You Look So Good In Love

Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy of any number or any of their respective characters; though I wouldn't mind finding Reno or Irvine in my bed after a long day of classes ^____~ I don't own the song in the fic either.

A/N: This is my first FFVIII fic, and for the pairings, you'll just have to read, ne? And the song is "You Look So Good In Love" by George Strait.

NOTE: this story was deleted by me on the general list and reposted here. nothing has been changed from the original post.


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You Look So Good In Love

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I had to do it. You were so unhappy, but you didn’t want to hurt me. You are my Knight. You must have always been thinking that you couldn’t deny me anything, including your love. But, as your Sorceress, how could I even begin to think of doing that to you? I’d rather die than force you into a relationship you are in no way of wanting. It was only wishful thinking on my part. I guess it is pretty cliché to think that the damsel always gets the knight. So I had to let you go. I could see that you were hurt, but I also saw something in your eyes that you might not have recognized in your own heart: relief. The decision had been taken out of your hands, and I had set you free. You’re still my Knight, but you are not my love.

Oh how you sparkle
And oh how you shine
The flush on your cheeks
Is more than the wine
And he must do something
That I didn’t do
Whatever he’s doing
It looks good on you

Garden is throwing this wonderful party for your birthday. Nothing but the best for the Commander of Balamb Garden. I saw you in the hallway this morning, and surprisingly enough, you were smiling. It was such an honest smile, I was jealous at nothing for a moment. I didn’t have a clue as to what had put that smile on your face; all I knew is that I could have never done it, and in that hallway, I asked myself why? I resigned myself to finding out what had made you so happy.

The day went on as usual. Classes came and went, the meals, the meetings, and in between, whenever I had the chance, I studied you. The smile had faded, but the slant of your lips was different. It wasn’t that closed, guarded line it used to be, merely a natural close of the lips. I felt kind of bad following you around, as if I was invading your privacy, which in a way, I guess I was. I was actually about to give up on ever finding out your secret when your smooth gait faltered mid-step. And there, a slight flash of eyes that held something in their depths, though your mouth remained unchanged. My vantage point was obscured by the acquaintance in your path. A duster and a cowboy hat; Irvine.

And now the party is in full swing. Laguna has given his fatherly speech, Quitis her Instructor speech, and Selphie her friend speech. I hold back because I don’t feel right; it hasn’t been that long since I set you free. The dancing has commenced, and though you are not dancing, I don’t think you’d rather be anywhere else. You are sitting at your table, your fingers laced around the stem of your wine glass, your eyes on the man in duster and cowboy hat. From here, I can see a slight flush to your cheeks. Even if I wanted to chock it up to the alcohol, I can’t help but see the way Irvine is smiling at you, as if he’s just told you that you are the cutest thing in all three Gardens. I guess Irvine really does have the charm.

You look so good in love
You want him
That’s easy to see
You look so good in love
And I wish
You still wanted me

You’re absolutely breathtaking tonight! Not even Zell’s drunken stupor has taken the small smile from your face that Irvine has undoubtedly put there. Everyone else may be too sloshed to see it, which may be why you’re wearing it at all; however, you can’t fool me. I know you. I know every mood, color, nuance of your soul. And I can tell you’re finally happy. You’re finally happy…with him.

And I’m happy for you.

He must have stolen
Some stars from the sky
And gave them to you
To wear in your eyes
I had my chances
But I set you free
And now I’m wondering
Why I couldn’t see

Your normally gray eyes have turned a piercing blue. I can see the lights from the room reflecting the emotions that are swimming inside you. Even the most stone-faced warrior can give himself away with his eyes, but yours were always so cold and distant that it was as if not even the sun could bounce off of them. And yet, somehow, tonight anyone who looked could see the brilliant color and depth of your stare, but would anyone notice whom you are staring at? No, because they think they know you. But then again, most of them thought you and I would end up happily ever after, right? When we didn’t, you’d have thought they would have realized some things are not as they seem.

And without really knowing myself, I saw that you were somehow dying inside. Like a plant deprived of sunlight, you slowly became remote and wilted from what I knew you could be, and I decided that it was my fault. Watching you tonight, I know that to be true. It was my fault, and knowing this, I know I made the right decision letting you go, even if I am a little remorseful. I will admit that I still love you, and I would gladly hold you in my arms once again. Yet, I believe this is best. Because…

You look so good in love
You want him
That’s easy to see
You look so good in love
And I wish
You still wanted me

I walk over to your table, and you look at me. I see a little wariness shadow your eyes, and I can’t help but laugh a little. I ask Irvine if I can borrow you for a moment. He looks at me in a puzzled way. Ah, a secret romance, huh? Well, I was never one to kiss and tell either. I link my arm in yours and guide you to the balcony doors. As you open them, the stars light the night, casting us in a soft glow. And more than anything, I want to wrap my arms around you and tell you how much I love you. But instead, I smile at your confused expression and take your hand in mine.

“Darling, I’ve wasted a lot of years not seeing the real you, but tonight your beauty is shining through. And I never took the time to let you know, so before he takes you away, please let me say…”

You look so good in love
You want him
That’s easy to see
You look so good in love
And I wish
You still wanted me

You look at me expectantly, and suddenly I see recognition grace your features. You know that I know. But do you know that I’m happy you’ve found what you’ve been searching for, ever since your orphan days? You’ve come so far from the closed off little kid of your youth that I could never be jealous of Irvine. In fact, I’m so grateful to him for what he has given you. And though so many things want to slip off of my tongue, I think there’s only one that might let you know that I love you as well as wish you all the happiness in the world with Irvine.

“…You look so good in love, Squall.”

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A/N 2: That little speech Rinoa gave [“Darling,…”] is actually a spoken part of the song ^_^