Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own Final Fantasy VIII. But I do own this story because I wrote it!
I sat down on his bed, while he stood up and leaned against the door. He did not look at me, but instead, out the window. "I want to make it up to you," I started. "I want to make up for all of those lost years… All of those years I wasn't there for you as a father." I stopped to wait for a response.
I got a response, but it wasn't too pleasant. "Well," Squall said irately, "there isn't anything you can do. You can't just expect to make up for 17 lost years in one day."
"I never said that Squall," I replied. "I didn't say it would take only one day to make up for it. I just don't want you to hate me."
"Well I do," he glared at me. "I can never forgive you for what you did."
"Please understand Squall," I pleaded, "I never intended for this to happen!"
"You knew that they were after Ellone for her powers," Squall sneered. "You knew they would come after her. You knew it. Yet you didn't stay to protect her, or Raine." He raised his voice, "You thought that Raine would be able to defend against armed soldiers? You thought she would be able to take care of herself?" I shook my head and looked down to the floor.
"No… I…" I stopped for a moment, and then continued, "I thought that I was only going to be gone for a few days. I thought I would be coming back… I thought-"
"Did you ever stop to think about what would happen if you didn't return?" Squall shouted. "Why didn't you return? After a few days, you should have returned. Was your stupid mission more important than your family? Was it?"
I looked up at Squall who looked at me angrily. I couldn't get back to Winhill… I tried… But I wasn't able to. Squall, I wish you would understand what I am saying. "Believe me, I tried to get back to Winhill," I stood up and faced him. "I never intended this to happen. I just wanted to be able to come back and not have to worry about anything anymore. But more and more things popped up… I couldn't get back to Raine. Everyday I wished to return. You're my only family left…"
Squall looked out the window again. I know Ellone was also part of the family as well, but we had adopted her, she wasn't my real daughter. I didn't want to lose Squall because he is my only family left, and a piece of Raine as well. He is her son after all, our son. "I still don't think I could ever forgive you," Squall said more calmly.
"I understand…" I said sadly. I should be happy. At least now he understands what I have been trying to tell him. "You're my only reminder of Raine, and I wouldn't know what to do if I ever lost you, Squall."
"Stop with that stuff," Squall firmly said. He looked back at me. "Don't you have other stuff to be doing back in Esthar?" Oh yeah! I completely forgot to phone!! I nodded to Squall and faintly smiled. I headed out the door, and walked to the main hall. Squall remained in his room. He still hadn't called me dad, or father… He probably never will… I would die a happy man if he just forgave me and called me 'dad'. Even just once…
I finally found my way to a phone and called the Presidential Palace. When I got off the phone, I waited outside for the Ragnarok. The wind gently swished my hair. I put my hands into my pockets and stared off towards the ocean. I really hope that everything turns out fine in the end. Most things do and I hope that this will too.
After a while, the Ragnarok landed outside the Balamb Garden. I entered and thanked the pilot for picking me up. I thought he would ask why I was all the way in Balamb, but he didn't. I was actually surprised that he hadn't asked. I just shrugged it off. Maybe he thought it would be rude if he asked.
Again, I sat alone on the Ragnarok. I found myself staring out the window once again in deep thought. Will Squall ever really think of me as a father? I continued looking out the window, watching the earth below zoom by. I watched as the Ragnarok tore through numerous clouds, and pass many mountains. Suddenly, the Ragnarok landed at the Airstation in Esthar. As I exited, I thanked the pilot once again, and then headed towards the Presidential Palace.
Back in my office, Ellone greeted me with a warm smile and a hug. "So?" she looked at me and smiled. "How did it go?" I looked at her with a sad expression.
"He still won't forgive me," I told her. She frowned. "But hey, at least now he understands… I think…" I scratched the back of my head and tried to smile. Ellone hugged me again.
"It's okay," she replied. "I'm sure he will find it in him to forgive you." We both smiled. "You better get going to your office," she said. "There seems to be more work for you to be doing." Again, she smiled, then continued down the hall. I walked to my office.
Kiros and Ward greeted me as I walked through the door. They both smiled. I smiled back as I made my way to my desk. "So," I started, "what new business did we get today?" I acted as though nothing had happened. Not a worry was on my mind. I looked down onto the desk and a white piece of paper lie there. I picked it up and began to read. It was a letter from Dr. Odine who had taken a visit to the Shumi Village to study with the Shumi.
I remember when I stumbled upon that place. The Moomba's were incredibly cute. I didn't see how other people couldn't like them. They were the cutest things I had seen since a Chocobo! I sighed and smiled. "Seems like Dr. Odine is having fun," I informed my two friends.
"Uh…" Kiros spoke up. "So… How did it go with you and Squall?" He scratched his head then looked at me, waiting for me to reply.
"Well… It didn't go too well… But he does understand me," I told him.
"I'm sure he will forgive you someday," Kiros added. "After all, he is your son." Kiros is right. Though Squall didn't seem like he would forgive me, he would sooner or later. I was his father. Just as long as he forgives me before I die, I will be happy. I would hate myself if I died and he still hated me. I just couldn't bear it.
I know something I can do to start being a good father; I will call him every other morning… Or on certain days, just to check up on him, and let him know that I am here if he ever need me. Yeah. That's what I'll do…
