Disclaimer: I own nothing except Louise. Squaresoft owns the usual characters and mariedel owns the character of Michael Sinclair. Special extended regards to Buttered Angie who appreciates being a part of my in any which way ^.^. Cheers to ya, girls! On with the show…

Chapter 6-Crossroads

"Alright Angie, I'll see you next week, try not to be late this time," Rinoa called after the student exiting the foyer. "Gina, put Angie Tate down for the same time next week."

"Done. Oh, Rinoa, you've got a phone call," a lady behind the counter called.

"I'll take it in my studio," she replied as she closed the door to her small teaching studio, picking up the phone. "Rinoa Heartilly speaking, how may I help you?"

"Hey Rinoa, it's Louise."

"Oh, hi Louise, how are you?"

"Pretty good actually, and yourself?"

"Well, I've been better, but I can't really complain. What's up?"

"Well, this Friday they're holding a party for the contestants, and since you're my accompanist you're partially a contestant, I thought that you might want to come."

"This Friday? Sure, I guess I could come, what's the dress code?"

"It's formal wear. It starts at 7:30 and its at Galbadia hotel. You're welcome to bring a date if you want."

"Okay, I'll see you then."

"Alright, hey, could I come in, say, on Thursday for another rehearsal with you?"

"Umm…what time?"

"Maybe 2 o'clock?"

"I'll just check." She covered the mouth-piece and opened the door. "Gina, do I have 2 o'clock on Thursday free?"

Gina, Rinoa's secretary appeared at the door, a book in her hands. "Nope, that's Liz Bentley's lesson. 3 o'clock is, though."

Rinoa uncovered the mouth-piece and continued. "Is 3 o'clock alright with you?"

"Yep, that's cool. Okay, see you then. Bye."

"Bye." Rinoa put the phone back on its cradle and exited her studio. "Well, if it isn't little Tommy Pike," she said as she put her hands on her hips.

The four-year-old boy smiled up at his teacher. "Heyo Miss Rinoa."

"Come on, are you ready to play today?" she replied sweetly as she held out her hand to him.

Tommy let go of his mother's hand and took Rinoa's.

"Hi Rinoa, sorry about being a little late, Tommy hid his book and didn't remember where he put it."

"It's alright, Mrs Pike, we'll just finish a little later than usual as well. I'll see you in a bit."

"Bye mommy," the little boy said as he waved a hand.

Rinoa led him into her studio and lifted him onto the stool in front of the piano. "Alright Tommy, do you remember what we did last week?"

He nodded furiously. "We held down middle C for four counts," Tommy replied proudly.

"Very good. Can you show me again how you did it? Show me your spider hand."

He held up his little hand, all fingers bent in a way that resembled spider's legs. He put his thumb on middle C and counted out loud while pressing the key. "1, 2, 3, 4."

"Well done Tommy! Now, today, we're going to try something a little different. We're going to hold down middle C for two counts then D down for two seconds using this finger." Rinoa pointed her index finger, demonstrating what she wanted.

"Wow Miss Rinoa, you're so good!"

"You'll be good too one day, maybe even better than Miss Rinoa."

"Really?" he asked with wide eyes.

Rinoa sighed at the young child's innocence and smiled. "That's right, now let's see how well you can play C and D for two counts each."

- - -

"Quistis!" Rinoa shouted as she entered the house. "I need a dress."

Quisits at once appeared in the corridor leading to their bedrooms. "Okay, formal or casual? What's the occasion?"

"Formal, it's for a party on Friday for the contestants of that competition. Louise invited me to go," she said as she sat on Quistis' bed, the blonde at once opening her cupboard.

"I heard 'party'," Selphie stated as she leant against Quistis' open door. "Who you taking?"

"I have to 'take' someone?" Please don't say it...

"Why don't you take Michael?"

...And you did.

"Yeah," Quistis put in, "This'll be the deciding event; the night you come to terms with whether or not you have something for this guy."

"Umm, yeah I guess I could invite him."

"Good. Now, how about this dress?" She held up a burgundy, velvet-looking type of dress, with spaghetti straps and diamond like rhinestones on the bodice.

"Never seen that dress before."

"That's 'cause I've never worn it before."

"But it's so pretty!" Selphie squealed.

"Yeah I know, that's why I bought it. You can have it I guess, its not like I won't be able to use it anyway."

"Alrighty, thanks Quisty, you're a lifesaver."

"I always thought so," she smirked. "So, when you gonna call Michael and invite him?"

"Tomorrow, when I feel like it."

"Aww, you can do it now, we promise we won't listen in."

"Yeah, whatever, and you saying that just reinforces this feeling that I should do it when I'm not in the same house as the two of you."

"Fine then, be that way," Selphie pouted as she turned and stepped back out of the room.

"So really, why'd you get the dress?" Rinoa asked as soon a Selphie exited.

"Bought it in advance for Selphie and Irvine's wedding," Quistis laughed.

"Are you serious?!" Rinoa asked between laughs.

"Yup!" she nodded furiously. "Or your's, which ever one comes first."

"Ugh. Like that'll ever happen."

"We'll see. Call Michael now, I'll make sure Selphie stays away from the phone."

"Okay, thanks." Rinoa said as she took a piece of paper from her handbag, Michael's phone number written upon it. Dialling the number, she waited for someone to answer.

"Hello?"

"Hey Michael, its Rinoa."

"Oh hey, I was gonna call you, but I wasn't sure whether you wanted to hear from me or not."

"Don't be silly. Sure what happened the other night was a little…er…unexpected, but it was nice."

Silence ensued, causing Rinoa to think that Michael had taken her last statement the wrong way.

"I mean, the whole night itself was nice-the dinner and the ice-cream and yeah so listen, there's this party on Friday night at Galbadia Hotel, I was wondering whether you'd like to go with me."

"Sure, I'd love to, what time?" he said rather hastily

Okay, he sounded way too eager just then. "It's at 7:30 and its formal wear."

"Okay, did you want me to pick you up or shall I meet you there?"

"Umm…I'll meet you there."

"Alright, I'll see you then."

"See ya." She hung up and made her way into the kitchen, taking out a packet of chips from the pantry, opening it.

"That was an awfully short phone conversation," Selphie grinned. "'The whole night in itself was nice? Good save Rin."

"Quisty! You said you were going to keep Selph away from the phone!" she said in a disgusted tone.

"I couldn't help it! Curiousity got the better of me too! Besides, its not like anything too exciting happened anyway, besides the whole 'nice' part."

"You two are pathetic."

- - -

"So Rinoa, are you taking anyone tomorrow night?" Louise asked as she put her instrument away.

"Yeah, just an old friend."

"Right…friend."

"Oh God, you're starting to sound like my bestfriends."

"Sorry," she laughed. "Thanks for rehearsing with me at such short notice."

"You think four days in advance is short notice?"

"Well, I don't know. I didn't cause any trouble, I hope, with your schedule."

"Not at all, the little girl who I had before you was the last for the day."

"Do you like teaching?"

"I absolutely love it! I mostly teach children, which is probably why I like it so much. No ones quit yet, so I'm hoping I'm a good teacher."

"Wow! You know, you'd make an excellent mother one day."

"I have to find a husband first," Rinoa laughed.

"Like that would be hard for you."

"You'd be surprised."

"Umm…so you've got the rest of the day off?"

"Yeah I do actually."

"Gee, I was wondering if you could take me home. My fiancee dropped me off on his way to class."

"Sure thing, where do you live?"

"Not too far, I guess, I'll give you directions. Thankyou so much Rinoa!" Louise replied as she gathered her belongings.

"No problem."

* * *

The dining room of the Galbadia hotel was elegantly lit, couples dancing on the dance floor, others just standing around with drinks in their hands. Squall shifted uncomfortably as he listened to the music of the piano.

Louise perceived and rolled her eyes. "Squall, you look fine. Smile, relax."

"I look like a penguin and you know it."

"You look handsome and adorable. Probably the best looking guy here."

"You don't look too bad yourself."

Louise smiled as Squall bent down to give her a kiss. "You certainly do know how to flatter a girl. Listen, I'm gonna go look for Rinoa, I'll be back soon."

Rinoa? "Who's Rinoa?"

"My accompanist, I thought I told you that already."

"Oh…yeah, okay, I'll be here." Shit! Rinoa's here. Why am I shitting myself? It could be a different Rinoa. Okay, so it isn't that common a name, but there's a possibility right? RIGHT?!

"Squall!"

He turned to the voice. "Oh, hi there Aunt Jo." He said as he kissed her cheek.

"Where is that fiancee of yours?"

"Gone to look for her friend." God help me…

"You know I still take the credit for being the one who got you two together."

"Dearest Aunty, just because we both happened to be at the same party at your house, does not mean you put us together…"

Louise scanned the crowd, almost running when she saw Rinoa. "Oh my God, you look beautiful, Rinoa!"

"Thanks, that dress looks great on you," she replied in reference to Louise's long, strapless, violet dress. "Umm, Louise, this is Michael. Michael, Louise." Rinoa introduced her partner.

"Pleased to meet you," Michael said as he extended his hand.

Louise took his hand with a smile then continued to talk with Rinoa. "I'm so glad you could make it. I hope you and your boyfriend have fun tonight."

Oh God. "Oh, Me and Michael are just friends, we were neighbours when we were little." Rinoa dared to glance at Michael and found him looking somewhat disappointed. Did he really think we were more?

Louise bit her lip. "Oh sorry, then. I think I may have embarrassed Michael." She said in a lower tone before raising her voice again. "Anyway, it'll be fun tonight, I hope, or else I'll feel really bad for dragging you and Michael along to this. Listen, I really want you to meet my fiancee. Come on, I'll introduce you to him." Louise eagerly took a hold of Rinoa's hand and stared leading her through the crowd.

They walked casually to the other side of the room where Louise's company stood. Rinoa looked behind her, making sure Michael was still there behind them.

"Michael," she whispered quickly as he ambled quietly along. "I'm really sorry."

Looking up he slightly smiled back at her. "It's okay. I understand."

Smiling back, she recognised that Louise had begun to talk to her. "Rinoa, I've told Squall all about you…"

Rinoa's glance quickly returned to Louise who was happily talking, but she heard nothing after Louise had uttered his name. Rinoa found herself breathing a little quickly, eyes darting from side to side. Her mind was racing. Squall? Squall Leonhart? Oh my God. What do I do? What am I doing here...with his fiancee?! Oh my God, him and Louise...? Engaged? Does she know? Doubt that, she wouldn't be so nice to me if she did, but she does seem like the forgiving type. Shit. This is bad. I can't let him see me, I'm a mess! I...I could make up an excuse and go to the bathroom. Shit! Too late...She was brought back to reality when Louise suddenly stopped in front of a man's back. Hastily, she stared at the ground, hiding her face.

"…how you teach and how you're so good at the piano." Louise finished as she tapped the man's shoulder. "Squall, sweetie, this is Rinoa. Rinoa, this is Squall."

He turned around instantly and saw her, eyes downcast, heavily breathing. Nothing else Louise said entered his mind, for all he saw was her.

Rinoa nervously took a breath and closed her eyes, lifting her head from where it hung. She opened her eyes slowly as if she were afraid of what she would see. Her gaze rested on his chin, then cautiously proceeded up to the eyes she had seen in her dreams every night since their shattering break up.

She held her breath when their eyes locked and for one instant, there was no one else in the room but them.

- - -

A/N-I had doubts about this chapter, but what did you all think? I think it kind of dragged on…but that's just me…okay, I'm really sorry that I had to do this, do feel badly over this I rally do, but give me a chance to explain. *closes eyes in hopes to avoid flying objects*…ok…first off, I'm really sorry to leave you with such a cliffy, and I didn't intend this, but this really is bad timing. Now a lot of you may have noticed that I update quite regularly (every week) now, I have my yearly exams coming up, and they're really important so I probably won't be able to update for another 2-3 weeks. Please don't hate me! I feel terrible, leaving you all hanging like this, but it really can't be helped, I have to start studying…they're in two weeks. So, be sure to check back in a few weeks…and who knows! I might feel like updating. So please understand, you've been a great audience with all you reviews and I'd like to thank especially:

baka_shinji_01-DO I GET COOKIES?! Hehehe seriously…do I? Jokes…anyhoo, thanks for the review and they *had* to kiss…part of the romantic tension and all that crap. But yeah…thanks for reviewing! Hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Noacat-you don't know how hard it is to write Squall's pov! But yeah…I do feel like slapping him silly every now and again…as to Rin running out in tears…we'll see ;) thanks for the review!

Buttered Angie-yeah…I blame the break up on him entirely…hehehe that's all I'm going to say. Thanks for the review! Having fun studying? Well I'd answer that question myself, except I haven't really done all that much =S how dedicated to this fic I am…updating one last time before my brain gets filled with all sorts of facts. You know you were the first to read this chapter? Lucky you!

Digininga-I know what you mean, life is getting really hard and tiring with all these exams to prepare for. Hope all is going well with your own fic…just send it over when you need advice or whatever. Talk to ya later!

!*~moonlight chick~*!-have I said how much I'm sorry to have left you with this cliffy?! Ack! I feel evil! Anyhow, I hope you did like this chapter…how was the meeting?

Angelprinczess29-have I told you how much I love your fic? I was rereading it the other day and I fell in love with it again *sigh* you're a master as squinoa fluffiness ^.^ me likes! Anyhoo thanks for the review and I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well! ^.^

JollyB-filo = filipino…never mind…jolly b is a food place in the philippines, that's why I thought you were filo…but anyhoo…really sorry that I have to make you wait…but I promise, I will update again! soonish I hope. Thanks for the review!

CTHKSI-hope I didn't leave you waiting too long, but alas the wait for next chapter will be somewhat longer. Many apologies for that. Thanks for the review though!

Wcigtdniw-you know there were a lot more mistakes that that one! Hehehe but thanks for pointing it out…just emphasise the fact that I really should edit my work. Thanks for the compliments and the review! ^.^

Billie the Kid-I'm nuts aswell *goes all loop-y* thanks for the review!

aZnDrEaMeR1788-yeah, but they met! Louise is extremely nice! Don't like Michael all that much, but I'm glad you're enjoying my fic! Thanks for the review!

Mariedel-hehehe I knew you would feel special. And you'll be in every disclaimer until Michael dies…or whatever will happen to him…haven't decided yet. Anyhoo…UPDATE YOUR FIC WHEN YOU GET THE CHANCE! I CAN'T WAIT! Ok…hehehe thanks for the review dude…though I pretty much already know what u think about my fic ^.^ thanks again!

Exhile87-hehehe how'd you like this chapter? Thanks for the review!

Raine-thanks for the review! It meant a lot receiving it the day I planned on updating ^.^

DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW! HAVE A NICE DAY EVERYONE! ^.^