Unconditional Love

~*Part 4*~


“ZELL!!!” Selphie squealed as he picked her up off her towel - clothes and all - and threw her into the water with a large splash. She then came up throwing curses at him as she slapped water at him while everyone laughed.

“Potty mouth! Potty mouth!” Zell laughed, holding up his arms to shield against the spray of ocean water she was slapping at him.

“MEN!!! I can’t believe you, Zell! You got my Harry Potter shirt wet! You . . . you DORK!” Selphie growled, avoiding curses when Zell reminded of the children that were a few feet away. Zell just chuckled and ran a hand through his blue tipped blond hair. He then adjusted the cord tie on his black skater shorts he was wearing for a suit. MuttMuttering to herself, Selphie got out of the water and removed her sopping wet pink shirt with the words ‘Harry Potter’ written in gold lightning shaped letters with a gold yel yellow snitch underneath. She had been swimming earlier, but had put the shirt back on so she wouldn’t get burnt.

“Dubadeasa, when you get older, never get a boyfriend or get married.” Selphie said, tossing another glare at her boyfriend, who just gave a smirk showing his sharp canines.

“Hey! No twisting the minds of the youth!” I protested, smiling as I leaned back down on my towel only in my blue shorts, enjoying the rays that warmed my skin. I wanted to get a tan tan so I didn’t look so pale.

Xu kept saying I looked like a ghost.

“Ya! Aeolus, women are just not worth it!” Zell joked, while Aeolus looked at him perplexed. Selphie promptly threw a beach ball at him Zel Zell deftly caught it.

“Damn the man’s reflexes!” Selphie muttered as she flopped on her towel near mine. She removed her wet jean cut offs to reveal the rest of her bright yellow thong bikini. I grinned at her about to make a comment, but she stopped me before any words could pass my mouth. “Say nothing, Squall. Or you will find that Dubadeasa is the only child you will ever bare.” Selphie hissed, covering her eyes with her yellow framed glasses before floppbackback down on her towel to sunbathe.

I looked at Zell, who shrugged, going back into the water.

“Pa? You want to go play in the water again?” Dew asked, as she came up to me with Aeolus beside her holding the primary coloured beach ball Selphie had thrown at Zell minutes before.

“Ah! Ah! Nice try, Dubadeasa! I just put more sun screen on both of you. You’ll just have to wait.” Quistis scolded as she walked down the shore holding a can of pop in each hand.

“Oh~h!” BAeolAeolus and Dew whined, showing their displeasure with pouts and puppy eyes. I smirked as Quistis flopped down on the sand in front of me and handed me a can of coke. “For how long though?!” Dew continued complaining, pouting.

“She pouts just like you, Commander.” Quistis said, dryly as she popped her own can of Mountain Dew open. I shook my head, hearing this from all sides, all the time how alike Dew was to me. However, I don’t pout, do I? “Another fifteen minutes. I will take you both out myself.” Quistis promised, tapping Dew’s nose.
But But what do we do till then?” Aeolus asked, not too upset by the temporary boundary. Dew sighed dramatically and plunked herself down in the sand.

“We could make a sand castle.” A voice said, causing shivers of pleasure to run down my spine. Seifer came in and swopped down, putting an arm around both of the youth’s shoulders.

“Really?! Can it have 7 towers?” Aeolus asked with a large grin and Seifer nodded, taking the beach ball away from him and placing it at Selphie’s feet.

“Sure! As many as you want. Let’s go get the buckets and shovels.” Seifer said, taking Aeolus hand and moving to Fujin and Raijin’s towels were his toys lay. “Are you coming, Dewdrop?” Seifer asked, turning to look at thetingting Dew.

“No.”

Yes, she is as stubborn as me at times.

“Please, Dewy. I wanna make a sand castle. I can be the knight and you can be the princess.” Aeolus proclaimed, letting go of Seifer’s hand to go to the pouting Dew, who had perked up at little.

“I don’t want to be a princess! I want to be a knight too!” Dew complained, and Aeolus gave small frown in thought.

“Girls can’t be knights, but you could be a warrior, or a soldier. My mommy was one once.” Aeolus said, setting the large beach ball down as he crouched by Dew, who scowled exactly like I do when I’m thinking.

“We can be SeeDs! And we are on a mission to keep the king safe!” Dew said, clapping her hands in pleasure. Aeolus nodded, instantly liking the new story idea.

“Who will be the king though?” Aeolus asked and Dew instantly turned to Seifer who was watching the two, amused.

“Seifer!” She yelled gleefully and Aeolus nodded enthusiastically, reaching out with a hand. Dew took it and off they trotted with their plan to get their toys to make their sand castle.

“Kids.” Seifer muttered, rolling his eyes before walking away.

Not even sparing me a glance.

That hurt.

He been doing it all day. He has avoided me the entire time, but done it in such a way that no one notices that it is deliberate. Only I know because of what happened last night. He has hardly spoken to me at all.

So far he has joked with the others, mostly spending time with Fujin, who announced that she is a bare month pregnant with her second child, and Raijin. I understand since he doesn’t get to see them much, but he hasn’t even looked at me!

Well, not really anyway.

Seifer has been very clever about avoiding me. When I come about, or near him, he makes a big deal about Dew or Aeolus, who usually aren’t far from him. Sometimes he makes an offhand comment to me, but usually only if someone else is around and the children aren’t.

He will only really talk to me if someone else was in the conversation.

He refuses to see me alone!

I half want to strangle him, but the other half is mocking me and angry at myself for what I did. That I deserve what he is doing to me. I shouldn’t have pulled away so quickly! I should have held on, or at least got up slowly. Or at least caught Seifer before he left and said something to let him know that I liked what happened and I would like to do it again soon.

Although I’m also afraid that it was nothing more to him.

What did I think it was anyway?

That’s the problem. I don’t know what it was, or what it meant. Did he mean he liked me and wanted to start a relationship? If so, then why is he avoiding me like a plague and refusing to face me and tell me what he thought like he usually does - even if I did run? Or was it just simple curiosity? Being my friend and ex-rival he was just curious how it would to kiss me, meaning that what happened last night was nothing?

Man, this is confusing.

I think I think too much.

“Dew and Aeolus seem to be enjoying themselves.” Quistis said, breaking into my thoughts as she put a little more sun screen on herself. Careful of the red sporty bikini she wore. I gave a small start at the interruption of my thought, but quickly turned to smile at her.

“Ya. I think they’re just happy to have everyone here.” I replied, smiling warmly. She nodded, and handed me the sun screen.

“Can you put a little on my back? I was going to do it after I got out of the water, but I think Seifer will keep the rugrats busy long enough to let it soak in.” Quistis said and I nodded, squirting the white lotion into and and as she turned around and pulled her curly hair over one shoulder.

“So~o . . . you’re the only other single outside of myself and Seifer.” I commented, looking to start a conversation because I disliked the silence. I could hear Seifer laughing in the distance, but refused to look. Bad enough my heart pinged with a little hurt.

Besides, she was the only one that I hadn’t had much time to talk to because she was often in class, teaching or something along those lines.

She had been given her instructor license back when she re-did the course and passed with a 98.6%. Top of her class and all the other classes as well.

I knew she was the best instructor.

“Rub it in then.” She muttered, and I looked at the sun screen I was rubbing on her back and shoulders.

“I am.”

“What . . . ? I didn’t mean that! Oh!” She shook her head and I chuckled. She grunted and crossed her arms.

“I’m only joking. Relax.” I muttered and she turned to swat at me. I dodged every lazy slap. “Hey! You want me to put the sun screen on your back?” I asked, sarcastically. She stuck her tongue out at me before turning back around.

“Yes, I am single. Not from lack of trying. I’ve dated a few other SeeDs, but none really take it seriously enough. I want to date someone who is mature and have a serious relationship other than one that lasts 3 months tops.” Quistis sighed, sounding frustrated. I stayed quiet while she continued. “I mean, Selphie has Zell and they’ve been together for 3 years now. Irvine is with Xu - no. Don’t ask. I don’t know how exactly that came to be. But they’ve been together for about a year and a half. Fujin and Raijin are married and have been for about 6 years with a kid. Not to mention another one is on its way.” Quistis exclaimed.

“Still ending up with the short end of the rope?” I asked, quietly.

“It’s hard being an instructor. I don’t get out much with other SeeDs. I can’t go out clubbing at random. I have duties to preform and planning to do. I love my job - don’t get me wrong - but it sucks for a social life.” Quistis said, looking over her shoulder at me.

“That I can understand. Even if I wasn’t married to Rinoa, my social life would suck just as bad being Commander. It does now.” I muttered, trying not to think of Seifer.

“Too bad I’m a lesbian, otherwise we could get together.” Quistis joked, but I ended up stunned as I looked at her, blankly. “Oh! You didn’t know. Well that drops the bomb.” Quistis sighed, turning around to face me completely.

“Honesty? You’re gay?” I asked, frowning. I really didn’t see Quistis as a homosexual. Bisexual, maybe. She had been attracted to me for a time and she was gorgeous.

Especially with the curly hair.

Must be a lot of disappointed men out there.

“Ya. Have been for awhile. I guess I never told you. I dated a few men, but realized they weren’t doing it for me. Xu and I had a short relationship, but it was too hard because we still say each other as friends rather than lovers. Not enough chemistry. Another woman after that, but she was too immature to really start a serious relationship.” Quistis muttered, laying back down on her towel as I put the sun screen away.

Xu was bisexual?

I really missed a lot when I was gone.

“How did Xu do it? She’s Headmaster. That has got to be harder than being Commander or an instructor.” I said, frowning as I also spread back out on my towel.

“No, it’s easier. You see SeeDs and cadets regularly for being bad, or sending them on missions. I think that’s how Irvine and Xu got together. He was given a mission sometime before they got together to act as her bodyguard. Something must have happened then.” Quistis shrugged, wrinkling her nose as she thought.

“True.” I nodded.

“All well. I’m still looking. Maybe someone will come along soon.” Quistis sighed, crossing her arms so she could rest her chin upon them.

“Hey! There is Ellone. She and her girlfriend just broke up a couple of months ago.” I said, teasing. Ellone was homosexual and had been since I could remember. The idea of Quistis and Ellone together seemed to . . . to be right. It just seemed to fit.

However, Quistis seemed to think differently because she just glared at me.

“Funny Squall. I don’t think Ellone would see me as a woman. We all still and will always be her little brothers and sisters.” She muttered and I swear I heard some bitterness.

However, I didn’t push. It wasn’t my business, but I definitely got the impression there was more than Quistis was letting on, or saying.

Then again, Selphie mentioned Ellone had come to visit a few months ago.

Whatever. I am staying way~y out of it.

“Well, if it makes you feel any better, I’m bisexual. However, as of lately, I think I plan to stay closer to home after the fiasco with Rinoa.” I said, trying to lighten the mood. It seemed to work as Quistis looked at me over the top of her round silver-framed sunglasses.

“Figured you were. Can’t explain why, but I just knew you were the entire time we grew up.” Quistis replied and I cocked an eyebrow at her answer. I didn’t think I was that obvious about being gay. I didn’t look it, outside of the piercings and my natural rather effeminate looks.

But many men can be as straight as an arrow and look effeminate.

Same with women looking manly.
u neu never know though - take Quistis for instance. She looks like a female - a very attractive one at that - and she’s homosexual.

“Will I have been for quite awhile. To be honest, I’ve slept various people in my life - including sexes. No real relationships, however. Just one-night stands. Not till Rinoa, of course.” I continued and Quistis nodded. I didn’t really understand why I was telling her, but it was nice to tell someone.

No one knew about my sexuality till Seifer, who I told last night.

No! We are not going to think about that.

“And we know where that ended up.” Quistis murmured, leaning back down on her arms. I couldn’t help, but laugh.

“Ya, with Zone probably!” I gasped between gales of laughter.

“Zone?!” Was the loud cry.

“Hm? Oh ya! I think she was sleeping with Zone. I came home many times to see him there. She always played it off that Dew’s godfather wantedsee see her, but I wasn’t stupid. She had to get sex from somewhere and I wasn’t giving it to her.” I snorted. I had slept with Rinoa once after our honeymoon.

Even the honeymoon was painful.

“What did you do for sex?” Quistis asked, leaning on an elbow as she studied me. I simply looked at her.

“Where do ya think?”

“Your friend, mister hand?” Quistis giggled waving her fingers and I shook my head, chuckling with her.

“Of course! I had no other choice. Sleeping with someone else would get ugly if anyone found out and I doubt anyone would have an affair with me and not tell anyone. It’s a big deal as it is if the hero smiles at you.” I said, sarcastically. Quistis patted my hand, affectionately.

“Don’t worry, Squall. We don’t have those illusions about you. We know the asshole you are.” She teased and I glared at her. “But can you sign my butt in permeant marker? I wanna impress the ladies.” She continued and I swatted at her while she fell back laughing allover again.

“And I call you people my friends! Really! Who needs enemies when I have you guys for friends?” I muttered as Quistis sobered.

“Ah yes! But we keep you grounded. If it wasn’t for us, you would have been on the moon again if we let it all go to your head. And believe me, you wouldn’t need a rocket ship to do it. You would have your own personal balloon ride.” Quistis scoffed. I gasped dramatically as I tossed sand at her.

Quistis quickly retaliated and next thing you know, we are having a full-fledged sand fight as we laughed like idiots.

“Having fun?” A voice asked and both Quistis and I turned, chagrin to see the children watching with awe and withheld laughter.

“Ha ha, Seifer.” Quistis muttered, trying to brush the sand off, but was not being very successful. I refused to look any further than Seifer’s green shorts, so I turned to look at the kids, not bothering to brush the sand off knowing it was a losing battle.

“Wanna go for a swim now?” I asked, standing up and taking my sunglasses off. I tossed the glasses on my towel as I watched Quistis stand up too.

“Can we Quisty?” Aeolus asked, remembering she had given a time limit. Quistis picked him up as I reached for Dew, who was waiting with arms spread for me to carry her.

“I think that sun screen has soaked in. Besides, it’s warm out here in the sun, don’t ya think?” Quistis smiled and Aeolus nodded. Quistis gave him a kiss and together we walked to the water, not noticing the figure following.

Or at least I didn’t.

I ran, splashing into the water, with Dew laughing and giggling as she waved her arms in the cool spray I was creating. Aeolus was holding onto Quistis tightly as she bobbed up and down in the water, but not letting either of their heads to go under as they also laughed.

I panted for air once I felt all the sand was gone and was tired. Not letting Dew go because she couldn’t swim and I had no devices for her to float with. It wasn’t deep in the part of the beach which is why we chose this spot, but Dew could easily go too far and get caught in the under current.

“Here you go. You forgot your noodle, little Dewdrop.” I spun around quickly to see jade eyes widen temporary before relaxing as a one golden eyebrow arched, questioning my reaction.

“Oh! Thank you, Seifie!” Dew said, gleefully as she pulled away from me and wrapped her arms around the blue spongy tubular floating object, called a noodle. I noticed that Aeolus had yellow one and was kicking vicious to get to Dew.

“Come on, Dewy! I’ll race ya!” He exclaimed, holding onto his noddle tightly as he still worked his way to her.

“Okay!” Dew called and splashing both Seifer and I to get to him. I whipped the few droplets of water that had gotten in my eyes as I watched them go, seeing that Quistis was going to play referee so I didn’t have to follow.

Which kind of disappointed me.

Especially since the tall shadow still leered over me.

“Can I help you?” I asked hoarsely as I slowly titled my head to look at him. Seifer blinked, seemingly surprised by my question and the tone I asked it in. He then narrowed his eyes, studying me while I s sti still refusing to let any emotion show.

I really didn’t need him to know how confused he was making me feel.

“Not particularly.” Seifer finally responded after a few moments. I nodded, giving one last glance at Dew, Aeolus and Quistis to make sure nothing was wrong and that they didn’t need any of my assistance.

“Good. I’m going to go for a swim.” I replied and without waiting for a response, I dove into the water. Swimming like a frog, I stayed under water and swam far out, till I my lungs were aching and burning for air.

I didn’t notice that he had followed me.

Not till I turned, brushing the hair out of my face, to see Seifer floating on his back a few feet away.

He had always been the better swimmer between us.

“Is something the matter, Squall? You seem rather . . . distant.” Seifer asked, flipping in the water so he face me. I licked my lips, tasting the salty water on my lips as I moved my legs and arms gently to stay afloat.

“No.” Was my instant and short answer.

I really didn’t want to get into what happened the night before. Not now. Not tomorrow either. I still had things to figure out, get over and gain control over myself so I didn’t make a fool of myself. I also would rather be alone with him to talk, or at least not a public place.

“That’s a lie and we both know it. You’ve been avoiding me.” Seifer remarked and I instantly felt my hackles rise. The frustration was like paper that my anger instantly lit to.

Avoiding him?

Whoa! Excuse me, but I believe it is the other way around, I think. No rather - I know it is the other way around! What the hell have I been thinking about for the past few hours?!

Bastard!

“Avoiding you?!” I demanded, glaring at him ruthlessly. He caught it steadily. “I think you have things wrong, Seifer. If anything, you have been avoiding me!” I growled, noticing my body was stiffening which meant I couldn’t float, which in turn meant I was going to sink if I didn’t swim.

I was about to turn away to swim back to shore, or at least to a depth were I touched the bottom, but was embraced by strong arms and pulled against a body that floated for me. A raft for me to hold onto.

“Reverse physiology was definitely a bonus. Glad I took the course.” Seifer said and I could hear his smirk in his voice. I held his shoulder for balance as his strong arms wrapped around my waist, but said nothing and refused to look at him. “I needed to know how you felt about last night. I was afraid I had crossed the , bu, but you seem angrier that I avoided you instead of talking about it. Did you like it last night?” Seifer asked, calmly and I felt my body shudder as his voice made his chest rumble.

This is when I realized that Seifer had become a very worthy ally and rival in both physical and mental aspects.

He had cooled down enough to use his head instead of his bruit strength.

Too bad we weren’t rivals anymore.

“We are in no position to discuss the going ons that happened nig night.” I proclaimed, keeping my voice steady as I berated myself for falling for the earlier trap. I already showed a weakness.

Since when was Seifer the enemy? I’m sure treating him as one.

He became an enemy when he became a threat to my composure.

“Awe yes. The unwavering composure I know so well. I knew they made you Commander for a reason.” Seifer sighed, sounding relaxed. I really wanted to say, ‘fuck my composure’ and deck him at the moment. “However, if I remember correctly, I was the only one that could ever break down your composure and I’m pretty certain I still have the talent.” Seifer murmured in my ear. I tried my best to contain the shivers of pleasure he caused with that simple gesture.

“That remains to be seen.” I sniffed, turning to look him straight in the eye to trying to show he held little power over me.

If any.

Seifer, unfortunately, wasn’t convinced.

“Maybe so. The day may be ending Squall, but the night has yet to come.” And with that he let me go and dove under water.

I bobbed under for a moment and came up spluttering as I heard and watched Seifer swim back to shore with long, smooth strokes.

How I cursed the man!

Shaking my head and trying to gain whatever dignity I had left, I swam back to shore, ignoring Seifer who was now talking to Zell. They had become quit the best of friends over time it seemed.

I noticed that they both looked at me. Zell with a warm grin while Seifer’s was a knowing, seductive smirk with his eyes narrowed. I gave Zell a small smile and glared at Seifer as I walked back to my towel.

Ignoring everyone, I whipped most of the water away, put my sunglasses on and went to rest - half frightened and half in anticipation of what Seifer had promised to happen tonight. I knew that he had something planned, but I wish I knew what.

I also knew that there was no point avoiding him any longer.

However, I’m not completely sure I wanted to.


~*TBC*~