AN: There's an alternative chapter 5, which would have affected the flow of the whole story. It's called Quieting the storm. It can be found on my website.
Also thank you to all my reviewers.
Now on with the story.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Laguna sat in his office behind his desk staring blankly at the paperwork in front of him. I can't concentrate when my son is missing! Son, I wonder if I really have a right to call him that. According to him I'm no better than a whore to him. In his musings, Laguna felt the urge to pray. Oh Hyne please let him be okay. I don't care if he ever acknowledges my presence just let my boy be all right.
Laguna was interrupted from his prayer when Kiros burst into the room. "Sir! He's returned and is requesting to see you." Laguna said a quick thank you to Hyne and all but ran out the door in search of his son. Laguna didn't make it very far because as he came out the door he bumped into him and fell backwards. Laguna sat on the floor embarrassed and confused. He began to starch the back of his head and mutter an apology when Squall reached out a hand and helped him up.
Once Laguna was returned to his vertical base, he took the liberty of quickly inspecting his son. He looked a little rumpled, wearing sweats and a tee but otherwise fine. Sparing Laguna any awkward attempts at communication, Squall asked could they go somewhere to talk alone. Laguna simply nodded and lead Squall to one of the gardens located inside the palace. He weaved his way through it till they came to the middle, which was only occupied by two benches and a water fountain.
Squall motioned for Laguna to have a seat and Squall began pacing in front of him. Mentally preparing himself. You have a challenge to up hold, so go to it. Swallow your pride and say what you have to say. You're a lion. Stopping to stand in front of him, Squall took the blunt approach instead of agonizing over everything.
"Laguna, I know you're my father. I've known for about 4 days now." He bowed before Laguna, "I'm sorry for my earlier outburst and disappearance." He then kneeled before Laguna "And I would be proud if you would still consider me to be your son." He then looked into the other's man eyes, searching for rejection all he saw was, love? Laguna let out his breath that he wasn't aware he was holding and grabbed his son into a hug. Squall was tense at first but soon relaxed in the grip. Laguna felt a few tears spring from his eyes. Squall awkwardly patted Laguna on the back, feeling the need to say or express more but not knowing how to go about it. Laguna only hugged the boy more fiercely and then let go and let out a small laugh. "Of course I accept you as my son. That was never a question." Squall looked at him and let a small smile grace his lips.