Disclaimer: Look to Chapter 1.

Underneath It All

By: blackdeathmessenger

Chapter 2: Things Change

When Squall woke up, the first thing he saw was Dr. Kadowaki standing over him, as well as someone else; his bride. Quistis was sitting on the bed, holding his hand, happy that he was awake. He immediately felt a dull throb behind his eyes, but smiled at the two women anyway.

Once the doctor was sure that he was fine, she left the two alone muttering something about the headmaster wanting to talk to him. Quistis immediately then leaned down and kissed Squall, interrupting what he was about to say.

"You were about to say something?" Quistis asked when they finally broke from their long kiss.

"What happened? We were completely surrounded by Galbadians, and then there was a large explosion…" he let the sentence trail off.

"I believe I can answer that." Headmaster Cid said, stepping into view of Squall and Quistis, wearing his usual Headmaster's smirk and trademark clothing, though it made him look like the old man that he was, he didn't really care; it was comfortable for him.

"Please do, headmaster"

"The explosion was a Dollet grenade."

"Dollet?" Squall said "But I thought that they didn't-"

"Apparently they aren't feeling so hostile anymore" the headmaster interrupted.

After a minute of silence, Squall said, "Alright. So, what happened after the grenade went off?"

After a minute of thinking, the headmaster said, "Well…you're not going to believe this, but…Seifer helped you two out after the grenade went off."

"You're right, I don't believe you. Why would he help me, or anyone else from Garden?"

"Because" a voice replied from out of their field of vision, then stepped out so they could see him. Once they all saw him, he continued, "…I don't blame you anymore for Rinoa's death."

"Seifer, since when have you stopped being so cold-hearted towards us?" Quistis asked in a mocking voice.

Seifer ignored her question and continued regardless, "Anyway, I thought that I would just…" he hesitated a moment. "…Stop by." Seifer then started towards the door, and wasn't stopped by anyone, but was watched by them as he left.

"Well" the headmaster said "I should probably be getting back to my office" and with that said, he too left.

The doctor then came back and said that Squall could go back to his room. Quistis and Squall promptly got up and left for their shared dorm room.