A Night In Deling


Rinoa! Please hurry up or else we're going to be late! Squall called from outside her dormitory.

"I'm almost done! Never rush a lady, she answered back as she took one last look at her own reflection. Her blue gown looked extremely stunning especially with the precious silver necklace she always wore. Slipping into a pair of black heels, she draped a matching blue shawl over her shoulders.

So how do I look? she asked as she stepped out.

Wow! You...look amazing, Squall complimented.

Thank you, so do you! Come on, let's go now!

~*~*~*~*~*~

With one arm hooked under Squall's, Rinoa smiled happily and gazed at the busy city.
Squall had set up some reservation dinner for the gang in the bar of that very special hotel. The hotel that her mother played that very special song, her favorite song. The thought of her mother saddened her a bit but she refused to show it.

They continued walking down the nightly streets together until someone rudely thrusted pass them.

Hey, move it puberty boy! scolded Seifer. Cant you see where you're going? he said, obviously trying to pick a fight.

Hey, you bumped into us! defended Squall. What are you doing here?

Cant a man walk around the streets without being questioned?



Seifer was about to shoot another insult when he noticed how breathtaking Rinoa looked. His expression softened into pure awe as he gazed at the girl before him. Rinoa...you look beautiful... he whispered.

Thanks Seifer. Come on Squall, we better hurry. See you later Seifer! she waved.

He watched the couple walk out of sight before murmuring to himself.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Hey! You're finally here! Lets eat! I'm starved!! cried Selphie.

Group number eight? Follow me please, the waitress instructed.

The gang, in their very formal outfits, followed her to a beautiful decorated table adorned with a gold cloth and a huge cluster of flower right in the center. The china placed in front of them looked so fragile and yet so delicate.

This place sure changed alot since we last saw it, commented Rinoa. Her eyes wandered around the bar until it was fixed on a big, black object with polished white keys.

She slowly walked towards the gorgeous piano and ran her fingers over the smooth surface. She remembered that her mother used to bring her here often and let her watch her play for hours and hours.

Brings back some memories huh? asked a voice behind her.

Sure does.

Squall leaned over some more. Do you know how to play that song?

I think...maybe a little, she chuckled. "I'm not very much of a pianist.

Give it a try, he encouraged. No body will mind.

Hmm...maybe I will! She sat down on the soft cushioned seat and rested both hands on the set of white keys.

Squall turned around and walked back to the table. I don't want to ruin your concentration so I think I'll just head back and listen to you play.

Rinoa nodded and closed her eyes, trying to remember the tune. All of a sudden, she started playing the little interlude without even realizing. Her hands gracefully darted across the piano with her fingers pressing down on the keys. When she came to a sudden halt, a huge round of applause caused her to snap her eyes open again. Her audience clapped wildly at her performance. She stood up and took a bow while smiling shyly.

Did you see that? Rinoa cried as she walked back to her table. After all these years, I can't believe I still remember!

That was lovely! complimented Quistis.

Yeah!! You go Rinoa!! cheered Selphie.

Thanks guys! Hey, I need to use the restroom, be right back ok?

answered Squall.

Walking up the carpet steps, she made a turn to the ladies' room but a voice stopped her.

That was splendid.

She turned around to see a man in a trench coat sitting on the steps of the hotel.

Seifer? You heard? she asked as she walked closer.

The vivid memories played through his head again. He remembered when Rinoa used to play that song for him. She still hasn't lost her touch.

What are you doing here?

Just hanging around...

Rinoa felt bad for the man. Here she was, all dressed up with her friends at a fancy bar while he sat there all alone on the cold steps like a homeless person. She wanted to invite him over for dinner again but she didn't think her friends would be too pleased.

That's alright. You don't have to invite me again. Head back and have fun, he said as if reading her mind and then exited the hotel.

Rinoa sighed.