When they arrived at the palace, Tala led to them to that room where they had first met Odine, and went through the doors at the west end of the room. As they entered the main foyer, everyone paused.
"Wow."
Zell was the first to remark.

To the left of them, was a wall of stained glass windows. But it wasn't the beauty of windows that made them pause; it was what was depicted within the windows.

In the center window, Squall was standing, Lionheart gunblade held defensively. To his left, Rinoa with white feathers swirling about her. To his right, Seifer with a trademark smirk and Hyperion resting against his shoulder. Zell was next to Rinoa, posed as if he was throwing an uppercut. Quistis was next to Seifer, ready to crack Save the Queen. Selphie, next to Zell held her Strange Vision aloft, off to her left was the Ragnorak. Irvine completed the picture, one hand up to tug his hat brim down, the other gripping Exeter.

About two feet above Squall's head, was the Balamb Garden insignia. Tala risked a glance at Squall, and nearly laughed. His jaw was nearly to his feet. From what she had heard about it, little - if anything - had ever floored Squall. It appeared this had, but who wouldn't be a bit amazed by it? It was stunning.

"This is called Hero's Hall. Only certain guests are ever allowed to stay here. But Laguna uses this for any official parties he has to host."
"Stay here?" Irvine asked, glancing over at her.
"Yes, this is just the main foyer. That door to the right is the sitting room. The door to the left is the kitchen. We have to go through the sitting room to get to the bedrooms."
"Bedrooms?"
Tala nodded again. "This just a small wing compared to the others. But you'll be staying here, not at the Garden. Each of you will have a room, but the doors connect."
She continued before anyone could make a comment.

"He knows that some of you are in relationships with one another. This way, the maids don't get so offended. They have. Rather old-fashioned values. Marriage and all that."
One shoulder lifted in a shrug as she turned.
"Do any of you have any questions before I take you to your rooms? Laguna should be back in about three hours. This way, you can rest and eat- if you wish. Or explore the city."
"I do."

She laughed softly. "Yes, Zell. They have a supply of Balamb Garden hotdogs in the fridge. Just for you, Laguna ordered them."
Her amber gaze then flicked to Squall. "If you are wondering why I don't call him President Loire, or even just President is because he asked me not to. For some reason, he said I reminded him of you. Just female."
Squall's left eyebrow went up so fast it was if it had teleported. Behind him, Seifer snickered while Irvine and Zell shared knowing looks.
"Instructor Trepe?" Tala glanced over at Quistis, who was stifling her own laugh.
"Does each room have it's own..." Tala nodded. Then she looked at Selphie and Rinoa, who each shook their heads.
"Alright. Let's get you guys settled in."

------

Seifer was sprawled out on the bed, sans coat, while Squall was unpacking. He had chosen the room in the middle of the floor. Their "guide" had been biting back a grin when he opened the door.
The room was about the size of two Seed dorms back at Garden. And furnished in black and gray. A huge bed took up one corner of the room. It was a four poster bed, iron wrought. Next to it was glass-topped nightstand. A telephone and a clock sat upon it. There was also a leather sofa in the room; the color of it dove grey. Squall had been searching for a sofa like that to put into his room.

"What's so funny?"
"This is known as the Squall room. Laguna decorated a room based on each of your prefrences. Or, what he knew he about them. Not in order of the picture, though. Also, he tossed in a bit of his prefence into this one."
"What do you mean?"
"Black silk sheets. He had them specially ordered. They have silver lions embroidered on the hems. You'll be the first to sleep in this room though. He never lets people stay in this one."
"Which room is the most popular?" Zell decided to ask.
"Actually... there is a three way tie. The Knight's, the Instructor's, and Selphie's. Well, I need to run. My card is next to the telephone on y'alls nightstands. Any questions that may arise call me. It's my cell number. I'll be seeing you guys later."
And with that, she was gone.

---------

"I don't trust her."
Seifer sighed, sitting up. "Squall."
He turned, walking over after Seifer patted the spot next to him. Seifer pulled him close, running his fingers through Squall's hair. Although he wouldn't say it aloud, he felt that Squall was jealous of her, perhaps for being closer to Laguna then he was. But he agreed there was something off about her. Squall shifted, so his face was resting against Seifer's chest, right above his heart. Although Seifer hadn't been expecting him to say anything else, Squall did.

"It's those eyes."
"Her... eyes?" Seifer was slightly baffled by this comment. He glanced down at Squall, who was looking up at him. Seifer blinked, startled at the change in those silver depths. He had seen them like flinty steel, when Squall was angered. The bluish tint of the sky they took when he was smiling. Moonlight upon black water when they were together. But never like this, as though a misty rain threatened to fall.
Seifer sighed, running the edge of a finger along his jawbone.
"She's just a girl, Squall. Don't worry about her."

He tilted his head back, leaning forward to lightly brush his lips against Squall's.
"I love you."
Squall's breath hitched in his throat. Seifer didn't say those words often, but then again - neither did he. A small, shy smile graced Squall's lips as he returned those words to the one who meant everything to him.
"I love you, too...."


---
I'm crazy for you
Touch me once and you'll know it's true
I never wanted anyone like this
It's all brand new, you'll feel it in my kiss
I'm crazy for you, crazy for you
---

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A/N- Disclaimers: People belong to Square, except Tala. ^^ Lyrics are Madonna's- "Crazy for You." The action will begin over the next two chapters. I'll also put up a side note discussing the window and the room(s) at the end of this story if anyone wants. Thanks to all who read and review - you guys are the reason why I'm continuing (instead of slacking off, hehe).