Disclaimer: I own nothing except Louise. Squaresoft owns the usual characters and mariedel owns the character of Michael Sinclair. She also wanted me to point out that I own the apparently *mean* side of Michael, I was telling her about what's going to happen and she thinks he's mean…so…okay! ^.^ ENJOY! (copied from last chapter) ^.^

Chapter 8-After all these years

Squall frowned at the new revelation. So after all this time...it's my fault...? "Rin I…Are you…?"

"What, Squall? Lying? Why the hell would I lie, there's no reason to. I guess the real question is how could you be so stupid?"

He took hold of her shoulders as if he were afraid she'd run away. "Rinoa, listen-"

"No you listen," she said, seething with anger, as she shook free of his touch. " You broke my heart because of some stupid misunderstanding that has lasted this long. God, Squall, why the hell didn't you just ask me? Would that have been too damn difficult for you? Oh I forgot, you were the one who was always right and so sure of yourself. Did you ever once think about my feelings during the three years that we were together, or was I just some ornament that made you look good? Well guess what, if that's all I was to you, then why the hell did you lead me on like that?"

Shit, not again. "Rin please…" he quickly grabbed hold of her hand, which she just as quickly snatched back away. I can't believe it...just some misunderstanding...what kind of fool am I?!

"I don't ever want to speak to you again. I've already said it, but I'll say it again: just because I'm friends with Louise does not mean I must affiliate myself with you." She took one small step backwards away from him slowly. "I hate you," she whispered, almost inaudibly as she turned to walk away.

God, I never thought you'd say that to me, it can't be true...it can't be! "Rinoa, you don't mean that, I know you."

She spun back around, her eyes glowering as they looked straight into Squall's. "If you're so damn sure that you know me then why couldn't you trust me enough to know that I'd never do that to you?"

"Rin, I'm sorry."

"Well its too late for apologies, the damage is done. I don't care what you do, just stay the hell away from me." Please... Turning once again she walked back towards the brightly lit room leaving Squall once again. Upon entering the room, she made her way through the crowd to where she saw Michael sitting looking rather lonely. Bringing a hand up to her forehead she replayed what had just happened in her head.

What have I done...?

Michael looked up at her when she approached. "You alright?"

"I'll be fine, just a little out of my head I guess. "Listen, I really hate to leave you all alone like this, but I'm kinda really tired."

"How are you getting home?"

"I was gonna call one of my friends to pick me up."

"I'll take you home, if you want," he offered sincerely.

"Would you really? I think I've spoilt your evening enough by dragging you here."

"No, its okay, really it is."

"Thanks, Michael."

- - -

Squall continued to stare, stunned, at where Rinoa had exited. Hate. She never used that word, even about subjects at school she 'disliked'. She thought it too strong a word...does that mean? No...Rin would never say that to me, would she?

He had slowly proceeded after Rinoa and smiled when he spotted Louise looking concernedly at him. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, just kinda tired, I guess."

"Oh God, I'm so sorry Squall. I should've known you'd be tired after a week of classes."

"Nah, it's cool."

Louise bit her lip doubtfully. "Well do you want to go now? Rinoa and Michael already left."

I figured she would. "Yeah, alright, let's go." He took her hand and followed her out of the room. I've got to stop thinking like this. Its not fair to Louise...

"Guess who else in the competition next week, Squall."

"I'm guessing…who?"

"Angeline Kurmann," she stated in an excited, yet anxious, tone.

"Who's she?"

Louise looked at him in a disgusted sort of way. "She's like the greatest pianist ever!"

Squall put his arm around her supportively. "Don't worry. You'll do fine!"

"Squall, sweetie, you don't understand. She's won this competition before."

"And you've never been in it before."

"Oh my God, I'm starting to feel all nervous, I can't possibly have a chance now."

"Louise, don't be ridiculous, you and you're accompanist will be great. And if you don't win anything, don't worry about it. It's only your first competition."

"Thanks, Squall, I needed that ego boost," she smiled as she stepped into the car. "So what do you think of Rinoa?" Louise asked as he, too, got in and started the car.

"Umm…" Crap. "She seems nice."

"Yeah, I reckon we should invite her to the wedding, I mean, she's doing such a big favour for me."

Rinoa? At our wedding? Why does that sound really wrong. "I guess you should ask her," he replied stiffly.

Louise perceived. "Do you not want her to come?"

"I never said that, I just said that you should ask her. The wedding isn't for another six months, are you sure you'll still be in contact?"

"Well, yeah, of course."

"Okay then, its settled, invite her to the wedding." Shit!

"Is there something wrong? You don't seem too keen about me inviting her. Is there something I should know about?"

Crap? How do you see through me like that? "No, no, it's all good. You invite her. It's our day, we should have people who we want to be there."

"Alright," she smiled slightly at him then returned her vision to stare outside at the passing trees and the moon.

Am I always this selfish? What do I do?! Should I tell her about Rinoa and me? No…that might affect their relationship. Shit. I'm so totally in over my head.

"I'm sorry, Louise."

"What for?"

"For being an asshole."

"I'm used to it," she smirked.

And you shouldn't have to be.

- - -

Michael glanced at Rinoa every so often concernedly. She, however, continued to stare out her window solemnly, completely unaware of Michael's presence, until he broke the silence rather bluntly.

"Rinoa, its obvious you still have feelings for the guy, why don't you do something about it?"

"Excuse me?" What the...?

"Squall, you still love him, right?"

"Umm…" she frowned at the unexpected remark. Me love Squall? That selfish bastard, ever assuming and always self righteous? The one guy who I've managed to trust wholeheartedly but who didn't return that trust? The one guy who broke my heart yet whom I still think about...who am I kidding... "Yeah," she started slowly, "I guess I still do."

"Well?"

Rinoa turned her head to him, frown still present. "Well, what?"

"Are you gonna do anything about it?"

"What could I possibly do? He's engaged-"

"Exactly, engaged."

Her eyes widened at the suggestion. "Oh no, I am not going to break those two up. What happened between me and Squall is all in the past, let's leave it there."

"So what about Louise? Are you going to tell her?"

"No, I think I'll keep her out of this. If Squall wants to tell her then he should, but there is no way in hell that I will." She cocked her head curiously. "Why are you pushing this?"

"Because I know what its like to love someone from afar, and it isn't something I'd recommend." They had reached Rinoa's house and Michael turned off the ignition, facing Rinoa.

She smiled at him as best she could, given her situation. "Michael, I'm really sorry. I just can't, please understand."

"I understand, I think I've always loved you more as a little sister anyway?"

"You aren't angry with me or anything?"

He shook his head slowly. "No, I'm not angry at you. I can't say I'm too happy with Squall though."

"Thanks for driving me home, I'm glad I have two older brothers now."

"Will you be okay?"

She nodded reassuringly as she got out of his car. "I will be. Bye."

"See ya." Michael restarted his car and drove away, tooting his horn when he turned the corner. Sighing, Rinoa turned and proceeded up the path to the front door. Quistis and Selphie were watching TV so she went into her room and changed into her pyjamas. When she had collapsed on her bed she heard a knock on her door.

"Yeah?"

The door opened and Quistis plopped on the bed beside Rinoa. "So, what happened?"

Rinoa opened one eye then sat back up, crossing her legs as she faced her friend. "You'll never believe who I saw."

"Who?"

"Squall," she answered monotonously.

"Are you serious?"

She nodded, "And get this, he's engaged to Louise."

"The bitch!" Quistis exclaimed, eyes wide open.

"No, no, she isn't. Squall's just a dick head."

"I can't believe it!"

"I know, I'm still coming to terms with it myself."

"What are you gonna do?"

"There's nothing I can do. I'll accompany Louise then hopefully I'll never have to deal with either of them."

"I can't believe he and that little twit are engaged," she glared as she shook her head.

"That's not the half of it. I found out why Squall broke up with me."

"Yeah, and what good reason did he have?"

"I never said it was a good reason, but he broke up with me because he thought I was cheating on him…with Zell."

"He what?! Rinoa, this guy is so not worth it. What happened exactly?"

"Well, Louise introduced me to him, but then she had to go somewhere, so I left and went to the balcony outside for some fresh air. He followed me and then I went off at him, then he accused me of cheating on him, then I told him the truth, there was further scolding from me, then he grabbed my hand. I pulled away and he said he was sorry and…I'm such an idiot."

"Why?"

Rinoa threw herself back on to her bed, closing her eyes. "Please go away Quisty, I wanna think things over and rebuild my life."

"Without Squall?" Quistis asked as she got off the bed and headed for the door, closing it behind her as she stepped out.

Rinoa continued to stare after her friend as she exited.

Maybe that's what I have to do...but a world without Squall...?

How could I ever forget him?

- - -

A/N- ah, the angst of it all, do y'all feel sorry for Michael? I'm sure everyone is aware of how it feels to like someone from afar. [not talking about my self] *shifty eyes* oh and another thing, after this update, I shall refrain from updating every week to every second week…huge difference I know, but it'll be ever so much easier on moi ^.^ just you all know of my plans. Anyhoo…to the point of most a/ns…please, please, please review! Having said that, I' like to acknowledge those who have reviewed (as I do every chapter ^.^):

Noacat-hows it feel to be the first reviewer for this chapter? Lol…sorry to disappoint you with no kiss, but there will be one in the near future, I can't make this as fluffy as I want…yet. Hahaha thanks for reviewing!

Raine-thanks for the review! Hope you liked this one! Sorry about the cliffhanger…

The Ever Smiling-girl, do I know what you're talking about?! Hell yes! Provincials though, what are they? Call me aussie, but I have no idea what that is! Assessments however *shudder*…anyhoo…thanks ever so much for the review! Its good to see you're alive and well ;)

Angelprinczess29-AH! Do you know how much it saddens me that you aren't writing a fic atm?! ARGH! Are you going to start one soon? I can't wait! For some reason I don't feel as if I've covered Squall's half adequately, but what do you think? Thanks so much for your continual support!

SabreHero-thanks for the review! I do feel for you though, do you have writer's block? I did up until this morning when I asked my friend for her opinion. All good! Thanks again!

CTHKSI-yes, angst seems to be a central theme to this fic, at least for a while…anyhoo, I figured that's ho Squall and any other guy would act, but yeh…thanks heaps for the review!

Mariedel-guess what I'm eating! Milo cereal! YUMMO! Anyhoo, that's how mean I was going to get to Michael, and you thought he was mean..pffft! whatever! Get going and write your own chappy now! Theres a good girl, and I may not've failed maths but I got damn close to it, but I'm over it I guess…I can always get better, right? *smiles and nods* okiedokie, enjoy ur weekend

Exhile87-Squall is a little demented, he acts purely on impulse sometimes and doesn't think…hahaha, yes well, thanks for the review and I hope you liked this chappy as well…

Penny_P-thanks for the review!

remote mine-yeah, I always wondered how he'd react as well, but yeah, how was my version? Thanks for the review and in answer to your question (I'm only speculating) I'd say about 5 or six chapters…maybe more…I dunno…maybe less! Thanks for the review!

XxSquall's angelxX-you are forgiven my child, thanks for the many reviews! I'm so happy you're enjoying my fic so much *tear* brings much joy to me…and about my exams, lets just say that I didn't do too well at all, at least not as well as I'd hoped…anyhoo…thanks again!

!*~moonlight chick~*!-*tear* wow! Omg! Thanks so much for your review! It really did brighten my day! Don't stare at your computer too long, you'll end up getting glasses like yours truly. Failing is bad, yes? Yes…thanks for your empathy ^.^

wcigtdniw-wow! Nice long review! I love getting those, they're usually really fun to read ^.^ hahaha, I didn't fail my exam but got pretty close, its okay though I guess, it was really hard, but yes, I'll let it go (which is very unlike me) and as to bashing up my principal (who is a nun) I'd rather not go to hell. ^.^ but if theodur does, then its all good! Jokes! The description was very amusing as well and how I describe myself (cept the male bit) sometimes ^.^ thanks again!

wInD chIme beLLs-thanks for the review! I'm glad I could twist this story like that ^.^ how was this chappy?

Melissa-aw! Please don't cry! Ack! I love music, so I just had to have a music-y feel to this fic ^.^ thanks for the review!

Huh-I tried updating asap, truth is, I got this chappy done this afternoon! So how was it?

Stormydreamer-thanks for the review! I updated as soon as I could!

Thankyou everyone for reading!! PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW! ^.^

3 elanor