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batsutousaiTitle: Zyxt
Fandom: Final Fantasy VIII
Author: Batsutousai/![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
batsutousai
Beta: Shara Lunison/tsuki_no_suzu & Shivani/grazhir
Chapter: 6 of 10
Rating: T
Pairings: Squall/Seifer
Warnings: AU, minor canon-fuckery, slash/yaoi
Summary: Alone in Time Compression, Squall sets out to make them all a happier ending.
Disclaim Her: I considered just calling them mobile telephones, but that seemed far too simple for a bunch of wackos who work with Odine, so I made it something obnoxious. XD
A/N: So I was all, 'Crap! I think I know what I want the Council to have them do, but I dunno, and I don't know how the Council would be talked into it!' And then Shara and I talked a bit and she had this wicked idea that I'm totally going with. OMG.
Also, make sure you memorise the names of all the Council Members: There will be a test.
No, not really. They're not even important to the story, I just got tired of trying to keep track of which 'Minister' I was talking about. So I named them all. Sorry if it's confusing.
-0-0-0-
Never Felt So Far From Home
-0-0-0-
Over the next week, Seifer and Squall did a lot of training in the mornings and afternoons, returning to Esthar just before evening to spend some time with the others in the palace. Fujin and Raijin had found a couple shops in town that were willing to hire them – Raijin at a popular restaurant, Fujin at the car rental – and with Laguna and Kiros all too often arguing with the Council, that left Ward and Ellone to themselves all day. Not that Ellone minded much, since she had taken it upon herself to research Sorceresses and report back over dinner, giving Squall and Seifer the extra time to train while also keeping everyone else in the loop.
Raijin and Fujin had been told about Seifer and Squall's magic the day after the ill-fated shopping trip. They'd also been given a shortened version of the coming threat and the plans concerning it, so they were as caught up as everyone else and just as willing to help.
The Council was still debating what to do with their resident ex-cadets. They also seemed a fair bit stunned to actually be fighting about it; usually, Laguna was a pretty easy-going guy, offering his opinion and generally going with their suggestions. But every discussion about Seifer and Squall turned into an all-out war of words in the Meeting Room, often ending with someone storming out in disgust. Laguna wouldn't let them be tossed out of Esthar, he wouldn't let them be given a menial job far below their capabilities, and he would employ his son's patented glare at even the slightest hint of killing the teens.
According to Raijin and Fujin, the debate over Seifer and Squall's fates was not limited to the Council Room; citizens all over the city discussed the two gunbladers, torn between awe at their obvious skills – they'd brought the three lost ships back to Esthar, after all – and fear at the uncertainty of two unaffiliated fighters residing at the palace. Fujin and Raijin did what they could in the city, mentioning Squall's relationship with Laguna and pointing out that the two had been nothing but accommodating since their arrival, even going so far as to walk the city unarmed – they'd taken to just leaving their gunblades on the Ragnarok – which went completely against everything they'd grown up learning.
Squall and Seifer spent most of their time outside of the city, but that didn't stop them from making their own friendly overtures. They took to walking between the Airstation and the palace, instead of taking the transport; stopping and talking to people on the way – Seifer did most of the talking, but Squall would occasionally add something here or there – or took a detour to buy a lunch to go – Laguna had given his son access to his account, refusing to take no for an answer. They also got to know the staff in the Airstation and the palace so well that they recognised everyone and greeted them by name. It also helped, of course, that they were so instrumental in getting all the kinks out of the MITs and available for public use
In the week and a half since Adel's Tomb had been destroyed, the Estharian scientists had picked up an old invention that had been put to the side in favour of, first, Adel's war weapons, and then because they simply had no use with the Tomb in place: mobile communicators. One of their old problems with the devices had been solved in handling Adel's Tomb, as the Lunar Base was able to receive and transmit messages around the globe, something they'd never been able to manage before.
The first of the Mobile Instant Transmission Communicators – MITs for short – were given to the Council and President, but it quickly became obvious that they wouldn't get much use, not with their leaders forever in meetings. The second batch was passed out to a few randomly chosen citizens, as well as to Seifer and Squall – the latter two only because Laguna insisted. That series got much more use, as Laguna would leave his MIT with Ellone, who would ring the two ex-cadets while they were out on whatever remote island they were running around on and talk about something she'd just learned.
With so much use – especially use outside of Esthar – the scientists were able to work out a number of kinks and the third batch was put into production in time for Seifer and Squall to go to the Deep Sea Research Centre and promptly lose all contact somewhere near the fourth level.
The fourth batch had been an all-night effort and Seifer and Squall had agreed to try taking them down into the depths of the Research Centre to check for reception. They eventually lost the open call with the scientists somewhere halfway down in the drilling hole, but it had been so deep underground that the scientists weren't worried about it being a problem. They also took the time to test reception in the Trabia mountain range, which gave the scientists even more data, much to their frenzied pleasure.
Squall and Seifer were quite amused when they arrived at the Airstation the next day, only to be presented with their very own, engraved MITs, the first two of the fifth batch – or generation, as the scientists insisted on calling it.
The very next day, the MITs proved their true worth. Seifer and Squall were training on the Island Closest to Hell that day – they traded off between Heaven and Hell, both for the para-magic draw points and the variety of enemies – when Squall's MIT buzzed in his pocket. He flicked a wicked ice-spear at an incoming Ruby Dragon as he hit the answer button and held it up to his ear. "Leonhart."
"Squall, I was hoping you and Seifer could come back to Esthar," Laguna said.
Squall waved a hand to catch Seifer's attention. "Why? Did something happen?"
"Yes...and no. Just... meet me at the city entrance. Park at the Airstation, though."
Squall glanced up at Seifer, who was frowning. "Should we be armed?"
Laguna seemed to consider that for a moment before saying, "Maybe. Yes."
Squall snapped his MIT off and dropped it into a pocket as he turned towards Ragnarok, Seifer at his side. "Something's up. He wasn't particularly helpful, but he says we should be armed."
Seifer's expression turned grim. "Fucking fantastic."
In the Ragnarok, Squall didn't even bother with his usual checks, just slipped into the pilot's chair and hit the engines. He'd probably regret taking her straight to her top speed as soon as they had the altitude to make it over the OCS, but he didn't really care right that moment.
When they landed, they made their way to the transport to the city entrance, grim-faced and gunblades loose in their sheaths. Laguna was waiting for them at the top of the lift, unsmiling. A few of the Ministers – Kasual, Villanueva, Antonios and Organo – stood behind him, equally unsmiling, though they didn't look threatening, for once. In fact, they looked almost... relieved.
"Finally," Minister Kasual snapped before turning and starting towards the actual entrance to the Great Salt Lake. The other three followed him and Laguna motioned for the two gunbladers to follow.
"What's going on?" Seifer demanded.
"We've got a couple of guests," Laguna replied, "and they're not the friendly sort."
The teens nodded and moved quickly up the line of Ministers to the holographic entrance. There, near the bottom of the ladder, stood half a dozen White SeeDs.
Squall glanced back at the Ministers. "You want us to try playing diplomats first, or just kill them all now?"
"We always respond first with diplomacy," Minister Organo exclaimed, sounding appalled.
"Could have fooled me," Seifer muttered.
"I hate diplomacy," Squall complained, hitting the button to uncover the door. Once it was open, he and Seifer both jumped down, using hastily-cast Float spells to save them from any broken bones. "Are you lost?" he asked lightly of the small group. Neither he nor Seifer had yet drawn their gunblades, but their hands weren't far from the hilts; they knew better than to trust SeeDs.
Their leader, a man Squall vaguely recognised from his memories, stepped forward, holding his hands up to show he was unarmed. "I'm Beau Owens, a SeeD. We're looking for our charge, Ellone Loire."
"She's plenty safe where she is," Squall replied coolly.
"She'll be safer with us," Owens assured him, smiling.
"If she was so safe with you, how'd you lose her?" Seifer wondered, smiling nastily. "Did one of you dirty your uniform and focus so much on cleaning it that you missed her getting carted off?"
Owens stiffened, holding up a hand when one of his men reached for the staff he held secured to his back. "We're not here to fight you, boys."
It was Seifer's turn to stiffen and consider going for his weapon, but he managed to refrain when Squall's cool magic touched his cheek.
"You would take Ellone from her family?" Squall wondered, the chill in his eyes belying his blank tone. "She is safe and happy here, Captain Owens; what right do you have to control her movements?"
Owens snorted. "You think you're protecting Ellone? You, a slip of a boy?"
"We're not the ones who lost her in Garden of all places," Seifer spat.
"Sir," one of the SeeDs interrupted, "they're cadets at Balamb, I recognise them. They're the only two gunbladers in all of Garden: Squall Leonhart and Seifer Almasy."
Owens paused, reassessing the threat that the teens posed. "Leonhart, Headmaster Kramer has been looking for you."
"You can tell him you've found me, then," Squall replied drily. "Now, if you would kindly leave–"
"I'm afraid we can't do that," Owens interrupted. "Ellone is important, but you are necessary." He reached for the blade at his side. "Please come quietly."
"I don't suppose you'll listen to a polite refusal?" Squall wondered absently as he pulled out Revolver.
Owens smiled unpleasantly, then called, "We need Leonhart alive, but Almasy is of no importance. He's expendable."
Fire and ice flashed in the eyes of their respective wielders as the two ex-cadets jumped forward with gunblades raised. Squall met Owens head-on, refusing to give an inch, while Seifer faced the staff wielder who had moved to attack earlier as well as two other SeeDs, lashing out with an Ultima spell to take out one of his opponents.
Up above the battle, the Ministers and Laguna watched with wide eyes as the two ex-cadets took on the six SeeDs without even pausing, and easily gained the upper-hand. Laguna knew the two teens could have simply used their Sorceress magic and finished the fight before it had even started, but they'd both gone for their more conventional weapons – if you could call gunblades and para-magic conventional – ensuring that they'd have a real fight on their hands.
Glancing over at the shocked Ministers, Laguna thought he might understand Squall and Seifer's reasoning; even the Estharians were wary of crossing SeeD – a couple of cadets had given them pause – but the teens were showing, quite effectively, that they could handle SeeD, even when outnumbered three to one. Moreover, they were capable of being merciful; not one of the blows they dealt was fatal.
Owens put up more of a fight than Squall had been expecting, and Seifer managed to deal with the grunts in time to join Squall in holding Owens at gunblade point. Seifer shot him a nod, so Squall slid his gunblade out of the way and knelt in front of Owens, who was face-down in the ground, Seifer's boot holding his hands against the small of his back.
"Let me make something perfectly clear to you, Captain Owens," Squall whispered, grey-blue eyes icy, "I don't give a fuck what sort of destiny Cid expects me to fulfil, but if I have to do so, I will do it on my own terms, not his and certainly not yours. We were raised by the same mother, for all that she isn't blood, so I won't kill you this time, but if I see you on Esthar soil again, I will run you through." He bent down closer and whispered, "And if you ever call my lover 'expendable' again, I will make you wish you had died right here, right now. Do I make myself clear?"
Owens nodded, swallowing. In all of his life, he didn't think he'd ever seen something as terrifying as those cold eyes, and he'd been through his fair share of fights.
Squall got to his feet and nodded to Seifer, who removed his foot, letting the White SeeD leader up. "None of your men are dead," Seifer commented when Owens looked around at the groaning bodies with worried eyes. "We'll heal them enough so you can leave here under your own power, but any attempts at retaliation will be returned two-fold."
"I understand," Owens murmured, head bowed in shame. "Your assistance would be appreciated."
Seifer and Squall assisted in healing the downed SeeDs and helping them to stand against each other. They waited until the line of injured had disappeared into the lake before Squall pressed the hidden button to open the secret entrance – one of the Ministers had closed it behind them – and they climbed up into the passage.
"They shouldn't be back," Squall commented blankly as he frowned at a rip in his jacket. Owens hadn't managed to draw any blood, but he'd done plenty of damage to Squall's jacket and shirt.
"What did–" Minister Antonios coughed, looking a bit nervous. "What did they want?"
"My sister," Squall announced. "Our guardian tasked them with protecting her, but she's safer – and happier – here."
"They wanted you, too," Madam Villanueva pointed out.
"Hm. So they did." Squall glanced up and met the woman's eyes evenly. "I neither know, nor do I care what they want with me. I was simply a cadet, and now I am nothing." His eyes flickered towards Laguna. "I am the son of Esthar's President, but since that holds so little sway even in this city, I hardly see why it would matter to them. Is that all?"
"You didn't kill any of them," Minister Kasual commented curiously.
Seifer snorted. "We were all raised by the same woman, the same mother. For all that we dislike each other, we do try not to kill our siblings. No matter how much they might deserve it."
"Is that all?" Squall asked again. When the Ministers nodded, he pressed past them, Seifer hot on his tail. "Good. I have an elder sister to reassure. If you'll excuse us..."
As the teens vanished down the lift, the four Ministers turned to each other, traded significant looks, then looked at Laguna. "We need to have a meeting," Minister Kasual announced.
Laguna only groaned a little bit.
-0-
"Squall, Seifer, I was wondering if you'd be willing to wait before leaving for the day," Laguna requested at breakfast the next morning.
The teens traded looks, then looked over at Laguna and shrugged in unison. "Sure," Seifer agreed. "What do you need us for?"
Laguna fidgeted with his spoon for a moment before admitting, "The Council wants to speak with you. Both of you," he added, looking up at Seifer, who wore a heavy frown. He was none too pleased that they'd demanded both teens be in attendance, especially with the way Seifer's temper tended to flare when in the same room as any Council member for more than five minutes.
Squall touched Seifer's shoulder lightly. "There's nothing for it," he said quietly.
Seifer scowled and muttered some uncomplimentary things under his breath, but allowed himself to calm under the direction of Squall's magic.
After breakfast, Squall and Seifer followed Laguna and Kiros to the Council Room. The Council of Ministers were all there already, but when Laguna and Kiros had taken their seats, there remained two open chairs at the table. Squall and Seifer considered them uncertainly before both turning to Laguna, brows furrowed.
Laguna smiled and waved them towards the seats. "Go on."
The teens traded uncertain looks before carefully approaching the chairs and settling into them, backs stiff.
"The chairs aren't going to bite, gentlemen," Madam Stavola offered from across the table, amused.
"No, but I wouldn't put it past them to explode," Seifer muttered.
"Why are we here?" Squall asked tightly, not willing to relax in a room full of people who were almost certainly his enemies. "I think we all have better things to do than irritate each other some more."
"We're adding you to the Council," Minister Souhrada said from the far end of the table, looking at the teens over his tiny glasses.
Seifer let out a bark of laughter. "You're fucking shitting us. You lot would never let us on the Council, and even if you would, the people would refuse it."
"You seem to be under the rather mistaken impression that the people of Esthar don't like you," Minister Wei commented in a light voice. "I assure you, that is not the case. In fact, after you assisted in the creation and perfection of the MITs, most of them seem to believe you shit gold bricks and braid flower chains in your free time."
Both teens snorted at that.
"Of course, we all know they're mistaken," Wei continued, smiling pleasantly, "but the point is, the people of Esthar like the two of you, for whatever reason, and after word got around about your defence of the city yesterday, it was inevitable that they demand you both be given a position in the government."
Squall narrowed his eyes. "You people may have managed to position my father behind a pile of papers and forced him to smile his way through them, but I will never allow myself to become trapped behind a desk, and neither will Seifer. We were raised as mercenaries and killing is our trade. I couldn't care less what the people of this city think of me, as long as they're not chasing me down with the nearest sharp object. No one here is fooled by your pretty words, so why don't we cut to the chase. Why. Are. We. Here?"
"You would make a poor politician," Minister Kasual commented.
"I have two knives in easy reach. Please, continue to fuck with me."
Kasual laughed and leaned back in his chair. "The people are demanding you be given a position on the Council," he allowed, "but none of us care for that, so we propose something of a trade."
"We're listening," Squall said when Kasual paused for too long. Next to him, Seifer scowled around the table, but left Squall to deal with the politicians; there was less of a chance of him accidentally killing one of them.
"Almost twelve years ago, we were approached by Headmaster Cid Kramer about building a Garden on our land," Minister Souhrada explained. "We had no interest in the land outside our borders at the time, and even less interest in creating a new, super-powered army to take the place of the one Adel had built up. So we refused him and proceeded to ignore all further contact from him.
"However, Garden concerned us, so we developed ways to keep an eye on it and its progression. The abilities of Garden graduates – be they SeeD or not – are well beyond the abilities of a normal person, as I am sure you are aware." Squall and Seifer allowed cautious nods. "We have avoided all contact with the rest of the world for the past twelve years, but then you came, bringing with you people who want you back in their world, whether you intended that or not. To someone out there, you, Squall Leonhart, are all important, and that someone – or some ones – will not stop trying to get at you."
"So, what? You want us to pack our bags and leave?" Seifer snapped.
"You will let me finish, young man," Souhrada ordered.
When Seifer looked like he was about to let out another sharp comment, Squall reached over and rested a hand on his thigh, almost immediately calming him.
Souhrada nodded and continued, "We cannot ask you to leave," his eyes snapped to Laguna, who frowned in response, "and we will not be able to fight off SeeD and Kramer's trained dogs forever as we currently are. We still retain the shelter the people of Centra used to get to this continent one hundred years ago, and we are aware that Kramer has turned these shelters into his Gardens."
"You want to create a Garden in Esthar?" Squall realised, surprised. "But, why? You hate Garden."
"We fear Garden," Minister Wei corrected. "We fear what they are capable of, and that we will not have the means to stop them. Here, now, with you hiding within our borders, we have once again caught their attention. If we cannot keep them out, and we cannot kick you out, then we must let them in."
Seifer snorted. "You can't expect us to train SeeD-level fighters before the other Gardens come knocking; it just doesn't work like that. Squall and I have been training our entire lives, and we're still nowhere near the best."
"I sincerely doubt your skills are as lacking as you believe them to be," Madam Villanueva cut in. "You two demolished six SeeDs yesterday, and you barely broke a sweat. Perhaps you're not the top of the list, but I believe you're pretty close."
"The White SeeD spend most of their time running from confrontation," Squall commented drily. "I won't insult SeeD by comparing myself to them." He waved his hand absently. "Whatever. You intend to trap us not behind a desk, then, but behind a line of hopefuls?"
"Not necessarily," Minister Wei disagreed. "We have no intention in fighting SeeD – or any part of Garden, for that matter – but we are willing to let some through our borders to train and learn at an Estharian Garden, where Estharian machines and magic are used and taught. An exchange program, such as the one between Trabia and Balamb. We have technology they could only imagine in their wildest dreams, and we will allow them to train with it if they will grant us their own experience."
"What do you intend us for?" Squall asked, eyes flicking towards his father. He'd mentioned his status as SeeD Commander to the man in passing at one point a few days ago, and he had a bad feeling about this.
"We intend for you and Almasy to be in charge of the Esthar Garden," Wei announced.
"We never graduated from our own Garden," Squall snapped, temper fraying at the edges. 'I don't want that responsibility again!' "What makes you think we would even be an option for running your Garden?"
"You're familiar with the system," Madam Stavola offered, "and the other Gardens would be more comfortable dealing with you than anyone else in Esthar."
Seifer felt Squall's magic start to prickle against his skin again, as it had back in Deling, and it didn't take a genius to figure out that the younger teen was on the verge of another panic attack. 'Hyne-damned Council!' he spat in his mind even as he schooled his face into a polite mask. "This isn't a decision we can make lightly, one way or the other," he told them in his best diplomatic tone.
Laguna picked up on the faint note of concern in Seifer's voice and agreed, "Of course. Perhaps a recess?"
Minister Souhrada sighed. "Yes, very well. One hour recess."
Seifer stood and grabbed Squall's arm, leading him from the room and down and empty hall with all due haste. There, he found an abandoned room so covered in dust, the door probably hadn't even been opened in years. He pulled Squall inside and paused long enough to leave some fire magic on the door that would burn the hand of anyone who touched the knob.
He turned to Squall and cupped the younger teen's face in his hands, taking in the wide, panicked eyes and the sweat trickling down too hot skin; Seifer's magic had been working to contain Squall's outburst without either of their notice and Seifer carefully forced it away. Almost immediately, the air around them froze and Seifer wrapped his magic around him to protect himself, not letting go of Squall even as his fingers went numb where they were touching his face.
"Squall," Seifer whispered. "Squall, come on. Eyes on me. Focus on me."
Squall's pupils, which had blown in his panic, slowly shrank back to normal under Seifer's gentle urging. Recognition came first, then the fear and he started breathing too fast, eyes darting around the empty room.
"It's okay," Seifer promised. "It's okay, there's no one here but us. No one got hurt, okay? Breathe, Squall."
Squall's eyes slid shut and his head slipped through Seifer's hands to drop against the taller teen's chest. "Damnit," he whispered. "Fucking damn it."
Seifer relaxed and wrapped one arm around Squall's waist. The other hand soothed through his brown hair, the fire magic clinging to his own skin melting the ice that had formed in Squall's hair. "Talk to me," he ordered.
Squall was quiet for a long moment, gathering his thoughts, before quietly explaining, "After the FH technicians fixed Garden, Cid named me Commander, like it was some sort of honour to be leading my classmates to their deaths. And he left. He left me to take control and everyone was depending on me and I was all alone and..." Squall choked and tried to burrow deeper into Seifer's embrace, which the larger teen helpfully tightened. "I can't do that again," he whispered. "Please don't make me do that again..."
"No one's making you do anything," Seifer breathed, resting his cheek against damp, chilly hair.
"But the Council–" Squall started, making to pull away.
"Fuck the Council," Seifer growled, very determinately keeping Squall right where he was. "They can't make us do anything. Maybe they kinda desperately want us doing their bidding, but there's nothing that says we can't run off with the Ragnarok and never come back. We've got our MITs, so it's not like Elle and Laguna and Rai and Fuu couldn't talk to us if they wanted to..."
Squall relaxed against the taller teen again, lifting his arms and wrapping them around Seifer's waist, under his coat. "...I don't want to leave Sis and Laguna, though..."
"So we tell them no. Just because they'd prefer us doesn't mean we actually have to do it. You heard Old-Stick-Up-His-Ass, Laguna won't let them kick us out. Probably won't even let them think about it in his presence." Seifer twisted his head, ignoring his neck's complaints about the awkward angle, and met the pale grey eyes. "It's your choice, Squall. I don't care either way."
Squall sucked on his lower lip, a habit he'd picked up from Ellone, and considered his choices: Continue to be a layabout, only going out for training, or actually do something with his life.
'There are times when we all have to do something we don't want to do,' Quezacotl helpfully pointed out. 'And you won't be alone this time, not with Seifer there. And Laguna, too.'
'I'd really hate to rain on the pity-parade–' Diablos interrupted.
'No you wouldn't,' Quezacotl snapped back, disgusted.
'–but this is probably the only chance the Council is going to give you, unless they're actually willing to drag you onto the Council itself. And they might, just to spite you; misery loves company and all that. Face it, Squall, you've got a natural talent for attracting attention and a natural talent for leading people; you're going to end up in a position of power again, whether you want it or not. The only question here is whether you're going to end up doing it sooner or later.'
Squall sighed and shook his head. "Thanks, Diablos," he muttered, hiding his face in Seifer's vest. "I really hate you."
Seifer's chest vibrated with his chuckle. "What did the sourpuss say?"
Squall waved a negligent hand before returning it to Seifer's waist. "He just helpfully pointed out that this was going to happen at one point or another and that if I don't agree to take over the Esthar Garden, the Council might just make us Ministers and enjoy watching us be miserable up close and personal."
"They'd regret that quickly enough when one of us actually goes through with that threat to stick one of them with a knife." Seifer sighed, breath moving Squall's hair gently. He fought the urge to sigh again, just to see Squall's hair move. "What do you want to do?"
Squall closed his eyes. "You'll be there?"
"You know I will."
A faint smile curled Squall's lips at that. "Okay. We'll take the Garden, but we get first pick of the staff, especially the support staff."
Seifer's chest vibrated with his chuckle again. "I bet I know who you've got in mind."
Squall nodded. "I wouldn't give up you and Sis and Laguna, but..."
"You miss the others."
"Yeah." Squall glanced up into the smiling green eyes. "Is that okay? You'll have to refrain from calling Zell and Irvine names."
Seifer let out a long sigh. "Oh, I suppose."
"But no Rinoa," Squall added quickly. "She's not really..."
"Garden material?"
"Exactly."
"What makes you think the others will come?" Seifer wondered.
Squall thought back to Quistis, struggling with being the instructor of students she'd once sat side-by-side with; to Selphie, trying to fit in at a new school that was too serious to accept her need for a Garden Festival; to Zell, forever complaining about never getting any hot dogs or recognition for how 'awesome' he was; to Irvine, who claimed he was a loner, though he really was just looking for his family back. "They'll come," he said with certainty.
Seifer leaned down and brushed their lips together. "Let's go back, then," he whispered.
Squall nodded and they shared one last kiss before stepping out of the room and turning towards the Council Room. They would have things their way, and no table of politicians with sticks up their asses were going to stop them.
-0-0-0-
-0-0-0-
A/N: I get to bring Irvine back. *whistles a happy little tune* Irvine... Irvine...
So, it's always sort of bothered me, a bit, the way mobile phones appear in the fandom during the game canon. I mean, if they can't get proper television working, why the fuck would mobiles work? All their programmes are pre-recorded and transmitted via cables, so far as I can tell, so a wired-in email system makes sense, and maybe short-range radios, but anything long distance shouldn't exist until Adel's Tomb is out of the picture, right?
Right.
I am sleepy and easily distracted. *SHINY THINGS*
~Bats ^.^x
Chapters:
1 - Won't Make It Alone ||| 2 - Give Up Everything
3 - Fly Over Me ||| 4 - Stars Collide
5 - Stars Shedding Tears |||6 - Never Felt So Far From Home
7 - Voice From the Past ||| 8 - Hold Me Without Touch
9 - Diebus Fatalibus ~ Fated Day ||| 10 - Never Let You Go
..
Fandom: Final Fantasy VIII
Author: Batsutousai/
batsutousaiBeta: Shara Lunison/
tsuki_no_suzu & Shivani/grazhirChapter: 6 of 10
Rating: T
Pairings: Squall/Seifer
Warnings: AU, minor canon-fuckery, slash/yaoi
Summary: Alone in Time Compression, Squall sets out to make them all a happier ending.
Disclaim Her: I considered just calling them mobile telephones, but that seemed far too simple for a bunch of wackos who work with Odine, so I made it something obnoxious. XD
A/N: So I was all, 'Crap! I think I know what I want the Council to have them do, but I dunno, and I don't know how the Council would be talked into it!' And then Shara and I talked a bit and she had this wicked idea that I'm totally going with. OMG.
Also, make sure you memorise the names of all the Council Members: There will be a test.
No, not really. They're not even important to the story, I just got tired of trying to keep track of which 'Minister' I was talking about. So I named them all. Sorry if it's confusing.
Never Felt So Far From Home
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Over the next week, Seifer and Squall did a lot of training in the mornings and afternoons, returning to Esthar just before evening to spend some time with the others in the palace. Fujin and Raijin had found a couple shops in town that were willing to hire them – Raijin at a popular restaurant, Fujin at the car rental – and with Laguna and Kiros all too often arguing with the Council, that left Ward and Ellone to themselves all day. Not that Ellone minded much, since she had taken it upon herself to research Sorceresses and report back over dinner, giving Squall and Seifer the extra time to train while also keeping everyone else in the loop.
Raijin and Fujin had been told about Seifer and Squall's magic the day after the ill-fated shopping trip. They'd also been given a shortened version of the coming threat and the plans concerning it, so they were as caught up as everyone else and just as willing to help.
The Council was still debating what to do with their resident ex-cadets. They also seemed a fair bit stunned to actually be fighting about it; usually, Laguna was a pretty easy-going guy, offering his opinion and generally going with their suggestions. But every discussion about Seifer and Squall turned into an all-out war of words in the Meeting Room, often ending with someone storming out in disgust. Laguna wouldn't let them be tossed out of Esthar, he wouldn't let them be given a menial job far below their capabilities, and he would employ his son's patented glare at even the slightest hint of killing the teens.
According to Raijin and Fujin, the debate over Seifer and Squall's fates was not limited to the Council Room; citizens all over the city discussed the two gunbladers, torn between awe at their obvious skills – they'd brought the three lost ships back to Esthar, after all – and fear at the uncertainty of two unaffiliated fighters residing at the palace. Fujin and Raijin did what they could in the city, mentioning Squall's relationship with Laguna and pointing out that the two had been nothing but accommodating since their arrival, even going so far as to walk the city unarmed – they'd taken to just leaving their gunblades on the Ragnarok – which went completely against everything they'd grown up learning.
Squall and Seifer spent most of their time outside of the city, but that didn't stop them from making their own friendly overtures. They took to walking between the Airstation and the palace, instead of taking the transport; stopping and talking to people on the way – Seifer did most of the talking, but Squall would occasionally add something here or there – or took a detour to buy a lunch to go – Laguna had given his son access to his account, refusing to take no for an answer. They also got to know the staff in the Airstation and the palace so well that they recognised everyone and greeted them by name. It also helped, of course, that they were so instrumental in getting all the kinks out of the MITs and available for public use
In the week and a half since Adel's Tomb had been destroyed, the Estharian scientists had picked up an old invention that had been put to the side in favour of, first, Adel's war weapons, and then because they simply had no use with the Tomb in place: mobile communicators. One of their old problems with the devices had been solved in handling Adel's Tomb, as the Lunar Base was able to receive and transmit messages around the globe, something they'd never been able to manage before.
The first of the Mobile Instant Transmission Communicators – MITs for short – were given to the Council and President, but it quickly became obvious that they wouldn't get much use, not with their leaders forever in meetings. The second batch was passed out to a few randomly chosen citizens, as well as to Seifer and Squall – the latter two only because Laguna insisted. That series got much more use, as Laguna would leave his MIT with Ellone, who would ring the two ex-cadets while they were out on whatever remote island they were running around on and talk about something she'd just learned.
With so much use – especially use outside of Esthar – the scientists were able to work out a number of kinks and the third batch was put into production in time for Seifer and Squall to go to the Deep Sea Research Centre and promptly lose all contact somewhere near the fourth level.
The fourth batch had been an all-night effort and Seifer and Squall had agreed to try taking them down into the depths of the Research Centre to check for reception. They eventually lost the open call with the scientists somewhere halfway down in the drilling hole, but it had been so deep underground that the scientists weren't worried about it being a problem. They also took the time to test reception in the Trabia mountain range, which gave the scientists even more data, much to their frenzied pleasure.
Squall and Seifer were quite amused when they arrived at the Airstation the next day, only to be presented with their very own, engraved MITs, the first two of the fifth batch – or generation, as the scientists insisted on calling it.
The very next day, the MITs proved their true worth. Seifer and Squall were training on the Island Closest to Hell that day – they traded off between Heaven and Hell, both for the para-magic draw points and the variety of enemies – when Squall's MIT buzzed in his pocket. He flicked a wicked ice-spear at an incoming Ruby Dragon as he hit the answer button and held it up to his ear. "Leonhart."
"Squall, I was hoping you and Seifer could come back to Esthar," Laguna said.
Squall waved a hand to catch Seifer's attention. "Why? Did something happen?"
"Yes...and no. Just... meet me at the city entrance. Park at the Airstation, though."
Squall glanced up at Seifer, who was frowning. "Should we be armed?"
Laguna seemed to consider that for a moment before saying, "Maybe. Yes."
Squall snapped his MIT off and dropped it into a pocket as he turned towards Ragnarok, Seifer at his side. "Something's up. He wasn't particularly helpful, but he says we should be armed."
Seifer's expression turned grim. "Fucking fantastic."
In the Ragnarok, Squall didn't even bother with his usual checks, just slipped into the pilot's chair and hit the engines. He'd probably regret taking her straight to her top speed as soon as they had the altitude to make it over the OCS, but he didn't really care right that moment.
When they landed, they made their way to the transport to the city entrance, grim-faced and gunblades loose in their sheaths. Laguna was waiting for them at the top of the lift, unsmiling. A few of the Ministers – Kasual, Villanueva, Antonios and Organo – stood behind him, equally unsmiling, though they didn't look threatening, for once. In fact, they looked almost... relieved.
"Finally," Minister Kasual snapped before turning and starting towards the actual entrance to the Great Salt Lake. The other three followed him and Laguna motioned for the two gunbladers to follow.
"What's going on?" Seifer demanded.
"We've got a couple of guests," Laguna replied, "and they're not the friendly sort."
The teens nodded and moved quickly up the line of Ministers to the holographic entrance. There, near the bottom of the ladder, stood half a dozen White SeeDs.
Squall glanced back at the Ministers. "You want us to try playing diplomats first, or just kill them all now?"
"We always respond first with diplomacy," Minister Organo exclaimed, sounding appalled.
"Could have fooled me," Seifer muttered.
"I hate diplomacy," Squall complained, hitting the button to uncover the door. Once it was open, he and Seifer both jumped down, using hastily-cast Float spells to save them from any broken bones. "Are you lost?" he asked lightly of the small group. Neither he nor Seifer had yet drawn their gunblades, but their hands weren't far from the hilts; they knew better than to trust SeeDs.
Their leader, a man Squall vaguely recognised from his memories, stepped forward, holding his hands up to show he was unarmed. "I'm Beau Owens, a SeeD. We're looking for our charge, Ellone Loire."
"She's plenty safe where she is," Squall replied coolly.
"She'll be safer with us," Owens assured him, smiling.
"If she was so safe with you, how'd you lose her?" Seifer wondered, smiling nastily. "Did one of you dirty your uniform and focus so much on cleaning it that you missed her getting carted off?"
Owens stiffened, holding up a hand when one of his men reached for the staff he held secured to his back. "We're not here to fight you, boys."
It was Seifer's turn to stiffen and consider going for his weapon, but he managed to refrain when Squall's cool magic touched his cheek.
"You would take Ellone from her family?" Squall wondered, the chill in his eyes belying his blank tone. "She is safe and happy here, Captain Owens; what right do you have to control her movements?"
Owens snorted. "You think you're protecting Ellone? You, a slip of a boy?"
"We're not the ones who lost her in Garden of all places," Seifer spat.
"Sir," one of the SeeDs interrupted, "they're cadets at Balamb, I recognise them. They're the only two gunbladers in all of Garden: Squall Leonhart and Seifer Almasy."
Owens paused, reassessing the threat that the teens posed. "Leonhart, Headmaster Kramer has been looking for you."
"You can tell him you've found me, then," Squall replied drily. "Now, if you would kindly leave–"
"I'm afraid we can't do that," Owens interrupted. "Ellone is important, but you are necessary." He reached for the blade at his side. "Please come quietly."
"I don't suppose you'll listen to a polite refusal?" Squall wondered absently as he pulled out Revolver.
Owens smiled unpleasantly, then called, "We need Leonhart alive, but Almasy is of no importance. He's expendable."
Fire and ice flashed in the eyes of their respective wielders as the two ex-cadets jumped forward with gunblades raised. Squall met Owens head-on, refusing to give an inch, while Seifer faced the staff wielder who had moved to attack earlier as well as two other SeeDs, lashing out with an Ultima spell to take out one of his opponents.
Up above the battle, the Ministers and Laguna watched with wide eyes as the two ex-cadets took on the six SeeDs without even pausing, and easily gained the upper-hand. Laguna knew the two teens could have simply used their Sorceress magic and finished the fight before it had even started, but they'd both gone for their more conventional weapons – if you could call gunblades and para-magic conventional – ensuring that they'd have a real fight on their hands.
Glancing over at the shocked Ministers, Laguna thought he might understand Squall and Seifer's reasoning; even the Estharians were wary of crossing SeeD – a couple of cadets had given them pause – but the teens were showing, quite effectively, that they could handle SeeD, even when outnumbered three to one. Moreover, they were capable of being merciful; not one of the blows they dealt was fatal.
Owens put up more of a fight than Squall had been expecting, and Seifer managed to deal with the grunts in time to join Squall in holding Owens at gunblade point. Seifer shot him a nod, so Squall slid his gunblade out of the way and knelt in front of Owens, who was face-down in the ground, Seifer's boot holding his hands against the small of his back.
"Let me make something perfectly clear to you, Captain Owens," Squall whispered, grey-blue eyes icy, "I don't give a fuck what sort of destiny Cid expects me to fulfil, but if I have to do so, I will do it on my own terms, not his and certainly not yours. We were raised by the same mother, for all that she isn't blood, so I won't kill you this time, but if I see you on Esthar soil again, I will run you through." He bent down closer and whispered, "And if you ever call my lover 'expendable' again, I will make you wish you had died right here, right now. Do I make myself clear?"
Owens nodded, swallowing. In all of his life, he didn't think he'd ever seen something as terrifying as those cold eyes, and he'd been through his fair share of fights.
Squall got to his feet and nodded to Seifer, who removed his foot, letting the White SeeD leader up. "None of your men are dead," Seifer commented when Owens looked around at the groaning bodies with worried eyes. "We'll heal them enough so you can leave here under your own power, but any attempts at retaliation will be returned two-fold."
"I understand," Owens murmured, head bowed in shame. "Your assistance would be appreciated."
Seifer and Squall assisted in healing the downed SeeDs and helping them to stand against each other. They waited until the line of injured had disappeared into the lake before Squall pressed the hidden button to open the secret entrance – one of the Ministers had closed it behind them – and they climbed up into the passage.
"They shouldn't be back," Squall commented blankly as he frowned at a rip in his jacket. Owens hadn't managed to draw any blood, but he'd done plenty of damage to Squall's jacket and shirt.
"What did–" Minister Antonios coughed, looking a bit nervous. "What did they want?"
"My sister," Squall announced. "Our guardian tasked them with protecting her, but she's safer – and happier – here."
"They wanted you, too," Madam Villanueva pointed out.
"Hm. So they did." Squall glanced up and met the woman's eyes evenly. "I neither know, nor do I care what they want with me. I was simply a cadet, and now I am nothing." His eyes flickered towards Laguna. "I am the son of Esthar's President, but since that holds so little sway even in this city, I hardly see why it would matter to them. Is that all?"
"You didn't kill any of them," Minister Kasual commented curiously.
Seifer snorted. "We were all raised by the same woman, the same mother. For all that we dislike each other, we do try not to kill our siblings. No matter how much they might deserve it."
"Is that all?" Squall asked again. When the Ministers nodded, he pressed past them, Seifer hot on his tail. "Good. I have an elder sister to reassure. If you'll excuse us..."
As the teens vanished down the lift, the four Ministers turned to each other, traded significant looks, then looked at Laguna. "We need to have a meeting," Minister Kasual announced.
Laguna only groaned a little bit.
"Squall, Seifer, I was wondering if you'd be willing to wait before leaving for the day," Laguna requested at breakfast the next morning.
The teens traded looks, then looked over at Laguna and shrugged in unison. "Sure," Seifer agreed. "What do you need us for?"
Laguna fidgeted with his spoon for a moment before admitting, "The Council wants to speak with you. Both of you," he added, looking up at Seifer, who wore a heavy frown. He was none too pleased that they'd demanded both teens be in attendance, especially with the way Seifer's temper tended to flare when in the same room as any Council member for more than five minutes.
Squall touched Seifer's shoulder lightly. "There's nothing for it," he said quietly.
Seifer scowled and muttered some uncomplimentary things under his breath, but allowed himself to calm under the direction of Squall's magic.
After breakfast, Squall and Seifer followed Laguna and Kiros to the Council Room. The Council of Ministers were all there already, but when Laguna and Kiros had taken their seats, there remained two open chairs at the table. Squall and Seifer considered them uncertainly before both turning to Laguna, brows furrowed.
Laguna smiled and waved them towards the seats. "Go on."
The teens traded uncertain looks before carefully approaching the chairs and settling into them, backs stiff.
"The chairs aren't going to bite, gentlemen," Madam Stavola offered from across the table, amused.
"No, but I wouldn't put it past them to explode," Seifer muttered.
"Why are we here?" Squall asked tightly, not willing to relax in a room full of people who were almost certainly his enemies. "I think we all have better things to do than irritate each other some more."
"We're adding you to the Council," Minister Souhrada said from the far end of the table, looking at the teens over his tiny glasses.
Seifer let out a bark of laughter. "You're fucking shitting us. You lot would never let us on the Council, and even if you would, the people would refuse it."
"You seem to be under the rather mistaken impression that the people of Esthar don't like you," Minister Wei commented in a light voice. "I assure you, that is not the case. In fact, after you assisted in the creation and perfection of the MITs, most of them seem to believe you shit gold bricks and braid flower chains in your free time."
Both teens snorted at that.
"Of course, we all know they're mistaken," Wei continued, smiling pleasantly, "but the point is, the people of Esthar like the two of you, for whatever reason, and after word got around about your defence of the city yesterday, it was inevitable that they demand you both be given a position in the government."
Squall narrowed his eyes. "You people may have managed to position my father behind a pile of papers and forced him to smile his way through them, but I will never allow myself to become trapped behind a desk, and neither will Seifer. We were raised as mercenaries and killing is our trade. I couldn't care less what the people of this city think of me, as long as they're not chasing me down with the nearest sharp object. No one here is fooled by your pretty words, so why don't we cut to the chase. Why. Are. We. Here?"
"You would make a poor politician," Minister Kasual commented.
"I have two knives in easy reach. Please, continue to fuck with me."
Kasual laughed and leaned back in his chair. "The people are demanding you be given a position on the Council," he allowed, "but none of us care for that, so we propose something of a trade."
"We're listening," Squall said when Kasual paused for too long. Next to him, Seifer scowled around the table, but left Squall to deal with the politicians; there was less of a chance of him accidentally killing one of them.
"Almost twelve years ago, we were approached by Headmaster Cid Kramer about building a Garden on our land," Minister Souhrada explained. "We had no interest in the land outside our borders at the time, and even less interest in creating a new, super-powered army to take the place of the one Adel had built up. So we refused him and proceeded to ignore all further contact from him.
"However, Garden concerned us, so we developed ways to keep an eye on it and its progression. The abilities of Garden graduates – be they SeeD or not – are well beyond the abilities of a normal person, as I am sure you are aware." Squall and Seifer allowed cautious nods. "We have avoided all contact with the rest of the world for the past twelve years, but then you came, bringing with you people who want you back in their world, whether you intended that or not. To someone out there, you, Squall Leonhart, are all important, and that someone – or some ones – will not stop trying to get at you."
"So, what? You want us to pack our bags and leave?" Seifer snapped.
"You will let me finish, young man," Souhrada ordered.
When Seifer looked like he was about to let out another sharp comment, Squall reached over and rested a hand on his thigh, almost immediately calming him.
Souhrada nodded and continued, "We cannot ask you to leave," his eyes snapped to Laguna, who frowned in response, "and we will not be able to fight off SeeD and Kramer's trained dogs forever as we currently are. We still retain the shelter the people of Centra used to get to this continent one hundred years ago, and we are aware that Kramer has turned these shelters into his Gardens."
"You want to create a Garden in Esthar?" Squall realised, surprised. "But, why? You hate Garden."
"We fear Garden," Minister Wei corrected. "We fear what they are capable of, and that we will not have the means to stop them. Here, now, with you hiding within our borders, we have once again caught their attention. If we cannot keep them out, and we cannot kick you out, then we must let them in."
Seifer snorted. "You can't expect us to train SeeD-level fighters before the other Gardens come knocking; it just doesn't work like that. Squall and I have been training our entire lives, and we're still nowhere near the best."
"I sincerely doubt your skills are as lacking as you believe them to be," Madam Villanueva cut in. "You two demolished six SeeDs yesterday, and you barely broke a sweat. Perhaps you're not the top of the list, but I believe you're pretty close."
"The White SeeD spend most of their time running from confrontation," Squall commented drily. "I won't insult SeeD by comparing myself to them." He waved his hand absently. "Whatever. You intend to trap us not behind a desk, then, but behind a line of hopefuls?"
"Not necessarily," Minister Wei disagreed. "We have no intention in fighting SeeD – or any part of Garden, for that matter – but we are willing to let some through our borders to train and learn at an Estharian Garden, where Estharian machines and magic are used and taught. An exchange program, such as the one between Trabia and Balamb. We have technology they could only imagine in their wildest dreams, and we will allow them to train with it if they will grant us their own experience."
"What do you intend us for?" Squall asked, eyes flicking towards his father. He'd mentioned his status as SeeD Commander to the man in passing at one point a few days ago, and he had a bad feeling about this.
"We intend for you and Almasy to be in charge of the Esthar Garden," Wei announced.
"We never graduated from our own Garden," Squall snapped, temper fraying at the edges. 'I don't want that responsibility again!' "What makes you think we would even be an option for running your Garden?"
"You're familiar with the system," Madam Stavola offered, "and the other Gardens would be more comfortable dealing with you than anyone else in Esthar."
Seifer felt Squall's magic start to prickle against his skin again, as it had back in Deling, and it didn't take a genius to figure out that the younger teen was on the verge of another panic attack. 'Hyne-damned Council!' he spat in his mind even as he schooled his face into a polite mask. "This isn't a decision we can make lightly, one way or the other," he told them in his best diplomatic tone.
Laguna picked up on the faint note of concern in Seifer's voice and agreed, "Of course. Perhaps a recess?"
Minister Souhrada sighed. "Yes, very well. One hour recess."
Seifer stood and grabbed Squall's arm, leading him from the room and down and empty hall with all due haste. There, he found an abandoned room so covered in dust, the door probably hadn't even been opened in years. He pulled Squall inside and paused long enough to leave some fire magic on the door that would burn the hand of anyone who touched the knob.
He turned to Squall and cupped the younger teen's face in his hands, taking in the wide, panicked eyes and the sweat trickling down too hot skin; Seifer's magic had been working to contain Squall's outburst without either of their notice and Seifer carefully forced it away. Almost immediately, the air around them froze and Seifer wrapped his magic around him to protect himself, not letting go of Squall even as his fingers went numb where they were touching his face.
"Squall," Seifer whispered. "Squall, come on. Eyes on me. Focus on me."
Squall's pupils, which had blown in his panic, slowly shrank back to normal under Seifer's gentle urging. Recognition came first, then the fear and he started breathing too fast, eyes darting around the empty room.
"It's okay," Seifer promised. "It's okay, there's no one here but us. No one got hurt, okay? Breathe, Squall."
Squall's eyes slid shut and his head slipped through Seifer's hands to drop against the taller teen's chest. "Damnit," he whispered. "Fucking damn it."
Seifer relaxed and wrapped one arm around Squall's waist. The other hand soothed through his brown hair, the fire magic clinging to his own skin melting the ice that had formed in Squall's hair. "Talk to me," he ordered.
Squall was quiet for a long moment, gathering his thoughts, before quietly explaining, "After the FH technicians fixed Garden, Cid named me Commander, like it was some sort of honour to be leading my classmates to their deaths. And he left. He left me to take control and everyone was depending on me and I was all alone and..." Squall choked and tried to burrow deeper into Seifer's embrace, which the larger teen helpfully tightened. "I can't do that again," he whispered. "Please don't make me do that again..."
"No one's making you do anything," Seifer breathed, resting his cheek against damp, chilly hair.
"But the Council–" Squall started, making to pull away.
"Fuck the Council," Seifer growled, very determinately keeping Squall right where he was. "They can't make us do anything. Maybe they kinda desperately want us doing their bidding, but there's nothing that says we can't run off with the Ragnarok and never come back. We've got our MITs, so it's not like Elle and Laguna and Rai and Fuu couldn't talk to us if they wanted to..."
Squall relaxed against the taller teen again, lifting his arms and wrapping them around Seifer's waist, under his coat. "...I don't want to leave Sis and Laguna, though..."
"So we tell them no. Just because they'd prefer us doesn't mean we actually have to do it. You heard Old-Stick-Up-His-Ass, Laguna won't let them kick us out. Probably won't even let them think about it in his presence." Seifer twisted his head, ignoring his neck's complaints about the awkward angle, and met the pale grey eyes. "It's your choice, Squall. I don't care either way."
Squall sucked on his lower lip, a habit he'd picked up from Ellone, and considered his choices: Continue to be a layabout, only going out for training, or actually do something with his life.
'There are times when we all have to do something we don't want to do,' Quezacotl helpfully pointed out. 'And you won't be alone this time, not with Seifer there. And Laguna, too.'
'I'd really hate to rain on the pity-parade–' Diablos interrupted.
'No you wouldn't,' Quezacotl snapped back, disgusted.
'–but this is probably the only chance the Council is going to give you, unless they're actually willing to drag you onto the Council itself. And they might, just to spite you; misery loves company and all that. Face it, Squall, you've got a natural talent for attracting attention and a natural talent for leading people; you're going to end up in a position of power again, whether you want it or not. The only question here is whether you're going to end up doing it sooner or later.'
Squall sighed and shook his head. "Thanks, Diablos," he muttered, hiding his face in Seifer's vest. "I really hate you."
Seifer's chest vibrated with his chuckle. "What did the sourpuss say?"
Squall waved a negligent hand before returning it to Seifer's waist. "He just helpfully pointed out that this was going to happen at one point or another and that if I don't agree to take over the Esthar Garden, the Council might just make us Ministers and enjoy watching us be miserable up close and personal."
"They'd regret that quickly enough when one of us actually goes through with that threat to stick one of them with a knife." Seifer sighed, breath moving Squall's hair gently. He fought the urge to sigh again, just to see Squall's hair move. "What do you want to do?"
Squall closed his eyes. "You'll be there?"
"You know I will."
A faint smile curled Squall's lips at that. "Okay. We'll take the Garden, but we get first pick of the staff, especially the support staff."
Seifer's chest vibrated with his chuckle again. "I bet I know who you've got in mind."
Squall nodded. "I wouldn't give up you and Sis and Laguna, but..."
"You miss the others."
"Yeah." Squall glanced up into the smiling green eyes. "Is that okay? You'll have to refrain from calling Zell and Irvine names."
Seifer let out a long sigh. "Oh, I suppose."
"But no Rinoa," Squall added quickly. "She's not really..."
"Garden material?"
"Exactly."
"What makes you think the others will come?" Seifer wondered.
Squall thought back to Quistis, struggling with being the instructor of students she'd once sat side-by-side with; to Selphie, trying to fit in at a new school that was too serious to accept her need for a Garden Festival; to Zell, forever complaining about never getting any hot dogs or recognition for how 'awesome' he was; to Irvine, who claimed he was a loner, though he really was just looking for his family back. "They'll come," he said with certainty.
Seifer leaned down and brushed their lips together. "Let's go back, then," he whispered.
Squall nodded and they shared one last kiss before stepping out of the room and turning towards the Council Room. They would have things their way, and no table of politicians with sticks up their asses were going to stop them.
-0-0-0-
A/N: I get to bring Irvine back. *whistles a happy little tune* Irvine... Irvine...
So, it's always sort of bothered me, a bit, the way mobile phones appear in the fandom during the game canon. I mean, if they can't get proper television working, why the fuck would mobiles work? All their programmes are pre-recorded and transmitted via cables, so far as I can tell, so a wired-in email system makes sense, and maybe short-range radios, but anything long distance shouldn't exist until Adel's Tomb is out of the picture, right?
Right.
I am sleepy and easily distracted. *SHINY THINGS*
~Bats ^.^x
1 - Won't Make It Alone ||| 2 - Give Up Everything
3 - Fly Over Me ||| 4 - Stars Collide
5 - Stars Shedding Tears |||
7 - Voice From the Past ||| 8 - Hold Me Without Touch
9 - Diebus Fatalibus ~ Fated Day ||| 10 - Never Let You Go
..
