Zell says it in an open and honest way. Squall likes Zell, even going so far to consider him his closest friend, despite his exuberant nature being the total opposite of his own loner nature. But when Zell says it, Squall can't help but snap back a retort in irritation.
Quistis says it quietly and seriously and only in the company of friends. For that Squall is grateful. Quistis knows him well enough to know that the commander would not appreciate being called that by total strangers. She doesn't know him well enough however, to stop from saying it herself.
Irvine says it with humour. Squall can almost tolerate the Galbadian trained SeeD saying it, as he means it more as a joke than anything else, though Squall can't help but feel that underneath it all, Irvine means it seriously too.
Selphie says it with cheer and enthusiasm. Squall finds it hard to get mad at Selphie for anything, but that one name always sets him on edge, and he can't help but do something, anything, to make her stop calling him that.
Rinoa doesn't say it at all. She knows he hates it and she knows that it's a misleading title anyway. He fears more than the average man does, It's just a lot harder to see under that stony facade.
But she tries to explain to him anyway that, to his friends, he is their 'fearless leader'.
"It's not that they think that you are without fear, it's that you attack all of your fears head on, without hesitation. They all wish they could be like that."
"But they are like that. We all fought Ultemecia together."
"It's not just that. Everything you strive to achieve, you accomplish, even faced with impossible odds. None of us would've made it through Ultemecia, without you leading the way, and your friends realise that."
"And yet, I could not have gone that far... without you."
AN: Drabble? Triple drabble? Drabble x 3.3? Heh, whatever. This popped into my head last night and I couldn't get it out, so here it is. I'm not completely happy with the ending, but I still thought it was sweet!
I've got an idea for another one, revolving around Rinoa. Let me know if you want to see it. Otherwise, I'll post it in a couple of days anyway. Cheers!
