Trickle - 27 - Skin

To my surprise, when I slept that night, I didn't taste his pain lingering in my mouth.

.

I felt everything come down on me. I realized things were never going to be the same. Why did I take the time to enter everything in my journal? Why didn't I just rush in, and give him the medicine? I would soon be feeling Heaven's angels, as they pull me to the gates. Wait, instead would I be dragged away by the claws of the Devil, for taking so long to heal the Planet's only son? Of course I would...I never get what I want.

"I never get what I want."

Rinoa let out a breath of amazement, and I figured that she was just frightened by the things I was saying.

A cold hand reached up, and touched my naked shoulder. It 'caused me to shiver.

"I don't want to leave yet!"

I began crying into Seifer's stomach, when I realized that I could taste his life. He was breathing.

.

Quickly looking over at him, I could see him coming back to me.

Squall stood there dazed, while Rinoa squeezed him tighter. In the darkness, I couldn't tell if she was smiling, or crying...either one...it was a good thing.

"What? Seifer?" My voice echoed in the room.

Still confused, I sat up off of him, and watched him.

It was the most immaculate thing anyone would ever see.

.

He sat up slowly, and rubbed his eyes.

It was obvious that he didn't know what was going on. He was returning from a deep sleep, and it was a very pleasant bonus to find people on the verge of tears greeting him back.

All of us stood there, and stared. He continued sitting there, his hands pressed on the bed holding his unsteady body up, letting his eyes adjust to the darkness.

From where I was standing, I could see that he was narrowing his eyes.

"Squall, Rinoa....is that you? What the hell are you guys doing in here at..." he peered over at the clock, "2:40 a.m.?!"

I never thought I'd hear him talk again.

.

I laughed, sat on the bed...and hugged him. I didn't want to let go. Inhaling his scent, I gently kissed his neck. I can't forget this moment. I need to remember everything. The way he smells...the way he tastes, the way he feels.

Sitting there confused he hugged me back.

"Well, this is a nice way to be woken up." He laughed, and held me tighter. His warm arms wrapped all the way around my cold arms...his fingertips sending a surge through my body...letting me know that he really was there.

It was so beautiful to hear him speak to me.

Rinoa let out a happy squeal, and began silently crying in Squall's shoulder.

"Hey man, it's good to have you back."

Holding Rinoa, Squall smiled and gave a little wave.

"Have me back?!"

"Yeah, it is so good to have you back."

I let go of him, and looked at him.

The moon shining through the window left a white half circle on his face. His eyes studied mine for an explanation of what was going on.

"Oh Seifer..."I chuckled, halfway crying. "...It's too long of a story...all I want to do right now, is sleep beside you. I want you to hold me tonight. I want you to tell me if you're going to leave."

We kissed...like we've never kissed before. Passionate...long...rough. To my surprise, when I slept that night, I didn't taste his pain lingering in my mouth. I could taste him...his life...and oh, what a beautiful taste it was.

.

"Your skin makes me cry. You float like a feather in a beautiful world." -Radiohead

Notes: Hi-hello. Well folks...I'm getting back on track. I'm "all cried out"...I feel so much better now. Seifer's alive! Isn't this exciting? It's excellent! Superb! Hooray! Quistis can now sleep better at night, knowing that nothing will come in the way...but wait...the story isn't over yet...*people in the background moan and complain* Nope...sorry folks...there's still some more chapters to go...

To those that actually enjoy this story....I LOVE YOU! Thanks so much for your support!

Chapter 28 will be posted soon. Yee-haw! (Sorry, something's bringing out the Irvine in me.) ^_^;