Re: Rinoa and OPEN - 10:45ish
Oh, Rinoa was sure that Squall was the reason she'd been invited, or at least part of it. Sadly this wasn't the sort of thing you sorted out over one party, and honest to god, she'd thought Squall knew she was around. It wasn't exactly like she'd been subtle, after all, because she didn't want him to be blindsided like this. A bit late for that now, but at least they were talking and not taking each other's heads off. She remembered how she left well enough. The only thing of his she still had was his ring, and since he'd never asked for it back, she supposed it was hers to keep.
Finally realizing what she was doing, Rinoa let her hand drop, tucking it into her pocket so she'd stop fidgeting. She couldn't help it; her nerves were getting the best of her. "Timber is really thriving," she said. "It's been really awesome to see and be a part of it. And you know Zone and Watts, they were glad to have me back." They'd also threatened to kick Squall's ass for how their relationship ended, but she'd talked them out of that. Squall would have handed the boys their heads on a silver platter.
Her wine was running out, but Rinoa didn't dare get another glass. She didn't drink often enough to have any sort of tolerance and she wasn't about to get drunk in front of him. "You really are suited for the job," she said, and she meant that. "Organized, efficient, with balls of steel. Everything the leader of SeeD needs." Which was the honest to Hyne truth. Squall had always been good at his job. Pity his job had always come before her.