A/N: Plot bunnies strike me during class when they shouldn't. This one was born during a discussion of "Mansfield Park" by Jane Austen. Weird, right? The idea is something I've toyed with before for other characters, but decided to give it a shot with Seifer and Zell. They're complete opposites, so I wondered what would happen if they were thrust into a situation where they had to raise a child. Thus, this fic was born.

The name Chesna was chosen because it means "Bringing Peace, Calm"

Disclaimer: I do not own FFVIII or the characters connected to the series. I am not making a profit from this story either. It's for my own perverse pleasure. The characters with names the reader does not recognize belong to me.

Warnings: Yaoi, angst, language, drinking, etc. If yaoi is not on your ticket, get off the train while it's still in the station. The same applies if you do not like crazy writers messing with the lives of characters and giving them kids to deal. This was written for amusement. Remember that.

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It was a bright, hot morning, the sun already beating down on the small town of Balamb. This particular morning the town slept late, for the previous day had been one of celebration. Exactly three years prior the Wars had ended. The lands were at relative peace, with only small disputes that were settled by SeeD.

A year and a half ago, or thereabouts, Zell made the decision to move from the Garden into a small home in Balamb. With his salary as SeeD, he had more than enough to maintain himself.

A few months after he was settled into his seaside home, bedroom window overlooking the sea, an all too familiar man showed up at his door, looking for all the world like a kicked puppy. Despite his friends concern, he took him in, sharing not only his home, but also his bed.

For some time, Seifer slunk around carefully, not wanting to disturb those around him for the pain he caused during the War. With time, however, the town accepted him, and he regained his confidence.

This morning the two men slept in their shared bed, the effects of last nights drinking still wearing off. While the rest of the town celebrated, Seifer was drawn into a pit of despair, only reminded of how close he'd come to destroying them all. Now, however, Zell lay in Seifer's arms, back pressed to his chest. Seifer rested his face in Zell's hair, breathing in his scent. It was a rare moment of affection displayed between the two.

The time was nine thirty-one when the sharp knock came to their door. At first neither stirred. The second time, Seifer swore under his breath and pulled away from Zell, rolling onto his back. Zell pushed himself up and glanced at the clock, muttering, and grabbed his cut-off jeans from the floor.

Barefoot, he made his way down the stairs, sighing as the knocking started again. "I'm coming, I'm coming," he said, annoyance evident in his tone. Shirtless and hair uncombed he pulled the door open. A small, owlish man stood before him, blinking through his lenses.

"Is this the home of Mr. Seifer Almasy?" The man asked, looking down at the sheet of paper in his right hand. Zell leaned against the doorframe.

"It is…"

"And is Mr. Almasy at home?" The man continued, clearly knowing that the short man before him was not the man he was looking for. Then again, who didn't know Seifer?

"He's sleeping." Zell said, refraining from mentioning that he had been doing the same until this man rudely came by so early the day after a holiday. Especially one that caused the older man to dive deep into a bottle to make him forget all he'd done.

"This is a matter of utmost importance, I must speak with him," the man insisted.

"Look, Seifer isn't a morning person, I don't want to wake him."

"It concerns the welfare of his daughter."

Zell froze, surprise written all over his face. "His daughter?"

"My what?" The sudden voice behind Zell shocked him and he jumped. The man at the door remained undeterred.

"Mr. Almasy?"

"Yes? What is this?"

"My name is Simoun Lancer, and I'm with the orphanage in Timber. Two weeks ago Reina Skybreeze passed away and left her three-year-old daughter behind. As you can see, you have been listed as her biological father," Lancer said, thrusting a birth certificate into Seifer's hands.

"So?"

"So? Since you are her remaining relative-"

"Who says I'm her father?"

"Well the certificate lists you as-"

"Daddy?" Both Seifer and Zell leaned to look past Lancer. Standing at the top of the stairs leading down into their home was a little girl, her bleach blonde hair in two small pigtails. In one hand she carried a teddy bear, in the other, a bag. On her back she wore a small schoolbag. She looked like a little girl on her way to school, not on her way to meet a father she'd never met.

"No," Seifer said, turning to head back into the house.

"But- Mr. Almasy…"

"Seifer," Zell hesitated as he looked back at the girl. "Why don't you come inside," he finally offered. Lancer nodded and turned to the girl, motioning for her to come inside.

Zell held the door open for them, watching as the girl dragged her things inside. The bedroom door slammed. "Have a seat. Would you uh… like anything to drink?" He asked, trying his best to remember how to be a host since rarely any but his mother and their friends stopped by. And other than Ma Dincht, whom Zell knew how to serve, they grabbed what they wanted.

"Coffee, if you don't mind," Lancer said, pulling paperwork from a briefcase Zell hadn't noticed before. Zell nodded and turned to make some for the three of them.

"Can I have milk, please?" A tiny voice asked. Zell turned to look at the fair-haired child.

"Sure," he said, pouring her a small glass with a slight smile. Upstairs he heard the water run as Seifer started a shower. Sighing, Zell brought the child the glass and went back to the coffee pot, pulling out mugs, sugar, and cream.

"I'm sorry to trouble you so early in the morning, it's just that I'm needed back in Timber as soon as possible…"

"It's fine," Zell said softly as the scent of the dark roast filled the small kitchen. Seifer had a child… a little girl. She couldn't be more than three years old, which means she was born just before or shortly after the war ended. Which meant… well it's not like they had been anything before, so why should this bother him? Zell shook his head clear of thoughts and poured the coffee out for Lancer and himself, leaving enough in the pot for Seifer. The water stopped.

"There's… um… no doubt that this is Seifer's daughter?" Zell asked, sipping the steaming liquid. Lancer shook his head, pushing his glasses up.

"No, however we can do a paternity test if Mr. Almasy insists on it." Footsteps echoed down the stairs and seconds later Seifer stood in the doorway. Suddenly aware of how underdressed he was, Zell stood and made Seifer his coffee.

"Go get dressed," Seifer said, his voice low. Zell looked at him, unsure. Was it really all right for him to leave them like this? Seifer must have seen the hesitation in his eyes, because he jerked his head towards the doorway. Zell nodded, handing him the coffee, and left the room. He headed up the stairs slowly so he could hear some of the conversation.

"Mr. Almasy…" Lancer started, the sound of a spinning mug on the table echoing up the stairs. Zell paused.

"Reina's gone?" Seifer asked. Zell heard the little girl sniff, and soothing sounds from Lancer.

"Yes. She was injured in an accident. The doctors thought she would pull through, but… they had overlooked some factors… very unfortunate…" Lancer said, hesitant.

Not wanting to listen longer, Zell slipped up the rest of the stairs, closing their bedroom door softly behind him.

Just last night, he thought as he grabbed clean clothes and entered the bathroom, letting the hot water run for a shower, the two of them were all alone, not a care in the world. Concerned only with getting drunk, letting good memories push out the nightmares, and then tumbling into bed in a fit of passion. And now there was a little girl in their lives. No, Seifer's life. A girl born from a night of passion between Seifer and someone else…

The hot water felt good on his skin, turning it pink as it washed down the length of his body. Once he'd washed his hair and body, he turned the water off and climbed out of the small stall, drying off with a clean towel.

Once dressed, though still barefoot, Zell crept down the stairs, his feet barely making any sound on the smooth steps. At the bottom, he crouched, sitting on the last step, to listen to the conversation still taking place in the kitchen.

"If you don't take her, she's going to go back to the orphanage!" Lancer said, frustrated. Inwardly, Zell hoped they had at least sent the girl into the back yard to play while they argued.

"I don't want a child," Seifer hissed.

"So you'd send your only little girl to live in an orphanage? You known what they're like! They can't compare to a parent's love!"

"I don't love her."

"But you're her father! How can you say you don't-"

"You bring a little girl to my house, claiming I'm her father! I've never met her, and she only knows me because of a picture you've clearly showed her."

"You'd turn her away now that you know of her existence?"

"It's your fault for bringing her without my permission. And you call me the irresponsible one? Take her, and get out."

"Mr. Almasy-"

"GET OUT OF MY HOME!" Seifer yelled, slamming his fist on the table. Regardless of whether or not she was there, Zell had to step in.

"We can support her," Zell said as he stepped into the doorway. Lancer half stood from his chair, shaking. Seifer turned on his lover, glaring at him.

"Zell-"

"If she's your daughter, it's the responsible thing to do. We can look after her."

"Zell, a child is not like a dog."

"I'm aware of that," Zell replied, narrowing his eyes. "Do you think I'm a fool?"

"…" Seifer glared back, wordlessly, before standing from his seat.

"M-Mr. Almasy…"

"Fine. Do what you want." The tall blonde made to leave the room.

"The paperwork…" Lancer said, holding out a sheet of papers. "Your roommate cannot sign…" Zell almost pitied the man as Seifer turned on him, ripping the papers out of his hands. "They give you full custody of Chesna,"

So her name is Chesna, Zell thought. Seifer flipped through them, not bothering to read, and signed all the places clearly marked off. Finishing, he dropped them on the table. Without another word, he left the room and headed to the front door.

"Seifer-" Zell started, but the other man ignored him, and walked out the front door.

Walking back to the kitchen, knowing it was dangerous to go after Seifer at a time like this, Zell cleared the table of glasses while Lancer silently gathered his things. "I really am sorry if I caused any discord. I'm just trying to do what's best for Chesna."

"I understand…" Zell said slowly. "But do you really think Seifer would make a good father for her, if he was alone?"

"If he had been alone, he would have thrown me out. I'm sorry if this puts you in an awkward position. Chesna is lucky to be gaining a friend such as yourself."

"Ahh…" Zell murmured, thinking that now he wouldn't be as alone when Seifer went into one of his moods. However, was it really wise to put such a young, impressionable child in a home with Seifer? Maybe he should have thought about that, before pleading her case. This certainly wouldn't put him in Seifer's good graces.

"Chesna was sent out back. All the items she owns are in her two bags. It's not much, but most of what she had was not in good condition."

"It's fine. I'll make sure she gets some new clothes today… and other necessities."

"Here are her medical records. She is in good health, a normal child. No food allergies that were discerned. And again, Mr. uh…"

"Dincht. Zell Dincht."

"Again, Mr. Dincht, thank you for your troubles. If for any reason you have any questions or concerns, you can reach me at this number." Zell took the slip of paper Lancer handed him and put it in his pocket, not sure he'd need it.

Zell walked Lancer to the door and opened it for him. The said their goodbyes, more thanks from Lancer, and he was gone just as suddenly as he came. Except he left behind a whole lot more than Zell could have ever imagined. Sighing, he shut the door and went to go check on his new charge.

Chesna sat in the middle of the backyard, playing with her teddy bear. Zell remained in the doorway a moment, before calling out to her. "Chesna…" The little girl stood and came over, holding her bear behind her back. "How old are you?"

"Three…" She said so softly, Zell almost couldn't hear her. "Where's Daddy?"

"Um, he went for a walk."

"Daddy doesn't want Chesna," she said, sticking out her bottom lip. For three, Zell thought, she sure was perceptive.

"Aw, that's not true. He's just confused. Come on, don't look like that. I'll take care of you." Chesna still looked unsure. Squatting, the tattooed blonde came down to her level. "My name's Zell. What's your bears name?"

"Bear."

"Ah." Perceptive, perhaps, but not very creative. "Hm, I have an idea. Why don't we go for a walk? I know someone who would be very happy to meet you, Chesna."

"Okay…"

"You can bring Bear too." This brought a small smile to the girls face. Relieved, Zell took her hand and led her through the house, not bothering to lock up as he left.

Turning the corner to the adjoining street, Zell made his way up the road to his familiar childhood home. He frequently stopped by, so he knew his mother wouldn't be surprised by an early visit, but what he brought with him…

"Ah! Here we are," he announced, walking up to the front door and opening it. Chesna dropped his hand and held onto his pants as he poked his head inside. "Ma! You home?"

"Is that you, Zell?" A warm voice drifted from the kitchen. "I'm just making some tea, come in and have some!"

"Sure thing," he answered, opening the door wider, gently urging Chesna in. "Ma, I have someone I want you to meet," he started, poking his head around the corner of the kitchen. "But please don't make a fuss."

"Why would I make a fuss over a friend! Zell, how can you-" Ma Dincht turned around to fuss over the new friend, despite what she said, and paused when she saw the little hand clinging to Zell's pants like a lifeline.

"Chesna, this is my Ma," her son cooed softly, gently pushing the little girl forward. "Ma, this is Chesna."

"Zell…" she said, her eyes going between the two of their faces, concerened.

"H-Hey! It's not like that!" Zell yelled when he realized what she was thinking. "She's not my daughter. She's… Seifer's."

"Seifer!" This caught her even more off-guard. "I didn't know he-"

"Neither did we until about an hour ago. Chesna is going to be staying with us now… on a permanent basis."

"Where did Seifer go?"

"Uh… out…" With just those words, the hesitation evident in his voice, Ma Dincht knew exactly what had happened. She nodded. "Could you…?"

"Sure thing."

Zell turned to the toddler and squatted down to her level and smiled. "I'm going to go out for awhile, okay Chesna? I'm going to go buy some things for your new room. I promise I'll be back soon though, okay? And then we can go home and get your room ready."

"Zell come back with Daddy?"

"If Daddy is ready to come home." Chesna nodded, seemingly pleased with that.

"Look at you, Zell. A father for just a few minutes and you're already thinking of her needs. You've grown up," his mother said, proud.

"One of us has two," he muttered. His mother nodded, taking Chesna's hand.

"We'll be waiting for you. Come now, Chesna. Would you like to have a tea party?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"No, no, call me Ma D."

"… Dee Dee…" Chesna said. Zell grinned, shaking his head. The last thing he heard before shutting the door behind him was his mother's delighted laughter.

The day that was supposed to be spent relaxing was instead spent running around town buying things for the guest room. Everything Zell had put there when he'd bought the place was meant for short visits. The day bed was fine for now, but the sheets on it were older. He'd meant the change them soon anyway. Picking out a new pink set and ignoring the giggling clerk, he bought a few other essential items for the room. Things he thought might make it more appealing for the little girl. In another store he bought a few new stuffed animals for Chesna to play with, assuming she only had the bear. The clothing store was a bit more interesting. A childhood friend worked there, and wanted to know why he was buying clothes for a little girl. And why if he needed them, he didn't know the exact size. Offering no explanation, Zell settled on a few cute dresses that seemed to be right. Besides, if they were a little too big, she could grow into them.

Zell's final stop of the day was for food and other such supplies. The drinks they had in the house, for the most part, were not appropriate for children. And the food they had was another matter. Not sure what she would eat, Zell bought anything that seemed appealing like it would be appealing and easy on her stomach. Finally done with his shopping, he headed home to drop the things off.

While shopping, he'd kept an eye out for Seifer, but with no luck. He wasn't surprised when he didn't find him home either. With a sigh, he headed back to his mothers house.

"How was she?" He asked, once he got there. Chesna lay on the couch curled up in a ball, asleep.

"She was fine, a little angel. Nothing like her father," his mother answered. Zell sighed, nodding his agreement.

"I'll take her home now."

"Any luck finding him?"

"No… but he'll come home when he's ready."

"I'm surprised her took her in at all…"

"Actually… he didn't want to. He was ready to send her back to the Orphanage in Timber, but I didn't want him to." They spoke in hushed tones, not wanting to wake the sleeping girl just yet.

"You didn't? Zell, honey, raising a child is no easy task. It's very hard work…"

"I know! I know… it's just, I couldn't have her sent to an orphanage. Not when one of her parents was alive. That's just… it's not right. She's been through so much already. To meet her father and then be cast out by him?"

"He might not ever accept her… Are you sure it was the right choice?"

"He will, eventually. He'll come around. He's done it before, hasn't he?" Zell smiled faintly, though inside he wondered just how sure of himself he was.

"You'll have to tell me the whole story later," Mrs. Dincht said, watching as her son gently picked up Chesna and her bear, carefully cradling her in his arms.

I'd like to know the whole story myself, someday, Zell thought as he carried Chesna home. She woke as soon as they arrived at the front door.

Though it was barely afternoon, Zell felt as if days had passed since Lancer had come to their door. By that evening, the two of them had set up Chesna's new bedroom. The pink mixed well with the cream colors that were already in the room, and transformed it. Chesna seemed to love it. She was already making herself at home, setting up a little village for her new toys.

Kids are so versatile, Zell thought as he watched her chattering happily with the animals, assigning them names such as Cat, Dog, Bird, and Fish. Dinner was quiet without Seifer to fuss over the food, and Chesna turned out not to be a very picky eater. She ate all but one of the vegetables on her plate, and even then she at least tried it with a little coaxing from Zell.

Shortly after dinner, Zell brought Chesna upstairs for a bath. This proved to be the most challenging of all. First, he made the water too hot. Then, he wasn't sure how to go about washing another person's hair. It wasn't like bathing Rinoa's dog. After a bit of fussing and some tears on Chesna's side, they managed to get her clean and flood only half the bathroom. Proud of himself for the time being, Zell got his new charge tucked into her new sheets with her horde of stuffed animals piled around her.

"Goodnight Chesna, see you in the morning."

"Daddy home?"

"Yeah," Zell said, though unsure of the correct answer, "Daddy will be home." Smiling, the little girl snuggled close to her bear. Zell stood in the doorway a few minutes watching her as she drifted to sleep. Realizing his own exhaustion, he shut her door, leaving it open a crack, and went to his room.

It didn't take long for Zell to fall asleep once his head hit the pillow. It wasn't long that he was asleep though, before a presence in his room alerted him, and he sat up, blinking. "Chesna?" He asked, thinking maybe she'd gotten scared and came to find him.

"She's in our home one day and you're already more concerned with her than me?" A voiced growled.

"Hyne, Seifer, where have you been all day! I was looking for you," Zell said, turning to face the man in his doorway.

Seifer entered the room, shutting the door behind him and throwing off his coat. He moved towards the bed quickly, and Zell caught the heavy scent of alcohol on his breath. "Seifer, you've been drink-" He started, but was cut off as clumsy lips were forced to his own.

"Shut up," Seifer hissed as he pulled away, frantically pulling at their clothes. "Just shut up." Zell watched as Seifer fumbled, his hand shaking with frustration as he failed to unbutton his shirt. Silently he reached out and helped. He was used to Seifer's moods now, knew how to stay out of his way, knew when to leave him be, and knew when to help.

And the one emotion Zell knew now better than all the rest, knew even better than his anger… was his fear. Seifer was afraid. He was afraid of the mistake he'd made, afraid of the little girl in the room right next to theirs. Their passion that night was brief but intense, full of each other's frustration with the other, and deep concerns. When it was over, the two collapsed on the bed, sweaty and exhausted. For the second night in a row, Seifer curled his body around Zell's smaller frame and held him close, just as Chesna had done, as if he was his lifeline.