Chapter 5
General Caraway's estate, that already could only be surpassed in its grandeur by the presidential residence, was especially decorated this evening for the celebration of his fiftieth birthday. The marble façade of the building, enhanced by two grand octagonaly-shaped towers, was brightly lit up with the numerous green, purple, and yellow lights that shone like a medley of precious stones upon the darkness of the night. In the warm glow of the arch-shaped windows framed by dark red curtains one could see dancing couples—proper ladies dresses in the finest silk gowns and gentlemen some of whom were clad in white military uniforms. Rinoa and Seifer, following the brightly colored path were heading towards the grand entrance when Nailah, with a worried look in her eyes, appeared before them.
"Miss Rinoa! You father is worried sick about you! You should go see him immediately. Just look at yourself, Miss!" Then as if only now realizing that Rinoa wasn't alone she looked at Seifer.
"Sir, it's not my place to say anything, but it might be better if you left Miss Rinoa now. Her father will be most angry. He already sent three men out to arrest Zone and Watts. He might come after you if he sees you with Miss Rinoa."
"Oh, I don't think he is gonna arrest the man who saved his daughter," he answered winking at Rinoa.
"Saved me? Wait just a minute…"
However, before she could finish she saw her father opening the door. She nearly choked on her words and looked helplessly at Seifer who to her surprise appeared strangely calm about the whole situation.
"Rinoa!!!" rang a deep voice. "You get inside this very minute!" He was now speaking in a harsh but low whisper. " Get dressed and go talk to the guests. We'll deal with this later.'
"But I…"
"I said right now, young lady. You have already embarrassed me enough in front of everyone. I thought you understood clearly when I said I strictly prohibit you from associating with that gang of...of…Yet you defy me! I will not have it."
"If I may, sir. You daughter was with me tonight," said the blond-haired young man. For a second, the General's face turned pensive as he carefully observed the one who dared to meddle in their family business.
"And just who the hell would you be?"
"Seifer Almasy."
"Well, then, Mr. Almasy," he said, "may I suggest you leave right this minute and return to the gutter you crawled out of …before I have you arrested for trespassing on my property."
Yet his threats left Seifer completely undaunted. Out of the corner of his eye, he looked at Rinoa whose entire being was rigid with tension, her eyes pleading him to help her. He weighed his options. Normally, he would have never allowed such an insult slide without giving the offending party the courtesy of having his gunblade caress their skin. Yet he understood if he was to accomplish anything on his visit to Caraway's abode he had quench his desire to punish such indignity and proceed with more care.
"You are absolutely right, sir. The hotel I am staying at is quite dingy. Nothing compared to this beautiful house you have here… But I would hardly call it a gutter. Be that as it may, the reason I am here is because your daughter has asked me to escort her here from Galbadia Mall."
Rinoa looked at him with fear in her eyes. Was he mad? Not only did he treat the general of the entire Galbadian Army with disrespect but he also made no attempt to hide the truth which could easily ruin her life.
"What is the meaning of this and what do you have to do with any of it?" Caraway finally inquired after he regained the ability to speak.
"It's really quite simple, sir. I met your daughter at the mall where she was trying to find you a birthday gift. It just so happened that she lost track of time and almost left this after buying it in her hurry to get home," he said opening the inside of his trench coat and extracting an antique looking wrist watch engraved with a few semi precious stones.
Rinoa gasped but thought it best to remain silent for the time being. She was seriously beginning to worry about the outcome of the entire charade.
"Oh? For me?" was all General Caraway could manage in his surprised state. "I had no idea."
"Happy birthday." Rinoa finally said playing along with Seifer's scheme. "The only way I could go into town to get you a present without being pestered every minute was to sneak out. I thought I'd be able to get back on time. But it got late so the buses weren't running and Seifer offered to take me home so I thought I would be safer to go with him then to try to get back on my own." Believe me please, believe me. I can't be put under house arrest. I have to meet with Zone and Watts.
"You accepted a ride from a stranger?"
"A very reliable stranger, sir," interrupted Seifer being a little disgruntled by being referred to in third person. "Protection is my business."
"Oh, how so?"
"I work part time as a bodyguard for a client in Balamb. His daughter is on vacation here in Deling and me and my associate look after her."
"What is the name of your client?"
"I am sorry, sir. I can't tell you that without compromising my client's safety and integrity."
"Of course, I apologize for my indiscretion." General Caraway's face was flushed with color. He felt ashamed for assuming that his uninvited guest was a treasonous dog, just like Zone and Watts. And he had no reason not to believe the stranger who so clearly described the course of events without the slightest hint of doubt. He now turned to look at his daughter who could barely hide her surprise at the way things were developing.
"Rinoa, you are so lucky that this gentleman ended up being an honest person. Deling City is full of dangerous people and I really want you to stay away from them, you understand me? I appreciate the present though. You haven't done anything like this for me since your mother passed away," he said examining the watch.
"I am glad you like it."
"As for you, Mr. Almasy. Thank you for getting Rinoa safely back home. Please accept my apologies for going off on you like I did. I overreacted to the situation. You are welcome to stay for the party if you like."
"That would be great, if you don't mind of course. I'd love to stay here for a little while," said he humbly, yet his eyes shone triumphantly.
"I must be off now. I am sure everyone is wondering where the host of this celebration is. Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Almasy," he added firmly shaking his hand. "Rinoa, come with me, please. Nailah will get you ready for the party."
"Of course," she answered.
"I hope to catch you later, Mr. Almasy, to thank you… for driving me home." She gave him a polite smile.
"I will be looking forward to it, Miss Rinoa," he replied, his jade eyes focused directly on her.
"In fact, I am counting on it, angel," he whispered once they were out of Caraway's reach of hearing.
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Rinoa's heart skipped pleasantly as she walked upstairs to her room. Completely ignoring Nailah, who was already waiting for her, Rinoa bounced onto her bed, her large brown eyes sparkling with content. The scene that just took place outside the mansion was playing in her mind over and over again. Just the thought of seeing Seifer later that evening made her skin tingle all over.
Father clueless as to what really happened. Where did Seifer get that watch? Seifer… he sure knows how to keep his cool… That girl from earlier today, Fuu.. she must be the client's daughter that he and the other big guy are protecting. I wonder what hotel they are staying at… I guess they are being inconspicuous by not staying at Galbadia Hotel... In her mind's eye, Rinoa kept seeing Seifer's face—his teasing emerald eyes and confident smile which spoke of a man who let nothing stand in his path…
Jolted back to reality, Rinoa acknowledged Nailah's presence and the need to get ready for the party. There was only one outfit that she felt was suited for tonight. It was a stunning azure dress especially crafted for her by the finest of Deling tailors. Lighter than silk, it smoothly wrapped around her petite body, underlining her womanly curves. Although simple in its design, it was exquisitely decorated with shiny threads that shone like an array of snowflakes glistening in the moonlight. For a final touch, she asked Nailah to lace her raven hair with a blue ribbon that complemented the dress. The effect was complete—Rinoa looked absolutely stunning as she finally emerged from her room and headed downstairs to greet the guests. She glanced around, hoping to catch a glimpse of Seifer, yet his grayish-white trenchcoat was nowhere in sight. Not one young man turned around to look at her, taking notice of her beauty yet the only one that mattered, the one that she most hoped to see wasn't there. He couldn't have left already… Please tell me he is still here. He promised to see me again.. She made her way through the multitude of people, absentmindedly saying hello where it was required but stopping to talk to no one. After surveying the entire party area, she still came to the same conclusion—Seifer Almasy was gone. Barely able to hold back tears of disappointment and suddenly feeling like she is suffocating, Rinoa quickly made her way to the back entrance of the living room which led to a long hallway that connected with General Caraway's conference room and office. She wasn't even a step into the door when she bumped into a man who was on his way out. Thinking it was probably one of her father's conference guests she mumbled excuse me and wanted to continue walking. Then suddenly, in one quick motion, she felt her body being picked up like a feather and gently pushed against the wall. Surprised, she looked up to see who it was only to find herself staring at a man who she was futilely trying to find for the last twenty minutes.
"Seifer," she mumbled. "What.. what are you doing here?
"Trying to find you, angel. What else? But, hey, it looks like you found me first. Heh, by the looks of it, you weren't exactly having a blast yourself, were you, Rinoa? Anyways, my turn, what are you doing here?"
"Uh, well, not that it's any of your business, but I need to tell father something important."
"You are not a very good liar," he said smirking at her. His eyes ran her up and down. "Damn, you look almost good enough to eat tonight."
Rinoa felt herself blushing. Not a compliment she expected to hear, but she didn't care. Her heart leaped with joy.
"Unfortunately, Mr. Almasy," she said with pretend seriousness, "dessert won't be served for another hour."
"That's too bad." With that, placing his arms on either side of body, he pressed her even more against the wall, and leaned in closer to her face, his lips barely touching hers. Rinoa held her breath, feeling pleasantly crushed against his six foot frame. His intense eyes bore into her like fireballs.
"But rules are rules," he purred. "I'll wait." He retracted just as quickly, grinning at her hesitation. She let out a low sigh, heart pounding nervously with a mixed desire to feel his lips against hers or run away. Yet she stood there for what seemed like hours glued to his eyes desperately trying to find something to say. Yet before either of them could speak, they heard a distinct sound of a spoon striking a glass. General Caraway wanted to make a toast. It was time to rejoin the party… at least for the time being.
Insanely glad to finally have a moment to think things through, Rinoa mumbled, "C'mon, I don't want father seeing us in here."
"I want to thank everyone for coming here tonight. You've truly made this a special occasion. Long live Galbadia and our wonderful leader Vinzer Deling!"
Rinoa turned away, her brown eyes filling with hate. Hypocrite! He stands here proclaiming the greatness of Deling knowing damn well what that bastard is doing our own land, not even to mention Timber….. I wonder what news Zone and Watts have…
Seifer observing her sudden change in emotion smiled a pensive, elusive smile as if noting something to himself.
"Please proceed to the garden," continued General Caraway. "Dessert will be served shortly and fireworks will start at 11. I hope everyone is enjoying themselves."
Rinoa and Seifer exchanged brief glances and Rinoa couldn't help but giggle. The expression of pain was gone from her face. She decided tonight she would stop worrying and have a good time.
"I guess dessert is early. Mmm, I can't wait," he jokingly said his eyes zeroing in on her face.
Rinoa mockingly punched his shoulder.
"Don't get your hopes up," she answered barely hiding a sly smile.
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Rinoa breathed in the fresh air outside noting to herself that despite the torrid heat of the afternoon, tonight was actually turning out to be a cool and pleasant night. She looked up at the sky, admiring the full moon that reflected in tiny shards of ice on her gown.
"So I suppose this is when we go and mingle with the other guests?" Seifer sarcastically inquired.
"Nah, I think I've had enough of that for tonight. C'mon, follow me. Doesn't look as if anyone is paying attention. "
He raised his eyebrow. "You don't waste anytime, do ya? "
She led him onto a small weaving path that receded into the latter part of the garden. The aroma of fresh flowers became overwhelming as they approached a small clear pond that sparkled softly under the moonlight.
"I come here when I wanna think. When I was little, me and my Mom used to come here all the time. Sometimes, I feel like she is still here and if I gaze into that clear blue water long enough I'll see her reflection looking out at me. " She shivered slightly and touched the fine silver ring hanging about her neck.
Seifer's arms encircled her waist, gently as if he was afraid to break her fragile figure. She felt his hot breath against her cheek.
"Did you know your parents, Seifer?"
"No. I was an orphan." His usually strong and confident voice was now down to a mere whisper.
"I am sorry. That must have been hard on you."
"Don't be. It taught me to rely on only myself and follow my own dreams…" His voice trailed off.
"Sometimes it's nice to get a little help along the way."
"I don't need anyone's help. " He frowned.
Sensing that this was not a good subject Rinoa cheerfully added, "Thank you for helping me out today. I owe a lot more to you than you think."
"Could it have something to do with those guys your father's guards were after earlier today? Something tells me you aren't as sweet as you look."
"Zone and Watts…" She was interrupted by a loud blast that shook the calmness of the night with its intensity. The night sky lit up at once with precious gems of every imaginable color. For a second both Rinoa and Seifer watched in awe as the shower of multicolored light slowly descended to the ground.
"C'mon, we better go. I'll tell you more another time. Guests will start leaving shortly. I need to make one final appearance for the night, hehe. Father would freak if he knew I'd taken you here this late by myself."
Before she was truly aware of what was happening, Seifer almost forcibly pulled her close to him and kissed her on the lips. She gasped, startled by the suddenness of his action, warmness spreading like wildfire over her entire being. Seifer sat back a bit, observing the rapid rise and fall of her chest with a slight amusement, his own blood coursing hotly through his veins. Rinoa timidly moved in closer to Seifer's face and slowly traced his chiseled features with her finger, intently observing the relaxed expression in his sea-green eyes. Then moved by a sudden urge, she kissed his mouth, feeling the hotness of his lips against her own, taking in the scent of his cologne. Feeling bolder and more at ease, she continued kissing him, almost fervently now, letting his tongue explore her mouth. Seifer chuckled at her somewhat sloppy kisses and pulled away to get some air.
"Damn, you sure got a little pent-up frustration there, angel," he said smiling at her. " But hey, I won't complain." He then carefully lifted her off the ground with his arms and placed her on her feet. She blushed, slightly embarrassed; Seifer was the first guy she has ever kissed like that.