Near sunset, the girls broke apart for the night, Quistis to prepare for dinner with Laguna, Candy to run errands, Ellone to get something to eat in the dining room and Sadie to find Zell. Only Selphie and Rinoa remained.
Selphie stood up from her chair and stretched. She turned towards Rinoa with a tired smile.
Rinoa's gaze became stern. "Now that we're finally alone…out with it, Sef." She had known from the moment the girl had hugged her earlier that afternoon that things were still not right. Disappointment radiated from her. Selphie was too impulsive in her decisions and Rinoa wondered if her plans from the previous evening had backfired.
"How was the rest of your night with Irvine?" she asked, patting the couch beside her.
Selphie joined her, groaning to be reminded of the previous evening at the charity ball. "Can you put your arms around me and snuggle me a little? This is one of those days I wish I had a mother." She flopped her legs onto the couch and laid her head on Rinoa's lap.
"Did your 'flirt with every man at the ball' idea not go so well?" Rinoa patted Selphie's head, smiling at the silly scheme. She could relate to the later discomfort after following an impulsive decision.
"Well…yes and no. I think it excited more than upset him. He seemed to enjoy the challenge. He stopped paying attention to the other girls. But in the end, I'm not sure it's the best way to keep his interest. It was too exhausting."
"No, probably not. Selphie, you need to realize his flirting is harmless, or just be friends. There's no doubt in my mind he adores you, but he's just…Irvine."
"Well, things are a little more complicated. I kind of did something last night I sort of regret." She covered her face with her hands and groaned again.
Rinoa smiled at Selphie's display of drama. "What did you do?"
"I kind of, umm, slept with him."
"Really?" Rinoa stilled her stroking of Selphie's hair.
"Yep." This time she sighed. "Once I had his attention, the rest of the ball went well. I was so happy. When we got back to Laguna's, I asked him if he wanted to stay the night with me. The next thing I knew we were kissing and then the kissing led to touching and then the…"
"I think I get it, Selphie," Rinoa grinned. "So you are upset this happened?"
"At first I wasn't. It was…well, you know how it is," Selphie tittered nervously.
"Actually, I don't…"
"You haven't slept with Squall yet?" Selphie sat up looking dazed. "You two are Sorceress and Knight. I mean, that's the kind of stuff out of romance novels." She threw herself back down onto Rinoa's lap. "Gosh, now feel like I'm kind of easy or something." She laughed at herself, but Rinoa could see the regret in her eyes.
"You're not easy, Selphie," she tried to reassure her. "Squall just wants to wait until we're married. I think it's really sweet, but everyone is different."
After her conversation with Sadie that morning about pregnancy, and the later one with Squall, she was glad they had waited thus far. It made things less complicated. She forced her attention back on her friend, whose fast-paced chatter suddenly slowed.
"I really wasn't ready, Rinoa. I realize that now. Our relationship is too new and I guess I just don't know where I stand with him. While it was amazing, this morning, after he left, I felt empty."
"It was probably too soon then, Selphie."
Tears began to well in her eyes. "I know, but he'll be awfully confused if I don't sleep with him again tonight. He was so happy and I don't want him to think I'm rejecting him. Maybe I should just continue. It's not that big of a deal, right?" she choked on a sob. Rinoa held her close, hating to see her friend in such inner turmoil.
"Selphie, it is a big deal. You're still unsure in this relationship...which I think is the true cause of your anguish. It's not something that needs to be rushed." Rinoa felt inadequate discussing the subject, as she had been wishing all week for Squall to make love to her.
"You never slept with Seifer?" Selphie asked.
Rinoa shuddered at the thought of being intimate with the man who had junctioned her to Adel. "No Selphie, although I know he wished it. I just couldn't. I thought I was in love with him, but it never felt like the right time. It upset him, which made me question his reasons for being with me."
"Sounds like my situation." Selphie moaned.
"Do you feel Irvine pressured you?" Rinoa asked. She honestly had a hard time believing he did. Irvine was a gentleman, despite his flirtatiousness.
"No," she sighed. "Although, he was more than happy to proceed once I said I was willing."
"Um, Selphie, he is a guy, remember?" Rinoa chided her friend.
She blushed. "Yeah, I know. And he was really sweet." She stood up, leaving Rinoa's lap, and walked over to the bookshelf, lightly banging her head against its side. "At first, it was like we were reclaiming our childhood friendship, but somehow, we lost that the past few days. Now, it's all physical. It's not balanced, you know?"
Rinoa nodded. "You need to tell him that. If he doesn't understand, then it's his issue, but you are going to have to be firm in this, Selphie."
She nodded. "Thanks for letting me talk to you…and for not judging me."
Rinoa looked at her friend in disbelief. "How could I ever judge you, Selphie? Selphie shrugged.
"Come on, I need to find Squall and tell him what to expect tomorrow. I hope he takes it well." Rinoa linked arms with her friend and together they left the study.
They found Squall, Ellone, Flint, Irvine, Sadie and Zell in the living room, each drinking a glass of wine and reading. It made an interesting picture, and Selphie and Rinoa looked at each other in amusement.
"What are ya'll reading?" Selphie asked, imitating Irvine's western Galbadian accent.
Sadie looked up, "I brought back a bunch of newspapers and magazines that had tidbits about last night's affair. You are all scattered throughout them. It's fun looking at the pictures and reading the articles."
"You're in there too, Sadie," Zell tugged on his girlfriend's ponytail, causing her to smack him with her magazine. He howled, pretending to be in pain. Sadie rolled her eyes.
"Oooh! Fun!" Selphie skipped over to Irvine, stealing a newspaper from his hands.
"Hey!" he exclaimed, laughing as she bounced onto the couch next to him.
"You can share!" she stuck her tongue out at him. Unfolding the paper back to the front page, she gawked when she saw the front of it covered in a picture of Laguna and Quistis. "Wow! Look at this photo. Sir Laguna and Quistis look amazing!" she held it up for all to see.
"That picture is everywhere," Squall informed her dryly. He moved over on the couch to make room for Rinoa. "There are a lot of pictures of them, but then, there are a lot of us too," he informed his sorceress.
Rinoa peered over his shoulder, "Hmmm, what do they say about me?" She braced herself for the worse. Absorbed with her wedding plans that afternoon, she had briefly forgotten the larger issue at stake.
Squall smiled at her in reassurance, "They say you are charming and sweet and that by the end of the evening, Esthar's elite were eating out of your hands."
Flint passed her another paper. "This reporter claims he watched your every move all evening long and is now thoroughly convinced you have one of the purest hearts he's ever encountered."
Rinoa giggled with relief. "That's kind of weird." The others laughed with her.
"If that's what he wants to believe, I don't have a problem with it…as long as he convinces others of the same." Squall put an arm around her and snuggled her close. Rinoa's eyes sparkled with pleasure at his ease. Regardless of what Esthar thought of her, she knew she was safe with both her Knight and friends.
"I don't either," she nestled closer.
"Well, many of the journalists were not as complimentary on Uncle Laguna escorting Quistis. Many considered her quite cold and aloof," Ellone said, sounding as if she hadn't been paying attention to much else. Flint shifted uncomfortably as the others stared at his fiancée, taken aback.
Irvine cleared his throat, "Well, not all were bad. I read a few favorable accounts. Some were concerned the President was dating a mercenary, but hey, we all know that's not really a problem. She's a good person. We all are."
"Yeah Ellone, this one says she was the most beautiful woman at the ball," Selphie informed Laguna's niece. Rinoa, quickly tiring of the girl's displeasure in her friend, was glad everyone was coming to Quistis's defense. Ellone needed to get a handle on her personal feelings.
Ellone was undaunted. "I read that one too, Selphie. And while it said she was beautiful, it later mentioned that she was likely a gold digger," she smiled in triumph.
"Quistis is not a gold digger!" Selphie was furious.
"Of course not, but still…"
"I can't believe Quistis is dating the President. Totally crazy stuff, huh?" Zell interrupted. "Like how did that happen?" he shook his head in bewilderment, one step behind the rest of the group. He had been so consumed with his own girlfriend all week that he hadn't paid attention to much else.
"Zell!" Sadie hissed.
"What?" he asked innocently. "I just said I can't believe they're dating. I mean, I think it's cool and all."
"Uncle Laguna is not dating Quistis. He's not a teenager, for Hyne's sake!" Ellone snapped. She glared at Flint who was shaking his head at her in warning.
"Hi guys!" They all turned to see Laguna and Quistis standing in the archway leading into the living room, dressed for their night out. Everyone, barring Ellone, smiled at the couple, wondering how much they had overheard.
The President was dressed in a dark suit that was wonderfully tailored to his slim, muscular frame. His hair was down, reminding them of how he had looked when they first saw him in the past. Gazing worshipfully at Laguna, Selphie sighed with pleasure.
The rest of the group, however, gaped at Quistis in admiration. She was dressed more evocatively than usual, although still elegant. Her tight, calf-length, black dress had a tail slit, while the neckline was lower than she usually allowed. On her feet were high, spiky black heels and her hair, which was normally clipped up, was down, almost reaching her waist. She was stunning.
"Quistis, you look amazing!" Rinoa breathed, glad to see her friend not dressed so conservatively for once. The other's nodded in mute admiration while Irvine gave a low whistle. Still enraptured with Laguna, Selphie for once didn't mind.
Laguna put his arm around Quistis, looking down at her fondly. "She does, doesn't she? Every man we encounter tonight is going to be drooling."
Quistis nervously clicked her heels. "Thanks," she said to Rinoa. "You convinced me to buy this dress the other day, and I can't believe I'm actually daring to wear it."
"You look beautiful, Quistis." Squall nodded his approval. He appeared glad she had found someone, even if it turned out to be his father.
Quistis was startled, along with everyone else, by his compliment. "Thanks, Squall," she smiled back. She appreciated his public show of support.
Rinoa kissed him on the cheek, when the attention turned away from her knight. "I love you," she whispered, touched by his sensitivity in the matter. She knew he loved Ellone, making it difficult to displease her. Both girls were important to him.
"I know."
Laguna looked at the group, "Well, we should get going…on our date." He leaned over to pat Ellone's shoulder. "We'll see you later," he smiled at the others.
"Have fun!" Selphie chirped. When the couple left the room, she turned towards Ellone. "Busted!" she crowed.
"I would say they are dating, as they are going out on a date and all." Zell replied obtusely, still confused.
"You all know this is hard on me. I don't see why you have to rub it in." Ellone picked herself off the floor and fled the room. The rest sat in stunned silence.
"I'm really sorry, Flint. Should I go talk to her?" Selphie finally looked at Ellone's fiancée.
He shook his head. "No, I will. I'm still not completely sure why the idea of Laguna and Quistis together bothers her, but it does." He shrugged. I'm sorry, guys."
"Should we not bring it up?" Rinoa was concerned.
"That's not realistic. She needs to get over it," Flint replied with a frown. He reluctantly shuffled towards the hallway. "I'll see you guys later. I have a feeling she won't be coming out again tonight."
After their arrival at the restaurant, the President and Quistis were immediately ushered by the Maitre'd to the best table. A semi-private one, Quistis was glad to note. Laguna helped her into her chair, his hand lingering on her back for a moment. They both cringed when the flash from a camera briefly lit up the dim room.
"My apologies, Mr. President, I am not sure where that came from. We're trying our best to keep the media out, but I'm afraid many citizens have cameras of their own. Would you like me to find and confiscate it?" The Maitre'd's eyes, like a hawk, purveyed the room looking for the perpetrator.
Laguna, at ease, sat down in his chair, shaking his head with a smile. "No, that won't be necessary. It's fine, Philip, really, it is. We knew this was inevitable, but it wasn't enough to keep us from enjoying the pleasure of Chef Consuelo's food. I'm eager for Miss Trepe to taste his cooking."
"Thank you, Mr. President. I'll be sure to inform Consuelo. He's always grateful for your patronage." He bowed before turning to frown at the rest of the guests. Laguna politely tapped his arm, interrupting the man's intimidation of the room to order a bottle of wine with which to start off the evening. Bowing again, Philip hurried away.
"You must get out often," Quistis smiled at her date. "They seem to know you here." The establishment was strangely quiet as everyone was hushed, staring at them. Laguna's laughter sliced through the stillness. She laughed as well.
Strangely enough, she felt comfortable despite the stares from the restaurant's other patrons. If she focused solely on the man across the table from her, she found nothing else really mattered. They were in their own private world.
She was still unsettled by Ellone's animosity, however. It had been difficult retaining her composure earlier, upon hearing her tirade. She was grateful for the way Laguna handled it, passing lightly over the remark. If angry words had ensued, she would have felt terrible.
"Ward is very fond of this restaurant, so we often come," Laguna was saying. Quistis snapped her attention back to him.
"Syla too?" Quistis asked, trying to mask her dislike of Ward's wife. She wasn't successful.
Laguna chuckled. "Yes, she usually comes as well. However, once in awhile, we are able to sneak away without her." He winked at her from across the table. "You weren't too fond of her, were you?" he asked.
Quistis fidgeted with her napkin. "I'm sorry, but no, I wasn't. Please don't think I'm picking on your friends. I really admire Kiros and Ward, and Ruth is charming as well, but there was something about Syla…"
"Don't worry about it." He shrugged. "To be honest, I'm not as fond of her as I am Ruthie. Ruthie's wonderful. We're buds."
Quistis smiled. "I really enjoyed speaking with her the other night. She was very warm."
They made light chatter throughout the meal, enjoying each other's company and the mouth-watering entrée's being brought in plenty. The Maitre'd was insistent he would serve no one else and Laguna had to remind him several times of their desire for privacy.
While they were companionably enjoying a delightful chocolate mousse and two cups of coffee, Quistis nervously put her spoon down and looked Laguna in the eye.
"Laguna?" she didn't know where to begin. Their conversation after leaving the steam room had caused her to heavily consider her feelings throughout the day. She wanted to tell him how she felt about him, but her tongue suddenly felt thick.
He gave her an inquisitive, yet encouraging, smile and she gazed at him, knowing she would never meet anyone in her lifetime as wonderful as he.
"Quistis?" his smiled broadened over her perusal. She blushed at being caught.
"I really like you…a lot. I'm almost scared by how much. I never expected this could happen," she quickly blurted the words in her confusion. Embarrassed, she focused on her plate. She was glad she had said what she did, but wished she could have done so in a more dignified manner.
Laguna reached across the table and took her hand. "Do you know what I really love about you?" he asked softly, weaving his fingers through hers. She shook her head.
"I love your blushes; the emotions that color your face, allowing me to see how affected you are…by me. It's what first gave me hope that you were beginning to feel the same way as I do."
Her blush deepened. "I am very affected by you," she replied shyly.
He abruptly stood. "Are you ready to go, sweetheart?" He knew the restaurant would send the bill to his office the next day.
She nodded. He pulled back her chair and helped her to her feet, kissing her softly on the lips. Neither noticed the flashes that suddenly flared throughout the room.
While leaving, he regained his focus, smiling cheerfully at the other patrons and nodding politely to those he knew. However, he did not stop to chat, but led her out into the city, where hand in hand, they meandered through the streets, spellbound by the euphoria they found with each other.
Hours later, they stumbled into Laguna's room. Instead of immediately turning on the lights, Laguna discarded his suit coat and led Quistis out onto the balcony.
The moon was a sliver of silver above them, trying its best to outshine the brilliance of the city below. It was an impossible feat; Esthar was flawless, a perfect gem residing in the heart of the desert. Quistis was falling in love with the city as much as its President, both were embedding into her heart.
She leaned slightly over the railing and drank in the beauty of the warm, desert night.
"Your city is beautiful, Laguna," she murmured.
He moved the thick mass of her hair over her shoulder, and bent to kiss the nape of her neck. "I'm glad you like it."
His tenderness undid her. She twirled around, throwing to the wind her usual restraint. "You are beautiful too," she reached up and cupped his cheek, studying his face. His blue eyes openly expressed his pleasure in her words, but he laughed.
"I'm a man. I'm not supposed to be beautiful."
"It doesn't matter, you are," she teased.
He kissed her temple, her cheek, her closed eyes and she weaved her arms around his neck. He pulled her closer, holding her tightly. "You are the beautiful one, sweetheart. So, so beautiful. I want…" Shaking his head, he didn't finish the sentence. Instead, his mouth caught hers and she melted against him.
Her breathing quickened as his hands began to traverse down her body. She had never experienced anything as sweetly intense as his touch. She yearned for more of him. With a mind of their own, her fingers began to unbutton his shirt.
"Quistis, I don't think…Hyne," he swore when she splayed her palm against his chest.
"Is it wrong to see where this leads?" she asked.
He didn't answer, but continued to touch her, lingering over areas that made her burn with a longing she never knew she was capable of feeling.
"What do you want, sweetheart?" he finally asked.
"Don't stop. Don't end this," she pleaded, clutching his shoulders hard.
"And if I make love to you?"
She considered his words for a moment, realizing it was the outcome she desired. "I hope you do," she whispered.
Not expecting her answer, he paused for a moment to gage her face in the darkness. "I don't know if it's the best idea."
She could see the uncertainty in his eyes and wished there was some way to allay his misgivings. At that moment she wanted nothing more than to be with him.
She reached up and brushed a lock of hair away from his eyes. "Maybe not, but somehow it feels like it is. I want to experience this with you and I want to tonight."
He couldn't resist her any easier than the other night when she had convinced him to continue in their relationship. He wondered how being with her could possibly work, but it would have to, and if it didn't…He tried with difficulty to clear his head, but failed. His desire for her had been building all week.
"Laguna, what do you want?" she asked him, lightly trailing her hand down his abdomen.
He began to tremble. "I want you." He kissed her again, completely releasing the furor of passion he had been holding in check. She was startled by the force of his need.
"Quistis, are you sure?" with his last thread of rationality, he gave her the opportunity to change her mind.
"I'm sure." Her eyes bespoke their trust and affection. She understood what being with her would mean to him. He saw it as more than a passing fling; he would give her all of himself. She would try to do the same.
Grabbing her by the hand, he led her back inside. Knowing it would be her first time, he resolved to make it one of the most memorable experiences of her life.
The morning sun began to creep into the bedroom and Quistis stirred against Laguna, opening her eyes to the new day. She smiled at how content she felt, but then blushed as she remembered the night before. He had made love to every inch of her body…several times.
"Good morning, sweetheart. Sleep well?" Laguna teased. In mortification she hid her face against his chest, but when the vibrations from his laughter began to tickle her nose, she pulled back and glared at him. He kissed the rosy spots on her cheeks.
"Don't be embarrassed, Quistis," he murmured in her ear. "Last night was incredible."
"It was, but…" Feeling a slight draft across her chest, she modestly pulled the covers up towards her neck.
"What are you doing?" he laughed.
"I…" she blushed, an even darker shade of red. "I'm not used to…"
"Sweetheart, I want to see you," he crooned. "You are beautiful to look at." He took the edge of the blanket from her hand and lowered it once again. She felt warm beneath his gaze, but when he began a path of kisses downward toward her breasts, she became utterly feverish. "Perfect," he whispered. He kissed away her inhibitions and eagerly she let him make love to her once again.
Afterward, he pulled her into his arms and held her closely against his heart. "This changes things between us, you know?" he asked softly. "You belong to me now."
She wrapped her arms around his body that she now knew so well. "You belong to me," she smiled.
He chuckled, "I guess I do."
"I'm very happy, Laguna," she sighed, before closing her eyes, allowing sleep to take over once again.
Laguna watched her slumber for several minutes, awed by the gift she had given him. He wasn't positive making their relationship an intimate one had been the right decision, but he didn't regret it. Despite his doubt, he decided to not worry about it for the present. What was done was done and he was still awash in its afterglow.
Unable to fall back asleep, he nimbly left the bed and pulled on flannel pants and a t-shirt. He quietly opened his bedroom door, sneaking away to get breakfast in the dining room. Once he was finished eating, he would bring back a tray for Quistis. She would be hungry when she awoke. Last night had left him hungry. In more ways than one…
Like the morning before, he found Squall eating alone, although this time, the young man appeared in high spirits. He still found it challenging to adjust his mind to the fact that the young man was his son. He had missed so much. A tinge of melancholy tried to damper his mood, but he battled the emotion, easily winning back his happiness.
"Good morning, Squall. Today's the big day!" It humored Laguna to be both cheery and cheesy while speaking to the serious young man. Expecting to see Squall's eyes begin to roll, he was shocked when they didn't.
Swallowing a bite of food, Squall instead acknowledged him with a small smile, the first he had ever given his father. "I'm aware of what day it is, Laguna," he responded dryly.
"I hope so," Laguna chuckled. He leaned back against the entranceway to the dining room and scrutinized his son. The invisible barrier Squall normally put up while talking to him was gone. He even appeared friendly.
"Has Rinoa has been up for hours preparing for the day," Laguna asked.
"Yes, since dawn. She was also up late last night with Candy, Sadie and Selphie."
"Ellone didn't join them?" Laguna frowned. He remembered how distraught she was upon witnessing him and Quistis leaving to go out to dinner the previous evening.
"No, she took off for her room as soon as you left. We didn't see her the rest of the night."
Laguna closed his eyes, vowing to lavish some attention on his niece as soon as Quistis left the next morning. He loved his little Ellone and it pained him to be at odds with her. He wished she would understand that his feelings for Quistis did not detract from his love for her in any way, although, he realized, his thoughts had been wrapped up quite a bit more with her than his niece. He had been grateful for Flint's presence in the Palace, hoping it would help soften the shock of his relationship with her friend. Apparently, it hadn't.
"I feel terrible," Laguna finally said. "I never dreamed this would bother her."
"She'll get over it. Ellone's warm-hearted. The two of you have a close relationship, but she needs to get used to you being close to someone else as well."
"Although physically separated throughout the years, we still talked several times a day. She was able to get into my mind to do so. Weirdest thing ever, having a conversation in your head, but I am thankful for her gift. It kept us close." Laguna remembered the first time she called out to him. It was to tell him Raine was dead. Looking back, he wondered why she had never mentioned Squall. Perhaps it hurt her too badly. Had she been jealous of him too? He immediately banished the thought. Ellone would have never intentionally kept news of a son from him.
Squall nodded, "I remember when she first did that to me too. I didn't like it. It felt invasive, but at the same time, I knew I needed her. I wonder where her gift came from."
"Who knows? I had a few scholars research it once. They never found mention of a similar ability in the histories. Your mother never heard of her parents or relatives having the gift either. Ellone's an anomaly, as far as I'm concerned."
"Yes, she is." Squall began to focus on his food once again and Laguna poured himself a cup of coffee.
"Laguna, we need to talk about Quistis."
Laguna jostled his cup and the hot liquid splashed over the rim, burning his hand. He flinched from the pain. "What about?" He set the cup down and quickly wiped his hand on a napkin, wondering why Squall was not quick to answer his question.
Laguna caught Squall's eye and both men nervously ran their fingers through their hair. Laguna smiled at their similar habit. Squall quickly jerked his hand away, and Laguna was certain his son had noticed it as well.
"I'm not sure how serious your relationship is and realize it's not really my business…except in how it pertains to SeeD. She had been planning to go on the assignment with us tomorrow. Is she still?"
"Yes, I believe so. She hasn't mentioned changing her mind."
Squall nodded, "Good. If she did, I would have to send her back to Balamb. Our week is up. She's in contract to Garden. While I know she deserves a longer break, it isn't the way things work. She's a Rank A SeeD, one of our best actually, and we…I need her assistance."
"I understand Squall," Laguna replied evenly. He looked away, realizing it wouldn't be any easier for Quistis to leave Garden then it would be for him to step down from the Presidency of Esthar. He turned back and shrewdly studied his son. "You rely on her, don't you?"
Squall looked Laguna directly in the eye. "I do. Like I said, she is one of our best and I appreciate her counsel, but she also carries a lot of weight with the older SeeD's. They respect me, but sometimes I wonder if it doesn't pain them to be under my command."
Laguna was surprised at his admission. How could his son be so insecure? "Squall, you have proven yourself to be a powerful, adept leader. I doubt there's any other in SeeD who could have accomplished what you did. When I look at you…" Laguna shook his head as if to clear it. "You are almost larger than life, you know? It's unreal."
Squall shrugged. "SeeD's have been drilled from cadets to acknowledge the authority of those in charge. I shouldn't worry, but once in awhile…I do."
"Well, don't. It's a waste of your time." Laguna poured himself a bowl of cereal and sat down at the table. He decided to change the subject. Squall needed to focus on something other than tomorrow.
"So six o'clock tonight you are getting married and the next morning the two of you are leaving early to hunt monsters. Sounds like a terrific honeymoon and I'm not being sarcastic," he laughed. "I'm jealous. Hunting is one of my favorite pastimes."
"Your virtual battle system is interesting, but it doesn't give the satisfaction of actually killing something."
Laguna laughed, "No, it doesn't, although I've never admitted that to the men who designed it." He looked furtively around the room and lowered his voice, "Once a week, Kiros, Ward and I sneak out at night to hunt. We've done so for the last fifteen years."
Squall stared at him for a moment, before shaking his head in amusement. "I don't blame you," he admitted. "It seems irresponsible, but if I found myself behind a desk more than on the field, I'd probably do the same."
Laguna shuddered. "I went crazy the first two years of this Presidency. The thought of turning soft nauseated me. Kiros and Ward felt the same. It's been good. If anything, I'm an even better shot than I was seventeen years ago. There are wicked fiends around the Northern edge of the city sometimes, especially at night. We've found ourselves in some hairy situations. Maybe it is irresponsible, but frankly I don't care. If they find me dead some day, it will have been worth it."
Squall nodded, eyes gleaming with understanding. Laguna was gratified in finally having found a common interest with his son. Perhaps they could even one day bond over a hunt.
"Hey, you two!" Both men greeted Rinoa as she popped into the dining room, grabbed a banana and sat down next to Squall. She kissed him on the cheek and Laguna was glad to see his son's face soften at the sight of her.
"Are you here for a second breakfast? You were up early," Squall remarked, watching her peel the fruit.
"I'm starving," she said. "We've been working diligently, but everything I needed to get done today is finished. Candy and Selphie are forcing me to relax." She turned towards Laguna, "Candy is amazing! She pretty much planned the entire wedding. I told her what I wanted and she made it happen. Although, it probably helps to have connections to the President," she said. "Everyone is eager to please you!"
"I knew you'd appreciate her help. Sometimes she scares me with her capabilities and I probably rely on her far too much." He smiled at the couple. "I'm excited for tonight."
"Me too!" Quistis entered the dining room dressed in a robe, her hair unruly about her face. Rinoa and Squall did a double-take, as their friend rarely appeared in public in less than perfect attire.
"You're up?" Laguna smiled, pulling out a chair for her to sit on.
Quistis laughed. 'You tried your best to be quiet leaving the room, but you weren't too successful. I sleep lightly and am usually aware of any change to my environment. SeeD training, I guess."
"Sorry about that! Would you care for a cup of coffee?" he asked. When she nodded, he poured her one, fixing it the way she liked.
Rinoa beamed at the couple. They were completely at ease, and the small touches and smiles they gave to each other bespoke of an intimacy she was surprised they had found despite knowing each other less than a week.
"You two are…" Rinoa was interrupted by a loud screech.
"Irvine Kinneas! You were too ogling that maid! I can't believe it. She wasn't even that pretty."
"Selphie, I was not ogling the maid! I can't help it that she bent over to dust right in front of me. What the hell was I supposed to do?"
"Look away!"
They heard the couple arguing before they even entered the room. Upon seeing an audience, Selphie gave a startled, "Oh! Hi guys!" and then moved to sit down next to Rinoa.
"Hello, everyone." Irvine greeted them casually, seemingly unfazed that they had overheard their quarrel.
"Can you believe him?" Selphie continued to storm. "I leave him alone for one minute and come back to find him flirting with another woman. I'm sick of it!" Her face was bright red in her fury.
"I was not flirting with her, Selphie!" Irvine exclaimed. "We were just having a friendly conversation."
"With her bent over?"
All were speechless. "Um, Selphie, maybe you guys should discuss this privately," Rinoa finally whispered.
Selphie stood and stamped her foot. "No, Rinoa! I've had enough!" she spat. She turned towards her boyfriend with a scathing glare. "If you think I'm going to sleep with you anymore, you're crazy. Last night was against my better judgment, but I gave in and this is how I'm treated. Have sex with the maid." Bursting into tears, she ran from the room.
Irvine remained motionless, deathly pale. For the first time ever, he appeared stern and unreachable, not unlike the loner cowboy he swore he used to be.
"Irvine?" Concerned, Quistis finally broke the stillness.
Without acknowledging the group, he abruptly left the room.
"We should go find Selphie," Rinoa gave Quistis a worried frown. She turned to Squall. "Maybe you should go after Irvine?" she suggested.
"Not on your life." Squall shuddered. "Irvine had it coming to him."
"Maybe he did, but I feel badly for him. Selphie could have kept it private." Rinoa said. "But regardless," she motioned Quistis, "we should check on her."
Quistis nodded in agreement. Looking regretfully towards Laguna, she said, "I'll see you soon...at least I hope so."
Laguna nodded and watched the two young women leave, alone with his son once again.
"You're probably ready for us to leave, aren't you?" Squall asked dryly. "I would be."
"No, of course not." Laguna replied. "But it's been…interesting."
"Selphie, in her room, slowly answered the door to her friend's urgent knocks. She smiled through her tears when she saw their concerned faces.
"Who wants to go blow stuff up? Or at the very least, smash something?" she asked, sticking out her tongue. At their raised brows she giggled. "As this is Sir Laguna's home, I guess it wouldn't be nice."
Rinoa fiercely embraced her friend. Quistis joined them, rubbing Selphie's back. "Relationship's suck," Selphie finally sniffled. "But then you both probably disagree. Lucky girls."
"We all have to deal with something, Sef," Rinoa disagreed. "Relationships are never easy."
"They should be," she sighed. "My dream guy was always perfect."
"So was mine," Rinoa grimaced. "But in the end, not being perfect myself, I can't exactly expect Squall to be…even though it would be nice."
"Sir Laguna is perfect," Selphie looked at Quistis, defying her to disagree.
Quistis shrugged her shoulders. "We have some challenges as well. Rinoa's right, every relationship has its problems."
"Maybe I should go for an older man too. That's probably why Sir Laguna's so nice. He was probably as big of an ass back in his younger years as Irvine is now…although he was really sweet to Rinoa's mom."
Both Quistis and Rinoa stiffened.
Rinoa tried to make light of Selphie's unthinking statement. "Well, at least you can mold Irvine into what you want." She chucked Selphie under the chin, giggling at the withering glare she received.
"Nah, I'm done with him. If he wants a relationship, then he's going to have to work for it…hard."
"No more sleeping with him, Selphie," Rinoa cautioned her friend.
"Obviously your self-control went out the window last night, huh? I thought you were going to wait awhile?"
"I was, but it feels so freaking good and the minute I sat down next to him on the couch after our discussion, I wanted him. It was so bizarre!" Selphie sighed and moved to plop down on her bed. "But then, to see him this morning…ugh! She wasn't even that pretty!"
"That would be upsetting," Rinoa said. Quistis nodded, silently agreeing that it was much nicer dating an older, more mature man…at least more so than Irvine, despite the fact that Laguna had once dated her girlfriend's mother.
Selphie smiled at her friends. "Thanks for coming to check on me. I appreciate it." Her facial expression transformed into one of business. "For now, we have more important things to take care of…namely a wedding. I don't have time to feel blue. There are things to get done!" She arose from the bed and kissed each girl on the cheek. "I need to take a shower pronto! I'll catch up with you gals later."
The girls looked at each other with confusion after Selphie walked away. Quistis shrugged. "Selphie does like to throw a party." She smiled, thinking of the upcoming Garden Festival she was always yammering about.
Looking down at her lap, realizing she was still in her robe, Quistis sighed. "I could use a shower myself. I never let anyone see me like this. I don't know what I was thinking."
Rinoa smiled, "You probably weren't thinking about much besides Laguna. I can tell you're falling in love with him…and I'm glad."
Quistis blushed. "I am, Rinoa, crazy though it is."
"Well, go enjoy your shower…I'm sure he's waiting for you," Rinoa winked.
"Mmmm, we'll see." She smiled a little at the thought.