Author's Note: Final chapter. :) This one has been a lot of fun to write, and I will miss it a little. But don't worry, I've got more stories coming soon, so stay tuned. :)

I do not own Final Fantasy VIII or any of its characters.

Thank you to everyone who read/followed/favorited/reviewed this. It is always appreciated.

Guest: Thank you. :) I am glad that you enjoyed the last chapter, and I hope that you will enjoy how I finish off this fic too.

Bebedora: Thank you for the reviews, as always. :) Even though I was writing this partially as an excuse to indulge my love of fluff and h/c, I have often thought that Squall would grow and evolve as he had a chance to experience love and acceptance from Rinoa, his friends and his father and wanted to explore how he might start to move on from a determined loner to one who was still reserved, but now willing to let people into his heart. I am happy that you enjoyed it...The funny thing is, I agree with your assessment of Kiros and Ward acting like "big brothers" of a sort to Laguna...even though Laguna is older than both of them and is actually their commander! :D And as you know by now, I just adore writing scenes with the three of them or with Laguna remembering their adventures, so again, glad you enjoyed. Hopefully, you will also enjoy how I decided to end this one.

Chapter Seven

"I can't believe this," Laguna groaned, throwing a forearm across his face. "Are you sure?"

"You've asked her that five times now," Squall said, crossing his arms over his chest. "Do you think that the answer will change if you keep asking?"

"But I can't have Cerilian fever," Laguna whined. "It's not possible. I mean, I already had it as a kid, and I know for a fact that it's not continuous."

"You mean contagious, right?" Squall smirked at him.

"Continuous, contagious, whatever," Laguna grumbled. "All I know is that I shouldn't have it now."

Doctor Kadowaki sighed and shook her head as she listened to this. Earlier that morning, she had come in to see how Squall was doing and was surprised when Squall immediately asked her to look in on Laguna instead.

"He's was acting pretty out of it last night," he had told her. "He was barely able to form a coherent sentence by late evening, and I had to help him get settled to sleep on the couch. Could you please make sure that he is all right first before examining me?"

At first, Kadowaki had thought about checking on Squall first anyway and reassuring him that she would see to his father afterwards, but the anxiety in his voice was enough to convince her to comply with his request.

She had found Laguna curled up on the couch, fast asleep, and noted that he did appear to have an elevated temperature. After waking him and discovering how listless he was and hearing a slight wheeze in his breathing, Kadowaki decided to examine him to rule out anything serious.

She came back a couple hours later to give Laguna her diagnosis and was greeted by a tired and grumpy Laguna sitting on the couch next to an equally tired and even grumpier Squall.

"I'm sorry, Laguna," she said. "But that is the one downside of having one of the milder strains of Cerilian fever: there is a slim chance that you will contract it again later in life."

Laguna let his arm flop back down onto the couch and he pouted even more.

"Daaarn it," he said. "I wanted to get back to Esthar here soon. That law thingy is over by now and I had plans to check out the Centra History Expo this weekend."

"You were going to go to that?" Squall said, raising an eyebrow. "I didn't know that you were interested in that kind of thing."

"Kiros got me into that stuff a few years ago," Laguna shrugged. "Apparently there is a lot in Centra's history that is related to the history of his people. And I know that you enjoy it too. I was really hoping that the three of us could go together, but then you got sick. Then I figured that I could take care of you until you got better and still make it back to Esthar in time so that I could get you some stuff from it. You know, so you wouldn't miss out entirely."

Squall blinked and nodded, unsure of what to say. He was certain that he would have accepted Laguna's invitation if his father had gotten the chance to ask. Squall then pondered how it seemed like he was always in Laguna's thoughts and he wondered why he had never noticed it before.

"I am sorry," Kadowaki repeated. "But it really wouldn't be good for you to travel right now. You could get sicker."

"Doctor," Squall said. "Laguna's fever…will it be like mine?" Kadowaki smiled, touched by the strong note of concern in Squall's voice.

"No," she said, shaking her head. "It will probably be mild and should only last a couple of days. That is if he takes it easy and makes sure to take better care of himself than he has been recently."

Seconds after she said this, Kadowaki regretted her words when she saw Squall lower his eyes and turn his face away. She was certain that the three of them knew that Laguna had exhausted himself while taking care of his son and that that probably played a role in his current illness.

Laguna looked back and forth between them, immediately sensing the tension, and scratched the side of his head.

"Ah, Kiros and Ward are never going to let me hear the end of this," he said. "They'll probably try to say that I got sick because I ate some of that Balamb fish I was trying to make a couple days ago." Squall looked over at him, incredulous.

"You actually ate some of it?"

"Only a little piece. I made sure that there weren't any burned parts on it."

"Dad, in the future, make sure to only eat things that actually resemble food. The last thing I need is an incident between Garden and Esthar just because you got sick from your nightmarish culinary attempts."

"Nightmarish culinary attempts?" Laguna repeated. "Don't you think that's a little unfair?"

"You're right," Squall smirked. "Culinary is not an accurate word to describe what you do to Balamb fish."

"My cooking is not that bad."

"No, it's worse."

"Boys," Kadowaki interrupted, her hands on her hips. "Neither of you are ready to return to your duties, so accept the fact that you will be confined here for at least two more days."

Both Laguna and Squall let out a huff and fell back against the couch and it took every ounce of willpower that Kadowaki had to stop herself from laughing.

"Now, I'm going to give the cafeteria a menu that I think would be beneficial to you while you two are recovering," she continued. "And yes, it will include Laguna's noodle soup. It is actually a very healthy meal choice."

Kadowaki noticed how Laguna beamed triumphantly while Squall rolled his eyes, but decided not to comment.

"But I also expect you two to be responsible for each other and make sure that the both of you are getting plenty of rest," she added. "Ignoring my instructions will only prolong your illness."

"I don't even want to think about how much paperwork will be waiting for me by the time this is over," Squall said, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"You think you've got paperwork?" Laguna said. "Try being the president of a whole country some time. I'm sure that Kiros is just dying to bury me in budget proposals."

"I will be back later this evening to check on you," Kadowaki said as she walked out of the room. "And remember what I said."

"We will," Squall muttered. "Thank you, Doctor."

"Yeah, thanks Doctor K," Laguna said with a wave.

Kadowaki nodded at them and then left. Once she was gone, Laguna yawned and scooted upright.

"What are you doing, Dad?" Squall asked him.

"I can't just sit around here," Laguna replied as he stood up. "I've got too much stuff to do. I should at least get a hold of Kiros so we can start that…."

Laguna suddenly stopped and put his hands to his face while starting to sway. He let out a soft moan, his legs crumpling beneath him. Squall immediately jumped up and grabbed him before he fell flat on his face. He helped Laguna sit back down and proceeded to glare at him.

"Sorry about that," Laguna said. "Just a little dizzy. I'm fine now."

"You are not fine," Squall said, scowling. "Didn't you listen to what the doctor said?"

"Squall, it's ok. I just got up too fast is all. Don't worry about it."

"Listen, I'm responsible for everything that happens at Garden, and that includes ensuring the safety of the president of Esthar during his visit," Squall said. "So stop trying to work and get some rest like Doctor Kadowaki told you to."

"Is that an order?" Laguna said, raising an eyebrow while still maintaining a lopsided smile. "You do know that as a president and your father, I outrank you in every sense, right?"

"Not when it comes to Garden affairs, you don't," Squall said, his scowl deepening. "And I thought I made it clear before that you don't have any parental authority over me." Laguna blinked hard, but then let out a short laugh and bowed his head.

"I suppose you're right," he said. "I don't know what I was thinking there."

Squall's frown softened as Laguna said this. There was a tired quality to his voice that Squall couldn't put his finger on, but it concerned him nevertheless. Especially when Laguna struggled to get up again while still making sure to keep his head down.

"Listen, I've been in your hair for almost a week now, and I'm sure you're tired of it," Laguna continued. "I think it'd be better if I asked for my own room to stay in while I get over this. And don't worry; I'll make sure to follow Doctor K's orders and get a bunch of sleep."

"Dad…."

Squall was about to say more, but was abruptly cut off when Laguna suddenly collapsed onto the floor. Squall dashed off the couch, coughing as he went. He knelt down beside Laguna and rolled him onto his back.

"Dad? Are you all right?" Squall asked. Laguna put the heel of his hand to the side of his forehead and groaned.

"Geez, the room won't stop spinning," he mumbled. "Maybe that Balamb fish didn't agree with me after all."

"More like you keep pushing yourself while you've got this fever," Squall said. "You don't have to do this."

"Squall, it's ok," Laguna insisted as he sat up. "Really. You need to relax and I know that it'll be a lot harder for you to do that with me still here."

Squall let out a sigh and put a hand to his face. A small part of him couldn't deny that he was looking forward to a chance to spend some time alone, but that was completely overshadowed by the worry he still felt after seeing Laguna fall to the floor.

It was while he was thinking about his concern for his father that Squall suddenly realized that he had misread Laguna's earlier statement. It was not a matter of Laguna trying to "pull rank" with him on either a professional or personal level. It was of matter of his father trying to act like a parent and feeling uncertain about his son telling him what to do. He then realized that it was entirely possible that Laguna misunderstood his concern for him as well.

Squall moved his hand away and coughed again before taking another deep breath. Over the past couple of years, he had learned that respect was an important part of love, and while he didn't think it was feasible to have Laguna act as person of authority over him given their roles as the president of Esthar and the commander of Balamb Garden, Squall did concede that he needed to make sure that Laguna knew that he was still respected as a person and a parent.

"Dad," he said, hesitant. "I'd like you stay here until you get better. It'd be easier for me…to make sure that you are following the doctor's orders and all. And Cid and Edea would probably send someone else here to watch me if you go, so I would rather…."

Squall looked down, frustrated. This was a lot harder than he wanted it to be. He wished that he could express his feelings as effortlessly as Laguna seemed to, but he knew that was impossible. Fortunately for him though, Laguna tapped a finger on his forearm and when he looked up at him, Squall knew that his father had understood.

"Squall, I can stay if you would like me to," he said softly. Squall nodded and shrugged his shoulders, and Laguna laughed again, but this time it was full of cheer.

"Hey, could you help me up to the couch?" Laguna said, holding a hand out to him. "I really don't feel like kissing the carpet again."

"Sure," Squall replied as he stood up and pulled Laguna up with him. The two of them plopped back down on the couch, and Laguna laid his head against the armrest.

"I should probably call Doctor Kadowaki," Squall said.

"No, it's ok," Laguna said, his face still pressed against the upholstery. "I'm not nearly as dizzy as I was a minute ago. I just need another moment to clear my head."

"All right, but the minute it gets worse again, you tell me," Squall said. "In the meantime, I have something for you."

"Something for me?" Laguna said, raising his head. Squall nodded again and got up to go to his bedroom. A minute later he returned with a box in his hands which he handed to Laguna.

"Here," Squall said as he sat down next to him. "Open it." Laguna grinned and took the box from his hands.

"I wonder what this is," he said as he lifted the lid. Laguna chuckled when he saw what was inside, and Squall's cheeks started to turn red.

"Looks like great minds think alike," Laguna said as he pulled out a toy Moogle. "Hey, does he have a name yet?"

"Yeah," Squall said, the scarlet tint to his face increasing. "Firion."

"Firion," Laguna nodded. "That's a powerful name for such a little guy, but it fits with you. But wait, when were you able to get this? I don't remember anything being delivered that I didn't order myself these last few days."

"I've had it for a while," Squall mumbled. Laguna looked down at the doll again and noticed that while it was nearly pristine, there were a couple of places where it looked worn.

"Squall?" Squall let out another sigh and made sure to keep his eyes on his lap.

"After Sis…after Ellone left the orphanage, I felt awful," he said. "Cid and Edea gave this to me a couple days after she left. I suppose they were trying to make me feel better. Not too long after that, I was sent to Garden. And it didn't seem right, lugging around a stuffed animal while I was here, so I hid it away with my stuff and would only pull it out on occasion. After a while, I actually forgot why I had it, and it wasn't until recently, when I cut down on my GF usage, that I remembered where it came from."

"Squall, I…I don't know what to say," Laguna said. "Are you sure about this? I don't want to take something that meant so much to you."

"Keep it. I want you to have it," Squall said. "It did mean a lot to me, but part of that was because I needed to feel like I wasn't alone. But now I know that I'm not alone and I…I want to thank you for your part in helping me realize that."

Laguna beamed at him, his eyes bright and wet, and for a moment Squall worried that his father would try to override their established hugging guidelines. To his relief, however, Laguna contented himself with squishing the plush Moogle in his arms.

"Thank you, son," Laguna said, his voice thick with emotion. "This is one of the best gifts I have ever gotten."

Squall smiled back at him, but also continued to blush. He then coughed again and replaced his smile with another smirk.

"Besides, this makes it so that there are no records of me ordering stuffed animals to my room," he said. "I do have an image that I'd like to maintain here at Garden."

"You know, you make it sound like I've given my political rivals deadly ammo to use against me," Laguna said with an exaggerated sigh. "Buying toys is not exactly great fodder for media-generated scandals."

"It might make people question their leader's sanity. What would you think of a commander-in-chief who has an obsession with buying and naming dolls?"

"I don't know," Laguna replied, tossing his hands up in the air. "That maybe he is a maverick and not so easy to pin down? Maybe that he is a family man who likes to have fun?"

"Or maybe that he is like a kid who never really grew up?" Squall chuckled.

"Hey, I resemble that remark," Laguna grinned. "Besides, growing up is overrated. I'd rather grow younger and wiser than up any day."

Squall chuckled again. He thought about telling Laguna that those two attributes were not known to be compatible with each other, but then he realized that if anyone could pull it off, it would probably be his father.

"Hey, you want to do something?" Laguna said. "I'm feeling a little better now, and I'm too wound up to just sleep."

"Sure, I guess," Squall said. "I do have this new combat video game that Zell gave me for my birthday that I haven't gotten around to playing yet."

"Sounds good," Laguna said.

Squall nodded and retrieved the game from its box and slipped it into his game system before sitting back down and tossing a controller to Laguna.

"Wow, cool graphics," Laguna said. "Much better than that dinosaur Ward always makes me play whenever I ask him to join me for a game."

"You live in the most technologically advanced country in the world and yet you still play archaic video games?" Squall asked.

"You have to admit that the classics never go out of style," Laguna replied. "Besides, you know how attached some people can be to their favorites."

"Yeah, I get that," Squall said. "Ok, here, let's get started."

Squall was about to enter in his avatar data when he was surprised by Laguna reaching over and wrapping his arms around him.

"Sorry, I know this is against the rules," Laguna said as he gave him a firm squeeze. "But I just wanted to thank you again…and let you know how grateful I am for letting me be here these last few days. I know that might seem strange, with you being sick and all, but all the other stuff that happened…well it meant a whole lot to me."

Squall frowned and was rigid during the first few seconds of the embrace, but by the end he managed to relax and signaled his assent by patting Laguna's arm and leaning against him for a moment.

"You're welcome, Dad," Squall said quietly as Laguna let him go. Laguna grinned again and turned his attention back toward the game.

"Ok, how about we set the difficulty level to easy?" he asked. "To give us a chance to get familiar with the game."

"Easy? In your dreams," Squall smirked as he adjusted the game levels to maximum difficulty.

"Wait a minute; didn't you say that you hadn't played this yet?" Laguna asked.

"I said that I hadn't gotten around to playing the copy Zell gave me," Squall replied with a mischievous grin. "I didn't say anything about how many times I played it on his system."

"Hey, no fair," Laguna whined. "You already have an advantage as it is 'cause you do this kind of stuff for a living."

"You used to be a soldier too. A commander, no less."

"Oh sure, twenty years ago. It's not like I'm planning military maneuvers every day. And knowing you, you're probably already an expert at this game by now. I'm gonna get slaughtered."

"Not my problem," Squall said, his grin growing. "Especially since you chose to ignore the ground rules we had already agreed to on the whole 'hugging' thing."

"Seriously, you're going to hold a grudge over that?" Laguna whined again. "I figured that I'd get a free pass or something once in a while."

"You figured wrong, Dad. Prepare to be annihilated."

"Ok fine," Laguna huffed. "But you should know that I'm not going down without a fight…even if it only lasts five seconds."

Squall laughed and soon Laguna joined in. They then settled in for an afternoon of video games, both of them enjoying and reflecting on the moments that would be remembered long after this week ended and they returned to their normal lives.