Disclaimer: erm…look at the previous chapter…or the one before that…take your pic…see, I'm nice like that…giving you a choice…moving along…
- - -
Chapter 21-Ray of Light
- - -
The dark-haired doctor studied Squall's eyes carefully, holding a flashlight millimetres from his eyes. She had already studied the health of the various parts of his eyes and was happy with what she had seen. Sitting down at her desk, she began writing down observations.
"Alright, President Loire, Ms Heartilly, Squall's blindness is the result of traumatic keratitis." She looked at their blank expression and smiled. "I know you all have no idea what I'm talking about, just wanted to see a reaction," she laughed. "Okay, this is what happened. From what you tell me, a piece of shrapnel hit the area of your eyes, correct?"
"Yes, doctor," Squall slowly replied.
"Well, when that happened, the cornea of both your eyes was wounded. Nothing much else was damaged, and that is to your advantage, Squall. Now the cornea is the outer most layer of your eyes, it is meant transparent. You with me so far?"
They all nodded slowly.
"Well, during the healing process," Doctor Flores continued, "Instead of becoming transparent again, opaque scar tissue developed. Now, because this happened, your eyesight was lost. The cornea became like a curtain drawn over your pupils. Fortunately for you," she smiled again, "Mrs Sullivan did quite a good job in cleaning your eyes and scars after the incident. This problem can be fixed with a corneal transplant. I'll get some healthy cornea sent in and we can perform surgery tomorrow, are there any questions?"
"Yes," Rinoa softly spoke, "Will Squall's sight be restored?"
"To be honest, there are no guarantees, but if all goes well, your fiancee's sight will be reinstated. I have seen worse cases gone through surgery successfully, so I have faith that all will be right. Now, if surgery is successful, you may have to wear glasses for at least six months. Are you okay with that, Squall?"
"Yeah," he nodded confidently, "Let's do it."
"Alright, well I'll see you all tomorrow morning at ten. Have a nice day." She stood, shaking their hands as they exited the office.
"Thankyou Doctor Flores," Laguna sighed.
"My pleasure, President Loire."
- - -
"Are you nervous?" Rinoa asked as they waited in the hallway of the hospital. Rinoa glanced at her watch. 9:52. "Why did Laguna insist on being early?"
"'Cause otherwise we'd be late." Squall gently squeezed her hand.
"It's going to be alright, I'll be right outside during the whole thing."
"I'm not scared. I'm just trying to think of how it would be to see again."
"I never said you were scared," she giggled, "You never are anyway." She sudden frowned upon realising something. "Squall, what happened to Lionheart?"
"Ah yes, my old bestfriend. Lost it on the carrier. I'd put it down while I had a little walkabout, that's when the explosion happened."
"Are you ever gonna tell me what happened? Like the full story?"
"Yeah, when I'm ready. Give me a year," he grinned.
"Mr Leonhart, Ms Heartilly, hello again. Where is the President?" a dressed surgeon asked as she came out of the operating room.
"Gone to get some coffee."
"Shall we start without him?"
"Yeah, why not."
"Alright, Squall," Doctor Flores handed him a hospital gown. "I'd like you to change into this. Rinoa, take him in and help him, just call me when you're done. I'll be just outside."
The two went in. Squall took his shirt off and gave it to Rinoa to hold. Grasping the gown in front of her, he took it and put it over his head. "Is it on the right way?"
"Yup. Ok, now give me your pants."
"Aren't we demanding today," he teased as he obeyed.
"Are you ready?"
"I guess."
Giving him one last kiss, she turned and headed to the door. "Doctor Flores, he's ready," she said as she saw that the doctor was no longer alone but with a team of nurses. Stepping back into the room she took Squall's face in her hands as the team piled into the operating room. "Squall, I'll be outside, alright, don't be scared."
"Don't you be scared. Just like you say, I'll be fine."
"I love you."
"I love you, too." Releasing her hold on his face she turned and exited the room, hugging herself as she sat down on the chairs.
Inside, the nurse told Squall to lay down on the operating table. "Alright Mr Leonhart, now count back-wards from ten."
He promptly obeyed. "Ten, nine, eight…seven…six…five…" his voice trailed as he fell into a dreamless slumber, unaware of what was happening to him.
- - -
"Has Squall gone in?"
Rinoa looked up to find Laguna taking a seat next to her, a foam cup of coffee in his hands. "Yeah, he went in about two minutes ago."
"Are you okay?" he asked concerned.
"I'm just a little anxious, maybe a little scared."
"No need to be scared, Rinoa, its Squall."
"I know, I know." Abruptly changing the subject she asked, "So how's Ellone? Last time I heard she was having a trip around the world."
"She didn't tell you? She bought a house in Winhill, it seems she wants to relive her childhood."
"Oh, I didn't know. That must be good then."
"Yes it is," Laguna sighed.
Silence encompassed the two as they waited for the time to pass, Rinoa holding onto her necklace and Laguna looking thoughtfully at his hands. After an hour and a half Doctor Flores stepped out of the operating room, breathing a sigh of relief.
"Well, you'll be glad to know that everything went well. Usually the patient can go home the day after surgery, but because Squall has been blind for quite some time, I'd like to keep him in hospital for about three days for observations. Because the surgery went well, I've given his eyes some laser treatment as well, but I don't know how well his sight is yet. It shouldn't be too bad though." The nurses who had been in the room proceeded out, talking amongst themselves.
"Alright. Can I see him?" Rinoa eagerly asked, watching the nurses exit.
"Sure you can go in, but the general anaesthetic hasn't worn off yet, so he's still asleep."
Smiling, she brushed passed the doctor and opened the door. Grabbing a chair, she put it down next to the bed and sat down. She sat with a small smile on her face, her hand holding Squall's. Rinoa did nothing for ten minutes but stare at Squall's form in front of her, bandages placed on his eyes and head. Laguna came in after some time and whispered, "Rinoa, Doctor Flores wants to move Squall to another room."
"Okay," she murmured as she stood, Squall's hand still in her's. The doctor presently followed Laguna and Rinoa released her grasp, helping in pushing the bed down the hall to an unoccupied room.
"I'll be around to check up on him every three hours or so, you're all welcome to visit at anytime. If you need anything, just ask for me at the front desk, I'd be happy to help." With one final smile she exited, leaving Laguna and Rinoa alone with the sleeping Squall.
"I'll go and get you some lunch."
"No thanks, I'm fine, Laguna."
"No I insist." Think of it as a way of leaving you alone with him. Laguna smiled as he withdrew from the room.
Sitting in the chair next to the bed, Rinoa breathed a happy sigh of relief.
"Rin?" a raspy voice called. Reacting instantly to the voice, she stood and put her hand over his.
"I'm here Squall, are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. What's around my head? Do I have bandages on or something?"
"Yep. I think Doctor Flores just wants them there as a safety precaution. You know, so that everything stays in place or whatever."
"You sound really happy, Rin." He smiled.
"That's 'cause I am, silly. Why wouldn't I be. Everything went well, apparently."
"That's a relief," he sighed.
"Yeah it is. Listen, you should probably rest your eyes, go back to sleep. I'll still be here when you wake up."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive. Laguna went to get me lunch, so I won't starve. Sleep, Squall."
"Okay, okay. Do I get a kiss goodnight?"
"Well it's actually morning still, but yeah." She bent over and kissed him softly. "Now sleep."
"Yes, mother." Squall grinned before closing his eyes and falling into the realm of sleep within minutes.
- - -
"Hey Rin," Zell greeted as he, Selphie, Irvine, Seifer and Quistis entered the room.
"Hey you guys, you're staying at the palace too, eh?"
They all nodded.
"How is he?" Quistis asked.
"The doctor said everything went well, so…Squall might has his vision back, but they aren't gonna take the bandages off til tomorrow," Rinoa smiled. A sight the gang had seen so rarely.
"So is he getting special treatment 'cause he's Laguna's son?" Seifer smirked.
"If you call getting treated by the best eye surgeon and having her constantly watching him special treatment, then I'd say yes."
"I'd like to meet this doctor," Irvine grinned before grimacing at Selphie's elbow jabbing his side.
"You okay, Rinny? Do you want something to eat?" Selphie asked.
"Well, Laguna went to get me lunch a while ago, haven't seen him though."
"Oh, he's back at the palace, he told us that Squall's operation was done and that we were allowed to visit. So we came." Selphie who had been holding flowers bounded across to the other side of the bed placing them onto the table.
"Come on, Rin. I'll take you to get something to eat." Quistis put her hand on Rinoa's shoulder, encouraging her to come.
"Really, I'm fine. I want to be here if Squall wakes up. I told him I would be."
"Ah, L'amour," Seifer sighed, rather sarcastically. Quistis threw him a glare. "Alright Rin, I'll go get you something to eat," he quickly remarked to make up to his previous comment. Quistis practically shoved him out of the room.
"Relax Rinny, Squally'll be fine," Selphie chirped as she leant her back against Irvine, who wrapped his arms around her.
"I know. Things are beginning to feel right again."
"Gravity will always prevail, and everything will fall into place." Zell blinked as the words left his mouth. "Did I just say that?"
"I think that's the wisest thing you've ever said," Quistis stated with a lifted eyebrow.
"Tell me," Rinoa tilted her head questioningly, "Did you happen to get that line out of a book?"
"Uhh," he blushed, resulting in laughter filling the room.
"I believe Julie is changing our little Zell," Selphie giggled as she ruffled his blonde hair.
"Julie? The librarian trainee?" Irvine smirked. "You got taste, dude."
"Erm, so Rin, how long Squall been asleep?" Zell desperately tried to change the subject.
"I'm not asleep," Squall replied before Rinoa could.
Zell practically jumped at the shock. "Shit man, you gotta warn us before you scare the crap outta us."
"But then that would defeat the purpose of surprise, Zell. Besides, as if you'd expect someone to stay sleeping after laughing so loudly."
"Sorry, sweetie," Rinoa apologised as she took her place at the edge of Squall's bed.
"When do I get these bandages off?"
"Just overnight, Mr Leonhart," the doctor responded as she walked into the room holding a folder. "Sorry to interrupt, I heard a great deal of laughter coming from here, I thought I'd check and see what I was missing out on."
"Nothing, just a little joke," Rinoa said inbetween snickers as she glanced at Zell, face still reddish.
"Alrighty then. Squall, if you can remember, I said you might have to wear glasses for six months, but because your surgery went so well, I gave your eyes some laser treatment as well. That means that you probably won't need the glasses. However, if your sight is blurry, then I'll have to give you glasses. You can also wear contact lenses if you want, but I'm pretty sure neither will be needed."
"Thankyou, doctor."
"You're very welcome. I'll let you all get back to whatever it was you were doing. Excuse me," she said to Seifer who was entering the room.
"Hot chips alright with you, Rin?"
"Thanks Seifer, I didn't realise I was so hungry."
"You didn't eat?" Squall asked, concern evident in his voice.
"Oh I did, just not enough," she lied.
"Bullshit artist," he whispered to her before raising his voice a notch, "Can I have one?" he turned his hand, palm facing up, to accept one. Rinoa placed a few on his palm and watched him carefully as he put them into his mouth. "Who's here?"
"Me, obviously, Zell, Selphie, Irvine, Seifer and Quistis," Rinoa informed him.
"Hey, guys. Where's Laguna?"
"Back at the palace."
"Oh, okay," Squall said, slightly disappointed. I wanted to thank him again. Even if this isn't successful he did try.
"I'm sure he'll be here later."
"Hey listen, Squall," Quistis started, "We really should be heading off. Its good to see you're alright. We'll be back tomorrow."
"Alright, thanks for coming."
The group all said their goodbyes as they exited leaving Squall and Rinoa alone once again. "Rin? Rinoa, are you still here?"
"Yeah, I'm here. Sorry, I was just thinking."
"About?"
"You," she smiled.
"Rin, sing me a song. I haven't heard you sing for so long."
She frowned in surprise, "Umm, what will I sing?"
"I dunno," he shrugged innocently, "Something to make me feel good."
She bit her lip nervously then lay her hand on top of Squall's and was suddenly filled with confidence. Smiling she replied, "Alright, just for you…
You are the song Playing so softly in my heart I reach for you You seem so near And yet so far I hope and I pray You'll be with me someday I know down inside That you are mine & I'm your true love Or am I dreaming... How can I Each time I try to say goodbye You were there You look my way and touch the sky We can share tomorrow and forevermore I'll be there To love you so You are my song I know for sure That we were meant to fall in love I look in your eyes I know what you're thinking of I try not to say The words that might just scare you away 'cause I know down inside That you are mine & I'm your true love Please, no more dreaming... How can I Each time I try to say goodbye You were there You look my way and touch the sky We can share tomorrow and forevermore I'll be there To love you so You are my song You are my song We can share tomorrow and forevermore I'll be there To love you so You are my song!"
Rinoa glanced and saw a small smile on Squall's face. "How was that?"
"You've got the voice an angel."
"So I've been told," she smirked.
"You should go back to the palace."
"Whatever," she scoffed, "As if I'm leaving you alone tonight."
"I'm a big boy, I'm not afraid of the dark. Really Rin, I don't want you to lose sleep over me."
"Yeah, like I haven't had sleepless nights on account of you before. May I remind you that you were away three years? Besides, they can't kick me out if I'm asleep, can they?"
"No, but where you gonna sleep?"
"There's a chair, a nice and comfy one. I'll survive."
"But-"
"Squall," she placed a finger on his lips, "Shuttup. I'm staying and that's that."
Stubborn woman. "Alright," he sighed, though inside he was grateful to have her company.
One last morning I'll wake up to darkness...
...One more night until I see her.
- - -
"Rinoa," a voice whispered. "Rinoa, wake up." A hand gently shook her shoulder.
She opened her eyes to the unfamiliar surroundings. Where am I? Oh, the hospital. Squall! "Hi, Laguna, what's the matter?" she rubbed the sleepiness from her eyes.
"You slept here, it's morning. Doctor Flores let you alone. Listen, she's going to take Squall's bandages off, you might want to wake up."
"I'm up," She got up, massaging her stiff neck. I will never again sleep upright in a chair. She rushed to the hospital room's bathroom, splashing cold water on her face. Rinoa stepped out of the bathroom just as the doctor walked in.
"Good morning, Ms Heartilly. Have a good sleep?"
"Not really," she laughed.
"Sorry we don't have better facilities. I could've had another bed put in here if you'd asked."
"Oh it's alright," Rinoa replied as she took her place beside Squall. Doctor Flores went to close the blinds before she stood opposite Rinoa on Squall's other side. Laguna had his arms crossed, nervously frowning at Squall's form.
"Squall," Rinoa said as she shook him. "Squall, wake up."
"Rin?"
"Yeah, good morning. Listen, Doctor Flores is here. We're gonna take your bandages off now, okay."
"Okay," he smiled weakly, hiding his excitement. He sat up, leaning against the many pillows the nurses had put to support his head.
"Now, Squall, I've chosen to do it early-ish morning so that the light isn't as strong. I've also closed the blinds. You'll be really unused to the light, so what I want you to do is close your eyes while I take your bandages. After I do that, I want you to cover your eyes with your hand. Alright?"
Squall obeyed, closing his eyes.
"Eyes closed?"
Squall nodded. Slowly, he felt the bandage around the upper half of his head get removed. When it had all been taken away, he brought his hand up to his eyes.
"Now Squall, I want you to open your eyes, but keep your hand in front, fingers closed. Okay, now very slowly, open your fingers and let in some light. This is so your eyes can get used to seeing light again."
Squall's finger's slowly opened, letting small rays of light into his eyes.
"Can you see light?"
He merely nodded. At first he squinted at the little amount of light, then after getting used to it, he opened his fingers more and more.
Rinoa, playing with her necklace, waited in anticipation as Squall slowly adapted to the room's illumination. She watched as the gap between each finger got bigger and bigger.
"Now, when you feel ready, take your entire hand away."
He sighed happily, "Rin?"
"I'm here."
"Rin, give me your hand." She nervously lent over him and put her hand in his spare hand. "Give me your other hand."
She frowned confusedly, but brought her hand up to meet the one he held in front of his face. As his fingers wrapped around her's he moved his hand away from his face. He saw her smile-he saw her! He focused his vision on her as best he could and smiled.
"Hey there, beautiful."
- - -
A/N-AH!!! Omg! I love this chapter the best so far and many of you will probably think that is because Squall got his sight back…the other reason you needn't know of, except some special people ^.^…anyhoo…well I just have to say this…most of the medical information in this *is* accurate and if ya don't believe me just think "it is Esthar" and I know exactly what they do in eye examinations because I recently had to get *my* eyes checked…and guess what *bows head in shame* I needed glasses. Yes, I'm wearing them right now because I am a good girl…oh if any of you wanted to know what song that was its called "You are My Song" if ya want a girl singing it, its by Regine Velasquez but for a better vocal part go for the one by Martin Nievera…but anyway…how did you all like this chapter?! I loved it! but hey, I'm slightly *cough* biased hehehe…thanks everyone for reading and especially those who reviewed:
Angelprinczess29: glad ya liked the previous chapter and there is a *lot* more fluff on the way ;) thanks again, hope this chappy was good ^.^ update your fic soon, m'kay?
Rinoa Leonheartilly: sorry, I woulda done sticky figures but I couldn't be bothered ^.^ thanks for reviewing and I so agree that there's more yoais popping up and its overshadowing the Squinoa world! No! hope you enjoyed this chappy
Sammy-Chan: *pats her back* aww…there there, I'm still alive hahaha, jokes…it thrills me to know you like my fic so…thanks for the review and plz update your story…I'm impatient like that ^.^
FinalFantasyAngel: thanks for the review and I hope you liked this one as well ^.^
Cloud-123: thanks so much for the compliment, made me really happy XD…also thanks for the review and I hope this chappy was enjoyable
JerseyGirl03: did this chapter answer a few of your questions? I hope so…did you like it? anyhoo, about that wedding which you and some others are probably expecting…I may not write it…not to say they won't get married, but I might have an epilogue…maybe…I'll think it over…thanks for the review though!
Sorceress-Pain: gee, no complaints about my story?! Thank you so much!! I always get nervous when I update that I'll get a flamer *shudder* haven't gotten one yet, thanks God…thanks for the review and for enjoying my fic…really means a lot to moi ^.^
The Ever Smiling: your family wrestles too? LOL! My lil cousins like to wrestle, quite amusing while your eating dinner…anyhoo, thankyou ever so much for being a very loyal and great reviewer, you make my job of wanting to write so much more fulfilling ^.^ thanks again and I hope you liked this chapter as much as the last.
Nuaro: thanks for the nice review ^.^…really did appreciate it…how was this one?
Digininga: *yay*~!!! You found the cable! Woohoo! Good for you! Where are you up to now? Hope everything is going well ^.^ hehehe, thanks for the review and I hope you enjoyed this one!
Wcigtdniw: thanks for the review! Its good to hear that you're enjoying my fic! Hope you like this chapter ^.^
Angelofthelions: she didn't completely forget her feelings, she was just a little…er…delusional/dreamy/lightheaded/confuzzled-the works…anyhoo…thanks for the review…I'm glad to hear you're liking my fic though ^.^
SabreHero: my friend, there is *nothing* wrong with being a huge Squinoa fan…this coming from one ^.^ hehehe, I love Squinoas that's why I tried writing one, I'm glad you like it!! please review again…
Sefran: yeah, I got a lot of that comment for that chapter…it really isn't *that* confusing…Brendan's dad married Iona's sister and Brendan's dad was Iona's husband's brother…that help? No? hahaha didn't think so…just know that both women were sister and both men were brothers and they all married each other…er…you get what I mean…hopefully…thanks for reviewing anyway ^.^
PLEASE REVIEW!!!