"I haven't caught one damn fish…"
Gloved fingers moved through blond hair as Seifer sat on the pier, watching his bobber float in the water. He'd usually catch at least one or two, even if they weren't keepers.
But it was ok…at least this gave him some time to think. Run through his head all the events of the past few months. Matron, Adel, Ultimecia…Rinoa. Everything after the SeeD Ball seemed like such a blur. Of course, with the sorceress clouding his mind the entire time, it was understandable…but he'd still enjoyed it. The power, and the respect. And the chance to protect someone. All he'd ever wanted. He'd never tell anyone, but that was his dream. His romantic dream.
And then Squall had to come and ruin it. Turn Rinoa against him, and keep her for himself. Why? Why couldn't he beat Leonhart? No matter how hard he tries, he never can. What makes Squall so special? Why was he the one who got to protect Matron? So many questions, but none of them mattered. The answers wouldn't change the outcome one bit. Squall had won. He always did.
But was Squall the real culprit? Or was Seifer just trying to push the blame on someone other than himself? He'd been the one to rush to Timber, after all. Him and his hot temper. He'd caused everything to go out of control. And what had it gotten him? Nothing. He'd failed Balamb, Galbadia, and even Trabia. Who was left to grant him forgiveness?
"Ha! I got another one! I'm a way better fisherman than Seif, ya know?"
Seifer's head jerked up, brought out of his thoughts by Raijin's gloating. That was the last straw. Scrambling to his feet, he threw his fishing pole to the pier.
"Damnit, Raijin! Shut up before I-"
Fujin wouldn't give Seifer a chance to finish. She'd heard enough of their friend, as well. A swift boot to his rear sent him right off the pier and splashing into the water. The scene fizzled Seifer's temper as he started laughing. Laughing harder than he had in a long time. It felt good…it made him feel alive again. And then a shadow fell over the pier.
All three quickly quieted down and looked to the sky. There was Garden, floating past without a care in the world. It was their home once…the only home they'd had, except for Seifer. He'd had a home at the orphanage before Garden had ever been a part of the picture. And now everyone was up there, floating past.
It was then that it hit him. There wasn't anyone left to grant him forgiveness. No one but himself. He'd burned many a bridge, that was true…but there was always a chance to forge new ones. He could go back. What did he have to lose? His pride was no longer a factor. No…he'd return to Garden, and become a SeeD. And if that meant working alongside Squall, he'd do it. It was time for a change.
The thought brought a small smile to his lips.