One Step Too Late


Rinoa groaned, feeling the intense heat and light upon her face. She was nearly blinded when she tried to pry one eye open. Yawning tiredly, she stood up and walked over to the window. It was a beautiful day outside with the sun beaming warmly. She could hear the birds chirping not far away. She smiled at the sound of nature and glanced around some more. She spotted the ocean right in front of her, glistening brightly under the sun and recalled the event that had occurred a couple of hours ago. She had the nicest conversation with Seifer for a very long time. There was something about that little walk they had together that was so magical.

It was really......nice... she whispered. She looked down at the Ex-Knight on the floor and sat besides him with her knees pulled up to her chest. He had easily given up his bed even though she reluctantly accepted it. Rinoa somehow found her way to Seifer's dormitory again for the second time after her dorm was occupied when they got back from their walk. She felt so bad that he had taken the floor but he didn't mind at all. In fact, he threatened that if she didn't take the bed, he was going to go sleep out there on the plains. Of course she couldn't object then.

Her smile faded quickly when she remembered Squall. She was genuinely sorry for all she has done, especially from keeping possibly one of the biggest secrets in her life from him. She felt awful that he was hurt so badly and she was the one to blame. She really needed to talk to him but how? He didn't even want to see her let alone have an actual conversation with her.

What a night...... Rinoa sighed.

What am I going to do? I...I...love Squall...

She looked at Seifer and could feel the torn feeling emerging again. The same question popped up all over again. Did she love him? She had to admit, neither one of them ever broke their relationship. It was just that certain matters kept them apart. She had never been so confused in her life.

Seifer shot one eye open and was greeted by an angel. His other eye opened quickly and he couldn't take his gaze off of her. He was mesmerized. She was so beautiful in every way.

Hey there sleepyhead! she laughed. Sorry, did I wake you up?

No, it was the damn sun.

Oh sorry! I meant to pull the shades down but I forgot. She stood up and walked over to the window. The light slowly waded.

You know, you should get some more rest if you want. I can see you're pretty tired.

What about you? he questioned. What are you going to do?

That was a good question. She hadn't thought about it yet. Umm...Im going to go and see Selphie, she replied quickly. Please take the bed Seifer.

He stood up and flopped on the soft mattress. Alright then, I guess I'll see you later.
He was too tired to say anything and doze straight off again.



She headed for the door. Oh...and Seifer?



Thank you...

With that, she closed the door quietly behind her and made her way down the hall. Her eyes locked on to Squall's door. She felt herself slowly walking towards it. She brought her hand up but hesitated to knock.

What if he wont answer me? But I really do need to see him...and talk to him about this. I can't bear to see him in pain...



She turned around and saw Selphie running towards her.

Wha'cha doing?

Oh...I...was going to-

To see Squall huh? she finished. He's not there. He left a couple of minutes ago to check on Timber and helping the people there with the construction.

Oh...well that's ok I guess. I'll just talk to him later. She grinned at her friend, trying to cover up the disappointment. They walked out of the dorm section, heading to the front gate.

How are you doing? Selphie asked softly. That must've been one of the worst things you have ever gone through.

I know...but I guess I'm doing better. She quickly filled her in on what happened last night about Seifer. When she was done, her friend stared at her with her innocent eyes wide opened.

Hyne! I have never ever everrrr seen Seifer act like that. Wow! He's like a totally new person around you! I wished he were more like that to all of us back then instead of acting like a major jerk. You should've seen him on our field examination! He walked off acting like some hot shot! Boy, did it drive us all insane!

The Sorceress laughed. She could picture Seifer like that back then but he has really changed now. Selphie's giggling ceased and she had a serious face on. Hey Rin...do you love him?

Not this question again. She had been trying to figure out this question herself and came up with no answer.

You know...this is going to sound really weird but...I don't know.

No, its not weird at all! The brunette immediately defended her words. I know you and him had a relationship before you met Squall. In fact, we all know but its just that......did it ever actually end?

No, it never did. Selphie, I'm so confused. I don't know what I'm going to do! Can it be that I'm in love with...both of them? I mean, you're the only one I can talk to about this. I mean, Quistis would also be supportive but her feelings for Squall are still there...

Selphie jumped up in surprise. Hey! How did you know that?

Hyne! I forgot that I'm not suppose to know this!!

Umm...well...I don't know, I'm assuming. Its a little obvious too... she quickly lied.

You really think so?

Rinoa nodded.

Yeah, you're right I guess. I mean, I think even Zell and Irvine are getting a little suspicious. Don't worry, I'm sure Quisty will be fine. The important question is...what are you going to do?

I really really don't know...... She reeled her left leg back and kicked a pile of dirt in frustration. What am I going to do Selphie? I have never felt so loss...just when I thought I found true happiness and love with Squall, this has to happen!! Errgh!

Hey hey! Rin, calm down! I don't blame how you feel...I know it's alot to think about. I'm sorry if I made it worst. There's no need to rush for the answer...you just have to take it slow. Follow your heart Rinoa, I KNOW you'll make the right decision.

How can I follow my heart when my heart is torn into two...leading to two totally different directions.

The cheerful brunette placed her hand on the Sorceress's shoulders. Whatever decision you make, we'll all behind you.

Thank you Selphie...I guess you're right. Smiling warmly, she embraced her friend in a small hug.

Just remember that you're not alone in all of this. We're all here for you...right by your side.

Hahaha, stop, now you're making me feel like Squall!

Selphie joined in her laughter as the two girls made their way to Timber's entrance. Rinoa recognized most of the workers. They were all residents of Timber and were extremely nice and kind to her when she first moved there. She smiled and waved to the ones she knew as she walked pass them. They returned her kind gestures. She looked up at awe at how much was already accomplished at the front gate. The stone walls were freshly painted and new black gates were added. The sign with the word Timber' engraved on it was nearly completed too. Everything looked just like the way she had remembered it, possibly even better.

Beautiful isn't it? Selphie exclaimed.

Sure is......

Of course it is!! Whew, we've been up all morning working on it! Glad you like it though!

Both of them turned around to find Irvine holding a paintbrush in his usual leather outfit except his hat was replaced by a white working cap with paint splattered over it. His hair was a mess as well with tons of strands sticking out his ponytail.

Well well well Irvy, not quite the ladies' man today are we now? Selphie joked.

Hey hey!! I am insulted! I am perfectly capable scoring with a lady today just like any other day!

Well you wont be scoring with us, Rinoa teased.

Alright alright! Enough enough! Irvine dismissed it with a wave of his hand. Rinoa, how are you doing after...well...you know. I take it that you still didn't get to talk to Squall?

No...but I'm not giving up! I'll find him later on and tell him...I just hope he wont be that mad anymore.

"Don't worry, I'm sure he wont be.

Selphie picked up a large brush and a bucket of yellow paint. Well then, come on! Lets join in! This is gonna be so much fun. Probably as much fun as organizing the Garden Festival.

Irvine raised a brow and shook his head. You sure have weird taste Sefie.

Rinoa suddenly looked nervous and glanced at the people surrounding her. Hey, what if Squall...

"Don't worry, he's working wayyyy inside while we're working out here so you don't have to worry Rin! You'll get a chance to talk with him later, answered Irvine. Just relax for now.

Yeahhh...you're right. Is there another brush here somewhere?

The brunette searched around her but couldn't find anything. There should be one at the hardware store. Go up and make a right and you can't miss it!

Thanks! I'll be right back!

She quickly jogged up and turned right at the intersection. Sure enough, the hardware store was right down the street. She was just about to step in when she caught a person with a black jacket from the corner of her eyes. She took a little step closer and hid herself behind a large crate. Her heart skipped a beat when she realized it was Squall.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Zell, would you hand me the hammer?

Zell's jaws dropped and stepped back in shock. Praise Hyne! He finally said something!!

Zell, please! Squall snapped harshly.

Alright alright!! Here you go. He lifted the tool up but before he could even turn around, Squall had snatched it from him.

So I take it you're still pretty pissed huh?



You know, it doesn't help just by going back to your old self again! You should take some action! Do something about it!! Sitting here is not going to do you any good! Come on, what do you say you and I meet up with the others for a nice lunch. My treat!

"I'm not interested, Squall mumbled. With a strong pound with the hammer, the loose nail was immediately fixed back into its place.

But you know you and Seifer should-

I said I'm not interested Zell, he hissed. With each loud thud from the tool, it emphasized his anger clearly to Zell who even backed away a little.

Sorry man but I'm just saying this isn't going to do you any good. What you need to do is actually talk to Rinoa, to get the truth.

The Knight tossed the hammer to the ground, missing Zell's feet just by a few inches. The workers nearby were instantly startled by the sudden outbreak. They quickly shifted off to another area.

I already know the truth! Cant you see it!? I don't need to hear it from Rinoa and I certainly am not going to accept ANYTHING Seifer says. He's the cause for all this!! Damn, I just want to KILL him every time I think about him!

The SeeD was beginning to lose his patience with his comrade's behavior. He slammed his fist onto the wooden board Squall was working on and retorted back. So that's it!? You're just gonna hold on to this grudge forever!? You're just going to leave this hanging!? I thought you love her!!!

Damnit!! Zell!!

What the hell is wrong with you? Why cant you see that she's trying to tell you what happen, the truth, and you're just pushing her away!! Look, she realized she had hurt you immensely and she's trying to fix it! Cant you let her do that!? Why do YOU have to make it WORST by keeping your distance!? She isn't Seifer, she will tell you the truth!! Squall, she loves you so you don't need to add heartache than there already IS!!

How Zell!? Just how am I suppose to do that when every time I look at her now, every time I just think about her, my heart grieves with pain!!

Rinoa squeezed her eyes shut, unable to hear anymore. She could feel the salty tears flowing down her pale face. She had heard with her own ears. Squall said so himself that every time he looked at her...every time he thinks about her, he's filled with pain. She thought that every time she was with him, she would bring him happiness...but instead, she's doing just the opposite. Picking up herself from the ground, she quickly ran down the way she came from with her hand covering her mouth. She couldn't stay here anymore...she had to leave now. It was clear that he had meant those words. He probably didn't even love her anymore and she had no one to blame but herself. She quickly searched for an exit out of Timber. There was no way she was going to run back to where Selphie and Irvine were. The only thing the Sorceress wanted to do was to get out, get away from everyone.

There was a large pile of rubble from a ruined house on her on her left.

Without even thinking or hesitating, she pulled herself up and grabbed on to the closest stone for support. Even as she was climbing, the tears fell endlessly. Before she knew it, she was at the peak. Quickly but carefully, she made her way down on the other side and was glad to see the plains once more and Garden parked not too far away. With a powerful leap, she landed on the ground unhurt and began running towards the flying mobile.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Squall grew silent and slumped to the ground, burying his head in his palms. I love her so much that it hurts so much just to THINK that I might lose her.

Just what is going on here!?

Quistis ran over and shot Zell a demanding look. Well? Anyone want to fill me in?

Squall here cant realize that Rinoa is trying to fix what has happened. He's getting all mad over nothing!!

That last sentence made him shot up from his position immediately.

Over NOTHING!? You call walking into your rival's dorm with the woman you love NOTHING? And finding out the little relationship' they had from a doctor while me, the commander of Garden is totally clueless of what's going on because he is off at Esthar trying to put an end to all this chaos!! NOTHING!? THATS NOTHING RIGHT!?

Squall, you know I didn't mean it like that......

"Doesn't anyone know how I feel? What I'm going through?

Quistis took a few steps back and turned around, her face concealed.

Yes Squall...I know how you feel...I know how it feels to walk in on someone you had feelings for ever since childhood...because...I go through with it everyday. Everyday, I see you with her Squall...holding her in your arms. I thought maybe after you found Rinoa...my feelings would fade but the truth is...it didn't...instead, it increased. My feelings increased, as did my loneliness.

The instructor silently wiped away a single tear that trickled down her face. She felt as if he heart had just been stabbed with a million daggers, but then again, that wasn't something new she felt. She wanted to move on but something was preventing her from doing it. She didn't understand why she still held feelings for Squall. Whether it was a sisterly attachment or a love', it was incredibly strong.

No, now's NOT the time to think about this. Squall is pain...be there for him just like you have when Ellone was gone. He needs you now...

Quistis had no idea that the two SeeDs had stopped their argument and was staring at her.

Zell tried to peer over. Quistis? Are you crying?

Hmm? Uh no... She turned around and flashed them a quick smile. Something, I think it was dust flew into my eyes. I'm better now, thanks. Quistis calmly walked up to Squall and placed her gloved hand on his. Now listen to me Squall. You can't put yourself through this. Stop being stubborn. You never gave up on her no matter what, why now?

Quistis!!! Who said I'm giving up on her!? I'm not and I NEVER will! I LOVE her!! His owns words suddenly made him realize what he was doing all along. He slapped his forehead for not seeing this sooner. I guess...I guess I made a fool out of myself huh? I was...acting like an idiot all along.

Zell laughed. You can say that again!! Now go and find her!

Do you know where she is?

Selphie said she was going to come with her and they were going to help fix up the entrance way. She should be there. Quistis pointed straight ahead. Go forward and turn right. Its a shortcut. Go to her Squall...I'm not the one who needs you right now...
She sighed, watching him leave.

Thank you Quistis...you too Zell...and I'm sorry for all those things I said...

"Don't worry about it. I'm just glad that I knocked some sense into you. Now go find her!

~*~*~*~*~*~

I can't stay here anymore...

If I do, I'm only going to cause more misery for everyone. I'm only going to hurt Squall even more and even...Seifer. I really should go.

Rinoa reread the note she was holding in her trembling hands. She still couldn't believe she was doing this but if this would stop Squall's grieving, then she was not going to back out on it.

Dear Squall-

I don't want to cause you any more pain. You shouldn't have to go through with this...after all, that's all you had ever gone through since you were a child. I'm afraid I might make things even worst if I am here, not only for you but for everyone else. Therefore...I think my decision is for the best.


Satisfied with the note, she folded it and slipped it under Squall's door. Her tears had ceased and she was not going to let them fall again. Throwing on her white hood, she made her way out of the halls, checking every one in awhile to make sure the area was clear. It wasn't an obstacle since practically everyone was working at Timber. No, she haven't forgotten about Timber. Something WILL be done about it.

Rinoa quickly made her way out of Garden. She turned back and looked at it one last time and then dashed off.





Authors' Notes: I hope this chapter wasn't too bad. I don't know if it sounded rushed because I wanted to get the next chapter out as soon as possible because I realized I haven't updated in a long time. Thank you so much for all your kind reviews and I'm sorry to have kept you all waiting again. Well, not that Rinoa is off, I hope I don't come to writer's block. I have a vague idea of what I'm going to do next but I'm still thinking about it. Like always, thanks for reading!

Angelwhisper: Wow, I cant believe you reread the whole thing!! =D Hopefully there will be more stuff Seinoa soon (If I can think of any) And no, I still didn't beat Parasite Eve yet. LoL but I'm still trying to!