I do not own FF8. But I can dream right?

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Chapter 2

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"Need a drink?" A flask was dangled in front of Squall's face as they waited on the beach for what seemed to be an eternity. The sun had long been gone and the few guests that had been invited where all impatiently waiting thanks to Selphie's whims.

Squall looked up from the rock he was perched on and gently shook his head before casting his gaze down once more. Zell flopped down next to him with his formal jacket unbuttoned. From the looks of it, he had already had a few sips himself.

Zell smiled taking the flask from Irvine for a toast, "Come on man! We're celebrating tonight!"

"Yeah, Celebrating a death in the bachelors clubs. Can't believe your handing in your card already, man! We still have some wild years ahead of us!" Irvine complained resting his tall figure next to Squall.

Zell scoffed at his friend, "What are you saying? I heard Selphie threatening personal injury if any of the other girls get in the way of the bouquet toss. Face it man, your next in line for the firing squad. I, on the other hand, am stag tonight! I hear weddings make all the girls crazy!"

"What other girls?" Squall questioned not amused by the conversation until a frightening thought made the gunblader look up to Zell stunned, " Are you talking about Quistis and Ellone?"

The threat of Squall's ire was not lost on the fighter who held up his hands in defense, "Hey- Hell no! That's not what I'm saying at all! That's like incest! You know there's more girls out there-"

"Dude, seriously! Why don't you just close your mouth before I have to make you." Irvine shot him a death glare that made the fighter open his mouth in protest when a loud sound gathered all three of their attention.

Selphie waved her hands back and forth while make great mouth gestures to the tune of 'We're ready!' as if none of them had ever taken a lip reading class before.

Squall sent her a nod before looking to the men around him, "Guess that's the cue."

The only one standing up, Squall straighten his clothes and started to walk to the group of invited guests when he suddenly heard the humming of a funeral march coming from his friends behind him.

Spinning around with a rare irritated smile, Squall kicked sand towards his comrades before setting his sights on Cid who was busy mingling with Edea by his side.

"They are ready to begin," Squall nodded to Kiros and ward that returned the familiar gesture.

"Alright!" The gentle man called out gathering the attendee's attention easily for them to stand by.

"Are ready son?" Cid slowly asked as if to give him one more chance to back out of this.

Leaning to one side and placing a hand at his hip, he looked to his mentor incredulously

Cid silently chuckled at the non- verbal cue, and patted Squall's back , " I seem to have forgotten that I have trained a SeeD. You won't run even if you are afraid."

Edea took Squall's shoulders in her hand to have a better look at her son. Wistful memories were held in her eyes that already threatened to tear up making the mercenary slightly uncomfortable. A sweet smile crossed her face as she swept his bangs out of his face.

"I know you will be in good hands." She acknowledged, than gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. Cid pulled his wife away so he could take his spot in front of the guests who lined the make shift isle made from white runners edged by sea shells and candles in hurricane glasses.

Squall took a moment to let the sea air fill his lungs hoping it would dissolve the stress that was begging to settle in. Personally, he blamed it on everyone else around him stressing about this day and telling him how he should feel about it. Until then he had been content, after all, he had known for quite some time that a life with Rinoa was what he wanted. IF he was truly honest with himself, he had known this from the moment he had found her in space. This is what he wanted and there was no reason for him to be nervous for that. Or so he thought until others told him otherwise. Now he could feel his mind racing in all directions.

This was exactly the type of thing he didn't want to happen. A wedding was a circus, and he would be the main exhibit. The strange greetings, the uncomfortable crying with emotions he didn't know how to hand. Worse yet, everyone would be watching him closely for the much anticipated first kiss. Selphie had even attempted to choreograph that so it would 'make more of an impact'. Thankfully, Rinoa killed that part of the plan without him having to say a word, but it was too late to take back the realization that the moment wouldn't be private. It was going to be treated like a spectacle. One people would be talking about later to others. It was almost enough for him to call the whole thing off.

However it wasn't just about him anymore. He had to take into account what Rinoa wanted. Something he was learning he would have to do for the rest of his life so he might as well start now. She wouldn't have been happy to just sign the papers in Cid's office like he ultimately envisioned. She wanted the grand wedding and that was when they had to find a happy medium.

The compromise came down to a small nighttime wedding, where they picked two people to make up their bridal party and six guests each. Personally, he tried to convince her that he was fine to stand by himself and required no guests in attendance. Rinoa however, insisted otherwise.

On the left side of the isle, Rinoa's guests lined up eagerly to start the procession. Nida stood amongst Zone and Watts trying to figure out what order they should stand in. They would leave just enough room for the General to join them after he escorted his daughter down the isle.

On his side, Laguna stood next to his comrades, Ward and Kiros. All of them were dressed in their finest black tuxedos that clearly made then uncomfortable to be in as they shrugged in their coats and pulled on the collars. Matron and Ellone stood patiently; looking beautiful in coordinating lavender dresses giving Squall reassuring glances every so often.

Squall took his place next to his default groomsmen as Cid stood in place as officiant of their ceremony.

Irvine leaned over towards Squall while stealthily whispering so no one could hear him, "The Ragnarock is parked right up the hill… You know… Just incase."

Squall winced wishing this damn thing were already over. The idea of this whole thing was to be quick and over before he knew it. He knew it was impossible for time to hold still but it certainly felt like it had for a year or two before Quistis suddenly came into view.

Holding a pleasant but subtle smile, wearing a strapless light blue dress, Quistis slowly took small steps towards him while carrying a bouquet of wild Centra flowers carefully bounded by twine. He was certain she was walking slowly on purpose just to make sure this was painful as possible for him. He could feel the glances of the attendees looking at him for a reaction. He carefully kept his true emotions away and held the stable look of a soldier carefully in place, but inside he was collapsing by the time she reached her destination.

Selphie rounded the corner next like a bullet shot from a gunblade. Unable to hide her excitement, she rushed forward with an embarrassing grin and deep black smudges underneath her eyes. She attempted to meet every one's gaze at lest once as she scurried off to stand by Quistis. Confused, Squall furrowed his brows trying to figure out why she looked so strange as if she had been crying. The moment of concern only lasted for a moment before she gave Squall a disturbing wink. Then he decided it was best to abandon all concern and pretend it never happen.

Shaking the strange vision off, he shifted position knowing the next sight he would see would be of Rinoa. The idea shot off a firestorm of feelings he was incapable of sorting through at that moment.

Was he really ready for this?

Were they read for this? What if sometime in the future they come to regret this moment? Was he really prepared to take care of Rinoa in this capacity?

Again, time was being to slow. Why would Laguna's words haunt him now? He prayed to whatever was out there to have mercy on his tortured soul and hurry this process up before he could talk himself out of this and therefore disgracing himself in front of everyone.

But that is when he saw her, Rinoa. At first she was looking down, worried about tripping as she stepped on to the isle. He thanked Hyne that she because it gave him the moment he needed to compose himself as awe overwhelmed him enough to drop his guard for all to see.

The moon bathed her perfectly, making her a white angel in that custom dress she insisted in keeping secret. Now he understood why. Had he known how breath stealing she would be in it, with her soft black hair in rolling waves, dripping in pearls, he would have never agreed to witnesses. He wanted her all to himself.

Her eyes floating upwards caught his suddenly and a smile grew wide with light he had never seen from her before. He wanted to blame it on sorcery, but deep down he knew it was the very thing that drew everyone to her.

Breathing took a back seat to watching his bride towards him with wind chimes and the sea as being their only music. Now he cursed himself for learning too late what this moment was really about. Everything was happening to quickly; far too quickly for him to take it all in. Now he begged fate just to give him a little bit longer just so he could remember this moment that seemed over in a blink of an eye.

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Rinoa tried to physically shake the nerves from her arms knowing it was her turn. It was silly to feel this way now. After everything else they have been through, this was the most natural step for them as a couple and one she really wanted. Yet still the thought of adding Leonhart to the end of her name was daunting. She knew the life he leads was demanding and much was expected from that last name.

That was when her father offered one arm to her as if saying now or never.

"It's time. Are you still sure you want to go through with this? I'm sure I can get that damn ship back there to fly if need be." Caraway asked only half jesting.

Rolling her eyes she linked her arm around his as she took a big breath in trying to disperse the lingering nervousness. Her eyes looked down to her bouquet of soft white flowers from while she had chosen in honor of Squall's mother. White feathers were added as accents and all together it was bound lightly together with silk ribbon that held her mother's wedding ring at the end. Both women would be here to night, even if only in spirit.

"Not needed," she spoke as she looked into her father's brown eyes to confirm her own strength. "There is only one place I belong tonight."

Defeat capitalized the Generals face for a moment before he nodded and perfected his poker face. She knew it was too much to ask from him to be happy for her. There was still too much blame on how her powers came to be, but her heart hope that this was just the right step into moving forward for all of them.

Yet, the first step was the hardest to take. But each subsequent one seemed to become easier, and easier, until they turned to corner allowing her first view of the ceremony site and more importantly, the one she had been waiting for.

The white-combed beach was littered with candles in hurricane glasses that, with the white light of the full moon, illuminated all her loved one in a soft embrace.

When her eyes caught his, it was if she was being freed from the sorceress memorial once more. It was there in his eyes smoldering like a fire trying to be contained. Love. Protection. Honesty. He was standing there in his SeeD uniform, but the professional mercenary was absent. Instead a discrete smile rose on his face like the tide and suddenly the last name of this man didn't matter. She wasn't marrying the commander anymore. She was marrying Squall, the small boy from Winhill, the man who could easily make her laugh or cry in one sentence. The same man who would rather jump in to space then live another day without her.

She couldn't look away from him. She wanted to remember every detail of his face down to the way his short brown hair flew in the wind. It would take her a lifetime to record every moment, but she tried desperately as her father lead her to the one she loved. Cid's voice was the only thing that could bring her down from this cloud.

"Who is giving this woman away?"

Rinoa's heart stuttered for a moment as she turned her focus back to her father, now realizing that he hadn't answered Cid and instead was stalling.

The General was looking at Squall who dared to match his intense stare. Rinoa was certain she was entering heart failure just as her father addressed the young SeeD, "I'm trusting you with the only thing in this world that matters to me."

Squall's intense stare softened in understanding as he offered his arm to her before saying, "Your trust is not misplaced. You have my word on that."

Sated, the General's arm loosened around Rinoa's freeing her once and for all from his grasp. She looked once more in her father's direction to give him a smile before taking Squall's arm to be lead closer to Cid.

Cid stood proudly in his Headmaster attire for a moment to let the moment sink it. The old man had to adjust his glasses once before looking down at the words in his book. He didn't need to read them; he had memorized his lines since the moment Squall asked him to speak for them. He never expected such and honor but was flattered by the wish.

Cid looked to the party and began, "I am proud to stand here amongst family and friends to share in this moment as we join Squall Leonheart and Rinoa Heartilly in matrimony. It may have been fate that entwined these two journeys, but not by chance that they fell in love. Both have known great loss at an early age, experienced betrayals beyond comprehension, and most notably had found love. It's that love we are celebrating today."

Cid smiled taking a moment to let his emotions settle before returning to the guests before him. "The Bride and Groom have asked to write their own vows."

Rinoa looked back to Squall and saw his gaze already had settled upon her. Or maybe he never really looked away in the first place? She could sense anxiety and him being overwhelmed through the bond. Carefully, she channeled her own calmness in hopes of aiding him through this.

Squall gave a small nod in appreciation as he cleared his throat quietly before looking down at the cards he had written his vows on, "Rinoa, I take you as my wife. I promise to give you the best of myself and to ask of you nothing more than you can give. I promise to respect you and realize your needs and desires are no less important than my own. I promise to keep myself honest and open to you. Let you see through the windows of my world into my innermost fears."

Rinoa knew how hard those promises were for him to make. They struggled often to find a happy medium between a life of their own and a Life of a SeeD.

The knight swallowed hard before looking her in the eye to say the rest without the aid of his que cards, "Rinoa, I'm not a perfect man. I have flaws that run long and deep. But I promise to comfort you in times of sadness, help shoulder the burdens you bare, and never let a happy moment go by unnoticed. I promise you that… in good times and in bad, with all I have to give, in the only way I know how…. Completely and forever."

Lit by the moon, Rinoa could see every promise echoing in his eyes with ferocity. She had to pull her hand away for just a moment in order to wipe the stray tear that fell before she ended up ruining Quistis's hard work. It was clear from the sniffling from around them she wasn't the only one affected by hearing the normal stoic man lower his barriers. And now, it was her turn.

"Squall," She started, "I take you as my Husband. I promise to give you the best of myself and to ask of you no more than you can give. I promise to be supportive and never rush to conclusions. I will see the truth in your soul and keep my heart open to you in your times of need. I will let you in on all my secrets, even the ones I guard the most."

Taking in a breath, their eye's locked, and suddenly the rest of her lines came easily.

"Squall, I know my weakness. My impulses are my weakness, but I promise to be the sun in your world that warms you, be the ground that braces you, and the air that will keep your heart going. This I promise you, in good times and in bad, with everything I have…. Forever and always."

A small smile hinted at Squall's lips as Cid looked to the groomsmen, "The rings?"

Zell reached into his pocket pulling out a thin platinum band and passed it to Squall.

"Squall, is this ring a token of your faith?"

"Yes." He confirmed as his intense gaze burned through her.

"Then repeat after me, I, Squall Leonheart."

"I, Squall Leonheart."

"Give this to you, Rinoa, as a symbol of my endless love and devotion…"

Squall smiled tempting her to do the same as he spoke, "Give this to you, Rinoa, as a symbol of my endless love and devotion…."

"A sign of the promise made to you tonight for you to hold for all eternity."

"A sign of my promise made to you tonight for you to hold for all eternity." He stated slipping the ring over her knuckle with ease.

Cid smiled at his surrogate child in approval before looking over to Selphie was already trying to hand the ring over to Rinoa.

Rinoa nervously picked up the Griever ring. She was deathly afraid she would drop it in the sand, losing it forever. She looked up Squall who smiled understanding the worried thought she had. Clearly she wasn't the only one who had nightmares the night before.

"Rinoa, is this ring a token of your faith?" Cid asked.

"Yes," Rinoa answered, as her smile grew to match the joy at being able to say the vows. "

"Then repeat after me, I, Rinoa Heartilly."

"I, Rinoa Heartilly."

"Give this to you, Squall, as a symbol of my endless love and devotion…."

"Give this to you, Squall, as a symbol of my endless love and devotion…." She spoke feeling a sense of unreality at the words.

"A sign of my promise made to you tonight for you to hold for all eternity."

"A sign of my promise made to you tonight for you to hold for all eternity." She nearly whispered fearing she would start crying.

She slipped the ring over his knuckle and he instantly joined her their hands once more.

"Squall Leonhart, Do you take Rinoa Heartilly to be your wedded wife? For better or for worse, for richer, or for poorer, in sickness, and in health, to love and to honor and forsaking all others?"

"I do." Squall replied.

"Rinoa Heartilly, Do you take Squall Leonhart to be your wedded husband? For better or for worse, for richer, or for poorer, in sickness, and in health, to love and to honor and forsaking all others?"

Rinoa eyes went from Cid to the man standing in front of her, "I do."

"Then by the power entrusted in me you are husband and wife-"

"LOOK!" Selphie's voice interrupted her hand pointing to the sky.

Rinoa and Squall eyes stretched up seeing a shooting star streak across the sky followed by another. Soon, flashes started to streak across the night sky repeatedly; it's numbers increasing fast by the second.

Rinoa looked down from the amazing sight to see his eyes still on her. Smirking, Leonhart quickly pull her into his arms kissing her as the people around them remain distracted by the heavens falling around them.

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Leonhart sat on the beach in the arms of his beautiful bride admiring the full moon as the crashing waves took over where their conversation had ended. It was amazing the peace on could find by simply just being near to one person. Neither one felt the need to say anything in the silence, as they both were just content to bask in the after glow of the night's events. He hated to admit it but Loire was right. Marriage had changed everything for the better. Had he known it would be this peaceful he would have asked her to be his wife years ago.

"Hey you two!" A chirpy voice called out from the top of the rocks.

Rinoa and Squall looked up to Selphie leaning over the rocks, "We're all packed up and ready to move out!"

Squall settled back into his wife willing to ignore the brunette for the peace they had found.

"Are you guys sure your not willing to reenact the wedding kiss? I can't believe I missed. What am I going to tell everyone back home?"

"Not a chance in hell," Squall shot back. He was pleased by the fact the shooting starts distracted everyone from their first kiss as man and wife. He was now really considering in believing in a higher power for that.

"Stupid Meteor shower…" Selphie muttered before calling out once more, "Well, just promise me you will think about it as you hurry up! We can't be late!"

Squall's eyes narrowed in confusion, "What's the rush Selphie?"

"Duh! We gotta hurry if we wana catch up to Garden to PAAAARTAYYY!"

None of that made any sense to Squall as he looked to Rinoa for clarification but received no answer.

"It's a just dinner, Selphie," He responded trying to guess why his wife was pretending this conversation wasn't happening, "The chef can hold off for a few hours."

It was then Selphie suddenly stopped bouncing and immediately turned to walked away.

The commander's attention went directly to his new wife who seemed to be watching the ocean roll in a little to innocently, "It's just dinner right?"

Rinoa did a double take before thinking about it.

Squall's heart dropped in response, "Rinoa, that was the agreement we had with Selphie. No bachelor or bachelorette parties… No reception…. We wanted a small wedding and a simple dinner that she could plan. That was the deal."

"And it still is, " She smiled trying to feign assurance.

"What do you know that I don't?" He demanded, knowing the other shoe was about to fall on this day.

Rinoa winced slightly, "There might be a few more people then we expected-"

"How many more?" He asked, not allowing her to get away so easily.

Rinoa sighed before looking to the love of her life with unease, "Come on Squall. You know how these things go sometimes. A person invites a person, who invites another person, who invited a caterer and a twenty piece orchestra..."

Squall's eyes widen, "Mrs. Leonhart… I feel I was entered into this marriage on false assurances."

Rinoa playful hit him before snuggling deeper under his arm to tighten her grip on him, "I will maintain that I am a victim of this scam as well and had no involvement."

Squall let out a frustrated growl as he pulled his wife's lips to his. Innocent at first, but then it began to smolder into something else entirely.

"Commander!" She gasped in surprised at his boldness, finding his hand had slipped a little lower and started tracing certain areas he was wishing to explore.

"I have a hotel waiting for us in Balamb." He stated shortly causing Rinoa to lean back laughing. He even had to admit that the statement came out more like an order.

"Oh really?" She said as her eyes filled with temptation.

"Really," He said tracing the sensitive skin by her collarbone.

Rinoa looked at him with an evil smile, "One hour. Then we sneak out of there and pick up where we left off?"

Squall sighed while brushing his wife's hair off her shoulder so he could trace it with his fingertips.

"One hour," he agreed to the terms, " and then I don't care who see's me. I'm going to take you to were you belong."

Ok, I seriously wrote 90% of this in 2 hours. Like everyone else, I'm trying to squeeze under the wire here and get something posted. There was lots of other things I wanted to write and dialogue I wanted to change but thanks to the time crunch it will have to stay as it is. Plus there is NO editing. Not even a read through on my part. So I hope it makes sense and I promise to fix it later!