AN: I'm so sad:( My two best friends leave for college within the next couple of weeks. I'm going to miss them so much. So, I've decided (as corny as it may be) to dedicate this to them. Thanks for always being there, guys. Here's to hoping we stay close:)
Disclaimer: Must I do this every time? It's getting a little old. I'm sure if didn't put it in, no one would know or care. *whip cracks in the background* Alright already, I don't own Final Fantasy VIII. You happy now?
The door to Aika's bedroom was slammed open and shut so hard, it rattled the windows. The green haired sorceress jumped and quickly turned her attention to the intruder. Don't do that, Galen! You scared me half to death, she reprimanded the irate young man standing before her.
Taking a calming breathe, Galen visibly relaxed and gave a small smile. I'm sorry, love. I'm just a little ticked off right now.
Aika gave a feminine giggle, I hadn't noticed. I'm amazed the door is still on its hinges. She rolled off her bed, leaving the magazine she had been reading sprawled across her pillow. Smiling up at Galen, she wrapped her arms around his neck and played with the tiny hairs residing there. How about you take off your shirt, lay face-down on the bed, and I'll give you a back massage? Then you can tell me what's bothering you.
Galen moaned slightly as Aika squeezed his neck muscles. That sounds great.
Get yourself situated. I'm just going to find a hair tie. Galen did as he was told, while Aika disappeared into her bathroom. Exiting with hair tie in hand, Aika abruptly stopped when she saw Galen sprawled out on her bed. With a hint of laughter in her voice, she questioned the half naked man. I told you to take off your shirt. I don't recall mentioning anything about your pants...though plaid boxers are very becoming of you.
What can I say, I was hoping to get lucky. With that, Aika laughed.
Crawling onto the bed, she straddled her boyfriend's backside. You are completely shameless, aren't you.
Moaning as the sorceresses' hands kneaded his shoulders, he replied in a husky voice,
Don't get ahead of yourself lover boy, I want to follow the original plan.
Which was?
You were going to tell me what had you so upset. Well, besides the fact that Heartilly escaped. Galen groaned and buried his head in Aika's comforter. Speaking of, how's your thigh doing?
was the muffled reply.
I'm sorry. Poor baby, I'll make it all better. Leaning forward, Aika dropped a kiss between Galen's shoulder blades. Galen shuttered as he felt a tingling chill sweep through his body. Flexing his thigh muscles, he felt only a dull ache where a sharp pain should have been.
Cure spell?
Yes, did it work? When Galen nodded, Aika started massaging his back again. Now will you tell me what's wrong?
Galen sighed.
Aika rolled her eyes and asked, What is it this time?
He just kept blaming me for letting her get away. Treating me as if I deliberately meant to do it. Like I wanted to get stabbed with a frickin' fork. Galen's muscles started tightening up once again. Hell, I would have seen her grab the stupid fork if I hadn't been wearing that stupid mask! Galen turned slightly and semi glared at Aika. Why do you make me wear that stupid thing anyway? It's so uncomfortable. Even Damon agrees that wearing the mask is a dumb idea.
Sighing, Aika continued to rub his back. I've already told you, Galen. I was afraid that something like this would happen. If she were to see you again, chances are she won't recognize you. That way, if we need you to talk to her, kidnap her, or whatever, she won't know you. We won't have to hire someone to do that for us.
I still think the mask is stupid, Galen grumbled like a pouting five year old boy.
Aika fought down the urge to giggle, You just don't like it because it's hot and itchy.
Galen rolled over, causing Aika to raise up on her knees briefly before settling back down on his body. You know, Galen began rubbing his hands up and down the outside of Aika's thighs, I've got an itch you can scratch.
Wrinkling her nose in disgust, the darkly clad girl groaned. Hyne, that is the corniest thing you've ever said. I don't think I'm going to sleep with you, just for that.
The young man chuckled deep within his throat, How about, give me some sugar, baby'?
Aika lightly slapped him across the chest, That's even worst. I don't know if I should vomit or laugh. Either way, you're failing miserably.
Looking into her eyes, Galen sat up with her in his lap and cupped her cheek. After lightly brushing his lips over hers before giving her a real kiss, he simply whispered, I want you.
Shuttering as his warm breath brushed across her face, she talked quietly, as if she fought to get the words out. As cliche as that was, I think we have a winner. Kissing him slowly and passionately, she pulled back and looked into his eyes. I love you, my knight.
Before she even knew what happened, Aika was on her back with Galen over her. And I love you. No more words were said for the rest of the evening. The sorceress and her knight simply took comfort from each others presence.
**********
Zell, stop. Now. Squall calmly commanded. The energetic blonde did as instructed, making his now inactive fists retreat to his pockets.
Sorry, Squall. Can't help it sometimes, he explained, referring to his shadow boxing. Sitting down in one of the infirmary's chairs, Zell started bouncing his right leg repeatedly.
Fujin asked, turning her one good eye towards him.
Confused for a second, Zell noticed her gaze resting upon his active leg. Oh! No, I'm good. Just something I do when I'm nervous or bored. Too much energy, got to work it off somehow.
Squall lightly rolled his eyes, You're free to go, Zell. No one is forcing you to stay.
Seeing the hurt look on Zell's face, Selphie jumped to her friend's defense. That was just mean, Squall. Zell can' help it if he's.....
Cutting her off before she finished, Squall clarified. I didn't mean it the way you all are taking it. All I'm simply saying is that, if Zell wants to leave he can leave. No one knows how long the wait is going to be. If anyone wants to leave, that's fine. I'll send someone to contact you and let you know when she wakes. Alright?
was Selphie's simple response.
Zell stood abruptly, cracking his knuckles, You sure you don't mind, Squall? After receiving Squall's exasperated glare, Zell began walking out of the infirmary. I'll be in the training center, if anyone needs me.
Hey, wait up. Raijin stood and followed Zell. I'm feeling kind of restless too, ya know? Can I come?
Zell shrugged, I don't care. With that, the two men exited the .
After sitting in the awkward silence for a few minutes, Fujin stood and left without a word.
Wonder where she's going? Irvine thought aloud.
Probably going to meet up with Raijin or Seifer. I bet she was feeling a little weird sitting here with us. It's not like we know each other all that well. Selphie laid her head on her boyfriend's arm. I'm hungry.
Irvine chuckled lightly, Nice transition.
Thank you. Now are we going to eat or not?
Turning towards the Commander, Irvine placed his hand on Squall's shoulder. We're going to the cafeteria. Want us to bring you back anything?
Selphie stood up and started pulling her boyfriend along with her. Be back in a while, Squall.
Sighing, Squall leaned his head back against the wall. Taking a calming breath, he enjoyed the silence. It's nice to know they care, but I prefer to be alone right now. It's much easier to relax and think about what's happening.' Dropping his head back down, he rested his chin upon his hands. As much as I wish Seifer weren't here, I'm grateful he brought Rinoa back. I just wish I knew what's going on.
Uh, Sir? Squall looked up to find a young nurse standing nervously before him. Miss Heartilly is awake. Squall stood up and began walking towards Rinoa's room. Bu-But you can't go in there yet, Sir.
Squall stopped to face the nurse.
She's awake, but the doctor has to finish examining her first. It should only be a little while longer, so if you'd please take your seat, I'm sure the doctor will be out to explain shortly.
Huffing in annoyance, Squall walked back over and sat down in the same chair again. The nurse quickly scurried off to the other patient rooms. I hate waiting.'
**********
Reading a patient's medical chart while walking, Dr. Kadowaki slowly made her way towards the main desk. Seeing her from the corner of his eye, Squall stood up and addressed her.
slowly lowering the chart, she looked up. Oh, Commander. What can I do for you?
I was informed that Rinoa has awaken. Is she alright? Can I see her now?
With an exception of a some rather nasty bruises and exhaustion, Miss Heartilly seems to be all right. She's a little shaken up, but that's to be expected considering the situation. I've already contacted the headmaster, and he's going to send a few people over to ask her a few questions about what's happened. And yes, you may see her now. Now if you'll excuse me. After writing a few comments on the chart, the doctor picked up a new chart and left to attend to another patient.
Squall, without hesitating, left the waiting area for Rinoa's room. Slowly peeking his head around her room's door, Squall saw her leaning up in bed. She appeared to be inspecting the iv tubing inserted in her hand. You shouldn't fool around with that thing.
Startled, Rinoa quickly turned her head to Squall's direction. Seeing who it was, her face broke out into a smile. she looked back down at her hand, it feels weird. I was just wondering what's going into me.
Pulling up a chair next to her bedside and gently grabbing her bandaged hand, Squall explained, My guess is that it's some sort of saline mix. The doctor probably wants to make sure you're not dehydrated.
Rinoa smiled and patted the infirmary bed, inviting Squall to lay down with her. Squall shook his head, There is not enough space on that thing.
I can scoot over, that way we can both fit.
I just don't think it would be a wise idea. Someone could walk in and...
Please, Squall? Looking in to her deep brown eyes, Squall raked a hand through his hair and sighed. There was no use in arguing, especially when he wanted to crawl in next to her anyway.
Move over. Rinoa smiled and did as told. Taking off his shoes, Squall laid down next to her and placed his arm protectively around her side. I missed you, he lightly whispered once they got settled.
Rinoa smiled into his chest. I know. There would be a time for questions, but now was the time to be held. Snuggling into her boyfriend's warmth, Rinoa closed her eyes and breathed him in.
