Ch. 10
Occurrences on Infamous Balconies
The victory party was held a week after the rebel's surrendered. It took place where all the SeeD graduations were held. Selphie was in charge of decorating and she spared nothing, even Squall had to admit the room was gorgeous.
What was meant to be a joyous occasion was still burdened with sadness. Many had lost friends and family. The image of Vincent and Kira still lingered in his mind.
Squall sat at a table with Quistis, Zell, Laila (the girl Zell had been seeing), Seifer, Emma, Selphie, Irvine, Zone and Watts.
When Seifer and Emma were off somewhere and Zell and Quistis were on the dance floor with Laila and Zone Squall got to talking with Watts.
"So what are you guys going to do now that Timber's liberated?"
"There's still much to be done, sir. I don't think Zone and I will ever be at rest."
Squall didn't think he would either.
Watts excused himself to go talk to someone. Deciding that he didn't want to sit at the table alone Squall got up and went for a walk.
Squall let his feet guide him and before he knew it he was standing before the 'infamous balcony.' He was about to step onto the place that held so many memories when he heard two voices ahead of him. Squall recognized the voices instantly as Seifer and Emma's. He knew he should have walked away, he wanted to, but for some reason that he couldn't explain he stayed and listened.
"Seifer, I was so scared of loosing you. I can't bare to imagine you out on missions like that all the time." Said Emma's scared voice.
"No mission is ever that drastic," Seifer told her. "But going on dangerous missions is part of being a SeeD."
"I know." Emma whimpered.
Things grew quiet between the two before Seifer started the conversation again.
"Emma we need to talk." Squall watched as Emma's expression grew rigid.
"I have to be fair and honest with you Emma. Quistis and I.well you see Quistis and I are kinda more then just friends." Emma's eyes go big and her lip starts to quiver. "When.when I thought I was going to loose her. My heart literally stopped beating. It was"-
"I get the picture," Emma interrupted him.
"I'm so sorry Emma. I want us to still be friends. If you ever need any help don't hesitate to ask."
Emma stood there blankly not saying a word.
"Well I best be getting back to the party." Seifer said shyly.
Squall hid behind a plant as Seifer walked by. He couldn't believe it. Squall saw the connection between Seifer and Quistis, but never in a million years would he have called it out.
Squall looked back over to Emma. She stood sadly on the balcony leaning against it. Her mind seeming to be lost in a million thoughts and her eye's burdened with sadness.
Something made Squall want to go over to her. He didn't understand why he wanted to go. It went against his nature to get involved in other people's business, but still he wanted to.
Slowly Squall walked over to Emma joining her in leaning against the railing. Upon his intrusion Emma smiled weakly at him before she turned her gaze to the open sky. The two remained silent for a while letting the nights gentle breeze take over. Squall didn't want to say anything he just stood there. It was Emma who finally broke the silence.
"I know you overheard." Her voice wasn't accusing it was just a matter-of-fact.
"Why do you say that?"
"There's sympathy in your eyes"
Squall didn't say anything for a gate was unlocked within Emma and she started to bawl.
"I.I thought I loved him and even worse I thought he loved me back.
Squall didn't know what to say. She was talking about one of his best friends, yet Squall felt more sympathy for her then he did for Seifer. Not knowing what he should exactly do he settled for just listening.
"It was really silly of me I guess. To believe in such details as love. I mean what is love? There sure can't be much left of it in this world, at least the true form of it. All love does is put on a façade. It never truly is what it appears to be."
Squall didn't agree, but didn't dare say so. She was right in saying that true love was hard to find, but it's out there.Squall had it. From his thoughts Squall heard Emma ask him.
"Do you think love is really out there Squall?"
"Without a doubt." He told her confidently. "It can be a fickle creature, but when you truly find it." Squall pauses trying to come up with the right words. "Nothing can describe it." He ended up saying.
Emma looks at Squall intently. "Have you ever been in love Squall?"
Squall remained silent. 'In love' didn't quite describe it. Emma took the hint.
She sighs deeply then says to him. "Well Squall it's been an absolute pleasure meeting you."
Squall stares at her. "You're leaving?"
With her face dismal she answers. "Squall there's no way I can stay here and.and watch them. It would just be too painful. I hope you understand."
"But.but." Squall couldn't come up with a rebuttal. He ended up just giving her an understanding nod.
Emma flings her arms around him giving him an innocent kiss on the cheek. When she pulled away Squall saw a tear running down her face.
"It's not a forever goodbye right?" Squall asks her.
Emma smiles "Let's hope not."
The two stand there for a moment neither of them moving. Finally Emma sighs. "I better get going."
"You need any help with anything?"
"No, no I'll be fine." She starts to back away. "If you ever in Timber Squall stop by."
"Will do."
"Till then I guess," and with one last smile Emma turns around and walks away.
When she was out of sight Squall turned back to the balcony. It was odd how close Squall had gotten to Emma in such short of time. She had just left and already Squall missed her.
Eventually Squall made it back to the main room. He took his seat among his friends. He saw Seifer next to Quistis staring at him. Squall and Seifer glared at each other Seifer's eyes were sorry. Seifer did care for Emma, he just didn't love her.
Seifer looked away when he saw headmaster Cid walk onto the platform. The headmaster's cough into the microphone made the crowd go silent, now all attention was on him.
"It's my honor ladies and gentleman to introduce you to the newly elected President of Galbadia. General Charles Caraway. The crowd roars with applause. Everyone at Squall's table turns to each other in disbelief. President Caraway walks onto the platform and once the applause dies down he begins to speak.
"This is a new era not only for Galbadians, but for all citizens of this country. Things will change and hopefully it's for the better, but regardless of what may be I swear in the name of those I love that I'll do my best to bring peace and harmony. Because after all the hell people have been through that's what they, that's what all of us, deserve."
Caraway's applause was enormous. An instant standing ovation. Squall wouldn't be surprised if the people over at Balamb could hear.
When that was all over people went back to their conversations. Squall was talking to Zell and Laila when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around he discovered the President of Galbadia standing before him. He whispered to Squall.
"Can I have a moment?"
Squall didn't say anything as he followed Caraway to that notorious balcony. As the two men stood there Squall congratulated the one time general.
"Congratulations on the presidency sir."
"I'll do my best for the people of Galbadia"
"I never had any doubt in my mind that you wouldn't"
The old Caraway's face grew warm. "You're a good man Leonhart. For what it's worth if my daughter was still alive you two would have my condolences."
"Thank you," Squall said not quite sure what else to say. It was a little late for condolences.
"I just wanted to tell you if you ever want to talk Commander to President, man to man or anything like that my door is always open."
Squall gives in to a slight smile. Just then headmaster Cid walks up to them putting a hand on Squall's shoulder.
"Can I borrow him for a minute Mr. President?"
"That's fine. He's all yours."
After each man gave a salute President Caraway walks away leaving Squall alone with the headmaster.
The headmaster grins widely at him. "I think President Caraway had taken a shine to you Squall. Then again most people do."
"Whatever." Squall said quickly always embarrassed at other people's flatteries.
The headmaster chuckles. "I'm glad to see some characteristics don't change."
Squall stood there impatiently wishing that the headmaster would get to the point of the conversation.
"Squall since I've known you, which has been for quite some time, you have been nothing but noble, courageous, considerate, patient, caring and so many more qualities that have made you a great commander, but time changes things and there are new steps in life that must be taken."
Squall thought that the headmaster was taking away his commander duties. Cid seeing his concern chuckled.
"Before you jump to any conclusions you should know I'm not demoting you, but rather promoting. Commander Squall Leonhart from this point further you are Squall Leonhart Headmaster of Balamb Garden."
Squall stared at the headmaster blankly. He uttered the words. "You must be joking?"
"I joke you not headmaster Leonhart. There is life outside of garden that I want to enjoy with Edea. That's my next step yours is taking full control of the garden and I have full confidence that you'll succeed in that step."
Squall still couldn't believe it. He wasn't ready to be headmaster; he didn't want to be headmaster. Why was everything just thrown on him? Didn't he have any say in his own life?
With a knowing grin Squall's former Headmaster walked away. He was left standing there considering the momentous step that Cid left before him. For everyone's sake Squall hoped he was ready for it.
Occurrences on Infamous Balconies
The victory party was held a week after the rebel's surrendered. It took place where all the SeeD graduations were held. Selphie was in charge of decorating and she spared nothing, even Squall had to admit the room was gorgeous.
What was meant to be a joyous occasion was still burdened with sadness. Many had lost friends and family. The image of Vincent and Kira still lingered in his mind.
Squall sat at a table with Quistis, Zell, Laila (the girl Zell had been seeing), Seifer, Emma, Selphie, Irvine, Zone and Watts.
When Seifer and Emma were off somewhere and Zell and Quistis were on the dance floor with Laila and Zone Squall got to talking with Watts.
"So what are you guys going to do now that Timber's liberated?"
"There's still much to be done, sir. I don't think Zone and I will ever be at rest."
Squall didn't think he would either.
Watts excused himself to go talk to someone. Deciding that he didn't want to sit at the table alone Squall got up and went for a walk.
Squall let his feet guide him and before he knew it he was standing before the 'infamous balcony.' He was about to step onto the place that held so many memories when he heard two voices ahead of him. Squall recognized the voices instantly as Seifer and Emma's. He knew he should have walked away, he wanted to, but for some reason that he couldn't explain he stayed and listened.
"Seifer, I was so scared of loosing you. I can't bare to imagine you out on missions like that all the time." Said Emma's scared voice.
"No mission is ever that drastic," Seifer told her. "But going on dangerous missions is part of being a SeeD."
"I know." Emma whimpered.
Things grew quiet between the two before Seifer started the conversation again.
"Emma we need to talk." Squall watched as Emma's expression grew rigid.
"I have to be fair and honest with you Emma. Quistis and I.well you see Quistis and I are kinda more then just friends." Emma's eyes go big and her lip starts to quiver. "When.when I thought I was going to loose her. My heart literally stopped beating. It was"-
"I get the picture," Emma interrupted him.
"I'm so sorry Emma. I want us to still be friends. If you ever need any help don't hesitate to ask."
Emma stood there blankly not saying a word.
"Well I best be getting back to the party." Seifer said shyly.
Squall hid behind a plant as Seifer walked by. He couldn't believe it. Squall saw the connection between Seifer and Quistis, but never in a million years would he have called it out.
Squall looked back over to Emma. She stood sadly on the balcony leaning against it. Her mind seeming to be lost in a million thoughts and her eye's burdened with sadness.
Something made Squall want to go over to her. He didn't understand why he wanted to go. It went against his nature to get involved in other people's business, but still he wanted to.
Slowly Squall walked over to Emma joining her in leaning against the railing. Upon his intrusion Emma smiled weakly at him before she turned her gaze to the open sky. The two remained silent for a while letting the nights gentle breeze take over. Squall didn't want to say anything he just stood there. It was Emma who finally broke the silence.
"I know you overheard." Her voice wasn't accusing it was just a matter-of-fact.
"Why do you say that?"
"There's sympathy in your eyes"
Squall didn't say anything for a gate was unlocked within Emma and she started to bawl.
"I.I thought I loved him and even worse I thought he loved me back.
Squall didn't know what to say. She was talking about one of his best friends, yet Squall felt more sympathy for her then he did for Seifer. Not knowing what he should exactly do he settled for just listening.
"It was really silly of me I guess. To believe in such details as love. I mean what is love? There sure can't be much left of it in this world, at least the true form of it. All love does is put on a façade. It never truly is what it appears to be."
Squall didn't agree, but didn't dare say so. She was right in saying that true love was hard to find, but it's out there.Squall had it. From his thoughts Squall heard Emma ask him.
"Do you think love is really out there Squall?"
"Without a doubt." He told her confidently. "It can be a fickle creature, but when you truly find it." Squall pauses trying to come up with the right words. "Nothing can describe it." He ended up saying.
Emma looks at Squall intently. "Have you ever been in love Squall?"
Squall remained silent. 'In love' didn't quite describe it. Emma took the hint.
She sighs deeply then says to him. "Well Squall it's been an absolute pleasure meeting you."
Squall stares at her. "You're leaving?"
With her face dismal she answers. "Squall there's no way I can stay here and.and watch them. It would just be too painful. I hope you understand."
"But.but." Squall couldn't come up with a rebuttal. He ended up just giving her an understanding nod.
Emma flings her arms around him giving him an innocent kiss on the cheek. When she pulled away Squall saw a tear running down her face.
"It's not a forever goodbye right?" Squall asks her.
Emma smiles "Let's hope not."
The two stand there for a moment neither of them moving. Finally Emma sighs. "I better get going."
"You need any help with anything?"
"No, no I'll be fine." She starts to back away. "If you ever in Timber Squall stop by."
"Will do."
"Till then I guess," and with one last smile Emma turns around and walks away.
When she was out of sight Squall turned back to the balcony. It was odd how close Squall had gotten to Emma in such short of time. She had just left and already Squall missed her.
Eventually Squall made it back to the main room. He took his seat among his friends. He saw Seifer next to Quistis staring at him. Squall and Seifer glared at each other Seifer's eyes were sorry. Seifer did care for Emma, he just didn't love her.
Seifer looked away when he saw headmaster Cid walk onto the platform. The headmaster's cough into the microphone made the crowd go silent, now all attention was on him.
"It's my honor ladies and gentleman to introduce you to the newly elected President of Galbadia. General Charles Caraway. The crowd roars with applause. Everyone at Squall's table turns to each other in disbelief. President Caraway walks onto the platform and once the applause dies down he begins to speak.
"This is a new era not only for Galbadians, but for all citizens of this country. Things will change and hopefully it's for the better, but regardless of what may be I swear in the name of those I love that I'll do my best to bring peace and harmony. Because after all the hell people have been through that's what they, that's what all of us, deserve."
Caraway's applause was enormous. An instant standing ovation. Squall wouldn't be surprised if the people over at Balamb could hear.
When that was all over people went back to their conversations. Squall was talking to Zell and Laila when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around he discovered the President of Galbadia standing before him. He whispered to Squall.
"Can I have a moment?"
Squall didn't say anything as he followed Caraway to that notorious balcony. As the two men stood there Squall congratulated the one time general.
"Congratulations on the presidency sir."
"I'll do my best for the people of Galbadia"
"I never had any doubt in my mind that you wouldn't"
The old Caraway's face grew warm. "You're a good man Leonhart. For what it's worth if my daughter was still alive you two would have my condolences."
"Thank you," Squall said not quite sure what else to say. It was a little late for condolences.
"I just wanted to tell you if you ever want to talk Commander to President, man to man or anything like that my door is always open."
Squall gives in to a slight smile. Just then headmaster Cid walks up to them putting a hand on Squall's shoulder.
"Can I borrow him for a minute Mr. President?"
"That's fine. He's all yours."
After each man gave a salute President Caraway walks away leaving Squall alone with the headmaster.
The headmaster grins widely at him. "I think President Caraway had taken a shine to you Squall. Then again most people do."
"Whatever." Squall said quickly always embarrassed at other people's flatteries.
The headmaster chuckles. "I'm glad to see some characteristics don't change."
Squall stood there impatiently wishing that the headmaster would get to the point of the conversation.
"Squall since I've known you, which has been for quite some time, you have been nothing but noble, courageous, considerate, patient, caring and so many more qualities that have made you a great commander, but time changes things and there are new steps in life that must be taken."
Squall thought that the headmaster was taking away his commander duties. Cid seeing his concern chuckled.
"Before you jump to any conclusions you should know I'm not demoting you, but rather promoting. Commander Squall Leonhart from this point further you are Squall Leonhart Headmaster of Balamb Garden."
Squall stared at the headmaster blankly. He uttered the words. "You must be joking?"
"I joke you not headmaster Leonhart. There is life outside of garden that I want to enjoy with Edea. That's my next step yours is taking full control of the garden and I have full confidence that you'll succeed in that step."
Squall still couldn't believe it. He wasn't ready to be headmaster; he didn't want to be headmaster. Why was everything just thrown on him? Didn't he have any say in his own life?
With a knowing grin Squall's former Headmaster walked away. He was left standing there considering the momentous step that Cid left before him. For everyone's sake Squall hoped he was ready for it.