~I'll Be There~

Disclaimer: I DON'T own no part of Final Fantasy VIII or the characters! I own this plot, though.

Pairings: SeiferxSquall

Warnings: Yaoi, OOC-ness swearing Violence

A/N: Please Read and Review! I want to know what you think! Well, I hope you enjoy this chapter. :) Any reviews are very much welcome and appreciated! :) I love all the reviewers I'm getting! :) It means a lot to me. :) I'd like to thank (Blizzard Angel) for pointing out mistakes. I tried to not have many mistakes in this one. :)


Troubles

Chapter 8

As a few weeks has passed Seifer and Squall spent a lot of time together. They really enjoyed each others company. They just felt so free around one another, something they haven't really felt around anyone before. They weren't really use to such a feeling, but they were quickly growing use to it. Since when could someone feel so free around another person? They didn't really know, that's just what they feel.

Squall's mother really enjoyed having Seifer around. It made her son happy. She had also seen the way her son looks at the blond, and she knew he liked him. She was okay with it though, she knew her son was gay. She still didn't know what to do, but she had called a lawyer. They told her all she needed to do about Seifer's situation. They said if she wished to have custody of him then she needs to make sure he has a good living environment there. She needed to provide for him as well, better than his father could. Or any living relative.

She had yet to talk to Squall about getting people involved, but she knew she had to. So when Squall would get home she would have to discuss it with him, since he does seem very attached to Seifer. She don't know how this will play out, but she was determined to do something to help out. She was growing to really like Seifer as if he was her own son. Anyway, how would Squall feel about this? Would he like the idea of his mother taking custody of his friend? Well, she would find out later.

She hoped everything worked out for the best. She just knew some action needed to be taken. Raine was a very caring and loving woman. She liked to think of herself as capable of taking care of another person. Either way, Raine was glad Seifer was out of that horrible environment. Right now the boys were at school, so she had plenty of time to think of how to bring this up to Squall.

All she knew was as time passed the boys seem to be growing closer to one another, which she was happy about. Squall needed another friend. Squall wasn't very sociable, therefore, he didn't have many friends. In fact the only friend she knew of was Irvine. So the fact that he son had made a new friend made her excited.

She always thought Squall needed to be more sociable and make more friends. He was just too stubborn to listen to her. Squall really did like to keep to himself a lot of the time. He was a very private person. It was hard to get him to socialize with others when he was younger. Then he just grew up antisocial.

She loved him no matter how he turned out, though. Seifer seems to have made Squall open up a little more, which she was grateful for.


Squall and Seifer were sitting in the cafeteria eating their lunches. Today at school wasn't so bad, they did enjoy having classes together. What was strange was they hadn't see Jared yet. Seifer has been doing better at school. He was less tired and more attentive. Him and Squall had been spending a lot of time together, which Seifer really enjoyed.

Squall was a lot of fun to hang out with and he never had a boring day with the brunet. Ever since he met the brunet boy he thinks his life had changed for the better. He felt like Squall was sent here to help him or something like that. Yes, that does sound maybe a little cliched,' but that's how he feels. Squall was like a gift. A gift he wanted more of, while he wanted nothing else.

Seifer did hate though, how much Squall seems to make him blush like a fuckin' idiot. Yeah, every time he was around Squall and Squall smiled, Seifer would blush. Not that he could help it, though, he just does. He felt stupid for doing it, but that didn't mean he could stop it.

"Seifer, you're lost again."

"Shut up." Seifer said with a smile "I was just thinking."

"I though that was suppose to me my bad habit?" Squall raised an eyebrow in a way that Seifer thought was sexy.

"Well, I can think too." Seifer huffed and crossed his arms.

"Sure. So, what ya thinking about?"

"Uh, nothing."

Squall eyed him none believably. He shook his head. "You're a bad liar, you know?"

"Am not."

"Uh huh. But you are."

Seifer growled at him, making Squall smirk.

"Hey guys."

They whipped their head around to see Zell coming towards them.

"Hello, my favorite Chicken wuss."

"Oh, god, again with that name." Zell whined, sitting down beside Seifer.

"Ah, but when I see you I have to say what I see."

"Jackass." Zell scowled at him a little. "So, how is everything?"

"Oh, it's fine. I did tell you I was living with Squall, right?" Seifer titled his head a little to the right.

"Um, no, I don't think so. But I'm glad you're out of that hell hole. So, how did it happen? I want details, man." Zell grinned, happy his friend is out of that place.

"I hit him and left my house. I called Squall and we went to his place." Seifer explained what happened a while ago.

"I'm happy that you don't have to deal with that anymore. But why didn't you tell me when it happened?"

"I um, forgot? Sorry, I meant to tell you, but I wasn't thinking about it... Chicken wuss."

"I hate you!"

Aw, you love me, you know it."

Zell rolled his eyes and smiled. "Yeah, how could I not. Even if you are an asshole."

"Hey, I like really resent that. Okay... maybe not."

"You guy are weird." Squall shook his head at them.

"Yes, but that's why you hang out with us." Seifer grinned.

Squall scoffed at that. "Riiight. That's why."

"It is!" Seifer exclaimed with a smile.

"Squally!" that made them all groan.

Shit.

"The fuck do you want, Rinoa?" Seifer snapped at her. He was pissed because she interrupted their time.

"Nothing from you, fag." she snorted. Seifer growled low. Squall narrowed his eyes. "Come and sit with me. I made a place for you."

"No. How many times do I have to say it to get it through your head?"

"I know you didn't mean it, though." they all gave her a 'What the fuck' look. Can she really be that thick?

"He don't wanna sit with a slut like you." Seifer quipped, smirking.

"Fuck off. You'll pay for that, fag!" She turned and stomped off.

"Damn, that woman's got some serious issues here. Can't she take a hint?" Zell questioned with a shake of his head.

"No. She's not smart enough." Squall stated with a smirk. But he was thinking what she meant Seifer will pay for that. He should probably keep an eye out. Squall doesn't know who she knows and he doesn't know what she will do or who she hangs out with.

"Yeah. God I hate her." Seifer and Zell said simultaneously. They both laughed, while Squall rolled his eyes.

"Aw, lunch is about over." Zell pouted. He didn't want to go back to class. He was having too much fun here with his friends.

"I know, you won't get anymore hotdogs for a while. God for bid you do without for a while.

"Oh, go to hell."

"But it's lonely down there." Zell rolled his eyes at that. But he decided to change the subject.

"So," Zell started after clearing his throat. "What happens now that you're staying with Squall?" he was quite curious about that.

"I don't know. Whatever happens, I guess." Seifer shrugged his shoulders.

"Yeah, we just play it by ear or something." Squall agreed with him, while smiling at him.

Shit, that smile just made Seifer blush again. He tried to hide it by looking down. Zell noticed and smirked. His friend was so obvious in his attraction towards the brunet. Seifer saw the smirk and scowled, all the while mouthing "Chicken wuss." Zell growled a little.

Seifer sent Squall a look of longing, not unnoticed by the brunet. But Seifer didn't think he was being obvious about it.

"Alright, let's go." Zell said, standing up.

"Do I have to?" Seifer whined, not wanting to go to class.

"Yeah, Seifer. You have to go to class." Squall said with a shake of his head at Seifer's whining.

"Fine." they all got up and threw away left overs. They walked to class. Seifer and Squall had art. And Zell had gym.


"Squall." Seifer looked over to see what Squall was drawing. "What ya drawing? I said I'd find out, so just tell me."

Squall sighed. He guessed it wouldn't hurt to show him. He has known him long enough now. Finally, he relinquished. He handed his paper over to Seifer. "There."

Seifer took it and opened it. What he saw surprised him. He saw drawings of his family. Which looked like a professional had done it. "Wow, Squall. I didn't know you were so talented." Seifer said in amazement.

"Thanks. I've been doing it since I was like five. I really enjoy it."

"It looks that way." Seifer flipped over some more. "Is this a lion?"

"Yep. I really enjoy drawing those. It's one of my favorite things to draw, actually."

"I can see that. I think you are very good at this art shit, Squall." Squall smiled at his compliment. Something inside of him stirred when Seifer said it. He was glad Seifer enjoyed his art.

Seifer flipped over some more. His eyes went wide when he saw what looked to be himself there. Squall drew him? When did this happen? How come he didn't know about it? It looked just like him. "Squall. Did you draw me? When did you do it?"

Squall smiled at him. "I drew it shortly after coming here. I enjoyed drawing it. You were there so I just decided to draw you. Are you mad?"

"No. I really like it. You should draw more of me. I think I look good in art." Seifer grinned. Squall laughed.

"Maybe I could." They sent looks to each other. There was an unspoken communication between them that words couldn't describe. It's like they could read each other.

Seifer handed it back to Squall, letting his hand brush against Squall's, making his breath catch in his throat. Fuck, why does he always turn weak when he's so much as near Squall? His heart always raced, feeling like it would pop out of his chest.

Squall seemed to notice. He looked at Seifer, there was emotion swirling around his eyes.

"So," Seifer began. "Was the art in your room your doing, too?"

"Yeah." Squall nodded.

"Damn, you are very, very good. You should teach me how to draw like that."

"Maybe sometime." he smiled at Seifer, making Seifer turn away to hide the oncoming blush. Seifer scowled. Shit, could he ever look at that smile at not blush? There were a few times, though.

"I'm glad you like my art, Seifer. It means a lot."

"You're welcome." he grinned. "Now you just have to teach me your art ways."

"Sure. We'll see."

"Mr. Almasy. The Principle would like to see you." His teach said.

Seifer looked confused. Why would the principal want to see him? Was he in trouble? He don't remember doing anything. Squall sent him a questioning look, to which he just shrugged. Seifer got up and grabbed his bag heading to the principals office.


He made it to the principals office. He wondered what Principal Seth wanted. He didn't know. But he could swear he hadn't done anything bad... had he? Not that he knew of he didn't. Well, he'll just find out

"Seifer, Principal Seth will see you, so just go on in." the secretary said to him when he walked inside the office. He nodded and mad a beeline for his office. He opened the door and walked inside. "Principal Seth? Did you want to see me?"

"Ah, yes. Please do come in, Seifer." The Principal nodded his head to the chair opposite of his. Seifer gave him a confused looked and decided to ask.

"Why did you want to see me? Am I in trouble?" Seifer couldn't help but ask that. Why else would the principal want to see him? He couldn't think of a reason.

"No, you're not in any trouble. I just wanted to speak with you, is all."

"O-kay. But, why?" Seifer cocked an eyebrow, waiting for him to explain.

"Seifer, how is everything?"

"Fine. Never been better."

"Hm. That's good. What about at school?"

"Good. Look, can you please get to why I'm here?" Seifer asked annoyed.

"Alright. I've been told you're doing better in school." he started. "But, the teachers notice how you always seem to have bruises." Seifer paled. He thought he hid those good.

Fuck.

"Um, I don't." Seifer lied. It's been a while, but he knows he does still have bruises on him. His father had beaten him that good. There were even some scars on him, but like hell he'd tell his principal that. Seth noticed him fidgeting slightly.

"Are you sure? That's what they said?"

"I-I'm sure. I'm fine." Seifer smiled. He didn't want his school involved.

"How's everything at home?"

"Fine. I'm doing okay." Seifer didn't think he should tell him that Squall is letting hims stay with him because his home life was bad.

The principal was writing things down on a piece of paper. "Well, this isn't the first I've heard of you having bruises at school, Seifer. But, at first I though it was nothing. I though you were just being a kid."

"I'm not a kid."

"No. Now, as I was saying. They have come to me before. And now I'm getting just a little curious as to why you seem to have them."

"I don't." Seifer gritted out. Dammit, this was something he didn't want to deal with right now.

"Then, what's with that cut on you're face?"

Seifer's eyes went wide. "I fell." he said quickly.

Seth nodded his head. That was the kind a response a kid would give that has problems at home, but he couldn't be sure. He knew also that Seifer was bullied at school. But he couldn't rule anything out. He'd have to keep an eye on him.

"C-can I go now? Are we done?"

"Yes, Seifer. You may go." Seth sighed and shook his head. He just wanted to make sure Seifer was okay.

Seifer got up and walked out of the office. When he made it to his locker he hit it. Shit, now the school was suspecting things. If his father hadn't hit him so hard all the time, these bruises and cuts would have been gone! He didn't want the school involved. He knew they'd have to call someone. That was the last thing he wanted to happen. He was happy staying with Squall.

"What's wrong, fag?" A familiar voice rang out. Rinoa.

"The fuck do you want?" Seifer snarled at her.

"I want you to stay away from Squall. He doesn't need you bringing him down."

"I don't have to listen to you, bitch. He doesn't even like you."

"Sure he does. I just need you to stay the hell away from him so I can pursue him." Seifer laughed at that, making her scowl.

"G-good luck with that. It case you haven't noticed, Squall has been trying to get away from you. I can't blame him, though, I would to." he shuddered.

"How dare you! He does like me!" she screeched in anger.

Seifer scoffed. "Sure. Yeah, he really likes you. What are you on? Crack?"

"What! Shut up. I'm warning you. Stay away from him."

"No. I'm not going to. I like hanging out with him, as he does with me. So forget it princess 'cause I ain't gonna do it." he snapped

"YOU BASTARD!" Rinoa yelled. She ran up to him and slapped him. Seifer just laughed at her, making her kick him.

Seifer grabbed her hand when she tried to slap him again. "Go the fuck away." he walked off.

"I'll get you for this." She muttered to herself.

"Sure you will." She turned around and saw Squall standing there. The hell did he come from? "Leave Seifer alone. I will not warn you again."

"But, he's nothing but a stupid fag." Rinoa stuttered, shocked that he was defending him.

"Hn, and you're nothing but a stupid bitch, so what?" Squall shrugged his shoulder casually. He walked away from her.

Seifer was waiting outside for Squall. Where the hell was he? It's been out ten minutes. He was sitting on a bench outside waiting for Squall.

"Well, well. Look who it is?"

"Go away, Jared." Seifer said, tiredly. He just wanted to be left alone. First Rinoa. And now Jared? Can't he get a brake?

"I think not."

"The hell do you want?" he snapped, glaring.

"To talk."

"Well I don't want to talk to you. No go away."

"No." Jared smirked, sitting beside Seifer, making Seifer scoot over. "I want you to stay away from pretty-boy."

"Why? Why does everyone want me to stay away from him?" Seifer was getting tired of being told what to do.

"Because," Jared started. "I said so. Look, I don't want to have to get mean." Seifer scoffed at that. "But I will if if have to. You're a fag boy."

"Yeah? Well, you're one to talk."

"What are you talking about? I'm not gay."

"Hm. Could have fooled me. I see the way you look at me."

"Shut up! I'm not gay!" Jared jumped up. "I hate fags!"

Seifer smirked. "Sure."

"I said to shut up." he grabbed Seifer by the collar of his shirt and hauled him to his feet. "Keep it up, boy."

"Get the fuck off of me. It's not my fault you're in denial."

Jared growled, but smirked. "Denial huh?" he reached in his pocket and pulled out a knife. Seifer's eyes went wide. He held it to Seifer's cheek.

"W-what are you doing?" Seifer struggled in his grasp, but to no avail.

"I told you to keep your mouth shut." he hissed with hatred, pressing the knife a little into his skin. Seifer hissed a little.

"Let me the fuck go!" Seifer kicked and struggled. "Get off of me, Jared!" Jared threw a punch at him, making him gasp and fall to the ground.

"Fags disgust me." Jared stated, bending down where Seifer was. "You don't have a place here and I'll make you realize that."

Seifer kicked him in the leg. Jared fell to the ground. Jared finally had him pinned under his weight. "What are you gonna do?"

Seifer scowled. "Get the hell off!" Seifer shouted to him, pissed. Jared was just about to cut him with the knife, but before he could he felt himself being lifted off of Seifer. Seifer was shocked to fin Squall standing there. The knife had fallen , so Squall didn't even notice it. He only noticed that Jared was on top of Seifer.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing, asshole?" Squall swung and hit him in the face with a hard right hook.

Seifer stood up and went over to Squall, grabbing him before he could do more to him. "Come on, Squall. Let's go."

"Don't you fucking touch him again." Squall spat out, glaring. He wrapped his arms around Seifer's waist. "You alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Seifer smiled. "But where were you earlier?"

"Ah, I had some things to take care of. Lucky I was here, though."

"I coulda took him." Seifer said, blushing at Squall's arm around him. It felt good, though.

"I'm sure you could have, but I wanted to help. I don't like seeing him hurt you." Squall smiled at him. They were inside his car now.

"Thanks."

Squall nodded. "So, what did the principal want?"

"Oh, um, he just asked how I was doing?"

"Hn. Let me guess, it was about your marks?"

"Y-yeah, how did ya know?"

"Lucky guess. So, they're suspecting something?"

"Yes. Dammit."

"I'm sure everything will be fine, Seifer." Squall said soothingly.

"I hope."

"Squall?"

"Thanks."

"For what?"

"Everything."

"You're welcome." they smiled at each other. Seifer wondered how much longer he can keep his feelings inside. It was becoming harder and harder to do so. He just wanted to reach over and kiss Squall.


"Squall?" Seifer asked after dinner when they were in Squall's room. Seifer was on the bed laying down and Squall was drawing something.

"Yes?"

"Do you like anyone?"

Squall blinked, shocked by the sudden question. "What brought this on?"

"N-nothing. I'm just curious. We never talked about it before." Seifer was acting nervous, Squall noted.

"Well, I guess you could say I do."

"Oh." Seifer tried to fight the jealousy riding in him. The thought of Squall liking someone who wasn't him made him angry.

"What about you?"

"I do." Seifer smiled. "You gonna tell me who it is you like?" Though, he wasn't sure if he wanted to know.

"Hn. I could."

"Okay, so who is it?"

"It's-"

"Squall!"

"Yeah mom?'

"Can you come here?"

"Sure." Squall got up. "Sorry. We can continue this later. Okay?"

"Alright." he nodded in agreement.

"Cool. I'll be back." With that Squall walked out of his room.


"What?" Squall sat on the couch.

"Okay. I talked to someone today. I wanted to know if you wanted Seifer to stay here?"

"Of course I do. Why?"

"I just wanted to know. You know we have to let someone know, right?"

"What are you getting at?"

"You'll see. I will talk to you more when I know more myself. Alright?" Raine asked with a smile.

"Uh, sure. I guess." Squall was very curious as to what his mother was up to. But he decided not to question it right now.

"Good. I just thought I'd ask you."'

"Okay. Bye then." Squall was a little wary right now. But he'd let ig and let his mother do whatever she was doing.


Seifer was asleep when Squall came back inside his room. Squall got changed for bed himself and lied down beside him.

Squall looked at him and smiled. He would tell Seifer. But right now he was asleep and he didn't want to bother him. He looked so peaceful right now. He brushed some of the hair out of Seifer's eyes and Seifer unconsciously leaned into Squall's touch, making Squall smile more.

A/N: So, how did I do? I tried to make sense on this chapter and I hope I did. I'm thinking maybe next chapter might have a confession. :) Think that's a good idea? Please review and tell me how I did!