I want to dedicate this chapter to AngelPrinczess29 to thank her for dedicating a beautiful chapter to me in her amazing fanfic called Never Free'.


Carrying The Burdens Of One Year Ago


Another boring day at Balamb Garden thought Seifer.

He headed to the cafeteria to grab his usual breakfast. He was surprised that the cafeteria was packed this morning. Sutdents occupied every single table. He waited patiently in line and then ordered his coffee. Taking his drink, he circled the room for a place to sit.

The only available seat was at the SeeD's usual table. It consisted of Zell, Rinoa, Selphie, Irvine, and Quistis. For some reason, Squall was not present. Zell quickly threw his books on the vacant chair before Seifer even got a chance to ask if it was available.

Sorry Seifer. This seat is occupied, the martial artists said coldly.

Seifer sighed. He still had a feeling that everyone hated him and he couldn't blame them. He sided with the dark forces and fought against his own childhood friends. After Cid allowed him back into Garden because he didn't have anywhere else to go, he wanted to change his old ways but failed.

Rinoa began calmly. Just let him sit there.

Everyone, including Zell looked like they were going to protest but Rinoa gave them a quick pleading look. Reluctantly, Zell removed his books.

So where's Squall?

Thats none of your business.

Oh ok. I was just asking. He sipped his coffee and glared back at the group.

Quistis looked up from her meal. Why? You're going to pick another fight with him?

Now why would I do that my dear instructor?

Because thats all you two ever did for the past years. Quistis shook her head disapprovingly.

Yeah, thats true, agreed Selphie.

Look...I think its best you go before Squall comes- started Zell.

Yeah yeah, I get it Chicken Wuss. I'll leave. He stood up, grabbed his mug and walked away. "Didn't want to stay there anyway, he muttered.

There wasn't much to do in Garden after the Disciplinary Committee had been resigned. He hadn't heard from his ever since they said they were going to spend some time at the town of Balamb. He couldn't go wandering around since all the sectors were being decorated for Squall and Rinoa's wedding. He rolled his eyes at a bunch of young cadets giggling.

Oh, this is going to be soooo cool! a tall brunette squealed. I'm so glad Rinoa said I can help her with all these decorations.

The rest of her group giggled again. So anyways, I was thinking that we could put this.............

Having nowhere else to go, Seifer walked back to his dormitory. With a quick slide of the keycard, he was back in the small room. Annoyed, he slammed the mug on to his desk and then sat down on his bed with his face buried in both hands. The aggravated man let out a deep sigh into his palms, hoping to relieve his troublesome mind.

I'm not wanted here......I have no purpose......If I have no purpose, then what the hell am I still doing here?

The ex-knight peered at something that held extreme curiosity to him through the cracks between his fingers. On a nearby shelf stood a mini wrinkled picture that had been folded over many times. He got up and roughly grabbed the photograph. Golden rays of sunlight poured through the shades behind Seifer, casting a bright radiance. It too wanted to see what the photo will reveal. The gloved fingers unfolded the mystery, only to display a young couple to the owner.

What the hell......

It was an old picture of him and Rinoa around a year ago. The memories started flickering through his head. He remembered either Zone or Watts had taken this for them after the picnic in the outskirts of Timber. Rinoa, who was one and a half head shorter than him, was positioned in his arms while he rested his head on top of hers. Her ebony hair glided with the breeze while her dark orbs sparkled brightly. Both of them had smiled sweetly for the camera. Seifer was surprised that he had abandon this snapshot all this time. In fact, he didn't even remember much about it. After all, he did neglect his dormitory and ditched Garden to fulfill his dream.

He continued staring at the photo.

She giggled while wiping some stain off my lips and then beamed warmly at me with those tender lips. Her soft hands moved towards my face and caressed it so gently.

A loud knock interrupted his thoughts.

Come in! he invited, unaware of the person at the door.

Rinoa entered slowly and timidly gaped at him. So...wha'cha up to?

Startled, he quickly shoved the picture back into a random drawer. N-nothing. So what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with Squall?

Oh, Squall's still working on the Quad. I was heading there but I wanted to drop by because I had a feeling you were going to be here.

he asked when she didn't leave.

Well......I just wanted to apologize about before. I know they were being rude and all but I know they didn't mean it so don't take it seriously OK?

Whatever you say, he said with no emotions. Its just that......I'm trying to change my ways you know. I know everyone hates me and stuff but I wish there was something I could do. That's why I've been following you people...to the cafeteria, Deling...Im trying to adjust living at Garden again.

I know its hard but don't give up.

He turned around and gazed into the orange horizon. He removed a blonde strand that fell onto his eyes. You seem to be the only one who seems concern about this. Is that why you keep inviting me over to hang out with you guys?

Rinoa slowly walked towards the desk and sat on the surface. She watched her feet dangle, trying to form her thoughts into audible words. At last, she spoke,

Yes?......But why?

Because I feel everyone should deserve a second chance.

Rinoa...you're too forgiving...I don't deserve a second chance but I guess that's just the way you are. Always trying to see the nice side of everyone...

"I'm sorry but I don't need your sympathy, the ex-knight replied coldly.

Neither of them spoke afterwards. Rinoa silently watched her feet dangle again. She craned her neck to the right, only to catch something that fascinated her. A white slip was caught between a drawer that was left slightly ajar. Eagerly, she pulled it out. Seifer, who was oblivious to all this didn't know what she was doing until he heard her movements. He spun around and reached his hand out, signaling for her put it back.

NO!! Rin-

Before Seifer could stop her, she opened the creasing. Her face whitened a bit while she examined the long lost image.

she gasped.

The blonde man ran his fingers through his hair. A usual habit of his that was performed whenever he was embarrassed about something. Yeah...last year....outside of Timber...

Uh huh...I remember. Rinoa closed her eyes and relived the memories. I remembered how upset I was that we were losing to Galbadia. I wanted to liberate Timber so badly. Shortly after you arrived, we had a picnic and you cheered me up by suggesting going to Balamb Garden to speak with Cid about hiring SeeDs. Later, Zone suggested on taking a picture of us and we agreed and after that......we............kissed. She trailed off on the last word.

Her mind screamed. She had forgotten this for so long but this cruel moment brought back these unwanted memories. However, the kiss wasn't the thing she was most concerned about. This reminiscence only led to another remembrance. One that is far deeper and infatuating.

Rinoa muttered under her breath in shock. Her eyes clearly reflected that she was in turmoil.

What did you say?

N-n-nothing...I didn't say anything... she stuttered.

She took one more look at the picture. No......it can't be.......

Her two small hands now shook from the sudden realization. She turned away, letting the long layers cover her face so Seifer couldn't see her guilty expression. She felt so insecure about herself at this moment. Shaking her head, she placed the snapshot back into his drawers. "I'm sorry...I gotta go. Squall's waiting for me... she whispered hastily as an excuse and quickly fled out of the room before her emotions consumed her.




Author's Notes: Thanks to all the reviewers so much for spending time reading this fic and I assure you this wont be turned into a Seiftis.