True Destiny
By Soul Hunter
"Everything is as it should be..."
Chapter Three
"May I have this dance?"
The newlyweds, though awash with euphoria, nevertheless expended the second to look at the source of the intruding voice. Right beside them, Seifer stood, grinning from ear to ear.
"Sorry, Seifer. But I'm afraid Squall is all mine for the rest of the afternoon." Quistis retorted jokingly, eliciting a fond chuckle from her husband.
"Oh I'm sure Zell and Irvine want a crack at the Waltz with ol' Mr. Klutz here." Seifer shot back. "But I really want to dance with you, not him."
Squall then stepped back with that contented smile. "There's a time limit to these things, Seifer. Be sure to return my wife before midnight."
"Care for an exchange, Commander?"
"Heh! Not on a honeymoon night, bud."
The SeeD leader then walked off, snickering all the way to his table. Try as he might, he still can't get used to the fact of himself and Seifer being the best of friends. Yes, it had been quite a long time since the two of them ceased their bickering for the sake of the common good. But back then, the best that he expected was merely strained civility. No more fighting nor mundane rivalries. But being best friends? He half expected either Irvine or Zell to develop that kind of closeness with him. But not Seifer. Not after what the two of them had been going through since they were kids.
But it was not to say the development wasn't welcome. He never admitted it to anyone, but deep inside, Squall felt the sense of loss back during the time he saw Seifer standing like the proud sorceress' knight he envisioned himself to be on that fateful night of the supposed assassination of their enthralled Matron. And right now, he could never hold back acknowledging how happy he was with how things turned out.
And what an opportune time for this lady to be making her entrance. Inadvertently roaming his attention around the lavishly prepared upper deck of the gala room, Squall subsequently caught sight of Rinoa looking at him. Her index finger was pointing upward. He tried to fight the urge to laugh out loud.
"You're the second best looking guy here." She began with a smirk. "Dance with me?"
"Hey, now I'm only runner-up?" He snapped back, knowing all too well what Rinoa meant.
"I'm afraid that's the way the world works, Mr. Leonhart. I'd still flirt with you, but I'm a happily-married woman now."
Squall shook his head in resigned amusement prior to taking Rinoa's hand. "Hope Seifer's not the jealous type." He quipped as the two of them made their way to the dance floor.
"He would have if it were a year ago. I had the hardest time convincing him that I never really fell that deeply for you."
"You didn't?" Squall mocked an expression of surprise, with his kidding remark immediately followed by a yelp when Rinoa pinched him at the side. "Yeow! I was kidding, okay?"
"Squall Leonhart making a funny?" Rinoa remarked. "I never thought I'd see something freakier than Deed dating a lamer! Wow! Getting married really does change a person, doesn't it."
"Change" He mumbled. "I sure have changed, haven't I?"
"Yeah. Who'd have thought all it needs to do that to you is Quisty"
Squall tossed a loving glance at the instructor while she danced with his erstwhile rival. "And to think I've known her nearly all my life"
"She really broke through your shell, Squall. It took the two of you forever but at least"
Rinoa smiled at Squall, all the while looking back at the times she once nurtured wishful thoughts of someday being together with the man who once saved her life. She counted the multitude of times wherein she tried to break through his self-imposed barrier via all sorts of antics, which didn't fall short of maneuvering for a place alone with him in that ragtag city by the abandoned railroad bridge. Recalling the night when her friends held that impromptu concert, Rinoa consequently remembered the unpleasant word war, which eventually led her to walk out on this very same man. After that ill-fated encounter, she knew that being a couple with the elusive SeeD commander was as close to impossibility as anything could ever get. When she left him by the side of the makeshift stage, she also left behind any hopes of ever being one with him.
She had no inkling of the decisiveness of that night's event. And now, Rinoa can only be thankful that things happened the way they did. In her mind, they happened the way they were supposed to happen. Following his line of sight, her eyes locked on the stately figure of her husband dancing with the SeeD commander's wife. Seifer, her first love the one whom she thought forever lost in his delusional ambitions. The one who came back just in time to save her life, heart and soul from physical and spiritual extinction. Yes, she couldn't be happier at how things fell into place.
"I don't know" she began anew. "You may be the Lord of all SeeDs, but my husband still does the Waltz a lot better than you do."
"Touché!"
"Now that's a sight I never thought I'd see again." Quistis said when she glanced at Squall, pretending to trip on his own feet while dancing with Rinoa. "Sure brings back memories"
"What?" Seifer reacted, looking at the same direction.
"Oh yeah, you weren't there at that inauguration night. You were"
"I was in detention, I know. You can say it." He followed up with a slight grin. Quistis bowed her head, not knowing how to react.
"A lot of things have happened since then, huh." She came back contemplatively, recalling the past conflicts they had with the same man she was sharing their part of the dance floor with. Quistis silently cursed at herself for unwittingly bringing back a slew of memories she deemed unpleasant for Seifer. This is a day of merriment, she pondered. And certainly not one for bringing back recollections of adversities long gone. She felt the compulsion to apologize to Seifer, but her urge was kept at bay by her own sense of shame.
"Don't worry about it, instructor. All water under the bridge." Seifer assuaged. Quistis can't help but train a look of wonderment towards her former problem student.
"Sorry it's just that sometimes I still get overwhelmed by all this. I mean you being here with us. Us being friends"
"Oh don't tell me you still haven't forgotten everything." Seifer remarked, a tinge of disappointment evident in his voice. "Do I still need to make up for all the stupid things I did in the past?"
"No, no. It's not you, Seifer. This is more about me."
"Huh?"
"I I believe this is not anymore a matter of forgiving you for what you did. Like you said, all water under the bridge. Everyone seems to have forgotten everything especially after your role in helping us defeat Ultimecia."
"So what's the problem then?"
"Um I'm just not sure if I've already forgiven myself."
A look of perplexity became painted in Seifer's face. "I don't think I catch your drift."
"Seifer" Quistis sighed, "I blamed myself for what happened to you before. Whenever I look back, I always see this pattern that said I should have paid more attention to you. But no I had to focus all my attention with Squall because well, you know why. But that doesn't justify the fact that I practiced favoritism between the two of you."
"Well, instructor"
"Please." She interrupted. "I prefer Quistis or Quisty."
"Okay, Quisty" Seifer reverted. "You are right about one thing. I was pissed as hell because you always seemed to take his side." He then paused, looking at the majestic overhead skylight before continuing. "Because of that, I tried to hide the fact that in spite of myself I've always looked up to you. I've always admired you."
"Oh?"
"Hard to believe, isn't it." He chuckled. "Especially considering how I always reacted whenever you wished me luck."
"Hmph, yeah." She scoffed. "Save it for bad students
who need them. And then I'd further annoy you by wishing you luck just the same. You
sure have a good memory, Seifer."
"Well, I'm not really that dependent on GFs unlike you guys."
"I'm sure" Quistis replied, prior to a long spell of silence as the unlikely pair continued to sway to the music that had abruptly turned mellow.
And though time had already ironed out their differences, the instructor and the former adversary still felt that minute trace of discomfort, manifested by their elusive eyes which seemed to be avoiding each other as they feigned interest in observing the people around them. The instructor drew a fond smile when she spotted Zell and Selphie clinging tightly to each other while moving in synchronized motions with the sweet music. She then nearly snickered upon seeing Irvine and Ellone locked in a similar fashion. Quistis wondered at the side, what would Squall be thinking at this moment about his adopted sister being wooed by Balamb Garden's renowned ladies' man?
She was then slightly surprised upon gazing back at Seifer. He was looking intently at her, a look of deep thought written all over his face.
"Uh yeah?" she stammered, trying to shake of the fit of embarrassment.
"If I hadn't been what I had been," Seifer started anew, "would I be your favorite student?"
"Hmm" she contemplated. "For obvious reasons, no. But I'm pretty sure you'll be among the best. Actually, you are one of the best. You're perhaps the only person who can stand toe to toe with Squall."
"You're wrong, Quisty." He returned smirking. "It's more like Squall is perhaps the only one who can stand toe to toe with me."
"I guess some things will never change." Quistis laughed with the chortling Seifer.
----------
"Come on, THROW IT ALREADY!" A melange of eager female voices reverberated through the chaotic atmosphere of the gala room. Near the main doors, Quistis stood blindfolded, her back turned toward a group of rambunctious young ladies excitedly waiting for her to toss the bridal bouquet in a most familiar wedding tradition of predicting whose next in line. Separated from the noisy group are Selphie and Rinoa, both feeling almost sorry for not mixing it up with their female colleagues on account of the fact that both of them were already married.
Despite the cacophony of squealing voices, Squall was still managing to give out subtle tips to his wife.
"I little bit more to the left, honey."
"Like this?"
"Just a few more alright. You're set!"
"You sure you wanna do this, honey?" Quistis asked Squall.
"Hey, it'll be fun, trust me. I've always wanted to see Sis' face when she catches this bouquet." He answered while watching his wife cock her arms down for the backward throw.
"Okay. By the way, I thought you might want to know. Ellone and Irvine have been going out for quite sometime now."
"W-WHAT? Wait, honey! Wait-wait-WAIT.!"
But it was too late for Squall as the notorious clump of pastel blue and peach went airborne before he can stop Quistis. The SeeD leader can do nothing but slap his hand on his face in exasperation when the bouquet landed right into Ellone's wide open hands, to the wild applause of the appreciative guests.
"How come I'm always the last one to know about these things?" He groaned to his wife.
"Aww, don't worry about it, hon." Quistis consoled him. "I'm sure you can trust Irvy with Sis."
A sight that caught his eyes intermitted Squall's answer. Feeling at first the familiar sentiment of appreciation upon catching sight of Seifer and Rinoa locked in a tender kiss, he was then suddenly attacked by a strange hollow sensation down his gut. For some reason, he found himself silently abhorring the scene transpiring before him. It was almost as if
"Nah that's stupid." He quipped. Suddenly, his head started to throb. Quistis immediately noticed the shifting expression on her husband's face.
"Squall, honey, are you alright?"
"Yeah just some headache"
"You sure? We can always cancel the trip to Costa del Sol if you need to rest."
"I'm fine, don't worry about me, Quisty." Squall came back as he started to feel his head clearing, prior to hearing a familiar voice emanating from beside them.
"Hey Squall, look who's here." Laguna's voice reverberated. The SeeD leader turned around, expecting to see his father before him. Laguna wasn't alone.
"Son, I'm so sorry for being late. But you know how it is back home"
Squall froze, as if in shock.
"M-Mom?"
A most refreshing smile flashed from the warm face of Raine Loire as she moved to give her popular son a loving embrace. Squall felt strange, yet he still managed to return his mother's heartfelt display of affection. The most incredible feeling of warmth and comfort steadily began to envelop Squall's heart while feeling Raine's arms around him. Consequently, his embrace tightened around her.
"Mom mom! I'm so glad you're here!" The SeeD leader voiced out emotionally.
"Squall, honey, are you alright?" Raine echoed after coming off from the hug. "You're acting like you haven't seen me in years."
"Heh, I am, ain't I" Squall replied chuckling, his hands wiping off small traces of tears from his eyes. "I'm just so happy to see you"
"Aww, that's so sweet, son." The Winhill businesswoman retorted tenderly before hugging her son once more. Raine then turned to Quistis, who consequently wrapped her arms around her now official mother-in-law.
"I've always thought you two are perfect for each other." Raine whispered into Quistis' ears. "And I hope you'll enjoy the same happiness in life that Laguna and I had."
"Thanks, Raine I mean Mom"
"So where's the honeymoon supposed to be?" Laguna asked Squall, his eyes reeking with playful mischief.
"Dad," the son returned cheerfully. "I'm not like you. I can still hold it for a couple of hours until we get to Costa Del Sol."
"Costa Del Sol?" Laguna remarked with mock surprise. "Where'd you get the money for that?"
"From you"
"Your mother is really pampering you too much, huh."
"Yeah...!" Squall chuckled while staring at the two most important women in his life. Inadvertently staring at Raine, Squall sensed that same hollow feeling in his gut. But this time, it was merely fleeting.
"Weird day" He remarked to himself.
End of Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Headmaster Cid had expected a most joyous day. And rightfully so, what with the most anticipated wedding of two of his most favorite proteges who also happened to be the two greatest SeeDs in the history of Garden. He had really been looking forward to this day since Squall and Quistis announced their engagement close to a year ago. Cid had such high hopes, shared by no less than his wife Edea.
But had they known this would happen on this same day of promise, the two proponents of the world's most illustrious para-military organization would have wished it to pass uneventfully without any second thought. His forehead wrinkling, Cid Kramer gawked unbelievingly at the pair of resignation letters laid out on his desk.
"Aren't we perhaps being a bit too drastic here?" He echoed disappointedly. "I can understand requests for extended leave considering that you have to go on your honeymoon. But outright resignation? I'm sorry, but I just thought giving up everything that you two worked so hard for all your lives is simply too rash."
Squall and Quistis didn't answer, the jovial look on their faces easily replaced by that of pensiveness. They did expect a rather negative impact to the couple they looked up to as their parents for most of their lives. But not this. The newlywed SeeDs never foresaw Cid in such a dire disposition. They wanted to say something, but the Headmaster's unexpected reaction consequently rendered moot any kind of consoling words they could possibly come up with.
"So what do I do with Garden now?" The dejected Cid continued. "Don't get me wrong, Squall, Quistis. I'm really happy for you two, but the prospect of losing you both is rather exorbitant. You two are my best soldiers, my foremost operatives. Finding a replacement for you would be next to impossible."
"What are you talking about, Headmaster?" Squall finally voiced out. "A lot of people can easily fill in for us. There's Seifer, Zell, Selphie, Irvine, Xu, Rinoa, Nid"
"My children, perhaps you may have to forgive your Headmaster for this posturing." Edea butted in with a melancholic smile. "I believe it's what you call a 'guy thing', Squall. But what Cid is really trying to say is he doesn't want to see you go. Because he'll miss you immensely."
Squall and Quistis looked up to Edea's reddening eyes while she continued. " And frankly, so will I"
"Matron" Quistis softly uttered. Unable to contain her emotions any longer, the instructor then rushed to Edea and wrapped her arm around her. "I'll miss you too I'll miss you so much"
"Hush, my child. You know it breaks my heart to see both of you go." Edea muttered while running her hand over Quistis' blonde hair. "But I suppose it'll suffice if you promise us that you'll stay in touch."
"Of course we will" Quistis assuaged with fervor. "You don't really think Squall and I plan to go away for good. All we had and will ever have is right here. All our friends the people we love, you how could you think that we'll ever stay away?" She added as warm tears start to flow from her azure eyes.
Reluctantly letting go of Edea, Quistis then turned to the Headmaster, her face flush with fond emotions for the man they will be leaving behind. He was somewhat reluctant at first, but Cid ultimately acquiesced upon feeling the instructor's arms over his wide shoulders. He embraced her, finally releasing the anguish of the prospect of losing this woman whom he had always seen as the daughter they never had. Cid landed a fatherly kiss on Quistis' cheeks a kiss conveying the immense pride he regarded her. They let go just in time to witness the same scene between Edea and Squall.
"Call us, okay?" Edea whispered to the head SeeD.
"You know we will" Squall stammered, battling hard to keep in check the emotions threatening to overcome him.
Looking back, he felt his heart finally resting to the state of contentment he had always longed for. No longer fearful of caring, Squall silently reveled at the realization that no matter what happens, he will always have them to care and be there for him. For the first time in his life, he knew that he didn't have to be scared of losing anyone anymore.
Squall went over to Cid, and expended a few moments for a farewell hug before ultimately taking his wife's hands. Cid and Edea were still staring at the newlyweds as they disappeared behind the closing elevator door.
----------
A few hours had already gone by after the departure of the pearl white Estharian space shuttle specifically designed to carry the just married couple to their destination. And by this time, the previously bustling gala room had already fallen to a quiet state of emptiness, with nary anyone left but a small squad of contractual janitors assigned to clean the place up. Most of the guests had either gone home, gone back to their respective quarters or, for the more merrymaking type, gone to Balamb town for their own continuation of the festivities.
But Ellone opted to occupy the peacefully silent solitude of the Quad. And as she gazed with wonderment at the distant horizon, she can't help but ponder at the recently transpired events, which involved no less than the most important people in her life. With a dainty smile, she remembered Squall, and how happy he must be right now in the company of the woman he loves. She recalled how Quistis had confessed to her before how she tried to take her place as the then troubled youth's big sister figure, and failed miserably in countless occasions. Consequently, Ellone can't avoid an amused smirk on how irony asserted itself in bringing forth the eventual union of hearts between Squall and Quistis.
She remembered the look on Squall's face upon seeing his mother, Raine. A strange sense of relief flooded her heart. She had witnessed the scene between mother and son too many times to keep count. But strangely enough, Ellone always felt like every instant that they got together was a first time. Why can't she get used to the scenario? Not that she's complaining, of course. Nothing really brought more immense joy in her heart than seeing Raine and Squall spending quality time together as if it was some kind of a life's goal for her.
Suddenly, Ellone felt a harrowing emptiness, as if her insides had just caved in. She clutched her chest, trying to make some sense of this mysterious sensation. A voice from behind subsequently made the experience vanish into nothingness.
"Penny for your thoughts?" the gentle voice resonated. Ellone turned to the sight of a smiling Irvine, tipping his hat to her in chivalrous flair.
"Hi Irvy" She greeted back. "I thought you're going out with the guys tonight."
"Oh, nothing can be more drab than a place bereft of your presence." The gunslinger replied with a cutesy grin.
"Flatterer!" Ellone snapped back. "And since when did you become the bard type?"
"Ever since I met you"
"'Again'."
"What?"
"What you really mean is ever since you met me again." Ellone clarified. "I used to help Matron take care of you all back in the orphanage, remember? And all of you used to call me 'Sis' back then?"
"Yeah" Irvine whispered while inching closer to her. "But we were all kids back then. And I really didn't know you that well before"
His face was already merely inches away from hers, but Ellone stood her ground. "And may I ask what are you driving at, Mr. Kinneas?"
"Um I wanna know you more"
"Irvy"
"Ellone"
"Irvy?"
" Elle"
Aggressive lips started to veer downward on a rendezvous with the other, with Irvine silently commending himself for this final conquest as he anticipated the softness he was about to experience. He then closed his eyes
And felt nothing but air.
"Do I really look like Rachel Leigh Cook?" Ellone suddenly blurted out after pulling away. She nearly burst into laughter upon setting eyes on Irvine's annoyed expression.
"What?"
"Rachel Leigh Cook, the actress. Uncle Laguna said I look just like her."
"Oh man"
Ellone stifled another fit, taking immense enjoyment in seeing Irvine's frustrated face. "You're getting mad at me, aren't you?"
""
"Hmm pity." She quipped with a frisky pout on her lips. "Here I am, in a romantic night with one of the best looking guys in Garden. I just mess a little bit with him and he becomes whiny like a schoolboy. Oh well, what a waste"
"Oh, you're messing with me, huh!" Irvine blurted out at Ellone. "Don't you know that no one messes with Irvine Kinneas?"
"Oh yeah?" Ellone retorted. "AND what do you plan to do about this, may I ask?"
"THIS!" He suddenly exclaimed while grabbing her by her bare arm. Displaying impeccable know-how in the fine art of swinging, Irvine spun Ellone around, then grabbed her by the waist before wrapping his arms around her back, all in one deft move. Their faces merely less than an inch apart, he flashed the most captivating smile he can muster while his eyes bore deeply into Ellone's, as if trying to reach into the most hidden depths of her soul. She nervously met his gaze, feeling the loud thumping of her heart as she anxiously anticipated his next move."
"Irvine you used to call me 'Sis' remember?"
"Shh let's talk later"
And nothing was heard from that point on, except for the faint sounds of the perennial birds and Bite Bugs.
----------
"Alone at last" Squall bellowed after hearing the soft click of the wide door to the lavish honeymoon suite where he will be spending the next of the two weeks with his bride, Quistis. Training admiring eyes around the vast chamber designed with a gothic touch, the instructor on the other hand pretended not to notice her husband's remark. But she was quite aware of him slowly creeping behind her. Quistis let out a resounding giggle upon feeling his lips touching down on her smooth neck.
"I love you" Squall whispered into Quistis' ears.
"I love you more" She answered tenderly. And as expected of such explicit confessions of affection, what followed was the passionate fusion of hungry lips, each groping aggressively to try and take in more of each other.
"Goodness!" Quistis exclaimed while gasping for air after that lengthy and breathtaking kiss. "I don't think you've ever kissed me that way before, Squall."
"Don't you like it?"
"Are you kidding me? I I love it!" She returned almost hypnotically, as if still lost in that short episode of torrid passion. "But let's save that for later, honey. Remember we have two weeks ahead of us."
Squall just smiled, awash with a mixed feeling of thrill and fulfillment as he watched Quistis slowly -- and seductively -- make her way to the regal bathroom, teasingly leaving one article of her clothing on the floor with every step she made. Trying to fight the urge to follow suit, Squall turned to the phone and dialed for room service. He had just placed the receiver down when the noise of gushing water started to emanate from the exposed showers. Squall looked, and made out the shapely silhouette of a woman in the midst of that thick cloud of steam.
What could be more exciting than honeymoon night?
"Ah! To hell with this patience crap!" He then snapped out before making a beeline through the open bathroom door, possessed of unqualified eagerness to join his wife inside the warm spring of gushing paradise. He momentarily paused when a sudden bout of lightheadedness overtook him.
"Uh what was that" He mumbled, then promptly ignores the dissipating queasiness. Heart racing with sheer exhilaration, Squall slowly pulled the translucent curtain aside.
But nothing could have prepared him for the unexpected sight that met his stunned eyes.
End of Chapter Four