Disclaimer: I have finally accepted that Final Fantasy VIII is not my property. Therefore I will use this time to point out that I am merely borrowing Selphie, Irvine, Cid and Edea. That means that Toby, Nikki, and the unnamed waiter guy are all mine.

Author's note: This chapter wasn't originally planned. It is the result of me leaving out an important line of Toby's and not realizing it until I already had a few reviews. Therefore, I decided to make reference to Irvine's birthday considering it was significant to the story, and I gave him and Selphie some time alone. I mean the story is supposed to be about their relationship....

"..." spoken words

'...' thoughts

~*~*~*~ passing time

____ change in character pov or situation

Eighteen

Irvine rolled over groggily. The sunlight that fell onto his face told him it was well past dawn and that he'd slept late. Even knowing that, he still didn't want to get up. He knew the date. And he knew its importance. He slowly opened his eyes to look and see if Toby was awake yet and was startled to find his bed empty. He quickly leaned up on his elbow and looked around the room. He hadn't managed to fall out of bed somehow had he? Irvine was about ready to panic when Toby came running out of the bathroom and stopped abruptly when he reached Irvine's bedside. Irvine stared at him in a daze. He was not only trying to figure out how his son had managed to get out of bed alone, but where he'd gotten his colorful party hat. His answer came in the form of a hug as Selphie hopped into the space behind him in the bed and wrapped her arms around his waist. Irvine turned his attention from Toby to her and smiled.

"Mornin' Darlin'," He turned in Selphie's arms and kissed her lightly on the lips.

"Happy birthday!" Selphie announced as she squeezed him tightly. She cuddled up to him, further diverting his attention. He returned the hug and then laid back on his pillow.

"Finally eighteen," He said quietly.

"Yup," She smiled as she ran her fingers through his loose hair. Still at the bedside, Toby looked around for a way to get up there and then took hold of the mattress and tried to pull himself up. He managed to pull himself up an inch before he had to let go and landed on his rear. He looked around partially stunned and then up at where Selphie was clearly getting more attention than he.

"Dada," Toby mumbled as he stood back up and tugged at the blanket. Irvine didn't hear him, leaving the small boy confused as to why he wasn't being answered. "Papa!" He finally cried out in imitation of the children he used to live with in Blue Gales. Irvine rolled over quickly, forgetting Selphie altogether. He quickly lifted his son up onto the bed with him. Toby, now looking quite content, discarded his hat and wiped at his teary eyes.

"Can ya say that again?" Irvine asked as he made sure Toby wasn't going to fall from his seat on his stomach. "Come on. Say Da, I mean Papa. Say Papa." Toby grinned and shook his head mischievously. "Toby," Irvine grumbled playfully.

"Tobee," He mimicked. Irvine laughed lightly.

"Come on. Say Papa." Toby shook his head. Beside Irvine Selphie began to laugh.

"Mama!" Toby exclaimed as if he'd just discovered her presence. Irvine was stunned and watched speachlessly as his son pushed away from him and curled up in the space between Selphie and himself.

"How long has he been callin' ya mama?" Irvine asked. Selphie didn't respond, she just raised up, taking Toby with her, and climbed over the foot of the bed.

"Better hurry up and get dressed. They stop serving breakfast in half an hour," Selphie said quickly. "Hurry up Papa let's go," She stifled a laugh.

"Papa!" Toby reached out to Irvine who was still lying in bed.

"Oh so now ya say it," Irvine smiled as he swung his legs over the side of the bed and stretched. He trudged to the closet and pulled out the first t-shirt and pants he came across. Selphie noticed with some satisfaction that it was the same outfit he'd worn whenever they'd gone to get Toby. She sat Toby down while Irvine dressed and then went in the bathroom to look for a brush. Irvine fished around for his boots and pulled the first one on when he found it. Toby fingered the second boot as Irvine tried to pull it on. "I can't believe you," Irvine spoke softly. "Ya said it for her but not me." Toby giggled as if he understood everything Irvine was saying. Selphie returned and began to brush through Irvine's long locks.

"Ready to go?" She asked as she ran her fingers through the fine strands of hair his hair.

~*~*~*~

Breakfast passed as unevently as expected given that Toby was more concerned with trying to share his food with anyone that passed rather than eat it himself. Irvine wondered, as he followed Selphie up to Edea's apartment, just how Toby kept his round belly considering less than half the food he had access to ever made it to his mouth. Edea met them at the door and smiled warmly at Irvine.

"Happy Birthday," She greeted Irvine as she hugged him. He smiled in response. She gently took Toby from his arms and the diaper bag from Selphie. "You two go have fun."

"We may be back late tonight," Selphie informed Edea. Irvine looked at her to question why but thought better of saying anything. Knowing Selphie like he did; she probably had some type of surprise planned.

"If its late don't worry. He'll be just fine here," Edea replied.

"Nah I'll be by," Irvine assured her. She smiled warmly again but her eyes seemed to lose some of their shine.

"It's been sixteen years since I've gotten to care for an infant. I have to say that I really miss it," Edea watched as Toby hurried over to Cid and she smiled. "I would like to reopen the orphanage, but people will be skeptical of adopting from me now."

Cid snorted lightly as he let Toby look at his pocket watch. Edea turned to him. A broad grin spread across his lips. "Just wait. I'm pretty certain that he's just the first of many. Be patient Dear." At her husband's voice, Edea's gaze shifted to Toby.

"I suppose you're right," She concurred. "But I would still like to watch him for a night. If you don't mind." Irvine stood uncertainly. What was he supposed to say? She wasn't evil...the woman had taken care of him and most of his friends. He found himself smiling as he looked past her at his son. He walked over to where Toby was still infatuated with Cid's watch and knelt down. The boy automatically made his way over and leaned against his father's side; just waiting to be picked up. Irvine pulled him into a hug and kissed the top of his head.

"Be good for Matron," Irvine whispered. Toby gave him a brief glance and laughed as he looked back down at the gold watch. Irvine smiled as Toby held the slightly slobbered watch up for him to see. "Its been a few hours since he's eaten, and he won't go to sleep without that quilt." Toby, who'd realized that he wasn't going to get picked up by his father, turned his attention back to Cid.

"I'll take good care of him," Edea reassured Irvine as he stood up and walked back to Selphie's side. "You two go and enjoy yourselves."

"Come on," Selphie said giddily as she pulled Irvine away from the apartment.

~*~*~*~

They walked towards the shore-side cafe. In one arm he held her shoes while the other was draped over her shoulders. He pulled her closer as they stepped up onto the cafe's covered dock and took a seat at the furthest corner table. Irvine couldn't help but notice that her ponytail made her appear cuter than normal. She flipped open her menu and wrinkled her nose as she looked over their options.

"What do you want to eat?" Selphie asked as she folded up her menu and leaned on his shoulder. "I think I'll just take the fish sandwich and a shake."

Irvine put his arm around her shoulder and sat back. "I believe I'll be havin'....a fried fillet and sweet tea." Selphie let him wave a waiter over and place their orders. Irvine pulled her a little closer and kissed her forehead. He grinned as she quickly brushed her bangs back into place. "Its been a while since we've gotten to do somethin' like this."

"Yeah," Selphie replied. "Two months and six days if you want to be technical."

"Things have definitely changed," Irvine said slowly as he considered what to say next. "I personally wouldn't have blamed ya if you'd turned and run back when I told ya about Toby. But ya stayed, and I can't begin to tell ya how much I appreciate it."

"If you really want to know, the day on the train was really awkward for me. I was still unsure about how I felt, not about you. There was never a doubt about that," Selphie began explaining as she sat up to be served her food. "Thank you," She told the waiter. "But when I saw you two together for the first time...I don't know what happened. I guess I just melted. And in all honesty, that first moment sitting on the hill with him, you looked so happy and content. I wanted to be a part of that, and now that I am, its one of the greatest things that's ever happened to me."

Irvine was dumbfounded as to how to reply. He knew Selphie had accepted his son and pretty much assumed the position of surrogate mother, but this was new. To hear her talk this emotionally about Toby was surprising and he wasn't sure how to follow that up. He managed a smile that she happily returned and then turned to his plate. For the most part they ate in a comfortable silence. Both of them enjoying the song of the waves a few feet below their seats and the time alone.

"I love ya Darlin'," Irvine spoke softly.

Selphie smiled in response. "I love you too." Irvine reached into his pocket and pulled out his billfold. Selphie saw this and swatted his hand. He looked at her, genuinely confused while a small grin fought to make itself seen on his lips. "You're not paying. Its your birthday and I'm taking you out."

"Oh," Irvine slowly slid his billfold back into his pocket and crossed his arms while Selphie counted out her money. "Feels wrong."

Selphie turned to him. "What?"

"Ya shouldn't be payin'. That's my job."

She rolled her eyes and placed a tip on top of the payment. "Here you go," She picked up the money and handed it to the waiter. "Come on you," Selphie said as she slid her feet into her shoes and pulled Irvine up from his seat. He followed her willingly. "What time is it?" She asked as they walked down the main street of Balamb and noticed most of the lights were out.

"It is..." Irvine tilted his watch so he could read it under a street light. "Nine forty-two."

Selphie nodded and led him towards the town's exit. "Want to walk back to Garden? Its a nice night."

Irvine shrugged. He had his trusty Bismarck with him, so as far as he was concerned, they could go out and train in the middle of the forest if her little heart so desired. She slid her arm through his and led the way back up to Garden.

When they finally reached her dorm, she pulled him in and shut the door.

"I have something for you. I probably should've given it to you earlier but better late then never," She shrugged as she motioned towards her bed. Irvine looked past her and stopped. He shot her a quick glance. "Try it on," She urged him. He hesitantly stepped forward and picked up the garment.

A low whistle broke the silence as he tried on the dark brown duster. He was amazed that it fit him so well. He glanced down to see the bottom of it fell well past his knees. "This is nice...really nice."

"Its a Centran oilskin duster," Selphie told him although she was positive he already knew. "It has that detachable cape there for protection against the elements," Selphie motioned with her hand. "Cargo pockets, stand up collar with a double throat latch and double waterproof seams. It should match your hat without a problem."

Irvine found himself looking at his reflection in Selphie's full- length mirror. Sure his other duster was a bit tattered and worn, but he'd never even thought about getting another one. Especially one of this quality. 'Speaking of quality, this thing had to cost more than Bismarck and Exeter together,' Irvine realized. "Hon, ya didn't have ta," He was silenced by her hand on his lips.

"I wanted to," She smiled. "And judging by your expression, it was worth it." Irvine smiled in response as he ran his hands along the fabric and then noticed there was something on the inside. "Oh yeah, there's a holster inside there. It should be able to carry the weight of all of your guns. At least that's what the guy at the shop said." Irvine nodded and slowly slipped the duster off. He laid it over his arm and kissed her lightly.

"Thanks. I really like this."

"I know," Selphie smiled.

"I hate to do this to ya, but its almost eleven and Toby's still with Matron," Irvine shifted towards the door.

Selphie placed her hands on her hips in an exaggerated fashion. "I thought you told her she could watch him for the night? You know as much as I do that she feels useless here. She misses having children to look after."

Irvine looked at the floor guiltily. "I know...its just that...I don't know. It feels wrong to be without him. And what if he can't sleep? He might be scared up there with Matron and Cid. I don't want him to think that I've left him again."

Selphie let her hands fall from her waist and she wrapped her arms around herself. A broad grin crossed her face. "You're such a sweet Papa. You know that?" He grinned in response and quickly turned away. "Don't leave. He'll be fine," She let her voice drop a little lower. "Stay a little longer."

Irvine dropped the duster into her chair and turned to her. "Yes ma'am," His voice came out soft. She ran her hands up his chest and onto his shoulders. He responded quickly by pulling her closer to him and claiming her mouth with his in a passionate kiss. Selphie pushed back from him and pulled his shirt off over his head. She slowly ran her hands along his warm skin and lightly kissed his collar bone. She felt his hands regain their previous hold on the small of her back and then her zipper being pulled down. She allowed the straps to fall from her shoulders as she worked on his belt while he ever so abruptly picked her up and put her on the bed. He pulled her ponytail free, spilling her hair wildly across the pillow. She continued to struggle with the buckle on his belt as he began kissing and nipping at her neck. Finally! She managed to get the cursed object undone and easily unfastened his pants. He pulled his head back and looked into her eyes. His normally light eyes seemed darker as he focused on her. It almost felt as if he were asking permission from her. She grinned up from where she lay and let him finish getting undressed. He was only gone for a few seconds and quickly returned to his previous position. With his left hand he switched off her lamp while he ran his right along her back. Selphie pulled him into another kiss in the darkness as she wrapped her arms around his neck; marveling at how warm his skin was in contrast to her cool sheets.

________________________________________________________________________

Another trail of smoke drifted across the bedroom of the small efficiency apartment. The dim lighting that illuminated the small room contrasted with the bright lights of the city outside. In four more minutes everything was about to change. She watched the clock strike eleven-twenty-six with disgust and then hurled the timepiece against the wall. As of that moment nothing would ever be the same. It couldn't be...he was eighteen.

She scowled as she sat in the open window frame and examined the cigarette in her hand. She put the butt out in her palm and tossed it into the street below. She didn't know what she wanted in life. There were times that nothing seemed appealing. What had she really wanted from him that day in Balamb? She stepped back into the room and laid down on her bed. What would she have done if she'd been given Toby?

"He wouldn't have just handed him over," She mused as she played with the red braid of hair between her fingers. "Doesn't matter now," She said aloud as she looked at the broken clock still sticking out of the thin, damaged wall. He was now officially eighteen and she was now a thing of his past...at least she'd like him to think that for a while.

************************************************************************

Bleeding in Vein - My baby cousin was my inspiration to write it...but Toby is modeled after a little guy named Jacob that I fell in love with at an internship at at daycare. Actually, Toby is nearly identical to the him.

Ameli Stoncius - Here you go. Hope its alright. I dunno....I'm kinda afraid to submit this.

Dark Topaz - Thanks for the vote. I would rather that story just because its planned out til the end.

diamonddust1414 - Glad you liked the Nikki encounter. I think I wrote three versions of that part.

Verdanii - Glad you liked it!

aratcorien - Thanks for every one of your great reviews. Yes I do have a Seifer story, its just not as developed as the others. I mean its about Seifer....it has to be perfect. *smiles*

************************************************************************

I finally updated. I know the wait was a little longer than normal and I hope this chapter isn't a disapointer. And just so you know, a duster is a coat of sorts. Look it up on google if you're lost. Anyway, let me know what you thought and review. I appreciate it.