Jeez, almost forgot the disclaimer! I don't own any of the excellent FF8 (much as I wish I did!), I merely spend my nights and days dreaming of them and inventing new and exciting adventures…Oh dear Lord, I think I may need help.
~*Chapter 1*~
The sky burned vermilion in the approaching dusk. The young woman's breath was suspended in droplets of dew as she waited patiently for the man she loved. The scuffle of gravel as he walked toward her told of his approach. Her breath now caught in her throat in anticipation, she did not turn round, wanting to extend the bittersweet agony for as long as she could as the excitement that came with the expectancy was almost as satisfying as the meeting itself. He looked at the slight figure in front of him, the blue that clung like a second skin to his angel, the long dark hair rippling in the breeze. Calming and serene was the effect; the person however was a little different.
The anticipation got too much and she turned to face this man, her knight. An angry scar that ran blood red from forehead to nose was the most distinct feature, though his eyes, two deep, cerulean pools of uncertainty were what held him above any other. She could have happily gave her life and drowned in them. A troubled past and hurt from long ago were prominent in those eyes, hidden sometimes by the hair she loved to entwine in her fingers. His arms encircled her slim waist and she rested her head against the worn leather of the jacket, breathing in his scent that she now knew so well. He stroked the silken strands back from her damp forehead and tenderly kissed the top of her head. Still looking out toward the lighthouse silhouetted against the darkening sky, her fingers trailed lovingly down one cheek, pausing only to trace the outline of the lips she loved to feel on her skin. He caught her hand and held it against that cheek, caressing the slender ivory so tenderly, as if fearing it may break.
Her voice echoed huskily in the twilight. "Is it time?"
"Only if you're ready Rinoa. We'll stay here together for as long as you need."
She paused and started moving the sand with her foot, a tick that he knew meant she was uneasy. Sure enough, "I, I'm just so scared Squall. I don't want everyone to hate me. I don't want everyone to blame me for time compression. But they will. And there's nothing I can do. I'm destined to be reviled for a choice I didn't make."
The tears threatened to blind her and she bit hard on her bottom lip to keep them from spilling. He swallowed hard to keep his own emotions at bay, and spoke calmly and rationally to the frightened young woman. "No one will hate you Rin. I promise. They know what happened, they know it wasn't your fault. We're being hailed as heroes. That's not a sign of hatred as far as I'm aware."
"I'm a sorceress. Have you ever, even once heard of a sorceress who wasn't despised by the world?"
"Edea wasn't until she Ultimecia possessed her."
"No one apart from Cid knew she was a sorceress then!"
"I suppose. But you know what? It just makes you all the more amazing."
"How?"
"Well, you've made history by becoming the first ever sorceress that no one hates. They don't hate you Rin. They think you're great. And they're right. Sorceress or not, you will always be the most incredible woman in the world to me."
To this she said nothing. Sorrow however was replaced by hope, hope that things were as he said and that she would be accepted wholly into the world which had changed so dramatically for her in the space of a few short weeks. The world itself had changed a little since time compression took place a month or so ago. Buildings had been damaged, people lost in time. Everyone in their little group was finding it hard to adjust to the world and to his or her status as saviours of the planet. This coupled with her new status as the next generation of sorceress made the transition especially hard for Rinoa.
Everyone had been supportive when she had wished to stay at the orphanage, "To gather my thoughts," she had told them.
No one raised an eyebrow either when Squall had taken leave of absence form his duties with SeeD to watch over her. Cid and Edea had practically fallen over themselves to make sure they had everything they required. But still, it had been a month. Squall was worried that if he didn't start bringing the idea of facing the world back into Rinoa's consciousness she would remain in her haven forever. He murmured into her hair words of comfort, and turned her gently to face him. She looked into his eyes and saw the concern and fear for her etched there. She sighed and admitted defeat.
"It's time, isn't it."
A kiss brushed her lips and she gave herself to it freely, the passion mounting until they broke away, breathing heavily and each holding the gaze of the other.
"I love you Rinoa."
He said it so softly she almost didn't hear him, they looked up to see a shooting star streaking the night sky, leaving sparkling diamonds in its wake. It was the perfect moment and one that would remain with her beyond her mortal days. The smile returned to her beautiful face and joy encased her once more with its glow.
"I love you too."
