Rinoa couldn't help but laugh softly as she was enveloped in hugs, not at all protesting as she returned them. It was to be expected when dealing with Laguna. She flushed slightly at the older man's compliment, pride shimmering in her eyes.<br/><br/>"Thank you very much, Laguna and yes, I am working. I couldn't exactly come here without getting a scoop to share with my friends. This is the biggest event in a long time. I would be crazy not to write about it." She laughed again, eyes twinkling in mirth though sobered a little at the mention of Squall.<br/><br/>"No, I haven't seen him yet. I only just got here and immediately my way over to your group." She then turned, beaming at Ellone. "We should definitely arrange some kind of meet up after the celebration. It's been awhile since I've had girl time, too."<br/><br/>She wouldn't admit it, but Rinoa was nervous at the thought of interacting with Squall and the others. It had been such a long time since she had seen them. Before she could think more on it, the sound of a familiar voice caused her to immediately tense up and her smile to falter.<br/><br/>She turned, quickly plastering on a polite smile as she regarded her father. Her relationship was still rocky and she had not kept in contact with him during her time at college. "Hello, general," She said, tone polite and blatantly refusing to address him as her father. Some things never changed.<br/><br/>She was relieved when Laguna turned to address him, hopefully taking his attention off of her. She inched a little closer to Ellone, definitely uncomfortable though she did her best not to show it. She knew better than to show weakness in front of her father.<br/><br/>At the sound of yet another voice and some kind of commotion, Rinoa turned and felt like the world had stopped as her brown eyes locked on the form of Squall.<br/><br/>Her eyes widened slightly, her mouth parting slightly but no words came. She was utterly speechless at his less than elegant arrival as if caught in some kind of spell. She knew she would probably see him at this event but it had not prepared her for how she would feel when she saw him for the first time in years.<br/><br/>A surge of feelings rushed over her, threatening to overwhelm and consume her all at once. Knowing that this was a bad thing due to her powers being known to react to intense emotion, she quickly tried to get a handle on them. She then remembered to speak and she shot him a smile, unaware of how warm and gentle it was as she regarded her former love.<br/><br/>"Hello, Squall," She said, her voice soft as she regarded him. She reached up with a gloved hand to tuck some hair behind her ear, fidgeting slightly on her feet as she forgot that they were not alone in this vast room.