DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN FINAL FANTASY VIII, NOR ANY AFFILIATED CHARACTERS, LOGOS, TRADEMARKS, ETC. TINS༔R, AELIN, DEWN, AND OTHER ORIGINAL CHARACTERS NOT FROM FF VIII ARE MINE. ANY SONG USED IN ANY CHAPTER IS NOT OWNED BY ME UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. I ALSO DO NOT OWN VIAGRA.
Notes:
Chapter 5: Recumbant
Laguna plopped Aelin on his lap, and gave the boy his bottle. Dewn climbed up as well, and watched. Laguna smiled at his grandchildren, and held Dewn closer. Her small hand now holding the bottle, she cuddled up in Laguna's arm. They stayed there for a moment, or two, in calm silence. Selphie entered, and took a picture, some new scheme she's working on. She darted away, and Laguna was left blinking from the flash. Irvine came in after, and apologized for her odd behavior.
Irvine: So, will the ceremonial hall be open for the 15th?
Laguna: Oh, yeah, for your wedding, right?
Irvine: Yes.
Laguna: As far as I know. Go talk to Kiros to book it. I'll sign the papers after he draws them up.
Irvine: Thanks. Have you talked to Squall lately?
Laguna: Why?
Irvine: He's been more reclusive than ever. Sephy is pretty worried, and so is the rest of us. Rinoa feels abandoned by him.
Laguna: I'll try to talk to him, but you know he won't talk to me.
Irvine: Thanks. Maybe he will because you lost Raine, and all. You have something in common now.
Laguna: I dunno. He's not one to talk at all, and I think he's still has some resentment for me.
Irvine: I am not so sure about that. After the funeral he made the comment that he liked your sealing unit, but it's good that she's not in it anymore. But that's understandable. We all wanted her to... whatever it's called.
Laguna: Vaporize?
Irvine: Yeah.
Laguna: Can you hold Aelin? He fell asleep, and my leg is going numb.
Irvine: Just thinking about talking to Squall is making you nervous?
Laguna: I never said that... but yeah. Dewn is asleep too. Help me take them to their room.
Irvine: Sure.
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Squall sat on his bed, and hid the blades under the mattress. He grabbed his jacket, and put it on hastily to hide the self-inflicted wound, and laid down with his hands behind his wet head. A tress was in his face, and he picked it up to move it. It being wet reminded him of her, and how she liked his hair long, and other memories. He moved the hair over, and turned on his side. Propping his head on his hand, he stared out to the balcony through the glass doors. Feeling utterly alone, he lost himself in his thoughts.
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Rinoa sat down on the couch, fuming. She had already blow dried her hair, and she flipped it behind her shoulder. She looked around the room at various pictures. Next to her on the coffee table was a picture of Zell with a mouthful of food, and Quistis shaking her head. Next to it was a picture of Dewn holding Aelin by a fountain in the recently built square. She rose to look at the ones on the entertainment center. Smiling as she looked a picture of Selphie singing as Irvine played the guitar. Other pictures of the group were eclectically arranged, and reminded her of times long before. But a smile turned into a scowl soon. A picture of Tinsཾr holding Aelin, and Squall next them caught her eye. She thought she still had powers, and tried to set it ablaze only to fail. But if she didn't inherit Tinsཾr's powers, who did?
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Virgil handed Tinsཾr her skin, and carefully picked him up. They went into stalls with blue glazed glass, and did the mini-rituals to get in them. Bright light filled the small comparments, and they were teleported to her realm. Standing on soft grass, the scars of battle remained with the brown piles of dirt that marked graves. Light feet sped towards the castle, and the drawbridge was lowered. Inside the walls were chaos, and the falling of her people once more. Leaderlessness had left them to ruin. But now she'd have to rebuild what was left to die, what was left to rot. Now they had a backboned leader to help them rebuild, and defend themselves. The royal blood had returned.
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One week later/ Quistis/ Odine Laboratory
Quistis sat in front of a computer screen, her fingers franctically tapping the table. Her eyes darting around the screen, the results were too slow. She bit her lower lip, and a moment later Zell walked in. Carrying a plate of hot dogs, and one in his mouth, he walked over to her.
Zell: (muffled) Want one?
Quistis (jumps a little, she didn't notice him): Huh! Oh, no thanks.
Zell: Whatcha doing?
Quistis: Running some tests.
Zell: What of?
Quistis: Can't tell.
Zell: Aw, why not?
Quistis: It's a secret, and I was sworn to secrecy.
Zell: Eh, fine. Have your little secrets. Adds a mysterious air to you. You know those are sexy.
Quistis: Zell, cut it out.
Zell: Damn, someone's touchy.
Quistis: Sorry.
Zell: It's okay. Maybe you're grumpy 'cuz you're hungry. I'll leave a couple for you, okay?
Quistis: Thanks.
Zell: What's wrong?
Quistis: It deals with this, but I can't tell you. Plus I'm tired, and such. Don't worry about me though, okay?
Zell: As your husband it is my sworn duty to. SeeD salute And I like to rescue damsels in distress. So come on, let's go to the club with Sephy, Irvine, and Rinoa. They're going to take Squall too if they can pry him from his room.
Quistis: laughs w/ hand over mouth The way you word things.
Zell: I don't even remember the last time I saw him leave his room.
Quistis: He was out yesterday. Selphie took a picture.
Zell: Where was he, in the living room?
Quistis: Yes.
Zell: It's still in the house, er floor, or whatever you want to call it. It doesn't count.
Quistis: He left his room. But I agree that he needs to get out more. Poor Aelin, and Dewn are cooped up when in there when they see him. Ellone, and Laguna are taking care of them most of the time.
Zell (scratches back of his neck): I know. He needs to get his act together for the kids, but I still feel for him, ya know?
Quistis: I know, but still... I don't know what I'd do if you ever died.
Zell: Hey! Now don't be talking that way! You might just jinx me, and I might... you know...
Quistis: Die?
Zell: Shhh!
Quistis: sigh I will be at the club as soon as possible.
Zell: Okay. Hey, is this research thingy for Squall? Don't give the guy any false hope, okay? I think another big let down would kill him.
Quistis: No, it is for Laguna.
Zell: What? Hmm, middle aged guy with a good sized following of girls...A new form of Viagra?
Quistis: laughs No.
Zell: Hmm... hair loss meds?
Quistis: Nope.
Zell: Then what?
Quistis: I can't say.
Zell: Is it something for back hair?
Quistis: Where did that come from?
Zell: Just a thought.
Quistis: Ah, the results are in. Zell, would you please excuse me for awhile?
Zell: Okay...(leaves with all but two hot dogs)
Quistis: Oh, my Hyne...