__(Laguna POV)__

I woke up thirsty in the night. And it wasn't that sort of thirsty where you just go back to bed. No sir, it was that sort of thirsty that made your throat cry out for water and you knew that you just had to get up and get a drink even though you didn't want to.

I quietly slipped out of bed and tip toed across the room. When I reached the door, I listened for Raine's quiet breathing. Satisfied that she was still sleeping, I left the room and shut the door quietly behind me.

I tried to be quiet, I really did, but I couldn't help tripping over a stray sock and stumbling into the bathroom. I banged the door open and expected it to crash in the wall and for me to fall onto the floor.

Rather it was a muffled bang as someone already inside the bathroom caught the door and held it. I, of course, fell headlong into them and knocked them over. They let out a startled yell and we both hit the ground.

Looking up I saw that it was my son, Squall. He had a shocked look on his face as he sat there, me in his lap. He recovered himself though, and, blushing, admitted, "Laguna! It…It's good that you're here…I…I need you…"

I felt a spike of energy flow through my veins. I almost didn't believe the words that he had just said. I reached for him, anticipation and anxiety taking hold of my mind. I stopped though, and withdrew my hands. Listening for Raine's quiet snoring, I asked, "Are you sure?"

He kept his mouth shut, but nodded. He looked rather nervous, to tell you the truth. But, hey, if he wanted it…I wasn't complaining. I reached for him again, running my fingers down his skin. It felt like static between us. He sighed and leaned against the bathtub, letting his head rest on his chest.

I was just watching my fingers as they traveled over him. I couldn't resist--I mean, how long had it been since we had done this? In my personal opinion, too long. I didn't know how Squall felt about the time lapse since the last time we had done something like this together, but now he needed me.

My son needed something. I could provide it. At the moment, I was the only one who could provide it.

I started slowly, not wanting to hurt him. I won't lie, I knew it hurt and I felt guilty about it. It didn't know on his face but I knew that each little bit hurt him.

"Just do it," he hissed.

I obliged, and in one last quick movement it was over. Sweating, I helped him to his feet.

"Thanks," he said as he walked out the door. "I needed that."

"You're welcome," I smiled, feeling much better than when I came into the bathroom. I wasn't thirsty any more. I followed him, throwing the band-aid in the trash.