Unconditional Love

~*Part 3*~


I sighed after saving the file on the computer. I’ve been officially back at work for 2 weeks and 4 days now, but I’ve been home for about 3 weeks - that is including all the days while I unpacked.

In these weeks, Dew has finally begun to have a childhood she was denied with Rinoa, Laguna and I. Laguna and I tried to give her what she needed and tried to start her on hobbies, but Rinoa would often destroy it, or we were too busy at times to help her continue.

We were just too tied up in our own problems and work.

Luckily now I have the help of many friends who will help expand her horizons and help her be a normal, happy child.

Give her the childhood we never had.

Other than Zell.

He had a family - even though it wasn’t till a little later in his childhood.

As much as Dew had ‘big’ friends, she had smaller friends. There were a few in the Garden at times who were children, or related to cadets, but there was one that she had taken quite a liking to and could see as often as she pleased.

His name was Aeolus and he was the son of Fujin and Raijin.

It seemed that Fujin became pregnant about 3 months before Rinoa came out with her shocking news. Fujin and Raijin didn’t come around much and kinda faded into the background with all the happenings. Only Seifer would keep in touch with them on occasion, but we were all busy with work and personal problems.

Their pregnancy wasn’t expected, nor unwanted, but it was left unmentioned till a few months after I left to marry Rinoa, when Raijin called Seifer to tell him Fujin was in labour. Seifer was told about the pregnancy, but with me leaving, he had forgotten to mention it - half feeling that no of us needed something else on our plate.

Seifer had run down to see Aeolus and make sure his posse was okay.

He was quickly named the godfather without any argument.

Their marriage was a happy one - they had eloped months before - unlike mine.

I remember it being mentioned to me, but never went into great detail. It wasn’t till I saw him that I remembered being told.

He was a few months older than Dew with most of his mother’s colouring and shape. He had silver white hair that was trimmed short and shaggy with slim features. He had a willowy build, but wasn’t a pushover in the least. His skin was a little darker than Fujin’s - being Raijin’s influence - Aeo Aeolus eyes were dark like his father’s. They were dark brown, but very close to being onyx.

The child was very soft spoken at first, but warmed up fairly quickly when he realized there was no harm. He was very comfortable around Dew and they already fight from time-to-time. They fight, cry, maybe hit, but then make-up and go play again.

In a way, it reminds me of Seifer and myself.

Dew has my thoughtfulness and stubbornness which causes the fights in most cases. Aeolus, himself, is also not much of a pushover in the least and just as stubborn. The two will fight over the smallest things and then one will finally swallow their pride to apologise.

I’ve seen it many times.

Not only has Aeolus helDew’Dew’s social skills, which have been lacking because of her lack of young friends like herself, but he has started hobbies that are as refreshing as they are time consuming.

Selphie, who is a major Harry Potter fan at 25, started Aeolus’ obsession which in turn started Dew’s. Selphie and Seifer took them to the theatres last Wednesday (Aeolus stays wSeifSeifer on Wednesday and Saturdays when he isn’t on a mission) to see the new Harry Potter movie. The Philosopher’s Stone, I believe it was called.

Aeolus had been adamant that Dew was to read the book first, so he let her borrow it and - between Seifer and I - we read to her before she went to sleep.

I found myself getting more and more intrigued by the book as it was read. Believe it or not, but when Seifer read her a chapter that I missed, I read it later. Rowling is a very good writer. I understand Selphie’s obsession.

As for Seifer’s involvement, that is something that I haven’t fully understood myself.

It’s not that I confused to Seifer’s attention, tenderness and overall love to Dew. Ihow how she has latched onto him. I like to think it is because of his attachment to Aeolus, which may be part of it, but Dew has picked him from my friends before Aeolus even came around.

She would go on and on when I got home about where Seifer took her, or a story that he told her. I found myself fascinated with her interpretation of what happened, or what she saw and thought.

She was truly an amazing child.

However, it also seemed that Seifer was determined to do something with her every day.

It then started that I was working late and someone would stay with her till I came home, which was sometimes as late as 10 p.m.. She had to be in bed by 8:30, that was her bedtime, so someone would put her to bed and read to her.

I came home to find that Seifer was usually the one that was there. He would be reading to her, tucking her in, or simply waiting for me on the couch. It became such a habit that he Dew demanded he come whether or not I was there. She wanted Seifer there to tuck her in.

I sometimes wondered if Dew was doing it on purpose.

I wondered how much she knew.

He would never leave right away - which pleased me - and we would sit and talk about various things like we did before I was carried off by Rinoa. I liked the moments we shared while I relaxed and he told me about things that happened, or what was going on in his life. Simple things, but things that helped me see the Seifer he was now.

I found myself falling for him even harder than I did before.

Not only was this becoming a habit, but when he was called for a mission, he would call every night at 8 o’clock to talk to Dew and tell her goodnight. Once she was in bed, tucked away and pleased that Seifer called, Seifer would then talk to me about what was going on.

He did this for the 4 days that he was away in Deling City on his mission.

Dew was not at all pleased when he left, but was understanding.

Selphie often took her to see Aeolus, or picked him up to play with Dew when Seifer couldn’t. Both Raijin and Fujin loved Dew and were pleased that Aeolus and she got along. I could see them being friends for a longtime and maybe somewhere in my heart, I hope that it will become more when they get older.

I’ve become somewhat of a softie with age and kids.

I sighed, stretching as I got up from my desk. It was close to 8:30 p.m. and I knew that Seifer would probably be there, reading to Dew when I arrived. I had to work a late night so I could have tomorrow off without a guilty conscience. Between Selphie, Aeolus, Dew and Fujin they had planned an outing to the Balamb beach tomorrow.

Everyone was to come and we were all just going to spend all day on the beach. Music, sand, water and sun. Oh, and of course a packed picnic to tie it all up. Just a day where Aeolus and Dew could have their complete family there and we could all have a break from work and the Garden.

Dew was beyond excited.

I was quite excited myself.

I walked to my rooms and the door opened with a fairly silent swish. I heard the deep baritone voice talking quietly. I half-wished it was whispering to me full of desire and love, but shook it away as I came to the door of Dew’s room to see him sitting on the bed with her under the covers, listening to Seifer read.

Dew was clinging tightly to the stuffed white owl named Hedwig from Harry Potter that Selphie bought her, while watching and listening to Seifer read. Seifer was sitting on the edge of the bed in Indian style with his back to me. His long blond hair was tied back in a braid with a teal shirt and beige pants. His brown sandals were on the floor beside the bed.

“‘Unbelievable!’ beamed Seamus. ‘Cool,’ said Dean. ‘Amazing,’ said Neville, awestruck. Harry couldn’t help it. He grinned, too.” Seifer read, then closing the book while Dew giggled lightly. She was quickly falling asleep. “That’s it, little Dewdrop. We will continue tomorrow, but you’re ready to fall asleep.” Seifer said, getting up. His feet slipping into his sandals.

“No I’m - ” Dew promptly broke off with a large yawn. Seifer chuckled as I leaned against the frame, watching.

“Sure, sweetheart. Whether or not you are tired - I am.” Seifer said, twitching her nose. She gave another giggle and grabbed his nose. “‘Night Dewdrop. Don’t let the bedbugs bite” He murmured, giving her a peck on the forehead as she closed her eyes.

“Goodnight Seifie.” I arched an eyebrow at the nickname as he gave a sigh. She snuggled into the covers and held her owl close as he turned around.

Seifer started when he saw me, but I quickly put my finger up to my lips for silence and he obliged, nodding. He turned off the light as he walked passed me and I shut the door with one last look at Dew.

“‘Seifie’?” I asked and Seifer groaned, flopping on the couch and tossing the book on the coffee table.

“Don’t ask. I haven’t, but she made a deal that if I was going to call her ‘Dewdrop’ that she should have a nickname for me. ‘Seifie’ then came about.” Seifer said, shaking his head and I sat on the couch beside him.

“What chapter are you guys on in the second Harry Potter book?” I asked, looking at the book on the coffee table. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling. Another gift from Selphie.

“Chapter 6. We just finished chapter 5.” Seifer said, smiling slightly. I nodded, making a mental note to read the chapters 4 and 5 later - I had read her the first 3 chapters the day before. “It’s actually very good. I probably would have kept reading if she hadn’t been yawning every 3 minutes.” Seifer continued and I chuckled.

“Selphie has succeeded in making you a fan?” I asked, already knowing the answer. Seifer kinda scowled.

She had made us all fans.

“You too. Selphie has all warped. I was excited so go see that damned movie. You know, I’ve read that the second movie is coming out pretty soon too.” Seifer replied, sounding a little displeased that he was also tied up in the fan thing.

From what I hear, he teased Selphie relentlessly on it for months. It wasn’t till Selphie had introduced it to Aeolus and Dew that he got tied up into it. Now he can’t go back.

None of us can.

Sounds like a horror movie. Selphie must be laughing her head off.

“Excited?” I asked, arching an eyebrow while he snorted.

“Yes, unfortunately. I’m curious to see how they did it and how the characters have changed. Besides, that Professor Gilderoy Lockhart is supposed to be a hottie.” Seifer smirked. winking while I blinked, confused.

I didn’t remember that name from the first book . . .

“New Defence Against Dark Arts teacher.” Seifer explained at my confusion.

“Oh!” I said, nodding. We looked at each for a few moments and then bursted into gales of laughter.

“She has got us good! We are officially diehard Harry Potter fans.” Seifer muttered as I panted for air, leaning against his shoulder. I snorted, shaking my head. We were so~o far gone into this Harry Potter thing.

“So~o . . . ” I started a few moments of silence, “I didn’t know you were homosexual.” Seifer frowned slightly, but nodded, being that the name of the new professor of the book was obviously a male name.

“Does it bother you?” Seifer asked, somewhat defensively. I shook my head and smiled at the thought. I could hear his light fear that I would push him away.

“Lord no! I’m bisexual myself. I may be a great many things, but I’m not a hypocrite.” I reassured him and he cocked his head at me, studying me. I kinda blinked to myself how open I was. I was kinda ashamed of it before. I guess confidence comes with age and experience - just like maturity. “Or are you bi?” I asked, feeling my heart skip a beat as he looked me over.

“No. Rinoa was my last girlfriend. She killed it.” Seifer muttered, rolling his eyes. I chuckled, pulling away to fall into the corner on the pillows. Seifer then knelt down to pick up my feet and put them on his lap.

“I know what you mean. I look at women and I wonder what guy they are screwing - literally and figuratively.” I murmured quietly as he removed my black combat boots that I could never get rid of. They were comfortable and wor.
.

“She destroyed your view on women. Not surprising.” Seifer sighed, sounding a little bitter.

“Only in relationship-wise. I mean, I like Selphie and Quistis. Xu isn’t bad either. However, only as friends. I guess it kinda like a defence mechanism. I don’t want to get hurt again. Not like that.” I shook my head as he peeled off my socks. I wiggled my toes playfully, Seifer smirked while tickling them a little before I kicked the fingers away.

“Not surprising actually. It happens a lot in divorces. Of course not many become homosexual, but they end up bitter towards women. Or vise-versa for women. Forced marriages because of accidental pregnancies always end up ugly.” Seifer said, as he started to massage my sore feet.

. . . . . that feels good.” I murmured pleasantly as his strong hands soothed my feet. I had been on them for the most part of the day in meetings.

“You know, Dubadeasa is nothing like her mother, excluding the hair. She looks and acts like you.” Seifer said, his voice strangely hushed. I smiled as I closed my eyes.

“That’s what Ellone says. Physically anyway. Dew acts a lot like me because she has spent most of her life with me. Rinoa shoved her aside when she was around 2. Rinoa hated the fact that loved Dew and not her.” I replied, running a hand through my chocolate cheekbone length hair. Seifer grunted in agreement.

“Rinoa’s a bitch. She set the whole thing up because she saw that she was losing you. She was hoping you would then stay with her, but you pulled away further. Her plan backfired right in her face.” Seifer spat, sounding angry.

“You think so?” I asked, opening one eye.

“That she planned it? Yes. Rinoa not bright, but she isn’t stupid. She knew that if she was pregnant and she said the right things, you would marry her - even if it was just for the kid.” Seifer growled, lightly.

He was obviously bitter towards Rinoa.

Not even I had that much anger harboured against her.

“You sound really angry at her.” I stated, opening my eyes and he looked up from my feet as I cocked my head. His jade eyes were steady on mine as he responded.

“I’m angry because she wasted a good 6 years of your life because of her fantasy that was doomed from the beginning.” Seifer said, his voice still holding menace but not a vicious as before.

“You’re angrier than I am.”

“Probably. I blame myself in someways because it was me that brought her in the first place and told her about you. Not to mention, I should have seen it coming. I was part of her fantasy and she trihinghings to keep me when I broke up with her. I should have known she would replace me with you.” Seifer muttered, stopping his massage on my feet as he shook his head, angrily.

“What did she do?” I asked, quietly.

“A lot of things. She purposely went out without her Valkyrie so I could play knight in shining armour when I found her. She almost got herself killed that time.” Seifer shook his head, disgusted. He looked off at the wall when he spoke again. “She never hurt me in anyway, not like she did with you. She just kept putting herself in positions so I would find her and save her. She was bent on having me as her knight.” Seifer snorted and I gave a mirthless chuckle.

“And we all found out how that went.” I muttered when he turned to look at me again. He grunted, his jade eyes getting dark with anger. “Enough of this conversation! It’s destroying the mood.” I said suddenly, sitting up.

“Right!” Seifer smiled, the darkness leaving his eyes and the playfulness returning. Before I had a chance, he was tickling me feet. The only ticklish spot I had.

“Seifer!” I hissed between laughter, trying my best not to yell to wake Dubadeasa. He didn’t respond and continued to tickle till we ended up on the floor.

I looked up to see Seifer leaning on his elbows that were on either side on my head as I panted while he smirked, pleased with himself. His jade eyes were glowing in the dimly lit room as he looked down at me. I looked up at him, trying to calm my heart that was now not beating because of our scrambled.

It was because of the look that was in his eyes.

It looked something like desire.

No. I know it was desire.

My lips partly slightly as his fingers started to comb my hair. He leaned closer while the blond strands that had come loose from brushed my face. They tickled, but I didn’t pay them mind as I started to lean up to meet him.

His lips were a breath from mine. My hand hesitantly reached up to lay upon his c to to steady myself. A hand went behind my head to hold me in place as we looked into each others eyes - weighing and reading each other’s reaction and emotions.

I closed my eyes when Seifer closed the last amount of distance between us. His lips touched mine softly and I reached up to hold his shoulder. Opening my lips as I forced him down closer and without much thought or hesitation, he let me in. I let my tongue wander into his heat, which was enough to make my eyes roll back into head as I went to taste more of him.

Seifer groaned in pleasure and pressed closer so that only the fabric of our shirts separated us as he went to do the pleasure. I held him close, enjoying the feeling of him as he playfully teased my tongue with his own. I went to unbutton his shirt to feel his chest -

“Pa?” A small voice asked hesitantly and I scrambled up, pushing Seifer away from me before I was fully aware of the fact that I had. I heard Seifer give a gasp as his palms smacked the floor, looking at me owlishly.

I then felt incredibly stupid and guilty.

“Is something the matter, Dew?” I asked shakily, cursing inside at her timing and my reaction. Seifer was sitting on the ground, studying me as I fought for control and a rational thinking process.

“I’m thirsty.” She murmured in her small sleepy voice.

I sighed.

“. . . I take it this is where I make my exit. I’ll see you tomorrow, Squall.” Seifer commented, while getting up. His jade eyes blank as was his face as I opened my mouth to say something . . . anything to let him know that I didn’t mean to push him away.

I just . . . I just reacted.

Out of fear?

“Night Dewdrop. I’ll see you tomorrow in your little bikini, eh? All the men will be your salves, ya beautiful thing. And I know were you inherited that from.” Seifer reaching for sle sleepy Dew and wrapped her in a bear hug, kissing her cheek.

I caught the underhanded compliment, but still could find no words for him to explain why I had pushed him away.

He didn’t glance at one once as he walked away after releasing Dew. The mood was broken and was replaced with uneasiness and tension. I couldn’t say anything to him as he left and luckily Dew seemed obviously to it all.

“‘Nighty ‘nighty Seifie.” Dew smiled, clutching her owl as Seifer gave one last wave as the door swished shut. I closed my eyes for a moment before returning my attention of what was at hand as Dew wrapped her arms around my legs.

I would talk to Seifer tomorrow.

“What would you like?” I asked pleasantly, trying to hide my disappointment at her interruption and what had just happened between Seifer and I.. I was that close to finally having what I’ve wanted for years, but I go and fuck up with the help of my daughter. I never really thought about it, but all those years with Rinoa, I was still pining away for Seifer.

Pathetic?

Maybe.

However, true.

“Chocolate milk.” Dew said, grinning at me still rubbing the sleepiness from her eyes with a fist. I sighed with a small smile and picked her up to carry her to the kitchen.

I could never be angry with her long.

“Chocolate milk, it is.” I agreed, kissing her cheek as she wrapped her arms around my neck still holding her owl in her hands.

There would be may more chances with Seifer.

I hoped, anyway.


~*TBC*~