Disclaimer: Yada yada yada.......some fine print.........ah there it is : Final Fantasy VIII is the property of Squaresoft. Damn it!
Author's notes- This story is winding down...only a handful of chapters left.
Crescent Pearl- You gotta love Laguna...yeah I've been wanting to make him do that since the second chapter.
Element6- You really like Red Strokes don't you. lol I promise I'll try and get it updated as soon as possible. I promise! I'm doing three stories at one time now!
Ameli- Oh dear, you and coffee....My fingers are soooo tired from typing so much and you don't care! (sniff) That's aweful.
Aratcorien- Yeah, there isn't too much of a posse in this fic. Sorry. I noticed that too and I regret it a little bit.
What's Done is Done
Seifer watched the speedometer out of the corner of his eye while he watched the darkening clouds building miles up ahead. Stealing his eyes away from the sky he gave Blaine a quick glance to make sure things were alright. Satisfied that the infant was still sleeping he returned his gaze back to the road ahead. Methodically pressing the clutch and switching the truck into third gear he readied himself for the last leg of the trip. He sighed, thankful that he now only had seventeen miles, of the original forty-six, in-between him and home. This drive was taking entirely too long. On a few occasions already he'd caught himself turning on the radio but stopped before he awoke the infant a few feet away from him. Gripping the steering wheel tightly he looked around out of boredom. On the right, the road was lined with a dense forest, on the left, more forests. Tapping his fingertips against the top of the steering wheel he gave the menacing sky another look.
The darkness seemed to tighten around them with vengeance. Lucas shook the continuous chill that wouldn't leave his body. Something wasn't right. Then again, not much he did was. Under his partners scrutiny he carefully removed the panel and sat it aside gingerly. He sorted through the wires one at a time until he came to the last and paused.
"Well?" His partner asked.
"Patience," He responded as quietly as possible. Footsteps echoed down the hallway conjoining the one they stood in. Both men froze and slowly knelt down. The steps stopped as the guard looked into their hall suspiciously. They watched his silhouette hoping he couldn't see theirs in the dark hallway. After a few moments the guard continued on his way grumbling about the worthless light fixtures. Once he was gone both of them jumped back up to their previous positions. "Wire cutters," Lucas said quietly. Without a look he opened his palm and waited until he had the instrument before continuing. "Okay," He said as he made a couple of cuts. "These two are going to go together like so." He was rewarded with a spark. Holding the remaining wires apart with his left and only hand he leaned back and reached for the panel with his right arm. He stretched as far as he could but without his hand he couldn't reach far enough. Growing increasingly annoyed with his partner he leaned against the wall and used his foot to scoot the panel closer. With great difficulty he pushed the object up against himself and used the force to hold it in the absence of a hand. Once he had it pressed up against his chest, he looked up at his partner who was leaned against the wall. "I appreciate the help man."
"Anytime," Was his response.
"Give me your hand," Lucas ordered him. "Now," He snapped at him. The other man made a big deal of taking the panel and holding it near its place. Without a word Lucas connected the wires to the back of the panel to avoid causing a fire. He wouldn't have normally cared but he knew he was going to be in the facility for a while.
"Done yet?"
"For now," Lucas replied as he walked towards the exterior door they'd unlocked earlier.
"Hey genius we're not done yet," His partner called after him.
"No shit!" Lucas hissed at him as he produced an ammunition shell from his pocket. His partner watched with interest as he placed the shell just inside the lock hole in the door and then returned. "In case they detect us," He explained. "If the door goes to lock it'll crush and therefore ignite that shell, completely blowing off the lock altogether." At his partner's surprised expression he rolled his eyes. "Do you even know what kind of shot uses a charge like that?" At his friend's blank expression he continued. "Nevermind. Let's go." Lucas led the way back down the hall and stopped at a janitor's closet and pulled free a ladder. "These morons provide us with everything we need," He grinned. "He's three-hundred feet north of us," Lucas said as he quickly climbed the ladder and pulled the vent cover off. Sliding the piece inside the ventilation shaft he carefully climbed inside and waited for his partner. From his perch above the hallway he watched as his partner put the ladder away and ran across the hall. Confused, he could only watch as the man ran up to the wall just beside the vent and then up a few feet of the wall. Lucas leaned back when he jumped off the wall and caught a hold of the inside of the vent with both hands. Lucas watched as he pulled himself in within a matter of seconds and replaced the cover. "That was awesome," Lucas said as he stared at his partner.
"I know," His partner grinned as he turned on his night-vision goggles.
Lucas grinned. "What's your name?"
"Carter," He answered. "You?"
"Piper," Lucas whispered. Carter nodded and motioned for him to lead the way. He began carefully leading the way, making sure not to bump anything that may echo through the shafts and alert a guard near another vent. The first few feet were no problem but as time went on it was getting increasingly more difficult to crawl with only one hand. He stopped, surprised by how taxing the simple motion was on his body. For once his partner remained silent. He was thankful. Laying down in the vent he began crawling on his elbows toward their destination. The night vision did little to really help. There wasn't much to see aside from the junctures with other shafts. He stopped again at the sight in the vent to his right. Rolling over in the confined space he motioned for Carter to look. The slightly older man carefully climbed over him and looked down through the vent. His eyes widened in surprise. Carefully backing up he secured his tools and then pulled the cover away. In the brightly lit room below Ross looked up at them. A grin crossed his face. Lucas hesitated.
"You first." Lucas didn't respond to his statement but rather leaned in to be sure no one else was in the room and then slid out of the vent and onto the floor. Ross jumped to his feet, wrists and legs shackled. Lucas pulled a skeleton key out of his pack and then paused when he heard a light snapping sound. He immediately reached for the pistol on his hip. The very minute sound of a leather glove constricting, followed by a small click told him everything he needed to know. Ross took note of his brother's attentive expression and looked up in time to see Carter brandish his pistol just as Lucas fired his. The silencer on his weapon did its job and Lucas stepped nonchalantly aside and let his former partner fall to the floor below. Pulling a small key card out of his pack, Lucas slid it in the slot on the door's lock and turned to Ross.
"Let's get these off," Picking the skeleton key up off the floor he quickly removed his brother's shackles. "Get his gear and lets go." Ross smiled as he quickly stripped the other man of his field gear and suit and quickly put it all on.
"How do I look?" He grinned as he picked up the man's pistol and spun it around before sliding it in its sheath.
"Like you never left," Lucas smiled.
It was dark by the time he reached home. Pulling his truck up as close to the front door as the driveway and landscaping would allow, he put the truck in park and quickly jumped down out of it. The front door opened as he made his way around the front end and to the passenger side.
"Hurry up man!" Raijin called from behind him. "We wanna see this kid before midnight ya know." Seifer grinned as he opened the truck's door and leaned inside. He fumbled with the safety belt for a moment before he managed to unfasten it and free the carseat. Pulling the seat out, he carried it inside and let Raijin shut the truck's door for him.
"LITTLE," Fujin said as she walked up beside him. Seifer looked up at her for an instant and then noticed a troubled Zell sitting on the couch behind her. Zell rose and slowly walked over to where they stood.
"Wow he's really small ya know," Raijin said as he looked over Seifer's shoulder. "He's still cute," Seifer picked up on a laugh in his voice and turned around.
"What's so funny?" He asked.
"Huh? Oh nothing," Raijin answered with a smile. Seifer shot him a disbelieving look. "Its just kinda crazy ya know? I mean you were always the tough guy, the intimidator. Now you're a papa," Raijin grinned. "I don't know, its just different."
Seifer grinned. "Yeah its definitely a change of lifestyle."
"Hey," Raijin said as he placed a hand on Seifer's shoulder. "Can Fuu hold him for a sec? We need to talk ya know."
"Sure," Seifer said as he carefully sat the seat down and grimaced when Blaine opened his eyes. "I was hoping I could remove the seat and not wake him."
"That never happens no matter how hard you try," Zell informed him. Beside him Fujin grinned knowingly.
"Oh well, just watch him for a minute." Fujin nodded eagerly and then knelt down and lifted the small infant from his seat. Seifer watched for a moment as she held him close to her and whispered something towards Zell.
Raijin waited for him in the hallway. When he arrived he was shocked to see the distressed expression on Raijin's face. "Laguna's going back to Esthar in three days. I've been ordered to go on ahead with Ward to make sure everything's ready for his arrival."
"That's no problem," Seifer responded. "But what's wrong?"
"Its not safe here ya know?"
"No I don't know."
"They're eventually going to discover this place ya know. Its not safe and I feel like I'm walkin' out on you. What if something happens?"
"Things will be fine. You've got a job to do. Go to Esthar and get things ready so that Loire can go home. Once he's in Esthar news will spread internationally and then Audley won't be searching random places for him. Its no big deal man. I won't get mad or feel let down or anything."
"But what if somethin' happens while I'm gone? What if somethin' happens the one time I'm not there?"
Seifer grinned. "Things will be fine. I can go a few days without you. Its alright."
"Ya sure?" Raijin asked. Seifer nodded. "I guess orders are orders."
"Guess I'll see you in three days?"
"Three days man. That's it, I promise."
"So Laguna woke up today huh?" He asked.
"Oh yeah," She grinned as she checked the crib one last time to be sure the twins were alright.
"Oh yeah? What's that mean?" He asked as he kicked off his boots and lay down on the bed.
"He came in while I was trying to get Blade to sleep."
"So he knows about your illustrious love life," He grinned as he raised up on one elbow.
She rolled her eyes at the comment. "It was so awkward. When I told him Blade was mine, he fainted."
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah," She winced at the memory. "He's better now but he was so surprised."
"I bet he's going to be elated when he sees me again," He joked.
"If that's what you want to call it." He watched as she crawled across her side of the bed and lay down beside him. "Hey Papa," She smiled as she ran her hand along his cheek.
"Hey Mama," He grinned as he scooted closer to her and rested his hand on her side. "So, are the kids asleep yet?" He whispered and then paused. "I still can't believe I'm saying that."
She smiled. "Yeah, the boys are sound asleep," Ellone answered as she ran her hand down along his arm. "I still can't believe I have two babies now." Seifer fell silent as he looked off in the crib's general direction. "What's wrong?"
"Just thinking," He answered. "Six months ago I wouldn't believe I'd have this."
"Have what?"
"Kids. I, Seifer Almasy, former disciplinary committee chief, former sorceress' knight and current Senior Interrogator have children."
"Former sorceress knight?" She raised her eyebrow. "What do you think I am?" Seifer thought a moment and then laughed lightly.
"I guess cause you never tried to kill anyone or possess me I just didn't put you in the sorceress category," He answered. She smiled knowingly.
"You're my knight." He smiled at the comment. "You do realize that our twins are asleep," She whispered. Seifer raised his eyebrow.
"And what might you be suggesting?" She shrugged and rolled out from over his arm and onto her back. "Oh I see," He grinned as he captured her mouth with his. She pulled at his shirt as he pulled her closer to him. Raising up, he pulled his shirt off for her and admired her simple beauty. She didn't think much of herself but she was also harsh on herself. He thought she was the world. She was the only thing that could've saved him.
"What are you looking at?" She asked as she looked up at him with a smile. He grinned.
"You're so cute," His voice teased. She rolled her eyes and tried to fight off a blush. "What's that? What's that? I see crimson!" He joked.
"Stop it," She mumbled.
"You are," He insisted. "Country cute," He added.
She shook her head. "I love you."
"Love you too." He leaned down and kissed her forehead. She yawned and groaned lightly. "What's wrong?"
"Hmm? Oh nothing. I'm juss sleepy," She said as she yawned again.
He frowned. "You need rest."
"I'm fine," She insisted.
"No," He quietly argued as he scooted over and pulled up the blankets. "You need rest." She groaned as she settled into her pillow. He grinned. "Night," He yawned as he lay down next to her.
"Good night," She mumbled as she quickly started to drift off. He watched her for a few minutes afterwards. She looked so fragile, almost like a pale little porcelain doll. Being careful not to wake her, he rolled out of bed and put his boots back on. Picking up his shirt off the foot of the bed he pulled it on as he started for the door.
Laguna watched silently as Kiros talked to Ward on the front porch just below his window. Leaning against the woodwork around the window seat he rested his hands in his lap. As a teenager he was in a hurry to get out and live life. He'd wanted nothing more than to see the world and live out an adventure. Lived a life he had, sometimes more life than he really wanted. He'd seen his fair share of action in the Galbadian military, seen the world as a traveling journalist, had and lost the love of his life in the tiny village of Winhill and managed to somehow keep his small family together while running the world's largest super power. Nothing in his life had happened like he'd planned. He'd hoped that with old age his life would slow down. If anything it seemed to be moving faster. He was still trying to fully come to terms with nearly dying whenever he so abruptly discovered that he had managed to gain two more grandchildren while he was unconscious. Sure he'd had Tempest and knew that Rinoa was pregnant, but two more grandchildren? By Ellone? That was definitely not something he was expecting. In all honesty he'd thought the infant she was holding was Squall's. Boy was he wrong. A quick knock shattered the tentative silence.
He looked over to the door and waited while it was opened slowly. The sudden sensation that normally precedes fainting washed over him as he stared at the person coming through the door. Despite the promise he'd made to himself not to make a big scene because he was someone Elle cared about, he had to say something.
"Its late," He said as he stood up. "Don't you ever sleep?" 'Great,' He mentally kicked himself. 'Let's just start a fight.'
"You're still up," He answered as he stepped into the room and looked around.
Laguna nodded. "So, what are you doing here?"
"Well, I figure this is my place so I'm allowed to be here."
"I didn't mean it like that Seifer. Don't twist things out of proportion or try to instigate some type of argument," Laguna said with annoyance while taking notice of the cramp starting to spread in his leg.
"I'm hurt," Seifer grinned as he sat down on the bed.
"I know how you are," Laguna thought about grinning to lighten the mood but opted against it. This boy was still in trouble. "So, why are you here?"
Seifer remained silent for a moment as he stared at the rug on the floor. "I talked to Elle, and Squall on the way up here." Laguna looked away perturbed. "I can't believe you fainted and then Squall had to carry you back up to your room." Laguna stared at him with arms crossed.
"I can't believe that while I was in a coma, the closest thing to a daughter that I have was giving birth to a set of twins," Laguna noticed with mild satisfaction that the younger blonde before him was beginning to look uncomfortable. Seifer remained silent. "I brought you into my home and gave you everything you needed...and thanks to you she's a mother," Laguna continued. "Maybe you're used to the idea of twins by now but this is still very new for me."
"Its new to me too," Seifer spoke. "But before you get started let me at least say a few things okay?" Laguna didn't answer but remained silent all the same. "I didn't mean to screw everything up. I still tend to do that a lot. But don't tell Elle that they're the result of a screw up. It'd break her heart. She thinks they're the greatest things in her life. That's just about all she talks about."
"What do you think about them?" Laguna asked as he pulled up a chair and then sat down in it backwards. "Are they screw ups to you?"
Seifer shook his head. "They're amazing. And they're so beautiful." Across from him Laguna watched him with interest. "They're not screw ups, they just weren't expected."
"You do realize this is where I'm supposed to get really mad and start yelling or something like that right?"
Seifer grinned. "Yeah, I was bracing myself for that."
It was Laguna's turn to grin. "Just because I don't yell doesn't mean you're not in trouble. I just don't really know what to say. I wake up and see Ellone with her baby and I faint. I wake up and find out she has two babies and I nearly faint again. Seifer I'm still dumbfounded. I had one grandchild when I was shot and I wake up to have three! Once I start thinking clearly and can figure out how to react to this I can almost guarantee you're gonna get it. In fact I know you're gonna get it 'cause I'm upset right now." Laguna ran his fingers through his hair. Seifer decided to remain silent. "Its just, she doesn't have a job or any way to support herself independently, you two aren't married and she's so young! Seifer do you realize how young she is? There are women her age out making something of their lives! Her life is now destined to be a mother to these children. I'm not saying that's a bad thing but I'm saying its made things a lot harder on her."
"Well like I said a few minutes ago, I screwed up her life!" Seifer flung his hand out. "You think I don't think about things like that? You think I don't think about all the things she'll be missing out on!" He yelled as he stood up. "Look, I don't know what I'm supposed to say. If I were you I'd be mad as hell!"
"Who's to say I'm not?" Laguna replied as he took a few steps closer.
"If you are I'm impressed with you anger management."
For the first time the entire night Laguna looked mad. "Oh I'm mad," He assured him as he approached him. "But I've had all day to think about the situation. I could allow myself to go off, I could tell you to stay the hell away from her," Laguna stepped forward.
"Then why don't you?" Seifer asked as he took a step towards him.
"Because I've seen you two together. She was my little girl. I love her more than anything. When she was kidnapped I left my wife to search for her. She was too precious to let go of. She's still precious to me," Laguna closed the last remaining feet between them and pushed Seifer down on the floor. "The only reason I don't run you off..."
"Like you could," Seifer spat.
Laguna grinned. "The only reason I don't run you off is because it would run her off as well."
"I won't leave her," Seifer pushed himself off the ground.
"I know," Laguna answered. "That's the other reason I find it hard to be too mad at you. Like I said I've seen you two together. You're her world now. I'm just her uncle. You leave and she'll follow you. I don't want to lose her."
A wave of guilt washed over Seifer. "Don't worry, she's not going anywhere." Laguna nodded thankfully. "You've done more for me than any person ever has. I'm not just going to leave after all that and take her with me," He paused. "How 'bout we talk in the morning? Its getting late."
"First thing in the morning," Laguna added. Seifer nodded and turned to go. "W-Wait...Um..." Seifer turned back around.
"Wha..." His question was cut off by Laguna who wrapped him in a hug. The former knight stood in shock at the physical contact.
"Thank you," Laguna said. "For not leaving her." Seifer smiled to himself and put his arms loosely around the older man.
"Leaving was never a consideration," He responded. Laguna let go of him and then looked away. He nodded with a faint smile.
"Go to bed its late."
"You're not mad anymore?" Seifer asked.
"I'm not an angry nor aggressive person. Besides, what's done is done."
Author's notes- This story is winding down...only a handful of chapters left.
Crescent Pearl- You gotta love Laguna...yeah I've been wanting to make him do that since the second chapter.
Element6- You really like Red Strokes don't you. lol I promise I'll try and get it updated as soon as possible. I promise! I'm doing three stories at one time now!
Ameli- Oh dear, you and coffee....My fingers are soooo tired from typing so much and you don't care! (sniff) That's aweful.
Aratcorien- Yeah, there isn't too much of a posse in this fic. Sorry. I noticed that too and I regret it a little bit.
What's Done is Done
Seifer watched the speedometer out of the corner of his eye while he watched the darkening clouds building miles up ahead. Stealing his eyes away from the sky he gave Blaine a quick glance to make sure things were alright. Satisfied that the infant was still sleeping he returned his gaze back to the road ahead. Methodically pressing the clutch and switching the truck into third gear he readied himself for the last leg of the trip. He sighed, thankful that he now only had seventeen miles, of the original forty-six, in-between him and home. This drive was taking entirely too long. On a few occasions already he'd caught himself turning on the radio but stopped before he awoke the infant a few feet away from him. Gripping the steering wheel tightly he looked around out of boredom. On the right, the road was lined with a dense forest, on the left, more forests. Tapping his fingertips against the top of the steering wheel he gave the menacing sky another look.
The darkness seemed to tighten around them with vengeance. Lucas shook the continuous chill that wouldn't leave his body. Something wasn't right. Then again, not much he did was. Under his partners scrutiny he carefully removed the panel and sat it aside gingerly. He sorted through the wires one at a time until he came to the last and paused.
"Well?" His partner asked.
"Patience," He responded as quietly as possible. Footsteps echoed down the hallway conjoining the one they stood in. Both men froze and slowly knelt down. The steps stopped as the guard looked into their hall suspiciously. They watched his silhouette hoping he couldn't see theirs in the dark hallway. After a few moments the guard continued on his way grumbling about the worthless light fixtures. Once he was gone both of them jumped back up to their previous positions. "Wire cutters," Lucas said quietly. Without a look he opened his palm and waited until he had the instrument before continuing. "Okay," He said as he made a couple of cuts. "These two are going to go together like so." He was rewarded with a spark. Holding the remaining wires apart with his left and only hand he leaned back and reached for the panel with his right arm. He stretched as far as he could but without his hand he couldn't reach far enough. Growing increasingly annoyed with his partner he leaned against the wall and used his foot to scoot the panel closer. With great difficulty he pushed the object up against himself and used the force to hold it in the absence of a hand. Once he had it pressed up against his chest, he looked up at his partner who was leaned against the wall. "I appreciate the help man."
"Anytime," Was his response.
"Give me your hand," Lucas ordered him. "Now," He snapped at him. The other man made a big deal of taking the panel and holding it near its place. Without a word Lucas connected the wires to the back of the panel to avoid causing a fire. He wouldn't have normally cared but he knew he was going to be in the facility for a while.
"Done yet?"
"For now," Lucas replied as he walked towards the exterior door they'd unlocked earlier.
"Hey genius we're not done yet," His partner called after him.
"No shit!" Lucas hissed at him as he produced an ammunition shell from his pocket. His partner watched with interest as he placed the shell just inside the lock hole in the door and then returned. "In case they detect us," He explained. "If the door goes to lock it'll crush and therefore ignite that shell, completely blowing off the lock altogether." At his partner's surprised expression he rolled his eyes. "Do you even know what kind of shot uses a charge like that?" At his friend's blank expression he continued. "Nevermind. Let's go." Lucas led the way back down the hall and stopped at a janitor's closet and pulled free a ladder. "These morons provide us with everything we need," He grinned. "He's three-hundred feet north of us," Lucas said as he quickly climbed the ladder and pulled the vent cover off. Sliding the piece inside the ventilation shaft he carefully climbed inside and waited for his partner. From his perch above the hallway he watched as his partner put the ladder away and ran across the hall. Confused, he could only watch as the man ran up to the wall just beside the vent and then up a few feet of the wall. Lucas leaned back when he jumped off the wall and caught a hold of the inside of the vent with both hands. Lucas watched as he pulled himself in within a matter of seconds and replaced the cover. "That was awesome," Lucas said as he stared at his partner.
"I know," His partner grinned as he turned on his night-vision goggles.
Lucas grinned. "What's your name?"
"Carter," He answered. "You?"
"Piper," Lucas whispered. Carter nodded and motioned for him to lead the way. He began carefully leading the way, making sure not to bump anything that may echo through the shafts and alert a guard near another vent. The first few feet were no problem but as time went on it was getting increasingly more difficult to crawl with only one hand. He stopped, surprised by how taxing the simple motion was on his body. For once his partner remained silent. He was thankful. Laying down in the vent he began crawling on his elbows toward their destination. The night vision did little to really help. There wasn't much to see aside from the junctures with other shafts. He stopped again at the sight in the vent to his right. Rolling over in the confined space he motioned for Carter to look. The slightly older man carefully climbed over him and looked down through the vent. His eyes widened in surprise. Carefully backing up he secured his tools and then pulled the cover away. In the brightly lit room below Ross looked up at them. A grin crossed his face. Lucas hesitated.
"You first." Lucas didn't respond to his statement but rather leaned in to be sure no one else was in the room and then slid out of the vent and onto the floor. Ross jumped to his feet, wrists and legs shackled. Lucas pulled a skeleton key out of his pack and then paused when he heard a light snapping sound. He immediately reached for the pistol on his hip. The very minute sound of a leather glove constricting, followed by a small click told him everything he needed to know. Ross took note of his brother's attentive expression and looked up in time to see Carter brandish his pistol just as Lucas fired his. The silencer on his weapon did its job and Lucas stepped nonchalantly aside and let his former partner fall to the floor below. Pulling a small key card out of his pack, Lucas slid it in the slot on the door's lock and turned to Ross.
"Let's get these off," Picking the skeleton key up off the floor he quickly removed his brother's shackles. "Get his gear and lets go." Ross smiled as he quickly stripped the other man of his field gear and suit and quickly put it all on.
"How do I look?" He grinned as he picked up the man's pistol and spun it around before sliding it in its sheath.
"Like you never left," Lucas smiled.
It was dark by the time he reached home. Pulling his truck up as close to the front door as the driveway and landscaping would allow, he put the truck in park and quickly jumped down out of it. The front door opened as he made his way around the front end and to the passenger side.
"Hurry up man!" Raijin called from behind him. "We wanna see this kid before midnight ya know." Seifer grinned as he opened the truck's door and leaned inside. He fumbled with the safety belt for a moment before he managed to unfasten it and free the carseat. Pulling the seat out, he carried it inside and let Raijin shut the truck's door for him.
"LITTLE," Fujin said as she walked up beside him. Seifer looked up at her for an instant and then noticed a troubled Zell sitting on the couch behind her. Zell rose and slowly walked over to where they stood.
"Wow he's really small ya know," Raijin said as he looked over Seifer's shoulder. "He's still cute," Seifer picked up on a laugh in his voice and turned around.
"What's so funny?" He asked.
"Huh? Oh nothing," Raijin answered with a smile. Seifer shot him a disbelieving look. "Its just kinda crazy ya know? I mean you were always the tough guy, the intimidator. Now you're a papa," Raijin grinned. "I don't know, its just different."
Seifer grinned. "Yeah its definitely a change of lifestyle."
"Hey," Raijin said as he placed a hand on Seifer's shoulder. "Can Fuu hold him for a sec? We need to talk ya know."
"Sure," Seifer said as he carefully sat the seat down and grimaced when Blaine opened his eyes. "I was hoping I could remove the seat and not wake him."
"That never happens no matter how hard you try," Zell informed him. Beside him Fujin grinned knowingly.
"Oh well, just watch him for a minute." Fujin nodded eagerly and then knelt down and lifted the small infant from his seat. Seifer watched for a moment as she held him close to her and whispered something towards Zell.
Raijin waited for him in the hallway. When he arrived he was shocked to see the distressed expression on Raijin's face. "Laguna's going back to Esthar in three days. I've been ordered to go on ahead with Ward to make sure everything's ready for his arrival."
"That's no problem," Seifer responded. "But what's wrong?"
"Its not safe here ya know?"
"No I don't know."
"They're eventually going to discover this place ya know. Its not safe and I feel like I'm walkin' out on you. What if something happens?"
"Things will be fine. You've got a job to do. Go to Esthar and get things ready so that Loire can go home. Once he's in Esthar news will spread internationally and then Audley won't be searching random places for him. Its no big deal man. I won't get mad or feel let down or anything."
"But what if somethin' happens while I'm gone? What if somethin' happens the one time I'm not there?"
Seifer grinned. "Things will be fine. I can go a few days without you. Its alright."
"Ya sure?" Raijin asked. Seifer nodded. "I guess orders are orders."
"Guess I'll see you in three days?"
"Three days man. That's it, I promise."
"So Laguna woke up today huh?" He asked.
"Oh yeah," She grinned as she checked the crib one last time to be sure the twins were alright.
"Oh yeah? What's that mean?" He asked as he kicked off his boots and lay down on the bed.
"He came in while I was trying to get Blade to sleep."
"So he knows about your illustrious love life," He grinned as he raised up on one elbow.
She rolled her eyes at the comment. "It was so awkward. When I told him Blade was mine, he fainted."
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah," She winced at the memory. "He's better now but he was so surprised."
"I bet he's going to be elated when he sees me again," He joked.
"If that's what you want to call it." He watched as she crawled across her side of the bed and lay down beside him. "Hey Papa," She smiled as she ran her hand along his cheek.
"Hey Mama," He grinned as he scooted closer to her and rested his hand on her side. "So, are the kids asleep yet?" He whispered and then paused. "I still can't believe I'm saying that."
She smiled. "Yeah, the boys are sound asleep," Ellone answered as she ran her hand down along his arm. "I still can't believe I have two babies now." Seifer fell silent as he looked off in the crib's general direction. "What's wrong?"
"Just thinking," He answered. "Six months ago I wouldn't believe I'd have this."
"Have what?"
"Kids. I, Seifer Almasy, former disciplinary committee chief, former sorceress' knight and current Senior Interrogator have children."
"Former sorceress knight?" She raised her eyebrow. "What do you think I am?" Seifer thought a moment and then laughed lightly.
"I guess cause you never tried to kill anyone or possess me I just didn't put you in the sorceress category," He answered. She smiled knowingly.
"You're my knight." He smiled at the comment. "You do realize that our twins are asleep," She whispered. Seifer raised his eyebrow.
"And what might you be suggesting?" She shrugged and rolled out from over his arm and onto her back. "Oh I see," He grinned as he captured her mouth with his. She pulled at his shirt as he pulled her closer to him. Raising up, he pulled his shirt off for her and admired her simple beauty. She didn't think much of herself but she was also harsh on herself. He thought she was the world. She was the only thing that could've saved him.
"What are you looking at?" She asked as she looked up at him with a smile. He grinned.
"You're so cute," His voice teased. She rolled her eyes and tried to fight off a blush. "What's that? What's that? I see crimson!" He joked.
"Stop it," She mumbled.
"You are," He insisted. "Country cute," He added.
She shook her head. "I love you."
"Love you too." He leaned down and kissed her forehead. She yawned and groaned lightly. "What's wrong?"
"Hmm? Oh nothing. I'm juss sleepy," She said as she yawned again.
He frowned. "You need rest."
"I'm fine," She insisted.
"No," He quietly argued as he scooted over and pulled up the blankets. "You need rest." She groaned as she settled into her pillow. He grinned. "Night," He yawned as he lay down next to her.
"Good night," She mumbled as she quickly started to drift off. He watched her for a few minutes afterwards. She looked so fragile, almost like a pale little porcelain doll. Being careful not to wake her, he rolled out of bed and put his boots back on. Picking up his shirt off the foot of the bed he pulled it on as he started for the door.
Laguna watched silently as Kiros talked to Ward on the front porch just below his window. Leaning against the woodwork around the window seat he rested his hands in his lap. As a teenager he was in a hurry to get out and live life. He'd wanted nothing more than to see the world and live out an adventure. Lived a life he had, sometimes more life than he really wanted. He'd seen his fair share of action in the Galbadian military, seen the world as a traveling journalist, had and lost the love of his life in the tiny village of Winhill and managed to somehow keep his small family together while running the world's largest super power. Nothing in his life had happened like he'd planned. He'd hoped that with old age his life would slow down. If anything it seemed to be moving faster. He was still trying to fully come to terms with nearly dying whenever he so abruptly discovered that he had managed to gain two more grandchildren while he was unconscious. Sure he'd had Tempest and knew that Rinoa was pregnant, but two more grandchildren? By Ellone? That was definitely not something he was expecting. In all honesty he'd thought the infant she was holding was Squall's. Boy was he wrong. A quick knock shattered the tentative silence.
He looked over to the door and waited while it was opened slowly. The sudden sensation that normally precedes fainting washed over him as he stared at the person coming through the door. Despite the promise he'd made to himself not to make a big scene because he was someone Elle cared about, he had to say something.
"Its late," He said as he stood up. "Don't you ever sleep?" 'Great,' He mentally kicked himself. 'Let's just start a fight.'
"You're still up," He answered as he stepped into the room and looked around.
Laguna nodded. "So, what are you doing here?"
"Well, I figure this is my place so I'm allowed to be here."
"I didn't mean it like that Seifer. Don't twist things out of proportion or try to instigate some type of argument," Laguna said with annoyance while taking notice of the cramp starting to spread in his leg.
"I'm hurt," Seifer grinned as he sat down on the bed.
"I know how you are," Laguna thought about grinning to lighten the mood but opted against it. This boy was still in trouble. "So, why are you here?"
Seifer remained silent for a moment as he stared at the rug on the floor. "I talked to Elle, and Squall on the way up here." Laguna looked away perturbed. "I can't believe you fainted and then Squall had to carry you back up to your room." Laguna stared at him with arms crossed.
"I can't believe that while I was in a coma, the closest thing to a daughter that I have was giving birth to a set of twins," Laguna noticed with mild satisfaction that the younger blonde before him was beginning to look uncomfortable. Seifer remained silent. "I brought you into my home and gave you everything you needed...and thanks to you she's a mother," Laguna continued. "Maybe you're used to the idea of twins by now but this is still very new for me."
"Its new to me too," Seifer spoke. "But before you get started let me at least say a few things okay?" Laguna didn't answer but remained silent all the same. "I didn't mean to screw everything up. I still tend to do that a lot. But don't tell Elle that they're the result of a screw up. It'd break her heart. She thinks they're the greatest things in her life. That's just about all she talks about."
"What do you think about them?" Laguna asked as he pulled up a chair and then sat down in it backwards. "Are they screw ups to you?"
Seifer shook his head. "They're amazing. And they're so beautiful." Across from him Laguna watched him with interest. "They're not screw ups, they just weren't expected."
"You do realize this is where I'm supposed to get really mad and start yelling or something like that right?"
Seifer grinned. "Yeah, I was bracing myself for that."
It was Laguna's turn to grin. "Just because I don't yell doesn't mean you're not in trouble. I just don't really know what to say. I wake up and see Ellone with her baby and I faint. I wake up and find out she has two babies and I nearly faint again. Seifer I'm still dumbfounded. I had one grandchild when I was shot and I wake up to have three! Once I start thinking clearly and can figure out how to react to this I can almost guarantee you're gonna get it. In fact I know you're gonna get it 'cause I'm upset right now." Laguna ran his fingers through his hair. Seifer decided to remain silent. "Its just, she doesn't have a job or any way to support herself independently, you two aren't married and she's so young! Seifer do you realize how young she is? There are women her age out making something of their lives! Her life is now destined to be a mother to these children. I'm not saying that's a bad thing but I'm saying its made things a lot harder on her."
"Well like I said a few minutes ago, I screwed up her life!" Seifer flung his hand out. "You think I don't think about things like that? You think I don't think about all the things she'll be missing out on!" He yelled as he stood up. "Look, I don't know what I'm supposed to say. If I were you I'd be mad as hell!"
"Who's to say I'm not?" Laguna replied as he took a few steps closer.
"If you are I'm impressed with you anger management."
For the first time the entire night Laguna looked mad. "Oh I'm mad," He assured him as he approached him. "But I've had all day to think about the situation. I could allow myself to go off, I could tell you to stay the hell away from her," Laguna stepped forward.
"Then why don't you?" Seifer asked as he took a step towards him.
"Because I've seen you two together. She was my little girl. I love her more than anything. When she was kidnapped I left my wife to search for her. She was too precious to let go of. She's still precious to me," Laguna closed the last remaining feet between them and pushed Seifer down on the floor. "The only reason I don't run you off..."
"Like you could," Seifer spat.
Laguna grinned. "The only reason I don't run you off is because it would run her off as well."
"I won't leave her," Seifer pushed himself off the ground.
"I know," Laguna answered. "That's the other reason I find it hard to be too mad at you. Like I said I've seen you two together. You're her world now. I'm just her uncle. You leave and she'll follow you. I don't want to lose her."
A wave of guilt washed over Seifer. "Don't worry, she's not going anywhere." Laguna nodded thankfully. "You've done more for me than any person ever has. I'm not just going to leave after all that and take her with me," He paused. "How 'bout we talk in the morning? Its getting late."
"First thing in the morning," Laguna added. Seifer nodded and turned to go. "W-Wait...Um..." Seifer turned back around.
"Wha..." His question was cut off by Laguna who wrapped him in a hug. The former knight stood in shock at the physical contact.
"Thank you," Laguna said. "For not leaving her." Seifer smiled to himself and put his arms loosely around the older man.
"Leaving was never a consideration," He responded. Laguna let go of him and then looked away. He nodded with a faint smile.
"Go to bed its late."
"You're not mad anymore?" Seifer asked.
"I'm not an angry nor aggressive person. Besides, what's done is done."