~~Mistakes~~

~Chapter 3: Discover~

"What do you mean, you saw Uncle Laguna?"

Six pairs of eyes were focused on Ellone, except for Squall. He couldn't be bothered about Laguna. Why should he be? If she came just to convince me that I should reunite with my father, she can save her breath and time.

She spoke to Dr. Kadowaki and Quistis. "I would like to talk to you two first. May I? In private?" She tossed her head towards the rest of the group, beckoning them to leave the Infirmary. Quizzically, the group left obediently, but it was evident that they were hurt that Ellone had refused them the truth, yet gave Dr. Kadowaki and Quistis the privilege the rest didn't have. What they didn't know was that Ellone was protecting them instead. They wouldn't have liked the truth at all.

The room was hushed for a while, as Ellone waited for the right moment to speak. "You know, I can return to the past, through anyone's mind. You've always known that. That was why Ultimecia wanted me. So that I can help her to compress time. However, I needed the mind of another person I have known in the past and now in the present. The only few I've known when I was small were Uncle Laguna and the rest. Ever since I knew how to control my powers, I have always tried it on Uncle." The doctor and Quistis hesitantly nodded in unison, unsure of what the conversation was leading to.

She continued. "But recently, whenever I tried to look further, to grasp further, I stumbled back onto a flash of light. I couldn't understand it, but it seems Uncle was trying to block something from me. Something secret. He never keeps secrets from me. This was the first. Whenever I neared it, I get a jot of pain, so I've never tried to probe more."

"However, you guys know that I had something on before this unexpected trip. I had to reconfirm something and try to let Squall get to know Laguna. But I tried too hard, and in the end, I was thrown back. But at least I came back with something from it that would affect Squall's decision in a few days' time." She concluded with certainty.

"Squall and Rinoa might not get to marry if they hear this."

*******

He stood outside the infirmary, trying to absorb the twist of events in the past twenty-four hours. Ellone's sudden appearance, the dream with Laguna and Julia, and not to mention that his Sis had collapsed a little while ago. Something did not seem right, but he couldn't point a finger to the problem. And you thought a wedding is a blessing. Far from it. Not after all those things had happened. And what was the point of Ellone telling him about what happened beyond the door of Julia Heartilly's room?

"Hey Squall…" The rest had paced about the corridor, wondering what was happening in the infirmary, but Zell stood in front of him, a worried look flew past his face. "I know you are worried, but you gotta tell us what's on your mind, buddy."

He shifted his weight onto his other leg, and stared down at the floor. "No, nothing of importance. Some bizarre dream before Selphie woke me up." He veiled his concern, carefully replacing his frown with impassivity. "I'm just glad Ellone's fine."

If Zell was sceptical, he didn't show it. "Don't worry. She's fine. My guess's that she is just tired."

"Yeah." The commander leant back against the wall, and looked towards the infirmary. What is it you are trying to tell me, Elle? At that very moment, the door swung open, revealing the doctor, flanked by Quistis. Behind them, stood Ellone supporting on a mobile bed stand, but the doctor shot her a look that told her to stay on bed. She quietly obeyed, sitting back down.

Avoiding the uncomfortable lack of noise, Quistis turned, speaking to the Commander. "Squall, Ellone would like to speak to you. Inside."

He rose slowly from the wall, keeping his eyes fixated on the floor, and arms clasped. "Fine. And I would like to hear a few answers from herself." He brushed past the instructor, closing the door behind him. Quistis heaved a sigh, and closed her eyes, crossing her arms. She had stood there for a while, taking deep breathes of air. None had spoken to her, and she didn't want to talk.

Selphie finally tapped on the instructor's shoulder, and glanced up at her. "What's wrong, Quistis?" Worry crinkled the petite girl's face, and Irvine lent her his support by staying close to her. "What had happened, Quisty?"

"No. No… nothing. Excuse me, I've got to make some calls to Esthar." Hurrying, she left, leaving them gaping for answers.

*******

Galbadia Hotel twenty-five years ago. He remembered the twinkling night as he stood with Julia before the window, drinking. Facing her, he watched her sweet tender brown eyes sparkle beyond the brightness of any star tonight. Slowly, his lips descended on her luscious lips, and an instantaneous desire exploded amidst them. His smoky eyes gazed back at her, the couple smouldering with passion.

No words were spoken. None were needed. Bit by bit, Laguna and Julia edged towards the bed, their motions unhurried. They had all the time they want. Sliding both hands into the sides of her tresses, Laguna took Julia in his arms, slipping into the silky bed covers. Step by step, they bared themselves to each other, and took in the loveliness of their beloved. They were in a world of themselves, dreaming in misty euphoria of love and passion, and then ecstasy…

In the office of the Estharian President, Laguna was glancing at out of the window, after he had hung up the phone with Quistis on the line. He looked at the city skyline of Esthar, and remembering exactly the sense of elation then when he was holding Julia in his arms. He had never forgotten her. Not after what they had shared that night. It was only pity that he could never come back for her. He had to leave when dawn broke, he told her, closing on her with his arms, and promised her he would come back for her to start a family with her.

He never had a chance. Not long after he left, he heard from his comrades that Julia had married General Caraway. She had never meant to wait for him, and his heart broke. Inwardly, he cursed for his folly in thinking that his goddess would wait for a lowly soldier like him. True, she had been mesmerised by his eloquence and his frankness, but she must have realised he was but just scrap metal that very night.

And now this. Ellone had to tell him that she knew about him and Julia. And that Rinoa might be his daughter after so many years. Surely Rinoa couldn't be his daughter. The news would kill Squall… and him… Could Julia actually have kept their child? Would she? He desperately wanted to think that Julia had actually waited for him, but he too wanted Squall's happiness. Anything to atone for abandoning the boy at the orphanage.

He hoped Rinoa wasn't his daughter, and kept his lone tear in place, waiting for the flight to Balamb.

*******

Damn. His fist smashed onto his office's table, threatening to make a dent in the solid mahogany desk, along with the laptop. Squall believed none of Ellone's nonsense theory. He wanted nothing of that. He only wanted Rinoa. Only her.

"OH HYNE!! I won't have it!!" Slamming his fist against the table for the second time, he realised he was affected by the news, whether he had liked it or not. Why hadn't Ellone tried to keep it from him until after the wedding? He couldn't believe what Hyne was trying to do. Separate them? Then why bring them together only to have them split again. What now? Some kind of macabre joke that is played on both of us? Fate played with them like puppets, her delight derived from the people's misery…

[Flashback]

They had been alone in the infirmary, but Squall requested Rinoa's presence, and reluctantly, Ellone agreed. She had been strong enough to sit by the bedside, along with the couple on the couch facing her. No words exchanged until Ellone finally placed her arm on Rinoa's lap.

"Rinny, I haven't reaffirmed this, but I want you to know something." She steadied her breath, watching her own cheat heave a little. Damn, why did it have to be her to break the news? Squall had bore her a look, something that said to be straight to the point.

"I guess Squall would have seen it with his own eyes, but you should be spared from watching it. Back then, your mother and Laguna had been…"

"Cut it out, Elle. That's rubbish. You know…"

"I don't know. All I know was that Uncle Laguna did love Julia, and yes, I suspect that Rinoa was born…" She needn't say further. The sharp gasp from Rinoa, the tightening of Squall's jaw line was all that she needed to see. Both of them knew what she was talking about. All in all, the news was tremendously heavy for both of them to bear, especially at such a moment. Bliss was utterly shattered…

[End of flashback]

He sank back onto his leather seat in his office, trying fuckingly hard to forget everything. It was tearing at his heart. He was sinking into his bottomless hole, dug by no one but himself. He once thought Rinoa was the only one that could pull him up, but now there was no one left. His life was as meaningless as the one he had eight years ago. Eight years of sheer contentment with Rinoa, walking in the rain with her, finding true love. He needed her… too much just to let her go like that.

His face was buried in his hands, hiding behind the desk, desperately trying to get back the scent she had on his gloves. None. He turned his back to the door and gazed into the dark sky. Out of nowhere, a shooting star flew down, its tail having a spectacular flare. He watched it disappear from his sight, the first time watching it without Rinoa.

"It's beautiful, Squall. Did you see the shooting star?"

At the sound of her voice, he swirled around… Rinoa… His alluring angel appeared before him, walking towards him.

"Did you see it, Squall?" She lifted a finger towards the night sky. He merely nodded, keeping himself at a distance from her. No, he wasn't going to let her hurt him again by leaving him. He had learnt his lesson.

His coldness towards her was apparent, but she couldn't bring herself to blame him. Who could? Abandoned by his father, deserted by his closest sister, and now betrayed by his father's past recklessness. She saw him turn away from her touch, and instinctively, she hugged him from his back.

"Don't touch me, Rin… Don't…" It was all he had, and she hugged him tighter, her tears staining his leather jacket. "I'm not going to let you watch shooting stars alone, Squall."

She was forcing him to give her what he had refused her, embracing him with her whole heart and soul. Trapping him in her wings. Warming his heart. He placed his hand on her tear-stained cheek, wiping the cries away, and it triggered a fierce passion inside him. With whatever strength he had left, he took her in his arms, and a fresh wave of emotion washed over him. He would give up his life for her.

He loved her more than he could say.

*******

The office was quiet, and Squall picked up his documents from the table, scanning through them and signing them at the end of the paper. Frustrated with all the paperwork, he sheathed his Lion Heart and wrapped his belt around the waist, heading for the training centre.

Laguna was there. Of all the people he didn't want to see. He half-guessed his so-called father was waiting for him. He was right, as he saw him approach.

"I have to talk to you… Squall…"

"Save it." Bitter sarcasm rang in Squall's voice.

"I know… but you see, Rinoa might not be my daughter…" Shit, why did he have to say it in such a manner? Laguna mentally cursed himself for being so untactful. He could never find a way to talk to his son without offending him in some way or another.

Two Grats appeared in front of them, and Squall immediately leaped into action. Laguna was behind him for support, but he knew his son wouldn't need one. He saw Squall sprint towards the two Grats, slashed the two of them with a Fated Circle, and landed with a little sleep powder still on his jacket. Carelessly, he brushed them off, and walked towards the secret area. Laguna followed.

"Go away."

"Not until I've given you an explanation, Squall."

"I don't need one. Just go away."

"But… You see… I really didn't…" Laguna stuttered, not sure where to begin.

"Hyne!!" Squall was losing his temper at his hesitance. "Just leave me alone!! You can do it, can't you, after leaving me alone for so long?? What's keeping you this time??" Every word was like a needle pricking his very heart.

"You left me at the orphanage, and now you are taking Rinoa away… What do you still want?? Just… Just leave me ALONE!!"

Author's Notes: Thanks to all who have reviewed, and please do read on, because I put a lot of effort into this fic… Thank you.