Disclaimer: No phone calls yet...anyway you know the deal...so let's get started!
*Quistis and Rinoa*
Rinoa scooted over towards her, silently, while Kuro was sighting in her gun. Quistis moved her head a little from where she was sitting and saw that Rinoa was trying to tell her something. Rinoa had the card applied so she couldn't show Quistis her plan. Diablos will be here soon, Rinoa thought, then we can escape. Rinoa sat by her friend and they watched the couples come out of the mini balconies. Squall came out all by himself and Rinoa saw Shiva hug, for a long time. She could understand a short hug but this was like Shiva was in love with him. Quistis watched Zell walk down the stairs, arrive on the floor and take the arm of another girl! Quistis stood up and was trying to scream at him. Kuro turned to her and shot a silenced bullet by her head.
Kuro: Sit down and shut up. That's your only warning.
Quistis sat down and tried to remain calm. Her anger at him actually soothed her a little. It took her mind away from the fate in Kuro's hands. Rinoa looked one last time at Squall standing there, by himself and then tried to relax.
*Illasu and Rin*
They had presented the crown to Shiva and were standing, hands in hands, on the floor. They just stared at each other. Rin's mind was racing and Illasu's heart had stopped. When Rin finally started breathing, Illasu smiled and hugged him. She started to cry but Rin stopped her and dried her eyes so her mascara wouldn't run.
Illasu: Stupid stuff...girl can't even cry with it on.
Rin: You are beautiful, really beautiful. I wish I could look better for you though.
Illasu: You look fine. Just please, kiss me so I know it's real...
He did and she threw her arms around him. All the guys looked at them. They were very envious of Rin for getting a beauty like her. Illasu and Rin watched as Selphie and Irvine came down. They were clapping and when Selphie went to wave, she tripped, fell down the stairs, and landed on her butt. Quickly, she stood up and walked over to Irvine with a giant giggly smile. Irvine smiled and they approached Shiva. She bowed her head to them and presented Selphie with an ice rose.
Shiva: For giving me a wonderful festival, please accept this as a token of my appreciation. It brings good friends to you when you need them the most.
Selphie: Thank you, ever so much Ms. Shiva ma'am!
She accepted the rose, which was quite warm and walked away with Irvine.
*Selphie, Irvine, Illasu, Rin, Squall, and Zell with Trent*
They were all standing in a big group and marveling at each other. Squall looked marvelous in his uniform. Illasu walked over and hugged him for a moment. Squall smiled and Illasu put a hand reassuringly on his shoulder with a friendly smile. Squall smiled back and Illasu laughed. Trent came over and tapped her shoulder. Illasu turned around and held her arms out with a surprised look. Trent and Illasu gave one another a friendly hug and admired each others dresses. Trent, the biggest tom-boy Illasu knew besides her, was actually in a shorter dress than she was. Zell blushed when Trent came and pulled him up to Illasu. He waved to her and she smiled, shaking her head at him.
Zell: It's just till Quistis gets here. She said she wouldn't be here for awhile. Coming alone is kind of embarrassing for me.
Illasu: It's ok! Trent's real nice.
Trent: He knows me silly! That's why, when I heard, I asked him!
Illasu: (laughing) Oh, I see!
Irvine came over and jokingly asked Illasu if he could dance with her tonight but was greeted by a backslap form Selphie. He was rubbing his head as the last couple emptied out. It was Shiro and Yugo. Everyone fell silent just as they had done when Illasu came out. Shiro was magnificent. Her long, white hair was curled under, just above her shoulders. Her white dress was short, at the knees, and had glittery snowflakes on it. Yugo met her at the bottom of the stairs. He raised his eyebrows at her and they walked up to Shiva. She did not bow her head.
Shiva: Be careful what you do tonight child. Protect those your lovers love tonight.
Shiro: Of course, I will.
Shiva's bright smile turned to a mere line and all her beauty was gone for a moment. It was so quick that no one noticed, not even Yugo. They walked away and Cid came out with Matron. They stood at the middle of the stair case and spoke to the Garden students.
Cid: Welcome to Shiva's Grand Festival! As you all know, we have needed a renovation on the Library for quite some time. Well now that dream can come true. Ms. Shiva, the honored GF tonight, will be the theme of the new Library. If everyone would turn to the left side, you'll see a plan for the Library done by miss Illasu Marain, a new student. The project will start after the festival and go until completed.
Shiva got up and walked over to it. The snow lightly crunched under her feet. The falling snow was so gentle, it was wonderful. The rain had ceased outside as soon as Shiva had appeared. It was now a warm summer night. Eyeing the plans, she asked to see Illasu. She stepped out from among the couples and looked down at the ground. Embarrassment overcame her and she couldn't move. Shiva smiled and came over to her, embracing the tiny girl.
Shiva: I would give you a lifetime of gifts for this honor you have given me. What do you do desire most?
Illasu was literally at a loss. She was frozen to the ground at that moment. All time seemed to stop suddenly. Looking around her, she spotted Rin, grinning mischievously. She smiled back and turned to Shiva.
Illasu: I have everything I desire at the moment. Maybe one day though, I will need a favor. Thank you for your offer, your majesty. I will always remember it.
Shiva: You truly are a wonderous creature. Such pain has occurred in your life and I know you wouldn't change it for the world. Well then, with that, LET THE FESTIVAL BEGIN!
Everyone cheered and the music changed, for the 'march song', as Selphie had called it, ended. It was still slow music but now everyone was spread out, playing in the snow, eating, or just talking with friends. Illasu and Rin took each other's hands and walked to where Shiro and Yugo were. Shiro congratulated Illasu while Rin and Yugo went for drinks.
*Rin and Yugo*
Rin: She is so beautiful. I don't know when to ask her now.
Yugo: Bro, tonight is the night. Come on, now, you see that balcony down there?
Rin: Right outside the ballroom?
Yugo: Yes, go through those doors and ask her underneath those stars, on this fresh, beautiful night.
Rin: You've really thought about this more than I have!
Yugo: Sure, I am your brother! Got to keep you in check!
Rin: (laughing) So, how's Shiro? She looked beautiful as well.
Yugo: (faints and lays on the ground) She's wonderful! I wish I had known her longer!
Rin: Well, let's go back down. I think they're dancing.
*Out on the floor*
Shiro and Illasu were getting along great, talking up a storm. They were laughing and hugging when the boys came down. The boys laughed at them and the girls started to walk off. Rin grabbed Illasu's hand and led her out to where everyone was slowly dancing. Yugo took Shiro as well. Selphie spotted Rin and Illasu coming out so she and Irvine headed there too. They got right beside them where Selphie could talk to her but they were wrapped up in each other. So, Selphie smiled and held Irvine closer.
*Rin and Illasu*
Rin had her pulled in as close as she could get. Her arms were wrapped around his waist and her head was gently listening to his heart. Rin had his chin on the top of her head. His silver hair drooped down and the snow flecked it in white. Illasu just closed her eyes and swayed with him. When the song was over, they just stood there while Rin contemplated his plan. Illasu finally looked up into Rin's smiling face and he took her hand as they walked around for awhile. They ran into Selphie and Irvine again and Illasu freaked.
Illasu: Oh my gosh! Irvine?!
Irvine: yes? What? What's the matter?
Illasu: Can I hug you?
Irvine: (smiling) Why certainly! Wait a minute...why do you want a hug?
Illasu: Look at you! Your a gorgeous stud!
Selphie: Well of course! Rin, would you like a hug?
Rin: (laughing) Sure!
Irvine gave Illasu a nice, warm hug and wouldn't let go. Selphie gave Rin a friendly, smiley hug and had to pry the other two apart. Blushing, Illasu took Rin's hand and they chatted. Then after about five minutes, Cid started talking again.
Cid: Food provided by the Star Palace is available in the dining room. Please enjoy this wonderful treat provided by these two very sweet girls, miss Ruka and Kuma, owners of the restaurant.
Cid and Matron once again retired to the floor and mingled. Ruka and Kuma came over to Illasu and Rin. Rin hugged his sister longingly and kissed her cheek. Illasu smiled brightly. Kuma came over and Rin hugged her as well. They hugged Illasu and Rin asked them to get Selphie, Irvine, Squall, Zell, Trent, Yugo and Shiro. When they all came back with Ruka and Kuma, everyone was asking why they were there. Rin smiled and, from his pocket, produced a burgundy box. Handing it to Illasu who was wide eyed and smiling brightly, she opened the top. Inside was the beautiful Ruby Collar. Illasu just looked at it as the girls stopped breathing all around her. The guys smiled and laughed. Rin looked at the ground and then took it out to put it around her neck. When he had clasped it around her dainty neck, Illasu turned around and Jumped up, hugging him. She was crying again. Rin laughed and twirled her around in the biggest hug ever. Selphie cheered and Trent clapped. Ruka laughed and everyone pretty much said congrats. Then it was Yugo's turn. He turned to Shiro and gave her the emerald bracelet. All the girls then screamed more and jumped up and down. The guys were having a good time as well. Shiro jumped up and down once and then also hugged Yugo. Then the two girls turned towards each other and hugged. Selphie also gave Illasu a hug. Kuma asked about Rin and Illasu. She hadn't been told and felt left out.
Kuma: So, Rin and you huh?
Illasu: Yep, that's us. He's really great, aren't you?
Rin: I hope...
Ruka: Of course you are! You're my brother! You're the best! You and Yugo! Besides, where is he hiding? I want to hug him too!
Rin: He's over there standing by Selphie and Irvine.
Ruka: Ah, I see. Well, you two go get something to eat. If I know you guys, you haven't eaten anything all day. See you around!
Kuma: Bye!
Rin and Illasu were very hungry so they went and grabbed a plateful of stuff. The room smelled so sweet from the Air's Sound and Clouded Pool, that Illasu became very hungry. She grabbed a plate and Rin just followed . She walked on his feet and picked up at least 5 Snowflake Canderoo's with a big scoop of Air's Sound. She grabbed a wine glass of Clouded Pool and Rin took one of Silver Moon. They sat in the room where the chairs were. Illasu lightly placed herself on his lap and ate a cookie. Rin dipped his fingers in the caramel topping of the Air's Sound and popped his finger into his mouth. When he purred, Illasu laughed hard. He dipped his finger again, this time in some ice cream along with the caramel. He put it on her nose and smiled. Illasu bit his finger and ate the ice cream. She put some strawberry sauce on his nose and sat up to lick it off. It was fantastic. Rin got the sticky caramel off her nose and laughed. They ate the ice cream together and Rin had one cookie. When he was eating it, Illasu bit the other half and kissed him at the same time. Not many people were in the room to see but it was loud because of everyone outside. Illasu was slowly eating the last cookie and enjoying herself. Rin sipped his drink and relaxed in the chair. Illasu laid her head down on his chest and still munched the cookie.
*Shiro*
Shiro: Target is stationary Kuro...
Kuro: Finish Shiro.
Shiro: '...'
Kuro: SHIRO!
Shiro: No Kuro, I can't do this anymore.
Kuro: Shiro!
Shiro: I don't have too! Kuro, these are my friends!
Kuro: Then I will not bail you out when I finish the job. From now and after, you're on your own. Good-bye, sister.
Shiro threw the head set and radio in the trash. She walked out of the bathroom and went to Yugo. She took him onto the floor and they started to dance. Yugo kissed her cheek and pulled her close.
*Zell and Trent*
Trent: So, what's your record?
Zell: 153, at one time, and 295 with breaks, in one day.
Trent: Seriously!? Wow, that's impressive!
Zell: Yep, you should try one sometime. It's great!
Trent: I bet I can do more than you can...
Zell: Yeah right...I'd like to see it.
Trent: I was the hotdog eating champion at my old school! Take that!
Zell: Yeah but I bet you didn't ever eat 295 in a day!
Trent: Possibly, we were little! No one remembers!
They were sitting at one of the tables set up in the snowy wonderland the ballroom had become. Shiva was enjoying herself. Zell and Trent were getting along great and everything but Zell missed Quistis. When he started to talk about her, Trent made him think happy thoughts. She would have to explain all this to Quistis. They mostly talked but when a slow song came on, they danced. Trent was a lousy dancer. So Zell, being a gentleman, showed her how. He slowly taught her and she caught on quick. Trent was having a barrel of fun by the end of the song.
*Squall*
He was walking around when Illasu came up to him. She had tapped his shoulder when he was talking to Cid.
Illasu: Wanna dance handsome?
Squall: Where's Rin?
Illasu: Sister dance...so how about it? You look so lonely.
Squall: I'm fine really.
Illasu: Then come dance with me, please?
Squall smiled and took her hand. He smiled as they walked out onto the floor and slowly danced. Squall looked at her eyes and Illasu smiled back.
Illasu: See, it's not so bad! So, where's Rinoa again?
Squall: On her way home from a last-minute shopping spree with Quistis in tow. I really hadn't expected it, but she's like that sometimes. So, how are things with Rin?
Illasu: Great! We just ate so I might be getting a little sick.
Squall: We can go sit down if you want...
Illasu: No, this is fine...just fine...
Illasu let herself come in closer to him and Squall lay his head on hers. He really wished Flicker could have been there. that would have helped a lot. Then, standing beside Cid, he saw a girl in a short jean dress. He quickly lifted his head and excused himself. He walked over with Illasu trailing. He tapped her on the shoulder and when the girl turned around, it wasn't her.
Girl: Yes, how can I help you Commander?
Squall: Sorry, I thought you were someone else...
He walked away and sat back down, all alone. Illasu's smile turned to a frown. She walked over and snuggled up to her friend. He put a friendly arm around her and she leaned into him.
Illasu: You're not that tough without her, are you?
Squall: She's my other half.
Illasu: I see, well I hope she gets here soon. Until then though, I will dance with you and Rin ok? Rin kind of told me to go dance with you when I asked him if he minded.
Squall: Really? Well, I'll have to thank him. Illasu, thank you for everything.
Illasu: You're welcome.
Rin came over and retrieved her for the next slow song. Squall thanked Rin and Rin smiled back. Leading Illasu away, she watched the big lion sit back down by himself. Then she saw Shiva go over to him. She sat down next to him and talked to him. Illasu was happier. Shiva had no one either. She followed Rin out onto the floor.
*Shiro and Yugo*
They were dancing and Shiro was thinking of how she could say it. Yugo was kissing her and playing with her hair. That really wasn't helping but it was soothing to know he was there. So, she decide just to say it.
Shiro: We have to warn Rin and Illasu.
Yugo: About what? Shiro?
Shiro: (crying) And Selphie too! They can't go outside! My sister will kill them...
Yugo: Stop Joking around Shiro, seriously. Kuro wouldn't hurt anyone.
Shiro: I'm a killer too! Until now, when I finally told her off, I was supposed to help her track them then escape. But I love you so much, I gave it up and now she won't stop till she shoots them!
Yugo: You are serious, aren't you?
Shiro: You can hate me or whatever, just go save them please.
Here, Shiro and Yugo hugged each other as Rin took Illasu outside. Yugo dried her tears and kissed her with all the love he had within himself. Then, he grabbed her hand and led her around to find Rin and Illasu.
*Rin and Illasu*
Rin had led her onto the balcony and was begin to breathe faster and faster. She put her hands on the rail and let the warm breeze surround her. Rin smiled, took her hand and led her to the middle of the balcony. Under the glittering stars, Rin kneeled before her. Illasu, who had been laughing, was now short of breath. Her eyes widened and her hands went limp She was feeling her knees begin to buckle. She caught her breath though, and put her other hand to the Ruby necklace.
Rin: Illasu, I know this has been one crazy day, not to mention the last two weeks, but I have something I have wanted to ask you.
Illasu: Rin...
Rin: Illasu, Illy, will you marry me?
Illasu: Rin, are you sure you know me enough?
Rin: I know you as good as you know me. I know we both share a special secret but we have agreed that we would share that at our own times. I know every line of your body, every breath you take. When I almost lost you on the beach today, I got really scared. But you came back, so I realized what I had to do. We share horrid pasts and I want a new present and future with you in it.
Illasu: '...'
Rin: It's ok Illy, I'd wait forever.
Illasu: (slowly breathing and smiling a little) I...uh...um...oh Rin...
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Finally, he managed to ask me! What will I say? What do think I say? What do you think happens to Kuro and Selphie? Well put them in you reviews and I'll see if you're on the right track. Well please Review! 2 more to go!!