-*I want to dedicate this chapter Angelprinczess29 who had done the same for me in her amazing fanfic, Rhapsody. And of course this is for all of you who enjoy reading this*-
Waltz For The Moon
Rinoa quickly stepped out of the showers and searched her closet for a dress to wear. The party was going to start in around ten minutes and she was barely prepared. Her outfits didn't consist of many dresses so it shouldn't be that hard to select one. After a minute or so on debating to wear her usual one or a black one that was hung way in the back, she decided on the simple cream colored dress. She quickly pulled it out and slipped into it at ease. Next, she went to find the old pair of heels that matched her attire and stepped in to them, fastening the strap around her ankles. The Angel brushed her long shiny raven hair and fixed the bangs in front of her eyes. She beamed, pleased at her reflection.
Hmm...somethings missing... She looked around the room, trying to figure out what else she needed. Oh! Of course!! Rinoa pulled out her Shooting Star from beneath her bed and equipped the weapon on her arm. Its soft feathers enhanced her complete outfit.
A deep voice called from outside.
"I'm coming! she answered back and rushed over to open the door which revealed Squall Leonheart standing outside in his formal SeeD uniform.
he whispered. You look beautiful.
Rinoa blushed. Thanks! You look great too!
Squall shook his head nervously and grinned slightly. So you ready to go now?
Squall nodded and escorted his Angel into the Quad with one handing holding her's and the other gripped firmly on his gunblade.
~*~*~*~*~*~
The Quad was packed with people at every corner. Some were chatting away happily and others were on the dance floor. The whole Garden seemed to be there. From afar, Rinoa spotted the Headmaster and Matron who were engaged in a deep conversation. She smiled at the couple and let her eyes roam the area, looking for the rest of the SeeDs.
Hey! Who's that? One of the girls on the dance floor asked.
Hmm...I think that's the commander Squall Leonheart, her friend replied. "Isn't he hot? Ohhh! I'm so jealous of that girl he has his arm around!
Rinoa grinned. She was extremely lucky to have Squall and she didn't know where she'll be today if she hadn't met him. She looked up and their eyes met. She assumed that he didn't hear the comments for he didn't show any reactions. Found them yet?
Nope. Hey, you're the taller one here so keep looking, she joked.
They made their way pass the dancers to get to the other side. It was rather crowded even though there weren't much people in the center. Rinoa slightly lost her balance and fell against a shorter girl besides her.
Oh, I'm so sorry! she apologized.
The woman spun around. Her bright emerald eyes, short brunette hair, and the cheery smile made her look too familiar.
Rinoa cried. We were looking everywhere for you guys!!
Same here you two! Oh yeah, the others got a table down there already. I came looking for you guys but couldn't find you anywhere!
I cant believe I didn't even recognize you! Wow, you look great! she complimented.
She was wearing a short sparkling green dress that was held by two thin black straps. The green choker around her neck and the black pair of shoes matched her perfectly.
Nuh uh. YOU look great as always, replied Selphie. She turned to Squall and beamed. And you don't look bad either Mr. Commander! Come on, let's head to the others. Selphie led the way to their table.
Squall and Rinoa both gasped at the same time at the sight of everyone having their weapons on them.
Irvine looked shocked as well. Whoa! It looks like you two brought your weapons here too huh?
Squall shook his head. I only brought my gunblade because I thought YOU guys were going to come here unarmed.
Quistis laughed softly and set down her glass of wine along with her Save The Queen on the table. That was exactly what I was thinking. Her weapon matched her attire as well. She wore a fancy red gown with golden laces running up the sides with a garnet shawl around her shoulders. A simple golden choker adorned her neck. Her shiny black heels made her an inch or two taller than she normally was and made her legs look even longer and slender. She sure didn't look like an instructor tonight.
Rinoa walked up to her friend and gave her a light hug. Quistis, you look beautiful!
So do you. She returned the hug and looked up at everyone else.
Yeah, you look lovely, Squall commented to be polite even though Rinoa seemed a bit uncomfortable as the words left his mouth.
Quistis bowed her and blushed slightly from the commander's compliment. Thanks Squall, she whispered shyly. So what are you guys going to do?
Well I'm just gonna wait here til the food comes, stated Zell.
So we can save you from choking on hotdogs? Selphie teased. Remember last time? Don't tell me you forgot!
Zell's cheeks grew extremely red as everyone burst into laughter; even Squall chuckled a bit.
Irvine snickered. And do I need to remind you that you scared away that library chick as well? Hmmm?
Oh come on!! Stop it already. That was SO humiliating! Zell groaned. Just when I was starting to forget about it, you just HAD to bring it up again.
The SeeDs broke into giggles once more. They stopped and took their seats when the Headmaster walked up to the mini stage, ready to give his little speech. The music stopped and the whole Quad grew silent. Cid cleared his throat and smiled warmly at the people in the Quad.
Ah good evening everyone. I would like to start off by thanking all the people who worked extremely hard to put this together. They are seated right over there. He pointed to the SeeD's table. Cid clapped and soon a loud round of applause followed.
Think of this as an opportunity to have some fun. I know we all had just been through a tragedy but Timber is being reconstructed right now. Luckily, no one was severely hurt thanks to the SeeDs. Also, due to recent events, there's no need to worry about the Galbadians at this time. We have soldiers on guard outside, patrolling the area and I see the SeeDs have brought their weapons as well. Oh yes, there is something else I wanted to say! This ceremony is also in honor of Seifer and Quistis. I would like to congratulate Seifer for becoming a SeeD. He scanned the area, looking for him but he was no where to be found. Err...he doesn't seem to be here at the moment. Well, I also want to congratulate Quistis. Starting in about two weeks, she will be an instructor again!! The Trepies at the front table exploded with cheers.
Anyhow, please enjoy yourselves tonight. Have a wonderful evening everybody. If you have any questions, please come and find me.
Everyone applauded politely and the lively music resumed.
Well, lets all eat something first, said Selphie. She passed the fine china around the table.
Three waiters soon came over and unloaded the dishes. Zell rudely made his grab for the hotdogs and quickly stuffed one in his mouth. Squall sighed and neatly gathered some salad on to his plate, which he passed to Rinoa.
Hey, how come she gets to be spoon fed? Irvine whined playfully.
Bekaush shesh speshial and umm Squalk lovemms er, Zell answered while chewing on the bun.
Irvine shot him a confused look. Umm...in English please?
Zell hungrily reached for his glass of water, managing to empty the glass in just two gulps. Ahh! Much better! I said, because she's special and Squall loves her. Ain't that right man? Zell winked.
This caused Squall to look extremely embarrassed. He fumbled the fork he had in his hand nervously while shooting Zell fierce looks.
Hee hee. Oh don't get mad Squall. Thank you, that was very sweet of you, Rinoa chirped.
"Whatever, he mumbled back lowly.
Selphie noticed the instructor's head lowered bit and the grin she had been starting to wane. She quickly elbowed her before anyone else started suspecting that something was wrong with her. She responded with a nod, getting the message. She quickly covered up by devouring a spoonful of Balamb's Special Soup.
So how are you all doing? someone asked gently.
Irvine was the first one to look up. He shot up from his seat. Would you like to sit down?
No no, that's ok, I'm fine. I just have a message to give to Quistis.
Quistis wiped the corner of her mouth with her napkin before answering. She wondered what could it be. A message for me? What is it?
Well, its about your Instructor's license. Cid wants to go over some things with you. He wanted me to tell you to meet him in his office once you're done so he can hand you the paper works. Matron offered her hand, which Quistis shook gratefully. "Congratulations Quisty! You're going to be Garden's finest Instructor once again.
Thank you Matron. The blonde got up and picked up her weapon. I'll go see him right now. That way, I can come back later during the end of the party and help clean up.
See ya later Quisty!! Selphie waved as the blonde walked away.
she called behind her back.
Well don't just sit there everyone. Go and have some fun! Matron encouraged. She also walked away, going back to her group of friends.
Zell finally finished his last hotdog and patted his very full stomach. He ran over to Selphie and held out his gloved hand. Well, shall we then?
Tee hee! The brunette took his hand and together they walked to the dance floor. Zell, are you sure you know how to dance?
Of course!! And if I don't, you can always teach me!
Oh you're so..........
Squall, Rinoa, and Irvine didn't catch her last words as her voice faded in the distance. They were already out of sight and were blended in with the other dancers. Just as young woman in a SeeD uniform passed their table, Irvine pulled on her arm and put on his best charming smile. Hey there gorgeous. Wanna dance with me?
Hey hey!! You're one of the SeeDs right? Sure!!! she exclaimed happily. Before Irvine could reply, the girl had already pulled him to the center of the Quad.
Squall blinked. Wow...I never knew Irvine could be so...
"Alluring! Rinoa finished. Well come on Squall! It's just you and me now! Lets go have some fun as well!
he protested.
No buts!! Don't make me drag you to the dance floor like the last ball, the Sorceress said sternly. He was NOT going to refuse.
Giving up, Squall threw his arms in defeat. Fine fine! Come on, let's go! I can't dance very well but if it makes you happy.
she cheered.
Squall was pulled onto the floor even faster than Irvine. He placed his arms around Rinoa's waist, making sure it didn't go too' low. Rinoa's eyes sparkled as she set her delicate hands on his shoulder. The beats to the song started to increase a bit, as well as the steps that were being taken. Rinoa gracefully twirled, only her partner was too late to catch her. She ended up bumping into him instead. The Sorceress broke into giggles as well as some female students in the corner who were pointing and whispering to each other while the commander stood there, embarrassed that he couldn't get this correct and this was the SECOND time he was humiliated!!
he mumbled.
Hmm...it looks like we're gonna have to take it slow huh? She looked over his shoulders and spotted Zell who was also having a difficult time moving around with Selphie and catching up to her pace. The brunette kicked him playfully. However, Irvine seems to be doing a great job. He moved across the floor at ease and flawlessly, knowing most of the complicated moves.
Come on Squall, let's try again!
He took four steps forward just in time as Rinoa backed four steps away.
That's it! You're doing great!
Squall began to relax. It really wasn't that hard once you're not worrying about stepping on someone's heels. He continued to perform each step perfectly until someone tapped him on the shoulders. It was the headmaster.
Ah, sorry for interrupting.
What is it?
I was in the office with Quistis going over some works when I got a phone call from Laguna. He's on the line right now and wants to speak with you about updates and such from Esthar.
Damnit!! Not now!! NOW NOW!!
Fine, I'll be right there, he answered, trying to hold back his anger. Why does that guy also seem to interfere every time he's spending time with Rinoa?
Go on Squall. I'll wait here for you here, said Rinoa. It was probably something important regarding the Galbdians. She couldn't say she wasn't disappointed but what can you do?
"I'm sorry. I'll be back as soon as I can but if it takes long, then I'll be back here to clean up, just like Quistis. He reluctantly withdraws his hands from her waist and followed Headmaster Cid out of the Quad.
Bummer! Now what am I suppose to do?
The Sorceress walked back over to her table and seated herself down on her chair. She watched as the other dancers laughed and enjoying the party. She failed to spot Selphie, Irvine, and Zell so they couldn't keep her company. She didn't spot Watts or Zone either or anyone she really recognized. Oh well, I'll just sit here until he comes back.
Time sure flies. Before she knew it, thirty minutes had passed and Squall still wasn't back. Rinoa sighed. If he wasn't back now, chances are that this is situation is going to take some time and he wont be back until the very end to help with the clean up. She tried searching for the rest of the SeeDs again but they still could not be found. Her beautiful eyes wandered across the whole Quad. Suddenly she stopped and riveted her orbs on someone straight up ahead in the balcony. The cool breeze caused his hair and trench coat to sway back and forth. Without thinking twice, Rinoa stood up and made her way to Seifer.
Author's Notes: I'm sorryyyy!! Its been quite a long time since I have updated but I was really busy with other things. I wrote this chapter around two days ago after I read Angelprinczess29's Rhapsody and found the inspiration to continue writing this chapter. Thank you!! I know I said I was going to promise some action in this chapter but I had to end it there so you'll see the actions in the next chapter. I would write more but I just came down with a small cold last night and I cant stop sneezing! =\ Oh it was so awful waking up 3 am with a stuffy nose, sore throat, and cant stop sneezing!! Don't worry, next chapter is gonna be out soon though especially since we have Christmas vacation the following week =)
Thanks again everyone for reading!! Please leave a review =D
