Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction / Other Fan Fiction ❯ Strings Attached ❯ A Decision Made ( Chapter 26 )

Chapter Twenty-Six

A Decision Made

 

At four o'clock it was still quite bright outside, though the layers of white snow may have helped with that a bit.

 

Standing near the outer gates, Seifer and Squall waited along with everyone else that had ever come from the seaside orphanage in Centra. There were a few new faces, younger cadets that had only recently journeyed to Balamb Garden.

 

As willing as Squall was to accommodate Selphie's wishes, mainly for the sake of Matron and Cid, he wasn't too pleased with becoming a part of the welcome wagon.

 

A day late, Cid and Matron phoned to say they would indeed be making it in time for the best part of the festival. They explained that in order to make it by Friday they'd planned on leaving Monday with hopes of arriving Tuesday. Matron said that it was near impossible to not be several days late when attempting to travel with so many children. So, even though they had planned to arrive early so as not to be late, they were still late.

 

Seifer stood straight, be it from some sense of propriety at seeing Matron for the first time since the war ended or from a need to appear imposing while on duty. Donning a sharp black suit, his tie set in place with precision, his long black trench coat aided in keeping the cold chill at bay.

 

Silent since leaving the apartment, Squall stood in his usual manner with his weight shifted off to one leg. The slight lean in his stance brought him just a little closer to the tall blond.

 

Running a gloved hand through his hair, Squall attempted to settle the lengthy strands in a neater manner. His efforts didn't make much of a difference. He glanced sidelong at the ex-knight, seeing the way in which blond strands were combed back and staying in place despite the winds.

 

Seifer caught those grey-blue eyes before the brunet turned away. Smirking a little, he reached out and ruffled the mop of chocolate brown hair. With his leather glove in place he couldn't feel the soft silken texture, nor could he smell the clean scent from his distance.

 

Before Squall could protest, he leaned in to whisper, “You look sexy with messy hair. It looks like I just fucked you.” He let his hand linger, wondering if it would be pushed away.

 

Rolling his eyes despite the warmth that spread through him, Squall gently knocked Seifer's hand away. Crossing his arms once more, he ignored the disarray of his hair. He figured that after eighteen years of not caring what he looked like, right then wasn't a good time to start. It was just that memories of Matron fawning over each of them surfaced and he felt a certain need to impress her in some odd way.

 

Maybe it was some form of guilt. Squall wouldn't presume to assume anyone's emotions, but he could imagine that Edea Kramer might feel guilt for anyone who wasn't able to lead a good life after the war. For that reason, it seemed like a good idea that Matron understand just how well off they were in Balamb Garden.

 

Huddling deeper into the worn leather of his bomber jacket, Squall felt the fur collar brush against his cheeks as the wind changed direction.

 

“Cold?” Seifer questioned. Seeing the way the Commander's arms to keep warm made him stir with the want to wrap his arms around the younger man.

 

“I'm fine,” Squall dismissed.

 

It was Seifer's turn to roll his eyes. Returning his focus towards the gates, he scanned the area. “When are they getting here Tilmitt?”

 

“Soon,” Selphie replied. A wide smile was permanently plastered to her face as she was held within the warm embrace of her dearest cowboy. It was a small gesture, one that Irvine had shown her before, but it gave her a happy feeling all the same.

 

Together, the bouncy pilot and gunman nearly fit within the long brown leather duster.

 

“You said that ten minutes ago,” Zell complained. Hopping from foot to foot, he blew on his hands.

 

“Pants might have been a wiser choice,” Irvine drawled with mirth.

 

Shooting the gunman a half-hearted glare, Zell explained, “It was a lot warmer inside, which is where normal people would be waiting.”

 

Quistis, who was furthest away from the neat line up everyone else stood in, faced the Garden as she spoke with a group of first years. She was more than fine with only a thick woolen overcoat. Her skirt certainly allowed just as much cold air in as Zell's long shorts.

 

“I think your problems are solved Zell,” the new Headmistress announced as she gazed towards the Garden steps.

 

Turning with chattering teeth, Zell punched the air and trotted in place while Greta approached. His mind-reading wife had brought him his winter jacket, which he'd forgone under the impression that they would be waiting inside.

 

At the insistence of the spiky haired boxer, the head chef remained with the group, despite protests of needing to get back to the kitchens. Zell proudly proclaimed that body heat was the best way to keep warm, and thus mimicked Selphie and Irvine.

 

As the minutes passed with no sign of Cid or Matron or the children they were bringing, Quistis sidled up to Squall. “I'm in love with the new curriculum,” she said with a soft smile.

 

Squall couldn't help but give a faint smile of his own. He had hoped she'd appreciate the ideas that were the basis for the changes in the training regime. It was entirely based on their experiences from the war, a greater understanding of what SeeD really needed to know.

 

“I wanted to ask you about Xu,” the blonde woman said curiously.

 

If Squall felt slight alarm at those words, he didn't show it. Remaining silent, he left himself open to be asked any questions, though whether he'd answer was yet to be seen.

 

“I talked to her earlier this morning. She said she was sorry for not being able to make it, but wondered if I'd ask you if Monday was alright?”

 

Impassively, Squall stared forward. He ignored keen jade green eyes that were now intently gazing at him while listening in. “I'll contact her to discuss it.”

 

Sighing, Quistis had to remind herself that it was always a guessing game with Squall. She could never be certain if she was prying into matters that weren't her business or matters that the Commander took upon himself and kept from them for the sake of sparing them. Lately, it was always personal, and for that she'd kept her badgering under control.

 

However, the idea that Xu could be involved and it was a personal matter didn't seem likely. So Quistis decided to pursue the subject. “Is she coming here for any particular reason?”

 

“Upon my request,” Squall answered evenly.

 

Opening her mouth to press further, Quistis shut it before uttering a single syllable. Shaking her head as a consequence of her inner thoughts, she said, “I see.” Not pushing Squall on the matter, she gazed towards the roadway just beyond the tall gates.

 

The blonde instructor had gone back on her decision. Ever since Seifer had returned, dealing with Squall was not the same as before. She noticed many changes within the brunet, one of which was the ability to rely on all of them more. If Xu were coming for any reason that they should know of, she felt confident that Squall would tell her without being nagged.

 

With slight guilty, Squall also cast his gaze forward. He'd finally come to a decision about his resignation. If Xu would agree, then she would become the new Commander… effective immediately.

 

“I see them!” Selphie cried.

 

**

 

The quad was packed with cadets and guests alike. It seemed no one minded the cold if they could huddle close with friends and step inside to warm up with coffee and cocoa before returning to watch the show.

 

Early in the afternoon there was karaoke, followed by a talent contest. Now, the band played with occasional interludes by predetermined performers.

 

Selphie stood at the stage's front on an upraised podium. Her arms moved around sporadically as she attempted to conduct the band. While the players found it odd, they easily ignored it.

 

Kept close by for the majority of the day's events was Selphie's favorite knight, sir Laguna. As a festival enthusiast, he was quite content to be involved and dragged about as the bouncy young woman oversaw each show.

 

The cafeteria was the least crowded place to be. Because of this, Squall spent most of his time idly sitting in a familiar corner.

 

The brunet sat with his back to the large glass pane that formed the wall. Seifer was at his right and Cid to his left. Glancing up, he gazed at Matron seated in front.

 

The four had taken their seats to quietly discuss matters while catching up. With the exception of Cid, who wore his usual sweater vest and khakis, they all seemed to be dressed for a funeral. At least together they seemed to be wearing an unusual amount of black.

 

Edea's long raven hair was in a loose bun, wispy tendrils framing her refined features. Wearing a long black dress, she slowly sipped a cup of tea.

 

Squall noted that the older woman's hair was graying. From the roots around her temples, the aging process seemed to have jumped ahead instantaneously. It was proof that the war had been a great grievance and stress upon her.

 

Cid's usually light brown hair was just as gray as ever, streaks of faded hair present throughout. A slight weight loss gave him a slimmer figure, though he was still far from fighting shape. The former Headmaster was no longer a part of Garden, his glory days lived out long ago.

 

“It's good to see you again,” the older man stated for the second time since his arrival. Slate blue eyes regarded the current Commander with pride. It had been too much to hope that the prodigy bladist would step up to the plate and bring victory against Ultimecia. And, it was an even greater feat that Squall had run Garden with such aptitude and sharp sense.

 

“How are you holding up?” Edea followed in question, amber eyes never ceasing their concerned gaze towards the pale brunet. “You look a little thin and tired, is it too much for you?”

 

Seifer remained silent, just waiting for the moment when their relationship would be addressed. Part of him was slightly jealous of the attention Squall received. Matron always seemed to fret over Squall more than everyone else.

 

“I'm f-” Squall began to reply monotonously, but he was cut off.

 

“And don't say you're fine,” the older woman chastised.

 

Bristling under the concerned scrutiny of the only woman he'd known to care for him like a mother, Squall crossed his arms. His fingers tugged on the soft cotton material of his black turtleneck, straightening nonexistent wrinkles.

 

“He's healthy enough if that's what you're getting at,” Seifer supplied seriously. Gently ruffling soft brown locks, he added, “He's doing better.”

 

Giving a hesitant nod of approval, the dark haired woman smiled. “I've missed your stoic presence at the orphanage,” she said. “I love all my children, but you six were truly special.”

 

Squall wasn't sure how to respond. It had been years since he'd seen Matron prior to the war's start. He hadn't even remembered her, which seemed shameful on his part. Then again, he hadn't remembered any of the others except Seifer.

 

“How's the orphanage?” the brunet questioned, making certain to be clear since he recalled how Matron chastised him for mumbling quietly.

 

“Wonderful thanks to you. You should visit us. It's just beautiful there now. The old orphanage is rebuilt and even the lighthouse is back in working order.”

 

Squall gave a faint smile. With his ridiculous salary it was a trifle to send funding to the orphanage. It wasn't that he felt particularly obligated or held any sense of duty. It was just that he honestly had no place to put all that money.

 

“We've expanded,” Cid added. “Becoming SeeD is apparently the dream of many young teens these days. Everyone we brought with us is here to get a feel for the place.”

 

Eyebrows rising slightly, Squall expressed his surprise. “There are at least thirty kids,” he muttered in thought.

 

“Exactly thirty,” Edea commented, wondering if Squall had counted heads or guessed.

 

“Well,” Cid said gruffly, “being SeeD has become a glorified career, what with the publicity surrounding you and everyone else.”

 

Squall frowned. He wasn't sure he liked the idea of so many fourteen year olds enrolling under the assumption that it was all fun and games. Then again, reality would be discovered after the first few months, which meant no harm would be done. Everyone was free to drop out or simply forgo the field exam and take what was learned with them as they moved on to something else in life.

 

“They adore you,” Edea said with a wider smile.

 

Blinking in confusion, Squall wasn't sure he'd heard right. “They don't even know me,” he pointed out.

 

“But they've heard all about you. I can't tell you how many times I've told them stories before bed about you and the others. I believe their favorite part is when you traveled into space.”

 

Confusion mounting, Squall cast a glance at Seifer to see if he was alone in his confusion.

 

Seifer seemed to agree with Squall. “Wouldn't telling them about it give them nightmares or something?”

 

Cid chuckled. “No my dear boy, not when it's told right. They want stories of heroes, the sort found in children's books.”

 

Sitting straighter, the blond frowned. “So what am I in these stories?” he questioned indignantly. It was one thing to be the evil sorceress knight in real life, but to be made into some sort of harmless big bad wolf was insulting to his delicate ego.

 

Reaching out, Edea cupped the young man's cheek. “You're the lost knight,” she said.

 

Grumbling, Seifer was compelled to settle down. How was he supposed to object when Matron was being all motherly on him?

 

Deciding to change the subject, Cid glanced from one young man to the other. “I'd always hoped you two would find some way to settle your differences. Though, I never imagined it would turn out this way.”

 

Seifer shrugged, impervious to the disbelief others felt about him and Squall. “We still fight, just now we have sex too.”

 

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Squall hid the blush that came to his face.

 

Amber eyes widened in shock. “Seifer Almasy, you will have some sense of propriety with your words or so help me I'll find the nearest bar of soap and wash your mouth out.”

 

“Or send me to the corner?” the blond lilted good-naturedly.

 

“I'm stronger than I look young man, I may just take you over my knee.”

 

Barking with laughter, Seifer's baritone voice rang out and drew attention from nearby tables. “Sorry Matron, Squally-boy is the only person I'd ever let spank me.”

 

“Seifer,” Squall hissed, his cheeks flaming at that point.

 

“Well, it's certainly nice to know you aren't out to kill each other,” Cid interjected, rephrasing his previous assurance. Uncertain for a moment, he followed up, “I'm curious though, were you two involved as cadets?”

 

“Cid,” Edea chastised, “That's not our business.”

 

“It's fine,” Seifer said. “There's no big secret about it. Nothing started `til I came back.”

 

“In November?” the raven-haired woman questioned with apparent incredulity.

 

“Yeah,” Seifer said in a manner that seemed to dare anyone to make something of it.

 

Frowning, Cid shared his wife's feeling of surprise. “That's an awfully short time boys, don't you agree?”

 

“No,” Seifer stated flatly. He wasn't exactly defensive, not against Cid or Matron, but he felt strongly about the matter. Reaching over, he drew Squall's hand to rest atop the table and entwined their fingers. He gave a firm squeeze to express his appreciation for the brunet's compliance, knowing that public displays of any chaste level were generally done with great reluctance.

 

“You made a public announcement,” the former Headmaster reminded, impressing the severity of such a move.

 

“It was necessary,” Squall replied. “We weren't keeping it secret, and it was not something Galbadia or any place else would take lightly especially if I didn't say anything ahead of time.”

 

Churning the young Commander's words over, the older man gave a firm nod and hummed in agreement. “But, after such a short period of time, was it wise to jump the gun?”

 

“It was the lesser evil,” Squall admitted. “But I don't doubt our relationship, if that's what you mean.”

 

Seifer gave another firm squeeze to the brunet's smaller hand, finding the impassively spoken words caused his chest to swell.

 

“After what we've been through, I'm not sure what you expect could break us up,” Seifer said soundly. He referred to their years of rivalry and clashing sides during the war, not to mention having already endured harsh scrutiny. “I don't exactly see myself becoming tired of…” he paused while giving Matron a knowing glance, “of engaging in sexual intercourse when he has such an attractive physique.”

 

“Dear Hyne Seifer,” Edea chastised again, “When I said propriety I meant have some decency for vagueness.”

 

Seifer just laughed, a knowing gleam in his mischievous green eyes.

 

Coughing in discomfort over the ex-knight's words, Cid tried to seem casual about it all. “I can't say that I've always approved of homosexuality, but this certainly hits close to home. You boys are like my sons, and I'll accept this if it's what makes you happy.”

 

“If I was like your son, then why'd you fail me on the field exam four times in a row?” Seifer complained with a note of bitter sarcasm.

 

Cid just chuckled. Adjusting his small wire rimmed glasses to sit higher on his crooked nose, he stared right into jade green eyes. “You weren't ready,” he said evenly. “I could never impress how important it was to respect your superiors. I thought making you squad leader would help, but you still ignored orders from Xu and Quistis.”

 

“Yeah, and figured out what was really going on in that tower. You should have given me a medal.”

 

“Well I've been wrong before,” Cid admitted. Turning his slate blue eyes towards the pale brunet, he explained, “I had my doubts about you as well. I'd hoped you'd step up as a leader when Seifer disobeyed orders and was reluctant to pass you after you followed him.”

 

Squall's eyes narrowed slightly. He never asked to be made a leader, yet here he was as the Commander. Seifer had always been more of a leader, something he never tried to vie the blond for. “I still stand by my decision on that day. Seifer took the correct course of action, which is why I went with him.”

 

Edea beamed at the brunet. Reaching over to her husband, she sought out his hand and clasped it. “They are sweet together, aren't they?” she said loud enough for Seifer and Squall to hear clearly.

 

Squall's face remained impassive, a blush threatening to come but stopped by a conscious effort to keep his feelings hidden.

 

Sitting back, Edea sipped her tea a bit more, the hot liquid now cooled to better suit her. “Greta seems like such a dear, don't you think?”

 

“They're a little young,” Cid commented.

 

“We were that young when we were married,” the older woman reminded.

 

“Which was in January, almost thirty years ago,” Cid interjected quickly, spouting it off as if some conditioned response.

 

“I take it someone forgot his wedding anniversary,” Seifer commented with a smirk.

 

The former Headmaster locked eyes with the former knight. “Never underestimate the importance of any anniversary, even if it's the first time you see a movie together.”

 

“He's never forgotten,” Edea soothed with a loving smile towards her husband. “But he prides himself on remembering every date. He knows the day we first met, our first date, our first walk in the park.”

 

Seifer chuckled. “It's a good thing I didn't know any of this while you were the Headmaster, or I'd never have listened to a word you said.”

 

Brows raised, Cid felt adamant about his knack for remembering every moment between him and his wife. “As I recall, you never listened anyway.”

 

Nodding, the blond conceded, “True enough.”

 

“So, tell me more about Greta. Zell didn't have much of a chance to tell me everything,” Edea said, returning to the topic of her choice.

 

“Dincht eloped. There isn't much to tell,” Seifer offered reasonably. “From what I hear, it was as much a surprise as myself and Squally-boy.”

 

Slightly deflated, Edea said, “I see.” Brightening a moment later, seeming to hint at where Selphie learned her bouncy nature, she explained, “I'm just a mother hen. I worry about all my children and like to know what's going on in their lives.”

 

“Garden has been good to us,” Squall stated solemnly.

 

Cid's lips pressed together, torn between smiling and frowning. Leaning closer, he clasped a hand at the side of the Commander's head. Giving a solid nudge, he locked eyes with the brunet while speaking, “You're a good boy Squall. It's been a gift watching you grow and become the young man you are today.”

 

“Sir,” Squall said firmly, acknowledging the authority he still attributed the man to having.

 

Smiling briefly, Cid pulled back from the exchange, the closest he'd get to giving the guarded Commander a hug. There was always a heavy burden in his heart for running Garden with the purpose of training mercenaries to eradicate dangerous sorceresses. As a knight, it was like working against the very nature of his soul. When Edea had been possessed and he'd faced the possibility of killing his own wife, it had become too much. Squall's words meant a lot to him. To hear confirmation of how Garden had benefited at least one person was very meaningful to him.

 

“Goodness,” Edea exclaimed with her attention drawn away from the table towards the food counter. “It's nearly eleven thirty,” she explained, her eyes focused on the clock mounted on the wall.

 

“The fireworks,” Cid said in exasperation. “We'd better go. It'll take at least half an hour to round the kids up. I don't want them going too close.”

 

With similar nods of understanding from both the Commander and ex-knight, the married pair left to attend the guests they'd brought all the way from Centra.

 

**

 

As the sky lit up with striking colors against a starkly contrasting canvas of clear night sky, the crowds gathered. Visible from all parts of Garden, cadets sought their choice of viewing grounds. The balcony within the ballroom had been opened for that night specifically, which created a nice setting.

 

Squall and Seifer remained in a nearly empty cafeteria, the lights having been turned off just before the first firework sailed into the air. It wasn't the best view, but there was far less noise and it was warm. Side by side before the tall glass wall, they had a perfectly acceptable view.

 

Most of the cadets that had been milling within the dining hall had ambled to the courtyard just beyond the large pane of enforced glass.

 

The blond and brunet were practically invisible within the dark room, except for when the various fireworks lit the sky up and cast various colors across their forms. With no eyes upon them, Squall was hardly reluctant to accept the arm around his shoulders and lean into the embrace.

 

It was some time into the never ceasing show of flashing explosives that Squall recalled the time.

 

Craning his head upward, having slid into a more comfortable position against Seifer, he whispered, “Happy Birthday.”

 

Stunned for quiet moment, Seifer looked down. Moving from his reclined position, he shifted closer. As Squall straightened, he cupped the brunet's face and gently kissed the younger man.

 

“Let's go back,” he murmured against soft lips that he had yet to kiss with all the bruising fervor he had pent up inside.

 

Squall nodded, finding the older boy's sudden change in nature caused a rising heat in himself. Seifer seemed anxious, but it wasn't a rushed sort of request. It was almost as if the blond had not vocalized the true meaning, a sensual request for a night of slow foreplay and heated sex.

 

TBC…

 

A/N Alright, so the whole long chapter didn't work out as planned. Instead, I wound up with two chapters. I was going to put them together, but they both deal with different things so it didn't seem right. Anyway, never fear, the next one is also up and that contains Seifer's present. Oh, and don't worry about the fact that the title of the chapter refers to a very abrupt and small part of it. I will explain more about Squall's decision.