So I meant to post this a couple days ago but things got really busy. Still I think this is my fastest update so can't complain right. This chapter is more just for tying up the loose ends. It's kinda random and is just kinda fun…I hope. Okay last chapter. Here we go.
Rinoa stepped out of her room completely ready for the day. It had been a couple weeks after whole AJ incident. He made good on his word and left Balamb, telling his parents we wanted to travel for a year. Rinoa figured his parents believed him if he left that easily. She didn't care too much.
Things went back to the way they were. Simple living…well as simple as knowing Squall can be. He hadn't gone to school in weeks because of his injuries. He just laid on his couch in his living room all day. The gang took turns skipping school and staying with him so he wouldn't be bored.
Seifer also hadn't been to school. They knew he was also recovering under the careful eye of Quistis. Squall told Rinoa that he felt they reached some understanding during that fight. He wasn't sure if they would fight again. Then again, no one can predict the future.
When Rinoa stayed with Squall they just talked. And after talking with him so much, she learned to understand him even more. She wouldn't stop him from fighting; it was just apart of him. Although he did promise he would settle down a little.
Things between them were going well also. They were obviously in love and everyone who saw it, knew it. When Rinoa told him she had to stop drinking completely, since it was the only way to break her problem. Squall said he would stop drinking also. That way Rinoa wouldn't be alone. She never felt happier than when she was with him.
Zidane went back into his hiding. He said he couldn't get caught and he could deal with a few more months. That really brought up many questions. Which all lead Rinoa back to Laguna. He was the one thing that had been continually bothering Rinoa. That man was such a mystery. Like how he always had something to do with Squall's plans. Also where did he get all that money? Rinoa figured being a head journalist was high pay, but for the cash he dropped. Giving AJ 50,000 gil without caring. He had to have money stocked up, no one was that rich. Not even Rinoa's dad.
Well today was the day she was going to figure it out. It was a Saturday and she knew everyone was already at Squall's. They were waiting for her. Ellone went back to college a couple days ago, which is why Rinoa waited so long. She wanted to keep Ellone out of this. Hopefully Laguna would be home now, otherwise her plan wouldn't work as well.
She walked down her stairs and saw her father on the couch.
"Hey angel," Her father greeted.
"Hi dad," she said reaching the floor. "Hey dad where's the bat."
"Right by the door honey." He answered not taking his eyes off the TV.
"Oh thanks," Rinoa picked it up and walked out the door.
Caraway sipped his coffee. "Bat?" He shook his head. "Doesn't even bother anymore James, you are too old."
Rinoa causally strolled across the street swinging the bat in her hand. "Let's see if they ignore me now."
She walked into Squall's house like any old day. Squall was lying on the couch. Laguna was in the kitchen talking with Selphie. He always liked to talk with them, acting like a kid. Rinoa remembered him tell her one time, that he found grownup talk boring. Laguna was more childish than ten-year-olds.
Back in the living room, Irvine was in one chair and Zell in the other. They were talking and stopped when Rinoa came in.
"Hey Rin," Selphie greeted.
"Hey guys," Rinoa smiled brightly at them all.
"Uh Rinoa…is that a bat?" Zell's eyes were drawn to the wooden object.
Rinoa laid it against her shoulder. "Yes it is Zell. Now can you tell me what bats do?"
"Uh smash things," Irvine answered.
"Very good Irvine," Rinoa said enthusiastically.
Everyone eyed each other in the room.
"Rin…why do you have a bat?" Squall finally asked.
Rinoa walked further into the room. "Well I decided, that I want to know what's going on here."
"What's going on?" Selphie repeated.
Rinoa turned to Laguna. "Laguna what do you do?"
He smiled slightly afraid of the woman with the bat. "You know Rinoa. I am a journalist."
"Ah yes," Rinoa nodded. "But then why do you have so much money?"
Laguna looked around the room as if this was some test. "Uh…pays good."
"Well you make a lot of money apparently," Rinoa explained. "Giving Squall 50,000 gil without question. Helping Fujin and Rajin get out of Balamb. I bet you gave them money for a place to stay wherever they went too. Are you still giving them money? And why do you not care when anything is broken?"
"I don't know what you're talking about." Laguna replied seriously
"I'll show you," Rinoa walked into the kitchen to the oven. She got a grip on the bat before swinging it heavily into the oven window. The glass shattered and everyone in the house went crazy.
"Ah Rin what are you doing!" Selphie yelled jumping out of her chair.
"Rinoa!" Squall yelled.
"The fuck?" Was all Zell managed.
Rinoa turned and slammed a cupboard with the bat, completely breaking it.
"Mad woman with a bat!" Laguna yelled running for his life into the living room. He dove onto Squall. "Save me Squall!"
Squall shoved him to the floor. "Rin what are you doing!" He exclaimed.
"Why isn't this an issue of money!" Rinoa shouted. "Everywhere else people would think about having to repair this."
"Not when you're holding a bat!" Squall yelled.
"Come on Squall you know what I'm talking about!" Rinoa yelled. "I'll keep smashing up your house until you tell me." Rinoa wound up again looking at Squall.
Squall glanced at Zell and Rinoa didn't miss it.
"Yes Zell knows!" she shouted. "I know he knows, but what does he know, that I don't know, that you do know."
"What is she talking about!" Laguna yelled from the floor. "Someone attack from the south side and I sweep north. We'll do a pincer movement." He ordered attacks as if back in the army.
"Yes sir!" Zell saluted. He rose from his chair and advanced on Rinoa. She backed away with the bat ready. Laguna also stepped towards her.
Squall really had no idea if Laguna was being serious when he said that or if he was still playing along, but it seemed he was actually doing it.
Squall let out a growl. "Just tell them Laguna."
Everyone stopped. Rinoa let the bat hang at her side. Laguna quickly made a snatch and grabbed the bat. He held it above his head as a trophy.
"Ah sweet success!" he cheered.
"Seriously Laguna," Squall's tone was humorless. "It's time they know."
He brought the bat down. He tapped it in his hand. "You sure?"
"Yeah I'm sure."
"Know what?" Rinoa asked stepping closer.
"I herby claim Rinoa has to stay at least ten feet away from us," Laguna said with a fake orderly tone.
"Here! Here!" Zell and Selphie shouted.
"Would you guys knock it off," Squall said getting annoyed.
"Squall," Laguna took a serious tone. "You sure?"
"Yeah I'm sure."
Everyone sank back down into seats. They didn't want to anger Squall anymore, and it was actually a fair serious discussion. Laguna brought a couple chairs from the kitchen over for Rinoa and Selphie to sit in.
"Okay," Laguna said seriously to Rinoa. "What do you want to know?"
"You will be completely honest with me?" Rinoa asked doubtful.
"Yes," Laguna nodded. "You know Rinoa we didn't just keep this from you. Selphie and Irvine don't know either."
"Yeah!" Selphie shouted. "I've waited a patiently a long time for this."
"Should've gone with a bat," Irvine kidded.
Rinoa flushed. "Sorry about that. I just really wanted to know."
"What's done is done," Laguna waved her off.
"See that's what I mean though," Rinoa told them pointing at Laguna. "You don't even really care. I know you have more money then you let on. So what else do you do?"
Laguna took a deep breath. "Well Rinoa…I'm a crime boss."
"What?" Rinoa deadpanned. "No way."
Laguna chuckled. "I'm kidding, I'm just the president of Esthar."
Rinoa laughed at the old man's antics. "But seriously Laguna."
She just got a look in return. Rinoa hastily glanced over at Squall who also just looked at her. A quick glance at Zell who was staring at the ground, confirmed that Laguna was in fact the president of Esthar.
"What the fuck!" Rinoa jumped out of her chair knocking it over.
"You said it!" Irvine also jumped up.
"Laguna you're a president!" Selphie cheered running over and hugging him.
"Selphie be more upset with this," Irvine told her.
"What the fuck!" Rinoa shouted again.
"Language please," Laguna told her.
"But Irvine he's a president, we should be happy."
Irvine took off his hat and ran a hand through his hair. "This is just ridiculous."
"…What the fuck." It was all Rinoa could say.
Squall chuckled. "Come on Rinoa sit back down, he'll explain.
She sat down and just stared at Laguna who smiled meekly at her.
"You're the president…of Esthar. That big country east of us. The technologic city of the future."
Laguna smiled proudly. "The one and the same."
"But you're here," Irvine said.
Laguna patted himself. "Yes I believe I am."
"What are you doing here," Irvine continued.
"Taking care of Squall," Laguna replied happily.
"What?" Rinoa asked perplexed.
Squall sighed. "Laguna might as well start from the beginning."
"Ah yes," Laguna situated himself in the chair better. "Why don't you all sit down and I'll tell you exactly what happened."
"Yes please do." Rinoa said.
"Well as you know I was in the Galbadian army. But I wasn't just a solider. I lead a special ops team. With Kiros and Ward. We served directly under your father, Rinoa."
"Wait," Rinoa found something off with that. "When you first met him you introduced yourself."
Laguna scratched the back of his neck and laughed. "Yeah we played you two. James and I go way back. He moved here because of me."
"You're kidding." Rinoa couldn't believe her dad was in on it the whole time. Since when did her father get such a good poker face?
"Well anyways, back when Galbadia was in a war with Esthar. Your father sent me, Kiros, and Ward on a mission. I was sad because I was just starting to get closer to the girl I liked. I figured the mission would go fast, however when we were just passing by Balamb, our ship was attacked. Kiros and Ward made it to lifeboats but I stayed behind to get this other sailor into a boat. Well the ship blew up and I was sent flying into the water unconscious."
Everyone was silent as he told his story. Even Zell didn't know all the details. He never pressed when Squall told him. Didn't want to risk it at the time.
"Well I found myself in a bed," Laguna continued. "The most beautiful woman was sitting next to me." Laguna had the biggest grin on his face. "I'll never forget her first words. Is the big baby awake? Ah I loved Raine."
Rinoa laughed. "The big baby?"
Laguna scratched his neck again. "Apparently I whine in my sleep. Anyways she told me where I where was. In Balamb. Actually I was right where Squall was sitting. Different couch, but all the same."
"That's really cool Laguna," Selphie said.
"Well thank you," He smiled. "I think so. Okay well I stayed with her for a while as I recovered. That's where I met Ellone as well. Raine adopted her when her parents passed away in the war. The more I stayed with Raine, the more we both fell in love. Only a year past before I went out to the store and bought a ring. That night I took her out to the fanciest place in Balamb, way over anything I could afford. But I didn't care, only the best for my Raine. We took a walk on the beach after under a big moon."
"So romantic," Selphie chimed.
"Yeah well it goes down hill after that." Laguna laughed before continuing. "Well me being myself, I tripped and she tried to catch me. But in doing so she fell into the water. I tried to rush and get her but I only knocked her back in. She was so mad." Laguna clapped his just reliving the moment in his head. "I could only laugh seeing her completely drenched. She demanded that I take her home. I smiled, probably the biggest I've ever done before. It only angered her more, she tried to punch me in the chest. I caught her hand, and opened it so her fingers were extended. I slowly slipped the ring on her finger."
All the guys were slouching or leaning back, while the two girls were on the edge of the seat caught up in the story. They weren't hopelessly romantic, but they always enjoyed a good love story. Since this was Laguna it only made it better.
"She couldn't form words. I raised my hand showing that I also had a ring. She knew what it meant; I didn't even have to ask. She wrapped her arms around me and got me completely soaked, but I didn't care in the least. I held on tightly until she could finally speak."
"That's so sweet," Selphie said. "But didn't you ever look for Ward and Kiros. Or worry about the army looking for you."
Laguna nodded. "Yes everyday. It wasn't until months after the wedding that I finally heard from Kiros. He told me that the general was looking for me. The war didn't stop and he needed my squad for a mission." Laguna shook his head. "That was the worst day of my life, leaving Raine and Ellone."
"Oh no." Rinoa said.
"Hyne's sake, you all know the ending anyways," Squall groaned.
"Doesn't make it any less sad," Selphie stuck her tongue out at him.
"Yeah well it's even more sad because that was the last time I saw Raine. Standing at the door of our house. She embraced me and I remember it clearly. She was crying and I told her, I'll be back soon, promise. I was in Esthar for four years completely the mission. Everyday I wished and wished to get back to Raine. But there was no way for me to even reach her. Little did I know, she had Squall and passed away."
"I'm sorry Laguna," Irvine told the man fighting tears coming to his eyes.
"Oh fuck Irvine grow a pair," Squall groaned. The last thing he needed was everyone to start crying.
"This is so sad man," Irvine said sniffling back his tears.
"What was the mission," Selphie asked moving the topic forward.
"We were to eliminate the leader of Esthar. Adel." Laguna answered.
"Oh wow."
"Yeah I know, heavy stuff. Of course we realized that just assassinating him wouldn't accomplish anything. So when we got there we found our way into a resistance group. We worked with them to set up another government after Adel. I didn't know that in doing so, they would make me president after. But I couldn't just let all of Esthar fall to the ground. The last battle to rid Adel and her followers was tough and bloody. Many lives were lost, and many buildings destroyed, but we prevailed."
"They made me their leader and I instantly went to work. I set up programs and reforms to get the country back on their feet. I also called back all soldiers to help. I knew Galbadia was wondering what was happening. There was no aggression from Esthar for years. The only transmission between the two countries was when we sent a simple message, only two words with no explanation…cease-fire. I just hoped they would follow it and apparently they did.
"Anyways I had to keep working on rebuilding the city. It took about two years to make some real progress. I couldn't leave, I was always being asked to do something, or had to make some law. Finally when things were settled down enough, I told some trusted advisors to watch everything. That me, Ward and Kiros had to make a trip."
"To my father?" Rinoa inquired.
Laguna nodded, "Yes except we stopped at Balamb on the way there. I was heart stricken to hear that Raine died. I asked everyone where Ellone was but they told me my kids where sent away. I was too depressed and shocked to even realize they pluralized kids. I had to press on though, and I went to meet the Galbadia general."
Laguna smiled. "We've met before Rinoa."
"We what?"
Laguna leaned back and closed his eyes.
Flashback (Cause I want to)
Laguna, Kiros and Ward got off the bus in front of the General Caraway's mansion. It was night and the cities lights illuminated the sky. They stepped up to the gate and a Galbadian soldier stood in front of them.
"Can I help you?" he asked them sternly.
"I'd like to see then general please," Laguna told the guard.
"If you don't have a meeting it won't happen."
"Ah I think one can be arranged." Laguna reached under his shirt and pulled out a chain with a golden ring on it. "Do you know what this is?"
The soldier stepped closer to look at it. His eyes widened. "That's the seal of Esthar."
"Yes it is," Laguna nodded putting it back in his shirt. "And the one who carries the ring is…?"
"The leader." The Guard gasped.
"Smart man," Laguna said to Kiros who just simply nodded. Laguna turned back to the guard. "So think we can have a meeting."
"Y-yes sir, right away." The Guard opened the gate. He figured it wasn't a trick. The ring looked real enough, everyone knew the seal. Besides, there were only three of them, they wouldn't be able to do much harm. They would also be patted down to make sure they didn't have any weapons. They were dressed so normal it was hard to imagine that they were important in anyway.
After Laguna and his friends were checked for any weapons, they walked up the long path to the mansion. The doors opened before they even reached them. They were ushered inside and lead through a couple rooms. The guard opened the door and Laguna could see the general sitting behind his desk.
"General sir," Caraway looked up and looked back down not thinking it was anything of importance. "It's the…president of Esthar."
"What?" His eyes shot up again.
Laguna and his friends walked into the room. It was decorated with many books and Laguna couldn't help but wonder if the general read them all. Laguna walked right up to the desk while Kiros and Ward stood a bit behind him. Caraway squinted as if placing a face.
"Laguna?"
The president smiled. "Yup."
Caraway jumped to his feet and grabbed Laguna's hand. "Where have you been? I was afraid I lost you three." Caraway laughed. "What kinda of entrance was that? How'd you get the guard to do that? I thought I trained him better."
"General," Laguna's voice was serious. "It wasn't a joke. I come bringing my report. Adel has been put down, he is no longer a threat. As expected the Estharians nominated a new leader to take his place. That leader is me. I come to you today General, not as a soldier under you anymore. But as your enemies president."
Caraway's mouth was hanging open. "You are serious."
"Completely," Laguna didn't drop the formal tone once. "But this is all good news. It is in Esthar, and Galbadia as well, for us to become allies. I think we can work well together."
Caraway sat back down in his chair. "Laguna I wouldn't like anything more than doing that. But I gotta ask what if I say no?"
Laguna sighed, he was hoping it wasn't gonna come to this. "We have long ranged missiles that can hit anywhere in Galbadia. We can take out any place we want with a push of a button. I strongly suggest, we become allies."
Caraway nodded. "I would like that, I would. But it's not just my choice. I have to bring it up to the president."
"I understand," Laguna told him.
"Any conditions?" Caraway asked.
"Just one." Laguna paused for a moment. "Not as a president, just as an old time friend and soldier. My daughter is missing. I know she is in an orphanage but I don't know where. I will keep looking but I was hoping you could look throughout Galbadia. It would be much faster if you did it, and I really want my daughter back. You understand right?"
Before Caraway could respond, a side door was pushed open and a little five-year-old girl with black hair ran in. She hugged the general's leg. "Daddy guess what?"
Caraway looked at Laguna. "I understand completely." He turned back to his daughter. "Rinoa, I'm in a meeting."
Rinoa turned to Laguna. "I'm sorry."
Laguna smiled at the little girl. "That's alright. How old are you."
"I've five!" she shouted.
"And a very pretty five-year-old, aren't you," Laguna's voice taking excitement.
"Uh huh," Rinoa nodded her head twisting her body back and forth as she talked. "My daddy says I'm the prettiest girl he knows."
"I hope not." Laguna's head turned to the door again as a beautiful woman walked in. She saw Laguna. "Oh I'm sorry. I thought you didn't have any meetings dear."
"I didn't Julia," Caraway answered her. "This was last minute."
"I see," Julia reached out her hand. "Come on honey, leave these boring old men to their work."
Laguna smiled. "I'm boring and old now."
Julia looked at Laguna to say she didn't mean offense by it when she realized who it really was. "Laguna…I thought…you died."
Laguna patted his sides. "That's apparently the thing around here."
"You know him dear." Caraway asked his wife.
Julia nodded. "Long ago, we kinda we seeing each other."
"Oh really," Caraway turned his attention back to Laguna.
Laguna scratched the back of his head. "Seeing as in, I watched her play at the hotel and was too nervous to talk to her. Besides I'm married myself…or rather was."
"I'm sorry," Julia said quietly. "What was her name?"
"Raine," Laguna told them. "She died when I was in Esthar. The neighbors sent my daughter away to an orphanage. I really need to get my daughter back. That's one reason why I'm here."
"James you're gonna help him right?"
"Oh course," Caraway replied quickly. "Laguna I will use every possible connection I have to find your daughter."
"Thank you general," Laguna said seriously looking him in the eye. He put a slip of paper on his desk. "That is my personal number, I know we will speak again in the future. Please take care."
"Bye mister." Rinoa called out.
Laguna squatted down. "It was nice to me you, I hope we see each other again."
"I hope so too," Rinoa smiled a toothy grin.
Laguna gave her one in return before turning around and leaving.
End Flashback
"Wow you've met Laguna before," Zell said amazed by that.
"I guess so," Rinoa was also shocked by that. She would never remember one of her dad's meetings. To her it was just another day. It was really strange to think that she met Laguna before.
"Then what?" Selphie asked pressing Laguna to continue his story.
"Well then I went back to work in Esthar." Laguna continued. "Kiros would go out from time to time and search for Ellone. He never found her though. It wasn't until a year later when I randomly got a call from your father, Rinoa."
"He told you where Ellone was?"
"He told me that a girl by that name was in an orphanage down on the tip of Centra." Laguna chuckled. "None of us ever expected her to be down there. Needless to say, I quickly grabbed Kiros and Ward and headed down to Centra."
"And then you found them?" Rinoa asked.
"Well it was actually kinda funny."
Flashback (Last one you'll ever have to deal with)
Laguna was walking down the dirt road with Kiros and Ward at his side. He was trying to remain calm. He wanted to just run to the orphanage but from past experiences he didn't want to get his hopes up. He felt like this was his last chance. If Ellone wasn't here he would've checked everywhere. Maybe she was already adopted. In Laguna's eyes she was perfect. Who wouldn't want to adopt her?
Suddenly he felt something for the briefest of seconds on his leg, right where his pocket was. He quickly spun around and reached out to grab a person's hand. He saw that it was a little boy with brown hair and sharp blue eyes. The boy had Laguna's wallet in his small hand.
Laguna sighed, he hated seeing kids resort to such matters. Then he felt a pounding on his side. Holding onto the first boy he looked over his shoulder to see another boy with dirty blonde hair.
"Let my friend go you big bully!"
Laguna chuckled slightly as Kiros walked over and picked up the other boy. "That's rude." He told him.
Laguna turned back to the other boy who just stared at him wide-eyed and scared.
"May I have my wallet back?" Laguna asked him sweetly.
He nodded and dropped it into Laguna's other hand. "I'm sorry…it's just I wanted to buy my sis something nice."
"Your sis?" Laguna repeated letting the boy go. "That's a kind thing for you to do. But this is the wrong way. You can't steal other people's money."
"I know," The boy put his head down ashamed. After a moment he started sniffling a little.
Even though the boy just tried to rob Laguna, he couldn't help but feel his heart soften seeing him cry.
"Tell me about your sister," Laguna quickly said to perk up the boy.
"She's nice and sweet and beautiful and smart and-"
Laguna laughed cutting him off. "Well you love her a lot don't you?" The boy nodded. "What's her name?"
"Ellone."
Laguna froze hearing the name. It couldn't be. There was no way it was the same Ellone this kid was talking about.
"Squall there you are!"
Laguna looked back down the dirt road to see a small girl with brown hair walk up. She stopped in her tracks seeing Laguna.
"Un-Uncle Laguna?"
Laguna smiled brightly as a tear slipped down his cheek. "Ellone."
The two ran towards each other and Laguna picked up the girl and swung her around. "Look how big you are!"
"Uncle Laguna!" She hugged him tightly never wanting to let go again.
"I'm sorry angel, I really am." He set her back down. "I've been looking for you so long. I checked everywhere but I couldn't find you. Are you ready to come home?"
Ellone's face suddenly lilt up in remembrance. She ran over and stood next to Squall. She put an encouraging arm around his shoulder. "Uncle Laguna. This is Squall…he's my brother."
"Brother like you met him here?" Laguna asked.
Ellone shook his head. "No, he's my brother because mommy had him."
Laguna realized that she wasn't the cute four-year-old anymore. She was older and growing up in an orphanage made her act way over the age of ten.
"Well he can come too then." Laguna said still smiling. Not believing that Raine had a baby. That he had a son. It was just so unreal feeling. He would straighten everything out later. He just wanted Ellone back and would do anything it would take.
"I don't wanna go." Squall whined to Ellone.
"Squall don't you want to live in a family."
Squall glared at Laguna. "You say he's our father and our father loved us, but he left us here. Why would he do that if he loved us?"
Squall quickly ran away not waiting for an answer. The other boy struggled free from Kiros and chased after Squall.
"Give him time Laguna," Kiros advised. "It is a lot to take in."
"You're telling me."
End Flashback
"You jerk Squall!" Rinoa accused.
"Me," Squall said defensively. "What did you expect?"
Laguna laughed. "Anyways he did eventually come. Well I also had to bring Zidane because Squall just wouldn't leave his friend behind."
"You went back to Esthar?" Selphie asked.
Laguna nodded. "Yeah until they were older. Zidane didn't want me taking care of him and wanted to be on his own. Squall didn't want to live in the big palace and big city anymore. So I made a deal with the advisors there. I would be able to live back in Balamb, and raise my family like a normal parent. Kiros or Ward usually stayed in charge the whole time. Sometimes it would be left to the parliament we set up."
"How come people didn't recognize you?" Selphie asked.
"Well I mean Esthar didn't really want to make it too public about the resistance and the revolution. People knew one happened but not in full details. I never made speeches either, could you see me doing that. Kiros always spoke and I would just be a face basically. So some would recognize me but I mean I have a common kinda of face.
"Laguna you are about as one-of-a-kind as they come."
He laughed. "Oh well, guess luck then."
"So you came back to Balamb to live a normal life." Rinoa understood that. She knew how hard it could be when your parents were famous.
"Yes but the deal has to end sometime," Laguna told them. "After this year we're going back to Esthar."
"I'm sorry what?" Rinoa asked shocked.
"Ugh, Laguna you weren't supposed to say that." Squall groaned.
"You said explain everything," Laguna frowned.
"Everything in the past. Not the future."
"So Squall this has been another thing you've been hiding from me." Rinoa growled.
"Hey wait a second," Squall held up his hands. "I was going to tell you."
Rinoa stood from her chair. "So I am just some fling to you then. Get a couple months out of me and then move away."
"Hyne woman why are you so insecure about us." Squall slapped his forehead. "I was going to invite you with us after. I was going to invite everyone in this room. There are plenty of jobs we can find under my father. That's what Zidane was talking about. He is going to come back as well, that way he won't have to worry about hiding."
"Oh so you're inviting all of us?" Irvine looked a little puzzled.
Squall nodded. "You don't have to go, I'm not forcing you. But the option is on the table. What chance do we have to get into college anyways? And what job could we find with our reputation. Esthar will be a new start to our lives."
"Zell you knew about this?" Rinoa directed at the blonde.
He was leaning back in his chair. "…Yeah."
"How could you keep this a secret?"
"Squall told me too." He replied simply.
"So there you go Rinoa," Squall said. "All your questions have been answered."
"Not yet." Rinoa turned back to Laguna. "Why is my father here and what are you two doing?"
"Ah right almost forgot about that." Laguna shifted in his chair to face her. "Well you see, we figured something had to be done about all the orphans in the world. We came up with a plan, and Balamb in going to be the test."
"This is news to me," Squall announced sitting up.
"Yes we haven't told any of the public yet."
"So what is it?" Zell asked curious since he didn't know this either.
"Well we are making a school. We are calling it Garden. Kids of all ages, from all over the world that are homeless or in orphanages. Will be sent to this school. They will have a place to stay as well as get an education for later in life, when they will be able to get their own jobs and hopefully their own families."
"Laguna that is such a good idea!" Selphie clapped.
He smiled. "I know, I came up with it and told James about it. He instantly liked the idea and we put it into action as soon as he found a replacement for his old job."
"So that's why we moved here." Rinoa said more to herself than anyone.
"Yup," Laguna answered anyways. "It's why you moved across the street. Don't get me wrong, we didn't expect you and Squall to fall for each other. Actually James wasn't too fond of Squall at first. Troublemaker, ya know?"
"Yes I know," Rinoa gave Squall a look before turning back to Laguna. "That definitely clears things up though."
"Well that's great." Laguna stood up. "Well I have some business to attend to. I don't really have to hide it anymore. I gotta go see James."
"Alright thanks for telling me everything," Rinoa said.
He waved as he walked out the door.
"So what do you guys wanna do today?" Rinoa asked the gang.
Selphie smiled meekly. "Well actually Irvine was going to take me out shopping."
Rinoa smiled. "That's fine, you guys have fun."
Selphie stood up and Irvine followed. As he did Zell made a whipping sound. Irvine sagged his shoulders, he didn't have a comeback. He knew this made him seem extremely whipped.
"Come on Irvine," Selphie called stepping out the door. "There is a new lingerie store, I'll try stuff on."
Irvine smiled turning back to the group. "Well no offense gentlemen…but you can go fuck yourselves."
When they were gone Zell looked back and forth between Squall and Rinoa. He jumped to his feet. "Well I think it's time I left."
Squall laughed. "Oh and where you going."
"Library." Zell said stretching.
"You read?" Rinoa joked.
"Hell no," Zell laughed walking towards the door. "But there is this wicked cute girl working there."
"The pig-tailed one." Rinoa laughed. "I don't know Zell, I think she goes for more studious people."
"Hey, hey," Zell pointed a finger at Rinoa. "I have the bad boy thing going on. She'll love me."
"Whatever just go," Squall said waving his hand.
He smiled and gave a salute before stepping out the door. He got on his bike and sped away.
Rinoa stood up and walked over to the couch. She knelt down on either side of him so she was straddling him. She leaned in and gave him a deep kiss. It lasted a couple seconds before she pulled back.
"What was that for?"
"For being with me."
Rinoa laid her head against his chest and felt as his arms wrapped around her. He kissed the top of her head before resting his chin on it. Rinoa always loved how he was so sweet to her. She always heard how he treated people terribly. Not caring for anyone but himself. But she knew the real him, the one who cared deeply about his friends. The one who even took their future into his hands. That was the Squall she knew.
She was happy everything worked out. She would never have figured that when she first came here, her life would've taken this turn of events. She always thought Squall was handsome, but to actually fall for him. She never would've imagined. Then for the whole AJ thing to happen. Her life was definitely more hectic then she could ever remember. Yet it just made her realize how much she really did love Squall.
"So uh Rin?"
"Yeah."
"How about you go get some lingerie and-Ow"
Rinoa slapped him. "Seriously get your mind out of the gutter."
"You don't even know what I was gonna say."
"Right like it's so hard to guess."
"Maybe I was gonna say go get some and we'll burn it together because I love how you look no matter what."
Rinoa gave him a doubtful look. "Uh huh."
Sometimes she wondered why she loved him so much.
"…Fine, excuse me for finding you sexy and extremely attractive. I can't help it that I always lose my mind seeing you dressed in that stuff."
Then again, other times she knew exactly why she loved him so much.
"Good cover," she kissed him on the lips before getting off of him.
"Where ya going?" he asked watching her walk out the door.
She turned her head so her hair covered most of her eyes and she gave him the sexiest smile she could. "To get the lingerie…isn't that what you want?"
She left and could here him shout from outside. Rinoa wasn't sure about everything in her life but she was sure on a couple things. She was definitely in love with Squall. He was just so unpredictable and fun. That and she knew how deeply he cared about her. The second thing she knew in her life, was how great and exciting all her friends where. She couldn't imagine living without them now. And third, just how crazy her life was. Only being in Balamb for almost two months, and she already had her life accelerate ten times faster. But she wouldn't give it up for the world.
"Rinoa!" She turned around to see Squall in the door.
She smiled, did he just want to see me again?
"Get that red one!"
Rinoa's smiled instantly faded. "I'll get baggy sweatpants and three jackets for all I care!" She shouted back and watched as his smiled instantly faded. Let's see you make something up to flatter me again. It better be good or you're getting nothing.
"Baby you know all I gotta see is your face to feel like the luckiest man in the world. I don't care if you wear a cardboard box, as long as I could see that beautiful face and those gorgeous eyes."
"…Lucky bastard." Rinoa stormed into her house.
Squall laughed. He just loved messing with her the whole time. He didn't care what she dressed in as long as she was with him. Squall had a terrible life and hated most of it. The best thing was when Rinoa came into his life. He now just had to try as hard as possible not to fuck it up.
He saw as Rinoa's room's window opened up. She stuck her hand out holding an extremely skimpy outfit.
"This the one!"
Squall smiled. "I love you!" He shouted as loud as he could. His voice echoing throughout the neighborhood. Rinoa flushed not wanting the attention and ducked back inside slamming the window shut.
And he really did love her, more than anything in the world. People never thought that Squall Leonhart would ever fall love. They thought he would always be a punk and troublemaker. But they were wrong. He couldn't imagine a life with Rinoa.
He already knew, that they were going to spend the rest of their lives together.
THE END
Prepare for a long ending note.
Well for better or for worse that was my first multi-chapter ff8 fic. I've been writing this for a long time and I am sad and happy at the same time to see it come to an end. It took a lot to do and you can see my progress throughout the fic. I mean I hope to God I got better over the years right? Ah who cares, its fun either way.
First I would like to thank my beta Fallout1990. As it is so obvious to see in the beginning. That without a beta this fic would just be filled with so many errors. I am happy that he is following me on with my other fics.
Second I have to thank all you reviewers. You guys know how much you mean and how encouraging you are. This fic honestly might not have happened if it wasn't for all the support I got from you guys.
Third well…I thank anyone who has simply just read this fic. I hope you enjoyed it and even if I never heard from you. I'm happy to write something that gives you joy. If you read this fic and you did hate it well…go fuck yourselfs…kidding. I doubt you would've read this far anyways.
Still for all those that have read this fic. It would be nice to get one last review. For old times sake. Also if you read this and it has been years after its been done. Well I still would appreciate getting a review. Hell I would be so pumped if I was 50 and got a review from this fic. So if you read this, no matter how old, it would be nice to review.
It would be great if you checked out my other fics. I just started a new one called God's Forsaken Land. Its about a war in Balamb and it could be my next biggest work. So check it out.
Okay so one down, two more to go.
-Freyjadour