Alluring
Though the party was loud and exciting inside, the balcony and the sky filled with sparkling stars offered tranquility to Seifer. He couldn't go in and join them. The party brought back to many painful memories such as the SeeD ball. To see the woman you love in the arms around someone you hate so much...thats just sad.
And of course, one memory led to another.
What was he supposed to do? He was still in love with Rinoa Heartilly, the first and only girl who had changed his whole life. How are you suppose to let go of someone like that? Someone who you practically live your life and fight for. And all this time...she loves Squall... he thought.
He picked up his glass and a big sip of the strong alcohol. He heard the glass door behind him open and turned around. He gasped slightly. Standing there was Rinoa, looking like an angel as always in her knee length, stunning, and creamy dress. Her front locks cascaded down on both sides of her lovely face and her eyes were shining so bright, just like the stars.
Hey Seifer. Mind if I stay here a bit?
He nodded and then turned back to look over the dark horizon. She walked up next to him and studied his face. His eyes were so distant and cold and his features looked so troubled. She moved her gaze to the glass he was holding and the bottle of champagne sitting besides his arm on the railing.
"Shouldn't you be in there celebrating?
Hey, its your party too you know.
Right, and I said I'd come so here I am.
Why aren't you in there then? Rinoa questioned.
Why are you out here? Seifer countered. The rest of your friends are all in the Quad right?
Rinoa shook her head. Zell, Selphie, and Irvine are but Squall and Quistis left awhile ago. Squall went to answer a call from Laguna and Cid had to fill Quistis in on her promotion.
So she's here because Squall's gone. Damnit! This is just like the old days when she went to Squall when I wasn't there. Why does she keep doing this? Is she trying to drive me crazy?
You still haven't answered my question. Why are you out here? His voice was deep and cold.
Well...I was waiting for Squall to come back but he never did.
she continued. I was kinda wondering where you were and then I saw you out here. I just thought that maybe you wanted someone to talk to. The Sorceress smiled gently and picked up the champagne bottle to study it. Seifer said nothing and took another sip.
I was just thinking about some things that I have on my mind.
Rinoa looked interested and released the bottle. Really? Like what?
About Timber and all... he lied.
I heard it's doing really well right now. The towns gonna be back up in no time! she exclaimed cheerfully.
The Ex-Knight didn't sound as excited as she was. Instead, he fixed his eyes on the burgundy liquid swirling in his wine glass. "I'm sorry...
Huh? I don't understand. For what?
"I'm sorry that I couldn't protect it. I mean, I promised that we were going to liberate Timber one day and this just had to happen. Man, if I hadn't blacked out then I would've done so much more!! He slammed the cup down hard on the railings, causing it to shake a bit after taking another sip.
The Sorceress rested her delicate hand on the right sleeve of his trench coat and replied in a soothing tone, Seifer, you've done all that you could and I appreciate it so much. This was...well......unexpected. No one saw it coming but the important thing was...at least we didn't lose you. She whispered quietly on the last few words.
A warm surge of energy hit his heart. He could feel the barrier of ice he had worked so hard to strengthen beginning to melt and shatter all because of one girl. It had been so long since he felt his heart soar. He stared at her besides him. Her serious face told she was really concerned that night which reminded him that he had never got a chance to thank her in a way he should have.
Thank you Rinoa...for staying with me that night. I know I did something stupid again but...I really thought that I was going to die. It was more like a kiss of good-bye...
There was still alot of questions on his mind. Like, did she tell Squall about this? He doubt that she did or else Squall would've been running after him in rage with his gunblade trying to kill him. Did she return the same feelings for him? Did she love him? It was truly a miracle from Hyne that he had been brought back to life or was it Rinoa? Deep down in his subconsciousness, he really heard her calling him. It was so intense that he could actually hear the pain and agony in her voice. It just kept playing over and over again, never stopping until he woke up.
Rinoa knew he was obviously referring to the kiss. Wouldn't she have done the same to someone she loves, not caring what the latter will think or feel because its what she' wanted before death awaits. It was a selfish thing to do but then again, at least she could rest in peace. This brought her attention back to the one question she had been pondering about. It was a simple question yet with so many complications. Did Seifer love her?
Seifer...do you really love me? she asked quietly. Now it was her turn to avoid eye contact and fix her orbs on something else.
He hadn't been expecting that same question again this soon but didn't he just mention to himself that he wanted to pour his whole heart out to her. Its now or never...just do it before it might be too late again. Before Rinoa marries Squall once more...
The Sorceress didn't look surprised. In fact, she kind of sensed it whenever she was near him. Those were one of her little special abilities. Detecting what everyone is feeling. Its ironic isn't it? Here she is, standing on the balcony, the same balcony on the night when Squall proclaimed HIS love to HER and gave her a kiss that meant eternity. The music inside was growing louder and louder but the balcony was silent as the still night.
She looked away, avoiding his gaze. Its been so long since then......I don't know what to say...
"Don't say anything...... he whispered.
Rinoa shot him a confused look.
I said...don't say anything... Seifer laid his eyes on the heavens above them and watched the brilliant stars sparkle, each giving a little light to the darkness around them. Back then, I've always dreamed of watching the stars with you and now.......I finally got the chance to. Right now, I just want to stay like this...
Now you wouldn't here those words coming out of Seifer's mouth everyday...
So Rinoa obeyed and let him have what he wanted. She knew he had a lot on his mind and if this were the way to help soothe him, then she would let him have it. Silence was still luring in the air but it was unusually pleasant. She too had a lot on her mind and needed to sort out tons of stuff.
Quistis is still in love with Squall......but I love Squall too, Seifer loves me...do I love him? I have to tell Squall soon about this. I have to be honest with him. A major element in love is trust...I don't want to break it...but when do I tell him? I really don't want to but...he's been so sweet and sincere to me...I'm not going to repay him like this. Tomorrow, I'm going to tell him everything...
Yes, tomorrow she was going to tell him EVERYTHING. He deserves to know and he deserves to hear it from HER. The Sorceress absentmindedly picked up the bottle of wine again and pulled the cork out. She began to relax as the cool sweet liquid made its way down her throat. Very unlady' like' but what does she care?
This is definitely...comforting...maybe thats why Seifer kept on drinking this...
The Ex-Knight turned his attention back to the girl next to him. She looked a little flushed and dazed. Rinoa, I think you should stop before- She gulped down another large quantity before Seifer snatched the long empty bottle away from her and threw it over the railings, hearing a small splash in the ocean a few moments later. Ok, I think that's enough for you.
Sorry, I just have a lot to think about...
Don't we all Rinoa? Problems that doesn't seem to have a solution...
"I'm...Im going to tell Squall about everything...tomorrow. He has to know. I'm...sorry. There was more to say but she was beginning to feel extremely dizzy. She held onto the railings tightly for support, just in time from collapsing.
Seifer looked extremely worried. Rin, you alright?
"I'm...fine... she gasped. Her head was now spinning. She needed to get out of here and go lie down. That's it...I need to lie down...
She took two steps away before her vision started to blur and became disoriented. Then, everything became black as she felt herself fade away from her surroundings. Maybe......maybe......I shouldn't...have...drank...the...wine...ugh...drunk...so soon? The last thing she groggily saw was Seifer reaching out to her. He leaned over and caught her just in time. Rin!! Rinoa!!! he yelled but he won no response from the unconscious Sorceress leaning against his chest.
Overdose...
He set her body down near stone bench and rushed inside the Quad. Better let the others handle it...don't think they would want to see me with her.
As soon as he stepped in, he was instantly swallowed into the lively party. Being tall definitely had an advantage of overlooking the crowds but what good did it do if he couldn't find who he was looking for. He rudely pushed through the dancers and shouted for Selphie, Irvine and Zell but there was no response. He searched tables after tables but the only people who where there were some young cadets. Where are they!? he screamed in frustration. Not even one person was capable of helping. Headmaster Cid and Matron was not there either. What was he going to do now? He couldn't leave her out there in the balcony for very long. Suddenly, an idea hit him.
Dr. Kadowaki!! Yes, I'll bring her to the Infirmary and let her rest there. Then I'll go and search for the others again!
Seifer quickly ran back to the balcony to retrieve Rinoa. He gently picked up her light body in his arms and dashed around the dance floor to the exit. It was a good thing that most of the people there was too busy to notice him holding an unconscious body or else the questions will start arising and that was one of the things he hated the most: answering annoying questions while they should be minding their own business.
He swiftly kept dashing down the long spiral corridor until he reached the Infirmary. There was a white sheet of paper attached onto the door that read:
I, Dr. Kadowaki am not here at the moment and will be out for the rest of the night. Sorry for the inconvenience. If there is a problem, I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Seifer growled and angrily kicked the door. What if someone was on the brink of death!? he yelled at the door and turned back to run to the elevator in the main hall.
Squall...he's in the office...
What was he going to say? What was he going to do when he saw him holding his unconscious angel'? AH WHO CARES? HE WANTS TO PLAY HERO RIGHT? THEN LET HIM...THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ME, his head screamed but of course he was lying to himself. Just for one, HE wanted to be the one to play hero instead of letting Squall have all the attention but if this was the best for Rinoa then......
I'm going...I'm going to do this for Rinoa...
Seifer moved towards the panel, looking disgusted of what he was going to do next. He tapped the red button and waited for the elevator to descend. To his surprise, it didn't even budge. He tapped it twice again but nothing happened.
What the hell?
A small text appeared on top of the panel.
All access to the floors is not open right now. Elevator is locked. Please come back later.
It must be the tight security. He shook Rinoa's body again but she did not even stir. Well you can't say I haven't tried. I guess there's only one place to bring you even though you might hate it but I have no choice... He dug into his pockets and pulled out a key card and made his way to his dormitory.
Author's Notes:
-Wow, Seifer's dormitory with a drunk Rinoa...heh heh. Don't worry, this is a Pg-13 fic and I intend to keep it that way, lots of action coming up!!
-Im SO sorry making you all wait so long. I wanted to get this chapter out during Chrismas but I have been extremely busy! Thanks for reading everyone and I hope you all have a Happy New Year! Please leave a review and sorry again for the delay!
