Fox and Hound
Chapter Four
"ESUNA!"
Irvine felt the warm tingling sensation of the spell even through the liquor-induced fog he had hidden in for the past two days. Clenching his eyes shut, he tried to resist the effects of the cleansing spell and retreat back into his stupor, but to no avail. As his senses slowly returned, he realized that he was sitting in a puddle. A cold puddle. And it was raining.
Wha fuck? How come it's raining in the house?
"Get up, Kinneas" commanded a voice that was even colder than the water currently pouring down on him. Leaning back against the tile wall of the shower, Irvine groaned softly. He knew that voice.
Leonhart…What the fuck does he want?
"I said get up!" A hand grabbed the sniper by the front of his water-logged vest and hauled him roughly to his feet. Irvine tentatively cracked one eye open.
Yep. There it is. The patented Squall "Blizzaga" Leonhart You-fucked-up-AGAIN-Kinneas glare.
"What the hell do you want, Squall?"
The SeeD commander, still clutching Irvine by the vest, yanked the sniper downwards until his former colleague's nose was a mere hairs-breadth away from his own.
"You were supposed to report for a mission briefing yesterday, "Squall snapped. "You never showed, so I came looking for you." Squall's face twisted into a contemptuous sneer. "And I found you here--drunk off your ass, as usual. The only surprise was that you weren't in bed with three or four of your groupies--What's the matter, Kinneas? Lost your touch with the ladies?"
Irvine opened his mouth to reply, but before he could say anything, Squall pushed Irvine away, turned on his heel, and strode toward the door.
"Get into some dry clothes and get your sorry fucking ass downstairs," the SeeD called back over his shoulder, "And don't take all day about it."
By the time Irvine had dried off and changed, most of the events of the past forty-eight hours had come back to him.
Oh Hyne…Vonnie…
She was gone.
Irvine sat down on the bed, buried his face in his hands, and let his grief overtake him. The one good thing in his life, and he'd screwed it up…as usual.
Glancing up at the nightstand, his eyes found a picture in a silver frame. Siobhan and himself, both grinning like idiots. In her arms, his lover hugged a butt-ugly stuffed Tri-Face. Despite his pain, a small smile tugged the corners of the gunman's lips upwards.
Six Flags over Trabia…our first kiss…
**********
"Come ON, Kinneas! Move your skinny ass!" Siobhan laughed, grabbing Irvine's wrist and dragging him after her. "I've got a need…for speed!"
The Galbadian looked dubiously at the roller coaster that his partner was determinedly dragging him towards. A trainload of screaming coaster-junkies whizzed by overhead. Irvine cringed; that train had to be travelling at least 5000 kph.
"Uh, O'Hara? How 'bout we ride the carousel instead?" he suggested, giving Siobhan a queasy smile.
Siobhan rolled her eyes and continued pulling him towards the giant death machine. Just before they got in line, Irvine dug in his heels, refusing to proceed any further.
"Think I'll just sit this one out," he said, "You go on…have fun."
His partner gave him a disappointed look. "Aww…come on, Irv--it's no fun riding alone."
The marksman gestured at the line of masochists queued up for torture, "You'll hardly be alone--" he began.
Siobhan rolled her eyes again, "You know what I mean!" She began tugging at his wrist again, "Come on, you'll love it!"
Desperately, Irvine scanned the vicinity for something to distract his partner. His gaze fell on a nearby shooting gallery and a relieved grin spread across his face.
"How 'bout I get you another coaster buddy?" he asked.
"Huh?" Siobhan shot him a puzzled look.
"Come on," he grinned. This time, it was the Galbadian who grabbed his partner's wrist and set off at a run, yanking Siobhan behind him.
"I should have known," she moaned in mock despair as they reached the gallery entrance.
Irvine grinned and handed over some gil to the attendant.
"You'd think he'd get enough of this out in the field," his partner commented to no one in particular, "and not waste a day off on such nonsense--particularly when there are coasters to be ridden--"
"Quiet woman!" the gunman growled as he peered down the rifle barrel, "I've gotta save the world from these dastardly--" he gave the targets a menacing glare, "duckies and bunnies!"
Siobhan threw up her hands in surrender, "Knock yourself out, Cowboy."
Fifteen minutes later, Irvine had won enough prize tickets to claim the shooting gallery if he had so desired. Setting the rifle down, he turned to find that a small crowd had gathered to watch. A smattering of applause broke out as he stepped back from the table and beckoned to his partner.
"Choose your coaster partner, O'Hara," he drawled, smiling. "How 'bout that pink chocobo? He looks like he'd enjoy a ride on that death machine."
Siobhan wrinkled up her nose and shook her head.
A lime green moggle, a bright yellow PuPu, and an electric blue moomba each met with a similar rejection. A brilliant scarlet torama briefly caught the redhead's eye, but before she could claim it, her eyes discerned something else that caused her to break out in a dazzling smile.
"I'll take that one!" she said, pointing.
When Irvine saw what his partner had chosen, he nearly doubled over with laughter. The attendant handed Siobhan's prize to her, and the two partners exited the shooting gallery.
"Leave it to you to chose the most butt-ugly monstrosity in the place," he laughed.
Siobhan held the purple and green mottled tri-face out at arm's length and regarded it critically. "I think he's cute," she insisted.
"Bleah!" Irvine crossed his eyes and stuck out his tongue in distaste.
His partner ignored him and continued to extol the virtues of her prize. "He's a handsome devil, alright." She laughed and shot her partner a sidelong glance, "A real lady-killer." After a moment, an evil grin spread across her face, "That's it! I'll name him Irvy!"
The sniper gave her a sour glare, "You do, and you can walk back home."
Unabashed, Siobhan jingled the keys hooked to her beltloop. "I won't be the one walking, Cowboy," she said cheerily.
Shoulders slumped in defeat, Irvine hooked his thumbs in his pockets and walked beside his partner in sullen silence.
Still grinning maliciously, Siobhan held the stuffed monster out before her again. "Irvy," she pronounced firmly, and kissed her prize on all three of its ugly noses before hugging it to her chest. The huntress gave her partner another sidelong glance.
I wish she'd hug ME like that…
Now where had that thought come from? Despite his partner's pretty face and astounding figure, Irvine had never thought of Siobhan O'Hara as anything other than a business partner and a friend. He liked his women a little more petite, a little more feminine, and a lot less dominant. O'Hara was not exactly the most feminine flower that Irvine had ever crossed paths with. Bare footed, his partner stood nearly as tall as Irvine, and was almost as strong as well. She was one hell of a good fighter; there was no one else he'd rather have watching his back--and that included the other members of the orphanage gang. Siobhan was frighteningly competent in battle, and Irvine was romantic enough to favor women who had more of the damsel-in-distress about them. His partner would never need a white knight to come charging to her rescue. No. O'Hara just wasn't his type.
Then why did he feel a sudden wave of jealousy wash over him? He refused to believe that he was envious of a cheap, ugly, stuffed toy just because his partner had kissed it and held it in her arms. Irvine replayed his partner's actions of the last few minutes: the sidelong glances, naming her prize "Irvy" just before kissing it…
If I didn't know her better, I'd say she was flirting with me…
Now that was a really crazy idea. O'Hara was the least flirtatious woman he'd ever met, and she'd never given the slightest indication that she thought of him as anything other than a friend.
The redhead stretched out a leather-sheathed hand and brushed his cheek with a feather light touch. "I've been looking for you for…a long time, Cowboy," she said softly.
Stunned, Irvine stared at his partner as if he'd never seen her before. O'Hara had sat down on a park bench and was bouncing Irvy the Tri-Face on her knee. When her gaze met the sniper's, she smiled mischievously and dropped a slow wink that made Irvine feel as if he'd gone into a free-fall.
She IS flirting with me! I don't believe it.
I THINK HE'S FINALLY BEGINNING TO SEE THE LIGHT! Cerberus 2 said.
TOOK HIM LONG ENOUGH, Cerberus 3 chuckled
HE ALWAYS WAS A BIT SLOW, Diablos reminded his companions.
WELL? Cerberus 1 demanded, ARE YOU GONNA KISS HER, OR JUST STAND THERE ALL DAY?
Shut up and let me think! Irvine mentally ordered the GFs. This was a real problem. Although he was elated at the thought that his partner might actually want him, he didn't want to destroy what friendship they had if things didn't work out. He didn't have so many friends that he could just throw them away without thinking about it. He had a good working relationship with O'Hara, and whatever he did next might change that forever. Irvine wanted to make sure that he didn't change it for the worse.
I don't know, O'Hara…I'd like to be more than friends, but I always end up pissing people off…I'm afraid…
SHA-LA-LA-LA-LA, OH MY MY, YOU KNOW DE BOY'S TOO SHY--AIN'T GONNA KISS DE GIRL, Diablos sang in a phony Jamaican accent.
SHA-LA-LA-LA-LA, AIN'T THAT SAD? IT'S A SHAME, TOO BAD! HE'S GONNA MISS DE GIRL! Cerberus 1, 2 and 3 harmonized in response. The GFs' laughter echoed within Irvine's consciousness.
YOU'RE THINKING TOO MUCH AGAIN, Diablos informed him. TRUST YOUR FEELINGS FOR ONCE.
Sighing, Irvine pushed his Stetson back and walked over to the bench to take a seat next to his partner. If she kicks my ass for this…The sniper sincerely hoped that he hadn't mistaken friendly teasing for something more.
Fuck! Here goes a perfectly good working relationship down the toilet, he thought as he removed his namesake from Siobhan's lap and dropped it to the ground at their feet. At his partner's quizzical look, Irvine placed a finger lightly against her lips.
"Hush," he commanded softly, "Not a word, O'Hara." Cupping a hand behind her neck, Irvine pulled his partner toward him.
Hyne…she's probably gonna deck me for this…
The last thing he saw was a pair of wide thundercloud grey eyes flashing silver lightening before his own eyes slid closed, and he pressed his lips gently against his partners'.
O'Hara's body stiffened momentarily, and Irvine thought that he was indeed about to be knocked on his ass. Almost immediately, however, she relaxed, and even went so far as to wind her arms around his neck as she enthusiastically returned his kiss. Tentatively, he ran his tongue along the seam of her lips.
Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg…she DOES taste like those damn cigarettes…I always wondered… Again, the marksman was surprised by his own thoughts. He had never thought about O'Hara as anything but a friend, but he'd wondered what kissing her would be like? None of this made any sense.
Siobhan's lips parted, allowing Irvine further access, but the sniper didn't press any further. He was just happy to be in the huntress's arms--and that she hadn't knocked him on his ass. Ignoring the catcalls and wolf-whistles from some of the passersby, Irvine slid his hands down to Siobhan's waist and pulled her closer.
When they finally parted, Irvine affectionately nuzzled Siobhan's hair, drinking in her scent of jasmine and spices.
I should have done that a long time ago!
Placing her lips against Irvine's ear, Siobhan whispered, "About time you got the idea, Cowboy--I thought I was gonna have to draw you a picture." A warm, moist tongue flicked playfully at his earlobe. Teeth caught and tugged at the small silver hoop he wore, and a throaty chuckle sounded in his ear.
In the end, she even got him on that damn roller coaster. Five times.
**********
Irvine lay curled up on the bed, clutching Siobhan's pillow to his chest. Her exotic scent still lingered on the linen pillowcase. Across the room, Irvy the butt-ugly Tri-Face mocked him with a triplicate grin.
What the hell are you laughing at, you ugly bastard? She left you behind too.
The bedroom door was suddenly thrown open, slamming against the wall with a loud bang. In the doorway, Squall stood glowering down at Irvine.
Shit…Forgot about him.
Squall strode into the room, grabbed Irvine by the shirt collar and hauled him off the bed.
"Damn it to fuck, Kinneas," the commander growled, "You've never been worth the amount of trouble you cause." Keeping a firm grasp on Irvine's shirt, Squall steered the marksman out the door and down the stairs. When they arrived in the living room, Squall pushed Irvine roughly down on the sofa before taking a chair on the other side of a low coffee table. A stack of folders rested on the glass surface.
"Uh…Squall…" Irvine began, "I'm sorry about not showing up for the briefing, but…I've had…I mean, my…" the sniper stared at the floor, unable to continue.
The SeeD commander looked up, scowling. "Spare me your excuses, Kinneas. I don't want to hear them." He went back to flipping through file folders, pulling out some, and setting others aside. Irvine sat quietly on the sofa, staring at his hands which were folded in his lap.
Frosty son of a bitch…why send me if I'm so fucking incompetent?…Bastard makes me feel like a damned retarded chocobo.
At last, Squall finished sorting through the pile of papers. He tapped the top folder with one finger before sliding it over to the sniper.
"This file contains the most recent research on sorceresses," he said. "Save it to read on the train." Irvine nodded and set the thick folder to the side.
"This one, " Squall said, handing Irvine a much thinner folder, "is a dossier on your target." Irvine opened the folder and glanced at the documents. A rap sheet, a psychological profile, and a blurry black and white photograph.
"She's called the Shadow Fox," Squall continued, "and we don't really know much else about her--she appeared out of nowhere about two years ago. Heads up a terrorist organization called Sisters of the Shadow--apparently all sorceresses."
Irvine looked at the grainy photograph. "Crappy picture," he remarked, tossing it back onto the coffee table. "Can't tell fuck-all what she looks like."
Squall nodded. "That was taken from a surveillance video." The commander tapped the photograph and continued, "Look closely--you couldn't see her face even if the picture was crystal clear. Shadow Fox always wears a mask and hood over her face and hair. That's how you'll recognize her."
Irvine nodded, "Got it."
"Tell me what you make of this," Squall again tapped the photo, drawing Irvine's eyes to a particular spot.
In the foreground of the picture stood a black draped figure--obviously his target--fighting a Galbadian soldier. Where Squall had pointed, however, was slightly to the rear of the sorceress. The graininess of the photo made the image difficult to make out, but eventually Irvine was able to discern the figure of a light haired man in what looked like a white or grey trenchcoat. The figure was swinging a wicked looking bladed weapon at his adversary.
Irvine gave a low shistle. "So the lapdog's hooked up with another sorceress."
Squall nodded, "Looks that way. This could be the biggest break we've had--find Seifer, and you'll likely find Shadow Fox."
"Any idea where to start looking?"
The commander nodded. "Some," he said. "We've infiltrated the Sisterhood. Our agent has supplied us with the location of the Fox's lair--in Deling City."
"So I'm going to Deling?"
"No." The SeeD shook his head. "We have a team of operatives moving in to neutralize the group even as we speak."
"Then what do you need me for?"
"According to our agent, Shadow Fox is on her way to Odine's lab in Esthar. Remember the Junction Ellone device that Ultimecia had in the future?" Squall waited for Irvine's nod of confirmation before continuing. "Apparently, that's the Fox's target. She's planning on stealing the device--probably with the intention of either using it herself, or just holding onto it until Ultimecia finds it."
"So, I'm going to Esthar to stop her."
"Exactly," Squall said. "You'll be stationed on the roof over the main doorway. Our agent will be with her and will give you a signal. When you see it, take your shot and eliminate the target."
"What's the signal?" Irvine asked.
The commander shrugged. "I don't know exactly," he confessed, "but I believe you'll know it when you see it--at least, that's what our operative says, at any rate." Squall began to gather the files he wasn't leaving with Irvine. "Any questions?" he asked.
"Yeah," Irvine said, "When do I leave?"
"Your train leaves tomorrow morning. You should arrive in Esthar the following morning and make contact with Kiros Seagill. He'll meet you at the station and provide you with clearance to enter Odine's lab."
"Who's my relief?"
"No one, you're going in alone."
Irvine shook his head. "I'm not a damn machine, commander--unlike you. I can't maintain surveillance indefinitely. When am I supposed to sleep?"
"Our operative has given us a pretty good idea of when Shadow Fox is gong to make her attempt, so you shouldn't have to be up there any longer than 24 hours. Think you can go without your beauty sleep for that long?" Squall sneered.
"What day?"
"She's due two days after you arrive. Be sure to look over the area after you arrive. Find the best vantage point, and then get some sleep--alone-- so you don't fall asleep on the job."
The sniper bristled. "You don't have to tell me how to do my job."
Squall snorted his derision. After a moment, he continued, "Needless to say, if you're captured, SeeD will deny all knowledge or responsibility for your presence."
Irvine nodded. No surprises there.
The commander finished gathering up files and rose from his chair. After handing Irvine an envelope containing his train tickets, Squall headed for the door. Before making his exit he turned to make a final dig at the sniper.
"Oh, and by the way, Kinneas," he said, voice frigid with contempt, " I don't want a repeat of the clocktower incident. No one will be there to hold your hand and baby you through this--so don't fuck up this time."
Is the bastard ever going to quit riding me about that?
Irvine narrowed his eyes and glared at the SeeD. "You know that was different," he said. "I was the only one who remembered Matron; I just couldn't kill her--"
Squall shook his head, "Personal feelings should never get in the way of completing a mission."
"Don't worry," the sniper said bitterly, "there's no personal feelings here to get in the way."
Squall gazed at Irvine impassively. "Good. Because I promise you, Kinneas, fuck this up and I'll kill you myself." Allowing himself a tight smile at the gunman's surprised expression, Squall strode out of the house.
SOMEONE NEEDS TO YANK THE STICK OUT OF THAT BOY'S ASS, Diablos commented as Irvine watched Squall get into his car and drive away.
YEAH, Cerberus 1 agreed, AND THEN BEAT HIM OVER THE HEAD WITH IT.
SERIOUSLY, said Cerberus 3.
Irvine sighed wearily. He just wants the mission to be successful. Hyne knows, my past record doesn't exactly inspire confidence.
Cerberus 2 snorted, THEN WHY DID HE COME TO YOU IN THE FIRST PLACE? IF YOU'RE SUCH A FUCK UP, WHY PLACE AN IMPORTANT MISSION IN YOUR HANDS?
Because I'm expendable…
BECAUSE YOU'RE THE BEST, Diablos corrected, AND THAT FRIGID SON OF A BITCH KNOWS IT--WHETHER HE'LL ADMIT IT OR NOT.
Squall must have really pissed the GFs off if they were actually defending Irvine. Normally, Diablos and Cerberus made the sniper squirm under the assault of their sarcastic comments.
THAT'S DIFFERENT, Cerberus 2 said smugly, YOU'RE OUR HOST, AND WE LOVE YOU, SO WE CAN SAY WHAT WE WANT.
RIGHT, Diablos agreed, BUT EVERYONE ELSE HAD BETTER KEEP A CIVIL TONGUE IN THEIR HEADS.
The GFs' statement stunned the sniper. You guys…love…me?
OF COURSE, Cerberus 3 said. DO YOU REALLY THINK WE'D BE HERE IF WE DIDN'T?
Irvine's throat tightened with emotion. I never knew…I love you all too.
OH HYNE, Cerberus 2 moaned, DON'T GO GETTING ALL MAUDLIN NOW!
Smiling at the GF's mock-anger, Irvine went upstairs to pack for his trip.
When this is all over, Vonnie, I promise I'll come find you.
After throwing a few changes of clothing into his pack, Irvine's gaze once again fell on the snapshot of Siobhan and himself. Without thinking, he picked up the picture and slipped it into his pack.
Wherever you've gone, I'll find you…I'll bring you back home…I promise.
**********
A/N: Well…the semblance of a plot finally rears its ugly head. Heh…isn't Squall a jerk in this fic? He's always such a boyscout in everyone else's fics--I just thought I'd make him an asshole for a change. Hmmm…I wonder who the traitor that Squall mentioned is?
Well…please leave a review--just to let me know that someone out there's reading this. Pathetic request, I know. I just have this neurotic need to know that there's an audience for this fic--even if it's a hostile one! :D.