17
The brunet smiled at Gavin, "Man, this place looks nice. Talk about transformation."
Squall wiped sweat form his brow and climbed down from the ladder he was on. The castle was now for the people like he promised, a party hall and a gathering place where villagers of all ages and professions came together at night to either talk to the young king or hang around, getting to know each other.
"Mother is worried about you, Squall."
"There is nothing to worry about, nii-san." Squall smoothed his hair behind his ear and called Dran to his side.
"Squall…you changed."
"How could I not. You told me I fell from a tree and hit my head on a rock."
"Leon came out when I didn't Squall. You know that. Stop making excuses. Who exactly is Seifer?"
Squall tensed, "He's the king of a neigh"
"Let me rephrase…who is Seifer to you?"
Squall chuckled, "Nii-san…"
"You love him? Mama said you do."
"Whatever. Gavin, I'm very busy and I'd rather not waste time."
"You're health is suffering. Dammit you look starved and sick."
"Nii-san, excuse me. I really have work to do." With that the brunet walked off to talk to a group of soldiers who were helping him renovate.
"Where is nii-san?" Squall asked his mother on dinner that night, "He left, saying he had to visit an old friend."
"Are you feeling better?" Squall clasped his mother's hand.
Elisa smiled, "Yes, darling, but you"
"Mother, don't worry about me."
"If I don't worry, who will? Squall you are pushing yourself too hard."
"Angelus destroyed the spirits of the villagers; I'm just helping them regain it."
Elisa chuckled, "I heard Angelus is having a hard time."
The brunet chuckled, "Serves him right."
Elisa nodded, "You are a great king."
Squall shook his head, images of a beautiful kingdom full of laughter coming to mind,
"There is still so much left to do."
"What about love? Hasn't anyone caught your eye yet?"
Squall shrugged, knowing his mother was watching him closely, "I'm too busy for that."
"Okay. I suppose you still are young. Goodnight, little one."
Squall flashed a small smile as his mother excused herself. Love…
"Well, now that you're king and I won't be conquering anything…you mind telling me what that man's weakness was?" Angelus had asked.
"Love…" he had answered.