Legacy

Second story in the Sands of Time series.
by scribblemoose

Chapter 7

"Hey, time to wake up, sweetheart."

Irvine watched as Selphie came awake, blinking up at him, shielding her eyes from the sunlight that poured through the window.

"Irvine?"

"I got you vanilla green tea from the canteen. See, I remembered it's what you drink in the mornings and I suck at making, well, pretty much anything, so..."

"Thanks." She sat up and took the cup from him. "You're sweet. What time is it?"

"Around ten. I'm sorry I had to wake you."

"That's okay." Selphie blew on her drink and took a sip. "Mmm. Good."

She'd slept for a long time; he'd brought her back to his room; they'd talked for an hour or two about everything that was wrong with heavy metal bands and organising gigs, and not at all about anything important, and then she'd fallen asleep in his arms after a few chaste kisses. He'd popped her, pale and child-like, into his bed and settled in beside her for a long, doze-punctuated vigil.

"Did you sleep okay?"

"Yeah, thanks. Wow. You don't have much stuff," Selphie said, looking around the room. "Are you decorating or something?"

"No, not decorating. Actually, that's why I had to wake you. I have to leave."

"Leave?"

"I'm going back to Galbadia."

"Oh."

"I'm sorry, sweetheart. I know the timing sucks."

"It's okay." She smiled a little too brightly. "You'll come back again, right?"

"I suppose."

"What d'you mean, suppose? You'll have to come back for missions."

"No." Irvine took a deep breath and hung on tight to Selphie's hand. "I've transferred. I'll be working at Galbadia from now on."

She looked lost. "Why?"

"They need the extra help, and I'm spending so much time over there anyway. It makes sense, Seffie. It's where I belong right now."

"Did Xu make you do this?"

"No, nobody made me do anything."

She smiled at him. "Well, it'll be okay. You can transfer back, I'm sure Squall won't mind."

"Actually, Squall doesn't know about it yet. I kind of didn't get around to telling him."

"Perfect! Then you can just tear the papers up and it'll all be fine!"

"'Fraid not. I already handed them to Xu and she'll have told Martine by now."

Her eyes filled with tears and her lower lip wobbled. "I can't imagine you not being here," she whispered. "I need you, Irvy."

"I know, 'Elf, I know. Look, I do have one idea." He'd had the whole night to think, after all. "If you don't like it, just say, but.... Xu said the Doc had signed you off on sick leave for a couple of months."

Selphie snorted. "She over-reacted. Totally. I was just a bit tired, with the party and everything, that's all."

"Well, sure. But if the Doc's signed you off anyway, why not take the time and come to Galbadia with me?"

"You mean... leave Balamb altogether?"

"Just for a couple of months. See how things work out and then maybe, who knows? It might do you good, to get a break, see how you feel about Xu and everything..."

"I know how I feel about Xu," she said, quickly. "That's not going to change."

"Okay. Think of it like a holiday."

"A holiday?"

"Yeah, you remember. Those things that normal people have, where you get to read books and have fun and not do any work."

"It does sound tempting." She chewed absently on her lower lip, staring into her tea. "You know I love you," she said softly. "I've always. I really need you right now, and maybe when I've got my head straight, but... things have happened so fast. So, this would be as friends, right?"

He stroked her hair back from her face, tucking long strands behind her ears. "Absolutely. I promise I won't take advantage of you."

"Ha! Like you could!" But there was a serious hint of gratitude behind the sparkle in her eyes.

"Just friends," said Irvine. "SeeDs' honour."

And then she threw herself at him, oofing the breath out of his lungs as she flung her arms around his neck. "I'll do it!" she squeaked. "Count me in, Cowboy, I'm coming with you!"

Irvine hugged her close and closed his eyes, breathing in the scent of her hair. "I'll take good care of you, Seffie," he whispered. "Promise."

*******

Frila stood under the shower, eyes shut tight, and let the hot water stream over her face. The tension refused to leave, however. Her shoulders remained tight and the knots in her neck stiffened under the threat of relaxation.

She didn't feel clean, quite, either. But the water was comforting, and that was good enough for now.

Her body was a contradiction. For the most part she was a ball of guilty regret. But certain parts of her felt warm and satisfied for the first time in years.

She didn't even like Seifer. In fact, she actively disliked him. She certainly didn't fancy him; she liked her men long-haired and laid-back and sexy, and for all that Seifer was well built and, okay, well-equipped, he wasn't sexy. He was the opposite of laid-back. And his hair was weird and covered in repulsive gel to keep it slicked back like that.

She shuddered, and reached for the soap again.

There was the soft patter of naked feet on tiles and a giggle. "Coming in, ready or not!"

"I ran a bath for you," Frila called out.

"Oooh, thanks!" Sanke's voice was bright and happy. She was far too lively in the mornings for Frila's liking, but it was good to hear her nonetheless.

She'd wanted Seifer. There was no point lying to herself about it. She'd wanted wrong and dangerous, and Seifer fit the bill perfectly. She only had herself to blame.

There was a bit of splashing as Sanke got in the bath, followed by a long, happy sigh. "How was the party? I didn't hear you come home."

"It was late." After she'd made an awkward job of refusing Seifer's invitation to go back to his room, Frila had spent a couple of hours walking down at the beach, unarmed, protected by Vector's triple strength enclosure spells until the Guardian had protested its own fatigue. Then she'd come back and unjunctioned, taking advantage of the sudden exhaustion the loss of power brought to sink into sleep.

"That means it was good. What happened? Were the bands good?"

"They were okay."

"Was Irvy there?"

Frila reached poured a puddle of thick orange shampoo into her palm. "Yeah, he was there. Didn't see him much." Frila could imagine the disappointment on Sanke's face. She closed her eyes and began to lather her hair. "How was school yesterday?"

"Okay, maths sucks, how was the mission?"

"I passed. That's all that matters. What's wrong with maths?"

"Nothing, just sucks. What did you have to fight? What was the Guardian like?"

"How did you know about the Guardian?"

"Vector told me. He said she's a water guardian."

Frila still forgot sometimes that Sanke could talk to Guardians without the person they were junctioned to feeling more than a tickle. Even when that person was asleep. Fortunately most Guardians didn't place any importance on human behaviour unless it was connected with their own needs and interests, and Vector certainly wasn't interested in parties, Irvine or Seifer, so her secrets were probably safe. "That's right. She's called Sulis. I couldn't junction her, so I don't know much about her yet. Handed her in at the Clearing Centre like a good little SeeD."

"It sounds awesome, getting a Guardian and everything, must have got you bonus points."

"Yeah, I guess. Have you made any friends yet?"

"I've only been here a couple of days. What happened to Tenta?"

Frila frowned and paused in scrubbing at her hair. Usually Sanke was only too keen to talk about what she'd been up to. She loved meeting new people and Frila had expected the other cadets to show a definite interest in her, not just because of Sanke's vivacious character, but surely there must be rumours at least about her unusual heritage.

It was only a couple of days, though. She was probably being paranoid. And it wasn't necessarily a bad thing if Sanke's classmates contained their curiosity and let her lead as normal a life as possible while she could.

"Can't you tell me what happened to Tenta?" said Sanke. "Promise I won't tell."

"She fucked up. Wasn't really her fault, I felt sorry for her, kind of."

"How? What did she do?"

"She panicked. She was waiting in the corridor with Seif, and she got claustrophobic. I wasn't there, but Seif said she just started screaming and ran away. I heard the noise but by the time I caught up with them she'd already gone. She nearly got caught by one of the guards outside, I only just got a sleep spell on him at the last minute."

"So she failed. Even though she helped beat a Guardian?"

"She was actually unconscious for that part. It's probably fair enough she failed, she wouldn't be safe on a mission."

"I suppose."

Frila set about rinsing her hair, while Sanke splashed about in the bath. It felt normal and ordinary, the way they started most days together, and she found comfort in that.

Scrubbed and technically clean, Frila pulled back the shower curtain and reached for a towel.

Sanke was lying under the water, smiling to herself and blowing bubbles.

"Sanke," said Frila.

"Yes," said Sanke, still submerged, the words drifting up through the water as an echo.

"If there was anything wrong, you'd tell me, wouldn't you?"

Sanke nodded, hair flowing through the water with the movement. "I'm okay," she mouthed, then turned and twisted like a fish, stretching out her limbs and gurgling.

"Just ten more minutes," said Frila. "Or you'll get all wrinkly."

Sanke stuck her tongue out.

"I mean it. Or I could just put you in a tank."

"I'm not a fish!" Sanke surfaced quickly and splashed Frila from head to toe in the process.

"A whale, then?" said Frila, laughing.

Sanke squealed outrage and with strength few would believe she grabbed Frila's leg and threatened to topple her into the bath. But Frila broke free and ran.

In the chase that ensued much of their quarters got drenched, one mug got broken and the squealing reached such a pitch that their neighbour (also a newly graduated and severely hung-over SeeD) felt moved to bang on the wall. But finally, when the battle ended in a sprawl across Frila's bed, both bodies heaving for breath amid impossible, endless giggles, something dawned on Frila that somehow hadn't touched her before.

"Hey, fish-face."

Sanke half-heartedly bashed Frila with a pillow.

"Y'know what?"

Sanke managed to draw breath between her giggles for long enough to speak. "What?"

"I fucking passed. I made SeeD!"

"Well, duh," said Sanke, rolling her eyes, and set about pummelling Frila with the pillow in earnest.

Frila just lay there getting pummelled, a huge grin lighting up her face.

*******

Quistis set her lunch tray down on the table opposite Squall. "May I join you?"

Squall nodded his assent. He was pleased to see her; she radiated calm professionalism and Squall found that a great comfort at the moment.

"No Rinoa?"

"She's not feeling well," he said, darkly.

"Oh dear. Too much to drink?"

He took a savage bite of his sandwich and nodded.

"I thought she looked a bit wobbly when I left."

"That was before she started on the shots," Squall said.

"Ah." Quistis patted Squall's hand. "No wonder she's ill."

"All night," Squall murmured, and attacked his sandwich again.

"Poor you."

Squall grunted, chewed and swallowed. "Alcohol in large quantities interferes with sorceress' magical abilities, did you know that?"

"No! Really?"

"Can't cast curative spells at all. Just elementals."

"Oh. So she couldn't cure herself?"

"Nope."

Quistis thought for a minute. "That would have made things a lot easier with Ultimecia. We could have just got her drunk and been home by tea-time."

"Considering the state my bathroom's in after all the thunder spells, I'm not so sure." But Squall managed something that looked remotely like a smile. He pushed his mostly-eaten sandwich aside and cradled his coffee mug in both hands. "I thought Rinoa knew better."

"Don't be too hard on her. She doesn't usually drink much, I think perhaps Ness was leading her astray."

Squall snorted.

"Come on," said Quistis with a sly smile. "You're not telling me you've forgotten what it's like to be led astray? All those illegal sparring sessions with Seifer?"

"I've still got the scars to prove it," said Squall with a wry grin. "But that's different."

"Naturally," said Quistis, mildly.

Squall finished his sandwich and pushed his plate away with a sigh.

"Cheer up, Squall. She'll be better soon, and probably very repentant."

"It's not just that. There's something I could use your help with."

"Yes?"

Squall glanced quickly around the cafeteria. It was late for lunchtime and the place was quiet. "What do you know about Minister Fargi of Deling?"

"Fargi? The name doesn't ring a bell. Why?"

"Or the new Timber Owls?"

"Only what you've told me. Trouble?"

"Could be. I've come across some information that makes me think the crap that's been going on with Rinoa and the rebellion there is a lot more important than we thought."

"Surely it's just politics, Squall. The world's always been that way, it's nothing to do with us, is it?"

"The Forest Owls want us out of Timber. That makes it our business. Not only that, but they're making it look like we want to leave."

"Our contract isn't with the Forest Owls, it's with the Deling Prime Minister. And that's exactly what it is, a contract. Has he given any indication that they want us out?"

"No, but there's an election coming up. They change leaders every four years, did you know that?"

"Yes. But-"

"It's been four years since Ultimecia, when the old Minister died. They'll be electing a new one in a couple of months, and this bastard Fargi is one of the main contenders."

"Let me guess, he supports the new Forest Owls?"

"According to the information I got yesterday, he created them. And it's not just that. He's in charge of a whole operation to undermine SeeD and contain our power."

Quistis' teacup landed in its saucer with a clatter. "Why? They need our power. They'll get over-run with monsters the minute we pull out. Surely no-one's going to forget that and let this arrogant bastard into power?"

"It's not exactly his official election policy," said Squall. "And he seems to think he doesn't need us. He has a contingency plan."

"What kind of plan?"

Squall hesitated.

"Squall?"

"The report wasn't entirely clear."

"Where did you get this report? It could just be gossip or misinformation."

"I don't think so. It was..." Squall looked up into Quistis' concerned gaze, and hesitated again. She wouldn't like that Frila had kept secrets from her, and he couldn't explain everything, not yet. There were some things he needed to check out for himself first. "Just something someone came across on another mission. It's a reliable source."

Quistis looked a little huffy. "Should we call a meeting? Laguna's here until tomorrow, maybe we should ask his advice."

"Not yet. I can't go crying to him every time we have a problem. Besides, you know what he's like. He'd only suggest something stupid."

She bristled; he supposed he had sounded a little childish.

"I don't want to worry him until I'm certain," Squall said. "Or anyone else, come to think of it. Sorry, Quisty, but I have my reasons. Can we keep this just between the two of us?"

Quistis relaxed, and gave his hand a quick squeeze. "Of course, Squall. Whatever you think's right. Just let me know if I can help, okay?"

"Thanks."

"I could drop by on Rinoa on my way back to work, if you like."

"Really?"

"No problem at all. She's probably feeling a bit low and I don't suppose you have much patience right now."

"Probably not. Thanks." He put his plate and mug back on his tray and stood up. "Oh, and one more thing. Have you seen Irvine anywhere?"

Quistis frowned. "No, you know I don't think I've seen him since last night. Sorry, Squall, I can't help you with that one."

"Ah well," said Squall with a shrug.

If he didn't know better, he'd think Irvine was avoiding him or something.

But that would be ridiculous.

*******

Rinoa stood back from the mirror and examined her reflection. Her hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, the make up mostly hid how pale she was and her jeans and vest top were comfortable yet more acceptable to the outside world than the old bathrobe she'd been wrapped in for most of the day. Sobered by Quistis' lecture and comforted by the esuna she'd managed to cast on herself (at last) she was feeling almost human.

Squall's apartment was looking a lot better, too. Some of the spell damage in the bathroom would take an engineer to fix, but at least she'd cleaned up the human mess.

Now she knew why Edea had always warned her to steer clear of hard liquor.

Satisfied that her appearance was all she could hope for under the circumstances, Rinoa turned away from the mirror and picked up her bag. She was about to leave when the door buzzer sounded.

"Come in," she said, hoping it wasn't Quistis back to tell her off some more.

To her surprise, it was Ness.

"Hey, Rin. Oh, sorry, were you going out?"

"Just back to my room. Squall's a bit mad, thought I'd better stay out of his way for a while."

"Oh, really? Sweetie, I'm so sorry. I didn't think Squall was that controlling. If I'd known I would never have-"

"He isn't," said Rinoa, irritably. "He has a lot on his mind, that's all, he doesn't want to be worrying about me all the time."

"Of course, I'm sorry, that came out wrong. Oh Hyne, I'm making a right mess out of this."

She looked so worried that Rinoa found herself backing away to let Ness into the room, not wanting her to feel rejected. "It's okay," she said reassuringly. "I'm just a bit off today."

"Hung-over? Me too, had an awful headache this morning. Still, great night, wasn't it?"

Rinoa remembered vaguely that it might have been, at least up until the last round of cactaur-vodka shots. She remembered a lot of giggling and dancing. "Did you really tell that joke about the diplomat and the geezard to Nida?"

"I forget. Possibly. So, dear, are you alright? Really?"

"I'm fine."

"Good. The reason I was stopping by really was to show you these." Ness produced a clutch of magazines from her bag. "Bridesmaids dresses!"

"Oh, really? You mean, you were serious, about me being a bridesmaid?"

"Of course! I know it's a cheek to ask, when I hardly know you at all, but honestly from all Zell's told me I feel I know you like a sister, and I hope it isn't forward but last night I thought we really, really bonded. Now, if I'm out of turn, please, just tell me."

Rinoa couldn't help but feel flattered. It was a long time since she'd had a friend who was interested in anything much outside of Garden, and although Ness might not have been her first choice, if she was going to marry Zell, that did make her sort of family.

"I'd be honoured," Rinoa said. "It's very kind of you to ask me, when you must have so many friends in Deling who would jump at the chance."

Ness clasped Rinoa in a sudden hug that oofed the breath out of her lungs and made her still-fragile head pound.

"I can't tell you how happy that makes me!" Ness squealed. "This is going to be such fun." She pulled the magazines out of her bag and tossed them onto Squall's sofa. "I was thinking red for the bridesmaids, for dramatic effect, or maybe purple. Do you think purple would be better?"

Rinoa picked up the nearest magazine. The girl on the cover wore a ridiculous confection of pink and lilac lace and silk, like a fairytale princess. Impossibly, hopelessly romantic. A million miles away from battlefields and monsters.

"Red's more romantic," she heard herself say. "Let's take these back to my room. I need to feed Angelo and then we can talk."

"You don't live with Squall, then?" Ness gathered up the magazines again.

"No, not really. We're both very busy. I guess I stay here most nights."

"It must be hard for you."

"Why?"

"He's so busy and important, and your father..." Ness bit her lower lip.

"What about my father?"

"Well, dear, it's no secret that he doesn't approve of Squall, or you being part of SeeD. I'm not saying anything that isn't already said in public at diplomatic functions."

"That's his business," said Rinoa briskly. "And I don't care for gossip. That's one of the reasons I'm glad I'm not in Deling any more."

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't be so nosy. It's just, I think it's amazing how you've coped with it all. I don't think my father's going to be too pleased about me and Zelly-babe either, and I thought maybe I could learn a few things from you." She looked away, her eyes a little watery.

"It's okay," Rinoa said kindly. "I hadn't thought of it that way. Of course I'll help, any way I can."

Ness hugged her again, sniffling a little into her neck. "Thank you so much, Rinny-babe. I'll try not to be a nuisance, I promise."

Rinoa was about to suggest that she might start by never, ever calling her Rinny-babe again, when the door opened.

Squall glared disapproval from the doorway. Rinoa disentangled herself from Ness, feeling oddly guilty, almost as if she'd been caught with a lover.

"Oh, Squall-" Ness started.

Squall ignored her completely. "Are you feeling better?" he asked Rinoa.

"Yes, thanks."

"I told Corben you were sick. He said it wasn't a problem."

"Oh, good. I'm, um, glad he wasn't mad."

Squall's expression softened a fraction, at least until Ness piped up again.

"I'm sorry I got your girlfriend drunk, Commander," she said, with what might under different circumstances have appeared to be a winsome smile. "I promise I won't do it again."

Squall turned his glare on Ness as if noticing her for the first time. "What Rinoa does is up to her. She can take care of herself."

Ness flinched.

"Be nice," Rinoa murmured.

"No, no, Squall's quite right," said Ness. "Anyway, we were just leaving, weren't we, Rin? She's going to help me pick out bridesmaid's dresses."

"Whatever. Rin, have you seen Irvine anywhere?"

"No," said Rinoa.

"Maybe he's with Selphie," said Ness with an ill-disguised giggle. "I heard they were very cosy last night."

"It's not like that," Rinoa said. "They're just friends is all."

"Not what I heard," said Ness. "But you know, I'm not one to gossip. At least not about my friends."

Squall threw Rinoa a disgusted sort of look. Which, she felt, wasn't entirely fair.

"Anyway, we mustn't hold you up, Squall," said Ness. "We girls have so much planning to do!"

"He might be with Selphie," said Rinoa. "Or with Sanke, or Frila?"

"Fuck knows," said Squall. "I'm starting not to care." And before Rinoa could stop him he'd stormed out of the room. If Balamb doors could slam, he would have slammed them.

"Oh dear," said Ness. "I hope I haven't caused any trouble between you two."

"No," said Rinoa, distantly. "It's okay."

"Good," said Ness, cheerfully. She hooked an arm through Rinoa's, steering her towards the door. "Who's Sanke?"

*******

Sanke was, at that moment, having some those confusing feelings that Laguna and Quistis had reassured her were perfectly normal, without actually giving her any hints at all as to what they might mean or how she should deal with them.

At least that's what she thought it was.

She picked her books up off the classroom floor, slowly piling them on her desk, and tried very hard not to cry.

"Sanke?"

Sanke looked up with a little squeak of surprise. She hadn't heard Frila come in.

"Are you okay?" Frila knelt beside her and started to help, which suddenly made things worse.

"'m fine," said Sanke, with a sniff. "Just dropped things."

"Sanke?" Frila's arm snaked around her shoulder.

Sanke realised her hands were trembling. She tried to take a deep breath but it came out as a sob, and the next thing she knew she was burrowing into Frila's hair and crying her heart out.

"Hey, kid, what's the matter?" Frila stroked her arm and Vector purred concern in his usual muted way.

Vector hadn't ever had this sort of feeling. She knew without asking. She suspected that Ether might understand but she couldn't trust him not to tell Irvine, and anyway she hadn't been able to find him anywhere.

She could only conclude that this was a human feeling.

How ironic.

"Does maths suck that much? What is it, fractions? I can probably remember enough to help, unless it's algebra. I sucked geezard-balls at algebra." A kiss fell in Sanke's hair.

"Not m-m-maths," she stammered out.

"Then what?" Frila's voice was soft and kind, and Sanke knew she couldn't lie.

"Promise me you won't do anything mad?"

"I promise nothing, kid. You should know me better than that." Frila ruffled her hair.

"Okay." Sanke raised her head and sniffed.

"I haven't got a hanky," Frila said.

"'s okay, I have." Sanke burrowed into her pocket and pulled out a very large red handkerchief. It was Irvine's; he'd given it to her one day when he visited in the hospital, when she still wasn't quite sure who she was, and she'd kept it ever since. It was oddly comforting, and she tended to carry it around all the time.

She blew her nose, and wondered where to start.

"Start at the beginning," Frila supplied helpfully. "It's usually best that way."

"Esthar," said Sanke. "You know that swimming club I used to go to? It was my own fault, I was stupid one day and showed off, and after that nobody really wanted to talk to me any more."

"What did you do?"

"Just swimming, nothing all that, just... I forget that not everyone's like me. I just forget."

"Were they mean to you?" Sanke could feel the anger rising in Frila, just as she'd feared it would.

"Not really. They just ignored me. It wasn't important, I just stopped going. They were just scared. I had lots of friends who weren't scared of me, so it didn't matter."

Frila nodded. "There's always jerks in the world. It's best to ignore them. Or smack their sorry asses."

Sanke frowned a little. It was the smacking that she most wanted to avoid where Frila was concerned. Frila could smack hard and think later sometimes, and Sanke had the distinct feeling that this was the sort of thing where thinking was important. "Ignore them," she said. "Definitely. But here...."

Frila looked around the classroom, at the pile of books on the floor, at Sanke's tearstained face, and suddenly she understood.

"They've been picking on you," she said, but she didn't sound angry. It was almost as if she'd expected it. "What have they done?"

"Nothing bad," said Sanke.

"You're crying," Frila pointed out. "You never cry. What did they do?"

"They're just kids," and Sanke knew that must sound odd coming from someone who looked like a fourteen year old and acted like a ten year old human some times and an ageless force of nature at others. But it was true.

Frila just looked at her, and waited.

"They call me monster," Sanke whispered. "And freak. They want me to do tricks all the time and they think I belong in the training centre. It's not all of them. Some of them pretend to be nice." She lifted her face to look into Frila's eyes, green and blue like the ocean, comfort. "But they're afraid, just the same. And you know what? That's worse. I think I'd rather they hated me than be afraid."

Frila took Irvine's handkerchief from her and gently wiped her face. "You know I want to show them all what the pointy end of a kick-ass gunblade feels like, right?"

"Yes, but please don't. It'll just make it worse. They already hate me for being friends with you and Squall and Quisty. I need to stand on my own two feet. And I try, I really do, it's just..." Fresh tears threatened but Sanke swallowed them down. "I don't know where to start."

Frila smiled at her, and hugged her, and her compassion was almost more than Sanke could bear. At times like this she could almost feel, almost touch something deep inside Frila, an echo of herself, and it hurt. Like she'd lost something important and could almost reach it but never, quite, get it back.

But at the same time it made her feel strong, and like stupid people didn't matter. Sanke clung to Frila as long as she dared.

"We'll work something out," Frila said. "What classes do you have left today?"

"History and Combat Basics."

"Fuck that," Frila said. "I've got something better I can teach you."

"Really?" Sanke felt a little glimmer of relief.

"Yeah." Frila grinned at her, one of the wicked grins that lit up her eyes and made Sanke want to giggle. "Goofing off 101."

Sanke did giggle then. "I can't play truant! I've only been here two days. Can I?"

"To tell the truth, you're not the only one who needs a break. I just got my mission schedule from Xu and you wouldn't believe it. This is the last chance I'm gonna get for a while to have any fun. So Garden can go fuck itself for a couple of hours. I'm taking you to the beach. What d'you say?"

Excitement bubbled through Sanke, the horrible feelings forgotten. "The beach, really? That would be so good. I haven't seen the sea since we left Esthar."

"It's done," said Frila, getting to her feet and pulling Sanke up with her. "Put those stupid books away and we'll go. I'll think of something to tell Xian later." She tucked the handkerchief back in Sanke's pocket for her.

"Oh, Irvine!" said Sanke. "Could we go get Irvine? He could come too!"

Something sad flickered across Frila's face. She brightened quickly, covering things up as fast as she could, but she couldn't hide as much as she thought she could from Sanke.

"I know you haven't been the best of friends lately," said Sanke. "But I know he missed you and..."

Frila sighed. "It's not that," she said. "He's not here. Come on, let's get down to the beach. I'll explain when we get there."

Sanke's mind filled with a hundred questions, but she bit them back, stacking the last of the books on her desk. She was sad that Irvine wasn't around, but her heart still sang.

The sea was calling.

*******

Squall stopped outside the door to Xu's office and tried to calm down. The day had gone from bad to worse and he knew he was close to the edge. Shiva shifted in the back of his mind, tempting him to take out his temper in battle. The training centre, or better still the monster-ridden battlefield outside, was a very attractive prospect. But Squall still had hours of meetings and reports ahead of him, and precious few moments in between.

And he really, really needed to talk to Irvine.

Xu stood up as he came in, smiled and said hello and indicated the seat over by the window. He sat, reluctantly, and waited for her to join him.

She took her place opposite him, and placed a pile of files on the table between them.

"More reports?" said Squall, flatly.

"From yesterday's field exams. I've prioritised them for you; I think you'll find the top four or five interesting, the rest are routine."

Squall was truly thankful at times like this to be blessed with Xu and Quistis, both of whom made his life immeasurably easier. "Urgent?"

Xu shook her head. "Only the top one. New Guardian, unexpected."

"Ah. I heard about that."

"Thought you might have. I'm waiting for the Clearing Centre report; I'll send it on to you as soon as it comes through."

"Thanks."

"There's some transfers and staffing reports in the blue file that you ought to take a look through as well."

"Okay. Problems?"

Xu bit her lower lip. "Not exactly a problem, no."

"What is it Xu? I haven't got time for fucking around. Is there a problem or not?"

"It's Irvine."

"Irvine?"

"He requested a transfer to Galbadia."

There was noise in Squall's head, another spark of anger amid the ball of irritation that been growing steadily since the first time Ness had opened her mouth at the party last night. "Refuse it," he snapped. "Better still, I'll refuse it. Where the fuck is he, anyway?" Squall rose to his feet, snatching the blue file from the pile.

"Squall, sit down. It's too late."

Squall remained standing, eyes flashing dangerously. "What do you mean, too late?"

"I approved it yesterday. He left this morning."

"You... He did what?"

"He wanted the transfer to take effect immediately. I didn't have any reason to decline the request."

"What the fuck do you mean, you had no reason? This isn't some homesick cadet, it's Irvine! He's one of, one... he's the best sniper, he's fucking essential!"

"He wanted to go, Squall, and Galbadia are crying out for experienced people."

"There's a lot of experienced people here," said Squall coldly. "You could have sent anyone. You didn't even consult me."

"I'm afraid it's a routine process. If you and Irvine needed to discuss it, well, I'm sorry, but that's a personal matter."

Squall was about to yell at her that there was nothing personal about it, but that would have been a complete and utter lie. Of course it was personal. This was Irvine. His best friend. One of us.

"Bastard," Squall muttered, and sank back into his chair.

"He's hardly been here lately," said Xu. "He dropped out of the promotion programme. I think his, um, interests are in Galbadia right now."

"You knew he was unhappy here?"

"Squall, everyone could see it. He's only stayed in Balamb to complete his missions, and frankly his performance has been slipping. No-one's hidden this from you. I think perhaps, and forgive me if I'm speaking out of turn, but perhaps you didn't want to see what's been happening."

Squall squashed an urge to hit her. Because she meant well, but she was right, too right, he'd never imagine Irvine would desert him like this, just run off without saying a word. Of course it wasn't Xu's fault, and Squall would lay bets that Irvine had probably got a promise out of Xu not to tell anyone until he was safely out of reach.

It was Irvine who Squall really, really wanted to hit. And the bastard had put himself in a different fucking country.

He curled his fingers into white-knuckle fists and stared at the folder-laden table. "Whatever."

"Squall, I-"

"There's more important things I need to talk to you about."

"Squall, perhaps you should-"

"What. Ever." Squall said as firmly as he could, fingernails biting into the flesh of his palms. "Do you understand?"

Xu opened her mouth as if to argue, then thought better of it and pressed her lips into a thin line, trapping the words inside. She crossed her legs and cleared her throat. "What is it you need to discuss with me?"

"Deling," said Squall. "I want to get some undercover work done."

Xu raised an eyebrow.

"I want everything you can find out about Minister Fargi and the new Timber Owls. It has to be completely discreet. Can you arrange something?"

"Of course. Can I ask why?"

"Call it a hunch."

"It's a lot to stake on a hunch. I'll send the best we have but even the best make mistakes sometimes, and can you imagine what will happen if Deling find out SeeD are spying on them?"

"I'll take that risk."

"But if you could at least tell me why-"

"No. Not until I'm sure. Just get me all the information you can, and fast."

"Of course. I'll send a team out first thing tomorrow and give you daily reports."

"Thanks." Squall got to his feet again, and picked up the files Xu had left for him. He hesitated. "Xu... when I said I want you to be discreet, I mean very discreet. I don't want anyone but you, me, Quistis and the team you send to know. Got that?"

Xu regarded him steadily. "Very well. If you're sure."

He reached the door before he hesitated again.

"I mean..." He turned to look Xu in the eye, so there was no mistake. "That includes Rinoa. I don't want Rinoa to know."

There was a pause, then Xu said: "Very well, Commander."

Squall almost ran to the training centre. He had fifteen minutes before his next meeting.

And he really had to kill something.

*******

Irvine opened the door to the room he'd been allocated and ushered Selphie inside.

"Wow. It's even smaller than your room in Balamb."

She looked tired. They'd only been able to hitch a ride in the Ragnarok as far as Dollet and the rest of the trip had been by train. It was dark by the time they reached Galbadia Garden.

"You're just spoilt. This is a palace by Galbadian standards." He dropped his bag on the empty desk and tugged the zip open.

Selphie yawned and slumped onto the bed.

"The cafeteria should still be open," Irvine said. "Shall we go get something to eat?"

"You go ahead," said Selphie. "I'm too sleepy. Would you mind if I take a nap? Or maybe an early night."

Irvine hesitated for the barest moment. She hadn't eaten anything all day. But he didn't want to start a fight. "Of course. Make yourself at home. I've got a few things to do, people to see...."

Selphie picked up the pillow and plumped it. "And the shag monster to feed." She tapped the side of her head.

"It doesn't work like that," Irvine began, defensively. But she was smiling. "Well, okay, it does. But he doesn't need that much. A little affection goes a long way."

"Ugh." Selphie shuddered. "Well, as long as you feed him far away from me, that's fine." She must have caught the worry on his face, because she grabbed his hand and squeezed it. "You go have fun, Cowboy, and let me sleep. I'll be right back to normal and bugging the Hell out of you tomorrow, you'll see."

"Okay." Irvine smiled at her. "I'll bring you breakfast."

"Tea," said Selphie, yawning again. "And maybe grapefruit yoghurt. They still do that here?"

"I have no idea. But if they do, it's yours."

Selphie curled up on his bed, hugging the pillow tight to her chest. "'Night, Irvy."

He kissed her forehead, tugging a blanket up to cover her. She snuggled into the warmth and closed her eyes.

Very quietly, Irvine retrieved a few things from his pack and shoved them into his pockets. He felt remotely guilty for abandoning Selphie like this, but there was a need inside that had been growing for days, and it wasn't going away. He kissed Selphie once more and slipped quietly out of his room.

Once in the corridor he slipped Ether into junction, and felt at once the rush of power and energy, and a need as deep and consuming as his own.

Well, maybe Selphie was right after all. Ether did need a thorough re-charge. But it wasn't anything to do with sex. When Irvine felt bad his Guardian suffered, and these past few days had been hell. He needed comfort, and Ether needed something warm and fuzzy to feed on.

And Irvine knew exactly where to find it.

~Yes,~ Ether murmured approvingly. ~Soon?~

~Right now.~ Irvine straightened his hat and set off down the corridor.

~You abandoned me for Spirit,~ Ether noted reproachfully.

~Had to, old friend. You know how she gets around Guardians, especially you.~

~She hurts,~ Ether noted sadly.

~Yep. She really does. But I'm going to fix that, and who knows? Maybe eventually she'll come to love you, too.~

There was a pause, while Ether searched through Irvine's junctions. ~We are alone,~ he pronounced.

~Yeah. Balamb likes to keep control of Guardians, so they still don't get any here. They only let me keep you because you won't junction anyone else.~

~I have need of no-one else,~ said Ether simply. ~I am your servant, and yours alone.~

Ether's warmth and power flooded through Irvine like sunshine.

~Thank you, old friend.~

He reached the familiar door to room 305, and tapped in the code. The doors slid open and Irvine slipped inside.

The room was bathed in flickering candlelight, highlighted by one soft lamp. Zephyr sat cross-legged on the larger-than-average bed, reading a book. His fine silver-blond hair fell over his shoulders like silk, and when Irvine came in he smiled.

"Zef," said Irvine, his voice choked.

"Hey," said Zephyr, closing his book and taking off his little reading glasses. He reached out. "Come here, man."

Irvine stumbled towards the bed and fell onto his knees on the thick cotton comforter. Zephyr held him, kissing his hair, arms snaking underneath Irvine's coat and shirt to find his skin.

Ether gave a little hum of approval.

"Oh Hyne," Irvine whispered. "What have I done?"

"Shhh. It's okay, man. Whatever it is. You're home now. It's okay."

Zephyr's hands were warm against his back, his voice a soothing purr. Irvine pulled back far enough to kiss him, soft, tender kisses, while he struggled out of his coat and tossed his hat onto the floor. "Duck...?"

"She's away. We're alone."

Irvine felt oddly grateful. Duck would have demanded explanations and offered opinions; Zephyr would expect nothing and offer unconditional comfort. Irvine kissed hungrily, his tongue seeking out Zephyr's and twisting around it. One hand cupped Zephyr's jaw while the other worked its way down to tug his t-shirt up, breaking the kiss just long enough for him to pull the shirt over Zephyr's head. Irvine ran his fingers through the fall of hair down Zephyr's naked back.

~Want. Need. Take.~

Like a mantra, centring Irvine, holding him fast in this moment, this pleasure, this warmth.

Zephyr pulled back a little. "Let's get these things off," he said, tugging at Irvine's shirt.

"'kay." Irvine tried to undo buttons, but his fingers didn't seem to want to work. Zephyr took pity on him and lent a hand, working his way methodically down from neck to belly, deftly popping the buttons one by one, then pushing the soft fabric back over Irvine's shoulders. Irvine stole another kiss, leaning into it, deeper, deeper, tasting sweet grass and vanilla.

"Jeans," Zephyr moaned into his mouth, snapping Irvine's belt buckle open. Irvine had an advantage here; Zephyr was only wearing loose cotton pants, easy to shift over his slender hips and down over his thighs. Irvine stripped his belt with one hand while gently pushing Zephyr back on the bed with the other. Still kissing; hungry, wanting, needing...

~Take.~

Zephyr shook his long legs free of his pants and lay naked on the bed, watching while Irvine desperately tugged at the zip of his jeans until it yielded. He'd fumbled jeans and underwear down to his knees before he remembered his boots. He swore, then, and sat on the edge of the bed, grappling with boots and socks and jeans while Zephyr watched patiently, his hand stroking soothingly up and down Irvine's spine.

Finally Irvine managed to struggle free of his clothes and threw himself onto the bed, neatly straddling Zephyr's hips.

"I missed you," Zephyr whispered, stroking Irvine's bangs back from his face.

Irvine wanted to cry.

~Take.~ Ether urged, feeding the hunger inside him until it blocked out everything else.

Zephyr was breathing hard, but his hands and voice were soothing. "What do you want?" His fingers wrapped themselves around Irvine's cock and gave it a few gentle pulls.

Irvine gasped. "Inside you? Please?"

Zephyr strained up to kiss him, and next Irvine knew there was the gentle slap of something wet and cool around his cock. He groaned into Zephyr's mouth and thrust a little into the slick tunnel of his fist, unable to resist. Zephyr pushed at Irvine's hips and somewhat reluctantly Irvine gave up tangling his tongue with Zephyr's to sit back on his heels.

Zephyr pressed the lube into Irvine's hand; it took a moment before he registered it, his mind a blur of Ether's growing power and his own blind need. His cock twitched in anticipation.

A few moments later Irvine knelt between Zephyr's parted thighs and pressed inside him. He watched his lover's face, sensitive to any sign of hesitation, but there was none. Zephyr opened himself up and pulled Irvine in, smooth, welcome heat. Irvine kept pushing until he was completely buried in Zephyr's willing body, until Ether's voice settled to a steady thrumming pulse in his head, and then he stopped, and forced himself to breathe.

"Is it okay?"

Zephyr's eyes were closed, lips wet and slightly parted. He nodded. "Better than." His fingers clutched at Irvine's shoulders; he was pulling himself up, wrapping his legs around Irvine's waist. Irvine rocked back onto his heels, pulling Zephyr with him. Zephyr gave a little sigh and settled into Irvine's lap, the movement sending shocks along Irvine's cock as it was first rejected and then pulled deeper into Zephyr's body.

They held each other like that, still, for what seemed like an age. Irvine realised he was trembling.

Zephyr pushed Irvine's hair back from his face again, smoothing it over his shoulders, rocking a little in Irvine's lap. Hot, tight, heaven. He trailed kisses along the line of Irvine's jaw. "What're you waiting for, Shotgun?"

"Don't know. Feels good."

"Move, baby."

So Irvine did. Long strokes, hands clutching Zephyr's hips to guide him. Slow and deep, so slow as to verge on torture. Zephyr's cock bounced between them, leaking sticky-wet in little spurts every time Irvine reached the magic spot.

Zephyr murmured: "close, already, shit," and Irvine licked his hand and curled it between their bellies, a loose fist to fuck.

~Sniper.~ Ether's voice a moan at the back of Irvine's mind, eager anticipation.

~Almost.~ Zephyr's body was moving like water, ripples running down his taut belly, thighs quivering, gripping Irvine tight, milking the pleasure out of him.

Then Irvine's hand was wet, and Zephyr was cursing and scrubbing his forehead over Irvine's shoulder, and Irvine let Ether's power flood through them both in a blissful golden wave like a ~cure~. He came hard, holding Zephyr so tight he could feel the other man's heart pounding against his chest, and when it was over his whole body collapsed, falling back to land on cool sheets, dimly aware of Zephyr's squeak of surprise as he fell on top of him.

Irvine listened to the pulse racing through his head, to Ether's satisfied whisper and Zephyr's slowing breath, and thought, blissfully, of nothing.

*******

Frila crept through the gates of Balamb garden just after curfew. She carried Sanke on her back, slender arms wrapped around her neck, legs still grainy with sand hooked easily through Frila's elbows. Her sleeping breath blew puffs of warm, quiet air across Frila's neck.

It was dark, the sky a mass of stars that faded the nearer they got to the gaudy violet-pink lights of Garden.

There was someone waiting by the gates, and it took Frila a moment to remember that she wasn't eligible for curfew any longer, and then another to realise with a fierce and angry guilt that Sanke was.

"Is that you, Alfyrd? Who'd have thought Balamb's star graduate would be out at this time of night?"

Just Seifer, then.

She stepped into the pool of light by the main entrance and looked Seifer in the eye as best she could. "Fuck off, Almasy."

"That's not nice," he observed. "We were getting on so well last night."

He might even have looked a little hurt; it was hard to tell under all that swagger.

"Sorry," she admitted. "It was just a one-off, right? I don't have time for anything else."

Too late, she saw the sharkish grin spread across his face. "What makes you think anything else was on offer, darlin'?"

Well, she'd set herself up for that one. "Oh, fuck right off and die. And shut up while you're about it."

She was ready to skewer him with her gunblade, or at least to try, but to her surprise he laughed.

"It's not funny," she said. "And keep your voice down, jerkface. Sanke's asleep."

"Taken her for a night on the town?"

"Just for a walk. Not that it's any of your business."

"Shit, hostile much? Did you kick Kinneas out of bed this hard? It would kind of explain that tortured expression he's been dragging around with him the past couple of years."

Frila pushed past him to get a hand on the gate release.

"I heard there's a gang of cadets out to get the brat." He stuck a cigarette between his teeth and paused to light it, the flicker of sudden flame making his hair bright gold for a second. "I've still got contacts on the disciplinary committee. I can get names if you want."

"I don't want anything from you."

Seifer blew a long stream of smoke into the night air. "Your choice. If you think you can handle it on your own..."

"Thanks for the offer. But I can look after Sanke just fine, thank you."

Seifer shrugged. "Whatever you say. You know where to find me if you change your mind."

Frila stormed through the gates without a backward glance.

*******

Irvine awoke to the sweet scent of freshly lit grass and Ether's gentle purr in his mind.

~Release.~

~Thank you, Sniper.~ The Guardian slipped quietly out of junction, leaving Irvine feeling warm and sleepy.

He opened his eyes to see Zephyr holding a joint out for him. With a lazy smile Irvine pulled himself up the bed to sit next to his lover, taking the joint and dragging deeply on it.

"If you don't mind me asking," Zephyr said, draping an arm casually around Irvine's shoulder, "what was all that about?"

"I was pleased to see you." Irvine let the smoke drift out of his lungs and up towards the ceiling.

"Well, that was obvious. But why?"

"It's complicated." Irvine took another drag before passing the joint back.

Zephyr settled back against the headboard, pulling Irvine in close. "In your own time, man. Unless you're rushing straight back to Balamb?"

"No. In fact, I'm never going back."

Zephyr spluttered on smoke. "Never? Why, did they chuck you out?"

"No, I put in for a transfer. I report to Martine in the morning."

"I thought transfers take months."

"It helps to have connections."

"Wow. I'm surprised Squall let you go so easily."

"Squall doesn't know yet."

Zephyr raised an eyebrow.

"I don't think it'll make much difference, once he calms down. They don't need me any more, Zef. It's all politics and being in charge, and the place runs like clockwork. There's nothing to keep me there any more."

"I'm not sorry." Zephyr's fingertips brushed Irvine's shoulder. "I like having you around, and you know Duck does too. I'm surprised, though."

"I think I am, to, a bit," Irvine confessed.

They smoked quietly for a while, and then Irvine said: "There's something else. Selphie."

"The chick we nearly lost you to forever?"

"Yeah. She split up with Xu."

Zephyr raised an eyebrow. "And you still left?"

"I brought her back with me."

"What, like as baggage or something? Man, I never know how you manage to pull these things off."

Irvine laughed. "It's kind of a vacation at the moment. Just to see how things work out."

"Okay. So you've run away from Balamb with the chick of your dreams. What are you doing here? Why aren't you banging her brains out and drowning in champagne and elixir?"

"It's not like that, we're not involved, exactly. We're just friends."

Zephyr passed him back the joint. "Shit. So you're a shoulder to cry on for the love of your life. A platonic shoulder."

"At the moment, yeah."

"You think things will change now you've got her away from all the temptations of Balamb, is that it?"

"No!"

Zephyr just looked at him.

"I don't know," Irvine said. "She's not well, Zef. First thing is to get her better. Then, well, who knows?"

"She'll fall in love with her nurse and everyone will live happily ever after?"

"Stranger things have happened. Did happen, once."

"Oh, Irvine." Zephyr stroked Irvine's hair, kissed the top of his head. "There's no curing you, is there?"

"Probably not," Irvine mumbled, eyes shut, every touch and kiss precious as he drifted on a cloud of grass and sex and warmth.

Zephyr took the smouldering joint-stub from Irvine's fingers and tossed it in the ashtray.

"When's Duck back?" asked Irvine sleepily.

"Couple of days," said Zephyr. "You be alright with just me for now?"

Irvine looked up at Zephyr with a lazy smile and nodded. "Very," he said.

"Junction," Zephyr whispered, and Irvine did. Zephyr leaned down to kiss him and with Ether stirring happily in the back of his mind Irvine slipped gratefully into oblivion.

Illustration by PL Nunn

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