Squall tapped his pen on the pad as he mulled over the details. The Centra colonization plan was a larger job than he'd anticipated. There was no way he'd be able to handle even a small role in the project along with his duties at Garden.

I could step down as Commander... Regardless, I'll have to assemble a team. There will have to be someone who can relay in between Garden and Esthar... Then the amount of work versus the value of the Ragnarok, minus maintenance and upkeep...

"Squall," Laguna said, interrupting his train of thought. Squall looked up. "You've been sitting there in silence for a solid five minutes now."

"Sorry," Squall apologized reflexively. "Habit."

"Well, I'm glad you're considering everything so studiously," Laguna grinned. "But, listen, there's a few more things I want to go over with you... I don't wanna overload you or anything, but the information pertains to you, Garden, and the project."

Squall shrugged. "Sounds like something I should hear, then."

Laguna nodded, shifted through the various papers on his desk, and gathered five different papers in his hands.

"You should really learn how to organize," Squall told him.

"Ha!" Laguna laughed. Squall raised a brow. Laguna shook his head. "Sorry, not to dismiss you or anything... It's just, you know, people have been telling me that my entire life." He shrugged, holding the various papers up. "Never really happened. Not likely to soon."

Squall lifted his hand. "Whatever works for you."

Laguna gave him a nod. He took a breath and looked over the first slip of paper. "Okay. Because of the recent Siege of Esthar and the Lunar Cry, we've already placed some members of SeeD under employment."

Squall nodded. He was aware of the fact.

"To be honest, a big part of the colonization project is to deter attention away from Galbadia," Laguna scratched the back of his head. "Estharians are pretty pissed about what happened. It's tough dealing with foreign involvement after nearly 18 years of isolation... Needless to say, I'm taking a lot of heat for it."

He sighed before continuing. "As I mentioned, 'President' tends to be a bit more of a figure-head position, though I've been trying to use my influence to stay involved in the important matters. The problem I'm facing now, is the citizenry overwhelmingly supports parliament in the desire to use SeeD for more than monster cleanup. They want to organize our troops and, along with SeeD aid, initiate war with Galbadia."

Squall shook his head. "Why? Galbadia is under martial law. Their president is dead. Winhill and Dollet want no involvement in Galbadian affairs. SeeD is heading to Timber soon to support the right of revolution. They're likely to become an independent state." Again he shook his head. "What good with it do to go to war with Galbadia? And to what end?"

"My thoughts exactly," Laguna agreed. "Unfortunately, they see it as an opportune time to launch an attack. As to what they plan to do in the event of victory, I doubt there has been very much planning at all. It seems they're perfectly satisfied just to watch Galbadia burn and quietly return their attention back to Esthar." Laguna ran his fingers along his jaw. "As a self-sustaining nation, we have little quarrels with the loss of life, business or profit. It seems to be... More of a symbolic measure." Laguna nodded, convincing himself of the fact. "Esthar's stature is going to the people's heads. It was easy to keep an advanced nation complacent when our borders were sealed and things were good... But the citizenry is growing paranoid, and the government is happily contributing to that paranoia."

"War is costly," Squall said. "If Esthar has nothing to gain, why would they go to the trouble?"

"Herein lies the problem..." Laguna bit the inside of his cheek. "They won't tell me. And I'm afraid there's not much I can do to stop it. They could easily replace me, then I'd have absolutely no say in what happens." He sighed. "I'm doing my best to publicize my opinion on the matter. I have proposed that we open our borders, but focus on expanding into Centra instead of getting involved with Galbadia any further. I have promised to promote the increase of military spending, but only if it's maintained for defense. However, parliament reserves the right to declare war... So, again, there isn't much I can do..." He shook his head. "The people cannot seem to move past the sordid history between Esthar and Galbadia, especially when war is fresh on their minds."

Squall thought for a moment. "That's quite the dilemma," he said, stroking his chin.

Laguna nodded in agreement. "Tell me about it." He reached for his bangs and took a handful, showing them to Squall. "See these grey hairs?"

Squall gave him an awkward nod of acknowledgement at his hair.

Laguna released his hair and continued. "Obviously, SeeD isn't expected to be involved in the process as outside hires, so that information doesn't necessarily pertain to you. But I'm sure you'd like to know, anyway."

Squall nodded. "I would."

"We'll be in touch with Garden and feed you updates," he promised. He threw that paper aside and took a different piece of paper. He looked over it carefully. "This is something that concerns you, more, personally."

Squall crossed his arms over his chest. "And that is?"

Laguna met his eyes for a moment, looked at the paper, then back again. "I've allocated sizable funding to maintain Doctor Odine's laboratory and finance his studies." Laguna laced his fingers together and leaned on the desk. "In addition to continuing his many inventions, Odine is expected to research..."

How do I say this...?

"A solution to... What to do about Rinoa."

"What to do about her?" Squall repeated. I don't like the sound of that...

Laguna grimaced. Didn't word that correctly... But, really, how could I?

"I've informed him that sealing is not an option at this point in time, and have urged him to come up with something better."

Squall released his arms and leaned on the desk as well, mirroring Laguna's body language. "What makes you think a solution needs to be found?"

Laguna shook his head. "Squall, I adore Rinoa," he placed his hand on his chest to communicate his sincerity. "And obviously, you do too. I understand, and I'm only looking out for her safety and best interests."

"Laguna," Squall pressed, ignoring his sentiments, "what exactly are you planning?"

"Squall," Laguna repeated, "Rinoa is a sorceress. You understand what that means... There's always the potential for danger."

"What, exactly," Squall repeated, "are you planning?"

"There's no definitive solution as of yet," Laguna said, "but, you should be aware that Odine is working on it."

"Rinoa is none of your concern," Squall told him, a dangerous look brewing in his eyes.

"Of course she is, Squall," Laguna said with a frown. He hated that this bridge was between him, but Esthar was the only nation with the ability to potentially solve the dilemma. "Esthar has the technology."

"No," Squall said. "Garden is responsible for Rinoa."

"Squall, please," Laguna said, rubbing his temples. "Garden is under contract with Rinoa. But you know as well as I what Cid and Edea Kramer designed Garden for," he shook his head. "And it wasn't to protect the sorceress."

"I know exactly what Garden was planned for," Squall argue. I'm the one who gave them the idea, for fucks sake. "And although that was Garden's purpose before the war, it does not mean that our goals and structure cannot change to meet new developments." He scoffed. "Look at Edea Kramer. She is a sorceress, and she is Garden."

"Yes, in times of peace," Laguna agreed. "But, should those times become threatened-"

"They won't," Squall said.

Laguna sighed. "...Squall, you cannot let your feelings for Rinoa affect your judgement."

"Like hell I can't," he said, shooting up from his chair. "I'm the reason this cesspool of a world is even here. I'm the reason that you and Odine get to keep breathing."

Laguna blinked. "Squall..."

Squall threw out his arm. "Did you forget? Because you were the one who hired me in the first place to take on the most dangerous job in recent history, were you not?"

Laguna was stunned by his words and had absolutely nothing to say in response.

This kind of arrogance and narrow-mindedness... Is dangerous. Laguna bit his cheek. Paired with a well-trained sorceress...?

"Can I ask you something?" Laguna said.

Squall gave no response but waited, signaling his consent.

"Let's say, worst-case scenario goes down," Laguna said. "Rinoa is compromised." He stood to meet Squall, having barely an inch of height difference between them. "SeeD is hired to assassinate the sorceress." He lifted his chin at his son. "Who do you side with?"

"...It won't happen," Squall told him.

"Hypothetically," Laguna said. Growing skeptical of his intentions, Laguna's gaze began to match the determination of Squall's. "You know it's a question you have to answer, whether it happens or not. Cid was able to make that sacrifice. Are you?"

Squall lost the staring contest as he looked away, knowing he'd been bested.

He's right. I know he's right. But I don't know what to do about it, anymore than anyone else does.

"...I have to protect her," Squall admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. He looked back up to meet his father's eyes, his own eyes betraying the turmoil he felt. "...I'm her knight."

Laguna noticed his inner conflict and reflexively gave him a sympathetic look, but he quickly corrected himself.

I'm sure the last thing he wants is pity...

Laguna crossed his arms over his chest and thought for a moment. He knew about knights from old war stories and from studying up for the film he starred in. He knew they meant trouble for anyone going up against the sorceress. Then he remembered what Edea Kramer had told him many years ago.

He looked back up at Squall and uncrossed his arms. "...You... Completed the ritual...?"

Squall looked away again. "Yes," he lied.

He knew he'd go through with it regardless of what was said or anything that happened. He promised her, and he would never dishonor himself nor her by going back on his word, even if it meant losing everything else he'd spent his life building.

None of it really matters to me, anyway...

"I see," Laguna nodded. "I'll keep that in mind when I review Odine's proposals."

Squall remained silent.

"Let me restate that I will never agree to anything that would involve harming or imprisoning you or Rinoa..." Laguna sighed, a sad expression creeping across his face. "...If things remain as they are. The goal of Odine's work is to promote the safety, health and peace of everyone, including Rinoa."

They shared a thick and trying silence before Squall nodded in agreement.

"I issued a pardon for her," Laguna said, "which is how you were able to escape from the Memorial and move freely without interruption. The citizenry is pissed, to be sure, but they've been informed of her role in the war, how she was a necessary ally not only to Esthar, but to the world."

Figures, Squall thought. There's no other way we would be able to walk out of there or get anywhere without Esthar trying to stop us.

"There should be no cause for concern over her freedom," Laguna continued, "again, if, things remain as they are. No one has any reason to fear her and few could even recognize her and identify her as a sorceress. Most of those who could are members of my council. Things will stay that way if she retains a low profile." Laguna sighed, and offered Squall a weak smile. "I know most of this sounds grim, but you two should know exactly where you stand. And, I was hoping you would understand that the research program was put in place for your benefit." He waved his hand. "Yes, of course we are expected to keep the citizenry safe... You can't blame them for being paranoid after two wars involving sorcery," he shrugged. "But... I, specifically, designed the program in a way to benefit you two."

Squall had no way of knowing if that was true, and was far from fulling trusting Laguna. Instead of questioning his elder, he simply nodded.

"I understand."

Laguna smiled. "Okay. Good. Squall," he swallowed, "I want you and Rinoa to be happy."

Squall's mouth twisted in a way that reflected slight humiliation, but he did his best to hide it. He wants to help me... And I accosted him... I'm not ready for all of this...

"...Thank you," Squall said, looking back up at Laguna. "That's... Actually a relief..."

"Squall," Laguna said, leaning closer to him. "I know that what we have gong right now is entirely new. But you need to understand something - I fully support you in all of your endeavors."

"...Thank you," Squall repeated.

Laguna shook his head. "Do you understand what I'm saying?"

I thought I did, Squall mused, but your tone suggests otherwise.

Laguna shifted uncomfortably, before reaching out and placing his hand on his son's shoulder. "This means that, like you, I am willing to risk everything."

Squall blinked. "...But... Why would you..."

"The second I heard Raine had my child," Laguna said, "everything else is my life became meaningless. Well, there's still Ellone, and Kiros and Ward, but nothing I do for myself is relevant anymore. Everything I do from this point on will be out of your interest."

Squall shook his head. "Is this a guilt thing? Or..."

Laguna shook his head. "No." Then he shrugged. "Well, maybe, but it's irrelevant. You could be the downfall of this entire planet. It doesn't matter. I'm on your side. And as long as I'm in this chair, Esthar is on your side."

...Damn... Squall shook his head again. How did I go from having nothing and no one to all of this? He was entirely unaccustomed to someone showing him such devotion.

"...I... I don't know what to say."

Laguna scratched the back of his head. "So... Should we hug, or..?"

Squall tightened his lips. "I'm good... But, I mean, if you want to..."

Laguna's phone started to ring, and they were both thankful for the interruption. He held up a finger, then retrieved his phone from his pocket. He placed the phone to his ear.

"What's up, Kiros?"

He winced, removed the phone from his ear and held it away from his face. Squall heard music in the background and Kiros attempting to shout over it.

"What?" Laguna said, putting the phone back to his ear. He put his palm over his face. "Kiros, text me, you fool." He ended the call and looked back at Squall.

"Sorry," he shrugged.

A sharp 'ping' noise emitted from the phone, and Laguna looked at the screen. He looked back up.

"...Interested in going out for a drink?"

Squall shrugged. He wasn't really in the mood, but, to be fair, he was never in the mood to go out in public.

"I should probably find Rinoa."

"Yeah... About that..." Laguna scratched the back of his head. "You'll find her there with Kiros and Ward."

...The hell? Squall sighed.

"...Let's have a drink, then."

The next few days went by quickly and before they knew it, the quartet found themselves packing up their camping gear. It was early morning and the cool from the night's chill still hung in the air.

Selphie grunted as she tried to roll a slapping bag perfectly flat. Pots clanged and clattered on the ground as Zell dropped them. "Whoops," he said, picking them up and re-stringing them together.

Quistis zipped up her bag and threw the straps over her shoulders. "Man," she said, "I can't believe it's time to go already."

"I know," Selphie whined. "We only got to dive, like, twenty more times!"

"You guys are crazy," Zell rolled his eyes. "I'm exhausted. I want nothing more than to see my own bed."

"I know what you mean," Quistis agreed.

"Sure was nice bein' out here, though," Irvine commented, taking in the peaceful surroundings one last time.

Selphie pulled the drawstring and closed the back, then strapped it to her pack. Zell tied the pots to his.

"Ready to go?" Quistis asked. The others nodded, they took one last look at the scenery, and began their hike.

"Not gonna run ahead this time, huh Zell?" Selphie asked as they trotted along, cocking a brow.

Zell rolled his eyes. "Tch, tryin' to ditch me already, huh Selph?"

Selphie giggled. "Let's just hope we don't run into any anacondaurs on the way!"

"I can't wait until we get this film uploaded," Quistis said, holding a small digital camera in her hand. "I think we got some really good shots during the dives."

"Yeah!" Selphie cheered. "Now everyone will know that we're badass."

"Selphie," Zell groaned, his arms crossed over his chest, "we saved the world, remember? Everyone already knows we're badass."

"You keep thinkin' that, Zell," she said, taking the camera from Quistis and hugging it eagerly. "As for me, I'm gonna get a copy of these pictures."

"...Hey... I want copies, too," Zell mumbled.

"Let's get one more, together, before we go," Quistis suggested. The others nodded, and she set it to the timer. She went over to the rest of the group, and they put their arms around each other and smiled. The flash flickered, and Quistis picked up the camera and placed it in her jacket pocket. They continued on, and fell back into idle conversation.

"Are you excited to see Seifer?" Selphie cooed. Quistis blinked, surprised. Selphie made kissing noises. "C'mon. It's been almost a week since you've seen him,"

"Selphie," Quistis pressed.

"…Why would that excite you?" Zell asked.

"Oh," Selphie said, forgetting that Zell was still oblivious to the situation. "Oops," she said.

"Hold on a second," Zell said, pausing and looking at the other three with wide eyes. He observed their wary expressions, and instantly he knew. "Quistis, no way," he said to her. "Are you and Seifer - an item?"

Quistis sighed, scratching her neck nervously. "Zell, I was gonna tell you..."

"No," he said.

"Zell, come on,"

"Nooooooooo," he repeated.

Quistis huffed. "Zell,"

"Nonononono," he shook his head. Quistis tried not to roll her eyes. Irvine and Selphie laughed, earning a glare from the blonde.

"Don't be like that," Quistis told Zell.

"He is the WORST, Quistis!" he exclaimed, then plopped to the ground and sat, utter shock written on his face.

Quistis knelt down beside him and placed her hand on his shoulder. "He's not so bad, Zell," she said.

"How long has this been going on?!" he asked, as if he the one being victimized.

"Not that long," Quistis answered.

He sighed deeply and shook his head. "Quistis... How could you..?"

"Come on, Zell," Quistis sighed. "It's not that bad."

Zell looked down in defeat. "For you, maybe! For me, it's terrible..."

Selphie couldn't help but giggle at that and Irvine nudged her arm to silence her.

"You'll be fine, Zell. I promise. It'll get easier," Quistis offered. "Who knows? You might even get used to him,"

"Oh man..." Zell shook his head despondently and Quistis was reminded of his stubborn nature as a child.

"Come on, Zell. Let's get a move-on. You can mourn on the way down," Irvine said while Selphie giggled again.

Zell pushed himself to his feet and frowned at Quistis. He then walked ahead of the group, his nose in the air. Quistis sighed.

"At least he didn't cry," Selphie said, and the three chuckled.

"I feel awful," Quistis said her hand over her chest.

"Whaaatever," Selphie huffed.

Quistis glared at her. "It's your fault, you know."

Selphie shrugged and laughed again, and Quistis seethed through her teeth.

"He'll be fine," Irvine brushed it off. "Remember... In a few days, he'll be back with Sora and happily distracted."

"That's true," Quistis thought.

Selphie made more kissing sounds and they laughed as they once again followed after the martial artist.

In Esthar, the sky was beginning to grow dark. The Ragnarok's engine was humming, and Rinoa, Laguna, Kiros, Ward and Ellone stood in the hatch.

"Everything's ready," Squall said, emerging from the cabin.

Rinoa nodded and smiled at the others. "Thanks again for everything," she said. "I'm gonna miss spending time with you guys!"

"Come back soon," Ellone suggested, and the couple nodded. She embraced Rinoa, then Squall. "Please be careful on your journey," she said to him.

"I will," he nodded. He shook Kiros and Ward's hands. "Good to see you guys - in real life that is," he said.

Kiros laughed, and Ward grinned. "Always a pleasure," Kiros said.

"You guys come back any time you want. There's always food here," Laguna said.

"That's for sure," Kiros said, rolling his eyes.

"Thank you, Laguna," Rinoa said, wrapping her arms around him and hugging him tightly.

"Any time, Rinoa," he responded. She released him and he stood before his son, suddenly wondering how he should say goodbye.

"Well... We'll be in touch," Laguna said, and Squall nodded. "Thanks again for coming,"

"Thank you for having us," Squall said.

Laguna scratched the back of his head, then quickly put his arms around his son. They lightly and awkwardly embraced, and Laguna released him. "Take care," he said, nervously backing away. Squall nodded.

The four of them left the hatch and watched as the ramp began to lift. "Bye!" Rinoa waved. The four waved back.

"Come back soon!" Ellone called.

The door sealed shut and air hissed from its sides. The four watched as the ship slowly powered up, hovered over the ground a bit, then took to the sky. The building's ceiling shut behind him, and the twilight that filled the room now replaced by cold shadow.

"Sure was fun having them," Ellone sighed, and Laguna nodded.

"And didn't go so bad with Squall, after all," Kiros noted. Ward nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, I guess so," Laguna smiled, still watching the ceiling.

Laguna hadn't rested so easily in quite some time, and he was grateful for the relaxation it provided. He was in a deep sleep and was surprised to find his mind become strangely active in the middle of the night.

He sat up and looked to his nightstand to see the time. He noticed that his covers were gone and the bed was no longer beneath him. He wondered if he could be dreaming, but he thought that Ellone's powers talking hold of him was far more likely. This seemed too real to be a dream. He'd experienced this before - it had to be Ellone. He sighed, regretting losing out on the rest.

~ He noticed where he was. He was standing in her bedroom - Raine's bedroom - their bedroom - in Winhill. He grew tense, preparing for another memory that would involve her. They were hard for him to experience at first, but he had toughened up and grown used to it.

He glanced behind him and noticed Raine sitting quietly on the window bed. She looked over at him and smiled warmly, and he suddenly realized that this wasn't a memory.

"Raine," he breathed, his voice caught in his throat.

"Long time no see," she said softly. "How have you been, Laguna?"

He thought back to when Squall had told him Raine would be paying him a visit. He wasn't aware it would be so soon. But there she was, standing before him.

"Raine," he repeated, his voice steadier this time.

She stood up and embraced him softly, and he wrapped his arms around her, realizing that she really was tangible and reliving the feeling of her body against his. He had almost forgotten what it felt like. He breathed in her scent and found himself more at peace than he'd been in a long time.

"I'm sorry our last visit ended the way it did," she apologized, tears spilling from her eyes.

Laguna shook his head and wiped the tears from her cheeks. "No, Raine - it's my fault. You know I've been... Well, without you, I'm..." he was at a loss for words, and it reminded him of his shortcomings as a writer, especially when it came to expressing his feelings for her.

She placed a finger on his lips, gently silencing him. He looked into her eyes and felt lost in the deep steel blue, watching her with a longing that was incomparable to anything he'd ever wanted. He kissed her lips and melted into the moment as he remembered the feeling. His fingers felt her soft hair and he clenched it in his fists. Raine was hesitant to continue for too long, remembering how painful it was for them to separate the last time. She pulled away from him and gave him a soothing smile.

"I miss you, Raine," he said.

She nodded, placing her hand on his cheek. "I miss you, Laguna." She smiled proudly. "Our son... He's great, isn't he?"

Laguna smiled, too, feeling his own pride. "Yeah," he agreed. "He's a lot like you," he laughed.

She grinned, exultant at that fact. Then she looked at him solemnly. "I'm sorry I never told you," she said, her eyes on the ground. "I wanted to, really... But..."

Laguna shook his head again. "It's fine, Raine - I understand. Though I wish things could have been different for us, this is the way it is. I wish we could have raised him, I wish we could have been a family,"

Raine sniffled, wiping the tears from her eyes. "I know," she said.

"Raine, I'm so sorry," he said, taking her hands. "I'm so sorry that I let you die. I should have been there for you - I should have come back."

"Laguna," she sighed. "Please - it's not your fault... You couldn't have known,"

"I blame myself," he said, defeated.

"I don't blame you," she said, and smiled at him sweetly. "I don't want to have this talk again, okay?"

He offered her a weak smile back, but it soon disappeared. "Raine... I'm sorry. For everything."

She nodded, accepting his apology. "I'm sorry for everything, too," she said. "I love you, Laguna."

"I love you, Raine," he said, brushing the hair from her face. "I would have done anything to save you,"

"It's time to let go of that, Laguna. It was beyond your control - both of ours. Just do me one thing," she proposed.

"Anything," he agreed.

"Take care of Squall and Ellone, please?" She smiled at him. "I know you will,"

He nodded. "Of course."

"I'll be seeing you, now and again... And before you know it, we'll be reunited!" She laughed, looking him over. "You're no spring chicken, anymore," she joked. "Though I have to admit... You did turn out to be quite a handsome man, even with age."

He felt himself blush, suddenly aware of his age. When he'd seen her the way she was, he'd somehow assumed he'd be that age again, too. So much for that. "I'm sure you would have been more beautiful every day," he said nervously, and she smiled, her eyes sad.

She knew that her time here was limited. She took her hands into her own and looked into his eyes. "Come lay with me," she said, her voice like an angel's.

He nodded obediently, lowering her onto the bed that he hadn't been in for years, but still seemed so familiar. He kissed her softly, and though she felt real, she also felt as temporary as the wind. "You made me a better man," he said.

She kissed him again and grinned. "You didn't need my help with that,"

"Raine... I don't want you to go," he said, and his words echoed the memory of their time before. "Everything I am... It means nothing without you,"

"Now you have a reason to go home," she said happily. "They need you."

He shook his head, knowing but not wanting to accept it. "My home is with you,"

"Not anymore," she shook her head. "Don't worry. It will be, soon enough."

He went to her lips again and they were blanketed by the darkness of night. ~

When Laguna woke, he blinked a few times as his vision adjusted. There he was, back in his room, back in his presidential bed. He looked to his right, as he so often did, and found the other side of the bed to be cold and empty.

He sighed, his grief washing over him. He allowed the feeling - almost welcomed it. It was familiar, and though it did nothing to comfort him, it was at least something he recognized. He buried his face in his hands, his long bangs hanging over his fingers.

Most of the time, he would shed tears over his guilt and loss. But as the years passed, the tears had dried up and all that remained was a shallow emptiness in their wake. He'd often wondered if there was a limit to the amount of tears you could cry for a person. Now he had come to find that it was true.

A deep and familiar rage resurface, and he screamed, yanking the lamp from the bedside table and hurling it across the room. It crashed against the wall, the glass of the bulb shattering, and dropped to the floor. Unsatisfied, he got up and went for the bedside table itself. He launched it across the room and it smacked over a standing mirror, spreading broken pieces of glass and chunks of wood around the room. He looked around the room for his next victim, and settled for another lamp. He chucked it by the door and it smacked into the wall just as Ellone entered.

She jumped back behind the door as she noticed the air-borne lamp heading in her direction.

"Whoa!" she said.

She opened the door again, noticing the collapsed pieces of lamp lying on the floor. She observed the mess all around her and her eyes widened.

"Laguna," she gasped. "What are you doing?"

He panted, his breath shallow. The hot blood began to cool in his veins as he tried to regain control. "Not now, Ellone," he seethed. "I'm a little busy."

"Uncle," she said, stepping further into the room, careful to avoid the broken glass on the floor. She looked at him with concerned eyes. "What's the matter?"

"My life," he snapped, his arms outstretched. "I'm sick of it, Ellone. I can't do it anymore. Screw the people of Esthar - I don't want anything if I can't have Raine. I don't want any of this shit," he gestured to the wreckage on the ground. "How could I have given her up... For this?"

She was surprised by his outburst, though she'd seen this kind of thing before. She was reminded of Squall's temper for an instant. "The people of Esthar can find their own President, that's for sure," she shrugged. "If you don't wanna do it anymore, you don't have to." She waited for his response, but he offered nothing. "But..." Ellone continued softly, "what about me? What about Squall?"

Laguna sighed, collapsing back down on his bed. He ran his hand through his hair. "I love you, Elle, I really do," he said.

"I know," Ellone nodded.

"And... I want to be there for Squall, but he doesn't need me. He's a grown-ass man, Ellone - he doesn't need anyone to take care of him,"

"But..." she protested.

"You're both adults. You can take care of yourselves."

After a moment of silence between them, she asked him gently, "what are you saying, Laguna?"

Laguna grabbed at his hair. "I'm saying that I can't take it anymore. It's been almost twenty years since she died, and I'll never get over it. I could live to be a hundred, and I would still feel the loss, every second of every day." He shook his head, feeling utterly hopeless.

"Laguna... Don't give up on your life," Ellone pleaded.

He sighed, his face buried in his hands. "It's too hard, Ellone. Don't you understand?"

"I do..." she admitted. "I do understand." She sat down on the bed beside him and wrapped her arms around him. "I miss her, too," she whispered.

"You could show her to me, Elle," he looked at her hopefully. "You can help me relive the memories..."

Ellone shook her head sternly. "Laguna, we've talked about this... I'm not going to help you become consumed by the dead."

Laguna looked away, ashamed. "I know... I'm sorry... I shouldn't have asked that..."

Ellone rubbed his back, a frown taking over her face as she shared his pain.

"I'll never see her again," Laguna shook his head. "She'll refuse. The last time I saw her, I went through the same thing. I broke down, and begged her to let me stay with her... Then I spent months recovering,"

Ellone nodded sympathetically. "I remember. But... You're passed that,"

"Thought I was. She came to me last night. I saw her, Ellone, for the first time in years. And I promised I would be better this time... I would do anything to see her... But she knows. She knows I can't handle it, and she won't put me through it again. That's how she is."

Ellone rubbed his back softly and smiled. "Of course she'll come visit you again," she assured him. "Don't be silly,"

He looked at her, empty hope in his eyes and doubt written on his face. "…You think so?" he asked.

Ellone nodded. "How else will she see you again?"