Dislaimer: pfft, I think you guys are all bright enough to figure out which characters belong to me and which ones don't, so go right ahead and point out my unoriginality on that point. But anyhoo… I can't put this chapter on hold any longer and a lot of you have been waiting for another long-ish chapter, so here its is finally! But next chapter may be shorter. So enjoy!
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Chapter 16-Goodbye To You
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"I'd now like to welcome a young violinist who makes her performing debut amongst our ranks. She is a very talented artist and we wish her every luck this evening. Tonight she will be accompanied by our very own Rinoa Heartilly, a previous winner of this competition, playing Antonio Bazzini's La Ronde des Lutins."
The curtain lifted revealing the two ladies at their places: one sitting at the piano the other standing, violin in hand intently staring at the music in front of her. The darker haired of the two began the opening chords of the piano, the violin joining soon afterwards. The piece was a very quickly paced song, showing the violinist's excellent technique and skill. However, although the focus should've been on that very talented violinist, somewhere in the crowd, the only person one man could focus on was the pianist playing in the background.
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* ~ * ~ *
"Squall! You're playing it wrong on purpose! You're killing my song!" she shouted as she shoved him, almost pushing him off the piano stool the two were seated on.
"I can't help it if I have a crap teacher," he smirked as he pushed himself back onto the stool, catching Rinoa off guard consequently making her lose her balance and fall onto her back on the floor.
"Ouch!" Rin moaned as she sat up.
Squall offered her a hand, pulling her up to stand. "You okay?"
"Did you just call me a crap teacher?"
"So what if I did?"
"Then you're a meanie," she childishly replied as she poked her tongue out at him. Slumping into the couch adjacent to the piano, she crossed her arms and pouted.
"Aww, come on, you know I was only joking," Squall smiled meekly as he threw his back against the couch.
"Yeah well music isn't a joke to me, as you well know."
"Okay, okay…I'm sorry Rin. Come on…you play it then. That way I can have something to compare my own horrible playing to."
A smile twitched on the corners of her lips, as she shifted her weight to lean against Squall's side. "Fine, but you have to promise that you'll practise."
"Alright I will. Now…play."
Rinoa's smile broadened slightly as she quickly sat on to the stool. As she began to play, Squall looked on, observing her every move: the small smile that stayed in place, the way her eyes closed at times and the way her fingers just seemed to dance.
~ * ~ * ~
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Some things never change…even in five years…
Squall's thoughts were interrupted when someone nudged him and whispered, "Louise is so good! I've never seen anyone play so fast and so accurately as well. She really is talented, isn't she?"
"Yeah, she certainly is." He nodded at the lively brunette sitting between him and Irvine.
"But Rin…wow! I mean, I've seen her practise and everything, but she's really on tonight, isn't she?"
"You bet she is," he replied trying not to sound too eager.
The pair on the stage had captivated the audience. The dazzlingly quick notes were played with such precision by both the girls that it was hard to believe they weren't carefully talking each other through the piece. However, despite the quick pace of the song, both the girls were surprisingly still in sync and in no way showing strain. After a few minutes when the pair had finished, a great applause sounded through the auditorium, most people standing.
Rinoa stood as the applause began, taking her place next to Louise for their bow. When she reached her side, Louise was absolutely beaming, partially due to the numerous lights on her and mostly due to the fact that they'd just about performed the best that they'd ever had. After they'd bowed, Rinoa led Louise off the stage and received a rather huge hug from behind just as they entered the wings.
"Oh my God, Rin! We did it! Thankyou so much for everything!"
"Louise, I have nothing to do with this. Whether you win or not tonight depends solely on you, and I'd say you had a really good, if not certain, chance of winning after that performance," she replied with a smile equal in size to Louise's. Outside in the auditorium, the applause hadn't died down and it was only until the Master of Ceremonies came out again and hushed them up that they all took their seats and quietened.
"I'm sure you will all agree that that performance was absolutely outstanding, but we'll leave the decision making to our judges. Next we have John Zhao, a third year trumpeter here at our school. Tonight he will be accompanied by the Deling City Symphony conducted by Professor Ricardo Banks."
Backstage, Alex frantically whispered in her headset, "We're having a delay, keep talking as long as possible."
The MC nodded slightly at receiving the message and continued, "Ricardo Banks, as well as our judges are all graduates from our esteemed school and I do believe our judges are yet to be properly introduced. So, tonight, out panel of judges consist of Elizabeth Palm, Anne Pablacio, Darren Wayne and Kenneth Mathers. Let's give them a round of applause." With that, the four judges stood, acknowledging their applause while members of the backstage crew quickly searched for the missing trumpeter who'd hidden himself in a closet (for God knows what reason).
"I don't care, I can't be bothered with him," Alex sighed as she rubbed her head. "Just get him out on that stage, whatever happens after that is totally his own fault."
"Alright, now let's have a round of applause for John Zhao."
The curtain lifted to reveal the odd looking chap, slightly slouched as he held the trumpet in his hand. Bringing it, he took a deep breath and blasted a sound that couldn't be considered musical in any way.
"Ric? Don't bother conducting. John's not sane tonight, just let him make a fool of himself," the event manager prompted as the esteemed conductor sat down in his chair.
However, to their surprise, the trumpeter began to play a slow jazzy number which, though rather faulty, was pretty well done. And, considering the slightly drunken state he was in, the audience found the performance rather successful, much to Alex's annoyance.
"I can't believe anyone was idiotic enough to let him into the competition. Who was that idiot anyway?" Some one was about to answer when she continued sternly. "Don't answer that, I know I was the one who did so no need to rub it in or anything. Alright, get that fool off the stage this instant. Drag him, kick him, I don't care how just do it!"
The crew obeyed as she sunk down into a chair and sighed heavily. Oh God how much longer do I need to put up with this?
* * *
"Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to announce this evenings winners. But first, allow me to thank the many people that without whom we'd have no competition tonight. So first of all Alexia Rzeznik who plans this event every single year. To all our sponsors and our judges here this evening. Let's give them all a round of applause." A sound erupted at the prompt.
When silence returned, he continued, "Now the moment I know you've all been waiting for. Right, so in fourth place we have Ms. Joanne Herrera who played Alessandro Ferrari's Halloween Night's Dream with the Deling City orchestra." A small lady walked out rather jumpily to receive her flowers and plaque as the audience clapped. "In third place, Allan Bluwol who played Rimskij Korsakov' Flight of the Bumblebee on the trombone accompanied by Rachel Kirby on the piano. Let's give him a round!" A tall dark haired man and petite girl walked out, joining the harpist. "Second place goes to Stephen Lee who played Guilio Briccialdi's Il Carnevale di Venezia on the flute accompanied by Jerry Yan on the piano." As the MC finished, two men smiling and patting each other on the back came out to join the three already on the stage.
"Now, ladies and gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to announce this evening's winner. I'm sure you would all agree with me that their performance was unmatched tonight and we look forward to hearing her play next year to open the competition. So please, put you hands together for Louise Evans accompanied by Rinoa Heartilly playing Bazzini's La Ronde des Lutins!" A thunderous applause had sounded at Louise's mere name and the two girls came out onto the stage hugging.
"Oh My God! Rin, I can't believe it! Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou so much for everything!"
"I'm glad I could help you win. You really were fantastic tonight. Watch out though, they'll make you say a speech. I just thought I'd warn you, so you aren't all tongue-tied. Now go on, accept that trophy!"
Louise released Rinoa from her embrace and grabbed her hand. "Come on, then." Accepting the flowers and trophy from the President of the Conservatorium, she was ushered to the microphone while Rinoa steeped back into the row of runner-ups.
"Wow," Louise began, "I never thought or dreamt that I'd ever have the privilege of standing before you all today. Thankyou all so much for you wonderful reception, but there's a few people that I'd like to thank in particular. My mom and dad, all of my family and friends who could make it here tonight, Squall, for all your support but more than anyone else, I want to thank Ms Rinoa Heartilly without whom I'm positive I wouldn't have achieved this distinguished award. So, yeah, thanks everybody and I'll see you all next year!"
"Thankyou all for coming," the MC started up again. "We hope that you will all join us in the foyer for some drinks and nibblies. So enjoy the rest of the evening and we hope to see you all again in a year."
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Outside the foyer was busily filling up while waiters were already stationed to start serving. Quistis was eager to get out and see Seifer and frantically scanned the crowd assembled before her. Suddenly, someone took her hand and pulled her behind a pillar.
"Looking for me, eh?" he smirked as he leaned against the pillar's surface.
"You'd like to think so, wouldn't you? Actually I was looking for Rin."
Seifer feigned a dejected look.
"Then," she continued, "If I didn't see her, I was going to look for you."
"I knew you wouldn't last long without me."
"Really, now?"
"Yes, really."
"Not that I want to inflate your ego anymore, but you look really good in a tux."
"I thought so," he laughed. "So tell me, you doin' anything after you leave this joint?"
"I'm not sure…" she slowly said as she scanned the crowd.
- - -
Rinoa and Louise came out from the backstage door and were literally hounded by people wanting to meet them. Smiling, Rinoa hastily whispered, "Run. Run fast, now! If you don't you'll be stuck here all night telling them your entire life story."
"Alright, I hafta go find Squall anyway."
"Okay go!" Louise slipped away just as the circle of people closed around Rinoa. "Sorry folks, Louise has, um, something to take care of. If you stick around though, you might be able to catch her later." Rinoa, too, then managed to sneak away, eager to find someone she knew among the huge ensemble of people throughout the foyer.
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"Squall?" Louise tapped the shoulder of the man she knew.
"Hey," he replied as he turned and gave her a hug.
"Come for a walk with me through the park? I need to talk to you about something."
"Sure, okay," Squall said as he frowned slightly and followed Louise as she lead him outside.
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"Rinny!" a voice called.
Turning, she saw him wave as he quickly made his was through the crowd to meet her. "Zell! You have to go now?"
"Yeah I do, unfortunately. Listen, I gotta run…I hate to leave like this but I have to. I'll come back to visit again soon, okay? I promise."
"Alright, well have a good trip and you better keep safe," she replied as she hugged him.
"I will be. Now you be a good little girl, okay?"
She nodded with a laugh. "Okay." With that he turned and walked towards the door, waving to her one last time before disappearing through the threshold.
Turning back into the direction she'd originally been facing, Rinoa spotted a familiar blonde head standing by a pillar. Slightly curious, she made her way to the pillar, stopping in her tracks when she saw someone else she knew behind the pillar besides Quistis.
"Seifer?" She frowned as she approached the two. "What are you doing here? And with Quistis?"
"Quistis? Oh so that's your name…" he said as he gave Quistis a look that clearly suggested 'play along'.
"Rin, how could you blow my cover like that! Wait…you know him?"
"You bet I do. Long time no see, Seifer."
"Right back at ya, Rin. You played real great tonight. Have you seen Squall around by any chance?" Seifer asked with a smirk.
"I did before the show when he came to wish his fiancee good luck. Haven't seen him since, though. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, no reason, I was just curious."
"Evidently so," she replied contemptuously, her slight frown never leaving her frown. "So what are you doing here Quisty with him? Is he trying to sweet talk you, 'cause let me tell you, he's nothing but a sleaze bag that isn't worth the time nor the effort."
"Okay great, I'm glad you've shared your opinion of him with me, now let me tell you this, Rin. I've actually been seeing Seifer for a week now."
"You what? Without telling me?"
"I didn't know I needed to get your permission to go out with anyone," Quistis answered, in an annoyed tone.
"You don't. I'm just saying that I don't like you going about with him," she replied as she cast a glare at Seifer.
"So you have to like who ever I go out with? Well Rinoa, sorry to tell you this hun, but the world doesn't revolve around you, as you might like to think."
"I know it doesn't, but you could've told me."
"You would've taken it the wrong way, as if like I'm dating the enemy," she snapped trying hard to not raise her voice.
"Oh so you do know who Seifer really is. Then it wouldn't surprise you to know that he's Squall's bestfriend, would it?"
"No, I know very well what his affiliation with Squall is. The fact still remains, though - he isn't Squall just like I'm not you, Rin. Can't you, for once, be happy for me? That I actually have someone in my life that I like and am happy to be with?" Quistis stated boldly as Seifer evidently listened intently behind the two girls.
"I would be happy for you, if it wasn't him."
"You know what," she began defiantly, crossing her arms over her stomach. "This is exactly why I didn't tell you. You're so oblivious to everything that doesn't concern you. You are in such denial that you have to get worked up over anything and everything that represents Squall in the slightest way," Quistis' voice started to get louder.
"This has nothing to do with Squall," Rinoa argued as she shook her head.
"Rin, this has everything to do with Squall," she fought back, careful to not cause that much of a scene. "I love you and everything, but if you're not going to be honest with yourself, then I have to be. Rinoa, it's so blatantly obvious that you're crazy about him and love him. I can not believe that you're willing to throw that all away because you're too proud."
Rinoa stood speechless for a moment, for the truth had finally been spoken, but not from her own mouth. So she began rather uncertainly, and shakily, "I am not too proud. I don't need to listen to this, especially from you," she concluded as she gave her best friend a stone cold gaze before turning to exit the foyer. She shivered as the cold air hit her face and, covering her face, she descended the stairs and crossed the road. How did it get to this…?
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Quistis buried her face in her hands. Seifer put his arms around her as she leaned into him. After a few minutes she sniffed and lifted her head to meet Seifer's stare.
"So you like me that much, do you?" he asked with a smirk, receiving a roll of the eyes from Quistis.
"Not now, Seifer," she replied softly with a shake of the head.
"Alright, alright," he acquiesced as he hugged her closer to him. "You did the right thing, though. It's up to her now."
"I know. But what if she does something stupid?"
"Then she'll have to come to terms with it herself."
And if she doesn't…what then?
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* * *
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Louise took Squall's hand in her's and lead him across the paved road to the park opposite the conservatorium. As they entered the park, passing the hedges and chain fence, Squall stopped short realising the familiarity of the place.
This is where it happened…
Continuing on, Louise stoped him when they reached the centre of the park, where the fountain stood.
"Alright. I'm sorry, I couldn't do this inside, I just needed us to be alone." She took both of Squall's hands in her's and smiled genuinely. "Squall, you've been a really great friend and supporter, but I need to ask you this."
Umm…okay? He nodded in response, encouraging her to continue.
"Why did you ask me to marry you?"
Squall stood in shock momentarily. What the…? "Because…I wanna be with you."
She didn't detect the uncertainty in his voice and continued, "Are you sure? 'Cause Squall, I've been thinking these past few days and…and we've never even said that we love each other. And as much of a great guy you are, I really don't want you to commit to something just because everyone expected it to happen, and the truth is…" she paused as she looked straight into his eyes. " I'm not entirely sure I'm ready either."
He remained quiet, processing what she'd just said. She's right… "So I guess the real reason you wanted to talk was to call off the engagement," he stated plainly, no anger present in his tone.
Louise bit her lip as she slowly nodded. "Yes, Squall," she began as she pulled her hands from his, "I do." She took the engagement ring off and held it out to him, nervously expecting to receive some harsh treatment.
He smiled understandingly and, feeling only slightly hurt, took the ring from her as he sighed. "So…when did this decision come about?" he asked out of pure curiousity, placing the ring into his pocket.
She frowned quickly at his response then thanked heaven for her lucky 'escape'. "Well, it was when I was talking to Rinoa, that I got thinking."
Squall immediately tensed. "Rinoa? Wait…Rinoa told you about us?
"What? No…hey, you were cheating on me?" Louise gaped.
"No, no, no," she laughed slightly as he took her hands again. "This was a long time ago, before you and I even met."
She frowned confusedly. "But I thought you two didn't know each other…"
"Well we do…very well in fact."
"What do you mean?"
"Rin and I…let's just say that we have a history."
"What kind of history?" she asked curiously with a small smile. Even at the most awkward of moments girls can't help wanting to hear intriguing stories.
"You do realise how weird this is right?"
"Yeah, but tell me anyway."
Squall smiled at her. "Well, basically, Seven years ago, I met Rin through Seifer. He was actually the one that going after her, but what can I say? She chose me. We got pretty close during the two years we were together, but the night before graduation I snuck into her room and saw some guy on her bed sleeping. I got so jealous that I wasn't even thinking rationally, naturally I thought she'd been cheating on me. So next day, I break with her and never expect to see her again. That was five years ago. Last week at that party was the first time I'd seen her since that day."
"So who was the guy?"
"Her stepbrother."
"No way!"
"I told her that was what I thought and she…she told me she hated me and told me to act like we didn't know each other so that you wouldn't get dragged into it."
"Oh my God, Squall." Louise gasped as she covered her mouth. "I'm so sorry I put you through that! You should've told me earlier. You should've…you should've told me."
"You would've been all awkward around her then and I didn't want you to feel uncomfortable just because of my past with Rinoa. You know, I still can't believe I was so stupid," he continued as he rubbed his forehead.
Behind Squall, in the distance, Louise noticed a bit of movement. Smiling, she looked into Squall's eyes once again. "Well, now you can have a second chance."
"What do ya mean?"
"Well…" she started slowly, "You're no longer engaged to me and just over that walks the one you really love." Louise nodded in the direction of Rinoa who'd just entered the park and sat on a bench.
"Huh?" he turned to where Louise had nodded to and held his breath nervously for a second. "If I go to her now, would you hate me?"
Louise laughed as she shook her head. "No, of course not. I broke off the engagement and I really want you to be happy. Go," she encouraged.
Smiling, Squall kissed her one last time on the cheek and hugged her. "Thanks, Louise." And with that he turned to follow Rinoa.
I need to make this right…
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- - -
A/N-aha! I'm not dead- far, far from it! I am very much alive and on the border of starting a new fic! That's right my dearies, only one more chapter to go until the end of moonlight *tear*…you all know this day had to come, but hey! Even though the chapter is ready to be posted and everything, I think I'll stretch out the length of this fic one more time and have a two week gap…unless of course I get a lot of protesters telling me to update sooner, which I prolly will. So in about a week to 2 weeks, I shall update! Okay? Got that? Good! Wow! Thanks so much to everyone who reviewed last chapter and sorry about making you all wait three weeks! Hope the length of this chapter made up for it! so what y'all think? Please review and tell me! And now those special people who did review last week:
Wcigtdniw-aw! Did u like your little appearance in this chapter? Lol! Thankyou ever so much for the review…no wait, two reviews you wrote! ^.^ me so, so happy! *muahz* thankyou! So what happens in the next part of the squika? I really wanna know! Hahaha, talk to you soon and thanks once again. hope you don't get in trouble over me =S
!~*moonlight chick*~!-totally understandable about your computer problems! No Internet?! *stares blankly at screen in shock* OMG! That must totally suck for you! Hope you get it back soon ^.^ and thanks for taking the effort to review!
Jeannie Baby-wow! Thanks for the compliments! I'm sorry about how long its taken me to update, I really am try to overcome that but with school and everything and this being my second last year, well…things are kinda hectic and school unfortunately does have to come first :(…thanks for appreciating my work though ^.^ hope this chapter was ok…
Barr-agreed! Squall is such an idiot! I find myself cursing him out loud really randomly hehehe, thanks so much for the review!
remote mine-*shock* you weren't the first review this time! Whoa! That's like the first time in ages! Now…I'm gonna bargain with you…if you update within the next week, I promise I will update in exactly a week…but if not…I might anyway hahaha, ok so that wasn't much of a bargain, but I really wanna read ur next chap! So get writing! Pretty please! Oh thanks btw ;)
Knighted-dun dun dun…the moment you've all been waiting for! Hahaha, hope you enjoyed the breakup …thought that's really weird but yeah…how was my depiction? Not what you expected right? Just remember…Louise is a really nice person! Ok…hope u liked this chap, then ^.^ thanks!
Tai-Style-total squinoa action next chapter! Hope you're looking forward to it! ^.^ thanks so much for the review!
jisATsU siLENcE-if you thought last chapter left you hanging, how was this ending! Hahaha, did it kill you?! Prolly not, but hey! Thanks so much fro reviewing and brightening up my day!
Graywords-girl-one chapter closer to the end! How was it? was it okay? Hope it was! Thanks again for reviewing! It means so much to me!
Wind Chime Bells-how was this ending for a cliffy?! Are you mad?! Hahaha, hopefully not, I'll update soon I promise! ^.^ wow! Thanks for reviewing once again!
Emina-what is squall planning? You'll find out in due course m'dear ^.^ I've been so happy this week and your review makes it all the more better…thanks so much to you!
Noacat-wow! How ya been? Thanks for reviewing (that line must be getting old eh?). I love getting feedback from loyal readers! You rock!
angel-brokensorrow-well she doesn't get the guy so she hadta get the prize hahaha. Hope you liked this chapter! And thankyou so much for the review!
Earth's rain-in answer to your question…never…hahaha! Jokes! Soon, my friend, they get together soon! Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Cheers to ya!
baka_shinji_01-wow! 300 reviews?! I can't wait til I get to that point, it will truly be a great day! ^.^ I hope you are too! Hahaha, thanks for the reviews and I think you'll hafta stop looking forward to cookies…my oven's stuffed :(
Trinforever-I've written your fic down on my list-to-read, but I don't know how long it'll be til I can, but I will! I promise that much! ^.^ thanks so much for reading and reviewing!
Angelprinczess29-hehehe like my lil tribute to you ;) hahaha, hope you did. omg! I love your fics! You must update soon!! Your fic is like the only one I'll make time for atm so consider yourself lucky my friend ;) hahaha. Thanks heaps dude! *muahz*
Black Demon567-ok…this chapter was much longer, did it suffice? I hope so…next chapters just a lil bit shorter so hopefully that'll make you happy ^.^ thanks for reviewing and say hi to ur friends for me..the ones who were defending me hehehe cheers!
Etherealist-question…whats a Marysue? =S I don't know n its been bugging me…anyhoo…thanks for reviewing dude…Louise was meant to be likeable, so she doesn't get too hurt hahaha…how was this chap??
Wcigtdniw-hmm…nah you won't get two responses ;P hahaha…ill email instead.
FreyA-wings-omg! I love winter sonata! I only got to see about 8 episodes when I went to the phils for a holiday and I sorely miss it! but my friends have been telling me all about it and I have to go over her house one day to see the ending…but omg! Thanks so much for reviewing and telling me what you think! Winter sonata rocks! And so does 'the truth' I love them! Oh and meteor garden and and…yeh..hehhee thanks again!
island's lily-thanks for reviewing!
Shenny G Potter-thanks again!
Buttered Angie-YAY! You finally got around to reading my fic! Woohoo! Thankyou so much dude! Means a lot to me *tear*..er was soo intense tonight! I mean wow! Romano died! AH! Tell u bout it tomoz…yeh…cheers mate *muahz* thanks heaps!
The Ever Smiling-welcome back! I so know how it is with school…kill me now! ARGH! Hahaha yeh I was stalling…but thanks anyway for reviewing! Thankyou fellow Erica ;) hahaha…ttyl!
Please R&R…you all rock! 3 e.t
