AN: Well, here is another long update! Sorry if it is too long, but again it was kinda hard to cut this part up.
Thanks for the reviews guys! I'll make this AN's a quick one! Although I wanted to say about Hikari Heijin's comment. I just never thought of Squall as being a vindictive or evil person, so I always felt he was the kinda person who if he let you in his circle of trust, he'd always care for you. Doesn't mean he wants to be with her, but he'd be concerned if something happened. Anyhow! Hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think :)
Disclaimer: Again, I own nothing and am not making any money off this.
-
-
-
About 2 weeks had passed since then, and Squall though less burdened, was more detached and withdrawn than he had ever been, at least for as long as Selphie had known him.
He better see me
Selphie was nervous, she had tried to talk to Squall when she found out about the breakup, but he had completely shut her out and rejected any kind words or concerns from her and everyone else. She felt bad for Zell. She really wondered why he seemed to believe he had to be cold and heartless all the time, there was nothing wrong with being down sometimes. Selphie scrunched her face in thought, her light brown hair framing her face in the usual fashion that she loved.
At least I might distract him
She smiled, happy with herself.
She walked right in; noting Squall still hadn't found any help yet. She didn't think he'd even noticed the difference, being so engrossed in his work lately; on several occasions he'd slept in his office.
Selphie took a deep breath before knocking on his door, forcing her beaming smile, she didn't want to show how she felt; Squall could use someone not being so depressing around him, besides it pissed him off.
Squall glanced up briefly from his report before returning to it, it was a report on the Garden budget.
No response, as usual.
She poked her head in, holding her clipboard close to her chest, "Squall, do you have a minute?"
"What is it?" Selphie came in and flopped down on a chair. Wow, he looked tired, his hair disheveled, with his eyes narrowed as he read, traces of red in the whites. It didn't look like he wanted an interruption.
Putting on her best smile, she continued, "Well it's about the Garden festival. It's coming up in two months, so I've started organizing it, and I wanted to run this by you." Seeing his gaze still following words on the paper, she leaned in close, "Squall?"
"I heard you," his eyes shot up, "Do as you like, it's in your hands." Going back to his work, his tone short.
"I made you a copy of the plan," she pulled a paper from the clipboard, placing it on his desk as she got up, " take a look if you like, whenever you have a minute."
He made a sound of acknowledgment. "Well, don't work too hard Squall!" She smiled, her tone light and cheerful, "We'll see you around."
As she shut the door, Squall glanced at the paper she had left behind, squeezing the bridge of his nose, giving his eyes a break.
Don't work too hard?
He thought cynically. The work would still be there though, so he decided to finish it off later.
Getting up, his fatigued body asked for attention. Stretching his arms above his head, his plain white shirt lifting and showing the tightly knit muscles under the creamy pale skin of his midriff. Walking groggily to look out the window, his heavy boots squeaking against wooden floors.
It was around eight in the evening but it was a bright evening thanks to the full moon. He looked out the window, his forehead pressed against the cool glass. It was strange how much like the night he was, dark yet as pale as the moon, with the darkness hiding everything within its embrace, the storm clouds reflecting his eyes.
The silence in his mind rudely interrupted by a couple, the young girl's giggles bringing him back to his position.
He frowned, watching as they slipped under the protection of the trees, the young man's back to him, with their upper bodies blocked from his view. He didn't need to see more to know what they were doing.
That was the last thing he needed to see and remind him of events he would happily junction GFs to get rid of the memories. It wasn't that he was lonely; it's just that he felt like something was wrong, and off.
He realized he needed to silence his mind before it got worse, so he decided to shower.
-
-
The white noise of the water sheltered Squall as he sat in the shower, his eyes closed. Something was bothering him but he couldn't pinpoint it. The water dragged down his thick hair, his face half hidden behind it as he frowned.
He always felt better when he did this, but it wasn't working right now. Frustrated, Squall let his mind wonder, hoping it would sort itself out and then shut up.
His thoughts touched on a memory that caused him to pause.
That evening; the last time he had seen Seifer. What was bothering him about that?
Seifer couldn't have really gotten to him. His mind drifted on the matter further, going through the events, annoyed at himself at some points and at Seifer in others. He felt a jolt almost when he came to Seifer being mere inches from himself.
Squall took in a shallow breath, remembering Seifer's warm breath on his lips, the rapid heartbeat that caused all the other noise to disappear, then Seifer's eyes. Their brilliance dulled by a look Squall had never seen on Seifer. He remembered so clearly the desire in them as they followed the line of his jaw to his lips. Squall had become entranced with Seifer's parted lips; they looked so inviting, the warmth they promised tempting.
Squall sighed loudly as he pressed his head back against the wall of the tub, pushing his hair back from his face to feel the direct spray of the warm water. He felt his body reacting, a rush and excitement filling him. He was shocked but so engrossed in the feeling that he just couldn't push it away or question why the hell he was feeling so strange all of the sudden.
Almost not noticing he was doing it, Squall felt his hand travel to between his legs. Moaning softly, he felt just how much he had reacted, his body seemed to know what it wanted; he wrapped his hand around his aching need, completely lost in the rush of his mind, soft moans escaping his lips as the water beaded and trickled down his body. A strangled cry echoing his release.
-
-
Finally stepping out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his small waist, he pressed his palm to his forehead.
What was that?
Once he had been done, the pleasure almost unbearable and unlike what he'd felt before, even when with Rinoa, he felt an almost equal amount of guilt and shame.
What had he been thinking? He had become hard at the thought of Seifer.
Squall slumped down on the edge of the bed, completely confused and ashamed.
What's happening to me? What did Seifer do to me?
Now, he became angry as another thought struck him, what if Seifer had actually cast something on him to make him feel this way? It wouldn't be beyond Seifer to be so underhanded. In fact, now that Squall thought of it, he was almost sure that's what has happened.
Seifer! He's probably laughing about it right now..
Squall picked up his phone and dialed quickly, frowning deeply.
"Quistis? It's Squall. I need you to take charge again for a couple of days. I have some business that I've got to attend to in town," after she confirmed it, he added "thanks" before hanging up. He got dressed quickly.
-
-
This just wasn't Seifer's day.
"Come on people, hurry up! We've got to be loaded and ready to go in an hour!" The short sweaty older man yelled.
Lazy bastards! All of them.
He shot Seifer an evil glare, folding his meaty arms across his chest, "a big boy like you can carry two of those at a time," Seifer's tall frame loomed over his boss, casting him a long look as he passed him, he had to bite his tongue, but something also just had to slip, "you're pretty healthy looking, maybe you should try," Seifer's eyes lingered a moment on the man's belly, making his point.
"What did you say?" he yelled, his face even redder, the other men chuckled as Seifer was already inside the boat. Seeing them chuckle, the short man walked off the boat in a huff, rubbing his sweaty hands together in a nervous habit.
Who the hell did that blond asshole think he was?
"Excuse me," a clear masculine voice broke in, the man whirled around, glaring at the young man that was bothering him, "what do you want?"
Squall rolled his eyes, the man had been so absorbed in his own thoughts he hadn't seen Squall walk up to him, and wait a few minutes before saying something, "are you in charge around here?"
The fat man eyed him oddly, the young man looked harmless enough, wearing a short black jacket with a fur lining, under it a plain white shirt that accentuated his fit form, with black leather pants hugging long legs.
He didn't think much of the youth's fashion sense but found himself studying the pale face; the boy was gorgeous.
Pretty, very fine features that seemed even better with a frown on them, fine black brows touched by loose silky brown hair, but it was the eyes that captured his attention. He had never seen such striking eyes, a violent blue grey that seemed to be taking on the color of the ocean around them.
Squall shifted his weight onto one leg, feeling awkward at being stared at like this. He was used to it from girls specifically, but this older man made him cringe.
"Yes, I am," the man straightened himself, regretting his harshness earlier, "who might you be?" he was itching to find out.
Squall found no reason to not tell him, he just wanted him to stop ogling him, "Squall Leonheart," he paused, seeing the man's eyes widen in recognition and then disappointment.
"What do you want Mr. Leonheart?" The man's attitude back to its original charm. Squall found this man's moodiness annoying. "I'm looking for Seifer Almasy. I believe he works for you."
The reaction he got was completely unexpected.
"ALMASY?" he hissed through his teeth.
Now I had an excuse. I knew I hated that bastard for a reason, I felt it!
The man bolted towards the boat. Squall blinked and followed.
"Almasy! Seifer Almasy! Get your ass out here!" He screamed, his short frame shaking with delight and rage.
Seifer froze, Oh shit, how did he find out? He forced his panic out, feeling everyone around him staring at him now, some unsure and others angry. Seifer's mask saving the last bit of pride as he stepped out on the dock, feeling the glares at his back, "what?" he asked calmly as if nothing had happened.
The man had dreamed of this, stepping up to mere inches, glaring up at Seifer's cocky expression, "you fucking know what. You're lucky I don't have you arrested!"
"You wouldn't do that, the authorities might force me to tell them what you're carrying," he said innocently.
His boss's face went purple with rage, "get the hell out of here! I never want to see your face around here again! I won't be so forgiving next time," pure venom in his threat as he walked off proudly to his boat, "get to work the rest of you!"
Seifer's expression was calm, masking his feelings as started walking away, but stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes narrowed as he caught sight of Squall, who looked surprised.
So that's how they found out.
"Well, I guess you got your revenge now," his tone flat. Squall stared as Seifer walked past him. Squall felt guilty, he hadn't intended for this, he had wanted to keep this strictly between them, as Seifer had done.
He followed the taller man, Seifer's soaked white t shirt sticking to the tanned back, showing the tightly knit array of muscles on his back, it was then Squall noticed Seifer was more built than when he had left.
Must be the work. .that he no longer has now cause of me…Hyne.
"That wasn't my intention," Squall caught up to him, "how was I to know you lied about who you are?" stopping as Seifer stopped, finding himself turning to face Seifer now who was looking at Squall with an odd expression, as if realizing an innocence he had never noticed before in Squall.
"No, you wouldn't have known," Seifer arched a golden brow, his jade eyes sad, "you wouldn't know any of it Squall. You live in a fantasy world and always have."
"Whatever," Squall folded his arms, looking down and away. Seifer found himself grabbing the younger man, his fingers digging into Squall's upper arms, feeling the muscles underneath. Squall tensed, his eyes snapping up to glare at Seifer, about to protest but Seifer cut him off.
"Do you have any fucking clue how hard it was for me to find work where they didn't care what your name was? Where they didn't check up on your background? Do you?" He shook him to emphasize his question.
"You think people want to have it known that the sorceress's lapdog is working for them?" Seifer whispered harshly, his jaw tight. "You think I want to hide who I am? I don't have a fucking choice, I have to eat," he let him go suddenly, walking away leisurely, "not that any of you ever concerned yourself with that."
Squall got over his surprise quickly, "why didn't you just come back to the Garden? I would have-"- "Don't you DARE say it Squall," Seifer barked, shooting him a deadly glare, "you of all people have no right to say that to me." Seifer continued on walking, "I don't need your pity."
Squall sighed, hanging his head, he knew how stubborn Seifer was, and how proud. In fact, he completely understood how he felt, and from lack of words, all Squall could say was "Sorry." He wasn't sure if Seifer had heard him as the blond disappeared around a corner.
Raijin studied Seifer's slumped form sadly, sharing a look with Fujin who shook her head and sighed. Things just weren't fair at all, what had Seifer ever done to deserve all these things, many of them she knew he hid from them. He must have pissed off something out there pretty bad.
Fujin was one of the very few who knew just how sensitive Seifer was; how fragile he was. She would just grow angry if she thought about it anymore. "He really doesn't deserve this, any of it," Raijin echoed her thoughts.
"I know," she touched Seifer's shoulder, nudging him gently. She wondered just how long he'll have to keep fighting for everything, when will things become easier for him? Seifer appeared to be completely passed out on the table, his head resting on his arms on the dirty wet table.
Neither Raijin nor Fujin had felt the need to stop him from drinking himself to a stupor.
Raijin wrapped his large arm around Fujin's small shoulders, seeing her face contort with frustration, he whispered softly to her though he felt the same, "Don't worry Fu, he'll be fine, like he always is."
"I know, but I just wonder when will everything stop being such a struggle? When he finally breaks?" she turned, her red eye burning intensely into Raijin. He smiled sadly, and shook his head to say I don't know, "We better get him home though. The bar is closing soon." She nodded to that, getting up. Raijin wrapped Seifer's limp arm around his shoulders as Fujin slid underneath the other to help carry Seifer, they made their way out.
Seifer's head hung forward, a small mumble escaped his lips as they walked down the stone streets, now empty and dimly let, they headed towards Seifer's apartment in a rather questionable part of town.
They were used to running into drunks and roughs and all kinds of people on this street, but Raijin had never expected to see this person here.
Fujin almost tripped forward with Seifer's weight on her when Raijin suddenly stopped, "what is it?" she glanced at him, seeing his eyes focused ahead and narrowed, she followed his gaze and her own eye narrowed.
"Haven't you done enough?" she growled. Squall stepped forward but thought better to get too close to the hot tempered woman; he stood close enough so that they would hear him.
Frowning, he realized they weren't going to make this easy, "I didn't come here to cause trouble."
"Same as last time right? Well you have. Just what do you want?" Raijin was growing impatient and Seifer was getting heavy.
"I've come to take Seifer back to the Garden, give me a-" Squall was cut off by Fujin's laugh, he pressed his lips together tightly, "you know he'll be better off there. I lost him his job, so the most I can do is offer him a new one."
"What are you crazy?" Raijin blinked, "Seifer wouldn't go back there, ya know. Everyone hates him there more, at least here no one knows his face, just the name."
"It's not going to be like that, nor is it. No one is going to do anything to him, I'll make sure of it. I know a lot of people have forgiven him, and others never blamed him." Squall studied the two, his eyes resting on the passed out Seifer, whispering as he continued, "besides, what options does he have here?"
"No! He isn't going. Leave," Fujin began walking again, Raijin afraid to drop Seifer was forced to follow. Squall had to move out of the way as they passed him.
"What do you intend to do then Fujin? Take him in until he finds work that's shady enough to not care? How long is that going to work before he gets into the kind of work they can't have people knowing about?" Squall spoke hotly, "did you ever think of that?"
Fujin paused, she hadn't actually. Raijin looked at her with a frown, reflecting her. What if someone did decide Seifer knew too much? Especially with how cocky Seifer was.
They knew what Squall was offering was probably the best thing for Seifer, but they also knew that Seifer would never go back there. "Just let me at least talk to Seifer," Squall walked up to them, watching their backs as he folded his arms and shrugged, "if he refuses then he refuses."
"Fine, follow,"Fujin was short, as she always was when she was upset, lapsing back into old habits. They arrived there silently, but for Fujin's question, "why care?"
Squalls eyes widened a little at the question before narrowing again, his brow knitted together, he didn't know why he cared, because he was his rival? Because they have known each other for all their lives?
"I feel responsible, I guess," he muttered, "I don't know." They left it at that, finally entering a second floor apartment.
Squall looked around and it struck him then just how different things turned out for the two of them. Comparing to what Squall had, Seifer's apartment was mostly bare of any furniture, looking to be just a room with a stove in the corner alongside a fridge, making up what was the 'kitchen'. A couch with blankets on it he assumed to be the bed. Seeing a couple of doors down a small hallway, he guessed them to be the bathroom and closet.
A small TV sat on a stand in front of the couch, a table with three chairs near the stove. What Squall found kept the place from looking like a hell hole was all the plants. There were potted plants everywhere, the long vines spreading across the one large window in the front of the room. Squall almost missed the case in which Hyperion was stored next to the couch.
In a few minutes, Raijin and Fujin had Seifer laid down on the couch. Glancing at each other and then at Squall, they began to leave, placing the key to the apartment on the table.
"If you hurt him in any way, I'll come after you," Fujin whispered, the threat very clear. Squall watched her back as she departed with Raijin, leaving him and Seifer alone in the quiet apartment.
Now what? I guess I wait.
Squall decided he'd look around the apartment after a few minutes of not knowing what to do with himself. It didn't take long to realize Seifer really didn't own too many things. He found the one closet filled with Seifer's clothes and a few boxes.
Glancing over at Seifer who seemed to be sleeping soundly, the black turtleneck he wore with a pair of grey slacks riding up, exposing his tanned muscular midriff. Squall took in the sight finding his mind imprinting its every detail. Seifer was laying on his back, his face turned away so his perfect profile was in full view, a slight frown, with his golden hair messy and out of place.
Squall expression softened, Seifer looked so vulnerable, in the smirk's rare absence Seifer really didn't seem all that intimidating.
His eyes drifted down, even as just a man he could see Seifer was very attractive, his body enticing as the tease of the midriff proved, with the tight pants hugging his sculptured powerful legs. Squall's eyes widened when he realized his eyes had landed and been happily settled on Seifer's crotch, which the pants did little to hide.
Blushing deeply, he turned away. Looking back to the closet he was standing in front of. Really, what is the matter with me?
Reaching in Squall retrieved one of the inconspicuous boxes. It was small, enough to fit pictures in, and felt light when he held it.
Squall felt like he was doing something wrong, invading Seifer's privacy, but he also then realized how much he actually didn't know about Seifer. They had never really been friends like that; friends that talked to each other. He was curious to know what things Seifer cherished enough to save. His gloved hand pulled the cover off, "just what the fuck are you doing?" a deep angry voice caused Squall to jump a little in surprise.
Seifer was sitting up, groggy still, but his face twisted in anger, eyes now alert seeing his possession in Squall's hands.
"I was just bored," Squall shrugged, closing the box.
"Then go be bored and snoop in someone else's home," Seifer had made his way to Squall, snatching the box from him. Squall could smell the liquor on him, and from his sluggish movements he could see Seifer was still pretty drunk.
Seifer turned to face Squall, a confused and annoyed expression on his face, "what the hell are you doing here?" Just realizing he didn't remember inviting Squall. Looking him over, "how'd you get in?"
"Fujin and Raijin brought you home, they let me in as well," Squall studied Seifer's deep jade eyes, they looked so unguarded that he was entranced by them.
"What spell did you use to make them do that?" A golden brow arched, he was leaning heavily against the wall, still tired as hell, and annoyed his happy haze was wearing off, "forget it. Just get out," he stumbled over to the couch and fell on it.
"Stupid fucking thing," he grumbled, tugging hard at the turtleneck, the stupid thing was uncomfortable and choking him. He tossed it to the ground and lay back. Squall's tranquil eyes watching this quietly, not moving. He felt his pulse quicken at the half nude Seifer and so he turned away, lowering his head to cover his eyes with the thick locks.
Seifer growled irritably, "Why are you still here?" placing his arm over his eyes, trying to go to sleep. Squall simply walked over to the table and sat at one of the chairs, leaning back he glanced out the window.
"What the?" Seifer mumbled, moving his arm a little to be able to see, "Are you deaf? Get out." Seifer's hazy mind was having a hard time understanding anything.
"I'm not leaving," Squall's soft clear voice answered.
"Fine you freak. Stay and stare out the window," turning towards the back of the couch, away from Squall, "freaking weirdo," he muttered, trying to drift off again.
Squall's mind blanked, he didn't know how long he sat like that while Seifer tossed and turned before finally sitting up and cursing loudly, "Fuck! I can't sleep now."
Dragging his feet, he walked to the kitchen and opened the small fridge, bumping into Squall's shoulder as he did so. Squall ignored it, he didn't want to fight with Seifer, he felt tired and old, he'd wait till Seifer was sound of mind, as much as Seifer ever was.
After gulping down some milk, Seifer stood behind Squall, "having fun commander?" he tilted his head, studying the top of Squall's head, having an urge to touch the soft looking hair, he reached down and ran his fingers through it.
Squall jerked away from him, getting up abruptly and glaring at him. Seifer looked so out of it, Squall didn't ever bother saying anything but made a sound of disgust and walked over to the window, staring out.
Cursing Seifer internally when he felt the man follow him to stand close enough that Squall could clearly smell the liquor again, "Go to sleep Seifer," Squall mumbled.
"I'm still trying to understand what exactly you're doing here commander," Squall shivered slightly and crossed his arms. Seifer's husky voice very close to his ear now, "did you miss me? Is that why you came?"
Squall snorted, "Whatever," turning away from Seifer. He could feel the smirk as oppose to see it when Seifer went on, "don't be ashamed, I just have that affect."
Squall whirled around, his eyes cold, "In your dreams fucker," Seifer was amused to hear such foul language come from those pretty lips, his grin growing.
"How about we stop the small talk then," leaning forward, he placed his hands on either side of Squall against the window, trapping him. Squall retreated back against the window, away from him, "Stop it, you drunk bastard," he hissed.
Seifer smiled happily, "I am drunk, maybe that's why you look so gorgeous to me right now," Squall's eyes widened, his mouth opening but not knowing what to say. Seifer turned serious, his eyes on Squall's lips as he leaned in closer, trying to close the gap between them.
Squall stared in surprise but quickly shoved him back hard enough to make him stumble backwards, his grogginess making him unstable; Squall knew normally that wouldn't have caused Seifer to even budge.
Taking his chance, Squall pulled away, standing in front of the couch, "Stop being an asshole," he sneered, glaring at the taller man, who just seemed again to be having way too much fun at Squall's expense.
"Aw come on Squally, you owe me," Seifer grinned as he very openly eyed Squall's crotch. Squall thought his heart would burst as it beat mercilessly, feeling an incredible rush through him, heating up his face.
"How about it Squally? I know you want it," Seifer was inches from him again. Squall had just about had it, he turned to leave when he felt strong hands grab his arms and toss him to the couch.
"Get. Off. Me!" he spit through gritted teeth as Seifer pushed Squall's hands into the couch, his lecherous grin inches from Squall's lips. Squall's body shuddered, his mind going a hundred miles a minute. He became well aware of Seifer's crotch pressed against his thigh, his bare chest pinning him down as Squall struggled desperately against him to get out of his strong grip.
"Shhh, just relax," Seifer whispered, his lips on Squall's neck. Squall gasped, feeling the gentle kisses, a warmth shooting to his groin, feeling himself growing aroused as Seifer's soft wet kisses trailed to his cheek.
"STOP IT!" Squall yelled, desperate to get away. He couldn't let Seifer feel him reacting, he was growing hard and he just couldn't let Seifer know how he was affecting him.
Seifer's hand released one wrist and slid between their bodies, the calloused fingers caressing Squall's abs under his short white shirt, Squall wanted to rip his arm off, he didn't want him to stop but he couldn't let him go on either.
No, this is so wrong, so sick.
His cobalt eyes went wide, feeling warmth cover his lips, as Seifer kissed his full lips greedily; he could taste the milk on his lips as Seifer devoured his lips, growing in desperation with each moment. The hand now sliding between Squall's legs, squeezing his groin through the thin material of his pants. Squall groaned before he could stop himself, feeling Seifer's smile against his lips.
It was too much, Squall could feel tears welling up in anger, then with all his force, he pulled his legs back and hoisted Seifer off him, throwing him to the ground.
Jumping to his feet, his teeth gritted, eyes wet with tears, threatening to run, "Don't ever fucking touch me!" he shrieked, feeling completely devastated.
This had gone so wrong.
He fled before anything more happened, leaving a bewildered drunk Seifer on the ground.
