A/N: Hi, hi! Yes, I'm back with chapter 11! Woo hoo! I've noticed most people who have reviewed want Rinoa to stay with Squall, but can she? Dun, dun, dun! Sorry, I'm a little hyper today. Anyway, thanks for reviewing guys! Enjoy!
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Rinoa's feet paced quickly down the hall, her foot steps synchronized with the beating of her heart. She twirled her hair on the tip of her finger as she usually did when nervous or worried. It was almost her signature trade mark. The doors opened for her and she saw Laguna sitting down in the tiny waiting area. Both motioned toward each other. Giving him a hug and a kiss they sat back down.
"How is he?" She inquired with saucer like eyes.
"Why don't you have a look for yourself, Rin? I'm sure he'd be happy to see you." She smiled and nodded, tucking her hair behind her ear.
The nurse unveiled the curtain that separated his room from the waiting room. How ironic, he laid on the same hospital bed he had sent Squall to one year ago. The nurse, closing the curtains, left Rinoa to be alone with Seifer. Not that it provided much privacy, it was only a sheet dividing the room, but it was enough for Rinoa. Walking near to the bed she bestowed her hand upon his. His wound was bandaged in a dozen and more layers of gauze, and his right hand remained in a cast. His face wasn't as bad as Rinoa had thought it to be. Aside from his scar doubling in size from being reopened, only a few cuts and scrapes here and there could be seen, but he still looked like the same old Seifer to her. She smiled that smile he loved to see. It was a smile she kept only for Seifer, no one else. That part of her heart which was reserved for him never failed to show through when she looked at him that way. He shot a smirk back at her and winked. The wind was blowing through the airy, white, cotton curtains. You could smell the last remnants of spring when the wind blew through, it carried its scent around everywhere it went, and then faded into the aroma of a new summer coming. It was a slow paced day, where everyone takes it easy. Finals are over and done with, students are getting ready for break or leaving to visit home, and everything is coming to a temporary stop. She felt light inside, now seeing Seifer awake and well. Back at her house, she thought he was going to die. She thought she would never see him again. But here she was, holding his hand in her own, taking in the view from the window. She was happy to see the cast around his hand didn't extend up to his arm. In fact, it stopped shortly above his wrist, allowing for complete movement.
They didn't exchange words, but exchanged thoughts. For both new exactly what the other was thinking. After bending over to give him a kiss on the cheek she left. He was quite out of it from the drugs.
Laguna and Rinoa rounded the Garden a numerous amount of times as they talked each other up.
"Laguna, there has been something I have been dieing to ask you. How on Earth did you know my father was an imposter?"
"Privileged information Kiros and Ward received back at Esthar. Contacted me at Galbadia, and then I rang you up, but found Seifer instead."
"What was he planning on doing with me?"
"He was some nut case scientist that went mad after hearing about a girl who possessed the sorceress' powers'. You, in other words. He thought he could harvest them in a lab and use em' to his advantage, whatever that was. Basically, the guy was a loony tune, and that Kiki girl wasn't wrapped to tight either. How's you're father by the way?"
"He's doing well. They're treating him in Galbadia for a damaged hip, but that's about it."
"And how are you doing, Rin?"
"Me? I'm fine. I thought I had pulled something back at the house, guess I was just imagining it." He stared at her as she looked up at him. Taking her under his arm, with his hand, he shuffled her hair back and forth.
"What are you doing?" she said pulling away from him and sticking out her tongue.
"Got a surprise for ya, doll." He said, going behind her, and masking her eyes with both his hands.
She laughed uncontrollably, waving her hands in the air as if she was blind, until they reached whatever room he took her to. There, he made her stay as silent as a mouse.
"O.k. when I say open, open em'." He whispered, trying hard not to make a sound.
On his cue, he unveiled her, revealing to her the back of Squall standing a few feet from herself gazing longingly out of a window.
She jumped up and down, running towards him and leaping onto his back. Laguna shot out of the room, for he knew he would be scolded for letting the almighty Squall be taken by surprise.
"I've missed you more than you could know! I can't believe you're back so soon." She said, leaning in to hug him once more. It seemed as if Squall had really missed Rinoa, because he opted for a kiss from her luscious lips rather than a hug from her soft body. She still felt uneasy when he kissed her, she could only think of Seifer when he would do so. It was as if every time she was with him she would compare his actions, his thoughts, his words, his very being to Seifers'. How could she love him when she constantly compared him? It wasn't right. She had to shake that thought for now, she was too overjoyed to see him.
"You will never believe what that whole space thing was about." He said in a barely audible voice, hugging Rinoa close to his body and leaning his head upon hers'. He truly felt like himself when with her, she could sense that in the way he moved and talked around her. This was quite open for the reserved lion, to actually talk about something to another living, breathing human being.
Gripping the back of his neck with her moisturized, soft, delicate hands she responded
"You'll never believe the day I had at my fathers'." She said spoken in a whisper.
"Guess we have a lot of catching up to do, huh." She questioned with a raised eyebrow. He walked closer and closer to her until he had her pinned up against the wall. With both of his hands on the wall, he had her enclosed within his arms. He still looked like the same old Squall, he didn't smile or anything, just stared into her eyes. But something was different about him, his confidence with Rinoa, his feeling at ease with Rinoa. She brought him the feeling of belonging somewhere, to someone who loved him. He leaned in, tasting her sweet lips. They stood there, entranced with one another, acting like young kids in love, which they were. Sneaking to steal a kiss, in this case many kisses, and sending the other glances of lust. That was until Selphie busted in. A scarlet red color over took her face as she shot out of the room. Squall and Rinoa pulled away and went in to find Selphie.
"I-I'm sorry guys, I didn't know you were… ya know-"
"It's alright Selph." She said smiling to ensure the little thing everything was o.k.
"Well, you know it's the last day Garden stays open, and Cid was holding a small party in the Quad. He said it'll only last a few minutes, considering he just wants to take a few pictures and make a quick speech. But if you guys are busy or somethi-"
"Don't worry. We'll come down."
As they entered the Quad, just about everyone was there, even Laguna. After some pictures had been taken Cid attempted to hold everyone's attention.
"Well everyone, it's that time of year when Garden comes to a close. Bags are packed, students are leaving to visit home, and others are awaiting what is sure to be a fantastic vacation. Whatever you're plans may be I hope you have a wonderful summer, and remember, the responsibility of being a SeeD doesn't go away with the coming of summer. If, and god-forbid, anything is to happen you will be called back. All of you, but you know this already. So, with that said, have a great summer, and we look forward to seeing you next year." Edea, with her arm wrapped underneath Cids' added her say in too.
"And all of you are welcome to stop by the orphanage any time you please. Cid and I are planning on fixing it up to move into. And you're help is welcomed. Have a nice summer."
Once all of the good-bye's were over with, Cid and Edea took leave.
"Well, I assume all of you will be heading off of the island, no?" Quistis questioned the group of SeeDs'. They all just shook there heads yes, for none really had any plans set yet.
"The trains have stopped running because of the ordeal that took place yesterday concerning Rinoa's father. They didn't want him escaping, so the trains were shut down, and though the imposter has been caught the system has failed to start up until tomorrow morning. All of the other students had gotten out a few days earlier than the SeeDs' had, so it's just us who are stuck here. And the Ragnarok is undergoing repairs. So we have no way out until the trains are back up and running. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but this year Garden is being cleansed of any harmful substances lingering about or any other bacteria. This is done every five years, and we happen to just have some bad luck because no one is allowed into Garden while it is being cleaned. So, I suggest you get you're bags now because the cleaning crew should be here within a few hours."
When all cleared out Rinoa approached Quistis with a question.
"What's going to happen to Seifer?"
"They'll probably bring him to a hospital in Balamb. Don't worry." She said touching the back of Rinoa's hair.
"Do you have any plans for the summer?"
"No. None what-so-ever."
"Same here." The girls laughed for a little longer until Rinoa left to get her bags. They all stood in the cafeteria waiting until the cleaning crew arrived.
Quistis, Rinoa, and Selphie were all talking to one another in a corner of the cafeteria until Zell came up to them.
"Hey Quistis." He said, with his hand rubbing the back of his head. She stared up into his big blue eyes letting him know he held her attention.
"Ya know the whole train situation? Well, I was wonderin' if maybe everyone could stay the night at my house until them trains start workin' again. Cause really, where ya gonna go?"
"That's a very generous thing to do, Zell, but how would you're mother feel about this?"
"Don't worry bout it, she won't mind."
"Well, if you really think it's okay. It would be great to have a place to stay." It was decided. All would go to his house for the night. Before they left, Rinoa stopped at the infirmary.
As she entered the room, and proceeded to enter Seifer's little section she found his bed empty. His sheets were still a mess, indicating he had just been moved, and the room was torn to shreds.
"What happened to him!?" She screamed storming out to the front desk.
"Where's Seifer!? I demand to know!" In her head, all sorts of terrible things flashed through her mind. Did they arrest him, was it that crazed scientist back for revenge, and was he alive? That's all she could think of, was Seifer alive?
"Miss, please calm down until the doctor returns." The nurse said getting up from behind the desk and out-starching her arms over it to try and calm Rinoa.
"Listen to me, I need to know what happened to one of you're patients! His name is Seifer Almasy! God damn it, what's wrong with you people!?" She couldn't explain why she was so enraged, but she was, and she wanted to know where Seifer was, she wanted an explanation.
"Why does his room look as if they carried him away with force? Just tell me what happened?"
"I can't, Miss, the patient's records are confidential."
"I dated the guy for two whole years, and I know for a fact he would want me to know where he is! For God sakes, I'm the closest thing he has to a family! Now lady, just tell me where he is!" Rinoa was absolutely fuming.
"T-the hospital in Balamb, o.k.!" The nurse said, stammering, she was completely horrified of Rinoa.
Rinoa almost fell to the ground at those words.
"The hospital?" She replied feeling foolish.
"Yes."
She said nothing, she felt too stupid at the scene she had just caused. She walked out of the room without giving a second glance to the mortified nurse.
As she sat in the car that drove her and the rest to Balamb, she still repented the trouble she had caused. But she was just so worried about Seifer, she couldn't control her anger. For most of the short ride, she remained quiet. Not even talking to Squall.
They soon arrived in Balamb, with Zell escorting them to his house. As he opened the door the aroma of good homemade cooking filled their nostrils. His house laminated the feeling of a home, a cozy, loving home. You could see the steam rising in the air, and the room held a warm temperature from Ms. Dinchts' cooking. As they entered the tiny living room, Zell threw his keys on the table that had wrapped around the right wall and entered the small kitchen where his mother was found standing over a hot stove. Walking up from behind her, he kissed the side of her cheek. He was really a loving son, and this was demonstrated to all by the way he acted around his mom. She turned around, joy overtaking every inch of her face, and wiping her hands on her apron, she pinched the sides of his face.
"Zell, I've missed you so much! It's been too long."
"C'mon, ma." He said feeling slightly embarrassed in front of his friends. Ms.Dincht, taking notice of them standing in the room, untied her apron, leaving it beside the stove, and quickly went to greet them.
"Well, hello. I didn't know Zell was having company along, so I apologize for the mess." She was a very sweet woman who loved to entertain.
"Lucky for you, though, I always cook big meals. There should be plenty to go around." Quistis smiled at the tiny, plump woman.
"Thank you for opening up you're home to us. We greatly appreciate it, Ms.Dincht."
"No need to thank me, sweetie." She said grabbing her hand and patting it.
"Well, let me just get the food on the plates and we can eat!"
After dinner was over, they decided going to bed was a good idea. They needed their rest for the next day. Zell slept upstairs, leaving his friends in the living room to decide who would get the sofa and who would get the floor. Rinoa and Selphie had claimed the sofa theirs already.
"Hey, c'mon girls. There's plenty of room for the three of us." Irvine said, playing with Selphie's bangs from behind the left arm chair of the sofa. Rinoa took one of the pillows and lunged it at his face.
"There's plenty of room for you in the corner of the room, too!" She said laughing. So, he slumped to his corner, glaring at his banishers in a playful way.
Squall offered Quistis the arm chair, while he walked over to Laguna, who was already fast asleep under a window. Squall took his jacket off, and rested his head on that, trying to move himself as far that was allowed from Laguna.
As they started falling asleep one by one, Rinoa couldn't stop thinking of Seifer. How was he? Was he thinking about her? She longed to be with him more than normal. It was as if his face had been branded into her brain, for she couldn't stop thinking of him. Her body was bathed by the moonlight that shown from the window, and the dark of the room stood behind her. She watched Selphie sleep on the opposite side of the sofa, her face also drenched in moonlight. As she looked out of the window, she thought she saw a shadow pass by. Was there someone out there? She noticed the light from the moon getting smaller and smaller through the window pane, as if someone was covering it up with their body. She squinted her eyes, straining to see if they were playing tricks on her, but by now no light was shining through. Someone was standing in front of the window. She slumped down into the sofa, trying to avoid being seen by the mystery man. She saw his head bob around, scanning the room with his eyes. Was he looking for someone in particular? She was scared, closing her eyes tight, she sneakily pulled the blanket up by her face when she heard the man call out.
"Rinoa." He whispered, not wanting to be heard by anyone else. He had seen her movement.
"Rin." Her eyes shot open, and she poked her head up enough to see over the back of the couch. That voice sounded as if it belonged to Seifer.
She contemplated on what to do until she finally whispered back,
"Seifer? Is that you?" His head snapped in her direction, and she could see him stand on his tip toes to catch a view of her. Fixing her posture and sitting upright he was able to see her so he returned his feet to the ground.
"What are you doing here?"
"Looking for you. Come outside, where we can talk normal." She rolled her eyes at him, but she was immersed in the dark. She looked around her, trying to figure out a way to remove her feet, which were jammed between the back of the sofa and the cushion of the sofa, without waking Selphie. Slowly she pulled them out and brought them over Selphie's legs, setting them on the floor. Getting up, she quietly walked over to the door and opened it up. After making it outside without stirring anyone from their sleep, she looked up at Seifer. Without saying a word she flung her arms around his neck and repeatedly kissed him on his cheeks.
"I was so worried about you! Aren't you supposed to be in the hospital, though? I mean, are you o.k., are you hurt, are you-"
"I'm fine Rin, calm down." He said laughing at her worried state of mind. Running his hands through her side swept bangs, he pulled her closer to him and gave her a hug.
"I'm sorry, it's just I was thinking of you all day, and it was driving me crazy not knowing weather you were fine or not."
"You were thinking about moi all day?" He said, pointing to himself and laughing.
"Let's go somewhere." He said, looking up into the sky. His eyes gave off a weird sort of glisten, and the moon looked as if it possessed a face.
"It's the man on the moon, right?" Rinoa asked, pointing up into the sky, Seifer's arm still swung around her neck.
"You remember that?" he looked back at her pleasantly surprised.
"Of course! You used to tell me that all the time, how could I forget? You told me one day, you'd take me up there, to see the man on the moon. But somehow, I find looking at him more pleasurable from down here……… with you." Saying so, she wrapped her right arm around his back and her left around his front, lacing her fingers closed, holding on to his torso.
"Let's get out of here, before someone wakes up. Let's go to the docks."
They walked down to the docks and looked out into the sea. It was an abyss, it just went on forever, as far as the eyes could see. It was a hot, sticky night, the fireflies were out, and you could here the sound of those strange bugs that live in the trees. The humidity in the air was so thick it felt as if it could be sliced with a butcher knife. Seifer, breaking the hold Rinoa had on him, ran down onto the boardwalk. She giggled at his silliness. He was like a big kid, breaking all the rules, and up to no good mischief. She watched as he took his grey trench coat off and throw it onto the cement that started before it turned into boardwalk.
"C'mon, Rin, way I remember you, you weren't afraid of nothing!" He yelled to her with his arms spanned out into the air.
"A little water ain't gonna bite ya!" She was overcome by the giggles, bending over, she dropped to the step the ground provided, and laughed uncontrollably at Seifer's little performance. With tears in her eyes from the laughter, she looked at him and brought her finger to her mouth signaling for him to keep it down before someone heard them. Untying the string that held her blue duster, she slipped it off, and walked out onto the boardwalk.
"Are you out of you're mind, Seifer?"
"Last time I checked." Rolling her eyes at him she walked to the edge of the dock at sat down, her legs swinging in the air a few feet from the water. Seifer placed himself next to her.
"It's so beautiful out here. Just the ocean and the moon and stars. It's peaceful, and that's what I like about it." Her eyes were transfixed on the full moon. It bedazzled her, mesmerized, as Seifer was mesmerized with Rinoa. As intensely as Rinoa burnt her eyes on the moon, he stared her up and down. There was a slight breeze among the still, sticky air, blowing Rinoa's hair over her bare shoulders'. She turned her head to look at Seifer and smile.
"Do you remember… when we came here together?" She asked timidly.
"It was the first summer we had met, and you asked me to come down to Balamb, that it was a quiet sea-side town and that it would be a nice change from the city. It was right here where we had our first kiss, as I recall. You attempted to push me off the dock, you naughty boy, and I latched on to you're coat with all my might. I was deathly afraid of the water back then. Anyway, all I remember was looking up into you're big bright eyes, and hoping to God you wouldn't drop me. And you didn't, instead you leaned in and kissed me. I think my heart burst into a thousand and more pieces after that." Both stood silent, remembering every moment of that day, as if it was happening right now. She could feel her face burning up. Seifer still remained quiet until he asked Rinoa,
"You ain't afraid of the water no more, right?" He said smirking, he was up to something.
"No…" She said, her voice trailing off.
"That's good, that's good." Sliding his hand up onto her back he said once more,
"Yea, that's real good." With that, he sent her plummeting into the water. Once she made it above she met Seifer, laughing on the ground uncontrollably. Her sleek, black hair was plastered onto the sides of her face, and water dripped over her nose and mouth.
"You think it's funny, huh?" She yelled up to him, taking her arm and splashing water in his direction.
"Sorry, sorry, it's just, I never got to do that to you, so ya know, take advantage of the moment."
"Whatever, just help me up." She swam over to him. He was bent down and had both arms extended towards her, but as she held on to them, instead of letting him help her up, she pulled him in. She watched as he came up and out of the water, shaking his head to dry off.
"You see, now that's funny!"
"Oh really, is it so?" He said, diving her way and dunking her head under the water. She came up, gasping for air, with her hands on his shoulders, and his on her waist.
"Seifer, you are so dead when we get out of here."
"You have to admit, though, you are a lot cooler than before, right."
She smirked at him, but didn't say anything. She found her hands trailing away from his broad shoulders up to his face, and she could feel the pressure from Seifer's hands brining her closer to him. Now, there faces were barely touching each others'. Rinoa tilted her head side ways, and leaned in closer to his face, she could feel him breathing upon her cheeks, and just as Seifer was about to return the action Rinoa was hoping for, they heard a familiar voice calling out to them.
"Rinoa is that you? And Seifer!?" It was Laguna, quite shocked at what he was about to witness. Rinoa and Seifer didn't know how to account for their actions once out of the water. They returned to Zell's house, including Seifer, who refused to go back to the hospital. Now everyone was up, for they had to bother Zell for dry clothes and a new bandage for Seifer. So turning all the lights on brought everyone out of there slumber.
"Damn it, Seifer, why the hell did ya come here for help?" Zell asked annoyed as he looked through his bathroom cabinet for some sort of bandage.
"Shut the hell up, what's it any of you're business what I do?!" He snapped back furiously.
"Well for starters, I'm the one helping ya out here. Secondly-"
"Whatever, just get on with it." Zell pulled out some band aids, then finally some gauze.
"Not much left, hope it covers you're cut." He said tossing it in his hands and walking back to his bedroom.
Meanwhile, Rinoa was downstairs drying off. Zell had given her a black tee shirt and a pair of his boxers to where to bed until her clothes had dried off. Squall looked hurt as he watched Laguna, that idiot, dry her hair off with a towel. She was gone with him again. She would always belong to him he started telling himself. Even if he had her in his arms, with her telling him how much she loved him, she would still belong to Seifer, forever. Should he just give up, was there any hope for them in the future. Rinoa looked at him from across the room. Her eyes were asking him to go over to her. He didn't want to, he wanted to show her he didn't need her, but he did. And she managed to lure him back over to her. He just loved her so much, he wanted to spend every moment with her.
Getting up and walking over to her, he placed his jacket over her shoulders. He pushed Laguna away and sat next to her. She stared up at him with those eyes he cherished. How could someone radiate so much happiness? The anger he built up towards her was soon melted away just by sitting next to her. He looked down at her bare knees.
"The boxers?" She said laughing.
"I had nothing else. It doesn't bother me much, it's just Zell."
Quistis watched on as Squall got lost in Rinoa. He was so in love with her, and even though she promised herself she would get over him, the sting from not having her loved returned still lingered within herself. Then she watched Selphie and Irvine. They never officially classified themselves as 'dating' but it was obvious they loved each other. Though Selphie did tend to act up around Zell, she still thought her and Irvine in love. But who was she to judge. She saw Seifer walk down the steps, his bandage was a mess. It barely covered half the cut.
"Ewwww, Seifer, you should really have that thing covered up." Selphie squealed burying her head into Irvine's jacket.
Rinoa watched, contemplating if she should get up and help him. It would probably anger Squall even more. She was always leaving him to do something with Seifer. She couldn't put another hole through Squall's heart, but she couldn't let Seifer leave his leg bare and open, either. She turned to Squall, with those eyes he knew to well by now. Those eyes which told him she had to go. But Quistis got up just in time to offer Seifer help.
"Seifer, you're leg looks more mangled than before." Slapping her hand on her forehead she walked over to him.
"Let's go, I'll fix that for you."
Squall was so happy, he almost smiled, but of course he would never let that happen. After Quistis took care of Seifer, they went back to bed. Rinoa had fallen asleep in Squall's arms, a sight Seifer would rather not have seen.
Selphie had fallen out on Irvine's' lap in his little corner, and Seifer offered the whole of the couch to Quistis. He knew she'd be damned before she had to sleep with him. He leaned himself up against a wall near Laguna and watched Rinoa sleeping in Squall's arms. He was oblivious to the fact that the same thoughts running through his head filled that of Squalls'. Would he really ever stand a chance with Rinoa, when Squall stood in the way? He had her so close in his arms that night. She felt so good against his body, and he envied Squall for having that same feeling as he slept beside his princess. He was too tired to keep on asking himself these things, and he eventually fell asleep, with Rinoa etched into his mind.
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A/N: Phew! This took me FOREVER to write! I think this is my longest one ever! So I hope you like it. Please review, okay? Thanks!!! Bye-bye!
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Rinoa's feet paced quickly down the hall, her foot steps synchronized with the beating of her heart. She twirled her hair on the tip of her finger as she usually did when nervous or worried. It was almost her signature trade mark. The doors opened for her and she saw Laguna sitting down in the tiny waiting area. Both motioned toward each other. Giving him a hug and a kiss they sat back down.
"How is he?" She inquired with saucer like eyes.
"Why don't you have a look for yourself, Rin? I'm sure he'd be happy to see you." She smiled and nodded, tucking her hair behind her ear.
The nurse unveiled the curtain that separated his room from the waiting room. How ironic, he laid on the same hospital bed he had sent Squall to one year ago. The nurse, closing the curtains, left Rinoa to be alone with Seifer. Not that it provided much privacy, it was only a sheet dividing the room, but it was enough for Rinoa. Walking near to the bed she bestowed her hand upon his. His wound was bandaged in a dozen and more layers of gauze, and his right hand remained in a cast. His face wasn't as bad as Rinoa had thought it to be. Aside from his scar doubling in size from being reopened, only a few cuts and scrapes here and there could be seen, but he still looked like the same old Seifer to her. She smiled that smile he loved to see. It was a smile she kept only for Seifer, no one else. That part of her heart which was reserved for him never failed to show through when she looked at him that way. He shot a smirk back at her and winked. The wind was blowing through the airy, white, cotton curtains. You could smell the last remnants of spring when the wind blew through, it carried its scent around everywhere it went, and then faded into the aroma of a new summer coming. It was a slow paced day, where everyone takes it easy. Finals are over and done with, students are getting ready for break or leaving to visit home, and everything is coming to a temporary stop. She felt light inside, now seeing Seifer awake and well. Back at her house, she thought he was going to die. She thought she would never see him again. But here she was, holding his hand in her own, taking in the view from the window. She was happy to see the cast around his hand didn't extend up to his arm. In fact, it stopped shortly above his wrist, allowing for complete movement.
They didn't exchange words, but exchanged thoughts. For both new exactly what the other was thinking. After bending over to give him a kiss on the cheek she left. He was quite out of it from the drugs.
Laguna and Rinoa rounded the Garden a numerous amount of times as they talked each other up.
"Laguna, there has been something I have been dieing to ask you. How on Earth did you know my father was an imposter?"
"Privileged information Kiros and Ward received back at Esthar. Contacted me at Galbadia, and then I rang you up, but found Seifer instead."
"What was he planning on doing with me?"
"He was some nut case scientist that went mad after hearing about a girl who possessed the sorceress' powers'. You, in other words. He thought he could harvest them in a lab and use em' to his advantage, whatever that was. Basically, the guy was a loony tune, and that Kiki girl wasn't wrapped to tight either. How's you're father by the way?"
"He's doing well. They're treating him in Galbadia for a damaged hip, but that's about it."
"And how are you doing, Rin?"
"Me? I'm fine. I thought I had pulled something back at the house, guess I was just imagining it." He stared at her as she looked up at him. Taking her under his arm, with his hand, he shuffled her hair back and forth.
"What are you doing?" she said pulling away from him and sticking out her tongue.
"Got a surprise for ya, doll." He said, going behind her, and masking her eyes with both his hands.
She laughed uncontrollably, waving her hands in the air as if she was blind, until they reached whatever room he took her to. There, he made her stay as silent as a mouse.
"O.k. when I say open, open em'." He whispered, trying hard not to make a sound.
On his cue, he unveiled her, revealing to her the back of Squall standing a few feet from herself gazing longingly out of a window.
She jumped up and down, running towards him and leaping onto his back. Laguna shot out of the room, for he knew he would be scolded for letting the almighty Squall be taken by surprise.
"I've missed you more than you could know! I can't believe you're back so soon." She said, leaning in to hug him once more. It seemed as if Squall had really missed Rinoa, because he opted for a kiss from her luscious lips rather than a hug from her soft body. She still felt uneasy when he kissed her, she could only think of Seifer when he would do so. It was as if every time she was with him she would compare his actions, his thoughts, his words, his very being to Seifers'. How could she love him when she constantly compared him? It wasn't right. She had to shake that thought for now, she was too overjoyed to see him.
"You will never believe what that whole space thing was about." He said in a barely audible voice, hugging Rinoa close to his body and leaning his head upon hers'. He truly felt like himself when with her, she could sense that in the way he moved and talked around her. This was quite open for the reserved lion, to actually talk about something to another living, breathing human being.
Gripping the back of his neck with her moisturized, soft, delicate hands she responded
"You'll never believe the day I had at my fathers'." She said spoken in a whisper.
"Guess we have a lot of catching up to do, huh." She questioned with a raised eyebrow. He walked closer and closer to her until he had her pinned up against the wall. With both of his hands on the wall, he had her enclosed within his arms. He still looked like the same old Squall, he didn't smile or anything, just stared into her eyes. But something was different about him, his confidence with Rinoa, his feeling at ease with Rinoa. She brought him the feeling of belonging somewhere, to someone who loved him. He leaned in, tasting her sweet lips. They stood there, entranced with one another, acting like young kids in love, which they were. Sneaking to steal a kiss, in this case many kisses, and sending the other glances of lust. That was until Selphie busted in. A scarlet red color over took her face as she shot out of the room. Squall and Rinoa pulled away and went in to find Selphie.
"I-I'm sorry guys, I didn't know you were… ya know-"
"It's alright Selph." She said smiling to ensure the little thing everything was o.k.
"Well, you know it's the last day Garden stays open, and Cid was holding a small party in the Quad. He said it'll only last a few minutes, considering he just wants to take a few pictures and make a quick speech. But if you guys are busy or somethi-"
"Don't worry. We'll come down."
As they entered the Quad, just about everyone was there, even Laguna. After some pictures had been taken Cid attempted to hold everyone's attention.
"Well everyone, it's that time of year when Garden comes to a close. Bags are packed, students are leaving to visit home, and others are awaiting what is sure to be a fantastic vacation. Whatever you're plans may be I hope you have a wonderful summer, and remember, the responsibility of being a SeeD doesn't go away with the coming of summer. If, and god-forbid, anything is to happen you will be called back. All of you, but you know this already. So, with that said, have a great summer, and we look forward to seeing you next year." Edea, with her arm wrapped underneath Cids' added her say in too.
"And all of you are welcome to stop by the orphanage any time you please. Cid and I are planning on fixing it up to move into. And you're help is welcomed. Have a nice summer."
Once all of the good-bye's were over with, Cid and Edea took leave.
"Well, I assume all of you will be heading off of the island, no?" Quistis questioned the group of SeeDs'. They all just shook there heads yes, for none really had any plans set yet.
"The trains have stopped running because of the ordeal that took place yesterday concerning Rinoa's father. They didn't want him escaping, so the trains were shut down, and though the imposter has been caught the system has failed to start up until tomorrow morning. All of the other students had gotten out a few days earlier than the SeeDs' had, so it's just us who are stuck here. And the Ragnarok is undergoing repairs. So we have no way out until the trains are back up and running. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but this year Garden is being cleansed of any harmful substances lingering about or any other bacteria. This is done every five years, and we happen to just have some bad luck because no one is allowed into Garden while it is being cleaned. So, I suggest you get you're bags now because the cleaning crew should be here within a few hours."
When all cleared out Rinoa approached Quistis with a question.
"What's going to happen to Seifer?"
"They'll probably bring him to a hospital in Balamb. Don't worry." She said touching the back of Rinoa's hair.
"Do you have any plans for the summer?"
"No. None what-so-ever."
"Same here." The girls laughed for a little longer until Rinoa left to get her bags. They all stood in the cafeteria waiting until the cleaning crew arrived.
Quistis, Rinoa, and Selphie were all talking to one another in a corner of the cafeteria until Zell came up to them.
"Hey Quistis." He said, with his hand rubbing the back of his head. She stared up into his big blue eyes letting him know he held her attention.
"Ya know the whole train situation? Well, I was wonderin' if maybe everyone could stay the night at my house until them trains start workin' again. Cause really, where ya gonna go?"
"That's a very generous thing to do, Zell, but how would you're mother feel about this?"
"Don't worry bout it, she won't mind."
"Well, if you really think it's okay. It would be great to have a place to stay." It was decided. All would go to his house for the night. Before they left, Rinoa stopped at the infirmary.
As she entered the room, and proceeded to enter Seifer's little section she found his bed empty. His sheets were still a mess, indicating he had just been moved, and the room was torn to shreds.
"What happened to him!?" She screamed storming out to the front desk.
"Where's Seifer!? I demand to know!" In her head, all sorts of terrible things flashed through her mind. Did they arrest him, was it that crazed scientist back for revenge, and was he alive? That's all she could think of, was Seifer alive?
"Miss, please calm down until the doctor returns." The nurse said getting up from behind the desk and out-starching her arms over it to try and calm Rinoa.
"Listen to me, I need to know what happened to one of you're patients! His name is Seifer Almasy! God damn it, what's wrong with you people!?" She couldn't explain why she was so enraged, but she was, and she wanted to know where Seifer was, she wanted an explanation.
"Why does his room look as if they carried him away with force? Just tell me what happened?"
"I can't, Miss, the patient's records are confidential."
"I dated the guy for two whole years, and I know for a fact he would want me to know where he is! For God sakes, I'm the closest thing he has to a family! Now lady, just tell me where he is!" Rinoa was absolutely fuming.
"T-the hospital in Balamb, o.k.!" The nurse said, stammering, she was completely horrified of Rinoa.
Rinoa almost fell to the ground at those words.
"The hospital?" She replied feeling foolish.
"Yes."
She said nothing, she felt too stupid at the scene she had just caused. She walked out of the room without giving a second glance to the mortified nurse.
As she sat in the car that drove her and the rest to Balamb, she still repented the trouble she had caused. But she was just so worried about Seifer, she couldn't control her anger. For most of the short ride, she remained quiet. Not even talking to Squall.
They soon arrived in Balamb, with Zell escorting them to his house. As he opened the door the aroma of good homemade cooking filled their nostrils. His house laminated the feeling of a home, a cozy, loving home. You could see the steam rising in the air, and the room held a warm temperature from Ms. Dinchts' cooking. As they entered the tiny living room, Zell threw his keys on the table that had wrapped around the right wall and entered the small kitchen where his mother was found standing over a hot stove. Walking up from behind her, he kissed the side of her cheek. He was really a loving son, and this was demonstrated to all by the way he acted around his mom. She turned around, joy overtaking every inch of her face, and wiping her hands on her apron, she pinched the sides of his face.
"Zell, I've missed you so much! It's been too long."
"C'mon, ma." He said feeling slightly embarrassed in front of his friends. Ms.Dincht, taking notice of them standing in the room, untied her apron, leaving it beside the stove, and quickly went to greet them.
"Well, hello. I didn't know Zell was having company along, so I apologize for the mess." She was a very sweet woman who loved to entertain.
"Lucky for you, though, I always cook big meals. There should be plenty to go around." Quistis smiled at the tiny, plump woman.
"Thank you for opening up you're home to us. We greatly appreciate it, Ms.Dincht."
"No need to thank me, sweetie." She said grabbing her hand and patting it.
"Well, let me just get the food on the plates and we can eat!"
After dinner was over, they decided going to bed was a good idea. They needed their rest for the next day. Zell slept upstairs, leaving his friends in the living room to decide who would get the sofa and who would get the floor. Rinoa and Selphie had claimed the sofa theirs already.
"Hey, c'mon girls. There's plenty of room for the three of us." Irvine said, playing with Selphie's bangs from behind the left arm chair of the sofa. Rinoa took one of the pillows and lunged it at his face.
"There's plenty of room for you in the corner of the room, too!" She said laughing. So, he slumped to his corner, glaring at his banishers in a playful way.
Squall offered Quistis the arm chair, while he walked over to Laguna, who was already fast asleep under a window. Squall took his jacket off, and rested his head on that, trying to move himself as far that was allowed from Laguna.
As they started falling asleep one by one, Rinoa couldn't stop thinking of Seifer. How was he? Was he thinking about her? She longed to be with him more than normal. It was as if his face had been branded into her brain, for she couldn't stop thinking of him. Her body was bathed by the moonlight that shown from the window, and the dark of the room stood behind her. She watched Selphie sleep on the opposite side of the sofa, her face also drenched in moonlight. As she looked out of the window, she thought she saw a shadow pass by. Was there someone out there? She noticed the light from the moon getting smaller and smaller through the window pane, as if someone was covering it up with their body. She squinted her eyes, straining to see if they were playing tricks on her, but by now no light was shining through. Someone was standing in front of the window. She slumped down into the sofa, trying to avoid being seen by the mystery man. She saw his head bob around, scanning the room with his eyes. Was he looking for someone in particular? She was scared, closing her eyes tight, she sneakily pulled the blanket up by her face when she heard the man call out.
"Rinoa." He whispered, not wanting to be heard by anyone else. He had seen her movement.
"Rin." Her eyes shot open, and she poked her head up enough to see over the back of the couch. That voice sounded as if it belonged to Seifer.
She contemplated on what to do until she finally whispered back,
"Seifer? Is that you?" His head snapped in her direction, and she could see him stand on his tip toes to catch a view of her. Fixing her posture and sitting upright he was able to see her so he returned his feet to the ground.
"What are you doing here?"
"Looking for you. Come outside, where we can talk normal." She rolled her eyes at him, but she was immersed in the dark. She looked around her, trying to figure out a way to remove her feet, which were jammed between the back of the sofa and the cushion of the sofa, without waking Selphie. Slowly she pulled them out and brought them over Selphie's legs, setting them on the floor. Getting up, she quietly walked over to the door and opened it up. After making it outside without stirring anyone from their sleep, she looked up at Seifer. Without saying a word she flung her arms around his neck and repeatedly kissed him on his cheeks.
"I was so worried about you! Aren't you supposed to be in the hospital, though? I mean, are you o.k., are you hurt, are you-"
"I'm fine Rin, calm down." He said laughing at her worried state of mind. Running his hands through her side swept bangs, he pulled her closer to him and gave her a hug.
"I'm sorry, it's just I was thinking of you all day, and it was driving me crazy not knowing weather you were fine or not."
"You were thinking about moi all day?" He said, pointing to himself and laughing.
"Let's go somewhere." He said, looking up into the sky. His eyes gave off a weird sort of glisten, and the moon looked as if it possessed a face.
"It's the man on the moon, right?" Rinoa asked, pointing up into the sky, Seifer's arm still swung around her neck.
"You remember that?" he looked back at her pleasantly surprised.
"Of course! You used to tell me that all the time, how could I forget? You told me one day, you'd take me up there, to see the man on the moon. But somehow, I find looking at him more pleasurable from down here……… with you." Saying so, she wrapped her right arm around his back and her left around his front, lacing her fingers closed, holding on to his torso.
"Let's get out of here, before someone wakes up. Let's go to the docks."
They walked down to the docks and looked out into the sea. It was an abyss, it just went on forever, as far as the eyes could see. It was a hot, sticky night, the fireflies were out, and you could here the sound of those strange bugs that live in the trees. The humidity in the air was so thick it felt as if it could be sliced with a butcher knife. Seifer, breaking the hold Rinoa had on him, ran down onto the boardwalk. She giggled at his silliness. He was like a big kid, breaking all the rules, and up to no good mischief. She watched as he took his grey trench coat off and throw it onto the cement that started before it turned into boardwalk.
"C'mon, Rin, way I remember you, you weren't afraid of nothing!" He yelled to her with his arms spanned out into the air.
"A little water ain't gonna bite ya!" She was overcome by the giggles, bending over, she dropped to the step the ground provided, and laughed uncontrollably at Seifer's little performance. With tears in her eyes from the laughter, she looked at him and brought her finger to her mouth signaling for him to keep it down before someone heard them. Untying the string that held her blue duster, she slipped it off, and walked out onto the boardwalk.
"Are you out of you're mind, Seifer?"
"Last time I checked." Rolling her eyes at him she walked to the edge of the dock at sat down, her legs swinging in the air a few feet from the water. Seifer placed himself next to her.
"It's so beautiful out here. Just the ocean and the moon and stars. It's peaceful, and that's what I like about it." Her eyes were transfixed on the full moon. It bedazzled her, mesmerized, as Seifer was mesmerized with Rinoa. As intensely as Rinoa burnt her eyes on the moon, he stared her up and down. There was a slight breeze among the still, sticky air, blowing Rinoa's hair over her bare shoulders'. She turned her head to look at Seifer and smile.
"Do you remember… when we came here together?" She asked timidly.
"It was the first summer we had met, and you asked me to come down to Balamb, that it was a quiet sea-side town and that it would be a nice change from the city. It was right here where we had our first kiss, as I recall. You attempted to push me off the dock, you naughty boy, and I latched on to you're coat with all my might. I was deathly afraid of the water back then. Anyway, all I remember was looking up into you're big bright eyes, and hoping to God you wouldn't drop me. And you didn't, instead you leaned in and kissed me. I think my heart burst into a thousand and more pieces after that." Both stood silent, remembering every moment of that day, as if it was happening right now. She could feel her face burning up. Seifer still remained quiet until he asked Rinoa,
"You ain't afraid of the water no more, right?" He said smirking, he was up to something.
"No…" She said, her voice trailing off.
"That's good, that's good." Sliding his hand up onto her back he said once more,
"Yea, that's real good." With that, he sent her plummeting into the water. Once she made it above she met Seifer, laughing on the ground uncontrollably. Her sleek, black hair was plastered onto the sides of her face, and water dripped over her nose and mouth.
"You think it's funny, huh?" She yelled up to him, taking her arm and splashing water in his direction.
"Sorry, sorry, it's just, I never got to do that to you, so ya know, take advantage of the moment."
"Whatever, just help me up." She swam over to him. He was bent down and had both arms extended towards her, but as she held on to them, instead of letting him help her up, she pulled him in. She watched as he came up and out of the water, shaking his head to dry off.
"You see, now that's funny!"
"Oh really, is it so?" He said, diving her way and dunking her head under the water. She came up, gasping for air, with her hands on his shoulders, and his on her waist.
"Seifer, you are so dead when we get out of here."
"You have to admit, though, you are a lot cooler than before, right."
She smirked at him, but didn't say anything. She found her hands trailing away from his broad shoulders up to his face, and she could feel the pressure from Seifer's hands brining her closer to him. Now, there faces were barely touching each others'. Rinoa tilted her head side ways, and leaned in closer to his face, she could feel him breathing upon her cheeks, and just as Seifer was about to return the action Rinoa was hoping for, they heard a familiar voice calling out to them.
"Rinoa is that you? And Seifer!?" It was Laguna, quite shocked at what he was about to witness. Rinoa and Seifer didn't know how to account for their actions once out of the water. They returned to Zell's house, including Seifer, who refused to go back to the hospital. Now everyone was up, for they had to bother Zell for dry clothes and a new bandage for Seifer. So turning all the lights on brought everyone out of there slumber.
"Damn it, Seifer, why the hell did ya come here for help?" Zell asked annoyed as he looked through his bathroom cabinet for some sort of bandage.
"Shut the hell up, what's it any of you're business what I do?!" He snapped back furiously.
"Well for starters, I'm the one helping ya out here. Secondly-"
"Whatever, just get on with it." Zell pulled out some band aids, then finally some gauze.
"Not much left, hope it covers you're cut." He said tossing it in his hands and walking back to his bedroom.
Meanwhile, Rinoa was downstairs drying off. Zell had given her a black tee shirt and a pair of his boxers to where to bed until her clothes had dried off. Squall looked hurt as he watched Laguna, that idiot, dry her hair off with a towel. She was gone with him again. She would always belong to him he started telling himself. Even if he had her in his arms, with her telling him how much she loved him, she would still belong to Seifer, forever. Should he just give up, was there any hope for them in the future. Rinoa looked at him from across the room. Her eyes were asking him to go over to her. He didn't want to, he wanted to show her he didn't need her, but he did. And she managed to lure him back over to her. He just loved her so much, he wanted to spend every moment with her.
Getting up and walking over to her, he placed his jacket over her shoulders. He pushed Laguna away and sat next to her. She stared up at him with those eyes he cherished. How could someone radiate so much happiness? The anger he built up towards her was soon melted away just by sitting next to her. He looked down at her bare knees.
"The boxers?" She said laughing.
"I had nothing else. It doesn't bother me much, it's just Zell."
Quistis watched on as Squall got lost in Rinoa. He was so in love with her, and even though she promised herself she would get over him, the sting from not having her loved returned still lingered within herself. Then she watched Selphie and Irvine. They never officially classified themselves as 'dating' but it was obvious they loved each other. Though Selphie did tend to act up around Zell, she still thought her and Irvine in love. But who was she to judge. She saw Seifer walk down the steps, his bandage was a mess. It barely covered half the cut.
"Ewwww, Seifer, you should really have that thing covered up." Selphie squealed burying her head into Irvine's jacket.
Rinoa watched, contemplating if she should get up and help him. It would probably anger Squall even more. She was always leaving him to do something with Seifer. She couldn't put another hole through Squall's heart, but she couldn't let Seifer leave his leg bare and open, either. She turned to Squall, with those eyes he knew to well by now. Those eyes which told him she had to go. But Quistis got up just in time to offer Seifer help.
"Seifer, you're leg looks more mangled than before." Slapping her hand on her forehead she walked over to him.
"Let's go, I'll fix that for you."
Squall was so happy, he almost smiled, but of course he would never let that happen. After Quistis took care of Seifer, they went back to bed. Rinoa had fallen asleep in Squall's arms, a sight Seifer would rather not have seen.
Selphie had fallen out on Irvine's' lap in his little corner, and Seifer offered the whole of the couch to Quistis. He knew she'd be damned before she had to sleep with him. He leaned himself up against a wall near Laguna and watched Rinoa sleeping in Squall's arms. He was oblivious to the fact that the same thoughts running through his head filled that of Squalls'. Would he really ever stand a chance with Rinoa, when Squall stood in the way? He had her so close in his arms that night. She felt so good against his body, and he envied Squall for having that same feeling as he slept beside his princess. He was too tired to keep on asking himself these things, and he eventually fell asleep, with Rinoa etched into his mind.
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A/N: Phew! This took me FOREVER to write! I think this is my longest one ever! So I hope you like it. Please review, okay? Thanks!!! Bye-bye!