Disclaimer: I own nothing…understand? N-O-T-H-I-N-G…got that? Okay then…you may proceed…
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Chapter 22-Forgiveness
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Rinoa stepped closer, tears in her eyes. "You…can you…you can see?"
He brought his hand up to her cheek and brushed away a tear with his thumb. "No need to cry about it."
"I'm crying 'cause I'm happy, silly," she said as she threw her arms around him. After a few minutes she pulled away slightly holding his face in her hands. "Sweet Hyne. You aren't bullshitting me are you?" She held her index finger and middle finger up. "How many fingers am I holding up?"
"Well technically you're holding your whole hand up which means you have four fingers and a thumb held up. If you were asking how many fingers were pointing to the heavens, then I'd say two," he grinned.
"Smart ass," she laughed before she leaned in and gave him a kiss. Pulling away she took his hands in her's and sighed. Glancing at the doctor who was grinning at the two, Rinoa stood and practically ran to the doctor throwing her arms around her. "Thankyou so much, doctor. You have know idea how grateful I am."
"Oh, I have a slight idea," she chuckled in return.
"Thankyou, doctor," Squall calmly praised, receiving an acknowledging nod from Doctor Flores.
"I will buy you a huge present and you are so invited to the wedding," Rinoa continued.
"Thankyou, but it really isn't necessary. The satisfaction and knowledge that I made someone happy is enough for me. I'll leave you three alone," she said as she peeled herself from Rinoa's arms and left the room.
Rinoa then stepped toward Laguna and gave him a hug. "Thankyou, Mr Loire! Thankyou for making all the arrangements and stuff."
"You're welcome, my dear. Does that mean I'm invited to the wedding as well?"
Rinoa laughed, "Of course you are." Releasing her hold she let Laguna go to Squall as she watched from a distance.
"How you doing, Squall?"
"I'm fine." Squall awkwardly put his arms around his father tightly. "Thanks a lot, dad." He didn't even hesitate at the use of the word.
"It's the least I could do." He glanced at Rinoa then back at Squall. "Listen, I'll leave you two alone now." Giving Rinoa another hug he made his way out of the room and smiled to himself as he walked down the hall of the hospital.
Ahh, young love. If only Raine could see him now...
Making his way to the front desk, the ladies stood showing their respect for the President. "No one is to disturb Squall Leonhart for a while. Don't let anyone go into his room."
"Yes, Mr President," they all replied in unison.
- - -
Inside the room the two hadn't moved. Squall was content just staring at her across the room where she stood with one hand raised to her mouth, the other resting across her stomach, supporting her other arm. Rinoa, too, watched him-his steel blue eyes.
Squall broke the silence, inviting her over to him. He moved over, making some space for her. Rinoa sat down on the bed's edge before turning to lie down next to Squall, who was still sitting up. Reaching for her hand, he continued to gaze at her, comparing the woman he saw before her to the one he had left three years ago.
"Please tell me I'm not dreaming," she softly whispered, "Please tell me this is real."
"You're not dreaming," he whispered back before kissing her softly. "This is real." He brushed a strand of hair from her face, leaving his hand against her cheek. She closed her eyes as she shivered at his touch. "I love you."
"I love you, too." Rinoa smiled as he took her hand once again and kissed it.
Squall glanced at the ring on her hand, taking in the sight of his ring on her finger. The white gold band adorned with a princess cut diamond set on a diagonal and two small, brilliant cut amethyst stones-one on each side point of the diamond.
"It's pretty," Rin responded as he gazed at the ring.
"Gee, I've got good taste," he grinned, receiving a punch in the arm. "Ouch, that hurt you know."
"Shock. Either I've gotten stronger or you've gotten very weak."
"It's called sarcasm, sweetie."
"I know that," Rin laughed.
"So," Squall entwined his fingers through Rinoa's. "How are you?"
She laughed out loud at the random question. Containing her laughter, she managed to say, "I'm very well thankyou, and you?"
"Not bad, my eyes hurt a bit, but I should be okay."
"Your eyes hurt? Is it meant to be like that?"
"Probably. But I can see fine, that's good."
"Yeah it is…do you want breakfast? I could ask the nurse to bring you some if you want."
"I'm fine, just stay with me."
"Okay," she smiled as he shuffled down the bed, resuming a laying position beside Rinoa. She moved closer to him placing a hand on his chest while her head lay on his outstretched arm.
I'd be happy to stay like this for the rest of my life...
- - -
"Gina," a lady wearing a coat, ready to go home, called, "Gina, are you listening?"
A young girl sat at the computer reading something intently. "Yeah…" she replied, not once taking her eyes off the screen before her.
"Gina, President Laguna requested that nobody disturb Mr Leonhart in room sixteen. Don't tell anyone which room he's in and don't let anyone through without asking where they're going, alright?"
"Yeah…room sixteen, got it. Have a nice day, Carolyn."
"Did you hear me, Angie?"
"Yeah, yeah…don't disturb room sixteen," The other girl at the front desk replied. She, too, was engrossed in some reading.
"You know, if you two aren't careful, that fanfiction site you go to everyday might be banned."
"We're careful."
Rolling her eyes, the older woman exited the hospital on her way home. I'd love to see those two get out of a burning building. She softly chuckled as she walked home, accidentally bumping into a mature man.
"Sorry, sir."
"You're alright." Walking away, the man entered the hospital proceeding to the front desk. "Good morning, I'd like to know which room Squall Leonhart is in."
"Room sixteen," they replied mechanically in unison.
"Thankyou."
The man walked away from the front desk down the hall to room sixteen. Clearing his throat he opened the door and walked in, shocked at the scene he saw before him. Squall Leonhart sleeping with his arms around…Rinoa?!
"Rinoa!" he shouted, the two waking up instantaneously, Rinoa standing up from the bed. "I don't ever want to see you in bed with that man."
Rinoa rolled her eyes as she tied her hair up into a ponytail. "We're engaged. Are we meant to go primitive and remain distant until the wedding night?"
"Yes!"
Rinoa raised an eyebrow at him, "Really? Well then, welcome to the future, father."
"Good Morning, General," Squall formally greeted from where he sat on his hospital bunk.
"Good Morning, all went well with surgery, I see."
"Yes." Pausing to formulate his next statement he saw Caraway shift uncomfortably under his daughter's stare. "With all due respect, sir, I hope you didn't come all this way to discuss sleeping behaviour with your daughter."
"No I didn't, so if you'd excuse me, I'd like to have a word with Rinoa outside. Please," he beckoned slightly to her.
At least he had the decency to say 'please' this time. Sighing heavily she started walking out of the room. "I'll just be a minute, Squall." General Caraway followed her out of the room. "What is it? You just managed to ruin, what would've been, the best day of my life."
"Rinoa, please." He gazed at her, the girl-no, woman-that stood before him. She was all grown up, Don't treat her like a child, Caraway, she'll only get even more distant. "Rinoa, I'd like to have lunch with you tomorrow."
"Excuse me?" she frowned, surprised.
"I'd like to treat you out to lunch tomorrow. If you want to go, that is."
"Umm…" Lunch with my father?! This has to be some sort of trap. Maybe he's gonna try and talk me out of the wedding…or maybe he just wants to have lunch…this is too weird. Still, if Squall can be on good terms with Laguna then…so can I! "Alright, where will I meet you?"
"I'll pick you up here if you want."
"Okay then, well I'll see you tomorrow then…" she replied slowly, not sure of what she was getting herself into.
Caraway smiled at her before walking out of the hospital.
"Get this," she started as she entered 'Room 16' again. "Caraway wants to have lunch with me tomorrow."
"Really, well, isn't this interesting. Perhaps he plans to poison you with ways on how to call off the engagement," he smirked.
Rinoa smiled sarcastically. "As if I'd give in to his preachings that easily. Besides, its just lunch…nothing to worry about." I hope...
"Are you nervous?"
"No," she quickly answered.
"Is the great Miss Heartilly nervous?"
"You know I forgot how annoying you got at times."
"Look who's talking."
"Meanie," she retorted as she stuck her tongue out at him.
"It's not polite for a young lady to stick her tongue out at people."
"Pfft," She resumed her position on the bed facing him, "As if I give a crap. I'm not nervous."
Squall merely nodded, which aggravated Rinoa even more.
"I'm not!"
"Denial," he simply stated.
"I'm not in denial!"
"Sweetie, Rin, its me. You know, Squall Leonhart, the guy who loves you? Yeah, that's me. If you're nervous, you don't need to hide it from me. I'm just kidding around anyway."
"I'm aware of that. Sorry, I'm just a little…weirded out by it. I mean, I have no idea what his intentions are, and if I manage to act civil tomorrow then it'll be longest time we spend together since…I dunno…five years ago."
"Don't stress, babe."
"You know, you've changed so much."
"How so?" he frowned slightly.
"Well for one thing, you're more open."
"I always am around you."
"Gee don't I feel special. No seriously, you are more open."
"I guess I just figured there was no point in shutting my feelings inside. I was away three years, that almost killed me. I got a second chance and…I'm gonna take advantage of it."
Rinoa smiled at his last sentence.
We both got a second chance.
- - -
Brendan nervously paced the footpath in front of the hospital. Finally getting the courage, he passed the front doors and asked the ladies at the frost desk where he could find Squall Leonhart.
"Room sixteen," one of them had replied.
He nervously ran a hand through his hair. Inside the room he heard the sound of a TV. Come on, Brendan, stop being a bloody chicken and just do it. Clearing his throat with a cough, he opened the door. Proceeding forward, he came upon a dark haired man staring at him.
"Who are you?" he queried.
"Hi, Squall…I'm Brendan Sullivan."
"Oh…you."
Scratching his head he nervously continued, "I heard the surgery went well."
"Yes. What are you doing here?"
"Squall, please hear me out. I know that what I have to say may not make any difference to your opinion of me, but I'll never forgive myself if I don't at least try."
"Alright, I'm listening."
"I haven't had a decent night's sleep for the past week since I found out what I really did three years ago, how my father had used me-"
"Oh yeh, how is your father?" Squall asked with a slight glare.
"The bastard's in jail. That should please you."
"A little."
"Well as I was saying, I think I came close to killing myself twice, my conscience is eating away at me and it will keep at it if I don't do this properly. Squall, for everything I've done, all the crap and bullshit I've pulled, I apologise. I know that you'll probably never forgive me, but I just want you to know that I really do regret my actions. Please…" His voice suddenly faltered, "Accept my apology."
As Squall watched him with his bent head and slumped shoulders, he developed a little feeling of sympathy for him.
He made me blind, sure...but maybe he was just an instrument used in all this. Maybe me and Rin had to go through this bullshit...maybe it happened this way for the best. I never was a great believer of fate, but if its fate that brought me and Rin back together, then I'm a bloody preacher.
Standing up from his bed, Squall slowly walked to Brendan and held out his hand. Brendan warily lifted his head, accepting the handshake.
"I accept your apology, Mr Sullivan."
"Seriously?" his eyes widened.
"Yeah, but don't think I'm gonna be your buddy now."
"Oh, yeah, I know. Hyne, I feel so much better."
Squall smiled at him stiffly. "Well then…it was nice to meet you, finally."
"You too, Mr Leonhart. I'll see around then."
"Yeah…see you." Squall watched as Brendan meekly turned and left. Returning to his bunk he heard someone came in.
"Hiya, Squall!"
"Hey Selphie."
"How ya doin' Squall? Can ya see me?" she asked all too eagerly
"Yes I can." He smiled. "I'm fine…hey listen Selphie. Tomorrow while Rin has lunch with her dad, could you and everyone else come visit…I gotta ask a favour of you guys."
"Oh, what would that be?" the bubbly girl queried.
"I'll talk about it tomorrow, just a little idea that I have. You guys can help me."
"Alrighty. Well," she glanced at a paper bag in her hand. "Rinny told me to bring you some food."
"But they serve lunch in the hospital."
"She told me to bring you some food," Selphie winked.
"Oh, thanks Selph." He accepted the bag from her, waiting until she was gone to open it.
"I'll see you tomorrow, then, alright Squall?"
"See you then, and please don't tell Rinoa."
"No problem, you can trust me to keep a secret."
Umm...yeah, whatever Selphie. "Thanks."
Bounding out of the room, she almost collided with the doctor. "Sorry, Doctor. Thankyou so much for everything you've done!"
"Oh, it was no trouble at all," Upon entering the room, she took out a flashlight from her pocket and went up to Squall. "What you got there?"
"Some food Rinoa sent."
"Alright, well I'm just going to check your eyes. Face me, please." Doctor Flores shone the light in his eye. "Sorry, I know you aren't used to it yet. But your pupils are responding well. I'll open the blinds now. Okay," she said as she returned to where he sat, "These are some eye-drops." She produced a small bottle. "You are to put two drops on each eyes every morning when you wake up. It'll relieve the little bit of pain. Do you need anything?"
"No, I'm okay doctor. Thankyou, again, I don't know if I'll ever stop being grateful."
"I'm glad I could help. Well I'll let you eat now."
Alone once again he opened the bag and took out a little note, recognising the familiar scroll.
Squall,
Here's a chicken and avocado sandwich, you know, the one I deprived you of having a couple of nights ago. Hope you enjoy it. The food they serve there is absolutely terrible.
Love Always,
Rinoa.
He took out the sandwich and took a bite. You're right, Rin. The food here does suck.
- - -
"Rin, would you stop pacing the room?" Squall watched her anxiously.
"I can't…it's almost noon. Caraway will be here soon. Hyne, Squall, I don't know how I'm going to stand him for so long."
"It's only lunch," he reasoned.
"Yeah, then why am I so nervous?"
"You tell me."
"Oh Squall," she plopped down onto his bed in front of him. "What am I gonna do?"
"Well, you're going to eat and watch him pay the bill. You might even exchange a few words with him occasionally. If we're lucky, a whole conversation could start!"
"How can you stay so calm?"
"I'm not the one going to lunch with my father," he smirked.
"Okay, stupid question. Aren't you the least bit worried about what he's going to say to me?"
"No."
"Why?"
"'Cause chances are we've probably heard it all before."
"True…"
Changing the subject slightly he asked, "Any idea where you two will be eating?"
"Nope," Rin shrugged.
A knock at the door sent Rinoa's heart beating.
"Squall, I think I'm having a heart attack."
"No, that's just your heart beating very fast. Come in," he said in a slightly louder voice.
"Hello Squall, Rinoa, are you ready?"
Picking up her jacket she replied, "I guess. Bye Squall, I'll be back later." She turned to kiss him aware that Caraway was watching rather uncomfortably.
"Ahem," the General coughed.
"Okay, okay let's go."
"Have fun," Squall grinned receiving a glare from his fiancee.
As if.
- - -
Rinoa nervously sat opposite her father, playing with the rings on her chain. Caraway had taken her to a small diner. Funny. My father has all the money in the world, well just a little less, and he chooses to take me to a diner for lunch. Maybe he's trying to prove that he's still a normal person...if he ever was one.
After the lady taking their orders walked away, Caraway placed a small, blue velvet box in front of her. Frowning, Rinoa picked it up. "Is this for me?"
He merely nodded in confirmation, watching as she opened it.
Rinoa gasped as she saw what was inside. Two diamond tear-drop earrings sparkled in the dim lighting of the diner. "We're these?"
Caraway again nodded. "She wanted me to give them to you when you got married."
"So you didn't want to talk me out of the marriage. Gosh, I always wondered what happened to these. I used to look at the photos of your wedding, imagining all the different ways they could've been lost. But you had them all this time?"
"I had to keep the promise I made to your mother. I've kept them with me, in my inside pockets, ever since your mother died."
Rinoa was still in awe of the beautiful reminders of her mother. "Thankyou so much, you don't know how much this means to me."
"Rinoa," he cast his gaze to the table, "When I saw Squall and Laguna reconcile, it got me thinking a lot. I just have one question. Why do you hate me so?"
She reflected over the question. Do I really hate my father? I saw how Brendan looked when he shot his father, the hatred in his eyes. Is that how I feel about my father?
"I don't hate you…"she started slowly. "It's just that…well, after mom died, we just drifted apart, you know. Dad, you didn't even hold my hand at the funeral. I was so young and I didn't have anyone there to comfort me."
"Rinoa, did it ever occur to you that seeing you hurt me?"
"What do you mean? You couldn't bear to look at me?"
"Exactly. I truly did love your mother…when she died, I didn't think I'd ever find happiness again. Well, truth was I didn't want to find happiness again. So I shut out nearly everything worth being happy about in my life-I shut you out. Rinoa, I'm so sorry about that. I regret doing that more than anything else."
Rinoa frowned, "I did that as well…I'm…" she paused, making sure she was doing the right thing. "I'm sorry too, Dad."
"I love you, you know. Please don't ever doubt that. I know I haven't been the best father, I really do want you to be happy. I know it may mean nothing to you, but you and Squall have my blessings."
Rinoa never realised how much she wanted to hear that her father had approved. Smiling, she replied happily. "Thanks dad."
- - -
"Okay guys, here's the deal. I want you all to help me do something for Rinoa."
Squall glanced around the room at his friends before continuing. "Alright, well, Doctor Flores said I'll be out of hospital tomorrow. I was wondering if you all could help me set up a little party in the ballroom at Garden."
"Oh, a party!" Selphie squealed. "That's my specialty!"
"Cool, so are we all invited?" Zell asked.
"You're such a moron, chickenwuss." Seifer rolled his eyes, "The party is just for Squall and Rinoa. He just needs us to set it up, right?"
"Right. Nothing too elaborate, just something simple. You know, like music, dinner and stuff like that. Is that asking too much of you all?"
"No problem, Squall," Irvine stated as he tipped his hat.
"Thanks, I want this to be perfect."
- - -
A/N-whoa! Does this just keep getting better and better or what? Hahaha sorry, big ego problem at the moment…I need the self esteem. Anyhoo, tis good for me because I'm getting these final chapters out in the open. Yes that's right, this is the second last chapter for rtm…*tear* its all coming to an end…really depressing really, but I have begun another fic, so yay!…moving along…what did you all think? Please review!!! These last chapters especially, they're probably the best I've written ever, so I'd like to know what you all thought. thankyou to everyone who has reviewed in particular:
Nuaro: yes glasses aren't that bad…but yes…last chapter shortly, but how did you like this one? Thanks for the review!
Angelprinczess29: hehehe, glad you liked that chapter…my favourite!! Thanks for the review and the update of your fic…can ya do the same this time? Hehehe I hope so, glad to hear from you again! how was the fluff?
Digininga: wow! Ya know its been great to talk to you through emails…you should get msn, it'll be easier…anyhoo, how was this chapter? Did ya like it? I hope so. Thanks again for all your reviews!
Shadow39: how was this chappy? Thanks for the review!
Sorceress-Pain: last chapter? Perfect? *tear* I agree…it was touching wasn't it? hehehe thanks for the review and how was this update?
Sabam: hehehe I never realised my work to be *that* good, but if that's what you think, that's what you think. You like biology eh? Try having my science teacher teach it to you *shudder*…but anyhoo, that's getting off topic…when are you going to update again? I can't wait! Hehehe thanks for the review and approval of medical information ^.^
The Ever Smiling: hello again! hahaha, oh question…since you're canadian I wanted to ask you…do you call the meal eaten at midday or around that time lunch, or dinner? Having an argument with my brother…anyhoo, thanks for the review! Yet again, you should probably get a job reviewing things on a daily basis hehehe anyhoo, this is the second last chapter…hope you enjoyed it!
SabreHero: the end will be next update…verily sad for me too. Anyhoo, thanks for your interest and support and for the review!
Gentle Breeze: how bored are you in the library after school? Like honestly? Hahaha you *chuck cows!* that's just funny, mate! I'll hafta try that game one day…hey I wonder if we'll ever be able to throw real cows at the librarians! Oh wait, you can't chuck something at themselves…erm…that didn't make sense…but yeah, thanks for the reviews hehehe
Finalfantasyangel: I'm glad you enjoyed that chapter, hope you like this one as well! Thanks for the review and encouragement!
Jerseygirl03: umm…well, I think I've already established quite firmly that Mr sullivan (Brendan's daddy) was responsible…yeah, hope that please you, but yes, thanks for the review ^.^
Karla: don't worry, you spell fine hahaha…but the operation…a couple of thousand I'd imagine, I would look it up, but its late where I am and I really should be resting my brain for school tomorrow hehehe. Anyhoo, thanks for the review!
Angelofthelions: she screamed in your ear? That's wasn't very nice…did she cause you to have temporary hearing loss? I've been known to do that at times, like a couple of days ago I screamed because I can't count up to ten…erm…long story…but yes..thanks for the review!
Wcigtdniw: interesting name, I must say, gets me everytime. Anyhoo, yes, second last chapter this is…how'd ya like it? hope it was ok…thanks for the review!
Squall Leonhart14: hey there, and thanks for reviewing my fic! How's this for soon? Hehehe hope you enjoyed this installment! ^.^
Centaur30: hmm…humour? I'll look into it, though I'm not a very *cough* humorous person…but some people have found some things that I didn't intend to be funny funny, so yeah…thanks for the review and I hope you liked this one! ^.^
Please don't forget to review, I really do appreciate any comments you have to give to me. Remember that the last chapter for 'return to me' goes up next Thursday. Thankyou all you're your support up until now! You guys rock my socks! ^.^