~ Chapter Twenty-Eight - The Palace ~
[The Presidential Palace, Sphinxara District, Sunday, 26th of October, 6:53 pm]
Adjusting his tie, Seifer left the expensive shop just off Ivalice street. He'd never owned a suit in his life, had never even tried one on, but once the idea had taken root in his mind, he hadn't been able to help himself. Calder had laughed at him when he'd called for help, but the man had given him suggestions on where he'd be able to buy a suit all the same. He'd wanted to be dressed smartly for the commander and president, and suits were supposed to make people swoon; another hypothesis he couldn't wait to try out. It certainly seemed promising by how the shop assistants had been eyeing him up after he'd put it on.
Walking down the bustling street, he soon turned down a sidestreet and headed for the nearest access point for a good's lift. He was running short on time. Spotting a lift in the distance, hurtling it's way through the tall buildings, he grinned and prepared himself. Just in time he jumped and grabbed hold of a metal bar on the lift.
Leaning into the motions, following the sharp twists and turns, he remembered just how much Squall had enjoyed traveling this way. Almost as much as Seifer did himself. Only a few minutes now and he'd be laying eyes on the man again. Squall would be hands off for a while, but he'd make damned sure they'd make up for it later.
Keeping his eyes on a nearby walkway, he waited for the last swerve before jumping off, his feet impacting hard against the translucent blue glass of a deserted walkway. Only one block away from where he'd arranged to meet Squall.
He still didn't know what to expect. Laguna had been easygoing at the lab and he was certain they'd find something to talk about, but it would definitely be odd sharing a meal with the president. Squall would most likely be a grouch, but so help him Hyne, he was going to enjoy every minute of watching those two stumble through awkward social interaction.
Rounding a corner onto the palace square, he easily spotted Squall by one of Esthar's busiest meeting points. The man was leaning against the base of the large statue that commemorated the end of Adel's reign, clearly lost in his own head and oblivious to the bustle of people around him. The pose was so fucking familiar that Seifer had trouble containing his glee. In the past he'd taken great pleasure in goading Squall out of his inner world and forcing the man to acknowledge him. Now he knew he'd have Squall's attention in the span of a second. He stopped right in front of the brunet.
Pulled from his thoughts, Squall raised an eyebrow at the unlikely sight that greeted him. Dressed in the simple but elegant lines of a dark suit, Seifer looked like he'd walked straight off the pages of one of Rinoa's catalogs.
Pushing away from his perch, he was about to comment when Seifer stepped into his space and tipped up his chin to steal a kiss. The bastard played out the move too smoothly for him to stop himself from reciprocating the brief touch of lips, despite the public setting. He'd been waiting for the man with impatience, and he'd been fantasizing about far more satisfying activities than a mere kiss. Somehow the blond's smug grin only managed to further fan his desire to pull the man back in for more. It was all Seifer's fault they weren't somewhere more private.
"Like it?" the bastard asked, spreading his arms to indicate the suit.
"I doubt Loire mentioned a dress code," Squall said dryly, his gaze flitting over the blond's immaculate appearance. In addition to the suit, thick cologne wafted about the man, the same scent Seifer had worn that night at the club.
"Who said it was for the President?" Seifer said with a broad smile. The way Squall's gaze was glued to him made it worth every single Gil. "Which way are we headed?"
"The east wing." Squall tilted his head to where they needed to go. Watching as Seifer set off, he followed after the cocky blond with a frown and groaned inwardly when he caught his gaze falling to broad shoulders accentuated by the suit's cut. Trust Seifer to find new buttons to push, looking good while doing it.
Seifer's eyes traveled the awe inspiring buildings surrounding the plaza. The Sphinxara district showcased the pinnacle of Estharian technology and architecture and amidst it all towered the political center of the country. The place where policies and laws were laid down. Where courses of action were being decided that would change the lives of millions. The home of Squall's dad, where they were about to go for dinner. Looking beside him, he grinned when Squall's glance darted away from him guiltily. Oh yes, he'd definitely made the right call.
Feigning innocence, Squall fixed his eyes ahead and turned them onto the path that led to the palace's east gate. Bastard, he thought inwardly for good measure. He'd have to make sure not to slip up and ogle the blond in Loire's presence. Even more dangerous would be Seifer realizing the extent of how infatuated he was, and so far he'd done a poor job of adjusting his behavior around the blond.
Fortunately, the scrutiny and brisk salutes of the two palace guards on duty by the east gate helped him assume a more proper state of mind. Offering his own greeting in the form of a nod, the two guards opened the gate and let them pass.
The massive bulk of the east wing loomed before and above them, the day's last sunlight glinting off the highest glass and metal tiers that crowned the building's elaborate top structure. In just an hour or two the whole place would come alight, becoming the brightest center in Esthar's glowing night. The Gardens paled in comparison to the technical ingenuity and modern splendor of Esthar's presidential palace. Built at the height of Adel's reign, he'd always found the towering building to reflect her hunger for status and power, but the Estharians had long since reclaimed what once had been a symbol of their oppression. Perhaps he just disliked the building because of all the times meetings had brought him there. That and his father.
Several more guards saluted them as they crossed the sterile lawns and gleaming walkways, security waving them through unchallenged as they entered the building's east entrance. He was certain Loire had already been made aware of their arrival by now. Keeping his frown in check, he led Seifer away from the main hover lifts to the private one that would bring them to Loire's quarters all the way at the top of the palace.
Seifer rose an eyebrow at him as an iris scanner allowed them access along with the private access card Loire had granted him, but he just shrugged as the large lift smoothly started into motion and shot upward. A section of the previously opaque lift became translucent, offering them a dizzying view of Sphinxara District during their ascent. No doubt the effect had been intended to dazzle visitors, and going by Seifer's awed whistle, the palace's architect had succeeded in his ploy.
When the lift came to a stop, the protective shield dropped and the doors opened to emit them into a wide foyer. Loire was already there waiting for them. As was usual for when the president was off duty, the man was dressed in casual slacks and a floral print shirt, looking every bit out of place as Squall felt. Sending them a beaming smile, Loire walked over to meet them halfway.
"Hello, son. Seifer," he greeted warmly. "Glad to see you could make it." Moving his gaze from the mandatory study of his son's appearance, he turned to regard Seifer. "I think I'm feeling a bit underdressed," he jested, bringing up a hand to scratch at his neck with a slight chuckle. "Well, at least one of us looks like they belong, huh?"
"I'll keep the dress code in mind next time," Seifer replied with a teasing smirk, impressed by the courage of the man's shirt. "Might have to stock up on a couple of new shirts though. Where did you get that one?"
Taking the jibe in stride, Laguna smiled with a glint to his eyes. "What, this old thing? I think it predates you, kid. One of the few that survived my journalist days." His smile broadened. "Perfect for Casual Fridays."
"You know, you wouldn't believe it, but Squall actually has his own version of casual. I thought he slept wearing his belt collection, but what do you know, the cuddly lion actually likes drawstring pants and old comfy shirts."
Stunned at the bold words and mystified by the nickname, Laguna paused all but a second before letting out a hearty laugh. "And here I thought this was his interpretation of casual," the president said, indicating his son's combat inspired attire with a smile. "But really, we should behave," he said with a covert wink, clapping a friendly hand to Seifer's shoulder. "Come on. This way. They'll be ready to serve dinner any minute now."
Ignoring Seifer's amusement, Squall reluctantly followed the two men as Loire led them to the large sliding doors that would bring them into the president's quarters. It was beyond alarming how easily those two had already found common ground in bad jokes and banter.
"I hope you two brought your appetite," Laguna said cheerfully. "I asked Gabriel to make his boar roast." He eyed Squall fondly as he remembered his son's appreciation for the dish. "Don't tell my electorate, but Esthar has nothing on Galbadian cuisine."
"Agreed," Seifer chimed in, following Laguna's path through several rooms obviously meant for private receptions, before the doors slid open to reveal the most impressive room yet.
Waiting for his guests to enter, Laguna gestured inside. "Come on in and make yourselves at home."
Seifer smiled widely. The president's dining room. Unable to believe he was actually there, he took in the lush surroundings. They'd clearly spared no expense in designing the place, the high ceilinged room possessing all the grandeur of a presidential abode. The sliding doors and several panels on the walls glowed a soft, diffuse light that created a tastefully cozy atmosphere despite the stark and modern nature of the building. In fact, the whole place had a distinctly different feel than the rest of the palace. The president's residence still shared the metal and glass core of the larger structure, but that's where the similarity ended.
Where he would've expected the sleek lines of typical Estharian furniture, there were traditional wooden pieces that harkened back to older times and other continents. A round dining table, large enough to seat only a small party of guests, sat to one side of the room. A large rug with bright patterns was spread underneath it, while almost every inch of wall space was covered with the most eclectic collection of art he'd ever seen. At the other end of the room an area with plush sofas was set up within easy reach of a very promising looking liquor cabinet.
He walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window that made up the entire south side of the dining room, amazed to be looking out onto a lovingly groomed garden at these heights. The first autumn colors were sneaking into the leaves of the well-kept shrubs and trees. An abundance of winding climbers and seasonal flowers gave the garden a lively, intimate feel that contrasted sharply with the manicured laws of the palace grounds. At the far end, a balcony railing no doubt gave the best view of Esthar the city had to offer.
Raising an eyebrow, he turned around and looked to Squall for some indication that he wasn't the only one thinking the decor was rather unusual, but he only got a shrug in return before the brunet took a seat at the dining table. Amused at the unexpected setting, Seifer walked over to sit down as well. However strange the clash was of Estharian architecture and Galbadian decoration, the room felt homey and comfortable and the company was definitely going to make for an interesting meal.
"What aperitif would you like? I have a pretty well stocked bar," Laguna offered. "Or should I have some champagne brought up?"
"Pastis," Squall relayed his choice. He might as well take to the more potent alcohol if he was to survive the evening.
"I still have some left from that bottle you tried last time," Laguna nodded with a smile. "And what's your poison?" he said, turning to Seifer.
"Lemme try some of that as well."
"I'll stick to sherry, then," the president said with a slight shake of the head. "Can't say I keep the pastis around for myself." Raine had often poured herself a glass after a particularly taxing day. It was one of the things he hadn't told Squall yet, in fear of the brunet avoiding the drink solely for that reason.
Making for the liquor cabinet, he opened the compartment that held the aperitifs and rummaged around in it to find the bottle of pastis that had been Raine's favorite. "So, what have you two been up to today?" he asked, glancing at his guests as he poured the two glasses. "Hopefully nothing as dull as my schedule."
"Not dull at all," Seifer said. "Been busy training, had a friend over, did some lounging about... and some last minute shopping."
Laguna chuckled as he set the two glasses and bottle on the table. "Now that's the kind of day I could use. Minus the shopping, of course," he said with a smile, before turning to look at his son expectantly.
Resigned to the occasional input in the evening's conversation, Squall pulled his glass of liquid comfort closer. "Training," he said succinctly. "And I went to see Rinoa."
Laguna raised an eyebrow. When he'd had the girl on the phone that morning, she'd seemed subdued. It was clear Rinoa was still struggling with their break-up. However unpleasant, maybe a period of true separation would help heal her wounds better. "How was she?"
"Okay," Squall said, hoping the lie didn't show on his face. She'd been far from okay when he'd left. "She's moving."
"That's the first I hear of it," Laguna commented with a frown, taking seat at the table with his glass of sherry. "What about the penthouse then?" he asked in confusion, certain his son didn't care much for the place.
"I signed papers to end the lease," Squall said evenly. "She's moving in a with a friend."
"I see," Laguna said with a small nod. It didn't bode well for his chances to see more of his son if the man wouldn't even have a place in Esthar to return to. Before he could say anything else, a polite knock signaled the arrival of a servant.
Seifer kept his eyes on Squall as the servant placed a pitcher of chilled water and several appetizers on the table. It was weird hearing Squall talk about Rinoa and their shared home. It stirred all kinds of unpleasant emotions, despite the fact that he knew the two were over and no longer shared a bed under the same didn't like it one bit.
"Help yourselves," Laguna said, mostly directing his encouragement to the newest of his guests and setting an example by picking a small toast with elaborate toppings off one of the trays.
Dismissing his misgivings about Rinoa and Squall's past for now, Seifer grabbed one as well while Squall diluted his drink with water. Preferring his alcohol neat, he brought up his glass and inhaled deeply. Not entirely won over by the sharp odor that hit him, he stalled for a second before knocking back a healthy gulp. Grimacing at the horrible taste that filled his mouth, he leaned over to pour a big glass of water. "Fuck, Squall... Seriously?"
Squall rolled his eyes. "You're supposed to water it down."
"It's the aniseed. Not for everyone," the president commented with a chuckle. "How about I fix you a glass of sherry instead?"
"Do you have any whiskey?" Seifer asked, needing something strong enough to overpower the lingering taste.
"I think I have a single malt that might be light enough. I'll go fetch it," Laguna replied amicably, glad the blond just spoke his mind instead of feeling self-conscious like most of his first-time guests. Getting up from his chair, he moved to go search the liquor cabinet.
"Thanks," Seifer said, looking over at Squall while Laguna was busy. "You actually like that stuff?"
Squall gave his drink a slight slosh around in its glass and shrugged. "It's good." Tastes differed. Like Rinoa's Hyne awful cream liquors.
"Hn." Seifer eyed the glass briefly, realizing there was a lot to the man he didn't know. "What other drinks do you like?"
"Herbal spirits, mostly."
"Never tried those," Seifer commented, as Laguna rejoined them. "And I'm not so sure I'll be rushing to either after this," he said, placing the glass of liquor that tasted more like drain cleaner than anything else in front of Squall.
"Here we go. Hopefully this will suit your tastes better," Laguna said cheerfully as he set a bottle of whisky and an accompanying glass on the table. "I must confess, if it wasn't for all the bottles I get from visiting diplomats, I'd stick to beer for the rest of my days."
"Amberval?" Seifer asked knowingly, always having loved that particular Galbadian brew.
"Of course Amberval! What else?"
"I could give up most drinks for that. Got a weakness for whiskey though." Seifer proceeded to pour himself some from the bottle Laguna had put on the table. He leaned back in his seat and took a good whiff of the whiskey in his glass, relishing the rich notes. It was most likely the finest whiskey he'd ever taste.
"Now that we all have our drinks fixed. Here's to Galbadian beer, good food, and even better company," Laguna said, wishing he could've spoken more personal words, but he'd learned since his past mistake of toasting to friends and family.
Seifer raised his glass. "Glad to be here," he said, taking a large sip. Beside him Squall actually bothered going through the motions as well, if somewhat lackluster. Putting his glass back down, he eyed the president with interest. "So, you grew up in Galbadia?"
"Born and raised," Laguna answered freely, taking a sip of his brandy. "A real patriot, too. Signed up for the army at eighteen," he added, laughing awkwardly at his youth's folly. "Sometimes I still can't believe I've spent the past twenty years on another continent."
"You were in the army?" Seifer asked, unable to imagine it. "Why did you come to Esthar then?"
Squall silently groaned at the two questions that were guaranteed to get Loire going for hours. Taking a royal swig from his pastis, he settled back and resigned himself to hearing the same old stories for the umpteenth time.
Laguna glanced at his son as he contemplated the past. The brunet's demeanor was withdrawn, but he supposed the lack of a dissuading glare was all the permission he was going to get. "That's a long story, kid."
"Just to be clear, kid earns you old man in return. But go on, I don't mind a good story."
Loire chuckled at the retort and the prospect of finally being upgraded to an old man. He'd started to feel like one years ago, his time spent as a soldier now seeming like a youthful digression.
"The army was just my way of seeing the world," he said, scratching the back of his neck in embarrassment. "Can't say I was a very good soldier either, but those were some of the best years of my life. Me, Kiros and Ward. Hyne, the stunts we pulled." He couldn't help an infatuated smile even after all these years. "It's how I met Squall's mother as well."
Seifer tried to imagine them. A young Laguna and Squall's mother. There had to be a reason she wasn't around anymore, why Squall hadn't mentioned her. Still, Laguna seemed to be offering the information freely. "You met her when you were out on a mission?"
"I'm afraid the truth is less flattering," Laguna said with an embarrassed smile. "I met her after I failed a mission." Drinking some of his sherry, he continued, "She took care of me when I was brought to her place with injuries. Believe me, jumping off a cliff should only ever be a last resort."
"So, she nursed you back to health and was quite a knock-out too, I'm sure... Just how long did it take for you to get down on one knee?"
Laguna quirked an eyebrow and even his son stirred from his absent-minded pose to regard Seifer at the assuming comment.
"I'm that transparent, huh?" He chuckled good-naturedly, holding up his hand to show off his wedding band. "Five months. And I was absolutely sure she'd say no." Smiling wistfully at the memory, his gaze darted to Squall. "Stubborn to a fault and impossible to impress. To this day I don't know how I managed to win her over."
"Now there's something to toast to," Seifer said, holding up his glass in a toast. "To you, for winning the heart of Squall's mom and to Squall, for... well, being Squall." He looked to Squall, grinning. "Stubborn and impossible to impress."
Squall just rolled his eyes as Seifer joined in on Loire's sentimentality, the blond choosing the opportunity to get under his skin.
"I'll drink to that, indeed," Laguna said cheerfully, quickly topping up his glass and raising it enthusiastically. Undeterred by Squall's lack of participation, he took a gulp of his drink along with Seifer.
Setting his glass back on the table, he regarded Seifer, his gaze still warm. "Her name was Raine," he said, somewhat disappointed that Squall hadn't told his friend about her at all. "Can't have you keep calling her Squall's mom."
"Wish I could have met her," Seifer said honestly. He hadn't missed the past tense nor the bittersweet edge to Laguna's expression. "Raine Leonhart," he spoke the name softly.
Loire hummed in confirmation, his smile growing again. "I'm glad his name is all Raine," he said, casting a look at his son. When he'd first laid eyes on Squall and heard the boy's name, his heart had nearly stopped beating. He was grateful the orphanage hadn't chosen to change the unconventional name his mother had given him.
"Mm," Seifer agreed. "Suits him."
The conversation halted as the servant came back in and cleared away the appetizers only to replace them with soup. Seifer took a good look and smiled fondly. "Now this brings back memories. I think I lived off this stuff for about a month straight," he added, chuckling under his breath. "My friend—a very unskilled woman when it comes to cooking—only knew this one recipe, and believe me, this version smells a lot better. Like it's actually safe to eat." He looked at Squall, dropping a tip about their week to come. "A reason to make sure Fujin doesn't lose when we're out don't want to let her near a cooking pot."
"You're going hunting?" Laguna asked curiously, immediately jumping on the new morsel of information.
"Yeah..." Seifer met Squall's gaze, letting him decide what to say.
Having promised Ellone to inform Loire, Squall leaned back in his chair resignedly. "We're going to Galbadia to see Ellone and some of Seifer's friends."
Laguna's eyes widened at that. "Ellone?" he asked, unsure whether he'd heard that right. "You're going to Winhill?"
Nodding, Squall didn't feel like adding anything to his statement, but he knew Loire wouldn't be appeased just yet.
"Why?" Laguna couldn't help himself from asking. There had to be something going on for Squall to go to his mother's hometown willingly. Something that required Ellone's assistance. "Is something wrong?"
At the tone of concern in Loire's voice, Squall glanced at Seifer. "Nothing's wrong. Just something we need her help with."
"Squall's trying to help me out," Seifer added, briefly regarding his almost empty glass of whiskey before raising his gaze to look at Laguna. "I need to know something about the war," he stated without much emotion, not wanting to bring up his past.
"I see… I didn't mean to pry. It's just—" Laguna paused, looking back at his son. "I was surprised."
"No harm done," Seifer said, relaxing as no further questions ensued. "We're going on Tuesday. We'll probably be gone for about a week. We'll keep up the training; use our magic and GFs properly. It'll be a hell of a lot nicer than being holed up in my apartment, that's for sure. A bit of R&R."
"Hunting, you said, right?" the president commented, seizing the opportunity to lighten the conversation again. "With your friends?"
"Yup. Raijin and Fujin. Been my friends for as long as I can remember. They live in Timber, so after I moved to Esthar we usually meet up every half year or so. To make things more interesting, we go hunting. We go to a new area each time and find a rare creature to track down. Thought I'd drag Squall along for this one. It'll be right up the Commander's alley."
Smiling at what sounded like a wonderful plan, Laguna nodded. "Nothing like the great outdoors." He missed the Galbadian woodlands and wished he could round up Ward and Kiros for a trip just like the one Seifer had described. "I must hand it to you. It's a first for anyone to convince Squall to take a vacation. A proper one, that is. Not just the few days of leave a year."
Seifer turned to face Squall with a widening grin. "Not the romantic get-away type, huh, Leonhart?" he asked, never having imagined as much, but it still pleased him to no end that he'd succeeded where Rinoa had failed. "We'll have to make it memorable."
Not wanting to encourage the stupid grin Loire's remark had put on the blond's face, Squall just glanced at Seifer evenly before returning his attention to his soup. He didn't voice the thought that any trip with Seifer was bound to be memorable, one way or the other.
"You'll have to tell me all about it," Laguna said excitedly. "And you're finally going to visit Ellone." He was happy for the overdue visit, even if Squall's reasons weren't the ones he'd have liked to hear. "I wish I could come with... It's been too long since I've visited Raine's grave." Turning his gaze to Squall, he knew the man wouldn't visit his mother of his own volition. "Bring her a bouquet of white flowers for me?"
Ambushed by Loire's pleading eyes, Squall felt set up. He'd managed to avoid his mother's grave so far, but how the hell could he refuse such a heartfelt plea? He gave a reluctant nod.
Laguna smiled broadly. Finally Raine's son would come to visit her. He'd always felt guilty about that. Worse than his own predicament as a father was how he'd failed to prevent Raine from becoming a stranger to her own child.
"They have her favorite in the flower shop, south in town. White lilies."
"Okay, someone has to tell me what's going on here," Seifer said, looking to Laguna for an answer. "How do you know Ellone? And how come she's staying in the town where Squall's mo—Raine is buried?"
"Ah, my story was interrupted before I got that far," Laguna said, realizing Squall really hadn't told his friend much. No wonder Seifer was confused.
"Raine was from Winhill. When Ellone's parents—her neighbors—died, she took the girl in and adopted her. I was dropped on her doorstep about a year after that. That makes Ellone something like Squall's sister… She never stopped calling me Uncle though." And my son calls me Loire, he thought somberly. Scratching the back of his neck, he smiled in slight embarrassment. "I guess I'm not sure how it all comes together."
"Well, I sure as hell won't be of any help in that department," Seifer said, looking at Squall. "A sister huh?" It made a lot more sense now that Squall had just up and called Ellone like that. They were family. Even if the brunet would probably never have volunteered that information on his own. "How did you end up here? How come Squall ended up at the orphanage?"
At the questions that were just as blunt as the previous ones, Laguna wondered where to even start when talking about the most painful episode in his life. "Well, you know about Ellone's powers. Adel kidnapped her because of them. I left Winhill to track her down and bring her back. My search brought me to Esthar." He paused then, collecting his thoughts and words. "Long story short, I ended up way more involved in the Estharian's cause than I'd anticipated. I sent Ellone back and promised to follow once the situation here was under control. One week became a month, two months, five..."
Laguna smiled wistfully. Even now he couldn't stop mulling over the choices he'd made, how he could've done things differently. Somehow both fight Adel's reign and save his family. "By the time things started to settle down, it was too late. Raine had passed away. I went back to Winhill when I got the word, but the people there—" They'd blamed him for leaving her, for her death. They had hated him. "They just told me that they sent Ellone away to a proper caretaker. Never mentioned Squall... I returned to Esthar after that." He gave a little shrug. "The rest is history, as they say."
Seifer stared at the man. The death of the love of your life before you could even start your life together and the knowledge of your own son denied... "That's fucked up," he said, having never guessed such tragedy. "Calls for another swig I'd say. For life fucking up all on its own. Up to us to pick up the pieces." He held up his glass in another toast.
Laguna deeply hummed his agreement, taking up the glass of sherry he'd set aside. "Here's to picking up the pieces then. As best as we can," he countered Seifer's bleak toast, raising his own drink.
Glancing between the two idiots who seemed to have abandoned their soup in favor of alcohol, Squall leaned back in his chair, resisting the urge to knead at his temples. No matter how many toasts they brought or how much they dredged up the past, it wouldn't change a thing.
Laguna set down his glass after his swig. "So. Winhill," he started thoughtfully, but he couldn't hide how pleased he was. "Some piece of advice. If Ellone gives you a choice, for the love of Hyne pick patrolling or kitchen duty. The locals will have you chasing your own tail if she sends you on errands in town."
"I was hoping for bar duty," Seifer said with a grin. "Give the girls something to look at. And I definitely know how to pour alcohol."
Squall rolled his eyes at the return of Seifer's trademark cockiness. "Not everyone orders beer or whiskey," he said dryly, wondering how Seifer figured himself such an expert on alcohol as he softly tapped his glass of pastis.
Eyes sparkling, Laguna barked out a laugh. He hadn't witnessed it often, but here his son was, engaging in banter of all things. "He's got you there, kid."
Seifer's smile didn't falter as he kept his eyes on Squall. "Good thing labels were invented then," he retorted, not deterred from his plan in the slightest. No one in a backwater town like Winhill was going to order things like pastis anyway. "And the looks more than make up for it, wouldn't you say?"
Squall just quirked an unimpressed eyebrow at such arrogance. To his left, Loire chuckled, clearly enjoying Seifer's brass.
"I doubt seasoned farmers will be that impressionable," the president said. "And you'll find them quite protective of the town's beauties." Not a day had gone by without one of Raine's regulars offering to kick his useless ass to the curb. Seifer had the making of a man who could incite the lot of them should he take interest in their daughters.
"I'll find a way to impress them," Seifer continued. "Maybe a drinking game or two. Show them city folk can hold their liquor too. That usually does the trick." It had worked the countless times he'd stopped at a village pub on his travels. The locals had always been quick to take him in. "And hey, it's not like I'd be interested in any of the local girlseither. No offense toyour choice in women, old man. I'm sure Raine was a beauty and all. But I've got my eyes set on someone else."
Squall purposefully turned his gaze towards his soup, instantly smothering the assumption Seifer meant him with the more sobering thought that the bastard was always looking to get under his skin.
"Ah?" Sensing a good story, Laguna's interest was piqued. "That sounds like you didn't quite reel in the prize just yet."
"I've had a taste, so to speak" Seifer said, grinning unabashedly. "Just makes me all the more eager. But yeah, this particular fish might take quite a bit of reeling in... We'll see, huh?"
Laguna chuckled. "You like 'em hard-to-get then? I hope you know what you're signing up for. Take it from a veteran."
"Well, I'm always up for a challenge, but I usually prefer the easy option. Not one to stick around for the long term stuff, if you know what I mean," Seifer said, aware he was playing a dangerous game. Squall wouldn't be impressed with the topic or him speaking to Laguna about it so openly, but so help him Hyne, he wanted Squall to know this and there was no way he'd ever say this to the man directly. "This is different though. It's like all other alternatives have just vanished. Gone. To tell you the truth, it's kinda freaking me out."
Frowning at the seemingly genuine words, Squall glanced Seifer's way. He wanted to both kick him into silence and demand for the bastard to explain himself further. What the hell was the idiot thinking, talking to Loire about something that was none of the man's business. What the hell was he saying. His pulse sped up even as he told himself not to let Seifer's games get to him.
"Sounds like you're in love, kid," Laguna said, flattered to be deemed a worthy enough listener. He doubted his son had been of any help to his friend in this; a matter of the heart. "It has a tendency of catching a man unawares."
"Hn. Figured it'd have to be something overly sappy like that," Seifer commented, unsurprised by Laguna's conclusion. He should've fucking known. Hell, even Calder had pointed it out to him. "So was that what it was like for you? With Raine?"
"It started out that way, yes," Laguna said, happy to seize the occasion to talk about Raine. "I've had my share of crushes. A sweetheart or two, even. But no one ever got to me the way Raine did. I never actually thought anybody would be able to tie me down. The delusions of a bachelor." He chuckled at that. "You see, I wanted to travel. See the world and go wherever the stories took me. But when I met Raine… Well—" Laguna met Seifer's gaze with a knowing smile. "Like you described, when I met her all other alternatives up and vanished. I was still the same man, but how could I walk away from something like that? So once I got over the freaking-out part, I got hitched," he finished with a broad smile, wiggling his ring finger to show off his wedding band.
As Loire babbled on about a love grander than life, Squall tuned out the man's voice and the story he'd heard at tedium. Seifer's comments were a far more pressing issue. Reduced to a hard-to-get fish and forced to refrain from all reaction lest he alert Loire, he struggled to keep his face straight and his heart from leaping from his chest.
"So now that I spilled my beans, how about you tell me a bit more about your mystery lady?" Laguna asked, curious to know what kind of woman had made a man like Seifer stray from his set ways. "Maybe you can use some advice. I'm no charmer, but I know a thing or two."
Seifer glanced in Squall's direction, wanting to see how the brunet was holding up. As expected Squall's expression was composed, almost as if nothing had happened at all, as if he hadn't just admitted to being head over heels for the man. "Maybe some other time, old man. I definitely wouldn't mind a bit of advice. It can only improve my chances, but I think we might be boring the Commander. Can't have him wandering off into his own head."
"Everything all right?" Laguna asked his son, Seifer's remark drawing attention to the lack of eye rolls and other displays of annoyance he'd grown used to. Talk about love was usually a surefire way to earn the brunet's silent irritation. "You hardly touched your soup." Both himself and Seifer had managed to clean their plates, even while talking.
Looking down at the spoon that had been lying idly in his hand for who knew how long, Squall frowned before setting it aside. "I'm not that hungry," he managed as an excuse.
"Ah. Well, maybe you'll fare better with the roast." Laguna turned to look at Seifer, wondering what the man had noticed in Squall to call a halt to the topic. "Another time then," he agreed. Maybe after Rinoa romance was a more sore topic than his son let on. "We're far too sober for conversation like this anyway," he said, clapping a hand to Seifer's shoulder. "How about this. My bar is well stocked. You're always welcome for a round of drinks. It'll be on the house."
Smiling genuinely at the president's offer, Seifer couldn't wait to take the man up on it. "Well, you have my number. If you ever feel like a night of drinking and letting loose, just give me a call."
"Don't think this old man will hold you back. There's still enough of Galbadia in me to drink anyone under the table," he bluffed, already looking forward to the occasion.
"And there's still enough Almasy in me to not get outdone by anyone," Seifer retorted with a smirk. "But I'd like to see you try." Leaning back, he took a sip of whiskey, the image of Laguna dressed in a Galbadian uniform coming to mind. "So, I have to ask... What weapon did you use when you were in the army?"
"Nothing that'll impress you, I'm afraid," Laguna answered, somewhat embarrassed. "Just your standard army-issued machine gun. I didn't have the skill or patience to take up a proper melee weapon."
"Oh," Seifer said, unable to hide his surprise. He remembered seeing Laguna on the cover of an old movie. "Didn't you use a gunblade in that—" He paused as the servant swiftly cleared away their first course. "—er, movie, or something?"
Squall couldn't stop the corners of his mouth from twitching upward at Seifer's comment. Did the idiot even remember why the news probably came as a disappointment?
"Knight's Quest 4?" Laguna asked, surprised that Seifer had seen that particular blemish in his professional career. The movie had never ceased to amuse his two best friends, the poor acting and choreography a never-ending source of hilarity.
"Have you seen it any time recently?" Squall asked. Whatever Seifer thought he remembered, he was remembering it through the eyes of an easily impressed six-year old with a fascination for knights and dragons.
"Nope, just the cover," Seifer answered, frowning slightly as clear images of Laguna wielding a gunblade with practised ease asserted themselves. "But I must've watched it at some point because I do remember some specifics. Like Laguna chasing off a Ruby with his gunblade. He seemed pretty decent."
Laguna frowned in confusion at the unlikely statement, but fell short from comment when he spotted the subtle smile on his son's lips.
"You did watch it at some point," Squall agreed, unable to leave this one alone. "Over and over." After the blond had gotten his hands on an old copy, he'd been roped into more knight play-acts than he could remember. "You especially liked Loire's opening stance."
"What are you talking about?" Seifer asked, incredulous, but then an incriminating image came to mind. A young Laguna in his stance. Seifer frowned. "Fuck, no," he muttered, looking horrified before turning to regard Laguna. "I copied you?! That's an Almasy pose!" He could see Squall actually smiling out of the corner of his eyes. "Stop smirking, you sadistic bastard... smug only suits blonds," he corrected, still unable to quell how appalled he was.
Astounded, Laguna looked between the two young men, chuckling in spite of his lack of understanding. "I wasn't aware I had a fan," he said, amused. "I'm glad youngsters still recognize style when they see it."
Squall sent Loire an unimpressed look. "You wielded that prop like you couldn't tell the handle from the pointy end."
"Maybe," Laguna acquiesced happily. "That doesn't stop me from feeling flattered by some unintended plagiarism." He looked the blond's way. "Is it the bit where I hold the blade out in front of me? ...Fortunately for me that thing was made out of plywood."
"That's the one," Seifer said, bringing the glass of whiskey to his lips and helping himself to a large swig. "Maybe I should get you to sign Kronos or something."
"And embarrass me further? I don't think so," Laguna said with a shake of his head, assuming Kronos was the man's blade. "If there's one thing that movie taught me, it's to leave swordsmanship to the swordsmen." Gaze drawn back to the sight of his son's poorly schooled amusement, he was glad Seifer was taking it all in stride. Perhaps they were used to jibing like this. The thought made him smile.
Before he could start another topic, another servant appeared with their main meal. He watched contentedly as a plate of marinated boar and red wine was placed in front of each of them. "A roast like this is all the reason I need to hire a Galbadian cook." He took a bite and savoured the taste. "Good, isn't it?" he said. He was glad to note that whatever lack of appetite had plagued Squall before now seemed absent, both his guests digging in with gusto. It had been the conversation, then.
"Best thing I've had in months," Seifer agreed. "And that's saying something. I'm a pretty good cook," he said, swallowing another morsel of boar. "And before you start piping up again over there, I haven't shown you my full potential yet, so just curb it," he added, pointing his fork in Squall's direction. "Once you've had one of my Balamb steaks, you'll never leave."
"Too bad he won't be able to return the favor," Laguna said, not feeling beneath a slight jibe himself. "From what I heard, your friend Fujin isn't the only one you should keep away from the cooking pot."
Barking out laughter at the inside information, Seifer regarded Squall fondly, enjoying the deadly glare being directed at someone else for a change. "Seems like you'll have to team up with Rai and Fu and be real persuasive to get some decent food this coming week then."
Squall just cast the blond an unimpressed look. He'd sooner starve than grovel for food and feed into Seifer's ego.
"I don't know, kid," Laguna said with a mock serious expression. "His cooking might be all the persuasion you need. I've heard stories of toast burnt beyond recognition, even at the second attempt."
Laughing at Laguna's words, Seifer knew he'd struck gold. Not only would he be able to tease Squall about this endlessly, but he'd also be able to use it to lure Squallin good. Mind-blowing sex, tasty food and challenging spars. What more could Squall want?
"I guess I'd better take pity on Rai and Fu then and teach you how to take down game," he said, smiling at Squall. "Unless you already know how and were just waiting to show off your skills next week; make sure we never found out about your weakness."
"I'll manage," Squall said dryly, meeting Seifer's amused gaze evenly. How difficult could cooking in the wild be? No special seasonings, utensils or complicated apparatus to figure out. Just a pot, fire and meat.
Laguna laughed softly, shaking his head. "Coming from a man who lives off rations and canteen food, that doesn't inspire much confidence."
"I'm going to have to agree with Laguna on this," Seifer chimed in. "But seriously, have you hunted for food before? You know how to bring down game without spoiling the meat?"
Squall shook his head. "Never had to." He'd had basic survival training, as all other SeeDs, but nothing like actual hunting for game.
"I'll show you the ropes then," Seifer said, before looking Laguna's way. "How about you? Have you ever done much hunting?"
"When I was younger," Laguna said with a nod. "Where I'm from, there aren't many people who've never held a hunting rifle. I'm afraid my skills have suffered after all this time though. So I take it the SeeD curriculum doesn't include hunting then?"
"No. Just a mandatory survival course," Squall replied.
"Yeah, nothing big," Seifer added. "We were left to fend for ourselves in the wild for a couple of days. To show we wouldn't just drop dead without resources. But they didn't even check if we'd brought stuff along. Easy enough to survive when you've got your pockets full of snacks."
At Squall's deprecating huff, Seifer chuckled. "Yeah, like you've never cheated, Princess."
"That was more yourthing," Squall pointed out, his gaze traveling to the scar on Seifer's forehead.
"Hey, now. You're not still holding a grudge over that, are you? Marring your pretty face was an accident. And you gave as good as you got, so I'd say we're even."
"The Fire spell was an accident too, then?" Squall didn't buy the show of innocence one bit. Seifer had come at him like a madman that day. To repay in kind was the least he could do. "You got off easy."
"So what if that Fire spell bent the rules a little," Seifer admitted with a mischievous smile. "Weren't you the one to confess to me that very same day how you felt like you could take on the world because of me?" He'd never let Squall live that one down. "Pretty big words."
Squall rolled his eyes. Those words definitely weren'tan exact citation. "I think thatwas me accusing you of fighting dirty."
"You just keep telling yourself that, Squall... I know what you said."
Watching his son give up on further comment, but not without an unimpressed eye roll, Laguna couldn't contain his amusement at the easily exchanged jibes. He'd never seen this side to Squall before; so quick to take the bait and throw out retorts. And it seemed like this sort of banter was a longstanding tradition between the two younger men.
Glancing at his guests' mirrored scars, he remarked, "I have been curious about those. Any chance of me hearing the actual story?" He hadn't dared bring it up himself, should the scars be a remnant of the war with bad memories attached to them.
"Sure," Seifer started, enjoying the opportunity to recount the story. "It was the day Squall made SeeD. I persuaded him to spar with me in the morning and I guess I was quite pumped. Enough so that I misjudged. I only meant to scare the shit out of him," he said with a grin. "Squall was pissed. Made sure I paid with a matching scar. An eye for an eye and all that. Luckily for me he's a precise motherfucker. And hey, it doesn't look half bad if you ask me."
"Do your spars often get hairy like that?" Laguna asked with a raised eyebrow, wondering just how embedded this aspect of challenge was in their interactions, conversations and training alike.
"Quite. It's not really a spar without a cut or two, wouldn't you say, Princess?" Met with an even look that promised far more challenge than a cut or two, Seifer chuckled and continued. "It's easy enough to avoid scars if you heal right away, but we ran out of healing magic that morning. By the time I hauled Squall's unconscious ass back to Garden, it was too late. Not that the doctor would've healed us anyway. She refused to waste magic on irresponsible cadets. She failed to teach us a lesson though, huh?" He looked over at Laguna and tapped the fading scar on his neck. "I got this just last Thursday."
"That's cutting it rather close," Laguna commented after an awed whistle, looking at the innocent nick sitting uncomfortably close to a main artery. "I never made fighting into a passion quite like that. Explains why I made such a lousy soldier, I guess." He cracked an embarrassed smile. "I'd love to be a fly on the wall during one of your spars." He knew so little about this part of his son's life; something the man was clearly able to share with Seifer.
"You've never seen him fight?" Seifer asked, pride stirring on Squall's behalf. If Laguna hadn't seen his son in action, then the man was missing out. Badly. Even back at Garden their spars had drawn a crowd. It had been one of the reasons they'd taken their spars somewhere else towards the end.
"No, never had the opportunity," Laguna said regretfully. His own attitude when first confronted with Squall's profession hadn't helped matters much. It had taken him some time to come to terms with the harsh life Garden forced on children, resulting in his son's worrisome acceptance of violence and injury. Clearly Seifer's definition of protectiveness differed from his own. "Think there's any chance I could?" he asked tentatively, wanting a second chance badly.
"We were planning on sparring after this, actually. You should come." Seifer looked over at Squall, unsurprised by the deadly glare directed at him. "After our show in front of my class the other day, this should be fine, right?" he reasoned, undeterred. The brunet would forget everything about their audience as soon they got started anyway.
Squall scowled at the continued disregard for his wishes. The spar was supposed to be their excuse for leaving early, not a reason for the bastard's new best friend to tag along. From the corner of his eye he spotted Loire visibly perking up at the invitation that wasn't Seifer's to extend. The damage was done.
Sighing inwardly, he turned to give the man an even look. "No interruptions," he said sternly, less than pleased. He could do without the overprotective man wincing out warnings or voicing his doubts about their fighting style.
Squall's taciturn permission didn't immediately register with Laguna, unexpected as it was. "No interruptions," he confirmed hurriedly, excitement catching up with his surprise. "So where do you usually spar? If it's no imposition, I'm sure I can find somewhere suitable on the grounds right here. It would save me some trouble."
"Here's as good as anywhere. Just have to find somewhere big enough."
"How much space do you need?" Laguna asked.
"Not much. About four times this room, perhaps." He turned to look at Squall. "You think that'd do?"
Squall shook his head slightly. For the ass kicking he had in mind, he'd need space. "Bigger," he said, meeting Seifer's gaze with a gleam of challenge. He wanted to move without restraints, employ the full extent of his speed.
Already eager to get started at the look Squall was sending him, Seifer grinned. "How big have you got?"
"Would a ballroom do?"
Laughing at the absurd images already in his mind, Seifer raised an eyebrow in inquiry as he regarded Squall. "What do you say? You up for a dance?"
Trust Loire to unthinkingly offer such a ridiculous locale, and Seifer to take it in stride. It probably fit the bastard's taste for dramatics. "Don't expect to lead," Squall jibed dryly.
"And here I thought you liked me in charge," Seifer immediately shot back with a broad smirk, waggling his eyebrows. "My bad." He thoroughly enjoyed the killer glare Squall sent his way. "Seems like you're in for a show," he added, turning his full attention to Laguna.
"Seems like it," Laguna echoed as he glanced at his son's expression and wondered if his staff would have to clean blood stains in the ballroom come morning. Did they always rile each other up like this? He felt like he was missing the subtext to most of their jibes, the real infuriating part. "Not so sure who I should put my money on, though," he teased. Both men seemed confident enough.
"Neither did the cadets back at Garden, but we sure drew a crowd," Seifer said, thinking back on the awed gazes that had followed their every move. "Remember when we got going in the quad that one time? Must've been almost the whole of Garden watching by the end, even the instructors. No one dared to break us up."
"Quistis tried to," Squall corrected, not quite remembering the same glorious ordeal. Quistis hadn't been an instructor yet, but had already seen it fit to meddle in their affairs even back then. "The instructors only arrived after. They didn't have any trouble punishing us, thanks to you."
"Thanks to me?" Seifer asked, raising his eyebrows. "You wreaked just as much havoc as I did. Maybe you didn't leave any marks on the trees, but your boots trampled just as many flower beds as mine."
"I was studying. You were looking for a fight," Squall said dryly. He couldn't even remember how Seifer had managed to provoke him in the end, but it'd been enough to see red and chase after the blond into the carefully groomed foliage.
"Looked more like one of your brooding sessions to me," Seifer commented, recalling the faraway look to Squall's eyes as the brunet had sat alone in a secluded corner of the quad, a textbook lying open in his lap, forgotten. "And hey, I just thought I'd spice up your afternoon a bit. Not my fault you can't resist me."
At the ambiguous phrasing, something he would've overlooked before but couldn't anymore, Squall narrowed his eyes. He wished he could deny the words that rang too true. His fingers itched to show Seifer just how little he could resist handing the bastard his own ass.
"Sounds like neither of you can resist a challenge," Laguna laughed, having a good hunch now about their dynamics. Seifer baited with a challenge; his son accepted with equal ferocity. "You boys got in trouble often then?" he asked curiously. "I still remember how the army used to deal with troublemakers. They didn't lack creativity, I can tell you that much. Sure dissuaded us rookies from drinking on a cold night's watch."
Squall suppressed an eyeroll as the two began to one up each other with stories of how their antics had landed them in trouble. Seifer definitely had plenty of those, having dragged Squall down along with him to share in the punishment for a lot of them. It was strange to hear Seifer talk about those times with such fondness; as if they hadn't been walking a precarious tightrope back then, turning from companionship to antagonism within a single breath. Half of the times he hadn't even understood why the blond's temper with him would suddenly flare.
Compared to then, their current interactions weren't nearly as volatile. Perhaps sex provided a far more effective outlet than fighting ever had. Squall took a large swig from his wine. As much as he preferred to think that they had grown up, able to rise above the pettiest of their differences, Squall suspected he'd grown soft instead. Here he was, having dinner with Loire at Seifer's behest. Not that long ago he would've simply ignored both men in favor of keeping to himself.
The sudden good-natured jostling of his elbow snapped him back to the conversation that had been proceeding without him.
"And don't let Squall convince you all of it was my fault. He got into plenty of trouble all by himself as well." Seifer chuckled when a small frown appeared at the interruption of Squall's precious thoughts. Any longer and the man would've been miles away. "Weren't you subjected to a month of team-building exercises once?"
Seifer's grin broadened when Squall scowled at the memory. "You should have been there," he said to Laguna, shaking his head. "I can't remember what the instructor said to bring it on, but Squall just tore everyone a new hole by explaining exactly why they were all a bunch of useless fuck-ups he wouldn't want on his side in combat. He only got through a couple of students before our instructor kindly asked him to shut up." He let out a laugh at the memory. "Most instructors learned early on not to ask Squall any questions and just leave him the hell alone. We actually didn't have a combat strategy instructor for a while because Squall utterly destroyed the poor bastard's plan of attack on an enemy base."
"Cid made him Commander for a reason," Laguna said proudly, unsurprised by the story. "He's a harsh opponent over any bargaining table. Pair him up with Quistis and I'm guaranteed to have to settle down a few riots in the meetings to come."
"Meetings?" Seifer asked, recalling what Squall had told him. "Like the one on Tuesday?"
Spotting his son's nod, Laguna smiled. "Squall has already brought you up to speed then," he said affably, spared the trouble of having to explain to Quistis why he had broken a confidentiality contract yet again. "The last meeting was just to introduce the proposal. This time I'm afraid we'll get down to the nitty-gritty. The real fight for or against Esthar Gardenwill begin."
"Well, Esthar could certainly do with some elite mercenaries close by," Seifer commented. "No offense," he added, eyeing Laguna. "The local forces just don't get the necessary training. Not nearly intensive enough. Most Estharian operatives don't even know how to defend themselves from a simple Fire spell. This place would be screwed if another sorceress came along."
"I'm aware of our military shortcomings," Laguna said with a sigh. "Esthar hires SeeDs on a regular basis for affairs my own people can't handle. It's the only reason I managed to justify allowing the meetings in the first place. There's a lot of opposition." He smiled then, not wanting the conversation to turn to purely politics. "Butting heads with my own son at the other end of the argument has already proved very challenging," he said, looking at Squall fondly.
"I can imagine," Seifer said, only then realizing just how effective Squall would be in a meeting. Used to the instructors leaving Squall alone, he'd forgotten how convincing the man's arguments could be, underlined by his succinct and pitiless nature. The brunet would be just as good at shutting down politicians. "So how long do you expect it'll take before you reach a decision?"
"That depends on the opposing parties and whether they'll try to throw a wrench into the proceedings. There will probably be several meetings over the next month or two before we take it to a vote," Laguna explained. "If we get the go-ahead, it's to the drawing tables. Agreements will need signing, plans put into motion. The public will need to be informed." He gave a resigned shrug, used to the ways of politics. "Actual construction wouldn't start for another several months, and that's the best case scenario."
"And what's your stand?" Seifer asked. "For or against? Just curious, not planning on starting a family feud here."
"Well, I suppose I'm in favor of a compromise," Laguna conceded. Squall already knew about his opinions and their differing philosophies weren't the main reason for their strained interactions. "Esthar needs the backup and skills only SeeDs can offer. This irrational fear of anything sorceress or magic related has paralyzed my people. They don't want to dirty their hands, so logically someone else has to. It's a matter of pragmatics and I will not leave my country defenseless." He paused then, only hesitating slightly before continuing to the part of his opinion Squall disagreed with. Most likely so would Seifer. "I can't, however, in good conscience let children take up arms. I would propose regulations; at the very least a minimum age requirement instead of the maximum Garden enforces. Also, I can't allow any outside military organization the kind of autonomy and exemption from Estharian law that Garden demands."
"Interesting," Seifer commented. "My two cents is that you've got kids with nowhere to go and you need to train elite forces from early on, especially when it comes to magic. Seems like a match made in heaven. Sure, tough luck for those kiddies, but it beats living on the street and they get a chance to make something of themselves. In an environment like that, you get someone like Squall, someone you need when the shit hits the fan. When kids start training here at fourteen, it's simply too late. They've been sheltered and coddled for too long. They put other things before the fight. They don't realize that it's you or them. It isn't hammered into their heads to always be on top of their game. They don't understand that out there, in the real world, there are no second chances."
Glancing Seifer's way, Squall wasn't the least bit surprised at hearing his own opinion from the blond's mouth. He nodded his agreement, looking back at Loire. "He teaches at the SCTA. He knows both systems."
Laguna nodded in deference to the insight. "And he has an understandable bias for the way he was brought up. Just like you." He smiled wanly and shrugged. "Maybe I am too naive, but it's a sad thing when adults have to rely on children to do their fighting. I never thought it would be quite so difficult to be both president and an idealist... But enough shoptalk," he interrupted himself, spotting the ill-boding twitch to Squall's brow. "If it's any consolation, I genuinely hope we'll have an Esthar Garden soon."
"Will be interesting to see how it turns out," Seifer said, thoughtful. "Out of curiosity though, how often did you make it back to Esthar before these meetings kicked off?"
Squall returned the blond's gaze, his mood souring. His schedule had never bothered him before, but now… "Once a month at most. Usually less than that," he said, not mentioning how he'd hardly ever been to Esthar City before his move there.
"Because of missions?" Seifer asked, none too happy when Squall hummed in confirmation.
Taking in the sudden drop in atmosphere, both men obviously disappointed by what appeared to be news to Seifer, Laguna frowned in confusion. "I'm sorry, but I don't think I follow. I was under the impression you two were in touch all this time."
"We've only been in contact these last two weeks," Seifer said, eyes on his half-finished plate. If Rinoa hadn't come to see him that Tuesday, they probably wouldn't have ever seen each other again. "We met by accident just before Squall and Rinoa broke their bond."
Unable to believe Seifer meant they hadn't met since the war, Laguna managed to keep himself from voicing the stupid comment just in time. Apparently this was a sore spot, but it made little sense to him. The two men seemed closer than anybody else he'd ever seen Squall interact with, Rinoa included. He'd never seen his son seem regretful over long missions before either.
He nodded slowly, carefully weighing his words. "Life has a way of separating friends and bringing them back together in unexpected ways. It's been the same for me," he said, hoping to bring the mood around. "I lost track of Kiros and Ward for nearly half a year when recovering from my injuries. I dragged them off that cliff with me and for a long time I never knew whether they made it. Back then you couldn't just send emails or phone someone up. Kiros ended up being my best man and both of them followed me to Esthar."
Smiling softly at Laguna's story, Seifer looked up from his food. "They sound like good friends," he said, the pair sounding just as loyal as Fu and Rai. "Here's to hoping the Commander sets up residence in the new Garden so we'll both get to see more of him," Seifer said, turning to look at Squall. "You're also welcome to stay at my place, of course. Wouldn't have to try and track you down in between missions then."
Laguna quirked an eyebrow, smiling at Seifer's eagerness to keep his friend around. "You'll have to take it out with Quistis in that case," Laguna said, shifting his gaze to regard his son. "She's counting the days until you return to Balamb. Whatever you decide, you'd better not keep her out of the loop for too long."
Squall just nodded distractedly, Seifer's seemingly casual offer echoing in his thoughts. He hadn't let himself think much beyond his current stay with the blond, but this... Even if it was just for the odd few days of leave, it changed a lot. Loire just rambled on happily, saving him from coming up with an immediate reply.
Laguna shook his head slightly. "I'm surprised she hasn't shown up herself yet. She never did take your move to Esthar well." But that was the lot of anyone deciding to have Squall in their lives. Always in the field, the young man was impossible to tie down to any one spot or get a hold off. Rinoa was a saint for having put up with it the way she had. He looked back to his son. "But it sounds like you've settled in with Seifer quite well?" he asked, trying not to sound too hopeful. If his son returned to Balamb, he'd be back to only seeing him a meager few times a year, mostly on the job.
"...I have," Squall admitted, unsure whether he should say even this much. He knew Seifer tended to make rash decisions and this might be one the man would regret. This thing between them wasn't set in stone. "I'll talk to Quistis tomorrow."
"Will be quite the conversation," Laguna said, more than able to imagine her ire. "Just let me know when I can stop bending the truth every time she calls."
"You decided if you're going to tell her?" Seifer asked.
Squall met the blond's gaze at the question. "If I do, I can't predict what she'll do."
"Only one way to find out."
Squall shook his head slightly at the answer he should've guessed. At least he wouldn't have to lie anymore. "Don't say I didn't warn you."
"That's settled then," Laguna said with a smile. "I hope she's leaving that whip of hers at home when she comes to chew us out."
Seifer laughed at the remark. "Let's hope so. Though if it's whips against gunblades, I'm pretty sure I know who will come out on top."
Laguna met Squall's gaze with a conspiratory wink. "Hubris before the fall."
At Squall's agreeing snort, Seifer was happy to play along. "It's not hubris if you've got the goods to back it up, old man." He leaned back in his chair. "But yeah, can't say I'm looking forward to her nagging. Had enough of that back at Garden... Always on my case and never on Squall's. Guess that's one thing crushes are good for, huh, Squall?"
"She never bothered you with one-on-one tutoring sessions," Squall retorted dryly, pretty sure he would've preferred Seifer's predicament over his own. "I couldn't even get Ifrit on my own."
"Thank fuck for that," Seifer said, chuckling.
Laguna laughed at the altercation. "I wonder why I never heard about this until you told me," he said, looking at Seifer with a shake of the head. "But careful, kiddo. Crushes can make people do crazier things than tutoring."
"Ain't that the truth," Seifer agreed, looking Squall's way. He'd already surprised himself quite a few times since Squall's reappearance in his life. He'd dropped everything to go search for the missing commander, had accompanied the man for a tedious day of medical , he'd more or less offered for Squall to move in with him, which was after he'd owned up to his crush in front the man's dad. Not the mention the expensive fucking bill for a new suit he had just footed. He was definitely one-hundred percent fucked.
Looking away before his study of the brunet became too intense, Seifer realized he should probably turn the conversation down another path, one that wouldn't inevitably lead back to this. He pushed his empty plate away and leaned back comfortably with his wine glass in hand.
"I gotta say, old man, you live in style," he said, looking around him. It was simply gobsmacking to be sitting inside one of the dining rooms of the palace. And every single part of their meal had been absolutely flawless. He couldn't wait to come back another time.
Laguna let out a laugh. If only his son could feel equally at ease in his home. "I don't always dine like this, but for special occasions I don't mind pulling out all the stops," he confided jovially. "They should be up with a dessert platter any moment now."
Seifer nodded, his smile widening at just how much he was enjoying this. He looked over to Squall. "While we wait... I figure you owe me a story or two. I've had to listen to teenagers go on about your missions and heroic acts for ages now. Gotta know how much is make believe and how much is just you kicking ass."
Squall huffed. He hated the myths that had sprouted up around his name. "I've heard claims that I'm eight feet or taller," he said with a pointed look at the blond. And that was actually one of the less ridiculous transgressions of the truth.
"All the more reason to tell me how some of it actually went down. Like... the last story I heard was you single-handedly taking down a giant snake. The rumors say three to five stories tall, depending on how enthusiastic the teller is."
"That one was Esthar commissioned," Squall replied. "Went in with a standard party of three." He paused then, thinking back to the battle of that day. "It wasn't five stories tall, but it was big enough. Turned out to be just one of a whole nest. If Zell hadn't been there, I could've lost a leg." He met Seifer's gaze. "Nothing single-handed about it."
"Rough one, huh?" Seifer said, eyeing up Squall carefully. "Never heard anything about anyone other than you being there. I did hear you got injured though... First time too, so it was quite the talk among my students," he said, remembering how he'd first heard the rumor while he'd been rounding up his pupils before class. "Hey, out of curiosity, just how long ago was this? I mean, the rumor only started circulating about a month and a half ago."
"Four months ago. Took a few days to recover. I've completed many missions since."
"A couple of months' delay then. Seems like the public is keeping pretty good tabs on you," he commented, taking another sip of wine, before leaning forward in his seat. "What about your latest missions? Anything interesting?"
Watching from the sidelines as Squall actually began to talk about one of his more risky missions, Laguna wasn't sure what he was witnessing. Seifer seemed to be able to ask all the right questions, luring his son into more details with every remark. No doubt it helped that Seifer knew all of Garden's mission procedures inside and out. A few times he was tempted to ask for elaboration on something he hadn't quite understood—when the SeeD lingo became tricky to follow—but he knew it would only break the spell that Seifer seemed to have cast on the usually reticent commander. He couldn't remember a single time he'd heard his son talk at length like this.
It was clear the two men shared a love for being in the middle of the action and, perhaps even more so, for the gunblade. Every once in a while Seifer would briefly remember his presence and point out something, but Laguna was content to limit himself to the occasional observation and just listen as the conversation unfolded between them. Even the arrival of dessert didn't slow Seifer down much, the blond asking guiding questions in between mouthfuls of chocolate cake. And all the while Squall indulged his friend, despite the regular rolling of eyes or dry retorts.
To catch a glimpse of Squall's inner workings like this was a rare gift, even if he didn't like hearing how the young man brushed off near run-ins with death or horrific injury. But he knew Squall was capable. His son had grown up well without him.
Catching the growing wistful tinge to the president's smile, Seifer straightened himself from his close lean towards Squall and regarded the time on the big standing clock in the corner of the room. 9:04. Shit. Squall was going to have his balls if he didn't get them out of there soon. Finishing the rest of his wine, he leaned back in his chair and regarded the president. "I'd say it's about time for you to actually see Squall in action," he said with a grin, before looking over at the brunet. "I'll go grab our blades and training gear from your car," he offered, holding out a hand. "If you give me the keys."
Meeting Seifer's gaze, Squall hesitated before digging into his pockets and handing the blond his keys. To refuse would be childish, but he didn't like the way Seiferhad gotten him to drop his guard. Any other dinner and it would've been him grasping the opportunity to escape and have a moment to himself. "I parked by the entrance to the Sphinxara Palace parking lot."
"Alright," Seifer said, pushing up from his seat. "Thanks for dinner, old man," he nodded in Laguna's direction, then looked between the two men. "I guess I'll just meet you guys back here?"
"It might be more convenient to come straight to one of the guest rooms to change. I'll have a guard show you the way when you return," Laguna offered. "I need to alert the night's watch anyway. Can't have them shoot first and ask questions later when an armed man shows up on my doorstep."
"Sounds like a plan," Seifer agreed with a grin, turning to leave.
As Seifer left the room his son clearly remembered his surroundings again with a slight frown. Laguna couldn't help but smile as their gazes met. He'd seen Squall completely unaware of the people around him before, but it had always been his own thoughts he'd been caught up in; never another person. And by the look of it, his son had realized as well.
"He's quite the character," he commented with a smile. The man seemed to have a perfect handle on his son, but he wasn't about to say as much. "He's not the kind of friend I expected for you."
Squall frowned. He didn't care about anybody's expectations. "Your point being?"
Undeterred, Laguna widened his smile. "That I'm pleasantly surprised. I'm glad you brought him along so we could meet properly."
Huffing at the statement they both knew wasn't true, Squall fell silent. It was Seifer who had dragged him along.
"It's hard to imagine you two only met again two weeks ago," Laguna continued, carefully reading his son's expression for the moment he inevitably crossed a line. "You get along very well."
"I guess."
"I'm not sure I understand everything, but… he seems like a good friend," Laguna reiterated his earlier words. "To think he's been sitting right under my nose all this time." He studied his son closely. "...How come I never knew about him?" he asked carefully.
"You know who he is," Squall said, his mood darkening. Loire had known perfectly well who he was allowing to live in his city, from the first day Seifer had set foot in Esthar. And in spite of an explicitly stated understanding that all parties involved would inform Garden about any news concerning the man, Loire had chosen not to.
"I knew about the sorceress knight," Laguna corrected with a frown, not liking the tone of accusation in Squall's voice. "I thought he was some former no-name SeeD. Not a cadet from Balamb. Nobody bothered to tell me he was your friend. Nobody ever even mentioned his name until Rinoa came to me last week."
Squall's brow twitched in annoyance. "You didn't tell me anything either," he said, his voice dangerously even. He hadn't given it much thought before, but now he couldn't help but think how Seifer and him could've cleared the air years earlier.
At the accusation now spoken out loud, Laguna knew Squall was raising his hackles. "I didn't think I had the right," he said firmly. "I gave him the benefit of the doubt when he crossed our borders. He's not the only person to have been manipulated by Ultimecia and he's certainly not the only one living under Estharian protection. It's not a policy I've made public, but I haven't regretted it yet."
He paused, aware of his son's close attention to his every word. "I followed up on Seifer's files personally the first two months after his arrival, but he kept his nose clean. National security still keeps tabs on him. The usual protocol; employment, criminal record, anything out of the ordinary, but he dropped from our high priority lists very early on." He met Squall's intent gaze. "I was simply protecting an Estharian citizen."
"From Garden?" Squall said incredulously. "We signed the treaty. We agreed with the general exemption article."
Laguna shook his head slightly. "Revenge is an ugly motive," he said soberly. "Someone who's been wronged might not care about things like mind control. Atreaty won't keep them from hunting down their aggressor... A lot of SeeDs lost their lives at the hands of Galbadian soldiers, under a knight's orders. Maybe the public doesn't know much about what went on, but your operatives, do they all agree with the general exemption? Do they still look at Galbadian soldiers the same?"
"Fine," Squall interrupted tersely, not wanting to hear anymore about the war. "I get it." He badly wished he could take out his frustration on Loire, but the man hadn't actually done anything wrong. Loire had done his best to protect Seifer, which was more than he could say for himself.
"Like I said, I don't know or understand everything that happened," Laguna offered, his voice gentle. "I just wanted to say that whatever the circumstances, he seems like a good man." Squall didn't reply, but he saw some of the tension leave the stern set to his son's mouth and eyes. "I'm glad the war isn't the last you two saw of each other."
Accepting the ceasefire, Squall slowly leaned back in his chair and let his gaze fall to the table. "...Me too."
Everything about his son's demeanor told Laguna there was more to their story than just two old friends reconnecting. Thinking of their trip to Winhill, he couldn't help but wonder why they needed Ellone's help to revisit the war. Seifer's need had to be great for Squall to put aside the intense dislike he harbored for his birth place. It seemed that the war had not only separated them, but it had also created wounds.
Stifling a sigh, he tried to push back all the could-have's and should-have's. If only he'd been more resolute about breaking Esthar's isolation sooner. If only he'd strong-armed his cabinet into following his leadership instead of waiting for them to come around. He hadn't known he had a son at the time. A son who was risking his life along with his friends while Esthar's politicians had been paralyzed by fear, bickering and debating the merits of joining the fight against another sorceress. They'd done nothing when the first reports came in of Timber's and Dollet's occupation. They'd stood by idly as Galbadia's government crumbled from within. The destruction of Trabia Garden had only led to the strengthening of their own shields. By the time Squall had shown up to bring the fight to them, so much damage had been done already.
And now his conscience would have to find a way to reconcile the fact that Esthar had failed Seifer as well. He highly doubted Ultimecia had been a kinder mistress to her subjects than Adel.
He shook his head. This was not the time for such somber thoughts. His son was visiting him, and he'd just been extended an invitation to watch him spar. Today was a good day.
"I suppose I should go alert my staff and make arrangements for you two," he said, drawing his son's gaze. "I'll have housekeeping prepare two guest rooms as well."
Unsurprisingly, his son frowned at the offer. "We're leaving after the spar."
"Well, you need a room to change anyway," Laguna said with a smile, undeterred. He knew it was unlikely for Squall to take him up on his invitation, but he made it all the same. As he always did. "You might as well spend the night if you'd like. It'll be late by the time you're done. I'll have Gabriel prepare us a royal breakfast." Playing into Squall's newly discovered weakness, he added, "I'm sure Seifer would love it."
His son sighed and rubbed his brow. "I'm sure he would," he said coolly, his reply noncommittal.
Laguna smiled, encouraged by the lack of an outright refusal. "Well, feel free to take or leave the rooms," he said, easing up. "No need to decide right away." He stood up from his chair and tried to remember who was tonight's head of watch now that Kiros was away. "I'll go and make preparations then. I'll send someone by to lead you to the guest room."
Squall just looked at him wearily, but then nodded.
"Perfect," Laguna said, clapping his hands together. Beaming a final smile to his son, he walked out the dining room with a spring in his step.
Tonight was proving to be the best night he'd had in a long time. Squall had been uncharacteristically tolerant of him so far, reinforcing his belief that not all was lost. And he'd just gained a new ally. Seifer clearly shared his interest to have Squall return to Esthar as often as possible and the man seemed to have a great deal of influence over his son. His smile widened. Things were looking up.
~ o ~
A/N: Thank you for all the reviews - they really mean a lot to us! It's so great to know people are still reading this story :)
