Authors Note: Hey there guys! First things I have to apologise for the major delay in the updates. I've had so much to do lately writing hasn't been my priority and when I tried to write I just stared blankly at the screen and couldn't think. So what have I been up to? Well I got a job (wrapping meat is so much fun *sigh*), school sets a ton more homework, I've started driving lessons and I finally completed FFX! Well, don't wanna bore you with my life so on with the story.

Disclaimer: Square-Enix owns everything, even you and me. Bow down to the rulers of the world.

Chapter 8 – Back to the city

Squall, Irvine and Rinoa sat on a train heading back to Deling City. This time sat in a cramped carriage, just two benches facing each other with a small space between them.

Rinoa was lying against the train window, her feat up on the seat. She had been silent for most of the journey. Squall sat next to her and Irvine opposite.

Rinoa still couldn't believe what had happened today. Seifer had tried to rape her; she could barely think the words. (If Squall hadn't said something…)

Rinoa was thankful to Squall but she had found herself thinking about him more recently. Her feelings were evolving to something more intense. She found herself looking at him, his blue eyes drawing her in. Squall turned to look at her, Rinoa looked away embarrassed that she had been caught. As she avoided his gaze she could feel the heat rising in her face.

Irvine broke the silence. "Squall, what did Seifer mean he said you have a secret?"

Squall had been dreading that they asked him about this. "I used to work alongside Seifer. I suppose he thought if you knew you wouldn't trust me," Squall lied. Sure, he knew it wasn't a good story but at least it avoided the truth.

Irvine looked doubtful but seemed to accept it. The carriage fell silent once more and remained fairly uneventful for most of the journey back, save Rinoa's occasional glances at Squall.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The train began to slow down, the brakes squeaking loudly as they struggled to slow the fast moving train. Rinoa sat up, turning to look out the window. She watched as they slid into Deling City, the empty meadows interrupted by the occasional building and then this turning into masses of large structures as they reached the heart of the city.

The train pulled to a stop as they reached the train station. The doors slid open allowing them to exit the train. Now just the mad rush to get off the train began. Businessmen, families, and more slid out of their carriage and began to crowd the narrow train. The three stood up and began to force their way through the crowds. A few 'accidental pushes' later and they were outside away from the thick crowds.

Irvine looked at his watch as they left the building. "Damn, Selphie's gonna kill me. We're meant to have a hot date tonight but I'm already an hour late."

Rinoa laughed. "You better run then."

"Don't worry I will," he said taking off down the street.

Rinoa smiled as she watched him run out of view. "He's right, Selphie will kill him but he'll sweet talk like he always does."

"She doesn't mind him cheating on her?" Squall asked.

"She's given up trying. She knows that he'll always come back so doesn't mention it, although I think it hurts her."

Squall shook his head; he couldn't understand how he could get away with it. "I think I better be going as well now," Squall spoke looking at Rinoa.

"You don't have to run away from me so soon," Rinoa said, trying to look hurt. "I won't bite." Without warning she leaned in and kissed Squall quickly on the cheek.

Squall stepped back stunned. "What was that for?"

"Being my knight in shining armour," Rinoa said looking into his eyes.

Squall knew what she was talking about, but dismissed it. "It was nothing."

"You can't take compliments, can you?" Rinoa said. "If you hadn't done anything Seifer might have...well, he might have done anything."

Squall saw a glint of pain in her eye. Squall smiled sincerely and rather out of nature stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her. Rinoa smiled, digging herself deeper into Squall's chest.

"You know you could come back with me if you want," Rinoa whispered.

"I don't know," Squall said, the whispers of Quistis' warnings haunting his head.

"Please, I don't want to be alone tonight," she begged.

"Okay," he said, throwing Quistis from his mind. This was the right thing to do.

"Good." She reached up; this time being more daring she pressed her lips against his. It was short but enough to tempt both of them. "Come on," she smiled, grabbing his hand.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Squall and Rinoa arrived outside a large house. Rinoa walked up to it, pressing the code on the security gate. The gate swung open and Squall followed Rinoa through.

"Is this your house?" Squall asked surprised.

"You didn't think I joined the life of crime for the social perks did you?" Rinoa smiled at him.

"Well, no, but I wasn't expecting this," Squall said in awe.

"Don't let anyone ever tell you crime doesn't pay," Rinoa pulled open the door and led Squall through the door.

Squall stepped into the house and followed Rinoa through to the living room.

"Take a seat," she said. "Do you want a drink?" Rinoa walked through to the adjoining kitchen and looking in the fridge.

"What do you have?" Squall asked.

"Champagne," she smiled as she returned holding a bottle and two glasses. She opened the bottle and poured two drinks, handing one to Squall.

Squall took a sip of the drink. "Good stuff," he suddenly felt slightly awkward as he realised where he was.

Rinoa sensed something was wrong and took the glass from Squall and placed it on a nearby table.

She closed the gap between them and brushed her lips against his, teasing him, before moving her face away from him. Squall gave in to her and followed her movements backwards until his lips met hers. The two closed their eyes as they moved into a deep kiss.

Rinoa pulled away from the kiss, to Squall's disappointment, but a playful glint remained in her eyes. Her hands reached Squall's top and she quickly worked to remove it, as she accomplished it the top was thrown to the floor. Rinoa pushed back into a kiss, her hands taking advantage caressing his now bare body.

This time it was Squall's turn to take advantage. As they kissed, his hands worked pulling her top off, their lips breaking contact briefly as the top went over her head. His hands lowered from Rinoa's neck, running down her body until they found her bra. His hands gripped and quickly undid it. Before he had a chance to remove it a bell sounded.

The kiss ended as Rinoa pulled away. "What was that?" Squall asked.

"The doorbell," Rinoa said, reluctantly pulling her clothes back on.

"Don't answer it."

Rinoa smiled. "I have to," she said turning to walk out the door.

Squall stood up as he heard Rinoa talking to someone, her voice sounded friendly so it must have someone Rinoa knew. Squall took this time to examine the room, his police brain taking over told him to examine the desk in the corner. He walked over to it and opened the top drawer, it slid open to reveal masses of paper. Squall quickly skimmed through the contents but decided that there was nothing important there.

Stopping to listen, he heard Rinoa was still talking. He decided to try the next drawer, he attempted to pull it open but found it was locked. Looking around quickly he saw a paper clip lying on top of the desk. Untwisting it, he pushed it into the lock and attempted to unlock it. Finally, he heard the lock click and twist open. He quickly disposed of the clip and pulled the drawer open.

In it lied one single file, 'confidential' printed on the front. Squall quickly pulled this out and examined it closer, the Galbadian symbol was printed on the top right corner. He flipped the cover open and began to read the contents.

Damn, he thought as he read through it. In this file were plans to a new type of explosive and from Squall could gather was small yet effective and easy to make. Whatever Rinoa was involved in was serious. He decided to place the file back, but clumsily dropped it to the floor, making an unnaturally loud sound. He quickly picked it up and stuffed it into the drawer.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Rinoa opened the door to see Selphie stood at the doorway, mascara smeared down her face.

"Selphie, what's wrong?" Rinoa asked running out to her.

"I think Irvine's cheating on me again," she said. "We were meant to have a night in together but he didn't come."

Rinoa couldn't help but smile. "Selphie, we got back to Deling late. Last time I saw Irvine he was running off to meet you."

"Oh," Selphie said pushing the tears out of her eyes. "I thought he had left me."

"No, Irvine would never do that," Rinoa reassured her.

"I better get back before he gets there then," she smiled, returning to her usual self. She turned to leave but stopped when she heard a bang from within the house. She looked at Rinoa smiling. "Who have you got in there?"

Rinoa smiled shyly. "Squall."

"I can't believe you didn't tell me you two were going out," Selphie exclaimed.

"We weren't. It just kind of happened."

"Guess I interrupted something then, didn't I? Don't worry I'll leave you two to get on with your business then," Selphie smiled with a sly grin.

She turned to walk away when Rinoa called her back. "Selphie, don't you think that dress is a bit short? Irvine will pounce on you as soon as he sees you," Rinoa motioned to her short black dress.

Selphie smiled. "Like you don't have something sexy for Squall to enjoy as well."

"Maybe."

"Well, enjoy yourself," Selphie said walking away waving to her friend.

Rinoa closed the door and walked back into the room. She stopped surprised to see Squall had pulled his shirt back on and looked ready to leave. "You're not going are you?"

Squall nodded.

"Why?" Rinoa asked, her hopes crushed. "Don't you want me anymore?"

"It's just not the right time," Squall explained.

"Oh, and a few minutes ago it was?" Rinoa asked raising her voice starting to get angry.

"I'm not ready for this. I'll see you tomorrow Rinoa," he said walking past her kissing her gently. She pulled away upset. "Bye Rinoa."

Squall walked out of the room and left Rinoa alone once more.

Authors Note: Well that's it for now. Hopefully that didn't suck too much, I am out of practice at writing. Next time I'm going to update faster. I promise. I've got a burst of inspiration on this now. Review please! Thanks to Keiry, CelesteSpring, Amakakeru Ryu No Hirameki1, XxPhoenix BladexX and Rinoa Lockheart for reviewing chapter 7.