-13-

Traitors

"Squall?" Seifer opened his eyes and shivered slightly. It was raining outside and the room was cast in darkness.

"Oi! Princess, where are you?" the blonde turned on the lights and searched around the cabin for his lover, who was nowhere in sight.

Frowning, the blonde sat back on the bed when a tape recorder caught his eye on the bedside table.

"You do believe emotions get the best of people, don't you?"

His father's voice sounded as the blonde played the tape and listened closely.

'To get what you want, you should be able to touch others in any way possible.'

Silence…

"Anyway, little one, the real reason I wanted some tough guy like you is to be able to touch people's hearts for me once again…and not for free…I am willing to pay $100,000…"

"I don't think I understand." The brunet's voice was distinguishable even through the unclear recording.

"You see…the real reason I'm a senator was because my wife came across a certain mishap. People's sympathy made them vote for me despite my abilities to help out. Now this is where you come in…you see," James's voice was full of malice and greed, "I still have a son. Are you catching up?"

"Heh, you want me to kill him!" There was a tinge of surprise in the brunet's soft voice

"It's really not like that…he would be a sacrifice, not a death…life is full of sacrifices and he is the thing I need to sacrifice to gain the votes of the sentimental fools who would vote for me."

Eerie silence followed that statement…

"So…he has to die?"

"He has to be sacrificed, but unlike his mother's death, you will play the role of the body guard and then kill him…make it look like an accident or something…you are smart, I'm sure you can figure something out." James cooed.

There was no answer from the brunet.

"I heard you need the money." James Brad Almasy drawled out.

Stillness, but Seifer guessed the brunet had nodded…

"So you will do anything in your power to ensure the success of your assignment?"

Again silence followed that statement…

"Good, you don't have family, except a little girl, right?"

'Well, he sure hates to voice his opinion…guess he just nodded.' Seifer mused.

"It mustn't be linked to me, you understand, right?"

There was a snort from the brunet, but that was it.

"You really had it rough the past years for you to turn out like that."

Squall's voice was as cold as ice, "My past is none of your concern."

"I suppose. He is a charmer, I can only wonder if you too will fall to his magic." James drawled.

There was only silence.

"You don't have friends, do you?"

'Father sure asks many questions. Squall probably shook his head…' The blonde smirked.

"Good, very well then. I will introduce you to him tomorrow. Be here at noon precisely."

There were shuffling movements, indicating the brunet was ready to leave when James's voice called out, "Oh and Leon…Don't fail me. It's important that this mission is carried out with your utmost care and dedication. And I do warn you, don't fall for his tricks."

just what you expect from that cynical brunet...hehehe...having the convo recorded...does he rock or what...loools