Spike found himself unable to sleep after the phone call, sitting up to reach for a picture tucked upon his nightstand.
They'd been fraternal twins, but with an identical bond. Both had decided to take up guns, Spike for sniper rifles and the like while she preferred older fashioned handguns. Each had been accepted to different Gardens for more advanced training, he to Galbadia and her to Balamb, but she'd wanted to stay while he moved on. Her boyfriend, her friends, they were all at Trabia and she couldn't leave them.
Spike understood, or at least, he'd told her did. Hugged her tightly before he left and called her once a week. Till he'd gotten the news that Trabia had been attacked. Almost immediately, he'd gone back home. As such, he hadn't been at Galbadia when Almasy had taken it over, or he would have killed the bastard. Likely would have died himself before he'd managed to get that close, but it would have been worth it.
They were standing back to back in the photo, Spike's rife resting against his shoulder, her holding one out at the camera man. She'd kept her hair loose for the picture, it's color a deeper gold then his own, but he'd gotten the lighter eyes. That day… she'd been so happy…
He gritted his teeth as he placed the picture back upon his nightstand, throwing off his covers. No way would he be able to sleep tonight. Fuck curfew. He was off to Deling City. He'd shop for what he needed and then be able catch the earliest train bound for Trabia.
For a brief moment, Irvine wondered that if what he was doing was wrong. But it wasn't, was it? He knew many people would happy to learn of Seifer's death. All that mattered to him, truly, was protecting Selphie. She'd always been a constant in his life; the only thing that kept him tethered sometimes. So, it didn't matter who else he might be with or whom else he might love, she'd always been the girl for him.
Irvine loved Quistis, loved with everything he was capable of, but Selphie had always been there for him, they'd been the last to leave the Orphanage. Tears had been shed and they'd promised to find each other, Selphie telling him that she loved him, he was her best friend. Would always be her best friend.
He'd sworn to always look for out her. He believed that by removing Seifer Almasy, he was doing that just that. Seifer could not be trusted, ever. The blonde had liked to pick on him, on them, he was more then likely stringing Selphie along for amusement, only to get rid of her when he no longer cared. If he even cared in the first place. Seifer had loyalty to one person alone and that was himself.
Spike wandered about the shops. The nightlife in Deling was even bigger then people believed, many people just arriving at clubs, which were usually open till six am. He ignored those, ignored the people in their flashy cars and dress, coming in and out of them. It was just a shame that the only 24 hour shopping strip was in the same area as the more popular clubs. He ducked into one that had snowboards and ski gear in the front of window, smiling slightly as the clerk looked up.
"Planning a trip?"
Spike nodded. "I'm going to Trabia for a few days, to visit friends. What would you suggest buying? We might go skiing."
"Well, you'll want a heavy coat… They're known for sudden storms hitting this time of year."
The clerk prattled on, sliding out from behind the counter to walk around the shop, selecting a few things for Spike. He just followed, nodding and 'mming' when needed, not paying any attention to what was being said.
He was recalling how Lillith had been the day he left. She'd run up to him, tucking something in his pocket as they hugged, then ran off when he was called to board the train. He hadn't thought to look of what she'd given him till he was on the train. It was her hair. For good luck, the note attached to it read. He always carried it with him, while asleep, it was under his pillow. When he's returned home to see her grave, he'd taken it apart, re-braiding it with some of his hair, digging into the still fresh dirt to place it with her.
Spike had kept a small part of it, to keep a part of her with him, always. And had vowed, over Lil's grave, that Almasy would pay. Either his life or someone he loved. It would be taken. For her memory. Adam, her boyfriend, had given Spike her guns. While he would have liked to kill Almasy with one of them, he'd instead modified a rifle to fit the bullets her handguns used. It would be one of those, which would pierce his heart.
Irvine… They'd met on the training field and had become friends. The favor that Spike owed him, well, that was a long story and involved another mission. Irvine had agreed to take his place.
"…Sir?"
Spike blinked, smiling at the clerk. "Sorry, I was a million miles away. "
He did a quick glance over of what had been picked and nodded.
"I'll take everything."
The man's mouth fell open, but quickly took everything over to the counter, ringing it up. Spike didn't bat an eyelash at the total, handing over his credit card. He took the bags after signing his receipt and left the store, heading for the bus station. The next train for Trabia left within an hour. He bought a ticket and while waiting, repacked his bags.
Ironically, Irvine was having a hard time falling asleep. He scowled, pulling on a pair of pants, drawing the strings closed and a light sweatshirt, which he pulled on as he stepped out side. He padded down the hallway, stopping outside Selphie's door, about to knock when he heard voices inside. Her laughing. A low, male response.
…Seifer…
Irvine gritted his teeth, turning left to go stand in front of one the bay windows. Snow had just started to fall gently again, a few flakes sticking to the window as he watched, the moon not obscured by the clouds yet. He was staring as if it would give him answers, when he knew that his path had already been taken.
Fate hadn't brought them to this, his choice had. Selphie's choice had. Seifer's choice had.
And they had to abide by it, live by it, die by it.
'I am doing the right thing. I am.'
------Disclaimer: Don't own the boys. Next chapter shall be longer, I promise.