Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VIII or any of its characters and locations.

Author's Note: I'm really sorry it took so long, but I'm having a serious case of creative blockage that does not even allow me to make a nice drawing. In fact, I can't even concentrate in reading or even playing a game. But don't worry, I'm not abandoning this project; I'm just going to put it in hold in order to maintain the story good and not rushed as I'm sure you'll think this chapter is, because I do think it is. So please stay with me!! Enjoy your reading.

Chapter 8: Decisions

Several days had passed since Balamb Garden and Ragnarok arrived at Centra. Very little information had been heard from Galbadia's movements and everyone was feeling uneasy. Squall was at the second floor deck, staring out into the horizon. He sighed; after they defeated Ultimecia he had thought that things were finally going to be as they had always been with minor changes, of course, and yet there he was waiting for Galbadia to attack if they really meant to.

"A penny for your thoughts." Squall turned around to see Rinoa standing there with her hands behind her back and a pretty smile on her face. Squall gave her a rare smile and gesture her to stand next to him. She complied. They remained quiet for a couple of minutes, until she spoke again. "So, what's on your mind?" She asked, making him look at her.

"I just wish that our moments of peace were longer." He said with a longing expression. Rinoa smiled sadly. "Just months ago we were fighting and now we'll have to fight again; it doesn't seem fair to everyone." She got closer and rested her head on his shoulder.

"I know, but it's not your fault, Squall. We all know and understand that." She said linking her arm with his. Times alone with him were a rarity.

"You guys do, because you're my friends, but I don't think everyone else does." Squall said, leaning his head against hers. "And I don't want to be responsible for any deaths." Squall added. She ran her hand up and down his arm in a comforting manner. "I also want to protect you, but sometimes I wonder if I'm strong enough." He looked down at her and she looked slightly up. "I don't want to be away from you, Rin." She smiled.

"Squall, you're strong; think of it this way, you're not only strong alone, but you have all of us to make you stronger." She paused and straightened her neck to stare directly into his stormy eyes. "And I won't leave you; even if I'm not there, my heart and soul will." She said, making one of his eyebrows shoot up.

"Wow; that was a huge cliché." He said with a chuckle. She glared at him in mock anger while stifling a laugh.

"Go ahead and laugh at me, Leonhart. It's gonna cost you." She said, slapping his arm softly. He smiled at her. He pulled a band of her hair behind her ear in a way it sent chills up and down her spine. With the same movement he placed his hand behind her neck and slowly pulled her in for a gentle kiss. No matter how many times he kissed her, it felt as magical as the first time. He was sweet and gentle, yet passionate and fiery. They moved closer to each other. He maintained his hand behind her neck and moved the other to the small of her back while her hands rested against his chest.

"Whoa!!!" They heard from behind, making them jump up in their place. Squall seriously turned to the entrance to see Zell giving his back to them. Rubbing his eyes with one hand, he sighed.

"What is it, Zell?" Squall asked with a slight blush on his face. Rinoa giggled; it was a wonder why it was always Zell the one to walk in on them. Zell turned around with an apologetic expression on his face and scratching the back of his head nervously.

"I'm sorry, Squall, but the Headmaster wants to see ya. He said it was important." Zell said still feeling embarrassed about walking in on them. Squall nodded and turned to Rinoa.

"I'll see you once I'm done." He said. Rinoa smiled and nodded happily. Squall walked towards the door and left. Zell looked at Rinoa.

"I'm really sorry." He insisted. She dismissed his apology and turned to look out into the horizon. "Have you ever thought about what would've been of us if Ultimecia hadn't tried to achieve time compression?" He said thoughtfully. She laughed.

"I wouldn't be here and Squall would still be his old self." She said with a laugh. Zell laughed out loud.

"You can say that again." Zell laughed. "You know, I wouldn't have it any other way." Zell said standing next to her. "If I were to die now I would be happy and if I were to live my life again and had the chance to change something… I wouldn't change anything; I would have it be just like it had been up until now." He said with a smile. She smiled as well.

"Yeah, I would do the same." She said looking out at the sky. The gorgeously blue color of the sky promised to be a wonderful day.

Squall walked out of the elevator as two female students and a male walked passed him, all the while giving him some mean looks. Squall frowned; something was wrong with those students. Squall heard Seifer's voice as he neared Cid's office; he sounded agitated, apparently was angry about something. As Squall opened the door, Seifer got quiet and was looking straight up at the commander. The headmaster sighed.

"Seifer, please wait outside." The man spoke calmly. Seifer gave him an exasperated look. "Please." Cid repeated more firmly. Seifer scoffed and walked out of the office slamming the door behind him. Squall stared at the door over his shoulder for a couple of seconds; something must have bothered Seifer for him to react like that. "Squall, take a seat." Squall turned to Cid and sat across the man's desk.

"Why did you call me, sir?" Squall said, successfully hiding the worry within him. Cid scratched the back of his head; what he had to say was not easy.

"There has always been a large amount of students that doesn't feel comfortable with the sorceress living among us and they have expressed their feelings and worries about you being the knight." Cid began. Squall leaned back against his seat and folded his arms across his chest.

"What worries?" Squall asked, having an idea as to why. Cid looked down at the file in front of him.

"They fear the sorceress might start controlling you to use Garden at her will." Cid said and Squall was looking outraged. "I know I can trust both you and Rinoa, but I can't make them understand that. They don't want to be involved in this fight against Galbadia, much less under your command for the sorceress." Cid said with a tinge of regret on his voice. Squall turned his head to a side and remained silent for a minute.

"If that's what they want." Squall started saying while getting up from his seat. "I resign and Rinoa and I will be leaving Garden immediately. Ragnarok was found and brought here by me, so I will be taking it." Squall said, masking the sadness he felt. All his life had been flowing around Garden, his home, and now he was going to leave, because some students could not trust the one woman he had ever loved. "Still I wish you and the Garden a long life." Squall paused for a second. "Is that all?" Cid looked at him with watery eyes and a quivering lower lip. The elder man nodded and Squall turned around and left the tiny office.

Seifer turned to the door as it opened. Squall came out and closed it behind him. He stared at Seifer. The blonde had a sad expression on his face. Squall just began to walk towards the elevator. That alone told Seifer what Squall had decided. He looked at the door to Cid's office and frowned deeply. Squall was going to leave Garden.

Rinoa walked by the door to the second floor classroom. She had a smile as she walked through the hallway. She accidentally bumped into a couple of girls when she took the turn towards the elevator. She smiled apologetically, but the two girls just looked at her in a mean way. Rinoa looked at them with a confused expression and turned to the elevator to see Squall walking out of it; his face was a mixture of pain, anger and confusion.

"Rinoa, we need to talk…" Squall said softly, getting a hold of her hand and gently pulling her into the elevator. She got worried; she had never seen Squall with that expression. Whatever he was going to say was going to change her life, she was sure of it.

Haku X)