It was a quiet night in Balamb Garden. Most were asleep, though a few were up and about in the training center as the aerial garden continued on across the ocean. The halls were dark and silent, all doors shut tight and lights off… save for one room.
Irvine Kinneas was awake and standing by the open window, having a smoke while he leant out into the cool breeze. He was shirtless, wearing only his pants. The bedside table light was on, and the room itself was in a comfortable state of disarray, clothes scattered across the floor. Selphie lay curled up in the bed, asleep.
last night i watched you sleep
as you lay there
He retreated back into the room and, leaning against the windowsill, stumped out the almost-dead cig into the ashtray found there. Turning, he regarded her motionless figure with a wry smile.
i dropped down to my knees
and said a prayer
She was lying on her side, facing him, sheets draped loosely over her body and face peaceful in slumber. Deep in thought, Irvine sauntered over to the bed and dropped to his knees beside it.
i leaned over softly to kiss
your beautiful face
but I could not cross the ocean
of your grace
He reached out one hand and lightly brushed her hair out of her eyes, and kissed her forehead. She shifted and almost woke – he quickly withdrew, and she calmed again. Irvine rested his chin on his hand, and mentally berated himself.
i want her to rest well. just because i couldn't sleep doesn't mean she can't.
the moonlight held you aloft
a picture of peace
the only sound was the soft breeze
from the east
He flicked off the lamp with one deft motion, and the room plunged itself back into shadow. The window let in tendrils of moonlight and the whisper of the breeze. The room now dimmed, he got to his feet and scrambled back in under the sheets.
she's warm…
my heart beat down in my chest
to the rhythm of your gentle breath
and the whole world calmed down
for this moment of rest
His eyes soon became adjusted to the murk, and he could see her form slowly rising and falling with the rhythm of her breathing.
Everything was otherwise silent.
…i can't sleep. crap.
now I'm standing above you
trying so hard not to tell you I love you
He twisted his head again, and glanced at her. She was still fast asleep, and looking a lot more sweet and innocent than usual. He could almost imagine her awake, throwing one of her cute fits, stealing his hat and trying to beat him to death with it.
i can't believe it. i miss her voice already.
and all that I want in this world is you
if you'd only wake up
you'd know it was true
i love her.
'oh baby, I love you'
can be so hard to say
especially when it's meant
in this strong way
… have i ever told her?
oh god, i don't think i have.
but as this moment while you lie asleep
i'm suddenly free
and my trembling arms reach out for you
as if you could see
Without a doubt, now, his arms reached out and encircled her, pulling her close to him. She writhed, and snuggled even closer, sharing her warmth with him.
now I'm standing above you
trying so hard not to tell you I love you
The words still wouldn't come, no matter how hard he struggled. His lips trembled, and he choked on the phrase. In all his life, with all his women, he had never…
and all that I want in this world is you
"Sefie…"
if you'd only wake up
His breath tickled her neck, and she stirred. "Irvine…?"
you'd know it was true
"Selphie…"
Her eyes flickered sleepily open, and she nuzzled herself into his shoulder.
"Don't worry… I know. I love you too."
if you'd only wake up....
you'd know it's true.