Written for a prompt irish_ais posted to her lj awhile back.
He doesn't see her often, since the war. Not that it's much of a surprise-when you're stuck in one place, you see the ones who see you, and she doesn't exactly have a reason to visit.
She does, though, from time to time. Says she forgives him, even though he told her he doesn't want forgiveness.
"I'm not saying you want it... Or even that you deserve it. But, I forgive you."
Why?
.x.
She's different, now. Changed, and not just in magic, although she tried to return to herself. Living in Balamb because Timber is too far from Garden but she won't live with the military.
She says she made up with Caraway, but he knows her too well. Maybe they're speaking now, but they'll never get along.
"Squall is fine. He hates being Commander, but he cares too much about everyone there to risk letting anyone else lead them."
That was always his problem. He cared too much. "I didn't ask about Leonhart."
"I know," and he can't help but notice (even if he tries to ignore) the faint blush on her cheeks that isn't ashamed, but might be slightly embarrassed.
It was a truth he knew but it always hurts more to find out. The only time he chose a higher path was then, with her. It would have been desecration, then, like burning a church.
He wonders after she leaves if he didn't do it anyway. At least then she was offering to light the match.
.x.
She is the unicorn that became human just long enough to regret changing back.
.x.
"Timber won."
He nods because he heard her speak but all he sees are the rings, new, and worn on her fourth finger.
"Didn't take long."
"Everything just fell into place," and she shifts her hand.
.x.
Her visits slow, but never stop. He wishes they would but can't tell her not to come just in case she listens. Her eyes are darker every time, and distant; she's seeing things he no longer cares to imagine.
.x.
They sit in silence, because after all these years words themselves are insulting.
Finally, "She's five, right? The same age as-"
"I know."
The words cut, but he can't stop. "She'll be there. She won't die like that."
"No. Because of you, she's not alive enough to die."
Two hours after Squall leaves he cries for the first time in twenty years. He doesn't see them again.