Watching You
Chapter Three: Just Wait
By PasifikStar

Author's Note: I think I went overboard with the fluff. There is just not enough drama! Man, this story is progessing slowly...-_-;; Squall needs to be more angsty, he's too not Squall right now. But it kind of works for this story. Regardless, he needs more angst...anyway, Irvine finally makes his appearance here! But I'm not too happy with this chapter...anyway I was listening to Utada Hikaru's 'Eternally' for the dance scene, just in case you want to read this and feel REALLY mushy...


"You finished all your paper work?" Xu asked as a stack of manila folders were placed on top of her desk. She looked up him with disbelief. "Are you all right, commander?"

Squall narrowed his eyes. "Is there something strange about doing my work?" he asked, annoyed. Xu shook her head and took the files.

"No! Of course not! Have a good day, commander!" Squall nodded his head once and headed down the hall to his office.

He lifted his key and unlocked his door. He had almost forgotten to twice the night before. He froze as he opened his door. His blue eyes looked around the room. As usual, it was nice and neat. All his books were organized on his shelf. The files were all properly marked and labeled inside their cabinets.

Not a single pencil or pen was out of it's holder. He hung his jacket on the coat rack by the door and stepped into the room. He walked around to his desk and sat down his chair. Immediately, his mind drifted to the young woman who had spent several hours waiting for him on that very chair. He leaned back against the chair and allowed his mind to go back to the night before.

Rinoa had been sitting there, holding his jacket in her arms the moment he walked in. In the background, a song of longing played. Her soft earthen eyes looked up at him as he entered, filled with a mixture of relief and nervousness. He could still feel her soft, perfect lips against his as he kissed her.

He had relished her warmth as his jacket fell on her lap. Her arms abandoning it for him. Her eyes were closed and he could smell the scent of her shampoo as she pulled him closer to her. He pulled her up into a standing position and pulled away from her.

"I..." she began, her face flushing. Her eyes darted away from him as Squall's eyes studied her intently.

"I thought you weren't coming." he mumbled unconsciously. She immediately looked back up at him with worried eyes.

"Of course I was!" she gasped. "I just..." she trailed off. "I'm sorry I'm so late."

"I'm the one who made you wait," he whispered softly. His hand rose and gently stroked her cheek. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of his hand against her. Squall took a hesitant step back and drew his hands back at his side. "Thank you for returning my jacket."

Rinoa nodded, still blushing uncontrollably. "You're...you're welcome," she stammered. "Uh...I better get back to my room. Curfew...yeah..."

Squall nodded and stepped back to let her through. "Rinoa." he said before she reached the door. She froze half way there. Squall looked over at her. He opened his mouth slightly, but found that he didn't really know what to say.

He watched as her shoulders seem to move up as she took a deep breath. She turned to him and smiled at him. "Um...when are you not busy?" she asked sheepishly. "We...we still have to go to dinner."

Squall opened his eyes as the sound of knocking on his door and sat up straight. "Come in." he stated as seriously as possible as he began to open the folders that were on his desk. He looked up to see Quistis come in, holding a file in her arms.

"I heard you finished your paper work early," she said with a slight smile. "Do you mind if I pile some more on you?"

"What is it?" Squall asked. He eyed the folder as she placed it in front of him.

"An academic student's file," Quistis said. "She requested that her information be changed. Because she's not a cadet and is only here for school, we need your signature to confirm it."

Squall nodded and reached for a pen in the holder. He lifted it up a heavy black fountain pen and opened the beige file that was on his desk. Quistis stood in front of his desk, waiting for him to hand the folder back to her so she could turn it in. She glanced down to see if he had finished and found him staring at the file in an almost trance like state.

"This student..." Squall said. "Are you sure they're not a cadet?"

Quistis nodded. "Yes," she said with a look of worry. "Is something wrong, Squall?"

"Rinoa Heartilly..." Squall mumbled.

Quistis nodded once more. "Yes, her official documents say her name is Rinoa Caraway, but she's trying to establish herself as Rinoa Heartilly. I had most of her roll sheets changed when she first started, but she put in a request to change her name formally on the official documents," Quistis paused and looked at him worriedly. "Is there a problem?"

"I could've sworn I've heard the name Rinoa Caraway before..." he mumbled absently as he reluctantly held his pen over the line he was supposed to sign.

Quistis chuckled. "I wouldn't be surprised. She's quite famous."

"What?" Squall asked. He looked up at Quistis. The blonde's eyes went wide.

"You really don't know?" she asked. Squall looked slightly confused and she sighed. "I thought I was the only one who didn't know who she was...I'm glad I'm not."

"Who is she?" Squall asked.

"Rinoa is a singer," Quistis said. "She's also a model. I believe she and Seifer have the same manager."

*That's how she knows Seifer...* Squall thought to himself, slightly relieved. He nodded. "What does she sing?"

"Popular music," Quistis said. "If you want, I can tell Selphie and Zell. They seem to be big fans-"

"No, no, that's fine..." Squall mumbled. He quickly wrote his name on the file and closed it. "I would prefer that this doesn't leak out." He stated sternly.

Quistis took the file back and nodded. Immediately, he returned to his work and Quistis wondered if she should converse with him further or leave. When he didn't look back up, she took it as her cue to leave. As soon as the door closed, Squall looked up.

He dropped the pen he was writing with on the table and turned to the computer at the corner of his desk. He turned it on and immediately went online. He typed in the name 'Rinoa Caraway'.

His eyes went wide. She had hundreds of thousands of hits. She even had a dot com. He figured it was the best place to start and clicked on the link. Immediately, a window popped up that was black. Her name appeared in bold white letters from the darkness and then finally a picture of her behind it.

He clicked on the link to enter. *She's a singer and clothing model? No wonder she said she would like what she did after she graduated. She's not becoming a SeeD - she's going to continue singing.*

Squall let out a breath and clicked on some music videos that were archived on the site and froze as the melody hit his ears. It was the song he had listened to the day before. The one that was stuck in his head. No wonder he had felt so drawn to it. It was her voice!

As he watched her image in the video, he suddenly felt somewhat betrayed. Why hadn't she told him that she was a famous singer? Then again, why hadn't he realized it earlier. Many people had been looking at them at the cafe they went to. His friends at the speedway even mentioned it. In a way, they had a point. Just how many women were out there named Rinoa? He lifted his hand off the mouse and leaned back on his chair.

He had bigger things to deal with then her identity as an artist. For one thing, she wasn't a SeeD cadet. She was just a student. He was an administrator. That in itself was a huge problem. If she were a cadet, he could openly see her and not be stigmatized because she would one day become his comrade.

That was the case, at least unofficially, with Quistis, an instructor, and Seifer, a cadet. But because Rinoa was just a plain student who was only at the Garden for school, she was off limits. At least until she graduated.

He closed his eyes and ran his hands down his face. "Hello?" a quiet voice said from the door way. Squall lifted his hands off his face, immediately recognizing the voice. He turned his head and saw Rinoa walk in.

She was dressed in the Garden's uniform and blushed as she stuck her head in from the door. "Rinoa," Squall said. He glanced at the clock on his computer. "What are you doing here? What about school?"

"It...it just got out," Rinoa said. Squall sighed. How long had he been net surfing for information on Rinoa? "Am I bothering you?"

"No," he told her. "Have a seat," he motioned for Rinoa to sit in the chair at the front of his desk. "How can I help you?" he asked formally.

Rinoa sat down, unsure of what to say. She hadn't expected him to act so formal towards her. "I was just wondering when we could go out again," she said with a warm smile. "I promised to pay this time."

*Oh, Hyne...why are you doing this to me?* Squall mentally thought. He looked down at his desk and took a deep breath. "Actually, Rinoa, I've just come into the fact that you're just a plain student and not a cadet."

She tilted her head to the side slightly. "Yes..." she said. "Did you think I was a cadet?"

"Most of the students are cadets," Squall explained. He looked up to meet her face. *Okay, you have to tell her that you can't see each other any more...at least until she graduates.*

"Is there a problem with that?" she asked, noticing that Squall's face had taken on a harder look than normal.

He took a deep breath. "I don't know how to say this," he mumbled. "But...as an administrator, I can't-"

"See a student...right?" Rinoa asked, drawing the conclusions as her heart sank. She mentally swore - Seifer had been right. No wonder Squall was acting so formal to her. She looked down at her pale fingers. "I guess we won't be able to go out for dinner anytime soon then..."

"I'm sorry, Rinoa," Squall said. *Okay, now tell her that you'll wait for her.* his mind urged. "But-"

"Thank you for telling me," Rinoa said as she stood up suddenly. Squall looked up at her, unsure of how to react. "It's good that we drew that conclusion out before...you know...it got any further."

"Rinoa," Squall began as he stood up. "Personally, I feel that the rule is unnecessary, but rules are rules."

"Squall...I mean...Commander," Rinoa said, almost bitterly as she lifted her head to meet his gaze. "I guess Seifer was right...he'll have such a laugh when he hears-"

"I'm sorry." he stated again. Rinoa shook her head.

"Have a nice day, Commander." She turned around and quickly headed to the door. Squall stood there, unable to get his body or mouth to do or say anything. The door closed behind her.


"Zell, are you going to the library again?" Selphie asked as she saw the blond walking across the hall from her. He froze in his spot and turned to look at her, blushing.

"Uh...no?" he asked sheepishly. Quistis sighed as Selphie giggled.

"Nice try, Zell, but the only room down that way is the library," Quistis told him. "I'm taking it that you're not there to study."

"I bet the pig tailed girl is working, huh, Zell?" Selphie prodded with a smirk. The blond martial artist blushed furiously and nodded. "I knew it!"

"Zell, I swear you're boardering on stalking her." Quistis sighed.

"I am not!" he gushed. "I'm going there to study!"

"Right..." Selphie said, giving him a wink.

"Fine, we'll join you," Quistis said. "I have to correct some papers."

Zell cursed his luck as the two young women followed behind him. He opened the door to let them in and then quickly looked for a spot where he could sit and 'study' while in good view of the young library worker.

"Hey, it's Rinoa!" Selphie said in a cheerful, but quiet voice as she pointed to the girl sitting in the corner. She was hunched over a note book, candy bar in one hand and pen in the other.

"What's she doing?" Quistis mumbled.

"I'm going to go say hi!" Selphie said.

"I'm going to get us a place to sit!" Zell said proudly. Quistis grabbed his collar before he could get any further.

"I'LL get us a place to sit." she said with narrowed, suspicious eyes. Zell deflated. Meanwhile, Selphie wandered around the tables that lined the lobby and bottom floor of the library. She snuck up behind Rinoa.

"Hey!" she said.

The dark haired young woman jumped up off her seat and whirled around. Her eyes were huge and she was gasping for breath. "Oh, Selphie..." she gasped. "You surprised me..."

"That was the idea!" Selphie said with a bright smile. She looked up at Rinoa and frowned slightly. The brown eyed girl's eyes were now red and puffy, as if she had been crying. "Rinoa...are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Rinoa said with a smile. "I'm just tired, that's all." She sat back down in her chair and lifted her candy bar to her mouth.

Selphie looked over her shoulder. "What are you writing?" she asked. Her eyes went wide. "Oh! Are you writing lyrics for your next song!?"

Rinoa smiled and nodded slightly. "I'm just jotting down some words right now," she said. "Sometimes, I just write things down. You never know when you can make them into a song."

"Can I see what you have so far?" Selphie asked.

Rinoa reluctantly looked down at her light blue book, but nodded and handed it to Selphie. "It's not much right now. I just started writing it a few days ago."

Selphie pulled up a chair and sat next to Rinoa. She read the lyrics. "It sounds sad..." Selphie said. "You wrote this today?"

Rinoa nodded as she took back her book. "Part of it, yes...Kind of depressing, right?"

Selphie nodded. "So you're not really fine are you?" Rinoa smiled and shook her head.

"Even if I'm not now, I will be," Rinoa said. She looked back at her note book. "Hey, Selphie...is there some rule that a student can't...um...I guess date an instructor or administrator?"

Selphie tilted her head to the side and thought for a moment. "No, there isn't..." she said. Rinoa's eyes went down. "Well, at least not for a SeeD Cadet to date an instructor. If they were a normal student, like yourself, it's not allowed."

Rinoa's head lifted. *So he was telling the truth...* "Really? Why not?"

"I believe it happened before," Selphie said. "And the parents of the student were very unhappy. So they instilled the rule."

"Oh, I see..." Rinoa mumbled. Selphie smiled and gently elbowed Rinoa.

"Why?" she asked. "Is there someone you like?"

"Like?" Rinoa piped.

"Yeah, me," a voice said. Rinoa let her head drop as two hands were placed on her shoulders. "Is she bothering you, Rin?"

Rinoa let out a breath and stood up. "You're bothering me, Seifer." she grumbled. She pushed him away and walked past him.

Seifer jerked his head back and shot a glare at Selphie. "What did you do to her?"

"Don't ask me!" Selphie gasped as she jumped up off her seat and headed to where Quistis and Zell were sitting. Quistis had forced Zell to sit with his back to the library girl. He was now tearfully looking down at a book that she was making him read. "We were fine until you showed up."

Seifer frowned and walked after Rinoa. She practically threw the doors open as she left the library. "Rinoa," he said as he went out after her. "Rin, what's wrong?"

She kept walking, her hands turning to fists at her side. Seifer continued to call out to her and she whirled around. "You were right!" she shouted. Seifer stopped in his spot. She closed her eyes tightly and turned her head to the side. "You were right...it's not going to work out."

The tall blond narrowed his eyes. "You talked to him?" Rinoa nodded. "You know it's for the best."

"But it's not fair!" Rinoa gasped. "Why is that you can openly flirt with Quistis, but I can't even go out with Squall!?"

Seifer shook his head. "I didn't make up the rules," he told her. "But it's a different story with SeeDs dating other SeeDs."

"I don't care about that!" Rinoa snapped back. She ran one hand through her thick hair and shook her head. "Forget it! You wouldn't understand!"

She whirled around and headed for the elevators to her room. Seifer shook his head. "She's so damn stubborn..."

"Seifer." a voice said behind him. He turned around and saw Fujin and Raijin approaching.

"What is it?" he asked the duo. Raijin lifted up a cellular phone.

"It's General Caraway, ya know."


Rinoa rounded the corner and ran into someone. "Oh, I'm sorry-"

"Rinoa..." a solemn voice said, showing a hint of surprise. She looked up and felt her heart stop. Squall stood there and squinted his eyes. He seemed to want to say something, but nothing came out.

"Sorry, Commander, I was just on my way to my room..."

Squall looked around the vacant hall way and closed his eyes. Rinoa tried to make a run for it, but his hand slammed into the wall next to her head, stopping her from moving further. Her eyes went wide as she turned look at him.

"I want to take you out to dinner." he whispered in a quiet voice. Rinoa strained to hear him. His head was down cast as he spoke.

She looked around nervously. *Hyne, don't let him be joking...* She watched as his head tilted up to look at her. Crystal blue eyes looked back at her with unreadable emotion. Her heart raced as she tried to figure out what he was thinking.

His subtle scent wrapped around her like a warm blanket, drawing her closer to him. Rinoa lifted up a shaking hand and cupped his left cheek. He closed his eyes and leaned against her hand. She could feel the slight stubble on his face as her fingers traced the outline of his jaw.

Squall slowly felt her hand fall from his face and he opened his eyes. His breath had deepened slightly as his racing heart pounded in his chest. "Tomorrow night?"

Rinoa nodded. "Where?"

"Down the street from the cafe," he whispered in her ear quietly. "There's a restaurant without any windows. I'll be there at eight."

Without another word, he pushed himself away from her and walked past her. Rinoa leaned against the wall, her heart still beating on over drive. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back. "Rinoa!" a voice shouted around the corner.

She turned her head to the side just as Seifer walked around the corner. He looked rather annoyed as he gave her a look of disapproval. "What is it?" she asked. *I hope my face isn't still red!*

"Just making sure you're heading towards your room," Seifer said. He narrowed his eyes. "You look flushed."

"I'm just tired," she stated nervously. She pushed herself off the wall and turned her back to Seifer. "I'm heading towards my room now, see?"

Seifer kept his eyes on her as she walked towards the elevator. He could still hear her father's words in his head. "It has come to my attention that the son of Laguna Loire attends that Garden. I want you to keep Rinoa away from him."

Seifer punched the wall angrily as Fujin and Raijin approached him. Normally, had he been told to play baby sitter, he would've just laughed in that person's face. But he knew just how much power and political sway General Caraway had. Suddenly, the whole situation just seemed to double in severity.

It was one thing to try to protect a friend's feelings from heart break, but it was another to be forced to keep her away from someone. "He doesn't know who Squall is, ya know," Raijin said. "As long as General Caraway doesn't find out, there won't be as much trouble, ya know."

Seifer took a deep breath. "That's the problem with her father," Seifer mumbled. "He'll find out no matter what."


Thousands of questions ran through Rinoa's head as she stood in front of her mirror, applying the last of her make up. She put the stick of lipstick down and looked at her reflection. Her hair was pulled back into an up do, leaving her bangs hanging over her head.

She smiled, checking her smile. Diamond studs were in her ears as she straightened the silver chain and ring hanging off of it around her neck. She was wearing a simple black dress with two thin straps. It cut off at right above her knees. She wore black heels.

Rinoa stepped back and looked over herself at the mirror once more. Satisfied that she looked perfect for Squall she looked over at the clock. It was seven fifty. She grabbed her small black purse that had been pre-packed and resting on her bed. She had her phone, her wallet, and car keys inside.

She walked towards her door and allowed it to slide open. She stuck her head out into the hall and made sure it was empty. By now, she had picked up the general pattern of the Garden. Tonight was a study night. There were to be numerous tests the next day and so all the students were cramming.

Grinning, she snuck out of her room. The halls were quiet and she occasionally heard the sounds of music pounding from another student's room as she passed by. It amazed her how some people were able to study while listening to banging music. She herself had gone straight to the library after school and after a brief talk with Zell, who was there also 'studying', she went right to her studies.

She felt prepared for Quistis' test the next day as she headed towards the elevators. She pushed the button to go downstairs. As she waited for the elevator to arrive, she rummaged through her purse to dig out her keys.

"Where are you going?" a voice said.

Rinoa froze as she looked up. The elevator doors opened and there stood Seifer. He frowned as she looked up. "Out." she stated.

"Don't you have to study?" he asked incredulously.

Rinoa frowned as he stepped out of the elevator. "For your information, I studied! Unlike you, I plan to only take Quistis' class ONCE while I'm here."

Seifer rolled his eyes. "You didn't answer the first question."

"I did, too! I'm going out! I was cooped up all day studying!" Rinoa retorted proudly. "I need to go out! Be with REAL people."

Seifer raised an eye brow and nodded. "All right."

"Thank you." Rinoa said, about to walk into the elevator.

"Give me a second and I'll come with you." Rinoa's eyes went wide and flew up to meet his green ones.

"What?" she gasped. "WHY?"

"It's not safe for you to be wandering around the streets of Balamb alone at night." he stated casually.

"You had no problem with that the night your car was towed!" Rinoa retorted. "No way I'm going to spend another night with you! You're bad luck!"

"Fine, then I'll get Fujin or Raijin." Seifer told her smoothly.

*Crap, crap, crap! Think, Rinoa! THINK!*

"Seifer, there you are," another voice said. Rinoa closed her eyes and mouthed. 'thank Hyne' before turning her head. She smiled from ear to ear as she saw Quistis approaching. "Cid asked me to go over the Disciplinary Committee's new schedule for the up coming semester with you."

Seifer frowned. *I can't let Rinoa go out...she might be going to meet HIM...* he thought, partially disgusted. "I-"

"Hey, Quistis!" Rinoa said with a smile. "You'll be glad to hear that I'm all prepared for your test tomorrow!"

Quistis smiled. "Then I'll make yours more difficult," she said with a smile. Rinoa wrinkled her nose. "Are you going to town tonight?"

"I've been studying all day. I figured a night out is well deserved." Rinoa replied.

"Just don't come back drunk and over sleep my class," Quistis replied. "Have a good time."

"Thank you!" Rinoa said. She stepped into the elevator and quickly pressed the 'door close' button before Seifer could protest. The doors slid closed and she waved.

Quistis looked up at Seifer, who looked extremely frustrated. "Now what?" she sighed.

"She can't go into town by herself!" Seifer snapped.

"Why not?" Quistis asked. Seifer opened his mouth to answer, but realized that whatever answer he gave, she probably wouldn't agree. Not to mention that he couldn't tell her that General Caraway had told him to keep Rinoa away from Squall under penalty of releasing his record in Galbadia.

He suddenly cursed the summer he had spent there, when he first met Rinoa. He had gotten careless and got into some car accidents, all while driving under the influence. Then he had gotten into several fights with some children of influential Galbadian leaders.

At the time, he had been seeing Rinoa and a week before she dumped him, or in his point of view 'had a mutual break up', General Caraway had agreed to keep his record clean in exchange for keeping Rinoa's secret.

He had agreed, seeing as how his record could destroy his dream of rising as a SeeD. Seifer mentally swore. The man would keep waving his record in his face if he didn't do what he said. *No wonder he and Rinoa always fought...*

"Seifer?" Quistis said. He snapped back into attention and looked at the neat blond female in front of him. She lifted up a manila envelope. "Snap out of it. We have to get the schedule fixed."

Seifer nodded. *As long as Caraway doesn't find out. Everything will be fine,* Smirking he walked closer to Quistis and put his arm around her shoulders. "No need to use that as a pretense," he smirked. "Your room or mine?"

Quistis rolled her eyes. "Get your hand off my shoulder." she snapped.

"With pleasure," Seifer continued to smirk as his arm lifted off her shoulder and slid down to her slim waist. "I like it better here anyway."


Rinoa backed her car out of her parking space and looked at the clock on her radio. *Stupid Seifer...now I'm going to be late!* she thought to herself as she headed out onto the lone road that lead to the town.

She turned up her radio and began to sing to the song on the radio. Suddenly, she began to wonder if she was over dressed. She glanced down at the black dress she was wearing.

Squall had only said it was a restaurant. He never said if there was a dress code. For all she knew, it was a diner. She winced, realizing that she probably was over dressed. She didn't want to ask any one what kind of restaurant it was for fear of raising suspicion.

By the time she reached the town, she had decided that she wasn't dressed for the restaurant, she was dressed for Squall. She wanted him to see her at her best. As she parked her car in the lot by the restaurant without any windows, she wondered what Squall was going to tell her when she arrived.

Perhaps he did want to see her and would just say 'screw the system' and publicly announce that he loved her. *No...that's not going to happen...* she reminded herself. She sighed and got out of her car.

Clutching her purse against her, she headed for the entrance of the restaurant. She knew that there was no way that Squall could publicly announce that he liked her. Suddenly, the thought rose in her head. What if he didn't like her and just wanted to pay her back?

What if this whole thing was to make up for almost hitting her with his motorcycle? She then reminded herself of the kiss they shared a few nights before. He didn't seem like the kind of person who would just go around randomly kissing people. She figured that he would only do so to someone who he deemed worthy.

*Hyne, I hope I'm worthy...* she thought to herself as the door was opened to her by a bouncer. Rinoa stepped into the room and stopped.

The restaurant was dark and true to what Squall had said, there were no windows. The room was dimly lit and from where she was standing, she could see that the tables went down in descending tiers to a relatively large open space surrounded by tables.

There was a dance floor in the middle and dim lights focused on the area as a series of ballads was played by a small orchestra in the corner. On the three descending tiers before the floor were tables within booths. On every table was short, fat red candles. The only other sources were light were the lights inlaid into the floor, by the isles to make sure no one tripped and the dim art deco style wall lamps and chandelier.

The entire room was decorated in dark red and black with gold trim. "Can I help you, miss?" a friendly voice said to her left.

Rinoa turned her head and smiled at the hostess. "Yes, I'm looking for a... friend," she said, blushing. She mentally debated if she should tell the hostess his name or describe him. Deciding that he might have used his real name in order to protect them both, she decided to describe him. "He's a few inches taller than me with straight brown hair and blue eyes-"

"Ah...say no more," the hostess said with a smile. "He's been waiting for you," she said. "Follow me."

Rinoa nodded and followed the woman. She was dressed in a black suit with a dark red shirt underneath a black vest. Her light hair had been tied into a tight bun and Rinoa realized that the waiters and waitresses all dressed the in the same fashion.

As she went down one of the aisle and down the tiers of booths, she realized that the restaurant was probably relatively high class. The women were all dressed in beautiful evening gowns and the men were dressed in perfectly pressed suits.

Rinoa's heart quickened speed as she wondered what Squall would be wearing. She turned her head and looked over to where the hostess was leading her. She smiled as she directed her to a corner booth in the bottom tier. She hadn't even seen it.

Her eyes went to the young man who stood up as she approached. They widened as she laid eyes on him. Squall was wearing a black suit with a white buttoned up shirt underneath. He wasn't wearing a tie, but it worked very well for him.

"I'm glad you made it." he said as he moved aside and ushered her into the booth.

Rinoa nodded dumbly as she took her seat and scooted into the booth. Blushing she tore her eyes away from Squall as he took his seat next to her. "I'm sorry I'm late," she told him. "I was held up."

Squall nodded. "You look...amazing..." he said quietly. Rinoa blushed even more and smiled.

"Thank you," she said. "You look great. The suit really works for you." Squall chuckled and reached for her hand.

"Rinoa-" he began, but a shadow loomed over them. He looked up.

"I'm sorry to bother you," a waitress said with a warm smile. "But may I ask you if you're ready to order?"

"Oh!" Rinoa gasped. She pulled her hand away from Squall's and lifted up the menu that had been placed on the table. "I completely forgot!"

"I can come back, miss-" the waitress offered, noticing Squall's displeased look.

"No, no," Rinoa stammered. "I'll just have the salad for starters and then the...um...this." She pointed to what she wanted on the menu.

Squall watched as Rinoa nervously fingered the menu. When the waitress turned to him, he told her what he wanted. "I'll just have the prime rib. No appetizer. And the house red wine."

"Yes, sir." the waitress nodded and took their menus. She scrambled away and Squall turned his attention back to Rinoa. Her eyes were looking towards the dance floor. He noticed her fingers tapping the table to the rhythm of the music.

*Does she want to dance...?* he asked himself. He looked over to the dance floor reluctantly. He took a deep breath. He knew full well he wasn't the best dancer in the world. To make things worse, he knew Rinoa could dance. He'd seen her music videos.

"Squall?" Rinoa asked. She turned her head to look at him and smiled. "Will you dance with me?"

Squall felt himself nod and scoot out of the booth. Rinoa followed behind him and took his hand. They walked down the final steps to the dance floor and went past the tables on the floor. The orchestra and piano began to play another ballad as Rinoa lead him to the inner folds of the dance floor.

She put his hand on her waist as she took his other hand in hers. Her other hand rested on his shoulder. She looked up at him and offered him an encouraging smile. They began to dance slowly in a circle. Each step they took went along with the music as they swayed to the music amongst the other couples.

Rinoa took a step closer and held her breath as she placed her head against his shoulder. She closed her eyes as she felt his head rest against hers comfortably. She let out her breath and smiled contentedly. Against her breast, she could feel his heart beating just as quickly as hers.

Squall relished the feeling of her body against his. Her soft dark tresses were like silk against his cheek. He could smell the fresh clean scent of her perfume as they danced. Her land let go of his and went around his neck, resting on his shoulder. Unconsciously, he stroked her hair with his free hand before it dropped down to her waist.

Rinoa put her head under the crook of his neck and he leaned his head against hers. He could feel her warm breath against his skin as she closed her eyes. "Rinoa..." he whispered softly through the music. *I'm in love with you...* he thought to himself.

Rinoa could barely breath as her heart raced at the sound of her name escaping his lips. *I want to be here forever...* she thought to herself as danced with him. Her heart was beating uncontrollably, but she never felt so relaxed. It was a euphoric feeling she'd never experienced before.

Squall didn't want to say anything. He wanted to tell her that he wanted to continue seeing her, despite the Garden rules, but didn't know how to tell her. He was afraid that if he said anything the moment would be ruined. As her hold around him tightened, he decided to keep his mouth shut for the time being. It was just good enough for him right now to hold her.

To feel her against him, safe and warm, was good enough for the time being. It shocked him to realize just how much he cared for a woman just meet a few weeks ago. Before they realized it, the song had ended and reluctantly, Squall pulled away from her. She looked up in confusion and found him looking towards their booth.

"The food is here." he told her simply. Rinoa nodded and took his hand as he lead her back to their seat. She felt his fingers wrap around her hand comfortingly and squeezed her gently.

They reached their seats and Rinoa looked up at him. She slowly began to eat her salad. "I guess this is our last meal together..." she said quietly.

Squall froze while in the middle of eating a bread stick. He turned to look at her. "I'm well aware of the rules," Squall said. "And as a commander, I am bound to them."

"I understand." Rinoa agreed softly.

"When do you plan on graduating?" he asked.

Rinoa looked up at him. "In a year..." she replied. Squall nodded. "Why?"

He lifted his eyes to look at her. "In a year, you won't be a student any more." he replied. Rinoa raised her eyes back up at him slowly as it dawned on her what he was trying to say.

"Do you mean it?" she asked.

"Rinoa..." Squall began. He couldn't find the words to express his thoughts and the sounds died at his throat. He looked directly at her. She looked expectant. He lifted his hand and stroked her face gently.

Rinoa felt herself being drawn into his beautiful eyes once again as she leaned forward. She felt her entire body burn as his lips touched hers once more. She closed her eyes and parted her lips for him as he pulled her closer. For a moment, she knew exactly how he felt.

As the warmth coursed down her body, her arms went around his neck once more and pulled him down towards her. Slowly he pulled away from her, slightly out of breath as their foreheads touched. Her face was still cupped in his warm hands. Rinoa sniffled slightly and kept her eyes closed. She was afraid that if she opened them, he wouldn't be there and that it was all a dream.

"What are we going to do until then?" she asked quietly.

"Just wait..." Squall answered, not knowing what else to say. "Just for a while..."

Rinoa nodded. "I understand..." He pulled away from her and lifted her face to look into his. *I don't know why...I don't even care to know why I love you so much...*

"I'll be waiting for you," Squall whispered softly. "As long as it takes."


"Table for one." said the tall man in the leather jacket and the cowboy hat. He winked at the hostess who blushed and nodded.

"Right this way sir." she said as she lead him to one of the booths on the top tier.

"Thank you," he said with a sexy smile as he was seated. "Always a pleasure to be seated by a pretty lady."

The woman handed him the menu and walked away, blushing the entire time. He watched her leave and then lifted up the menu. Just as he did, he caught sight of a familiar young woman sitting a booth two tiers below in. They were hidden away in the corner and had he not been sitting that that particular part of his booth, he would've never see her.

She was facing a good looking young man who lifted his hand, almost hesitantly, and stroked her cheek. The cowboy frowned. *Rin...what are you getting yourself into...?* Then the man across from Rinoa leaned forward and kissed her. To make things worse, Rinoa was leaning up and even put her arms around him.

The cowboy's mouth dropped. *Oh, Hyne...*


"He's sending WHO?" Seifer growled as he looked up from his breakfast. Raijin and Fujin were standing there nervously.

"He was transferred earlier this week, ya know," Raijin said. "We didn't find out until recently, ya know."

"He's got to be kidding me!" Seifer grumbled and stood up, abandoning his food as he walked out of the cafeteria. He headed out into the main hall. He had just gotten word that Rinoa's father had sent over someone else to make sure that Rinoa was well protected in Balamb Garden.

It bothered him that someone thought he was incompetent. Especially when the one being sent was someone Rinoa was also close with and knew her secret. As the trio walked down the hall, they began to hear whispers amongst the female students.

"He's really cute! He was wearing a cowboy hat and was so tall!" one student gushed to her friends.

"Really? Oh, I wish I had been there to see!" another replied.

"I heard he transferred from Galbadia Garden."

"Oh...from Galbadia!?"

Seifer was almost grinding his teeth together as he neared the front of the school. His emerald eyes landed on the tall young man leaning against the wall, a sensual smile playing at his lips as his usual black cowboy hat went over his head. He put out an aura that screamed playboy and flirt, but that didn't seem to stop the female students from giggling as he winked at them.

Seifer narrowed his eyes. There stood his other coworker. The only other person besides him and Rinoa who had their manager. The man who Rinoa considered her best male friend. "Kinneas..." he hissed.

The cowboy looked up, as if having heard his name from such a far distance. Suddenly, Seifer someone squeal behind him. He winced, knowing what it meant. A flash of dark colors whipped past him as Rinoa, clad in her uniform, ran through the halls with her arms open. "IRVINE!!" she shouted joyously.

"Princess!" the cowboy laughed as he stood up straight and awaited her with open arms.

"Okay?" Fujin asked Seifer, who was glaring at Irvine. He hated the gunslinger's flirty, all to laid back attitude.

"I'm FINE..."


Squall was walking up the hall way, intent on grabbing something to eat at the cafeteria before heading back to his office after a long session at the training room. As he walked, he heard the students talking about a new student who had arrived from Galbadia.

His mind went to two things. The first was the Galbadia 14 race. That was quickly replaced by Rinoa, who was a Galbadian native. He could still taste her lips against his as he turned the corner.

"IRVINE!!" he heard a familiar voice shout. He looked up and froze. Rinoa rammed straight into a tall cowboy who laughed as he put his arms around Rinoa. Jealousy bubbled inside of Squall as he watched the cowboy spin her around once and hug her tightly.

"How ya doing, princess?" he heard the cowboy ask.

Rinoa looked up at him, a bright smile on her beautiful face as she told him she was fine. Then, to his horror, Rinoa reached up and kissed his cheek. Squall's eyes went wide as a feeling of betrayal washed over him. He stood there for some time before willing himself to move back around the corner.

He leaned against the wall, still in shock at what he just saw. *Rinoa...* he thought to himself. His eyes narrowed and he slammed his fist against the wall. The students who were around him jumped as the seemingly furious commander hit the wall. He turned and headed back down the hall.