Laguna's POV

When Squall came over he looked so broken. It was the first time I really felt like he was my son. I knew that he came here for Elle that she was the one he needed to comfort him, but he didn't try to make me leave or put up a front. When he met me at the door with those tearful eyes he let me pull him in and hug him, I called Elle out of her room and he just let go and cried. I didn't stick around for all the details, honestly it hurt too much… Seifer had been expecting me earlier and I was already late before Squall had arrived but I wasn't ready to see my son heartbroken. My son…

I hadn't even noticed that I was still on the phone.

"Where are you?" Quistis said stiffly, I could hear the worry in her voice and let out a little sigh.

"I got held up at home, it's been a long time since I've had both of the kids here together. I know we were supposed to have a meeting but… can you apologize to Seifer for me?"

"Squall's there too? I've been trying to reach him on his cell phone, put him on." I shook my head even thought she couldn't see me.

"No, I don't think so. He's not… he needs a break Quitsy, he and Elle just needed some time to talk."

"…Is he okay?" She asked, a break in her professional tone was rare.

"I think so… but he just needs a little time."

"But we have all of these diplomats coming, and Xu will be here soon. We have to—"

"Look, I know. He'll be ready and presentable for the ball. But you can coordinate with Xu and Seifer perfectly on your own. Apologize on my behalf and on Squall's. We had a family emergency."

"Alright…" She said, a little bit disappointed.

"I'll send Kiros over so that he can assist you in any way you need. He's really great at this kind of stuff."

"I know… but is he really okay?" I peeked into Ellone's room; Squall was wrapped up in her favorite blanket and curled himself into a little ball on the floor, his head rested on her lap as she spoke softly to him. She looked up and me and gave a little smile.

"Yeah," I said, I was relieved too. "He'll be fine. They just needed a little time."

"Alright," I could hear her voice soften as well. "I would like to spend a little time with Ellone too…"

"You're always welcome, you should know that."

"Thank you." She said after a long pause. "I should go look for Seifer, he's already stormed off."

"Tell him I needed Squall for something… I don't know… make something up."

"Yes sir."

"Quistis,"

"Yes?"

"Save me a dance, okay?" I couldn't help but smile as I asked.

"I'll see you at the event, on time." She scolded.

"Yes ma'am."