Perfect

Perfect

A Final Fantasy VIII songfic starring Julia.

Disclaimer and whatnot:

The songs and the game don't belong to me. That goes for the characters too. None of this actually happened, this is just one idea of the way it might have been for Julia while she was growing up.

            Julia, at the age of six, is sitting at a tattered piano bench, nearly in tears, while her father rants about how she isn't trying hard enough. Her mother looked on in disgust.

Sometimes is never quite enough

If you're flawless, then you'll win my love

Don't forget to win first place

Don't forget to keep that smile on your face

            Now at the age of eight, she's squinting in the dim evening light of the moon, trying hard to become better at the piano so her parents will be proud of her.

Be a good girl

Try a little harder

You've got to measure up

And make me prouder

            Nine years old, she's sitting at the piano, practicing for her recital. She strikes a wrong cord and her father's face twists into anger. He slams the covers on her frail knuckles and she cries out. She bites her lip and holds in her tears while he shouts.

How long before you screw it up

How many times do I have to tell you to hurry up

With everything I do for you

The least you could do is keep quiet

            After the recital, she quietly explains to her instructor that she bruised her knuckles in an accident on her bike, avoiding eye contact. She gets into the car with her parents, and although she played beautifully, her mother tells her what an embarrassment she is. Her father drives on in silence. In the dark of the backseat, silent tears stain her cheeks as she clutches her music tightly to her chest.

Be a good girl

You've gotta try a little harder

That simply wasn't good enough

To make us proud

            Eleven years old, she sits in tears with a red handprint on her cheek while her mother shouts for her to do better.

I'll live through you

I'll make you what I never was

If you're the best, then maybe so am I

Compared to him, compared to her

I'm doing this for your own damn good

You'll make up for what I blew

What's the problem…Why are you crying

            Now sixteen, she's focused entirely on her music and never misses a note or even gets off beat. Eagerly, she looks for her parents' approval. Silently, they stand and leave the room. Julia was devastated.

Be a good girl

Push a little farther now

That wasn't fast enough

To make us happy

We'll love you just the way you are

If you're perfect

Owari