*Author's Notes* Okay Okay...I'm soo sorry for the long wait but it's 8 o'clock Saturday morning and I intend to finish this chapter before 12...or maybe 1...or maybe 2...whatever. I WILL finish it before tomorrow morning that I am certain. Again I apologize for the REALLY long wait in between chapters. But I'm really desperate for this one to make up for the crappiness of the last ones so for about two weeks now I've been begging for ideas, writing notes on what I think should happen, comparing plots and so on. So here I go to finally put it on paper...or pixels or whatever (*take a deep breath*). Wish me luck! I'm gonna need it.

*IMPORTANT FOR PREVIOUS READERS* Oh and by the way...during the days when I really had no idea what to do in this chapter, I spent my time editing the previous ones and therefore making some changes. If you are too lazy to go back and re-read these changes (I made them on February 13^th so only read this if you read the story before that date) I'll just summarize what has happened that didn't before. First of all, I put this whole little side story Laguna. The ball is now the one-year anniversary ball for the defeat of Utlimecia and Laguna is coming to try to rebuild his relationship with Squall who has been avoiding him since he found he was his father. And then there's Quistis' `reputation' I added...I kinda made Quistis a bit of a slut (sorry to those Quistis fans) who is trying to race Rinoa in seducing him. And lastly, Rinoa has fully prepared to leave Garden the next day if Squall doesn't reveal their relationship. That's all the major changes I made so don't worry
about being lost or anything.

~*Chapter 7*~

Just Another Girl

"Just another name in your little black book,

Just another face in the crowd and it's got me shook.

I've got to mean a little more to you than a space in the list of your things to do

You can call me crazy. Call me insecure

But I don't want to be...just another girl"

-Monica

It had been no more than two hours since the ball began and already it seemed like it couldn't end soon enough. Not that it was bad or anything. It was actually quite beautiful to say the least...just not what a cowboy would consider his idea of fun.

Selphie, also known as `Miss over-do-it', had really (for lack of better vocabulary) over done it, somehow turning a military celebration into a scene from a cheesy fairytale. But still, one could appreciate how much effort was put into this gathering. The Quad had been carefully partitioned into 3 areas, all decorated accordingly to the main colors blue and gold.

To the far right piles upon piles over the most exotic and delicious entrees and drinks were laid out on royal blue silk tablecloths while some waiters occasionally came back to refill their glasses of champagne. It was here that the dinner and speeches would be made afterwards.

To the left were a few comfortable chairs and couches where people could sit and socialize away from the hubbub of the dance floor, which was in the center. A few young couples could be seen waltzing away happily to the soulful music played by a full orchestra seated at the front. Among them there was Quistis, twirling with one of her students in her form fitting gold ensemble that made her partner seem like he was going to faint. Rinoa was seen gracefully sitting by herself in a corner, constantly checking the entrance and Selphie was beside him, already a little tipsy from drink on top of being deliriously happy from the success of her first party that didn't involve just the students of Garden.

"They do like they're having fun," she said excitedly to her date "Do you think they look like they're having fun? I hope they're having fun."

Irvine leaned further on the banister of the second level walkway that surrounded the Quad and pretended to survey the scene. "Looks everyone is enjoying themselves" he turned back to Selphie who's face looked like it would split if she managed to stretch her smile any further, obviously waiting for another compliment. "Uh...and you did a great job in putting this together."

"I did didn't I?" She said while she yet again scanned the ballroom, searching for a crooked chair or a folded streamer...something, anything that she could fix to make it that much better. This was a hopeless case for everyone knew better than to touch anything, and even though filled to the brim with people, the Quad hadn't changed a bit since she finished the preparation work.

At the graduation ball a few months ago, Selphie had actually brought a megaphone to the party and yelled at anyone who dared to touch the hand-waxed candleholders or tread on the Persian carpets or even smell the carefully arranged bouquets. But tonight, with much convincing, Irvine had somehow managed to get Selphie to leave the megaphone (in exchange for leaving his hat for the first time in years) but she was still scary, even unarmed. And the people of Garden knew better than to do anything besides eat and dance.

"I still don't see our dear Commander though." She leaned further over the ledge as if checking to see if perhaps he was hanging under that walkway and Irvine had to grab her shoulders to keep her from falling over. "Tee hee. Oops..." she giggled sheepish as she was puled back onto solid ground before taking another glass of champagne from a passing waiter which Irvine hastily confiscated.

"I think you've had enough."

"Oh hogwash!" She grabbed the glass back, spilling its contents down the front of dress but not noticing. "This is my party and I'll cry if I want to. Besides, I'm determined not to waste any of this fine champagne since SOME people had better things to do than come to a ball held in their honor."

"Oh come on Seffie," he stifled a laugh as she looked questioningly at the empty glass after she tried to take a sip. "You didn't actually expect Squall to come now did you? I mean given the choice, he'd probably never go out in public!"

Selphie shrugged before attempting the get at the few remaining droplets of alcohol. "Well he'd better if he doesn't want his ass kicked for the rest of his life." She gave up on the glass and turned her attentions back to the ball with a sigh. "He may be nicknamed the `Lion' in battle but when it comes to real life matters he's the biggest coward I've ever met."

"Give the guy a break. We can't blame him for hating people and fun...we can taunt and harass him but we can't bla..."

"She's going to leave ya know?"

For a second Irvine was confused, thinking her random statement was a simple side effect of the current level alcohol in her blood ...but then he followed her eyes to the floor below and saw, with a pang in his chest, Rinoa sitting by herself...crying softly. He had never really been close to her, but it would break anyone's heart to see such beautiful angel weep. Such spirited and lovely creatures shouldn't be allowed to cry. It was just wrong.

Getting his attention, Selphie continued. "She told me that if Squall didn't come out about their relationship...then she was going to leave Garden...and he doesn't even bother to show up." He couldn't tell for what reason her words were slurred, but the pain in her voice was obvious. Besides Quistis (who got on every one's nerves once in a while), Rinoa was the only other close friend she had. And if she left it would be a serious dent in Selphie's spirit, something Irvine loved her for.

Yes he loved her.

He, Irvine, the infamous player was actually in love with ONE woman. Of course he would never publicly admit this, and old habits die hard (such as the attraction for blondes) but to see her in pain...that was too much for him to bear.

Suddenly, Irvine hated Squall. Hated him for being such a stubborn idiot. Hated him for being so cold toward Rinoa and in the end hurting his Selphie and thereby hurting him.

She was right...he was a coward.

Soon, Selphie too could be heard sobbing softly at the sight of her heartbroken friend. And it was all because of him. If Squall wasn't here in ten minutes not only would he gladly let Selphie `kick his ass' as she put it, but he himself would probably kill him if someone didn't beat him to it. Quistis too seemed a little angry that she was left alone during the biggest social event this year. She was in the opposite corner of the ballroom, in perfect view of the entrance and mumbling to herself...probably planning how many ways to tell the Commander off with the possibility of a few permanent, physical injuries.

Irvine brought Selphie into a soft hug and whispered the usual comforting lines such as `don't worry' and `everything'll be okay'. These were all lies of course. If Squall didn't appear on time there was no chance of him showing up later. In the eyes of everyone the war had already been lost. Rinoa was probably contemplating whether or not to bring her weapons to medical school, Quistis was trying to decide what to wear at the NEXT ball and here they were planning to avenge this room full of broken hearts for only one man. The night was far from over but hope was long since gone.

*He better be here* Irvine thought as he held a shaking Selphie in his arms. *For his own sake he better*

~*~

Rinoa fiddled idly with the chain around her neck, constantly checking to make sure that there was two and not one ring around her neck, proving that this entire year with Squall had not been a dream.... or more like a nightmare nowadays.

He hadn't come...

Deep in her heart she hadn't really expected him too. He wasn't exactly well known to jump at the chance of a little social interaction. But the desire in her soul somehow held onto the few shreds of hope and cultivated them into certainty.

She had been foolish to think so highly of him...he was a coward...famous for avoiding his problems until they disappeared. And that's what he intended to do with her...leave her alone and maybe she'll come running back.

Well enough was enough!

Tonight was the last straw. She was leaving. That decision was final. She would leave right now before he had a chance to speak to her and dissolve her determination with a few whispered words and actions in a broom closet. He wouldn't hurt her like this again.

Gathering the hem of her dress in her fist so as not to trip over it, Rinoa stood up from the chair she had been sitting in for the past 2 hours waiting for him and made her way across the dance floor. She ignored the couples' odd stares as she broke the rhythm of the waltz by marching in between them, positive in her mind that after tonight she would never see them again, therefore there was no reason to care.

This was it.

It was over.

She was finally going to be rid of this wretched Garden, its prejudice students and not to mention her idiot boyfriend. She was going to become a doctor like she always wanted. She was going to find some nice, sensitive and romantic man who wanted to settled down and raise a family. And, most importantly, she would be free.

Free from the stupid rules. (Ex: No food and large electric appliances in the dorm. It's been so long since she's watched Saturday morning cartoons while snuggled in her blanket with a bowl of hot porridge)

Free from imprisonment. (She was never allowed outside of Garden's campus)

Free from the inhumanity. (Students as young as 15 going off to kill people for money.)

And Free from him and his sense of commitment equal to that of a cow...she should be celebrating. She should be jumping for joy.

But then why did she feel like dying?

The answer was simple...she was in love...an emotion that she despised and cherished at the same time. Like a sickness and its cure together.

She hadn't even made it to the orchestra before her eyes started to water. The last thing she wanted was to let Quistis and the world leaders know that she was upset so she quickened her pace, keeping her face level with the floor so as to hide her strain to keep the tears at bay. It wasn't long before she bumped into someone roughly. This was starting to become a habit. She only prayed it wasn't HER again.

But no, luckily it was a man. She could tell by the shoes since she still refused to lift her eyes from the polished marble.

"I'm sorry..." she mumbled, trying hard to keep her voice from breaking and moving to step around whoever she had hit. But the man held her arm in a strong grip, refusing to let her go.

"Rinoa...?" he asked sincerely, studying what he could see of her face to see if he had mistaken her identity. "Is...is that you?"

Rinoa couldn't just walk away from whomever had spoken, she was upset but she still wouldn't be rude. Looking up at her captor, the raven-haired beauty found herself staring into a pair of bright green eyes, crinkled in the corners as he smiled his famous smile that could literally light up a room and force any girl to return the gesture no matter how depressed she was. This man was Laguna, the president of Esthar, and Squall's father.

"By Joe it is you!" he exclaimed happily, pulling her into a friendly hug. "It's been ages my dear. And you're looking more and more like your mother everyday." Even though they had only met a few times (Rinoa had been unconscious for the majority of the group's stay in Esthar) Laguna still treated her like they were the best of old friends every time. Each simple encounter always seemed special. He was the kind of man who'd try his best to make you laugh just to see you smile. He'd never deny your company even if he was overloaded with work and he was certainly the most open and interesting person when it came to discussion and emotion.

"Thank you Mr. President." She said shakily, blinking away the pools forming in the corner of her eyes and giving a small curtsy. Laguna shook his head at this gesture, clearly uncomfortable with the formalities.

"Please," he insisted, taking her small hand in his large ones "call me Laguna." He smiled again before bowing and giving her palm a gentle kiss.

*He was so sweet* Rinoa thought as she blushed. If it hadn't been for the blood tests, no one would have dared to think that this man was the robot Commander's father. Logically, it really didn't make sense.

It was funny the way nature worked...Maybe Squall's personality had been switched with someone else somewhere along the line? Maybe it was opposite day at the time of his birth? Maybe his heart was two sizes to small? For Whatever reason, personality wise Squall and Laguna were as alike as a polished diamond and a lump of coal (guess who is which?)

"Hyne Rinoa, if possible you more radiant than ever." Rinoa couldn't help but blush again as she wiped away the remaining droplets of tears with the back of her hand. He still hadn't said anything about her obvious state of sadness and she was grateful for that. Laguna always put your feelings above his own and if curiosity was nipping at him he didn't show it. He just smiled more broadly and kissed her on the cheek.

Once confident that he would not bother her about her crying, Rinoa found the courage to observe him more closely. It wasn't hard to see the resemblance in his features to those of Squall. The sturdy jaw, the straight hair, the tall figure and the eyes, though green and not blue, had the same sparkle to them.

"It's great to see you Laguna." She somehow managed to say without sobs hacking her voice. "It's been too long."

"It has hasn't it? It's just been so hectic in Esthar. We're still rebuilding from the damage made be the creatures from the Lunar Cry. And there were other things of course..." he chuckled to himself, both of them knowing the REAL reason he had been forced from visiting...the same reason she was now in tears. "You haven't seen him by any chance have you?"

Rinoa shook her head, trying not to appear distraught but with genuine apathy. "I do not believe he's here yet. But you know Squall; he's not the biggest fan of parties and all the attention that comes with this particular one."

Laguna ran a hand through his graying black hair and nodded in agreement. "I was hoping a year would make him more social...but I guess some things never change." With a sigh he nervously began scratching the back of his neck while scanning the ballroom. Rinoa smiled as she remembered Squall doing the exact same thing when she asked about their future...they were more alike than either of them knew.

"I hear he has a girlfriend now" Laguna said casually, and Rinoa involuntarily let a small gasp escape her lips. Interpreting this as shock and surprise, he continued. "You don't know? Well Cid had told me that it was kind of a secret...what's her name again?"

She dared to hope that it was her...maybe this was Squall's way of bringing their relationship out. Tell Cid, who then tells Laguna and then just be open about everything till everyone knows. Maybe he was waiting for her right outside the hall. Maybe he was waiting in her dorm to surprise her! Maybe he had a heart after all!

"...oh yeah I remember now!" Laguna tapped his head smartly, proud that he had remember the name of his son's significant other. Rinoa waited with baited breath for him to put 2 and 2 together, realize that she the `secret' girlfriend, give her a big hug and ask her too call him `dad' instead of just `Laguna'. The whole nine yards.

"Quistis, that's it! Maybe she knows where he is." Rinoa's face visibly fell at the mere mention of her name. Quistis was the girlfriend...of course...should she really have expected anything else.

He had done it again without even doing anything. Squall had managed to break her heart with his mere existence.

But still, she didn't bother to correct Laguna on the identity of his son's lover. He didn't even know his birthday let alone what relationships he was currently in...besides, this relationship would cease to exist soon enough. If she only managed to get away.

"I'm so sorry Sir. Laguna," she began with a smooth voice, too angry to be upset. "I promised a friend that'd I'd help her with her junctioning homework. There's a test tomorrow she and has such difficulty with the subject. I'll have to excuse myself. Goodnight!"

"I thought you didn't have classes tomorrow?" Laguna asked, puzzled by her sudden flare and eagerness to get away.

*No classes...oh yeah...oops* Rinoa gave herself a mental head slap before flashing her best smile back at the president. What did he know bout the schedule of Garden, she could make up anything she wanted and be halfway out of the country before he could figure it out. Not that it really matter, but the last statement about Quistis being Squall's girlfriend had only boosted her desire to leave and therefore muddled her thinking. "You must have been miss informed Mr. President. SeeD have classes everyday of the week and there are no holidays." This was one of the first things she had been taught at Garden and anyone would back that statement up.

"But tomorrow is Saturday?"

*another oops and another mental head slap*

Laguna, being a human sensor of emotions, noticed Rinoa tense and wondered, with genuine concern, what had been troubling her so much that she was firstly crying and then making up excuses to leave a party held in part in her honor. (Though a student, she was still part of the team who defeated Ultimecia).

"Are you alright?" he asked, gently placing a hand on her shoulder.

*Run away* she told herself urgently. *You're never going to see him again! Just turn and run away!*

"I...I" she stuttered, trying to find the words that would let her off the hook and keep her reputation as someone sane. Luckily, she was interrupted.

"Ah Rinoa!" exclaimed a smiling Cid as he made his way to the pair. "I've been looking everywhere for you! Edea and I have just begun the seating arrangements for the dinner. But first we want a photo of all our heroes. Do come and join us."

The last thing she wanted to do at the moment was pose and pretend to be happy with the friends she would be leaving behind...but what she wanted less was to be stuck with Laguna.

"I would love to." She lied, whispering a formal goodbye to the president and following Cid to the dinning area where many of the world leaders had already been seated. They were all somewhere along the lines of 150 years old, with gray hair and protruding, round bellies. Their hands were full of glasses of brandy and cigarettes, as they leaned on the blues silk tablecloths to hear each other better, having pointless, never-ending discussions about the politics. This was what the future held for Squall...she hoped he enjoyed it while she was away basking in the glory of normalcy. And she hoped he missed her. Not because she wanted him back, but because he deserved to suffer after all this. Regretting every minute of everyday that he had let her go.

"Rinoa!" she heard someone yell. Turning her head to the left, she saw three of them waiting patiently on the makeshift stage where the long main table was set. Quistis, looking bored and stunning in a skintight gold dress that tied around her neck. Selphie, laughing exuberantly as she tried to walk in a straight line without falling over. And Irvine was waving enthusiastically at her, looking extremely different yet hansom without his trademark cowboy outfit. Selphie must have done something stupendous to make him give up the hat...he was obsessed with that hat...she didn't wanna know.

"Hey guys..." she said, seating herself next to Irvine, the one person of the three who she didn't hate and that wasn't drunk.

"And I thought she was bad when sober," he gestured to the giggling Selphie who was now rolling around on the stage. "Remind me never to be seen in public with her again."

"So your `get her drunk and take advantage' plan backfired didn't it?" Rinoa playfully punched him on the arm, knowing very well that Selphie hadn't gotten THAT intoxicated without a little persuasion. Especially at her own party.

"Me? Take advantage?" Irvine protested in mock hurt, smiling at her ability to see through him so easily. "Now where did you ever come up with that idea?

"Okay okay everyone," came Cid's booming voice as he approached them, squinting behind his glasses and counting them off. His usual smile was replace with a scowl as he realized they were two heroes short of the entire squad. "Where's Zell and Squall?" he asked, peering over his shoulder in case they might suddenly appear. "They were supposed to be hear over two hours ago! The dinner will be starting soon."

"Sdon't sworry Sid..." slurred Selphie from her lying position, the queasiness now winning the battle over her nerves. "I called sem about ans half hour ago. Theys be here soon."

"Thank you Selphie." He said slowly before returning his attention to her friends "and could someone get her a sedative before the press come in for the ceremony? We do have a reputation to uphold here."

"Already done sir." Replied Irvine boldly, shaking a pill bottle he just pulled from his jacket pocket. "It should take effect in a few minutes."

"Thank you Mr. Kinneas, in the meantime we'll just wait for the others. Squall promised to do the opening speech..."

Rinoa mentally laughed, knowing that a promise was as important to the Commander as a carrot to a carnivore. But Cid seemed confident enough as he strode away toward the entrance to wait.

He'd be there for a while it seemed.

Rinoa turned her attentions to Selphie, for lack of anything better to do, and helped smooth back her sweat soaked bangs from her face. She wasn't looking too good at the moment. The time in between seriously drunk and perfectly fine was never very comfortable. "Are you okay?" she whispered, while lightly rubbing her shoulder.

"I'm fine..." she said in one ragged breath. Her words weren't slurred anymore, at least she was finally sobering up before she made a complete idiot of herself in front of the many cameras the press would surely bring. "It's just...I'm just..." she suddenly sat up and clutched a hand to her stomach "I'm definitely gonna be sick." And with that, she sped off to the bathrooms with such speed one could swear she was flying, Irvine following close behind and looking as if he didn't know whether to be amused or disgusted.

Rinoa would have laughed if it hadn't been for the situation her two friends running off left her in. Here she was, sitting side by side with the object of her discomfort...the one and only Quistis who, now that they were alone, certainly wouldn't mind dropping her act of indifference and reveal her true identity as the wolf in prostitute's clothing.

As expected, as soon as the two others were out of sight, the blonde wasted no time in averting her gaze to the sorceress with a sick smile playing over her features.

"Rinoa I simply love your dress," she said sweetly, every word dripping with sarcasm. "It so...daring!...most girls with any sense of dignity wouldn't be caught dead in something like that. You probably got it at a really good price since it's obviously a mess up."

Rinoa couldn't help it, she looked down at her dress as if to judge herself how bad it was. She had made it herself of course. Being a student she wasn't paid yet and she depended solely on the meager bonuses she had received for saving the world for food and school supplies. Compared to Quistis' ensemble it was certainly nothing special. She had simply bought a long piece of imitation silk fabric, wrapped it around herself and bunched it together at the right hip. It had taken days of pinning and sewing to get the creases exactly were she wanted them and it was especially hard without a dummy of model to work with but in the end she had been relatively proud of herself. Still, only a few rude comments from Quistis made her ashamed of her efforts.

But she wouldn't admit that. Not now. Not ever.

So with an equally sarcastic smile, she retaliated. "And yours instructor! It's so beautiful. Where did you get it? Skanks `R' Us?"

If Quistis was hurt by this, she didn't show it. But she was however, obviously surprised that the ever-so-gentle Rinoa had actually fought back. She remember what Selphie had said about the blonde's `reputation' back in her dorm when they were preparing and right now it was all she had to work with in the way of insults. Of course she could always use the `Squall will never love you' thing, but she wasn't sure if that was true. And, not to mention, that subject was kind of sensitive and would soon lead to shaking limbs and sweaty palms...not pretty.

"Oh come on..." Quistis rolled her eyes and picked up a glass of champagne that had been resting beside her. "You don't have to be jealous just because I get more action than you."

*Ha!* Rinoa mentally laughed at the preposterousness of the statement. Jealous of her!?...No way.

Just because she had every man lusting after her.

Just because she had the freedom to be with Squall.

Just because she would, in the end, be the object of his affections once she was out of the picture...

No, Rinoa wasn't jealous...she may be writhing in envy but jealousy was too childish to describe what she felt.

"I know what you're thinking." Quistis said matter-of-factly while taking a generous sip from her glass and placing it back onto the stage. "You're wondering if I've gotten to him yet."

Rinoa shrugged, not wanting to show Quistis that she had in fact been pondering that exact question and was desperately wanting to know the answer. Had Squall long since succumbed to Quistis' powers of sexual persuasion?...one could never tell with him.

"Whatever" she muttered indifferently...and who said Squall had taught her nothing?

Instructor Trepe giggled lightly and shook her head, her long blonde hair glistening as usual. "The answer is no by the way. But I'm working on it. It's sort of a project of mine."

Rinoa turned her head to glare at her, visibly disgusted. "So he's just a conquest to you?" she said angrily. A real live Jezebel, it wasn't everyday you met one of those.

Again Quistis shook her head, still laughing though, never taking a threat from her seriously. "Oh he's more than just a conquest. Though it would be great to be his first. The only woman to explore the lion." A steamy gaze replaced her smile as if she was imagining the events in her head, her blue eyes dancing with excitement and Rinoa tried not to wince.

"You presume too much. How do you know he and I haven't done...anything yet."

She sighed and brought forth another glass of champagne from behind her back to replace the first emptied one, it seemed she had a constant supply. "My dear Rinoa," she began in her instructor's tone as if she teaching a basic lesson "it isn't that difficult to point out a man who isn't getting any or who has never gotten any in the first place. Not that you would know." She drained the glass in one gulp, scanned her surroundings before pointing a perfectly manicured nail toward the entrance to the dinning area. "Looks like Selphie's back. Not looking too good is she."

Rinoa followed her gaze and, sure enough, saw Irvine and supporting a slightly green Selphie back to the stage. Rinoa rushed over to help them half because Irvine was trembling from having her entire weight on his one arm and half because she didn't care to continue this conversation with Quistis.

"You okay?" she asked as she flung Selphie's other arm around her shoulder.

Selphie nodded. "Just stop everything from spinning and I'll be fine."

"For what it's worth, "Irvine began timidly "I didn't mean to get you `sick' drunk, just `unable to make conscious decisions' drunk. Maybe I should have tested you're tolerance to alcohol before this date."

Selphie was either too out of it too reply or she was trying to contain another batch of throw up. Whatever the reason, Rinoa was very glad when they reached the stage and the sober yet hung-over Selphie was let alone to sit on the edge.

"So," she said, trying to sound enthusiastic through her queasiness. "What we're you talking about while we were gone?"

"Oh nothing..." began Rinoa, not wanting to reveal, especially to Irvine, that she and Quistis had been debating Squall's love life. But Quistis, as Selphie had stated earlier, was much less ashamed about her sporting for sex.

"We were actually trying to decide which of us will get to sleep with Squall first." She said calmly while producing yet another full glass from behind her back. (How was she doing that? Did she like tip a waiter too constantly keep her well supplied...or did she do something else to convince him?...stop thinking now). Rinoa was mortified of course but Quistis was lounging about like she had announced nothing more drastic than her vacation plans. Selphie's eyes widen and a sly grin began to rise on Irvine's face.

"Miss Trepe! You know very well that was not what we were talking about."

Quistis rose a perfectly shaped eyebrow and shrugged, seeming to enjoy Rinoa's discomfort with the subject. "That's because both you and I know who the winner would be." She said slyly, carefully slipping off the stage's edge and walking over to Rinoa who's embarrassment had quickly faded to rage.

She had wanted to leave Garden. Not even five minutes ago had she decided to run out of this ballroom, take the first train to Timber and never look back. But now she couldn't...she WOULDN'T until she had proved Quistis wrong once and for all. That Squall loved her and ONLY her and he wouldn't want anyone but her to be his first...she only prayed she was right.

"Care to make a wager on that?" Rinoa asked to the shock of everyone including the blonde.

"Wait! Hold up here! Rewind!" yelled Selphie as she stood (with difficulty) in between the two women. "Tell me my two best friends aren't going to race for my boss' virginity cause that's disturbing on a level I hardly knew existed."

"Wait," Irvine joined the group, obviously finding the scene very entertaining. "Do you mean to tell me that Squall's never..."

"Shut up Kinneas." Selphie warned.

"Shutting up ma'am" He saluted and left the women alone, fearful of getting on either of their bad side.

Quistis and Rinoa hadn't moved their eyes from one another since the offer of the bet had been made.

"What are the terms?" Quistis asked, crossing her arms across her chest.

"Well, it only makes sense that the one who wins this get to be with him...So..." she cleared her throat to emphasis her words. "If I win you have to leave him alone. None of this posing as his `girlfriend' to Cid and all you got that?"

Quistis nodded. "And if I win?"

Rinoa, peered over to the entrance of the ballroom, hoping that maybe Squall would suddenly waltz in and save her from this stupid bet she was making. But, of course, that didn't happen. So she continued. "If you win...I'll leave." Quistis gave her a questioning gaze as if to say `go on'. "I'll move to Timber and you'll never hear from me again. I won't help set up a relationship between you two and I won't force him to forget about me and move on but I will remove the competition. The rest is up to you." With much effort, she extended her hand to close the deal, half hoping that the instructor wouldn't have the guts...but she knew better than to refuse.

Quistis Trepe of Balamb Garden accepted the hand of Sorceress Rinoa Heartilly and they shook on it. "You're on" the blonde said with a smile, increasing the pressure on her grip. Rinoa returned the gesture and the two went their separate ways; Quistis to the refreshment table since her alcohol supply had run dry, and Rinoa back to the stage where Irvine was giggling to himself.

"Have you gone nuts!" Selphie yelled when Instructor Trepe was finally out of earshot. "Do you realize how cheap that was?! Do you realize how stupid that was!? Do you realize how impossible that is going to be?!"

"What? You don't thing I can do it?"

Selphie sighed, trying hard not to hit her friend in order to knock some sense into her. "You do realize the only reason Quistis agreed to that stupid bet was because the odds are kind of in her favor. You're not even being allowed to set foot on the level that he resides! ELITE SEED ONLY!! How the hell to you expect to win this?!"

"I'll find a way." She said with certainty though really she had no idea what she was going to do, she was still kind of in shock over the whole thing and didn't want to think about it. Selphie just shook her head in defeat but then began it shot up in excitement as she began waving frantically at someone behind Rinoa.

"SIR LAGUNA!!" she yelled with astonishing volume for one so small. "Rinoa look! Sir Laguna is here! SIR LAGUNA!! OVER HERE!!"

*Not again* thought Rinoa with a gasp as she tried to hide her face from the oncoming man. It was pretty pointless but she was willing to try anything at the moment. After her little episode earlier and now with the bet she had just made about his son, she didn't think it possible to ever look him straight in the eye again.

All too soon, he had made his to Selphie and kissed her hand with a few compliments as he had done with her earlier.

"I must say my dear Ms. Tilmitt, you have really out don't yourself this time. I had no idea you have such remarkable talent in design."

"Oh this old thing" she said in an attempt to sound cool but failing miserably to contain her excitement. Everybody knew what a fan she was of Sir Laguna. She even had a web site dedicated to him! To the annoyance of Irvine and not to mention Squall. He had tried to delete it several times after the discovery had been made about his parentage, but Selphie had either cried, attacked, of simply re-posted and he eventually gave up.

Laguna smiled at her attempt at modesty and gestured to the royal blue streamers hanging around the entire Quad. "I was wondering how..."

"Oh who cares about the stupid party...let's talk about you. How's Esthar?'

"We've been..."

"Busy I know with the Lunar cry destruction and all but what about personally?"

"Well I'm trying..."

"To re-establish a relationship with you're long lost son who's avoiding you? Yeah I know all about that. But what about you're martial status? Any girlfriends pop up in the last 12 hours since I last checked?"

"I don't think..."

If Laguna had been trying to talk to Rinoa, it didn't seem like he'd have the chance since Selphie was doing to talking for all three of them. Sometimes...she really loved that girl.

"Sir Laguna, you are NEVER too old to fall in love again. You shouldn't even think that. Who knows? Maybe the perfect girl is right in front of you...like literally right in front of you this very second...you never know."

Irvine took this moment to clear his throat and join the group, placing a possessive arm around Selphie's shoulder. "Hi Seffie. Remember me? Your date?"

Selphie rolled her eyes and tried to pry him away while Laguna laughed at the playfully bickering couple.

He had a great laugh, one that really lifted you're heart when you heard it. Much like Squall's did when he laughed, which wasn't very often to say the least.

"Speaking of mending relationships..." the president began while searching the dinning area. "Have any of you seen Squ..."

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN..." boomed a voice from the hidden speakers of the Quad. "This is Cid Kramer the headmaster of Balamb Garden." There was a satisfactory wave of shouts and applause from the students "thank you, thank you. I'd like to invite everyone to proceed to the dinning area where there will be a minor press conference followed by a ceremonious thank you to the heroes who, not only saved Garden, but the entire world. 5 minutes people...you have five minutes to find your seats. I suggest that some of you don't dawdle. You know who you are." And with that, the microphone turned off and Cid appeared on the stage after emerging from the technicians' booth behind the main table.

"Are they here yet?" The headmaster asked his elite SeeD who had gathered below the platform. Selphie, Irvine, Rinoa and Laguna all shook their heads. Zell and Squall were still no where to be found. He ran a hand through his thinning brown hair and sighed. "They're not in their rooms, I had some others check. Nor in the training center." He took off his glasses and began cleaning them on his shirt. "Well I guess there's nothing we can do. Selphie do you think you can make a last minute introduction speech?"

Selphie saluted "I will do my best sir!"

"That'll do Tilmitt. Just take your seats everyone. If they're not here now they're obviously not coming."

All four of them silently agreed.

~*~

Quistis was leaning against the refreshment table with a fresh glass of champagne in her hand when she heard the announcement. If Cid decided to go on with the conference then he must have had confirmation that Squall wasn't going to show up.

Perfect.

This way poor little Rinoa wouldn't have a chance to even try before she lost their little bet. Draining the glass and taking another, Quistis began to make her way to the dining area when something near the entrance, or rather someone, caught her eye.

A blonde emerged suddenly from the darkness of the hallway, followed by another stealthy man both in SeeD uniform. Even from this distance (not to mention the alcohol impairing her vision) it wasn't hard to distinguish Zell since his bold hairstyle and tattooed faced could be seen from the top of a microwave tower on a cloudy night. And the other man, well she couldn't see his face clearly but she could tell it was him by the very way he sent shiver down he spine.

Relieving the table from her weight, Quistis quickly began sauntering toward to two men, desperate to intercept them before they made it to the dinning area. All she needed was five minutes. Five minutes to persuade him to leave this stupid party and walk her back to her room. And that wouldn't happen if someone else managed to capture his attentions first.

"Squall?" she called out to him when he was within earshot of her voice. He turned around quickly, searching for his inquirer when his gray-blue eyes finally settled upon her with what seemed like a little bit of apprehension.

Squall...her Squall...or soon to be `her' Squall if this evening worked out as it should.

*Let the games begin*

*Author's Note* I know, I know. This has actually turned out to be A LOT longer than I expected. At first I actually intended this chapter to have the WHOLE ball meaning the fluff when Rinoa and Squall finally get together. But I guess that'll be for the next chapter since this one was already pretty long. I'm sorry!! But I'd like to thank all my reviewers for their ideas on what to happen later in this fic. This goes out to especially Ashbear, KJ, Purple Rose and `Rinoa and the kid and Marle1# fan'. Thank you guys and I'm using all your ideas while keeping up with my own to still have a few surprises. New chapter next week or maybe even tomorrow depending when I finish my work. Love you all!

From Mayonaka