Chapter Ten: The Big Day
By PasifikStar
Author's Note: Last chapter everyone! Thank you for being so patient with me while I write this! I want to thank everyone personally. But I'm really tired right now. But thank you all SO MUCH. To my gracious reviewers, MUCH LOVE! LOTS OF HUGS!! Thank you x a million!
All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Final Fantasy or it's characters.
"Julia...it's me..." a deep voice said as a shadow loomed over a metal plaque on a small stone platform. A delicately wrapped bouquet was placed before the grave as the man stepped back to admire the placement of the white and red roses. He took a deep breath and knelt down. "I know you've been watching us from up there...and probably disapproving of the turn my and Rinny's relationship had gone. But you know that I'm trying to make it up...
"After you died, I didn't know how to raise a rambunctious little girl like Rinny. She was always crying. She couldn't stop talking about you. And every time I looked at her, I saw you in her brown eyes. But you weren't there to admire them with me. We hit that part in our lives where it all went to hell. But now I've got our little girl back, Julia. But I have to give her away...
"I don't know whether or not you'd approve of Squall. What am I saying? Of course you'd approve of him. Even I approve of him," the man chuckled nervously. A slight smile graced his face as he paused for a moment. "And now he's going to be the father of our grandchild. He seems a tough and war callused young man, but I'm sure he'll make a good father to our grandchild. I'll see to that myself!
"But I'm going to miss her. I've barely had her back, Julia. She hasn't called me 'daddy' since she was a little girl...and you were still here. And now I'm loosing her again to...Leonhart..." Caraway grumbled with displeasure. He shook his head. "I can't believe that this day has finally come. Honestly, I was hoping it never would. Just so I can have my little girl back and make up for everything that had gone wrong between Rinny and myself.
"I know I'm asking too much. But...I want you to know that I do fully intend to walk our little angel down that aisle tomorrow. Don't worry, I'm making sure that she is in capable hands...or I'll kill him," he added quickly. He lifted his wrist and looked at his watch. He let out a heavy sigh. "My ride is leaving for Balamb now, my dear. I trust you'll be watching the wedding from your cloud? You'll be proud of the amazing work our daughter has done for her wedding," He chuckled. "She seems to do everything in life with flawless ease."
"AHHHHHH!!!" Rinoa screamed as she dropped the black compact on to the ground.
Squall shot up from where he was sitting on the couch, watching a blitzball game, and nearly flew to the bathroom. "Rin!" he shouted. He ran into the bathroom, grabbing on to the door way to stop himself before he slammed into the young woman standing in front of the mirror. "Rin!? What's wrong!? Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere!?"
"This is a TRAGEDY!!" Rinoa wailed as she crumbled to her knees. Squall quickly had his arms around her, holding her up as her legs gave out beneath her. "I can't believe this is happening! The DAY before MY WEDDING!!" she sobbed.
Squall wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her gently while trying to calm her. "Shh...Rin...what's going on?" he asked softly as he she buried her face against the crook of his neck. "What's wrong, Rinoa? It's okay..."
"It's NOT okay!" Rinoa sobbed as she pulled her head away from him. Two brown eyes narrowed into slits as she pointed to her forehead. "Do you SEE it!?"
Squall squinted his eyes. "See...what?" he asked weakly.
Rinoa let out a cry of anguish. "IT, Squall!" she said as she pointed to an area on her forehead. "It's HUGE!"
Squall studied her pale forehead and shook his head. "I don't see-"
"It's a PIMPLE, Squall!" Rinoa growled, frustrated at his obliviousness. She shot up from where they were sitting on the bathroom floor and leaned over the counter to look into the mirror. "I have a freaking MOUNTAIN on my head!"
Squall rolled his eyes and stood up. "Rinoa, it's just a pimple." As soon as he said it, he regretted it.
She whirled around, her brown eyes burning with fury as they narrowed. "JUST a pimple...?" she said. Squall swallowed and took a step back. "JUST A PIMPLE!?" Tears of anger flooded her eyes. "MY WEDDING IS RUINED! I LOOK LIKE A FREAK!"
With that Rinoa ran from the bathroom and towards their bedroom. "Rinoa!" Squall exclaimed, frustratedly. He followed her outside and caught her face down on their bed. 'She's being such a drama queen right now...' he thought to himself.
"Squall...?" a quiet voice whispered from the bed. Squall walked closer to hear her muffled voice. "Can you go to the drug store in town and get me some cream for it?"
"Drug store in town...?" Squall swallowed nervously as his mind raced back to another time when she sent him on an errand alone to the drug store...
Squall walked into the seemingly simple store and froze as he looked around. He was suddenly face to face with the cosmetics section. He swallowed nervously as he walked through it to get to where he needed to go. The whole time, women and teenage girls would glance over at him and giggle as he looked around with nervous eyes as if expecting to be attacked at any moment.
As he turned the corner, his attacker sprung him. "Hi! Welcome to Balamb Local Drug Store! My name is Mindy! How can I help you!?" The overly perky teenager in the blue vest had seemingly jumped out of no where, nearly sending Squall stumbling back against the wall of lip gloss. It took all his strength to stop himself from pulling out his gunblade and slicing the girl in half.
"I...uh..." Squall looked around nervously. He could feel the beads of sweat starting to appear and trickle down his face. "Looking for...the...um..." He looked down and quickly mumbled something.
"What, sir!?" Mindy asked loudly as she seemed to lean in closer. "What was that you were looking for!?" Her puffy blond hair seemed to suffocate Squall as he took a step back.
"Feminine hygiene products..." he whispered quietly.
Mindy's large green eyes widened as she jumped. Then, in a voice capable of deafening someone, she happily replied, "Oh! Are you looking for SANITARY NAPKINS or TAMPONS!?"
It was at that moment that Squall Leonhart decided that he would never go to the drug store ever again. And he would see to it that word of his humiliation would never reach the Garden. Squall said he didn't care and to be pointed in that direction. She pointed him down an aisle and Squall cautiously wandered in.
'There are so many to choose from...better look at the kind Rin wanted...' He stuck his hand in the inner pocket of his jacket and removed a piece of yellow post it paper. "A box of Tampax Tampons and a pack of Stayfree with wings..." Squall looked up at the shelves around him and shivered. He looked up again and felt his blood freeze in his veins as it seemed that the shelves had suddenly grown taller. The ceiling looked a mile high away and as they towered above him, he stumbled back, running into a shelf and knocking over several packages of adult diapers.
With the sound of struggle and swearing, Mindy and a few customers walked in to find Squall surrounded by packages of adult diapers. Squall looked around at the staring eyes and shot them all deadly glares as he stood up, quickly grabbed the nearest pack of pads and drew Lionheart. He walked over to Mindy and pointed the gunblade at her.
"If this EVER leaves this store, I'll come after ALL of you..." he threatened in a low voice. Mindy gulped and nodded as Squall stomped to the front of the store. He threw some gil on the counter and stormed out.
"Thank you, baby! I appreciate it!" As Squall snapped back into attention, he turned around and watched as Rinoa's smiling face disappeared behind the sliding doors of their room.
His hands turned into fists and he felt something in them. Looking down, he saw a wad of gil and an all too familiar yellow post it note with the name of the cream she wanted. 'DAMN!!!' Squall gritted his teeth. "How the hell does she do that...?" he grumbled as he stomped down the hall.
Back in their bedroom, Rinoa pulled her head from the door and rushed to the phone. She quickly dialed a memorized phone number and waited patiently. "H'lo?" a voice asked.
"Tattoo! This is The Bride," Rinoa said with a grin. "The Groom has left the building. I repeat, The Groom as left the building. Prepare to capture and proceed with the given plans."
"Affirmative!" Zell said as he looked up at Irvine and gave the thumbs up. Irvine grinned and looked over at the car parked right in front of the elevator doors at the Garden's garage. Squall's car was parked on that level. "Thank you for the assistance, Bride! This is Tattoo, over and out!"
Zell snapped his cellular phone closed and shoved it in his back pocket as he rubbed his hands together gleefully. "Guys," Nida said from the car's driver's seat. "Is this really a good idea? I mean... Squall said he didn't WANT a bachelor party."
"This isn't about what Squall WANTS," Irvine insisted. "This is about what Squall NEEDS. He has to have his one last night of single freedom out with the guys! Even Rinoa understands that."
"I don't know..." Nida said nervously. "I'm kind of afraid of what's going to happen...and you know... getting fired."
"Squall's not going to fire us," Zell chuckled. "Rinoa will kill him!"
"Still-" Nida began, but Irvine held his finger up to his lips.
"Shh! He's coming!" Irvine said as he crouched behind the doors of the elevator with Zell across from him. The blond struggled to keep from snickering as the doors opened and Squall walked out.
"Piece of conniving little...didn't even see a damn pimple...she's SO lucky I love her." Squall was grumbling.
"Get him!" Irvine shouted.
"What?" Squall stepped out and saw the handcuffs coming towards him. "AHHHH!!!"
"See...now this is how a bacherlorette party is supposed to be..." Rinoa said as she laid on back on a comfortable bed, dressed in a white terry cloth robe. Quistis and Selphie were on either side of her as Ellone, Xu, and Fujin were across from them. "I love you guys."
"Shh..." Quistis said calmly as cucumber slices were placed on her eye lids. "Just relax and let the mud mask sink in..."
Rinoa sighed contentedly. "I hope Squall won't be mad. He'd freak out if he knew you guys were taking me here."
"Thanks for the recommendation, Fujin," Selphie giggled as someone did her nails. "I didn't know this place even existed in Balamb."
Fujin shrugged from where she was getting her scalp massaged. "Are you kidding me?" Xu said. "I didn't know a place like this existed in Gaia. Who knew that the male erotic dance company also ran a spa?"
"Yeah, Fujin, how'd you know?" Ellone asked from the bed she was laying face down on. Behind her, a well built, tanned blond was massaging her back. "Hot men in little clothing attending to my every whim... I've died and gone to heaven."
Fujin blushed from her chair. "Uh...lucky guess."
"This is the perfect way to end my single life," Rinoa sighed. "Being rubbed down by hot naked guys..."
There was a period of silence before... "HAHAHAHAHAH!!"
The sun was rising in the east and it's harsh glare shot through the half open blinds directly into Squall's eyes. His head turned slightly, trying to avoid the light, when a dull pain shot through his head. He groaned. 'I know what this is...and I will kill...'
"Squall, have some more man!" a loud booming voice of Zell shouted cheerfully as he shoved another beer in Squall's hand.
"No, no! Let him try something else!" Irvine added as he took the beer and gave Squall a stronger drink.
"Psst...don't you two know anything?" Seifer snapped as he handed Squall a whole bottle. "He needs THIS!"
"Irvine, Seifer, and Zell..." Squall hissed with disgust. He groaned as he buried his face in his pillow.
Suddenly, his alarm clock went off and Squall let out a groan. He immediately regretted it as his head pounded some more. Swearing, he slammed his hand on his alarm clock and glared at it.
Almost immediately, his door flew open and Selphie swept into the room like a bat out of hell. "Rise and shine, soon to be Mr. Rinoa Heartilly!" Selphie shouted.
Each word hit him like a ton of bricks and Squall growled. "Selphie...please...I have a head ache."
Selphie was looming over him and wrinkled her nose. She waved her hand over her mouth "Squall, you don't have a headache from the smell...what'd you drink last night? Toxic waste?" Selphie asked. "Come on! I'm supposed to wake you up. You have to get your hair done and everything for the wedding."
"Hair? What?" Squall sat up and rubbed his eyes. Selphie blushed and covered her eyes immediately.
"Whoa! Squall! Did you loose your modesty last night or what?" Selphie gasped. Squall squinted at her and she pointed at him. He looked down and groaned once more as he grabbed his sheets and pulled it higher.
"Selphie, WHAT the hell do I have to get my hair done for?"
Selphie's mouth dropped. "WHAT!? Are you SERIOUS? You forgot your own WEDDING!?"
"No!" Squall shouted. He winced as another series of pounding rushed through his head. He let out a deep breath. "I don't NEED to get my hair done for my wedding. I'm just going to..." What was he going to do with his hair?
"To...?" Selphie challenged as she looked at him. He looked away. "Exactly! Rinoa put me in charge of helping you."
"Selphie, I can barely think right now with this pounding in my head..." Squall hissed.
"Well, then you're lucky that the ceremony is at five! You have exactly seven hours before the ceremony! I'll go get you some medicine for your head. Zell will be coming in an hour with your tux...provided he isn't as banged up as you are," Selphie paused. "Now go take a shower! I'll leave some pills on your desk and be back in two hours with the hair dresser!"
She slammed the door behind her and Squall groaned. He slowly put his legs over the bed and then gripped the sheets around him to try to get control of his spinning world. He closed his eyes tightly as he attempted to stand up. His knees felt wobbly.
"Ugh...I'm going to kill them..." Squall grumbled. As he slowly made his way to the bathroom, there was a knock on his door. "Agh..." he gripped his head with one hand as the other one gripped the door way.
"Hey, Squall!" Selphie shouted through the door. "The pills are on your desk out here! And by the way, you might want to get rid of those...um...things on your bed!"
Squall glared at the closed door and turned to the unkempt bed. He groaned as he closed his eyes and allowed his head to lightly bang against the doorway to the bathroom. Bras, panties, and assorted bottles and cans littered his bed. "I'm going to kill them all..."
Rinoa had been up for over three hours already. She was in her bedroom with Quistis and Ellone. Fujin and Xu were downstairs in the quad, making sure the white canopy was secure and that the out door garden reception area was prepared. As far as Rinoa knew, Selphie was taking care of the details that she had prepared.
Quistis was currently getting her hair done by Laguna's own highly recommended hair dresser, Vincent. The tall man was setting Quistis' up-do with small white flowers that would be accented by small light blue flowers.
"Quistis," he said, his deep voice resonating around the small neatly kept room. "You have excellent hair. No split ends, shiny, thick, and healthy. What is your secret?"
Quistis blushed and shrugged slightly. "Oh...nothing...just lucky I guess..."
"Your hair is as wonderful as Irvine's complexion." Vincent said as he ran his hands through the curlers. A few bobby pins were in his mouth as his long locks of black hair fell over his face, not at all being hindered by the red head band around his head.
"Oh, no, it cannot possibly be that good!" Quistis chuckled. From where was sitting, Rinoa giggled and looked over the bridal magazine.
"Ah-choo!" Irvine wrinkled his nose and rubbed it slightly as he stood in front of the mirror. "Ugh..."
"Irvine, you can't wear the hat!" Selphie exclaimed as she paced behind him. Irvine was fixing the cuffs of the white dress shirt he had and then turned to Selphie.
"Why not? Selphie, I'm not ME without the hat!" he exclaimed as Selphie walked up to him and fixed his bow tie.
"It's kind of not appropriate," Selphie said. "Besides, Rinoa's father is going to be there and so are a bunch of those high society people that annoy her. They're going to say something..."
"I don't care," Irvine shrugged. "The hat comes with Irvine or Irvine doesn't go."
"Ugh..." Selphie grabbed her phone and dialed Rinoa's number. A few seconds later, Rinoa answered.
"Selphie, this better be important...Mr. Valentine's about to do my hair and I can't hold a phone while he's working." Rinoa sighed tiredly.
"Rin, PLEASE ask Irvine not to wear his hat." Selphie told her.
"What? Why? The hat makes him Irvine."
"But what about those people...you know...the ones who'll judge?" Selphie asked.
"Don't worry about them," Rinoa assured her. "They don't count. You know that."
Selphie beamed a smile. "Just making sure you knew that," Selphie answered. "All right, Irvine! Go with the black one!"
"Lucky hat, here I come..." Irvine said as he reached into his closet.
"Okay, Rin, Ellone and Fujin just checked in. They'll be in your room with some lunch in a bit. The final touches on the reception area is almost done." Selphie said.
"Okay, Selphie. I'll see you later!"
Selphie hung up the phone and turned to Irvine. "I'll go grab your boutonniere," she said. "I still have to drop off Seifer and Raijin's. Oh, and I'll bring Zell's. He's supposed to come here to get ready also."
She rushed out of the room, leaving Irvine to decided which pair of shoes he should wear. As he lifted up a shiny black pair from the floor of his closet, his door slid open. "Sel, I'm going to use - oh, hey, Zell. Did you drop off Squall's tux?"
Zell stood in front of him, holding a black dress bag and a pair of black shoes. He nodded nervously as his eyes darted around. "Uh...yeah..."
Irvine frowned. "What's wrong? You look shaken-"
"I LOST THE RINGS!" Zell shrieked.
Irvine just stared at him. "Are you...serious?"
Rinoa was having her nails finished when the scream of anguish echoed through the Garden. Her head jerked up. "What was that!?"
Quistis looked up from where she was getting her toes French tipped. "It's probably nothing," she assured the young bride. "Just relax."
"YOU LOST WHAT!?" Laguna screamed as he fell back. Kiros caught him before he fell.
"You've got to be joking, right?" Selphie gasped. She let out a nervous laugh. "I mean...heh... you couldn't possibly have lost the wedding rings."
"Yeah, wasn't Squall holding on to them?" Irvine asked.
"Don't you remember anything from last night, cowboy?" Seifer asked from where he was standing, leaning against the wall and shaking his head. "Think back..."
Irvine narrowed his eyes and thought for a moment.
He was sitting at the bar, Zell and Seifer were arguing while Squall was trying to bribe Raijin into driving him home as Nida was already wasted. Right in front of him, several young women were hanging on his every word.
"And that's how I saved the world from that sorceress..." Irvine grinned.
The young women sighed. "You're so amazing, Irvine!"
"Yeah, Irvine, you're my hero..."
"Wow! You have such a...BIG hat...!"
Irvine shook his head. "No, I don't remember anything about rings."
"Ugh..." Seifer rubbed his forehead. "AFTER that!" Irvine squinted and thought back once more.
"Just toss him on the bed!" Seifer shouted.
"You know, you could help rather than just STAND there!" Zell snapped. Seifer snorted.
"Right...and end up smelling like I bathed in rum before I go home to Quisty? FUNNY." Seifer replied.
"I'm going to see if there's any head ache medicine here," Irvine said. "Zell, watch him."
"I'm going! Later, chicken-wuss." Seifer replied as he left the room. Zell looked down at the drunken man who had collapsed on the bed.
"Man...we really got you wasted..." Zell said as he studied Squall. He smiled brightly. "Mission accomplished!"
"Ugh...my head..." Squall grumbled. He rolled over, several articles of women's clothing falling on his bed from where they had been stuffed in his jacket. "Zell? Man..."
"Calm down, Squall," Zell said, taking a cautious step back. "You're back at your beloved Garden now. No need to go all berserk on me-"
"Man...I need you to do me a favor..." Squall mumbled. He rolled once more and fell off the side of the bed with a thud.
"What was that!?" Irvine shouted.
"Nothing!" Zell shouted. Seifer wandered back inside.
"Oh, way to watch him, chicken-wuss! I don't make it two feet outside and he's already dead!" Seifer frowned. "Rin's going to kill me...and then I can kiss the next lead role good-bye."
"Is that all you can think about-" Zell began, but felt someone grab his pant leg. He looked down and saw Squall crawling on the floor, lifting up two black boxes. "Whoa...Squall?"
"Dude...as my best man," Squall stammered out in a drunken slur. "Hold the rings."
Reluctantly, Zell took the boxes just as Irvine came in. "Squall, are you sure?" He looked down and saw Squall snoring no the floor.
"Oh great..." Irvine grumbled. "Now I have to heave him up on the damn bed again."
Back to the present, Irvine rubbed his chin. "Oh yeah..." He shook his head. "But that doesn't explain how you lost them!"
"I don't know!" Zell gasped. "I mean...I was kind of buzzed last night, too! I don't really remember."
"Great...just great..." Irvine said as he threw his arms in the air. Selphie let out a deep breath. "What are we going to do now?
"You guys just finish getting ready and then meet us in the ball room. I'll go get some replacement rings!" Selphie assured them. "Sir Laguna, I might need your credit card-er...I mean your help!"
"Right!" Laguna said. He stiffened up and saluted her as he rushed out with her. Kiros, who was already dressed in his suit raised an eyebrow at the several young men who were in the room.
"Well, what are you all waiting for?" he barked in an authoritative voice. "Finish up here!" He turned and headed out the door.
Zell down at his tuxedo. "I was finished..."
"Knock knock?" Rinoa's door opened and an older man peeked in with a bright smile. "There's my little angel."
Rinoa looked up from where she was standing in front of the mirror and beamed a smile. "Daddy!" she said as she reached out with outstretched arms. "What time did you get in yesterday?"
"I just got in this morning, angel," General Caraway said as he hugged his daughter and then stepped back to admire her. "Ah...I can't believe it. You're growing up so fast. I can still remember when you used to wander the house, kicking off your diapers..."
"Dad!" Rinoa blushed. He chuckled and smiled almost sadly. Rinoa was dressed in a beautiful white floor length bridal gown. She apparently went for the classic look and had a tight, strapless bodice and a long flowing skirt that failed from her slim waist. Satin gloves graced her arms as the final touches of white rose buds were being placed in her dark hair.
"You're not my little girl any more..." Caraway said regretfully. He took a deep breath and tried to look angry. "Meaning...I expect you to have a daughter so that I can have another little girl!" Rinoa raised an eyebrow. "Don't try to argue, Rinoa! End of story!"
Rinoa burst into laughter and reached over to hug her father. "Daddy!" she laughed as she hugged him tightly. "Thank you..."
Quistis smiled warmly. "General Caraway, Fujin, one of the brides maids is already downstairs in the ball room. If you could please go down there and meet up with her, she will tell you where to stand. We'll finish up with Rinoa here."
Caraway nodded and was about to leave when he stopped. "Oh yes...I forgot..." Caraway reached into the breast pocket of his Galbadian Army uniform and took out a palm sized black box. "I think your mother would've liked to see you wear this on your wedding day."
He opened the box and Rinoa gasped. "Oh my!" Xu gasped as she looked in. Ellone peeked over her shoulder and her eyes widened.
'Wow...the Caraway family IS as rich as they say...' Quistis thought to herself.
"Mom's earrings...Daddy, I was looking all over for them!" Rinoa gasped as she reached over and picked up the diamond encrusted dangling earrings. "How did you find them?"
"They were never lost, Rinoa," Caraway explained. "They were in the vault waiting for you," he leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. "I'll see you downstairs, my angelic princess."
Rinoa took a deep breath as her father left and tried to keep the tears from coming as she stared at the earrings. Vincent raised and eyebrow. "All right, ladies, can we please get the earrings on her EARS. I fear that the longer she looks at them, the sooner she'll cry and a whole morning's work will be down the drain."
Rinoa chuckled and nodded. "Sorry..." She turned to her brides maids. "Well...let's get these babies on!"
Selphie picked up the hem of her light blue bridesmaids gown as she ran through the halls in matching heels. Her shawl was flying behind her as she tied it around her neck to avoid having to hold it as she ran.
"Selphie!" Laguna gasped behind her. "Wait a second! Where are you going to get the rings?"
"I don't know!" Selphie said. "But knowing Rinoa, she won't care what kind of rings she's wearing for the ceremony as long as there ARE rings! We can always tell them after the wedding."
"Wait!" Laguna called out. "We can't just get ANY ring. It as to be those bands!"
"Right! Bands!" Selphie nodded. "Good idea, sir! I know where to go now!"
Squall looked at himself in the mirror as Kiros and Ward stood behind him. The young man had his hair slicked back and was dressed in a white tuxedo with a white bow tie. He had a boutonniere on his breast pocket and took a nervous deep breath. His heart was racing in his chest.
"Nervous?" Kiros chuckled.
"No," Squall assured him, trying to steady his voice. "I'm fine."
Kiros and Ward exchanged looks. "Ward says that there is nothing to be afraid of."
"What if she says no? Isn't THAT something to be afraid of?" Squall spat out defensively. Kiros snickered.
"Well yes-"
"Yes? You think she'll say no? After all of this time, she'll say NO!?" Squall nearly shrieked. Ward put a hand on his shoulder and shook his head.
"Ward says to relax, Squall," Kiros told him. "You and Rinoa are as meant to be as...well...you and Rinoa."
Squall closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He looked back into the mirror and met the nervous steel blue eyes that looked back at him. "Hyne, I hope you're right..."
"Thanks, Matron!" Selphie said as she hugged the older woman who had been in the process of getting ready for wedding. "We'll give these back to you as soon as we find the rings!"
"Just don't loose those, too, Selphie." Edea said. She turned and headed back into her and Cid's in-Garden home.
"Sir!" Selphie said. "This is it!" She held up the two wedding bangs. "Matron let me borrow her wedding bands!"
"Great! Let's get back to Zell and the others and then get down the ceremony to greet everyone!" Laguna said cheerfully. Selphie nodded and they rushed to the nearest elevator. They quickly pressed the button and got in once it arrived. Selphie pressed the numbered button to Irvine's floor and the elevator started up.
Outside the elevator doors, Nida arrived with two work men. "Just put the sign up that says that the elevator isn't working correctly," Nida told them. "That'll hold off anyone who tries to use it until tomorrow. Whoo...I'm glad that all the students and most of the faculty are out for the break...otherwise, we'd seriously be one elevator down."
He turned and left, not bothering to look at the elevator as the two repair men put up a sign and then went into the control room. They shut off the elevator.
The lights suddenly dimmed within the small room as it shook to a stop. Selphie and Laguna looked around. "Um...is it supposed to do this?" Laguna asked.
"What's going on?" Selphie asked as she pressed the buttons. "No way! No!"
"What? What's wrong!?" Laguna gasped.
"The elevator stopped working!" Selphie nearly shrieked as she turned to look at him. "Sir...we're STUCK!"
"Okay, Quisty! Are you all ready?" Xu asked as she looked at the clock on Rinoa's bed stand.
"Um...almost..." Quistis said nervously.
Ellone raised an eyebrow. "Is something wrong, Quistis?"
"No! No, I'm fine!" the blond woman said as she paced around the bathroom looking at the dress on the hanger. She took a deep breath and swallowed. She looked down at her stomach sadly and put her hands on it. "Okay, I have a problem!"
"What is it!?" the girls chorused as they rushed in.
Quistis sat on the toilet, her hair done, but still dressed in her robe. "What's wrong, Quistis?" Rinoa said as she ran in, her veil hanging off her head.
Quistis looked up at Rinoa and bit her lower lip. "Rin...I'm so sorry...but we over looked on tiny detail..." Quistis said. She eyed the dress once more. "I can't fit in the dress! I'M PREGNANT!"
Rinoa's eyes flew open. Hyne, who could she forget such a detail!? She should've gotten Quistis refitted! Now it was too late. The wedding was in an hour. There wasn't enough time to get a new dress made or this old one altered. The bride grabbed the sink and swallowed hard.
Quistis looked up at her with near tearful eyes. "Quis..." Rinoa gasped.
"I'm so sorry, Rinoa! I ruined your wedding!" Quistis began to sob out.
"No! No, you didn't!" Ellone said. She looked over at the dress and then at Quistis. "The Maid of Honor's dress is still supposed to be a little different from the other bride's maids anyway. We just need to make an adjustment."
"But how?" Xu asked. "I mean..." she looked at the dress and then pointed to the clock outside in the bedroom. "We don't have time!"
"No, we have better!" Ellone said. "I know a miracle worker who can do anything when it has to do with fashion," she stormed out of the bathroom. "Mr. Valentine!" she called out. She narrowed her eyes as the hair dresser looked up from the chair he had been sitting in. "I hope you brought your tools."
"Thank you for coming," General Caraway said as he stood by the doorway in the ballroom greeting the guests. "Yes, I'm the father of the bride."
Fujin looked around and then down at her check list. Despite the fact that she was dressed in a floor length baby blue bride's maid's dress with silver accents and flowers in her hair, she was still standing in the same tough posture she always was in. She looked across the hall. White fold out chairs were lined neatly as a white rug went from the doors to the alter, where an arch with blue and silver cloth draped over.
The rows were lined with light blue and white flowers while long sashes of interwoven light blue and silver cloth framed them. Raijin was seating the guests while Zone and Watts were showing the Balamb Garden Orchestra where to sit and giving them the music to play.
Fujin looked at the thin silver watch on her wrist and frowned. Selphie should've been there by now...
"Fujin," a voice said from behind her. Nida was walking into the room. "The elevator in the western wing is down. So tell the others not to use it, okay?"
"Affirmative," Fujin nodded. She looked back at her check list and nearly dropped it. Selphie had never been one to be late or slack off when it came to planning or organizing any sort of event. Fujin dropped her check list on the floor. "Oh no..."
"General Caraway!" a familiar deep voice said behind her. "Looking good, sir!"
"Almasy..." an annoyed voice replied. Fujin turned around and saw Seifer walking in. She rushed over and grabbed his arm and pulled him aside.
"Problem!" Fujin gasped out in a low voice. "Selphie stuck! Elevator broken!"
"What?" Seifer asked. "NOW?" He lifted up his jacket sleeve and looked at his watch. "It's thirty minutes until the ceremony starts!"
"I know!" Fujin said. "GET HELP!"
"Which elevator?" Seifer gasped.
"Western wing!" Fujin exclaimed. Seifer nodded and ran out immediately.
"Cowboy! Chicken-wuss! Little help here!" he shouted as he ran into the hall. Fujin turned back to the ballroom.
"Fujin?" a voice asked behind her. She turned around and saw Zell's girlfriend there. She was dressed in a black dress and would be playing the French horn in the orchestra. "Have you seen, Zell?"
"Negative." the white haired woman replied. His girlfriend frowned.
"Hmm...well, if you see him, can you give him these?" she asked as she handed Fujin two small black boxes. "He asked me to hold the wedding bands for today's ceremony last night. He was afraid he was going to loose them."
"HELP!!!" Laguna screamed.
"SOMEONE HELP US!" Selphie yelled. She paused and thought for a moment. "Uh! Except if you're Rinoa or Squall! If you're Rinoa or Squall! EVERYTHING IS FINE!!"
Laguna groaned. "I can't believe this is happening..." he grumbled as he slumped down on the ground. "I'm going to miss my kids' wedding. And when they do find us, Squall is going to kill me...and I can't LOOK at Rinoa when she's CRYING! Or enraged. Either one..."
"We can't give up now, sir!" Selphie insisted. "I'm sure someone will find us! Someone will realize we're missing!"
"I LOVE YOU, VINCENT VALENTINE!" Rinoa said as she hugged the red and black clad man. "You have no idea how thankful I am! I'll pay you double, no - TRIPLE! THANK YOU!"
"Rinoa..." Ellone said. "Let go of the man. We have to get you downstairs."
"This dress is amazing..." Quistis said as she looked at herself in the mirror. "It's almost as fabulous as Rinoa's. ALMOST." she stressed.
"Miss Heartilly, it's been a pleasure, really," Vincent said calmly as he pried the young bride off of him. "But honestly, I have enough petite brunettes clinging on to me to last me a life time."
"Heh...sorry..." Rinoa blushed. She stepped back and looked at Quistis. The young woman's dress was now opened in the back and she had the shawl had been added around her waist to add an accent in order to hide her slight tummy. The zipper had been mostly ripped out and re-hemmed. "Okay! Problem solved! Let's get downstairs!"
"We're going to die here!" Laguna shrieked. Selphie ran her hand down her face. "I can feel the cold clammy hands of death coming!"
"Sir-"
"No, Selphie! Save your breath! The oxygen will run out soon!" Laguna insisted. Bang! "AH! What was THAT!?"
Selphie looked up. "There's something in the elevator shaft!" she gasped.
"Oh, Hyne! ZOMBIES!"
"No!" Selphie exclaimed.
"Selphie! Selphie, you down there!?" a muffled voice shouted above them.
"Irvy! IRVY! I'm INSIDE! I'm with Sir Laguna and we can't get out!" Selphie shouted. "HELP US!"
"Don't worry, darlin', we have it all covered!" Irvine shouted. "ZELL! GET THE JAWS OF LIFE!!"
"Is everyone set, Fujin?" Rinoa asked as the white haired woman lead her into one of the rooms next to the ball room.
"All set!" Fujin said nervously as she looked around. "Be back!"
"Okay!" Rinoa said. She sat on the seat in the room and looked around. The clock on the wall said that there were five minutes to go and she began to play with her fingers. There was a knock on the door and she looked up. "Come in!"
"Rin?" a voice said. The door opened and her father stepped through. "Well...this is it..."
Down the hall from Rinoa, five people rushed down the hallway, the little green eyed brunette leading the way. "HURRY!!" Selphie said as they tore down the hall. "It's going to start any second!"
In the foyer of the ball room, Squall stood nervously with Raijin, Quistis, Fujin, and Xu. Ellone was talking to them, trying to calm down Squall. "There they are!" Xu said as she pointed out the door way.
"Where have you guys been!?" Squall growled as they skidded to a stop next to him. "We've been waiting here for a while-"
"Long story! Talk later!" Selphie said. She grabbed Squall and shoved him in the center. "Okay! Sir, you go to your seat in the front! Ellone, you as well! Pair up! Raijin, Fujin. Seifer, Xu. Irvine and me. Zell, Quistis-"
"Why does chicken-wuss get to escort Quistis?" Seifer snapped as he was put into place by Fujin.
"Because she's the maid of honor so shut up and get in line!" Selphie growled. Seifer immediately backed down. "Now...where's our ring barer dog?"
"Crap! The rings! Selphie, where are the rings!?" Zell gasped as he whirled around to the young woman.
"What about the rings!?" Squall hissed from the front of the procession.
"Here!" Fujin said as she tossed him two black boxes. "Library girl."
Several pairs of eyes landed on Zell accusingly. Selphie's eyes narrowed. "We'll discuss this LATER, Zell."
"Heh..." the spiky haired blond blushed. "Forgot I gave it to her...so I...uh...wouldn't loose them."
"Bark!"
"Angelo!" Selphie let out a breath of relief as the dog sat behind them, as if already knowing where she should be placed. In her mouth was a small white basket with a satin white sheet. Selphie took the rings from Zell and placed them on to the sheets. "Just in time..."
"The music is starting!" Irvine gasped as he heard the procession music begin. Squall stiffened in his place and he took a deep breath.
"Okay, Squall, this is it," Selphie said as everyone in the ball room looked towards the back of the room. "Good luck!"
Squall nodded his head and began the long walk down the aisle. Selphie would count several of Squall's paces before allowing the first set of ushers and maids to go forward and would repeat it. Just as Seifer and Xu stepped forward, the bride appeared at the back of the line with her father holding her arm in his proudly.
She smiled at them behind her veil as the soft silver crown rested on her head to hold it up. Her heart began to race as two by two, her friends preceded her down the aisle. Before she knew it, she saw Angelo making his way to the front, by the alter. Then the music reached her ears.
The room stood up as her father took a deep breath. "Remember, if he's not good enough..." her father said just as they took a step forward.
Rinoa giggled slightly. "I'll love him anyway." Rinoa assured him. Everyone turned around as the bride began her procession down the aisle. Her train trailed behind her gracefully as everyone in the room watched her make her way to the alter.
As she neared the beautifully decorated alter, she locked her eyes with the soft blue ones belonging to the man that was ready to be with her for the rest of her life. Squall felt his heart skip several beats as they watched his angel approach him, more beautiful than ever. 'Hyne, she's beautiful. I'm the luckiest man in the world...'
'Hyne, he's wonderful...' Rinoa thought to herself as she neared him. 'Hmm...I wonder if he's wearing Griever under that...' She smirked to herself as they reached the alter. Her father gave a slight growl of warning as he placed his daughter's hand in Squall's.
They smiled at each other and turned to the priest in front of them. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today..."
Rinoa zoned out and stole another glance from Squall's chiseled profile. 'To make him officially MINE...hehehe...' The ceremony was almost like a blur to both the bride and groom. Before she knew it, "I do..." slipped from her crimson lips and then nervous white gloved hands lifted her veil over her face. Brown eyes met with blue ones once more.
"I love you..." he whispered just as he leaned down and sealed their marriage with a kiss. Rinoa closed her eyes, savoring the moment of bliss. As they parted, the clapping and sounds of cheering echoed behind them as hand and hand they left the ball room, where they first met, as husband and wife.
"Wow...they really fought for the bouquet, huh?" Rinoa said as she sat on Squall's lap in the ball room. Rinoa was still in her wedding dress, only her veil had been put away. Squall was wearing his tux minus the coat and bow tie, with the top buttons of the shirt undone. His hair was now back to it's normal style, which a few locks falling over his eyes.
"I'm surprised that they almost tore it apart," Squall admitted. Rinoa nodded once more. She leaned back against him, looking up at the glass dome above them. "Are you happy with the wedding?"
"I'm happy with everything..." Rinoa sighed contentedly. "The books, the plays, the wedding...you," she added with a chuckle. She looked up and gasped. "Squall! Did you see that?" she gasped as she sat up straight and pointed at the ceiling.
The young man who had been looking up nodded. "Yeah..." he said. He looked back down and her and stole a quick kiss, making the young woman blush.
She smiled and turned to hug him. As her arms wrapped around his neck, she pressed her forehead against his. "Did I tell you? I already have an idea for the next volume of my series."
"Hmm? Anything interesting happen?" Squall asked as he put his arms around her waist. She beamed him a warm smile.
"Yeah," she said. "Just your standard Noa and Leon get married and live happily ever after stuff." she grinned.
"Anything I can do to speed up the process?" Squall asked casually. Rinoa lifted up her head and kissed him.
"Care to inspire me?" she chuckled.
"Okay, you guys! If you two don't go to your room, we'll NEVER get this placed cleaned up!" a voice exclaimed behind them. Rinoa groaned and Squall rolled his eyes. Selphie had one hand on her waist and was tapping her fingers on a broom directly in front of them.
"Yeah, isn't the happily couple supposed to retreat to the honeymoon suite or something?" Zell said as he and some of the other guys stacked up the chairs. Rinoa and Squall stood up and shook their heads.
"I can see when we're not wanted," Rinoa said as she stuck out her tongue. "I'll see you guys tomorrow! G'nite!"
"Night!" the group said from the ballroom as they finished up the cleaning. Selphie sighed and looked around at the room.
"The next wedding will be just be TOO soon..." Selphie mumbled tiredly.
Quistis looked up from the ribbons she was placing into a box. "Oh...then maybe this is a bad time to tell you..."
Selphie looked up and raised an eyebrow. Quistis blushed slightly and rubbed the back of her neck. Selphie's eyes went wide before she let out a shriek of joy. Standing in the balcony, Cid looked into the room as he stood there with three men.
"So...if Quistis and Seifer are getting married..." Cid said as he turned to Laguna and General Caraway, whom were also nursing glasses of wine along with Cid. "Would it be like my SON or DAUGHTER'S wedding?"
THE END