Disclaimer: yada yada don't own squaresoft yada yada don't own ff8 either yada yada. The only characters I will ever own are Brendan and Iona. So now I'll shuttup, who really reads disclaimers anyway?

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Chapter 12-Truth Be Told

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Brendan turned to his Aunty, "You've been lying to me."

"Well, I couldn't really go against his wishes."

"Does Rinoa know?" he asked.

"Of course, why do you think she was in my room this morning."

"You're a dickhead."

"Excuse me?"

"You've been alive all this time, and from what I've heard, Rinoa's been suffering from a broken heart for years."

Squall was getting really annoyed. I don't need to hear this shit from this moron. "I wouldn't expect you to understand 'cause you're oh so perfect. You don't know anything about who I am or what kind of life I have to live, so shut the hell up."

"Stop it both of you," Mrs Sullivan sternly said. "Brendan go fix your bed." Brendan left, muttering to himself like a stubborn four-year-old. Squall expected to get a lecture about how right Brendan was and that he had no right to snap at him. Instead he was asked, "So, you have an enjoyable night?"

"Umm, it was reasonable, "he answered, not exactly sure what she was leading to.

"Oh no need to hide it. I saw you two asleep this morning. Sorry I didn't mean to barge in, but I didn't really expect Rinoa to be there. So, you told her huh?"

Squall nodded slowly, "It was like nothing had changed; it was like I'd never left."

"So what are you going to do?"

"Well, Rin wants me to go back to Garden. I won't have my job as Commander anymore, so that's a relief. But I won't really be able to do anything as a SeeD. I don't really know what I'm going to do."

"Well you're going back to Garden, that's a start. Are you going to go with them when they walk back?"

"I don't know. I'll have to talk it over with Rin. What room is she in?"

"The one directly opposite yours."

"Thanks," he said as he got up, feeling his way to the bedroom corridor. So that's why she ended up in my room, she must've taken a wrong turn. He got to his room and turned to have his back to it, reaching his hands out in front of him. Then he walked a few paces, and feeling the hard surface before him, knocked on the door. "It's me, Rin. Could I come in?"

"Sure," he heard softly through the door. She opened the door and took his hand, leading him into the room. "What's up?" she asked as she shut the door behind him.

"About coming back to Garden. I don't want to just show up with people staring at me as if I were some ghost."

"Yeah, I know. Why don't you come back tonight? By then I would've told the gang and Cid. They're all that need to know right?"

"Yeah. Do you think anyone will hate me?"

She took both his hands in her's and said, "Squall, I'm positive no one will hate you…except Seifer, Quistis and Selphie." She laughed softly and Squall softly stroked her hands as he pulled her in for another kiss. Squall was playfully stroking her neck when he came across the chain that she always wore. He traced it down to where he knew the rings hung. He felt each one. The ring that he had given her before they were even going out, her mother's ring and…wait. Since when were there three rings? Squall pulled away and asked softly, "What's the third ring?"

"That's my engagement ring, silly. I actually only put it on the chain yesterday morning when I told Quistis and Selphie that we were engaged. I had put it away; I didn't want to look at it. It reminded me too much of you. How ironic that the same day I accept the possibility of your death I also find you. I always knew you were alive," she said as she hugged him closer to her.

"Thanks for believing in me, Rin," he whispered as he stroked her hair. After a few moments Rinoa stepped away.

"Well, I think I'd better start heading off to Garden. I'll get Zell to pick you up, ok?"

"Alright, just give me a call when he's on his way." Rinoa gave him a quick hug and turned to go out of the room.

"Bye, Rin."

"I'll see you soon." She left him alone in the room, her eyes still staring back at him.

She reached the kitchen where Mrs Sullivan and Brendan were talking. "Ready to go?" Brendan asked detachedly when he saw her.

"Yup. Mrs Sullivan, I'll send my friend to pick Squall up later today. I'll give you a call, of course."

"Alright Rinoa, have a safe walk back. Are you sure you won't take any snacks Brendan?"

"We're fine Aunty. Come on, let's go."

"Don't wait too long to visit again."

"I won't," he replied briefly. They stepped out of the house and walked out to the road, retracing their steps from yesterday. Brendan had purposely been walking faster and Rinoa was tired of trying to keep up.

"Slow down Brendan. Honestly, I don't know why you're still in a rush to get back to Garden. I mean, its not like you have class. It's Sunday." She didn't get any response so she ran up to him and grabbed him by the shoulder. He turned and she saw a scowl on his face. "Brendan, what's the matter?"

"Gee, I dunno. I just found out that you're engaged and that your fiancee is alive. You could've told me Rinoa."

"Why? I wasn't obligated to tell you anything. Heck I only found about Squall this morning as well, so what have you got to be pissed about?"

"I just embarrassed myself in front of your 'fiancee'."

"What are you talking about? I didn't hear you making a fool of yourself. I hardly think I was away long enough for you to make a fool of yourself."

"I told him off for hitting on you, and I called you…my girlfriend." Crap! Why do I have to be so damn honest?!

Unbelievable. "I told you yesterday, the kiss meant nothing! I have never ever said that we were going out or anything to imply I wanted more than friendship, accept it. I'm sorry, but I fail to see why you should be pissed at me for not telling you things you had no right to know in the first place, when you go off and assume things to be, just so that you sound good." She stormed off in a rage. What a jerk! I didn't have to tell him anything. I haven't even told all of my close friends. What gives him any more right to know about such things?

Brendan tagged along behind, the scowl still present on his face. I knew I was being an idiot. It just came out. He was meant to be dead anyway. I shouldn't have called her my girlfriend though, I admit that was wrong. But hey, a guy can dream right?

Neither spoke for the rest of the trek back to Garden. When they reached the entrance, Rinoa glanced at her watch. 10:45. They're probably still in the cafeteria. So she hastily walked there, scanning the room for her friends. She saw them sitting around the same table talking amongst themselves. She took a chair from another table and placed it next to where Quistis was sitting.

"Hey Rin, when did you get back?"

"Just then. Listen, I have something to tell you guys…"

"How was your date with Brendan?" Selphie interrupted.

"It wasn't a date. Brendan's a jerk," she replied quickly, shaking her head.
"Anyway…I know none of you are going to believe me, and you're just going to think that I'm sick and delusional. But I assure you I'm fine and I wasn't dreaming." She paused to study their faces.

"Well?" Seifer encouraged.

Biting her lip, Rinoa continued, "I've found Squall. He's alive."

The group held their breaths, stopping whatever they were doing. They peered at Rinoa anxiously.

"Umm, Rin. Are you sure?" Quisits asked slowly.

"Of course I am. He is alive and I'm not dreaming. I slept with him, for Hyne's sake."

"Ok Rinoa, stop right there…too much information." Seifer smirked as he held a hand in front of him, gesturing her to stop.

"You morons! I don't mean in that way. It's perfectly natural to fall asleep with someone without…you know. You guys are dirty!" she scolded them as they all laughed.

"Are you sure it was Squall?" Quistis asked again when the laughter had subsided.

"As sure as the sky is blue."

"So, where's he been all this time?" Seifer asked casually.

"In Dollet, staying with Brendan's Aunty. But there is one little thing that I have to tell you guys about." She paused again making sure she had all their attention. "He's changed a bit."

"Changed? In what way? He's a socialite?" Selphie asked

"Erm…not exactly." She paused again, trying to formulate her words. There is no easy way of saying it. "You guys…Squall's blind."

Another silence ensued.

"How'd that happen?" Irvine finally asked.

"Well, I haven't asked him yet, I didn't want to ruin last night."

"Sure you didn't," Selphie giggled.

"Shuttup the lot of you. Nothing happened last night okay." Liar! Nothing except finding Squall. "Well, he's agreed to come back to Garden. But he's afraid that you all will hate him. You have to promise me that you won't be hostile towards him, at least for a month. Let him get settled again."

The group nodded and agreed. "Is that ok with you Seifer?"

"I promise that I won't give Squall a hard time for a month."

"Thanks."

"So what? Is he here?"

"No, I was wondering if you could pick him up later, Zell."

"Sure thing, but what's in it for me?"

"Hotdogs from the 'Benita Banquet.'"

"Woah! Ok Rin, I'll do it." Zell exclaimed excitedly.

"So Rin, what did happen between you and Brendan?" Quistis asked curiously.

"Ugh, he was being a dickhead this morning. He was pissed at me for not telling him that Squall and I were engaged…"

"You're engaged?!" the males present interrogated in surprise.

Rinoa rolled her eyes, "Selphie and Quisits can fill you in about that. And because I didn't tell him, he went off at me, which I don't get because he's the one that told Squall off for 'hitting on his girlfriend'. What an idiot!"

"Oh, I'm guessin' Squall hit the roof when he heard that," Irvine said as he placed an arm around Selphie. "I know I would."

"I don't know, I wasn't there when it happened, but I don't think Squall would've been too happy. Anyway, I'm going to have a shower. I'll be in my room." She got up and casually walked out of the cafeteria, hearing Selphie and Quistis explaining everything to the boys. She got up to her room and went to take a shower.

I should go tell Cid, she thought as she combed her wet hair. She made her way up to Cid's office. "Hey Xu, could I see Headmaster Cid?"

"Umm," she glanced at her computer screen, typing something in the process, "Sure go on ahead."

"Thanks," she smiled as she opened the door.

"Good morning Rinoa," the old man greeted her.

"Hi, I have something to tell you.

"Why don't you take a seat."

"Oh, no thanks. Umm, Headmaster Cid, Last night I went to Dollet," she said, using her most polite voice.

"Yes I heard."

Rinoa bit her lip as she continued, "Well, while I was there, I was fortunate enough to find Squall."

He didn't seem at all surprised, which puzzled Rinoa slightly. "Well how exciting for you. Is he coming back to Garden?"

"Yes, he's coming this evening. Zell and I are picking him up."

"Well, why don't you two drop by when you come back. I'd like to discuss something with the two of you."

Rinoa frowned. "Um…okay. I'll talk to you later." She turned and walked out of the office. What could he possibly have to discuss with us?

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A/N-well, this'll be the last time I update for a while, as I mentioned in the previous chapter I do have exams, starting next week and continuing to the week after, followed by a couple of assessments. So if you're wondering why I hadn't updated for more than two weeks, you have been told, but I understand and empathise with those of you with little patience. Anyhoo…yeh, please review I love feedback! And I just want to have a little note for the people who reviewed chapters 10 and 11, perhaps the hardest I've ever had to write, so I just want to acknowledge them individually:

Mariko: wow! I realise I'd seen a few reviews from you so I went through and looked at all your reviews, I think you've been one of my regular readers! Wow! That's an accomplishment for me! Anyhoo…hehehe…I'm sorry I left that cliffhanger after when Squall and Rin finally met, but it had to be done! I updated really soon afterwards, if you noticed, so I dind't leave you hanging for too long. Thanks for reading and reviewing! Oh btw, what does 'ja ne' mean, I'm really curious, you use it a lot and I have no idea what it means…do tell. Thanks again

Freelancer47: thanks for loving my fic! Its good to know someone, other than me ;), does. ^.^ heehee, anyhoo, sorry to you aswell for the cliffhanger and I'm glad you like fluff, there'll be a considerable amount of in the future. I had to have Brendan in Squall's shadow, and he had to be a prick and an idiot, he was meant to be likeable, though. I hope you keep enjoying this fic!

Stryker: you know, when I first started writing Brendan's character, I was going have him and Squall have it out, but I haven't fully decided on it yet. But Brendan isn't out of the story yet, so yes, there will be some more Squall/Brendan bickering. Glad to know you didn't go fully insane XD anyhoo, hope you're still enjoying this fic.

Charliegirl: don't hyperventilate, m'dear, and don't glare, you don't want any wrinkles. I honestly didn't think the end of last chapter was a cliffy, turns out it was, oh well ^.^ I'm glad you enjoyed and are enjoying this fic as much as I am writing it. thanks again, you've been a fairly regular reader too. I appreciate the time you take to review.

Angelprinczess29: WOW! I'm so honoured that one of my favourite authors is reading my fic! OMG! Sorry that really excited me when I read your reviews. Anyhoo, I hope you enjoyed the little Squall/Brendan moment in this chapter, it was a little fun, and I figured it had to be done. I just hadta say that I love Rhapsody and I really love reading On the Ice, which I've probably said countless times in my reviews, but they're so true! Anyhoo, thanks for reviewing, hope you enjoyed this chapter and hope you did alright on your Braveheart essay.

Ima hopeless romantic: you've been a regular reader aswell! And for that I thank you. Sorry for leaving the cliffhanger unintentionally, I am not trying to make your head implode. You cried?! OMG! That's something I never expected someone to say, I never thought my words could have that impact, but I'm glad it touched you in some way. ^.^. anyhoo, I hope you continue to enjoy this fic!

Jewels14: I'll try to update as soon as I can, just for you! I seem to be apologising a lot, eh? Call it a habit. Sorry for leaving you hanging, it had to be done, as I've said before, and I had no idea when I stopped the chapter there that it'd be considered as a cliffhanger. So yeh. Hope you like this chapter.

Icedragon6171: well I'm happy I received your review today! I don't usually get reviews from any other day besides when I update, so getting yours was an absolute treat! I'm glad you like my plot, it took a while to formulate and it still isn't quite how I had imagined. Thanks, also, for complimenting my writing style, it certainly is a first! I'm glad you think my writing style is good, I've always thought it too formal (I've always been a better essay writer than creative writer). Anyhoo, I don't intend to not finish this fic, this is one I will definitely continue and finish, it's too fun to write and as long as people continue reading, then I'll continue writing ^.^. thanks for your luck for my exams and you can rant as much as you like, I do it myself from time to time ;). Thanks!

Mystic Roses: dude, sorry if you're not totally getting this, I'll explain the story to you one day. Thanks for reviewing tho! Good luck with the exams!!

Butter: umm, mate…don't know if you read this but yeh if you are…when are you going to update your fic? Anyhoo…la la la, just hope you're liking it cos as I recall, this is the only final fantasy thing that you're 'remotely' into. Thanks for making the image btw.

Mariedel: last but not least, you thought I was gonna miss you out, didn't you. DIDN'T YOU! Hahaha nah, thanks for enduring my talking about this fic and I hope that you're enjoying it, even if you are only reading it out of obligation of being a friend. Anyhoo, thanks for reviewing way back when. I love your fic!! Send the draft really soon! (yeh yeh yeh, I know exams, I'll be patient then)

A/N2-sorry if i've taken enough of your time, but I just wanted to say that I've changed my alias from tinu-viel to elanor tinuviel. Sorry if that caused any confusion, if it did. also, I have an original story on fp.net under the same alias, so if any of you are interested, feel free to go and check it out. I am leaving it for a while, though, until I finish this fic. THANKS! Don't forget to review ^.^