I... this kinda came about while replaying FF8 over again and getting to that part at the Sorceress Memorial. You know, where Squall saves Rinoa and they have their OMG LOL SPECIAL HUG? Yeah, that one. And I had this kind of cracked idea, and finally wrote it. ...Like, just now; I shit you not. SO OOOBVIOUSLY this is unbetaed and generally quite spur-of-the-moment.

way to ruin the moment

Rinoa looks out from behind the transparent sealing material to see Squall coming toward her. Part of her is upset by this, because she knows what her being a sorceress could mean; the reason she came here was to protect her friends and, for that matter, the whole world. But a larger part of her is relieved that he's here to rescue her, because she's never quite been one to put up with being kept in one place for too long.

She smiles at him, tears forming in her eyes but not falling. She watches as he makes frustrated gestures; she cannot hear him. Finally, she sees him do the one possible thing he can think of: break the wires with his gunblade.

It takes a moment for the machines to give and for Rinoa to realize she's free, and for a split second she isn't sure what to do. But, like Squall, she chooses the only option she can see, and that option is to leap out of the sealer. As she does, she stumbles, but quickly catches herself and runs for Squall. He's her hero (again), and since he wouldn't hug her on the Ragnarok, then by-freaking-golly, he's going to now.

"Squall!" she calls out, and watches as he turns to face her, a somewhat surprised look on his face.

As she gets closer, she looks forward to falling into his arms, to feel safe once again, to know that she can continue on with her friends on their quest.

The steps seem so long, but she's getting closer, closer. She's only inches away now...

THUNK!

"...Ouch, damnit!" she growls when she finally catches her breath. Falling to the ground so hard had knocked the wind out of her. Still on the ground and supported by her elbows, she looks up at Squall and glares fiercely, her now messy hair hanging in her eyes. "Way to step forward and catch me, you jerk."

At least he has the courtesy to help her up.