Discalimer: well….in the span of a day, I am no closer to owning FF8 or any of its characters, so please don't sue me and I won't sue you…..er….yeh….

A/N thanks to everyone who reviewed!! You brightened up my day. Ok…heres a longer chapter. I hope you enjoy it!!!

~Memories~

Rinoa walked aimlessly along, lost in her own thoughts. Where are you, Squall? You should've come back…why didn't you come back? Why is everyone concerned about me moving on? Why can't I stay and live in the past? Why can't I move on? Why do I feel this way? Why, Why, Why............

"Hey Rinoa!" she heard someone squeal. "Where you off to? Wanna come hang out in my room a while?"

"Sure, whatever, Selphie." The bubbly girl was not to be brought out of her good mood.

"Come on!" she exclaimed grabbing Rinoa's arm. " I have so much to discuss with you…umm…you are going to help me with the Spring dance decorations, aren't you?"

Spring dance? Oh yeh...... the Spring dance. "Oh yeah, ok Selph…whats this year's theme?" Rinoa asked, trying to be as enthusiastic as possible-attempting to match her companion's mood.

This should get her mind of Squall for a little while, and who knows! She might meet someone at the dance. "Well, I was thinking we could make it a masquerade type of ball, you know, the long flowy dresses and stuff. I'm just trying to decide on the colour scheme…should it be a crimson and gold, or royal blue and gold? The gold is a must!"

"Umm, well I think blue and gold would be good. How ornate is the ballroom going to be this time?"

"Well, of course, it has to be better than last years. I can't believe they got Xu to organise it last year. I mean, she's a great person and all, but what was she thinking with fairies dancing around mushroom?"

"Well then, why don't you tell me what you have in mind and I'll tell you what I think. You know, another point of view."

"Sure! Of course I'll tell you all!! But you have to promise me you'll come and help keep everything in order."

Me? Go to the spring dance? But I haven't gone in three years, not since Squall was here. Rinoa frowned momentarily. This has nothing to do with Squall, Selphie is my friend and I'm going to help her. "Okay, Selph. I promise I'll come to the dance."

Selphie looked at Rinoa with a glint of doubt in her eyes, questioning whether or not she would really keep her promise.

"Selph, don't give me that look. I'll come, okay. I promise"

~*~*~*~

I Promise. Two simple words, insignificant by themselves—strong enough to create a bond when put together.

Rinoa had left Selphie after an hour and a half of none stop talk about the dance. She retreated to her room, finding comfort in the silence that was around her. Yet, despite the hush around her, her mind wasn't to be quietened. Her mind drifted to the past focusing on two words. I promise......

Squall had stood behind her on the balcony outside her room. It had become a daily ritual for him to visit her before the sun set over the distant waters. With his arms protectively around her waist and her head leaning on his shoulder, they both watched the fiery colours turn to dark shades of blue. Neither speaking, both afraid to ruin the moment. When at last the sun had disappeared and the moonlight had taken its place, the two broke the silence of dusk and became two lovers of night.

"Rin?" he whispered into her ear.

She responded by turning to face him. "What's up?" He answered by kissing her lips softly then resting his forehead against hers.

"Come to the Spring ball with me, tomorrow night." Rinoa looked into his eyes questioningly.

"I thought you didn't want to go."

"Well, I thought I might try my new improved dancing skills out." Rinoa laughed then kissed his cheek.

"Of course I'll go with you!" he smiled one of his rare smiles, though it was quick to fade as his mind evidently filled with other thoughts. Rinoa was quick to notice.

"Squall, what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Squall, don't lie to me. I know something's wrong, now tell me," she tried to be as instructor-like as possible, failing in the attempt. He kissed her hair and casually said, "I'll tell you tomorrow."

~`~`~`~

Rinoa had finished getting ready and was awaiting Squall's arrival, filling in time by updating her diary. She sat at her desk, with her laptop in front of her, typing her thoughts as quickly as possible. She paused only a moment to open the door for Squall, after which, returning quickly to typing her thoughts.

"I'll just be a minute, I have to get this all out of my mind."

"Take your time, no rush."

"Thanks" she replied, still focused on the words on the screen before her. Squall, having the talent of snooping and still looking innocent, decided to use his skill and peep at what his girlfriend was typing. He was only able to catch five words before she quickly closed the lid, unaware of his actions.

"Okay, I'm done! Lets go." She stood, and as she did, Squall got a full view of what she was wearing, her quick return to her desk hindering him of the opportunity earlier. She wore a velvety looking blue dress, one that reminded him of the first few seconds after the sun had hidden behind the great beyond. It was held up by four spaghetti straps, two on each side, that's crossed at the back. Her hair was curled with the sides pinned up. Around her neck was the chain with her two rings on it. She refused to take the chain off.

"Wow, Rin. You look beautiful." She looked down shyly, putting a none existent strand of hair behind her ear. Even though they had been together two years, she still found it strange to accept compliments from him.

"Thanks, Squall. You look dashing yourself. I must say you look better in a tux than you do in your SeeD uniform," she said trying to regain composure.

They made their way down to the ballroom and sat down at the table among their friends, still enjoying their drinks. When the band began playing, Rinoa looked over to Squall who was purposely trying to avoid her glance, knowing full well what she had in mind. She stood and put a hand on his shoulder, making him turn in her direction.

"Squall, dance with me?" Squall was about to turn down her offer when she kissed him.

"Okay, okay." Rinoa smiled at her persuasiveness and led him to the dance floor among the other couples. After dancing several dances in silence, Squall took Rinoa's hand and led her out to the balcony where they had shared their first kiss.

"Rin." She turned around at her name with a smile that was changed into a look of fear when she saw Squall's face. It looked troubled.

"Listen. I didn't mean to ruin this evening or anything but..."

She stepped closer to him, encouraging him to continue. "But...?"

"I have to go on a mission tomorrow." He stopped to see Rinoa's reaction and wasn't surprised to see her face downcast.

"For how long?" she asked in a soft whisper. She hated it when he had to go off on a mission. She hated the moments she spent thinking whether he was dead or alive. But most of all, she hated the loneliness that encompassed her when he was gone.

"Only a week."

"Yeh a week. Only a week," she scoffed. "And what important mission is it this time?"

Squall tried to look past her sarcasm and deal with her patiently. "Umm...well, its kind of a secret. Now please don't get mad, but I simply can't tell you right now. I'll tell you when I come back ..."

"If you come back," she cut him off.

"I'll come back." He whispered as he put his arms around her and held her against his chest.

She lifted her head from his chest. "Promise?"

He kissed her gently then pulled slightly away "I Promise."

A/N-I hope you like this chappy. Anyhoo, I know some of you are anxious to see where Squall is and if he's alive…but I promise (hehehe how many times have I used that word already?) that I'll deal with his situation in the next chappy. Please don't hate me if I don't update for a week…I do have school, and I'm very busy….so please bear with me…..now…to the bottom left hand corner it should say something that says Submit Review with a button with the word 'Go' on it. if you'd be so kind as to press it and write you thoughts, I'd be most grateful! Thanks again for your interest and have a nice day!