Authors Excuses:

Hello all.:loves and kisses:. Yum! Here is another chapter! Longest one yet I believe! Lot's of twisties! Enjoy! Oh and here is a little snippet of the conversations I have with my beta while we rp.

' This is the person who's responsible for all the turns my fic has taken lately'

Desiree: Me, Angel's Obsession

Hiiro: Beta, Shinigami's Forlorn Angel.

Desiree says:

(must kill cheery selphie)

Desiree says:

(lol)

Hiiro says:

(Agreed.:claps her hands together, still wearing the jacket, then places them on the ground hoping to use alchemy to create spikes from the floor to kill the too cheery brunette:..)

Hiiro says:

(.:nothing happens:. -.-'')

Desiree says:

(You are in love) -I'm talking about her Edward Elricjacket that 'supposedly' gives her alchemy powers.'-

Desiree says:

(lmao)

Hiiro says:

(Why didn't that work! I guess I'll have to do it the old-fashioned way... .:grabs a pen and draws a transmutation circle on the ground:.)

Hiiro says:

(.:places her hands on the edge of the circle, hoping for a reaction this time but is still met with nothing:.. -.-''')

Desiree says:

(your getting quite sweaty)

Desiree says:

(yum)

Hiiro says:

(For the love of-- .:pulls a gun out and shoots Selphie:.)

Desiree says:

(ha ha ha! .:falls off chair:.)

Hiiro says:

(.:looks at you:. Whatcha laughin at?)

Desiree says:

(...you and your...behavior)

Hiiro says:

(What do you mean?)

Hiiro says:

(I'm not doing anything overly stupid... am I?)

Desiree says:

(No! It's funny! The Selphie thing!)

Desiree says:

(shooting her n' all...)

Hiiro says:

(Okies)

Desiree says:

(my sense of humor is on crack...)

If you are actually interested in seeing anymore convo. snippets I would be happy to post some of our weirdest moments! Cha! Now go read the chapter!

I'm No Angel

Chapter 12: Ai wa Mada Nakanai (Brightness and Darkness)

Beta: Shinigami's Forlorn Angel.

Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VIII Squaresoft does. Also I do not own Duo or Solo from Gundam WIng. Whoever the hell owns them...I'm not making money...blah blah.

SFA/N: That would be the blessed creators of the Gundam Series, Tomino Yoshiyuki and Hajime Yatate, as well as Bandai and Sunrise.

"Hey Squall." Selphie said gently. "Wanna talk to me and Irvy?"

"About what?" The boy in question answered from where he sat on the blue sofa in Selphie's apartment as he stared down at the coffee table in front of him, almost glaring. He had his arms folded across his lap as he leaned forward slightly, unsure of how to handle the topic he had a sneaking suspicion his friend wanted to discuss.

"About what happened last night." Selphie answered ignoring the looks she and her coffee table were receiving.

Squall's storm-blue eyes narrowed slightly as his breath caught in his throat momentarily before he coldly answered, "No."

"Aww.. Come on Squall. It's not healthy to keep these things bottled up inside..." His longhaired, cowboy friend interjected from where he was seated next to the usually over energetic girl from Trabia. "You should talk about it.."

"Yeah, you practically collapsed on our front step!" Selphie added, looking pointedly at the brunette sitting across from her.

Squall averted his gaze from meeting the smaller brunettes as he sighed. "I don't want to talk about it." He said, keeping his voice cold, but neutral.

"You're going to talk about it." Selphie said putting on her most stern face. "We won't let you go until you've explained yourself."

Shocked the teen looked up at Selphie, confusion written on his face before it passed into a cold anger. "Explain myself? What's to Explain? Seifer and I had a fight and I left. End of story.."

"Explain why you collapsed on our door step. What happened between you and Seifer?" Selphie explained relaxing herself again.

"I ran from there to here... I just.. pushed myself too hard I guess.." He admitted with a shrug, opting to leave the girl's second question unanswered as he went back to trying to burn a hole in her coffee table using only his glare.

"You came straight here?" Selphie asked.

"Why wouldn't I?" he countered. "It's not like that man claiming to be my father and I get along.."

"I don't know Squall! Hyne." Selphie gave Irvine a pleading look.

Irvine shrugged as if to say 'I'll try' before looking at Squall. "Listen Pal.. We know you're upset about what happened, and we want to help.. But we can't do that unless you let us... So tell us what happened completely from beginning to end." The sharpshooter leaned forward from his perch on the chair arm as Squall looked like he was considering telling them.

Selphie smiled thanking the cowboy with her eyes scooting closer she watched Squall waiting for his response.

After a moment's consideration the black clad boy looked at his friends, letting out another sigh. "It's not that I don't appreciate your guys' help... I do appreciate it... I really do, but.. I'm just not ready to handle it right now.. I have too many other things to worry about... okay?" He asked, hoping they would understand his position on the matter...This was something he needed to deal with on his own.

"Okay Squall we'll respect your decision, but if you ever want to talk you know where to go. What do--" Selphie was cut off by a loud pounding coming from the front door.

"Who's that?" Squall asked, not feeling up to being around anyone other than his friends.

"I'll get it.." Said the brown-eyed cowboy as he stood up and walked over to the front door, opening it. "Seifer... He's not ready to see you yet... Maybe you should come back in about a week or so..."

"What do you mean he's not ready to see me! Let me in." Seifer said glaring at the auburn haired man.

"No can do... He's still upset over last night. And I doubt he'd appreciate your company." Irvine answered coolly, meeting Seifer's glare with his own look of pure calm.

"Fuck it cowboy, I want to see him." Seifer said going to walk past Irvine who had been blocking the entrance.

"Nope. There's only one thing I like to 'fuck' and this ain't it.." He answered, moving to block Seifer's path once more, throwing a wink in Selphie's direction as he said this. "Now I'm going to have to ask you to leave." He looked to Seifer once more, challenging him.

Seifer glared, "What makes you think you can order me around?" He growled back, accepting Irvine's challenge.

Irvine smirked, remaining ever calm and composed. "I live here, this is mine and Selphie's apartment..." We could have you arrested for refusing to leave. Isn't that right Selphie?" He turned to look at the vibrant girl, who had moved to stand by Squall's side.

"Yes he's right, and you know we'd do it. Seifer just leave, Squall isn't ready to talk." Selphie said walking to stand beside Irvine. "Don't worry just give him a few days."

"How about I ask Squall if he wants to talk myself?" Seifer said looking past the two guards and straight at Squall.

Squall looked up At Seifer, his dark blue-gray eyes full of pain and betrayal before he stood up and walks to stand by his friends. "No Seifer... I'm not ready to talk... especially not to you at the moment..." He lowered his gaze as his entire body trembled slightly. Why did saying that hurt so much? It was the truth... unfortunately he didn't get to ponder it for very long.

Seifer's temper raised and exploded, if Squall didn't want to talk fine. "You know what Squall? You won't have to worry about talking to me...we're over." It took all of Seifer's will to turn away. He wanted to apologize he knew he didn't mean what he said, but he walked away anyway too angry to care.

Squall's gaze shot up to watch Seifer's retreating back as those last two words replayed in his mind over and over. 'We're over.' His bottom lip began to tremble slightly as he lowered his head, causing golden brown locks of hair to fall forward and mask his face from view. A silent sob escaped his lips. However, there was no mistaking the shimmer of tears falling to the floor as he whispered, "Fine... I... I don't need you... "

Deep inside though, he knew it was a lie

Selphie gasped turning to Squall not sure if she should touch him, but she couldn't stand to see him in pain. So slowly she wrapped her arms around him hugging him tightly.

Squall hesitantly leaned into the embrace, needing the feeling of security that small act of comfort provided. Any other time he would have backed away from such an action.

Selphie was glad that Squall accepted her comfort for she knew nothing else to do.

Kiros shut the door quietly behind him. He had just checked to make sure Laguna had fallen asleep, and now was heading for the phone. Quickly he dialed a number he knew by heart. After three rings a computer voice answered. This was Wards keyboard. He typed a sentence and it would say it out loud it was for talking on the phone or with people who didn't know sign language.

"Hey, Ward. I need your help."

"What's wrong?" The computerized voice asked flatly, though Kiros knew that Ward was worried. "Did something happen?"

"Yeah...Laguna he's gone insane! He's planning on kidnapping Seifer Almasy, Squall's boyfriend, and selling him in the black market slave trade! We've got to warn Squall." Kiros whispered urgently.

"Whoa, calm down." The computerized voice began. "Who's Squall?" It asked monotonously as Ward typed. "And what do you mean Laguna is planning on kidnapping and selling someone in that awful slave trade?"

"Shit, I'm sorry I haven't kept you updated Ward." Kiros said feeling guilty. "Squall is the boy I told you about. Laguna's son."

"I see... So what's this about Laguna kidnapping and selling people? That doesn't sound like our Laguna.."

"Laguna wasn't happy with Seifer and Squall's relationship, he just started acting all nuts. I don't know what's happening. Maybe he's changed after all these years living in Raine's old house in Winhill." Kiros explained.

The computerized voice was silent for a moment as Ward thought. "What do you need me to do?" It asked after a few minutes.

"We need to warn Squall. Laguna is really acting strange, who knows what he'll do?" Kiros said, "Meet me as soon as you can at the curb next to my house."

"Alright." The voice replied before the line went dead as Ward hung up.

Kiros set the phone on the receiver and quietly padded out the door after grabbing his coat. He was going to grab the keys, but he was afraid that Laguna would wake at the sound of the car engine turning on and the gate opening. So he decided he would walk. As quietly as he could, he slipped through the gate and ran to the curb to wait for Ward. Thankfully the man only lived a mile or so away. Easily covered distance in his high-end car.

Soon, Ward and Kiros were driving down the road towards where Squall's friends lived. Kiros was driving even though it was Ward's car so that Ward could use his hands to talk. 'So let me get this straight.. Seifer is Squall's oyfriend, and Laguna doesn't approve of him simply because he's a guy. So he's going to have him kidnapped and sold into slavery?' He signed to his friend as he glanced at the petite man, taking note of his tense grip on the steering wheel.

"Yeah, you've got it right...I guess there really was no hope." Kiros sighed, he couldn't believe the way Laguna acted towards Squall. He thought he loved the longhaired brunette, but it seemed Laguna had a side that Kiros didn't know about. He never seemed to be like this...maybe it was all that time in that house of Raine's remembering his past.

"He's lost it Ward."

Ward nodded once as suddenly they heard a loud thump as the car hit and ran over something..

Kiros stopped the car immediately, and both he and Ward jumped out to see what or whom they hit.

Lying on the ground a few feet behind the car was a person dressed in clothes that looked like they had seen better days. However what concerned them was that the person wasn't moving

Kiros and Ward hurried over to the brunette lying on the ground. Reaching out the dark skinned man checked for a pulse. Sighing in relief when he found one, but suddenly was startled by a loud thump and a curse...

"Damnit!"

The kid lying on the ground, only about 8 or so tensed slightly as he heard his partner curse. If they got caught it could mean a trip down to the police station... or straight to the military base and he did not want to go there... He had memories of that place from when he first started living on the streets. Unpleasant memories.

Kiros started realizing what was happening standing he glared at the older boy fishing through Ward's car. "Hey! Stop!" The green-eyed boy looked up and cursed again.

Getting out of the car he walked slowly towards the group. "Duo get up and help me, no way in hell are we going to prison for this."

Suddenly violet eyes snapped open as the longhaired youth stood up, casually dusting himself off. "Right." He responded, a shiver creeping down his spine at the mention of that place. "So what do we do now, nii-san?"

"We kick the shit out of them." The shorter-haired brunette responded before deftly kicking at Kiros' knees causing him to fall to the ground with a surprised yelp.

There was dirt smudged on the boy, now known as Duo's, face, and his hair was tangled and greasy indicating that it hadn't been washed in over a week. The younger boy nodded once swiftly dropping into a crouch and sweeping his leg out, catching Ward's ankles, while Solo kicked the backs of his knees, tripping the larger man. Immediately the longhaired boy was at his side, grabbing his wallet from his pocket, an apologetic look on his face.

Tucking the wallet away he quickly kicked Ward in the stomach much harder than someone with his slight frame should have been able to.

Solo did the same to Kiros, taking the money before grabbing a rock nearby and smashing it on braided man's head, throwing the rock at Duo to do the same. At Duo's hesitant look Solo said. "We want them unconscious or they will chase us."

Even in the face of Solo's reasoning Duo still hesitated, they had what they needed and could escape... The thin man was unconscious and the larger one was too big to keep up with them.. "But.. Nii-san.." He began, holding the rock in his hands.

Solo grumbled. "Okay, let me do it." Standing the older boy took the rock and hit the larger man on the head before he could grab them. "Okay, let's go before they wake up."

Solo stood and hugged his brother. "Don't worry about them, they'll be okay." He said feeling slightly guilty, but they needed to do this.

"Promise?" Duo asked he looked at the two now unconscious men lying in the middle of the road.

"Yeah Otouto-san, they'll be fine." Solo reassured before letting go of his brother, "Now let's go before someone drives by."

"Okay." The shorter boy nodded, following Solo as they ran, before someone showed up to help the unconscious men.

Sighing, Irvine looked at his slumbering comrade, as he let his mind wander over the many unfortunate events that had befallen his friend as of late. First there was his being injured and placed in the hospital. Then there was that detective lady, though he had to admit she was cute, coming and asking about things he knew that the youth would rather not talk about leading all the way up to his fight with Seifer which had resulted in Seifer dumping the emotionally distraught boy.

Now as he looked down at the brunette he could only think of one person who could maybe cheer up the gloomy boy..

Selphie walked in through the door holding a tray with some drinks and a sandwich. She had been trying to get Squall to eat, but he always refused the food. Setting it down she handed me a glass and took one of her own sipping at it while watching the brunette sleep. He would moan every once in awhile or thrash, probably having a nightmare.

Silently taking a sip from my own glass I looked at her, taking in the worried look in her brown eyes as she watched squall's fitful sleeping. Sighing once more I spoke quietly, so as not to disturb our friend. "I think, maybe, we should call Ellone.."

Selphie turned her gaze to Irvine's smiling she nodded. "You're right. She's the only one that could help right now..." Selphie's expression turned thoughtful for a moment. "Except maybe his matron...Edea Kramer that's her name. We should call her and have her pick up Ellone, and both of them can come!" Selphie grinned happy to find something that may help her best friend.

"Squall will be sooo happy!"

I smiled, glad to see her happy. For some reason, a frown just didn't suit her. " How about you go call them now? I'll stay here and watch over him, okay?" I suggested.

"Sure." Selphie answered and dashed out of the room for the phone. She looked up the number in her address book before dialing. It rang thrice times before the soft voice of Edea Kramer answered.

"Hello?" Edea answered her ringing phone as she looked down at the child that was clinging to her skirt. Even over 20 years of taking care of orphans she found her self unable to refuse being their matron, always welcoming newcomers into their surrogate family.

"Hello Edea." Selphie said suddenly not wanting to have to tell Squall's Matron what had been going on since he moved away.

"Selphie? Is that you?" The dark haired woman asked as she recognized the voice of Squall's friend.

"Yep." The brunette answered shifting the phone to her other ear and biting at her nails lightly.

"It's been a while since you've called.. Is something wrong?" Edea patted the head of the little girl that continued to cling to her long black skirt, leaning down to explain that she was on the phone with an important friend.

"Yeah there is... it's Squall he.." Selphie answered stopping to think of how she was going to explain this to the Matron.

"Squall?" The woman asked worriedly. "What's wrong? He's not hurt is he?" Over the years that Squall had been at the orphanage Edea had developed a special fondness for the shy boy. He had always opted to stay by her side instead of playing with the other children his own age...

"No... no not really. His health is fine, well if we could get him to eat..." Selphie shifted again. "You see something has happened and it made him depressed, and I thought that maybe you and Ellone would be the ones-if any- to make him happy. Do you think you could pick up Ellone and stop by...he really needs you." Selphie stopped there deciding to explain the rest when the two women arrived.

Edea thought for a moment. "Of course. I'll get Cid to watch over the children. He needs a break from his work anyways..." She said. "We should be there in a couple of days."

"Great! I can explain everything better once you arrive. Thank you so much Edea, Squall will be so happy!" Selphie held in her squeal before saying goodbye and hanging up the phone. Hurrying back to Irvine she sat next to the auburn haired man and smiled. "They'll be here in a couple of days." She announced before hugging Irvine tightly.

"Alright." Was all Irvine could say before he was squeezed tightly by the small girl. Slowly he reached up and hugged her back, thinking once more about how much better she looked smiling.

"I dread having to tell her about Squall though. She doesn't know anything...Squall didn't want to tell her afraid that she would be ashamed, and hate him even. I know she's not like that...I hope she'll understand." The small brunette said biting her lip worriedly.

"I know." Irvine said. "But at least we know she'll be able to help him better than we can." He reasoned.

Selphie snuggled against the cowboy. "Yeah, you're right. She's the only one, she's like Squall's mother. The only one he's known."

"Exactly." he replied snuggling back. "Now we should probably get some rest too, it's been a long day."

"Okay." Selphie yawned only then realizing how tired she was.

Seifer walked with a brisk and pissed off pace, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. Closing his eyes when the cool air from outside hit his face he strode out of the house. Seifer froze, someone was behind him pressing a blade to his throat threatening to slice the delicate skin. "Who the fuck are you?" He asked.

The newcomer simply chuckled. "Nobody you need know on a first name basis... Now do as I tell you and your little boyfriend upstairs might not get hurt.."

Seifer glared at the air in front of him. He would have to cooperate with this woman. "Fine." 'Bitch.' He added silently.

"Tut, tut" She admonished. "Such thoughts could earn that little boy some... punishment..." She paused for effect, another soft chuckle escaping her throat. "Now let's go climb into that van like a good boy, okay?" she motioned to a plain black van sitting across the street.

Seifer reluctantly entered the black van sitting in the seat, frustrated that he still couldn't get a glimpse of his attacker.

"Now then.." The assailant began once Seifer was seated. " I want you to close your eyes.. I can't have you seeing where we're going... It's a secret.."

Growling Seifer closed his eyes feeling the urge to flip off the bitch. Instead he sneered in what he assumed to be her direction, which earned him a sharp kick to his stomach, winding him. He guessed he was right. "I would watch your actions as well, Mr. Almasy.. Unless, of course, you want us to hurt Squall..." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a large black blindfold, tying it around his eyes as another pair of hands bound his wrists behind his back.

'There's more than one? Shit!' Seifer didn't struggle not wanting to make his attackers angry enough to make good of their threat. "Where are you taking me?"

"I told you," the girl's voice sounded, close to his left ear, "it's asecret.." Slowly she leaned back before kissing him fully on the lips for a brief second. "Mmmm... Delicious... You're such a good little boy..."

Seifer pulled back with a disgusted sound. "Don't touch me."

The girl pouted at this. "Remember our agreement... behave or your boyfriend gets it..."

Seifer stilled and sat there, "Fine." There wasn't anything else he could do at the moment.

"Now there's a good lad" She smirked and proceeded to kiss him once more, as the van took off to a destination unknown by Seifer... The black Market slave trade.

After the van finally reached it's destination the girl moved over to Seifer, leaning in close to whisper in his ear. "We're here, but we can't take that blindfold off yet... Now be a good boy and come along peacefully.. You hurt Squall deeply when you left him.. who's to say he'd fight back against our men?" She warned playfully as she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before helping him up and out of the vehicle.

Seifer held back the growl in his throat wanting to lash out at the woman, but not wanting to risk her completing her threats. He was lead across a hard surface probably some kind of asphalt or concrete. He followed as uncooperatively as possible without completely angering the woman who had a tight hold on his upper arms.

Chuckling the girl looked at him. "You certainly are feisty... even when you're cooperative... I'd love to go a round with you when there's nothing for you to lose.." She commented before directing him. "Stop for one moment.."

Seifer stopped, but not after 'accidentally' stepping on his kidnappers foot. "Oh sorry, can't see at all."

The girl frowned knowing full well he had stepped on her foot on purpose. Figuring she wasn't being taken seriously she pulled a walkie-talkie out of her pocket and flipped it on. "Red Eagle, this is Sun Hawk, do you copy?"

"Here you loud and clear Sun." The gruff voice of a man echoed from the walkie-talkie.

"We've managed to capture our target, but he needs some convincing that we mean business." She reported, all traces of her earlier playfulness completely dissipated from her voice. "Perhaps he needs to hear how serious we are from his little boy toy..." She suggested, as she placed a hand on her hip.

"Yes ma'am it will be my pleasure." He answered. "What would you like me to do?" You could practically hear the man's smirk.

The woman looked at her captive to watch his reaction as she said, " Just play with him a little.. don't hurt him though... we still need him alive.. and in one piece.."

"Yes...of course." The man said in a mocking tone. There was a sort of shuffle of sorts and a loud slap. "Wake up pretty." There was a low groan, and another shuffling sound.

The Girl put the walkie-talkie to Seifer's ear so that he could hear what was going on as she watched him, smirking. The truth was they didn't have Squall, but they did have a very talented actor on their team. Another groan was heard from the walkie talkie as a voice remarkably similar to Squall's sounded, "What the... Where am I?" the voice asked, "Who the hell are you?"

"Hmmm who am I? Call me Master." There was a chuckle from the man as he was obviously enjoying himself.Seifer shuddered, howeverhe couldn't movehis mouth.He could only just stand there and listen.

"Never." The voice that presumably belonged to Squall answered venomously, before Seifer heard him spit at his attacker.

"You fucking bitch!" There was another loud slap though it was heavier most likely a fist instead of a open hand was used this time. "No! Don't hurt him damnit...I'll fucking cooperate." I yelled not able to take anymore as the cold reality of just how serious this situation was hit me like a brick.

The girl quickly moved the walkie-talkie as she stroked Seifer's cheek. "Good boy.." She practically purred before speaking into the communicator she was holding. "You heard the man Red.. That's enough..."

"Fine, spoil all my fun." There was a shuffle. "Now be quiet and Master won't hurt you anymore." And then the line cut out with a chuckle. Seifer took a shaky breath praying that Squall was okay, and that they would get through this. "What do you want me to do?"

Seifer heard a door open and he was pushed forward. "Keep moving.." Said his female captor coldly. Seifer trudged forward not wanting to upset his captor any longer. The girl and whomever had accompanied her led Seifer a short ways before he was suddenly, pulled to a stop without any form of warning. Stumbling Seifer bit back a curse. The girl moved in front of the blindfolded man and placed her hands on his face, leaning up and kissing him. Seifer jumped in surprise and pulled back in disgust his lips pressed close forming a thin line. He shook his head in protest, but didn't say a word. The girl chuckled, "You should get used to it cutie... Things are gonna be a lot different from now on." She said as a pair of strong hands pushed him from behind, sending him stumbling.

Seifer let out a surprised sort of sound as he was pressed against a wall keeping from falling to the floor. The girl laughed as Seifer heard a door close and a lock click. "This is where we part ways for now, hot stuff.." She said through the door before turning and leaving.

Seifer stood there for a second. After he was convinced he was alone he wriggled his hands free of the rope that bound them and took off the blindfold only to be met with even more darkness. Seifer turned and heard the sound of wire rattling against Iron. He was in a closet. Instinctively he reached for the doorknob only to find that it wouldn't turn. He was locked in a dark closet in an unknown place.

"Shit."

To Be Conitnued...

So do you like the new wayI separate chunks of the story? If not boo-hoo. Also did ya notice Duo and Solo? Yep that's a Gundam Wing reference courtesy of your friendly neighbourhood SFA.

Thanks to all who Reviewed. I usually will reply to most Reviews via email.

Read & Review .:puppy noise with a pretty pout:. Pwease?