Part XVI

I watched Squall over the week as we held hands everywhere and had a 'make out session' in the training centre. That was really me tripping over a bush and ripping my shirt and Squall falling to the ground laughing at me. I'd grabbed him in a headlock and mussed his hair and he'd retaliated in turn, mussing mine. But everyone looked at us as we left the training centre hand in hand, laughing with bits of leaves clinging to us everywhere.

"Oscar, come here, come here." I was lying on my bed-watching Squall try and con the cat to come out from under his bed. He'd fled under there when Squall had turned and stepped on him. I just grinned when Squall looked up at me.

"Oh, thanks ever so much for the help." Sarcasm dripped from his words and I grinned again, standing up before crouching behind him and leaning over his back, spreading my hands beside his as my breath blew across his cheek.

"Oscar, come here." I whispered the words and Oscar crawled from under the bed towards us. It was at that moment that the door burst open and Oscar darted back under the bed. I pressed a studied casual kiss to Squall's neck before I stood and turned to see who would just come barging into our room without so much as a knock. Zell and Irvine stood there like avenging angels and I snorted at the thought as I stepped back to hold a hand out to Squall. He waved it away and continued to stare at Oscar under the bed.

"Squall, we have company."

"I want Oscar."

"Can you come back later guys?" I gave them my trademark smirk, which always made Zell so riled up at me. It worked as Zell started to 'swat' flies before Irvine dragged him from the room. I turned back to Squall as Oscar crept out to rub against Squall. I wrapped an arm around his waist as he caught Oscar in his arms and hoisted him to his feet and pressed a kiss to his shoulder as I held him close. As I was holding him, the door whooshed open and Cid stepped in, pausing at the sight of us. I guess we made a convincing picture as Cid flushed and his mouth dropped open. Squall put a casual hand on my chest and pressed back against me. I paid attention to Oscar, fondling the cats' ears.

"I was told the rumours, but I had to see for myself. I can't believe that you Seifer, would stoop so low as to use sexual favours as bribery."

"Hey, hey, hold up there!" I shot away from Squall, a glower settling over my features.

"Headmaster, Seifer is my boyfriend. Anything we do, is consensual and mutual, nothing is used a bribery in any form." Squall leapt to my defence, gently settling Oscar on the bed as he spoke. I had to smile at the way he bristled and stepped in front of me, almost as if he was going to fight for me. Which I guess in a way he was ... Cid looked aghast at the idea that Squall was defending me. I settled down on his bed, to cuddle Oscar and watch the fight unfold. I knew this was one of the most crucial battles that Squall would be engaging in.

I grabbed Squall's wrist, pulling him down into my lap as he spouted out reasons and defences and shit. I wasn't interested in what he was saying; his neck was a more enticing object. I planted little kisses on the skin and felt him shift as Oscar settled in his lap. This part had to be believable or we'd lose the battle before we engaged in the first skirmish. I allowed my hand to roam across his stomach and his hand settled over mine, just holding it so I could feel the way his stomach was rolling and I knew he was nervous about this battle. I knew how much it meant to him and it meant a hell of a lot to me. I needed to know that I could walk around with my partner of choice and not get blasted over it. I know that partner would never be Squall, but I'm sure that someone would take an emotionally scarred ex-sorceress knight.

Squall turned to look at me, so I knew I was becoming overtly tense. I forced myself to relax and continue to nibble on the soft skin of his neck. What surprised me was that once the headmaster had left, Squall didn't pull away, instead, he remained in my arms and, after an extended period, we both realised with a jolt, that we were hard. I waited for him to pull away from me, but he didn't, he stayed in my arms and we eventually fell asleep that way.

I awoke to the feeling of warmth enveloping me and turned my head to find Squall snuggling into my arms. I allowed myself a moment of enjoyment as I kissed his forehead before I gently wriggled free of his hold. I left him, partly asleep in his bed and headed into the shower to give him time to wake up and accept what had happened the night before and to consider whether or not we actually scored a point or forfeited one to Cid in this battle. I was just wrapping the towel around my hips when Squall staggered into the bathroom. I didn't bother to say anything, just opened my arms for him. He sighed and sank into them, nuzzling against my throat.

"I don't think we did too well last night."

"I think we were believable, he just needs time to get over the fact that his commander is in love with the dude that tried to off everyone for a freaky sorceress bitch that had no fashion sense." I felt Squall laugh at that and I was glad he didn't notice the tenseness that that subject brought up in me. I ran a hand down his arm and then gently rubbed his back as we stood there.