18

Squall coughed and sat on a chair in the vast castle hall which had once been a throne room. Now lights adorned the pillars and the walls were painted with cheerful colors. Potted plants decorated the corners and a carpet ran across the length of the room.

The head of the staff, Lucas, stopped by the brunet, "Squall?"

Squall smiled, "I think I'll go home early tonight. You can handle the rest here, right?" the man nodded and Squall walked back to his cottage, Dran following him in.

He was too tired to go home to his mother's cottage a half hour ride away form the castle. Pushing the door shut Squall stripped and lay back on the bed, his breathing harsh against the soft pillows beneath his head.

Seifer frowned at a raven-haired young man who claimed to have personal, important business with him.

Gavin frowned, "So, do you mind telling me what happened between you and Squall."

Upon hearing the brunet's name, Seifer tensed and glared at him, "Who are you?"

"Gavin."

"Yes, you're that boy's brother. Well, how are you doing? Do send my regards to Angelus."

"Squall overthrew him."

"Good for that traitor, I wouldn't have expected any less form him. Did he also sleep with that old geezer of a king?"

Gavin glared at Seifer, "He slept with you."

"Yeah, so? You're here to get revenge for his tainted honor?"

Seifer couldn't believe he was saying those things…he was insulting the man he had claimed to love…the young brunet who had haunted his dreams and clouded his days…whose laughter he heard every thinking moment of his life.

"What do you want! Get the hell out!"

"You told that to him? I don't blame you…but you know…the kingdom was rightfully his from birth. Squall Leonhart…heh…when Angelus took over "

"That's the accident Leon was talking about…" Seifer frowned in thought.

"Yeah. Leon was the personality created to shield Squall form the outside world. The brunet's young mind had rejected the memories and found a way to protect himself."

Seifer shrugged, "Great. What a happy ending. You came to tell me my kingdom is safe because the boy doesn't want it?"

Gavin's eyes hardened, "No, I…Tche…what the hell do I think I'm doing…you wouldn't care."

Gavin turned to leave but Seifer's voice stopped him, "He's…not okay, right?"

Gavin shrugged, "I donno…never been in love"

Seifer brushed past him and Gavin called, "Hey, where are you going?"

The blonde turned to him, "He did it for you, right? Came here…he was forced to protect you, right?"

Gavin smiled and nodded.

"Then what are you waiting for?"