Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction / Other Fan Fiction ❯ Protecting the Lion ❯ A Crowded Mind ( Chapter 41 )

Chapter Forty-One

A Crowded Mind

 

It was a little after two in the afternoon, when Seifer had entered the dining hall with a reluctant Commander following close behind.

 

Since it was Saturday, everyone, students and staff alike, wore casual clothes. Although the Commander usually preferred to always wear his battle clothes, even Squall was dressed down today.

 

The brunet wore a dark gray turtleneck, which fit appealingly to a lean framed torso, and a pair of slightly baggy boot cut blue jeans.

 

On the other hand, in opposition to Squall's cool toned attire, the blond knight donned a stark red dress shirt and black slacks. The arrogant man seemed to have missed a couple buttons on the top of his shirt, casually revealing the barest hint of a well-muscled chest.

 

Warm versus cool, outspoken versus solemnly quiet. The two young men made for an eye-catching pair, contrasting each other in every way, yet suiting each other just the same. From skin tone to personality they differed. Not many people would readily accept that Squall Leonhart and Seifer Almasy were no longer rivals, but lovers.

 

Quistis and Selphie had eaten lunch together, both having a light workload for the day. With Squall back as Headmaster, Quistis only had two Saturday classes to teach and then she was done. Having already taught one that day, she was content to take a long lunch before returning for the final class, The Basics of Summoning.

 

Selphie had shown up in the staff office, looking for Quistis. With Rinoa gone, having left for Dollet that morning, the chipper girl had sought the instructor out. The older girl was apparently also aware of Seifer and Squall's relationship, and that meant they could talk about it.

 

Upon watching Squall and Seifer enter the cafeteria, they were in agreement that it was the perfect opportunity to do some observing.

 

It had been Quistis' conclusion, after a rather restless night of replaying images, that Squall was definitely better off with Seifer. It was a subtle, but unmistakable change in the Commander. The most noted difference had of course been the brunet's moaning in a wanton manner upon having the knight kiss him while pinned to the kitchen floor. The most she'd seen Squall reveal, as far as intimate exchanges went, was a light peck on Rinoa's cheek. Naturally, that was one of the main reasons she'd been shocked senseless the other night.

 

Uprooting themselves, Selphie and Quistis joined the new couple.

 

The table the two young men sat at was probably in the coldest area of the room. Quistis gave a small shiver as she sat down. Wearing a long blue skirt, she could feel the draft of cold air, even with her knee high boots on. Smoothing the loose folds of her skirt out, she straightened up. A soft white sweater kept her warm enough.

 

It was early in the afternoon, and the sun was shining on and off between shifting clouds. The cafeteria had half its lights turned on. The ground outside was covered in a good three inches of snow, reflecting light brightly into the dining hall.

 

For the sake of having something to occupy her hands with, Quistis ordered a cup of coffee from the young cadet who came to take Seifer and Squall's order. Selphie jumped in on the idea as well, though the instructor made sure to tell the young waiter that Selphie was to having nothing but decaf.

 

With a small pout, Selphie twiddled with the zipper on her sweat jacket, opening and closing the part, revealing and then covering the front of her usual yellow overall dress.

 

The young women managed to keep the smiles off their faces for a whole two seconds. Squall simply stared out the window while Seifer ordered food for the both of them. Their smiles came from seeing the ease with which the blond and brunet seemed to have established some eating ritual, which involved Squall being stubborn and Seifer making sure the Commander ate.

 

“What're you smilin' at?” Seifer grumbled. He was already in a bad mood, having been dragged to the Headmaster's office and forced to endure six hours of grueling office work. Although, he didn't actually have to do any of it, there was little else to do inside Squall's office.

 

“Why can't we smile?” Selphie grinned wider. She couldn't wait to see their first kiss, or at least the first kiss in front of her.

 

“You're always smiling Tilmitt. But Trepe, what's your deal?” Now he was interested, and a bit wary.

 

Squall sat impassively, looking out at the snow-covered courtyard beyond the pane of glass. It was beautiful and, as of yet, undisturbed. “It snowed last night,” he mused aloud, though he partly directed his comment to Seifer. He hadn't noticed any snow before. When he'd snuck into the blond's room it had been a fairly clear night still, the moon completely visible.

 

Quistis' smiled again, as she realized that the Commander hadn't even noticed their arrival, or if he had, didn't seem to acknowledge it.

 

“Maybe if you finish early we can take a trip to the beach,” Seifer suggested, reaching out to ruffle chocolate locks. He would have preferred to call it a day and leave right then, but the brunet would never go for it.

 

With a soft, barely perceptible smile, Squall gave a small nod of approval at the idea. Since Seifer had bossily demanded to do more than sit and wait around the office, Squall had been able to get through his work at a faster pace. Naturally, he still had to look over each document and proposal, but the ex-knight paraphrased half the files, thereby cutting the time spent on reading a great deal. And, with thanks to Quistis, he was not behind from his days off. There stood a good chance of finishing early that day.

 

Crystal blue eyes watched the pale brunet's profiled face as it turned back to the window. The Head Instructor couldn't shake the feeling that something drastic was changing, or rather developing. Squall didn't seem likely to ever change, but there was so much inside the Commander that no one knew about, there was no telling what this relationship might bring out.

 

Either it had been a good morning for the stubborn brunet or the stress just wasn't getting to him like it used to. Quistis understood from experience just how difficult it was to keep up on the constant reading of reports and proposals from the other Gardens. Not to mention the press, which was something she didn't have to deal with, after only a few days. There were a million things going on at once, from SeeD members dispatched all over the world to the hundreds of cadets training.

 

Squall had overseen to all of it for over half a year, and for the first time, the brunet had finally taken a breather. Although, she hardly thought that running around Dollet qualified as a breather, especially when it included tidal waves and yakuza leaders, but Squall had always been trouble prone. Besides, after being cooped up within Balamb Garden for so long, she suspected that getting out had been rather enjoyable. Knowing the fierce fighter that made up the Commander's core, each chance to test his limits was welcomed. Though, she did have a suspicious feeling about the most recent incident that neither Seifer nor Irvine would tell her about.

 

Yet, Squall's vacation, which it was anything but, had lasted less than a week and it already seemed to have helped. Quistis found it hard to believe that the brunet could be suddenly refreshed. Still a little too pale, the Commander didn't seem to have gained any weight back, but he did look much healthier. There were no bags under tired gray-blue eyes, and his cheeks didn't seem hollow or gaunt. In fact, there seemed to be a calming glow. It was surprising to see a calm expression on the brunet's face, and stormy eyes that were almost serene. After returning to work again, she was definitely surprised.

 

“Ah,” the light haired young woman suddenly gasped, a realization settling in. Quistis nearly clapped a hand over her mouth, but managed to cover the small disturbance up by taking the cup of coffee that had arrived at the same time. With a `thanks' to the waiter, the instructor took a moment to gather herself.

 

She berated herself for not realizing it before. After a night of thinking about little else, Quistis should have done more than just accept what was going on, she should have tried to pick it apart. Though, the accepting part had taken up quite a lot of her time.

 

This was the real deal. Squall was seriously involved. While she couldn't even begin to wonder just how far they had progressed, Quistis now took in the softer demeanor for what it was. No longer lonely, enamored, in love, really good sex, or whatever else it could possibly be. The Commander was definitely being affected by the ex-knight's presence on a deeper level than she'd previously thought.

 

`Of course,' she chastised herself. Squall obviously forgot about the world around him when….

 

Quistis fought the blush that threatened to brighten her cheeks. She was again seeing the Commander pinned to the floor while kissing Seifer passionately.

 

The instructor took a small sip of the hot liquid as she kept her eyes discretely trained on the brunet before her. Blanching, she realized that she was drinking her coffee black. Gulping down the bitter liquid, she set the cup down before reaching for the proper condiments to fix it just right.

 

Selphie seemed immune to having any contingency over openly staring. Propped forward on her elbows, she watched in fascination as Seifer spread jam on his toast.

 

A blond brow twitched in annoyance, but Seifer continued to prepare the toast, ignoring the girl. However, as he finished and moved the plate before Squall, the hyperactive pilot gave a small giggle, sending him over the edge.

 

“Does something amuse you Tilmitt?” the knight growled out, eyes narrowed in annoyance. He didn't mind them being there, but he certainly didn't want to be stared at the whole time. Grabbing the second plate that had been brought, he carried out the fixing of his bagel. A light meal to be sure, but Squall had kindly made a large breakfast after his pleading request.

 

“So cute!” Selphie cheered, catching the attention of a few people within hearing range. As if remembering that she had a drink in front of her, she grabbed the container of sugar and let streams of it flow into the dark liquid.

 

Dropping his eyes from the happy girl, Seifer paid attention to his hands that deftly spread cream cheese upon a toasted bagel. “I've been called sexy and hot as hell, but cute is a new one,” Seifer spoke smoothly, masking his annoyance.

 

The Head Instructor cleared her throat, earning Squall's attention for the first time. “I think you'll find that Selphie knows about you two,” she explained.

 

“I talked with Rinoa last night, she left for Dollet this morning, but she promised to visit and see the awesome job we're gonna do for the Winter Festival.” Selphie nodded her head to agree with her own words, her hair bouncing with the movement.

 

“Oh?” Seifer intoned, mildly interested. “And what did Caraway's prized princess tell you?” He did a fairly good job of hiding his contempt for the raven-haired girl, though he knew a different side would present itself if they talked at length about Squall's ex-girlfriend.

 

“Nothing I hadn't already suspected,” Selphie admonished, “You guys weren't very covert. I mean Squall just screamed sex half the time.”

 

This claim caught Seifer's attention fully, as his hand fumbled the knife and it clattered to the plate.

 

Squall gave a sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose. He couldn't exactly blame this one on Seifer, not when he'd instigated their particularly noticeable tryst on Ragnarok.

 

Jade green eyes filled with mischief after a brief moment of loss and annoyance. Leaning forward, Seifer locked eyes with the bright-eyed girl across from himself. “How much control would you have if you got to bang him?” He was pleased when hazel-green eyes widened and a faint blush rose to the messenger girl's cheeks.

 

Fidgeting for a moment, Selphie battled with her good and bad angels. While she was beyond curious, she suddenly felt as though it might not be her business. After all, she didn't go around prying into anyone else's private affairs. But, this was just too appealing not to know all about. “So you guys have sex?” she asked seriously, leaning in a bit as thought expecting Seifer to start giving details.

 

While Squall and Quistis stared wide-eyed at the young woman, both their faces blushing, Seifer threw his head back and began to laugh.

 

“You've got guts Tilmitt, I like that,” the blond knight declared.

 

“Does that mean you'll tell me?” she followed up quickly.

 

“Selphie,” Quistis hissed, “That is none of our business.”

 

“But,” the copper haired girl began to argue, “You got to see them kiss.” She glanced at the instructor as though the woman would nod in agreement.

 

Blushing, Quistis huffed and folded her arms. It was like being caught with a hand in the cookie jar. She knew she shouldn't have told Selphie what she'd seen. In retrospect, she'd say that poor Squall was probably the most embarrassed about it all. Considering Seifer didn't seem to have any shame in anything he did, the brunet was probably mortified upon coming back down from the clouds last night.

 

Squall had a sneaking suspicion that the conversation was going to be centered on Seifer and him being together. Irvine already knew, so it wasn't so surprising that Selphie would have figured out as well. The bubbly girl had many hidden skills, one of which was a sharp eye for observation.

 

However, the Commander had not predicted the blunt nature in which the young pilot would approach the subject. The chipper girl seemed elated about the whole thing, which was something that sort of threw him off.

 

He hated feeling embarrassed, especially when Seifer didn't seem to be affected by any of it. Why did it matter? Of course he wouldn't tell the whole world, but at this point it was given that his friends would have to be informed. So, why was it so hard to talk about?

 

Shiva's words resounded in the brunet's head. `Let yourself go,' he mused over. Was this what his Guardian had been referring to? Not specifically, but in general. Easing up, and not caring so much about upholding a public image, was that it? `Maybe,' he thought, still not certain about the Ice Queen's vague words. He had been under the assumption that he'd already let himself go by kissing Seifer and starting this relationship.

 

Shaking dark choppy strands of hair, Squall tried to force himself not to care. He already had enough on his mind without adding more.

 

“It isn't my intention to let all of Garden know,” the brunet spoke after taking a moment to school his expression. Coldly, he looked to the young woman beside him, instilling how serious he was with a dispassionate glare.

 

Selphie faltered for a moment. “I know,” she eventually managed to mutter, eyes downcast.

 

Mentally rolling his eyes, Squall cursed his inability to simply ignore Selphie's mood swings. With a sigh, he decided that if sleeping with Seifer wasn't letting go then there was little else left that could be.

 

Unfolding his arms, the Commander reached for a piece of toast. Holding it before his mouth he spoke softly, “I suppose it would be rude to plan a trip to the beach without inviting you.”

 

“Can we really come?” Selphie asked, brightening up. It might be freezing outside, but they all had a special fixation with the beach, and were used to going in all weather.

 

Squall gave a small nod, chewing on a small bite of toast. Blinking a moment, the brunet furrowed his brows suspiciously. “It's strawberry,” he said, referring to the jam. It didn't really matter, but he had a sneaking suspicion that the blond had known his preference.

 

“Oh?” Seifer sounded in innocent questioning. Abruptly shifting closer, he took a small bite from the toast held up in a delicate hand. Grinning in amusement he pretended to ponder over the flavor. “Yup, strawberry. However….” In one swift movement, the knight caught the ill prepared brunet in a kiss. Clasping one hand around Squall's slender neck, he kept the younger boy in place.

 

Surprised at the blond's audacity and total disregard for the fact that they were in a dining hall that was not completely void of staff or students, Squall was delayed in reacting. His initial response was to shove the knight away, but that might cause more of a scene and draw more attention. As it was, if no one was looking at their table specifically, then the pillar beside him did a decent job of hiding him within the recess of the corner. His next instinct, aside from the urge to kiss Seifer back, was to yell at the blond. This, however, proved unhelpful.

 

Before Squall could get any words out, Seifer took advantage of parted lips and snuck his tongue in. The slick appendage coiled around his own, but only briefly.

 

The blond was satisfied, having tasted Squall. He already knew from experience that the brunet couldn't stay mad at him for long, and he was feeling a little put off at Squall's firm statement about not letting anyone else outside the small band of heroes know about their relationship.

 

Drawing the short kiss to an end, Seifer released his hold on the Commander's neck with a final ruffle to the soft mop of hair. “I think you taste better,” he whispered softly, just barely loud enough for the others to hear.

 

With a clenched fist, Squall resisted the urge to throttle the man. He hated how Seifer pushed every one of his buttons, and the way he seemed unable to scourge up enough anger to lash out. Flexing his hand, he made a vow that in their next spar Seifer was going to suffer.

 

A squeal of excitement filled the air.

 

“Holy Hyne!” Selphie exclaimed, unable to keep her voice in check. She'd just witnessed it first hand, for herself. Seifer and Squall, totally into each other, kissing.

 

“Selphie,” Squall hissed in reprimand.

 

“Oh right, sorry,” the copper haired girl said, slouching in her seat and clamping two hands over her mouth.

 

Eyes closed, with her glasses slipping to the tip of her nose, Quistis rested her chin against her palm while angling her head away. These two would be the death of her. Perhaps Seifer didn't understand the exact reasons why Squall had decided against going public.

 

“It's Saturday, do you really have to go back to the office?” Seifer questioned, knowing the answer already.

 

Turning his attention back outside, Squall closed his eyes for a moment in thought. “No, I suppose we don't have to go back,” he breathed out in a sigh.

 

Jade eyes widened in surprise, but then promptly narrowed in concern. “Squall?” he called to the brunet, wondering if something was wrong, aside from his rash kiss.

 

Stormy eyes regarded Seifer evenly, betraying no emotion. When Seifer didn't seem likely to let it go, Squall changed the subject. “How's Rui?” he asked Selphie.

 

Slow to comprehend that Squall and Seifer were having some sort of secret exchange, Selphie took a moment to reply. “He's doing good in class. I actually asked him if he'd teach me how to pick locks.” She smiled brightly at this. However, her smile fell shortly after. Brows furrowed together, she spoke seriously, “He was super upset after we got back from Dollet.”

 

Ignoring the concerned gaze of jade eyes, Squall kept his attention on Selphie. “Upset?” he questioned.

 

“Yeah,” the hyperactive young woman replied. Seeing that Squall was interested in hearing more, she expressed her own opinions about what the dark haired boy was going through. “He refuses to see you. Says he's brought you nothing but trouble, while you've done nothing but help him. I think he feels that it's all his fault.”

 

Squall frowned at this. He hadn't really given the boy much thought after closing the case with Epson. He still had plans for the talented thief, but it only involved using the kid to help him start a new set of courses. Now, however, he realized that after offering Rui a life in Garden, he'd changed the boy's life drastically. Ignoring the boy as just another newbie cadet was not an option.

 

“Where is he now?” Squall asked, planning to see the boy sometime that very day.

 

“Well, actually, he was going to start teaching me the basics after lunch,” Selphie answered with an unsure smile.

 

Simply giving a nod of understanding, Squall sat back in his seat. Taking another bite of his toast, he continued to stare out the window. He could feel the heated gaze of the blond, but he ignored it. There was only so many times he could give into the desire to run away from the world and sleep with Seifer. With so much on his mind, he had to start dealing with it before it became too much to handle.