Long Train Home(Open)

[Rinoa Heartilly]

The train slowly came to a stop at the station, releasing a long stream of smoke from either side of it. As passengers walked out, Rinoa was seem among them. Looking around as she waited for Angelo to make her way beside her, the young girl released a sigh before continuing towards the exit. Her trip to Deling City hadn't gone the way she had wanted it, but at least she knew that her father was ok. That was at least something she could rest easy by knowing.

"Still...I wish I could have worked up the nerve to talk to him...Maybe even...."

Hearing Angelo whimper as she rubbed her nose against her hand, Riona smiled lightly before kneeling down and rubbing the head of her furry companion. Even if things never were the same between father and herself, she still had her friends and Squall. Perhaps that was enough. But one day...she would face him again, she just hoped it was before he was on his death bed.

[Squall Leonhart]

Squall Leonhart was waiting at the train station for Rinoa Heartilly. It had been quite some time since he had least seen. Honestly, he had missed her greatly still it was something that Squall wouldn't say or admit... At least not in front of people. After the defeat of Ultimecia everyone started to see Squall as this friendly, loving guy which sadly he kind of was. Now it was like everywhere he turned in the Garden people wanted to talk to him, wanted to be friends with him. Squall liked people, even the annoying Zell who was one of his bad friends. Again, he would never tell anyone that.

Squall was afraid of letting people down, but most importantly losing those close to him. So he use to think that life would be much easier if he came off as a cold person. That way people would stray away from and he would never feel the pain of losing someone again. Rinoa had changed that, she showed him that he needed others. Still, Squall was a little hesitant when it came to opening up, but he was trying. I'm not good at these type of things... I should have let Selphie or Quistis come meet Rinoa... What if she's not ready to see me? What am I suppose to do? ...They're right. I do think too much.

From girlfriend to just friends, these relationships were entirely new. What was he suppose to do when he saw Rinoa again? Give her a hug? He slightly rubbed his head as he placed his right hand over his forehead, sighing. Squall was going to just go back to the Garden and get Selphie to pick up Rinoa, but it was too late. The train had just arrived and people were getting off. When Rinoa had met her way of the train a small smile played across Squall's face as he lifted his hand to draw her attention. "Rinoa... Uh, I... missed you."

[Rinoa Heartilly]

"It will be ok...Im happy...see?"

As she did her best to calm Angelo, the young female looked up as she heard a familiar voice call her name. It was soft, muffled within the crowded station, yet she would have known it origin from anywhere. Rising up as she looked around, she then spotted him, with a smile on his face no less. Riona stared at him for a brief moment, then smiled back as she waved her hand as well.

While Angelo barked happily, Rinoa made a light dash towards him, slowing herself down as she closed the distance between herself and Squall. Closing her eyes, she hugged him tightly, almost as if she hadn't seen him in years. But maybe it had been the events of previous ventures that made her feel the urge to express her care towards her loved ones. Squall was indeed one of those people that she was close too.

Pulling back quickly, the girl looked up towards him with a smirk as she ran her hand through her hair.

"I missed you too...But you didn't have to come all the way out here...I know how busy you are.."

[Squall Leonhart]

She's smiling... She did want to see me. As Rinoa made her way to Squall it was as if everything else was standing still. He was focus on the only person he wanted to see, the only person that he wanted to hear; Rinoa. He stood there counting the footsteps it would take for her to reach him and finally be back in his arms. Okay, maybe it wasn't that many, but he really did miss Rinoa. As she hugged him, Squall returned the embrace. Still the same Rinoa and he wouldn't change anything about her. "... I haven't been that busy lately and i'm still under your contract until Timber's independence, remember?"

Besides, you always make time for those who are important to you. Sadly, he had been making too much time with Selphie. But now with Rinoa back Squall could push Selphie on to her. Squall kneeled down to give Angelo a nice big hug as well before looking back up at Rinoa. "...And who said I came to get you. I'm here for Angelo, you just happen to be with him." Yes, that was Squall sad attempt at humor. It was something that he was still working on, but slowly getting better so you would have to bare with him. He stood back up, placing his hands in his pockets.

"... How was your trip?"

[Rinoa Heartilly]

Wrapping one arm over her chest, Rinoa allowed the other hand to curl into a fist and rest gently under her head. Smirking as a small giggle escaped from her, the young girl took in this observations, shaking her head as she listed them off with her fingers.

"Your smiling, making attempts at jokes, Selphie has really been working you over hasn't she?"

Standing on her toes, she managed to kiss him lightly on the cheek before moving back and winking towards him in the way she always did.

"I'll have to thank her for helping in your development of a sense of humor. Makes my work a lot easier..."

Watching as he hugged Angelo, Rinoa listened to his question and let her smile somewhat fade as she knew her trip hadn't exactly been all fun. While she had gone to try and talk to her father, she also went to see what was the status of the Galbadia without it's president. It appeared almost as though the land was standing still. Deling City was eerily quiet and it seemed as if nothing was being done, nothing that had been made public at least. All her suriviving sources in Timber had nothing to report, which almost made her believe that the nation had simply given up all ties to its possessed territories. Did that mean that Timber was free?

"Not as benefiting as I was hoping...Nothing seems to be happening within the capital and the army is pretty much staying where it is. If they are trying to elect a new president, they aren't addressing it to the public and are keeping it behind locked doors..."

Crossing her arms, Rinoa frowned as she hated being out of the loop on anything. This especially since it prevented her from making any plans to actually liberate Timber, as she had promised to help do so. While she could ask SeeD to make a move now, there was no target to strike against. The seat of power was empty, which meant that an attack wasn't needed. Perhaps maybe more political approaches would have to be involved now, and not the services of rebels and mercenaries...

[Squall Leonhart]

It would seemed that Selphie was actually rubbing off on him. Sadly, Selphie had her ways to make Squall do almost anything she wanted him to. She was just too cute to deny and not to mention she would give you that sad 'puppy' dog look. That look made Squall feel like even more of a bigger jerk then he really was. As she kissed him on the cheek Squall's cheek turned red from the blush. "Working me over? More like dragging me to a slow death."

Selphie was like a little sister to Squall so no matter how much she annoyed him he still loved her. And Squall had strong reason to believe that Selphie knew she could easily take advantage of him. "Thought I had a pretty good sense of humor... I do deal with Zell and Irvine..." He shrugged slightly. It seemed so long ago since Squall and company first SeeD mission. Still, after all that has happen they were still under contract by the Timber Owls. He highly doubted that Galbadia would make a move since they have not elected a new president.

Squall could see the frown on Rinoa's face and knew this was one of those times that he had to be positive. Not just as a leader, but also as a boyfriend. He have to choose his words wisely for he would hate for her to snap his head off like that time in the forest just on the outskirts of the Galbadia Garden. "Don't worry. Galbadia won't make a move. After the whole altercation with Ultimecia, I think the last thing Galbadia would want to do is cause more trouble. They'll wait until everything returns back to normal..." ...I hope... Ultimecia... Squall would wait until they got back to the Garden before he told Rinoa that Ultimecia was alive again. "I better get you back. Selphie will have my head if she knew I was keeping you to myself."

[Rinoa Heartilly]

Riona hoped that Squall was right. After all, things had seemed so strained and quiet that she really didn't even trust her own judgment too much lately. But even if there was no movement from Galbadia, did that really mean that the danger was over? The young girl wanted to think so, but somehow, she had a feeling that she would simply be kidding herself. Yet these were thoughts for another time. Riona didn't want to ruin this moment.

"Would that be so bad? You did say you missed me right?"

Riona laughed lightly as as she moved herself beside the young hero, smiling as she knew he didn't like being teased. But she loved the way he always go so flustered. But then, that was because they were somewhat opposite of each other. Though she knew that Squall could be fun too when he wanted to be. The proof of that had just been displayed at her arrival.

"So whats been happening since I left?"

[Squall Leonhart]

Keeping Rinoa to himself would not have been bad at all. Of course Squall did not mind having his alone time with Rinoa, he loved it. Considering that Selphie has been pretty bored after all the events involving Ultimecia, he had strong reason to believe that she would jump at the thought of taking his head. Not to mention that Irvine would glad help in anything Selphie did. But he would not have a problem protecting himself against Irvine. For some reason, Squall did not find Irvine as cute and 'helpless' as Selphie.

"I did say that... Okay, but you'll have to deal with Selphie if she finds out I've kept you to myself for a while." Put the blame on someone else? Sounded like a great idea. Besides, Selphie would not do anything to Rinoa... Hopefully. As she drew closer to him Squall, once again, was unsure what to do. He was a little hesitant, but he finally just placed his arm around her shoulder. "... The Garden was attacked by some unknown creatures. So it's been... Eventful."

[Rinoa Heartilly]

Feeling his arm rest around her, Rinoa looked up towards Squall as she heard him mention an attack upon the garden. That was unsettling and caused a look of concern to appear on her face. Unknown creatures? What could have caused it?

"Was anyone hurt?"

That was her first question out of everything else that was going through her mind. The safety of others came first to her, the situation was second. Stubborn as she was, lives were of higher value than anything else. Especially if she could have done something to help. This attack made her wish that she had just stayed in Balamb instead of trying to find out about what was going on outside of it.

[Squall Leonhart]

The Garden was attack by unknown creatures. It was an eventful day, but it was not anything that the Garden could not handle. Still, they had no clue why these creatures just suddenly attack the Garden. "No one was seriously hurt... A few scratches and bruises, but nothing life threatening." Honestly, it was an eye opener for Squall. It made him realize how much he hated his leadership role and why he preffered to be alone. In a battle someone could be taken away from you in a blink of an eye. That was why Squall tried to keep to himself, but as you see he failed.

"I've never seen creatures like that... I'm sure they're not from our world." Maybe the creatures had came back with Squall from his unplanned trip to Gaia? They could have easily slip through the portal without Squall knowing. But the question remained; why would these creatures attack Garden. Maybe they had sensed something on Squall or maybe it was a planned attack by some unknown force... "A lot has happen while you were away... I'm... glad you're back."

[Rinoa Heartilly]

Smiling somewhat, Rinoa moved from beside Squall and began walking backwards so that she was facing him directly. She could see he was telling the truth, but she could also see there was alot more going on up in his head than just her return. This attack on the Garden must have had him somewhat shaken, maybe even alittle unsure of his abilities as its commander. But she was sure that it could have been much worse if he hadn't been in charge, that she knew for certain to be a fact.

"Glad to be back...So when do we go investigate what happened?"

Keeping the smile on her face, Rinoa continued to look at the young mercenary while awaiting his response. There was no way they could not ignore something like this. Whatever was happening had to be checked out, so who better than SeeDs best? But could she really consider herself a member of SeeD? The girl really didn't see why not? While she wasn't really trained for the position, she could very well fight with the best of them.

[Squall Leonhart]

As she started to walk in front of him, Squall lowered his head toward the ground. Of course he was once again lost in his own thoughts. Life as a SeeD, as a mercenary just did not suit him well. Sadly, it was one of the only things he was good at. Even if he were to quit this lifestyle there was no guarantee that his friends would follow. It was best to fight and try to protect those he cared for. He raised his head and was met with Rinoa's beatiful smile. He rubbed the back of his neck and smiled slightly.

"... We'll investigate soon. There's just so much to do between these portals to other worlds, those creatures, and Ul--Maintaining the Garden."

There was one thing that Squall was sure of... Investigating would only lead to trouble. He did not want Rinoa to get involved, but trying to prevent her would be pointless. She was just as stubborn as Selphie. Fortunately, it was one of the traits Squall loved about Rinoa. How was Squall suppose to handle all of this? It would be best if he did this alone just in case something were to happen to Garden. He was positive the gang could take care of any problem that came their way. "I'm going to Trabia alone... It's were I saw the first portal so maybe i'll find some answers there..."

[Rinoa Heartilly]

"Hold up..."

Stretching her hand out in front of her, Rinoa stopped in her tracks before Squall, using her out reached arm to halt his movements as well. A shocked expression was imprinted on her face, staring up into his eyes as she shook her head in disapproval. Was he serious? He couldn't really plan on going out alone, especially now.

"You're kidding right? The Garden was just under attack and you want to go off to Trabia alone!? We need you here! Send someone else to go!"

Honestly, she was worried. Rinoa could already tell by his tone that he didn't want her involved, but that didn't mean he needed to go out into danger by himself. There were a lot of others that could go, could he really want to risk his life at a time like this? What would everyone do without him there?

[Squall Leonhart]

When she stepped in front of him, Squall knew it was coming. She did not like the idea of him going alone or going at all. He quickly averted his eyes elsewhere so that he would not be looking her in the eyes. He could bare to look in her eyes and go against her wishes... He had changed a lot. It was his job as the headmaster to keep Garden safe. He was not going to dare send someone into a dangerous situation when he could go himself. He would feel completely better if he went and checked it out himself anyway.

"...I'll take Zell with me... The Garden will be in safe hands with Quistis until I return."

That was the only answer and reassurance that he could give her. Quistis was fully capable of handling the Garden while Squall was away. Besides, she would have the rest of the gang and Xu to help out if needed be. He turned back to her with a stern look upon his face. She could not change his mind on the subject at hand. Before she could even mention it Squall opened his mouth to speak again: "You're staying at Garden with Selphie and Quistis..." She definitely would not like that. Squall was not trying to come off bossy he just did not want Rinoa to get hurt. It was much safer for her to stay at Garden just in case they did run into trouble.

[Rinoa Heartilly]

There it was, the proof that he didn't want her to go. It was so bad that he was actually planning to take Zell over her. Wasn't she capable of defending herself? Hadn't she already shown that she could stand toe to toe with some of the most dangerous creatures out there. Not only that, but was she supposed to be an all powerful mage? Rinoa wasn't who he needed to be worried about, it was himself.

Crossing her arms over her chest, the young woman glared towards Squall as she leaned forwards.

"No...I'm going with you and Zell...."

Her tone was serious, just like his and she had no intention of backing down from this. She could be just as stubborn as he was, which was one of the things that brought them together, and made them always at each others throats at times. Rinoa wasn't about to let him go off somewhere dangerous and leave her to worry about him. She did enough of that the last time they were separated.

"You can't really plan to go out there with just Zell?!"