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Rinoa combed her fingers along Squall's chestnut brown hair, smiling as she shifted her legs a little so his head was comfortable on her lap. He was always so cute when he was sleeping, but she'd never tell him that.

It was just about an hour ago when she was walking with Locke and Yuna until they stumbled upon Lightning and Snow. Her eyes immediately locked onto Squall, whom they'd been carrying each of his arms on their shoulders. She didn't even have the time to feel surprised to know that he was here too, as she frantically rushed up to his limp body and asked what had happened.

Apparently he exerted a little too much of his limit break against the enemies they were up against and passed out right at the end. Much to everyone's amusement, Rinoa couldn't help but scold at the Commander even though he wasn't able to hear her.

She decided to stay behind with him while the others left to meet up with Materia, promising she would catch up once Squall woke up.

Rinoa sighed. "Idiot. I was worried about you y'know..."

It was then Squall finally stirred and began peeling open his eyes.

"Hey there, sleepyhead," Rinoa cooed gently, "You okay?"

"What...?" He blinked a few times before wincing, "Where the hell am I?"

"I wish I knew but I have no clue what this place is," she answered.

Squall looked at her, his steel blue gaze drawing confusion before he seemed to have completely processed her wellbeing. His eyes widened as he shot up like a rocket from her lap. "Rinoa?!" He quickly began analysing her, "What are you doing here? Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?!"

Taken aback by his abrupt concern, Rinoa just smiled and nodded. "Relax, I'm fine! No bruises or anything. I'm more worried about you, mister!"

He didn't say anything, his eyes travelling up and down her body for any signs of the things that she just mentioned she didn't have. The sorceress couldn't help but roll her eyes. He was such a worry wart sometimes!

"Squall, aren't you happy to see me?" Rinoa joked as she laced her hand through his gloved one.

"What?" Squall snapped out of his daze and looked at her before he registered her question, "I am but..." He glanced down at their hands, "Rinoa, this is dangerous. I don't want you getting involved."

"I'll be fine, don't worry!" she assured him, "The Gods chose me for a reason. I'll be okay as long as you're here with me!" Rinoa then leaned over to him with a giggle, "Even in this world, I can be your strength too, right?" She left an unexpected soft kiss on his lips.

Suddenly hyper aware of his surroundings and thinking they were being watched, Squall tried fighting off the heat from his cheeks even though it was futile. "Stop laughing," he demanded when he saw her covering her giggles in her palm, "I'm being serious."

"You already know how I'm like when you are," she teased and snaked her arms around his neck, gently bumping their noses together, "Are you okay though? Are you hurt anywhere?"

"No."

"Liar!"

"Just a headache," he answered, his voice meek, "But it'll pass."

"Blah blah I'm Squall, I'll never admit to my own girlfriend that I was a complete buffoon!" Rinoa smacked his arm lightly, "You stupid stubborn goof! You're lucky Lightning and Snow were there, otherwise I would have never forgiven you!"

The guilt quickly rode on his face. "...Sorry."

Rinoa sighed, her hand caressing his cheek. "It's fine. Just don't scare me like that again!"

"I won't. I promise."

She rested her head against his shoulder, relieved he was still in one piece. "Come on, let's get going," she pulled away and left a comforting kiss against his scar, "I told everyone we'd meet up with them."

Her knight nodded and stood, offering his hand to her. She gratefully took it and wiped off some of the dust from her skirt.

"Rinoa," Squall began making her look up at him, seeing his gaze of worry and uncertainty, "Stay close to me when we fight them. Please. I... I can't even bear the thought of almost losing you agai-"

"Shh, shh," Rinoa hushed, pressing her index finger against his mouth with a grin, "I will! I promise I won't leave your side, okay?"

Squall stared at her before a small smile disclosed his lips. "Okay."

"Now come on!" Rinoa pulled him along with a laugh, "Tell me about your new friends you made here!"