Disclaimer: I own nothing, nor these wonderful characters that I adore sooo much! -sigh-

AN at bottom ;)


"I heard the lapdog is your instructor now," one of the boys commented as he reached for a fry on the table.

"Don't use that term around me," growled one of the girls, "He's actually a pretty cool guy, and he really knows what he's talking about."

"Cool guy?" the guy sneered, "he should be in prison for what he did."

"Do you even know what he did?" she questioned. When he didn't answer, "I didn't think so," she concluded. The boy munched on his fry in annoyance.

"Don't forget he's hot too," another girl chirped.

"I'm not gonna comment on that part, but he's actually one of the better instructors that I've had," one of the boys who'd been eating his sandwich mentioned.

The students, but for one, nodded, "yeah."

The jaded boy muttered, "The only reason he got to be one is because he's all buddy buddy with the Commander."

"Actually," the third boy spoke up, "I heard they used to fight all the time. Seemed like they always hated each other. How do you think they both got those scars?" he touched the area between his brows.

"Really? Is that how?" The original girl awed, "that's cool."

"I also know from reading about it that it was the Commander who defeated Seifer during the Wars," the boy continued, "so if Leonheart can forgive the guy, he really can't be all that bad."

"Yeah whatever man," the stubborn boy was losing his argument.

"You're so ignorant," the girl huffed.

It seemed this was the motion around the Garden as of late. The students were accepting Seifer, and some of them actually respected the guy and started to idolize him.

He was an interesting figure, and no matter what someone's take on him, he was a popular subject of conversation since his arrival.

Word of this would get back to Squall, and he couldn't be more pleased to hear he hadn't given the students too much credit to think for themselves.

As always, there were groups who very openly shoved their displeasure still about having Seifer here, but their numbers were dwindling and they were scoffed at by the other students.

This was all good news, especially with the Garden festival drawing close.

Squall decided to call it a night.

He slipped on his jacket and headed to Seifer's dorm, grateful that Quistis never questioned him anymore on his whereabouts. He found that he'd been spending most of his free time there since he approached the blond.

He was still not completely comfortable being open with Seifer, part of that being he still didn't quite understand his own feelings on that matter. However, slowly he found more and more that he started to open up.

What he felt happiest about was that he finally started to know who Seifer was, and the more he found out, the more amazed he was by the handsome blond.

Seifer had told him about what had happened right after the war, and Squall then really understood how strong Seifer was and how much he had endured; from being spat at publicly to being beat into unconsciousness on several occasions. He couldn't help the guilt and how his heart felt wretched for what had happened; he hadn't even given Seifer a second thought then. None of them had, and none of them had tried to help him.

Seifer reassured him constantly there really wasn't anything Squall could have done, and it was something he had to go through; it was the consequences of his actions and Seifer was never one to bow down from taking the brunt of his actions. He even seemed grateful for it, and now felt more appreciative for everything he had.

Squall just shook his head with amazement and awe, knowing had the roles been reversed, Squall would have reacted much differently.

"Hey," Squall said as he entered Seifer's dorm, locking the door behind him.

"Hey babe," Seifer was finishing off his latest creation. Squall smiled back at his lover who gave him a wide grin in greeting. Taking his jacket and boots off, he joined Seifer in the kitchen. "That looks good," he commented.

"Of course," Seifer smiled proudly, leaning in to Squall's awaiting lips for a long kiss. Seifer couldn't resist giving Squall's sexy ass a squeeze, receiving a chuckle from Squall in return.

"Class go well?" Squall asked he leaned against the counter.

"I think so," Seifer added salt as he focused on the dish; "I'm going to take them out of the Garden next class. Going to see how they fare against different kinds of enemies besides the training ground's."

Squall noticed Seifer's hair was damp; an occasional trickle would land on his shirt from the damp locks that clung. Seifer was wearing a tight rich green long sleeved shirt that completely matched his eyes, making them stand out even more in the tanned strong face. Accompanied by a pair of comfortable jeans that managed to reveal only a little of the beautiful form underneath.

Squall must have studied him longer than he thought because those striking eyes looked up in amusement at him, "like what you see?" he said silkily, giving Squall a sexy smile.

"You're ego is big enough already without me adding to it," Squall tried to not smile but failed miserably.

"Oh come on, stroke it for me a little," Seifer's eyes glinted with mischief, and Squall laughed at the sexual undertone, "You're terrible."

Squall stretched upwards, feeling tired, "I've heard the students really like you, although you don't even use any of the books assigned," Squall commented. He wished he'd changed first, he found the leather pants too tight for now.

"Books, tch," Seifer dismissed, "they never taught me anything." He grinned like a cat who'd caught the mouse, "They students like me, huh? I knew I was irresistible."

"Your modesty is too much," Squall rolled his eyes.

"I know," Seifer laughed, and then frowned a little, "although, seriously, there is one student in one of the classes who reminds me a lot of you."

Squall stood a little stiffer, "Of me?" he asked, feeling a hint of jealously.

"Yes," Seifer turned to gaze at Squall, his face thoughtful, "he's already above all the other students, skills wise, and I can see he's still got a lot of room to grow in."

Squall listened without interruption, wondering in the back of his mind how the student was like him.

"He's also very quiet, intense and moody," Seifer pulled the man closer to him after seeing the frown, "Well, he's like you were back then."

Squall looked up in order to meet the eyes on him, "Does he challenge you?" he asked strangely.

"Heh, he does," Seifer ran his fingers through the loose hair, "he's always trying to break my logic and make me look stupid."

"He doesn't need to work hard to do that," Squall teased.

"Hey," Seifer looked hurt.

Squall punched Seifer on the arm lightly, and then smiled, adding, "He sounds interesting."

"He is," Seifer nodded, looking off in thought.

"Is it ready then?"

"Oh yeah," Seifer remembered, "Lets eat."


-

Squall and Seifer were relaxing afterwards while one of those old movies was on; Seifer had a weakness for them so Squall decided to just give it a chance.

"You know Squall," Seifer remarked suddenly, "your dad was pretty good looking back in the day."

Squall wrinkled his nose with disgust, "Seifer please, that's my Dad. He's also a bumbling idiot."

"Heh," Seifer wrapped an arm around Squall, pulling him closer, "he still can't compare to you though."

Squall looked up briefly and then down at his hands, not sure what to say to it. He found his eyes resting on the ring Seifer had made for him, and he held up his hand to examine it closely. He had grown very fond of it since putting it on a few days ago.

"You're still wearing it," Seifer commented, inwardly feeling flattered Squall had not taken it off at all since then.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" Squall looked at him strangely, and then back at the ring, "I've never seen such amazing craftsmanship."

"Did I tell you what the scene means?" Seifer reached for Squall's hand to pull it closer, his eyes studying it now too. Squall found himself drawn to watch Seifer, he was breathtaking, especially so close up.

"No, you never did," Squall answered quietly.

Seifer touched the band, his eyes never leaving it, "I am the phoenix, and you griever," his voice was soft and far off, he seemed a million miles away, and Squall almost held his breath, feeling warmer all of the sudden.

"Griever's heart is strong and noble, and causes the phoenix to bow down in awe to him, giving himself up to him," Seifer said so softly, "trusting himself to him; he's not afraid.". Something happened at the moment, they both felt it, but neither could place what nor how. They both fell quiet for what seemed to be an eternity, the moment felt filled with electricity, and something stronger. They both felt their hearts pounding, and a strong surge of something foreign to them up till now.

Squall felt more had been left unsaid when Seifer turned to him, his eyes pouring into him; they looked almost sad, tragic in their beauty, and Squall had to retract a deep breath, his eyes looking to the ring, as if for an answer.

Squall couldn't find words appropriate; instead he rested his forehead against Seifer's shoulder, touching his band almost tenderly. Seifer's arm wrapped around Squall, pulling them close together, Seifer then gently nestled against the soft locks of his lover's head, sighing deeply within his soul. He wanted to say something, but he was scared and nervous to, he didn't want to scare Squall, nor did he even know if it was true. He instead closed his eyes, and held Squall for a very long moment. He didn't miss how Squall's hands gripped at his shirt at the side either, and felt an incredible happiness at the simple silly gesture.

Hyne, I love you Squall.

He pulled his head back, tilting Squall's chin up to him slowly. Squall blinked as if in a daze, looking somewhat confused, and his big grey eyes brimming with emotions; Seifer nearly moaned at the sight. He just wanted to take Squall away and hide him away, let him be all his, he wanted to protect the lovely man.

He pushed his silly thoughts and sudden possessiveness aside and smiled tenderly, "I want to show you something," he said in a tone of secretiveness. Squall nodded and let himself be led to the bedroom, guessing at first Seifer meant something sexual, but was surprised when Seifer instead led him to the closet.

Seifer lowered Squall on the floor and then reached within it to retract a small box; Squall recognized the box immediately, it was the same one Squall had seen back in Seifer's apartment when the other had been sleeping drunk. He had been curious what had been inside. Seifer placed the box gently, as if it was his most prized possession, into Squall's pale hands.

"Open it," he commanded gently, with a boyish smile of delight and tenderness.

Squall lifted the lid and his eyes grew impossibly wide when he saw the contents. He almost ached at the gentleness of Seifer's heart when he realized this truly was Seifer's treasure, something as simple as that.

Reaching inside, he withdrew the seashell into the air, staring at it. Underneath it lay a few pictures, and a few small items. "I remember this," Squall whispered, entranced by the shell, "its from the beach by the orphanage."

"Yeah," Seifer smiled almost shyly and he took it from Squall's hand, his eyes glazing over when he studied it, "I didn't want to forget that day. Sometimes," he stopped, breathing in slowly, "when I was laying in a ditch, after someone had decided to take it upon themselves to return justice to the world, I would think of that day. I would keep that single moment in my mind, and it all seemed to melt away. Nothing else mattered, and I felt, happy." Seifer chuckled a little, sadly, "I remember I would even smile sometimes, and they would think I had gone crazy," he looked up to Squall, "they would even leave me alone sometimes at that, saying I must have lost my mind." Seifer laughed almost deliriously as he clutched the shell.

"Seifer," Squall said simply and gently, and Seifer's laughter ceased immediately. His features touched now by sadness, as he lowered his eyes from Squall to the ground, "You were curious to see what was inside before," he said quietly.

"I wasn't entitled to know then," Squall closed his hand over the shell with Seifer and smiled when Seifer looked up in wonder at him.

"What else have you got in here?" Squall asked as he examined the remaining contents of the box.

"Well, this particular item was from a little incident back then," Seifer completed perked up, now going into the story in great detail. Squall found himself amazed, by the extent of detail that Seifer remembered, by what mattered to him, and by just everything. How could he not seen this all before in Seifer?


-

"Alright," Seifer stopped outside the forest, the class had been split up into groups of two. Being an odd number, Seifer paired himself with Talon, who he felt would be held back anyhow by any of the other students.

His abilities and skills were growing tremendously, Seifer noticed; he was a fast learner so Seifer took him aside on several occasions after class to give him a little more than the rest of the students. He knew Talon needed to be challenged continuously, and the pace of the class was too slow for him.

He now held his hand up, "Alright everyone, like I told you before, everyone is to spread out with their partner. If you find you are unable to defeat who you encounter, then head back here immediately. I don't expect any of you to have that problem though." He voice booming so to reach all of them, "Remember not to separate from your partner, if you do, you will fail this test, even if you feel differences between each other, you have to adapt your fighting style accordingly."

Seifer almost laughed to hear himself say these things, he remembered never paying attention to that when he had been told the same, but he thought he might as well say it too; it wasn't the truth that he would fail them, but thought it best to be under that pretence to see what they do.

He added an afterthought, "Remember, some of you might be up to the same level as the creatures here, but" he grinned, "that's when we're going to use what I taught you; use their weakness, even if they are stronger than you."

"Questions?" silence answered, "Move out and meet back here in two hours."

The forest was thankfully large enough to allow everyone to spread and not have groups go together. Talon quietly led. Seifer stayed a little behind the boy, letting him, after all, this was still a test.

It didn't take them long to come across an enemy; Seifer let Talon take care of it as he watched in quiet admiration. Talon had a very quiet graceful fighting style, very calculating, clean and sharp. Seifer found it a little unnerving that Talon didn't utter a single sound, nor was his breathing erratic when he fought.

They aren't presenting a challenge at all

Seifer tried to think of what might be a challenge; he'd have to push the boy's limits to make sure Talon didn't get cocky and become over confident.

"Instructor," Talon was studying Seifer with a bored cool expression, waiting to proceed.

"These enemies are fairly weak," Seifer remarked as they walked through.

"They're a joke," Talon stated flatly.

"Do you think you can handle something tougher?" Seifer smirked.

Talon stopped to look at Seifer, "What are you planning?"

"We'll head towards the mountains," Seifer pointed, "recently I've heard of dragons being sighted."

"Dragons?" Talon's intense sandy eyes widened, the prospect exciting him.

Seifer started heading toward them with Talon, "Don't get cocky. They're a handful even for experienced SeeDs."

"We'll see," was all Talon said.

It took them awhile to come across one, but when they did, there was no time to think. It lashed out at them immediately with its tail, they both avoided it easily.

Seifer was acting as back up as he let Talon be the aggressor.

Talon was soon showing signs of struggle, as Seifer predicted, and his cool seemed to threaten to break at times when he came across close calls.

"Don't let it break your concentration," Seifer ordered, seeing Talon start to falter. Seifer stepped up with his gunblade and sliced at it; it let out a long shriek as he cut it across the back.

"Back off, let me handle it!" Talon yelled, jumping ahead of Seifer with an attack.

Seifer complied, watching with interest, seeing the gaps in the youth's attacks.

"Watch its movements. It will tell you what's the next move," Seifer supplied. The youth's mind absorbed it and immediately saw what Seifer had meant.

He took an opening easily, and sliced through the dragon's neck, its blood spraying them both in as a powerful jet. The violent scream chilled them both as it reared its head up.

"Watch out!" Seifer yelled and quickly wrapping his arms around Talon's waist from behind, plucked the boy out of the way of a powerful claw as it let out its finally attack before collapsing.

They both fell backwards, waiting to see if it was finally dead. Talon seemed a little shaken and surprised, but quickly covered it up. They sat up now, certain of its end.

"Thanks," Talon's ton didn't show any gratitude. He looked down to the arms around his waist, and Seifer quickly untangled himself from the boy.

"Dragons in general are very proud, and will try to take you with them. They usually always pull a final attack, even when on the verge of death," Seifer's eyes raked over the corpse, his face and clothes were splattered with its blood.

Talon turned, sitting back on his heels, studying Seifer, "How long does it take you to learn the weakness of a creature?"

"Usually within the first few minutes," Seifer wiped at his face with a relatively clean sleeve, "it stinks," he muttered at the scent of the thick blood.

"Were you always like that?" Talon seemed very talkative and curious all of the sudden, his full attention on Seifer.

"Yeah, but I got better with practice," he pulled his jacket off, the smell making him nauseous. Talon seemed unaffected as he sat covered with the blood, completely cold and fully focused on Seifer.

"Does it extend to other areas in your life?" Talon asked oddly.

Seifer paused in removing his coat, an eyebrow raised, "I suppose so."

"Interesting," was all Talon said, looking amused.

Seifer, curious now, "What's interesting about it?"

"Is that why you partnered us up?" Talon ignored his question.

"In a way. The others would hold you back," Seifer grew weary of the questions and stood, his coat over his shoulder.

Talon stood slowly, sheathing his weapon, his eyes still focused on Seifer in calculation. "I can tell things about people as well," he was hinting at something.

"Oh yeah?" Seifer folded his arms, a slight frown on his face.

"Yeah," Talon stepped closer, his eyes unsettling. He then very obviously lowered them to Seifer's lips, and Seifer's expression darkened; now understanding what the boy had been hinting at.

"I can tell you were wrong with your observation," Seifer let some of his anger through his voice.

"Was I? I don't believe so," the desert sand eyes slowly meeting the rich green forest of Seifer's. "I've seen how you look at me."

"Don't flatter yourself," Seifer sneered, "I've got someone already."

"That doesn't mean anything, does it? You shouldn't fool yourself," Talon was unyielding.

"That's enough Talon," Seifer said with authority, a cold hard expression that he'd used many times before on his face, "You misunderstood it. Don't be arrogant about it."

"As you like," Talon shrugged and walked past Seifer, not before giving him a long look that almost dared Seifer to continue this. Seifer frowned and headed back towards the meeting place.

That was something he hadn't seen coming.


-

"What's the matter?" Squall asked, seeing Seifer absorbed in his thoughts, with a slight frown creasing his fine features. Squall leaned back against the bark of the tree they were both sitting under; it was evening already, and no one was around and so they had decided to get some air.

Seifer sighed and rested back against the tree, looking up into the dark leaves, barely able to make out their outline. He could feel the warmth from Squall who rested next to him, one knee pulled up to his body. "Remember that student I told you about?"

"Yeah, something happen?" Squall's features softened with concern, his eyes almost glowing in the dark with their brightness.

"He did very well on the practical, and even managed to finish off a dragon by himself," Seifer's tone showed his unease.

"That's impressive," Squall said slowly.

"Yeah, he's an excellent student, but he's really full of himself," Seifer shrugged, "he thought I had paired us up because I was interested in him."

"He did?" Squall's brow furrowed, "why would he think that?"

"I don't really know, but the little bastard couldn't seem to get it through his head," Seifer caught Squall's weary eyes, "the only reason I even gave him any special treatment was because he's a good student, I should have known better."

"You sure you didn't give him cause to feel that way?" Squall asked cautiously.

"Don't start Squall," Seifer tone agitated, "I even told him I had someone."

"You did?" Squall's eyes narrowed in worry, "did you tell him who?"

"No," Seifer said slowly, his own eyes copying the other man, "Why? You scared someone might know about us?" Seifer realized it as he said it, and felt furious that Squall would even be that way.

He could feel his rationality pushed aside by growing hurt and anger, especially when he saw Squall look away in guilt. He had guessed it right.

"I just don't want the whole Garden talking about it, it's not their business," Squall quickly hid the guilt that came with Seifer's accusation, making his tone even and bored.

"You're ashamed, aren't you?" Seifer's voice was low and searching, and it caused Squall to wince. He wasn't really, was he? What would he be ashamed of? This was stupid, and it wasn't the case.

"No," Squall sighed, "lets drop this Seifer." He refused to look at Seifer, keeping his own expression bored and annoyed, hoping Seifer didn't see through him, but he could feel the other's gaze burning into the side of his face.

"Fuck that," Seifer growled, he grabbed Squall's arms and forced them to face each other.

Seifer searched the other's cool expression, making no attempt at hiding his anger; he knew he had a temper but Squall was acting like he wasn't there, and it was making him even more angry.

Squall tried to pull away, but instead resolved to look away when he found he couldn't take the accusing gaze from his lover.

"This has nothing to do with the Garden, does it Squall?" Seifer voice was gentle, but his eyes said otherwise.

Squall met them again, opening his mouth to say something but found himself silenced with the hurt he saw there, hurt that he has caused. The last thing he had ever wanted Seifer to feel was that, and yet, here he was doing just that, he felt the guilt tearing at him and was surprised to still find his breathing regular.

"You didn't really expect me to not notice did you?" He asked, and knew Squall would have no answer.

"You don't want any of your friends to know. I know you've been lying to them about where you've been spending your time," Seifer clenched his jaw, his fingers gripping Squall's upper arms tighter, making him bite his lip, "Do you really think I'm that stupid? I thought I'd let it go, and just give you some time, but I see it's not something that's going to change."

Squall swallowed, and forced himself to control his voice. He found it came easier with anger, so he glared at Seifer as he spoke, "Stop it Seifer. It's not anyone's damned business," despite it all, he felt cornered and the grip of Seifer's hands were starting to hurt.

"Really?" Seifer said lazily, "Funny how you had no problem everyone knowing about Rinoa when you were together," a strange smile from him made Squall shrug and pull at the hands holding him, surprisingly he found they gave way easily as they released him.

"That was different," Squall mumbled.

"How? Because she was a female? Or it is because it's me?" Seifer barked, and Squall jumped at the sudden outburst.

He frowned and found himself shying away from the glare that made him almost immobile; Seifer was very intimidating when he was angry, and Squall couldn't recall ever seeing him like that. Seifer's breathing had grown erratic; he could see Seifer was trying to control himself but doing a poor job as he clenched his jaw and fists tightly.

"It's not like that," Squall said gently, trying to calm him a bit.

"You're fucking ashamed to have it known you're sleeping with the lapdog, aren't you?" Seifer ground his teeth.

Squall stared at him, "why the hell would you think that?"

"Because that's the fucking truth, have some balls and admit it for Hyne's sake!" Seifer stood rigidly. "If I'm wrong then enlighten me," he folded his arms and waited, glaring down at Squall.

Squall couldn't help the helpless look that overcame him, he didn't have an answer. He knew he couldn't lie about it; he hadn't wanted anyone to know.

"At least you're not trying to insult me with making something up," Seifer almost laughed in bitterness, "I'm really honored that you decided to lower yourself to have some fun with me," he smirked with a bite.

"Seifer," Squall pleaded; he just wanted to hide underground from the heated glare.

"Fuck it," Seifer turned and began walking away, "It's been fun. I might enjoy the sex but I'm not that desperate," Seifer next words caused Squall to visibly wince as he gripped his knee, "even I have some pride left, believe it or not."

He knew he had to say something, but he really didn't have anything he could say.

"Don't worry, I can keep my mouth shut, no one will know, Commander," Seifer added with a cynical bite to his title.

Squall felt himself go cold.

"I'm sorry," Squall whispered, but Seifer had already walked away and hadn't heard him.

Commander..

Another role, one of the many he plays. Any role but to be himself. He would do what people expected of him, and not what he desired. Since when was he such a whore for acceptance? It all felt fake, but for the moments with Seifer. He felt his world darken considerably as realization sunk in belatedly.

Seifer.

He cared about Seifer, no, more than just cared. He hung his head, his hair hiding his face; he loved him. He knew it. Had known it for awhile. Now, it was too late, he'd screwed up the only thing he cared about. He clutched his head, crying silently. He was such an idiot; he didn't deserve anything good, not Seifer nor anything else.


-

AN: Well? What did you think:D Hate me yet? -hides- I know I know! But you have to remember their age and the things they have gone through...heh..so..yeah...no killing me -grins-

One chappies left! I'll try to make it a half decent one...kay?

Thank you guys for being so supportive! Esp with it being my first yaoi...I really appreciate all the feedback.. -smiles-

Becki Vampiric Angel - Hehe..Thanks! -grins- I'm really happy you liked that! I have a pic in my head, I wish I could draw it / ..
But anyhow! Thank you so much!

MajinBakaHentai - Thank you so much! -blush- Arent they? Yummy...If only they were real.. -sigh- Hehe!

Shiri Matakami - Yes, you are hopeless! lol! Seifer is da man ;) Yumminess and hotness and all the other stuff! Hehe. No...Zelly will be in the next one though! Thanks to zell, Seifer got the ring! Glad you enjoyed it!

Cheley - Hehe! Im delighted you liked it! Thank you so much! -so happy- And hush! ;) You're giving me too much credit. Im seriously so touched that you like the story..It being my first yaoi and ff8 story and stuff, I was a little worried. Dont worry though! I have another story idea in my head ;)

hide and X forever - Hehe..Thank you! -feels special- :D Sorry about the errors! I usually type this out late at night and by then Im so tired I miss them ! Sorry...I'll try!

Aww! You let your friends read it? -feels embarrased- thanks...
He is a softie though, eh? ..so pure :D

Edwards-Ebed - It really did? Im so happy! I was wondering about that myself...about why they left them as well. One chapter to go now! Hehe..I do have a story idea that I'll mention in the next update.. :)
Thank you so much for all your wonderful support..Im honoured :)

Hikari Heijin - No you wouldnt! Cause he'd be in my dungeon! -evil grin- Yayy! Thank you!

You know I will still always be indebted to you for being the first to give my story a chance :) seriously! Thank you for everything.. -smile-

And you better update soon! Or else..No Seffie for you! ;) hehe..

Thanks again!