To those who actually read the first story I posted before (He who wipes my tears) thanks for bothering to read the whole thing and I hope you enjoyed it. I believe I was really abrupt about the whole thing and I ask that only you understand since it really was my first and I was so not sure about the whole posting thing….I am after all pretty sensitive of my work…if you hate it I suppose you won't really like me…cuz different aspects of my personality is portrayed in many of the characters…Still thanks for reading cuz it makes me sooooo happy…you guys made my day…

To those who didn't…well you didn't know I was abrupt so there is no need to apologize…anyway I hope you like this story and the others I am planning on posting, since my first was successful from my point of view…

disclaimer...i don't own any of the stuf...etc. etc. etc.

warning ...yaoi...bla bla bla

Now…please go on and enjoy…

And for this new paragraphed version…I wanna thank Blubberbutt for the sarcastic but quite honest review…I really was always one with great humor….thanks a lot…


-1-

Survivors

"I heard you need the money." James Brad Almasy drawled out.

The brunet nodded.

"So you will do anything in your power to ensure the success of your assignment?"

Grey eyes narrowed in agreement.

"Good, you don't have family, except a little girl, right?"

Silky brown hair fell to his face as he nodded again.

"It mustn't be linked to me, you understand, right?"

Squall Leonhart smirked, but other than that, his face was emotionless.

James smiled coldly, "You really had it rough the past years for you to turn out like that."

Squall frowned, "My past is none of your concern."

His voice was smooth, almost musical, but the threat underlying his tone was not lost on the green eyed man.

James shrugged, "I suppose. He is a charmer, I can only wonder if you too will fall to his magic."

There was only silence.

The brunet stood as straight as a lance, his eyes boring into James's. "You don't have friends, do you?"

Squall shook his head abruptly.

"Good, very well then. I will introduce you to him tomorrow. Be here at noon precisely."

Squall turned to leave when James's voice called out, "Oh, and Leon,"

Squall looked over his shoulder, "Don't fail me. It's important that this mission is carried out with your utmost care and dedication. And I do warn you, don't fall for his tricks."

Squall turned and left, the door shutting ever so softly behind him.

James let out a breath he didn't even know he was holding and wiped the cold sweat that had broken out on his forehead in the boy's presence.

Squall…that was his name, a Survivor, that's what they called him. The brunet's aura was so aloof and distant that it seemed unattached to life itself. James sat down, still, it took a kid like Squall to carry out missions and do the dirty work. James had seen the boy fight, and it still haunted his dreams. James shrugged off his irrational fear and picked up the phone, dialing his son's private phone number. After about ten rings the line connected, "Seifer? Do you mind coming to my office tomorrow at noon? I promise it's important and urgent. No I am not 'pulling your leg', Seifer. Just come by tomorrow." He finished with an impatient snarl.

Squall sat by his little sister's bed.

Ellone smiled weakly, "Squall?"

"Yes darling?" Squall feigned a cheerful smile for his sister's benefit, but nothing about the situation was happy or joyful in the least.

Ellone pouted as she sat on her brother's laps, "It almost bed time. Do you have to go?"

"Yes, honey. I have work. But I promise this is the last time."

Her 5-year old face was curled in childish sadness and annoyance, "But I want you to stay. You always go away and leave me alone."

"Comon, brat." Squall ruffled his sister's short hair, which almost resembled his in color and texture, "Hang in there for me. The next time I come I'll have chocolates and flowers and teddy bears for you."

"But I don't want all that. I want you." Ellone muttered.

She had tears in her eyes as her brother stood to leave, "Promise you'll be back."

Squall nodded, placing an almost paternal kiss on his sister's forehead, "Sleep tight and take care of yourself."

Ellone flashed a wan smile, "Nightie nightie."

Squall turned down the lights and flashed a small smile before leaving his sister's room. The brunet leaned against the closed door, his eyes glaring holes into the walls in front of him. Ellone was suffering from Pneumonia and her condition was just deteriorating.

Grey eyes burned with determination and Squall pushed his lean, slender form away from the door. With the money he was going to get, he could heal his sister and give her everything she would ever dream of. He was going to carry out the mission, get a hold of the money and change his life forever.