I am so sorry it took me so long to finish this chapter! But on the bright side, this is the longest chapter I've had yet! So enjoy! This chapter contains a couple of sexual situations. So just be aware of that! There is no actual lemon because, first of all I think it's best for the reader to use their imagination for that sorta thing, and secondly it's not worth to change the rating so late in the game.

Author's note: After rereading this last night, I realized that I wasn't happy with the kind of detail I put into the last paragraph so I went back and edited it. If you've already read it, go read it again and let me know if it sounds better! If you are reading it for the first time, ENJOY!!!

Chapter 13

"Never thought I'd hear myself say these words, but you might wanna wear something other than that cute little dress you have on," said Seifer, his eyes traveling along the curves of her body as his lips formed into an elusive grin. Rinoa raised her eyebrow and gave him a puzzled look.

"Why, where're we going?" she asked suspiciously.

"Tch, tch… don't trust me, angel? I won't disappoint you… I promise."

"That's what I'm afraid of," she countered but nonetheless walked over to the closet. Seifer languidly stretched out on the bed, his jade eyes burning into her.

"Umm… What, you expect me to change in front of you?"

"That's an idea… I'd even be willing to help out a bit." He ran his fingers through his hair giving her a playful smirk. Then, in one swift motion he jumped off the bed and closed in behind her, pressing his chest against her back as he lightly stroked her bare arms with the tips of his fingers. Unwittingly Rinoa shut her eyes, her body responding to the thrilling sensation that although ridiculous in its simplicity, seemed to somehow awaken all her senses simultaneously. Almost forcefully, Seifer's hands moved up from her arms to massage the back of her neck, his nails digging lightly into her skin, sending shivers down her spine. There was no room for thought inside her head, her senses overloaded with his presence as she felt herself lean into the warmness of his embrace. His breath burned her skin as his lips tauntingly moved up and down the side of her neck. She felt her shoulders droop, her head tilt forward, her entire body yielding to his touch.

"Open your eyes," he breathed into her ear. Her eyes fluttered open, only to find that his fingers were now playing deftly with the tiny buttons of her two-piece dress. The mirror reflected his wicked grin as he slowly undid the last of the buttons exposing her black bra. A look of surprise registered on her face as she forced herself out of his arms, quickly covering up her exposed skin.

"I think you've helped enough for one time," she said trying to keep her voice steady as she rummaged through the insides of the closet, her hands shaking with nervous excitement. Her eyes came across a pair of black drawstring pants and a simple sky- blue tank top. Quickly she grabbed both items and turned around to face Seifer who was still observing her intently with the look of distinct satisfaction reflected in the depths of his sea -green eyes. She attempted to step out of his way but gave a startled whimper as Seifer pressed her back firmly against the closet door. Then gently cupping her chin with his hands, he tilted her face upward to meet his eyes.

"No need to be embarrassed, angel. I think you're beautiful." He seemed to hesitate for a moment before letting go of her and resuming his previous position on her bed.

"Go ahead and change in here if you like," he added. "I won't look." With those words he turned his head away from her. Rinoa nervously shifted her weight, fiddling with her clothes.

"And I am supposed to believe you?"

"It'd be nice." She could hear a bit of laughter in his voice.

"Fine, but don't you dare turn around, Seifer! Do, and you'll be taking yourself to dinner." Seifer chuckled but didn't glance back at her.

"If you don't hurry up, I might just have you for dinner." She sighed and began taking off her dress, her eyes never leaving his head, watching for any kind of movement. Quickly she pulled on the slim-fitting black pants that closely hugged her hips, revealing her bare stomach. She wondered what Seifer was thinking at the moment. Was he wearing a sly grin on his face? Was he trying to imagine her? Did he even care? She felt her heart speed up as she hastily pulled on her tank top.

"Ok, you can look now. " Seifer turned around lazily, taking in every inch of her with his eyes.

"Mmm, would it be wrong to start with dessert?" Rinoa blushed and grabbed his arm.

"C'mon, at this rate we'll be here till tomorrow."

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They exited the mansion through the backdoor and quickly made their way through the garden looking out for Caraway's guards. Fortunately most of them were too lazy to make their rounds in the summer heat and stayed in the shade of the trees by the main entrance.

"Let's go to Oasis of Centra café. It's right past the mall in the center of town," Rinoa suggested hopefully. The sun was in its zenith and if it weren't for the light breeze that blew refreshingly from time to time, the heat would be almost unbearable.

"What, don't care too much for surprises? Don't forget, you pick the game, but I pick the rules." Grinning at her, he took out a pair of dark sunglasses and put them on, shielding his sea-green eyes from her view.

"Don't forget… you also lose." She looked up at him challengingly, trying to gauge the expression in his eyes but only saw her own silhouette reflected in the dark oval mirrors. His lips were upturned into a tiny smile. That's what you think, Rinoa… I never lose.

To her surprise, Seifer decided to take the bus headed outside of Deling, but she kept her silence despite the curiosity that was eating away at her. Sitting by the window, she glanced outside, observing the picturesque landscape flash before her eyes. She had to admit, Deling was beautiful in the summer with its vast sea of white and lilac flowers that grew in haphazard pockets along the main highway. As they were getting further and further away from town, she started to wonder where they could be going. She felt the urge to ask Seifer again but didn't want to give him the satisfaction so instead she pretended to be interested in the little farm houses that became more rare as they moved further away from town. About twenty minutes later, the bus came to a stop in what seemed like a fairly deserted area. Seifer tugged lightly on her arm, indicating that they have arrived at their destination. Giving him a baffled look, Rinoa followed him off the bus, instinctively squeezing his hand. Once outside, she deeply inhaled the air that was saturated with the aroma of flowers and felt surprisingly cooler than inside Deling City. She looked around for any signs of life, and soon spotted a small cottage-like building that was hidden in the shade of some blooming trees.

"Shady Grove restaurant," Seifer remarked following the direction of her gaze. "No place's better to escape the stuffiness of that damn city. Me and Raij discovered it while coming from the train stop to Deling."

"It's beautiful, Seifer! I've never even heard of this place. " The same lilac and white flowers were also planted all around the cottage and seemed to wave at them with their delicate petals as they got nearer. Lush, green vines with big pink flowers weaved their way upward along the supports of a cozy little veranda that housed a group of small round tables covered with elegant baby blue tablecloths. The roof, while protecting the customers from the sweltering rays of the sun, still created a sense of openness. A pretty, young woman dressed in a short summer dress greeted them at the steps of the veranda and escorted them to table overlooking a clear spring of running water that gurgled merrily along its banks. I've never seen this side of him Rinoa thought then remembering that in all actuality she knew very little about him.

Rinoa thought she never tasted anything so good in all her life although she'd often gone out to some of the best restaurants in Deling. Neither one of them said much, simply enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of this little piece of heaven. Seifer had taken off his sunglasses and Rinoa observed that his eyes were relaxed and tranquil, without the fierce determination or mocking laughter that she had so often saw reflected in their depths. This is so nice… I don't want to go back to the mansion… Please, just let us stay like this for a while longer. Seifer got up, stretching lazily.

"C'mon, we better go. There're still some things I'd like to do before I take you home."

"You mean, we're going somewhere else?" She cocked her eyebrow in surprise.

"Maybe," he responded his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Believe it or not, I didn't have you change your clothes just so I could get a glimpse of that beautiful body of yours." Rinoa blushed at the reminder and encircled his waist with her arm, which barely reached around his six-foot frame. For a moment, Seifer slightly stiffened but quickly relaxed, allowing her to come closer. In the distance, Rinoa saw the dome shape of a Chocobo Forest.

"Is that where're we going?" she inquired, her eyes looking at him with confusion. "Wait! We are going Chocobo riding, aren't we?! Oh Seifer! I haven't ridden a Chocobo in years. And that was only a Chicobo. " Her face gleamed with pleasure and surprise.

"You're almost right, angel. We're going Chocobo racing and whoever wins… well, why give it away?" He smiled impishly.

"That's not fair! You've probably had way more practice than me!"

"I guess you're gonna have to demonstrate your natural talent then, or better yet lose. "

"That's a bet, Almasy. And I will not lose!" After paying the Chocobo boy some gil for his services, the two set out on two beautiful birds with smooth yellow feathers and proud, elongated necks.

"Ok, angel. Here's the deal. We race to the ocean shore. Whoever reaches the cliffs first will get their wish." The Chocobos nodded their heads in approval as if they understood every word said to them.

"Ok, READY, SET, GO!"

Rinoa pulled forward on the strings attached around the yellow bird's neck and immediately felt a rush of air hit her face as the Chocobo increasingly gained speed, carried by its extremely long legs. Rinoa squealed in delight as her Chocobo zoomed past Seifer who slowed down to laugh at her attempts to control the direction in which the bird was running.

"See ya at the cliffs, angel!" he yelled gaining speed as he practically flew past her nearly knocking her over.

"Ohhh!!!! I am gonna get you for that, Almasy! You just wait!" she shouted as the wind blew her long hair into her eyes, blocking her vision. A few seconds later, Seifer became nothing but a little dot floating over the horizon and then he completely disappeared into the distance. Frantically, she pulled harder on the strings in a desperate attempt to gain speed but couldn't match his skill and experience. When she finally reached the cliffs, Seifer had already jumped off his ride and was now sitting on the stone ground smiling at her.

"About time, Rin. A few more minutes, and I would have fallen asleep." He gave her a pretend yawn. She lightly patted the Chocobo on its back and carefully jumped off.

"Ok, you win. I guess we're even now."

"Oh, no we're not! The fun's just starting now, angel. " Before she realized what he was doing, he picked her up like she was a feather and carried her over the top of the nearby cliff, gently placing her on the ground. Rinoa gasped at the magnificent sight that greeted her. The normally clear blue water was tinted a deep hue of red as a large setting sun slowly swam over the horizon. The evening tide was just beginning as tiny waves slowly rippled across the smooth surface of the water and then broke against the surrounding cliffs. Rinoa turned her head to look at Seifer. He looked stunning- his hair slightly tousled by the warm summer breeze, the remaining rays of the setting sun giving his skin a warm, rich glow. He pulled off his trenchcoat, throwing it haphazardly on the rocky ground. Keenly aware that she was observing him, he slowly took of his shirt as if to taunt her, revealing his upper body that was well- muscled from years of intensive training at Garden.

"Feeling up to a little swim, angel? The water's perfect."

" Umm… right now? I didn't bring anything to swim in." Noticing the devilish sparkle in his eyes she slowly backed away from the edge of the cliff.

"Seifer!!!! NO!!!!" But before she could stop him, he made a grab for her and dived into the water, holding her tightly against his chest. Rinoa felt as if she landed on a hundred of sharp needles as their bodies hit the unexpectedly cold water with a loud splash. She kicked her legs furiously, trying to get back to the surface. But then, among all the havoc, she felt Seifer's lips press forcefully against her own as he regained his hold on her and carried her to the surface.

"Now, wasn't that refreshing?" He could barely control his laughter as Rinoa shot him a nasty look, still coughing up a bit of salt water.

"You could have at least warned me, Seifer!" she screeched, hitting him with her arms as he ducked out of the way.

"Haha, and what's the fun in that? C'mon, you gotta admit that was fun!" Suddenly Rinoa started giggling with him.

"Payback time, Almasy!" she shouted as she bounced onto his head, submerging it under water. Seifer grabbed her by the waist pulling her down with him as a passing wave broke over their heads. Although her eyes were tightly closed, Rinoa felt him drag her even deeper. She struggled but his hold on her remained firm until they emerged back to the surface. Rinoa fearfully opened her eyes and looked around. They appeared to be in a large cave with a small ledge protruding from the rock. Still holding on to her, Seifer made his way over to the ledge and grabbed onto its edge."

"Climb up here," he said, his voice echoing off the walls. Rinoa obeyed and pulled herself onto the ledge. The water was surprisingly calm and Rinoa realized that they must be in an underwater cavern.

"You like it? I discovered it while I was here on vacation from Garden a couple of summers ago."

"You mean you planned this all along?" She looked at him with disbelief. He chuckled, pulling her closer to him and wrapping her tightly in his arms.

"What if I did?" His voice sounded deep and seductive. "Are you going to punish me?"

Grinning, Rinoa lightly bit his ear as she ran her fingers down his back. Then suddenly moving into his lap, she wrapped her legs around his waist, forcefully kissing his lips as her tongue thrust into his half-opened mouth. He groaned at the sudden warmness that engulfed him, dizzying him, making his blood pound mercilessly against his temples. For the first time in his life he felt like he was losing himself, and he loved it. The sheer thought of relinquishing control to someone so tiny and delicate intrigued him as drunken desire coursed through his veins. But sitting back and letting her do as she would simply wasn't his way. Struggling to regain control, he took firm hold of her shoulders, leaning her gently against the rocky surface as he placed gentle, feathery kisses starting at her lips and then slowly and deliberately moving down her neck and shoulders. He purposely avoided her clothed breasts although he could feel her tense up in pleasant expectation every time he got near them. A wicked smile slid across his face as he watched her arch her back, hungrily begging for his touch. She moaned and pulled roughly on his hair, not even noticing as droplets of seawater cascaded down his face and neck and landed on her scorching skin. Her eyes locked with his as she felt his fingers probe delicately under her shirt, edging up slowly and deliberately toward where he knew she wanted to be touched. Hungry for the last bit of control, she pulled herself from under him and positioned herself so she could kiss his abs, feeling his stomach muscles vibrate under her lips. He let out a barely audible gasp as his head tilted back at an unnatural angle, revealing the metallic choker that fit snugly around his neck, glistening softly in the soft illumination of the cavern. Taking the opportunity, Rinoa's tongue grazed in one smooth line across his chest and stopped at his neck, making him quiver lightly as bolts of pleasure overtook his entire body. His hands finally found their way to her breasts, and now he was caressing them softly in long circular motions. She felt like she was in a dream, like she wasn't herself--at least not the way she had always envisioned herself. It felt so good to forget about the outside world, about the walls that would inevitably enclose her within a short few hours. She inhaled deeply as her body merged with Seifer's and became one.

TO BE CONTINUED

Once again, I thank you for the reviews!