Author's note: Trying to survive with three active stories here, so bear with me... :)

to Shadow-Seraph : You didn't scare me... That much :) I know what you mean, I'm trying to balance my life with school, writing, friends, bf and family... What end? This is never gonna end! evil laughter I will keep you trapped here for all eternity!! (now who's scary, huh?)

to Lizzie : :P

to Iskander : Ugh... I don't? Anyways, won't tell 'bout how I come up with names :P

to my dear Dream-Kingdom : Thank you so much hug Sorry, I just checked and the lapdog position's taken... You can still be a freelancer :)

to Greyon-Hell : Well I think I somehow thought Roos got that nickname from all the times Seifer called Zell that... I dunno really, just felt like a good idea at the moment :P

Just wanna remind you all to read The Time Of The Oath... and of course, the Day After Tomorrow before that :P

-Quistis's POV-

What in Hyne's name.... They're withdrawing! Or are they just taking some distance to make the next collision more powerful?

"Quistis! We made it! They're leaving!" Xu yells ecstaticly.

"Yeah... You sure it's for good this time?"

She spreads her arms. "No idea. I'm gonna go tell the HeadMaster."

And she runs away again.

I turn to look at G-Garden again. It seems that they're really leaving this time. What about the boys? Will they make it back? Have they found the Sorceress? What has happened over there?
-Zell's POV-

I run back down from the Command Bridge after knocking Roos out. I decided I can't live with myself if I kill him, after all he is a friend.

"Zell, great work, for once," Seifer says. "Let's get the fuck outta here now."

We re-locate our aeroboards and fly back to B-Garden, which is almost a mile away already.

"Boys, you're alright!" Instructor Trepe shrieks, hugging me, then Squall, then taking a look at Seifer and turning back to Squall.

"Yup, we handled the Sorceress," I say.

"Good work. What about Roos?"

"We ugh...didn't handle him."

She frowns. "What exactly do you mean by that?"

"We let him live."

"Well... I guess that's for the better," she says thoughtfully. "Killing a fellow SeeD isn't right."

"Then what have the kids been doing all afternoon?" Seifer snorts.

Instructor glances at him shortly. "Well... Anyways. Orders from the HeadMaster: until something new comes up, you are officially off duty."

"Spare time?" I ask.

She nodds. "Exactly. Have fun, boys."
-Squall's POV-

Ahh, shower, finally.... I can't even remember when I've felt the warm water pouring over me, the soft scent of my shampoo, my muscles relaxing, those strong hands on my hips...

Hold on, what was that?

"Seifer? Don't you have your own shower?"

"Yup, but there ain't no hot naked guys there, so I came here instead."

I turn to him. "Are there usually hot naked guys in your shower?"

"Only when I'm present," he mumbles and kisses me.

After nearly an hour spent in the shower, we finally make it to my bed. It's been too long since I've felt my soft pillows, warm blanket, the mattress in which you sink, and, of course, the most important of all, Seifer.

"How long has it been since we last slept?" he asks, yawning.

"I don't remember... I think I'm dying...."

He chuckles quietly and kisses me. "Don't. I haven't savagely ravished you all thru the night yet," he mumbles sleepily.

"Can we do that tomorrow night?...."

"Okay, but don't die before that...."

"Can I die during that?...."

"No, that wouldn't be fun... I'm pretty sure I'd get a hell of reputation for that...."

"Like your reputation could get any worse...."

"Hey thanks a lot...."

"You're welcome....."

When I hear no reply, I assume he's fallen asleep. So I can finally let myself do that too...
The morning comes too fast. I feel like I've only slept for minutes. My clock says it's 09.34.

"Hey?" I whisper. "Seifer, you awake?"

No answer. I fall asleep again.
"Squall?"

"Hmmh?"

"You want some coffee?"

"Hmmh."

A chuckle and footsteps.
"How long you gonna sleep?"

"Hrmh."

"Hey Sleeping Beauty? It's 2 pm."

"....so?"

He chuckles and sits on the bed. "Don't you think it's time to get up and eat something for a change?"

"....why?"

"You can sleep after that."

"...hmm."

"I'm just afraid you'll starve to death while sleeping, that's all."

I open my eyes and look at him. He looks so cute with his head tilted and that smile on his face.

"Fine... I'll get up..."

He kisses me and stands up. "You want that coffee now?"

"Sure..."