Well, I guess they could have dropped a little more hints. perhaps have Squall, after the kiss have a flashback of his blade cutting Ultimecia and have that smile of his waver for a moment as he looks at the wings on Rinoa's back as he hugs her. But then, maybe subtle is nice for a change. To each their own.

And not hold fanfiction in high esteem. I mean, if you only check Fanfiction.net ... okay... but I've seen some very GOOD fanfic outthere. And written... passable fanfic myself.