Seifer stood still as Squall helped him fix the front chain on his jacket. He didn't like the dress uniform very much. For one, it was black. Black was not really his preferred color. He didn't even wear the uniform on his test- like he was supposed to. Uniforms sucked.
Two, this chain was pretty damn annoying. But, Squall was fixing, so he supposed it made it a little better. Not much though, he preferred his jacket to be left open, and not covering him up. Clothing had to be loose and flowing, it gave him more freedom to move.
Three, he was going to look like Zell. Ugh.
"There, you're done."
Squall ran a hand over his left shoulder, brushing off some lint.
"When was the last time you had it cleaned?"
"Right before I wore it last time."
Squall just shook his head. Seifer reached up to tuck a few wisps of hair behind his ear.
"I'm sorry, about earlier."
Squall smiled up at him. "Don't worry about it, I would have probably asked the same thing."
Seifer smirked suddenly, running the edge of his thumb along Squall's cheek and over his bottom lip. "Don't lie to me, love. I know it hurt you. But, I am sorry."
There was a knock at the door, and they both glanced over at it.
"C'mon in." Seifer called out. Selphie peeked in, and smiled. "Oh, you two are so cute together. I wish I had my camera!"
They both rolled their eyes. She pouted. "You two are no fun!"
She then stepped inside. Her hair had grown a little longer; it now brushed the edges of her shoulders. She was dressed in a gold, strapless ball gown. Irvine stood behind her, dressed in same uniform as the other too. He was actually without his trademark hat, and his hair was loose.
"So, you aren't bald."
Seifer remarked dryly. Selphie giggled, and Squall smirked. Irvine glared at him.
Rinoa and Zell were the next to arrive. Rinoa was wearing the same cream colored dress she had worn to the other ball. Zell had an arm around her waist, and she ruffled his hair playfully. He didn't have it up in his usual chocobo style. Quistis came in two minutes later, dressed an ice blue gown. Her hair was loose for once, and it flowed over her shoulder like a golden waterfall. She smiled at the three couples before her, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. Her boyfriend hadn't been invited.
Seifer whispered something in Squall's ear, and he nodded. Seifer then walked over to Quistis, and bowed. "Will you be my escort for the evening?"
She laughed. "Squall won't kill me?"
"He gave his permission."
"Thank you, Squall."
He nodded. They talked for a few minutes while waiting for Tala to arrive. A light knock on Squall's open door alerted them to her presence.
She was dressed in a black gown, that had hints of silver as she walked in. Squall was the first to notice it, a black mesh over silver.. Lame, silk? He couldn't tell. But she looked far different, then from earlier today. Her raven colored locks were done in ringlets, and her eyes looked darker somehow. Squall averted his gaze; glad everyone had been staring.
"Yea, I know. Different, right? So, is everyone ready?"
They all nodded. "Ok, then.. let's go!"
The couples were the first to walk out, Squall was the last. Tala frowned thoughtfully as he walked past her, alone.
"Seifer's taking Quistis?"
Squall nodded. "Her boyfriend wasn't invited, he wasn't one of the ones.."
"Oh, so you'll be alone then."
He shrugged. Tala rolled her eyes. "Well, I'll be your escort, if you want."
The one eyebrow went up, again. As she had known it would. "I promise, I don't bite. And it's just for when we walk in. After that, you stay away from me for the rest of evening if you wish. Alright?"
Squall chuckled, and held out his arm for her to take it. "Deal."

----

About four hours later, Squall was wishing he could find a balcony to escape to. At least this time, no one dragged him to a dance floor. He had mingled, instead of staying against a pillar, as was his usual thing to do at gatherings such as this. He had even gone on stage and talked, to a large group of people. Needless to say, his friends had been shocked.
He was sipping on his second glass of champagne. He didn't care for the stuff, it was too bubbly. As promised, he hadn't seen Tala since they had arrived in the Hall. Now actually though, he wouldn't mind seeing her. He bet she knew where an open place was. A place where he could go be alone for a few moments, and get away from this crowd. About five minutes later, someone tapped him on his shoulder. Without glancing over, he spoke.
"You know a place?"
"I do. Follow me."
He scanned the crowd for Seifer. The blonde was on the dance floor with Quistis. For a moment, Squall watched them-slightly envious. He wanted to be the one dancing with Seifer. Perhaps he would, after he got back.
"Lead the way."
He turned, following her past friends and strangers. Past the window depicting them. And through a small door. Upon stepping outside, he glanced around. It wasn't as big as the one at Balamb. This one seemed a bit more private. Maybe three people could fit out here together, max. The railing looked like it was made out of iron, and a standing ashtray rested against the slim bars.
"Some of the people who've stayed, smoke. Laguna didn't want it inside the palace, so this is a smoking section. One of the very few within the palace. I know you want to be alone, Squall... But I just want to ask you something before I leave."
He glanced over her, hoping this would be quick.
"Why do you distrust me so?"
Squall sighed, and rested his forearms against the railing. Why did he? Other then the fact that she was hiding something. He believed that she could read minds, but he felt there was more to her ability then just that.
"You are right."
"Do you mind? Stay out of my head."
"Sorry.. it's habit. Usually when someone is thinking about me, I pick up on it. Why do you think I went over to you?"
"What else is so special about you? You slipped up when you said it would have been bad if Edea had gotten ahold of it."
"You remember how she had Seifer under some sort of control? His dream allowed her to make him a pawn. He wished to be a Knight, and protect her. She used that. I also, can make someone do my bidding. Simply by controlling their thoughts. I can make them believe something that never happened, make them forget something that did. The effect remains, till I decide to call it off."
Squall frowned. "Did you make Seifer ask what he did earlier today?"
"No. I knew that he thought about me, but that's about it. Why would I make him ask anything, anyway? You two have been together for a year that's pretty amazing. 'Specially considering who he was. And while I do think you're cute, that doesn't mean I'd try to break you two up."
So, Seifer had asked because he thought Squall really had been attracted to her. He saw her blink, but she didn't ask anything, which he was grateful for. This was pretty damn confusing actually. He loved Seifer. But why would Seifer think that he was attracted to her? If anything, he would have gone to Rinoa.
The sound of the door opening made them turn. Seifer stood there, holding two glasses of champagne.
"Squall, I've been looking everywhere for you. Tala."
He canted his head to her. "Seifer. Good to see you again. When you two come back in, I must steal you away for a dance. If Squall will allow it."
Seifer laughed. "We'll see."
Tala left, shutting the door behind her. Seifer walked over to Squall, and handed him a glass. Squall accepted it, taking a small sip.
"So..."
"Nice view out here. Smoking section, right?"
Squall nodded. "Seifer."
"Hmm?"
"Why did you think I was attracted to Tala?"
"You seemed to have had on your mind since we've stepped off the plane. I'll admit it; it was probably jealously that made me ask that.. But I want the truth, Squall- are you?"
"I love you."
Seifer shook his head, and turned Squall to face him. "I know you do, and you know I love you. But that wasn't what I asked. I asked if you were attracted to her."
"...."
"You know what she's able to do, right?"
"You knew?"
Seifer nodded. "Edea had me search for her but she was already gone. And she had covered her tracks well. No one knew where she was; it was as if they had all forgotten her. I knew who she was, once she said her name. I knew what she was, what she could do."
"And you thought she'd try to take me away from you."
"Not just from me. From us."
"She said she wouldn't, she doesn't think it's right to use her power in that way."
"She must like you then, I thought so."
Seifer smiled faintly.
"I'm not attracted to her, Seifer."
He shrugged. "Perhaps not, but she's more right for you then I am."
"Where.. Where is this coming from? You were jealous of her earlier today, and now you're telling me she's right for me?!"
It was uncommon for Squall to ever show anger, he preferred to keep a tight rein on his emotions.
"Squall, remember that I couldn't make you any promises. I couldn't promise how long we'd be together. I'm actually surprised we've made it this long."
"So.. you're telling me..."
"I need.. to be alone for a while. I need to find myself, I think. First I hated you, then I joined forces with Edea... then I loved you."
"Loved..." A mere whisper. Pain flashed in those haunting orbs, and Seifer winced.
"No, Squall. I do love you, I think I always have... but I need to be on my own for a while. You can understand that, can't you?"
Squall was silent. Seifer was.. leaving him? He couldn't believe it, didn't want to believe it.
"You said I needed you, that's true and that you needed me. But for once, I want to know who I am without you. I need to find myself. I wanted to tell you earlier.. but..."
"On the plane. That's what was bothering you, wasn't it?"
Seifer nodded. "I'm sorry, Squall. I really am... but you.."
"I understand." His eyes had taken on an icy sheen.
"When are you leaving?"
"Tonight."
"After the ball?"
Seifer nodded. "I know this doesn't mean shit to you at the moment, but am I am sorry. I really am."
Squall was a stoic guy, he had only cried once. When he believed he had been about die. And now, he felt as though he was going to. But he refused to let the tears fall. Instead, he reached up to lightly brush his fingers over the lapels upon Seifer's jacket. He then jerked the blonde towards him, claiming his lips in one final kiss.
Seifer was the break it, pulling away. He could feel Squall's pain, through that kiss. In fact, his cheeks were already damp.
Squall murmured something, softly. "If you love something, let it go. If they come back to you, it was met to be. I'm letting you go Seifer. But not without a piece of me. I love you."
It was heart wrenching. Squall was one of few words, preferring to let his actions speak for him. And for him to say that. Seifer knew that he had wounded the Lion, again.
"I am.."
"Don't say it Seifer, just go. Go before you cause me any more pain, alright?"
"I love you..." Seifer whispered, but Squall had turned away.
Squall didn't watch him leave; instead he hung his head and gripped the railing. Seifer's footsteps were soft, as he left the once proud lion.


"There goes another one
That kept me breathing
I'm waiting for you
I know you're leaving
I still adore you
You never need me

Hold on,
I've found another way to let you go
Away
Hold on
You've found another way to bleed my soul
Away"

-------
A/n - Disclaimer- Characters (except Tala) belong to Squaresoft. Lyrics, to Limp Bizkit. So, was there more to Seifer's reason for leaving? Mayyyybe....