she looked up at him breathlessly. The desk lamp which she'd switched on when she entered suddenly seemed so faint, making her surroundings dim. But she could still see the pair of waiting eyes studying her, and once again another rush of warmth overwhelmed her.
She wanted him… her aching was intensifying… how was it that she could feel this way? What power did he, and only he, had over her?
Sliding her arms around his neck, she leaned up to his ear. His breath was against her neck, making her body even hotter. When she spoke, her voice was a murmur, "Squall… make love to me…"
So for one night, is it alright
That I give…. you
My heart, my love, my heart
Just for one night
My body, my soul
Just for one night,
My love, my love
For one night, one night, one night
He couldn't say he wasn't entirely shocked with her words, and he couldn't say he didn't want to do it either. He wanted to, but he was willing to wait for her. He was aware of what happened in her past, and like he'd said before, he didn't want to rush anything. He loosened his embrace to look into her eyes.
"Are you sure?" he asked gently. "I mean… are you ready? I can wait if you –"
"Squall… I want you… now…" She didn't know how she could be so insisting, but her next word was hushed. "Please…"
That was enough to convince him. Ending their short conversation, he seized her lips with his and allowed his eager hands to roam up to her face. Their tongues tenderly probed each other as if in curiosity. He gave in to his contained hunger, devouring her mouth passionately before moving down to rain tiny kisses along her neck and below her jaw. The lingering scent of her perfume tantalized him. Another short, low moan escaped her as he slowly pushed aside the strap of her cotton blouse to kiss her shoulder.
When morning awakes me
Well, I know I'll be alone
And I feel I'll be fine
So don't you worry about me
I'm not empty on my own
For inside I'm alive
Her emotions were in turmoil, but she definitely wasn't going to put a stop to what they were doing. The pleasure was too much, and inwardly, she marvelled how he knew exactly where her erogenous zones were as his hands and lips took their time to explore her anatomy. She had to bite back any sudden groans, knowing any passing student outside might hear them. The last thing she needed—they needed—was Headmaster Cid or Commander Briggins interrupting them.
It didn't take long before all their clothing articles were removed, scattered onto the floor, and forgotten. Sinking into another kiss, she could feel his arousal pressed against her thigh. The air seemed thick with heat and suspense, and somehow they'd edged nearer to the inviting bed. They broke off just as her back met the soft material of the mattress with him atop her. His lips swept pass her exposed neck and to her breast, kissing the hardened tip and drawing another involuntary moan from her.
"Squall…" Rinoa's hazel eyes moved down to his broad, muscled chest, tracing up to his face. He turned to her. His expression was unreadable, and he looked as if he was concentrating on something, or thinking hard. The more she stared at his partly shadowed face, the more she realised how moist she was between her legs. That knotted feeling was growing once more in her heart.
"Yeah?" he murmured. He tried his best not to sound too eager.
"Take it slow, okay?" came her quiet voice with a quiver of uncertainty. "I mean… just be gentle…"
He studied her silently before lowering his head to hers. The kiss he gave her was enough assurance. His hand moved to intertwine with hers, and she forced all her other thoughts out of her head, wanting to only savour the delight and bliss of their first lovemaking.
That for one night, it was so right
That I gave… you
My heart (my heart), my love, my heart
Just for one night (one night)
My body, my soul
Just for one night (one night)
My love, I loved
For one night (one night), one night, one night
When he slowly moved into her, she couldn't help a tiny whimper from her voice box as the familiar feeling of being intruded in that area reached her. Her fingers tightly clutched his hand she held, and for a moment, haunting images of Lac grinning evilly over her flew into her mind. Panic gripped her and just as she was about to instinctively scream out in fear, Squall's voice managed to find its way to her eardrums.
"Are you alright?" She opened her eyes, which she didn't even remember shutting, and met his concerned gaze above her. She sucked in a much needed breath, suddenly realising she was panting, out of terror or excitement, she didn't know.
"Yeah, I… it just… brought back memories…" she answered.
"Do you want to stop? It's alright if –"
"No… just… go on…" She inhaled deeply as he looked at her for a while, then began a moderate rhythm. He could see the muscles near her eyes twitching at each of his tentative thrusts. Her hand was holding him tightly again. She was so hot around him, he felt he could melt any second. The pleasure was almost too intense for him.
For one night, it was so right
That I gave…. you
My heart (my heart), my love, my heart
Just for one night (one night)
My body, my soul
Just for one night (one night)
My love, my love
For one night (one night), one night, one night
One night…
After some time, he gradually picked up a faster pace, responding to the quiet pleas and urges from her. She was overwhelmed with amazement, having no idea how the sensational tingling between them could be so good… so different from what she'd experienced before…
They tried their best to keep their volume down, but even Squall couldn't prevent the blissful grunts he gave out. They were reaching the peak of their lovemaking, and when climax did arrive, he captured her in another kiss, stopping her just in time from crying out. The fingernails of her other hand was digging frantically into the flesh of his back as she took in the wonderful feelings and warmth spreading to her entire being. Her inner muscles contracted furiously around him, making him squeeze his eyes shut in raw passion.
Out of breath, he slumped down onto her, and though he was heavy, she enjoyed having him this close. They were both panting, sweat coating their bodies, and still feeling slight, tingly tremors from their climax.
They lay there like that, him above her, catching their breaths, until Rinoa called him softly, "Squall…?"
He kissed her neck, replying, "Hmm?"
And this time, it wasn't very hard to say it. "I love you…"
He paused, then brought his face to hers. His blue eyes were moved and emotional. There was an unfamiliar feeling in his heart which he couldn't recognise. His hand reaching up, he stroked her cheek lovingly. "I love you, too, Rinoa…"
She gave him a small smile and encircled her arms around him, pulling him nearer, as if never wanting to let him go.
They fell asleep like that.
He walked down the rather isolated street in Balamb Town, a bottle of beer in his hand. It was only his first one, so Seifer wasn't exactly all that drunk not to sense the stealthy footsteps behind him. He gritted his teeth in annoyance. Who the fuck was trying to follow him?
~Only one way to find out…~ He took a swift turn into a dark alleyway, pretending to look around for other people, as if not wanting them to see where he was going. Immediately after that, he stepped up by the wall in a shadowed corner and chucked the almost empty beer bottle aside, his green eyes alert. The soft footsteps were getting nearer.
Just as that somebody turned into the alley, Seifer dashed forward and grabbed hold of the person's collar, noting it was a man. He slammed him against the brick wall, a hand gripping his throat threateningly. A painful grunt was heard.
"What the hell are you doing? Who the hell are you?" growled Seifer menacingly. The guy held up his hands.
"Hey, hey, chill out. I'm not your enemy." was the calm reply. Seifer tightened his grip around him.
"What the fuck do you mean? You were following me!"
"That's 'cause I have something interesting to share with you."
"Something interesting, huh? Well, the only interesting thing we're gonna share is me kicking your pathetic ass!"
"Whoa, man, chill out! Don't you trust me? Come on, let me go and I'll tell you all about it…"
"Trust you? Hell, I don't, you – "
"It's something about Rinoa Heartilly…." the guy interrupted in a sly tone. As he'd expected, his statement made Seifer stop for a while, suspicion lighting in his eyes.
"How the hell do you know her?"
"Let's just say I'm her… acquaintance…"
Seifer didn't know why, but that answer seemed to satisfy him. He released his hold on the guy, stepping back with a frown. He folded his arms and cockily said, "What about her?"
The guy massaged his neck where he was almost choked, a weird smile on his lips. He pulled his outfit straight and dusted it, making Seifer want to roll his eyes.
"She and I have this… unfinished business together… we go way back, you might want to know…"
"Oh really… whatever you say, pal…"
"You want a piece of her, don't you?" The question froze Seifer. He eyed the guy suspiciously, who merely laughed. "It's so clearly written on your face, my friend. But you're not the only one, I want a piece of her, too… a real big one…"
Seifer suddenly grinned. "What are you getting at? Is it what I think it is?"
The guy chuckled again. He scratched the back of his neck casually, saying, "Oh yeah, it's exactly what you think it is. I've got a plan in set for dear Rinoa… I just… need someone to work with… someone who knows precisely what I want…"
"So you think I'm your man, huh?"
"Of course. Unless… you don't want to participate in this game…"
"Huh," Seifer muttered scornfully. "Don't want to? Think it over. Anything with Rinoa as the prize, count me in."
"Excellent!" The guy snapped his fingers in triumph. "Very excellent indeed. A bright choice, I must say." He held out his hand in a business-like manner. Seifer looked at it for a second before reaching out to shake it, the wicked smile still on his face.
"Now, my friend, what's your name?" the guy inquired.
"Seifer Almasy," was the immediate, arrogant answer. "And you are…?"
There was a pause as the guy stepped out of the shadows into the area partly lit by the street lamps. For the first time, Seifer actually noticed how he looked like. He had rather long, bleach-blonde hair, a determined face, and a strong jaw. His dark blue eyes were cunning and intelligent.
"You can just call me…" His smile widened and he cracked his knuckles slowly. "Lac."
How
was that? It took me about 3 or 2 days to write the steamy part between Squall
and Rinoa, and I know I did it horribly. Tell me if I did! I'm such a hopeless
romantic..._ I suck so much in writing the juicy parts... how sad...
I had time to proof read, so I didn't send this chapter to my editor. But if
you did manage to notice any grammar mistakes or typos, let me know and I'll
correct them... if my internet connection is good... anyway, review...