When Laguna Loire got the call from Cid Kramer that the young SeeD's had agreed to come for a visit he was ecstatic. Some of his advisors were a little aggravated that he had decided to host the group in his own apartments of the Presidential Palace instead of the guest quarters for distinguished visitors of state, but he was adamant that they were there at the invitation of him, not Esthar.

His living quarters were enormous and he often felt lonely residing in them. Ellone coming to stay with him had greatly helped, but the space was entirely too great for two people.

His residence was in a section of the upper-most level of the Presidential Palace. He had several luxurious guestrooms with private bathrooms and balconies, a theater room, a game room and an exercise room with both a steam room and sauna. Above his apartment, on the roof, was an enormous pool, Jacuzzi, cabana and fire pit with sweeping, panoramic views of the city.

In the earlier days, Kiros and Ward had shared the vast apartment with the President, but they had since found wives and a life outside their inner friendship.

They often joked that he could get remarried and fill the rooms with children, but Laguna had never found a woman who interested him enough to consider allowing into his life since his late wife, Raine. Instead, he tried to occupy himself with the vast amount of duties required of him as President to keep the loneliness at bay.

After Time Compression, Ellone had confided in Laguna that she was in love with the First Mate of the White SeeD ship, a young man named Flint, and that there was an understanding that as soon as she was forever safe, they would be married. Upon hearing this, he had extended the invitation to the young man as well as the Balamb SeeDs. He was happy for his little Ellone, but regretted that he couldn't be the only man in her life for at least a little while longer. Regardless of his feelings, he was pleased that she had found someone to love her and with whom she felt safe to be herself. Flint and the other White SeeD's had taken care of her for a long time. Laguna did not want her to be torn between her love for him and her young man and knew he would have to resign himself to giving her back to another's care once again.

Then there was Squall. Laguna had cried when Ellone had told him the truth about Raine's death. All of those years had passed and he had been unaware that she died giving birth to a son. His son.

The first time he met Squall, it had taken immense inner strength to keep himself focused on their mission to beat Ultimecia, when all he wanted to do was stare at the young man who looked and acted so much like Raine. In all ways, Squall seemed to favor his mother.

He figured that Squall had put the pieces of his parentage together, especially when he heard Kiros and Ward making cryptic comments about it to the young man. He badly wanted them to have a relationship, but understood that it would not likely be a father/son one. He was fine with that, but hoped that Squall could at least learn to like him a little. His son seemed surly and aloof the limited times they had spoken.

Regardless if they never had more than an acquaintance level association, Laguna was fiercely proud of his son. Squall was level-headed, responsible, capable and not to mention, the savior of their world. He'd noticed that Squall's friends looked upon him with love and respect. Little did he realize that in that way he and his son were alike. The people of Esthar loved and respected Laguna Loire. They would follow him to whatever end, as every SeeD would follow Squall.

The flight to Esthar was uneventful to all except for Selphie, who felt the need to argue with Nida on the proper way to fly the Ragnarok. She was having a hard time giving control of the airship to the other SeeD. The Estharian government had given the ship to Squall after he found it in space, who in turn gave it to Garden.

Sadie was excited that she was able to accompany Zell and the others. Rinoa, Quistis and Selphie determined to become friends with the girl on the trip, first for Zell's sake, but then because they quickly realized she was both sweet and interesting to talk to. Sadie vowed that the trip wasn't for her own enjoyment and that she would be working hard gathering research in Esthar's library. Zell told her he would help, which elicited secretive grins amongst the others. Zell didn't seem like the studious type, but in actuality he was an avid reader and could always be counted on for the information stored in his brain.

The President was there to greet the group when the Ragnarok landed. Eagerly he shook everyone's hands and thanked them for coming. The girls were struck by how handsome and youthful he looked despite his forty-five years. There were only a few strands of gray to be seen in his long, tied-back, ebony hair and his tall frame was as muscular as any younger man's. His usual blue linen shirt and khaki pants made him appear casual despite being the president of the most powerful and advanced nation in the world.

"Sir Laguna is so dreamy!" Selphie whispered to the girls, when he was busy talking to Irvine. She was the only person who really called him that.

"He is a very good-looking man, to be sure." Quistis replied primly.

"Come on, Quistis! He's super hot!" Selphie said a little too loudly.

"Shhhhhh!" Rinoa laughed, but then added, "I'm not sure if I should comment on his hotness, him being Squall's dad and all." Sadie looked at her strangely. "Oh yeah, we kind of found that out the other day. Well, at least, we put two and two together."

"Really?" Sadie asked in almost disbelief. "Squall's father is the President of Esthar?"

"Yeah. I am not sure Squall is really comfortable with the idea yet. I mean, he hasn't talked about it or anything." Rinoa was hopeful that he and Laguna would gain a relationship during the trip, although if they didn't, she had no right to judge. She wasn't on the best terms with her own father.

"Squall is good-looking too, but he doesn't seem to look much like Sir Laguna." Selphie observed. She discreetly eyed the two men back and forth, "although their eyebrows look similar."

"Their eyebrows?" Quistis asked, glancing at the two men. "Actually, you might be right. Although Squall's seem to frown more!" The girls all giggled together.

"Whatcha talking about over there?" Zell asked the group suspiciously. The other men turned towards the girls.

"Just girl talk, Zelly-boy!" Selphie replied coquettishly. "It's none of your concern!" Laguna smiled at the girls. "Is everyone ready? I have transportation waiting just a few steps away. Some of the citizens wanted a big welcoming party to greet you, but I wasn't sure if you would like that or not."

"Definitely not." Quistis proclaimed. "Thank you for coming to greet us yourself, Mr. President. It is very kind of you."

"Well, you are my guests. Anything I can do for you while you are here, please let me or my staff know."

Besides a quick greeting to Laguna, Squall hadn't said a word to the man. He felt uncomfortable knowing what he had learned a few short days before Ultimecia's demise. It made him feel awkward.

When he had first learned of Laguna Loire, it was through being sent back to the past by Ellone into Laguna's consciousness and witnessing events from the man's life. Initially he had thought Laguna to be over-idealistic and an idiot, but after encountering the different circumstances that the man went through, his bad opinion of him gradually lessoned into one of respect and even admiration.

He wondered if Laguna would bring up the subject of his parentage or not. He decided that the former was more likely to happen. In a way, he would be glad to have it out in the open. It was something that had been gnawing at him, even during Time Compression. He wanted to get discussing it over with.

Squall was also nervous about Rinoa's safety in Esthar. He didn't completely trust that everyone in the country would follow Laguna's example in accepting her. He decided that coming here would be a good indication of what to expect in peoples reaction to her being a sorceress.

Lost in these thoughts while walking with the group to their transportation, Squall suddenly became aware of eyes on him. Looking around he noticed both Laguna and his girlfriend staring at him strangely. Rinoa walked over and grabbed his hand, giving him an encouraging smile. He felt slightly foolish holding hands with her, but was determined to go beyond his own comfort and natural inclinations. Laguna, realizing he had been caught staring at his son, turned his attention over to Rinoa.

"I cannot believe how much you look like your mother, Rinoa. You are as beautiful as she was."

"Thank you, Mr. President! I am glad I look like her. I miss her so much."

"I'm sure you do. She was a great lady." He replied warmly. Looking over at Quistis, he noticed that she was the only girl carrying her suitcase.

"Let me get that for you, Miss Trepe!" He took her things from her.

"Oh! Thank you! But, please, Mr. President, call me Quistis," she gently requested.

"Quistis, then!" He turned to look at the others. "And would you all mind calling me Laguna instead of Mr. President! It would feel nice to be called by my own name for a change. I understand if you don't want to do it in public, but at least when we get back to my place?"

"You will always be Sir Laguna to me!" Selphie chirped excitedly.

"Yeah, that, ummm, will work, I guess." He said with some confusion. Then he cocked his head to the side for a second, stopped walking and looked at the young girl. "But, why Sir Laguna?"

"I don't know! It just sounds courtly, or something. You always seemed so chivalrous when Ellone sent us back in time."

"Uh, yeah. Thanks. I think. It's kind of weird, now that I think of it, that you all were there at certain points in my life."

"I never was." Rinoa informed him.

"It was very interesting, Sir. I mean, Laguna!" Irvine explained. "You were pretty good with your machine gun. Pretty cool stuff." Irvine was obsessed with guns of all kinds.

"And we got to see you court Rinoa's…" Selphie began, but Laguna quickly cut her off.

"Here we are. It will be just a quick drive to the Palace. I hope you guys will get to spend some time in the city while you are here."

Quistis, sensing that he was desperate to change the subject helped him out. "I am really excited to do just that! Esthar is an amazing city. How many people live here?"

"Six million in the city, and another two million in the surrounding countryside." Laguna then elapsed into talking about his country until they arrived at the Palace.

"This is awesome!" Zell exclaimed when Laguna showed the group the pool on the top of the Presidential Palace.

"You can see forever from up here and the pool is spectacular!" Rinoa commented. The rest of the group was just as admiring as they explored the rooftop setup.

"I like the Jacuzzi!" Irvine said enthusiastically.

"I'm so glad someone will get to use all of this. Ellone and I have come up here a couple of times, but before she came, I don't think I used it for at least three years." Laguna answered.

"You mean you don't bring your lady friends up here?" Irvine asked him with a wink, but then yelped in pain when Selphie elbowed him in the shoulder.

"No. I, uh, haven't had any 'lady friends' here recently, Irvine. He found the young, Galbadian cowboy amusing.

"You'll get used to Irvine," Quistis informed Laguna, shaking her head with disgust.

Laguna grinned, "I used to be a soldier. I've known a lot of Irvines!" He winked conspiratorially at her.

He informed them that his staff would provide them with anything they needed. There would always be a person on the pool deck to take their order for food or drink and that a large buffet would be set up in the dining room every morning, afternoon and evening. He let Zell know that he had made sure the staff stocked up on a multitude of hotdogs for his personal enjoyment, which resulted in Zell doing a back flip, fully clothed, into the pool. Sadie laughed and cheered, while the others groaned, but looked fondly at their exuberant, impetuous friend.

Laguna also laughed and applauded, before bringing him a towel. "That was great, man!"

Selphie giggled. "You'll also get used to Zell, Sir Laguna. He's very excitable, especially when it comes to hotdogs!"

"I'm looking forward to it!" he said enthusiastically and then looked at the others, "I guess I should show you your rooms next so Zell can change." Zell sheepishly took the towel and dried off the best he could.

"Sorry. I wasn't thinking. Now I'll be dripping all over your floors."

"Don't worry about it. Drip all you want. I really want this to be a fun, relaxing week for each of you. Esthar and actually the whole world are indebted to you guys." Laguna smiled.

"Awww. It was nothing!" Selphie grinned.

"This is heavenly!" Rinoa said to herself, once alone in her room. She plopped down on the bed and lay back onto the soft, downy comforter. "This room is the size of several dorm rooms at Garden!" She laughed at how her standards regarding a place to sleep had dropped from her frilly, princess room in Caraway's mansion, to a small room on a train car and then to an even smaller dorm room in Garden. She noticed a door leading out to a balcony and decided to investigate. Walking outside she noticed that it was a shared area with three of the other rooms. Knowing that Squall's room was next to hers, she knocked on his door. He opened it momentarily.

"Isn't this great!" she asked him happily.

"Yeah. It's a nice place." He answered vaguely. She noticed that he seemed preoccupied with his thoughts again and that there was a worried frown on his face.

"Squall, let's just enjoy this! Don't worry about me, Laguna, Garden. It will be fine, you'll see."

Squall looked at her thoughtfully for a few moments, sighed, and then walked over to her. He grabbed one of her hands and began to inspect it. She quietly awaited his response, shivering inside as he caressed her hand. He sighed again. "I am not good at this," He began. "I don't know how to relax. I don't know how to vacation. I don't know how to be normal. Maybe I shouldn't have come. Quistis is right. There is so much to do."

"Squall," Rinoa said delicately, "I understand that this is difficult for you. I really do and I hope I am not making you move forward too quickly. If you need more time or space, I understand." She gently removed her hand from his. "I do think you should learn to relax at least a little. There isn't anyone who can keep going at the pace we've been going these past few months without…losing it."

Squall walked away from her and began pacing the room. "Rinoa, first of all, I don't need space from you. I am scared. I will admit that. It is just so different. But it is what I want. I promise you that. I want you by my side…always. And if being here, relaxing is what it takes, then I'm glad to be doing it."

"Thanks, Squall." She hoped he would come and kiss her again, but she was disappointed. He continued.

"When I talked to Cid, he mentioned that it would be very important to always keep strengthening the bond between us and that the best way to do that was by sharing every aspect of our lives together."

"Edea pretty much said the same thing." Rinoa found herself blushing as she remembered other ways of bonding the former sorceress mentioned. She felt her stomach jump a little thinking of it.

"Yeah, I figured she did. It's all a little overwhelming."

"I don't see that we need to rush it. I am perfectly happy just being here with you. I think if we do this in our own time, everything will work out better in the long run." Rinoa responded.

"Are you sure?" He asked her.

She understood his need to move slowly. He had kept himself apart from others for years and was therefore quite tentative. Actually, she had been shocked at how quickly he had been changing the past few days.

"Of course I am," she responded, "I just want everything to evolve naturally."

Quistis unpacked her clothing slowly, thinking about the week they were to spend there in Esthar. She had assumed she would be able to spend some quality time with Ellone, but the President had informed them that she had traveled to the harbor to greet her boyfriend, Flint, the First Mate of the White SeeD ship who was also coming to stay with them.

Quistis tried to banish the feelings of self-pity that welled up inside of her. Everyone had someone except her. Buying a few good books to read during the week was one of the first things she would do in Esthar. Although she didn't feel the need to have someone special in her own life at the moment, she did at times feel loneliness when she saw how happy the others were in their relationships.

For a long time she had thought she was in love with Squall. She now realized that her feelings were of sisterly affection. They were too alike, she now saw clearly. She smiled as she contemplated the possibility of a male version of Rinoa coming into her life. It would be nice to be with someone who was friendly, warm and relaxed, she thought to herself. She knew she was too tightly wound at times. Maybe not as bad as Squall, she laughed to herself. No, definitely not as bad as Squall.

Her laughter abated as she thought of the night to come. For two nights the nightmares had persisted and she was afraid being in Esthar wouldn't be enough to banish them. She was tired enough from the ordeal they had faced, and being unable to sleep the past two nights had been a nightmare in itself.

The intensity of her dreams frightened her. She would awake thrashing and moaning with tears streaming down her face. The minute she tiredly fell back asleep again they would return. She decided to try drinking a glass of wine before bed to relax. Maybe that will help, she hoped. If it didn't, she didn't know what she would do.

Part of her didn't even want to be there in Esthar, although a part of her didn't want to be in Balamb either. The past couple of months, her focus had been entirely on their mission to defeat the Sorceresses, first Edea and then later Adel and Ultimecia. Now that everything was resolved, she didn't know what to do with herself. Eventually, she knew Cid would put her on a new mission, but for some reason that did not sound appealing either. Nothing did. She wondered what was wrong with her, but decided that she was just exhausted.

It's all over…now what?

The group all assembled that first evening to dine with Laguna. A large buffet was set up in the dining room and they casually filled their own plates. Besides hotdogs, Laguna was uncertain as to what they would like to eat and had ordered the staff to prepare a wide assortment of entrees and sides consisting of comfort food, ethnic food, and lighter, healthier choices. He noticed that his son opted for the latter. Does he indulge in anything? He wondered.

He found the conversation during dinner extremely amusing. Rinoa was warm and teasing. Selphie, quirky and funny. Irvine played the gallant cowboy, with an innuendo always on his tongue. Zell was excitable and thoroughly interested in his food. His girlfriend, Sadie, was soft-spoken and obviously in awe of the brawler. Quistis looked tired, he noted, but she was composed and seemed older than the others. Squall was formal and didn't talk very much, but occasionally had something pleasant to say. It felt nice to have a fun, young group of people in his home.

"What do we have planned for tomorrow?" Irvine asked the others.

"I don't know what everyone else wants to do, but I desperately need to go shopping. I don't have a bathing suit or pajamas or, well, a lot of things," Rinoa informed them.

"Woohoo! Girls shopping trip tomorrow!" Selphie exclaimed. Zell and Irvine groaned. "It's not like we are expecting you to come!" she saucily replied while sticking her tongue out at them.

"It sounds like a good idea to me." Quistis smiled. "I haven't shopped for awhile and could use a few things myself."

"Great! Sadie, are you up for it?" Rinoa asked the girl.

"Actually, I would like to visit the library tomorrow, if you don't mind. There is nothing I really need and I am anxious to start my research."

"I'll help you!" Zell offered. "I do not want to shop!" he said fervently.

Rinoa noticed Squall lost in thought and frowning once again. She caught his eye, causing him to speak. "I am not sure if it is safe for the three of you to go alone." He said.

"Squall, I will be fine. I will be shopping with two members of SeeD to watch over me, not to mention, I can take care of myself." He frowned even more when she mentioned this.

Quistis looked at him encouragingly. "Squall," she began, "Rinoa will be safe with us. We would never let anything happen to her."

Laguna cleared his throat and said cautiously, "Squall, I don't think anyone in Esthar would even recognize Rinoa. They know her name, but not necessarily her face."

Rinoa held Squall's gaze. "I could even wear a hat, some shades, make myself unrecognizable. It shouldn't be a problem."

Laguna spoke, "I realize you girls probably don't want Squall shopping with you, but maybe he and even Irvine could accompany you to one of the malls and check up on you periodically between stores." He turned to the two guys, "There are some great weaponry shops that you can browse through. I am sure you would find them pretty enjoyable. I can also give you some phones to contact each other with."

"Fine." Squall clipped out shortly.

"That's a great idea! Thank you, Laguna!" Rinoa looked at the President with gratitude.

"No problem. Actually, I am glad this subject came up." Laguna became a little nervous as he spoke. "I really want Esthar to accept you, Rinoa. I've talked extensively about this to Kiros, Ward and a few other members of my cabinet and we have a few possible ideas. I would like your permission to schedule a television interview with one of Esthar's top news channels. I think it would help if the people could see you as the sweet, young girl that you are. The emphasis of the interview would be on you, but it would be nice to have everyone there. I would be there as well.'

"Ok. I can do that." Rinoa nodded her head in agreement. She heard Squall sniff in irritation. "Squall!" she glared at him. "If they decide to hate me, they decide to hate me, but I am going to do everything I can to not let that happen. I think this interview would be a wonderful first step."

"Whatever," was all that he said in reply.

Laguna continued, "Four nights from now, there will be a charity ball to raise funds for reconstructing the countryside demolished by monsters from the Lunar Cry. I've been asked to see if you would all consider attending. If you will, they can set the ticket price higher as many are eager to see you. I think it would be another event that could help Rinoa's cause. Much of it will be televised. If the country sees her there at this event along with the rest of you, it will help in their acceptance."

"Oooooh! Do we get to wear sparkly evening gowns!" Selphie interjected.

"Yes you would." Laguna smiled at her, "As sparkly as you'd like."

"It sounds wonderful!" Rinoa said. "Squall, will you be my date?" A raised eyebrow was the only response she got. She stuck her tongue out at him.

"Selphie, darling, will you be mine?" Irvine asked the bubbly girl.

"That would be delightful, Irvy dear!" Selphie dramatically fluttered her eyelashes at the cowboy. Zell winked at Sadie, making her giggle.

Quistis shifted uncomfortably in her chair.

"There is a dress shop that is supposedly 'the place' for Estharian women to get their gowns. I'll call them up tomorrow and have them open a tab for you four ladies to buy whatever your hearts desire."

'Thank you, Sir Laguna!" Selphie jumped up with glee, but then sheepishly sat back down in her chair. She looked at Sadie. "You at least have to make some sort of arrangement to meet us there tomorrow! 'This' will be amazing!" Sadie agreed.

After their meal ended, Laguna asked Squall if he could speak with him privately. He thought the young man looked somewhat agitated and decided asking Rinoa to join them might help Squall relax. She agreed.

They met in a small office that Laguna rarely used, but which contained a desk and a couple of couches. Squall rigidly sat down on one of the couches, while Rinoa, comfortably plopped down next to him. Laguna remained standing, feeling nervous. He didn't know where to start, but decided speaking plainly and foregoing small talk was the best way to proceed with Squall.

"I guess you figured out who I am. I mean, that I am your father." He began awkwardly.

"Yes. I did." Squall said tensely.

"I didn't know your mother, Raine, was pregnant when I left to find Ellone. Even if I had, I doubt she would have wanted me to do differently. She was as desperate as I to get Ellone back. That's probably why she never told me." Laguna began to pace a little. "The people of Winhill never liked me much. I wasn't one of them. I'm assuming that's why I was never given notice of you. But even back then, Esthar was closed to outsiders, and while I could have eventually found a way to get you, it wouldn't have been safe. That is why I was fine with Ellone being taken in by the Kramers. Esthar was in turmoil for quite a while. And then when I tried to get Ellone back, I was told that the Kramers had hid her from a pending threat. I just wish I had known everything, but then, if I had, perhaps there wouldn't have been someone to ultimately destroy Ultimecia. SeeD trained you very well." Squall remained silent.

"Squall?" Rinoa prompted.

"I don't really know what to say." Squall admitted. "Having a father or a mother is not something I ever really thought of. My life has been spent training for SeeD. My memories were erased through the use of Guardian Forces. I just…"

"Don't worry. It's fine. I wanted you to know and yes, I would like us to have a relationship. I am not looking for you to call me dad or anything. That would probably be weird for both of us. But I am glad that you are my son."

"I…" They could see Squall struggling to conquer his inhibitions. "I am fine with you being my father. It could have been worse." He began to relax and continued. "No, I don't think I could call you father; that would be awkward, but I do respect you for what you have done for this country."

Laguna broke out into a big smile. "Thanks, Squall. Then you aren't angry over how I left your mother, and indirectly, you?"

Squall shook his head. "Ellone needed to be safe at all costs. If it had been for a lesser matter, then yes, it would have angered me. But for Ellone, no, it had to be done. I see that."

"Truthfully, once she was found, I could have gone back, but I wanted to help Esthar and make sure that Ellone would be safe forever."

"I am glad you did and I am sure Raine felt the same." Squall replied woodenly.

"Thanks." Laguna replied. He was glad the matter had been brought out into the open, but he realized that deep down he had been hoping for a little more emotion from his son.

Rinoa smiled softly at the two men. "This can't be easy for either of you, but I think with time the two of you will be very good friends."

Laguna smiled at Rinoa. "Thanks. I would like that." The three sat in silence for a minute until Laguna again spoke.

"Squall, Rinoa. There is one more thing I need to speak with you about." Laguna began to rub his leg in agitation. "I want to start off with that this is most assuredly not my idea. It was Kiros's. I guess you could say he has a better mind for public relations than I do." He began to pace around the room, not realizing that Squall's eyes were gradually narrowing.

"Kiros thinks it would be a good idea if during the television interview I mentioned that you are my son."

"What?" Squall spat out.

"Squall, please. Kiros thinks it will take attention off of Rinoa when they find out that SeeD's Commander is my son. There are some that are upset that her powers were not sealed. That is the only reason why I ask you to consider it. It would also make any statements against her seem a personal affront to me." Laguna, relieved to have finally voiced the controversial issue, sat down on the floor against a bookshelf.

"Wow!" Rinoa said under her breath. Squall remained silent, turning the idea over in his mind. While he had never considered making it open news that Laguna was his father, he had to admit that the idea did have some merit.

After several moments of pondering the situation, he stood up and walked to where Laguna sat. Looking down at him warily, he responded, "Fine. As long as Garden doesn't have any objections, than neither do I." He winced slightly, turned towards the door and walked out. Rinoa gave a small smile to Laguna and then took off after her knight.

After dinner, Quistis watched the others meander off to their own activities. Zell and Sadie asked her if she was interested in checking out the library with them and Irvine and Selphie invited her to join them in the steam room, but she declined both offers knowing she would feel awkward with either of the two couples. Instead, she decided to curl up on a section of the large sofa in Laguna's living room to read a couple of magazines she found lying on the adjacent coffee table.

She was able to slightly absorb herself with one of the magazines, a real estate guide to Esthar, for half an hour, when Squall angrily stalked past her. Rinoa appeared right after him and gave Quistis a worried frown before continuing to follow her knight. Quistis guessed that the interview with the President must not have gone too well. Poor Laguna! She thought, before she delved back into her magazine.

Several minutes later, the President of Esthar walked into the living room with a deflated look on his handsome face.

"Oh! Hello!" He started as he saw her.

"Mr. President." She nodded at him.

"Laguna!" he replied back with a smile.

"Oh yes. Laguna. Sorry." She smiled back. She's even more beautiful when she smiles, he thought to himself.

"What are you reading?" He asked her.

"Homes Esthar." she informed him.

"Ah! Planning on moving here?" He joked.

"Well, I really like it here. Perhaps it would be a good thing to invest some of my gil in real estate."

"Seriously?"
She laughed. "Well, maybe some day. It doesn't make sense only keeping it in a bank account."

He chuckled. "Would you like me to set up an appointment with one of my top financial planners?"

"Maybe I would! I have a decent amount of gil saved as SeeD pays fairly well."

"Consider it done! Tomorrow we will set up an appointment with Albertus Sheen for you. That man can make money grow on trees!" Laguna decided to sit down on the couch with the young SeeD. "Where are the others?" he asked her. She told him of everyone's whereabouts, mentioning that she had seen Squall and Rinoa on their way to their rooms only few minutes prior.

"Did it go okay with him?" she gingerly asked.

Laguna sighed before replying. "Actually it went better than I expected, but my son is hard for me to read."

"Well, if you have any questions, I pride myself on being an expert Squall observer."

"Really?" He asked hopefully. "Why is that? Have you always been close friends?"

Quistis looked off into the distance for a minute. After awhile she turned her focus back to the man beside her. "We were raised together, first in Edea's orphanage and later at Balamb Garden. While we were never close friends until a couple months ago, I've always felt connected to him, most likely due to him being part of the orphanage gang, as Selphie likes to call us."

"Will you tell me about him?" he asked hungrily. "He doesn't seem to be the type of guy to offer information about himself, so I am kind of stuck, you know?"

Quistis looked at him with sympathy. He obviously cared about Squall very much. "Of course I will. How much time do you have?"

"However long it takes." He looked wistfully at the young woman.

"Well then, Mr. President, let's start at the very beginning, in Edea's orphanage."

"Laguna." He corrected her.

"Right! Sorry! I forgot!"

He shook his finger at her with mock severity, "Don't let it happen again, Miss Trepe!"

"I guess I could always call you Sir Laguna like Selphie does!" she teased him.

Laguna shuddered, "I will make an exception for Selphie to call me that, as I wouldn't want to hurt her feelings by requesting otherwise, but please, be kind to me!"

Quistis laughed delightedly, "OK, Laguna. You win!"

"Awesome! Hey, do you want a glass of wine before we begin?" He asked her. "I definitely need something to help me relax! Maybe you do too?" He teased her.

Quistis blushed thinking about how she had been longing for just that. "A glass of wine would be very nice," she said demurely.

"I'll be right back!" He replied with a boyish grin before bouncing up to get some wine from the kitchen. Quistis was amazed at how quickly his good spirits had been regained. When he returned, he poured them each a generous goblet full of red wine and set before them a platter of various cheeses and fruits.

"I always get hungry when I drink." He informed her. He then sat a cushions length away, facing her. "This is really great of you, Quistis! I appreciate it!" He seemed very excited. Quistis, looking at the President's open face, pondered again at how different father and son were.

The two of them talked long into the night. Although tired, Quistis preferred the lack of sleep to being alone with her dreams.

Rinoa caught up with Squall as he neared their rooms.

"Come in with me." She gestured towards her own door. He nodded and followed her into the room.

"Are you okay?" she asked him with concern. He silently nodded again. He went over to a small chair in the corner of her room and sat down. Rinoa walked over to the mini bar and poured herself a glass of water. "Want some?" she asked him. This time he shook his head before bowing his head deep in thought.

"Squall," she began quietly, "You don't have to let Laguna acknowledge you as his son for my sake if you don't want to. Everything will be fine. I know it will."

"Laguna and Kiros would not have suggested it if they weren't completely sure of that," Squall said tersely.

Rinoa took a sip of her water before putting her glass down on the bar. She walked over to her knight and kneeled on the floor, wedging herself in between his knees. He looked down at her and she was shocked at the fear for her she saw in his eyes. "Squall?"

The stormy look in his eyes softened when she said his name. He softly cupped one side of her face in his hand, causing her to close her eyes in complete bliss.

"Rinoa," his voice caressed her name. "You are definitely worth it all, do you know that?"

Before she could open her eyes again, his mouth was upon hers. His kiss was at first faint and unsure, but slowly began to deepen. Without breaking her lips from his, she slowly picked herself up off the floor and rose to straddle his lap, encircling her arms around his neck.

Desire wormed its way into the pit of his stomach, both pleasant and unnerving. He wasn't comfortable with any emotion taking control of him and regretfully broke their kiss.

She smiled up at him knowing why he had stopped, but okay with it. He was grateful to her. She never pressured him, just accepted him wholeheartedly. Leaning his forehead against hers, he closed his eyes. "I love you." He whispered, surprised he had said the words out loud. She stiffened for a second with shock, but then relaxed against him once again. After several seconds of silence, she gave him a radiant smile, "I love you too!" she said and that she meant it was evident in her eyes. She then gave him a flirtatious wink and casually asked him if he wanted to watch a movie. After the movie was over, Squall didn't even bother asking if he could stay the night and Rinoa didn't even consider the possibility that he wouldn't.

As Squall was drifting off into sweet slumber, he heard Rinoa sit up and give a sudden, "Oh no!"

"What is it!"

"I just remembered! I don't have any gil with me and I really, really need to go on that shopping trip tomorrow. I don't have a thing. Can I borrow some of yours, Squall? I promise I will have Caraway wire you some as soon as we get back to Balamb."

"This is the reason you abruptly startled me out of my sleep, Rinoa?"

"You weren't asleep yet."

"How do you know that?"

"Your breathing wasn't even and you still seemed tense."

"Whatever. Ok, I hadn't been asleep, but I was very close to it." He grumbled.

"Squall, I really need some clothes! This is a serious matter." She giggled.

"Rinoa, you can have all the gil you want, please just let me go to sleep!"

"Thanks! I know Caraway will pay you back right away. You don't need to worry about that."

"I wasn't. He doesn't need to pay me back. I have more than enough gil to spare on an entire new wardrobe for you."

"That's really sweet, Squall, but just the same, I'll have him recompense you."

"Whatever you want. Good night, Rinoa."

"Night. Hey Squall? Since you are coming with us to the mall tomorrow, maybe you should buy some new clothes too! Some of your t-shirts are starting to look a little worn and you really don't have much variety in your clothing."

"Good night, Rinoa."

"Do you even own swimming trunks?"

"I have some Garden issue ones." He replied tersely.

"Oh. Wouldn't you like some regular ones?" She asked him.

"Rinoa, I will look into purchasing some tomorrow if you will please let me sleep!"

"I'm going to hold you to that! Night Squall!"