Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction / Other Fan Fiction ❯ Strings Attached ❯ A New Mission ( Chapter 31 )

Chapter Thirty-One

A New Mission

 

“Seifer, it's cold,” Squall murmured against insistent lips.

 

“Cold?” Seifer questioned in disbelief. “I'm not cold at all.” Pinning the brunet to the ground, their combined weight indenting untouched snow, he once more attacked soft lips.

 

Squall relented, but only for the sake of flipping positions and proving how uncomfortable it was to lie in the snow.

 

Over halfway back to Garden, the now former Commander had been lost in thought over the inevitable discussion he'd have to have with everyone. Distracted by his thoughts, Squall found himself tackled with a small grunt as the soft looking snow turned out to be less forgiving upon impact. Presently, he was still under attack by Seifer's lips, the battle heightening as the blond's tongue began to beg entrance.

 

It was only moments before Squall realized he would be unable to roll over, Seifer pressing down firmly against him with little hope for leverage. It was a slight relief as gloved hands twined in his hair and cradled his head away from the cold ground.

 

Forcing himself not to smirk into the kiss, Squall gently sucked on Seifer's tongue as he briefly let one hand slip away from around the broad form atop. Closely succumbing to smiling at the face he knew the older boy would make, Squall swiftly made his move.

 

“Fuck,” Seifer cursed as he jumped back and tried to quickly shake out the snow that had been pushed beneath the collar of both coat and shirt. Unfortunately his shirt was tucked in, only sending slushy water running down his back. “You're mine Leonhart,” the knight growled before leaping after the scrambling form.

 

Squall was delayed in his understanding that there were repercussions for his actions, but he managed to evade the tall blond nonetheless.

 

Before Seifer could stand straight to give chase, a ball of snow collided with his head. The little minx was certainly in a playful mood. A pleasant shiver ran through him as stifled laughter followed. Making a show of shaking his head like a dog, the debris of the most recent attack flying every which way, he stood up with a narrowed gaze of warning.

 

Reaching down, he took a handful of snow and formed a decent sized ball. Squall stood off about five meters, plush lips valiantly trying to hide the boy's obvious amusement. Green eyes sparkled while letting loose a well-aimed snowball. Though it was easily dodged, he trudged forward quickly, long legs better adept at running through a couple feet of snow.

 

Given both their ability to dodge even the closest of attacks, neither man was hit after the initial challenge made by Squall. However, Seifer spent his energies simply closing the distance between himself and the quicker brunet. It wasn't very long before the cold air and the difficulty treading through the snow began to take its toll.

 

Seifer felt his heart strumming with ridiculous elation as he noticed a slight lag in his kitten's movement. In silent submission, Squall stayed in place when he approached and at last managed to get his hands on the pale boy.

 

With cheeks flushed from mild exertion and cold air, Squall felt a faint feeling of apprehension, as if he should run from his looming punishment. It was entirely playful, not nearly as serious as their spars. Yet a small part still urged him to run quickly, perhaps beat the blond back to Garden.

 

Owning up to the knight's deserved revenge, he didn't duck away when strong arms encircled his waist and lift him clear off his feet.

 

Squeezing tightly until the deceptively fragile kitten gave a soft grunt from the constriction, Seifer set the boy back down from the bear hug. “You're gonna get it as soon as I get a hold of some ice cubes,” the blond hissed as he pulled the brunet to him once more. This time he kept his hold loose, first directing Squall's arms to return the embrace. “Warm me up,” he ordered with a nip to the brunet's earlobe.

 

Shying away from the nipping teeth, Squall failed to thwart the exploitation of one of several erogenous spots Seifer knew by heart. Distracted for a moment, he closed his eyes at the feel of the blond's wet and warm tongue laving over his near frozen ear.

 

Hands feeling a bit numb, Squall pressed as close as possible to wrap his arms all the way around Seifer's broad frame. Pulling the leather hand accessories off, he let them drop to the ground and pulled his arms back. With a better sense of touch, he deftly undid the outer buttons on the knight's long coat. He gave a small huff of disapproval at also having to unzip the garment. What point were buttons when the coat zipped up?

 

“Don't stop now,” Seifer chastised when there was a slight pause. Encouraging the young man to continue, he firmly grabbing the brunet's ass. He almost pouted at not being able to feel Squall's flesh through all the leather.

 

Quirking a brow at the knight's apparent lack of care over being outside, Squall proceeded to loosen the man's black necktie. Only needing a little room, he left the tie still knotted before undoing the top most button of the white dress shirt. Not sure where he was taking this, only that Seifer seemed to like it, he continued until the firm chest and tan skin were exposed.

 

Pushing apart the clothing a bit, Squall smoothed his hands over the warm skin. Finding the heat enticing, he pressed in closer. Hands caressing along firm muscles, he untucked the shirt and reached around. His fingertips knew the different feel between hard abs and strong back. He could feel the dampness of the shirt, but Seifer's skin was just as warm in every spot.

 

Though it might have been asking for Squall to back off, Seifer found he wasn't thinking as clearly as usual. His eyes were trained on the chocolate mop of hair, his lids threatening to close despite his want to watch. “Think about how far you want to take this Princess,” he advised huskily. He wasn't above screwing Squall right there in the open. It was a simple matter of laying his coat down and ravishing the sexy kitten to his heart's content.

 

With a small nod, Squall acknowledged that he shouldn't go too far. Being a tease was only tolerable in certain situations. After understanding how needy the blond knight could be, he knew where to draw the line. Since there was no way he was going to have sex out there, it landed on his shoulders to not arouse the blond beyond the breaking point.

 

Visible breath and numb limbs aside, the cold was evident by the knight's hardened nipples. Level with Seifer's chest, it was a simple matter of leaning in and licking the pert nubs. Gently nipping at one, he raked his short nails along Seifer's back.

 

Carrying on until he'd teased the nub to point where he figured it would begin to become a bit sore, Squall left it exposed to the air and worked on the other. As he licked it after biting, a groan erupted from the blond's throat.

 

Squall's signal was the hips that pressed forward and the hands at his butt that kept him in place for the knight to rub against. Pulling back, he kindly began to do the shirt back up.

 

Swallowing thickly, Seifer tried to settle down before his stirring erection became too hard, but he found the attentive manner that Squall set his clothes back in place was nearly just as arousing as the brunet teasing his nipples. Right down to straightening his tie better than it had been originally, he was covered up once more and feeling colder for it.

 

“Warm?” Squall questioned quietly, casting a gaze upwards at the tall ex-knight.

 

Clearing his throat, Seifer managed to answer, “Very.”

 

For a long moment, they just stood there. The majority of the day had been entirely unproductive, but it didn't seem to matter anymore. Squall was certainly not used to feeling content at the end of the day unless he'd put in a good eleven or fifteen hours of work. But his life had changed in many ways since Seifer came back into it.

 

Taking a deep breath, Squall gave a faint smile. With no one but Seifer to see, there was little emotion he could keep from showing, regardless of how instinctive it was to act indifferent at every moment. It suddenly set in that after that day, he was no longer Commander. No more tedious reports or constant concerns about funding. Regardless of what happened next, he was absolutely satisfied with his decision.

 

Seifer returned the gesture, smiling outright. “I like it when you smile,” he commented. He'd received more smiles from the brunet that day than in the fourteen years he'd known Squall.

 

As if realizing the ridiculous expression he was making, Squall's lips settled back into an impassive line. Though the pout and bowed shape were no less inviting, they did not express what stirred within.

 

Shaking his head, Seifer eased back and raised a hand to touch those soft lips. He considered it his duty to kiss them as often as possible, especially in the cold dry air that might chap them.

 

Running his thumb across Squall's bottom lip, his smile dropped. “I suppose you hide it so that I don't become spoiled.”

 

Feigning a harsh glare, Squall quipped, “You've always been a spoiled brat.”

 

Chuckling lightly, Seifer couldn't muster the will to refute the absolute truth of Squall's words. He was terribly spoiled. He had everything in the world and would never consider giving any of it up. Squall was his, every touch and fleeting gaze, every soft simper and private moment that he refused to share.

 

“I am,” the blond whispered. Leaning down to kiss Squall he hummed his pleasure at being so spoiled. As a small shiver ran through the brunet, he pulled back. “Let's head back.”

 

Squall was mildly surprised that there was such an obvious difference between a pleasured shiver and a cold shiver. Although, considering Seifer read him so well, it probably should have been expected.

 

Trudging along, the brunet allowed his hand to taken. Seifer led him after stooping to pick up his gloves. When they reached the road, the blond released his hand and handed over the black leather accessories to put on. It was almost amusing, as if Seifer didn't trust him to make it back to even ground without having him holding on. However, he chose not to argue any points on the matter.

 

“It'll be getting dark soon,” Seifer commented, taking up Squall's hand again.

 

Squall didn't refute the obvious, but he also didn't congratulate the observation with any vocal agreement.

 

“If you weren't such a horny little kitten we could have been back by now,” the blond stated in mock reprimand, tutting at the brunet for bad behavior.

 

Glaring at Seifer, Squall reminded, “Who started it?”

 

“Who finished it?” Seifer returned, not caring if he won the simple argument so long as he kept Squall talking. He loved the sound of Squall's voice. It was soothing even when lowered to give a dangerous warning to back off.

 

Unaware of Seifer's motives, Squall shot back, “Just like our fights.”

 

“Ouch kitten, that hurts.”

 

“Stop calling me that,” Squall demanded. What was with Seifer and pet names? Why couldn't the blond at least think of something a little less bruising to his pride?

 

“Why?” Seifer taunted childishly.

 

“Because I said so.”

 

“But it's cute and it suits you.” Reaching across with his free arm, he scratched behind Squall's ear. “You're my little kitten.”

 

“…” Past using words to dissuade the former knight, Squall sent a serious glare Seifer's way. He tried to express his intentions of biting the blond's finger off the next time he scratched him like some pet.

 

“Well, it's not like I make you call me anything particular,” Seifer defended, hoping he wasn't opening himself to an array of abusive nick names now that he indirectly suggested it.

 

Facing forward and staring off down the snow packed road, bright gray-blue eyes stared with the sole purpose of ignoring the man beside him.

 

“They're terms of endearment,” Seifer placated, not wanting to give up the names.

 

“They're demeaning,” Squall muttered.

 

“What if I promise to say them only when your cute furry ears can hear?”

 

Suddenly remembering Seifer's earlier request in trade for forgiveness, Squall scoffed. “Comparing me to a cat isn't going to make me order that costume.”

 

Seifer almost laughed at the connection, not having actually considered one relating to the other. Before he could respond however, a rather disturbing cry rang out from up ahead.

 

“Squall!”

 

Hand pinching the bridge of his nose, Squall sighed. With a nudge to Seifer's side, he tacitly requested the blond's assistance in responding.

 

“What's the emergency Tilmitt!?” Seifer shouted. As the yellow ball of energy sprinted full speed towards them, he changed his grip from the hand to waist, protectively pulling Squall closer.

 

“How could you!?” Selphie accused as she rushed closer. While she wore her jumper and boots, her bare arms and legs suggested that she hadn't given much thought when stepping outside.

 

“What'd I do?” Seifer questioned to himself and partly Squall.

 

“Nothing,” Squall mumbled, knowing it wasn't Seifer for once.

 

“Oh,” Seifer commented knowingly. This was about the whole resigning issue. If he'd only just found, then no doubt the other orphanage buddies had recently found out as well.

 

Before the young woman could fling herself at Squall, Seifer stepped in front of the brunet. It was his job to protect the Commander and today was his last day to be paid for it.

 

Stopping before Seifer, Selphie panted. “Squall!” she yelled angrily. “I've been looking for you all day! Where have you been?” Having searched Garden high and low, constantly calling both Squall and Seifer, it was obvious the pair had stepped out.

 

“Out,” the brunet replied evenly from out of sight. He was none too motivated to step from behind Seifer.

 

“Get over here,” the copper-haired woman demanded with a stomping foot.

 

Squall wondered just how much Xu had told her. Selphie was unpredictable. She might want to hug him to death or beat him up. Either way, he didn't want it. Reluctantly, he took a couple steps and came before the panting woman.

 

Jumping at Squall, Selphie wrapped her arms around him and squeezed tightly. “You never mentioned a thing. All this time, I thought it'd take years to rebuild.”

 

Awkwardly standing with his arms at his side, Squall remained unresponsive. “Selphie, this isn't necessary.”

 

Sniffling at the beginning of tears, Selphie croaked, “I love you.”

 

Forcing himself not to groan, Squall tentatively pat the girl on the back. “Let's go back.”

 

“Okay,” Selphie said, following it with a sob. Her arms kept their tight hold, willing to go back but not willing to let go. “You're the best,” she choked out.

 

“Selphie, we really need to go back,” Squall said. She didn't understand the entire situation. Trabia was rebuilt, but that also meant her possible transfer and his departure from Garden. “I'm calling a meeting, I need to talk to everyone.”

 

**

 

It was a struggle to make Selphie take her seat in the conference room. Her chair swiveled continually in a show of her want to stand up and hug Squall.

 

Irvine sat beside Selphie, a dark frown in place of his usually welcoming and laid back smirk. The gunman knew the time had come. He had feared it since the day of the festival. He'd grown a bit hopeful when the day past without any announcements by the Commander. However, now that Xu was there, he understood the delay.

 

Quistis sat with a look of concern, detecting that something was awry but not certain what it was. The fact that Xu seemed to know something was definitely a big indicator that a secret was being kept from the group.

 

Zell chose to stand, not being forced to sit since he wasn't constantly trying to attach himself to the Commander. Bouncing from foot to foot, he wasn't too thrilled to have been pulled from an early dinner with Greta. He swatted the air with impatience, itching to get back to his apartment.

 

Raijin and Fujin sat beside each other, curious at their inclusion in the matter, especially when Seifer wouldn't tell them anything. Their blond friend had knowing green eyes, but refused to hold it over their heads, which was slightly alarming. If Seifer wasn't flaunting the perk of knowing the Commander's business ahead of time, then it was too serious for even the ex-knight to joke about.

 

Squall quietly sat in his seat, thinking for a few moments. Surprisingly, he felt far less apprehensive about informing his friends than he had Seifer.

 

“I've resigned as Commander,” Squall stated clearly, his face expressionless while his words were solemn.

 

There was a collective hush, as if the sound of curious questions in everyone's heads had been making a noise and now they all stopped. Irvine, Seifer, and Xu were the exceptions.

 

“Xu Yashime is your new Commander.”

 

As all eyes turned to the dark haired young woman, she stood up and gave Squall a firm salute. “I have accepted the position with great honor.”

 

“Then, what are you now, ya know?” Raijin questioned.

 

Squall regarded the burly fighter. “Not Commander,” the brunet supplied in answer. He truthfully didn't know what he was. Being Commander had been a defining role for him, and without it he was just Squall Leonhart.

 

“OBVIOUSLY,” Fujin said tersely.

 

“Our future isn't exactly clear,” Seifer said to Fujin. Squall was obviously not the Commander any more and the young lion seemed at a loss for giving the group an explanation for what he desired from life. “We're leaving,” the blond said to the collective group.

 

“Leaving?” Zell said as he stood completely still. “Where to?”

 

“We're not sure yet Dincht. We haven't sorted out all the details.”

 

Squall felt reassured by Seifer's words. It was suddenly clear that he wasn't alone even if he opted to leave Garden behind completely.

 

“What brought this on?” Quistis questioned calmly. She was torn between two extremes. As happy as she was for Xu, knowing her friend would make a wonderful Commander, she felt a great sadness to know Squall was not her leader any more. After all they'd gone through, the Balamb Lion would no longer be there to rely on. “The cadets will be in mourning,” she stated without exaggeration.

 

“Xu's ass might not be nearly as sexy as Squall's, but I'm sure lots of young boys will enjoy staring at it. They'll get over the loss,” Seifer stated reasonably.

 

Irvine gave a wry smirk at the blond's never ending arrogance. Everything was one big joke and in a very small way it helped. “What about our transfers?” the gunman prompted.

 

Frowning, Squall stared into violet eyes for a long moment. “I'd hoped to speak to you in private about that,” the brunet stated. He didn't want to place any pressure on Selphie or Irvine to answer in front of everyone.

 

“Why?” the gunman pressed. “Just make the offer.”

 

Eyes narrowing, Squall gave a nod. Regarding Selphie, who seemed to have paled a bit, he said, “I wanted to transfer you to Trabia Garden. It's entirely optional and open to both you and Irvine.”

 

Slightly puffy and bloodshot eyes rose from their distant staring. Selphie stared imploringly into the gray-blue eyes of her strong leader. Abruptly, she stood up and dashed for the door. As her form vanished, Irvine shot from his chair and swiftly followed.

 

Zell, who seemed to have mistaken the gunman's departure, trotted towards the door as well. “I need time to think about this,” he muttered before leaving, his steps not nearly as energetic as normal.

 

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Squall sighed. He knew his decision wasn't going to be accepted easily, but there was big difference between anticipating a reaction and having it stare at him with sad eyes.

 

“Well, it's not like we could have stayed like this forever,” Quistis commented. While she wasn't trying to be consoling, she didn't think Squall needed to be given grief over doing something that he'd obviously wanted to do for some time.

 

“With Ragnarok, none of you will really be that far apart,” Xu pointed out.

 

“AFFIRMATIVE,” Fujin agreed.

 

“It's weird, ya know? `Commander Yashime.' It just don't sound right.” After a moment, dark brown eyes widened. “No offense or nothin', ya know?” he added with a glance to Xu.

 

“None taken,” Xu assured.

 

“Before you go anywhere, I want to know what you plan on doing next,” Quistis said with a stern gaze to her former Commander.

 

“Treasure hunting,” Seifer said, enjoying the confused look in everyone's eyes. “The treasure being all the scattered beasties you guys like to put in your head.”

 

After a moment, crystal blue eyes widened behind wire rimmed glasses. “Guardian Forces?” Quistis questioned. “You're going to search for Guardian Forces?”

 

In the silence that followed, it became apparent that Quistis was speaking to Squall and that Seifer wasn't going to answer for him. “That's one option,” he muttered with a glare to the knight beside him.

 

“That's brilliant,” Xu affirmed. “I always wondered why you guys settled for the ones you have. We don't really know much about them, do we?”

 

“It's not that no one's thought of it,” Quistis commented.

 

“But it was never a good time,” Squall finished for the blonde Headmistress, giving a knowing glance. She understood the intricacies of taking time to settle down after the war and not making any changes until the world was calm again.

 

“That's not fair, ya know?” Raijin interjected. “Seifer, you're leaving us again?” he questioned.

 

“Afraid so my friend,” Seifer said with a grin. “I follow my heart, sail the open seas. I'm a free man.”

 

“CHASING TAIL,” Fujin announced with her red eye staring firmly at the blond.

 

Bristling indignantly, Seifer defended, “If I happen to get more alone time with Squally-boy, then it is merely coincidence.”

 

“You're not leaving for good, like never come back to see us, ya know?” Raijin asked.

 

“Of course not,” the blond assured. “What the hell would we want with a bunch of GFs anyway? I figure we find the critters and hand them over to Garden.”

 

“Then this is a mission,” Xu commented.

 

“No,” Squall refuted. He wasn't going on a mission. It was just an expedition of sorts that would probably be more like a vacation.

 

“As Commander, I can't accept Guardian Forces unless their discovery was in the name of Garden.”

 

Frowning, Squall gave Xu a puzzled look. That was hardly the rule about new GFs.

 

“Consider it my way of making sure you come back and visit all the tearful cadets,” the dark eyed woman said with a smile.

 

“If there is payment involved, then consider it a done deal,” Seifer chimed in with a wide grin. It was almost too easy to get paid these days. His checks were loading his account with more money than he needed and it was basically all for just watching Squall's sexy ass. Now, he got to screw around and have fun with the brunet while still getting paid. He had every reason to be as cocky as he was. He was fucking genius.

 

TBC…