Disclaimer: Final Fantasy VIII and all it's characters belong to
Squaresoft.
A/N: So glad to see everyone's liking this so far! We only have a few things to say, and that's to the reviewer by the name of The Kosmic V-Babe. We already decided that since Alexia's with him and she's his fiancee, he'd be less rude all the time. And we figured having Irvine fighting Edea would be a little weird, since Alexia became Galbadia's top sniper after he left, so we just stuck Selphie in there instead (lol). It's true that Edea killed the President in the game, but for the sake of the fic, we needed to change that. The thing about Squall and Seifer being rivals since the orphanage, well... Guess all we can say is "Oops!" Haha, everyone makes mistakes right? But thank you for the review, we really appreciate it! We hope to see more reviews for this chapter as well!
"Seifer, I don't get it. Why does Edea want Squall and the others thrown in prison?" Alexia asked as she and Seifer walked down one of the many halls of the D-District Prison. She didn't know where they were heading to, but when he'd asked her if she wanted to come with him, she accepted the offer without hesitation. Any chance to know what was going on couldn't be passed up.
He sighed. "She wants to know the true meaning of SeeD." His voice was cold and uncaring, but she didn't seem to be affected by it.
Her brow furrowed. "True meaning of SeeD?" Now she was confused even more.
"She thinks there's some secret that you're given when you become a SeeD. Since SeeD's top objective is to destroy the Sorceress, she needs to know what it is."
She scoffed. "And imprisoning them is the way to go about doing it?" She rolled her eyes.
His eyes narrowed. "Whose side are you on anyway?!"
She was taken aback by his outburst, and the fact that he'd gotten angry so quickly. She just figured everything was getting to him, and let it go for the most part. "Seifer, you shouldn't have to question whose side I'm on; it's always gonna be yours. It's just... it would really help me out if I knew everything that was going on. Then maybe I could help you."
"Lex, you've helped me more than you could ever know. And I promise that I'm gonna sit down with you and forget all about what's going on. It's just gonna be you and me." He put his arms around her waist.
She smiled a little. "But just not yet, right?" She laughed quietly.
Even though she seemed okay with it, he still felt awkward about admitting that her words were right. They had stopped at a metal door, one that led to a room. A torture room.
She stepped into the cold room with Seifer, still a little aggravated that he continued to lash out at her any time she gave a hint of doubting Edea's ways. She knew he was edgy, but in her mind, that didn't give him rights to treat her like Chocobo shit.
She gasped as she saw Squall. He looked like he was going to be crucified, or had been already, with the way his body was limp against the wall, and his head hung to the side. She figured he'd been knocked unconcious by another one of Edea's thugs, and was strewn up there like a puppet, awaiting treatment from the one she loved. What would Seifer do to him? She didn't know if she wanted to watch.
He approached Squall with a look on his face Alexia had never seen before, and never wanted to see again. It struck fear into her heart that it had never experienced, even in one of their heated fights. It was a look of pure malice and hatred, a smile mixed into it. What came out was an evil stare that made her want to run as far away as possible.
"S-Seifer...?" she called to him softly, her cracking voice echoing in the large chamber. He whipped his head around to face her, put a finger to his mouth, said, "Shh!" very harshly, and turned back to his helpless prey.
Squall stirred, bringing his head up from the wall. Seifer threw her a glare as if to say, "Now look what you did?" She shrugged, and kept watching Squall.
"Ugh..." he groaned, his eyes opening and squinting to see. "Seifer?"
Seifer approached him further, and looked up at his rival. "Well, well, looks like pathetic Puberty Boy is finally awake. Did you miss me?"
She'd meant to ask Seifer about that stupid name. Where did Puberty Boy come from? She figured it was an inside thing, but knew it was probably only funny to one side of the party. That side being Seifer, of course. With their relationship the way it was, she couldn't see them laughing and joking about things together.
"What happened to me?" Squall asked, a little more aware now. "What did you do to me?"
Alexia cowered back behind Seifer, hoping Squall wouldn't notice her. She didn't want to get in the middle of another fight, or be blamed again for what happened to him. Seifer moved toward some kind of control panel, and looked back up at him. "Edea's orders," he stated almost coldly, and flipped a switch on the panel.
Suddenly, in front of Alexia's eyes, bright bolts of electricity entered Squall's body, causing him to convulse and cry out with agony. She screamed as loud as he, unable to tear her gaze away from the horrifying scene.
Seeing Alexia's reaction, Seifer didn't allow Squall to suffer for a long time, although he silently wished she hadn't been there. Then he could really show Squall how much of a "lapdog" he was, without her protests.
She turned quickly to face him, her eyes flickering with the glossiness of tears. "What do you think you're doing?!" she cried.
Seifer's smirk didn't fade. Neither did the haunting aura surrounding him. "Doing what needs to be done." His tone was simple, and also unkind. Alexia was seeing more and more of a side of Seifer that she didn't like. She didn't like it at all.
"So Squall, tell me what SeeD is. Edea demands to know."
Squall was silent for a while. "Don't you already know?"
Alexia winced, waiting for Seifer to lash out at Squall's less than cooperative attitude. He simply chuckled and shook his head. "I'm not a SeeD. There must be some sort of secret you're given when you become a SeeD."
"There's nothing," Squall said immediatly. "And even if there were, you think I'd tell you?"
"You're on my tough-nut-to-crack list. Didn't think you'd talk that easily."
"Geez, I'm honored," came the slurred reply.
Alexia saw Seifer's grip tighten on the switch.
"Seifer, don't..." Alexia began lowly.
"Stay out of this," he barked.
Her brow furrowed. Since when did he tell her to stay out of his business so bluntly? She could understand certain times when he'd appreciate her not bothering him. In fact, she felt the same on a number of occasions. But this time was different. It was unneccesary and definitely uncalled for.
She made her way over to him, taking his hand and removing it from the switch. He didn't pull away, just stared her in the eyes.
"I don't understand you anymore." She kept her voice low, sensing the fact that he didn't want Squall to hear their conversation. "What's happening to you?"
He sighed, taking quick glances at Squall, whose eyes were locked on him. Needless to say, he didn't feel extremely comfortable showing his sensitive side quite then. "We'll talk later, okay?"
"No, we'll talk about this now!" Alexia declared, her voice a little louder than she meant it to be. She piqued Squall's interest with her raised tone, even in his state of pain, and he looked at her like she was a demanding bitch with nothing better to do than boss around her boyfriend. The look she recieved from Seifer was quite different. It was strongly disapproving and hard. She gulped, but refused to back down.
"I'm sick of you treating me like dirt, Seifer Almasy! What you're doing to Squall is cruel and unusual punishment, and you know that! I want you to listen for once! Is that so much to ask?"
He grabbed her by the arm, verging on hurting her. She yelped quietly, and looked at his vicious stare. "Look Alexia, I said we'll talk about this later. I'm doing this for Edea, okay? I don't need you interfering with something you don't understand!"
And then it hit her. She was second to someone she didn't even fully know. The order in Seifer's life put her last...and she finally realized it. It wasn't jealousy, it wasn't spite, hell, she'd even take obsession. It was that he cared more about impressing a World Dominating psycho than her. He cared more about torturing some innocent SeeD for information than he did working things out with her and discussing where there relationship was going. Which in her mind, it was going down the tubes at this rate. Anger surged through her at the thoughts, and she told herself she wouldn't let him get to her.
"Ugh, how many times have I heard that you're doing this for Edea? 'Edea this, Edea that,' 'I can't do that because of Edea,' 'I can't go out with you tonight because I have something to do for Edea.' I'm so sick of hearing it! I'm second to her, Seifer...I...always have been, haven't I?" With that, she turned from him, wriggling her arm away from his grasp, and ran out of the dirty chamber.
Squall looked on at his rival, still trying to breathe regularly from the electric shocks that were coursing through him moments before. "Looks like your girl is a little tired of you being a Lap Dog too," he said matter-of-factly, raising an eyebrow. "You wanna let me go now?"
Seifer shook his head, still hurt by Alexia's words. They'd fought before, so many times before, and he couldn't figure out what exactly was wrong with him. He loved her so much, but how did he keep hurting her like this? It was like he was being controlled by another force that wanted to hurt her. Wanted to keep the fights going. He had to put a stop to this...but something always held him back. Something always pushed him to do Edea's bidding first, instead of going after the one he was going to marry in a few months. Or years, he thought silently. I might never marry her if we keep this fighting going. Who would want me like this anyway? She doesn't deserve that. She never did. And yet...
"She still loves me," he whispered, so softly Squall could barely pick up the sound. But before he had time to ask questions, Seifer turned on him again. "I don't think so, Puberty Boy, we're going to finish this whether she likes it or not, alright? It's none of your goddamned business anyway. Now tell me what I asked already! Or you're getting it again!" He'd go after her later...once Edea's favor was fulfilled.
I hate him, she thought bitterly as she hurriedly walked down corridor after corridor, trying to get as far away from Seifer and all the pain he was causing her at the moment. But somehow, she knew eventually he'd follow her to wherever she'd go. At least that's what he would've done in the past. After everything that was going on, she didn't know if he cared enough to do that anymore.
At the time, they weren't in Galbadia Garden, so she didn't have the cozy dorm room to go back to. Instead, there was a simple bedroom where she and Seifer were to stay in the D-District Prison. Neither of them had spent any time in it together, so it didn't feel the same to her. It was lonely. No matter how mad she was at him, there were still times she wished things were different.
She entered the empty, mostly bare room, closing the door behind her and leaning up against it. Her eyes traveled around the room, her vision becoming blurred by salty tears that she refused to let fall. She hardly ever cried over Seifer, and she wasn't about to start now.
She moved over to the bed and sat down on the edge of it. She ran a hand along the stiching of the comforter that was laid over the sheets. She swallowed hard, trying to hold back the sob that had reached her throat. It didn't matter how hard she tried though. The tears, as well as the sobs came like a tidal wave. She couldn't remember the last time she'd cried so hard, and she hated to think it was all because of Seifer.
Over the sound of her own sobs, she couldn't hear the sound of footsteps outside the room, or the door opening. All she felt were hands on her shoulders.
She clenched her eyes tight, squeezing a few more tears in the process, and didn't bother looking up at the visitor. She knew already who it was, and she didn't want to see him at the moment. She was so angry...but so hurt at the same time. Couldn't he just give her space for a while? You were the one who wanted him to come after you, Alexia, she thought to herself. Isn't this what you wanted? She sniffed, wiped her eyes with her sleeve, but didn't make a move to meet his eyes.
There was silence between them, until suddenly Seifer picked her up off the bed. She let out a startled yelp, and refused to meet his eyes once he put her up to his face. He turned her cheek to face him, but she closed her blue pools tight in stubborness. His face fell, and he tried hard to get her to look at him. "Come on, Lex," he pleaded, stroking the side of her face with his knuckle. "Please...just look at me?"
She stuck her nose in the air at his plea, and made a grunt in reply. He smirked at her behavior, and found the solution to the problem. He set her back down on the bed, and began to tickle her sides, causing her to laugh uncontrollably. When he stopped, she had tears of laughter rolling down her cheeks, and immediately set her face back to angry mode. She looked right up at him and said, "That was so low, Seifer Almasy."
He tried hard to keep a laugh down, it was so perfect. He didn't care if it was a low blow, it worked on her. "I had to find some way to get you to look at me. You gave me no choice, Alexia...Krycek." As he said her last name, he swooped her up again in his arms, causing her to give another surprised cry. He kissed her lips, but she pulled away.
"I'm still mad at you," she stated, pushing his face away from hers. "You're not out of the doghouse yet, Mister."
He frowned, and looked remorseful. "I'm sorry, okay? I know we've been through this hundreds of times, and I don't want to go through it again. I love you dammit, I want us to be together. But...I have obligations. You know that, Lexi."
She pulled at a hangnail, and mumbled an, "I know."
"I promise, this whole thing with Edea will be over soon. She'll accomplish what she needs, and the most important thing will happen."
She sighed, and rolled her eyes a bit. "What's that?" she asked sarcastically, "World domination? Terror in the streets?"
He gave her a stern look, and another tickle in the ribs, instigating another squeak from her. "No," he corrected after she glared at him. "Marrying you. You'll soon be Alexia Almasy. I'll call you Double A." He chuckled after he gave her the nickname, and she struggled to keep one down. It was the weirdest nickname she'd heard in her life, but it was funny, nonetheless. He was sure there was to be a wedding...but was she?
"What if there isn't a wedding?" she said without thinking, and instantly wished she'd kept her mouth shut. He looked at her incredulously, and set her down on the mattress again. Hurt entered his emerald eyes, confusion sparking in them as well.
"What do you mean no wedding? I thought...you don't...want to get married?" he said, the look on his face tearing her to pieces. She put her hands on his mouth to silence him, and thought quickly about how to remedy what she'd just said.
For a split second, Alexia thought she saw a glint of moisture along the lids of his eyes, but he was quick to blink them away before she could be sure.
"Seifer, I... I didn't mean that..." she began, she beganm tripping over her tongue in the process.
Seifer's eyes were no longer kind. "You wouldn't have said it if you didn't mean it," he told her sharply. He turned away from her and stared out the window, unable to look her in the eye.
"You're right," she said softly. She lifted her gaze from the floor, staring a hole in the back of Seifer's head. "But you can't stand there and tell me you blame me for feeling this way." He turned back around, still not saying anything. "Seifer, up until now it hasn't even been mentioned since you asked me to marry you."
Seifer put his hands over his eyes and rubbed them gently. "I know, Lex, I know..."
Despite his somewhat submissive response, Alexia continued. "I mean, a wedding just doesn't plan itself, you know." She paused long enough to wipe her eyes again. "I know you have a job to do Seifer, I really understand that. It's just... is a little of your time really so much to ask?"
His emerald eyes immediatly softened. He walked back over to where Alexia was and sat down next to her. He ran a hand through her hair as he spoke. "Of course it isn't. And that's exactly why the rest of the night I'm spending with you and only you."
Her eyes brightened and a smile crept to her lips. "You serious?" He smirked and nodded. "But..." Her face became depressed once again. "Don't you have interrogations to do?"
"That's what those guards are for. They don't get paid to stand around and do nothing, right?"
Alexia laughed to show good nature once again. "Oh, and Seifer?"
"Yeah?"
"I can't wait to be Double A."
*********
After a dinner of macaroni and cheese fixed by Grandmaster Chef Seifer, he poured a glass of wine for both of them. He had dimmed the lights long before, setting a romantic mood, and watched her face glow in warm candlelight. She'd laughed as she commented on the gourmet meal, but grew serious while she sipped the wine in silence. It was so nice to have a full evening devoted to their relationship, and she appreciated him taking the time to do it. She knew it couldn't be easy to just let his duites lie, but it was incredibly sweet of him to do it for her. She was beginning to feel like he was the Seifer she really knew again.
She thought about all this in the stillness of the room, and looked up to see him watching her. He blushed a little, and she smiled. "What are you thinking?" she asked, breaking the quiet.
He shrugged, and locked her gaze. "How much I don't tell you I love often enough. It's no wonder you don't want to marry me..."
She brought a finger to her lips, her brows furrowing. "No, no, Seifer. Don't you think that. Ever. You forget I ever said that, okay? It never happened. I know you love me, I do."
He attempted a small smile and replied with, "And I know you love me. But...somewhere other than the night. This is the only time I ever tell you I love you."
Alexia reached her hand across the table, lacing her fingers in his. She couldn't find any right words to respond. She didn't want to say he was right, because the night really was the only time she ever heard the words come out of his mouth, but she didn't want to say he was wrong, either, or it would continue to be that way. She remained silent, and he got up from his seat, taking his hand gently away from hers. She watched him move over to her side, and smile down at her. She smiled back up at him, but a questioning look was in her eye at what he was going to do. Bending down, he kissed her lips passionately, and reached over to bring her up from her seat. She couldn't hide mild surprise, but gave in to his kisses gladly.
"I love you so much," he declared between lip partings. "I never want to be away from you...I don't care if the whole world knows it..." Inside, she leaped for joy. That was all she wanted to hear. He moved her slowly toward the bed, and she began to slide her hands up his back, causing a shiver to run through him. She was pleased at the reaction, and started to unbutton his shirt, revealing his toned chest against her still clothed body. Heat rushed through them intensely, both knowing what was about to happen for the first time in their relationship. They'd saved themselves for the right time, and knew that now was the moment. He slid the thin straps on her dress she'd changed into down her shoulders, rubbing them and holding her tight, all the while their lips still twisting in every sensual curve imaginable.
"Hyne, this is all I've wanted for the longest time," she gasped, her breathing coming in irregular beats now. "I love you more, Seifer Almasy..."
He shook his head in disagreement, further unclothing his fiancee. She fumbled with the zipper on his pants, paying attention to the kiss, sliding her tongue in and out of his mouth, and slid them down on the floor. Her dress was already gone, and she knew they were as close as they were ever going to get. Seperating their lips and opening her eyes, she looked up at him lovingly, her eyes smoky and far off. She looked into pools much like her own, holding the same emotions. "Are you ready for this?" she asked quietly, her breath still shallow. He nodded, and two bodies converged into one on that night.
A/N: So glad to see everyone's liking this so far! We only have a few things to say, and that's to the reviewer by the name of The Kosmic V-Babe. We already decided that since Alexia's with him and she's his fiancee, he'd be less rude all the time. And we figured having Irvine fighting Edea would be a little weird, since Alexia became Galbadia's top sniper after he left, so we just stuck Selphie in there instead (lol). It's true that Edea killed the President in the game, but for the sake of the fic, we needed to change that. The thing about Squall and Seifer being rivals since the orphanage, well... Guess all we can say is "Oops!" Haha, everyone makes mistakes right? But thank you for the review, we really appreciate it! We hope to see more reviews for this chapter as well!
"Seifer, I don't get it. Why does Edea want Squall and the others thrown in prison?" Alexia asked as she and Seifer walked down one of the many halls of the D-District Prison. She didn't know where they were heading to, but when he'd asked her if she wanted to come with him, she accepted the offer without hesitation. Any chance to know what was going on couldn't be passed up.
He sighed. "She wants to know the true meaning of SeeD." His voice was cold and uncaring, but she didn't seem to be affected by it.
Her brow furrowed. "True meaning of SeeD?" Now she was confused even more.
"She thinks there's some secret that you're given when you become a SeeD. Since SeeD's top objective is to destroy the Sorceress, she needs to know what it is."
She scoffed. "And imprisoning them is the way to go about doing it?" She rolled her eyes.
His eyes narrowed. "Whose side are you on anyway?!"
She was taken aback by his outburst, and the fact that he'd gotten angry so quickly. She just figured everything was getting to him, and let it go for the most part. "Seifer, you shouldn't have to question whose side I'm on; it's always gonna be yours. It's just... it would really help me out if I knew everything that was going on. Then maybe I could help you."
"Lex, you've helped me more than you could ever know. And I promise that I'm gonna sit down with you and forget all about what's going on. It's just gonna be you and me." He put his arms around her waist.
She smiled a little. "But just not yet, right?" She laughed quietly.
Even though she seemed okay with it, he still felt awkward about admitting that her words were right. They had stopped at a metal door, one that led to a room. A torture room.
She stepped into the cold room with Seifer, still a little aggravated that he continued to lash out at her any time she gave a hint of doubting Edea's ways. She knew he was edgy, but in her mind, that didn't give him rights to treat her like Chocobo shit.
She gasped as she saw Squall. He looked like he was going to be crucified, or had been already, with the way his body was limp against the wall, and his head hung to the side. She figured he'd been knocked unconcious by another one of Edea's thugs, and was strewn up there like a puppet, awaiting treatment from the one she loved. What would Seifer do to him? She didn't know if she wanted to watch.
He approached Squall with a look on his face Alexia had never seen before, and never wanted to see again. It struck fear into her heart that it had never experienced, even in one of their heated fights. It was a look of pure malice and hatred, a smile mixed into it. What came out was an evil stare that made her want to run as far away as possible.
"S-Seifer...?" she called to him softly, her cracking voice echoing in the large chamber. He whipped his head around to face her, put a finger to his mouth, said, "Shh!" very harshly, and turned back to his helpless prey.
Squall stirred, bringing his head up from the wall. Seifer threw her a glare as if to say, "Now look what you did?" She shrugged, and kept watching Squall.
"Ugh..." he groaned, his eyes opening and squinting to see. "Seifer?"
Seifer approached him further, and looked up at his rival. "Well, well, looks like pathetic Puberty Boy is finally awake. Did you miss me?"
She'd meant to ask Seifer about that stupid name. Where did Puberty Boy come from? She figured it was an inside thing, but knew it was probably only funny to one side of the party. That side being Seifer, of course. With their relationship the way it was, she couldn't see them laughing and joking about things together.
"What happened to me?" Squall asked, a little more aware now. "What did you do to me?"
Alexia cowered back behind Seifer, hoping Squall wouldn't notice her. She didn't want to get in the middle of another fight, or be blamed again for what happened to him. Seifer moved toward some kind of control panel, and looked back up at him. "Edea's orders," he stated almost coldly, and flipped a switch on the panel.
Suddenly, in front of Alexia's eyes, bright bolts of electricity entered Squall's body, causing him to convulse and cry out with agony. She screamed as loud as he, unable to tear her gaze away from the horrifying scene.
Seeing Alexia's reaction, Seifer didn't allow Squall to suffer for a long time, although he silently wished she hadn't been there. Then he could really show Squall how much of a "lapdog" he was, without her protests.
She turned quickly to face him, her eyes flickering with the glossiness of tears. "What do you think you're doing?!" she cried.
Seifer's smirk didn't fade. Neither did the haunting aura surrounding him. "Doing what needs to be done." His tone was simple, and also unkind. Alexia was seeing more and more of a side of Seifer that she didn't like. She didn't like it at all.
"So Squall, tell me what SeeD is. Edea demands to know."
Squall was silent for a while. "Don't you already know?"
Alexia winced, waiting for Seifer to lash out at Squall's less than cooperative attitude. He simply chuckled and shook his head. "I'm not a SeeD. There must be some sort of secret you're given when you become a SeeD."
"There's nothing," Squall said immediatly. "And even if there were, you think I'd tell you?"
"You're on my tough-nut-to-crack list. Didn't think you'd talk that easily."
"Geez, I'm honored," came the slurred reply.
Alexia saw Seifer's grip tighten on the switch.
"Seifer, don't..." Alexia began lowly.
"Stay out of this," he barked.
Her brow furrowed. Since when did he tell her to stay out of his business so bluntly? She could understand certain times when he'd appreciate her not bothering him. In fact, she felt the same on a number of occasions. But this time was different. It was unneccesary and definitely uncalled for.
She made her way over to him, taking his hand and removing it from the switch. He didn't pull away, just stared her in the eyes.
"I don't understand you anymore." She kept her voice low, sensing the fact that he didn't want Squall to hear their conversation. "What's happening to you?"
He sighed, taking quick glances at Squall, whose eyes were locked on him. Needless to say, he didn't feel extremely comfortable showing his sensitive side quite then. "We'll talk later, okay?"
"No, we'll talk about this now!" Alexia declared, her voice a little louder than she meant it to be. She piqued Squall's interest with her raised tone, even in his state of pain, and he looked at her like she was a demanding bitch with nothing better to do than boss around her boyfriend. The look she recieved from Seifer was quite different. It was strongly disapproving and hard. She gulped, but refused to back down.
"I'm sick of you treating me like dirt, Seifer Almasy! What you're doing to Squall is cruel and unusual punishment, and you know that! I want you to listen for once! Is that so much to ask?"
He grabbed her by the arm, verging on hurting her. She yelped quietly, and looked at his vicious stare. "Look Alexia, I said we'll talk about this later. I'm doing this for Edea, okay? I don't need you interfering with something you don't understand!"
And then it hit her. She was second to someone she didn't even fully know. The order in Seifer's life put her last...and she finally realized it. It wasn't jealousy, it wasn't spite, hell, she'd even take obsession. It was that he cared more about impressing a World Dominating psycho than her. He cared more about torturing some innocent SeeD for information than he did working things out with her and discussing where there relationship was going. Which in her mind, it was going down the tubes at this rate. Anger surged through her at the thoughts, and she told herself she wouldn't let him get to her.
"Ugh, how many times have I heard that you're doing this for Edea? 'Edea this, Edea that,' 'I can't do that because of Edea,' 'I can't go out with you tonight because I have something to do for Edea.' I'm so sick of hearing it! I'm second to her, Seifer...I...always have been, haven't I?" With that, she turned from him, wriggling her arm away from his grasp, and ran out of the dirty chamber.
Squall looked on at his rival, still trying to breathe regularly from the electric shocks that were coursing through him moments before. "Looks like your girl is a little tired of you being a Lap Dog too," he said matter-of-factly, raising an eyebrow. "You wanna let me go now?"
Seifer shook his head, still hurt by Alexia's words. They'd fought before, so many times before, and he couldn't figure out what exactly was wrong with him. He loved her so much, but how did he keep hurting her like this? It was like he was being controlled by another force that wanted to hurt her. Wanted to keep the fights going. He had to put a stop to this...but something always held him back. Something always pushed him to do Edea's bidding first, instead of going after the one he was going to marry in a few months. Or years, he thought silently. I might never marry her if we keep this fighting going. Who would want me like this anyway? She doesn't deserve that. She never did. And yet...
"She still loves me," he whispered, so softly Squall could barely pick up the sound. But before he had time to ask questions, Seifer turned on him again. "I don't think so, Puberty Boy, we're going to finish this whether she likes it or not, alright? It's none of your goddamned business anyway. Now tell me what I asked already! Or you're getting it again!" He'd go after her later...once Edea's favor was fulfilled.
I hate him, she thought bitterly as she hurriedly walked down corridor after corridor, trying to get as far away from Seifer and all the pain he was causing her at the moment. But somehow, she knew eventually he'd follow her to wherever she'd go. At least that's what he would've done in the past. After everything that was going on, she didn't know if he cared enough to do that anymore.
At the time, they weren't in Galbadia Garden, so she didn't have the cozy dorm room to go back to. Instead, there was a simple bedroom where she and Seifer were to stay in the D-District Prison. Neither of them had spent any time in it together, so it didn't feel the same to her. It was lonely. No matter how mad she was at him, there were still times she wished things were different.
She entered the empty, mostly bare room, closing the door behind her and leaning up against it. Her eyes traveled around the room, her vision becoming blurred by salty tears that she refused to let fall. She hardly ever cried over Seifer, and she wasn't about to start now.
She moved over to the bed and sat down on the edge of it. She ran a hand along the stiching of the comforter that was laid over the sheets. She swallowed hard, trying to hold back the sob that had reached her throat. It didn't matter how hard she tried though. The tears, as well as the sobs came like a tidal wave. She couldn't remember the last time she'd cried so hard, and she hated to think it was all because of Seifer.
Over the sound of her own sobs, she couldn't hear the sound of footsteps outside the room, or the door opening. All she felt were hands on her shoulders.
She clenched her eyes tight, squeezing a few more tears in the process, and didn't bother looking up at the visitor. She knew already who it was, and she didn't want to see him at the moment. She was so angry...but so hurt at the same time. Couldn't he just give her space for a while? You were the one who wanted him to come after you, Alexia, she thought to herself. Isn't this what you wanted? She sniffed, wiped her eyes with her sleeve, but didn't make a move to meet his eyes.
There was silence between them, until suddenly Seifer picked her up off the bed. She let out a startled yelp, and refused to meet his eyes once he put her up to his face. He turned her cheek to face him, but she closed her blue pools tight in stubborness. His face fell, and he tried hard to get her to look at him. "Come on, Lex," he pleaded, stroking the side of her face with his knuckle. "Please...just look at me?"
She stuck her nose in the air at his plea, and made a grunt in reply. He smirked at her behavior, and found the solution to the problem. He set her back down on the bed, and began to tickle her sides, causing her to laugh uncontrollably. When he stopped, she had tears of laughter rolling down her cheeks, and immediately set her face back to angry mode. She looked right up at him and said, "That was so low, Seifer Almasy."
He tried hard to keep a laugh down, it was so perfect. He didn't care if it was a low blow, it worked on her. "I had to find some way to get you to look at me. You gave me no choice, Alexia...Krycek." As he said her last name, he swooped her up again in his arms, causing her to give another surprised cry. He kissed her lips, but she pulled away.
"I'm still mad at you," she stated, pushing his face away from hers. "You're not out of the doghouse yet, Mister."
He frowned, and looked remorseful. "I'm sorry, okay? I know we've been through this hundreds of times, and I don't want to go through it again. I love you dammit, I want us to be together. But...I have obligations. You know that, Lexi."
She pulled at a hangnail, and mumbled an, "I know."
"I promise, this whole thing with Edea will be over soon. She'll accomplish what she needs, and the most important thing will happen."
She sighed, and rolled her eyes a bit. "What's that?" she asked sarcastically, "World domination? Terror in the streets?"
He gave her a stern look, and another tickle in the ribs, instigating another squeak from her. "No," he corrected after she glared at him. "Marrying you. You'll soon be Alexia Almasy. I'll call you Double A." He chuckled after he gave her the nickname, and she struggled to keep one down. It was the weirdest nickname she'd heard in her life, but it was funny, nonetheless. He was sure there was to be a wedding...but was she?
"What if there isn't a wedding?" she said without thinking, and instantly wished she'd kept her mouth shut. He looked at her incredulously, and set her down on the mattress again. Hurt entered his emerald eyes, confusion sparking in them as well.
"What do you mean no wedding? I thought...you don't...want to get married?" he said, the look on his face tearing her to pieces. She put her hands on his mouth to silence him, and thought quickly about how to remedy what she'd just said.
For a split second, Alexia thought she saw a glint of moisture along the lids of his eyes, but he was quick to blink them away before she could be sure.
"Seifer, I... I didn't mean that..." she began, she beganm tripping over her tongue in the process.
Seifer's eyes were no longer kind. "You wouldn't have said it if you didn't mean it," he told her sharply. He turned away from her and stared out the window, unable to look her in the eye.
"You're right," she said softly. She lifted her gaze from the floor, staring a hole in the back of Seifer's head. "But you can't stand there and tell me you blame me for feeling this way." He turned back around, still not saying anything. "Seifer, up until now it hasn't even been mentioned since you asked me to marry you."
Seifer put his hands over his eyes and rubbed them gently. "I know, Lex, I know..."
Despite his somewhat submissive response, Alexia continued. "I mean, a wedding just doesn't plan itself, you know." She paused long enough to wipe her eyes again. "I know you have a job to do Seifer, I really understand that. It's just... is a little of your time really so much to ask?"
His emerald eyes immediatly softened. He walked back over to where Alexia was and sat down next to her. He ran a hand through her hair as he spoke. "Of course it isn't. And that's exactly why the rest of the night I'm spending with you and only you."
Her eyes brightened and a smile crept to her lips. "You serious?" He smirked and nodded. "But..." Her face became depressed once again. "Don't you have interrogations to do?"
"That's what those guards are for. They don't get paid to stand around and do nothing, right?"
Alexia laughed to show good nature once again. "Oh, and Seifer?"
"Yeah?"
"I can't wait to be Double A."
*********
After a dinner of macaroni and cheese fixed by Grandmaster Chef Seifer, he poured a glass of wine for both of them. He had dimmed the lights long before, setting a romantic mood, and watched her face glow in warm candlelight. She'd laughed as she commented on the gourmet meal, but grew serious while she sipped the wine in silence. It was so nice to have a full evening devoted to their relationship, and she appreciated him taking the time to do it. She knew it couldn't be easy to just let his duites lie, but it was incredibly sweet of him to do it for her. She was beginning to feel like he was the Seifer she really knew again.
She thought about all this in the stillness of the room, and looked up to see him watching her. He blushed a little, and she smiled. "What are you thinking?" she asked, breaking the quiet.
He shrugged, and locked her gaze. "How much I don't tell you I love often enough. It's no wonder you don't want to marry me..."
She brought a finger to her lips, her brows furrowing. "No, no, Seifer. Don't you think that. Ever. You forget I ever said that, okay? It never happened. I know you love me, I do."
He attempted a small smile and replied with, "And I know you love me. But...somewhere other than the night. This is the only time I ever tell you I love you."
Alexia reached her hand across the table, lacing her fingers in his. She couldn't find any right words to respond. She didn't want to say he was right, because the night really was the only time she ever heard the words come out of his mouth, but she didn't want to say he was wrong, either, or it would continue to be that way. She remained silent, and he got up from his seat, taking his hand gently away from hers. She watched him move over to her side, and smile down at her. She smiled back up at him, but a questioning look was in her eye at what he was going to do. Bending down, he kissed her lips passionately, and reached over to bring her up from her seat. She couldn't hide mild surprise, but gave in to his kisses gladly.
"I love you so much," he declared between lip partings. "I never want to be away from you...I don't care if the whole world knows it..." Inside, she leaped for joy. That was all she wanted to hear. He moved her slowly toward the bed, and she began to slide her hands up his back, causing a shiver to run through him. She was pleased at the reaction, and started to unbutton his shirt, revealing his toned chest against her still clothed body. Heat rushed through them intensely, both knowing what was about to happen for the first time in their relationship. They'd saved themselves for the right time, and knew that now was the moment. He slid the thin straps on her dress she'd changed into down her shoulders, rubbing them and holding her tight, all the while their lips still twisting in every sensual curve imaginable.
"Hyne, this is all I've wanted for the longest time," she gasped, her breathing coming in irregular beats now. "I love you more, Seifer Almasy..."
He shook his head in disagreement, further unclothing his fiancee. She fumbled with the zipper on his pants, paying attention to the kiss, sliding her tongue in and out of his mouth, and slid them down on the floor. Her dress was already gone, and she knew they were as close as they were ever going to get. Seperating their lips and opening her eyes, she looked up at him lovingly, her eyes smoky and far off. She looked into pools much like her own, holding the same emotions. "Are you ready for this?" she asked quietly, her breath still shallow. He nodded, and two bodies converged into one on that night.