A/N: This chapter was harder to write than the other. And I'm not quite certain I nailed that ending like I'd wished. Those of you that like it, don't worry; there's at least another chapter coming. Really. I have the end sentence written already.

He got the letter just before his field exam. But he didn't open it. Just tucked it into the breast pocket of his coat and continued on his way. He knew it was from her; the lightly rose-scented paper and delicate scrawl of his name gave that much away, but he didn't have time to read it just then. He was the leader of Squad B for what was his third and final shot at being a SeeD. His last shot at following his dream…well, the dream of the Garden. His dream lay elsewhere, as the Sorceress's Knight. Does it? he wondered briefly, reaching his hand into his jacket. Still walking, he pulled out the letter and began to read it.

My Knight,

I hope this doesn't reach you at too bad of a time. I know you have exams soon and you're going to be training. Chances are you won't read this until after the field exam anyway.

He smiled, throwing a quick glance around to see that no one saw. The halls were deserted, as everyone was busy studying or equipping themselves for the upcoming exam, but still. He had a reputation to uphold, after all. She knew him too well.

I had intended to see you at the ball, but then I thought that would be the worst possible time for this…

He stopped. What? he thought, sitting down on the nearest bench to continue. A sick feeling was building in the pit of his stomach.

…and I just couldn't wait any longer. It has been too long already. I don't know how to say this, but…well, I'm really glad we've been together. I love the way you look at me when it's just the two of us, like that first night under the stars…you were shaking, remember? Just couldn't seem to figure out what to say. But I suppose it worked, and here we are.

His mouth twitched a little in recognition of the memory, but his eyes were still darting over the letter as though trying to read the paper itself. Suppose? he questioned, the sickness settling further in. His heart began to beat rapidly, and he ceased to notice anything else around him. It had become him, the letter, and the gentle echo of her voice in his mind as silently he read her words.

But, my dear, that is what I need to tell you. You only look at me like that when we are alone. I…I can't handle that any more.

And his heart stopped. He stared blankly at the paper for a moment before he was able to think enough to finish the letter.

I need you. But you, it seems, do not need me. You have your dream, and it is more than enough for you.

Here a single teardrop had blotched the page, standing out from all the words around it. Rinoa…crying? He had never known her to cry. Throw tantrums, sure. But not to cry.

It is not my knight you wish to be. Where is my knight? Hiding in those private moments? Are you afraid? I'm sorry…I really am. But I cannot do this any longer. It isn't right.

I'm sorry.

-Your Princess

Something stung at the back of his eyes and, blinking furiously to clear it, he felt an anger rise within him, burning away the sorrow he just wouldn't feel. Looking around, he saw the students beginning to fill the halls again, and he crushed the letter in his fist, preparing to throw it into the fountain behind him. But the angered lover paused, looking at the frail thing held in his hand, and stuffed it instead back in his pocket as he heard familiar footsteps approaching.

"TEST." The statement was simple and to the point, as usual, and it reminded him of what he had all but forgotten in her revelation. Plastering his face once more with his public mask, he turned to see the remainder of the Disciplinary Committee standing behind him.

"Yeah…we just wanted to say good luck, ya know?" He scoffed.

"Save that for someone who needs it," he spat back, turning again to swagger in his usual way to the rendezvous point designated for the day's examinees, knowing he would be followed. How dare she…The anger turned cold, burning still with a ferocity he knew would serve him well in battle. She'll see…

It was there at the ball that he saw her next. He was even angrier than he had been that morning, having afterwards failed his field exam. Which he also blamed on her. That meant he really wasn't supposed to be at the ball, but he had come anyway, intimidating the underclassman waiting at the door to check invitations, because he knew she would be there. He was determined to show her that he could be her knight. He took it as a personal challenge.

Glancing around the ballroom at all the SeeDs and instructors and other guests, he couldn't help but feel the twang of jealousy that shot through him. My dream, and I am the one to not achieve it. His gaze fell upon a lone, dark-haired figure leaning against the far wall. Even he got in. And the chicken-wuss, too! A movement through the dancing couples caught his eye, and downing his flute of champagne in one go, he watched it with interest. His heart began the familiar race as he recognized her raven hair, her quickly graceful pattern of movement which gave her away as a child of privilege. That was the dress from…his mind drifted through the memories and he felt a pang that he quickly buried, grabbing a fresh drink. He watched her all the way across the dance floor as she confidently wove between couples whirling elegantly in time with each other as though part of some gigantic clockwork toy. He looked away, out the windows for a few moments as he thought briefly of the last time they had danced like one of them.

Another song started up, and downing his champagne, he scanned the floor again for her. Yeah, dance with her...show her you can be her Knight... But then he saw her, dancing as best she could with the partner she had. As he recognized that partner, his eyes narrowed dangerously as he involuntarily crushed the glass in his fist.

Squall…

A/N: I almost forgot! I'd also like to thank noctepanther for helping me out with this thing. He proofread the letter for me, sort of. Thanks!